Town of Plover
2019 Comprehensive Plan
Adopted: Plan Commission ______, ____ Town Board ______, _____
Revision to 2005 Comprehensive Plan Adopted December 21, 2005
Acknowledgements
Comprehensive Plan Review Committee CHAIR - Richard Pingel Jim Garbe Al Jankowski Mike Langlois Joan Scheider
Plan Commission CHAIR - Richard Pingel Jim Garbe Al Jankowski Melinda Osterberg Joan Scheider William Sniadajewski
Town Board CHAIR - Timothy Karcheski Joe Firkus Jim Garbe Dennis O’Brien Joan Scheider CLERK/TREASURER - Patricia Weller
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Statistical Sources
The demographic information in this Comprehensive Plan comes from the U. S. Census Bureau. Through the Census the name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure are collected on every individual in the United States every ten years. Starting with the 2010 Census, the method of collecting data beyond this primary information was changed. The more detailed demographic housing, social and economic information once collected during each Census is now collected annually by the American Community Survey (ACS) which began sampling in 2005.
ACS is a branch within the U.S. Census Bureau designed to provide communities with reliable and timely data. The Survey is sent to a small percentage of the population each year on a rotating basis throughout the decade. Information for Towns is produced every year and is based on 5-year estimates. For example, the 2011-2015 ACS 5-year estimates are based on data collected from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. These multi-year estimates cannot be used to say what is going on in any particular year in the period, only what the average value is over the full period.
The tables and figures that follow use data from the decennial Census and ACS to compare the Town of Plover with Portage County. This data is available via the American Fact Finder search site at http://factfinder2.census.gov/. Due to the changes in data collection mentioned above, the tables and figures rely more heavily on data from the ACS 5-year estimates than on the decennial Census. In fact, the decennial Census was only used to obtain counts of the population and their age groups (see Tables 1.1 and 1.2 and Figure 1.10. To compare ACS estimates, the U. S. Census Bureau advises comparison of non- overlapping datasets (for example, compare 2006-2010 ACS 5-yer estimates to 2011-2015 ACS 5-year estimates). When looking at the tables and figures remember they are in many cases estimates and not based on complete counts. For this reason, it is recommended that derived measures (percent, means, medians and rates) be compared rather than estimates of population totals.
While ACS estimates may have some error, it is the most accurate measure of what is happening within the Town that is available, and is a valid tool for understanding the relative importance of the information it is describing.
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………… i Statistical Sources………………………………………………………………………………. ii Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………….. iii
Introduction ...... 1
Chapter 1 - Issues and Opportunities ...... 3
1.1 – Description and Brief History…………………………………………..……………….3 1.2 - Previous Planning in Plover ...... …….. 9 1.3 - Current Comprehensive Planning Process ...... 10 1.4 - Demographic Trends ...... 11 1.5 - Forecasts ...... 18 1.6 - Community Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 18
Chapter 2 - Housing Element...... 19
2.1 - Introduction ...... 19 2.2 - Housing Inventory and Analysis ...... 19 2.3 - Housing Programs ...... 23 2.4 - Housing Issues ...... 24 2.5 - Housing Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 24
Chapter 3 - Transportation Element...... 27
3.1 - Introduction ...... 27 3.2 - Transportation Facility Inventory ...... 27 WISDOT Average Daily Traffic by Roadway Class ……………………………….. 28 3.3 - Transportation Plans and Programs ...... 31 3.4 - Transportation Related Programs ...... 33 3.5 - Transportation Issues ...... 33 3.6 - Transportation Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 33
Chapter 4 - Utilities and Community Facilities Element ...... 35
4.1 - Introduction ...... 35 4.2 - Public Utilities Inventory...... 35 4.3 - Community Facilities Inventory and Analysis ...... 39 4.4 - Utility and Community Facilities Issues ...... 46 4.5 - Utility and Community Facilities Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 46
Chapter 5 - Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Element ...... 49
5.1 - Introduction ...... 49 5.2 - Agricultural Resources Inventory ...... 49 5.3 - Agricultural Issues ...... 52 5.4 - Agricultural Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 52 5.5 - Natural Resources Inventory ...... 53 5.6 - Natural Resource Issues...... 60
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5.7 - Natural Resource Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 60 5.8 - Cultural Resources ...... 61 5.9 - Cultural Resource Issues ...... 62 5.10 - Cultural Resource Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 62
Chapter 6 - Economic Development Element ...... 63
6.1 - Introduction ...... 63 6.2 - Labor Force and Economic Base ...... 63 6.3 - Strengths and Weaknesses for Attracting/Retaining Business ...... 66 6.4 - Desired Businesses ...... 67 6.5 - Environmentally Contaminated Sites ...... 67 6.6 - Economic Development Resources ...... 68 6.7 - Economic Development Issues…………………………………………………………70 6.8 - Economic Development Goals, Objectives and Policies...... 71
Chapter 7 - Intergovernmental Cooperation Element ...... 73
7.1 - Inventory and Analysis of Intergovernmental Relationship……………………………73 7.2 - Identification of Existing or Potential Conflicts with Other Governmental Units……..76 7.3 - Issues/Conclusions...... 76 7.4 - Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals, Objectives and Policies ...... 76
Chapter 8 - Land Use Element ...... 77
8.0 - Existing Land Use……………………………………………………………………...77 Assessment Class Distribution.…………………………………………………………..77 8.1 – Residential……………………………………………………………………………...78 8.2 – Commercial/Services ...... 79 8.3 – Industrial/Manufacturing ...... 80 8.4 - Agricultural ...... 80 8.5 – Governmental/Institutional ...... 82 8.6 – Parks & Recreation….…………………………………………………………………82 8.7 – Undeveloped (Incl. Tax Exempt Properties) ...………………………………………..82 8.8 – Goals, Objectives, Policies & Extraterritorial Jurisdictions …………………………..83 8.9 – Future Recommendations..…………………………………………………………….85
Chapter 9 - Implementation Element ...... 88
9.1 - Comprehensive Plan Adoption Procedures ……………………………………………88 9.2 - Comprehensive Plan Implementation ……………………………...... 89 9.3 - Relationship to Zoning .……………………………………………………………91 Zoning/Land Use Compatibility Matrix………………………………………………..92 9.4 - Integration, Amendment, and Update of Comprehensive Plan Element..………..…… 93 9.5 - Monitoring/Formal Review of the Plan ...... 95
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Maps
