Omro City Newsletter Fall 2024

FALL 2024

S W L E E N T T Y E T R I C

OMRO-WI.COM

LETTER FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Dear Residents of Omro, As the leaves change and we embrace the beauty of fall, I am pleased to share our latest updates and highlights from the City of Omro. Your engagement and participation are what make our community special, and we have much to celebrate and look forward to together.

City Projects and Developments We are excited to see the completion of the 2024 road projects.

This year, the city connected Jackson Avenue to Tori Street to provide additional public safety access, improved Clemans Court off East Scott Street, and added sidewalks on Tyler Avenue to provide additional safe paths to school for students. Along with road infrastructure projects, there are several developments in the Omro that I am excited to discuss: · 2nd Addition to Springview Acres has been ongoing and is on schedule. Coming off Justin Drive, the 2nd addition will be adding 16 new homes to Omro as well as two retention ponds. This is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity – Oshkosh that has been going very well. The first construction phase is set to be completed by the end of October. After that, plats will be ready for home development. · Omro Animal Hospital has been developing their new office across the street from Kwik Trip off Huckleberry Avenue. The new location will provide better parking, more space and extra rooms, advanced dental and surgery suite, efficient workflow, and more. Be sure to follow Omro Animal Hospital as they get closer to opening · Country Villa has broken ground on a new two story RCAC addition off their main building. This development will bring 38 additional rooms and will double their staff.

The city has been in conversations with Country Villa as they have requested TIF assistance for the project as the property is within the cities TIF district. Development is currently ongoing and is set to finish July 2025 · Rock The Block occurred on Omro’s north side July 16th and 18th. During these two days, team members from the city volunteered to be a part of the project as work was done City Five Year Parks Plan Municipalities must update a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (CORP) every five years. This year, Omro has been working on updating our CORP for 2026-2031.

A survey was conducted and shared via social media and the paper, and we had great feedback from it. I thank you all for taking the time to provide feedback and input on the city’s parks. We are near finalization of the plan and as we prepare to present it to our parks committee and city council, notice will be provided on when those meetings are.

Budget and Finance We are currently in the middle of our budget season for 2025. The City Council will be going through budget workshops with administration to review the budget and begin discussions. Workshops and council meetings are posted on our website, and we urge the public to come and listen as we discuss the 2025 budget. The city will also begin broadcasting our meetings online so that you can be a part of it in the comfort of your home.

Strategic Planning During 2024, the City of Omro has been working with Allyson Brunette Consulting on strategic planning. Part of this process was distributing a community wide survey and business survey to gain perspective from everyone. We are incredibly thankful to everyone that took the time to fill out the survey and provided valuable feedback.

Team members, department heads, and council has been going through workshops to go over themes from the survey, identifying our values as a city, documenting our mission and vision for the city, and more.

School Spotlight Please take some time to study their referendums for the upcoming November elections. The school has distributed information to households within the district on the referendums and how they may impact on your tax bills.

We're excited about the progress and positive momentum in Omro, and we look forward to continuing our work to make our city an even better place to live, work, and play.

Thank you for your ongoing support and participation in building a strong and vibrant community.

Warm regards, Brandon Hennes City Administrator City of Omro

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OCTOBER Now

Omro PD/FD Food Drive (thru mid December)

12

Future Omro Oktoberfest

31

Business Trick or Treat City Wide Trick or Treat

JANUARY 1

City Hall Closed

NOVEMBER 30

FEBRUARY

Shop Small Saturday

National Wisconsin Day

15

DECEMBER 7

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

24-25 Happy Holidays! City Hall Closed 31

City Hall Closed

MARCH 31

Pet License due

Reoccurring Event: Omro American Legion Bingo Every third Monday of the month!

Omro Bowhunters Club 1230 E Main St, Omro, WI Doors open at 5:00pm & Bingo begins at 6:30pm

CITY MEETINGS CALENDAR AVAILABLE AT OMRO-WI.COM

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

Contact Information: Police Chief Joe Schuster Email: JSchuster@Omro-Wi.com Address: 205 S. Webster Ave, Omro Non-Emergency Line: 920-685-7007 Anonymous Tip Line: 920-685-7008 Patrol Hours/Meeting: 24 hours Administration Hours: M-F 7:30am-4pm

Leaf pick up typically begins mid-late October Rake leaves to the curb Complete sweep of City before 2nd sweep

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 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 collective 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 & must be removed per City ordinance.

