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Official Site of the Government of Stevens Point, Wisconsin
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Archive of StevensPoint.com's
2008 Home Page News Stories
Reminder: City Meeting Videos Available Online
August, 2008
In order to provide you with even better access to records of public meetings, the City of Stevens Point is now
making its meeting videos available here on this web site.
For many years, Stevens Point has cablecast government meetings such as Plan Commission, Common Council, Finance
and Personnel Committees, Board of Public Works, Park Board, and others on Community Television, Channel 3. Now
those same videos are also available here at StevensPoint.com.
If you are interested in a particular agenda item of any given meeting, you don't have to watch the rest of the
meeting leading up to that item. The meeting videos are indexed so that, by clicking a text link underneath the
video, you can cause the video player to jump to the specific agenda item you wish to see.
As soon as they are available, each meeting's minutes are displayed alongside the video player so you can read
them while you watch or listen to the video. Until the minutes of the meeting are available, the agenda will be
displayed in the same location.
In addition to playing our meetings several times each on Community
Television, Channel 3, and making agendas and minutes
available here on our Web site, we hope that integrating those videos, agendas, and minutes and making them available
here will help you stay informed about how your city government is working for you.
Visit
the City of Stevens Point Meeting Video Archive.
EZ Go Refuse Carts Being Delivered - Do Not Use
until September 2
August, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Streets Department
has begun delivering EZ Go Refuse and Recycling carts. Please
do not use your new carts until the program is implemented on September 2 - we will be unable to tip the carts
until the new trucks arrive. Please take
the time to read the informational guide that came with your first cart. Your second cart will be delivered by
the end of August.
Get more information
about the automated refuse & recycling pickup program.
News! Watch a 4-Minute Video about Automated Collection
Or, Watch
a 25-Minute Video about Automated Collection.
Wisconsin River Drawdown Began Thursday, August
14
August, 2008
Consolidated Water Power Company (CWPCo), a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, has secured approvals from federal
and state agencies, and began drawing down the Wisconsin River the evening of Thursday, August 14.
Read a detailed
explanation and Schedule in Consolidated's Advertisement.
195 kB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free
Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Charter Postpones PEG Channel Move
August, 2008
Charter customers in Stevens Point were notified in early July that Charter was moving their local Public, Education,
and Government Channels (3, 10, and 99) from analog to digital. While the channels would continue to be available
to all customers free of charge, customers without a QAM digital tuner or a converter box from Charter (available
at a cost of $5 a month) would not be able to see the channels.
Charter has now temporarily delayed the move of our PEG channels. A Charter official has told the City's Community TV Coordinator that the company will mail a notification to subscribers,
which will explain the delay, sometime during the week of August 4-9.
The Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels (WAPC), of which Stevens Point's channel 3 is a founding member, hired
legal counsel early in July and immediately notified Charter that they believed the move would violate state and
federal laws which guarantee availability of PEG channels to all cable customers.
Wisconsin Senator Judy Robson (D-Beloit) later filed a complaint against Charter with the Wisconsin Department
of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Robson said, "These [PEG] channels make it easier for citizens
to watch their local government meetings, to understand the issues their leaders are contending with, and to hold
those leaders accountable."
The WAPC and state legislators like Judy Robson believe PEG channels should be available to all cable subscribers
without extra cost or special equipment, which means Charter should continue to carry PEG channels in analog format
as long as they carry any other channels in analog.
Residents who are unhappy with Charter's plan to move PEG channels to digital can Contact Stevens Point's Community TV Coordinator, and can also register a complaint with Jim Rabbitt at the
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-422-7128 or filling out a
form on their web site.
The conversion of PEG channels to digital has nothing to do with the FCC-mandated conversion to digital television
by February, 2009. That mandate applies only to broadcast channels which use a transmitter to send signals through
the air to televisions with antennas - it does not apply to cable or satellite companies.
Mayor's TV Program Explains Automated Garbage/Recycling
Collection
July, 2008
A new episode of the "The Mayor's Office"
with Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson and guest Joe Euclide, Director of Public Works, began airing on Community
Television, cable channel 3, on Thursday, July 24.
On the program, Mayor Halverson and Director Euclide discuss the new automated refuse and recycling program that
is scheduled to be implemented in September. The program includes background information about the program and
also features detailed information about how the program will work and where residents can place their carts for
pickup.
Watch
this "Mayor's Office" episode now.
See the Community
TV Schedule for "The Mayor's Office" cablecast times.
Wisconsin River to be Drawn Down August 14 -
27
July, 2008
Consolidated Water Power Company (CWPCo), a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, has secured approvals from federal
and state agencies to begin drawing down the Wisconsin River the evening of Thursday, August 14.
The maximum eight-to-ten foot drawdown is being requested to conduct necessary repairs on the seawall located upstream
from the NewPage Stevens Point mill. Plans are in place to first complete repairs to the lower seawall sections,
thus allowing for the river refilling while higher seawall sections are repaired.
The Wisconsin River reservoir refilling will be completed on Wednesday, August 27.
The Wisconsin DNR (WDNR) has reviewed and discussed the drawdown schedule proposed by CWPCo and is in agreement
with it. The proposed schedule gave consideration to the recreational activities of surrounding landowners as well
as the least possible impact on local wildlife. Several time tables were considered but ruled out by the WDNR because
fish begin entering a period of fall migration, which could cause a substantial amount of fish to leave the reservoir
downstream. Studies show that most fish species stay put during August and begin moving either up or downstream
in September.
Beginning the evening of Thursday, August 14, the drawdown rate will be .2 feet per hour. The final goal of eight
to ten feet below normal levels will be achieved by the evening of August 16. The water will remain at this level
for seawall repairs. As the lower seawall section repairs are completed, reservoir refilling could begin as early
as August 19. The reservoir refilling rate will continue as repairs are completed progressing up the seawall. Normal
water elevations will be restored on Wednesday, August 27.
During the drawdown, CWPCo will also use this opportunity to conduct inspections of the other Stevens Point dam
structures, shorelines, boat launches, Rocky Run spillway, and DuBay dam tailwater apron/diffuser steps. The information
will be valuable to access how different dam features are changing with time and where future dam repairs may be
required to maintain a safe operating dam.