Page References: ...... Map No. 27, 30, 85 Transportation Network ...... 3.1 39 Utilities ...... 4.1 37, 41 Community Facilities ...... 4.2 49 Highly Productive Agricultural Soils...... 5.1 54 Topography………………………………………………………...... 5.3 54 General Soil Associations ...... 5.4 55 Wetlands and Watersheds ...... 5.5 56 Floodplain ...... 5.6 56 Groundwater Flow ...... 5.7 57 Atrazine Prohibition Areas ...... 5.8 58 Forested Land & Wildlife Habitat ...... 5.9 71, 77 Existing Land Use ...... 8.1 84 Future Land Use ...... 8.2 83, 84 Village of Plover Extraterritorial Future Land Use Recommendations ...... 8.3 73,74,78,79,84 Town/Village of Plover Service Agreement Area ...... 8.4
Appendices
A . Resolution to Adopt Comprehensive Plan………..………………………….. 97-98 B Wisconsin Statutes 16.965(4) and 66.1001 ...... 99-105 C Town / Village of Plover Boundary & Utility Service Agreement ...... 106-110 D Plan Commission Public Hearing Notice ...... 111-112 E Town Board Adoption Ordinance and Amendment ...... 113-118 F Town Initiated Request to Portage County Planning and Zoning Committee .... 119-120 G History of Adoption and Amendment……………………………………………… 121
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Figures
FIGURE PAGE 1.1 POPULATION CHANGE 1900 TO 2015 ………………………………… 11 2.1 SINGLE FAMILY HOME PERMITS ……………………………………. 20
Tables
TABLE PAGE 1.1 POPULATION AND ACREAGE COMPARISON………………………. 13 1.2 POPULATION AGE DISTRIBUTION …………………………………… 14 1.3 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ………………………………………... 14 1.4A HOUSEHOLD TYPES ……………………………………………………. . 15 1.4B NONFAMILY HOUSEHOLDS …………………………………………… 15 1.5 INCOME COMPARISON …………………………………………………. 16 1.6 POVERTY COMPARISON ……………………………………………….. 16 1.7 EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY …………………………………………. 17 2.1 HOUSING OCCUPANCY CHARACTERISTICS ………………………… 19 2.2 HOUSING AGE CHARACTERISTICS …………………………………… 20 2.3 HOUSING STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS ………………………. 21 2.4 HOUSING VALUE CHARACTERISTICS ………………………………. 22 2.5 AFFORDABILITY COMPARISONS …………… ……………….… 22 2.6 AFFORDABILITY FOR RENTER-OCCUPANCY ………………………. 23 3.1 WISDOT AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC ………………………………….. 28 6.1 MEAN EARNINGS, INCOME AND PER CAPITA ……………………… 64 6.2 EMPLOYMENT STATUS ……..…………………………………………. 64 6.3 RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION ………………………. 65 6.4 RESIDENT COMPUTE TO WORK ……..……………………………….. 65 8.1 ASSESSMENT CLASS DISTRIBUTION ……………………………….. 77 8.3 FUTURE LAND USES ……………………………………………………. 85 9.1 ZONING/LAND USE COMPATIBILITY MATRIX ……………………. 91
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10/2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Introduction 1
Introduction
Welcome to the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan is the center- piece of the community planning process, stating our community’s development goals and outlining public policies for guiding future growth. It establishes an identifiable destination that allows both the governing body and its standing committees to plan and budget with an idea as to the direction the Town should move in the future. It helps to ensure that future growth is not only anticipated, but planned.
The Portage County Comprehensive Planning Process and the Town of Plover
The Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan has been completed as a part of a larger, county-wide planning project. State Statute requirements for long range planning (see SS 66.1001, Appendix C) stipulate that by January 1, 2010, all Towns, Villages, Cities, and Counties making decisions regulating land use will need to base those decisions on an adopted Comprehensive Plan. Two separate “large area” plan documents have been developed: an Urban Area plan which encompasses the City of Stevens Point, Villages of Park Ridge, Whiting and Plover, and a portion of the unincorporated Towns of Hull, Stockton, Plover, Linwood and Carson; and the Portage County Comprehensive Plan, which includes each of the seventeen unincorporated Towns (Alban, Almond, Amherst, Belmont, Buena Vista, Carson, Dewey, Eau Pleine, Grant, Hull, Lanark, Linwood, New Hope, Pine Grove, Plover, Sharon, Stockton) and six incorporated rural Villages (Almond, Amherst, Amherst Junction, Junction City, Nelsonville, Rosholt) that make up the rest of the County. In addition to the large area plans, the project included the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan for each of the County’s 27 individual units of government.
The first step in soliciting public involvement was a County-wide opinion survey, which was conducted in the second half of September 2001. The Town of Plover adopted the Public Participation Plan on September 3, 2003.
State Statute 66.1001 defines minimum requirements for content to be included within a comprehensive plan. These requirements include nine “elements” or chapters describing: issues and opportunities; housing; transportation; utilities and community facilities; agricultural, 2 natural and cultural resources; economic development; intergovernmental cooperation; land use; and implementation. The Town of Plover used the required elements as an outline for its plan document, first adopted on December 21, 2005.
State Statute 66.1001(2)(i) directs that the comprehensive plan, once implemented, should be updated no less than once every 10 years. In late 2011 the Town of Plover appointed a Comprehensive Plan Review Committee to undertake this task.
It should be noted that narrative in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan and its many tables had made comparisons of the changes in the Town of Plover over many years, and if the town had remained constant since 2005, the 2011 Committee charged with reviewing the 2005 comparisons would have continued that approach. However, sizeable annexations to the City of Stevens Point reduced the population in the Town of Plover by almost 30% making comparisons related to population meaningless. In addition, sizeable acreage annexations to the Village of Plover have had the same effect on the geographic make-up of the Town.
The Committee charged with reviewing the Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Plover has taken the position to present future postures based on what is known today. For that reason, the statistics presented in this revised document have new beginnings based on the status of 2010 census data.
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CHAPTER 1 Issues and Opportunities for Comprehensive Planning in the Town of Plover
Section 1.1 Description and History
These historical notes were gleamed from Malcolm Rosholt’s “Our County, Our Story”, from Michael Riley’s article “A History of Plover to 1984”, a list of historical notes found in the Town of Plover safe, historical newspapers and various family histories.
1836: The Wisconsin Territory was created and, at that time, a county to be called “Portage” was established. By 1841, Portage County had been enlarged to 57 miles wide and extended from the south – at the Wisconsin River near Fort Winnebago to Lake Superior and the Michigan border in the north; in 1849, the County Board split the county into three parts – the Middleton, Bull Falls and Plover townships. From then on, Portage County lost portions of its land as new counties were formed until when the last boundary change occurred in 1856 to create Wood County - Portage County has remained the same size since.
