Regional COVID-19 Testing Site Update

As of Wednesday, September 30, the COVID-19 regional testing site will be operating under new hours and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The testing site is located at the Sunnyview Expo Center at 500 E County Road Y, Oshkosh, Wis

To reduce wait times, it is highly recommended that you register ahead of time by completing the screening questionnaire at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. If multiple people in your family are being tested, the same email address can be used but a questionnaire must be completed for each individual.

While you are waiting for test results, it is critical that you isolate yourself from others to prevent spread of the virus should you test positive.

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. This week, we want to tell you about the prairie at Jennerjohn Park.

Just north of the tennis courts at Jennerjohn Park, you will find a storm water pond surrounded by a beautiful prairie. A grass walking trail runs through the prairie and around the pond. While it was only planted 5 years ago, the prairie is already well established and as the years pass, it will become even more impressive! It is a focal point within the park but also benefits the pond.

The prairie and aquatic plants are used to enhance both the beauty and functionality of the stormwater pond. There are two general categories of aquatic plants, shoreline plants which can be used to prevent erosion and provide wildlife habitat and submerged plants that are predominantly used to discourage the growth of undesirable species and algae. Both categories are very beneficial to the pond and are used to help assimilate nutrients.

A walking trail runs around the prairie and through the nearby woods, stretching just over a half mile long. At the start of the trail stands the newly dedicated Chip Garrow Memorial Arbor. While walking through the prairie you’ll see a wide variety of different insects along with birds and butterfly species. You might even see a few little critters! There are MANY different plants throughout the prairie, but some of the easier to recognize are the Blue Vervain, Purple Cone Flower, and Black Eyed Susans. A section on the trail also runs through the woods where you’ll find established boxelder, cottonwood and silver maple trees. There are some young sugar maple, swamp white oak, shagbark hickory and white pine planted near the entrances to these portions of the trail that were planted then the prairie was installed. 

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/

Make Your Ballot Count

Absentee voters in the Town of Greenville and all across Wisconsin may be unfamiliar with how to properly complete their absentee ballot certificate.

Included in the absentee ballot mailings is a checklist with a pictorial guide. We work hard to make absentee voting as understandable as possible. 

All of the language on the envelope is required by state law, and it can be very small type and difficult to understand. That is why we highlight those lines you need to fill out so your vote can be counted.

Here are 4 simple steps to make sure your absentee ballot will be counted on Election Day. 

1. Complete your ballot. 
2. Seal your ballot inside the certificate envelope provided. 
3. Voter signs in Box 3. 
4. Voter’s Witness signs and writes their address in Box 4. 

If we receive your ballot and the certificate envelope is incomplete or missing information, we must send your ballot back to you if time allows prior to election day or reject your ballot on election day if we cannot reach you to complete the certificate properly.  IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR ABSENTEE VOTERS TO FULLY COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATE ENVELOPE prior to returning the ballot. 

 

Voting Absentee - November 3, 2020 Presidential Election & Incorporation 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, October 29 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 (Please note this rule is being challenged in court and is subject to change). 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 in the Clerk's Office beginning on October 19, 2020 during normal office hours and will conclude on Friday October, 30 at 5:00 p.m.  No In-person absentee voting is allowed the Monday preceding the election. 

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.   

How to Trick or Treat Safely During COVID-19

Greenville Trick or Treating is scheduled as normal, October 31, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

Outagamie County Public Health is supportive of trick-or-treating with good community education around safe practices. Large events and gatherings are still not recommended at this time.

According to Outagamie County Public Health:

Public Health Best Practices for Trick-or-Treaters, Homeowners, & Parents/Guardians

• Stay home if sick. DO NOT hand out treats or trick-or-treat if you are sick.
• Trick or treat with people you live with. Household members go together.
• Practice social distancing. Remain 6 feet apart from people not in your household.
• Wear a face mask that covers BOTH your mouth and nose when appropriate. This means even under/over your Halloween accessories as necessary.
• Homeowners distribute treats by placing them in a bucket or on a table on the front porch instead of handing things out. No in-person contact.
• Have hand sanitizer available. Use hand sanitizer often and before eating or after coughing/sneezing.
• Avoid public interaction with high risk groups both in the home as well as nursing home facilities.