CWPCo and the WDNR are working with several organizations to support stranded fish recovery, river cleanup, and
carp reduction programs. If you or your organization is interested in supporting these or other efforts, please
contact the following individuals for more information: Don Keck, Twelve Apostles Musky Club of Stevens Point,
Phone: 715-340-3970, dkeck@cesa10.k12.wi.us; or Jeff Reed, Representing several bass organizations (www.outlawbass.com), Phone: 715-630-1903 wisconsinbass@charter.net.
Residents with specific drawdown concerns or community members seeking additional information on this process may
contact Thomas Witt at (715) 422-3927 or Gary Romanski, operations manager for CWPCo at (715) 422-3481.
Consolidated Water Power Company, a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, operates five hydroelectric dams on the
Wisconsin River, from the DuBay Flowage in Marathon County, to the Wisconsin Rapids dam in Wood County.
Headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, NewPage Corporation is the largest coated paper manufacturer in North America,
based on production capacity, with $4.7 billion in pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. The
company's product portfolio is the broadest in North America and includes coated freesheet, coated groundwood,
supercalendered, newsprint and specialty papers. These papers are used for corporate collateral, commercial printing,
magazines, catalogs, books, coupons, inserts, newspapers, packaging applications, and direct mail advertising.
NewPage owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nova Scotia, and Wisconsin. These mills
currently have a total annual production capacity of approximately 5.5 million tons of paper, including approximately
4.3 million tons of coated paper, approximately 920,000 tons of uncoated paper and approximately 300,000 tons of
specialty paper, as well as approximately 3.2 million tons of pulp.
Meeting Videos Online
July, 2008
Videos of all 2008 City of Stevens Point Common Council meetings and many city committee meetings are available
on our meeting
video archive page. Minutes are added to
the video pages as soon as minutes become available. Until then, agendas appear with the videos to help you follow
the meeting. To see a particular agenda item, click the item number under the video. Videos are typically uploaded,
indexed, and ready to view within 24 hours of the end of the meeting.
Bull's Eye Credit Union Phone/E-Mail Scam.
July, 2008
If you receive a phone call or email claiming to be from Bull's Eye Credit Union and asking you for your credit
or debit card number, or any other account information, do not give it to them.
The phone calls and e-mails are part of a scam and are not coming from Bull's Eye Credit Union. Bull's Eye Credit
Union says it would never ask its members to provide credit card numbers or account information via a phone call
or e-mail.
More
information is available on Bull's Eye's web site.
Community TV, Channel 3, is Moving Soon
July, 2008
Since State of Wisconsin lawmakers took away cities' rights to negotiate television franchise agreements with cable
and phone companies, cable companies like Charter now have free reign to do a lot of things cities would never
have allowed them to do under our local franchises.
The new state law's first impact on the City of Stevens Point was that it will not allow the city to collect PEG
Channel support fees from Charter after 2010. This will mean a loss of about $33,000 a year that the city currently
uses to purchase TV equipment. But the city's Community TV channel is now faced with another problem that might
prove to be worse than that - the loss of many of its viewers.
Our local franchise agreements with Charter always made it clear that our PEG (Public, Education, and Government
Access) Channels 3, 10, and 99 were to always be available to all customers for no additional charge and with no
need for special equipment. We also required those channels to be located near local broadcast channels like 7,
9, and 12, so viewers could easily find all of their local programming.
Now that local control has been removed, Charter is moving all PEG channels in the state, including Stevens Point's
channels 3, 10, and 99, to the digital realm on or around August 12, 2008.
After the move, our PEG channels will be
located somewhere in the channel 980 to 995 range, which Charter is calling their "Public Affairs Neighborhood."
C-SPAN 2, Wisconsin Eye, and PEG channels from Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and other central Wisconsin cities
will also be located in this channel range.
The new digital versions of our local PEG channels will only be viewable with the use of a QAM tuner found in some
new TVs, a few DVD recorders, some standalone tuners, and the cable tuner boxes that are available from Charter
for a monthly rental fee. Charter says that all subscribers with "basic" service will be able to see
the channels with the use of a QAM tuner because the channels will not be scrambled like premium digital channels.
QAM digital tuners are not the same as ATSC digital tuners which are found in many TVs and DVD recorders, and the
$40 coupons available from the federal government for purchasing digital to analog converter boxes can not be used
to purchase QAM tuners, according to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration which administers
the coupon program.
Wisconsin's new video franchising law, Act 42, only requires that PEG channels be available to at least 50% of
a video provider's subscribers, and Charter claims that a little over 50% of its subscribers in Wisconsin already
have digital service and therefore should be able to view the PEG channels. The City of Stevens Point is concerned
that a little under 50% of cable subscribers could NOT be able to see our PEG channels without purchasing or renting
new equipment.
When the PEG channels are moved to digital on August 12, people who do not already have a QAM tuner are not going
to be able to watch local government meetings, The Mayor's Office, Inside the County Lines, Pets on Parade, Polka
Potpourri, local church services, SPASH and UWSP sports, or anything else they currently watch on channels 3, 10,
and 99 unless they buy a new TV or DVD recorder with a QAM tuner, or buy a standalone QAM tuner, or rent a digital
tuner "box" from Charter.
Preliminary reports from Charter officials indicate that if people who currently subscribe to analog-only service
threaten to cancel their cable service after August 12 because they can no longer watch the PEG channels, Charter
will rent them a digital tuner box for 6 months for free, after which time normal monthly rental charges will apply.
The city hasn't received any information directly from Charter, but has been kept up to date of Charter's plans
by the Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels (WAPC), of which Stevens Point is a founding member. When the city
receives more information, it will be made available here and on Community
TV.
The City of Stevens Point, the WAPC, and a few state lawmakers including Representative Louis Molepske Jr. and
Senator Julie Lassa fought to keep local control over cable TV and to preserve access to local community programming.
Wisconsin Act 42, known as the Video Competition Bill before it became law, was heavily endorsed by AT&T and
was supported by the cable industry. AT&T has not announced plans to deliver video service in Stevens Point.
Charter was granted a statewide video franchise earlier this year.
Please Water your Trees
July, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Urban
Forestry Department asks city residents
to remember to water the street trees in front of your homes when you are watering the trees on your property.
During dry times like those we presently are experiencing, this is especially important for recently-planted trees.
Soak the soil beneath the tree, out to the outermost ends of the branches, for an hour or so every week. On smaller,
younger trees, you may not have to water as long, but you may have to water more often during hot weeks.
Give the soil time to dry out a little before watering again.
Ride the Bus for FREE during Crazy Days
July, 2008
With gas prices as high as they are, there has never been a better time to try riding the City Bus, and this weekend
you have a chance to ride it for FREE.
