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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.05.25 Newsletter : TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Rebecca Grill, City Manager DATE: December 5, 2025 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. CITY WORKS TO EDUCATE PUBLIC ON NEW BIKE AND E-BIKE REGULATIONS: Following Council’s recent decision to restrict bikes and e-bikes from being ridden on sidewalks in certain areas of the city in order to enhance pedestrian safety, City staff have been working to communicate these changes with the community. The Oshkosh Police Department, in collaboration with Oshkosh Media, is actively promoting information through both traditional and social media channels. Staff have also explored more targeted approaches to communicate these changes with the public. Inspired by the positive outcomes in cities like Fond du Lac, "Walk Your Wheels" stickers will be tested as an educational tool (see photo example). These stickers will be installed in the spring on sidewalks along Main Street (downtown) and Oregon Street (south of the Fox River). Past experiences suggest these stickers have a lifespan of approximately two years. If the stickers are successful, the City may consider stenciling the messages directly on the sidewalk as a long-term, cost-effective solution. If you have any questions, please reach out to Transportation Director Jim Collins. 2. REVIEW OF SPECIAL EVENTS IN 2025: As of now, 2025 has tied for the second-highest number of approved special events since 2011 and has the highest number of permitted events since 2018. This year, we have assisted 123 event organizers with their permitting and logistics planning. It has been 10 years since the city streamlined the permitting process and created the Special Events Coordinator position. This process has not only improved service to event organizers but also reduced the hours each department spends on events. There are now fewer scheduling errors and improved communication between departments, which contributes to the safety, security, and success of events hosted in Oshkosh. As we approach the end of 2025, we are starting to analyze the post-event surveys distributed throughout the year. So far, we have received a response rate of 28%. Although this is lower than in previous years, it may be due to a change in the survey platform this year. Of the returned surveys, the following percentages represent respondents who agreed or strongly agreed with the statements: • 100% agreed that special event personnel responded promptly to their inquiries. This is consistent with results from 2024. • 88% agreed that obtaining additional permits was simplified by online resources and assistance from city staff. 11% of respondents did not need extra permits. • 97% agreed that special event personnel were professional and knowledgeable about the permits and requirements needed to host the event. 3% were neutral in their response. • 97% agreed that the location they used was ideal for the event (clean, well- maintained, adequate amenities, etc.). 3% were neutral in their response. • 97% agreed that city personnel assisting with setup and logistics were courteous and easy to work with. 3% of respondents were neutral. • 86% agreed that event organizers saw attendance increase at their 2025 events. This is an 18% rise from 2024. • 100% indicated they will likely host future events in Oshkosh. The comments received from the survey were overall positive and included the following feedback: • “As a first-time event for our organization, and as a point person, city staff made the organization of the event much more streamlined than anticipated. We had a few learning curve moments, and we will be able to correct those items for next year’s event, which we believe will be even bigger and better based on the feedback we are receiving.” • “We love hosting events in Oshkosh! Hats off to the event staff and police for their efforts.” Comments indicating areas for improvement will be shared with the appropriate departments to support process improvement and the continued success of events held in Oshkosh. For more information, please contact Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator at 920-236-5080. 3. LURTON BLASSINGAME MEMORIAL UPDATE: Parks Department staff are finalizing options for a memorial dedicated to the late Lurton Blassingame, following a proposal from members of the Oshkosh community. This memorial will honor Blassingame for his significant contributions and advocacy for the Riverwalk project and the greater Oshkosh community. The proposal will focus on installing a sign, such as a bronze plaque or a pedestal sign that matches the existing informational signage on the Riverwalk. Parks staff have been collaborating with the individuals who proposed the memorial, Mr. Blassingame's family, and the Advisory Park Board. The northern section of the Riverwalk, located between Main Street and Jackson Street, has been recommended for this dedication. Once the Parks staff finalizes the details, they will present the recommendations to the Common Council for final approval. For more information, please contact Tyler Klaver, Management Analyst, at 920-236-5080. 