Urban Poultry Ordinance Recommendations

Recommended Elements to include in an urban poultry ordinance - Oshkosh:

• Maximum of 4 Hens per residential plot: If additional plots are to permit additional chickens, a special waiver/permit system is recommended that may require an inspection. Otherwise the language should state “…per residence”



• Roosters are not permitted: As it is possible for rooster chicks to be obtained without knowledge of sex, with time then necessary to remove the rooster once identified, the ordinance may consider stating “Roosters over the age of 8 weeks old are not permitted”

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2011 Budget - A Bit Short on Family Safety

Check out a city powerpoint on the budget - this provides a pretty good overview of what is in the budget.

One thing not in here is funding for railings along the riverwalk - likely moving along a great project turned sour.

Ironically, most building codes require railing if 3 or more steps are present. As you can imagine, falling 1 - 2 feet into grass can be pretty bad and worthy of a railing (despite the sarcasm, I do think railings with 3 or more steps is very important).

So you can seriously imagine then, a 1 - 2 foot drop into a moving (and often very cold) river might also be considered bad by some - particularly those that wish to actually bring their children to the area, or maybe someone in a wheel chair, or maybe just about anyone else..

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Take the Free Bus

City of Oshkosh press release:

(Oshkosh, WI.) Oshkosh Transit System’s bus service will be free on November 26, 2010 (a.k.a. Black Friday).

The “Go Green and Save Green” promotion will help Oshkosh Transit System (OTS) to safely transport riders during the busy shopping day. The free service includes all Oshkosh Transit System bus routes, including Route 10 service to Neenah.

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Petri and One Year's Train Thinking

Politifact WI reporting:

On Nov 16, 2010 Petri issued the following statement along with other WI Republican Congressmen:

"We support Governor-elect Walker's effort to put the brakes on the High Speed Rail budget boondoggle"

However, about 1 year earlier in August 2009, Petri issued the following statement:

"This investment (high-speed rail from Milwaukee to Madison) will strengthen the surrounding Midwest economies through new rail and construction jobs, while also increasing development and connectivity from rural to urban areas."

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No Beer Without Beer Barrels

In a state whose history is tied to beer-making, the cooper has been important both as an artisan and an important member of a brewing economy. The grandsons of the craftsman who built Wisconsin’s largest independent cooperage will share the story of their family’s historic business during a program at the Oshkosh Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. The program is co-sponsored by the library and the Winnebago County Historical & Archaeological Society.

Gary Hess and Jim Hess travel throughout Wisconsin, sharing the history of Frank J. Hess & Sons Cooperage, the Madison-based barrel-making company founded and operated for more than 60 years by their grandfather and his four sons.

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Save the Train Event in Oshkosh Saturday

November 20 Statewide Day of Action to Save the Train – Oshkosh

Details: Oshkosh area business owners, elected officials, and activists will speak out to highlight the economic benefits of expanding intercity passenger train service in Wisconsin. Other similar events will take place in Milwaukee, La Crosse, Madison, and Eau Claire. The purpose of this statewide day of action to Save the Train is to urge Governor-Elect Walker to reconsider his decision to turn away $822 million dollars in federal grant funds to restore rail service between Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. Declining this project will kill Wisconsin’s potential to create 9,570 permanent jobs, $173 million in additional household income, and $704 million in increased property values created by fully implementing passenger rail in Wisconsin. In addition to direct construction, rail engineer, maintenance, and operations jobs, this project will also stimulate tourism and business development in Wisconsin. (See http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/state/docs/mwrri-economic.pdf).

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Oshkosh and Urban Chickens Part 3 of 4

Here is part 3 of our 4 part series on Urban Chickens. This is the final post that will provide responses to a few of the common complaints and concerns regarding the issue. To check out part one, visit HERE. Part two is here. The next post will review the recommended ordinance provisions approved by the city's Health Board and Sustainability Board.

11. If this is approved, we’re going to have goats and cows in the city
a. This criticism does not address anything that residents are asking for. Residents are asking for permission to keep chickens. No one is asking to keep goats, or bears, or any other animal. And as with dogs, cats, and other animals, the city needs to look individually at the realistic feasibility of the request.

b. There is no “slippery slope” created by allowing certain animals within the city, such as hens. For example, by allowing dogs in the city, we did not “pave the way” for wolves to be permitted. Nor did permitting cats “pave the way” for the keeping of panthers. This criticism avoids the valid issues with raising urban chickens, which have been addressed in the city ordinance.

c. Hens are unlike most other animal food sources. They provide a high quality protein food source while requiring a relatively small area and involving relatively little in set-up and on-going management. A hen’s noise and smell is noticeably less than a small dog, and the food is easily accessible without any interference with the animal.

