Friday, June 28, 2019

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Departments's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents or visitors to learn more about. This week we're talking about one of our parks!

Formally known as Glen Valley Park, Elder Book is located at the corner of Municipal Drive and Glen Valley Drive. The 8.5 acre park land features a walking trail, open play space, retention pond, and on street parking. The name was changed earlier this year to reflect the school that once sat on that property. Parts of the school house foundation can still be seen in the wooded southeast corner of the park.

According to a report done by John Richards at UW-Milwaukee:
“The Elder Brook School site harbors the remains of the School District No. 3 Schoolhouse and is located in Greenville Township, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. The land on which the school was constructed was deeded as a school house property in 1854 but the earliest available plat maps of the township dates to 1873. This map depicts a school on the property. However, it is likely that the original construction occurred in 1854 or soon thereafter as free public education was mandated by Wisconsin’s state constitution six years earlier in 1848. By 1937 state-wide compliance with Wisconsin’s law resulted in the creation of 7,777 school districts with 6,181 one-room schools (Apps 1996:177). State mandated consolidation efforts reduced that number to 2,289 one-room schools in 1959 but as late 1964, 595 one-room schools remained in operation; 20 of these were located in Outagamie County (Rothwell 1963). Today, Wisconsin has 424 public school districts with 2,215 schools, none of which are operating one-room school houses. A standing structure on the Elder Brook school site is last visible on a 1943 aerial photo but is no longer present on a 1957 aerial photo of the site.”

How cool is it to we have this great piece of history located right here in Greenville!?

To see more photos of today's Feature Friday or to see more posts like this, check out the Parks & Recreation Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/greenvilleparkandrec/

The Fairwinds Drive and Public Works Rain Gardens


In an effort to improve water quality and flood control at Bear Creek and the Everglade Swamp Watershed, the Town obtained Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant money. The grant money was used to construct stormwater facilities along Fairwinds Drive just south of the Greenville Elementary School and at the Greenville Public Works Yard along Parkview Drive. The reasons for building these facilities are: 
  • To meet Wisconsin Department Natural Rescores and US Environmental Protection Agency water quality pollution reduction mandates for sediment and phosphorous.
  • Reduce peak, or flood flows, for downstream areas.
  •  Reduce the amount of total water that makes it to the Everglade Swamp Watershed.
  •  Public Works Yard was considered a location of high pollutants that had the potential to enter state waterways.
  • Reduce, or eliminate, the constant standing water in ditches along Fairwinds Drive from sump pump discharge.

But what is a rain garden?

A rain garden includes native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a small depression, and is generally formed on a natural slope. It’s designed to temporarily hold and soak in the rain water runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns. Rain gardens are effective in removing up to 90% of nutrients and chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from the rainwater runoff! Compared to a conventional lawn, rain gardens allow for 30% more water to soak into the ground.

A rain garden is not a water garden. Nor is it a pond or a wetland. Conversely, a rain garden is dry most of the time. It typically holds water only during and following a rainfall event. Because rain gardens will drain within 12-48 hours, they prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

To learn more about rain gardens, visit the Groundwater Foundation website here: https://bit.ly/2CWJKuK

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Brush Pickup

Town of Greenville offers a Town wide brush pickup service on the second Monday of every month. This service is only for Greenville residents and includes up to 20 minutes of brush chipping at no charge. If the Town Street Crew spends more than 20 minutes at a stop, the property owner will be charged at a rate of $200 per hour, with a minimum charge of $100. The crew will not stop after 20 minutes but will continue until all of the branches or brush is chipped. Greenville Employees will be required to record the time of arrival and time of completion at each stop.

Brush pick up will start at 7am Monday morning and continue through the week until the brush pick-up list has been completed. Residents can confirm their address and follow along with our progress here: https://bit.ly/2KFszT4 

Residents requesting brush pickup services must contact the Public Works Office at 920- 757-7276 or publicworks@townofgreenville.com by 12pm the Friday prior to the start of collection. Residents must provide name, address and phone number of pick up location. The deadline to be added to the July brush pickup list is Friday, July 5 at 12pm.

The brush pickup route will be generated Friday afternoon and ready for the Street crew for Monday morning pick up. Any resident calling after Friday noon will have the choice of being put on next month’s list or can bring their brush to the Town of Greenville yard waste drop off site. A yard waste permit is required to use the Town’s yard waste drop off site.

 All wood chips will be brought back to yard waste site where residents who have purchased a yard waste permit may pick up for free.

To learn more about brush pickup and view our full Brush Pickup Policy, please visit our website: https://bit.ly/2uxExUL


Holiday Collection Schedule

In observation of Independence day, there will be no garbage or recycling collection on July 4. Wednesday July 3 will continue with the regularly scheduled collection while all other collection services will be pushed back one day. 

