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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes from 05/12/09 PCC ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL CO,W ITY OF SHKOSH ISCONSIN REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Esslinger presided. PRESENT: Council Members Bob Poeschl, Tony Palmeri, Burk Tower, Dennis McHugh, Jessica King and Mayor Esslinger ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager, Angela Joeckel, Deputy City Clerk, Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney, and Dave Patek, Director of Public Works Council Member Poeschl read the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Breana and Meagan Smits students from Emmeline Cook Elementary School; and, Logan Peterson and Alexandra Molinski students from Oaklawn Elementary School. PH UBLIC EARINGS Ordinance 09-161 Approve Zone Change from M-2 Central Industrial to C-3 Central Commercial with a Downtown Overlay / Generally located south of Waugoo Avenue, north of Ceape Avenue, west of Court Street and east of State Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. Ordinance 09-162 Approve Zone Change from R-1 Single Family and R-5 Multiple Dwelling to R-5 Multiple Dwelling with a Planned Development Overlay / 450 Josslyn Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. Ordinance 09-163 Approve Various Amendments to Section 30-36 Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities of Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES 1 There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Resolution 09-164 Approval of Final Resolution for Special Assessments / Asphalt Paving, Sanitary Sewer Laterals, Sidewalk Repair and Concrete Driveway Approach (East New York Avenue, Powers Street, Monroe Street, Broad Street) MOTION: LAYOVER UNTIL MAY 26, 2009 MEETING (Palmeri; second, King) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. Resolution 09-165 Approval of Final Resolution for Special Assessments / Concrete Paving, Sanitary Sewer Laterals (Relay) Sidewalk Repair and Concrete Driveway Approach (East New York Avenue, Oak Street, Grove Street, Evans Street, Bowen Street) MOTION: LAYOVER UNTIL MAY 26, 2009 MEETING (Palmeri; second, King) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Bill Sitter, 1114 East New York Avenue, stated that the north side of New York Avenue should not have to pay for the cost of improvements due to that side of the street was not hooked up to the sewer. He urged Council to use the utility funds to pay for that cost. Tom Rehm, 1205 Hazel Street, stated that his side of the street was in good condition and he should not have to pay for repairs due to damage from City construction on the other side of the street. Mayor Esslinger requested that the City Manager send a letter of explanation to the residents regarding their concerns. Mr. Rohloff stated that there was a lower cost provided to residents previously in a similar situation. There were no more appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. CA ONSENT GENDA Approval of April 21, 2009 Council Minutes. Approval of Bills Presented by the Finance Director. Approval to Lourdes High School / Utilize South Park for their Physical Education Mile Run / May 18, 2009. Approval to Chamber of Commerce & Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation / Utilize Grand Opera House Square for Live at Lunch / June 30, 2009. 2 Approval to Residents of East Melvin Avenue for a Block Party / May 16, 2009. Approval to Residents of Minnesota Street for a Block Party / June 27, 2009. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Approval to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh / Close both sides of North Sawyer Street for their USA Master Outdoor Track and Field Championships / July 12, 2009. WITHDRAWN Receipt of Claim filed with the City’s Insurance Company / Doris Luedtke for injuries due to allegedly falling in Seniors Center parking lot. Receipt of Claim filed with the City’s Insurance Company / Mark Hoegh for damages due to alleged power surge from the Water Distribution Department. Resolution 09-166 Approve Appointments to Council Members for the Following Boards and Commissions / Transit Advisory Board, Housing Authority, Plan Commission, Grand Opera House Advisory Board, Landmarks Commission, Traffic Review Advisory Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, Parks Advisory Board, Grand Opera House Foundation Board, Redevelopment Authority, Energy and Environment Advisory Committee Resolution 09-167 Approval of Change Order No. 3, for Public Works Contract No. 08-04 with Vinton Construction Co. for Concrete Paving and Utilities (+$60,841.97) Resolution 09-168 Approval of Change Order No. 1, for Public Works Contract No. 09-03 with PTS Contractors Inc. for Concrete Paving and Water Main (+$25,988.15) Resolution 09-169 Approve Amendment No. 1 / Strand Associates, Inc. / Engineering Services for Wastewater Utility Heating and Ventilation Improvements (+$3,000.00) Resolution 09-170 Approval of Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Construction of Driveway Entrance at: A) 135 High Avenue B) 139 High Avenue C) 141 High Avenue Resolution 09-171 Approve Winnebago County Recycling Surplus Revenue Ballot Council Member Tower questioned the amount of surplus revenue received from Winnebago County Recycling. Mr. Patek stated that the amount was $425,420 for the entire County and the City would receive 1/3. He explained that if Winnebago County Recycling was in the red then the tipping fee would be increased; and the money received would go back to them for the fee. 3 Council Member Tower questioned what the affect would be if they operated at a zero profit. Mr. Rohloff stated that the County as a whole decided what to do with funding. He stated that the County fund balance would reduce City tipping fees. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Mr. Patek stated that the City could receive the funding or use the funds to stabilize the tipping fees. Resolution 09-172 Approve Petition for the Establishment of a new at grade Crossing of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad by Global Parkway in the Southwest Industrial Park Resolution 09-173 Authorize Fire Act Grant Application / Department of Homeland Security through FEMA for Funding for Materials and Equipment Necessary for Ethanol Fires Resolution 09-174 Approve 2009/2010/2011 Pollock Community Water Park Agreement with Oshkosh Area School District / Lifeguard Services / Use of Oshkosh West High School Parking Lot Resolution 09-175Approval of Special Class B License, Class “B” Fermented Malt and Class “C” Wine License and Operator’s Licenses MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA EXCLUDING RESOLUTIONS 09-167, 09-168, 09-169 AND 09-174 (McHugh; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Resolution 09-167 Approval of Change Order No. 3, for Public Works Contract No. 08-04 with Vinton Construction Co. for Concrete Paving and Utilities (+$60,841.97) MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, McHugh) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Council Member Poeschl questioned what the original amount had been and what issues changed or amended that amount. Mr. Patek stated that the pages behind the change order explained what changes were made. He explained that an estimate cost was given and depending on what happens once the work begins in the field determines the changes. He stated that a change order was needed for the Finance Department regarding audits. Resolution 09-168 Approval of Change Order No. 1, for Public Works Contract No. 09-03 with PTS Contractors Inc. for Concrete Paving and Water Main (+$25,988.15) MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, McHugh) 4 CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Resolution 09-169 Approve Amendment No. 1 / Strand Associates, Inc. / Engineering Services for Wastewater Utility Heating and Ventilation Improvements (+$3,000.00) MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, McHugh) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Resolution 09-174 Approve 2009/2010/2011 Pollock Community Water Park Agreement with Oshkosh Area School District / Lifeguard Services / Use of Oshkosh West High School Parking Lot MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, McHugh) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that $40,000 was provided to the City for the Water Park through a three year agreement with the Oshkosh Area School District regardless if there was a loss or net gain. He questioned the suggestions that had been provided by the City Manager. Mr. Rohloff stated that suggestions had been provided during the negotiation process with the School District. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned why there was not a non-resident user fee as other communities had. Mr. Rohloff explained that because funding was provided from tax dollars through the Oshkosh Area School District there could not be a non-resident user fee. He stated that he was unaware of other communities that had partnered up with school districts. Mr. Stephany, Parks Director, stated that it was more inviting to all users for a flat fee. Council Member Tower questioned what the probability was that the average cost would be $40,000 or less over the next three years. Mr. Stephany stated that $40,000 was a good amount for support. He explained that the average cost had been $36,000 including last year’s cost. Council Member Tower stated that he was concerned with the increase in cost since the first year the pool opened. Mr. Stephany explained that the first year was the grand opening therefore revenues were 5 high. He stated that with the weather being cooler it created an $8,000 increase in utility cost for heating the water. He stated that throughout the state there was an average loss of $60,000. Mr. Rohloff stated that the loss would be offset by the $40,000 received from the school district. He stated that providing there were no catastrophic events this summer; management would be able to have an indicator as to what the plateau would be as far as revenue and expenditures. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY ATOR CTION AKEN ON RDINANCES AND ESOLUTIONS Ordinance 09-176 Approval of Loading Zone Change on Algoma Boulevard and Parking Regulation Changes on Cherry and Wisconsin Street MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Poeschl) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Ordinance 09-177 Approve Clark/Hill Farm Attachment, Corner of STH 91 and Clairville Road, Town of Algoma FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Resolution 09-178 Request State to Modify the Proposed Budget Bill in Regard to Application of Prevailing Wage Rate to Local Projects MOTION: ADOPT (McHugh; second, Poeschl) LOST: Ayes (2) McHugh, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (3) Poeschl, Palmeri, King; Present (1) Tower Gary Ruhl, 3160 Omro Road, representing 26 Local Unions and 9,000 active and retired members, stated that 22% of prevailing wage was the same as union wage. He stated that the prevailing wage would not make government projects more costly, affect maintenance or volunteer work. He stated that two local unions had volunteered their time to work on the construction of Little Oshkosh. Greg Young, business manager for Brotherhood of Electrical Workers based out of Appleton, stated that there were 40 members that lived in the Oshkosh area. He stated that he was opposed to the resolution and that it should remain as is. Rich Eggleston, Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator for WI Alliance of Cities, stated that the calculation process for creating the prevailing wage was a farce. He stated that the prevailing wage rates could affect the taxpayers. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if prevailing wage rate and union rates were equal. 6 Mr. Eggleston explained that the prevailing wage rate was close to union scale due to union contractors filling out the surveys. Deputy Mayor questioned why federal law would not apply to state projects. Mr. Eggleston explained that federal law was specific with issues while allowing exceptions. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that federal dollars had been received to the state; therefore, it would make sense to have the prevailing wage applied to state projects. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Mr. Eggleston stated that state law applied to contracts. Paul Zimmer, Wild Rose, stated that he was representing Local Union 330 out of Menasha. He stated that there were mistruths regarding prevailing wages. He stated that small contractors do not bid due to not being able to provide the proper bonding. He explained that the prevailing wage does not eliminate any contractor. He stated that union wages do not affect the prevailing wage. He stated that there needed to be a stopping rate as to stop the increases each year. Steve Schue, Organizer for Wisconsin Pipe Fitters, non-union workers, urged the Council to support the prevailing wage for non-union workers as they would be the ones affected. He explained that the prevailing wage rates helped non-union workers maintain wages. He stated that the wage was adjusted for inflation and does not increase the cost for projects. Wynn Jones, 5192 County Road R, President of Brick Layers Local Union, stated that there would be no affect to volunteer projects. He stated that along with him, fourteen other brick layers volunteered their time and built the Oshkosh Soccer League pavilion while providing 75% off of the cost for materials. He stated that a local business had been built from a group out of state with no prevailing wage or union wage and those workers did not support local businesses, schools or would not pay taxes to the city. He explained that when the job was completed the workers left and went back to their home state. He stated that local workers support the surrounding area. Steve Dito stated that he was a local laborer. He stated that there was misinformation regarding prevailing wage rates. He explained how the determination was made for prevailing wage rates. Council Member Tower stated that there were two sides to each story. He questioned if there were any numbers to support the difference between prevailing wage and union wages. Gary Ruhl stated that prevailing wage rates could be higher or lower depending upon location. Mr. Rohloff stated that the resolution was brought forward to determine what impact it would have among City projects. 7 Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated he was opposed to the resolution. He stated that the prevailing wage should be reformed for a maximum level of fairness not only for the workers but to guarantee the quality of work. He stated that he supported the Governor’s changes. Council Member Tower stated that he would abstain from voting due to the concern he had for the language in the resolution. Council Member McHugh stated that the Governor’s proposal was not the correct stance to take however he felt that changes were needed. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Resolution 09-179 Establish Process to Fill an Existing Vacancy on the City Council MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Poeschl) MOTION: AMEND TO ADD DISCUSSION AFTER CANDIDATES PRESENTATION; APPLICANTS TO INCLUDE EMPLOYMENT HISTORY WITH APPLICATION AND HAVE EACH COUNCIL MEMBER PROVIDE THEIR CRITERIA FOR SELECTING AN APPLICANT (Tower; second, King) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (1) Poeschl MOTION: AMEND TO INCLUDE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Poeschl; No second) LOST: LACK OF SECOND MOTION: AMEND TO INCLUDE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ASK QUESTIONS OF APPLICANTS AFTER THEIR PRESENTATION, PRIOR TO COUNCIL DISCUSSION; HAVE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC TO VIEW AND NOTIFY CITIZENS HOW TO ACCESS THE