1844: During this year, the Village of Plover Portage came into prominence when an election made it the county seat – an election that was contended as not being fair since a lumber man brought in lumberjacks from the north to support the voters around Plover and Mill Creek. In 1845, the Village of Plover was first platted. Then in 1847 the federal government offered a mail route contract to Jacob L. Myers to run a stage line through the prairie and forestland in the area between Plover and Portage. According to author Malcolm Rosholt, Myers raised horses for his operation on a farm in Buena Vista.
1850: The building of the Buena Vista House, which became a popular stopping point on the stagecoach route in the 1850’s, permitted stagecoach travelers and others to take a breather before continuing their ride to Plover or on to Portage. Unique, even by today’s standards, this building featured a “rocking dance floor,” which may have been the only one of that type in the county, according to Rosholt. The special floor was built on levers that permitted it to sway up to 18 inches. “It was no doubt a popular place for teenagers of the period whirling about in the traditional cotillion, better known as the square dance,” Rosholt wrote. Jacob Myers son, Lon, a local auctioneer by day was frequently the square dance caller at the Buena Vista House.
As more and more people settled down in Plover, it didn’t take long before the Town began to gain a reputation as a heavy agricultural area. Large areas of land in Buena Vista and Almond were already in agricultural production by 1851. Cropland had begun to open up in the Town of Plover and surrounding areas.
1854: 130 voters elected their first Town Chairman, Thomas H. McDill, with 116 votes cast at the election held on April 4th. (The Poll List for 1854 is displayed in the Town Hall of the Town of Plover.)
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1855: This era brought another notable structure to the Town of Plover - the Moore Barn, which was built near what was once known as Buena Vista Road. The barn survived into the 1920s, but when demolished, legend has it - several skeletons were found in the barn’s floor. These rumors may have circulated because, reportedly, bandits had routinely held up the stage as it passed through the pineries along the Buena Vista Road, according to Rosholt.
1857-58: A bill was introduced in the state legislature which changed the town’s name to the incorporated Village of Clayton but later in 1857, the Governor signed a bill and Plover became known as Algernon. Then, in 1858, residents requested another change and a new governor amended the name to the Village of Stanton.
1860: $25.00 was received from James Isherwood to license the Isherwood Hotel to serve liquor, according to Rosholt; another respite along the road in what is now the Town of Plover, the Isherwood Hotel was about two miles west of the infamous Moore Barn featuring a tavern house, dance hall and guest rooms. This structure remained until in the 1960-70’s when it was torn down.
1863: Indians invaded the area - between 5,000 and 6,000 - held a dance and passed a peace pipe; due to this excitement, a Civil War draft was postponed and, unfortunately in this same year, the Buena Vista House and its rocking dance floor were destroyed by tornado.
1864: Still not satisfied, the name was once again changed back to the Village of Plover; in that year, several cattle drives passed through Plover and Stevens Point on their way to Superior, and daily stage runs were occurring to Eau Pleine, Knowlton, Mosinee, Berlin, Almond and Wautoma.
1868: Thomas Mc Dill lost an election by over 100 votes to Raymond Burr who backed the highly contended move of the county seat to Stevens Point which lead to the demise of the Village of Plover; according to Malcolm Rosholt’s “Our County Our Story”. The village dissolved on or before 1870 with a population of 500 and the Town of Plover was later partitioned off to form what are now the Towns of Buena Vista, Grant, Stockton, and Linwood.
In 1874, Indians had killed 25 bears in the area. But as new roads were built, other establishments sprouted up in the Town of Plover - like Mathias Mitchell’s tavern house about a mile southeast of the Plover Town Square – known originally as Mitchell’s Tavern and later may have been renamed. In 1876 two railroads were beginning to serve the area.
1912: Votes were cast to decide on incorporation: 48 in favor and 23 against – a new Village of Plover was incorporated with 330 residents. However, in 1931 – the village was
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Issues& Opportunities 5 struggling and began borrowing money from residents to continue in operation until holdings of the village were transferred to the Town of Plover and the village stood dissolved.
1948: The Town of Plover built the “Town Center” just south of the old “Plover Town Square”; this building, while providing space to administer the town’s business, also provided a basketball floor for area youth and functioned as a dance floor for weddings and March of Dimes events, and later, as a roller-skate rink.
As the map below displays, in 1950 boundaries of the Town of Plover represent the township in its entirety following that first effort at incorporation in 1912 which failed in 1931. Due to the Great Depression and World War II, municipal development remained stagnant.
1965: Another attempt to incorporate failed - 339 against incorporation and 168 in favor – that proposal involved 3.5 square miles with an estimated population of 1000. In 1971 another petition emerged to incorporate 12.5 square miles which failed again – this time because the State Director of Local and Regional Planning deemed it took in too much territory – supporters were told to resubmit a petition for half as much area.
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1970:
1971-72: Supporters of incorporation quickly came back with a proposal to incorporate 6.5 square miles with an estimated population of 2600 and a referendum was ordered. Out of 1700 possible voters, only 600 voted and the Village of Plover was reestablished.
1980: When incorporated, the Village of Plover had absorbed a population of 2,618 with total land area of 6.74 square miles; a special census conducted in 1975 found the village population at 3,408.
The map of 1980 clearly identifies that consolidation didn’t impact just population, but had a major geographic impact as well on the Town of Plover.
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By 1981, the Village land mass had increased to 7.23 square miles due to annexations. The annexation left the Town of Plover in need of a town hall so a parcel was purchased from Gilbert and Ellen Higgins on which the town built the Town of Plover Municipal Building which functioned as the town office, the town hall and the town garage until in 1999, when the current town hall was constructed to the southern side of the same lot.
1990:
2000: Here and there a scattering of annexations were petitioned as property owners desired village utilities. In 1996 and in 1997, two subdivisions were annexed to the City of Stevens Point; the related boundary agreement extended utilities to these two areas in the Town of Plover for a period of ten years after which these areas moved into the tax base of the City of Stevens Point.
In 2006 and again in 2007, population statistics reflect the impact of these two annexations to the City of Stevens Point. At about this time, a developer recognized the potential of the existing 27-hole Tree Acres Golf Course in the Town of Plover, and convinced the Village of Plover to undertake a TIF district to finance the development of this large tract of land. There were plans for man-made lakes, water- ski competitions, a condominium complex built around an 18-hole golf course and more. Another
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160 acres were annexed at about the same time in anticipation of the needs this development would drive. Eisenhower Avenue, which had been a Town of Plover road now became County Road R; Village utilities were extended in anticipation of supporting this project but yet nothing has materialized beyond that point.
