HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-298SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 10 -298 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 6 -0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE US POSTAL SERVICE
RETAIN ITS PROCESSING & DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN
OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
INITIATED BY: CITY ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service is currently conducting a study on
the feasibility of moving Oshkosh outgoing mail operations to Green Bay WI; and
WHEREAS, the study of the Oshkosh facility was initiated after a similar study
was announced for the Green Bay facility, but later suspended with no explanation or
analysis; and
WHEREAS, a more comprehensive analysis of the entire Lakeland Postal District
would demonstrate the most efficient facilities; and
WHEREAS, if moved to Green Bay, mail from multiple cities will have to travel to
Green Bay and then return through the Oshkosh area to make its final destination; and
WHEREAS, moving the USPS Processing and Distribution facility in Oshkosh
may result in collecting mail earlier in the day in Oshkosh for dispatch to an out of town
processing and distribution facility, which would adversely affect local businesses by
delaying outgoing orders and both business and personal correspondence; and
WHEREAS, the Oshkosh facility has area available to expand and is arguably
one of the more cost effective mail processing facilities in the Lakeland District; and
WHEREAS, the city of Oshkosh is recognized internationally and the Oshkosh
postmark is a symbol related to the history of the Oshkosh area, many events and
businesses, including Oshkosh B'Gosh, Oshkosh EAA Airventure, Oshkosh Corporation
(aka Oshkosh Truck), etc.; and
WHEREAS, retention of the Oshkosh postmark promotes recognition of the City
of Oshkosh and benefits the City when recruiting new businesses and events to the
City; and
WHEREAS, moving the processing and distribution center to Green Bay would
result in the loss of approximately 100+ good - paying jobs, adversely affecting local
businesses and the local economy.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 10 -298 RESOLUTION
CONT'D
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Oshkosh Common Council
hereby formally requests that the United States Postal Service keep the Processing and
Distribution Center in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oshkosh Common Council does hereby
request Congressional intervention on any proposal to preliminarily or permanently alter
the functions of the USPS Processing and Distribution Center in Oshkosh until a
General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation can be conducted on the feasibility study
concerning the increased costs of transportation and the effect upon delivery standards
for those communities now served by the Oshkosh postal service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
offices of United States Congressman Thomas Petri, United States Congressman Steve
Kagen, United States Senator Russ Feingold, United States Senator Herb Kohl, the
Postmaster General, the Post Office Lakeland District Manager, and the Post Office
Lakeland District Lead Plant Manager.
IC) -,--)LqEs
THOMAS E. PETRI
6TH Damc T, WiscoNsIN
Congross of the aniteb &tateg
30ouge of Aepreailtatibeg
Wa0bingtan, W 20515 -4906
September 10, 2010
The Honorable John E. Potter
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L' Enfant Plaza S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20260 -0010
Dear Postmaster General:
2462 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 28615 -4906
(202)226-2476
O rfricE
FOND OU LAC, WI
(920922-1180
OSHKOSH, WI
(920) 231-6333
I am writing regarding the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study which is being
conducted on the potential consolidation of the current mail processing operations performed at
the Oshkosh, Wisconsin Processing and Distribution Center (P &DC) with those performed at
the Green Bay P &DC.
On August 25, I joined several interested local officials in meeting with USPS Lakeland
District Manager Karen Schenck, USPS Corporate Communications Liaison Marge Oehlke,
and USPS Plant Manager Steven Wenzel. It is my understanding that the Green Bay
AMP study, which was being conducted earlier this year, was ex aminin g moving only certain
shifts to the Oshkosh P &DC. Yet, after almost 11 months, USPS decided to halt the study
without any explanation and then immediately began an entirely new and contradictory study of
consolidating the entire Oshkosh P &DC into the Green Bay P &DC. I requested a copy of the
Green Bay AMP study but was informed that, because no action was taken, the study would
not be released to the public. I am concerned about this lack of transparency and again request
that the USPS provide an explanation for this drastic shift in direction.
AMP studies are intended to improve operational efficiencies and reduce expenses by
reviewing mailing volume and determining capacity needs in order to make better use of excess
capacity and underused resources. It was explained in the August meeting that there has never
been a comprehensive analysis of consolidating the Green Bay P &DC, nor is the USPS
intending to conduct one. My concern then is how the local and regional USPS management
can compose a balanced AMP proposal based on the merits of the Oshkosh P &DC without
conducting a full analysis of the Green Bay P &DC? It would seem that the Postal Service
should review both facilities simultaneously and evaluate which is best situated to absorb the
other based on their potential savings, impact on service and efficiency.
While I understand that the USPS continues to face many economic challenges due to
deteriorating financial conditions and declining mail volumes, any consolidation review must
be done in a fair, open, and objective manner, Therefore, I request that the USPS provide my
office with any data that is being collected and analyzed in determining the future postal
operations in Oshkosh and Green Bay.
If the Postal Service does not conduct this AMP study in an appropriate manner, I am
prepared to request an outside review.
I thank you in advance for your cooperation and response to my requests, and look
forward to working with you on this issue which is of great importance to my constituents.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Petri
Member of Congress
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