Garbage collection for the week of July 4, 2019 is as follows:
Wednesday collection will occur on Wednesday
Thursday collection will occur on Friday
Friday collection will occur on Saturday

In addition to regular trash collection during the holiday week, residents are also allowed two(2) extra garbage bags at no charge. Please contact our Public Works Department at (920)757-7276 with questions.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Fireworks Safety Reminders & Wisconsin Law

Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.



Fireworks by the numbers:
  • Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.   
  • In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2015 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu. 




Despite what you've been told from some vendors in our area, under state law, fireworks are illegal to possess and use without a valid permit from the local municipality for which you are planning to use or display the fireworks!  According to Wisconsin State Statutes, 167.10(3)(a) No person may possess or use fireworks without a user's permit from the mayor of the city, president of the village or chairperson of the town in which the possession or use is to occur or from a person designated by the mayor, president or chairperson to issue a user's permit. 

Fireworks may only be used within the Town of Greenville by individuals who have been properly issued a permit from the Town (see Town Code Chapter 150). You cannot purchase a permit to possess or display fireworks from a vendor.  Permit application forms are available from the Town's website.

Under Wisconsin State Statutes, certain novelties are not considered “fireworks” and anyone can use or possess them. No permit is required.  Those objects include “sparklers” that don’t exceed 36 inches in length, smoke bombs, confetti sprayers, “novelty devices that spin or move on the ground,” and a few other objects, such as “caps” and “snaps” with minimal amounts of explosive mixture.

Citations up to $1,000 may be issued for individuals who violate the law!

Electrical Safety Tips Around Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas

Summer is finally here and for many of us, water activities equal fun.  But it is important to be aware of electrical hazards while enjoying the water.  Know how to be safe around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

  • If you are putting in a new pool, hot tub, or spa, be sure the wiring is performed by an electrician experienced in the special safety requirements for these types of installations.  At present, the Town of Greenville has limited regulations regarding swimming pool installation.  For more information on local regulations, please visit our website.
  • Outdoor receptacles must have covers that keep them dry even when appliances are plugged into them.
  • Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are special devices designed to protect against electric shock and electrocution. They are required for most pool,spa,or hot tub equipment. They may be in the form of an outlet or a circuit breaker. Test the GFCIs monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Electrical appliances, equipment, and cords should be kept at least 6 feet away from the water. When possible,use battery operated appliances and equipment, such as televisions, radios, and stereos.
  • Avoid handling electrical devices when you are wet.
  • Make sure that any overhead lines maintain the proper distance over a pool and other structures, such as diving board. If unsure, contact a qualified electrician or your local utility company to make sure power lines area safe distance away.
  • Do not swim during a thunderstorm.•Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and—where necessary—replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool, spa, or hot tub electrically safe.
  • Have a qualified electrician show you how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.
KNOW THE RISKS!
Electrocution is death by an electrical shock. Be aware when skin is wet or when surrounding surfaces, such as the grass or pool deck, are wet. Wet skin or wet surfaces can greatly increase the chance of electrocution when electricity is present.

There are several signs of electrical shock.Swimmers may feel a tingling sensation.They may experience muscle cramps. They may not be able to move. They may feel as if something is holding them in place.

If you think someone in the water is being shocked, turn off all power, but do not attempt to go in the water. Use a fiberglass other kind of rescue hook that doesn’t conduct electricity to help the swimmer. Have someone call 9-1-1.

If you think you are being shocked while in the water move away from the source of the shock. Get out of the water.

Friday, June 21, 2019

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Departments's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents or visitors to learn more about. This week we're talking about trails!

The Greenville Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department currently maintains approximately 8 miles of paved multi-use recreational trails. The largest sections of paved trail can be found along Highway 76, Parkview Drive and Lily of the Valley Drive, while smaller sections can be found within several subdivisions. Most of this trail system is three season use but some portions are even maintained during the winter months for year round use. The department also maintains several gravel, grass and nature trails throughout our parks. You can find these type of trails at the Lions Park, Pebble Ridge Park, and around several of the stormwater ponds throughout Town.

Our many trails provide recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Explore the interactive maps below to find a trail that suits your needs!
Greenville’s Interactive Tails and Amenities Map: https://bit.ly/2x6kLRx
Fox Cities Trail Map: https://bit.ly/2WVtC8c

To see more photos of today's Feature Friday or to see more posts like this, check out the Parks & Recreation Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/greenvilleparkandrec/

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

The Town of Greenville is Accepting Applications for a Water & Sewer Lead Operator.

The Town of Greenville, population 11,785, is accepting applications for a Water & Sewer Lead Operator.