APPLICANT INFORMATION (King; second, Poeschl) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Poeschl, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (1) Tower MOTION: DELETE FROM THE APPLICATION PROCESS: LETTERS THAT WOULD INCLUDE APPLICANTS NAME AND ADDRESS; TELEPHONE OR METHOD OF CONTACT AND A BRIEF STATEMENT (NOT EXCEEDING ONE PAGE) EXPLAINING WHY THEY WISH TO BE APPOINTED (Poeschl; second, King) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENEDED CARRIED: Ayes (4) Poeschl, McHugh, Palmeri, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (2) Tower, King 8 Bob Cornell, 548 West Smith Avenue, stated that the democratic process would be to hold an election; however, that was not possible with the time restrictions. He stated that to not accept the fourth place finisher would be ignoring 4,000 voters. He stated that Council was choosing the candidate with their votes rather then whom the citizens voted for. Dan Rylance, 602 East Parkway Avenue, stated that the vacancy had been predictable. He suggested that Council could have been proactive and had an ordinance regarding this situation or had printed the ballots with a choice of candidates if this issue would happen. He suggested that Council Members nominate a candidate and defend why their candidate should be selected. He stated that his concern with the suggested process was what if there were no good choices for candidates. He urged Council to take time to decide after the presentations rather than choosing that evening. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, stated that there was one candidate that received majority vote the rest received plurality votes. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that his first choice, if possible, would have been a special election to fill the vacancy. He stated that the fourth place finisher had received 4,000 votes; however, there were 7,000 voters that had not supported him. He stated that this process was used in various places throughout the state. He stated that the idea of having Council Members choose a nominee was good; however, it would make for hyper political process if Council Members choice had been elected. Council Member Tower stated that this issue was the reason candidates should not be allowed to run for another seat while currently serving a position. He stated that the process should be to elect the fourth place finisher. He stated that there should be a discussion regarding the criteria for selecting a candidate. He stated that the candidate should submit a resume with employment history and pay taxes to the City. He stated that the majority of e-mails he had received urged Council to move forward with the fourth place finisher. Bob Cornell, 548 West Smith Avenue, stated that the amendments would clarify issues. He questioned if the original resolution would not pass, if the option of electing the fourth place finisher could be a suggested process. Ms. Lorenson stated that if the resolution would fail, four votes from Council would approve the process at the next meeting. She stated that due to the provided material this resolution was for the process of applications being submitted. Council Member King stated that due to parliament process she disagreed. She stated that all options should be a choice for determining the process. Council Member Poeschl stated that he would like to have an opportunity for the public to ask questions of the applicants. He stated that he would like to conduct a public hearing. 9 Ms. Lorenson stated that the three amendments suggested were friendly amendments and would be incorporated into the requirements. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if candidates would be questioned during citizen statements from audience members. Ms. Lorenson explained that the Council would have no control over the questions being asked. She stated that citizen statements were an opportunity for the citizens to address Council. Council Member King stated that questions from the citizens would be at a separate time from citizen statements. She stated that the Mayor would be allowed to order “out of order” with inappropriate questions during the process. Council Member Tower requested clarification as far if questions from citizens would be directed to the candidates themselves or to Council Members. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Council Member Poeschl stated that citizens would question applicants. Council Member King stated that she supported the citizen input. Dan Rylance, 602 East Parkway Avenue, stated that by having citizens ask questions would be creating a campaign during the meeting. Lois Luebke, 619 Division Street, stated that it was important to have citizens ask questions. Bob Cornell, 548 West Smith Avenue, stated that he agreed with Mr. Rylance that it would be proposing an inquisition. Council Member Tower stated that he was opposed to the amendment because it could become a campaign. He stated that citizens could contact the Council prior the presentation with input and questions. Bob Cornell, 548 West Smith Avenue, questioned if there would be enough time allowed for the candidates names to be available to the public. Mayor Esslinger explained that the Council and the media would receive information containing nd applications as all applications needed to be turned in by May 22. He stated that he supported having citizen input. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if applicants would include a letter of intent. Council Member Poeschl stated that a letter could be included, however, it was redundant. Council Member King stated that she did not support the process. She explained that she supported to elect the fourth place finisher. 10 Mayor Esslinger stated that he supported the application process. Council Member Tower suggested that included in the criteria candidates should be able to demonstrate their involvement with activities to make Oshkosh a better place and the success they had, background with budgeting and employment history. Council Member King urged past Council Members to apply due to the length of the term. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that the applicant needed to have integrity, be voting age and have good will toward the City. Council Member Poeschl stated that the process needed to be as simple and transparent as possible. Council Member McHugh stated that the applicant should have a strong economic development concept and realistic visions for the future of Oshkosh. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Mayor Esslinger stated that a strong economic development, past Council experience, knowledgeable with budgets, be familiar with the City and able to work under pressure. He urged citizens to contact Council Members with input. Resolution 09-180 Accept Gift of Soo Line Railroad Engine MOTION: TABLE UNTIL AFTER THE GIFT POLICY WAS IN PLACE (Tower; second, King) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Council Member Tower stated that he would like more information regarding the cost the City would incur and assurance the donor would support the entire cost for the relocation. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the gift giving policy would go before the Parks Board. Ms. Lorenson stated that this issue would go before the Parks Board since it would be placed in a park. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned when the deadline was for the gift giving policy. Ms. Lorenson stated that October was the deadline. She explained that they were working on the Special Events Policy as that had priority. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that he supported tabling until the policy was in place. 11 Council Member Poeschl questioned the urgency of the museum to remove the car from the current site. Mayor Esslinger stated that the engine would not be held for the City. He stated that there would be no cost to the City. He stated that the Council Members could decide on the donation policy. Resolution 09-181 Authorize Grant Application to The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for Targeted Runoff Management or Urban Nonpoint Source (Pollution) and Storm Water Grant Program MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Tower) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Poeschl, Tower, McHugh, Palmeri, King, Mayor Esslinger Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, stated that in April there was a resolution passed that included all City owned and operated facilities to be included in the greenhouse gas emissions. He stated that the facilities portion would be completed by the June meeting. He stated that the community portion would be less labor intensive as it did not require as much detail as the City’s portion had. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY OB THER USINESS Discussion of City Wide Goals for City Manager Deputy Mayor Palmeri requested an update on goals from the City Manager. He stated that the prior Council had determined that personal goals would be held in closed session. He stated that it had been decided that City wide goals would be discussed in open session. He stated that they would continue to work on the draft of goals along with goals that were submitted by Council Members. Mr. Rohloff stated that most of the goals would be contained in the budget document. He stated that other goals would be continually worked on with the course of duties. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that Council Members would be allowed to discuss each general goal. Council Member King stated that she would include goal number one to include Division Heads. Mr. Rohloff stated that Council and Department Heads would be included. He stated that he agreed there needed to be assistance from the division level. 12 Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that he had included part D because it had been discussed last year as to what a budget would include with no tax increases. Mr. Rohloff stated that he would provide decision models with a different range of options. He stated that it helped to understand the budget and make informed decisions. Council Member Poeschl stated that once the goals were approved there should be public forums held for input from citizens. Mr. Rohloff stated that it would have to be for the following year’s goals. Council Member Poeschl stated that he would like to review alternatives for the process of evaluating street upgrades. He stated that he would also request an explanation regarding the PASER (pavement surface evaluation and rating) system to help frustrated citizens understand the process of determining why certain streets were repaired prior to other streets. Mr. Rohloff explained that the PASER was a universal system used with in the state. He stated that it would be beneficial to communicate the process of the PASER system. Deputy Mayor Palmeri explained he preferred a point system to determine if the TIF would be used for certain projects. He stated that this would help citizens to build confidence in the City when developing TIF districts. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Mr. Rohloff explained that the point system should not be used as a pass or fail situation. He stated that it would provide guidelines in the decision process. Council Member King stated that the recycling collection policy would be implemented by the end of 2009. She stated that there should be community programs in place to educate and encourage residents regarding recycling rates. She stated that a community wide incentive program would encourage residents to continue to recycle. Council Member McHugh questioned the employee cuts in the Street Department. He stated that the department performed a variety of important tasks throughout the City. He questioned if there was enough force in that department to handle the growth of the City. He questioned if evaluations had been completed regarding the number of employees in each department versus the work load. He questioned if the current location of the Street Department would be adequate for the future of the City. He stated that there needed to be long range planning to make decisions of that matter. Mr. Rohloff stated that reviewing departments was an ongoing process. He stated that Mr. Patek was reviewing the location for Central Garage/Street Department. 13 Council Member King explained that brochures needed to be provided in different language to allow for public safety and code enforcement. She stated that this would improve services to residents of the City. Council Member McHugh stated that he had requested the services of a grant writer at no cost to the City. Mr. Rohloff stated that there was an opportunity through block grant funds for grant money through the Energy Efficiency program. He stated that this would be for energy related services. He stated that he was not in support of a grant writer as a goal at this time. He stated that the City was trying to increase grant money by being more competitive with seeking grants. Mayor Esslinger stated that grant money would be available to support positions for so long and then the City would incur the cost. Mr. Rohloff explained that the City was receiving $635,000. He stated that part of it would be used as seed money to show achievements with efficiency. He stated that there would be a revolving fund which would lessen the risk of not having anything to show for it. Mayor Esslinger stated that he was concerned with the expense of having an individual hired to negotiate bargaining with unions. Mr. Rohloff stated that it was the City’s responsibility to successfully negotiate union contracts to the degree of using outside services. He stated that many Cities use outside sources for negotiating. He stated that it was the City Manager’s discretion as to when outside sources would be used or not. He stated that he needed the flexibility to make successful decisions regarding outside sources. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Mayor Esslinger questioned if the individual had been in negotiating process from the beginning in the past negotiations. He stated that the past Council had tried to hold negotiations with the faith in the staff. He explained that unions were angered that approximately $70,000 had been spent on outside help for negotiating. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that the direction from Council would be to use existing staff. Mr. Rohloff stated that the direction he was hoping for was a bargaining strategy and what would be accepted by Council. He urged the Council to support his discretion pertaining to the use of outside help when negotiating. He stated that the unions have professional negotiators and that staff’s time was limited. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that Council was not at the point to determine direction regarding bargaining. He questioned if that would be done in closed session. Ms. Lorenson stated that it would be done in closed session. 14 Council Member Tower stated that he would support adding bargaining issues into the City Manager’s goals as that was a process that would be discussed at a later time. Council Member King stated that Oshkosh was below the national average for green space per 1,000 people. She stated that an urban green space evaluation needed to be completed. She also explained that there needed to be a tree planting policy. Mr. Rohloff state that the tree planting policy needed to go to the Parks Board. He stated that tree planting would be a cost the City would incur and would have to have funding available. Council Member King stated that when issues were relegated to different Boards they seemed to get lost. She stated that she was concerned with the point at which Council would become micromanaging versus setting goals. