Council approves fireworks, property-valuation and transit resolutions; several other routine measures pass

The Oshkosh Common Council voted Feb. 25 on a package of resolutions that included requests to state lawmakers and local operational changes.

The council unanimously approved a resolution asking the state legislature to standardize fireworks permitting and enforcement, and another asking the state to allow municipalities to use prior-year property valuations or to delay implementation of new revaluation numbers. The council also approved a change to GoTransit’s paratransit hours, set a public hearing for a Marion Road right-of-way vacation, approved a Bone Street layout, and adopted a $4,800 budget amendment in the fire special revenue fund.

The fireworks resolution asks state lawmakers to require municipalities to issue fireworks permits directly, to require permits be issued by the municipality where fireworks will be used rather than where they are sold, and to require neighboring municipalities’ consent when fireworks could be used across borders. The property-valuation resolution asks the Department of Revenue and the legislature to provide options for municipalities to revert to prior-year assessed values or delay implementation of a revaluation when implementation would create inequitable tax impacts.

The paratransit change won council approval after staff and committee review. Councilmember Stevenson recorded his vote as “present” on that measure because his employer had completed the study underlying the change; the item passed with six votes in favor and one recorded as present. All other listed resolutions were carried by recorded aye votes from the seven councilmembers present.

The council did not take action on Ordinance 25-76 (amendment relating to display of boat-launch permits); that ordinance will return at a later meeting for discussion and action.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 25-76 (amend Ord. 19-7.1, boat-launch permit display): no action; returned to future meeting. - Resolution 25-77 (fireworks enforcement consistency — request to state legislature): adopted; roll call recorded as unanimous aye. - Resolution 25-78 (permit municipalities to use prior year property valuations): adopted; unanimous aye. - Resolution 25-79 (set public hearing for partial right-of-way vacation, Marion Road): adopted; unanimous aye. - Resolution 25-80 (adjust GoTransit paratransit service hours): adopted; 6 yes, 0 no, 1 present (Stevenson). - Resolution 25-81 (layout of Bone Street in area of Mill Street and Wagyu Avenue): adopted; unanimous aye. - Resolution 25-82 (2025 fire special revenue fund budget amendment, increase expenditures $4,800): adopted; unanimous aye.

Council President called the roll for each recorded vote and the results matched the roll-call statements made on the record.

Ending The council indicated several of these items were prepared with city attorney and staff input and will trigger follow-up work with state representatives and local departments; items that require further action will appear on upcoming agendas.