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. With opening day of rentals just around the corner, this week we want to tell you about The Barn at Lions Park.

From weddings and fundraisers to concerts and crafts, The Walter J. Schroeder Barn sees an event almost every weekend during our rental season. It features tall ceilings, an open concept, and an expansive patio that can all fit up to 500 guests. It is not only our largest rental facility but also our only indoor facility.

While the facility is not temperature controlled, the 8 overhead doors help to provide a breezy indoor/outdoor space. The paved patio wraps around the sides of the building and overlooks a beautiful stormwater prairie. Indoor amenities include an ATM machine, garbage and recycling containers, large private bathrooms and the optional use of 40 wooden picnic tables. Renters also have the option of adding on the kitchen facilities which include a stove, refrigerator, freezer, large prep area, deep wash sinks, and two large serving windows.

The Barn can be rented by the day, Tuesday – Thursday or for an entire weekend, Friday – Sunday. The 2021 rental season opens to Greenville residents next week Tuesday, September 1. Remember, rentals are done on a first come, first serve basis. More information about renting The Barn, and what opening day will look like amongst COVID-19, can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/2QA4qyd or by contacting our office.

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/

Wisconsin Elections Commission Sending Absentee Mailer on September 1st.

On September 1, 2020, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is sending an informational mailing to approximately 2.6 million Wisconsin voters. 

Why is WEC sending a mailing? The 6-member, bi-partisan Elections Commission voted unanimously in May of 2020, directing WEC staff to send an informational mailer to voters about their options to cast a ballot in November. The Commission further directed that the mailer should include an absentee ballot request form. Many people suggested a mailing after the April 2020 election when the WEC staff and Wisconsin clerks fielded thousands of questions from people asking how they could vote during the pandemic. As you know, clerks around the state were swamped with absentee ballot requests, many containing errors or missing essential information. The mailing is designed to explain to voters all three options to vote in the November General Election. Put simply, the main objectives of the mailing are to:

1.  Explain how registered voters can cast a ballot for the November General Election.
2.  Encourage voters to use Myvote.wi.gov
3.  Encourage voters who choose to request absentee ballots to act early and return the ballot promptly.

What is in the mailing? In total, voters will receive three pieces:

• Voter information mailer
•  Absentee Application designed specifically for this mailer
• A pre-addressed, business reply return envelope to the WEC (no postage required by voter). 

While the mailing encourages voters to use Myvote.wi.gov, a paper absentee application is included so that individuals without internet access have an option to easily request a ballot.  

Who is receiving the mailing? Not all voters will receive the mailing. The mailing is only going to voters who are registered to vote in Wisconsin, not in Active Mover’s status, and did not already have a General Election absentee request on file at the end of June.  

Where is it going? The mailing will reach voters in all 1,850 Wisconsin municipalities.  

When is it going? All pieces will be mailed on September 1, 2020, and should arrive in a few days, although corners of the state may take longer to reach. 

Greenville Project Update

The projects detailed below are large scale projects happening in addition to our regular operations. Their completion may be scheduled to be done by town staff or the services may have been contracted with a third party. Please remember that all of the information and time lines are weather dependent and subject to change at any time.

A more detailed description and additional information about these projects can be found on our website at: http://townofgreenville.com/projects.php or by contacting our office at (920)757-7276.


Streets

• Greenwood Road Urbanization (STH 15 - Parkview Dr)
• An existing conditions survey is currently being performed. Following this, a conceptual design will be drafted.
• The project is planned to be constructed in 2021.
• South Creek Drive (School Rd-Molly Marie Ct)
• Week of 8/24/20: Ditching and possible final grading of roadway
• Week of 8/31/20: Final grading of roadway and possible paving of road way
• Spring Road Pulverize and Pave (North Rd-Julius Dr)
• Week of 8/24/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion.
• Week of 8/31/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion

Stormwater

• Community Park Dredging
• Anticipated to begin in September 2020
• Dredging of the waterway along the south boundary of Community Park to remove sediment and undergrowth.
• The completion of this project will increase the capacity of the waterway and improve overall site drainage.
• STH 15 East/West Basins
• Anticipated to begin in August 2020
• The STH 15 east basin will be constructed as a dry detention basin to serve as a flood control facility.
• The STH 15 west basin will be constructed as a wet detention basin to increase the capacity of the existing flood control facility as well as provide stormwater quality control.
• The completion of this project will reduce flooding events of nearby residential properties that have been historically affected.

