Governor Evers Releases Emergency Order #34; Relaxing Restrictions on Non-essential Businesses.

Governor Evers has announced the issuance of Emergency Order #34 that reduces some restrictions on certain businesses during the Safer at Home Order.

The new order allows for curbside drop-off and pick-up of goods and animals, meaning businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops and other businesses can reopen.

Outdoor recreational rentals are also allowed under the new order for things like boats, golf carts, kayaks, and ATVs.

The order requires a business to operate with only one employee, and work must be done without any contact with customers, requiring payments to be done online or over the phone.

The new order takes effect Wednesday, April 29 at 8 a.m

COVID-19 Business Resources

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has developed the following webpage to provide the latest, best information to their clients and citizens of Wisconsin on resources aimed at maintaining the vitality of the companies upon which our economy depends during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Included on this page are resources available to Wisconsin businesses from WEDC and other local, state, and federal agencies.

https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/?fbclid=IwAR33xUpdmN3IFnyK9LFLwIFKp_-GqCJf893bBoBiOT-jqcK3Bzdtq3cDwNk

Fox Cities Regional Partnership & Outagamie County Announce Business Assistance Program for COVID-19

COVID-19 Business Assistance program, a collaboration between Outagamie County and the Fox Cities Regional Partnership (the economic development division at the Fox Cities Chamber). The new program offers local businesses access to capital in a nimble and quick manner due to the economic challenges from COVID-19. By repurposing an existing revolving loan fund, Outagamie County dedicated $250,000 to the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program.

The program is offering loans ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 with a 3 to 5-year repayment term, 2% interest, and deferred principal and interest for at least 6 months. Loans support basic business needs, including rent/mortgage payments, utility payments, payroll expenses, and pre-existing purchase orders. In addition, loans may support business upgrades and changes in response to COVID-19.

Outagamie County businesses impacted by COVID-19 that are interested in applying for funds can learn more at https://foxcitieschamber.com/main/outagamie-county-covid-19-business-assistance-loan-program/ or contact Fox Cities Regional Partnership staff:

Jennifer Brown, Fox Cities Regional Partnership & Chamber of Commerce
(920) 819-4175, Jennifer@foxcitiesregion.com

Jayme Sellen, Fox Cities Regional Partnership & Chamber of Commerce
(920) 254-0406, JSellen@foxcitieschamber.com

Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis by the Outagamie County loan committee. Businesses are also encouraged to review other available options locally, through the State of Wisconsin and through the federal CARES stimulus package.

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 and today, its not only Feature Friday, its also Arbor Day! And that's cause for celebration!

What is Arbor Day? The answer is quite simple, Arbor Day is one day of the year when we all celebrate trees and the important role that they play in our environment. It was started in Nebraska in 1872 and is still celebrated today throughout the United States and even around the world. Arbor Day is an important way to raise awareness of the many issues that surround trees.

Normally we would host a class and plant a tree together as a community, this year we’re celebrating a little differently. We can’t physically gather as a community, but we can still come together to celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree right from your couch! All you have to do post a photo of your favorite tree on social media, tag @arborday, and use the hashtag #arbordayathome. Then Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree on your behalf! To follow along with how many trees have been planted or to learn more, visit www.celebratearborday.com

We’ll go first! Our pick is the American Beech. It is not a common tree in Wisconsin, confined almost exclusively to the eastern part of the state, but you can find this beautiful tree right here in Greenville! It is easily recognized by its smooth, gray bark. The leaves turn a golden bronze in fall and the tree produces hard, brown beechnuts that are an important food source for birds and mammals. Take a walk through Schueler Woods at Lions Park and see if you can find the American Beech growing there. 

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/ To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation go to https://www.arborday.org/

Dogs Don't Clean Up After Themselves...You Doo Doo!

We love our dogs!  In many cases our dogs become part of the family. It's a good thing they are cute because it's 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, but it is also the LAW!

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

Annual Town Meeting Postponed Due to Safer at Home Order

The Annual Town Meeting is unique to town governments in Wisconsin; as it is required to be conducted annually per State Statute on the third Tuesday of April.

The Wisconsin State Legislature recently passed 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 which gives the option for Towns to postpone their annual town meeting to a new date 60+ days beyond the date of when the current COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

To support public health initiatives, the Town Chairperson has determined to postpone the annual meeting until sometime in July in accordance to the provisions in 2019 Wisconsin Act 185.  A date will be determined by the Town Board and properly noticed once confirmed.

