HomeMy WebLinkAbout_Minutes PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
JANUARY 23, 2018
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers,
City Hall
Mayor Cummings presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Steven Herman, Caroline Panske, Jake Krause, Tom
Pech, Jr., Lori Palmeri, Deb Allison-Aasby and Mayor Steve Cummings
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn
Lorenson, City Attorney; and James Rabe, Director of Public Works
Council Member Herman read the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Otis Panske from Franklin Elementary School,Oliver
Panske from Perry Tipler Middle School; and Lydia Rentmeester from Washington
Elementary School
Council Member Pech asked for a moment of silence to honor the life of Clarence
Jungwirth, who recently passed away at age 98. He explained he had been a wealth of
knowledge in regards to the history of Oshkosh and a valuable member of the
community.
INTRODUCTION OF CITY STAFF
Trena Larson, Director of Finance, introduced Hailey Palmquist, Finance Accounting
Manager.
Council Member Herman questioned if Ms. Palmquist was filling a vacant position.
Ms. Larson stated yes.
Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of the position.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Ms. Larson explained Ms. Palmquist managed both the accounting and collections
divisions, overseeing approximately 8 City staff members.
Council Member Pech questioned what Ms. Palmquist's role had been prior to her
promotion.
Ms. Larson stated she had been the City staff accountant.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
Kenneth Klewicki, 4944 Highway 45 South, stated he had emailed Council a letter the
previous week, and due to an error within the original letter was present to provide
Council with the corrected version. He explained he was the collection agent for the City
and his firm had worked with the City for over 20 years. He stated what the process had
been and that a debtor had come to the City in September to pay a judgement owed in
excess of $7,000, and the debtor's attorney had verified with his company the following
day that the judgement had been satisfied. He indicated when they contacted the City
collections department they indicated they were not aware of the payment, and his
company verified the judgement was satisfied through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.
He stated they billed the City, as that was part of the normal procedure when a debt was
paid directly to the client, and was informed that no payment had been made, therefore
the City would not pay the invoice. He explained after non-payment, they had sent a
number of requests and held a meeting with the City, explaining their contract terms. He
stated after the meeting the City terminated the working relationship with his collection
agency and a complaint was filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial
Institutions, which was their licensing agent, without merit. He explained the debtor had
paid the City in excess of$7,000 and a satisfaction had been issued on receipt of a payment
of $5,155.88. He stated the City maintained that no funds had been collected. He
requested payment of the invoice and an investigation into any remaining balances due
to his firm.
CONSENT AGENDA
Report of Sills by the Finance Director
Receipt & Filing of Common Council Minutes from January 9, 2018
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Receipt of Claims filed with the City's Insurance Company:
A) Peter Davis for alleged damages to his vehicle from city bus
B) Greg Klinger for alleged property damages from construction company
doing a test in the street
Resolution 18-25 Rescind Personal Property Taxes - Iconic Ink Tattoo — Located 616
Ohio Street ($376.11)
Resolution 18-26 Reauthorization of Self-Insurance for Worker's Compensation
Resolution 18-27 Award Sid to H.I.S. Comp LLC for City Hall Roof Replacement for
General Services Division ($101,392.00)
Resolution 18-28 Approve 2018 Software Renewal to Tyler Technologies, Inc. for
iasWorld Software as a Service (SaaS) for IT Division ($94,245.00)
Resolution 18-29 Approve Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the
City of Oshkosh & the Oshkosh Area School District for Operation
of Pollock Community Water Park (2018 — 2020) (Advisory Park
Board Recommends Approval)
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of the parking lot arrangement.
Ray Maurer,Director of Parks, stated the City had an agreement with Oshkosh West High
School to utilize the parking lot for Pollock Pool as there was not enough on-street
parking to accommodate those attending the water park. He explained City staff was
responsible for picking up trash in the parking lot during and after the hours of use.
Council Member Palmeri stated it was her understanding the City paid 100% of the cost
for lifeguard services and also provided a credit for the parking lot use. She questioned
if that was true.
Mr. Maurer explained the water park was a recreational amenity for the community and
the City paid for the cost of the lifeguard services and received a$40,000 contribution for
the use of the pool.
Resolution 18-30 Approve Engineering Services Agreement for 2018 Knapp Street
Quarries&Timmerman Landfill Operations&Maintenance Support
/AECOM Technical Services, Inc. ($82,750.00)
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Resolution 18-31 Approve Agreement for Disposal of Contaminated Soil from
Various Projects in the 2018-2019 Capital Improvement Program /
Waste Management-Wisconsin ($2,527,500.00)
Mayor Cummings explained he believed it was important for citizens to understand the
tremendous cost Oshkosh and other communities incurred for removal of contaminated
soil related to various development projects.
Mr. Rabe explained the City encountered a variety of contaminants during street
reconstruction and development projects; the agreement covered all City projects for the
capital years of 2018 and 2019. He stated past agreements had estimated 70,500 tons to
be hauled to the landfill while the actual haul had been approximately 66,000 tons. He
explained their estimation had been close and included all materials that could not be
used on the site including petroleum contamination, fly ash, rail ties and other items that
needed to be managed at a licensed landfill facility.
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of why the City staff memo referenced
two possible facilities.
Mr. Rabe stated the waste management facilities were the only licensed facilities capable
of managing all of the materials the City generated on their projects. He explained the
reference to Outagamie County landfill was in regards to garbage, which was not what
was generated during street projects. He stated Waste Management was the only facility
able to process all of the materials the City generated.
Resolution 18-32 Approve Change Order No. 2 for Public Works Contract No. 17-12
Miscellaneous Utility Improvements (+$99,509.75)
Resolution 18-33 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments — Contract No.
18-04 Paving, Sidewalk, Driveway & Utilities / First Local Street
Concrete Paving Program:
Court Street (Ceape Avenue to Washington Avenue)
Otter Avenue (State Street to Railroad Tracks)
Washington Avenue (North Main Street to Broad Street)
Osceola Street (Pearl Avenue to 115' Southwest of High Avenue)
Resolution 18-34 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments — Contract No.
