Town of Greenville to Live Stream Governmental Meetings

The Town of Greenville launched software last year to publish its governmental meeting agendas, agenda packets, minutes and recorded video streams using a software package from Granicus. 

Beginning in April 2020, the Town of Greenville will be live-streaming governmental meetings through this same software.  To view the live-stream, visit our website at www.TownofGreenville.com and click the Agendas & Minutes icon for a complete listing of meetings and archived post recorded events.  A direct link to  can be found here:http://www.townofgreenville.com/government/agendas_and_minutes.php.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Town Board, Planning Commission, and other public open meetings will take place as routinely scheduled.  However, the meetings will be held in a virtual format.  In order to directly participate in the meeting, attendees are asked to review the posted agendas for information on how to log into the meeting and participate. Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s Office at (920) 757-5151 with as much advance notice as possible.

We strive to make the Town of Greenville government transparent, accountable and responsible.   Questions, comments or concerns can be directed to Town Administrator Joel Gregozeski.  Joel can be reached at (920) 757-5151 or by email at: joelg@townofgreenville.com 

Severe Weather Season - Be Prepared!

Spring is here and with that comes the increasing threat of severe weather.  Public safety officials are alerting citizens to be prepared and vigilant for severe weather, including tornadoes. Understanding risk is an important part of tornado safety. Fortunately, most tornado warnings turn out to be just severe thunderstorms. But tornadoes form with little or no warning and their paths are completely unpredictable. They can also be transparent until they touch down. As a result of the severity of risk related to severe weather, everyone should take immediate action when a tornado warning is issued.

When a tornado warning is issued: Head for cover! Now! Don't wait for it to get worse, just go now. How long do you wait after reaching a shelter? The National Weather Service will specify how long the alert is in effect. Stay in your safe location until the alert expires. Tornadoes often form on the tail end of thunderstorms. So, it's important to stay in a safe location until the threat is completely past.

Tornado Warnings and Watches
A note about a tornado warning versus tornado watch: A watch means there may be possible tornado activity and you should be on alert for a tornado warning. A warning means that an actual tornado has been detected.

NOAA Weather Radio and Sirens
The most important thing you can do to prepare for tornado safety is to get an NOAA Weather Radio. Get one that automatically alerts you of dangerous weather. Make sure you get a SAME capable radio so you don't get desensitized to alerts that don't pertain to you. Remember that Sirens are designed to alert persons outside. You may not hear them well inside your home.

Tornado Safety Cell Phone Alerts
Outagamie County Emergency Management provides a service called AtHoc to have emergency alerts sent directly to your cellular phone.  The following link will allow you to register for this service:  https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-a-e/emergency-management/public-emergency-alert-notification-system.     Please include your address and contact information to receive public safety alert messages. These messages could include emergency evacuation notices, public safety/life safety notifications, hazardous chemical emergencies that are occurring within your neighborhood. You may also select to receive any weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service through this system. 

You can also sign up for alerts on your cell phone from various weather sites. One site that provides this service is weather.com. Check the "Severe Weather Alerts" option. After you finish creating the alert click "edit settings" and select the "severe only" option. This will filter out the non-life threatening alerts.

More Information

For more information on tornado safety, visit the Federal Emergency Management Administration website at: https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Weekly Testing of Outdoor Warning Sirens to Resume (2020)

The audible testing of the outdoor warning sirens will resume at noon on Saturday, April 4, 2020.   It is requested that media partners share this message with the public in an effort to prevent unnecessary 911 phone calls.

Please remember the sirens are for outdoor warning only.  If you are waiting for the sirens to take action you are waiting too long.  No single piece of public warning technology is capable of alerting all people at all times.  Having a variety of warning tools provides redundancy and resilience.  Outagamie County Emergency Management recommends each residence have a NOAA weather radio which will alert you when severe weather is approaching. 

For more information on the NOAA weather radio and how to get one, contact the Outagamie County Emergency Management office at 920-832-5148.

Census 2020 - You Make the Difference!

You can make a difference by participating in the 2020 Census. That’s because the census informs how billions of dollars are allocated every year to health clinics, schools, affordable housing, and hundreds of other critical services and programs that make a difference in our lives every day. When you receive your invitation from the U.S. Census Bureau, complete the simple questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. Can we count on you? #Everyonecounts #2020Census

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents and visitors to learn more about. We know that, now more than ever, outdoor spaces are critical to both the mental and physical health of our community so this week we want to tell you about our 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/2WCzSyi
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/

Town Wide Rummage Sale Cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19

The Greenville Women's Club notified the Town of Greenville today they will not be organizing the 2020 Town-wide Rummage Sale & Brat Fry for this year due to our community health emergency (COVID-19).