Additional Safety Reminders:

• Examine all treats and wash hands before eating them.
• Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Guide children to stay on the right side of the road and walk on sidewalks when possible.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Carry a flashlight at night and ensure children have reflective clothing.
• Wear well-fitting masks and costumes appropriate for weather that also avoid blocking vision.
• Homeowners can post a sign or use porch lights to indicate if they are participating in trick-or-treat.
  

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 9/21/20: Finish all restoration on project, and monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion.
• Week of 9/28/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion.
• Spring Road Pulverize and Pave (North Rd-Julius Dr)
• Week of 9/21/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion.
• Week of 9/28/20: Monitor project restoration for grass growth and erosion.

Stormwater

• Community Park Dredging
• September 15/16, 2020: Contractors completed the dredging operations and final restoration to the pedestrian trail stream crossing.
• September 17, 2020: Dredging operations resumed west of the trail
• 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

• STH 15 Utility Relocates
• Anticipated to begin the week of September 28
• 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. Bidding for the project is underway and construction is expected to be complete in fall 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.
• Community Park
• Dredging of the creek behind the ball fields is in progress.

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. This week, we want to tell you about one of our lesser know parks. 

Glen Valley Park is a neighborhood park located on the far west end of the Glen Valley subdivision with access off of Englewood Drive. It’s the Town of Greenville’s newest park property and is approximately 2.5 acres.

In October of 2017 the playground was installed with help from neighbors and community volunteers. The playground was designed for kids of all ages and has equipment to climb, slide, hang and swing. The playground area is surrounded by wood chips while the rest of the park is seeded with turf grass and planted with trees. With future development, we plan to add additional acreage to the park as well as other park amenities.

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/

Proper Location of Temporary Signs Including Political Signs

Another presidential election campaign is in full swing and although the political debates are just a few days away, at least one important issue is not open for debate: state law prohibits placing any type of sign—including political, commercial, children at play or garage sale signs within public right-of-way. With a major election approaching Nov. 3, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Outagamie County Highway and the Town of Greenville is reminding candidates, campaign workers and the general public that placing items like temporary signs in highway right-of-way is both illegal and potentially dangerous.

Except for official traffic signs, state law prohibits placing any signs or other objects in highway right-of-way. This prohibition extends to all numbered state, federal and interstate highways, along with county highways, town roads, municipal streets, alleys, bike and pedestrian paths.

Any temporary sign must be placed on private property with the owner's permission. The general rule is if there was or is a sidewalk, it would need to be placed behind that. If that is difficult to tell, then a good rule of thumb is approximately 16' back from the curb or 20' back from the edge of pavement. Also, intersections have a vision triangle associated with them that extends onto private property. If a sign obstructs the view of traffic and creates an immediate safety hazard - it will be removed. Signs in violation but not creating a hazard, staff will try to work with the property owner or party to have them properly relocated. No sign may be placed on public property which can include street terrace areas, highway medians or roundabouts; Town staff will be removing signs clearly on town-owned property. Town staff will not remove signs clearly placed on private property.

Absentee Ballots to be Mailed Starting September 15, 2020

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled Clerks can proceed with mailing out absentee ballots.  We will be mailing absentee ballots to voters with their requests on record starting September 15.  

 

 It will take a couple of days to get them all out so please be patient, but keep an eye on your mailbox.  Also note the post office will be overwhelmed with the volume of requests sent over the next two days.  You can track your absentee request online at:  https://myvote.wi.gov

 

We encourage everyone to request their ballot as early as possible to ensure they have enough time to fill it out and return it.  If you haven’t requested your absentee ballot yet, you can request it online at https://myvote.wi.gov

Under law, in-person absentee voting cannot begin until October 20, 2020. 

 

Greenville Trick or Treat Hours 2020

 Trick or Treating hours for the Town of Greenville will be:

4:00 - 7:00pm. on Saturday, October 31.

 

 

Misdialing 9-1-1 is Causing Problems for People in Need of Emergency Services

Typically when someone calls 911 it's an emergency, but some people dial those three numbers by mistake and then hang up.  In the days when smart phones are getting smarter, additional features are being added to phones that enable people to call for help from their smart phone with just the touch of the button – and sometimes without even being aware 911 was called! Although this feature is great for emergency circumstances, our emergency dispatchers and law enforcement are noticing a large increase in the number of accidental 911 dials.  This puts a tremendous strain on emergency resources while law enforcement investigate if there is a true emergency.