Water & Sewer

• Annual Hydrant Exercising and Flushing
• Began the week May 11 and is still in progress.
• It is normal to notice a slight discoloration or cloudiness to your water while staff is working on the hydrants in your area. To help clear up the color, you can run the cold water tap located closest to your water meter until the water runs clear.
• STH 15 Utility Relocates
• Anticipated to begin in August 2020
• Utility relocates along STH 15 between Julius Drive and Lily of the Valley Drive. Existing sanitary sewer and water main facilities will be relocated to accommodate the future STH 15 WisDOT expansion project.
• Cross Connections
• The Purpose of the Town of Greenville’s Cross Connection Control Program, as defined in the local Ordinance §340-26, is to help eliminate possible contamination of the public water distribution system.
• These inspections began in February 2020 but were suspended shortly after due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Sanitary District is now hoping to complete the remaining inspections.

Parks, Recreation & Forestry

• Greenville Sports Complex
• Rettler Corporation has been contracted to design and engineer a new entrance road to the property. This new entrance road is consistent with the Master Plan for the park and will provide a safer access to the park from Hwy 96. This entrance road will be an official Town road and will also provide safe access to Well #5 and a private residence. Construction is planned to be completed in 2020.
• Lions Park
• The Lions Club is installing the fencing for the future sport courts in the southeast quadrant of the park as well as completing landscape restoration of the area. Any additional work in this area is postponed due to the cancellation of their main fundraising efforts for 2020.
• Town staff is installing a concrete pad and fenced enclosure for the trash and recycling dumpsters near the Barn Pavilion.
• Chip Garrow Memorial Trail
• On August 6 the Town, along with his family and friends, held a dedication ceremony to unveil the Chip Garrow Memorial Trail. This memorial is the Town’s effort to honor Chip’s service to the community. It is a result of a year’s worth of planning and we would like to extend our gratitude to all of those that were involved in the effort. The memorial is located at Jennerjohn Park behind the tennis courts.

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents or visitors to learn more about and this week were continuing our summer “Meet the Staff” series. As another summer is nearing its end end, we're giving a HUGE shout out to each of our seasonal employees!

Jeff is a long term seasonal employee who works with the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department between the months of April and November each year. He has worked hard over the last 11 years to ensure the lawns at our various park properties are looking their best! His favorite part of the job is getting to see the Town while enjoying the weather. When he isn’t at work he likes to spend time up north and with his family. He also enjoys going fishing and attending concerts. During the winter, he and his wife like to vacation in Mexico.

Jeff’s dedication to keeping the grass looking its best, rain or shine, leaves us knowing we can count on him. His coworkers describe him as friendly, hardworking and good natured.

We may be biased, but we think we have some of the most ambitious, hardworking seasonal employees out there! Without their help, our summer would have been a lot less sunny.

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/

Incorporation Referendum Ordered for November 3, 2020

On August 14, 2020, Outagamie County Judge John A. Des Jardins officially ordered the Town of Greenville incorporation referendum question to be placed on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot.

The fate of the incorporation effort now lies with the voters in the incorporating area.  Should a majority of the voters decide to vote in favor of incorporating into a village, the incorporation will be final.  Should a majority of voters decide to vote against incorporating into a village, the Town of Greenville will remain unincorporated.

Updates to the incorporation process will be posted on our website as they become available:  http://townofgreenville.com/our_community/incorporation.php 

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What is incorporation? 
Municipal incorporation is the process of creating new villages and cities from town territory. It is regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 66 General Municipality Law (s. 66.0201). 

Why incorporate the Town of Greenville? 