Located in the third largest metro area in Wisconsin the dynamic Fox Cities, Greenville is one of the fastest growing communities in the State with a particular focus on environmental stewardship and smart growth. An Eco-Municipality, Greenville has been a leader in land use planning and over the last several years. The Town has worked with the State in the creation of the 4,837 acre Greenville Greenbelt Agricultural Enterprise Area. Greenville is a diverse community containing rural lands, farms, urbanized subdivisions along with large business parks surrounding Appleton International Airport which serves as an economic engine for the community. Many large corporations have regional operations in the Town including Gulfstream, School Specialty, Plexus, Oshkosh Truck, Kimberly Clark, Valley Bakers and Badger Plug.

The Town prides itself in being a great community to live, work, play and learn in. This position is responsible for supervisory, technical and manual work in all tasks involving the installation, maintenance, and repair of Sanitary District facilities (wells, filters, lift stations and both the sanitary sewer collection system and the water distribution system). Supervision is exercised over a small-sized crew of utility operators, laborers, and seasonal maintenance employees. Work is performed with considerable independence within established policies and procedures. This position reports directly to the Water & Sewer Sanitary District Superintendent.

Wage Range Up to $32.25 (2019) - plus an attractive benefit package.

 The position requires possession of a DNR Certificate as a Class D-1 Water Distribution Operator and have a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in operation and maintenance of a water distribution system with continuing education in Water Distribution. Demonstrated experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, services, meters, and related appurtenances; or any equivalent combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, abilities, and skills listed above may be considered. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license with the ability to acquire Commercial Driver’s License including a Tanker Endorsement or the ability to obtain a license within one year. For a complete list of position duties, responsibilities and requirements please see the Job Description available on the Town’s website.

A pre-employment application AND cover letter with resume must be completed and submitted. First review of application materials is July 8, 2019. The position will be open until filled. Applications are available M-Th 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & F 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Town Hall or on the Town’s website (www.townofgreenville.com). Please send application materials to: Town of Greenville, Attention: Joel Gregozeski, W6860 Parkview Drive PO Box 60, Greenville, WI 54942. Submittals can also be e-mailed to joelg@townofgreenville.com.

Weekly Law Enforcement Report - May 27 to June 9, 2019

Below is a brief summary of some of the higher priority calls in Greenville for the dates of 05/27/2019 to 06/09/2019.

Also attached is a weekly summary for all calls in the Town of Greenville.
  
Burglary along STH 76
A Deputy was dispatched for a burglary complaint. The Deputy spoke with the homeowner who stated that the house had been vacant for some time, but was recently working on a car on the property. The owner had left some tools around the vehicle to repair the car.  The tools were reported stolen. The homeowner did not have any cameras on the property to capture photos of possible suspects. Tire tracks were left in the driveway. Extra patrols will be done and this case has been forwarded to the Investigation Division.

Theft - Midwest Properties
A Deputy was dispatched for a theft located at Midwest Properties. The Deputy spoke with the owner of the property who stated that their ATV and trailer had been stolen from their fenced in lot. The fence gate was open and not secured during the time of the theft. The Deputy attempted to gain surveillance footage of the theft but was unsuccessful as the cameras were not operational. The Deputy was able to get the serial numbers for both the stolen ATV and trailer. Both items were listed on NCIC as stolen status. No suspects at this time.

Suspicious Person  
A Deputy was dispatched for a suspicious person located at Subway. The caller reported that an older male had stopped a young girl which the caller was babysitting and offered her chips. The caller was concerned that the older male might have been enticing the young child. The Deputy went to speak with the staff at Subway regarding the incident. After further investigation it was discovered that it was an elderly man who frequents Subway and is friendly with everyone. The parents of the child and babysitter were contacted with the results.



The Town of Greenville contracts with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department for enhanced law enforcement services for the Town. Deputy Garret Richards is devoted to serving Greenville by providing directed law enforcement to the community.  

If you would like to speak directly to Deputy Richards (non-emergency) please call the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department dispatch non-emergency number at (920) 832-5000 and ask to speak with the Greenville Deputy.  FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 911.

General inquiries can also be sent via email to garrett.richards@outagamie.org.  To submit an anonymous and confidential tip about any gang or narcotics activity call (920) 832-5629.


Outagamie County Sheriff's deputies are devoted to serving the Town of Greenville and welcome citizen input on law enforcement issues and concerns in the Town. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Available Properties


Commercial/Industrial Available Properties Database

Did you know the Town of Greenville is able to assist you in marketing and advertising your commercial/industrial land and/or building for sale/lease for FREE?  The Town of Greenville understands the decisions you make with your property affect not only your future but the future of Greenville.  Greenville wants to make sure you have every opportunity to market and advertise your property for the highest and best use.  If you have undeveloped land that is targeted for commercial/industrial development per Greenville’s comprehensive plan this is for you.  If you have an existing commercial/industrial building that is for sale or lease, this is for you.

If you would like to learn more about how to advertise your property please visit our website at http://www.townofgreenville.com/available_commercial_properties.php  You may also contact Michael J. D. Brown, Community and Economic Development Director, at mbrown@townofgreenville.com or 920-757-5151 ext. 2000.