Here are some tips to prevent unintentional 911 dialing: 

• Remember to put your phone in sleep mode or lock screen before putting it in your pocket. Just because you hung up the phone doesn’t mean that the screen is inactive, devices tend to stay on for at least a minute making it very easy to dial out unintentionally

• Remove batteries from old cell phones before giving them to children to play with. Carriers are required to provide 911 services on phones, even if they have no official phone service.

• Do not keep your current phone anywhere where a small child can reach it. Try placing it further out of reach near charging stations or placing something in front of it to hide it from sight.

• If you believe that your child mature enough to play with your active phone, watch them carefully or ensure they are old enough to understand how to play without accidentally dialing 911.

• If you or your child accidentally dial 911- DO NOT HANG UP -let the dispatcher know you are safe and that it was a accidental dialing

• Know the phones you own. Educate everyone in your home about cell phones and the home phone system. Know how to use them responsibly – during an emergency you don’t want to discover you’ve been outsmarted by your smart phone

• Most importantly remember-DON’T PLAY AROUND…LOCK IT DOWN

Incorporation Vote - November 3, 2020

 Incorporation Referendum

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 and be subject to annexations.

The following question will appear on the November 3, 2020 General Election for voters living within the proposed village:

Should a portion of lands of the Town of Greenville consisting of lands located west of Mayflower Road; south of County Trunk Highway JJ; north of County Trunk Highway BB; east of State Trunk Highway 76 (CTH BB to STH 96), east of Julius Drive (STH 96 to STH 15) and east of North Road (STH 15 to CTH JJ) be incorporated into a village?

____ For a village.

____Against a village.

Why Incorporate the Town?

The primary reason to incorporate into a village is to protect the municipal borders from annexation by other incorporated municipalities, the Town’s tax base can be eroded through annexations; however, once incorporated, the newly incorporated village’s lands would no longer be subject to annexation. 

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). 

Will Taxes Increase as a Village?

No, taxes will not increase because of incorporation. 

Tax rates are established based upon the service level requested by the taxpayers, and the total valuation of the Town. The Town presently maintains a service level necessary for incorporation; hence, no additional services will be required because of incorporation.

Furthermore, State law only allows a municipality to increase its levy over the amount it levied in the prior year by the percentage increase in equalized value from net new construction. If no new construction occurs, then the allowable levy increase is zero. This law applies to counties, cities, villages and towns. 

What will happen to the remaining Town?

If the east side of Greenville incorporates then the west side of town will initially remain the Town of Greenville. 

The plan proposed by the Incorporation Review Ad Hoc Committee suggests the east side of Greenville should incorporate first, and then reunite with the west side through annexation or through the attachment process with a border agreement.   This action would be similar to incorporation of the Village of Harrison and Village of Fox Crossing.  This process will take a few months after a successful referendum.

If incorporation occurs, who will provide municipal services for the residents and businesses residing in the new village and the remaining Town?

Upon incorporation the new village and the remaining Town will continue all municipal services as if no change had occurred. The new village Board and new Town Board would enter into an intergovernmental agreement to provide joint services to continue the present service levels to both the new village and the remaining Town until such time as the new village and remaining Town can reunite through the annexation or attachment process.

What are the PROS for Incorporation?

• Protection of Greenville Borders
• Preservation of Current & all Future Tax Base
• Zoning Authority Including Shoreland Zoning
• Extra Territorial Authority
• Land Division Autonomy
• Complete Village Powers
• Bonding Authority (Better Interest Rates on GO Debt)
• Improved Credit Ratings & Grant Funding
• Direct Legislation Authority
  

What are the CONS against Incorporation?

• Elimination of Town Meeting:
• Direct Authority to Raise Money; Levy Taxes
• Fix the Compensation of Elected Officials
• Establish Appointed Positions of Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Constable and/or Administrator
• Adopting a Plan to Elect Town Supervisors to Numbered Seats
• Authority to Fund Private Enterprise without Elector Approval
  

Where can I find more information?

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

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. On this 19th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, we want to tell you about Greenville’s September 11th Memorial located in Memorial Square.

Memorial Square is a small park area located in front of the old fire station. The site is dedicated to honoring all veterans and Fire/EMS volunteers. Along with the Memorial Brick Walkway, you will find a September 11th Memorial. This memorial site features two structural beams recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage in New York.