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Gifts from the Heart

The Oshkosh Police Department, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Head Start program, will host the annual “Gifts from the Heart” holiday assistance program during November and December. We invite the community to participate with us by providing gifts for 400 children in Head Start families. Individuals, groups, classes, businesses and organizations are encouraged to contact Santa’s Hotline (beginning November 8) to adopt a child’s Wish List. *

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OACF Women's Fund Power of 10

As many MSO readers know, we believe the work of the OACF is some of the most productive, important, and exciting work taking place in our community. We are pleased to continue sharing updates and information about their programs with the Oshkosh community.

Email received 11/12/10:

OSHKOSH, WI - Single moms will get the chance to do something extraordinary in December. They will give away $10,000 to a local nonprofit to benefit other women just like themselves.

The Women's Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation is calling on single moms from the Oshkosh area to participate in its Power of 10 focus group. The Power of 10 is the Women's Fund's 10th anniversary initiative designed to identify the issues and obstacles facing women of all ages in our community.

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Oshkosh and Urban Chickens Part 2 of 4

Here is part 2 of our 5 part series on Urban Chickens. Like the first, this post will provide responses to a few of the common complaints and concerns regarding the issue. To check out part one, visit HERE.

6. Chicken Health and Safety
a. Dogs and Cats: At all times, the chickens are to remain on the owner’s property in an enclosed nature. While neighborhood dogs and cats are not permitted to enter other yards per city ordinance, such entry will generally not be an issue for the chicken, which will be safely protected in a fenced area.

b. Cruelty to Chickens: i. Cruelty is prohibited by municipal codes, and is directly responded to by the Oshkosh Police Department, which enforces the municipal code provision that prohibits the physical abuse of animals, and ii. The slaughtering of chickens within the city is prohibited. Oshkosh Backyard Chickens is working to identify multiple out of city sites that will accept unwanted chickens.

c. Rooster chicks / old chickens / unwanted and stray chickens: Oshkosh Backyard Chickens is working to identify multiple out of city sites that will accept roosters and other unwanted chickens. Further, municipal code prevents the abandonment of animals, including chickens.

d. Old Chickens: As stated above, municipal code will prevent the abandonment of chickens. Further, chickens identified as abandoned can be turned over to the Oshkosh Backyard Chickens, who has identified numerous neighboring farms and homes that are willing to take on abandoned and unwanted chickens (including young male roosters).



7. Chickens just don’t belong in the city (also known as "I live in the city because I don't want to be a farm")

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Holiday Parade and Local Business

So tonight, most of you will be joining my family at the annual Oshkosh Holiday Parade (November 11th 5:30-7:30pm). In addition, there is a Tree Lighting Event from 5:30-6:30pm at Opera House Square Park complete with music.

And while you're downtown, you might as well grab your kid a comic from House of Heroes and a funky locally-made item from Sioree just before you stop in for a nice warm coffee at the New Moon Cafe to drink as you head over to Apple Blossom Books to pick up a great new book. Stop next door to Carmel Crisp to pick up your dessert for after you finish your Cranky Pat's pizza dinner.

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Oshkosh Common Council Approves Ahmadiyya Mosque

Kudos to the Oshkosh Common Council for voting unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Oshkosh to purchase a building on the west side and convert it to a Mosque. Neighborhood concerns about increased traffic, late night/early morning use of the building, and fences were not sufficient enough to convince the Council to oppose the permit. The Council appeared to separate the religious / diversity issue from the practical matter of the conditional use permit.

This was a topic that could have become overblown and politicized as it has in other communities, but in Oshkosh it really didn't come to that. Neighborhood concerns seemed genuinely about the hours of use and potential for noise and traffic either late at night or early in the morning. The Ahmadiyya Community addressed those concerns point by point at both the plan commission meeting and the Council meeting last night. "Religious Freedom" and/or "Bigotry" were brought up but neither were as relevant to the topic at hand and both sides of the issue were civil and respectful.

I hope that once they get settled into the new Mosque they open it up for a community potluck!

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Veteran's Day Celebration

The Oshkosh Seniors Center is hosting a Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 7:30am.

According to their announcement, Veterans and Spouse or guest are welcome to join in honoring all veterans who have servced the US Armed Forces in times of peace and war.

The line up includes:

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Oshkosh and Urban Chickens Part 1 of 4

Back in July 2010, we predicted that the city of Oshkosh would be moving towards allowing urban chickens by 2012. The movement seeking to raise urban chickens has made significant progress in the last 3 months, including support from multiple city boards and city staff, as well as an organized effort from interested citizens.

MSO will be posting a series on this issue, including a review of where the city is at, what is being requested, and additional information on the subject. This first post will focus on the information side, providing the first half of a list of the most common concerns raised with urban chickens, while providing information and data in response. The second half of the list will appear later this week.