18-05 Paving, Sidewalk, Driveway & Utilities / Second Local Street
Concrete Paving Program - Oregon Street (West 81h Avenue to West
161h Avenue)
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Resolution 18-35 Approve Labor Contracts with Oshkosh Professional Police Officers
Association (OPPA), Oshkosh Police Supervisors Association
(OPSA), International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.) Local
316, Oshkosh Fire Department Chief Officers (OFDCO & American
Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Local 796 Transit for Years 2018, 2019 & 2020
Resolution 18-36 Renewal of Bird City Wisconsin Designation; Designate May 5, 2018
as International Migratory Bird Day
Resolution 18-37 Approve Special Event —UW Oshkosh Student Recreation to utilize
City streets for the Shamrock Shuffle /March 10, 2018
Resolution 18-38 Approve Special Event —Oshkosh Yacht Club to utilize Menominee
Park for the Oshkosh Yacht Club's 2018 National A Scow Regatta /
June 21 - 24, 2018
Resolution 18-39 Approve Special Event —Oshkosh Yacht Club to utilize Menominee
Park for the Oshkosh Yacht Club's Extreme Regatta / July 16 & 17,
2018
Resolution 18-40 Approve Special Event — Cultural Fine Arts & Jazz Society of
Oshkosh, Inc. to utilize Steiger Park (Boat Works Site) & Riverwalk
for the Jazz Meets Art by the Historic Fox River/August 18, 2018
Resolution 18-41 Approve Special Event —Oshkosh Yacht Club to utilize Menominee
Park for the Oshkosh Yacht Club's 2018 National E Scow Regatta /
September 6 - 9, 2018
Resolution 18-42 Approve Special "Class B" License, Operator Licenses &
Secondhand Dealer Licenses
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Pech; second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 18-43 Modify Parking Regulations on 91h Avenue
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Panske)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Ordinance 18-44 Amend Penalties for Possession of Marijuana/Adults
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Pech)
MOTION: AMEND TO REDUCE FINE AMOUNT FROM $200 TO $150
(Krause; second, Panske)
LOST: Ayes (3) Panske, Krause, Palmeri
Noes (4) Pech, Allison-Aasby, Herman, Mayor Cummings
VOTE ON ORIGINAL RESOLUTION
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby
Noes (1) Mayor Cummings
Shawn Kelderman, W2457 Lomira Drive, Brownsville, explained Mayor Cummings had
previously stated time was being wasted on the issue and there should be more focus on
items such as growing the community.
Mayor Cummings stated discussion needed to be focused on the fine.
Ms. Kelderman stated she would arrive at that point. She explained if she were a young
person looking to start a family and become a member of the community,the way he treated
his constituents would be an item she would pay attention to. She stated over 7,000
residents had asked for the fine to be reduced to $25 and she did not believe a $200 fine
would respect the wishes of the citizens.
Dan Rylance, 602 E. Parkway Avenue, stated he had signed both petitions and supported
the reduction of the fine to$25. He explained he was not aware of many issues that Council
had faced where that many citizens had expressed their opinions. He stated democracy
was supposed to respond to the wishes of the people and he hoped that Council would do
so by recognizing the original request of the petition by putting it on the spring ballot, and
if that was not possible, to do so via ordinance change.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Martha Reishl,530 Pyle Avenue, stated she had signed the petition to reduce the fine to$25,
which was what should happen regardless of personal opinion. She explained Mayor
Cummings' opinion on the matter should not be affecting the reduction of the fine. She
stated citizens should not have their lives destroyed for something that was not harmful,
and the City needed to listen to those that signed the petition. She explained other major
cities in Wisconsin had reduced fines as they recognized their citizens were not criminals
for using marijuana and should not be treated as such. She stated until legalization
happened, it needed to be approached at a City level.
Council Member Pech stated Officer Harris had indicated in the preamble that participants
should refrain from applause. He explained Council was listening to the speakers and
requested that item be respected.
Mark Kelderman, W2457 Lomira Drive, Brownsville, stated he was impressed by the
number of people who had petitioned for hundreds of hours, sometimes in poor weather,
and was frustrated that Mayor Cummings did not treat them with respect. He explained
he was hopeful that the fine would be reduced to $25 as the petition had requested. He
stated if not, they would be appreciative of compromise, however, he felt that the City
should stand on the progressive side of history. He explained making changes on a local
level would help Madison become aware that the public would like cannabis reform.
Patricia Diener, 1316 Broad Street, stated she did not want the fee lowered to $25; she
believed it should remain the same.
Council Member Krause stated he believed lowering the fee to $200 was not in line with
other progressive cities in the state. He stated there were other Council Members who had
supported his proposed tiered resolution, which was ultimately rejected, however, that
meant that there were Council Members who had supported a $50 fee. He explained he
believed individuals who used marijuana were typically not in possession of a gram,
therefore they would be unfairly charged the higher flat fee.
Council Member Panske explained she had received an email from Mayor Cummings that
stated the financial burden should be placed on the criminal in respect to possession of
marijuana. She stated putting such a financial burden on an individual would result in
additional financial burden for the City as the individual would likely be put on probation
and required to take an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse assessment (AODA), which cost
$225. She explained if the individual was not able to pay for the AODA assessment the
County would cover the costs,and if they required additional treatment the County may be
responsible for those additional costs. She stated as a taxpayer to the County, the City
would inadvertently be helping fund those costs. She explained throughout the process
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
there may be additional costs that would inadvertently be attributed to the City. She stated
by making the forfeiture as reasonable as possible, the City would enable an individual to
learn their lesson and move on as well as reduce City costs. She requested Council listen to
the petitioners and lower the fine.
Council Member Pech questioned if the same would apply for individuals who were cited
for other offenses.
Council Member Panske stated she would assume so.
Council Member Pech stated Council would then be creating an exception for one particular
type of legal violation. He questioned if marijuana was illegal in Wisconsin.
Council Member Panske stated yes.
Council Member Krause explained there was a trend throughout the country of reducing
fines in an effort to help make marijuana legal. He stated since the last Council Meeting two
additional states had legalized marijuana. He explained states were not considering
reducing fines for operating while intoxicated because it was harmful; they were lowering
fines and legalizing marijuana as research proved that it was not harmful.
