HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard and Commission Manual 2024
CITY OF OSHKOSH
BOARD AND
COMMISSIONS
MANUAL
BOARD AND
COMMISSION
RULES OF ORDER
Oshkosh Board and Commission
General Rules of Order
Adopted February 27, 2024
These Rules are established in accordance with and to supplement the Rules contained
in Section 2-36 of the City of Oshkosh Municipal Code.
Scheduling and Locations of Meetings
Wisconsin law requires meetings to be “reasonably accessible to members of the public”
and open to the extent “compatible with the conduct of governmental business”. Sections
19.81(2) and (1) Wis. Stats.
I. Boards and Commissions shall hold regular meetings at a regular time and place
to be fixed by board or commission. Special meetings may be called by the
Chairperson.
Meetings shall be publicly noticed and shall be open to and accessible by the public
in compliance with the requirements of the Wisconsin Statutes. Closed sessions
shall be approved by the City Manager and/or City Attorney and specifically
noticed in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes.
When necessary staffing and technology are available and when practicable in the
judgment of the City Manager, public meetings may be made available live or by
recording on GOV TV in the City of Oshkosh, live streamed on oshkoshmedia.org,
live on WOCT radio station 101.9 fm, live through Roku, Apple TV and Amazon
Fire Stick.
II. Remote Participation
The Council recognizes the value of and remains committed to in person meetings
and deliberation of matters whenever practicable. However, the City Council
recognizes the benefits of providing alternative means for the attendance and
participation by members of its boards and commissions, city staff, and the public
at its meetings when necessary due to extraordinary circumstances, when
convenient or cost-effective for the City, or as a reasonable accommodation for
persons with an ADA disability who are unable to otherwise provide input.
Extraordinary circumstances shall mean highly unusual facts or circumstances
which prevent in person participation due to emergency declarations or due to the
desire for participation by persons including consultants or presenters who are
unable because of distance, cost, time or other reason to attend in person and/or
when meetings may be better facilitated by all persons participating through
Remote Means. Remote participation is intended for the benefit of the City of
Oshkosh and not for the benefit of any individual member or other person.
Except when specifically authorized by ordinance or other means adopted by the
Common Council or when in the determination of the City Manager, it is
reasonable and necessary to limit in person participation for the protection of the
public, city officials and city employees (for example, under a Declaration of
Emergency); board and commission members must be physically present at the
location of the board or commission meeting to participate as a member of the
board or commission and vote upon any matter.
“Remote Means, Remote Participation or Remote Appearance” shall mean
participation by a member of a public body, by a member of the public, or other
individual in a meeting of that public body, where the person is not physically
present at a designated meeting location. Remote Participation includes through
video, telephone, computer or other means where persons are permitted to view,
listen to and participate in the meeting without having a physical presence at a
defined physical meeting location.
Remote Meetings of Boards and Commissions (Meetings held entirely remotely or with
significant remote participation)
Due to logistical limitations in room assignments, technology and staffing, boards
and commissions will generally be required to hold all regular and special
meetings in person. Remote Participation meetings for regular and special
meetings or workshops must be approved by the City Manager and generally all
Remote Participation meetings will be required to be held entirely by remote
means, meaning that all board and commission members as well as the public will
be required to attend by Remote Means (no “hybrid” meetings).
If a meeting is conducted solely by Remote Means and there is no physical meeting
location or the public is otherwise excluded from being present at a physical
meeting location, the public must be afforded an opportunity to live access the
meeting and instructions shall be provided how to do so. This may include live
broadcast or streaming, video or call-in participation, or other adequate means to
provide live access to the public meeting. Where public comment or participation
is required by law, adequate means must be provided to accommodate such
participation.
Appearance by Remote Means as required or permitted by these rules shall be
consistent with the following:
o Remote participation may be permitted in meeting rooms that have
adequate audio, video and other technological facilities to allow for remote
participation.
o Persons participating by Remote Means should be advised via meeting
agendas or other means that participation by remote means may be limited
by number of participants and available technology, and may be disrupted
by problems such as breakdowns of equipment and fluctuation or
interruption of electric power or communications networks. The City of
Oshkosh does not guarantee that even if persons have been afforded the
opportunity to appear by Remote Means that telephone, computer, wifi or
other connections will be sufficient or that the person will be guaranteed
the ability to appear by this method.
o In order to accommodate participation for the general public by Remote
Means, a meeting link will be provided on the meeting agenda. For
meetings where the public may participate by Remote Means, general
public comment and public comment on all agenda items shall be taken at
the beginning of the meeting, except as necessary to conduct Public
Hearings or as may be accommodated at the direction of the Board or
Commission. Public comment may be closed at the end of any public
comment period and persons participating by Remote means shall not
interrupt or disrupt the business of the governing body.
o Persons wishing to provide public comment through Remote Means must
join the meeting at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting to allow
staff to test the audio/video set up. Attendees must stay muted when not
speaking and are responsible for muting and unmuting themselves in a
timely fashion when called upon to speak.
o Each member of the public speaking must wait to be called upon by the
Presiding Member or their designee and must provide their name and
address prior to speaking.
Every person participating by Remote Means must be audible through clear
telephone line or computer connections. If a connection is not clear or causes
disruption of the meeting, the connection may be terminated at the discretion of
the Presiding Member or their designee. If a connection is terminated and this
causes the loss of a quorum, the meeting shall be adjourned and rescheduled to
another date to permit consideration by a quorum.
o If any board or commission members are participating remotely, all votes
shall require a roll call vote – no “all in favor”
Remote Appearances (Limited Remote Participation by one or a small number of
individuals)
The City of Oshkosh may in its sole discretion permit individual persons to appear
via remote means at scheduled in person meetings as a reasonable accommodation
to an individual for persons with an ADA disability who are unable to otherwise
provide input; to facilitate presentations, to receive information or reports from
consultants or other persons; or for other business purposes. Permission for
appearances under this paragraph may be requested by the Board or Commission
for a planned future meeting or arranged by the staff member assigned to the
board or commission with consultation with IT and Oshkosh Media staff. Persons
who are permitted to appear in this manner shall comply with all requirements
for Remote Participation listed above.
Persons requesting accommodation under this provision must submit such
request in advance of the meeting. Requests can best be accommodated if
submitted at least 5 business days in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Remote attendance shall not be permitted during any quasi-judicial hearing or
appeal hearing by persons testifying or by members of a board or commission
adjudicating any matter except under extraordinary circumstances such as a
Declaration of Emergency or Emergency Order.
Rules of Procedure
I. Rules Pertaining to Placement of Matters on Agendas
The City of Oshkosh has established various boards and commissions to assist the City
Council and City Administration in the review of matters, to provide for the review of
actions of staff and appeals from ordinance requirements and to meet statutory
requirements. The City Council adopts the following rules to serve as a general guide
for boards and commissions in relation to bringing items forward for discussion and the
flow of items through staff, boards, and commissions; and to the Council.
The City of Oshkosh operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City
Council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local ordinances, adopting a
budget, adopting a strategic plan and goals, appropriating money, and developing an
overall vision for the City. The City Manager, as the Chief Executive, is responsible for
implementing policies and managing the daily operations of the City, as well as assisting
the Council to define policy and vision and to establish strategies for reaching these goals.
Board and Commissions are an important part of the whole of local government. The
following pages include charts and narratives for all City of Oshkosh Boards and
Commissions, as well as a city organizational chart for reference.
There are several different types of boards and commissions. Advisory Boards and
Commissions may assist and inform the Council and the City Manager pertaining to
matters within the particular Board’s/Commission’s area of expertise and knowledge.
The Redevelopment Authority, the Police and Fire Commission, the Library Board, and
the Board of Review for real estate tax assessment matters, are examples of independent
boards. While Council appoints the members to independent boards, the boards then
make final determinations on matters under their jurisdiction. A few Boards and
Commissions, while not entirely independent, have specific authority to make binding
decisions in certain areas, such as the Board of Appeals for zoning matters. Independent
Boards and Boards that exercise some authority independently derive their decision-
making authority through specific state statutes or city ordinances granting them that
authority. Finally, some boards are mixed in nature, acting independently in some
circumstances and advisory in others. Certain boards such as the plan commission deal
with legislative matters on which they provide advice and also decide upon quasi-
judicial matters which are left to their independent determination.
Board and commission actions are generally divided into three (3) categories: Advisory
– Legislative, Independent – Legislative, and Hearing and Appeals. These categories
either limit the board’s or commission’s authority, or limit Council or staff’s authority on
matters before the particular board or commission. See Addendum A to these Rules for
a listing of Boards and Commissions for the City of Oshkosh including a summary of
their area of jurisdiction and category for actions.
Most Boards and Commissions have city staff assigned to provide support to the
Board/Commission. The primary functions of city staff assigned to a board or
commission are to provide administrative support to the committee to assure that the
work of the Board/Commission is completed in a timely and effective manner and to act
as a subject matter resource for the board or commission. Staff liaisons are the primary
conduit for members of the Board or Commission to communicate with city staff, the
City Manager, and the City Council. Staff liaisons perform a variety of roles, including:
Serving as the channel of communication between the Board/Commission
and other City staff
Creating and posting meeting notices, preparing minutes, and creating
agendas
Scheduling meetings and booking meeting locations
Maintaining Board/Commission records
Coordinating the collection and distribution of information requested by the
Board/Commission
Responding to public records requests pertaining to the Board/Commission
Offer advice and recommendations in regard to matters coming before the
Board/Commission
Report the Board/Commission concerns and priorities to the Department
Head, City Manager and Council
Facilitate interaction between boards and commissions as appropriate
While the enthusiasm and desire to move forward quickly regarding matters of interest
is understandable, Board and Commission members, like the Common Council who are
elected at large in the City of Oshkosh, represent the general and best interests of the City
of Oshkosh as a whole. This policy, along with other policies and procedures, is intended
to assure that the many issues and concerns within the City are prioritized and addressed
in a fair, thoughtful, and efficient manner within the means set forth by the City
organization, the City’s Strategic Plan and allocated in the City’s budget.
City staff assigned to Boards and Commissions work for and are responsible to the City
as a whole and have other job responsibilities in addition to their work for an individual
Board/Commission. Staff are answerable to their Department Heads and the City
Manager. It is the responsibility of the City Manager to allocate staff’s time and efforts.
Just as it is inappropriate for Council to direct work of staff who are under the jurisdiction
of the City Manager, it is not appropriate for Boards and Commissions to directly attempt
to direct staff work. Boards and Commissions may advise the City Manager and Council
on policy priorities, but Boards and Commissions do not determine or assign staff time.
Boards and Commissions should consider and set priorities for their agenda items in
order that staff may best use the limited time available for Board/Commission business,
while still attending to their other job responsibilities.
Although there may be disagreement on any issue, communication to the Council, other
Boards/Commissions and to the Public should reflect the decision of the
Board/Commission as a whole. When a Board or Commission member is speaking on
behalf of the board/commission they should only represent the majority position of the
respective Board/Commission. If the member is expressing his/her own personal
viewpoint on a particular subject, this should be made clear. Correspondingly, once the
Council has established its position as the governing body, Board/Commission members
should not act contrary to the established policies and programs adopted by the City
Council.
Because of the wide variety of boards and commissions and the wide variety of items and
issues that the City may deal with, this policy cannot cover every item or issue with
specificity and should be regarded as guidance only. Exceptions may generally be made
with the approval of the Council and/or the City Manager. The City reserves the right to
comply strictly with this policy, comply with modifications, or to vary from the exact
provisions of this policy when the Council or City Manager find it to be in the public
interest to do so.
The City of Oshkosh is hopeful that this information will be useful to members of boards
and commissions, staff, as well as the public.
Advisory Boards and Commissions / Advisory Matters
The City of Oshkosh has established various boards and commissions to assist the City
Council in the review of matters, to meet statutory requirements, and to provide for the
review of actions of staff and appeals from ordinance requirements. While certain
matters clearly fall within the jurisdiction of an individual board or commission, other
matters may involve review and recommendation or action by more than one board or
commission. The City Council adopts the following policy to serve as a general guide
for boards and commissions in relation to the agenda process.
Procedure for general legislative items/issues
Items coming before boards and commissions must be directly related to the purpose or
jurisdiction of the board or commission as defined by statute and/or ordinance, or be
referred to the board or commission for input from the Council or the City Manager.
Items will be prioritized based upon urgency of particular circumstances; time
commitment required from staff for research, review or drafting; availability of expertise
on the particular subject; or any other relevant factor.
Items may be placed on an agenda through application or request from a citizen or
petitioner, request from a board or commission member, or be initiated by staff. The staff
liaison shall inform his/her Division Manager and/or Department Director who shall
make an initial review with regard to jurisdiction and prioritization. If the Division
Manager or Department Director determines that the matter may not be suitable for the
particular board or commission, may not meet the priorities of the particular board or
commission, may require staff time commitment that is unreasonable or unlikely to be
available within the contemplated time period, or may require expertise not available on
staff or available at a cost not provided for within the budget; the Division Manager or
Department Director shall inform the board or commission of the request and
determination. The board or commission may by majority vote of its members request
the matter to be reviewed by the City Manager. The City Manager may direct the
Division Manager or Department Head to proceed with the request and establish a
reasonable time for completion, may determine that the decision of the Division Manager
or Department Head is correct and that staff time shall not be allotted, or may seek input
from Council in relation to the request. The staff liaison to the Board or Commission shall
inform the Board of the determination of the City Manager. If the determination of the
City Manager is that staff time shall not be allotted, the Board or Commission may by
majority vote of all members request that the matter be presented to the Council by the
City Manager, the Council member appointed to the particular board or commission, or
by the chair of the board or commission at the next regularly scheduled council meeting
or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable for discussion and direction to the City
Manager.