STH 15 / CTH JJ Bypass Lane to be Constructed

Outagamie County Highway Department will be closing STH 15 and County JJ the week of April 27 to allow highway crews to extend the bypass lane at the intersection of STH 15/CTH JJ.

Work will include milling existing asphalt pavement of the bypass lane, paving of the new bypass lane, pavement markings, and shouldering.

 

Date:  Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, 2020

 

Time:  7am on 4/27 through 4pm on 4/27 (weather permitting)

 

Location:  STH 15 at CTH JJ

 

 

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 understand that access to parks, and outdoor spaces, is crucial to both mental and physical health. We also know that if can be hard to find ways to stay active if you’re not part of a class or group which is why, this week, we are excited to launch our Online Recreation Center!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working to bring you an online database of activities to help you stay active and engaged from the comfort and safety of your own space. This online resource will stay active and available even after the pandemic has passed and features fun activities for the whole family. You'll find things like outdoor search and seek games, arts and crafts ideas, indoor and outdoor active play, and even adult fitness guides.

Check it out here:  http://www.townofgreenville.com/online_recreation_center/index.php

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/

Extended Safer at Home Order Issued by Governor

Today Governor Evers announced he is extending the Safer at Home order through May 26th. The order, which takes effect on April 24th, when the current order expires, does make some additional changes:

• K-12 schools will remain closed through the end of the school year.
• Public libraries can reopen to provide curbside pick-up of books and materials. 
• Golf courses can reopen for phone or online scheduling and payment for tee times only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed. 
• Arts and Crafts Stores can offer expanded curbside pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Non-essential businesses can now conduct minimum basic operations, including deliveries, mailings, and curbside pick-up. 
• Aesthetic or optional exterior law care or construction is also allowed under the extended order, so long as it can be done by one person. 

 The extended Order and FAQs can be downloaded by clicking the links provided.

Toilets are not trash cans!

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 that should never go down the toilet and your drains:

• Cleaning wipes of any kind (yes, even those that claim to be flushable)
• Facial Tissue/Kleenex
• 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

Greenville Looks for Citizen Volunteers to Serve on Boards, Committees & Commissions

The Town Board makes annual appointments and re-appointments of Greenville citizens to our existing committees, commissions and boards.

The Town currently has a total of eight (8) committees, commissions, and boards (not including the Town Board).  Beginning every April, the Town Board is required to appoint new members or re-appoint existing members whose terms have expired.  Each of these volunteer bodies serve a specific purpose, several of which meet State Statute requirements.   A staff representative is also assigned to assist each body with meeting its purpose.

Do you have a talent to share or an interest in serving your community?
Residents interested in being considered for a future appointment should complete the Volunteer Application Form available on the Town's website.  The form can be downloaded at the following url:  http://www.townofgreenville.com/departments/administration/human_resources.php

Free Tire Drop Off

In compliance with Governor Ever’s Safer-At-Home Order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste had to reschedule the spring collection of Free Tire Week.

To align with the Outagamie County's Free Tire Week, drop off dates at that Town of Greenville's Yard Waste Site will also be rescheduled. 

The 2020 spring drop off dates are as follows: Wednesday, July 8 – Thursday, July 16

Zoning Code Updates & District Planning Efforts

The Town of Greenville is updating its zoning code to reflect the recently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Zoning Code update will adequately address relevant community issues and be a tool to implement the long-range plan.

WHAT IS ZONING?
Zoning is a tool many communities utilize to govern “uses” (e.g. residential, commercial or industrial), the size of buildings, and how buildings relate to their surroundings, including other buildings, open spaces, and the transportation system. In the U.S. zoning began as a tool to separate uses from one another, and in particular were used to separate more impactful uses (manufacturing) from more sensitive uses (residential).

HOW DO ZONING CHANGES AFFECT YOU?
Zoning impacts land uses all around you. Effective zoning improves our quality of life & property values.  This comes in the form of diverse housing types, a variety of land uses, open space preservation and multi-modal transportation options.

HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED?

There are three areas the Town is studying which include the Heritage District which is centered around the intersection of State Highway 15 and 76; the Urban Core District which includes the major state and county roadway corridors; and the Gateways which include the main entries into the community.  