Council Member Herman stated he had been involved in law enforcement for over 30 years
and believed there was a misconception in the community about how police officers did
their job. He explained when an officer charged an individual with an ordinance violation,
jail time and probation did not come into play; those items only occurred if an individual
was charged criminally, for violating a state statute. He stated if an individual received an
ordinance violation, the only repercussion was a fine. He explained a fine was issued
because the individual broke the law, and the punitive side to it was geared to promote a
change in behavior. He shared stories that detailed the dangerous side of the drug problem
in the City, especially heroin. He explained it was illegal to drive under the influence of
marijuana as it was a controlled substance. He stated the City was unable to change whether
or not marijuana was legal, and doubted changing the fine accomplished what the
petitioners were hoping for. He explained he was not concerned with individuals using
marijuana in their own homes,however,he believed a significant portion of those who were
charged with possession of marijuana were charged in conjunction with committing
another crime, especially traffic related. He stated he would support reducing the fine to
$200.
Council Member Pech stated he applauded the petitioners for gathering such a large
number of signatures. He explained that while the country was a democracy, it was a
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
representative democracy. He stated the petitioners'voice had been heard and Council was
willing to compromise. He explained that while marijuana remained illegal in Wisconsin,
he was willing to lower the fine to $200, which was a 30% reduction. He stated he was not
willing to lower the fine to a level that would make something illegal nearly equal in cost to
a parking ticket. He encouraged those who wished to see change to work for reform in
Madison.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated during the time period of the first petition, she had
been approached and asked to sign. She explained she could not attribute the one
individual's actions to the whole group, however, she indicated it was not presented in a
transparent way that let the public know what they were signing. She stated she was
hopeful this year the petition was handled differently. She explained typically when there
was an item that personally benefited a Council Member, that individual would recuse
themselves from a vote; because that had not been taking place she had concerns about
supporting the lowering of the fine. She stated she had been anxious to see how the
petitioners would conduct themselves during the Council meeting, and initially could have
been persuaded to support Council Member Krause's motion to lower the fine to$150. She
explained regardless of whether the petitioners liked what the Mayor had to say, he also
represented constituents that shared his viewpoint, and personal attacks were
inappropriate. She stated she was not certain which way she would vote due to the personal
attacks and conflict of interest, although she did believe in compromise and listening to the
opinions of the constituents.
Mayor Cummings questioned when he and his fellow Council Members took the oath of
office, they swore to uphold the constitution and the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
Ms. Ubrig stated that was correct.
Mayor Cummings explained he had been upfront about his opinions and believed lowering
the fine gave the impression that Council was condoning illegal behavior. He stated there
were consequences for breaking the law and Council had the obligation of upholding state
law; if individuals wanted change they needed to work towards it at a state level.
Council Member Palmeri thanked the individuals who spent the time participating in their
local government. She stated she had been willing to support a fine reduction as it was a
compromise, and because Oshkosh did not have a municipal court, it was the only means
to come to a middle ground. She explained initially she believed the petitioners had
improved how they conducted themselves compared to last year, however that seemed to
deteriorate. She stated she would support reducing the fine to$200, which would result in
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a total of approximately $389 including court costs compared to the existing fine of $325
with court costs bringing the total to$547.
Council Member Krause stated he would support the reduction to $200 and while it was
not the end goal he had hoped for, it was progress.
Ordinance 18-45 Authorize the Chief of Police and/or Director of Transportation to
Establish Temporary Speed Limits for Special Events
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Ordinance 18-46 Create Premier Economic Development District/ Sawdust District
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of what creating the premier
economic district would do for the Sawdust District.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, explained state law permits the City
to create two new liquor licenses that could only be used in the 40 acre district.
Council Member Herman questioned if it was an economic tool.
Mr. Davis stated yes.
Council Member Herman stated he understood it would allow a developer or
entrepreneur with an idea to pursue an establishment with a liquor license in the district.
Mr. Davis stated that was correct.
Mayor Cummings stated he understood the former Buckstaff site was approximately 8
acres, leaving 32 acres remaining in the district. He asked for an explanation of the
boundaries.
Mr. Davis explained the district started south of the Buckstaff property near 141h Avenue
and went north along the east side of Main Street until 91h Avenue, where it then moved
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
to the west side of Main Street up to 61h Avenue. He stated in general, it included a
number of potential development locations.
Council Member Herman questioned if it was similar to what had been done in the area
along Oshkosh Avenue.
Mr. Davis stated no; it did not have anything to do with zoning.
Council Member Herman stated it was his understanding the designation would not
hamper future development, it would enhance it. He explained a complete vision of the
Sawdust District had not been created.
Mr. Davis stated the designation was geared to obtain additional liquor licenses to use as
an economic development tool.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the word 'premier' would lend itself to a higher
standard of development, or if it would result in a 'red-light' district.
Mr. Davis stated the word 'premier' was based on the state statute that was used to allow
cities to enact the ordinance.
Council Member Panske stated one of the standards for establishing the district was a
future district value of above $20 million. She stated the last assessment she was able to
find was from November, prior to the completion of the arena, and she understood the
next assessment would take place in August.
Mr. Rohloff stated the assessment was essentially a snapshot of the value on January 1St
and would not be certified until August, when the values were sent to the state who
verified/certified them in November.
Council Member Panske questioned how accurate the assessments were and if public
improvements such as street, sewer, and lighting was taken into consideration.
Mr. Rohloff stated that was not included, the assessment only considered property
values. He explained Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development Manager, had conducted
the research, and the requirement was property that had the potential to grow to the
value of$20 million; it did not need to be presently valued at that figure.
Council Member Panske questioned if City staff was confident that the City would
achieve the $20 million requirement.
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Mr. Davis stated he was confident they would achieve it, and the statute did not give a
deadline for reaching the requirement, or a repercussion in the event the City did not.
Council Member Panske stated she understood the licenses had a price of $30,000 and
questioned how those funds would be used.
Mr. Rohloff stated the funds would be held by the City and were meant to be a deterrent
to those who may not be committed to their development. He explained the high cost of
the license was designed to attract developers who would be deeply invested in their
business.
Council Member Herman questioned who paid for the licenses.
Mr. Rohloff explained it was paid by the applicant.
Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of the process.