2010:
SIZE OF THE TOWN OF PLOVER IMPACTS OF ANNEXATION SQUARE SQUARE ACRES MILES POPULATION ACRES MILES POPULATION 1950 35,009 54.7 1621 1970 34,666 54.2 3692 -343 -0.9% +1.28% 1980 29,683 46.4 2362 -4,983 -14.4% - 36.0% 1990 28,892 45.1 2226 -791 -2.8% - 5.8% 2000 28,025 43.8 2415 -867 -2.9% + 8.5% 2010 26,300 41.1 1641 -1,725 -6.2% - 32.0% 2015 26,000 40.6 1724 -300 -1.2% +5.1%
Sources: Maps provided by Portage County Planning & Zoning and population by Wisconsin Department of Administration
As the preceding table records, by 2010 annexations have absorbed 24.2% of the Town’s acreage since 1970 and taken 55.5% of its population. Annexations totally changed the complexion of the Town of Plover – and have provided a drastic influence on the ways in which the Town of Plover will develop.
The Town of Plover, located on the urban fringe of Stevens Point, shares common boundaries with the City, and the Villages of Whiting and Plover. The Wisconsin River and the Village of Plover
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Issues& Opportunities 9 form much of the Town's northern boundary, with the Towns of Buena Vista and Grant bordering on the south. The Township of Plover extends eastward to the Town of Stockton and westward along Highway 54 to the Portage/Wood County border.
2017:
As expected, although unwanted, the trend for annexations has continued. At the time of this writing, the Town of Plover with 1721 residents now measures 20.26 square miles involving 26,000 acres.
Section 1.2 Previous Planning Efforts in the Town of Plover
October 7, 1982: The Plover Town Board requested assistance of the Portage County Planning Department in developing a Town Land Use Plan. The Plan would serve as a basis for the Town of Plover to update its zoning map to reflect changing conditions.
June 23, 1983: The Town of Plover Planning and Zoning Committee first met to begin work on their Land Use Plan.
August 9, 1983: The Town Planning and Zoning Committee voted to recommend the Town Board consider adoption of the Portage County Zoning Ordinance.
May 27, 1986: An informational meeting was held in the Town Hall to encourage public review of the Land Use Plan.
July 1, 1987: The Town Board voted to adopt County zoning.
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June 2001: The Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan began as a part of county-wide planning which involved the Portage County Comprehensive Planning Joint Steering Committee and a public participation survey.
January 2003 thru June 2005: The Town of Plover Seven-Member Comprehensive Planning Committee, appointed by the Town Board, met regularly to consider:
1. Research – needs and goals 2. Formation of a course of action – how and where to grow 3. Preferred plan for guiding future growth – the Land Use Plan 4. Implementation – Portage County Zoning Ordinance, Town of Plover Subdivision regulations and the Town of Plover annual budget.
August 16, 2011: As directed by Statute 66.1001(2)(i), the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan Review Committee began the task of reviewing the plan as established in 2005.
November 28, 2012: A joint meeting of the Town of Plover Plan Commission and the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan Review Committee presented an educational forum to which all Town of Plover landowners of A1 (Exclusive Agriculture) zoning were invited. Members of the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department offered information and responded to questions regarding Conservancy zoned land and implications of continuing A1 zoning in the Town of Plover.
GARBE LIST TO ADD oldPlanning notes - Prain vintage September 2019: The review committee was ready to submit their draft for public review.
Section 1.3 Current Comprehensive Planning Process
Today the Comprehensive Plan is to be used as a guide by those making decisions with regard to development of the community. This Comprehensive Plan must also remain flexible so it can be modified to reflect the processes of actual development as well as the changing attitudes and priorities of our community. New information must be continually gathered and studied to determine trends and reevaluate projections, forecasts, and plans. Even policy recommendations, which are relatively permanent statements, may require periodic review to determine appropriateness and suitability in relation to the direction and character of community development of the time.
A well thought-out and updated Comprehensive Plan, with a solid base of public involvement, is one of the most fruitful investments a local government can make. As a collection of policies and plans designed to guide future growth and development, it will ensure continuity over time as changes occur within the Town of Plover.
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Section 1.4 Demographic Trends
A. Population Growth
Every 10 years national census results become the main source of information used to understand how communities change over time.
Census data reveals historical population trends in the Town of Plover (Figure 1.1). The decline in the Town's population over a thirty-year period from 1900 to 1930 reversed during the 1930's with the Town experiencing a significant upturn in population. In Portage County, the impact of the migration back to the rural areas was greater in those towns located adjacent to the larger population centers. Population dramatically decreased during the 1940s and then “exploded” during the 1960’s.
FIGURE 1.1: TOWN OF PLOVER POPULATION CHANGE 1900 TO 2015
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1900 - 2010 and Wisconsin Department of Administration
4,000 3,692
3,500
3,000 2,415
2,500 2,330
2,223 2,080
2,000 1,972
1,724
1,701
Population
1,611
1,621
1,580 1,435 1,500 1,389
1,000
500
0 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015
Year
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Issues& Opportunities 12
What happened during the ‘60’s?
The College campus in Stevens Point merged into the University of Wisconsin umbrella and “UWSP” developed – bringing the construction of several dormitories and academic structures. Student enrollment went from 3,000-plus up to close to 10,000 by the early ‘70’s. This growth caught municipalities ill-prepared to provide housing; bedroom-communities supported by private wells and private septic systems rose up, seemingly, overnight and with that, mobile home parks emerged to provide much-needed affordable housing.
In the ‘70’s? The population decline for the Town of Plover during the 1970’s, as displayed in Figure 1.1, is attributable to the incorporation of the Village of Plover – which took some 2600 residents in 1972. However, growth continued during the ‘70’s with the expansion of Sentry Insurance in the City of Stevens Point, the impacts of Del Monte lying in the Village of Plover, and the building of American Potato and Ore Ida agricultural plants out in the Town of Plover.
The Town of Plover population leveled off at 2,200-2,400 for about 20 years while their subdivision concentrations of private wells and septic systems began to age.
In the ‘90’s? In 1996 and 1997, annexations were negotiated with the City of Stevens Point to gain the advantage of utilities in a densely populated subdivision area. While these annexations were not well accepted by all residents, the assessment implications of these annexations were “phased” in over 10 years while immediately providing relief for the advantage of utilities.
And in the next decade: The 1996-97 annexations culminated in 2006 and 2007 dropping population in the Town of Plover by about 700 persons. At about the same time, other acreage annexations by the Village of Plover occurred impacting the town’s geographic size but with less population impact.
In 2012 the City of Stevens Point annexed 200+ acres from the Town of Plover plus acreage from the Towns of Hull and Stockton to amass 700 acres for future development of an industrial park.
It is this history and the changing attitudes toward development – and in the Town of Plover, the commercial and residential development needs for agricultural acres – that makes the consideration of land use changes of immediate concern.