The rummage sale was typically scheduled for the first weekend in May.

Perspectives in the Midst of COVID-19

We're all struggling to keep up with the ever-changing environment amid the coronavirus or COVID-19.  I encourage everyone to take a step back for a moment to focus on the important aspects of our individual lives, families, and society.

1. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.  There are many ways you can help others in need during this time.
2. If you're going to spend your hard earned money, spend it locally to support your neighbors.
3. Get active. Get outdoors.  Visiting a neighborhood or community park is a great way to walk, run, bike to get fresh air, enjoy nature, find a robin or two, and discover peace and solace during this crazy time.

Although our offices are closed at the Town, we are still working for you.  Our dedicated staff is committed to providing the essential services you need to keep our community safe, healthy and connected.  We are available by phone during our normal operating hours at (920) 757-5151 or by contacting one of our staff team members through our online staff directory.  

Greenville is a wonderful community of loving, caring and engaging citizens; because of this, I am confident we will pull through this unprecedented time together, stronger.

Stay Home.  Stay Safe.  Stay Healthy.

Joel Gregozeski, Town Administrator.

Greenville Yard Waste Site & Curbside Brush Pick Up Suspended (COVID 19 Update)

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Governor Tony Evers issued State Wide Emergency Order #12 the Safer at Home Order.

Pursuant to the Order, each government body shall determine its Essential Government Function, if any, and identify employees and contractors necessary to the performance of those functions.

The Town of Greenville Yard Waste Site is closed and curbside Brush Pick-up for the duration of this Order (April 24, 2020) is suspended.

Greenville Essential Services for State Wide Safer at Home Order (COVID-19 Update)

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Governor Tony Evers issued State Wide Emergency Order #12 the Safer at Home Order.

Essential Governmental Functions means all services provided by the State, tribal, or local governments needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government body and provide and support the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Each government body shall determine its Essential Government Function, if any, and identify employees and contractors necessary to the performance of those functions.

Our Town Hall, Public Works & Parks administrative offices remain closed for in-person general day-to-day business. Our facilities will remain closed for the duration of the State Wide Emergency Order.  Town staff are available to communicate with interested parties by phone or email service needs. Please use the following list of contacts to have your questions or service needs met.

First responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, jurors and grand jurors, law enforcement and corrections personnel, hazardous materials responders, child protection and child welfare personnel, housing and shelter personnel, National Guard and military, and others working for or to support Essential Businesses and Operations are categorically exempt from this Order. This paragraph does not limit the ability or authority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court to use its constitutional supervisory authority over lower courts to limit or adjust court functions in response to the Public Health Emergency.

The following list of activities is hereby identified as essential governmental functions for the Town of Greenville.  As a result, the following services will continue without interruption.

Administration:
Clerk’s Office – (Election Administration)
Finance/Treasurer – (Payroll, AP/AR)
Administrator – (EOC, PIO, Personnel & Contract Administration, Board/Commission Coordination)
Information Technology (IT/Network & Server Maintenance)

Community & Economic Development:
Building Inspection – (Statutorily Required Inspections, Permit Approvals as Required)

Parks & Forestry:
Parks Maintenance – (Inspections of Facilities; Maintenance as Required)
Forestry – (Maintenance as Required)

Public Works:
Street & Highway Maintenance – (Inspection; Maintenance as Required)
Snow & Ice Control – (Snow & Ice Operations as Required)
Shop & Equipment Maintenance – (Emergency Repairs as Required)
Town Hall Building Maintenance – (Inspection; Maintenance as Required)
Stormwater Management – (Inspection; Maintenance as Required)
Water & Sewer Utilities – (Full Water and Sewer Systems Operations and Maintenance)
Garbage/Recycling Collection – (Continuous)

Fire & Rescue:
Fire – (All Emergency Services)
EMS – (All Emergency Services)
Emergency Management – (EOC)

The Town of Greenville continues to follow recommendations from local, state and federal agencies in order to establish preemptive measures to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19. For the latest information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding COVID-19, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

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Greenville Parks Remain Open Following Safer at Home Order (COVID-19 Update)

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Governor Tony Evers issued State Wide Emergency Order #12 the Safer at Home Order.

Town of Greenville parks will remain open, but as of 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25 all playgrounds will be closed until further notice.  All athletic fields, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are closed.

In reference to outdoor activity, the order states that individuals may engage in outdoor activities (such as walking, biking, hiking or running) in public and state parks if complying with the social distancing requirements of maintaining a minimum of six (6) feet between people; washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer; covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands); regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces; not shaking hands, and following all other public health recommendations issued by DHS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.  However, the order states that individuals may not engage in team sports as by way of example and without limitation, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, or football as these activities do not comply with social distancing requirements.