Ms. Lorenson indicated the $30,000 fee for these particular licenses was set by state
statute. She explained it was designed to encourage a serious development.
Council Member Herman questioned if the City needed to have maxed out all available
liquor licenses to obtain the additional licenses.
Mr. Rohloff stated that was not a requirement. He explained in previous years, reserve
licenses had been established with a fee of $10,000 to discourage those not genuinely
invested in their development. He explained the state set the cost of the two additional
licenses at $30,000 to insure the developers were committed to being successful. He
explained the state had created premier economic districts when the Titletown District
was created, as the Village of Ashwaubenon did not have enough liquor licenses. He
stated the idea was that the establishments needed to be high end and the developers
highly committed to spend $30,000 for a liquor license.
Council Member Herman questioned if an applicant paid for the license and the business
failed, would the license stay within the district.
Mr. Rohloff stated yes; they needed to remain in the district.
Council Member Pech questioned if the $30,000 fee was an annual fee.
Mr. Rohloff stated it was a one-time fee.
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Council Member Pech questioned if they would then be subject to the normal annual
renewal fees.
Mr. Rohloff explained yes.
Mayor Cummings stated it would seem likely that a hotel, or bar/restaurant would invest
in the license, as it would be too high of a cost for a small tavern.
Ordinance 18-47 Approve Zone Change from Suburban Mixed Use District (SMU) to
Suburban Mixed Use District with Planned Development Overlay
(SMU-PD); 2130-2150 South Washburn Street (Plan Commission
Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Mayor Cummings explained the zone change was related to the Fox World Travel
development.
Council Member Herman stated he supported the zone change and applauded the
developers for revitalizing the space.
Council Member Pech stated they had previously occupied a much smaller space and
their expansion was an indicator of positive growth in the community.
Ordinance 18-48 Modify Parking Regulations on 111h Avenue
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 18-49 Repeal Ordinance Pertaining to Prohibited Areas for Animals
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the ordinance was related to allowing dogs in
parks.
Ms. Lorenson stated it was; she explained two sections of the municipal code were
inconsistent and City staff was updating the code to reflect the information in one
location.
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Council Member Palmeri stated she believed allowing animals in the parks had been a
one year trial period. She explained if the trial period was nearing completion, she
believed updating the code may be premature, as it was not certain that Council would
decide to keep the ordinance.
Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, stated it was approaching a year, and he believed most of
the comments City staff and the parks advisory board had received were positive. He
stated he expected the parks advisory board to support leaving the ordinance in place.
Ms. Lorenson stated regardless of whether or not Council chose to keep the ordinance,
she recommended not keeping the information in two separate locations within the
municipal code.
Ordinance 18-50 Amend Ordinance Authorizing Public Construction for Certain
Classes of Work
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 18-51 Approve Zone Change from Urban Industrial (UI) to Single Family
Residential 9 District (SR-9); 1603, 1607 & 1611 Ashland Street (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Resolution 18-52 Authorization of a Committee to Plan & Organize a Unity In
Community Event Sponsored by the City of Oshkosh
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of the event.
Mayor Cummings explained he had been working to create the event with university
staff as well as Dean Smith, Chief of Police. He stated there was considerable diversity
within the community and the goal was to create an event to highlight the diversity and
various cultures that composed the community through child friendly education
activities, entertainment and food. He explained the steering committee would include
individuals from the Hmong community, Native Americans, African Americans, Muslim
Americans, individuals from the Philippines and others. He stated the Oshkosh Area
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School District was working on the educational aspect. He explained the effort had
received a great deal of support and fundraising was in process. He stated the event
would be held on May 5th, 2018 at the Leach Amphitheater from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
and no alcohol would be served.
Council Member Palmeri stated she had learned that there were over 50 languages that
were spoken within the Oshkosh Area School District.
Mayor Cummings explained the meetings had been positive and despite cultural
differences, the group had found commonalities.
Council Member Panske stated the resolution described Council authorizing the
formation of a committee when it sounded as though the committee had already been
formed.
Mayor Cummings stated that it had.
Council Member Panske questioned why the committee had been formed prior to
Council's authorization.
Council Member Pech stated he understood the resolution was a formality to authorize
waiving the special event fee.
Council Member Panske questioned if that should be referenced within the resolution.
She stated Council had not been provided information on membership, when meetings
were held or minutes from the meetings.
Ms. Lorenson stated the group had requested the event become a City sponsored event,
therefore it now needed to come before Council for approval.
Council Member Pech stated it was his understanding citizens had been involved and
were now looking to the City to take action.
Ms. Lorenson stated that was correct.
Council Member Panske questioned where she would be able to find information on the
committee.
Mayor Cummings stated the members had changed several times, and not everyone
attended each meeting.
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Council Member Panske questioned if Council established the committee, would there
be formal information regarding membership and meetings.
Ms. Lorenson stated yes; if Council authorized establishing the committee it would be a
formal committee which required public notice of meetings and minutes.
Council Member Panske questioned if it would be a similar process to the Mayor's
breakfast that had been held in the past.
Ms. Lorenson stated the Mayor's breakfast was formed by a separate group and had not
been a City sponsored event.
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of what the financial benefit would
be, as it was indicated that the event would be a financial benefit to the City as a whole.
Mayor Cummings stated the City would be acknowledging its diversity, which was an
item that corporations sought out, and could help attract residents and businesses alike.
Mr. Rohloff explained within the resolution it was stated that the event met one or more
of the criteria required for a City sponsored event, therefore it did not necessarily have to
financially benefit the City as a whole.
Council Member Panske questioned if the event would be free to community members.
Mayor Cummings stated yes.
Resolution 18-53 Approve Special Event — Sawdust Days Inc. to utilize Menominee
Park & City streets for the Oshkosh Sawdust Days Festival & 5K Walk Run / July 1 - 9,
2018
MOTION: ADOPT (Panske; second, Herman)
MOTION: AMEND EXCEPTIONS/CONDITIONS INCLUDING F- MUSIC,
CARNIVAL RIDES & ACTIVITIES TO END AT 10:30 P.M. AND
E-SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO END AT 10:00 P.M.