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Table 1.1: 2010 Portage County Comparisons
Portage County Population and Acreage Comparison Between Towns 2010
Size Ranking Population Of % Of Portage Town Size Town Ranking by Town by Population Town County Population by Acreage Acreage
Town of 5 1,701 2.4% 26,300 9 Plover Hull 1 5,346 7.6% 20,026 17 Stockton 2 2,917 4.2% 37,053 4 Sharon 3 1,982 2.8% 41,485 2 Grant 4 1,906 2.7% 45,618 1 Town of 5 1,701 2.4% 26,300 9 Plover Lanark 6 1,527 2.2% 23,128 15 Amherst 7 1,325 1.9% 24,497 10 Carson 8 1,305 1.9% 35,332 6 Buena Vista 9 1,198 1.7% 39,290 3 Linwood 10 1,121 1.6% 21,554 16 Pine Grove 11 937 1.3% 24,158 11 Dewey 12 932 1.3% 30,096 7 Eau Pleine 13 908 1.3% 36,726 5 Alban 14 885 1.3% 23,188 14 New Hope 15 718 1.0% 23,323 12 Almond 16 680 1.0% 27,641 8 Belmont 17 616 0.9% 23,240 13
Total 17 Towns 27,705 39.6% 502,655 17 Towns Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census
By 2010, the Town of Plover was now the 9th largest of Portage County’s Towns in terms of geographic size, encompassing an area of approximately 26,300 acres or 41.1 sq. miles. It is also the 5th largest Town in terms of population, with approximately 1,721 residents at the time of this writing.
B. Age Distribution
The next table, 1.2, details the number of Town residents in specific age groups along with similar information of the County as a whole. Insight into the nature of the Town’s population over time can be gained through examining how the different age groups changed as they move through their life cycles. In 2010, as the population has matured, the “bedroom communities” appear to have evolved into “retirement communities” suggesting that residents are comfortable in their neighborhoods and enjoy living in the Town of Plover.
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Issues& Opportunities
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Table 1.2: Distribution of Population, by Ten-Year Age Groups
Town of Plover Portage County Age 1990 2000 2010* 1990 2000 2010*
0 - 24 years 902 845 554 26,427 27,065 26,024
25 - 64 years 1,195 1,385 960 28,375 32,763 35,040
65 years and older 126 185 187 6,603 7,354 8,955
TOTAL 2,223 2,415 1,701 61,405 67,182 70,019
Median Age 31.0 36.3 42.1 29.3 33.0 35.8 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000. * Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American Community Survey DP05.
In 2010 Table 1.2 reflects the median age for the Town of Plover was 42.1 years. The “median age” is the point where ½ of the population lies above and ½ lies below; the older this age is, the older the overall population is becoming. When comparing the median ages, one recognizes the impact of the University student population in the City of Stevens Point.
C. Education Levels
Table 1.3: Comparison of Educational Attainment for Residents 25 Years and Older Town of Plover Portage County . Attainment (Persons 25 yrs+) 2010* % 2010* %
Ed Less Than 9th Grade 72 4.8% 1,577 3.8%
9th to 12th Grade (No Diploma) 95 6.3% 2,415 5.9%
High School Graduate 673 44.7% 14,911 36.4%
Some College (No Degree) 263 17.5% 8,143 19.9%
Associate Degree 145 9.6% 3,263 8.0%
Bachelor's Degree 185 12.3% 7,151 17.5%
Graduate / Professional Degree 72 4.8% 3,502 8.5%
TOTAL 1,505 100.0% 40,962 100.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey data from 2005 to 2009 DP02.
Table 1.3 presents the educational attainment of those over 25 years of age of those Town of Plover residents in the workforce today; however, it would be interesting to study similar comparisons of the age group under 25 years of age to consider the commitment of Town of Plover residents to education as compared to the County.
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D. Households and Income
The Town of Plover residential community is made up of different types of households.
Table 1.4 A: 2010 Family Household Type Comparison FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS Town of Plover Portage County BY TYPE Households % Households % Total Family Households 457 76.8% 17,282 64.1% Married-couple families 393 86.0% 14,421 83.4%
Other family, male 20 4.4% 953 5.5% householder Other family, female 44 9.6% 1,908 11.0% householder Persons Per Household 2.72 2.54 Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey data from 2005 to 2009 DP02..
Table 1.4 B: 2010 Nonfamily Household Type Comparison
NONFAMILY HOUSEHOLDS Town of Plover Portage County BY TYPE Households % Households % 138 23.2 9,663 35.9%
Householder living alone 102 73.9% 6,502 67.3% Householder 65 yrs and over 31 22.5% 2,251 23.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the
American Community Survey data from 2005 to 2009 DP02.
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The Census also provided insight into the range of residential incomes in Plover.
Table 1.5: 2010 Household Income Comparison Household Income Town of Plover Portage County Per Year Households Town Households Portage Co. % % $0 to $24,999 99 16.6% 6,554 24.3%
$25,000 to $74,999 226 38.0% 12,654 47.0% $75,000 or more 270 45.4% 7,737 28.7% Total Households 595 100.0% 26,945 100.0% Median - Household $67,417 $50,978
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey data from 2005 to 2009 table DP03.
Median household income is impressive in the Town of Plover when one compares with the County - perhaps influenced by the impact of the large agricultural footprint in the township.
The status of residents is a determination of income thresholds that vary by family size. If family total income is less than the determined income threshold for a family’s size, the family is then determined to be poor. Poverty levels are updated annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) counting income prior to taxes; capital gains and non-cash benefits such as public housing, food stamps and Medicaid are not included. Poverty is not defined for people in military barracks, institutional group quarters or for unrelated children under age 15 (such as foster children).
Table 1.6: 2010 Percent in Poverty Comparison
Town of Plover Portage County Poverty Statistics for % in % in Selected Populations 2010 Poverty 2010 Poverty
Persons 92 5.2% 7,924 12.1% Persons 65 Years and Older 6 4.1% 690 8.3% Families 15 2.9% 901 5.1% 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, S2701 and S1702: Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months.
Each category has a separate total of individuals identified by the American Community Survey. Each total has a percentage below poverty total associated with it. For this reason, only the total number of individuals, persons 65 and over, and Families are given along with the associated percentage below poverty for each category.
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E. Employment Characteristics
The following Table 1.7, represents only the type of industry working residents of the Town of Plover were employed by - this is not a listing of the type of employers currently located within the Town. This table can be viewed as the type of skill sets for which residents are employed. A 6.4% of the total labor force unemployed in the Town of Plover indicates availability of local residents for employment. It should be pointed out that the total labor force of the town is 10.5% greater than the average available labor force of all towns.