The Town of Greenville's parks are open for use for permissible activities as outlined above.  The Town of Greenville reminds community members that our parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek solace.  During this time of uncertainty, our parks are needed more than ever and we committed to keeping these spaces open as long as it is permitted.

We also kindly remind park and trail users that dogs are allowed on-leash on multi-modal paths only and to clean up after your pets.

Property Assessment Information for 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities in Wisconsin are still required to perform statutorily required functions.  One of those mandated requirements is to send notice of changes in property assessments.  The Town's assessor performs this action in March of each calendar year to ensure the assessment rolls are ready for approval by the statutory deadline.

To maintain fair and equitable assessments, the Town of Greenville implemented a Full-Value Assessment process, meaning all assessments will be brought to market value each year. This ensures all property owners are paying their appropriate share of property taxes.

As of January 1, 2020, the Assessor's total assessed value increased by 6.95% from the prior year.

How does the Full-Value Assessment Impact Property Taxes?

• An increase in assessed value does NOT mean your taxes will increase.  Example:  A 6% increase in value in 2020 does not increase your taxes by 6%.  Rather, if the total tax levy remains equal, your taxes will decrease since your portion is less than the average increase in aggregate assessed value.

• The Town's tax rate will decrease to reflect the increase in total assessed value.

• The Town does NOT receive more tax dollars from using full-market assessments.  Full-market adjustments are used to ensure fairness and equity in the apportionment of taxes.

Why does the Town use an annual Full-Value Assessment process?

• A full-value adjustment in assessments creates uniformity in the values of all real property in the Town.
• State law requires assessed value to reflect the fair market value of real property.
• Annually adjusting assessed values based on the market ensures there won't be wild swings up or down in assessed values every few years.

If You Have Questions Regarding Your Property Assessment

Accurate Appraisal, LLC, the town’s assessment contractor, will conduct Open Book sessions to assist the taxpayers in understanding their assessments.  Open Book appointments can be scheduled for the following dates and times:

• March 30, 2020 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• March 31, 2020 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Online appointment scheduling is available.  If you wish to meet with one of the appraisers, please log on to www.accurateassessor.com and click the online APPOINTMENTS link on top of the screen, then choose your location (Greenville), choose your Open Book date and time, then enter your personal information.  If you do not have Internet access, please call Accurate Appraisal at 1-800-770-3927 to schedule an appointment.  If you cannot make the arranged appointment times and you wish to discuss your assessment with us, you can call our office or e-mail us at question@accurateassessor.com. 

For additional assessment information please visit our Website; www.accurateassessor.com.

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents and visitors to learn more about. We know that, now more than ever, outdoor spaces are critical to both the mental and physical health of our community so this week we want to tell you about some of our park properties! 

  

Appletree Square is a 2 acre park located on Appletree Court next to HWY 15. Most don’t even realize that they are visiting one of our park properties while walking though the Crabapple Arboretum at Appletree Square. The park is open year round but is at its prettiest in the spring time. Park amenities include a park bench, informational sign, recreational trail and a Little Free Library. The recreational trail runs through the park and into a tunnel that goes under the highway to Jennerjohn Park.

Located at N1089 Municipal Drive, Lions Park is a 57 acre park on the southern edge of the developed portion of town. It is a mostly developed community sized park that is occasionally used for large events and community gatherings. The Greenville Lions Club started the development of the final portion of Lions Park in the beginning of 2018. Existing facilities include a large indoor barn pavilion, one open shelter, two outdoor pavilions with attached kitchens, playground, open play areas, nature/walking trails, amphitheater, off street parking, and recreational trail system access.

 

Glen Valley Park, formally known as Glen Valley West, is a neighborhood park located on the far west end of the Glen Valley subdivision. This is the Town of Greenville’s newest park property and playground. It is approximately 2.5 acres and can be accessed from the west end of Englewood Drive. Existing facilities include a playground, open play space and on street parking.


Remember that while at the park, it is important to follow all CDC guidelines for personal hygiene, recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times, and the recommended size of no more than 10 for social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts. Additionally, if you do not feel well, or someone in your house is sick, please stay home. Older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions/weaken immune systems are at an increased risk of COVID-19 and are encouraged to take extra precautions or stay home. We are doing our best to maintain current levels of service but please note that equipment and other surfaces at the parks/playgrounds will not be wiped down. Visitors are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer with them.

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/

What NOT to Flush

Now more than ever, the Sanitary District needs your help to keep Greenville's sewer system running smoothly! Many materials frequently flushed or poured down the drain can damage the pipes that connect to town’s sewer system. Putting the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system, causing sewer backups and sewer gas into the environment. It is also very expensive to have repairs done and items removed from waste water pumps. Every property owner connected to the town’s sewer system has the potential contributor to sewer problems or even become victim of those problems.