(Herman; second, Pech)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Cummings
Noes (1) Panske
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Ellen Schmidt, 4303 Swallow Banks Lane, stated she was present to represent Sawdust
Days, which had been in existence for 47 years. She stated they had tried to comply with
all requests from the City, had worked with the police department and had hired private
security. She explained they had tried a new layout the previous year and it had not
worked well. She stated they had received numerous complaints about the large areas
of mud, and they had not been compliant with handicap guidelines. She explained they
had lost several vendors due to the new layout and sales were down. She stated returning
to the previous layout with fencing would improve the chance of vendors returning,
make it easier for the public to move throughout the ground and allow for expansion of
the children's area. She explained they would also be able to utilize a space for paid
parking to help reduce the impact of the increase in special event fee cost. She stated they
planned to incorporate more history by having the Menominee tribe provide displays
and possibly authentic food. She explained the event benefited numerous non-profit
organizations and they would like to continue to offer a free festival to the community.
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of the use of Pratt Trail.
Ms. Schmidt stated it had previously been used for paid parking.
Council Member Palmeri stated while she appreciated that it was a multicultural event
with entertainment and food, she was concerned about the number of phone calls they
had received due to the music and noise level. She explained she also had concerns about
the sale of alcohol after 9 p.m.
Thomas Guenther, Sr., 639 Grove Street, stated the complaints regarding noise was likely
due to the change in layout, and if they returned to the previous layout, he believed that
would mitigate the sound going into the residential neighborhood. He explained he
understood there were complaints, however, people who liked the music and the festival
tended not to reach out to share their opinions.
Council Member Palmeri stated she had received numerous calls about the bass of the
music.
Mr. Guenther stated if the music was pointed in the other direction, the sound/vibration
of the bass would not travel. He explained the proposed layout had two beer gardens;
the Mexican area and mainstage area, which would both be secured with 8 foot security
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
chain link fence. He stated the entry/exit ways would be monitored by security to prevent
alcohol from leaving the beer gardens. He explained the reenactment area would not
have any alcohol, and if the Menominee Tribe could not provide a cultural display, they
would fill the space with family entertainment. He stated he believed the proposed
layout would be easier for the police department to monitor.
Council Member Pech questioned if the boat launch area would be accessible to the
general public.
Ms. Schmidt stated she had not been able to move forward with finalizing plans as she
had to wait for Council to approve the event. She explained she had a conversation with
the individual who owned the midway, and questioned if he would be able to make the
boat launch area more accessible, and was waiting for Council approval to continue
discussions.
Council Member Pech stated she had the ability to stipulate that the boat launch area
needed to remain accessible without Council approval.
Ms. Schmidt explained the individual had stated he would do whatever was necessary.
Council Member Pech questioned if the event was approved that the public would have
access to the boat landing.
Ms. Schmidt stated that was an impossible question to answer. She explained it was
difficult to say that it would be accessible throughout the entire event. She stated she did
not understand what Council Member Pech was asking.
Council Member Pech questioned if the boat launch would be available to the public for
the 41h of July.
Mr. Guenther indicated that they had video from a drone from last year that showed
individuals launching boats during the festival. He stated the boat launch would be
available.
Council Member Pech stated the City funded half of the cost of the fireworks and he
expected the City to receive the same promotion as Festival Foods.
Mr. Guenther stated he understood, and last year they had added 'brought to you by the
City of Oshkosh' after any mention of the Festival Food fireworks.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Pech stated that had been part of the approval last year, and it had taken
significant follow up on the City to ensure that it happened, as it had not originally.
Mr. Guenther stated he understood.
Council Member Panske stated she agreed the original layout made more sense. She
explained she was pleased to hear they were taking additional steps to make the beer
gardens more secure, and would support the event. She questioned if there would be
verbiage about the cost of the boat ramps being shifted on to the event if they were not
able to be open to the public.
Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, stated there was a parks boat launch buyout that
was not included in the extraordinary costs and services. She explained Sawdust Days
had been informed it would be a $500 per day buyout.
Council Member Panske questioned if they could exercise the buyout if they wanted to
utilize the entire midway.
Ms. Snell stated that they had in the past.
Resolution 18-54 Approve Lead Service Line Replacement Policy
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Mr. Rabe stated the policy would be an adoption of the pilot policy that had been
approved by Council in 2017. He explained as a result of changes to the municipal code
in 2017 related to lead service lines, the City applied for and subsequently received a
principal forgiveness loan from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) from the safe drinking water loan fund in the amount of approximately
$500,000. He stated City staff had launched the pilot program to see how such a program
could benefit the City. He explained the only properties eligible for reimbursement in
2017 were located adjacent to a City street reconstruction or water main replacement
project, or those that suffered a failure/leak on a service on the public or private side. He
stated the change in the municipal code required that within 6 months of either side
replacing a lead service, the other side must be replaced. He explained the main
difference in the proposed policy versus the pilot program policy was that the program
would now be open to requests, and it was no longer required that the property be
located adjacent to a City project or have a failure. He stated there would be a financial
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
reimbursement to the property owners of 50% up to a maximum of $1,500 for each lead
service that was replaced, and there was language in the policy regarding additional
reimbursement for property owners who met low to moderate income requirements.
Resolution 18-55 Approve Amendment to 2018 Operating Budget—Lead Service Line
Replacement Program ($437,948.56)
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Resolution 18-56 Approve Change Order No. 1 for Public Works Contract No. 17-03
Mary Jewell Lift Station & Park Shelter (+$112,427.00)
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Pech)
CARRIED: Ayes (4) Herman, Pech, Allison-Aasby, Mayor Cummings
Noes (3) Panske, Krause, Palmeri
Council Member Panske stated she had not been in support of the proposed changes
when they had first been brought to Council, and she would not support either
resolutions 18-56 or 18-57. She explained it was difficult for her to support such costly
architectural changes that would be passed on to the taxpayers of the City.
Council Member Herman explained while he previously had supported the proposed
changes, he believed in the future the plan commission, who did not pass the budget,
needed to be conscientious that as much as the City wanted to have high design
standards, there was an economic consequence. He explained he would still support the
proposed changes due to the location of the project.
Council Member Palmeri stated there was a significant cost increase as the result of a
subtle design enhancement. She explained she struggled to understand the need to add
dormers to a pump station/bathroom and she would not support the proposed changes.
