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OMRO CITY NEWSLETTER

FALL

2023

Community Calendar In Omro, we take great pride in the events offered throughout the year.

Please mark your calendars for these wonderful upcoming celebrations.

Details can be found on the organization's website or Facebook page.

OCTOBER now

JANUARY

Omro PD/FD Food Drive

1

City Hall Closed

(thru mid December)

2

City Hall Closed

14

Oktoberfest

26

Business Trick or Treat

31

City Wide Trick or Treat

FEBRUARY 20

NOVEMBER 25

Shop Small Saturday

DECEMBER 2

Holiday Parade

6

Future Omro Holiday Party & Raffle Basket Drawing

25

MARCH 31

Pet License due

Recurring event: Omro American Legion Bingo Every third Monday of the month!

Omro Bowhunters Club 1230 E Main St, Omro, WI

Happy Holidays! City Hall Closed

26

Spring Primary Election

City Hall Closed

Doors open at 5:00 pm & Bingo begins at 6:30 pm

Introducing Omro’s City Administrator

Brand on Henn es

Tell us about your work background: During my last semester of college, I started with a public accounting firm named Schenck SC as an accountant. While at Schenck, I went out on an audit of a municipality and quickly realized that I enjoyed governmental auditing more than tax preparation so I transitioned into a governmental auditor. Schenck was bought out by Clifton Larson Allen (CLA) and I stayed at CLA for four years as a Senior Auditor.

From there, I accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as their Grants Accountant. I started that position three months prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, I was managing roughly $68 million dollars worth of federal and state funded grants. On top of that role, I also performed daily accounting functions as essentially an Accounting Manager there as the Office of Finance and Administration didn't have a full accounting staff. Nearly three years into that position, an opportunity opened up with the University of Wisconsin System Administration (UW System) where I could get back into the field of auditing as a Senior Internal Auditor. For the past year, I have been a part of a team auditing our Universities ensuring compliance.

What interested you in Omro’s City Administrator position?

The City Administrator position was brought to my attention numerous times by individuals who truly believe I would be a great fit for the City and would be successful. With talking to them, talking to others with experience with local government and administration, and talking to close family and friends, I ultimately made the decision to apply for the position. My Grandpa who is a fountain of wisdom brought to life the benefits of the position as well as obstacles within my position at UW System. My wife and I moved to the City back in March of 2022 and within my first week, I had emails sent out to inquire how I can become involved whether that be through volunteering, going to board meetings, etc. I needed to be involved. I believe that being a part of a City is more than just living in the City. It's about getting involved with the community and making it better. When reviewing the position, I realized that the position is the ultimate way on how I could give back to the community.

Introducing Omro’s City Administrator What are some things you are looking forward to in your new position?

Brand on Henn es

I am looking forward to the challenges and obstacles to come. I take pride in my work and being able to see the results of that work. As Michael Jordan once said "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it". I intend to figure out how to get through the walls I'll run into.

I am also looking forward to getting to know my team more and working closely with them and the board. Within my position at UW System, all of our auditors work out of different Universities so you often have team meetings and are going to an office all by yourself. Actively being involved with my team and seeing them face to face is something I have been missing for a long time. One last thing I am looking forward to is biking or walking to work as I live right in the City. It is going to be a blessing to simply walk to work and I will not take that for granted.

What is your perspective on Omro?

Ever since we have moved into the City, we have been welcomed and accepted with open arms. I grew up in a small town and I absolutely love the small city mentality here. Getting out to talk to my neighbors has been an absolute pleasure and I look forward to meeting many more people in the future.

Omro geographically is in a great place.

With highway 21, people have to drive through Omro in order to cross the Fox River and to get to other communities. The question we have is how do we get people to stop in Omro rather than drive through it. That is a challenge I am excited to dive into.

I see opportunities to collaborate with other communities such as Winneconne or Berlin as we are essentially carbon copies of each other. Communication, collaboration, and creativity is necessary when we think about what Omro could be in the future.

Introducing Omro’s City Administrator What are some goals you have for this position?

When I think of some short term goals that I have, I need to get in and understand what has been currently going on within the City. It is well known that we have been without a full time administrator for seven months so kudos to all of the City staff for keeping our City afloat during that time! With that, I know everyone has been potentially taking on additional roles and responsibilities to ensure everything is done. I need to sit down with my team and truly understand what has been going on, what additional tasks have they been taking during the absence of an administrator, and how we can realign the organization for continued success. That is a high priority short term goal for me and my team.

