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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.26.24 Newsletter TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager DATE: April 26, 2024 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. CVB PROPOSES NEW BRIDGE LIGHTING PROJECT: Yesterday, I attended a presentation from LightSwitch, the group that produced the light exhibition at the Paine Art Center and Gardens back in 2022. LightSwitch was hired by the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to develop a concept for a new lighting project for our bridges and Riverwalk area. The Oshkosh Community Foundation had organized a group over 10 years ago to light the bridges with color schemes that could be changed periodically. That technology is old by today’s standards and does not have the flexibility to compete with today’s technology. LightSwitch gave a presentation on other bridges that have been done throughout the country and the world and how modern technology can be used to create light shows in some of these areas. They also worked closely with our Electrical Division to understand the power capabilities on the bridges and along our Riverwalk area. LightSwitch is proposing the development of a system along our bridges and Riverwalk area that could become an attractor for both residents and visitors alike. The presentation concluded with a small demonstration area on the northeast side of the Main Street bridge along Riverside Park near the Convention Center. This lighted area will be up for a few weeks to demonstrate a portion of this technology’s capabilities. I encourage you to visit this area over the next few weeks to get an idea of what the group is talking about. Meanwhile, Amy Albright from the CVB will be providing a link to the LightSwitch presentation to provide a sample of what was temporarily placed on our bridge. In the coming months, I believe that the CVB and Community Foundation will have a more formal presentation to talk about possible fundraising efforts for this initiative. Stay tuned for more information. 2. NOTICES OF CHANGED ASSESSMENTS WILL BE MAILED TO CITY PROPERTY OWNERS: The City of Oshkosh Assessor’s Office is conducting a revaluation of all properties in 2024 for the purpose of updating assessed values to reflect current market conditions. Notices of assessment are scheduled to be mailed to residential property owners the week of May 6th and to commercial property owners the week of May 27th. The last time Oshkosh’s assessments were updated to market value was in 2017 and staff anticipates a substantial increase in assessed values due to the increase in values in the real estate market. It is important to note that residential values are outpacing commercial values for the overall increase, which is a statewide trend that is not unique to Oshkosh. Wis. Stats. § 70.05 requires each municipality to assess all property within 10% of full value to achieve equitable assessments. The revaluation process redistributes the existing tax burden between property owners to restore fairness and equity in the tax system. If a property owner’s assessed value increases, it does not mean the tax bill will increase by the same amount or percent. The levy increase approved by Council is a more relevant factor. The four taxing jurisdictions (City, County, School District, and Technical College) all approve a tax rate for their individual jurisdiction; each tax rate is then combined to determine the city’s overall tax rate, which is used to calculate tax bill amounts in December of each year. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Division with any questions regarding their new assessed value from May 6th through June 14th, during the Open Book period. If the property owner still does not agree with the new value, an appeal may be submitted and the five-member Board of Review members will examine the assessments and listen to the property owner’s concerns starting on July 10th. Visit the city’s website under “Hot Topics” and scroll to the “2024 Revaluation for Oshkosh Properties” page for additional information. Please contact Director of Community Development Kelly Nieforth with any questions. 3. CITY AWARDED A SUSTAINABILITY GRANT: The City of Oshkosh Community Development Department worked with a consultant to apply for the Energy Innovation Grant (EIGP) through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). It was announced on April 24, 2024 that the City of Oshkosh was awarded a $55,476 grant to complete a Comprehensive Energy Study that will assess the city’s municipal buildings and provide recommendations on how the city can implement sustainable practices within city facilities. The Sustainability Advisory Board identified applying for this grant as one of their 2023 goals. This project will include analyzing property characteristics in order to prioritize energy- reducing investments with a goal of increasing building efficiencies. One of the goals Council gave me for 2024 is to continue infusing sustainability concepts into our policies and operations, and the results from the Comprehensive Energy Study will help inform some of that work. The development of the Comprehensive Energy Study will also allow the city to apply for implementation grants to leverage city funds when installing energy-efficient infrastructure in the future. If you have any questions, please contact Community Development Director Kelly Nieforth. 