HomeMy WebLinkAbout_Minutes PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
JuLy 10, 2018
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City
Hall
Mayor Cummings presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Matt Mugerauer, Tom Pech, Jr., Steven Herman, Deb
Allison-Aasby, Lori Palmeri and Mayor Steve Cummings
EXCUSED: Council Member Jake Krause
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn
Lorenson, City Attorney; and Allen Davis, Director of Community Development
Council Member Mugerauer read the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Mugerauer.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
There were no citizen statements to Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
Report of Sills by the Finance Director
Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Minutes from May 31, 2018
Receipt & Filing of Common Council Minutes from June 26, 2018
Receipt of Claim filed with the City's Insurance Company
A) Kevin Pimental for alleged damages to cell phone by Police Department
Resolution 18-350 Approve Budget Amendment to Industrial Park Land Fund
($5,000.00)
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Resolution 18-351 Accept Dedication of Street Right of Way; Universal Street &
Enterprise Drive (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 18-352 Approve Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Storage Area; 3300
Medalist Drive (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 18-353 Approve Conditional Use Permit for a Restaurant Deck/Patio 715
North Main Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 18-354 Approve Conditional Use Permit for an Offsite Parking Lot located
at West 291h Avenue & Oregon Street (Oshkosh Corporation) (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 18-355 Award Sid for Public Works Contract No. 18-11 to Vinton
Construction Company for Sanitary Manhole Rehabilitation
/Inflow/Infiltration Reduction Program ($177,072.50)
Resolution 18-356 Award Sid to Weinert Roofing for Water Filtration Plant Roof
Replacement for Water Utility Division ($110,970.00)
Resolution 18-357 Award Sid to Sabel Mechanical LLC for Influent Valve Installation
for Wastewater Division ($46,834.05)
Resolution 18-358 Award Sid to U.S. Petroleum Equipment for Fuel Tank Replacement
at Broad Street Lift Station for Wastewater Division ($44,893.00)
Resolution 18-359 Award Bid to Miron Construction Co. for Police Department Locker
Room Renovation&Approve Purchase to Axiom Inc. for Spacesaver
Personal Duty Storage Lockers ($459,172.38)
Council Member Palmeri questioned when construction was scheduled to begin.
Dean Smith, Chief of Police, stated there was a pre-construction meeting scheduled
within the next two weeks.
Council Member Palmeri explained she understood there was a staffing and facility study
underway for the public safety buildings, both police and fire, and questioned what
would happen if the construction took place and it was later determined that there was a
need for a new facility.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Chief Smith stated the lockers were from the 1980s, and there was a need to expand
capacity for female officers and workflow in general. He explained he did not believe
renovating the locker room was a concern, as it was unlikely that it would be determined
that the department needed additional space that a new building was necessary.
Resolution 18-360 Approve Purchase of Road Salt for Winter 2018-2019 for the
Department of Public Works through WDOT from Morton Salt
Company ($293,706.00)
Resolution 18-361 Approve Purchase of Laserfiche Avante Upgrade for IT Division
($25,821.98)
Resolution 18-362 Approve Agreement with Centrisys for Repair of Wastewater
Treatment Plant Centrifuge ($45,000.00)
Resolution 18-363 Approve Reassignment of Council Appointments for
A) Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
B) Traffic & Parking Advisory Review Board
Resolution 18-364 Approve Combination "Class B" Licenses, Special Class "B"
Licenses & Operator Licenses
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Pech; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor
Cummings
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 18-365 Approve Zone Change from Neighborhood Mixed Use District
(NMU) to Neighborhood Mixed Use District with Planned
Development Overlay (NMU-PD); 129 West 171h Avenue (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor
Cummings
NOTE: Written request dated 7/9/2018 from Paul Pickart to layover resolutions 18-366,
18-367, 18-368, 18-369, 18-370 and 18-371 to the July 24, 2018 Council meeting.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Resolution 18-366 Approve Final Plat known as Pickart Estates, Phase 1; North 3300
Block of West 91h Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends
Approval)
Resolution 18-367 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Utilities,
Sidewalk, Grading & Graveling, Concrete Paving, Terrace Trees &
Street Lighting for Pickart Estates, Phase 1;North 3300 Block of West
91h Avenue —With Signed Waivers
Resolution 18-368 Accept&Approve Waiver of Special Assessment Notices &Hearing
in Connection with Improvements — Pickart Estates, Phase 1; North
3300 Block of West 91h Avenue
Resolution 18-369 Approve Final Resolution for Special Assessments for Utilities,
Sidewalk, Grading & Graveling, Concrete Paving, Terrace Trees &
Street Lighting for Pickart Estates, Phase 1;North 3300 Block of West
91h Avenue —With Signed Waivers
Resolution 18-370 Approve Developer's Agreement / Pickart Estates, Phase 1; North
