New OCMS Web site

I encourage citizens to check out the new Oshkosh Community Media Services (formerly known as OCAT) Web site. Features of the new Web site include: Video Streaming of local government meetings and programs (including video archives), E-Update Service, Volunteer Sign up and much more.

Kudos to the entire OCMS staff, Friends of OCM and our city's IT Department for their work on this project. Oshkosh is extremely lucky to have this valuable service.

-Bryan

City Manager Search Progress Web site

For the most up-to-date information on the search for the next city manager, including profile information, the PAR Group's bid and the community feedback form (those are the items currently available), please visit the new "City Manager Search Progress" Web site. It is my understanding that an online version of the community feedback form is forthcoming.

-Bryan

Upcoming City Events

State of the City Address and Open House
Thursday, February 28th
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Senior Center Annex Building

*This will be the inaugural program to be video streamed on the city's media services Web site.

Community Open Forums - Input on the City Manager Profile
Monday, March 3rd
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Library Lower Level Meeting Room
and
Tuesday, March 4th
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Senior Center Annex Building

*The forums will be videotaped and replayed on CitiCable 10.

I encourage citizens to attend, watch and participate in their city government.

-Bryan

PAR Group Recommended As Search Firm

The City Recruitment Consultant Application Review Team charged with making a recommendation on an executive search firm to the common council is recommending the PAR Group to help find the next city manager. The recommendation will be made at the Feb. 12th council meeting. The meeting is at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 4th Floor City Hall.

The three executive search firm proposals submitted to the city are available on the city's Web site. For your convenience, I have provided direct links below.

PAR Group: Proposal and Price Proposal; PAR Group Web site
PAA: Proposal and Price Proposal; PAA Web site
Slavin Management Consultants: Proposal and Price Proposal; SMC Web site

I welcome your comments on the recommendation. Do you agree? Would you have recommended a different firm? I look forward to hearing from you.

-Bryan

New Finance Director

I received the following press release today from Acting City Manager John Fitzpatrick.

City of Oshkosh names Steeno as Finance Director

Oshkosh, Wis. – The City of Oshkosh has selected Peggy A. Steeno as their new Finance Director. Steeno will replace Ed Nokes who retired on February 1, 2008 after 29 years of service with the City. In her new position, Steeno will oversee the Finance Department which includes the offices of Assessor, Collections, Accounting, Parking, Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utilities.

“We are very pleased Peggy Steeno has accepted the Finance Director position with the City of Oshkosh,” said Acting City Manager John Fitzpatrick. “Peggy has both a solid financial background and proven municipal experience. Her expertise and practical manner are an excellent combination for both the staff and citizens of Oshkosh.”

Steeno is currently the Business & Administrative Services Manager for the Waukesha Water Utility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Prior to 1999, Steeno was the Finance Supervisor for the City of West Allis, Wisconsin. In 1992 Steeno began her public sector career in Madison, Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection as a Agricultural Auditor.

Steeno received a MBA with a double emphasis in Human Resources and Training & Technology from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. She has also earned a BA with a double major in Managerial Accounting & German from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In addition, Steeno is a Certified Public Accountant. Her family includes her husband Paul and two children.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to serve the City of Oshkosh,” said Steeno. “I’m looking forward to working on new challenges and feel I have much to contribute to the position and the organization.”

Steeno’s official start date is April 5, 2008 and will be introduced to the public at the 2008 State of the City Address and Open House event scheduled for Thursday, February 28 at Oshkosh Seniors Center North. For more information about the City of Oshkosh please visit www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us

Congratulations to Ms. Steeno. I look forward to working with her in her new role as Finance Director. I also want to congratulate Mr. Nokes on his 29 years of service to the city. I wish him all the best in retirement.

-Bryan