1. Preserve the Town of Greenville’s Identity and Character; 
2. Make Local Planning & Zoning Decisions and Improve Our Ability to Attract and Retain Businesses; 
3. Preserve Greenville’s Borders and Protect the Future of Our Community; Attract and Retain Businesses to the Region and Promote Infrastructure Improvement; 
4. Have the Ability to Be More Fiscally Sound and Finance Projects More Efficiently and Effectively; 
5. Ability to Receive a Better Bond Rating; 
6. Villages and Cities Have More Access to State and Federal Aids, Grants and Shared Revenues than Towns.

 

Facility Reservation Information

With opening day of park rentals just around the corner for Greenville residents, we want to encourage all renters to review the changes we've made to the way we’ll be taking rentals this year. These changes and safety precautions come as a response to COVID-19 and are temporary changes to our rental process. This process will be reevaluated prior to opening day for non-residents to determine the best way to take rentals at that time. Please review these changes as well as the full Rental Policy prior to opening day.

Rentals for the 2021 season open to Greenville residents on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 and are done on a first come, first serve basis

• In person rentals will be accepted at the Parks and Recreation Office (W6895B Parkview Drive) from 7:00am - 10:00am on September 1
• Drop box rentals will be accepted outside of the Park and Recreation office from 10:00am-4:30pm on September 1
• All rentals following will need to be dropped in the big red fire hydrant that serves as the afterhours drop box in the Town Hall vestibule or mailed to the Parks Department (PO Box 60, Greenville, WI 54942)

Those choosing to do in person rentals the morning of:

• Renters will be required to wear a face covering and keep a safe social distance of 6ft from others waiting in line
• Renters need to have their Facility Reservation Agreement filled out prior to arriving. Renters are encouraged to leave only their date blank, and have secondary dates in mind
• Please limit the number of people waiting in line with you to only the necessary parties
• Remember that payment is due in full (rental fee and deposit) at the time of booking

Feel free to contact our office at (920)757-7276 with any questions or concerns. More information, as well as our full Rental Policy and Facility Reservation Agreement, can be found on our website: http://townofgreenville.com/…/parks_re…/pavilion_rentals.php

Memorial Programs

Have you heard about our Memorial Tree and Bench Programs? What about our Memorial Brick Program?

These programs provide the opportunity for you to donate a park bench, tree or walkway brick in honor, or memory of a loved one. Benches and trees may be placed at any of the parks or along the trail system and will be maintained throughout their lifetime by the Town. Brick placement is available in two locations: The Heritage Fountain brick plaza at Jennerjohn Park and the Memorial Square pathway. 

More information about any of these programs can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/3kDAcIr

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents or visitors to learn more about and this week were continuing our summer “Meet the Staff” series. As another summer is nearing its end end, we're giving a HUGE shout out to each of our seasonal employees!

Sam just finished her third summer with us here in the Parks and Recreation Department. She’s headed into her junior year at Northern Michigan University where she’s studying accounting and spanish. After school, she hopes to become a CPA and work in public tax accounting. Sam says her favorite parts of the job are learning new and useful skills every summer, contributing to the Greenville community and laughing every day with her coworkers. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running, taking photos, volunteering in her college town, and spending time with her friends and family

Sam always shows up with a great attitude and doesn’t shy away from hard work or long hours. Over her three years with us, her coworkers say they’ve witnessed her grow as both a person and a worker. They describe her as very reliable and eager to learn.
We may be biased, but we think we have some of the most ambitious, hardworking seasonal employees out there! Without their help, our summer would have been a lot less sunny.

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 Project Update

The projects detailed below are large scale projects happening in addition to our regular operations. Their completion may be scheduled to be done by town staff or the services may have been contracted with a third party. Please remember that all of the information and time lines are weather dependent and subject to change at any time.

A more detailed description and additional information about these projects can be found on our website at: http://townofgreenville.com/projects.php or by contacting our office at (920)757-7276.