Point Transit is offering Free Rides on all city buses Friday July 11, as part of downtown Stevens Point's Crazy
Days event.
They will also offer Free Trolley Rides on Saturday July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get on the trolley at
the downtown Transfer Center near ShopKo.
Get more information
about Point Transit.
Bukolt Boat Launch CLOSED July 11 &
12
July, 2008
The Bukolt Park Boat Launch and Parking Area will be closed from 8:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, until 2:00 p.m. on
Saturday, July 12. This area will be used to host the Annual Triathlon. Please use the Wells Marina Boat Launch
area on Franklin St. Thank you for your cooperation.
City Council Approves Downtown Re-Design
June, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Plan Commission
met Thursday, June 12 to consider adopting the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and approved recommending the plan
to the Common Council, who approved it at their meeting on Monday, June 16.
See
the video and minutes of the June 12 Plan Commission Meeting.
See
the Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Acrobat).
5 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
EZ Go Refuse/Recycling Cart Delivery in August
June, 2008
The City of Stevens Point will be starting
delivery of new EZ Go Refuse and Recycling Carts around August 4, 2008. Each Property Tax Parcel will receive one
65-gallon cart with a brown lid for refuse and one 95-gallon cart with a green lid for recyclables.
There will only be two cart sizes available, 65-gallon (which measures, 26" square x 42" tall) or 95-gallon
(which measures, 28" wide x 30" deep x 46" tall). Property owners will have the option to purchase
extra carts (additional fees may apply) or request to change sizes before delivery by contacting the Streets Department
at 100 6th Avenue, 346-1537, or Engineering Department at 1515 Strongs Avenue, 346-1561, or using the request form
below.
Print a
Form to Exchange or Purchase Carts. 76 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader. You can fill out and save this form on your computer.
We are expecting delivery of the new collection trucks mid August. Please do not use your new carts until the program
is fully implemented - we will be unable to tip the carts until the new trucks arrive.
The start date for implementation will be in early September. Watch your local newspapers, radio stations, Community
TV, and this web site for information.
Get More Information
about the EZ Go Cart Program.
The Southbound I-39 On/Off Ramps are Now Open
June, 2008
The southbound ramps will be open for the
remainder of the construction. The interchange pavement replacement and bridge rehabilitation project continues
on the northbound on/off ramps at Business 51 (Division St.) north of North Point Drive.
Improvements to this interchange include raising and replacing the concrete bridge deck, repainting the steel bridge
girders, replacing the ramp pavement and adding a deceleration lane for the northbound I-39 exit ramp.
Get
more information about this project from the WisDOT Web Site.
Concrete Street Repairs Began Monday, June 23
June, 2008
A contractor for the City of Stevens Point has begun
concrete joint repairs to Church Street and Division Street. Joint repairs on Church Street will be between Minnesota
and Patch Streets, and repairs on Division Street between Jefferson and Ellis Streets.
The work will be done under traffic but traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction. Work will be completed
by July 18.
Please slow down in construction zones and give our crews a BRAKE.
Get
more road construction information.
Plover and Shaurette Street Project
June, 2008
The City of Stevens Point is reconstructing Plover
Street from Brawley Street to Division Street, and Shaurette Street from Division Street to Church Street. This
project involves sanitary sewer and water main replacement and reconstruction of the street.
Beginning Thursday, June 26, Shaurette Street between Division Street and Church Street will be closed. Beginning
Monday, June 30 the entire intersection of Church
Street at Shaurette Street will be closed
through Thursday, July 3. During this time, Church Street from Division Street to
Shaurette Street, and Shaurette Street to Wisconsin Street will each have two-way traffic along with parking restrictions.
Access properties or driveways on Shaurette St. may be restricted or unavailable. For your convenience, on street
overnight parking restrictions will be lifted for Shaurette St. residents during this time. Please park only in
areas that currently allow parking during the day. A permit for overnight parking will not be required in these
areas. Do not block driveways, hydrants, loading zones, fire lanes or crosswalks. If you are uncertain where you
may park, please call the Police Department for assistance, 346-1500. Please use caution when in or near the construction
zone.
Garbage and recyclables must be out on your usual day by 7:00 a.m. and we do not anticipate any problems with mail
delivery.
Please direct any telephone inquiries to the Engineering Department, 346-1561, or you may e-mail your questions or comments. Our department hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Thank you for your anticipated patience and cooperation.
Governor Doyle Approves Additional $400,000 for
Project at Stevens Point Airport
June, 2008
Governor Jim Doyle has released $400,000
in state airport development funds to complete improvements including installation of an Instrument Landing System
at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport. These funds will be added to the $918,000 in federal funds received last
month for the project. In addition to paying for the ILS equipment, the project will pay for construction of a
parallel taxiway required for this kind of air navigation system.
According to Mike Gabor, airport engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the project
includes an environmental assessment, design and construction engineering, approach clearing, construction of a
taxiway parallel to the primary runway, and purchase and installation of the ILS. The Instrument Landing System
will provide a much safer approach to Stevens Point's primary runway and will allow aircraft to land in inclement
weather and darkness when flying under instrument flight conditions.
WisDOT's Bureau of Aeronautics will provide oversight of the project construction. The FAA will take ownership
of the system and provide future monitoring and maintenance. The project is expected to be completed by October
2008.
Stevens Point Municipal Airport consists of two runways that together accommodate some 37,000 aircraft take-offs
and landings each year. A newly completed business/industrial park south of the city has attracted businesses that
depend on the airport to conduct their business operations.
Division Street (Business 51) CLOSED for Sanitary
Sewer and Water Main Work
June, 2008
Sanitary sewer and water main tie-ins for
the Plover Street Project will close Division Street beginning at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4. The work will be
completed by Friday, June 20.
A signed detour for Business 51 northbound traffic will use Michigan Avenue to Main Street and back to Business
51 (Division Street). Southbound traffic will use Clark Street to Michigan Avenue and back to Business 51 (Church
Street).
See
the Division St. Detour Map. 371 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Visit the Mayor's Office Without Leaving Your
Couch
June, 2008
A new episode of the "The Mayor's Office"
with Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson and guest Tom Schrader, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry,
began airing on Community Television, cable channel 3, on Monday, May 19.
On the program, Mayor Halverson and Director Schrader discuss Point
150, Riverfront Rendezvous,
and an overview of the Parks,
Recreation, and Forestry Department and
its many services.