3300 Block of West 91h Avenue
Resolution 18-371 Approve Long-Term Maintenance Agreement & Storm Water
Management Facility Maintenance Agreement for Pickart Estates,
Phase 1
Resolution 18-372 Approve Conditional Use Permit & General Development Plan for
Construction of 4 Duplexes & an 8 Unit Multi-Family Structure; 129
West 171h Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor
Cummings
Council Member Herman explained several citizens had attended the plan commission
meetings regarding the development, and he believed it was a great opportunity to
rehabilitate an area of the City that had suffered a fire and sat vacant for many years.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Resolution 18-373 Set Public Hearing Date to Vacate;
• Portion of N. Westfield Street
• All of Unnamed Street between Rath Lane to N. Westfield
Street
• Portion of N. Eagle Street
• All of Butte des Morts Street
• All of Shomin Street
• All of Water Street
• Portion of Rainbow Drive
• All of Public Alley between Shomin Street & Rainbow Drive
• All of Public Alley between Butte des Morts Street & Shomin
Street
• Portion of Graham Avenue
Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of the vacation.
Darryn Burich, Planning Services Manager, explained it was cleaning up vacations that
had not been completed. He stated most of the streets were located on City property,
aside from a portion of Rainbow Drive.
Mr. Rohloff stated the portion of N. Westfield Street and the unnamed drive between N.
Westfield Street and Rath Lane would be connected to the new street that would be
constructed. He explained when public works began the process of working with
Oshkosh Corporation, it was identified that there were a number of streets that had not
been constructed, they were currently grassy areas, and should be vacated. He stated
most of the property would be returned to Rainbow Memorial Park as it was City
property.
Council Member Herman questioned if it would impact the master plan for Rainbow
Memorial Park.
Mr. Rohloff explained it would give the property back to the park. He stated currently
the City would not be able to utilize the land as it was public right of way; the vacation
would return it to useable park land.
Mayor Cummings stated a portion of the property had once been part of the Paine
Lumber Company.
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor
Cummings
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Resolution 18-374 Support to League of Wisconsin Municipalities Efforts to Reform
Commercial Property Tax in the amount of$10,000.00
MOTION: ADOPT (Pech; second, Herman)
MOTION: AMEND TO ADD 'UP TO' PRIOR TO $10,000 (Herman; second,
Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (5) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor Cummings
Noes (1) Mugerauer
VOTE ON AMENDED RESOLUTION
CARRIED: Ayes (5) Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor Cummings
Noes (1) Mugerauer
Council Member Mugerauer stated he was not comfortable spending tax dollars on a
political campaign to lobby state representatives. He explained a significant number of
state representatives as well as the governor had voiced support for dark store reform.
He stated support existed and a marketing campaign would likely not have much of an
impact. He explained the City had better uses for $10,000 and he would not support it.
Council Member Pech explained while he understood Council Member Mugerauer's
sentiment, the large box stores had taken advantage of a loophole that was not available
to citizens or local small businesses. He stated citizens and small businesses were affected
by the lack of courage in leadership in Madison. He explained a majority of assembly
members, senate members and the governor had expressed the desire to address the
issue. He stated leadership of the assembly and senate in Madison was lacking. He
explained he understood the concern regarding spending tax payer dollars to engage in
the lobbying campaign. He stated if the loophole was not fixed, members of the
community and small businesses would face tax increases up to 5 percent. He explained
he questioned the City's membership to any organization that would actively lobby
against the City and small businesses.
Council Member Herman asked for an explanation of what the League of Municipalities
had planned, and how other communities were helping the cause.
Mr. Rohloff explained the League had sent out a letter on June 22nd looking for an average
contribution of $1,200 from every municipality in the state. He stated the goal was to
raise $300,000 with the hope that the Wisconsin Counties Association would raise a
similar amount. He explained many counties planned to put an advisory referenda on
the ballot, with the logic that if the issue could not get solved at the legislature with 70
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
percent of the legislature voicing support, the remainder needed to hear the voice of the
citizens. He stated the City spending $10,000 on its own would not go far, however,
municipalities pooling funds together would create education. He explained the League
was hoping to get $100,000 from the 10 largest cities in the state, and Oshkosh fell into
that category. He stated through partnership with the schools, counties and other entities
they hoped to raise $600,000 or more. He explained the League was taking $75,000 out
of their reserves, and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance
Company was also contributing$75,000, due to the repercussions the insurance company
faced when municipalities were sued related to the issue.