In addition, I'd also like to conduct workshop sessions with City staff as well as the common council to come up with a mission statement and vision statement for the City. It would be great to be uniformed under a mission and vision so we can ensure our actions and duties align with the ultimate goals for the City.

Brand on Henn es What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, you will most likely spot me walking around the city with our golden retriever Eddie. We tend to do a lot of activities with our dog.

You may also see me riding my bike around the City and the outskirts of the City. I play the baritone in a part of the community band in Oshkosh where we get together once a week for practice.

This summer, my wife, brotherin-law, and I have been taking up golf and I've gone from getting 80 in 9 down to 52 in 9.

Some might say that is not the best still but I call it progress!

Otherwise, family is everything to me so I enjoy soaking up as much time with our families as I can.

CITY NEWS Now until mid-December, the police & fire departments will be collecting non perishable food items for the annual holiday food basket drive. Items can be dropped off at the Omro Police Department office located in City Hall.

Contact Information: Police Chief: Joe Schuster Address: 205 S. Webster Ave Omro, WI 54963 Non-Emergency: (920) 685-7007 Anonymous Tip Line: (920) 685-7008 Email: jschuster@omro-wi.com Patrol Hours/Meeting: 24 hours Administration Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 am–4 pm

Leaf Pick Up The City will once again proceed with its annual fall leaf collection. We will determine our start date by the amount of leaves raked into the terrace area, typically mid to late October. We ask that you try to get all your fallen leaves out to the curb ASAP. We will make one complete sweep of the entire City before starting a 2nd sweep. If you see the leaf truck go past, you may not see it again for a few days.

When the final week of leaf pick up is determined we will post on the city website. Typically we are done collecting leaves the week before Thanksgiving. You may also call city hall for this information. Please remember any leaves left in the road right of way after the City has completed leaf pick up, are the responsibility of the property owner and must be removed per City ordinance. Frozen, wet, or snow-covered leaves, sticks and yard waste cannot be picked up with the equipment we have. If you have a way to transport your own leaves to the Webster landfill, it would be greatly appreciated. The South Webster landfill will be open daily during leaf collection for homeowners to bring their own leaves to the landfill.

Mulching your leaves is another great option. It’s good for your lawn and helps reduce the amount of time and money spent for leaf collection.

Weather Permitting the Webster Landfill will remain open on Saturday Mornings until November 11th.

CITY NEWS Christmas Tree Pick-Up The City will again be picking up your used Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January.

Please have your trees placed in the terrace no later than January12th.

Please remove all lights and ornaments and DO NOT have the tree in a plastic bag.

Trees in plastic bags will not be picked up by the city.

Snow Removal We really don’t want to start thinking about snow, but as Wisconsinites, we know it cannot be avoided. However, you can avoid citations and costly removal charges by following the City Ordinance, which forbids the following: Shoveling Snow into the City Streets.

Plowing or blowing snow into City Streets.

Please keep snow from your property on your property.

Reminder: Sidewalks must be cleaned within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall.

Adopt a Fire Hydrant With winter not far away, we are in need of your help in keeping the fire hydrants accessible to the Omro Fire Department. If you have a hydrant in your front yard, we would appreciate any help you could give us by shoveling around it whenever necessary.

If you are unable to clean around the hydrant and think it needs it, please give us a call at 685-7025 or 685-7020.

CITY NEWS Water Use and Saving Water:

1. Humans use more and more water each year.

2. Americans use five times the amount of water that Europeans use.

3. Humans daily use about 50 gallons of water.

4. A person pays about 25 cents for water use on a daily basis.

5. Two thirds of the water used in a home is used in the bathroom.

6. To flush a toilet we use 2 gallons of water.

7. In a five-minute shower we use 25 to 50 gallons of water.

8. To brush your teeth you use 2 gallons of water.

9. For an automatic dishwasher 9 to 12 gallons of water is used.

10. Saving a bottle of cold water in the fridge is better that taking it from the tap, because it saves time and water.

11. While brushing your teeth, instead of leaving the tap running, you should fill up a glass to rinse your mouth.

12. Baths use less water than a typical shower. Soaking in a partially filled tub will use less water than a short shower.

13. The average person spends less than 1 % of their total personal expenditure dollars for water, wastewater, and water disposal services.