See the Community
TV Schedule for "The Mayor's Office" times.
Plan Commission Approves Downtown Re-Design
June, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Plan Commission
met Thursday, June 12 to consider adopting the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and approved recommending the plan
to the Common Council, which will vote on it Monday,
June 16.
See
the video and minutes of the June 12 Plan Commission Meeting.
See
the Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Acrobat).
5 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Videos and minutes of other meetings which will be considered for approval by the Council are also available in
our Video
Archive.
The June 12 Plan Commission meeting is also scheduled to be seen on Community Television, channel 3, at the following
times: Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 a.m.; and Monday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Church Street Underpass to Close for Repairs
June, 2008
Repairs to the Church Street (Business 51)
underpass will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30. The repairs will consist of milling the entire width of the
old surface and repaving the street. The repairs are scheduled to be completed by Friday, June 6.
There will be a signed detour for Business 51. Northbound traffic will use Michigan Avenue to Main Street and back
to Business 51 (Division Street). Southbound traffic will use Clark Street to Michigan Avenue and back to Business
51 (Church Street).
See
the Church St. Detour Map. 365 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
City Council Approved TIF District 7 for AIG
Project
May, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Common Council
held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 30 and approved the creation of a Development Agreement between the
City and Meridian TG LLC (TOLD) at the northeast intersection of U.S. HWY. 39 and County Trunk Road HH. The council
also adopted resolutions approving project the plan for Tax Incremental District No. 7, and authorizing the Mayor,
Clerk, and other appropriate city officers to implement the Development Agreement with TOLD.
Watch
the Video of the Special Council Meeting.
TOLD Development will construct a 125,000 square
foot, four story office building for Travel Guard in the Portage County Business Park (which is located in the
City of Stevens Point), along Business Park Drive. Travel Guard currently employs over 700 people. Site plans for
the building show expansion potential to 300,000 square feet.
Construction is scheduled to begin early Summer 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by the Summer of 2009. Travel
Guard is the premier provider of travel insurance to the world. They are looking forward to moving into their new
quarters where they can be even more efficient in providing service to their customers.
Happy Birthday, Stevens Point!
May, 2008
The May 17 Stevens Point Birthday Parade
and Party were a huge success. Thank you to all who participated! The celebration isn't over, though. See the Complete List of Point
150 Activities.
The winners of the parade competition in the 5 categories were: Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools (School), Portage
County Public Library (Non-Profit Organization), Joern's Health Care (Business), Portage County Cultural Festival
(Just for Fun), and St. Stephen's (Church).
The Point 150 Parade and highlights from the Party are scheduled to be seen on Community Television, cable channel
3, at the following times: Friday, June 6 at 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 7 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.; and Monday, June
9 at 10:00 a.m. The program is anticipated to be between 1 and 2 hours long.
It's Construction Season!
May, 2008
The City of Stevens Point Department of
Public Works and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have big
plans for Summer vacation this year, and none of them involve vacationing. They will be busy reconstructing and
improving streets, overpasses, trails, and intersections in Stevens Point.
See
this Summer's construction projects, with maps
(subject to change, so visit regularly).
Get the Point Transit Summer Freedom Pass
May, 2008
Stevens Point Transit is offering Elementary,
Jr. High, and High School students the opportunity to purchase a Summer "Freedom Pass" for $20. The pass
will allow students to ride the City Bus during Summer break, June 9 through August 29, 2008, as often as they
would like.
The new pass is now available at our pass outlet stores.
Get
More Information about the Summer Freedom Pass.
Governor Doyle Approves $918,000 Project at Airport
May, 2008
Governor Jim Doyle has approved a $918,150
project to install an instrument landing system (ILS) and a partial parallel taxiway at the Stevens Point Municipal
Airport. The Governor's action releases $918,150 in federal funds to complete the project.
According to Mike Gabor, airport engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the federal
funds will be used to complete an environmental assessment, provide design and construction engineering, provide
approach clearing and land easements, and construct and install the landing system. The instrument landing system
will provide needed guidance for aircraft into the airport during marginal weather conditions. Many local businesses
will benefit from the enhanced instrument landing system.
The project is expected to begin in May, 2008 and will be completed by October, 2008.
Stevens Point
Municipal Airport consists of two runways
that together accommodate some 37,000 aircraft take-offs and landings each year. A newly completed business/industrial
park south of the city has attracted businesses that depend on the airport to conduct their business operations.
Air Show and Fly-In Sunday, June 1
May, 2008
The Stevens Point Pilot's Association presents
the Annual Air Show and Fly-In Drive-In at the Stevens
Point Municipal Airport on Sunday, June
1 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Air Show will feature aerobatic acts, displays of local corporate aircraft,
a B-25J Mitchell bomber, remote control aircraft demonstrations, helicopter rides, an collector automobile display,
fire engines, food, and more!
Visit
the Air Show Web Site for more information.
You're Invited to a Birthday Party!
May, 2008
Celebrate the City of Stevens Point's Birthday
on Saturday, May 17 with Point
150! The Celebration starts with a "Parade
To Remember," the largest parade our community has ever seen, featuring the contributions we've made over
the past 150 years.
Be sure to follow the parade to the Pfiffner Pioneer park for the party! Picnic with your community, meet the city's
founder George Stevens, enter the Largest Amateur Liar's Contest, eat some of the 150 Birthday Cakes, enjoy some
music and a helicopter flyover, test your logger's skills, and enter to win one of 150 birthday presents.
See the Birthday
Party Schedule.
If you just can't wait, start your celebration now with some Point 150 merchandise, available at the Visitor Information
Center while supplies last! Hurry - they are going fast! We'll see you there, Saturday, May 17 at Pfiffner Pioneer
Park!
Read about more special
Point 150 events.
Notice of Open Book and Board of Review
April, 2008
The Board of Review for the City of Stevens
Point will meet May 29, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Conference Room, 1515 Strongs Ave. for the purpose of reviewing
and examining the assessment roll of real and personal property in said city, and all sworn statements and valuations
of real and personal property therein, and of correcting all errors in said roll, whether in description of property
or otherwise, and to perform such other duties imposed by law.
The Open Book was held from Monday, May 5, 2008, to Friday, May 9, 2008. Open Book is an informational session
with the Assessor's Office where you will learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered, and
what type of records are kept regarding your property.
Read
the Complete Public Notice and Requirements
10 KB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat
Reader.