The project’s success is dependent on input the Town receives from the public.  The Town wants to know what you are thinking as your input is valuable.  Please visit our project website to learn more about the project and share your thoughts, ideas and opinions.   https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/greenville

Additionally, the Town Board and Town Planning Commission are working together over the course of several months to review and draft a fully recreated zoning code.  Residents can learn more about this effort at an upcoming public involvement meeting or they can attend any one of the public meetings being held to discuss and deliberate changes to the zoning code.  Visit: https://bit.ly/2oeOqqL to stay up-to-date on the update process, get meeting agendas and minutes and for future public involvement opportunities.

Virtual State-Wide Tornado Drill This Week

As part of preparing yourself and your family, ReadyWisconsin encourages you to participate in a statewide Virtual Tornado Drill on April 16 at 1:45 p.m. 

Find tips at readywisconsin.wi.gov

 

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 the last of our park properties!

Memorial Square is a small park area located in front of the old fire station that is dedicated to honoring all veterans and Fire/EMS volunteers. The park features a Veterans Memorial and a memorial brick walkway. It is also the home of Greenville’s September 11th Memorial which includes two structural beams recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage in New York.

Formally known as Glen Valley Park, Elder Brook Park is an 8.5 acre park located on the north side of the town. Existing amenities include a retention pond surrounded by open play space and a walking trail. On street parking allows for easy access.

Jennerjohn Park is a 25 acre park in the center of the developed part of the Town. As one of Greenville’s most popular parks, it has a lot to offer! Existing facilities include a pavilion, grills, picnic tables, casual play baseball field, tennis courts, sledding hill, ice skating rink, off street parking, playground, Heritage Fountain and recreational trail access.


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/

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/facilities will not be wiped down. Visitors are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer with them.

Important Park Reminders

Please remember that ALL PARK PLAYGROUNDS ARE CLOSED. Park facilities including playgrounds, ball courts/fields and skate board facilities are closed due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s “Safer at Home” order.

Town staff has been receiving an influx of complaints in regards to neighbors not cleaning up after their pets. This is not only a nuisance but also a violation of municipal code §211-5D which states “All dog waste must be immediately picked up and disposed of.” Please help up keep our trails clean and enjoyable for everyone!

Greenville Yard Waste Site to Open under Modified Hours amid COVID-19 Safer at Home Order

Beginning on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 the Yard Waste Facility will open on weekdays only, during the hours of 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The following rules will apply during these modified hours:

• The yard waste site is available for drop off only! No pick-up of materials will be allowed.

• Users will be expected to remain in their vehicles until their turn to drop off materials. 

• Permit Stickers will not be sold in-person at the site.

• Yardwaste Site Permits, Bulk Item Stickers, and Extra Garbage Bag Stickers can be purchased through USPS using the following form: Purchasing Form. For specific questions about yard waste please contact our Public Works office at (920) 757-7276.

• All other yard waste site rules still apply. 

For more information about how the Town is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, click here: Town of Greenville COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response.

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Although we are making this accommodation available to our residents,  The Town of Greenville encourages residents to follow the State of Wisconsin's Safer at Home Order, Emergency Order #12.

According to this order: All Wisconsinites must stay at home as much as possible and non-essential businesses and operations must cease, with limited exceptions for minimum basic operations and working from home.

This order is mandatory.   All Wisconsinites need to do their part to keep their family, friends, neighbors, and communities safe.

According to the Order, individuals may leave their homes for the following reasons:

1. To perform essential governmental functions, to work at essential businesses and operations, to do minimum basic operations for non-essential businesses, and essential travel, all of which is defined in the order;
2. To obtain services at or to work for health care and public health operations, certain human services operations, or essential infrastructure;
3. To perform tasks that are essential to health and safety such as obtaining medical supplies or medication, seeking emergency services, or visiting a health care professional;
4. To obtain necessary services or supplies such as food, gasoline, pet supplies, and other household consumer products;
5. To engage in outdoor activity, as long as they maintain social distancing; and
6. To care for a family member, friend, or pet in another household, and to transport family members, friends, or pets as allowed under the order.