The following flowchart outlines the general process for staff, board and commission and
council review of items.
Independent Boards and Commissions and Matters on which
Boards and Commissions may act Independently
The City of Oshkosh has established various boards and commissions that act
independently in accordance with statutory requirements and for other purposes. The
City Council adopts the following policy to serve as a general guide for boards and
commissions in relation to matters over which they may have independent jurisdiction
under Wisconsin Statutes or by City ordinances in relation to legislative matters. For
matters in which the board or commission is acting upon an appeal or application, please
see the following section covering those matters.
Procedure for general legislative items/issues
Items coming before boards and commissions must be directly related to the purpose or
jurisdiction of the board or commission as defined by statute and/or ordinance or be
referred to the board or commission for input from the Council or the City Manager.
Items will be prioritized based upon urgency of particular circumstances; time
commitment required from staff for research, review or drafting; availability of expertise
on the particular subject; or any other relevant factor.
Items may be placed on an agenda through application or request from a citizen or
petitioner, request from a board or commission member or be initiated by staff. The staff
liaison shall inform his/her Division Manager and/or Department Director who shall
make an initial review with regard to jurisdiction and prioritization. If the Division
Manager or Department Director determines that the matter may not be suitable for the
particular board or commission, may not meet the priorities of the particular board or
commission, may require staff time commitment that is unreasonable or unlikely to be
available within the contemplated time period, or may require expertise not available on
staff or available at a cost not provided for within the budget; the Division Manager or
Department Director shall inform the board or commission of the request and
determination. The board or commission may by majority vote of its members request
the matter to be reviewed by the City Manager. The City Manager may direct the
Division Manager or Department Head to proceed with the request and establish a
reasonable time for completion, may determine that the decision of the Division Manager
or Department Head is correct and that staff time shall not be allotted, or may seek input
from Council in relation to the request. The staff liaison to the Board or Commission shall
inform the Board of the determination of the City Manager. If the determination of the
City Manager is that staff time shall not be allotted, the Board or Commission may by
majority vote of all members request that the matter be presented to the Council by the
City Manager, the Council member appointed to the particular board or commission, or
by the chair of the board or commission at the next regularly scheduled council meeting
or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable for discussion and direction to the City
Manager.
The following flowchart outlines the general process for staff, board and commission and
council review of items.
Quasi –Judicial Boards and Commissions / Hearings and Appeals
The City of Oshkosh has established various boards and commissions to hold hearings
on matters required by statute or ordinance and to provide for the review of actions of
staff and appeals from ordinance requirements. The City Council adopts the following
policy to serve as a general guide for boards and commissions in relation to the agenda
process.
Procedure for Hearings and Appeals
Items coming before boards and commissions for a hearing or appeal must be within the
jurisdiction of the board or commission as defined by statute and/or ordinance.
Items will be placed on an agenda through application or request from a petitioner. The
following flowchart outlines the general process for staff, board and commission and
council review of items determined by hearing or appeal.
II. Quorum / Voting Requirements
A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum. A lesser number may
adjourn. A majority of those present and voting shall be necessary to adopt any
motion. Members voting present or abstaining shall not be counted for purposes
of determining a quorum or majority voting upon any item. (See section 2-36(J) of
the City’s Municipal Code).
III. Attendance/Excusal from Meetings
Except in the case of emergency, to be considered an excused absence from a
meeting a members of boards or commissions must give notice to the staff person
assigned to the board or commission at least 24 hours prior to the meeting’s start
time. Prior notice allows for notification to alternate members or for cancellation
and rescheduling of meetings in those cases where a quorum of members may not
be present.
IV. Rules pertaining to Conduct of the Meetings/Motions
The following chart is adopted to govern the most common motions and actions
to be taken at board and commission meetings. The Council has chosen not to be
strictly governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, but where the actions listed below
or other provisions of these Rules do not govern a particular issue, the most recent
version of Roberts Rules of Order may be used for guidance.
Control of the Agenda
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Withdraw from Agenda1 Yes Yes No Majority
Remove Item from Consent Agenda No No No None
Consider Items out of the Scheduled
Order, Change the Agenda Order
Yes No No 2/3
Suspend Rules Yes No No 2/3
Taking up Items of Business
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Original Motions (items of business) Yes Yes Yes Majority
Amend an Original Motion Yes Yes Yes Majority
Divide the Issue Yes No Yes Majority
Withdraw Motion (by Proposer, with
consent of the Second)
Consent by
Second
No No None
Layover (Table) until a time certain Yes No No Majority
Take an item off the Table Yes No No 2/3
Limiting/ Extending or Ending
Debate
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Call for the Question (Close Debate) –
no objection raised
No No No None
Call for the Question (Close Debate) –
objection raised
No No No 2/3
Limit or Extend Debate Yes No Yes 2/3
1 Administration may withdraw an item from the agenda prior to the meeting
convening; after the meeting has convened only the Board or Commission may
withdraw items from the agenda.
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a
percentage of the members present and voting
Changing Previous Actions
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Amend Previously Adopted Motion Yes Yes Yes Majority
with Notice;
2/3 without
prior Notice
Reconsider (member of the prevailing
side may request the body to
reconsider its previous action -- must
be made during the same meeting or
the next succeeding regular meeting)
Yes Yes No Majority
Rescind (repeal/reverse a prior action) Yes Yes Yes Majority
with Notice;
2/3
without
prior Notice
Questions / Concerns and Other
Issues Outside Substance of Debate
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Point of Order (if rules are not being
observed)
No No No Chair Rules
Parliamentary Inquiry (help with
parliamentary procedure, how to do
something)
No No No Chair
provides
assistance
Point of Information (to ask a
question)
No No No Chair
obtains
answer
Question of Privilege (some person or
thing is interfering with the
deliberative process, ie. too noisy, too
hot or cold, belligerent person or
member)
No No No Chair
directs
corrective
action
Appeal Chair’s Decision Yes Yes No Majority
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a
percentage of the members present and voting
Ending a Meeting
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Adjourn (ends/closes the meeting) Yes No No Majority
Recess (short break that does not end
meeting)
Yes No Yes Majority
Selection of Officers or Temporary
Chair, if required
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Nominations (call 3 times) No No No None
Close Nominations (by Declaration of
Chair or by Motion)
Yes
(if by
motion)
No Yes 2/3
Election of Nominees No Yes No Majority
Reopen Nominations Yes No Yes Majority
Temporary Selection of Chair in
absence or disability of Chair and
Vice may be done by selection of the
Chair and Consent of Board
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a percentage of the
members present and voting
Motions. No motion requiring a second shall be discussed or acted upon unless
and until it has received a second. Motions may be withdrawn by the person
making the same, if the motion has received a second, then the person seconding
the motion must also consent to the withdrawal of the motion. Motions may only
be amended by another motion and second (There shall be no “friendly
amendments” to motions) or by withdrawal of the motion and a new motion
made.
Actions/Motions in Order during Debate. When a question is under debate, no other
action or motion shall be in order, except:
1) Questions/Concerns and Other Issues Outside the Substance of Debate as
identified within the table above;
2) To recess;
3) To adjourn;
4) To lay the matter over to a specific date or to be returned to the Committee
upon the occurrence of a specific event;
5) To Call the Question;
6) To Divide the Issue;
7) To Amend; or
8) To withdraw the motion
The items listed above shall have precedence in the order in which they are listed.
Vote Change. A member shall only be permitted to change his/her vote upon a
matter at the time their name is called by the secretary and no member shall be
permitted to change his/her vote on a matter once a succeeding member has cast
his/her vote.
Abstentions / Voting Present. In the event that a board or commission member
declines to vote, that member shall not be counted toward the number present and
shall not have their vote counted as either “aye” or “no” in relation to the matter.
If a member’s declining to vote causes the board or commission to fall below a
quorum voting on the matter, the board or staff may ask the applicant if they wish
to have the matter scheduled for consideration at the next meeting of the board or
commission when a quorum may be present or if the applicant wishes to have the
matter forwarded to council without recommendation. Staff shall consider the
wishes of the applicant, any statutory or ordinance time limits and any other
considerations or limitations with respect to the particular matter in determining
whether to reschedule the matter before the board or commission for further
consideration, forward the matter to Council or take other action as may be
appropriate with regard to the matter.
Motions to Lay Over shall include Date or Time Frame for Action. Motions to lay over
shall include a specific date to be returned to the body or shall require return upon
a specific occurrence within a specified time frame. If the occurrence shall not
happen within the specified time frame, the staff person assigned to the board or
commission shall notify the board or commission at the end of the time frame that
the matter shall not be brought forward and make appropriate notation to the
minutes of the meeting during which the matter was laid over. When considering
motions to lay over, the board or commission shall consider the wishes of the
applicant, any statutory or ordinance time limits and any other considerations or
limitations with respect to the particular matter as may be appropriate.
Reconsideration. Except as action may have already been taken in reliance upon the
prior approval/disapproval of an item, any member who voted with the prevailing
side on any question may move for reconsideration of a vote at the same meeting
or at the next succeeding regular meeting of the board or commission by notifying
the staff person assigned to the board or commission of the member’s request to
have the reconsideration included on the Agenda for the next succeeding regular
meeting. A motion to reconsider having been put and lost shall not be renewed
by the same or any other member.
Termination of Debate / Calling the Question. Any member wishing to terminate
debate may move the previous question (call the question). The presiding officer
shall ask whether there is any objection to calling the question. If no objection is
voiced, then the secretary shall record unanimous consent to terminate the debate.
If an objection is voiced, a roll call vote shall be taken and 2/3 of members present
shall be required to terminate the debate. If debate is terminated, the question,
including any pending amendments, shall be taken without further debate.
Use of Unanimous Consent. Unanimous Consent shall only be used for termination
of debate, motions to adjourn, motions to recess and for elections for Chair or
Temporary Chair when there shall be only one member put forward for election.
Suspension of the Rules. Boards and commissions shall not be permitted to suspend
any rule adopted by the Council and applicable to the board or commission. A
vote of two-thirds of the members present may suspend the order of business or
any rule adopted by the board or commission.
V. Rules pertaining to Individuals addressing Boards and Commissions
Boards and Commissions may make such rules pertaining to individuals
addressing matters coming before the board or commission or to individuals
making general statements to the board or commission as the members thereof
may determine.
The public may, as an alternative to appearance in person, submit written
comments. Written comments for Board and Commission meetings may be sent
via mail addressed to the appropriate Board or Commission, placed in the City
Hall dropbox, or sent by email prior to the scheduled meeting to the Board or
Commission. Contact information for Boards and Commissions is available on the
City website: www.oshkoshwi.gov
Written comments will be distributed to the Board/Commission and made part of
the public record of the meeting.
Persons requiring reasonable accommodations to any of these rules may contact
the staff liaison for the Board or Commission who shall work with the individual
to provide appropriate accommodation as necessary. Persons requesting
accommodation under this paragraph must submit such request in advance of the
meeting. Requests can best be accommodated if submitted at least 5 business days
in advance of the scheduled meeting.
VI. Rules of Decorum
A. Adoption of Civility Pledge.
All participants in city meetings shall conduct themselves according to the
Civility Pledge adopted by the Council on June 14, 2011 by Resolution 11-270.
Pay Attention - Be Aware of Others & Sensitive to the Immediate
Context of Actions
Listen Closely - Understand Other Points of View
Be Inclusive - Welcome All; Don't Exclude Anyone
Don't Gossip - Remind Others of the Importance of this Practice
Show Respect - Honor Others (Especially in Disagreement)
Be Agreeable - Find Opportunities to Agree
Apologize Sincerely - Repair Damaged Relationships
Give Constructive Comments, Suggestions & Feedback - No Personal
Attacks (Focus on Issues)
Accept Responsibility - Don't Shift Blame; Share Disagreements
Publicly
B. General Rule of Decorum.
No person shall personally attack a council member, board or commission
member, city official, city employee or any other person. For purposes of this
section personal attacks shall include comments directed at a particular person
or persons which pertain to any matter that is unrelated to the performance of
official duties or the conduct of city business, are threatening, slanderous,
defamatory or obscene or are of such a nature that the comments disrupt the
meeting or cause a disturbance. No person shall make irrelevant, unduly
repetitious, offensive, threatening, slanderous, defamatory, or obscene
remarks or act in such a manner as to disrupt or disturb the orderly conduct of
any meeting, including handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, shouting or
other demonstrations. Any person violating this provision shall be called to
order by the Presiding Officer. If the conduct continues, the Presiding Officer
may order the person removed and the Board or Commission may make a fact
finding whether such behavior was outside the scope and content of the rules
and, if applicable, whether the behavior was of a character to cause a breach of
the peace.
Addendum A
COUNCIL, STAFF, BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS
City Council: The City Council is the Legislative body for the City. The Council makes
policy for the City of Oshkosh through the adoption of resolutions and ordinances within
the authority granted to municipalities through the Wisconsin Legislature and Home
Rule provisions of the Wisconsin State Constitution. The Council sets overall policy for
the City of Oshkosh including through the adoption of various plans, such as the City’s
strategic plan and comprehensive zoning plan. The Council also adopts the City’s
operational and capital improvements budgets and adopts city regulations for
enforcement by ordinance and the City Municipal Code. The City Council also issues
certain licenses and permits and conducts quasi-judicial hearings in relation to license or
permit issuance, renewals and revocations as necessary.
City Manager: The City Manager is the chief executive for the City of Oshkosh and is
responsible for the day to day operation of the city and direction to departments and city
staff.
City Staff: perform the daily operations of the City under the direction of the City
Manager. Staff provide the Common Council and other boards and commissions with
interpretations, recommendations, and professional advice regarding the advisability of
proposals brought before the City decision makers and carry out enforcement of various
codes and provisions.