City Meeting Videos Available Online
April, 2008
In order to provide you with even better access to records of public meetings, the City of Stevens Point is now
making its meeting videos available here on this web site.
For many years, Stevens Point has cablecast government meetings such as Plan Commission, Common Council, Finance
and Personnel Committees, Board of Public Works, Park Board, and others on Community Television, Channel 3. Now
those same videos are also available here at StevensPoint.com.
If you are interested in a particular agenda item of any given meeting, you don't have to watch the rest of the
meeting leading up to that item. The meeting videos are indexed so that, by clicking a text link underneath the
video, you can cause the video player to jump to the specific agenda item you wish to see.
As soon as they are available, each meeting's minutes are displayed alongside the video player so you can read
them while you watch or listen to the video. Until the minutes of the meeting are available, the agenda will be
displayed in the same location.
In addition to playing our meetings several times each on Community
Television, Channel 3, and making agendas and minutes
available here on our Web site, we hope that integrating those videos, agendas, and minutes and making them available
here will help you stay informed about how your city government is working for you.
Visit
the City of Stevens Point Meeting Video Archive.
Reconstruction of Fourth Ave.
April, 2008
The City of Stevens Point will be reconstructing
Fourth Avenue between Second Street and Lee Street. This project will involve sanitary sewer and water main replacement
and reconstruction of the street. Portions of Fourth Avenue will be closed to traffic during construction and access
to your property or driveway will be restricted or unavailable during portions of the construction.
The City of Stevens Point will be holding an informational meeting on May 6, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. in the St. Peter's
School Auditorium. The public is welcome to come and hear what will be taking place. Those property owners that
have clay sanitary sewer services and or galvanized water services will be required to upgrade to new materials
in the street (the area between sidewalks). The cost to upgrade is assessed to the property.
Please direct your telephone inquiries to the Engineering Department at 346-1561 or you may e-mail questions or
comments to dpw@stevenspoint.com. Our department hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
Water Mains Being Cleaned
April, 2008
The Water Department plans to clean all
water mains each evening, starting at approximately 10:00 p.m., from Sunday, April 27 through Thursday, May 1.
During cleaning times, water pressure might be low but your water will not be shut off. You might see some discolored
water at any time throughout the process.
Thank you for your patience during this necessary process.
Spend some Time in the Mayor's Office
April, 2008
Residents of the City of Stevens Point can now get an inside look at the workings of Stevens Point's municipal
government by watching "The Mayor's Office," a brand new regularly-scheduled program on Community Television,
channel 3.
Mayor Andrew Halverson hosts the program and provides a wealth of information about the biggest issues facing the
city. People who already stay in tune with their local government by watching municipal board, committee, and common
council meetings on Community TV regularly can gain additional insight about the subjects discussed at those meetings
by watching "The Mayor's Office." In the premiere episode, Stevens Point Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice
joins Mayor Halverson in his office to discuss city financial issues including the budget, restrictions put on
the city by the state, and Tax Incremental Finance Districts and how they work.
"The Mayor's Office" can be seen weekly on Community TV at the following times: Mondays at 6:30 p.m.,
Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at
1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
City Newsletter Available
April, 2008
The Mayor's Office has just published a new issue of "City News," which contains a message from the mayor
and articles about various city departments, the services they provide, and how the city budget is allocated to
them.
Read
and/or print the City Newsletter. (423 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
"Math in Motion" Paintings and Sculptures
On display through April 27
at the Riverfront Arts Center.
Arbor Day: 150 White Pines for 150 Years
April, 2008
Stevens Point will hold its Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, behind Fire Station #2 in the 4400 block
of Industrial Park Road at 10:00 a.m. A third-grade class from Madison School will help Mayor Andrew Halverson
plant a ceremonial Arbor Day tree and 150 white pine seedlings in commemoration of Stevens Point's 150th birthday.
The white pine was selected because much of Stevens Point's history revolves around it.
The City of Stevens Point thanks the students from Midstate Technical College's Urban Forestry Program, the Golden
Sands Homebuilders Association, and Zblewski Brothers LLC Wood Waste Recyclers for their cooperation in this event.
Visit our Urban
Forestry Department.
Share your Green Thoughts on Eco-Municipality
Logo
April, 2008
Students with an artistic flair and concern for the environment might get to see their ideas represent the Stevens
Point Eco-Municipality through the city's logo design contest. Becoming an environmentally sustainable community
means getting everyone involved, and a logo contest is a great way for younger citizens to share their creative
ideas, according to the eco-municipality's community involvement and education subcommittee.
The contest ends April 22 (Earth Day). The winner will receive a $50 Portage County gift certificate, redeemable
for merchandise at any Portage County business that accepts checks. The winner will be announced at the city's
Birthday Bash at Pfiffner Pioneer Park May 17. The contest is open to students in grades 7-12. Complete rules are
available at SustainablePoint.org (on the "Logo Contest" link), or at local middle
schools and Pacelli and SPASH high schools.
Stevens Point is working to become an eco-municipality. In eco-municipalities, city officials and community members
work together to protect the environment while creating family-supporting jobs and a healthy community. More information
on the effort is also available at the Web site. Contestants with questions also may contact Bobbi Kubish at Bobbi.Kubish@uwsp.edu.
City Seeks Bids for Public Works Projects
April, 2008
The City of Stevens Point is seeking bids
for the Willett Arena Lighting Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice 22
kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader
The City is also seeking bids for a
Bituminous Patching Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice
20 kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader
Thank you for Voting.
April, 2008
Polls closed in the City of Stevens Point
at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
Results in District 2: Walther 72, Write-In 4
Results in District 4: Wiza 137, Write-In 4
Results in District 6: Slowinski 232, Write-In 2
Results in District 8: Molski 246, Write-In 3
Results in District 10: Brooks 142, Write-in 1
County-Wide Election results, when available, will be posted on the Portage County Web Site.
Sixth District Listening Session April
3
April, 2008
Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Jeremy Slowinski will hold a listening session at McKinley School's IMC
(Room B110) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 3, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's
Sixth District.
City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Absentee
Voting
March, 2008
City residents who will not be able to go to their polling
place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot.
The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its hours for those who wish to register or
vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances.
