Common Council supports Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund

OSHKOSH, WI—(WISS)— The Oshkosh Common Council took on a variety of items in its only planned December meeting on Tuesday. In a meeting that took less than 20 minutes, the council approved a resolution of support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and a bipartisan committee for overseeing the fund. The Council also approved the new contract between the city and the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS).

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund

Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Joe Stephenson brought forward a resolution of support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The resolution also supports the establishment of a state-wide bipartisan oversight committee.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has protected Wisconsin’s land, water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation assets for more than 30 years, but it is only authorized through the end of 2026. The state legislature has not renewed funding for Knowles-Nelson.

“I know that there is a bill out there right now that would like the legislature to approve all of these (land, water, outdoor projects). If you know anything about the legislature, they move extremely slow, and they don’t always agree on things,” Stephenson said. “Having the entire legislature needing to approve each individual project, I think would be needlessly slow. And it would kick a lot of projects out that would help recreation in Wisconsin – Conservation efforts, hunting, fishing, these things that we all kind of hold dear to our hearts here.”

The resolution passed unanimously by the Council “supports reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and restoring funding necessary to meet Wisconsin’s long-term conservation and outdoor recreation needs.” The city clerk will now send the resolution to Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and state legislators representing the City of Oshkosh.

Oshkosh Area Humane Society

Last week, the City of Oshkosh announced that it and the OAHS reached an agreement on a new contract for 2026 through 2028. The Common Council approved that contract agreement with a unanimous vote as part of the consent agenda on Tuesday night. 

The contract includes a reduction in the amount paid to the OAHS to approximately $60,000 per year. That is down 44% from the $104,000 per year the non-profit was receiving for the care, housing, and feeding of stray animals and impounded animals brought into the shelter by the Oshkosh Police Department. 

Snow and Ice

In other action, City Manager Rebecca Grill reminds residents that snow and ice need to be removed from city sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.

“If you don’t clean off your sidewalks, we will not be happy to, but we will clean it up for you,” said Grill. “And then you’ll be billed a minimum amount of $175.”

Resident Snow and Ice Responsibilities

• Clear Sidewalks Promptly: Please ensure that sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any handicap ramps and crosswalk access points, are cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Ice Management: If ice is too difficult to remove, apply materials like salt or sand to help with melting and to reduce the risk of slipping. Make sure to remove the ice as soon as conditions allow.
• Proper Snow Disposal: Remember not to place snow from your property onto public roads, sidewalks, or near fire hydrants, as this can create hazards and block access.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

• If sidewalks and crosswalks aren’t cleared, the City will step in to complete the work, and property owners will be billed a minimum of $175 for snow removal.
• There is also the potential of fines for failing to adhere to the Municipal Code.

How to Help

• If you notice unmanageable or hazardous conditions, please report them to the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works (920-236-5065) so we can maintain the safety and accessibility of our community spaces.

Retirements

The Common Council took a moment to recognize three department heads retiring from city service. Mayor Matt Mugerauer said that Director of City Services and Assistant City Manager John Fitzpatrick, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, and Parks Director Ray Maurer have combined over 75 years of service to Oshkosh.

The Oshkosh Common Council’s next meeting will be a workshop about the Menominee Park Train at 5:00 p.m. on January 13, 2026.