City of Oshkosh Boards and Commissions
Name Statute
Ref.
Ord.
Ref. Liaison Frequency of
Meeting
Advisory Park
Board
None 2-51 Parks Director Monthly
BID Board 66.1109 2-38 Director of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Board of Appeals 62.23(7)(e) 2-59 Director of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Board of Public
Works
62.14 2-55 City Manager
Board of Review 70.46 2-56 City Clerk/City
Attorney
Yearly; varies
based on
objections
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
Committee
None 2-41 Director of
Administrative
Services
Monthly
Fair Housing
Commission
106.50 2-43 Director of Comm.
Development
As needed
Landmarks
Commission
62.27(7)
(em)
2-48 Museum Director Monthly
Library Board Chapter 43 2-49 Library Director Monthly
Long Range
Finance
Committee
None 2-44 Director of Finance Monthly
Housing
Authority Board
66.1201-
66.1211
None Executive Director of
the Oshkosh
/Winnebago County
Housing Authority
Monthly
Plan Commission 62.23 2-52 Director of Comm.
Development
Twice
Monthly
Extraterritorial
Zoning
Committee
62.23(7a)(c) 2-52.1 Director of Comm.
Development
As needed
Name Statute
Ref.
Ord
or
Ref
Liaison Frequency of
Meeting
Board of Police &
Fire
Commissioners
62.13 2-53 Director of
Administrative
Services
Monthly
Public Museum,
Arts and Culture
Board
None 2-54 Museum Director Monthly
Redevelopment
Authority
66.1333 Res
03-65
Director of Comm.
Development
Every other
Month
Sustainability
Advisory Board
None 2-42 Director of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Transportation
Committee
2-57 Director of
Transportation
Monthly
BID BOARD
Ordinance Reference: 2-38
Statutory Reference: 66.1109 Wis. Stats.
(Mandatory if a BID District is created)
Membership: 13 members
By Statute – membership must be at least 5 members and a
majority of the membership must own or occupy real
property in the BID district
By Ordinance -- Membership shall be of the category
necessary to ensure Board representation stipulated by the
annual operating plan
Terms: 3 year terms
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Duties and Responsibilities
The Board shall develop and implement an annual operating plan for the BID.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Ordinance Reference: 2-41
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 5 members - one of whom is a City Council member (up to 2
members may be non-residents)
Due consideration shall be given to ensuring membership
reflects the gender, racial, LGBTQ, and ethnic characteristics
of the Oshkosh community.
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Administrative Services
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Responsibility
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee shall act as an advisory
body to the City Manager and Common Council in providing comment and
support regarding appropriate strategies to develop activities, resources,
and services that promote a positive community environment of equity and
inclusion, and celebrate the diverse identities of the City of Oshkosh.
Support
The City of Oshkosh shall provide annual membership in and resources
from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity and/or other
comparable organizations.
Duties
(1) Serve as a resource, recommend goals, and advise the City Manager
and Common Council on existing and / or proposed city ordinances,
program development and actions, as well as best practices for
health, housing and economic mobility, to promote community
equity and inclusion for all who live, work, and learn in a diverse
Oshkosh.
(2) Facilitate input from all geographic areas of Oshkosh, a broad
spectrum of residents, business leaders, students, and employees
from diverse circumstances, to advance the benefits of community
diversity, equity, and inclusion.
(3) To educate the public about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The
committee will implement a public education plan, and actively plan,
sponsor, and participate in events that promote and celebrate
diversity.
(4) Within one (1) year of creation, report to the City Manager and
Common Council on goals of the committee and identify (a) 5 – 7
equity performance measures for each city department developed by
each department, and approved by the Committee (b) additional
resources necessary to achieve said goals, (c) information relative to
community diversity, equity and inclusion to share with the general
public and underserved populations, and (d) best practices of
community diversity, equity and inclusion for health, housing and
economic mobility that the city may consider adopting. Thereafter,
the Committee shall annually report to the City Manager and
Common Council on specific progress on, and future goals tied to,
department-level equity performance metrics. Progress on all
performance metrics shall be reported in the annual city budget as
part of the regular budget process, and be maintained on a dedicated
city website.
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Ordinance Reference: 2-42
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 7 members – one of whom shall be a Council member
Terms: 3 year terms; 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Responsibility
The Sustainability Advisory Board is charged with the responsibility of advising
the City Manager and Common Council on sustainability issues affecting
municipal operations and the community at large.
Duties
(1) Promote sustainability in the community.
(2) Advise the City Manager and Common Council on existing and proposed
City Ordinances and actions and State and Federal regulations pertaining
to sustainability.
(3) Facilitate citizen and agency input pertaining to sustainability.
(4) Collaborate in the development and monitor implementation of a
Community Sustainability Plan.
FAIR HOUSING COMMISSION
Ordinance Reference: 2-43, 16-7
Statutory Reference: 106.50 Wis. Stats.
Membership: 5 members
Terms: 3 year terms
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: As needed
Purpose and Duties:
The Fair Housing Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(A) Adopt Rules
To adopt, amend, publish and rescind rules for governing its meetings and
hearings;
(B) Receive and Investigate Complaints
To receive complaints and review staff investigation of all complaints alleging any
discriminatory practice prohibited by this Division.
(C) Hearings
To hold hearings, if necessary, after efforts at settlement based on complaints made
against any person, to administer oaths and take testimony, to compel the
production of books, papers and other documents relating to any matter involved
in the complaint, and to subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance.
(D) Refer Disputes to Appropriate Entity for Resolution
Refer complaints to the City Attorney or to other appropriate entities to the
purpose of reaching a resolution of the issues raised in the complaint.
LONG RANGE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Ordinance Reference: 2-44
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 5 members, 1 of whom shall be a Council member
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Finance
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Purpose, Duties and Functions
The Long Range Finance Committee shall have the responsibility to advise the
Common Council on policy issues related to the City’s finances including areas
such as policy development, communications, and the impact of state legislation.
LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Ordinance Reference: 2-48
Statutory Reference: §62.23(7)(em) Wis. Stats.
(An ordinance is mandatory if a City has landmarked
property, the City may create a Commission to administer
ordinance)
Membership: 7 members, 1 of whom shall be a Council member
Non-voting Ex officio member – Paine Art Center Director or
designee
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Public Museum
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
(1) Shall recommend to the City Council those historic sites, structures, and districts
which are of sufficient significance to be classified as landmarks and the criteria
under which these were developed.
(2) May receive and expend funds for the benefit of protecting, supporting or
promoting the City's historic, architectural and cultural heritage.
(3) Shall report to the Oshkosh City Council as requested to review its work
program and expenditures.
(4) Shall foster the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of historic
improvements and of districts which represent or reflect elements of the City's
cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history.
(5) Shall safeguard and foster civic pride in the City's historic and cultural heritage
as embodied and reflected in landmarks and historic districts.
(6) Shall cooperate with the City administration to provide information on historic
resources to be used to comply with relevant State laws.
(7) Shall implement and regulate the provisions of Article XIV, of Chapter 30 of this
Code, Historic Preservation. [Statutory Reference §62.23(7) (me) Wis. Stats.]
(8) Advise and assist the City Administration and Common Council concerning
capital improvements proposed for the Grand Opera House that may impact the
historical significance of the facility.
(9) Provide recommendations to the Common Council on the use of proceeds from
donations made to the City and deposited with the City Treasurer into a special
fund for purposes of supporting, adding to, or improving the Grand Opera
House. All expenditures from said fund shall be solely for the purpose of adding
to or improving the Grand Opera House, and shall be spent solely with the
approval of the Oshkosh City Council.
LIBRARY BOARD
Ordinance Reference: 2-49
Statutory Reference: Chapter 43, Wisconsin Statutes
(Mandatory if a City has a Municipal Library)
Membership: 9 members + Superintendent of Schools + up to 5 additional members
appointed by the County; not more than 2 members may be town
residents
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members
Staff Liaison: Library Director
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
(A) Duties and Powers
The Library Board supervises the administration of the Library. The Library Board
establishes all policies governing the management and operation of the Library
and the Board has the power to contract for the extension of Library Services.
[Wisconsin Statutes Section 43.52 and 43.58]
(B) Employees
The Library Board shall appoint a librarian, who shall appoint such other
assistants and employees as the Library Board deems necessary, and who
prescribes their duties and compensation. [Wisconsin Statutes Section 43.58]
(C) Budget
The Library Board shall have exclusive control of the expenditure of all moneys
collected, donated, or appropriated for the Library Fund, and of the purchase of a
site and the erection of Library Buildings whenever authorized. The Library Board
also shall have exclusive charge, control and custody of all lands, buildings, money
or other property devised, bequeathed, given or granted to, or otherwise acquired
or leased by, the municipality for library purposes. [Statutory Reference Chapter
43, Wis. Stats.]
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
Ordinance Reference: 2-51
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 5 members, 1 of whom shall be a Council member
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Parks Director
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Functions
The Advisory Park Board is empowered and directed to:
(1) Advise and assist the City Parks Director, City Administration, Common
Council, and Planning Commission in planning and developing the
Oshkosh Park System to include parks, open spaces, forestry, municipal
cemeteries, waterways, and other related areas.
(2) Participate in the development of the Parks Capital Improvement Program
and annually recommend priorities.
Coordination of the Advisory Park Board with other Governmental Units
Prior to acting on the Park Capital Improvements Budget or any Park Acquisition
or sale the Common Council and Planning Commission shall obtain an advisory
review from the Park Board.
PLAN COMMISSION
Ordinance Reference: 2-52
Statutory Reference: §62.23 Wis. Stats
(Sections of the statutes contain mandatory duties therefore
as a practical matter a mandatory commission)
Membership: 9 members, 1 member shall be a Council member
Citizen members shall be persons of recognized experience
and qualifications.
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: Twice Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
Functions and Duties
The functions and duties of the Commission shall be as prescribed in Chapter 30
of the Municipal Code and in Section 62.23 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
EXTRATERRITORIAL ZONING COMMITTEE
Ordinance Reference: 2-52.1
Statutory Reference: §62.23(7a)(c) Wis. Stats
(If a City exercises extraterritorial zoning then you must have
an extraterritorial zoning committee)
Membership: 3 citizen members of plan commission + 2 alternate citizen
members
Terms: coextensive with plan commission membership
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: As needed
Purpose and Duties:
The functions and duties of the Extraterritorial Zoning Committee shall be as
prescribed in Chapter 30 of this Code and in Section 62.23(7a) of the Wisconsin
Statutes as it relates to the Town of Algoma. [Statutory Reference §62.23(7a)(c)
Wis. Stats.]
BOARD OF POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS
Ordinance Reference: 2-53
Statutory Reference: §62.13 Wis. Stats
(Mandatory)
Membership: 5 members
Terms: 5 year terms
Staff Liaison: Director of Administrative Services
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
The Board shall have such functions and duties as are prescribed by the Wisconsin
Statutes, particularly section 62.13 thereof.
OSHKOSH MUSEUM, ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD
Ordinance Reference: 2-54
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 5 members – one of whom shall be a Council member
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members; 1-year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Museum Director
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
(B) Duties and Responsibilities Pertaining to the Oshkosh Public Museum
(1) General Powers
The Board shall have power to manage, control, and operate the Museum
through the establishment of strategic and other plans and the setting of
policies related to the care, maintenance and acquisition/disposal of the
Museum and Museum property including appurtenances, fixtures,
furniture and items within exhibits or collections, where such policies are
not inconsistent with the ordinances and policies of the City of Oshkosh.
(2) Acquisition, Disposition, Care and Management of Property
The Board shall have power to accept all gifts, donations, bequests, grants,
and devises of or to direct the purchase of property, both real and personal
with funds budgeted for such purposes or with donated funds, for the
enrichment and improvement of the Museum collections and properties,
provided, however, that, before accepting grants, devises, or gifts of or
otherwise acquiring real estate, such acquisition of real estate must be
approved by the Common Council. All books, specimens and other
personal property within the museum collections shall be under the care,
management and control of the Board who may provide for the disposition
of such property in accordance with policies which the Board may adopt.
(3) Employees
The Board shall recommend a Director to be appointed by the City Manager
to be the chief executive officer exercising all executive and administrative
authority for the Oshkosh Public Museum. Other employees may be
employed as deemed necessary for the proper operation, management, and
functioning of the Museum as authorized within the City’s organizational
chart and current city budget. The compensation for the Director and all
employees shall be included in the budget submitted to the City Manager
and presented to the Common Council for approval.
(4) Approval of Annual Budget / Appropriated Funding
The Board shall annually review the budget for the Museum to be
submitted to the City Manager for review and submittal to the Common
Council for approval. Funds appropriated to the Museum by the Common
Council shall be used for the purposes appropriated and shall not be used
for any purpose other than for the operation, care and maintenance of the
Museum.
(5) Other Revenue
The Board shall have the power to derive additional revenues in proper
legal ways which the members shall from time to time agree upon, to be
expended at the direction of the Museum Board for Museum purposes.
(6) Trust Funds, Monetary Gifts and Contributions
The City Treasurer shall set up accounts on the books as appropriate, for
the purpose of supporting the Oshkosh Public Museum. All gifts or
contributions, or the proceeds therefrom in the form of money shall be
deposited by the Museum Board with the City Treasurer and shall be
credited to such funds.
The Board shall have control over the expenditure of all money devised,
bequeathed, given or granted to, or otherwise acquired by the Museum
and/or the City for Museum purposes. All expenditures from said funds
shall be made in accordance with the intent of the donors and in accordance
with the provisions of any trust document or other instrument of gift and
made solely for the purpose of adding to or improving the various
collections and exhibits or for the care, maintenance or improvement of the
Museum or Museum property. All disbursements from such funds, unless
otherwise provided by the donor, shall be made solely at the discretion of
the Museum Board without further approval required.