Health & Safety Rules for the April 7, 2020 Election

The Town of Greenville is encouraging all voters to be aware of the following health & safety rules for Election Day:

• Voters will be required to sanitize their hands before approaching the Election Inspectors table.

• Social physical distancing will be enforced. Tape or other markings will be placed in six (6) foot increments designating where the next voter should stand

• We have plexiglass cough/sneeze guards placed between the Election Inspector and the voter. There will be room to slide the poll book under for your signature
  

• There will be a limited number of voters inside the polling place. Please be prepared to wait.

• All voters will be given their own pen to use. 

• We will be sanitizing voting equipment frequently with Isopropyl sanitizer provided by the State of Wisconsin

• Hand sanitizer will be available for voters and Election Inspectors

• Have your PHOTO ID out and ready

• “I Voted” stickers will not be given away at this election

• Minimize discussion and as always NO political discussion

Please be patient and kind to your Election Inspectors on Election Day.  Everyone here at the Town of Greenville is committed to a safe environment while protecting your right to vote. 

April 7th Election Absentee Ballot Requests and Receipt Deadlines Extended

Judge William Conley of the Western District of Wisconsin federal court has issued an order related to absentee ballots for next week’s Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

The Court ordered the following:

• The deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots is extended to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020. The Court specifically did not add a requirement for a postmarked-by deadline as long as the ballot is returned by the new deadline.

• The deadline for receipt of absentee ballot requests by mail, fax or email is extended to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020. Please email your requests for an absentee ballot to the Town Clerk: whelgeson@townofgreenville.com. Your email should include your name, your address and a copy of your acceptable photo ID.

Judge Conley’s decision was issued in a set of three federal lawsuits that were consolidated and which requested various remedies related to the Spring Election. The decision did not grant other requests such as postponing the election date or suspending and photo ID requirements for mail-in absentee voters.

ABSENTEE BALLOT UPDATE:
Friday evening part of Judge Colleny’s ruling on Absentee Voting was repealed in the court of Appeals.

• Witness signatures and addresses ARE REQUIRED on your envelope certification.  Ballots in Envelopes that do not have a complete certification will not be counted per state law. Your envelope is highlighted in yellow in the places that are required to be filled out and the instructions included with your ballot explain the requirements.   

How to get a witness for my absentee ballot? https://vimeo.com/402566435

Staff will continue to attempt to make contact with those who have returned incomplete certifications.

An Important Park and Trail Update

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 more of our park properties!

Community Park is a 20 acre, fully developed, park located at the intersection of Hwy 15 and Hwy 76. It is typically used by Greenville Youth Sports to operate their youth baseball and softball programs. Existing park facilities include baseball/softball fields, tennis court, basketball courts, playground, restrooms, outdoor pavilion with kitchen, on and off street parking, and access to the recreational trail system

The Greenville Sports Complex is a 77 acre minimally developed property located on Wisconsin Avenue. Approximately 13 acres have been seeded into open play areas and are typically used by Fox Cities United Soccer for their youth soccer program. A master plan for the property has been developed and includes four baseball/softball fields, six soccer fields, swimming pond, splash pad, walking/nature trails, pavilions, playgrounds and natural areas.

As the name suggests, Kimberly Court Park is located on Kimberly Court just west of the schools on Hwy 76. It is a one acre park that a recreational trail runs through. The trail goes through a tunnel under Hwy 76 and connects with the rest of the trail system. This park has yet to be officially named. Existing amenities include a Conifer Arboretum and informational sign.

Pebble Ridge Park is a 13 acre park located between the industrial park and residential development in Greenville. This park contains a small wooded area, prairie restoration and a retention pond. Park features include walking and nature trails, a picnic areas, 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/

Greenville Kicks Off District Area Planning Study

The Town of Greenville recently completed its comprehensive plan to guide the Town for the next 20 years. Through the planning process, it recognized the need to refine guidance for certain areas in Greenville to ensure it gets development that reinforces its character and strengthens the Town’s economy.  

There are three areas the Town is studying which include the Heritage District which is centered around the intersection of State Highway 15 and 76; the Urban Core District which includes the major state and county roadway corridors; and the Gateways which include the main entries into the community.

The project’s success is dependent on input the Town receives from the public.  The Town wants to know what you are thinking as your input is valuable.  Please visit our project website to learn more about the project and share your thoughts, ideas and opinions.   https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/greenville