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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Common Council Minutes PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN MAYS, 2018 REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall Mayor Cummings presided. PRESENT: Council Members Tom Pech, Jr., Steven Herman, Deb Allison-Aasby, Lori Palmeri, Matt Mugerauer, Jake Krause 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 Pech read the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Harley Davis & Isaac Klessig from Trinity Lutheran School PROCLAMATION Mayor Cummings proclaimed May 2018 to be National History Preservation Month in the City of Oshkosh. Shirley Mattox accepted the proclamation. Mayor Cummings explained preserving historic structures was a green initiative as it prevented history from being placed in landfills. PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolution 18-248 Approve Final Resolution for Special Assessments for Pavement, Aprons, Sidewalk & Utilities Relating to Contract No. 18-12 A) Columbia Avenue (Algoma Boulevard to Vinland Street) B) Roosevelt Avenue (Hamilton Street to the end of the cul-de-sac east of Crane Street) PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 C) Minerva Street (dead end south of Columbia Avenue to Linwood Avenue) MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Pech) MOTION: AMEND TO REMOVE SIDEWALK ESTIMATES FOR 1512, 1513 & 1520 ROOSEVELT AVENUE- ATTACHMENT WILL BE AMENDED BY STAFF (Pech; second, Herman) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings VOTE ON AMENDED RESOLUTION CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Mr. Rabe indicated that City staff had inadvertently included 1512, 1513 and 1520 Roosevelt Avenue in the estimates for sidewalk assessments, when there were not sidewalks present at the locations. Resolution 18-249 Approve Final Resolution for Special Assessments for Storm Sewer Laterals Relating to Contract No. 18-20 & Contract No. 18-04 / Various Locations MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings CITIZEN STATEMENTS Caroline Panske, 1069 W. 91h Avenue, stated she was concerned about the application process for boards/commissions. She explained she had applied for an open position approximately a month ago and had not heard back yet. She stated she had received complaints in the past about similar situations, and recently had been informed by a citizen that he had been waiting to hear whether or not he had been approved for the position for nearly a year. She explained she believed there were ways to improve the process, and that citizens should be informed if they were not going to be selected. She stated she was concerned that there were no bike racks at the Leach Amphitheater. She explained she had experienced drivers not yielding to pedestrians in roundabouts and 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 other cross-walks, although it was state law. She questioned if it would be appropriate for law enforcement to proactively address through issuing warnings/citations. CONSENT AGENDA Report of Sills by the Finance Director Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Minutes from March 29, 2018 Receipt & Filing of Common Council Minutes from April 10, 17& 24, 2018 Receipt of Claims filed with the City's Insurance Company: A) Evan Yang for alleged damages to vehicle due to being hit by snowplow S) Steve & Leigh Anne Kohls for alleged property damage due to collapsed sewer lateral in terrace C) Timothy Gunderson for alleged damages to vehicle due to being hit by ambulance D) Saif Ali Karim Al Taweel for alleged damages to vehicle due to being hit by city tractor Resolution 18-250 Approve Engineering Services Agreement with AECOM Technical Services for Environmental Support for 2018 Capital Improvement Projects / ($130,000.00) Council Member Herman questioned if this was a type of project that the City could receive competitive bids for, as opposed to the City continuously using AECOM for the last 35 years. Mr. Rabe stated the type of project did not need to be bid out. He explained AECOM's response time and location saved the City on contractor down-time costs. He stated they had also been instrumental in securing favorable pricing from Waste Management for the City to be able to dispose of the material; the savings they had received from Waste Management far exceed the cost of the contract with AECOM. Council Member Herman explained he had noticed the same companies were being utilized for park reconstruction, street reconstruction and a number of other types of projects. He stated he wanted to ensure the City was still receiving the most optimal deal by utilizing AECOM. 