Bonds or securities devised, bequeathed, given or granted to the Museum
shall be invested in accordance with municipal statutes governing the
investment of public funds or may be converted to cash as deemed
appropriate by the Director of Finance.
The Museum Board shall have management and control over investments
but such trusts or similar funds established for the benefit of the Museum
shall be invested in accordance with the laws, rules and policies governing
the investment of public funds.
(7) Expenditures
Expenditures shall be made consistent with the approved budget and with
City ordinances and City and Museum policies. Capital Expenditures shall
require Council approval.
(8) Code of Ethics
The relations between the Museum and the public, between museums,
between the Director and the Museum Board, between the Director and
other museum employees, between other museum employees and the
Director, and between museum employees shall be governed in all respects
where possible and practicable by the Code of Ethics of the American
Alliance of Museums, and it shall be the further duty of the Museum Board
to enforce said code whenever need for such enforcement is called to its
attention.
(C) Duties Pertaining to Public Art and Art in Public Places
(1) Terms Defined
a) Public Art. The term “Public Art” or “Art in Public Place” means any
Work of Art
acquired by the City and displayed on city-owned property in an area
open or viewable by the public, on the exterior of city-owned facility, or
on non-City property open to or viewable by the public if the artwork is
installed or financed, in whole or in part, with City funds or grants
procured by the City, or if the artwork is owned by, donated to, or on
loan to the City.
b) Work of Art. The term “Work of Art” means any application of skill and
taste to the production of tangible objects according to aesthetic
principles, including but not limited to paintings, sculptures,
engravings, carvings, frescoes, mobiles, murals, collages, mosaics,
statues, tapestries, photographs, drawings and ceramics, but excluding
purely structural or supportive elements, advertising, or those required
by applicable law, code, rule or regulation.
(2) Purpose, Duties, and Functions.
The Museum, Arts and Culture Board shall have the responsibility to:
a) Promote Public Art in the community.
b) Advise the City Manager, Common Council and appropriate boards
and commissions on matters pertaining to Public Art and art in public
places and the planning and development of policies and projects for
Public Art.
c) Advise the Common Council on Gifts or donations of Public Art
pursuant to the City of Oshkosh Gifts and Donations Policy.
d) Receive and expend funds for the benefit of protecting, supporting or
promoting Public Art
(D) The provisions of this section are not intended to supersede collections governed
by policies of the Oshkosh Public Museum or Oshkosh Public Library.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Ordinance Reference: 2-55
Statutory Reference: §62.14, 64.10(2) Wis. Stats.
(Mandatory)
Membership: 1 member – City Manager
Terms:
Staff Liaison:
Meets: As needed
Purpose and Duties:
The duties of the Board of Public Works as set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes, particularly
Section 62.14 thereof, shall be exercised by the City Manager.
BOARD OF REVIEW
Ordinance Reference: 2-56
Statutory Reference: §70.46 Wis. Stats
(Mandatory)
Membership: 5 members
Terms: 5 year terms
Staff Liaison: City Clerk / City Attorney
Meets: Organization meeting in May, as needed for hearings thereafter until
hearings are concluded
Purpose and Duties:
Functions and Duties
The Board shall have such functions and duties as are prescribed by the Wisconsin
Statutes, particularly Section 70.45 and Section 70.47 thereof.
Notwithstanding section 2-36(I), each member of the Board of Review shall receive
compensation in the amount to be established from time to time by resolution of the
Common Council for attendance at training sessions; attendance for hearings and other
matters when the Board of Review is in session, including breaks as may be provided;
and for time spent in review of a transcript, recording and/or summary of evidence as
provided in section 70.47(9) of the Wisconsin Statutes, as may be required for a
determination by a quorum of the Board.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Ordinance Reference: 2-57
Statutory Reference: None
Membership: 5 members, 1 of whom shall be a Council member
Terms: 3 year terms for citizen members, 1 year term for Council member
Staff Liaison: Director of Transportation
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
(A) Functions and Duties
(1) Traffic. The Committee shall study and recommend to the Common Council
on all matters involving vehicular traffic, intersectional traffic flow, speed
limits, pedestrian right of ways, crosswalks, bus stops, school zones, and
bicycle lanes.
(2) Parking in General.
(a) Advise City staff and the Common Council with respect to the goals and
objectives of public parking in the City, as it pertains to the parking areas
under its jurisdiction.
(b) Advise the Common Council on all matters involving the operations of
parking areas under its jurisdiction, including establishment of parking rates,
time limits, availability of and requirements for leased and permit parking.
(c) Recommend to the Common Council all matters involving the City’s
inventory of parking infrastructure, including, acquisition and disposition of
land, proposed property improvements, and investments in revenue
collection technology.
(d) Review requests to restrict access to parking areas under its jurisdiction, and
provide recommendations to the Common Council as to whether such
reservations are consistent with the goals and objectives of public parking in
the City.
(3) On Street Parking. The Committee shall study and recommend to the Common
Council on all matters involving on–street parking.
(4) Municipal Parking Lots. The Committee shall study and recommend to the
Common Council on all matters involving off-street parking in the following
municipal parking lots:
(a) 300 West Lot, at the southeast corner of the intersection of Algoma
Boulevard and Brown Street and the area on High Avenue bordering the
Grand Opera House to the west
(b) Convention Center North Lot, at the northeast corner of the intersection of
Ceape Avenue and State Street
(c) Grand Lot, between High Avenue and Pearl Avenue, and west of Market
Street
(d) 400 East Lot, at the southwest corner of Jefferson Street and Merritt Avenue
(e) 200 East Lot, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Otter Avenue
and State Street
(f) Otter Lot, on the south side of Otter Avenue between State Street and Court
Street
(g) Convention Center East Lot, on the south side of Ceape Avenue, bordering
the Oshkosh Convention Center on the east
(h) State Lot, on the east side of State Street between Waugoo Avenue and
Washington Avenue
(i) 300 East Lot, at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Street and
Washington Avenue
(j) 400 West Lot, on the east side of Division Street between Church Avenue
and Algoma Boulevard
(k) 500 West Street Lot, at the northeast corner of Church Avenue and Division
Street
(l) 8th North Lot, on the north side of 8th Avenue, east of Oregon Street
(m) 9th South Lot, behind the west side of Oregon Street between 9th Avenue
and 10th Avenue
(n) 10th South Lot, on the south side of 10th Avenue, east of Oregon Street
(5) Private Parking Lots under Municipal Agreements. The Committee shall study
and recommend to the Common Council on all matters involving off-street
parking in the following private parking lots, according to filed agreements with
the respective property owners:
(a) City Center Lot, at the southwest corner of Market Street and Pearl Avenue
(b) 200 West Lot, at the northwest corner of Main Street and Pearl Avenue
(c) Rec Gym Lot, on the west side of Division Street between Church Avenue
and Algoma Boulevard.
(6) Parking Lots not included in Committee’s Authority. The Committee shall not
have jurisdiction over off-street parking areas wholly included in the boundaries
of a municipal park. The Committee shall also not have jurisdiction over the
Leach Lot (adjacent to the Leach Amphitheater, south of Ceape Avenue and east
of Court Street).
The Committee shall not have jurisdiction over parking lots on municipal
property designated to exclusively serve City facilities, including but not limited
to City Hall, the Safety Building and Library.
(7) The Committee shall guide and assist in the implementation of improved
transit service to the City of Oshkosh. The Committee will monitor the level
of transit service provided to ensure an efficient and effective operation.
(8) The Committee will make recommendations on major route, service and/or
fare changes.
(9) Bicycle and Pedestrian Matters
The Committee shall:
(a) advise the Common Council with respect to recommendations on
bicycle/pedestrian matters.
(b) assist with developing, implementing, and updating the City’s
Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan.
(c) coordinate education, encouragement, and outreach activities across
City departments, other government agencies, non-profit
organizations, and the private sector.
(d) make recommendations on capital and maintenance projects to
improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Ordinance Reference: 2-59
Statutory Reference: §62.23(7)(e) Wis. Stats.
(Mandatory if the City has adopted zoning requirements)
Membership: 5 members
Terms: 3 year terms
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: Monthly (if needed for hearings)
Purpose and Duties:
The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have the duties and powers prescribed in Section
62.23 of the Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter 30 of this Municipal Code.
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Ordinance Reference: Resolution 03-65
Statutory Reference: §66.1333 Wis. Stats.
Membership: 7 members
only reference to Council members is in the resolution creating the
commission which provides that when the Mayor serves as a
commissioner he/she shall act as its chair
Terms: while not specified in original resolution, members are typically
appointed for 5 year terms
Staff Liaison: Director of Community Development
Meets: Every other Month
Purpose and Duties:
The Redevelopment Authority is an independent entity created by the City pursuant to
Wisconsin Statutes for the purpose of carrying out blight elimination and urban renewal
programs and projects. The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority has as its primary
emphasis and focus the redevelopment and revitalization of central city areas in the
community.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD
Ordinance Reference: None
Statutory Reference: §§ 66.1201-66.1211 Wis. Stats.
(Mandatory if you establish a Housing Authority)
Membership: 5 members one of whom must be a low income resident or voucher
participant, no more than 2 may be city officials
Terms: 5 year terms
Staff Liaison: Staffed by the Oshkosh/Winnebago Housing Authority Staff
Meets: Monthly
Purpose and Duties:
The Board of Commissioners has the powers enumerated in 66.1201(9) Wis. Stats.
and the authority to acquire property by eminent domain, issue bonds, mortgage
property, contract with the federal government and liquidate and dispose of
housing projects.
Entities independent of the City of Oshkosh -
East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC): a regional body created
by the State of Wisconsin §66.0309 Wis. Stats. to provide oversight, review and assistance
to local government; ECWRPC has the authority to conduct studies, collect and analyze
data, make and adopt plans for the physical and economic development of the region;
may provide advisory services to local governments including comprehensive planning,
economic development planning, preparation or review of proposed land use regulations,
grant writing, data collection and mapping services.
GO-EDC: Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit
corporation created separately and working independently of the City of Oshkosh which
exists to preserve the health of existing companies, foster a positive entrepreneurial
environment, connect companies to workforce and talent development resources,
enhance the business climate and promote the quality of life in the greater Oshkosh area.
GO-HNI: Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Inc. (GO-HNI) is a non-profit
corporation which is independent of the City of Oshkosh but which works with the City
to promote neighborhood development services including community building and
engagement, real estate development and asset management activities within Oshkosh.
Neighborhood Associations: A neighborhood association is a loosely formed group of
residents and property owners within a geographically defined area within the City of
Oshkosh. While the City of Oshkosh recognizes neighborhood associations, they are not
created by and are independent of the City of Oshkosh.
Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau: The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
(OCVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization, funded solely through room tax dollars
from Oshkosh hotels and UW-Oshkosh under an Agreement with the City of
Oshkosh. Its mission is to promote Oshkosh and Winnebago County as a premier
destination for corporate, sports and leisure groups and individual visitors.
Grand Opera House Foundation: A private, not for profit entity responsible for operating
the Grand Opera House under an Agreement with the City of Oshkosh.
SAMPLE MOTIONS
MOTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION OR ITEM
I MOVE TO ADOPT ….
I MOVE TO APPROVE …
(ALWAYS MAKE THE MOTION IN THE AFFIRMATIVE)
MOTION TO SEPARATE ITEMS
MOVE TO DIVIDE THE ISSUE TO MAKE (ITEM) A AND THE REMAINING (ITEMS) B
MOTION TO AMEND A MOTION ON THE FLOOR
MOVE TO AMEND TO ______________________
MOVE TO AMEND BY STRIKING OUT ______
MOVE TO AMEND BY INSERTING _______
MOVE TO AMEND BY STRIKING OUT _________ AND INSERTING _________
MOVE TO AMEND BY ADDING ___________
MOVE TO AMEND BY DELETING ____________
NOTE: THIS MOTION CAN ALSO BE USED TO AMEND AN AMENDMENT
IT MAY HELP TO ALSO STATE THE INTENTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO
MAKE IT CLEAR WHAT IS BEING VOTED UPON
MOTION TO RECONSIDER AN ACTION AFTER FINAL VOTE
MOVE TO RECONSIDER ITEM #
NOTE: THIS MOTION MUST BE MADE AT THE MEETING THE ACTION WAS
TAKEN OR AT THE NEXT SUCCESSIVE MEETING, AND MUST BE
MADE BY A MEMBER WHO VOTED WITH THE MAJORITY
Controlling Public or Members in Violation of Rules of Decorum
If any member of the body believes that there is a violation of Board and Commission
Rules, the member may request that the Chair stop the speaker. The Chair may also do
this independently.
A suggested approach for dealing with persons who may be out of order:
Give 2 warnings.
“Mr. X, your time is up (or identify other violation of the rules), please take your seat.”
“Mr. X, please take your seat.”
Chair rules that the person is violating rules and is out of order.
“Mr. X you are in violation of the rules. You need to stop and take your seat”
If speaker continues --
a. Chair may call a break – “I am going to call a break at this time, the (board or
commission) will reconvene in 5 minutes.”
Take break – turn off cameras – let officer deal with person
b. “(staff member) __________ may we have your assistance to please remove Mr.
X at this time.”
2 members may appeal any decision of the Chair, second is required & majority vote.
Boards and Commissions may, but are not required to under its rules, formalize the
finding of disruption and removal:
I move to make a finding that __________’s behavior disrupted the meeting (you may
insert specific findings -- failed to follow the rules after being called to order by the Chair,
repeatedly failed to come to order, yelled, was obscene, etc…); __________’s conduct was
outside the scope of our rules and was a breach of the peace. (second, vote).