Mayor Cummings explained the City had received numerous complaints regarding the
aesthetic of the lift station near Webster Stanley and believed if the City was asking
developers to raise their standards, the City would need to do so as well.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated she could understand the multiple viewpoints,
and would be supporting the changes due to the location of the project.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Panske questioned if there had been any issues or failures at the lift
station near Webster Stanley.
Mr. Rabe stated no.
Resolution 18-57 Approve Amendment to Engineering Services Agreement for
Design & Bidding Support Services for Mary Jewell Sanitary Lift
Station/AECOM Technical Services, Inc. ($21,750.00)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (4) Herman, Pech, Allison-Aasby, Mayor Cummings
Noes (3) Panske, Krause, Palmeri
Resolution 18-58 Approve Engineering Services Agreement for Updating the Design
& Bidding Documents & Providing Bidding Assistance &
Construction Monitoring & Documentation Services for the
Libbey/Nicolet Watershed/North Main Street Area Detention Basin
/AECOM Technical Services, Inc. ($290,245.00)
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Pech)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Resolution 18-59 Approve Tax Increment District No. 34 Project Plan; Designate Tax
Increment District No. 34 Boundaries; Create Tax Increment District
No. 34 Oshkosh Corporation Global Headquarters (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Panske, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Cummings
Present (1) Krause
Council Member Pech asked for an explanation of the districts.
Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor, Ehlers, explained two districts would be created
related to the Oshkosh Corporation project. He stated the first district would be a single
parcel, industrial district where the corporate headquarters would be located.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the change to industrial would allow for future
heavy industrial activity to take place should Oshkosh Corporation ever stop occupying
the site.
Darryn Burich, Planning Services Manager, stated no; the zoning would not allow for
that. He explained the only activity that could take place would be light industrial, which
consisted of light manufacturing inside of a facility.
Resolution 18-60 Approve Tax Increment District No. 35 Project Plan; Designate Tax
Increment District No. 35 Boundaries; Create Tax Increment District
No. 35 Oshkosh Avenue Corridor (Plan Commission Recommends
Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Pech)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Council Member Pech stated he understood this district was tied to the Oshkosh
Corporation project, and asked for an explanation of why it had been set up this way.
Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor, Ehlers, explained the City did not want to
promote industrial type developments along the Oshkosh Avenue corridor. He stated
the focus on the district would be redevelopment and the incentive to the developer was
the upgraded infrastructure the City would put in place; the City's investment would be
recouped by the redevelopment that would occur in the corridor.
Resolution 18-61 Approve Covenants for the Oshkosh Aviation Business Park (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Panske)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Resolution 18-62 Approve Specific Implementation Plan for 2130-2150 South
Washburn Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Panske)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Resolution 18-63 Approve City Manager Performance Evaluation for 2017 & 2018
Compensation
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Herman, Panske, Krause, Pech, Palmeri, Allison-Aasby,
Mayor Cummings
Council Member Herman encouraged citizens to be aware of Council's feedback and
goals for the City Manager, as they were important to the City of Oshkosh. He read the
Council feedback document that had been prepared in reference to 2017. He stated there
were no financial incentives tied to the City Manager's goals for 2018, aside from the
incentive that had been adopted previously where $5,000 would be added to an account
each year Mr. Rohloff remained City Manager, for a period of five years, after which time
he would have access to the funds.
Council Member Pech clarified that it was a retention package, not an incentive package.
Council Member Herman read the list of goals for 2018.
Mayor Cummings thanked Council Member Herman for his work on the review.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated Mr. Rohloff's position was unique in that he
reported to Council as a whole, which was comprised of 7 different personalities. She
thanked Council Member Herman for taking the time to take each Council Member's
thoughts into consideration while preparing the review.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if Mr. Rohloff was in agreement with the goals that
had been set.
Mr. Rohloff stated the goals aligned with the City's strategic plan and provided good
direction for City staff. He thanked Council for their support and stated he looked
forward to continuing to work together.
Council Member Pech explained although 2017 had been a difficult year for the City, it
had also been a successful year. He thanked Mr. Rohloff for his perseverance and
professionalism.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER &FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Cummings stated there was a joint workshop with the traffic review advisory
board and the plan commission to discuss the Oshkosh Avenue traffic impact study on
January 301h at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in room 404.
Mr. Rohloff stated there would be a presentation that would last approximately 30
minutes, followed by discussion.
Council Member Herman questioned if the study would be available electronically.
Mr. Rohloff stated yes.
Mayor Cummings explained there was a joint meeting with the Oshkosh Area School
Board on January 31s' at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in room 404.
Mr. Rohloff stated a draft agenda had been provided to Council, and City staff was
working to schedule future joint meetings per Council's request.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated she would not be able to attend either meeting.
Council Member Pech explained he would not be able to attend the meeting on the 31s'
and may not be present for the meeting on the 301h
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the meetings would be televised or if there would
be minutes.
Mr. Rohloff stated they would be televised.
Council Member Herman explained he had been approached by the vice-chair of the
business improvement district (BID) about sponsoring the summer Oshkosh farmer's
market. He stated according to special event policy, if the BID ran the event, it would
meet the current ordinance and it would make sense not to charge special event fees. He
explained it was a well-attended, community engaging event that had expanded in recent
years. He stated the City provided few services to the event.
Mr. Rohloff stated it was his understanding that the sponsorship would not result in the
BID running the event; the farmer's market held several events and the BID would only
sponsor the downtown summer market. He explained he believed the BID had expressed
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
interest in funding the downtown parking utility as a gesture of goodwill for Council
waiving the special event fees.
Council Member Herman stated that while the SID was not mandated of help offset the
cost of the parking utility, the SID benefited from the parking along Main Street as well
as the lots behind businesses. He explained the farmer's market was located within the
SID district.
Council Member Pech stated he supported the farmer's market and what it did for the
community, however, he was concerned about what kind of precedent this would set.
He explained the items under the current ordinance that would allow for the fee to be
waived could be applied to a number of special events. He stated he believed if Council
decided to waive the fee for the farmer's market that it would result in additional groups
requesting the same.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if there was a letter from the farmer's market
voicing support of the SID taking over the downtown event or if that would be
forthcoming.