Table 1.7: 2010 Summary of Employment by Industry - Towns Av
Industry Town of Plover Portage County Total Employed Persons 916 36,403 Unemployed Persons 63 2,198 Total Labor Force 979 38,601 Percent Unemployed 6.4% 6.0% Persons 16 Years + 1,253 55,871 Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, 62 6.8% 1,290 3.5% Mining Construction 14 1.5% 1,873 5.1% Manufacturing 203 22.2% 5,207 14.3% Transportation, Warehousing, 39 4.3% 1,888 5.2% Utilities Information 22 2.4% 773 2.1% Wholesale Trade 41 4.5% 976 2.7% Retail Trade 180 19.7% 4,929 13.5%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 58 6.3% 3,605 9.9%
Professional, Management, 44 4.8% 1,933 5.3% Administrative Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 32 3.5% 3,709 10.2% Services Educational, Health, Social 168 18.3% 7,851 21.6% Services Other 28 3.1% 1,440 4.0% Public Administration 25 2.7% 929 2.6% Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey data from 2005 to 2009 table DP03.
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Section 1.5 Forecasts
A. Population Projections
Previous statistical analyses of population and geographic area of the Town of Plover can no longer be used due to the approximate 30% decrease in the Town’s population and the related reduction in the Town’s geographic area resulting from consolidation of the Village of Plover, and two significant annexations to the City of Stevens Point.
B. Employment Projections
Agriculture-related employment, including farm operations and food processing plants, will continue to provide job opportunities for Town of Plover residents
Service and retail activities in the I39/54 Business District also provide additional opportunities for employment as well as the commercial warehousing and private entrepreneur activity elsewhere in the township.
Section 1.6 Community Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goals, objectives and policies provide the framework for guiding future community development activities in the Town of Plover.
Goals: Stated as desirable conditions to strive toward in the future; they are common ideals of the community that can be achieved through the actions of government leaders, private enterprise and individuals.
Objectives: General targets to be achieved along the path of satisfying community goals.
Policies: Specific recommendations or methods of action to accomplish these stated objectives.
Together these three aspects – goals, objectives and policies - express the uniqueness of the community while providing guidance for desirable patterns of growth and development.
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CHAPTER 2 Housing Element
Section 2.1 Introduction
It is important to look at different characteristics of housing in the Town of Plover to assess its ability to meet the needs of present and future residents. Wisconsin statutes state that the housing element of the Comprehensive Plan is to assess the age, structure, value and occupancy characteristics of local housing.
Section 2.2 Housing Inventory and Analysis
A. Housing Occupancy
Occupancy characteristics can indicate if current housing is sufficient to meet existing demand. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set an overall rate of 3% vacancy to assure an adequate choice for consumers. The acceptable vacancy rate for owner-occupied housing is 1.5% while a rate of 5% vacancy is seen as acceptable for rental units.
Table 2.1: Housing Occupancy Characteristics, 2011-2015
Town of Plover Portage County Occupancy Units % Units % Occupied Housing Units 656 94% 27,768 92% Owner Occupied 533 81% 19,054 69% Renter Occupied 123 19% 8,714 31% Vacant Housing Units 44 6% 2,519 8% Total Housing Units 700 30,287 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2011-2015 American Community Survey
Town of Plover Towns Average Portage County
B. Age Characteristics % Units %
Next is a comparison of housing ages between the Town of Plover and Portage County over the last 70+ years (Table 2.2). This information is taken from the U. S. Census Summary File 3, which is based on a sample of households within a community, and not a total count of all households.
The growth spurt in the 1970’s appears to have been greater in the Town of Plover than in the County – again, seemingly, the impact of the Town of Plover developing into that “bedroom community” supporting the significant changes occurring in the City of Stevens Point.
With over three-quarters (78%) of the housing units in the Town of Plover built in 1970 or later, the on-going availability of a relatively newer housing stock in the Town of Plover is greater than in Portage County as a whole (61%).
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Table 2.2: Housing Age Characteristics, 2011-2015
Year Structure Built Town of Plover Portage County
Homes % Homes %
2010 or later 14 2% 449 2%
2000 to 2009 98 14% 4,583 15%
1990 to 1999 132 19% 4,536 15%
1980 to 1989 155 22% 4,287 14%
1970 to 1979 131 19% 5,453 18%
1960 to 1969 45 6% 2,637 9%
1950 to 1959 41 6% 1,956 7%
1940 to 1949 13 2% 1,259 4%
1939 or earlier 71 10% 5,127 17%
Total Units Listed 700 100% 30,287 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2011-2015 American Community Survey Data on year structure built are more susceptible to errors of response and non-reporting than data for many other questions because respondents must rely on their memory or on estimates by people who have lived in the neighborhood a long time.
Figure 2.1: Single-Family Home Permits
Single Family Home Permits 10 9 8 7 6 5 10
4 6 6 6 3 5 5 5 5 4 4 2 3 3 3 2 permits of # 1 1 1 1 0
Year
Source: Portage County Planning & Zoning Department - Zoning Permit Data
The previous Figure 2.1 has been provided by examining building permit data for the past 2,829 9.7% 20+ years on file with the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department.
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The Town experienced its highest permit activity during the early part of the 1990 – 1999 decade. Low mortgage rates and favorable economic conditions during that period would be factors contributing to these housing starts. This intense building activity led to the 1996 and 1997 annexations, conducted in two phases, to the City of Stevens Point; this annexation activity immediately provided water and sewer utilities while the parcels remained on the Town of Plover assessment roll for a 10 year period which ended in 2007.
There were 29 housing permits issued in the Town of Plover for single-family housing starts during the period 2000-2003. The low permit activity in the Town is indicative of the fact that the Town of Plover, as it has existed since the annexation which culminated in 2007, is a largely agricultural community, and it should be noted that Figure 2.1 does not include building of structures other than single family residences.
C. Structural Characteristics
In 2010, 86% of Town of Plover housing is categorized as single-family, or 1-unit detached (Table 2.3 below). Mobile homes, located in two parks, represent 14% of the available housing in the Town of Plover.
Table 2.3 2010 Housing Structural Characteristics Town of Plover Portage County Units in Structure Units % Units % 1 Unit Detached 559 86% 19,834 68% 1-Unit Attached 0 0% 1,008 3% 2 to 4 Units 0 0% 3,197 11% 5 or more Units 0 0% 3,356 12% Mobile Home Trailer or Other 90 14% 1,751 6% TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 649 100% 29,146 100%
Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan Review Committee modified the Town of Plover values above because data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated the presence of multiple family structures which do not exist in the Town of Plover.
D. Value Characteristics
In the following table, the value of housing, along with median price place the Town of Plover in the middle when compared with the County values.
