State of the City address set for Thursday, Feb. 28
The second annual State of the City address is scheduled for next week; but clearly, this year's address will be markedly different from last year's.
First of all, this year's address will be delivered by Acting City Manager John Fitzpatrick, as the city council continues the process of searching for a new city manager to replace Richard Wollangk who "retired" from his position last Oct. 13. In addition to the highlights and accomplishments of 2007, there will be a look ahead into the strategies and challenges facing the city in 2008.
Second, both Fitzpatrick and Mayor Frank Tower will participate in the event.
Third, the event will be held at the Oshkosh Seniors Center as opposed to City Hall like last year.
Fourth, the first-ever Board & Commission Service Awards will be given out. According to a letter from Fitzpatrick, these awards will be given to citizens who
"have achieved individual five-year service milestones in 2007 while serving as volunteers on City of Oshkosh boards or commissions. Awards will be presented for service milestones reached in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 & 30 year timeframes." This is a nice honor for those, like me, who have served on the city's various boards and commissions.
Finally, and probably most significantly, is the fact that the evening will feature an Open House component to it, where department and division heads will be on hand to answer citizen questions or listen to community input from residents. A number of booths will be set up where people attending can get information on a variety of projects, including planned renovations at the Oshkosh Convention Center, the Oshkosh Public Library strategic plan and single-stream recycling. Refreshments will also be available during this portion of the evening.
I'm not sure who came up with the idea to make the event as interactive and citizen-friendly as is being planned, but hats off to them. One way to make government more transparent and user-friendly is to invite and encourage citizens to participate in it. The way this event is being planned is a nice start in helping accomplish that.
The address and open house will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh Seniors Center, 234 N. Campbell Rd. Those wanting more information on the event can call the city manager's office at (920) 236-5000.
First of all, this year's address will be delivered by Acting City Manager John Fitzpatrick, as the city council continues the process of searching for a new city manager to replace Richard Wollangk who "retired" from his position last Oct. 13. In addition to the highlights and accomplishments of 2007, there will be a look ahead into the strategies and challenges facing the city in 2008.
Second, both Fitzpatrick and Mayor Frank Tower will participate in the event.
Third, the event will be held at the Oshkosh Seniors Center as opposed to City Hall like last year.
Fourth, the first-ever Board & Commission Service Awards will be given out. According to a letter from Fitzpatrick, these awards will be given to citizens who
"have achieved individual five-year service milestones in 2007 while serving as volunteers on City of Oshkosh boards or commissions. Awards will be presented for service milestones reached in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 & 30 year timeframes." This is a nice honor for those, like me, who have served on the city's various boards and commissions.
Finally, and probably most significantly, is the fact that the evening will feature an Open House component to it, where department and division heads will be on hand to answer citizen questions or listen to community input from residents. A number of booths will be set up where people attending can get information on a variety of projects, including planned renovations at the Oshkosh Convention Center, the Oshkosh Public Library strategic plan and single-stream recycling. Refreshments will also be available during this portion of the evening.
I'm not sure who came up with the idea to make the event as interactive and citizen-friendly as is being planned, but hats off to them. One way to make government more transparent and user-friendly is to invite and encourage citizens to participate in it. The way this event is being planned is a nice start in helping accomplish that.
The address and open house will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh Seniors Center, 234 N. Campbell Rd. Those wanting more information on the event can call the city manager's office at (920) 236-5000.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 10:39 AM
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