Council Member Herman stated it was forthcoming. He explained it was his
understanding that the SID board had voted that they would be in favor of co-sponsoring
the farmer's market. He stated he believed if the SID did take the event over, it would be
in the best interest of the City to waive the fees.
Council Member Palmeri stated she could appreciate Council Member Pech's comments,
however, the farmer's market was unique in that it ran 22 weeks out of the year. She
explained the event provided a number of benefits to the community.
Mayor Cummings clarified that the SID would not run the event.
Council Member Herman stated that was correct; they were requesting to have the fees
waived and sponsor the event.
Council Member Pech stated sponsoring an event meant paying for the applicable fees.
He questioned what the SID was willing to do.
Council Member Herman stated the SID was requesting the fees to be waived. He
explained for other events, the SID had not been required to pay special event fees due
to being an'arm' of the City and if they sponsored the farmer's market, they believed the
same treatment should apply.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Mr. Rohloff explained the farmer's market had sent a letter requesting a fee waiver,
despite previously being told no, and he believed the SID and the farmer's market
organizers had been engaged in informal discussion. He stated he believed the SID was
genuine in their offer to pay for the $15,000 parking utility if the special events fee was
waived.
Council Member Pech questioned what the next step was.
Council Member Herman stated he felt the consensus of the Council was that the SID
needed to put in a formal request. He explained he understood the SID believed
sponsoring the event would be a benefit to the City as the event could continue and the
SID would continue to pay the parking utility.
Council Member Pech stated it would resulted in the City losing $9,000.
Council Member Herman stated the City could potentially lose $15,000 as the SID was
not mandated to pay parking utility.
Mayor Cummings explained it was his understanding they were asking for the fees to be
waived in exchange for paying $15,000 for parking utility, which they had already been
doing for a number of years.
Mr. Rohloff stated they had been paying for the parking utility, however, they were not
obligated to do so. He questioned if Council would like the SID to formally make the
request.
Several Council Members stated yes.
Council Member Pech stated he believed the SID would benefit from the farmer's market
due to attendees visiting their businesses along Main Street during the event. He
explained his concern was managing by exceptions.
Council Member Palmeri explained Council had made several noteworthy exceptions to
policy including TIFs, and believed a long-running 22 week gathering of a significant
portion of the central City could be defined as an exceptional event, and deserved that
consideration. She stated Council had received numerous letters from downtown
business owners indicating the positive impact the farmer's market had on their shops.
Council Member Pech questioned if there was a specific number of years that defined
history, making an event part of the culture of the community.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Palmeri explained the continuity of 22 weeks was what she had been
referring to;not that the farmer's market had been a historical event in the community.
Council Member Pech stated there were organizations that may only have one event a
year, yet have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit non-profits that provide
services the City could not provide.
Council Member Palmeri explained the City wanted to promote a healthy community
and the farmer's market offered collaboration, continuity and a healthy perspective. She
stated she believed Council should support that.
Council Member Pech stated there were a number of events that promoted those same
ideals such as walks, runs and family events. He explained the discussion began when
the special event fees increased and there were events that would see their costs
dramatically increase in the coming years. He stated it did not seem equitable to waive
the fees for one non-profit and not for others. He explained he was the director for a
special event that would see a significant increase in fees. He stated he would work to
absorb those costs as he was aware that it was part of helping the community through
the event.
Council Member Palmeri explained Council had made special accommodations to
prevent large corporations from leaving the City. She asked that people consider what
the downtown would be like if the farmers market was not there.
Council Member Krause stated the farmers market was unique, and when people
consider moving to an area, a farmers market was an amenity they liked to have. He
explained it brought considerable business to Main Street and needed to be viewed
differently than other events, therefore he would support the BID's request.
Mayor Cummings explained Council needed to understand exactly what the SID was
requesting.
Council Member Krause stated they were requesting to waive the fees.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated she believed the Mayor was interested in receiving
a formal request.
Mayor Cummings explained that was correct; he would like a formal request that
included the details regarding the parking utility.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Herman stated the SID was part of the City and was exempt from
paying fees. He explained if they were willing to have the farmers market be a SID event,
fees should be waived.
Mayor Cummings explained he believed it was a slippery slope if Council started making
exceptions for special events.
Mr. Rohloff stated he had provided Council with five items that had received a response
on the boards and commissions survey greater than 60%. He explained he would like
direction from Council on which items they would like to make formal changes on by
having City staff draft an ordinance. He stated they may not be ready by the next Council
meeting as transition concerns would take time to work through.
Council Member Pech stated he would provide his input regarding the long range finance
committee following their next meeting. He explained combining the parking utility and
traffic advisory review board made sense and there was considerable agreement amongst
both groups. He stated the City Attorney did not recommend combining the rental
housing committee with the equal housing opportunity commission, therefore he did not
support that item.
Mayor Cummings stated he agreed with the Grand Opera House advisory board
combining with the landmarks commission. He explained Council needed to decide on
a date for the changes to take place, as there was an election coming up, and individuals
were appointed to the boards/commissions following the election.
Mr. Rohloff recommended Council making a decision by March.
Council Member Panske stated she supported consolidating the parking utility and
traffic advisory review board, restructuring the long range finance committee and
combining the Grand Opera House advisory board with the landmarks commission. She
explained she did not support consolidating the rental housing committee with the equal
housing opportuning commission or consolidating the bike &pedestrian committee with
any other board/commission.
Council Member Palmeri stated she supported consolidating the parking utility and
traffic advisory review board, combining the Grand Opera House advisory board with
the landmarks commission and consolidating the bike and pedestrian committee with
another board/commission.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Council Member Herman stated he would support consolidating the parking utility and
traffic advisory review board, would wait to hear from Council Member Pech regarding
the long range finance committee, supported combining the Grand Opera House
advisory board with the landmarks commission, would follow the City Attorney's
recommendation regarding consolidating the rental housing committee with the equal
housing opportuning commission and would support combining the bike and pedestrian
committee with parking utility and the traffic advisory review board.
Mr. Rohloff stated City staff would not consider consolidating the rental housing
committee with the equal housing opportuning commission as he had not heard any
support for that item and would hold off on moving forward with the restructuring of
the long range finance committee until after their meeting. He explained City staff would
prepare ordinances for the other items and Council would be able to vote.