3 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Council Member Mugerauer stated he could appreciate the history the City had with AECOM, and the quality of work completed, however he did not believe the price that the City received was a competitive bid. He explained although he understood there were costs outside of the contracts for down-time,he believed the contracts should be bid out to assure the City that they were selecting the most cost efficient contractor. Resolution 18-251 Approve Agreement with HydroCorp Inc., for Assistance with Performance & Management of a Potable Water System Backflow Control Program/ ($115,296.00) Resolution 18-252 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Pavement, Aprons, Sidewalk & Utilities Relating to Contract No. 18-13 A) Punhoqua Street (Maple Avenue to Rainbow Drive) B) Graham Avenue (Fox Street to North Eagle Street) C) Fox Street (Graham Avenue to Sawyer Creek) D) Buchanan Avenue (North Eagle Street to Sawyer Creek) E) North Eagle Street (Maple Avenue to Sawyer Creek) F) Maple Avenue (Punhoqua Street to North Eagle Street) G) Hawk Street (Buchanan Avenue to Sawyer Creek) H) Arthur Avenue (Vacated —in Easement) I) Hughes Street (West Waukau Avenue to 1,900' Southwest of Oregon Street) Resolution 18-253 Accept Sidewalk, Traffic Signal & Signage Easements; South Main Street at 141h Avenue, South Park Avenue & 111h Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) Resolution 18-254 Approve Extraterritorial Final Plat for Sandhill Farms Located in the Town of Omro (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) Resolution 18-255 Award Bid to Northeast Asphalt Inc. for Menominee Park Tennis Court Improvements for Parks Department ($269,040.00) Mayor Cummings asked for an explanation of the timeline. Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, explained once the bid was awarded, construction was anticipated to begin at the end of May, with a completion date goal of September 1St. He stated although the tennis courts would be out of commission for the summer, City staff had received input that they were not being used much currently due to their condition. 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Council Member Palmeri questioned if the cost was for 3 tennis courts and 4 pickle ball courts. Mr. Maurer stated yes. He explained City staff had worked closely with the tennis and pickle ball communities and after a number of meetings it had been determined that pickle ball had become a popular sport in the City. He explained both groups had agreed to reduce the number of tennis courts to allow for 4 pickle ball courts. He stated the reconstruction would include the court surface, new nets, net posts and fencing. Council Member Palmeri asked for an explanation of the difference between a tennis court and a pickle ball court. Mr. Maurer stated 1 tennis court would hold approximately 4 pickle ball courts. He recommended learning about pickle ball on the internet as it was a popular sport. He explained there was work in progress by the tennis and pickle ball communities to set up an account at the Community Foundation to help with future maintenance of the courts. Resolution 18-256 Award Sid to Cardinal Construction Company Inc. for Fugleberg Boat Launch Restroom Improvements for Parks Department ($92,625.00) Resolution 18-257 Award Bid to ADS,LLC d/b/a ADS Environmental Services for Flow Monitoring Collection Services: Sanitary Sewer Collection System for Wastewater Division ($71,998.00) Resolution 18-258 Approve Amendment to Convention Center Management Agreement Resolution 18-259 Approve Agreement with the Oshkosh Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Resolution 18-260 Approve Initial Resolution Authorizing not exceeding $5,615,000.00 General Obligation Bonds Resolution 18-261 Directing the Advertisement&Sale of up to$5,615,000.00 Aggregate Principal Amount of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2018-A, approximately $5,960,000.00 Aggregate Principal Amount of General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2018-B, & approximately$10,510,000.00 Aggregate Principal Amount of Storm Water Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2018-C 5 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Council Member Pech questioned what Mr. Taves expected for interest rates, based on a recent raise in fixed yields. Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor, Ehlers, stated for the general obligation bonds, he was anticipating an interest rate in the low 3 percent range, which would be approximately half of a percent higher than the previous year. He explained he anticipated the general obligation notes to be approximately 2.75 percent, compared to approximately 1.8 last year. He stated short term interest rates had increased more significantly than long term interest rates. He explained the storm water bonds, which traditionally carried a higher interest rate than general obligation bonds,were anticipated to be approximately 3.5 percent compared to approximately 3 percent last year. Council Member Pech questioned if with the current demand market, Mr. Taves anticipated receiving the bond premium. Mr. Taves explained they were still seeing premium bids on bonds; although interest rates had gone up, when compared over a 20-30 year period, interest rates remained lower than average. He stated for the foreseeable future, the City would still receive premium bids. Resolution 18-262 Approve Special Event — Outdoor Team Works LLC to utilize Menominee Park Millers Say for the Cabela's National Walleye Tour /May 10 & 11, 2018 Mayor Cummings stated he understood the event had originally been planned for Minnesota, and due to flooding, had moved to Oshkosh. Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, explained that was correct. He stated the event had taken place in Oshkosh in 2016 and the event holders had been happy with the accommodations. He explained the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, had worked together to agree to the event in a short period of time. Jodi Jensema, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVS), explained they were looking forward to having the event return to Oshkosh. She stated the City had been able to provide the event with everything they had been looking for. Mr. Maurer stated approximately 120 boats and 240 fishers would be involved in the tournament. He explained individuals had already begun'pre-fishing' the waters, which would result in gas sales, hotel sales and other income for the community. 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Mayor Cummings congratulated those involved for bringing the event back to Oshkosh. Council Member Palmeri stated she was pleased Oshkosh would host the event. She explained it appeared there was no extraordinary cost estimate for the 120 boats. She questioned if the boat launch would be closed during the event, and if so, was there compensation to the City for doing so. Mr. Maurer explained City staff had discussed that topic with the CVS and the tournament organizers. He stated they had elected to not rent the boat launch at a cost of $500 per day, and instead have each of their boats pay the $5 per day rental fee. He explained the City would receive additional income. Council Member Mugerauer thanked the CVS, parks department and special events coordinator for their work. He explained the event would bring both people and revenue to the City. Resolution 18-263 Approve Appointments to the following: A) Committee on Aging B) Public Museum Board Resolution 18-264 Approve Combination "Class A" License, Combination "Class "B" License, Special Class "B" Licenses & Operator Licenses MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Pech; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance 18-265 Remove Parking on the West Side of the Street & Designate Bike Lanes on North Main Street from Murdock Avenue to Snell Road MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Mugerauer) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings 7 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Ordinance 18-266 Designate Bike Lanes on Smith Avenue from Vinland to Jackson Street (Sharrows to be used from Jackson to N. Main Street, no parking removal) MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Allison-Aasby) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Council Member Herman explained he was concerned that the proposed convenience store in the area would result in additional traffic. Mr. Rohloff stated City staff had considered the long term land use in the area and was comfortable with the development of a convenience store. Ordinance 18-267 Approve Zone Change from Institutional (I) to Single Family Residential 9 (SR-9); Vacant Property 400 Block Monroe Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Gerald Jacklin, 408 Monroe Street, stated he was in the process of purchasing the land from a church. He explained he and his wife intended to build a single story house,install a fence and landscape the property. Mayor Cummings thanked Mr.Jacklin for investing in an older neighborhood in the City. Ordinance 18-268 Approve Zone Change from Single Family Residential Extraterritorial District (R-1 ETZ) & General Agricultural Extraterritorial District (A-2 ETZ) to Light Agricultural Extraterritorial District (A-1 ETZ); Property Located West of 3097 Clairville Road in the Town of Algoma (Extraterritorial Zoning Committee Recommends Approval) MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings 8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Ordinance 18-269 Approve Zone Change from Suburban Mixed Use (SMU) to Suburban Mixed Use District with Planned Development Overlay (SMU-PD); 2308 Jackson Street, 2316 Jackson Street, 2324 Jackson Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ryan Swanson, 6695 Meadowbrook, Roscoe, IL, stated he was the engineer responsible for the project and was present to answer any questions. Council Member Herman stated he understood there had been concerns regarding the fencing on the back of the property. He stated he understood there was going to be dialogue between the neighbors and the corporation regarding the fence and questioned if that had taken place. Mr. Swanson explained it had not; the intent was to leave the fencing in place. He stated if there was an item in disrepair, the corporation would address it during the final approval process. Council Member Herman stated he understood the plan commission had designated several requirements for the development. He questioned if there were any concerns from the corporation regarding the requirements. Mr. Swanson explained there were no concerns and they were comfortable with the 8 foot fence requirement. Ordinance 18-270 Consolidation of Grand Opera House Advisory Board &Landmarks Commission FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 18-271 Repeal & Recreate Section 25-62 Sidewalk Cafe (An Applicant Requests Waiving the Rules & Adopting on First Reading) MOTION: SUSPEND RULES (Pech; second, Mugerauer) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Allison-Aasby) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings 9 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development Services Manager, stated she as present to answer any questions. Council Member Palmeri questioned if City staff was requiring designs and photographs of chairs, tables