OPEN MEETINGS &
PUBLIC RECORDS
PUBLIC POLICY
OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS
In recognition of the fact that a representative government of the American type is
dependent upon an informed electorate, it is declared to be the policy of this state that
the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information regarding the affairs of
government as is compatible with the conduct of governmental business.
To implement and ensure the public policy herein expressed, all meetings of all state and
local governmental bodies shall be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to
members of the public and shall be open to all citizens at all times unless otherwise
expressly provided by law.
§19.81 (1) and (2) Wisconsin Statutes
OPEN MEETINGS
The Open Meetings law requires all meetings of State and Local governmental bodies to
be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to and open to all citizens at all times,
unless otherwise expressly provided by law.
The Open Meetings law applies to “meetings”. A meeting is defined as 1) the convening
of members of a governmental body 2) for the purpose of exercising the responsibilities,
authority, power or duties delegated to or vested in the body.
1) A “governmental body” is defined as: “a state or local agency, board, commission,
committee, council, department or public body corporate and politic, created by
constitution, statute, ordinance, rule or order … or a formally constituted subunit
of the foregoing.”
2) “Meeting" includes regular and special meetings of the board or commission but
may also include other types of interactions and gatherings, a meeting may be
formal or informal, and includes discussion or information gathering on matters
within the Board’s realm of responsibility.
Two Tests -- the purpose requirement and the numbers requirement.
The Purpose Test -- What is the purpose of this gathering? Are you exercising the
responsibilities, authority, power or duties delegated to this board? Are you discussing
or gathering information on a matter before you or likely to come before you?
The Numbers Test – If one half or more of the members of the body are present, it is
rebuttably presumed to be a meeting. The numbers test is met when a number sufficient
to determine the body’s course of action on the business under consideration is present.
(Negative quorums – majority and supermajority votes)
If both tests are met, then there is a meeting of the governmental body.
Communication Outside of a Regular Meeting:
Social gatherings -- the statute specifically excludes social or chance gatherings and other
gatherings where you are not exercising your authority, power, or responsibilities.
Written correspondence – The circulation of a paper or hard copy memorandum or letter
among the members of a governmental body is generally not going to be considered a
“convening of the members” for purposes of the open meetings law. This is going to
usually involve a largely one-way flow of communication, any exchanges that may occur
are probably going to be spread out over time, and there will be little or no conversation-
like exchange between members. Not recommended for quasi-judicial matters.
Telephone conference calls would be very similar to in-person conversation and exchanges
and would be viewed as a convening of the members of the body.
Electronic Communications such as email and instant messaging may constitute a
convening of the members depending on how the communication medium is used. No
court has yet applied the open meetings law to this type of correspondence, but it is likely
the court will evaluate this similarly to other types of situations it has evaluated and look
at whether it is more like written correspondence or more like in-person communication.
The AG’s office has given some guidance on this issue and says that courts are likely to
consider (1) the number of participants involved in the communications; (2) the number
of communications regarding the subject; (3) the time frame within which the electronic
communications occurred; and (4) the extent of the conversation-like interactions
reflected in the communications.
The AG’s office strongly discourages the members of every governmental body from
using electronic mail to communicate about issues within the body’s realm of authority.
This type of communication has a very rapid nature of back and forth exchanges, the
general way many people write email is in conversational tones, be aware that you may
think you are sending to only one person but your email may be forwarded and
commented upon and you, as the sender, will have no control over that type of exchange.
Someone can hit "reply all" and the conversation is started.
Walking Quorums. A “walking quorum” is a series of gatherings among separate groups
of members of a governmental body who agree tacitly or explicitly to act uniformly in
sufficient number to reach a quorum. The requirements of the open meetings law cannot
be circumvented by using an agent or surrogate to poll the members of governmental
bodies through a series of individual contacts. The essential feature of the “walking
quorum” is the element of agreement among members of a body to act uniformly in
sufficient numbers to reach a quorum. Where there is no agreement theoretically
exchanges may take place without violating the open meetings law, however this is not
recommended.
General discussion regarding public policy and matters should be held in public
meetings unless an exception to the open meetings law applies.
Meetings of Multiple Bodies/Notices of Observation
When a quorum of members of one governmental body attend a meeting of another
governmental body under circumstances that are not chance or social, in order to gather
information or otherwise engage in governmental business regarding a subject over
which they have the decision-making responsibility, both governmental units must be
noticed.
If you are invited to and planning to attend something other than Council meetings or
Boards/Commissions to which you are assigned, that may fit within your City
responsibilities, let staff know, so that the matter can be noticed properly if needed.
Generally, it is easier and safer to avoid the potential issues being raised than to try to defend
actions later.
If the Open Meetings law applies, what is required?
Notice – reasonably apprising the public and media of the topics to be discussed and
items to be acted upon
Timing – at least 24 hours in advance; 24 hours is a minimum, greater notice is most often
preferable
Closed Sessions must be noticed – limited to statutory exceptions
Accessibility – must be reasonably accessible, open to the public, reasonably accessible to
persons with disabilities
Tape recording/videotaping -- o.k. as long as it does not interfere with the conduct of the
meeting
Citizen participation – The open meetings law allows citizens the right to attend and
observe but does not require that the public be allowed to speak or actively participate,
unless required by another statute, such as a public hearing on zoning issues. The
governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow
citizen participation.
Minutes and recording of votes – you are required to keep a record of the motions and
roll call votes of each meeting of the body
Public Meetings v. Public Hearings
Every meeting of the Council is a public meeting and must meet the requirements of the
Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. A meeting is for the purpose of conducting the business
of the City and while public notice and opportunity to observe are required, public
involvement is not required.
Public Hearings are required by statute in some cases for the purpose of gathering
information from the public or specifically requiring the local body to allow public
comment on particular items prior to action. Many of the actions before the Council will
require public hearings where the opportunity for public participation is required. Public
Hearings will be specifically designated on the Council Agenda.
Other resources: the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin has a Guide to Open
Meetings Law on their website at www.doj.state.wi.us.
PUBLIC RECORDS
Generally, official records will be maintained by staff so you do not need to keep copies
of the agenda, minutes and other items that you receive from staff, except as it may be
helpful to you in doing your functions.
If you receive private correspondence, letters, emails, texts, instant messages, or any other
form of recorded or written communication or information related to the business of this
body, those are also public documents. The records must be kept – you may keep them
yourself or you may give the records to staff to maintain. The general retention period
is 7 years so whatever method you choose, you should make sure to maintain the records
for a period of at least 7 years.
Staff will also respond to all records requests. If there is a request for documents that
includes for example, emails to the members. We would get in touch with you and
request members supply all information that they have in their possession that may be
responsive to the request, we would then evaluate it and provide the appropriate
information responsive to the request.
Using your own computer/email address/social media account for the conduct of
governmental business – email, blogging, etc…... may raise concerns related to record
retention and the privacy of the “private” system may be challenged, so caution is
advised.
Council members are given City email addresses. Emails using the City email address
are automatically archived by the City’s computer system.
If you receive an email to your own email address outside of this contact system, you
should archive the email by keeping your own folder of City emails or by copying the
email to your city staff email address with a note that you received it at your home
address and are copying the City email for archive purposes.
Other resources: the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin has a Guide to the
Wisconsin Public Records Law on their website at www.doj.state.wi.us.
LEGISLATIVE
&
QUASI-JUDICIAL
MATTERS
Legislative and Quasi-Judicial Roles. Certain Boards and Commissions of the City operate
both as a legislative and quasi-judicial body. It is important to distinguish between these
roles.
Legislative actions are actions that affect the community as a whole. Legislative actions
involve broader policy choices as opposed to determinations regarding specific
individuals, businesses or properties. When a board or commission reviews or adopts
studies, policies, plans, or ordinances, that body is acting in its legislative capacity.
Governmental bodies exercising legislative authority are afforded a great deal of
discretion and are generally limited only by procedural, statutory limitations and
constitutional concerns.
In contrast, items that are brought by an individual applicant for decision or
recommendation before a board or commission will require the application of quasi-
judicial rules and processes; as well as some items initiated by staff or direction of the
Council if they affect specific or a limited identifiable group of individuals/properties.
Quasi-judicial determinations involve the application of a statute or ordinance to a
specific set of facts, particular property or individual/business. They may require fact
finding, a formal or informal hearing, and a determination applying the standards and
rules to the particular situation.
When a governmental body is acting in its quasi-judicial capacity, the body is required to
provide Due Process to the person(s) whose rights are affected. The minimum
requirements of Due Process include timely and adequate notice; the opportunity to be
heard before an impartial body; as well as the opportunity to review the information
provided to the body and question that information and witnesses.
Special Considerations when dealing with individuals or individual properties / Hearings / Quasi-
Judicial Hearings
Avoiding Impartiality / Bias
In addition to the specific ethics requirements contained in the Wisconsin statutes, when
acting in a quasi-judicial manner governmental body members must not harbor bias, or
an impermissibly high risk of bias, or prejudge the matter before them.
Does your relationship with the applicant or others related to the case before you bias or
prejudice your independent review and judgment of the case? If the answer is yes, then
you should recuse yourself from acting on the matter.
Avoid even the appearance of Bias or conflict of interest. Balance this with the
responsibility to act as a member of the body when appropriate. Courts have not found
a conflict of interest or an impermissibly high risk of bias only because a member of a
board or commission has an expertise in a particular area or because a member may
have strong feelings about a particular issue.
Recusal – do not participate in the discussion or the decision, consider physically
separating yourself from the board or commission (sitting in the audience, leaving the
meeting), not the same as abstaining (not voting).
Due process /fairness and impartiality in a hearing:
As a body – ensure impartiality in the process
Ensure that proper notice is provided to affected persons
Provide reasonable opportunity to be heard
Base your decisions on the facts presented at the hearing and the statutory and
ordinance standards only
Other considerations:
Onsite inspections -
If you go, you need to have permission to go on the property, otherwise it is trespass.
If the body goes as a group to visit the site, then the public is also allowed to visit as it is
an open meeting. Group visits must be noticed as an open meeting.
All questioning and discussion should be saved for the formal meeting setting to allow
for adequate opportunity for people to hear the discussion and for the taking of minutes.
Information gathered during a site visit must be included in the hearing record to be
considered.
Ex parte Communications -- Ex parte Communication is discussion regarding a pending
matter not included in the public record. Avoid it. If you do have a discussion, disclose
it and encourage citizens to make important information part of the record. Do not
consider information gathered in discussions outside of the hearing in the decision, if you
feel you cannot set the information aside, consider not hearing the matter.
If your role involves determining the intent of an ordinance and its application to a
particular situation. Rely on the text of the ordinance itself first. If the ordinance is not
ambiguous, use only the ordinance in making your determination. If a word is defined
in the ordinance, use that definition. If a word is not defined in the ordinance, use the
common dictionary definition, the plain meaning. Implement the intent of the
ordinance – if there is a purpose section of the ordinance, does this decision further that
purpose? You may rely on documented evidence of intent – purpose section of the
ordinance, memos or statements documented in minutes at the time the ordinance was
passed. Give effect to all provisions – do not make an interpretation that renders part of
an ordinance meaningless or surplus. Do not render an interpretation that creates a
conflict between ordinance provisions.
When you are acting in a Quasi-Judicial capacity, it is even more important to formally
document your decision and the basis for the decision –
Standards, Determinations of Fact and Conclusions
Findings in Record – whatever the decision reached by the body, findings should be
included in the minutes and record. If the board or commission is adopting the staff
report and there is not a reference in a prepared ordinance or resolution to that effect,
affirmatively state that the body is adopting the staff report as the basis for its findings of
fact and determination. If there are exceptions or additions to what was presented in the
staff report, you may adopt the staff report noting also that any additions or corrections
to the staff report.
A motion may be made that the board or commission adopt the findings and
recommendation of the staff report as the findings and determination of the body.
Additions or amendments to the staff report findings or recommendation may then be
made by amendments. For example, I move to amend the motion to add a condition that
…..; or I move to amend the motion to add a finding that ……
Alternatively if the additions or corrections are immediately apparent they may be
incorporated into the original motion. For example I move to adopt the staff report as
the findings and determination of the board with the following correction; or I move to
adopt the staff report as the findings and determination of the board and in addition add
the following condition.
Judicial Appeals
Generally, courts will uphold a board or commission’s determination if you have
followed the proper procedures and the determination appears “reasonable”.
Standards
1. was the matter decided within the body’s jurisdiction?
2. did the commission follow the proper procedures (open meetings law, public
notice, hearing procedure, decision on record)?
3. did the commission apply the proper standard in making the decision?
4. could a reasonable person have reached the conclusion reached by the commission
on the record before them?
5. do the facts in the record support the decision?
6. Was the action arbitrary, oppressive or unreasonable?
The court may affirm, reverse or modify the decision in whole or in part
An overturned decision may be sent back to the board or commission with directions to
decide the matter consistent with the court’s findings.
ETHICS
ETHICS
In general, there are two kinds of restrictions placed upon local officials. The first restricts
an official from personally profiting from holding the public office. The second restricts
an official from participating in decisions in which the official has a personal financial
interest. Related to these the statute specifically includes a prohibition on certain actions
as either a local public official or candidate in relation to political promises and
contributions.
Accepting items
A. A local public official may not accept items or services of substantial value for private
benefit, or for the benefit of the official's immediate family or associated organizations,
if offered because of public position.
B. A local public official may not accept (and no one may offer or give) anything of value
that could reasonably be expected to influence the official's vote, official actions or
judgment.