Median price is an indicator that can be used to gauge housing demand. The median home price in the Town of Plover is lower than the County overall. The 9.8% of houses valued under $50,000, which is greater might be due to the number of mobile homes in the two mobile home parks in the town. At the other end of the spectrum, in the range of $300,000 or more, the Town of Plover is holding its own in comparison with that of the County.
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Table 2.4: 2010 Housing Value Characteristics Housing Value Town of Plover Portage County (Owner Occupied) Units % Units % Less than $50,000 50 9.8% 1,140 6.0% $50,000 to $99,999 31 6.1% 3,413 18.1% $100,000 to $149,999 178 34.8% 5,975 31.6% $150,000 to $199,999 115 22.5% 4,116 21.8% $200,000 to $299,999 89 17.4% 2,978 15.8% $300,000 or more 49 9.6% 1,277 6.8% TOTAL UNITS 512 18,899 MEDIAN VALUE $149,300 $140,800 * Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 2005-2009 table DP04.
E. Housing Affordability
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, not more than 30% of a household income should be spent on monthly housing costs in order for that home to be considered affordable. The following information, from the U.S. Census Summary, is based on a sample of households within a community, and not a total count of all households.
On the following page, the U.S. Census data on housing costs as a percentage of household income is presented - for homeowners (Table 2.5) and for renters (Table 2.6).
In 2010, 14.6% of Town of Plover owner-occupied households paid more than 30% of monthly income on housing costs (Table 2.5) – considerably lower than Portage County in this category.
Table 2.5 2010 Affordability Comparison Owner Occupied Housing Monthly Owner Costs as % Town of Plover Portage County of Household Income Unit % Unit % less than 20.0% 195 58.2% 4674 40.1% 20.0 to 24.9% 33 9.9% 2211 19.0% 25.0 to 29.9% 58 17.3% 1604 13.8% 30.0 to 34.9% 5 1.5% 951 8.1% 35% or more 44 13.1% 2163 18.6% not computed 0 0.0% 45 0.4% Total Units Listed 335 100.0% 11,648 100.0% Source: American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2010 from DP04.
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Table 2.6 below indicates approximately 37.3% of the Plover renter-occupied households to be paying more than 30% of household income for rent in 2010. The number of residents paying less than 20% of monthly income for rent was higher in the Town of Plover than the County.
Table 2.6: 2010 Affordability Comparison for Renter-Occupied Housing Units Gross rent as % of Town of Plover Portage County Household Income Units % Units % less than 20.0% 30 36.1% 2,248 27.9%
20.0 to 24.9% 16 19.3% 1,018 12.7% 25.0 to 29.9% 0 0.0% 729 9.1% 30.0 to 34.9% 5 6.0% 713 8.9%
35% or more 26 31.3% 2,896 36.0% not computed 6 7.2% 442 5.5% Total Units Listed 83 100% 8,046 100% Source: American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2010 from DP04.
Section 2.3 Housing Programs First, to ensure that existing and future housing units are safe and adequate for occupancy, building and housing codes should be reviewed and updated. Programs listed below can be utilized for those in need of housing assistance.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) – provides a listing of numerous housing programs including low interest loans for first time homebuyers, home improvement loans, and tax credit programs for elderly and low-income family housing.
Housing Authority of Portage County (HAPC) – offers a housing assistance program through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Federal funds are available to help low income persons pay rent on privately owned dwelling units. Most housing types can qualify including single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, manufactured homes, and town homes. All units must meet HUD’s standards.
CAP Services - a non-profit corporation, also has several programs available to low and moderate income residents of Portage County including Home Buyer’s Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation and Weatherization programs. Financial assistance under these programs is provided through a deferred loan which is due upon sale of the home or transfer of title.
Home Buyer’s Assistance Program - provides matching funds to eligible first-time, low and moderate income homebuyers for down payment and closing costs - intended to encourage home ownership.
CAP’s Housing Rehabilitation Program - provides funds to assist low and moderate income homeowners for necessary repairs, including - but not limited to - roof, door, window, and siding replacement; foundation repair; well and septic systems; and electrical, heating system and water heater replacement.
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – a federally funded program, administrated by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations, to assist local governments with housing programs that primarily benefit low and moderate income residents. CDBG funds can be used for a wide variety of activities including owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, handicap accessibility modifications, public facility/infrastructure improvements and special housing projects like acquisition, demolition, and relocation projects. While only municipalities can apply for the grant, CAP Services can assist with the application and administer the grant for a 10% administration fee which is paid for with grant money.
Section 2.4 Housing Issues
The following issues relating to housing were identified through the planning process:
Should smaller residential lot size be allowed in or adjacent to areas of the boundary agreement so sewer could be extended in the future without annexation?
What are the future housing needs of the elderly over the next twenty years?
To what extent should mobile homes be allowed?
To what extent should multi-family residential development be allowed?
Proximity to intensive agricultural uses
Section 2.5 Housing Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal 1: Allow for adequate housing in the Town of Plover
Objective: Promote the development of multiple housing types such as condominiums, assisted living facilities, and duplexes in areas where, due to the boundary agreement, Village of Plover utilities can be extended into the Town of Plover without annexation.
Policies: 1. Provide for higher density development in select areas 2. Specify lot sizes in areas in or adjacent to boundary agreement areas.
Goal 2: Housing developments consider the protection of natural resources and open spaces.
Objective: Permit new development as guided by this Comprehensive Plan and with consideration of the interests of neighbors and the Town in general.
Policies: 1. Restrict the location of new development in unsuitable areas such as natural drainage ways and areas prone to flood hazard and groundwater pollution. 2. Encourage the use of green spaces and natural areas as a means to buffer residential development from other adjacent uses. 3. Encourage installation of community wells where residential high density would make this feasible.
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Goal 3: Support and encourage the quality and integrity of existing housing and neighborhoods.
Objective: Maintain or rehabilitate existing housing
Policies: 1. Enforce ordinances regarding standards. 2. Provide informational materials to residents regarding rehabilitation programs. 3. Provide information materials to residents regarding funding sources.
Goal 4: Allow for affordable housing in the Town of Plover
Objective: Maintain or rehabilitate existing mobile home parks.
Policies: 1. Mobile homes are to be located only in a licensed mobile home park 2. Maintain an updated Mobile Home Ordinance. 3. Administer existing ordinance restraints, maintain timely assessment practices and develop good communications with mobile home park operators.
Goal 5: Encourage increased understanding of health and public safety impacts of agricultural, business and residential co-existence.
Objective: Understanding of and the use of Best Management Practices
Policies: 1. Conduct Annual Water Testing Clinic 2. Review agricultural use of town roads
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CHAPTER 3 Transportation Element
Section 3.1 Introduction
Movement of people, goods, and services within and through the Town of Plover is an integral part of everyday life for its’ citizens.
