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TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development DATE: October 22, 2024 SUBJECT: Res 24-563 Approve 2024 Great Neighborhoods Capital Improvement Programs Funding in the Amount of $72,500.00

BACKGROUND

The Great Neighborhoods Program provides residents in recognized city neighborhood associations the opportunity to originate projects that enhance quality of life through strategic improvements to the public realm. Projects are intended to improve the image, market, and physical conditions of Oshkosh neighborhoods. Staff provides recognized neighborhood associations pursuing healthy neighborhoods the opportunity to apply for funding to support capital improvement projects within their neighborhoods on city property or right of way. In 2023, the Common Council approved a total of $138,000.00 of Great Neighborhoods Capital Improvement Program funding (Res. 23-513). A description of last year’s projects and the current status is listed below for your review.   2023 Projects Status Stevens Park Bus Shelter Completed Bent Woods Gathering Space Improvements In-Progress William Waters Gazebo In-Progress The Common Council previously approved $100,000 within the City’s Capital Improvement Program for the 2024 Great Neighborhoods Program. A total of six projects were submitted and staff is recommending all six of the projects for Common Council consideration at this time.

ANALYSIS

The following projects have been reviewed by City staff and are proposed to utilize Great Neighborhoods Program funding.  Projects are selected that help achieve the city’s strategic plan goals of strengthen our neighborhoods, improving and maintaining infrastructure and enhancing the quality-of-life services and assets.     Projects Recommended: River East Utility Box Wraps ($8,000) The River East Neighborhood Association is requesting to wrap four city-owned utility boxes within their defined neighborhood boundary. The neighborhood worked closely with city staff to develop this project and determine where it can be accomplished feasibly. The Neighborhood Association plans to design wraps that include placemaking within the neighborhood. The project will include the purchase, creation, installation, and maintenance of the four wraps and will follow city guidelines.   Historic Jackson Utility Box Wraps ($3,500) The Historic Jackson Neighborhood Association is requesting to wrap two city-owned utility boxes within their defined neighborhood boundary. The neighborhood worked closely with city staff to develop this project and determine where it can be accomplished feasibly. The Neighborhood Association plans to design wraps that include historical elements and placemaking within the neighborhood. The project will include the purchase, creation, installation, and maintenance of the two wraps and will follow city guidelines.   Quarry Park Master Plan ($20,000) The Quarry Park Neighborhood Association is requesting to create a master plan for Quarry Park which lies within the Quarry Park Neighborhood boundaries. Neighborhood leaders worked closely with city staff and their neighbors to determine what projects could be funded with Great Neighborhood funds and were desirable in this area. Through that collaborative effort, a master plan for Quarry Park was deemed the best starting point to help facilitate future park improvements.   Quarry Park Marigold Terrace ($5,000) The Quarry Park Neighborhood Association is requesting funding for the first year of marigold flower plantings within the small terrace along the east side of Knapp Street between West 17th Avenue and Florida Avenue that abuts Quarry Park. This project will beautify the area and potentially establish an annual event for the neighborhood.   Stevens Park Flag Pole and Path Lighting ($29,500) The Stevens Park Neighborhood Association is requesting funding, to match a donation from a donor to install a flag pole and update all path lighting within Stevens Park. Neighborhood leaders collaborated with city staff on these upgrades over the last year. The lighting improvements will provide enhanced safety for the park and neighborhood.   George Washington Bust Location Study ($6,500) The Stevens Park, Menominee South, and River East Neighborhood Associations collectively are requesting to hire a third-party consultant to help determine the best location for the George Washington bust that was previously located in front of Washington Elementary School. The bust is owned by the City and therefore is responsible for its care and placement. Finding a new, permanent location for this historical piece of art is important to these east side neighborhoods and the community as a whole.

FISCAL IMPACT

The City has borrowed funds through the Capital Improvement Fund and has funds available for the proposed projects. While the projects are located in the right of way or on city property, the quality of life will be improved in the neighborhoods that requested funding.

RECOMMENDATION

Common Council approves 2024 Great Neighborhoods Capital Improvement Program funding in the amount of $72,500.00.

Attachments Res 24-563 Great Neighborhoods Packet Council Memos_2024 GNP Council Memos_2024 GNP Map 2

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