14. Less than 1% of the water treated by public water systems is used for drinking and cooking.

15. Bottled water can be up to 1000 times more expensive than tap water and it may not be as safe.

16. Today, at least 400 million people live in regions with severe water shortages.

Are Flushable Wipes

These items should always go in the Flushable? garbage instead of the toilet: Wipes: Adult/Baby, Cleaning, & Makeup Even though they are advertised Feminine Hygiene Products as “flushable wipes” doesn’t Kitty Litter Paper Towel and Towelettes mean they’re flushable! These Diapers types of wipes are not Dental Floss biodegradable and are quickly Band-Aids & Bandages becoming the leading cause of Cotton Swabs residential line clogs. They can Facial Tissues also plug the sewer main pipe in Mop Refills the street.

Cigarette Please remember to send the wipes to the trash to avoid a costly and inconvenient sewer back-up

***EXCITING NEWS!!! *** Rock the Block Oshkosh is hitting the road and heading to OMRO next Summer! Residents living within the City limits of Omro *NORTH of the Fox River* can apply to receive assistance with exterior home repairs and lawn care at no cost to homeowners. Projects will include, but are not limited to, *edging *lawn patching & seeding *tree & bush trimming *weeding, raking, and brush removal *mulching *pressure washing *gutter cleaning *and more.

Applications are available online at www.habitatoshkosh.org/rock-theblock, at Omro City Hall, on the city website, and at the Oshkosh ReStore (1640 S. Koeller Street).

The deadline to apply for July 2024 Omro projects will be December 1st, 2023.

CITY NEWS Please Note: City Hall will be closed for the holidays on the following dates if you wish to pay your bill in person: DECEMBER 25, 26, JAN 1 AND 2.

You may also pay your tax bill & pet license by mail or in the drop box everyone will be mailed a receipt refunds will be mailed to the homeowner (please allow 2 weeks) pet tags and licenses will be mailed to the pet owner *please ensure you and/or your spouse have signed your mortgage company check, if needed. (your names will be listed in the “pay to the order of” if req.) *please include a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination information to license

Pet License Reminder notice City Ordinance requires that all dogs and cats over five (5) months of age be licensed.

License renewals in Omro are due before March 31.

Pets not licensed prior to April 1, will be assessed an additional $5.00 penalty fee.

Spayed or Neutered Dog/Cat licenses are $10.00 Non-Spayed or Non-Neutered Dog/Cat licenses are $15.00

Sign up for pet licensing reminders via the “Notify Me” button on the City’s website

PLEASE NOTE:PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION IS REQUIRED FOR LICENSE

CITY NEWS CITY HALL ACCEPTS CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS

UTILITY E-BILL/E-PAY SYSTEM

For your convenience, City Hall has the capability to accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment.

You may receive your water & sewer bill directly via e-mail and pay your bill through your checking account or credit card.

Payment of water & sewer, taxes, pet licensing, building permits, park rentals, etc. may be made by this method.

Please note, there is a 3% service fee on all transactions.

Automatic payments may be set up to pay the bill when it is due (10 days after receiving e-mail), eliminating the possibility of late fees! If you don't care for auto-pay, just log in and pay any portion of your bill at any time.

The system lets you see a history of your account, including previous bills, usage and payments. You do not need to sign up for autobilling or auto-pay to see your history.

There is no fee for paying by echeck through your checking account. There is a 3% charge for all credit card payments.

You can access the e-bill/epay system at www.omro-wi.com.

PAY YOUR TAXES & FINES ONLINE To make tax or fine payments by credit card, debit card or e-check. Click on the PAY ONLINE button on our website, www.omro-wi.com, and choose Official Payments. You will be asked certain information concerning your payment to assure the proper account is credited. Please note, there is a user charge assessed for this service. Our jurisdiction code is 6797.

CITY NEWS

New City Website is Here!

The City of Omro is excited to announce the launch of their brand-new municipal website! With its added features, Omro-wi.com will allow us to better communicate with residents and give visitors a glimpse into our city.

While the site has a new look and feel, we hope to add more to the online experience than just aesthetics. We’ve updated our navigation in hopes of making it as effortless as possible for residents to get what they want from our website within a few clicks. It’s now easier than ever to find the information you’re looking for, whether it be locating council agendas, paying your water bill, or even just information about what the city is doing around the community!

Some new features can be found right on the home page and include: News- View the latest city news and media reports.

Event Calendar- Discover when city meetings and events are occurring.

Contact Us- Send a message directly to city staff.

Notify Me- Sign up for city related subscription list such as pet licensing reminders and important updates.