C. A local public official may not accept (and no one may offer or give) anything of value
that could reasonably be considered a reward for any official action or inaction.
Controlling conflicting interests
A. A local public official may not take official action substantially affecting a matter in
which the official, the official's immediate family, or associated organization has a
substantial financial interest.
B. A local public official may not use office or position to produce a substantial benefit
for official, family, or associated organization.
If you have any questions about an upcoming item and whether you should vote on it or
if you have any questions about a gratuity or anything else where you are concerned
about the ethics of it, please feel free to call the City Attorney’s office.
substantial means not nominal, insignificant or trivial
"Associated", when used with reference to an organization, includes any
organization in which an individual or a member of his or her immediate family is a
director, officer or trustee, or owns or controls, directly or indirectly, and severally or
in the aggregate, at least 10% of the outstanding equity or of which an individual or a
member of his or her immediate family is an authorized representative or agent.
What should you do if you have a financial interest in a matter coming before you or if
you identify a conflict of interest in relation to a matter coming before you?
Do not participate in the discussion and do not vote on the matter. The attorney general’s
office recommends removing yourself from the room. In some cases this may be more
disruptive to the meeting but if you are concerned that your presence may influence your
fellow council or board members you should consider stepping away from the table to
the public portion of the room or leaving the room.
If you receive something that you believe is related to your official position and would
be a violation of the laws or would create an appearance of undue influence, you have
several options. You may return the item, you may give it to the City, another public
institution or a charitable organization or you may purchase the item for its full value if
it is something that you want to keep or an event you wish to attend.
Enforcement and Penalties
While staff and the City Attorney’s office may give you advice in regard to these matters,
the final decision will be yours to make and enforcement and penalties will be personal
to you.
Complaints can be made to the District Attorney and Attorney General’s offices
regarding violations of the state ethics code and you may be personally fined for
violations. Penalties include a forfeiture of not more than $1000 for each violation, plus
the value of the item and costs.
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission provides Guidelines regarding Ethics that are
attached at the end of this Manual and provide an excellent reference for Ethics
questions.
§946.12 Wisconsin Statutes - Misconduct in Public Office
Any official who does any of the following is subject to prosecution under the
Misconduct in Public Office Statute:
• Intentionally fails or refuses to perform a known mandatory,
nondiscretionary, ministerial duty
• Does an act which the person knows exceeds their lawful authority or is
forbidden by law in the persons official capacity
• Exercises a discretionary power in a manner inconsistent with the duties of
their office or the rights of others with the intent to obtain a dishonest
advantage personally or for another
• Intentionally and materially falsifies an entry in an account or record book,
report or statement
• Under the color of the office, intentionally solicits or accepts for the
performance of any service or duty anything of value
Penalty: Violation is a Class I felony and subjects the person to a fine of not more than
$10,000, imprisonment for not more than 3½ years, or both.
§946.13 Wisconsin Statutes - Private Interest in Public Contracts
Municipal officials are prohibited from negotiating or bidding on contracts in which the
public official has a financial interest if they also have an official responsibility to act in
relation to that contract and cannot in their official capacity participate in the making of
a contract in which they have a direct or indirect financial interest.
It is important to note that this is a criminal statute that is strict liability and does not
require the intent to violate; and that abstaining from voting on the contract will not
prevent a violation.
Prohibits municipal officials from having a private financial interest in a public contract.
1) Prohibition Against Private Action. A public official may not in his or her private
capacity negotiate or bid for or enter into a contract in which the public official has
a direct or indirect financial interest if the official is “authorized or required by law
to participate” in his or her capacity as such officer or employee in the making of
that contract. § 946.13(1)(a).
2) Prohibition Against Official Action. A public official may not participate in the
making of a contract in his or her official capacity if the official has a direct or
indirect financial interest in the contract. § 946.13(1)(b).
There are a few exceptions in this statute pertaining primarily to smaller contracts of less
than $15,000 per year and financing relationships.
A Contract entered into in violation of this section is void.
Penalty: Violation is a Class I felony and subjects the person to a fine of not more than
$10,000, imprisonment for not more than 3½ years, or both.
§946.10 Wisconsin Statutes - Bribery
Public officials are prohibited from directly or indirectly accepting or offering to accept
any property or personal advantage based on an understanding that the official will act
in a certain manner regrading any matter pending or that might come before them in
their official capacity
Penalty: Violation is a Class H felony and subjects the person to a fine of not more than
$10,000, imprisonment for not more than 6 years, or both.
Compatibility of Offices
The Compatibility Doctrine is a common law prohibition, created by courts rather than
by a statute.
The same person cannot hold two offices or office and position where one post is superior
to the other or where, from public policy perspective, it is improper for one person to
discharge duties of both posts.
The Practical effect of this rule is that Governing body members cannot hold other
positions/employment with municipality unless expressly authorized.
Compatibility Doctrine Violations
If there is a Compatibility Doctrine Violation, courts have concluded that the person has
vacated the first office if they take an incompatible second office.
Positions Created during Term
During the Council term for which you were elected you may not apply for or take a
position that was created during your term of office. This prohibition would apply even
if you would resign first. For example, if a position is created in the annual budget, a
council member is not eligible to apply for that position.
However, a council member may be appointed to office or position not created during
member’s term of office if they resign first.
Governing body members may run at any time for new or existing elective offices.
Additional Resources
The Statute of Wisconsin Ethics Commission provides helpful Guidelines for Local Public
Officials pertaining to Ethics which are included in the following pages.
State of Wisconsin Ethics Commission at www.ethics.wi.gov
League of Wisconsin Municipalities: https://www.lwm-info.org
League of Wisconsin Municipalities FAQ’s: https://www.lwm-info.org/831/Frequently-
Asked-Questions
This is a guide. For authoritative information consult Wisconsin Statutes.
Prepared by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. 212 E. Washington Ave, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-8123
Website: http://ethics.wi.gov.Rev. 10/16. . ETH1202
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Citizen’s Guide
Standards Of Conduct For Local Government Officials
Wisconsin Statutes establish standards of conduct for all of our state’s governmental officials, including
local officials. These legal requirements apply to elected and key appointed officials of our state’s
counties, cities, villages, towns, school boards, and sewerage and other special districts.1
Standards of conduct. In general, a local public official should not:
ACT OFFICIALLY IN A MATTER IN WHICH THE OFFICIAL IS PRIVATELY INTERESTED
USE GOVERNMENT POSITION FOR PRIVATE FINANCIAL BENEFIT
ACCEPT TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, FOOD, BEVERAGES, OR ANYTHING ELSE OF MORE THAN
TOKEN VALUE OFFERED BECAUSE THE OFFICIAL HOLDS A GOVERNMENT POSITION
SOLICIT OR ACCEPT REWARDS OR ITEMS OR SERVICES LIKELY TO INFLUENCE THE OFFICIAL
OFFER OR PROVIDE INFLUENCE IN EXCHANGE FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
BE FINANCIALLY INTERESTED IN A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT THE VALUE OF WHICH EXCEEDS
$15,000 AND FOR WHICH THE OFFICIAL IS AUTHORIZED TO TAKE SOME DISCRETIONARY
ACTION (EVEN IF THE OFFICIAL ABSTAINS)2
Financial disclosure. Some local governments make available a list of the employers and financial
interests of their government's officials.3 Most do not. The decision to collect this information is one that
the legislature has left to each unit of government. To learn if your county, municipality, or town
provides this information, ask your county or municipal clerk.
Addressing issues before they become problems. To deal with a conflict between a private interest and
governmental responsibilities before an official takes a vote or enters into discussions on a matter, the
official can either resolve the matter by relinquishing the private interest or mitigate the problem by
temporarily withdrawing from exercise of governmental responsibilities. By seeking advice beforehand,
an official can determine whether statutory restrictions permit the official to participate in a matter or to
accept items or services of value.
Ordinarily, the legal advisor for the unit of government of which the official’s position is a part is in the
best position to advise the government official about a matter involving ethical standards of conduct.
Sometimes, a statewide association of local governments will advise an official.4
If, after studying the legal standards and gathering the pertinent facts, the legal counsel is uncertain about
what advice to offer, the lawyer may direct a letter to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission stating the
pertinent facts and law, tentative conclusion, and basis for it, and ask that the Wisconsin Ethics
Commission issue an opinion concerning the interpretation of §19.59, the Code of Ethics for Local
Government Officials, Employees and Candidates. Written requests for advice are confidential. No
1 §19.59, Wisconsin Statutes.
2 §946.13, Wisconsin Statutes. See text of statutes for exceptions to general rule.
3 Among the local governments requiring their officials to identify information about their sources of income and investments are the cities of
Madison and Milwaukee and the counties of Dane, Milwaukee, and Wood.
4 Examples include Wisconsin Counties Association, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Towns Association, Wisconsin
Association of School Boards.
member or employee of the Ethics Commission may make public the identity of anyone requesting an
advisory opinion or of persons mentioned in an opinion. Periodically, the Commission publishes sum-
maries of its opinions after making sufficient alterations to prevent the identification of the requestor and
persons mentioned in the opinions. The Statutes do not authorize the Commission to issue an opinion to
a citizen or to an official or representative of a local government other than the local government's legal
counsel.
Complaints. If you believe that an official of a county, city, village, town, school board, or special
purpose district has violated a standard of conduct that state law requires the official to observe, you may
file a complaint with the Commission, or with the district attorney for the county in which the activity
occurred.
Your complaint should describe the pertinent facts succinctly. State that you swear or affirm that the
information you are providing is true to the best of your knowledge, information, and belief. Have a
notary or other person authorized to administer an oath witness your signature to the complaint. Deliver
the complaint to the Commission or district attorney, in person, or by mail, or other appropriate way you
find convenient.
Allow the Commission or district attorney a reasonable length of time to look into the matter. It may
take several weeks to look into the facts and law in order to make a good decision about how to proceed.
If the complaint about a local public official is filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, the
Commission’s policy is to refer it to the local district attorney. If the district attorney has not responded
to a complaint within 60 days of a referral, the Commission may refer the matter to the Attorney
General.
Individuals may also file a complaint directly with the district attorney. If the district attorney has not
filed a complaint or replied to you within 20 days of your filing a complaint with that office, you may
send a copy of your complaint to the Attorney General’s Office, explaining that the district attorney,
after considering your complaint for 20 days or more, has not begun an action against the person you
complained about, and ask the Attorney General to enforce the complaint. If the Attorney General also
declines to prosecute the matter, you will at least have the satisfaction that two law enforcement agencies
have had the opportunity to review your complaint and act upon it. The Wisconsin Ethics Commission
cannot overturn the decisions of the district attorney or Attorney General or, independent of them,
enforce standards of conduct for local government officials.
This is a guide. For authoritative information consult Wisconsin Statutes.
Specific questions may be directed to your local governmental attorney or local ethics board.
Prepared by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. 212 E. Washington Ave, 3rd Floor,, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-8123
Website: http://ethics.wi.gov Rev. 10/16. ETH-1219
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Local officials’ receipt of food, drink, favors, services, etc.
Wisconsin law forbids a public official to use free or discounted transportation, traveling
accommodation, or communication services for which the supplier would usually charge [§946.11,
Wisconsin Statutes; Art. 13, §11, Wisconsin Constitution],1 Otherwise – Consistent with the statutes
administered by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, local public officials2 may accept and retain:
a. ITEMS AND SERVICES UNRELATED TO PUBLIC POSITION.
Food, drink, transportation, lodging, items, and services which are offered for a reason unrelated to
the recipient's holding a public position [§ 19.59(1)(a)] and which could not reasonably be expected
to influence an official’s vote, official actions or judgment, nor reasonably be considered a reward
for any official action or inaction;
b. EXPENSES PROVIDED BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNIT.
Food, drink, transportation, lodging, or payment or reimbursement of costs that are provided by or
for the benefit of the local governmental unit, not for a private benefit; and
c. ITEMS OF INSUBSTANTIAL VALUE.
Mere tokens and items or services of only nominal, insignificant, or trivial value.
STATUTORY RESTRAINTS
Except as noted on the other side of the page, local public officials should not accept:
1. ITEMS OR SERVICES OFFERED BECAUSE OF PUBLIC POSITION. Any item or service, including
food, drink, and travel, of more than nominal value offered because of the person's holding a public
office [§ 19.59(1)(a)];
2. ITEMS THAT COULD INFLUENCE JUDGMENT. Any item or service that could reasonably be
expected to influence an official's vote, official actions or judgment [§19.59(1)(b)];
3. REWARDS FOR OFFICIAL ACTION. Any item or service that could reasonably be considered a
reward for any official action or inaction [§19.59(1)(b)]; and
4. TRANSPORTATION OR TRAVELING ACCOMMODATIONS. Discounted transportation, traveling
accommodations, or communication services for which the supplier would usually charge [§946.11;
Art. 13, §11].
1 Consult local ordinances and other state law not administered by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission for any additional restrictions.
2 "Local public officials" include: (a) elected officers of political subdivisions and special purpose districts of the state; (b) county administrators or
administrative coordinators; (c) city or village managers; (d) individuals appointed to a position in a political subdivision or special purpose
district for a specified term; and (e) individuals appointed to a position by the governing body, executive, or administrative head of a political
subdivision or special purpose district and serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Local officials’ receipt of food, drink, favors, services, etc.
To analyze a situation in which you are offered
items or services, ask yourself these questions:
1. With respect to the item or service offered:
a. Is it being offered because of my public position?
b. Is it of more than nominal or insignificant value?
c. Is it primarily for my personal benefit rather than for the benefit of my local unit of government?
If you answer "yes" to all three questions, you may not accept the item or service.
2. Would it be reasonable for someone to believe that the item or service is likely to influence my
judgment or actions or that it is a reward for past action? If you answer "yes," you may not accept
the item or service.
