Oshkosh council debates how council members can place action items on the agenda

Council members debated the rules and practice for placing action items on the Oshkosh Common Council agenda during a lengthy Feb. 11 discussion about whether individual members should be able to request staff time or seek formal council action without pre-approval from the city manager.

Several council members, including Larson and Flom, said any council member should be able to place an item on the discussion portion of the agenda and then seek action, a cosponsor, or committee referral as needed. Council Member Flom compared the city process to other legislative bodies and said the council itself should set rules for procedural requirements such as cosponsors or committee referrals.

Interim City Manager Fitzpatrick and multiple council members said including the city manager in the process helps manage staff workload, ensure feasibility and coordinate scheduling; staff also noted Rebecca Grill, the incoming city manager, may offer further suggestions. Council Member Nichols said he preferred a flexible approach that lets the mayor and city manager provide early input but still allows members to proceed when necessary. Several council members said they wanted a clearer, simpler flowchart that shows three paths: manager-supported action, member-sponsored action with a second member's support, or committee referral.

No formal rule change or resolution was adopted Feb. 11. Council members said they will revisit the matter once the new city manager has had an opportunity to provide input and staff prepares a revised flowchart or procedure for council review.