Council Member Panske questioned if there would be an opportunity for the board
members to speak about the potential changes.
Mr. Rohloff explained he would direct City staff to put the topic on the next agenda for
any of the affected boards/commissions. He stated he understood the parking utility
board and traffic advisory review board had already discussed the proposed change,
while the bike and pedestrian committee had not had the opportunity.
Council Member Panske stated they had full agendas and meetings that lasted nearly
three hours, and the topic had not received much attention.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would direct City staff to put the topic on the next agendas for each
of the impacted groups.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the members of the bike and pedestrian
committee had not received the survey.
Council Member Panske stated although they had received the survey, they had not
anticipated it moving forward.
Mr. Rohloff explained the chair person for the bike and pedestrian committee had shared
that he was against combining with another board/commission. He explained recently,
he had met with City Clerk Ubrig and other City staff to discuss liquor licenses. He stated
Council had amended their policy in 2014 based on lack of activity on certain liquor
licenses; City staff was directed to bring liquor licenses before Council after one year on
inactivity. He explained despite City staff diligently doing so, the extensions had
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
continued. He stated they had also reviewed the licenses where the establishments were
closed and some, not including Marion Road which had previously been reserved, had
been inactive for longer than a year. He explained he believed liquor licenses were a tool
for economic development, and making a change to the policy would not require an
ordinance change. He stated he believed the inactive licenses should be returned to the
City, creating a pool of available licenses, to promote new developments. He explained
there were as many as 7 inactive licenses and he would include Marion Road in the
potential pool, despite the fact that he had been protective of that reserved license in the
past. He stated City staff was hesitant as it was difficult to take a license away from a
business. He explained in the community he had worked in before, there was a waiting
list, and when a license became available, the business at the top of the list would receive
it. He stated if that business was not ready to utilize the license, they moved lower on
the list until they were better prepared. He explained when applying for a license,
businesses had provided Council a timeline, and it was required they be ready to utilize
the license at the date they indicated or they moved back to the bottom of the list. He
stated changing the way the inactive licenses were handled may make for a more effective
economic tool.
Council Member Panske stated she thought it was a great idea, as they were stuck in a
pattern where the City was waiting for a development to happen instead of actively
encouraging some of the entities to take action. She questioned if Mr. Rohloff had
experience where this type of system hindered the sale of properties.
Mr. Rohloff stated in general, if a property was for sale and had an interested buyer, that
business typically contacted the businesses listed higher on the waiting list and requested
that they contact the City Clerk to be moved down the list. He explained once they were
at the top of the list, they would be able to apply and indicate that they had an active
buyer.
Council Member Panske questioned if the City Clerk's office was prepared to manage
this sort of system.
Ms. Ubrig stated yes; she would be able to prepare communication and start the list.
Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of the licenses listed for 2017.
Ms. Ubrig stated the licenses listed for 2017 would be brought before Council after the
one year of inactivity expired.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Mr. Rohloff explained there were 5 licenses that had been inactive pre-2017 and 2
available licenses. He stated with the licenses listed for 2017, there was a potential for
additional inactive licenses to join the list.
Council Member Palmeri stated she believed this was a good start to the conversation,
and she would like to see something similar for City land that had been sitting stagnant.
Council Member Herman questioned if under the current policy, Council had the ability
to question inactive license holders.
Mr. Rohloff stated yes, per Council policy.
Council Member Herman stated he was referencing licenses that were listed in 2017; if a
license was renewed for a year, and 3 months later there was still no activity, could
Council have it brought back before Council.
Mr. Rohloff stated he had not included the 2017 licenses in the numbers, and believed
Council should honor what they had told those license holders and allow them to hold
the license until July 1St. He explained he did not believe Council would need to address
those until they had dealt with the 5 older inactive licenses and the 2 available licenses.
He stated unfortunately they would have to hold revocation hearings to bring the licenses
back to the City. He indicated City staff would start preparing something more formal
for Council to work on.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS TO COUNCIL
Patricia Diener, 1316 Broad Street,stated she was pleased with the progress at South Park.
She explained her father in law had recently passed away, and they were interested in
purchasing his home and the lot next door. She stated she had been informed that when
someone inquired about the property with the City, they had been told that a parking lot
may be re-constructed near that location, and curb and sewer may need to be installed.
She explained she believed there was sufficient drainage in that area, and questioned if
additional plumbing would need to be added near the lot.
Council Member Herman explained it would be dependent on what the City ordinance
was related to re-construction of a parking lot. He stated although he was not certain
what the ordinance said, if it indicated that curb and gutter would need to be installed,
City staff would abide by the ordinance.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JANUARY 23, 2018
Ms. Diener stated there were additional individuals interested in the property, and she
would like the plan commission to provide the correct information as she understood
different parties were being told different things. She thanked City staff for cleaning up
a property near her relative's house near a creek where a number of weeds had grown.
She explained the Polar Plunge was February 171h and encouraged everyone to attend.
CO UNCIL MEMBER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Council Member Palmeri stated she had attended the Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods
Alliance meeting, and one of the goals for 2018 was putting together a handbook for
neighborhood associations along with some type of mentorship program. She explained
they would be a valuable resource to new neighborhood associations. She stated they
were concerned about communication, both between the neighborhood associations
themselves and the departments within City Hall, and they would work to improve those
communication channels. She explained they were interested in having individuals
being able to subscribe to the City Manager's newsletter, and she understood Mr. Rohloff
was working with IT to make that happen.
Mr. Rohloff stated it had been completed.
Council Member Palmeri thanked the neighborhood representatives who had
consistently showed up to the meetings. She explained there were some representatives
who felt there could have been better information provided regarding the clear well
program. She encouraged anyone interested in having their neighborhood formally
recognized as an association to contact the planning services division.
CITY MANAGER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff stated there was a variety of purchases that occurred at the beginning of each
year, including that contracts that were renewed for 2018. He explained they utilized
different firms for different purposes with an annual contract. He stated Oshkosh
Corporation would be presenting the design of their facility on Monday, January 291h
MOTION: ADJOURN (Herman; second, Panske)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK
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