Overall, the new website will allow Omro to be more connected to its residents and visitors than ever before!

CITY NEWS 2024 Election Dates • Spring Primary – Tuesday, February 20, 2024 • Spring and Presidential Preference Vote – Tuesday, April 2, 2024 • Partisan Primary – Tuesday, August 13, 2024 • General Election – Tuesday, November 5, 2024

For Election questions please contact the clerk’s office at (920) 6857000. The office is located at 205 S. Webster Avenue and the polling place is at the Future Site of Omro City Hall located at 125 W. Huron St. The city is always looking for people who wish to become election workers. Contact us to apply to become an important part of operating and oversight of our fair and accurate election process.

Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good. Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Omro Family Aquatic Center is Hiring for 2024!

Employment at OFAC offers: Very flexible scheduling Fun work environment Welcoming and supportive staff Interaction with the local community Great first job opportunity

Positions: Head Guard Requirements 18 years old Previous experience at OFAC preferred, but not required Serve as a lifeguard at any facility for at least one year Possess certifications Responsibilities Manage lifeguard and front desk staff prior to and during season Provide customer service and deal with patron complaints Provide emergency care if needed Deadline to apply: Friday, February 23, 2023 Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Requirements Lifeguard: 15 years old Swim Instructor: 16 years old Certifications prior to application strongly suggested Responsibilities Provide preventative lifeguarding while supervising patrons Enforce rules to ensure safety of all patrons Respond to emergencies if need be Properly clean facility, maintain grounds and equipment Deadline to apply: Friday, March 8, 2023 Front Desk & Concessions Requirements 14 years old Responsibilities Provide initial customer service to the facilities and answer phone calls Use the register to complete transactions and handle money correctly Maintain a clean area and maintain facility equipment Deadline to apply: Friday, April 5, 2023 Applications can be found at Omro City Hall or by emailing omropool@gmail.com Feel free to email us if you have any other questions!

Join us for good food, good friends, and good fun at this year's Oktoberfest on October 14th from 10am-4pm!

Webster Avenue will be blocked off from Main Street to Huron Street where there will be a Craft Fair, Beer Garden, Hayrides, Omro PD Brat Stand, K-9 Demonstrations, Music, and Family Activities!

This November 25th, Small Business Saturday will bring communities together throughout the nation to patronize local small businesses. Help support the local economy this holiday season by shopping at, donating to, or getting services from Future Omro Chamber-Main Street businesses!

Check FutureOmro.org & our Facebook event to find a list of our local partners!

The Holiday parade will begin at 5pm on December 2nd down Main Street with the theme of “Candyland Christmas”.

A visit from Santa will end the parade to wish all of Omro Happy Holidays & a great New Year! Join us in Scott Park following the parade for our annual tree lighting at 6pm!

Address: 405 E Huron Street Omro, WI 54963 Hours: Monday-Thursday | 9:00 am-6:00 pm Friday | 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday | 9:00 am-12:00 pm Contact Us! Phone 920.685.7016 | Email director@omrolibrary.org | Websitehttps://omrolibrary.org For even more events and information visit us on Facebook Carter Memorial Library - Omro, WI

What’s happening at the library?

We’re Online 24/7 We may not be open 24 hours a day, but our digital library is! Utilize our online resources for FREE, all with your library card.

Hoopla | Audiobooks, eBooks, videos, TV shows on-demand! No waiting lists. 5 checkouts per month.

Libby | Audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines! Unlimited use.

Gale Courses | Instructor-led courses completely online. Find a new interest or learn a new skill.

Kanopy | Stream TVs shows and movies on your tablet, smart TV, or phone!

Unlimited use.

Unwind Wednesdays | After School Programming The library offers after-school programs on Wednesday at 2:30 pm! Every week features a different program. Have your kids stop by after school to learn, create, build, and unwind!

Storytime & Babytime Storytime sessions meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Children and caregivers can stop by for 30 minutes of stories, crafts, songs, and rhymes to grow their little brains! Storytime is a wonderful time to practice the five foundations of early literacy: talk, sing, read, write, and play! Storytime is recommended for ages 3-5 but siblings are always welcome to join in on the fun.

Babytime sessions meet on Thursdays at 10:00 am. Babytime is a 30minute lap time that includes songs, rhymes, fingerplay and important bonding time with the smallest members of your family! It's free and open to the public. Babytime is recommended for ages 0-2.