and other items being used in the sidewalk cafes to be submitted due to a concern that inappropriate items may be used. Ms. Nieforth stated it was to make sure the items being used in sidewalk cafes would be safe and sturdy in the right of way, ensuring they did not contain advertising that was not specific to the business and making sure they were ADA compliant. Council Member Palmeri questioned if that would mean no umbrellas advertising beer. Ms. Nieforth stated that was correct. Council Member Palmeri explained she understood sidewalk cafes could only exist in areas where the sidewalk was wide enough to remain ADA compliant. She questioned how many businesses could benefit from the revised sidewalk cafe regulations. Ms. Nieforth stated she did not have a specific number. She explained businesses that were interested would need to work with City staff to determine if the sidewalk was able to be utilized. Council Member Palmeri explained she understood that areas such as Oregon Street, where it had been decided that sidewalks would not be widened, would not be able to benefit from a sidewalk cafe. Ms. Nieforth stated that was her understanding. Mr. Rabe explained the sidewalks that were selected would likely preclude most of Oregon Street from sidewalk cafes. Ordinance 18-272 Approve Extending the Closure of Intersection of West 91h Avenue / Oregon Street (Staff Recommends Waiving the Rules &Adopting on First Reading) MOTION: SUSPEND RULES (Pech; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Mugerauer) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Resolution 18-273 Approve Installation of New Sidewalks Gibson Court, southside, from Fond du Lac Road to 170' east of Fond du Lac Road MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Allison-Aasby) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Rod Greene, 2816 Fond du Lac Road, thanked Council for looking into the concerns that had been brought forward during the previous Council meeting. He explained he understood they had reviewed a resolution that had been adopted in 2004 when Gibson Court was built as part of the Stoney Beach West subdivision. He stated at that time the grading and gravel costs had been waived for property owners on both sides of the street as there was no benefit to them. He explained in 2007, Resolution 07-115 had waived special assessments for concrete paving for 2816 and 2782 Fond du Lac Road. He stated item number 5 within that resolution indicated that the special assessments for all projects included in the report were combined as a single assessment and any interested property owners would be entitled to object to each assessment separately or both assessments. He explained while he did not object to sidewalks, he stated the proposed sidewalk did not benefit his property and would add a certain amount of seasonal hardship due to required snow removal. He stated if a sidewalk was installed, he requested the intent of the earlier resolutions be upheld,meaning the property owners should not be responsible for the cost of something they did not receive benefit from. Kelley Duhatschek, 2816 Fond du Lac Road, thanked Council for their time and stated she and her husband were not against sidewalks. She explained she was present if Council had questions. Council Member Palmeri thanked Mr. Greene and Ms. Duhatschek for providing Council with such detailed information. She explained they had received additional information from City staff as well, and while she could appreciate what the expectation was at the time sidewalks had originally been discussed, there would be no loss of land as the sidewalk would be installed in the public right of way. Mr. Rabe stated that was correct. Council Member Palmeri explained while it would be an impervious surface, the 11 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 property owners would not lose land as it was already designated public right of way. She stated the property owners had also voiced concern that there was no notification that sidewalks would be forthcoming. She explained in 2011, the City passed the bicycle and pedestrian plan, which encouraged installation of sidewalks for the purpose of connectivity. She stated while the property owners did not feel the sidewalk would be a benefit to them, it would be a benefit to the community at large in terms of walkability and access. She explained she would support the installation of sidewalk at the location. Resolution 18-274 Approve City Center Corridors Plan for 91h Avenue & South Park Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Mugerauer) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mugerauer, Krause, Mayor Cummings Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of the plan. Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, stated the City had begun a central City investment strategy, and after public information sessions it had been determined that there was a need to improve the two corridors. He explained the plan was an attempt to improve the connection, appearance and condition of the two corridors that led to the central City. He stated the need to improve the central City had been recognized, and this was a piece of that puzzle. Council Member Herman questioned what some of the short term projects would be. Mr. Davis explained implementation would include the capital improvement program through investment in public right of way, private properties that would require upgrades and improvements and activity within the existing neighborhood associations as well as the creation of additional neighborhood associations. Council Member Herman stated he understood there had been a number of public information meetings, and questioned as the plan progressed, if those meetings would continue. Mr. Davis explained that they would. Council Member Herman stated he believed public input was important and the City needed to continue to seek it out. 