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that a goal for 2009 should be to review the green space area and create a tree planting policy. Council Member McHugh explained that each year the same wish list was provided at the Parks meeting. He stated that issues never moved forward. He stated that at the last Parks meeting the CIP was drafted. He stated that $250,000 was budgeted for general fund. He explained that maintenance was needed and issues that meant something to citizens needed to be focused on. He stated that the Leach Amphitheatre bathroom cost $650,000. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the goal would be added to the draft or not. Mayor Esslinger stated that there was limited time to complete the goals and that the City Manager could not be held accountable for not achieving all of the goals added to the list. Mr. Rohloff stated that a long range plan could be developed and be discussed with staff. He stated that for certain issues there needed to be funding available. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY Council Member Tower stated that he was content with the budget being submitted at an earlier date. He stated that at the time the budget was received would be the time to prioritize goals. Council Member King explained that providing issues prior to budget would help budget towards goals and priorities. Council Member King stated that Transit was re-evaluating routes and timing issues. She stated that services needed to be increased. She stated that bike and pedestrian routes would be evaluated according with bus structure. She stated that there were no expectations to accomplish all issues in 2009. Mayor Esslinger applauded those Councilors that turned in additional goals. He stated that any other issues needed to be in by Friday so they would be included in the Council packets. 15 Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the draft of goals would be helpful prior to receiving the budget. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that the draft of goals should be in packet for the public to view. CS ITIZEN TATEMENTS Lois Luebke, 619 Division Street, stated that she was trying to help the people of Oshkosh. She questioned the cost of bathroom improvements. She stated that the citizens of Oshkosh should be allowed to choose the animals for the zoo. She suggested to plant perennials with help from volunteers. She urged the City to hire more staff at the zoo and for the parks. Doug Buettner, 901A South Main Street, urged Council to adopt Bangladesh as a sister city of Oshkosh. He stated that his concerns with the amount of child deaths that occur. st Bill Fritz, 2015 Evans Street, stated that the 1 anniversary for Recovery Solutions would be held on May 30. He stated that he wanted to personally invite all watching to attend. He stated that the membership was gaining and the outreach program was expanding. Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, explained that Madison was a sister city to another place. He stated that more information could be found relating to this issue at the lifeyoucan save.com. CMA,SD OUNCIL EMBER NNOUNCEMENTS TATEMENTS AND ISCUSSION Council Member Poeschl announced that over the next two years he would hold 20 listening sessions for public input. He stated that the first session would be held June 16 at the Fire Station #17 at 1813 Algoma Boulevard, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Mayor Esslinger stated that there was a position open for a citizen on Parking Utility and Board of Appeals. He stated thanks to the Paine Art Center and Forestry Division for allowing him to present a proclamation on Arbor Day; to North High School students and staff for allowing a proclamation and key to a Wall of Fame person; for the National Day of Prayer as all Council Members names were on the list and to the Hmong community for the kindness received at a th celebration. He urged Council Members to provide input regarding the 4 of July parade. PCC–M12,2009 ROCEEDINGS OF THE OMMON OUNCIL AY CMA,SD ITY ANAGER NNOUNCEMENTS TATEMENTS AND ISCUSSION Mr. Rohloff stated that it was necessary to remove the ceiling from the Grand Opera House. He stated that if the original artwork was there it would be salvaged. He stated that bid specs ndst would be received by June 22, there would be a pre-bid walk through on July 1, opening of thth the bids would take place on July 15 and the bid would be awarded at the July 28 Council meeting. He stated at the time of bid opening the City would know an approximate cost for the renovations. He explained that the bids for a fire truck were waived and the Fire Department recommended Pierce due to their current equipment was of Pierce products. He stated that they had a good record and that Pierce was a local business. He stated that the bid was lower than what had been budgeted. Mayor Esslinger stated that he would prefer bids to come before Council for approval to waive. 16 Mr. Rohloff stated that he would suggest changes to the purchasing code. He stated that it was in his jurisdiction to waive the bid; however, he brought it before the Council. Council Member Tower stated that historically it had been brought before Council for approval and he would like to continue to have it brought before Council. Mr. Rohloff explained that he had followed the codes. MOTION: ADJOURN (Palmeri; second, McHugh) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. PAMELA R. UBRIG CITY CLERK 17