1. Smell
a. The municipal ordinance established for chickens would require the maintenance of a clean and sanitary condition. This language is consistent with the requirements outlined for dogs by municipal codes. Very few complaints are received by the city concerning animal odors.

b. Limiting the number of chickens to 4 will serve to reduce and limit this issue

c. For perspective, one 40lb dog produces 15% more waste than 10 chickens, and the city of Oshkosh currently permits multiple dogs. While chicken manure is a valuable compost soil additive that breaks down quickly, dog waste cannot be used. Individuals will receive information on proper composting when they obtain their permit each year

2. Rodents
a. The municipal ordinance will require that all chicken yards, pens, chicken coops, and feed be so constructed, repaired and kept so as to prevent rodents from being harbored.

b. Chickens do not attract rodents. Rather, food attracts rodents. Feeding your dog outdoors can pose the same risks as feeding a chicken outdoors. Bird feeders can also attract rodents. By taking the required actions listed in the ordinance, rodents will not become an issue. Other neighboring communities such as Neenah and Green Bay have not experienced an increased problem with rodents following the approval of urban chickens.

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Oshkosh Area Holiday Resource Guide

Check out the United Way's holiday resource guide for learning about resources for your family or ways in which you can help other families have a nice holiday season.

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Oshkosh Skateboard Rally Saturday

"Longboard Adventure Rally" - A Streets of Fire Challenge

Do you know what a "longboard" is yet? It is those long skateboards that you can now see all over the city, especially on campus and downtown at Streets of Fire. I now confess that about 5 months ago I became a Longboarder. All summer I commuted to work and back via a long smooth skateboard. The length makes it an ideal "cruising board", great for long distances, street coasting, and commuting. Not so much for tricks, which I can't do anyway.

This Saturday November 6th at 1 p.m. a Longboard Rally has been planned, including races, games and events for all ages and abilities, and all types of skateboards. The highlight is apparently an 8-10 mile "race" that has no set course but a series of checkpoints around the city.

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Main Street Grand Re-Opening

This Saturday, November 6 from 6pm - 9pm is the official grand re-opening of Oshkosh's newly remodeled downtown Main Street. The event will coincide with the monthly Oshkosh Gallery Walk.

According to the Downtown BID, the event will start with a 6:00 pm ribbon cutting and will follow with live Music, Festivals & Celebrations, Family-Friendly Entertainment, Arts & Exhibits, and more.

If you have additional questions about the events, call Maureen at (920) 303-2265.

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Public Information Meeting on 2011 City Budget

Release by the City of Oshkosh: Public Information Meeting on 2011 Budget

(Oshkosh, WI.) The city of Oshkosh will hold a public information meeting about the proposed 2011 city budget on Thursday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Oshkosh Seniors Center in the Willow Room of the south building.

The goal of the meeting is to provide an overview of the budget and offer citizens a venue to bring forward questions and concerns about the budget.

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Meet Your Wisconsin Assembly Delegation

56th Assembly District:

Currently held by young Roger Roth, who went after Kagen and a seat in Congress only to be surprised by an in-party challenger.

The winner of this election's Republican primary was Michelle Litjens. The Democrats failed to produce a challenger for the seat, meaning Michelle won without the opportunity to test her ideas, campaign skills, or public communication style.

According to Michelle's make-shift website, she ran for office because, "The Bureaucracy in Madison is too large and we must do something about it now. Too many people have died to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today for us to sit on the sidelines any longer. We must demand fiscal responsibility in Madison. Please join me in taking back our state."

Her contact information is: 3765 Maxwell Road, Oshkosh WI 54904 cell: 920-203-6258, email: votelitjens@gmail.com. It is likely that this would change in the future once she takes office.


54th Assembly District

Representative Gordon Hintz ended the long-time Republican reign on the 54th two cycles ago, and continued his control of the seat this year by badly beating down challenger Republican challengers Johny Krause.

Gordon has a pretty good campaign website that actually details positions - you know, those things that voters used to actually care about and want to hear about (and hopefully begin caring about in the very near future).

So why did Gordon survive (significantly) the Republican Angst this year? Either because of how ineffective his challenger was, or because Gordon is everywhere in Oshkosh - meetings, community events, benefits, school programming, and more. To get elected in the first place, Gordon spent 3 years "getting involved" in the community, and he has never stopped. The result is people know who he is, understand his positions, and can easily access him to discuss politics, issues, or the Bucks.

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Don't Forget to Get Out and.... Work the Polls?

So, obviously today is election day, and don't be a joker by failing to vote. For candidate information, check out this great resource by Wisconsin Public Television / Radio.

For information about actual voting, such as location and a sample ballot, check out the Winnebago County Elections site.

As a note, there is a referendum on the ballot.

Anyway, according to the city of Oshkosh clerk Pam Ubrig, there is a significant need for poll workers. While it is obviously too late to work the Nov 2010 election date, there are two elections coming very soon in Feb and Apr 2011. While election workers do get paid (about $100.00), the main thing is that elections don't happen without the workers, or our voting process slips significantly by creating long lines or mess-ups (of which Oshkosh has been remarkably good at avoiding).

To contact the city clerk, visit here.

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