Council Member Herman stated Council Member Pech had indicated citizens and small
businesses may face a tax increase of up to 5 percent, and questioned how much money
that would be.
Mr. Rohloff explained if dark store reform did not happen, Oshkosh could lose up to$184
million dollars in value, which equated to five percent of the City's total value. He stated
that loss would be shifted onto the other tax payers, such as home owners and small
business owners, through the levy. He explained the City had been working on the issue
for a number of years.
Council Member Herman stated he understood there was a number of other communities
as well as the Counties Association in support of having the issue on the ballot.
Mayor Cummings explained the school district and youth of the community would be
significantly impacted. He stated in Marquette, Michigan, Lowe's had sued the
municipality and as a result, they were forced to close their library. He explained they
were facing huge corporations with large budgets and numerous staff. He stated the box
stores did not care about their customers, and wanted to shift the cost onto them. He
explained prior to testifying in Madison on the issue, he had asked Dean Smith, Chief of
Police, for the number of police calls related to an active box store, compared to the
number of calls related to an empty store. He asked for an explanation of the findings.
Chief Smith stated the data had been updated to reflect the number of calls in 2016 and
2017 for Walmart, Fleet Farm and Target. He stated in 2017, the police department had
responded to 888 calls for service at those three stores alone, and in 2016 it had been 801
calls. He stated the former JC Penny's and K-Mart had a combined total of 20 calls in
2017, and 7 in 2016.
Mayor Cummings explained there was significantly more expense related to the active
stores.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Chief Smith stated that was correct.
Council Member Palmeri questioned how much the City paid for the membership to the
League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Mr. Rohloff stated it was approximately$10,000 per year.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if he believed they provided the City with more
than$10,000 worth of services and benefits in a year.
Mr. Rohloff stated he believed they did. He explained the League worked on public
education and were consistently in Madison lobbying for issues on behalf of
municipalities.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the City paid a separate amount for the legal
expense insurance.
Mr. Rohloff stated the City paid for liability insurance and were covered up to $50,000
per case.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the City saved costs by purchasing insurance in
that realm.
Mr. Rohloff stated absolutely.
Council Member Palmeri explained the City paid to belong to an organization that
supported municipalities in Madison and offered benefits, in contrast to the other
organization the City belonged to that at times lobbied against the City. She stated she
believed if the other municipalities in the state contributed $1,200, the City would not
need to contribute more.
Mr. Rohloff stated that was correct, however, he believed they recognized that the
average population for a Wisconsin municipality was 1,400 people and half of the
members likely did not have any big box type of stores.
Council Member Palmeri compared the way big box stores believed they should be
assessed to her home being assessed the same as a property that had sat vacant for five
years and was therefore valued at 40 percent less.
Mr. Rohloff stated that was a fair analogy.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Council Member Palmeri explained she would support the contribution. She stated
although she believed it was a significant request, the benefit outweighed the expense.
Mayor Cummings stated he did not believe any Council Member wished to give money
away, however, at risk was millions of dollars. He explained the City had already
refunded $300,000 to Walgreens, and Appleton had refunded nearly$700,000.
Council Member Herman explained he supported the League, and had attended a
number of their conferences and legislative updates. He stated they held seminars for
newly elected officials and various trainings. He explained he did want to be conscious
of tax payer dollars. He stated he proposed his amendment so the City could choose to
contribute the full $10,000 if necessary, however, would not be locked into that amount
if they were able to contribute less due to other communities' contributions.
Mr. Rohloff stated how much of the potential $10,000 the City would contribute was
based on how much other communities contributed, especially ones such as Janesville
that were comparable in size.
Council Member Herman explained it was an indication of how committed
municipalities were to reform, and the City would contribute up to $10,000.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would report the final contribution amount back to Council.
Council Member Pech explained this issue was an example of how campaign finance
reform was necessary. He encouraged citizens to contact Robin Voss in Madison to
encourage him to address the issue.
Ordinance 18-375 Establish Street Grades / Pickart Estates, Phase 1; North 3300 block
of West 91h Avenue
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 18-376 Authorizing Public construction for Pickart Estates, Phase 1; North
3300 block of West 91h Avenue
FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER &FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Cummings explained the strategic planning workshop was scheduled for July 181h
from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Convention Center. He stated the first budget
workshop was scheduled for July 251h at 5:00 p.m. in room 404 at City Hall. He explained
the public works contract workshop was scheduled for July 31s' at 5:00 p.m. in room 404
at City Hall.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS TO COUNCIL
There were no citizen statements to Council.