In 2010, the Port Authority of NY/NJ World Trade Center Artifacts Program began soliciting proposals from fire departments, police departments, communities, government facilities, museums, etc. for World Trade Center steel to be used in public displays. A total of 1,027 steel artifacts from the WTC wreckage were designated for this program. Greenville is one of approximately 23 sites in the state of Wisconsin to be granted the responsibility of displaying World Trade Center artifacts.

On Saturday August 27, 2011, the Town of Greenville received 2 structural beams recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage. These beams were part of the exoskeleton of the towers. Each beam weighs approximately 2,700 pounds and measure 13 feet in length.

Ground was broken for the start of construction on July 11, 2012 and continued for a little over a month. More than 160 people and businesses donated materials, labor, money, and services to the construction. Many others helped to plan, and participated in, the memorial dedication and unveiling. The Greenville September 11th Memorial was officially dedicated on August 25th, 2012.

To learn more about the September 11th Memorial, visit the Fire and EMS page of the Town of Greenville’s website here: https://bit.ly/2wl4QhK

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/

Sub Area Plan: Your Feedback is Requested

As you may recall, Greenville has engaged in a sub area planning process over the course of 2020. Virtual meetings, discussions and open houses have been held. We've heard what you've had to say and now we want to know if we got it right. Please review the plan and provide your feedback at the following link https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/greenville-sub-area-plan-community-review/.  

Fox Valley Regional COVID-19 Testing Site

 

Location

Sunnyview Expo Center

500 E County Road Y

Oshkosh, WI 54901

Map

Hours Starting Tuesday, Sept. 8

Monday: 8am-4pm

Tuesday: 11am-7pm

Wednesday: 8am-4pm

Thursday: 11am-7pm

Friday: 8am-4pm

Saturday: 8am-4pm

Sunday: Closed

SAVE TIME!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME (link is external)

    

Registration Info:

§  It's highly recommended that you register ahead of time at (link is external) register.covidconnect.wi.gov (link is external). To register, click on the blue button that directs you to a screening questionnaire.

§  If there are multiple people in your family being tested, you can use the same email address, but a questionnaire must be completed for each individual.

§  No identification is necessary. You'll be asked your name, birthday, address, phone number, race, ethnicity, and gender. By asking for race, ethnicity, and gender possible disparities can be identified.

§  Once you have completed registration, you will receive a QR code that you will need to present at the testing site.

Who should get tested?

Anyone 5 and older who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is encouraged to get tested. Contact a pediatrician or healthcare provider for children under five years old. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

§  Fever

§  Cough

§  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

§  Sore throat

§  Headache

§  Chills

§  Muscle aches

§  Runny nose

§  Nausea

§  Vomiting

§  Diarrhea

§  Loss of taste or smell

 

What should I do while waiting for my results?

While you're waiting for your test results, it's important that you isolate yourself. Do not have contact with others. Do not go to work, meet up with friends or attend gatherings. Isolating yourself will prevent spread of the virus should you test positive.

When will I get my results?

You should receive a phone call or email within 3-7 business days. If you test positive Public Health staff will call to guide you.

 

Additional information:

§  Testing is free

§  Pre-registration is highly encouraged

§  Testing is available to any Wisconsin resident with symptoms of COVID-19

§  Antibody testing is not available

§  No appointment is needed

§  Drive or walk through testing 

§  A doctor’s referral is not required

§  Members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard will conduct the testing

§  Language translators will be available

§  Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can consent to the testing

§  While you are waiting for your test results, it is important that you limit contact with others to prevent spread of the virus should you test positive.

§  Test results should be received via email and/or phone call within three to seven business days.

 

Looking for your test results?

If you’ve been waiting more than 5 days for your results or you need a copy of your results, call the Wisconsin COVID-19 Results Line.

Wisconsin COVID-19 Results Line

1-866-419-6988

Monday-Friday

8 AM – 6 PM

 

The Results Line only provides test results for COVID-19 testing performed at National Guard testing sites in Wisconsin.

Once you call, you’ll need to provide:

§  The date of your test

§  The National Guard testing site you visited

§  Your name

§  Your date of birth

Please wait to call the Results Line until 5 days after your test. If you call before the 5-day mark, they cannot guarantee your results will be ready.

 

The regional COVID-19 testing site is made possible through a collaboration between the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the health departments and emergency management teams from the City of Menasha, City of Appleton, Calumet County, Outagamie County and Winnebago County.