4. PLANTING PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY: The forestry crew has been busy this fall planting many beautiful trees and plants with the help of generous volunteers. • On October 29th, 13 volunteers from Oshkosh Corporation planted 10 trees in Lakeshore Park. • On November 4th, volunteers and City staff planted $1,800 worth of various trees, shrubs, and perennials in the Menominee Park Zoo, around the newly paved and improved picnic area. • On November 6th, six volunteers from Switchgear Systems planted 1,100 tulip bulbs around the perimeter of Opera House Square. The bulbs, donated to the Oshkosh Downtown Business Improvement District, will bring a splash of color in early spring. • On November 20th, there was a collaboration between The Arbor Day Foundation, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, Cummins Manufacturing, and the City of Oshkosh. Cummins, supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, provided 21 volunteers and donated 40 trees, which they planted in Lakeshore Park. • In addition to these great volunteer projects, the Parks Department's Landscape Operations Division planted 49 trees in terraces around the city as part of the annual fall planting. The Oshkosh Parks Department would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped with these projects. Their contributions not only enhance the beauty and benefits of Oshkosh's green spaces but also significantly shape our residents' experiences, both now and in the future. Oshkosh is fortunate to have such an excellent network of volunteers, and we appreciate their hard work and dedication. For more information, please contact Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager, at 920-236-5080. 5. THANK YOU 2025 PARKS EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SPONSORS! The Parks Department would like to recognize the sponsors who made park events and activities possible in 2025. These organizations and individuals support the City of Oshkosh Parks Department's efforts to make the community a great place to live. A full list of sponsors is below. For more information, contact Jenny McCollian, Revenue & Facilities Manager, at 920-236-5080. 6. 2025 POLICE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN: The Oshkosh Police Department will once again be participating in the 10th Annual Police Lights of Christmas 2025 campaign. Assistant Chief Brian Schuldes and Crime Prevention Officer Kate Mann attended this year's Hand Off Event on December 2. The event was hosted by The Barn in the Village of Pulaski and included officers from over 100 departments who received approximately $300,000 in gift cards! The Oshkosh Police Department received $4,750 in gift cards that will be given out throughout the holiday season to those in need in our community. Thank you to Q90 FM Radio, Police Lights of Christmas, and all of the sponsors that make this outreach possible. We are honored to be a part of this amazing program and to be able to bring some extra holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate in our community! 7. THE JOY OF TOYS: Relive special moments spent playing with treasured toys when you visit a whimsical new exhibit at the library. The Joy of Toys is on display on the library’s second floor, curated with care by the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum. Toy cars dating back to the 1800s sit alongside a 2010 PlayStation. Care Bears share the shelves with Battleship and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Come find your favorites and show the kids and grandkids the toys and games that made your childhood memorable! It’s a perfect outing for the entire family during the holidays. Exhibit runs through January 23rd. Visit the event page for more information. 8. CRAFTS AT THE LIBRARY: Create a craft for yourself or to give as a gift to someone special. 4-H alum Arianna Buehring shares her artistic talents with two programs for kids. Registration is required. Visit the library events calendar at oshkoshlibrary.org to register. Yarn it Up! (grades K-5) • Dec. 6 – Pom Pom Garlands & Yarn-Wrapped Letters • Dec. 13 – Mini Hat Ornaments & Yarn Photo Frames Winter Cricut Crafts (grades K-5) • Dec. 8 – Heat Press Mugs & Hot Chocolate Craft • Dec. 15 – Ornaments • Dec. 22 – Make festive cards 9. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, 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: Board of Review Board of Zoning Appeals Landmarks Commission 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, the process of appointment, or need more information about a particular board, please contact the City Manager’s Executive Assistant, Kami Zuercher, by email (kzuercher@oshkoshwi.gov) or call (920) 236-5002.