Frozen, wet, or snow covered leaves, sticks & 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.

When determined, final week will be posted on website/social media Frozen, wet, or snow covered leaves, sticks and yard waste cannot be picked up with the equipment we have.

Weather permitting the landfill will remain open on Saturdays until November 9th

The 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 & helps reduce the amount of time & money spent for leaf collection.

Weather Permitting the Webster Landfill will remain open on Saturday Mornings until Nov. 9th.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-UP The City will be picking up used Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January.

Please have your trees placed in the terrace no later than January 17th.

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

WATER FACTS OF LIFE Ride the Water Cycle With These Fun Facts

There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when the Earth was formed.

Water regulates the Earth's temperature

Nearly 97% of the world's water is salty or otherwise undrinkable

Water is composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen

Water Use & Saving Water 1. Humans use more & more water each year.

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

3. Daily, humans 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 9-12 gallons of water is used.

10. Saving a bottle of cold water in the fridge saves time & water.

11. While brushing your teeth, instead of running the tap, fill 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 his or her total personal expenditure dollars for water, wastewater, & water disposal services.

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

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

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

City of Omro Water Utility 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.

Are Flushable Wipes Flushable?

Even though they are advertised as “flushable wipes” doesn’t mean they’re flushable!

These types of wipes are not biodegradable and are quickly becoming the leading cause of residential line clogs. They can also plug the sewer main pipe in the street.

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

These items should always go in the garbage instead of the toilet: Wipes: Adult/Baby, Cleaning, & Makeup Feminine Hygiene Products Kitty Litter Paper Towel and Towelettes Diapers Dental Floss Band-Aids & Bandages Cotton Swabs Facial Tissues Mop Refills Cigarette

Please note City Hall will be closed for the holidays on the following dates if you wish to pay your bill in person:

DECEMBER 24, 25, 31, and JAN 1.

You may 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.

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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

PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION IS REQUIRED FOR LICENSE

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, & choose the corresponding link.

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 HALL ACCEPTS CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS For your convenience, City Hall has the capability to accept credit & debit cards as a form of payment.

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.

UTILITY E-BILL/E-PAY SYSTEM You may receive your water & sewer bill directly via e-mail & pay your bill through your checking account or credit card.

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 & pay any portion of your bill at any time.

The system lets you see a history of your account, including previous bills, usage & payments. You do not need to sign up for auto-billing 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/e-pay system at www.omro-wi.com & click the “Pay Online” button.

in 2024, Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh expanded its service area to include the City of Omro for the first time and Rock the Block Oshkosh services were offered on the North side.

The program’s 2025 efforts in Omro will focus on South side homes in Omro, South of the Fox River to Scott St between Kennedy Ave & Jackson Ave. Residents living within the limits can apply to receive assistance with exterior home repairs and lawn care, including but not limited to edging, lawn patching & seeding, tree & bush trimming, weeding, raking, brush removal, mulching, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning.

Applications available (through Dec 1st): *www.habitatoshkosh.org/rock-the-block *Omro City Hall (205 S. Webster) *Oshkosh ReStore (1640 S. Koeller Street) For more information on Rock the Block Oshkosh, visit @RTBOshkosh on Facebook or contact Elizabeth Last, Program Director at 920-235-3535 or elast@habitatoshkosh.org ​ Completed applications: *Mail to Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh at 2559 Badger Avenue, Oshkosh 54904 *Drop off at the ReStore (1640 S. Koeller St, Oshkosh) *Drop off at Omro City Hall (205 S. Webster St, Omro) *email to elast@habitatoshkosh.org.

405 E Huron Street Omro, WI 54963 Contact Us!

Phone 920.685.7016 | Email director@omrolibrary.org | Website: Omrolibrary.org

For even more events and information visit us on Facebook Carter Memorial Library - Omro, WI Hours: Monday-Thursday | 9:00 am-6:00 pm Friday | 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday | 9:00 am-12:00 pm

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.