Streets

• Greenwood Road Urbanization (STH 15 - Parkview Dr)
• An existing conditions survey is currently being performed. Following this, a conceptual design will be drafted.
• The project is planned to be constructed in 2021.
• South Creek Drive (School Rd-Molly Marie Ct)
• Week of 8/10/20: Common excavation of roadway, ditching and culvert replacement. 
• Week of 8/17/20: Ditching, culvert replacement and curb and gutter installation to occur. 
• Spring Road Pulverize and Pave (North Rd-Julius Dr)
• Week of 8/10/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion. 
• Week of 8/17/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion

Stormwater

• Community Park Dredging
• Anticipated to begin in September 2020
• Dredging of the waterway along the south boundary of Community Park to remove sediment and undergrowth. 
• The completion of this project will increase the capacity of the waterway and improve overall site drainage.
• STH 15 East/West Basins
• Anticipated to begin in August 2020
• The STH 15 east basin will be constructed as a dry detention basin to serve as a flood control facility. 
• The STH 15 west basin will be constructed as a wet detention basin to increase the capacity of the existing flood control facility as well as provide stormwater quality control. 
• The completion of this project will reduce flooding events of nearby residential properties that have been historically affected.

Water & Sewer

• Annual Hydrant Exercising and Flushing
• Began the week May 11 and is still in progress.
• It is normal to notice a slight discoloration or cloudiness to your water while staff is working on the hydrants in your area. To help clear up the color, you can run the cold water tap located closest to your water meter until the water runs clear.
• STH 15 Utility Relocates 
• Anticipated to begin in August 2020
• Utility relocates along STH 15 between Julius Drive and Lily of the Valley Drive. Existing sanitary sewer and water main facilities will be relocated to accommodate the future STH 15 WisDOT expansion project.

Parks, Recreation & Forestry

• Greenville Sports and Splash Park
• Rettler Corporation has been contracted to design and engineer a new entrance road to the property. This new entrance road is consistent with the Master Plan for the park and will provide a safer access to the park from Hwy 96. This entrance road will be an official Town road and will also provide safe access to Well #5 and a private residence. Construction is planned to be completed in 2020. 
• The Field of Dreams Referendum Steering Committee brought a formal recommendation to the Town Board on May 18, 2020 to hold an advisory referendum with the August 11, 2020 election regarding the development of Phase 1 of the Field of Dreams Property, now dubbed the Greenville Sports and Splash Park. The Town Board approved the resolution to hold the advisory referendum. Up to date information regarding this project can be found at this website: http://www.townofgreenville.com/SportsandSplashPark/index.php
• Lions Park 
• The Lions Club is installing the fencing for the future sport courts in the southeast quadrant of the park as well as completing landscape restoration of the area. Any additional work in this area is postponed due to the cancellation of their main fundraising efforts for 2020. 
• Town staff is installing a concrete pad and fenced enclosure for the trash and recycling dumpsters near the Barn Pavilion.
• Chip Garrow Memorial Trail
• On August 6 the Town, along with his family and friends, held a dedication ceremony to unveil the Chip Garrow Memorial Trail. This memorial is the Town’s effort to honor Chip’s service to the community. It is a result of a year’s worth of planning and we would like to extend our gratitude to all of those that were involved in the effort.

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department'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 are pausing from the seasonal staff introductions to tell you about something very near and dear to our hearts: The Chip Garrow Memorial Trail.

As many of you know, and for those that didn’t have the opportunity to know him, Chip was a dedicated member of the Greenville Parks, Recreation and Forestry Team for more than 12 years. He brought a love and passion to his work that can be seen throughout our park system. Chip passed away in 2019 after a hard fought battle with cancer. An arbor and trail haven been dedicated in his honor at what was his favorite park: Jennerjohn Park.

The arbor is approximately 10ft tall by 10ft wide and made of cedar to better withstand the elements. The landscaping that surrounds the arbor is made up of plants collected and saved by Chip himself as well as flowers and rocks donated by Greg Roblee from our Park Commission Board. Both landscaping and the arbor were designed with Chip in mind and built by our very own parks staff! The trail portion of the memorial runs through a wooded area next to the prairie. It is approximately a quarter of a mile long and was a project Chip had always planned to do.