The only things that should ever be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Even products like wipes and baby diapers that claim to be flushable, are not. Any resident who uses the town sewer system should be responsible for what they flush or pour down drains. We know it can be difficult in these uncertain times but here is a list of some things to keep out of the toilet and drains:

• Facial Tissue/Kleenex
  
• Cleaning wipes of any kind
• Paper towels/Napkins
• Disposable Diapers
• Tampons and Tampon Applicators
• Sanitary Napkins
• Cotton Balls and Swabs
• Condoms
• Bandages and Bandage Wrappings
• Automotive Fluids
• Paint, Solvents, Sealants and Thinners
• Poisons and Hazardous Waste
•  Kitchen Grease

Town of Greenville Governmental Meetings to be Held Using Virtual Format amid COVID-19

In an effort to support community health management initiatives surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Greenville will be conducting all public meetings virtually through a web-based/telephone meeting platform called “Go To Webinar”. 

As a result, the following meetings will be held in a virtual format. Individuals interested in attending the meeting can receive information on how to register or call-in by clicking the meetings listed below:

• Board of Appeals - Monday, March 23, 2020, at 4:00 p.m.

• Planning Commission - Monday, March 23, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.

• Town Board - Monday, March 23, 2020 (Immediately following the Planning Commission).

The posted meeting notices include information for the general public to access the meeting.  The general public will be able to attend the meeting in a similar format to the board & commission members.  The meetings will be recorded and posted on our Town's website generally the next day.

This action is in compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings laws.  The Wisconsin Department of Justice has issued an advisory opinion regarding open meetings and COVID-19.  That opinion states, in part:  “. . . governmental bodies typically can meet their open meetings obligations, while practicing social distancing to help protect public health, by conducting meetings via telephone conference calls if the public is provided with an effective way to monitor such calls (such as public distribution, at least 24 hours in advance, of dial-in information for a conference call).”  The DOJ’s longstanding advice is that a telephone conference call can be an acceptable method of convening a meeting of a governmental body. Id. at 146. More recently, DOJ guidance deemed video conference calls acceptable as well.

We strongly recommend individuals register in advance of the meeting and testing connection to avoid any problems.  Connection issues can be emailed directly to Town Administrator, Joel Gregozeski at joelg@townofgreenville.com.

WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19 emergency

$5 million grant program to assist “smallest of the small” businesses around the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MADISON, WI. March 18, 2020 – In another step toward assisting small businesses that suffer losses related to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is creating a program to provide grants to targeted businesses throughout the state, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced today.

The WEDC Board of Directors on Tuesday approved $5 million in funding for the program, which will be known as Small Business 20/20 (SB20/20). SB20/20 will provide grants of up to $20,000 to targeted businesses with no more than 20 employees to cover rent and to meet payroll expenses, including paid leave (including sick, family and other leave related to COVID-19).

 "This is an important first step by WEDC in helping small businesses in our state and their employees who are facing lost revenues, missed paychecks and other uncertainty due to COVID-19,” said Governor Tony Evers. “As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, we will be relying on WEDC to develop additional innovative programs to meet the needs of our state.”

“This is a program targeted at some of the ‘smallest of the small’ businesses that are vital to their communities. Many of these businesses, especially retailers, restaurants and small service providers, typically operate on the narrowest of margins,” said Hughes. “Many don’t have the cash reserves needed to survive a substantial loss of revenue, which can happen with a prolonged emergency. SB20/20 will help put cash in the pockets of these businesses and their employees when they need it most.”

“We understand that this is just a start, and WEDC is working to develop additional programming to help get resources out to the communities and increase eligibility for participation. We will be looking for additional solutions in the coming days as we learn more in this evolving situation.”

The grants will be deployed by partnering with state’s 23 community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Because the CDFIs have pre-existing relationships with many of these small businesses, CDFIs will be able to provide the grants quickly and directly to their clients.

CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions with a primary mission to promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low income communities. CDFIs include community development banks, credit unions and non-regulated institutions such as nonprofit loan funds or venture capital funds.

WEDC is encouraging CDFIs with a minimum organizational loan portfolio of at least $4 million to participate in SB20/20. In addition, smaller CDFIs are encouraged to work together and apply as part of a collaborative with a combined organizational loan portfolio of at least $4 million, designating one CDFI as the lead applicant/recipient of funds. CDFIs that don’t meet the minimum portfolio size are also encouraged to collaborate with the larger CDFIs to serve their clients.

More information about the program is available at wedc.org/sb2020. Applications for business assistance must be processed through the CDFIs and not WEDC. WEDC plans to identify the participating CDFIs within the next two weeks.




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Madison, WI 53704

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