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Council Member Palmeri explained she understood while the approval of the plan itself would not have a fiscal impact, implementing the various items of the plan would have a case by case fiscal impact. She stated when the corridor studies were underway, they had not yet identified Oshkosh Avenue as a corridor. She questioned if the impact to the CIP as a result of the work on Oshkosh Avenue would cause the plan for the 91h Avenue and South Park Avenue corridors to become lower priority. Mr. Davis stated that was correct. He explained additional research would need to be conducted into the design and cost estimation piece, which would be incorporated into the capital improvement program. Council Member Pech explained while it was important for the City to make efforts to engage the public, it was equally as important for the public to engage the City. He encouraged citizens to participate. COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER &FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Rohloff stated City staff was reviewing the new regulations and information associated with Act 317 for rental inspections. He explained in the near future, a date would be set for a future workshop. He stated there were other impacts outside of rental inspections, such as fees for property maintenance. Mayor Cummings explained the first meeting of the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) and City of Oshkosh Transportation Working Group had occurred on May 2nd. Mr. Rohloff stated although he had not been in attendance, he understood discussion topics that had occurred would be addressed at the Oshkosh Area School Board (OASB) workshop. Council Member Palmeri explained she had attended the meeting, which had lasted nearly 2 and a half hours. She stated there were significant items that would be discussed during the OASB workshop and encouraged Council to attend. Council Member Herman questioned if Council Member Palmeri was the only Council Member in attendance. Council Member Palmeri stated yes. 13 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Council Member Herman stated it was his understanding that Council Member Krause was going to be present and a member of the group, as they had asked for two Council Members to join. He explained otherwise he would have been happy to attend. Council Member Krause explained although he had planned on attending, there had been a conflict of interest with a family matter that day. Mr. Rohloff stated the meetings would be noticed, so if additional Council Members wished to attend there was not any concern. Mayor Cummings explained there was a workshop scheduled with the Oshkosh Area School Board on Wednesday, May 23rd in the OASD administration building at 215 S. Eagle Street at 6:00 p.m. He stated there were strategic planning workshops scheduled for June 21s' and July 191h from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in a location that was yet to be determined. Council Member Allison-Aasby stated she would not be able to attend the June 21s' workshop as she would be out of the state. Mayor Cummings explained the first budget workshop was scheduled for July 251h at 5:00 p.m. in room 404 at City Hall. He stated there was a workshop on public works contracts on July 31s' at 5:00 p.m. in room 404 at City Hall. Council Member Herman stated he was unhappy with POLCO and the way the information was being shared with the City's boards and commissions. He explained the survey results were being provided to the boards and commissions as compelling evidence, while the participation in the survey was minimal. He stated the golf course survey had 2 percent respond, and POLCO had explained that was enough to accurately indicate what the citizens wanted. He explained it was up to citizens to participate, whether it be in a meeting or an online survey. He stated there had been a meeting on May 3rd regarding Rusch Park, and it was his understanding that most individuals had not been aware that there was a survey out on POLCO regarding the park, and questioned if those who had answered the survey questions even lived in the Rusch Park area. He explained although he was registered with POLCO, he had not been notified about the survey. He stated he believed there needed to be more individuals registered to receive an honest reflection of the community's opinion, and when there were questions that were specific to a neighborhood, the neighborhood needed to be notified about the survey. He explained while it was a useful tool, it was important to be cautious and not rely so heavily on the survey results. He questioned how many individuals were registered with POLCO in Oshkosh. 