The Oshkosh Common Council on Nov. 25 considered three planning and infrastructure items and directed staff on a waterfront design concept after hearing public comment that urged further alternatives for special assessments.

On the consent portion of the agenda the council discussed Ordinance 25‑616, which amends provisions of Chapters 20 and 21 of the municipal code to allow delayed connections to municipal water and sewer systems and to establish a 20‑year installment plan for payment of special assessments and connection charges for properties not currently connected. Public commenter (Klinger) urged the council to continue seeking alternatives, saying the assessments had been "a big surprise" for many households and arguing that the costs appear to shift a disproportionate burden to existing residents.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of the legal and fiscal framework and described the ordinance as an imperfect but useful lever to provide relief while staff continues to seek options. "This is not a perfect solution... If there was an option that was presented to us that would follow state law and take this burden off in a lot easier fashion, we would do it," one council member said during debate.

The council also adopted Ordinance 25‑617 to update Chapter 14 of the municipal code on post‑construction stormwater management requirements; the roll call on that item recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Council approved Resolution 25‑618 amending the capital improvement plan to include funding for the I‑41 pedestrian bridge. Because part of the project funding comes from discretionary federal sources, two members recorded "present" votes on the roll call; the measure passed and the city will proceed with the funding allocation and project planning.

On a separate planning matter, staff presented two design concepts for the Lakeshore Drive reimagination project. Advisory boards and a community survey recommended Concept 1. Council members generally supported moving forward with Concept 1 and directed staff to concentrate design resources on that option and to continue detailed engineering (staff estimated the design to be roughly 40–50% complete before fine details are set).

Before the council adjourned members voted to convene in closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to discuss bargaining strategy related to potential redevelopment or acquisition of property commonly known as the City Center (101 Commerce St. and 201 Pearl Ave.).

What's next: staff will advance the Lakeshore Concept 1 design, implement provisions of the adopted stormwater ordinance and proceed with capital planning for the I‑41 pedestrian bridge; council directed continued analysis of assessment alternatives and encouraged residents to share options for legislative change at the state level.