Thursday, March 27: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, March 31: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eco-Municipality Task Force Hosts Listening Sessions
Task Force Looks for Feedback on Goals and
Recommendations
March, 2008
The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force is set to share their progress at several listening sessions this
spring. The Task Force has been working to develop goals for Stevens Point to become a sustainable community. The
Task Force will use the meetings to gather feedback and make a formal presentation to the Stevens Point City Council
this spring.
The public is invited to any of the following public listening sessions:
1) Wednesday, March 26, Portage County Public Library, Pineries Rm., 7 p.m.
2) Wednesday, March 26, UW-SP, University Ctr. Laird Rm., 7 p.m.
3) Wednesday, April 2, McKinley School Cafeteria, Rm. B103, 7 p.m.
4) Wednesday, April 2, Washington School, Cafeteria, Rm. 112, 7 p.m.
"Part of developing an eco-municipality involves as much community participation as possible," said Alderperson
Amy Heart, co-chair of the Task Force. "The ideas and solutions for a sustainable community will not be strictly
for city government, but it will be a community-wide effort."
The Task Force will bring forward, and ask for adoption of a resolution to the Stevens Point City Council this
spring, officially making Stevens Point an eco-municipality. For details on the Task Force, visit www.SustainablePoint.org or contact the mayor's office at 346-1570.
Election to be Held April 1 - Absentee Ballots
Now Available
March, 2008
City residents who will not be able to go to their polling
place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot.
Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through March 31,
or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them.
Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March
27. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it
can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m.
If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.
Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below.
Print
an Application for Absentee Ballot. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Please note that there are exceptions for
military voters. Please contact the Clerk's office
for more information.
Holiday Garbage and Recycling Pickup
March, 2008
In observation of Good Friday, garbage and
recycling will not be collected in the City of Stevens Point on Friday, March 21. Garbage and recycling that is
normally picked up on Fridays will be picked up Monday, March 24.
Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 22
March, 2008
Snow Site: Shopko Parking Lot
The Hunt - The
Easter Bunny will be busy hiding 16,000 candy-filled eggs, many with prize slips inside. Watch your little ones
age 8 and under gather them up. No bags or baskets, please. Lucky finders of one of the several "special"
eggs will receive a new bicycle!
Ages 0-3 will
hunt at 10:30
a.m., ages 4-6 at 10:35 a.m., and ages 7-8
at
10:40 a.m.
The Hop - Follow the Easter Bunny for a
hop over to CenterPoint MarketPlace where families can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny and visit the
Central Wisconsin Children's Museum FREE until 4 p.m. Enjoy the Museum's hands-on exhibits and fully-stocked art
room where special Easter crafts will be available.
Sponsored by the Stevens Point/Plover Area Breakfast Optimists Club and CenterPoint MarketPlace.
A Parade to Remember
February, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008 marks Stevens Point's 150th birthday! To celebrate, we intend to produce the biggest parade
our community has ever seen. It will be a Parade to Remember!
This once-in-a-lifetime event provides an opportunity for all businesses/organizations to promote their importance
to the community with the theme, "The Contributions We Have Made." The parade will line up in reverse
order of each business/organization's founding, our newest first and our oldest last - a civics and history lesson
on wheels!
Then, at the end of the parade, we will all gather on the riverfront for birthday cake as we celebrate ourselves
and our home.
Parade units will be judged on adherence to theme, historical connection, originality and quality. Winners in each
of the four categories will win $150! There is no entry fee, but participants must submit a registration form by
Friday May 9, 2008.
Print a Registration
Form. 59
KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader.
Grants Available for Independent Arts Organizations
February, 2008
The Organization Support Grant is a program of the Stevens Point Arts Council and will allow local independent
arts organizations in Stevens Point to make the case for general support for their program. The groups eligible
for consideration are approved local arts groups with 501(c)(3) status or who have a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent.
The purpose of the grant program is to give these organizations an opportunity to identify what they think are
their most important needs - those that will advance their overall mission or plans for the future.
For example, grant support could include but is not limited to such possibilities as:
- hiring guest artists and/or guest directors for
specific events
- making capital purchases for the organization
- underwriting publicity and/or promotion costs for
public events
- hiring consultants to strengthen the organization's
management
- hire consultants to train the board of directors
and volunteer staff
Applications may be picked up from the Riverfront
Arts Center or the City of Stevens Point Department of Parks and Recreation office. Deadline for applications is
Friday, April 11, 2008.
Print
a Support Grant Application Form. 32 kB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader
Downtown Restoration Continues to Move Forward
February, 2008
Although original target dates for the start of the Stevens Point Downtown restoration initiative may have been
aggressive, the City is continuing to move forward.
"There are many important projects in the works for Stevens Point and all deserve appropriate attention. Although
we had hoped to release a final plan for the restoration of the downtown area in January, time has not been on
our side. Undertaking a major re-work of the downtown area involves many individuals and many organizations. Similar
to doing a remodel on a home, you never know what you are going to find until you 'pull up the old carpet,'"
stated Mayor Halverson.
On January 15, 2008, the City of Stevens Point and Planning and Design Institute, Inc. (PDI), a firm specializing
in developing comprehensive land use plans, met with a variety of local business owners, building owners, architects,
and the Association of Downtown Businesses (ADB) Board of Directors to review initial development and restructuring
plans for the downtown area. The various groups provided input and suggestions to the City and PDI. When the final
draft is complete, the City will provide an open session to the public for review of the plan.
"Changing the face of the downtown and riverfront should not be taken lightly and should not be rushed. Doing
something right the first time makes sense and is fiscally responsible. I was pleased that so many individuals
were brought on board to review and challenge the initial plans," stated Carolyn Weiland, ADB Board President.
"The ADB is supportive of the Mayor's efforts. We realize that projects of this magnitude don't happen overnight
and appreciate regular updates to the ADB and community," said Weiland.
Major changes will take time; however, the City can expect to see landscaping and other aesthetic enhancements
to the downtown and market square in the Summer of 2008.
Seventh District Listening Session March 13
February, 2008
Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Roger Trzebiatowski will hold a listening session at the National Guard
Armory, 3116 Jefferson St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to listen to concerns and comments
from residents of the city's Seventh
District.
Community Show Honors Polish Heritage
February, 2008
The 12th Annual Community Show, sponsored by the Arts Alliance of Portage County, celebrates Polish heritage and
influence in Stevens Point among other significant milestones for the community.