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Mr. Rohloff stated there were over 1,000 individuals registered. He explained that Nick Mastronardi from POLCO held a PhD in statistical analysis and indicated that for a community the size of Oshkosh, 1,000 registrants was a good representation of the population. He stated he would prefer to see at least 2,000 registrants to have even better representation. He explained Mr. Mastronardi had encouraged to avoid managing by surveys, as it should be just one element of the decision making process. He stated the City held numerous meetings that were publically noticed, and yet very few people attended, which was frustrating. He encouraged Council to continue to consider all of the information they received on topics, and factor POLCO results in however they saw fit. He stated there had been approximately 292 responses on Rusch Park, and while the response to one question indicated a clear preference, the other was nearly 50/50, therefore it did not yield much information about community preference. Council Member Palmeri questioned how many results the City typically received from the citizen survey that had been used for a number of years. Mr. Rohloff explained it varied between 250 and 350 responses. He stated they had received more POLCO responses than they had mailing responses. He explained Council would hear about the citizen survey in the near future;POLCO had improved the number of responses and created statistical results that were more reliable than in the past. Council Member Palmeri stated it was her understanding that POLCO was added to the citizen survey as an additional tool. Mr. Rohloff explained that was correct, and it had resulted in the City crossing over the 95 percent threshold of reliability that they had been seeking. Council Member Palmeri questioned if the City had sent mail in surveys in items such as utility bills. Mr. Rohloff stated they had, although the return on the investment in the cost of those surveys was poor. He explained that was why POLCO had been selected as a tool. He stated he would look into why individuals would not be notified about a survey, as that was an important part of the tool. Council Member Palmeri stated she believed Council understood that they should not rely solely on the POLCO results, due in part to a digital divide that would not accurately reflect the opinion of the entire demographic. 15 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 Mayor Cummings explained he had a background in marketing, and market research was a tool, that had the potential to be misused. Council Member Mugerauer agreed, and stated if surveys were relied on too heavily, the City would only get the answers it wanted to get. He asked for an explanation of how the questions were worded. He stated any question had the potential to lead the respondent in a certain direction. Mr. Rohloff explained that POLCO did not word the questions, City staff did. He stated he believed over time, City staff would improve at asking the questions in an unbiased manner. He explained he believed the citizen survey was well honed as it had been completed for over 10 years. He stated a policy for the use of POLCO was being developed so that more than one individual reviewed the survey prior to posting, to prevent any question from being leading. Council Member Mugerauer stated it appeared that POLCO seemed to have a closer representation of the City's true demographic than the mail in surveys. CITIZEN STATEMENTS TO COUNCIL There were no citizen statements to Council. CO UNCIL MEMBER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Mayor Cummings stated the first Unity in Community event had been a success. He explained the event would return next year. He stated the amount of business sponsorship and number of volunteers had been excellent. He explained the lake fly art projects had been displayed and a winner had been selected. Mr. Rohloff explained the groups that had made the food and provided it for free to the public allowed everyone the opportunity to sample various cultural foods. CITY MANAGER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Mr. Rohloff stated Oshkosh Corporation had tentatively selected June 111h for groundbreaking and the archaeological studies continued to progress. He explained the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Oshkosh Transload Facility was scheduled for June 131h at 3:00 p.m. at the transload facility in the southwest industrial park. He stated some Council Members had expressed interest in touring an existing facility, and the closest 16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—MAY 8, 2018 one City staff had found was near Rockford, Illinois. Council Member Allison-Aasby asked if that facility truly was the closest one. Mr. Rohloff stated that it was; the new facility would be the only publically owned transload facility in Wisconsin. He explained the site would hold significant economic value. Council Member Palmeri questioned when the City would find out the results of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) grant application for the riverwalk and when construction would begin. Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, explained they would find out if the grand was approved in late summer or early fall, and if approved, it would be constructed in 2019. MOTION: ADJOURN (Pech; second, Herman) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. PAMELA R. UBRIG CITY CLERK 17