CO UNCIL MEMBER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Council Member Palmeri explained National Night Out was scheduled for August 7th,
and thanked the various neighborhood associations who were putting together events
for that evening. She encouraged citizens to put their porchlights on and participate,
even if they did not belong to an official neighborhood association.
CITY MANAGER ANNO UNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff stated the first meeting in August would be moved to Wednesday, August
151h due to the August primary election on Tuesday, August 14th. He explained there was
a professional services agreement with FGM Architects to complete the City Hall space
needs analysis. He stated he believed Council space needs were equally as important,
and encouraged Council Members to share their visions. He explained there was a
professional service agreement with AECOM for services related to the renovation of the
river walk at the Leach Amphitheater. He stated there had been a purchase of benches
and tables to standardize the appearance of William Waters Plaza as part of the Great
Neighborhoods program. He explained the elevator in City Hall would be reconstructed
this year, which would result in a loss of elevator service for 6 weeks. He stated Council
meetings would not be held in Council chambers while the elevator was out of
commission. He explained City staff had included a number of alternatives in the
Council packet, although Council did not need to provide immediate feedback. He stated
there were various options, depending on whether or not Council wished to keep all the
board and commission meetings televised. He explained the elevator would remain in
operation until after the November budget hearing.
Council Member Palmeri questioned what the cost on the replacement would be.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Mr. Rohloff stated the bid had just been opened.
Mr. Davis explained $225,000 had been allocated for the project.
Mr. Rohloff stated he understood the bid had come in lower, closer to $200,000. He
explained the elevator had not been replaced in many years.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if board and commission meetings would be
televised from the Senior Center.
Mr. Rohloff stated they had wiring capabilities that would allow the meetings to be taped
and would likely not be able to be aired live.
Council Member Herman explained he would suggest utilizing the Senior Center, and it
would be an opportunity for citizens to see the facility.
Mr. Rohloff recommended Council review the pros and cons of the various facilities and
the topic would appear on a future agenda.
Mayor Cummings questioned when City staff would like Council to make a decision.
Mr. Rohloff stated by Labor Day.
Council Member Mugerauer questioned the number of boards and commission meetings
that were televised each month.
Jake Timm, Media Services Operations Specialist, stated there were seven.
Council Member Mugerauer questioned how much time would be involved in the set up
and take down of the equipment for those meetings.
Mr. Timm stated outside of drive time, it would be approximately 90 minutes for set up
and 45 minutes for take down.
Council Member Mugerauer explained he believed for convenience of City staff that the
safety building was the best option.
Council Member Pech stated he suggested the safety building for consistency's sake.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL—JULY 10, 2018
Council Member Allison-Aasby explained she agreed. She stated the committee on aging
was also televised, therefore there would be eight meetings per month.
Mr. Rohloff stated City engineering staff had been working on identifying a road for the
Oshkosh Corporation development that would not require the involvement of the Army
Corp of Engineers, as their involvement would delay the road a minimum of a year. He
explained it was anticipated that foundations for the Oshkosh Corporation building
would be poured within the next two weeks.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if the two out-lots that the City may swap were
related to the vacated areas.
Mr. Davis stated yes; the out-lots were located south to the right of way that was being
platted.
Council Member Palmeri questioned if when the road came to Council if City staff would
provide size details and maps.
Mr. Davis stated absolutely.
Council Member Herman explained the free Tuesday night concert series at the Leach
Amphitheater would last five weeks. He stated family entertainment would begin at 5:30
p.m. and the bands would play from 6:30-8:30 p.m. He explained a list of the bands could
be found on the City's website. He stated there were additional events at the Leach, such
as movie nights on Fridays, that the community was encouraged to attend.
MOTION: THE COUNCIL MAY CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 19.85(1)(C)OF THE WISCONSIN STATE
STATUTES TO DISCUSS THE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
AND COMPENSATION REGARDING THE CITY MANAGER AN
EMPLOYEE OVER WHICH THE COMMON COUNCIL HAS
JURISDICTION AND EXERCISES RESPONSIBILITY. (Palmeri;
second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Pech, Herman, Allison-Aasby, Palmeri, Mayor
Cummings
MOTION: ADJOURN (Herman; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK
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