This memorial is the Town’s effort to honor Chip’s service to the community. It is a result of a year’s worth of planning and we would like to extend our gratitude to all of those that were involved in the effort.

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/

Incorporation Review Board Publishes Determination Report - Greenville Meets Standards to Become a Village!

On July 21, 2020, the Department of Administration (DOA) Incorporation Review Board officially approved the Town of Greenville incorporation petition by publishing their final determination report indicating the following:

In summary, it is the DETERMINATION OF THE INCORPORATION REVIEW BOARD that when considering the petition under Section 66.0207, Wis. Stats.:

• STANDARD 1 (a), Homogeneity and Compactness – Met
• STANDARD 1 (b), Territory Beyond the Core – Met
• STANDARD 2 (a), Tax Revenue – Met
• STANDARD 2 (b), Level of Services – Met
• STANDARD 2 (c), Impact on the Remainder of the Town – Met
• STANDARD 2 (d), Impact on the Metropolitan Community – Met

The facts and analysis supporting these findings are discussed in the body of this determination.  The Determination of the Incorporation Review Board to the Circuit Court, as prescribed by s. 66.0203 (9) (e) 3, Wis.Stats., is as follows: The Petition as submitted is granted.

A copy of the complete Determination Report.

A court order has been drafted and filed with Outagamie County Judge John Des Jardins to schedule the incorporation referendum question for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

Updates to the incorporation process will be posted on our website as they become available:  http://townofgreenville.com/our_community/incorporation.php 

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What is incorporation? 
Municipal incorporation is the process of creating new villages and cities from town territory. It is regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 66 General Municipality Law (s. 66.0201). 

Why incorporate the Town of Greenville? 

1. Preserve the Town of Greenville’s Identity and Character; 
2. Make Local Planning & Zoning Decisions and Improve Our Ability to Attract and Retain Businesses; 
3. Preserve Greenville’s Borders and Protect the Future of Our Community; Attract and Retain Businesses to the Region and Promote Infrastructure Improvement; 
4. Have the Ability to Be More Fiscally Sound and Finance Projects More Efficiently and Effectively; 
5. Ability to Receive a Better Bond Rating; 
6. Villages and Cities Have More Access to State and Federal Aids, Grants and Shared Revenues than Towns.

Voting Absentee - August 11, 2020 Partisan Primary Election & Town-wide Referendum

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. If they have internet access, the easiest way is to request an Absentee Ballot by mail at MyVote Wisconsin, https://myvote.wi.gov.

Just look for the “Vote Absentee” button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with putting in your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don’t already have an acceptable photo ID on file with your clerk’s office, you can upload a copy. More information on acceptable photo ID and exemptions can be found at www.bringit.wi.gov.   Mobile phone users can take a picture of your acceptable photo ID and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to your clerk’s office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing, emailing or faxing their municipal clerk’s office. You can find your clerk’s contact information on MyVote Wisconsin. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your acceptable photo ID.   If you already have an acceptable photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

Voters who are indefinitely confined, meaning they may have difficulty getting to the polls for the reason of age, illness, infirmity, or disability are not required to provide an acceptable photo ID.  Voters in care facilities can have a representative of the facility to confirm the resident's identity instead of providing a valid photo ID. 

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, August 6 by 5:00 p.m. However, the Wisconsin Elections Commission urges voters not to wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery.  If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven’t returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in your clerk’s office or at your polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Again, the Wisconsin Elections Commission urges voters to request and return ballots as soon as possible.  Vote the ballot in the presence of one adult witness.  The witness cannot be a candidate for the election.  The witness must verify that the individual completed the absentee ballot but should not view the voter’s choices. The witness must sign the certificate and provide their address.  Click here for a full list of instructions.

In-person absentee voting is being offered until 5:00 p.m. on Friday August 7, 2020 in the Clerk's Office. 

Please note:  Due to the ever-evolving response to COVID-19, this information may be updated and revised under the guidance and direction of the Wisconsin Election Commission.