This year's community show titled "Point to the Future" not only celebrates the city's 150th Birthday, but also incorporates familiar significant pieces of history. Songs
and scenes portraying Polish immigrants, weddings, ponczkas (paczki),
and family bibles offer a taste of history for native Stevens Pointers and transplants alike. Other milestone markers
within the show include the first school teacher in Stevens Point, the arrival of the railroad, winning the vote
for UWSP, World War II, and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother opening Saint Michael's Hospital.
Local celebrities including Mayor Halverson, County Executive Mark Maslowski, State Senator Julie Lassa, Saint
Michael's Hospital President Brad Neet, and others are slated to join the cast making cameo appearances. Show times
are February 29, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Sentry Theater in Stevens Point. Tickets for
"Point to the Future" are available at the door or call 346-4100.
Portage County Flood Risk Information Open House
February 28
General public invited to review preliminary floodplain maps and learn about risk in their community
February, 2008
Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Marge Molski will hold a listening session in the Washington School Cafeteria,
3500 Prais St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, to listen to concerns and comments from residents
of the city's Eighth
District.
Please Remove Snow from Fire Hydrants
February, 2008
The Stevens Point Water Department and the Stevens Point / Plover Metro Area Fire Chiefs ask you to take some time
to clear all the snow away from the fire hydrants in your neighborhood. With warmer weather here and more snow
predicted for next week, this is a great time to do this incredibly important work.
Having immediate access to fire hydrants can help firefighters save houses and lives.
There are over 2,000 fire hydrants in the City of Stevens Point alone, and Fire and Water Department personnel
in the area have worked very hard to get them cleared of snow, but they could really use your help.
The house you save could be your own. Thank you!
Ninth District Listening Session February 21
February, 2008
Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Randy Stroik will hold a listening session at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water
St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of
the city's Ninth
District.
Thank you for Voting
Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19
February, 2008
A Primary Election was held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts cast their vote for presidential
preference, and First
District voters chose Tom Mallison and Judy
Bablitch to move on to the next election for County Board Supervisor.
Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee got the most
votes in Portage County. Obama also won the most votes for a Democrat in the State of Wisconsin, but John McCain
received the most Republican votes statewide.
February 20 Public Meeting on Closure of East
Avenue
February, 2008
The public is invited to a hearing on the potential permanent closure of East Avenue, near Jefferson Elementary
School. The public hearing is set for Wednesday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School, 1800
East Avenue.
The hearing is designed to gather feedback from parents, neighbors and residents on the proposal closure of East
Avenue in front of Jefferson School. Representatives from the Stevens Point Area Public School District will unveil
initial drawings of some potential future uses for the space, including parking areas and green space, and will
provide the preliminary results of the East Avenue Closure Survey.
Input is still being collected on the survey. To provide feedback on how you think the East Avenue closure has
worked, take the survey before February 28. To get access to the survey visit the Stevens Point Area School
District Web site or call the District Office
at 345-5456.
Amy Heart, Stevens Point Alderperson, whose 5th
District encompasses the school, said the
input from neighbors and residents is important. "This is an opportunity to not only address safety concerns
for Jefferson school students, but to develop a project that will benefit the entire neighborhood," said Heart.
If you have questions or concerns, contact Jefferson Elementary School Principal Dave Lockett at 345-5418, or Alderperson
Amy Heart at 345-2739.
City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Registration
and Absentee Voting
February, 2008
City residents who will not be able to go to their
polling place on February 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters can come
and vote at the City Clerk's office through February 18.
The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its office hours for those who wish to register
or vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances.
Saturday, February 16: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday, February 18: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Register to Vote
February, 2008
Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if
they have not voted during the previous four years. Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election
day, or at the polls on the day of the election, by presenting identification which includes a current and complete
name, and a current and complete residential address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the
City Clerk's office.
Voter
Registration Application Read Instructions
Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free
Adobe
Acrobat Reader)
"Winter's Garden" Floral Art with Live
Orchids in Bloom
Available For Sale through February 17 at
the Riverfront Arts Center |
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The particular items in these
photos might or might not still be available for sale.
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Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19
February, 2008
A Primary Election will be held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts will cast their vote for presidential
preference, and First
District voters will chose one of three
candidates to be their new County Board Supervisor.
See a Sample
Ballot for the February 19 Primary.
City residents who will not be able to go to their polling
place on February 19 may vote by absentee
ballot. Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through
February 18, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them.
Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by Thursday, February 14. The completed
ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered
to the polling location by 8:00 p.m.
If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.
Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below.
Application
for Absentee Ballot Read Instructions Carefully.
(149 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe
Acrobat Reader) You can fill out
and save this form on your computer, then print it.
Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote
if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if they have not voted during the previous four years.
Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election day, or at the polls on the day of the election,
by presenting identification which includes a current and complete name, and a current and complete residential
address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the City Clerk's office.
Voter
Registration Application Read Instructions
Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free
Adobe
Acrobat Reader)
Housing Recession? Stevens Point Bucks Trend
- Home Prices have Posted Gains Here
February, 2008
There was a 5.62% increase in the average price of a valid house sale last year in the City of Stevens Point. The
median sale price also increased by 6.67%. Median is the value that ½ of all home sales were greater and
½ home sales were less.
The number of valid home sales also rose slightly last year as well. There were 379 valid home sales in 2007. This
compares to 375 in 2006 and a record 383 in 2005.
According to Mayor Andrew Halverson, "It is my opinion, based on this factual information, that if the slowing
economy and difficult credit conditions caused by the meltdown in the subprime mortgage market hurt home sales,
it is having less effect on Stevens Point home values than in other areas."
People have been hearing a lot of things about the economy, and there is a certain perception of where values are
headed. But real estate values are not falling here in Stevens Point.
Last year even saw an increase in home sales over $200,000. In 2006, there were 35 sales greater than or equal
to $200,000, and in 2007 there were 44 such home sales.
"It is very clear, based on the diversified economy we have in Stevens Point, that we tend to be a bit more
insulated from major economic swings," stated Mayor Halverson.
See the Data: Stevens
Point Residential Sales Analysis 25 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader
City of Stevens Point taking applications for
Full-Time Positions
February, 2008
The City of Stevens Point is accepting applications for Senior Accountant, a challenging full-time position in
the Comptroller-Treasurer's Office. The Senior Accountant performs complex accounting and financial work. 2008
Salary is $45,000 plus excellent benefits. Get
More Information about this Position.
The City of Stevens Point is also accepting applications for Assistant Superintendent of Streets / Fleet Maintenance
Supervisor. Duties of this Full-Time position include the oversight of maintenance for City vehicle fleet and equipment,
as well as coordination of vehicle and equipment replacement. Starting salary: $46,400 plus excellent benefits.
