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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.16.24 Newsletter TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager DATE: February 16, 2024 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. MAINTENANCE OF MAIN STREET BRIDGE PLANNED FOR 2025: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on the Main Street bridge. The purpose of the project is to preserve the operation of the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of the bridge. The existing structure and its mechanical and electrical elements have received various repairs and maintenance over its lifespan, but the structure has become deficient due to varying levels of deterioration. The proposed improvements include rehabilitation of existing electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components of the bascule (lift) span; minor repairs to the operator’s house and access platforms; scarification (removal) and overlay of the approach span concrete deck; and removal and replacement of the steel grid deck on the lift span. The bridge will be closed during construction and traffic will be detoured utilizing West 9th Avenue and Oregon Street/Jackson Street. The final design of this project is planned for 2024 and the construction is currently scheduled for fall 2025 through spring 2026. The WDOT has launched a project webpage with additional information regarding this project and the schedule. That page can be found at: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by- region/ne/45broshkosh/default.aspx. There is a virtual public information meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. For live video and audio of the meeting, you can access the meeting via computer or mobile device by going to the Main Street bridge project design website link listed above and clicking the link at the top of the page at the time of the meeting. Questions or comments regarding this project can be directed to WDOT Project Manager, Bill Bertrand at william.bertrand@dot.wi.gov. 2. RED EARTH LLC DEVELOPMENT ON LAKE BUTTE DES MORTS DRIVE: Red Earth LLC has been continuing to evaluate future phases of their development on Lake Butte des Morts Drive. The developer has submitted their Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) request for Phases 2 – 6. The SIP request will be considered by Plan Commission on March 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 404/406 of City Hall, located at 215 Church Avenue. Prior to Plan Commission’s consideration, the developer will be holding a neighborhood informational meeting on February 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 404/406 of City Hall, located at 215 Church Avenue. With the timeline outline above, it is anticipated that the Specific Implementation Plan would be before Common Council on March 12, 2024. If you have further questions, please contact Planning Services Manager Mark Lyons at mlyons@oshkoshwi.gov. 3. OPD HAPPENINGS: The Oshkosh Police Department (OPD) welcomed Community Service Officer Ella Purvis on January 29, 2024. On Monday, February 5, 2024, OPD welcomed Megan Duch to the position of part-time Telecommunications Clerk; Krystal Kasuboski to the position of Records & Reports Clerk; and Ericka Wojahn to the position of part-time Court Liaison Clerk. Congratulations and welcome to the OPD Team! • Ella Purvis is originally from the Fall River and Beaver Dam area, graduating from Columbus High School in 2021. She is currently enrolled at Moraine Park Technical College in the criminal justice program. Prior to becoming a community service officer, Ella was employed in her family’s business, CJ’s Bar and Grill, as head cook and supervisor. • Megan Duch currently resides in Oshkosh, WI. She is attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she is obtaining her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to her employment with OPD, Megan was employed by The Duluth Trading Company as a customer service associate. Megan also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as a military police officer. • Krystal Kasuboski currently resides in Oshkosh, WI. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Prior to her employment with OPD, Krystal was employed by the Oshkosh Area School District as a community learning center site coordinator. • Ericka Wojahn currently resides in Oshkosh, WI. She earned an associate degree in paralegal from Fox Valley Technical College and is obtaining her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lakeland University. Prior to her employment with OPD, Ericka was employed by Apex Accident Attorneys as a paralegal. On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, during a Police and Fire Commission meeting, OPD celebrated the promotions of Officer Heather Brickham to the position of detective and Officer Brenden Bonnett to the rank of sergeant. Congratulations, Heather and Brenden! • Detective Heather Brickham has been with OPD for over 8 years, beginning on November 9, 2015. During her tenure with the department, she has performed the duties of a patrol officer and school resource officer for the past 3 years, most recently assigned to Oshkosh West High School. Detective Brickham actively serves as a background investigator, member of the SWAT Team, the Mental Health Resiliency Team, the Child Abduction Recovery Team, and as a DARE instructor. Throughout her career, she earned a Noteworthy Performance of Duty and Team Policing Officer of the Year Award in 2018, a Noteworthy Performance of Duty in 2019, a Community Service Award in 2022, along with letters of commendation from citizens for her commendable actions in the line of duty. • Sergeant Brenden Bonnett has been with OPD for 15 years, beginning on January 19, 2009. During his tenure with OPD, he has performed the duties of a patrol officer. Sergeant Bonnett actively serves as a member of the SWAT Team, Drone Team, Bike Patrol Team, and Honor Guard Team; he also serves as a field training officer, firearms and active shooter instructor, and a department armorer. Throughout his career, he earned a Distinguished Service Medal in 2014, and a Community Service Award in 2016 for his commendable actions in the line of duty. 4. MUSEUM OPENS NEW EXHIBIT: Now open at Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) is 1920s Oshkosh: Colorful Times in Black and White. This historic photography exhibition from the OPM archives shows Oshkosh, 100 years younger! Visitors will catch glimpses of familiar places and feel the hubbub of a changing city. This exhibition is part of “OPM 100,” a series of exhibitions, programs, and events celebrating 100 years of the Oshkosh Public Museum, which opened to the public in 1924. 5. MUSEUM PROGRAM WELCOMES FAMILIES TO JOIN THE PARTY! Join the party to win an American Girl® Claudie and accessories on Saturday, February 24th at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum for American Girls: 1920s History with Claudie! Experience 1920s-themed activities, music, games, crafts, and a snack. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or toy. Each participant has a chance to win the door prize: a new Claudie doll! Advanced tickets are required. Visit oshkoshmuseum.org for tickets and more information. This event is part of “OPM 100,” a series of exhibitions, programs, and events celebrating 100 years of the Oshkosh Public Museum, which opened to the public in 1924. 6. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, please consider becoming a member of one of the City’s citizen advisory boards, commissions, or committees. To learn more about the boards and commissions, or to complete an application to serve, follow the link below: https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/BoardsAndCommissions/ 7. MINUTES FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: All meeting minutes are uploaded to the website upon approval. Please follow the link below for the most updated information & meeting minutes: https://onboard.oshkoshwi.gov/ 8. LOOKING AHEAD: The meetings I have scheduled for the week of February 19th include the following: on Monday at 8:30 a.m., Assistant City Manager John Fitzpatrick and I will meet with our strategic planning consultants to review the information and input received during our focus group and our session with supervisors and managers as we plan for our March 4th session with Council. At 2:00 p.m., I will meet with staff to continue planning for the State of the City video presentation and related events. On Friday at 9:00 a.m., I will participate in the Winnebago County Housing Needs Group. If you have any questions about my upcoming schedule, please do not hesitate to contact me.