Note: On August 2, 2002 the Oshkosh Northwestern reported that the Wisconsin Automated Machinery Corporation (WAMCO) planned to relocate to Wabash, Indiana and fire at least 35 Oshkosh workers. Minutes of two meetings of the Oshkosh Common Council reveal that the Oshkosh workers were victimized by (a.) a closed meeting on June 25, 2002 in which there was no one in attendance to represent their interests, and (b.) a July 9th meeting of the Council in which only Councilor Paul Esslinger seemed interested in asking any serious questions about WAMCO's plans. This pathetic episode is but one more example of an Oshkosh municipal government that places the needs of CEO's and favored developers ahead of the common citizens at every turn. Below are excerpts from the June 25 and July 9 meetings:

Proceedings of the Oshkosh Common Council – June 25, 2002

MOTION: CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION FOLLOWING THE ADJOURNEMT OF THE MEETING, TO CONFER WITH LEGAL COUNSEL CONCERNING LAND MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO LITIGATION PERTAINING TO THE MARION ROAD/PEARL AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA (WAMCO) PURSUANT TO SECTION 19.85 (1) (g) OF THE WISCONSIN STATE STATUTES. (Harris; second, Esslinger)

CARRIED: Ayes (7) Esslinger, Harris, Mattox, Castle, Dell'Antonia, Tower, Hintz

MOTION: ADJOURN (Dell'Antonia; second, Esslinger)

CARRIED: VOICE VOTE

Resolution 02-258 Approve Land Purchase/123 Jackson Street/Wisconsin Automated Machinery Corporation-Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area

MOTION: ADOPT (Harris; second, Tower)

CARRIED: Ayes (4) Harris, Mattox, Tower, Hintz;

Noes (1) Esslinger

Council Member Esslinger asked various questions regarding the demolition of the project and the land value. He felt there were other ways to purchase the property and that money could be spent on other needs of the City. He stated he would not support the resolution.

Mr. Kinney, Director of Community Development and Mr. Kraft responded.

Council Member Harris explained the Tax Incremental Funding process for the project and stated it was not coming out of taxpayers money. He also expressed the project was complex and encouraged voters to investigate the facts.

Susan Kemplinger, Principal Planner responded.

Council Member Mattox stated the project needed to be processed in a timely manner.

Council Member Tower questioned the time frame and what the recourse would be if the window of opportunity were missed.

Mr. Kinney responded.

Mayor Hintz felt that the Council was aware of the dollar amount and that it was a significant project to invest in. He thanked the Planning Department for a job well done.

Return to 4 questions for Paul Esslinger