Get More
Information about this Position.
Automated Garbage / Recycling Collection Information
January, 2008
City of Stevens Point residents will
be receiving new rolling carts for refuse (garbage) and recycling when the automated refuse and recycling program
begins later in 2008. The new automated collection program will allow the city to serve our growing community at
a lower cost, and will provide better service to our customers while reducing the chance of worker injuries.
This is a citywide initiative focused on making city government more proactive and efficient, using innovation
and technology to provide quality services to a growing community while controlling costs to taxpayers.
"Special assistance" waste collection service will be available to residents who are disabled or have
a handicap and cannot move their cart.
See the Top 10
things everyone should know about the Automated Program.
$20 million AIG Project will bring Hundreds of
New Jobs to Stevens Point
January, 2008
AIG, through the Noel Group and Travel Guard, has a long history in Stevens Point and it has played a huge role
in our economy for many years. Today's announcement means that role will not only continue for another generation,
but that it will expand to a level that I imagine is what John and Patty Noel knew was possible when they started
the Noel Group so many years ago.
A project of this size and scope will have an incredible impact on our local and regional economy. A $20 million
building project of over 125,000 expandable to 250,000 square feet, means good paying construction jobs, and that
new building will need people, AIG Travel Guard already employs over 800 people with good paying jobs here in town,
and they'll hire several hundred more over the months following the projects completion; due to growth averaging
between 30-40% per year. The new AIG building will also give our business park a tremendous anchor and foundation,
spurring further growth in and around the business park; supporting the City of Stevens Point and our region for
years to come.
It's important to note that we made an aggressive incentive offer in order to make this happen. Attracting and
keeping businesses is competitive, not just regionally but globally; but when you have a partner with a proven
track record of success in your community, along with an economic impact of their proposal that could change the
direction of our entire local economy; the incentives are well worth the cost. There is no doubt the City of Stevens
Point, Village of Plover and Portage County are thrilled most importantly to have retained such a great company.
Many people deserve credit for this victory. I want to thank the numerous citizens who consistently voiced their
support for keeping AIG in Stevens Point: Our Director of Community Development John Gardner worked tirelessly
to help put this proposal together, as well as our City Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice. I also need to thank
Ministry Health Care for being as community oriented as they are in order to work with the City on a complicated
land swap which was needed for us to be able to assemble a large enough parcel for AIG Travel Guard. I also want
to thank members of the City Council for their strong steadfast support of economic development; and of course,
AIG Travel Guard for making Stevens Point their permanent home, congratulations: we're proud to have you.
Andrew Halverson, Mayor of Stevens Point
2007 Residential Housing Sales Figures Available
January, 2008
If you wonder what your house is worth, or you want
to find out what the house down the street sold for, or if you wonder if your home's assessment is fair and equitable
compared to recent sales, or you are an appraiser looking for comparables, the Assessor's Office has posted the 2007 Residential Sales spreadsheet that provides
the information you need.
See
the 2007 Residential Sales Spreadsheet (90 KB .xls Microsoft Excel File.)(To download and save the
spreadsheet on your PC, right-click on the link and chose "save target as.")
Winter Tree Pruning in Progress
January, 2008
City of Stevens Point Forestry Department
personnel are currently pruning street trees. The city maintains a four-year pruning cycle. That means that every
tree in the right-of-way, usually trees located between the street and sidewalk, is pruned at least once every
four years if needed.
The city is responsible for all work performed on the trees in the right-of-way. The pruning crew is trained in
proper pruning techniques that follow industry standards. Trees are pruned when they are young to train them to
maintain a strong central leader and sound branching structure. As trees grow, they are pruned to provide sixteen
feet of clearance above the street, and eight feet above sidewalks. Dead, diseased, insect infested, crossing and
rubbing limbs, and competing leaders are some of the things the crew is pruning out of the street trees.
Get more information
about tree pruning.
Christmas Tree Disposal
January, 2008
City of Stevens Point residents may take
their Christmas trees to the city's recycling
and yard waste drop-off, which is open Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Residents who are physically unable to take their tree to the drop-off may leave it at their curb before the second
week of January.
Polka Music returns to Channel 3
January, 2008
Although it only played on Community Television (channel 3) for a short time last year, a volunteer-produced program
called "Musical Songfest" prompted more telephone calls to Channel 3's office than any program has in
at least 15 years. Many of those calls came from people wondering why the show wasn't on any more after the producer
asked channel 3 to stop playing it (because it is now being shown on a local broadcast channel that wanted exclusive
rights to the program).
Beginning this week, Polka Music Lovers can tune to channel 3 and watch a new program, called "Polka Potpourri,"
which is also produced by a volunteer polka music fan from Central Wisconsin. A different episode can be seen every
week at the following times: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11:30
a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
See the complete
Channel 3 Program Schedule.
Vote for Top 10 Influential Events
January, 2008
The Point 150
Committee has put together a list of 26 memorable events that they feel were the most influential in shaping this
great community over the past 150 years. Please vote for your Top 3. Deadline
for voting wa 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 25.
Read Information
about the 26 Events 66 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
Vote for Top 10 Influential People
January, 2008
The Point 150 Committee has put together
a list of 24 individuals and 2 groups of people who they feel were the most influential in shaping this great community
over the past 150 years. Deadline for voting
was 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 18.
Design a Commemorative Point Beer Can
January, 2008
The Point 150 Committee and the Stevens
Point Brewery are offering a special promotional design contest to celebrate the City of Stevens Point's 150th
birthday in 2008. Community members who have access to graphic design tools are invited to submit their artistic
concepts for a commemorative Point 150 Can! Deadline
for entries was 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22.
See the
Contest Rules 63
KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download the Can
Template 371
KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
Celebrate Stevens Point's 150th Birthday
January, 2008
On Saturday, January 12, the city of Stevens Point
kicked off a year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary.
With our city reaching this milestone, we
are offered an opportunity to look back and cherish the moments that have been, appreciate them, and look forward
to things to come. The 150th Anniversary of Stevens Point allows us to appreciate our heritage and celebrate the
moments that molded our community. Join us in celebrating!
See a list of activities
planned for 2008!
Snow Removal Reminder
January, 2008
For the safety of all in our community who use sidewalks in the Winter, home owners and building occupants are
responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their house or building within 24 hours
of the e |