If you have any doubts about a situation, seek advice from your local governmental attorney.
This is a guide. For authoritative information consult Wisconsin Statutes.
Prepared by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. 101 E. Wilson St., Room 127, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-8123
Website: http://ethics.wi.gov Revised 05/19. ETH-1232
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
For State and Local Public Officials
Mitigating Conflicting Interests:
Private Interest Vs. Public Responsibility
In a representative democracy, the representatives are drawn from society and, therefore, cannot and should not be without all personal and economic interest in the decisions and policies of government. Citizens who serve as state public officials retain their rights as citizens to interests of a personal or economic nature. Standards of ethical conduct for state public officials need to distinguish between those minor and inconsequential conflicts that are unavoidable in a free society, and those conflicts which are substantial and material. State public officials may need to engage in employment, professional or business activities, other than official duties, in order to support themselves or their families and to maintain a continuity of professional or business activity, or may need to maintain investments. WIS. STAT. § 19.45(1). ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAKING POLICY. When a public official or a board, commission, or other body of which an official is a member is called upon to propose or to act on legislation, to promulgate a rule, or to issue a general policy, the official may participate in that action even though the action will affect the official, a member
of the official's immediate family, or an organization with which the official is associated1, as long as:
• The official's action affects a whole class of similarly situated interests;
• Neither the official's interest, the interest of a member of the official's immediate family, nor the interest of a business or organization with which the official is associated1 is significant when compared to all affected interests in the class; AND
• The action's effect on the interests of the official, of a member of the official's immediate family, or of the related business or organization is neither significantly greater nor less than upon other members of the class.
See e.g., 2008 GAB 02; 11 Op. Eth Bd 9 (1989); 8 Op. Eth Bd 33 (1985); 5 Op. Eth Bd 89, 65, 59; 4 Op. Eth Bd 104 (1981). APPLYING POLICY. A public official should not, in an official capacity, participate in or perform any discretionary action with respect to the making, grant, or imposition of an award, sanction, permit, license, grant, contract, offer of employment, or agreement in which the official or a member of the official's immediate family or a business or organization with which the official is associated has a substantial financial interest, direct or indirect. WIS. STAT. §§ 19.45(2), 19.46(1), 19.59(1)(a) and (c). In addition, a public official should not, in an official capacity, participate in a matter affecting a business or organization from which the official or a member of the official’s immediate family receives substantial compensation or income. See WIS. STAT. §§ 19.45(3), 19.59(1)(b); 2013 GAB 01, 1994 Wis Eth Bd 5.
1 “Associated” included any organization in which an individual or a member of his or her immediate family is a director, officer, or trustee, or owns or controls, directly or indirectly, and severally or in the aggregate, at least 10% of the outstanding equity, or of which an individual or a member of his or her immediate family is an authorized representative or agent. WIS. STAT. § 19.42(2).
HOW TO WITHDRAW FROM OFFICIAL ACTION When a matter in which a public official should not participate comes before the legislature, a board,
commission, or other body of which the official is a member, the official should refrain from discussion, deliberations, or votes related to that matter and ask that the body's minutes reflect that the member has withdrawn. The body's remaining members may review the matter and take whatever action they find
appropriate. 1992 Wis Eth Bd 22. ACTING IN A PRIVATE CAPACITY APPLICATIONS, BIDS, AND CONTRACTS. Usually, a public official should not, in a private capacity, apply, negotiate, bid for, or receive any award, sanction, permit, license, grant, contract, offer of
employment, or agreement in which the official has a private financial interest, direct or indirect, if the official is authorized to perform in regard to it any governmental function requiring the exercise of discretion, even if the official does not participate in the governmental action or exert any influence on his or her own behalf. WIS. STAT. § 946.13 REPRESENTING CLIENTS. A public official should not, for compensation or on behalf of an employer, represent an individual, business, or organization before a board, commission, or other body of which an official is a member. The statutory code of ethics is not an obstacle to a local official's partner or business associate representing a client before such board, commission, or other body as long as the official is not financially interested in, and does not exercise control over, the representation. WIS. STAT. §§ 19.45(3), 19.45(7), 19.59(1)(b).
This is a guide. For authoritative information consult Wisconsin Statutes.
Prepared by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. 212 E. Washington Ave., 3rd Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-8123
Website: http://ethics.wi.gov Visit the Commission’s website to ensure you have the most current version of this Guideline. ETH-1235
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
For State And Local Public Officials
Disposition And Reporting Of Gifts
Occasionally an official receives a gift that the Ethics Code does not permit the official to retain.
Appropriate disposition of an item depends on the circumstances.
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission generally recommends that a state or local public official:
Turn the item over to the official’s agency, if the item is one the agency can use or sell (but the
agency may not sell the item to a government employee1).
Turn the item over to another state agency or to a public institution, such as a local school,
library, or museum that can use the item.
Donate the item to a charitable organization (other than one of which the official or a family
member is an officer, director, or agent).
Return the item to the donor.
If the donor is neither a lobbyist nor an organization that employs a lobbyist, purchase the item
(by paying the donor the full retail value), and retain it.
Reporting receipt of a gift
An official, when filing a Statement of Economic Interests with the Ethics Commission, must identify in
the Statement each organization or individual (other than a family member) that gave the official a gift
valued at more than $50 during the prior year. Unless the official returned the gift to the donor, the
official should identify the donor on the Statement even if the official has redirected the gift to another
person, organization, or office or agency or has applied it to the benefit of the state or a local
government.
1 In an unpublished opinion dated November 16, 2004, Wisconsin’s Attorney General stated:
“The Legislature has unambiguously and comprehensively prohibited government agencies from selling to “any
employees…any article, material, product or merchandise of whatsoever nature” with three specified exceptions not applicable here. Wis. Stat. §175.10 (1) (2001-02). This statute makes no exception for articles of limited usefulness to an agency. The plain language of Wis. Stat. §175.10 (1) prohibits a governmental agency from selling to an employee an article that has been turned over to the agency by an employee who was not authorized to receive it under state
law, but which the agency cannot use.
If an agency cannot use an article turned over by an employee, the agency, should either give it to the state or
to a charitable organization which can put it to good use either for its own purposes or in a resale shop.”
This is a guide. For authoritative information consult Wisconsin Statutes.
Prepared by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. 212 E. Washington Ave., 3rd Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-8123
Website: http://ethics.wi.gov Visit the Commission’s website to ensure you have the most current version of this Guideline. ETH-1235
Gift Disposition Resources
Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, Videos
Madison area:
Madison Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin St. (608) 266-6300
Memorial Library, 728 State St. (608) 262-3193
For locations of other libraries in Wisconsin and throughout the United States, visit www.publiclibraries.com.
Clothing and Merchandise
Madison area:
American Red Cross, 4860 Sheboygan Avenue (608) 233-9300
Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin, 2127 E. Springs Dr. (608) 246-3147
Salvation Army of Dane County, 3030 Darbo Dr. (608) 256-2321
St. Vincent de Paul, 1309 Williamson St. (608) 257-0673
YWCA, 101 E. Mifflin St. (608) 257-1436
For other donation information and locations, you may visit the national websites for the above organizations at:
www.redcross.org; www.goodwill.org; www.svdpusa.org; www.ywca.org; www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Food/Perishables and Non-perishable Food Items
Madison area:
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, 2802 Dairy Drive (608) 223-9121;
www.secondharvestmadison.org.
YWCA, 101 E. Mifflin St. (608) 257-1436
Salvation Army, 630 E. Washington Ave. (608) 256-2321
St. Vincent de Paul, 1309 Williamson St. (608) 257-0919
You may also contact a local food pantry or other charitable organization of your choosing. It is always a good
idea to call ahead and see what is being accepted and/or what is in greatest need prior to your donation.
Flowers/Plants
Madison area:
Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. (608) 266-6581
Other suggested donation sites are churches and senior centers in the area of your choosing.
Many of the above items are welcomed by Porchlight, Inc., an organization in Madison that provides emergency
shelter and assists with homelessness. 306 N. Brooks St. (608) 257-2534.
For other charitable organizations, you may visit the Partners in Giving website at https://giving.wi.gov/.
Please note that the resources listed are simply suggestions for your convenience, and the Wisconsin Ethics
Commission does not endorse or recommend any particular charitable organization. If you would like to
nominate additional organizations for inclusion on the list, please send an e-mail to Ethics@wi.gov .
CITY OF OSHKOSH
ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART
City Council Members
7 Members
2 Year Terms
City Council Members
7 Members
2 Year Terms
City Manager
1 City Manager
1 Executive Assistant
2
City Manager
1 City Manager
1 Executive Assistant
2
Administrative Services Department
1 Assistant City Manager / Director of
Administrative Services
1
Administrative Services Department
1 Assistant City Manager / Director of
Administrative Services
1
General Services Division
1 General Services Manager
1 Purchasing Agent
1 Office Assistant
1 Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
7 Facilities Maintenance Techs
1.64 Maintenance Workers
1 Facilities Project Coordinator
1 Plumber
1 Communications Coordinator
1 Media Services Coordinator
1 Video Editing Technician
17.64
General Services Division
1 General Services Manager
1 Purchasing Agent
1 Office Assistant
1 Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
7 Facilities Maintenance Techs
1.64 Maintenance Workers
1 Facilities Project Coordinator
1 Plumber
1 Communications Coordinator
1 Media Services Coordinator
1 Video Editing Technician
17.64
Human Resources
1 Human Resources Manager
1 Benefits Coordinator
1 Safety and Risk Management Officer
2 Human Resources Generalists
1 Human Resources Assistant
6
Human Resources
1 Human Resources Manager
1 Benefits Coordinator
1 Safety and Risk Management Officer
2 Human Resources Generalists
1 Human Resources Assistant
6
Information Technology Division
1 Information Technology Manager
1 Network Administrator
2 Systems Analysts/Web Developers
1 GIS Administrator
1 GIS Technician
1 Desktop Support Technician
1 Help Desk Specialist
1 Telecommunications Specialist
1 Tech. Support Services Coordinator
10
Information Technology Division
1 Information Technology Manager
1 Network Administrator
2 Systems Analysts/Web Developers
1 GIS Administrator
1 GIS Technician
1 Desktop Support Technician
1 Help Desk Specialist
1 Telecommunications Specialist
1 Tech. Support Services Coordinator
10
City Clerk Department
1 City Clerk
1 Deputy City Clerk
2 Elections Specialist
4.00
City Clerk Department
1 City Clerk
1 Deputy City Clerk
2 Elections Specialist
4.00
Community Development
Department
1 Director of Community
Development
1 Administrative Assistant
2
Community Development
Department
1 Director of Community
Development
1 Administrative Assistant
2
Assessor Services Division
1 City Assessor
3 Property Appraiser
1 Office Assistant
.8 Assessment Tech
5.8
Assessor Services Division
1 City Assessor
3 Property Appraiser
1 Office Assistant
.8 Assessment Tech
5.8
Inspection Services Division
1 Chief Building Official
4 Building Systems Inspectors
1 Plumbing Inspector
1 Housing Inspector
2 Inspection Technician
9
Inspection Services Division
1 Chief Building Official
4 Building Systems Inspectors
1 Plumbing Inspector
1 Housing Inspector
2 Inspection Technician
9
Planning Services Division
1 Planning Services Manager
2 Principal Planner
1 Planners
1 Assistant Planners
1 Associate Planner
1 Zoning Administrator
2 Office Assistants
1 Housing Specialist
10
Planning Services Division
1 Planning Services Manager
2 Principal Planner
1 Planners
1 Assistant Planners
1 Associate Planner
1 Zoning Administrator
2 Office Assistants
1 Housing Specialist
10
Finance Department
1 Director of Finance
2 Assistant Finance Director
1 Payroll Coordinator
1 Staff Accountant
1 Management Analyst
6
Finance Department
1 Director of Finance
2 Assistant Finance Director
1 Payroll Coordinator
1 Staff Accountant
1 Management Analyst
6
Accounting and Collections
Division
4 Account Clerk II
1 Account Clerk lll
2 Financial Specialists
7
Accounting and Collections