Bookclubs Bookmarks Book Club A NEW book club hosted at Dauntless Soul Brew Co. (130 E Main Street)! Join us at The Courtyard for coffee, lotus, lemonade and more as we discuss our fall titles. Pick up a copy at the Omro library or find the books on Libby or Hoopla. Our next read is the Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 19th at 5:30 pm, weather permitting!

Book Club Join us monthly for a lively book discussion on the fourth Thursday of every month! Check out our upcoming schedule and stop by the library to check out a copy. Book Club meets at Carter Memorial Library (405 E Huron Street).

Subscription Boxes Blooming Bookworms Blooming Bookworms is a free monthly subscription box for kids ages 3-14.

Boxes include 3-4 hand selected books and treats. Sign up today: https://omrolibrary.org/BloomingBook worms.

Book Lovers Book Lovers is a free monthly subscription box for people ages 15100! Boxes include 1-2 hand selected books and treats. Sign up today and try something new: https://omrolibrary.org/BookLovers.

Art with Miss Anna Enchanting Halloween Luminaries Wednesday, October 11, 4:00-5:00 pm Join Miss Anna for a spooky craft!

We'll be making Halloween luminaries in this workshop. No supplies needed, just bring yourself!

For ages 6-14. Call the library at 920-685-7016 to sign up!

Holiday Craft Day Saturday, November 18, 9:0010:30 am OR 10:30 am-12:00 pm Join us in November and get in the winter spirit with our Holiday Craft Day. Sign up for one of two sessions being offered on Saturday, November 18. Registration is required and space is limited!

Best for ages 16+

Holiday Centerpiece Class with Black Eyed Susan’s Flower Studio Saturday, December 16, 10:00-11:00 am Learn from your local florist, Kate Andrews, and enjoy light refreshments as you design your own holiday centerpiece at the library (405 E Huron Street)! The cost is $45.00 and goes to BES directly. Pay at sign up to hold your spot by Dec 1st! All supplies included. Class is limited to 18 people.

Call (920.859.0086) or visit Black Eyed Susan’s to sign up!

Friends Fall Quilt Raffle Runs until November 28!

Get your tickets today! The Friends of the Carter Memorial Library are raffling off an Amish handmade quilt donated by Carol and Tom Joseph. Check out the quilt hanging in the library. The drawing will take place on November 28. 1 ticket is $5.00 or 5 tickets for $20.00.

Area Churches

Bridge of Faith 124 E. Main St., Omro 920-859-0311 Pastor Daryl Marco www.bridgeoffaithbc.org Sunday Worship 9:30am Sunday School for all ages: 11:00am Wednesday: Adult Bible Study & Youth Ministry (6-12th grades): 6:15pm

Christian Family Teaching Center 404 S. Webster 920-379-7386 christianteaching@att.net Sunday Service: 9:30am

First Presbyterian Church 955 N. Webster Avenue Omro, WI 54963 920-685-2610 Rev. Dr. Travis J. Shafer, Pastor 1stpresomro@sbcglobal.net www.omropres.com Like us on Facebook.

Welcome. Worship. Witness Worship and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday. Fellowship time immediately following worship. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper the first Sunday of every month.

The annual Christmas program will be during worship on December 17th.

On December 24th, weekly worship service will be at 9:00 a.m. and Christmas Eve service will be at 7:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave., Omro 920-685-2621 Pastor Mark Wenzel graceomro@att.net www.graceomro.com Sunday Worship (Communion 1st/3rd Sunday) 8:00am & 10:30am Adult Bible Class & Sunday School 9:15am Messiah Lutheran Church 7394 Liberty School Rd., Omro 920-685-0377 Pastor Roger Holtz/Philip Geiger pastor@messiahomro.com www.messiahomro.org Worship Schedule: Sundays 9:00am Sunday Bible Study 10:15am St Mary Church 730 Madison Ave., Omro 920-685-2258 Pastoral Coordinator - Deacon Paul Vidmar Pastoral Associate - Rose Unser October-March Saturdays: 6:00 p.m.

Sundays: 8:30 a.m.

Confession: Saturday 5:30 p.m.

CLOW 2nd & 4th Sunday of Every Month During Mass WE Community Church, a Global Methodist Church One Church, Two Locations!

Sunday Morning Worship Service at 9:30am Waukau Campus - 2644 State Road 116, Waukau Eureka Campus - 8832 Wisconsin St., Eureka Church Office - (920) 859-1020 / weccwaukau.eureka@gmail.com Find us on Facebook for our current schedule and events