Cheryl Laatsch
DNR Water Management Specialist
625 E. County Road Y. Suite 700
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Docket # IP-NE-2005-71-0562UF

Dear Cheryl Laatsch:

I am writing to request that the DNR deny Oshkosh Park Director Tom Stephany’s application for a permit to install a fishing pier at Miller’s Bay in Menominee Park. The problem is with the proposed location—the only preserved open space in the park. The public interest is not served by placing a pier in this location, especially when other suitable locations have been identified.

We are in this situation today because the Oshkosh Common Council failed to meet its responsibility to consult in any meaningful way with affected neighbors and the citizenry at-large. My understanding, which I believe to be accurate based on reading attorney Chuck Williams’ memos on this matter, is that the Otter Street Fishing Club proposed the project on June 9th, the Parks Board approved it in a 30 minute meeting that included other agenda items on June 13th, and the Oshkosh Common Council approved it on June 14th. For a project of this magnitude to be approved without ample time for public discussion is wrong and makes a mockery of Wisconsin’s tradition of open government.

There is still time for the Oshkosh Common Council to show some leadership by bringing together the Parks Director, the Otter Street Fishing Club, and Menominee Park area citizens to craft a compromise. But if that is not possible, I urge the DNR to deny the current permit application.

Thank You.

Sincerely,

Tony Palmeri
Oshkosh, WI 54901