4. INFORMATIONAL LETTERS SENT TO PROPERTY OWNERS REGARDING 2024 ANNUAL SIDEWALK REHABILITATION PROGRAM: Informational letters regarding the 2024 annual Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program have been sent to property owners whose properties are in the Sidewalk Rehabilitation area, whether or not any work was proposed adjacent to their property. In addition to information about the construction, these letters include information about the e-mail updates property owners can sign up for. If you have any questions about these letters, please contact Engineering Division Manager / City Engineer, Justin Gierach. 5. UPDATE ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AT MENOMINEE PARK: Pratt Trail reconstruction completion is expected by the fall of 2024. Reconstruction of Menominee Park’s Pratt Trail began in August 2023, and scheduled completion has been delayed due to archaeological work that is taking place at the site. Archaeological work is underway now within Menominee Park and is expected to continue through the summer. As part of the ongoing archaeological work, visitors to Menominee Park are kindly asked to respect the restricted areas. This cooperation is crucial in allowing the archaeological teams to complete their work and preserve the historical integrity of the site. Due to the Pratt Trail reconstruction project, the Brews on the Bay concert series will move to the north end of Rainbow Memorial Park. The live music, food trucks, and local craft brews will happen on the following Wednesdays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on June 5th and 19th, July 17th and 31st, August 7th and 21st, and September 4th. Please find all the Oshkosh Parks Department events in our 2024 Summer Activity Guide: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/d278c0873b.html. If you have any questions regarding park projects, please contact Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director, at (920) 236-5080. 6. ARBOR DAY CELEBRATIONS HELD IN OSHKOSH: The City observed two Arbor Day celebrations today: the first was held at Jefferson Elementary this morning and the second at Akan Acres (North High Conservancy) this afternoon. Arbor Day celebrations are integral to obtaining the designation of “Tree City USA,” which the City of Oshkosh has received for 43 consecutive years. This year, Oshkosh North High School is working on obtaining the designation of “Tree Campus K-12 USA.” Thanks to a few students in the Communities program, the school is well on its way to completing two of four requirements. To be a “Tree Campus K-12 USA,” schools must complete the following activities: • Maintain a Tree Campus Team with representation from staff, students, and the community. • Have an Education Plan with activities to connect students to the tree and its benefits inside and outside the classroom. • Engage students in hands-on experience • Hold an Arbor Day Celebration 7. SPRING TREE PLANTING STARTING EARLY: Spring tree planting season is upon us early this year. Due to the unseasonably warm weather this year throughout much of the winter, everything seems to be waking up sooner than normal. Terrace tree planting will take place in the Stevens Park Neighborhood starting at the beginning of May. Memorial trees will follow shortly after. If you have questions about forestry-related topics, please contact Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager, at (920) 236-5080. 8. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT BEGINS FOR OSHKOSH PARKS: With summer Parks programs and events planned, the Oshkosh Parks staff will contact volunteers, schools, businesses, and service organizations to ask them for help. In addition to events, the Oshkosh Parks Department needs volunteers to assist with light landscaping and cleanup in our parks. Volunteering efforts with the Parks Department benefit events and beautification efforts. Are you a business seeking an opportunity for a one-day project or volunteer team-building day? Please reach out as soon as possible to get on the volunteer calendar! Individuals can start by creating a volunteer profile at https://bttr.im/r5aqb. Businesses or organizations should contact Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, at (920)236-5080. 9. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VETERAN RECOGNITION: Speaking of volunteer recruitment, volunteers are needed at Riverside Cemetery for veteran recognition before Memorial Day. Every year, volunteers walk through Riverside and other Cemeteries throughout Oshkosh, placing American flags next to the memorial stones of the fallen veterans. This year, a group of volunteers will place flags on Saturday, May 18th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery. If you are interested in helping, please contact Donna Brotske, Riverside Cemetery Office Manager at (920) 236-5092. 10. SELF-SERVE KAYAK RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SEASON: The kayaks available in Menominee Park near Miller’s Bay are ready to rent. Just download the app called Rent.Fun and follow the instructions. The app has a GPS feature that will take you to the location at Miller’s Bay. Included with the kayak rental is a life jacket and paddle. At the end of your paddling journey, make sure to return everything to the locker! The kayaks cost $20 for a 2- hour rental. For additional information, head to their webpage at https://www.rent.fun/. If you need more information about the self-serve kayak rentals in Oshkosh, please call the Oshkosh Parks Department at (920) 236-5080. 