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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.21.25 Newsletter : TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: John Fitzpatrick, Interim City Manager DATE: February 21, 2025 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. MORE HOUSING IS ON THE WAY: The Community Development Department is happy to announce two major housing projects are moving forward within our community. Boat Works LLC has acquired two parcels on the south side of the Fox River, one parcel owned by the City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority (RDA) and the other parcel owned by the City of Oshkosh. Construction is underway on two multifamily buildings consisting of approximately 60 residential units. The City supports this development as it will help redevelop the area, provide economic benefits, and will also provide additional housing options within the City of Oshkosh. In addition, The Corridor LLC has officially closed on the RDA property located on North Main Street and Jefferson Street. This project will consist of 55 units of low-income and workforce housing, as well as a two-shift childcare facility. Construction will begin as soon as the weather permits this spring and is set to be completed by the end of 2026. The City is particularly excited about this project as its proposed two-shift childcare facility will be the first of its kind in Oshkosh. For more information about either of these projects, please reach out to Director of Community Development Kelly Nieforth. 2. KEEP OSHKOSH SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE – YOUR ROLE IN SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT: As we continue through the winter season, the City of Oshkosh (City) would like to remind all residents about the importance of keeping our community safe and navigable for everyone. Please note the following requirements and requests regarding snow and ice removal: Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks and Handicap Ramps To maintain a walkable city, property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and handicap ramps adjacent to their properties within twenty-four (24) hours after the end of a snow/ice event. Prompt snow removal: • Enhances pedestrian safety. • Ensures access for individuals with mobility challenges. • Prevents potential fines and charges. o The City solicited bids from contractors to perform snow removal at locations where they were not cleared of ice or snow. The minimum charge for snow and/or ice removal from sidewalk is $173. Additional charges are incurred for clearing handicap ramps/crosswalk access and for frontages over 100’. The cost to clear handicap ramps/crosswalk access is an additional $105. Please act swiftly after a snowfall to keep our pathways clear and safe for all. Protect Our Community – Clear Fire Hydrants and Inlets In addition to clearing sidewalks, we ask for your assistance in keeping fire hydrants visible and accessible, as well as keeping storm drain inlets unobstructed. With warming temperatures, blocked inlets can lead to localized flooding and additional icing as temperatures fall again. • Fire Hydrants: Clear a three-foot (3’) radius around hydrants to assist emergency services. • Storm Drains: Ensure inlets are free from ice and snow to facilitate proper drainage. Help Our Neighbors – Clear Common Mailbox Access Areas To support all residents, especially those with mobility issues, please clear snow around communal mailbox areas. This effort will help ensure everyone can access their mail safely and conveniently. Working Together for a Safer Oshkosh We appreciate your cooperation and community spirit in maintaining the safety and accessibility of our public spaces. Your efforts make a significant difference in the well- being of our community. By working together, we can all contribute to a safe, accessible, and winter-ready Oshkosh. If you have any questions regarding the sidewalk snow and ice removal program, please contact Engineering Division Manager / City Engineer, Justin Gierach. 3. LIBRARY OFFERS NEW 3D PRINTER: The Oshkosh Public Library recently installed a new 3D printer on the 2nd floor. Patrons may submit ready-to-print designs or use software available on library computers to create an item for print. Staff is available by appointment to help users learn how to design with the available software. Call 920.236.5205 or visit our 3D printing webpage to schedule an appointment. There is a small charge to the public to cover the cost of filament used to print items. The 3D printer was purchased with library endowment funds. 4. HAVE YOU TRIED THE LIBRARY OF THINGS? Perhaps you’ve been checking out books, movies and music at the library for years - but did you know you can check out a HappyLight to help you navigate the gray winter days. Or a Dungeons & Dragons essentials kit to start embarking on your own role-playing game adventures? Explore a new hobby with candle making, jewelry or papermaking kits. They’re all available to borrow with your library card. New kits just added for teens: a movie projector, podcasting equipment, electronic drum set, vinyl turntable, and video streaming kit. Visit the library or place a hold on the Winnefox Library System page and try something new today! 5. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, please consider becoming a member of one of the City’s citizen advisory boards, commissions, or committees. There are current openings on the following boards and commissions: BID Board Board of Review Board of Zoning Appeals Landmarks Commission Long Range Finance Committee Plan Commission To learn more about the boards and commissions, or to complete an application to serve, visit our boards and commissions webpage. If you have questions about current openings, please contact the City Manager’s Executive Assistant, Kami Zuercher, by email or call 920- 236-5002. 6. AGENDAS AND MINUTES FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Upcoming board and commission meeting agendas can be found on our Meeting Notices web page. All meeting minutes are uploaded to the City’s page for boards and commissions upon approval.