Division
4 Account Clerk II
1 Account Clerk lll
2 Financial Specialists
7
Water and Sewer Utility
Division
1 Financial Utility Manager
4 Account Clerk II
1 Customer Service Clerk
6
Water and Sewer Utility
Division
1 Financial Utility Manager
4 Account Clerk II
1 Customer Service Clerk
6
Fire Department
1 Fire Chief
2 Assistant Fire Chief
6 Battalion Chiefs
9 Fire Captains
14 Fire Lieutenants
21 Fire Equipment Operator
59 Firefighter
3 EMS Shift Coordinators
1 Admin Assistant
1 Management Analyst
1 Community Program Coordinator
118
Fire Department
1 Fire Chief
2 Assistant Fire Chief
6 Battalion Chiefs
9 Fire Captains
14 Fire Lieutenants
21 Fire Equipment Operator
59 Firefighter
3 EMS Shift Coordinators
1 Admin Assistant
1 Management Analyst
1 Community Program Coordinator
118
Legal Department
1 City Attorney
1 Deputy City Attorney
1 Assistant City Attorney
1 Paralegal
4
Legal Department
1 City Attorney
1 Deputy City Attorney
1 Assistant City Attorney
1 Paralegal
4
Library
1 Library Director
2 Assistant Library Directors
1 Library Marketing Coordinator
4 Managing Librarians
7 Librarians
1.75 Operations Manager
1 Graphic Artist
1.20 Library Assistant I
14.60 Library Assistant II
1 Library Maintenance Engineer
0.50 Building Maintenance Custodian
5.77 Pages
40.82
Library
1 Library Director
2 Assistant Library Directors
1 Library Marketing Coordinator
4 Managing Librarians
7 Librarians
1.75 Operations Manager
1 Graphic Artist
1.20 Library Assistant I
14.60 Library Assistant II
1 Library Maintenance Engineer
0.50 Building Maintenance Custodian
5.77 Pages
40.82
Museum
1 Director of Museum
1 Assistant Museum Director / Chief Curator
1 Administrative Assistant
1 Exhibit Technician
1 Graphic Artist
1 Curator
1 Curator of Education
1 Marketing Coordinator
1 Registrar
1 Archivist
1 Visitor Services Associate
0.62 Visitor Services Assistant
11.62
Museum
1 Director of Museum
1 Assistant Museum Director / Chief Curator
1 Administrative Assistant
1 Exhibit Technician
1 Graphic Artist
1 Curator
1 Curator of Education
1 Marketing Coordinator
1 Registrar
1 Archivist
1 Visitor Services Associate
0.62 Visitor Services Assistant
11.62
Parks Department
1 Director of Parks
1 Administrative Assistant
1 Marketing/Fund Development Coordinator
1 Special Events Coordinator
4
Parks Department
1 Director of Parks
1 Administrative Assistant
1 Marketing/Fund Development Coordinator
1 Special Events Coordinator
4
Landscape Division
1 Landscape Operations Manager
3 Landscape Operations Ground Specialist
3 Arborists
2 Horticulturist
0.67 PT Office Assistant
9.67
Landscape Division
1 Landscape Operations Manager
3 Landscape Operations Ground Specialist
3 Arborists
2 Horticulturist
0.67 PT Office Assistant
9.67
Parks Division
1 Assistant Director Of Parks
7 Parks Trades Technician
1 Lead Parks Maintenance Worker
3 Parks Maintenance Worker
3 Zoo Specialist
1 Equipment Mechanic
16
Parks Division
1 Assistant Director Of Parks
7 Parks Trades Technician
1 Lead Parks Maintenance Worker
3 Parks Maintenance Worker
3 Zoo Specialist
1 Equipment Mechanic
16
Parks Revenue Facilities
1 Revenue Facilities Manager
1
Parks Revenue Facilities
1 Revenue Facilities Manager
1
Senior Services Division
1 Senior Services Manager
1 Program Supervisor
1 Office Assistant
0.46 Fitness Instructors
0.33 General Instructors
0.27 Building Attendant
0.61 Assistant Activity Coordinator
0.53 Associate Activities Coordinator
2 Activities Coordinators
7.2
Senior Services Division
1 Senior Services Manager
1 Program Supervisor
1 Office Assistant
0.46 Fitness Instructors
0.33 General Instructors
0.27 Building Attendant
0.61 Assistant Activity Coordinator
0.53 Associate Activities Coordinator
2 Activities Coordinators
7.2
Police Department
1 Police Chief
1 Assistant Police Chief
2 Captains
5 Lieutenants
13 Sergeants
7 Detectives
72 Police Officer
5 Liaisons
1 Office Administration Manager Analyst
1 Records Supervisor
1 Office Assistant
1.67 Court Liaison Clerk
1 Administrative Assistant
2 Records and Reports Clerk
1 Crime Analyst
1 Digital Forensic Technician
1.62 Property Evidence Clerk
4.86 Telecommunications Clerk
4.24 Report Processor
1 Fleet Equipment Coordinator
3.96 PT Community Service Officer
1.89 Parking Control
133.24
Police Department
1 Police Chief
1 Assistant Police Chief
2 Captains
5 Lieutenants
13 Sergeants
7 Detectives
72 Police Officer
5 Liaisons
1 Office Administration Manager Analyst
1 Records Supervisor
1 Office Assistant
1.67 Court Liaison Clerk
1 Administrative Assistant
2 Records and Reports Clerk
1 Crime Analyst
1 Digital Forensic Technician
1.62 Property Evidence Clerk
4.86 Telecommunications Clerk
4.24 Report Processor
1 Fleet Equipment Coordinator
3.96 PT Community Service Officer
1.89 Parking Control
133.24
Public Works Department
1 Director of Public Works
1 Assistant Director of Public Works/
Utilities General Manager
1 Management Analyst
1 Administrative Assistant
4
Public Works Department
1 Director of Public Works
1 Assistant Director of Public Works/
Utilities General Manager
1 Management Analyst
1 Administrative Assistant
4
Central Garage Division
1 Public Works Mechanic Manager
1 Fleet & Equipment Repair
Coordinator
6 Fleet & Equipment Mechanics
1 Fleet & Equipment Technician
1 Office Assistant
1 Welder
11
Central Garage Division
1 Public Works Mechanic Manager
1 Fleet & Equipment Repair
Coordinator
6 Fleet & Equipment Mechanics
1 Fleet & Equipment Technician
1 Office Assistant
1 Welder
11
Engineering Division
1 Engineering Manager/City Engineer
1 Civil Engineering Supervisor
1 Construction Management Supervisor
1 Principal Civil Engineer
6 Civil Engineers
3 Civil Engineer Techs I
6 Civil Engineering Tech II
3 Civil Engineering Tech Prog Coordinators
1 Utility Locator I
1 Office Assistant
24
Engineering Division
1 Engineering Manager/City Engineer
1 Civil Engineering Supervisor
1 Construction Management Supervisor
1 Principal Civil Engineer
6 Civil Engineers
3 Civil Engineer Techs I
6 Civil Engineering Tech II
3 Civil Engineering Tech Prog Coordinators
1 Utility Locator I
1 Office Assistant
24
Sanitation Division
1 Public Works Sanitation
Manager
1 Lead Sanitation Operator
9 Sanitation Operator
1 Office Assistant
12
Sanitation Division
1 Public Works Sanitation
Manager
1 Lead Sanitation Operator
9 Sanitation Operator
1 Office Assistant
12
Streets Division
2 Public Works Street
Supervisor
1 Lead Equipment Operator
31 Equipment Operator
1 Street Maintenance Worker
1 Office Assistant
36
Streets Division
2 Public Works Street
Supervisor
1 Lead Equipment Operator
31 Equipment Operator
1 Street Maintenance Worker
1 Office Assistant
36
Utilities Division
1 Utility Operations Manager
1
Utilities Division
1 Utility Operations Manager
1
Wastewater Division
1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager
1 Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor
1 Industrial / Electrical Technician
1 Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
1 Chemist
1 Management Analyst
1 Wastewater Plant Supervisor
1 Electrical Mechanical Technician
1 Instrumentation Technician
1 Lead Maintenance Mechanic
5 Maintenance Mechanics
8 Liquids Operators
3 Solids Operators
1 Utility Operator
27
Wastewater Division
1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager
1 Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor
1 Industrial / Electrical Technician
1 Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
1 Chemist
1 Management Analyst
1 Wastewater Plant Supervisor
1 Electrical Mechanical Technician
1 Instrumentation Technician
1 Lead Maintenance Mechanic
5 Maintenance Mechanics
8 Liquids Operators
3 Solids Operators
1 Utility Operator
27
Water Filtration Plant Division
1 Water Filtration Plant Manager
1 Water Filtration Plant Supervisor
1 Industrial / Electrical Technician
2 Electrical Mechanical Technicians
7 Water Filtration Operators
2 Maintenance Mechanics
2 Environmental Health Specialists
16
Water Filtration Plant Division
1 Water Filtration Plant Manager
1 Water Filtration Plant Supervisor
1 Industrial / Electrical Technician
2 Electrical Mechanical Technicians
7 Water Filtration Operators
2 Maintenance Mechanics
2 Environmental Health Specialists
16
Transportation Department
1 Director of Transportation
1 Administrative Assistant
2
Transportation Department
1 Director of Transportation
1 Administrative Assistant
2
Citizens of Oshkosh Citizens of Oshkosh
City of Oshkosh
Table of Organization
Board of Police and Fire Commission
5 Members
5 Year Term
Board of Police and Fire Commission
5 Members
5 Year Term
Advisory Parks Board
5 Members + 2 Alt Members
3 Year Term
Advisory Parks Board
5 Members + 2 Alt Members
3 Year Term
Museum, Arts & Culture Board
5+2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Museum, Arts & Culture Board
5+2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Extraterritorial Zoning Committee
3 +2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Extraterritorial Zoning Committee
3 +2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Library Board
9 Members
3 Year Term
Library Board
9 Members
3 Year Term
Transportation Committee
5 Members +2 Alt
4 Year Term
Transportation Committee
5 Members +2 Alt
4 Year Term
Bid Board
13 + 2 alt Members
3 Year Term
Bid Board
13 + 2 alt Members
3 Year Term
Redevelopment Authority
7 Members
5 Year Term
Redevelopment Authority
7 Members
5 Year Term
Planning Commission
9 + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Planning Commission
9 + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Landmarks Commission
7+ 2 alt Members
3 Year Term
Landmarks Commission
7+ 2 alt Members
3 Year Term
Board of Review
5+2 alt Member
5 Year Term
Board of Review
5+2 alt Member
5 Year Term
Board of Zoning Appeals
5+2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Board of Zoning Appeals
5+2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Sustainability Advisory Board
7 members + 2 Alt Members
3 Year Term
Sustainability Advisory Board
7 members + 2 Alt Members
3 Year Term
Long Range Finance Committee
5 Members + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Long Range Finance Committee
5 Members + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Economic Development
1 Economic Development
Services Manager
2 Economic Development
Specialist
3
Economic Development
1 Economic Development
Services Manager
2 Economic Development
Specialist
3
Transit Division
1 Transit Operations Manager
1 Transit Operations Supervisor
1 Transport. Mechanic & Maintenance Manager
1 Lead Mechanic
2 Transit Mechanics
1 Shop Laborer
18.36 Transit Operators
3 Transit Operator Laborer
1 Transit Operator / Sign
1 Traffic Painter I
1 Traffic Painter II
1 Grants Coordinator
1 Office Assistant
33.36
Transit Division
1 Transit Operations Manager
1 Transit Operations Supervisor
1 Transport. Mechanic & Maintenance Manager
1 Lead Mechanic
2 Transit Mechanics
1 Shop Laborer
18.36 Transit Operators
3 Transit Operator Laborer
1 Transit Operator / Sign
1 Traffic Painter I
1 Traffic Painter II
1 Grants Coordinator
1 Office Assistant
33.36
Electrical Division
1 Electric Traffic Manager
4 Electricians
5
Electrical Division
1 Electric Traffic Manager
4 Electricians
5
Citizen Advisory Boards
Citizen Advisory Boards
Citizen Advisory Boards
Citizen Advisory Boards
Improve and
Maintain our
Infrastructure
Improve and
Maintain our
Infrastructure
Improve Our
Quality of Life
Assets
Improve Our
Quality of Life
Assets
Support Business
Economic
Development
Support Business
Economic
Development
Strengthen Our
Neighborhoods
Strengthen Our
Neighborhoods
Develop an
Effective, High
Performing
Government
Develop an
Effective, High
Performing
Government
Priority Goals
Priority Goals
Vision – A thriving and sustainable community offering abundant
opportunities for work and life
Mission – The City of Oshkosh provides goods and services in pursuit
of a safe and vibrant community
Vision – A thriving and sustainable community offering abundant
opportunities for work and life
Mission – The City of Oshkosh provides goods and services in pursuit
of a safe and vibrant community
Guiding Principles
Can Do Spirit – Serve the Customer with a Confident Can-Do-Spirit
Accountable – Hold Ourselves to the Highest Standards with a Dedication to Preserving the Public Trust
Transparent – Provide the Customer with Information on Our Action and Decisions
Engaging – Actively Pursue Customer Involvement Throughout the Decision Making Process
Economical – Act in a Fiscally Responsible Manner on Behalf of Our Customers
Responsive – Respond to Customers’ Requests Equitably and Fairly in a Timely, Informative and Through Manner
Innovative – Take a Prudent and Creative Approach to Problem Solving
Equitable – Strive to Achieve Equity in the Allocation of Community Resources
Inclusive – Foster Environments that Welcome Individual or Group Differences, in order to Promote Dignity,
Respect, and Opportunity for All People
Guiding Principles
Can Do Spirit – Serve the Customer with a Confident Can-Do-Spirit
Accountable – Hold Ourselves to the Highest Standards with a Dedication to Preserving the Public Trust
Transparent – Provide the Customer with Information on Our Action and Decisions
Engaging – Actively Pursue Customer Involvement Throughout the Decision Making Process
Economical – Act in a Fiscally Responsible Manner on Behalf of Our Customers
Responsive – Respond to Customers’ Requests Equitably and Fairly in a Timely, Informative and Through Manner
Innovative – Take a Prudent and Creative Approach to Problem Solving
Equitable – Strive to Achieve Equity in the Allocation of Community Resources
Inclusive – Foster Environments that Welcome Individual or Group Differences, in order to Promote Dignity,
Respect, and Opportunity for All People
Oshkosh Housing Authority
5 Members
5 Year Term
Oshkosh Housing Authority
5 Members
5 Year Term
02/08/2023
590.04
Diversity, Equity And Inclusion
5 Members + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Diversity, Equity And Inclusion
5 Members + 2 alt Member
3 Year Term
Water Distribution Division
1 Water Distribution Manager
1 Assistant Water Distribution Manager
1 Lead Water Equipment Operator
4 Lead Water Maintenance Workers
10 Water Maintenance Workers
2 Office Assistants
19
Water Distribution Division
1 Water Distribution Manager
1 Assistant Water Distribution Manager
1 Lead Water Equipment Operator
4 Lead Water Maintenance Workers
10 Water Maintenance Workers
2 Office Assistants
19
Field Operations Division
1 Field Operations Manager
1
Field Operations Division
1 Field Operations Manager
1