11. PARKS DEPARTMENT GEARING UP FOR SPRING: Spring is an exciting time of year at the Oshkosh Parks Department, as they are busy spring cleaning and preparing all of their facilities for opening. Opening day at the Menominee Park Zoo is Saturday, May 25th. The Zoo will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 29th. Admission to the Zoo is free. The Lakefly Café’s season is May 25th through September 2nd, and hours are Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Zoo has some new and exciting events throughout this summer: May 29th, World Otter Day; July 1st, American Zoo Day; July 15th-19th National Zookeeper Week; August 13th, International Wolf Day; September 7th, International Vulture Awareness Day. They will also be hosting “Wildlife Wednesdays” every Wednesday from the first week of June until the last week of August. To learn about all the exciting things this summer, please visit oshkoshwi.gov/Parks or find us on Facebook at the Oshkosh Parks Department. Find fun inside the 2024 City of Oshkosh Parks Department Activity Guide: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/d278c0873b.html. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please contact Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager, at (920) 236-5080. 12. SPRING SPECIAL EVENTS: Spring has sprung, and the Special Events schedule in Oshkosh has officially kicked off with the first run/walk of the year, the Oshkosh Half Marathon, on Saturday, April 27. The following week is the Oshkosh 5K for Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Walk on May 4. Runs and walks are not the only events popping up this spring. Look for all the various festivals, sporting events, and more coming soon online at visitoshkosh.com, or contact Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, at 920-236-5080 for more information. 13. SENIOR CENTER PUMPED UP AWARENESS FOR PARKINSON’S: In early April, the Oshkosh Seniors Center participated in the “Pump It for Parkinson’s” challenge. It was the second year the Center participated in the event, which helped raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a great way to rally people around a good cause and encourage people to take more steps. This year, 74 participants achieved just over 187,000 steps. 14. SENIORS CENTER OFFERS SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY, MAY 29TH: The Oshkosh Seniors Center is excited to participate in National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 29th. The fitness staff will add fun to fitness routines by adding the unexpected. There will be games, giveaways, healthy treats, and educational opportunities. Network Health will join us from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. to help you learn about wellness topics, including how to rethink your drink. Staying hydrated is important, and Network Health will share ideas and tasty samples of infused water designed to keep you active and hydrated. Everyone is welcome on Wednesday, May 29th, because admission to the Fox Fitness Center and drop-in classes from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be free. The event is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend or check out the facility. Please find additional information about the Center, program details, and registration information on our webpage at oshkoshwi.gov/SeniorServices/. For more information, contact Dan Braun, Senior Services Manager, at (920) 232-5300. 15. FIRE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES FIREFIGHTERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS: The Oshkosh Fire Department hosted its annual recognition dinner on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Awards were presented to City of Oshkosh firefighters, as well as to community members who were selected through a nomination process. The following individuals were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty or for the impact they have made. Exceptional Duty Award Recipients: Captain Rick Natrop; Lt. Don Simonet; Equipment Operators Bret Hamer, Matt Sommerfeldt and Eric Tate; EMS Coordinator Blake Youwer; and Firefighters Kevin Putzer, Brian Ludwig, and Adam Van Daalwyk Lifesaving Award Recipients: Captain Mike Krajnik; Equipment Operator Chris Clark; and Firefighters Ashley Engeldinger, Miranda Galligan, Devon Goebel, and Jordan Olson Oshkosh Defense Team: Jesse Kolonowski, Gloria Markofski, Andrew McHugh, Tyler Olson, and Joe Volgman Guardian Angel Award Recipients: Mike Brantmeier, David Kotula, Noah Moxon, and Evan Murray Friends of the Fire Department: Emily Eisenchink, Dr. Jennifer Skolaski, and The Salvation Army Fire Chiefs Award: Captain Michael Bryan “We were honored to recognize Oshkosh’s firefighters, EMS professionals, and outstanding members of the community,” said Oshkosh Fire Chief Michael Stanley. “Their selfless service and dedication to their community is an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for their bravery and commitment to keeping us safe.” 16. 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 this link: oshkoshwi.gov/BoardsAndCommissions/ 17. 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: onboard.oshkoshwi.gov/ 18. LOOKING AHEAD: The meetings I have scheduled for the week of April 29th include the following: on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., I will address the members of Propel Oshkosh as part of my State of the City speaking engagements, and at 2:00 p.m., I’ll meet with City staff and members of The Grand Oshkosh regarding the annex renovation project. On Thursday at 2:00 p.m., I will meet with one of the organizers of the Juneteenth BGOSH event regarding plans for this year’s celebration. On Friday, I will attend an all-day meeting for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Board of Directors. If you have any questions about my upcoming schedule, please do not hesitate to contact me.