Stream TVs shows and movies on your tablet, smart TV, or phone! Unlimited use.

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

Audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines! Unlimited use.

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

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 30-minute 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.

Bookmarks Book Club A book club hosted at Dauntless Soul Brew Co.!

Join us at The Courtyard for coffee, lotus, lemonade & 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 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 5:30 pm!

Cover to Cover Book Club Join us monthly for a lively book discussion on the fourth Thursday of every month! Check out our upcoming schedule & stop by the library to check out a copy. Cover to Cover Book Club meets at Carter Memorial Library

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 Omrolibrary.org/BloomingBookworms

Book Lovers Book Lovers is a free monthly subscription box for people ages 15-100! Boxes include 1-2 hand selected books and treats. Sign up today and try something new: Omrolibrary.org/BookLovers

Storywalk® is back this fall!

StoryWalk® promotes early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature. It’s a fun and educational family activity!

Take a stroll and enjoy successive pages from a children’s story along your path.

Library Experience Passes

Use Our Experience Passes On Your Next Fall Day Trip!

Looking for a new adventure this fall?

Experience passes are a brand new item available for checkout at the Carter Memorial Library.

The passes (except for State Park Day Passes) check out for 7 days, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Stop by the library to learn more about this exciting new program! We have passes that are available for:

o Bookworm Gardens (Sheboygan) o Building For Kids Children’s Museum (Appleton) o Wisconsin Historical Society Sites (multiple sites) o State Park Day Passes (multiple sites) o Oshkosh Public Museum

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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 28, 2025 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 14, 2025 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 o Deadline to apply: Friday, April 11, 2025

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

Touch a Truck 11-2

good fun at this year's Oktoberfest on

Hay Ride with Pick a

October 12th from 10am-4pm!

Pumpkin 11-3

Webster Avenue will be blocked off from

Vendor Event 10-4 Face painter

Main Street to Huron Street where there

Ballon Artist

will be a Beer Garden, Hayrides with pick a pumpkin, Omro PD Brat Stand, Music,

Music:

and Family Activities!

Lucas Allen 11-1 Acoustic Jukebox 1-4

This November 30th, 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!

Jingle & Mingle- December 7th

The Holiday parade will begin at 5pm down Main Street.

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!

Omro Holiday Parade Theme: Frosty Fun on the Fox Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 Line Up: 4:30pm- Miller Park parking lot Start Time: 5:00 pm Mail Entry Form to: Omro City Hall Attn: Stephanie Kromm, PO Box 399, Omro, WI 54963 or skromm@omro-wi.com. Call (920) 685-7000 with questions.

Parade Policies In keeping with the belief of children, please no Santa on any entry. One Santa will be at parade end.

For safety, there will be no throwing of candy from entries. You are welcome to walk beside and hand out candy.

All animal entries must have shovels on hand for clean-up.

Join us in Scott Park following the parade for a tree lighting (tentatively 6pm)!

Name of Organization: _______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________________ Please circle one: Float

Military

Marchers

Animal

Vehicle

Other _______________

I understand that the City of Omro or any other organization sponsoring or cosponsoring the Omro Holiday Parade is not responsible for theft, accidental loss, bodily injury, or damage incurred prior to, during, or immediately following the parade. I also understand that any damage or injury of spectators or their property caused by my entry, or people associated in any way with my entry, will be directed to me personally for compensation.

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date:___________________________

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 Wednesday Bible Study 6:30pm

Connect Church

607 Tyler Ave connectchurchomro@gmail.com Sunday Worship For details please see: www.facebook.com/connectomro

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.

On December 24th, weekly worship service will be at 9:00 a.m.

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 Worship w/Communion Thursday 6:30 PM Sunday 9:00 AM Adult Bible Class & Sunday School: Sunday 10:15AM

Messiah Lutheran Church

7394 Liberty School Rd., Omro 920-875-0755 Pastor Philip Geiger pastor@messiahomro.com www.messiahomro.org Worship Schedule: Sundays 9:00am

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