Monday, June 3, 2019

Basic Traffic Laws for Safety

Do you remember your driver's examination?  Were you nervous?  Remember when you first sat behind the wheel of a vehicle?  Did your stomach have butterflies?  Maybe your heart beat faster.  Maybe you were hyper-vigilant of everything as you slowly drove down the street for the first time.  When did driving change from being cautious to complacent?   What happened to those days of being hyper-aware? How well do you remember your driving education?  Take the test and post the results.

Fast forward to today.  We routinely receive complaints from residents about speeding, failures to yield at pedestrian crossings and failure to stop at controlled intersections or for school bus stops. Why did following traffic laws become optional?  The following are a few reminders from the Wisconsin Drivers Handbook.


Stop Signs

“A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters.  You must come to a full stop. You must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared your path. You can go only when it is safe to do so. If you cannot see traffic from your first stop, slowly move ahead and stop again before entering the intersection. Check for cross traffic and pedestrians before you go.”… also “Before you enter an intersection, look to both the left and right for approaching vehicles and/or crossing pedestrians. If stopped, look to both the left and right just before you start moving. Look across the intersection before you start to move to make sure the path is clear all the way through the intersection and that you will not block it if you have to stop. Then look left again.”  A fully legal stop takes about 3.5 - 4 seconds to execute if there is no other traffic present.

Crosswalks and Stop Lines

Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. Crosswalks can be at intersections or in the middle of the block. You must yield to pedestrians who are in or are about to enter a crosswalk (marked or unmarked). When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before the front of your vehicle reaches the stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no marked stop line nor a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stop at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where you have a clear view of approaching traffic, but before entering the intersection.

 

Speed Limits

When did the posted speed limit become a suggestion rather than the law?  Speeding carries a substantial minimum fine, as well as a possible reduction in the number of driving points on your license.  Unfortunately, there are not enough law enforcement officers available to patrol every single street for speeding at all times of the day.  This needs to be self-regulated if it is going to be successful!

Speeding is a factor in nearly 10,000 fatal crashes every year in the United States. And speeding is easily preventable. But despite this clear danger we can easily avoid, drivers continue to speed and drive well over the speed limit every day, causing serious accidents and fatalities.  Did you know your crash risk increases incrementally for every mile per hour over the speed limit? (State Farm).    A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph has a 50% chance of survival.  A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph has a 10% chance of survival.  Speed KILLS...SLOW DOWN!

 

Final Reminder


Most of all, we wanted to remind everyone driving to be more attentive.  Would you have passed your driving test if you had made a rolling stop, checked a text message, snacked on a burger, put on makeup, or chatted on your cell phone?  Be aware of your surroundings when driving.  Treat every road as if a child could come running out into the road.

Remember you are in control of two tons of metal and plastic that could seriously injure or kill a person on the road or in your vehicle.  A vehicle can be a dangerous weapon.  Driving is a serious matter that does not accommodate complacency.  You are responsible for your safety, and those around you.

Restrictions on Dogs & Other Animals in Town Parks

Did you know that it is unlawful to have your dog in a Greenville Park?  According to Town Code:
  1. No person shall bring animals onto park property, with the exception of leashed dogs on roads, paved trails, and chipped or gravel paths. Dogs are NOT allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic areas, lawns or in park shelters.
  2. All persons shall secure their dog on a leash six feet or shorter in length and maintain their dog under control, meaning connected to a leash held by a person at all times.
  3. Dogs must display current rabies and registration tags.
  4. All dog waste must be immediately picked up and disposed of.
  5. The Parks and Forestry Department may authorize animals onto park property for special events.
  6. This section shall not apply to certified guide dogs that are under control by the use of harness or other restraint and are accompanying blind, deaf or mobility impaired persons, as provided under Wis. Stats.
See the Town Code here:  https://www.ecode360.com/28906464

Clean Up After Your Dog...PLEASE!!!

We love our dogs!  In many cases our dogs become part of the family. It's a good thing they are cute because its up to us to handle their waste - a not so fun part of dog companionship.

You may say, "just leave it, it will decompose". Actually THIS IS NOT the way to handle dog waste in your yard, along our trails & sidewalks, and in other people's property.

Here's why:
  1. It takes months for poop to decompose and in the meantime people and dogs step in those brown, smelly bombs and track them indoors. Yuck! 
  2. When it rains the rain washes poo residue into sewers and into our streams, rivers and lakes. NO, we DON'T want poopy stormwater in our drinking water.
  3. Dog waste, like human waste, poses a risk to public health and water quality. Double yuck!
So remember, PLEASE pick up after your dog, especially when on public property and property that isn't yours. Not only is it your responsibility, it is also the LAW! 

See Town Code: https://www.ecode360.com/28767037