Section 3.2 Transportation Facility Inventory
A. Roads and Highways
Current road classifications for the County transportation network are officially designated in the 1989 document entitled “The Functional Classification of Highways, Roads, and Streets in Portage County, Wisconsin.”
“Arterials” accommodate the movement of vehicles “Local Streets” provide a land access function (neighborhood streets that lead to homes, etc.). “Collectors” serve both local and through traffic by providing a connection between arterials and local roads.
The functional classification of roads on the Map 3.1 – Transportation Network is based on Wisconsin DOT information, while the text below depicts functional classes based on the County’s system of classification.
As of 2019, Portage County mapping finds the local road system for the Town of Plover consisting of a total of 91.69 miles of public roadway: Interstate 39 accounts for 6 miles, State Highway (STH) 54 - 9.4 miles, and County Roads B, F, HH, R and U - 5.87 miles. WISLR allocates 89.97 total mileage to the Town of Plover; however, on and off ramps may account for the difference. Interestingly, the State of Wisconsin certifies only 70.66 miles which includes 18.85 miles of dirt or gravel roads - leaving blacktop roads at 51.81 miles.
As described below in the AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC Table 3.1:
1. Federal and State Roadways - Principal Arterials: Interstate 39/51 is a four-lane highway that isligned in a north- south direction along the eastern portion of the Town (Map 3.1 – Transportation Network). State Highway 54 runs southwest from the western border of the Village of Plover toward the Town of Grant on into Wisconsin Rapids.
Minor Arterials: State Highway 54, east of Interstate 39/51, is the only road currently designated as a minor arterial.
2. County Roadways - Major Collectors: County Roads F, HH, R, and U are designated as major collectors in the Town of Plover providing access to attractions such as schools, parks, airports and shopping malls is one set of criteria used in assigning major and minor collectors.
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Arterials: County Roads B, .65 miles of HH and a portion of Porter Drive are designated as arterial roadways in the town.
3. Town Roadways - Minor Collectors: Designations made by the State of Wisconsin total 5.08 miles of municipal collector roads which include Biron Drive-East, portions of Coolidge Avenue, Hoover Avenue and Johnson Avenue.
Local Roads: The remaining roads in the Town of Plover are classified as local streets. A total of 51.47 miles (72.84%) support the agricultural industry of the township while subdivisions are served by the remaining 19.19 miles of town roads.
TABLE 3.1 WISDOT AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT) /ROADWAY CLASS
RO2.8ADWAY/CLASS NAME FROM TO ADT DATE
FEDERAL & STATE ARTERIALS: PRINCIPAL I39 CO RD B CO RD HH 24,000 2018 I39 STH 54 CO RD B 15,800 2017 I39 SOUTH STH 54 14,600 2017 STH 54 CO RD U WIS. RAPIDS 12,500 2017 STH 54 CO RD F VIL. OF PLOVER 13,900 2018 MINOR STH 54E EAST I39 7,900 2017
COUNTY COLLECTORS: MAJOR CO RD F SOUTH STH 54 1,100 2011 CO RD R N PORTER CO RD B 3,800 2011 CO RD R CO RD B STH 54 740 2011 CO RD R CO RD HH S PORTER 4,400 2011 LOCAL COLLECTOR: MINOR COOLIDGE NORTH STH 54 480 2011 Source WISDOT TCMAP
B. Recreational Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
The Green Circle Trail
This trail is a 26-mile scenic hiking and biking trail that loops through the Stevens Point area and connects with over 20 miles of additional trails. It winds through forests and parks, over wetlands and along rivers, recalling the days of huge pineries, pioneer settlements and the lore of the Wisconsin and Plover Rivers. A map of the Green Circle Trail can be viewed at http://greencirletrail.org/
Since 1989, Portage County residents, businesses, local governments and the university have worked together to develop the Green Circle – one of the first in the nation to encircle an entire community. The main loop of the Green Circle is made up of 12 connecting trail segments. All urban residents are within 10 minutes of the trail system – yet more than 80% of the Green Circle meanders through secluded parks and natural areas.
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The Tomorrow River State Trail
This 29-mile rail trail travels through scenic glacial terrain and farm country from the Town of Plover, in Portage County, to just outside the Village of Manawa in Waupaca County – passing through communities of Amherst Junction, Scandinavia and Ogdensburg. The western end of the trail connects to the Green Circle Trail at Hoover Road in the Town of Plover.
The trail is surfaced with crushed limestone, which is packed to a smooth surface. It is open to bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and horseback riders in the spring, summer, and fall and to snowmobilers, skiers, and dog sleds during the winter.
The Horse Trail
A separate 14 mile horse trail, alongside the limestone trail, stretches from the Town of Plover to the Portage/Waupaca county line connecting to a horse trail currently under construction in Waupaca County. Horses should never be on the limestone Tomorrow River Trail except in posted areas where the two trails are shared. In areas where a separate horse trail is not complete, riders are allowed to use the south side of the limestone trail – providing they stay on the edge of the trail. Riders should follow the horse signs. Horseback riders and bicyclists – 16 years or older - are required to have either a state or county trail pass in order to use the trail. Trail passes are available at self-registration stations along the trail or at the Portage County Parks office in Stevens Point. Currently, the trail can be accessed on Kennedy Avenue, just north of County Road B in the eastern edge of the Town of Plover.
Snowmobile Trails: Town of Plover enjoys the network of more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails provided by the county, state and local snowmobile clubs.
ATV/UTV Routes: The Town of Plover ATV/UTV route provides access to over 70 miles of town roads within the township – there are no trails using private land – only town roads. A destination route is signed to assist moving traffic thru the township to points of dining, fuel, parking and hotel stays.
Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is working to coordinate and develop an inventory of existing trails and routes in a 10-county area in the north central region of the state.
C. Transit and Transportation Options for the Elderly and Disabled
The Portage County Department on Aging and Disability Resource Center provides rides for adults over 60 and individuals with disabilities for medical, nutritional or essential personal business purposes who have no other means of transportation. Transportation is provided through a combination of wheelchair-accessible buses, volunteer escort drivers and subsidized taxi service. A minimum of two business days is requested to schedule rides. Persons requiring such services must call to make a reservation and are picked up and dropped off at their home. For fees and other information, call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 715-346-1401.
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Courtesy Carriers, Inc/Courtesy Cab is a private, for-hire, provider of specialized medical vehicles, taxi and bus service in the Town of Plover and serves all of Portage County. 18 vehicles are available including wheelchair accessible vans, taxis and buses accommodating from 1 to 28 passengers. Courtesy Carriers is considered door-through- door service for people with special needs while Courtesy Cab is a demand/response, door-to-door taxi service. Appointments are either regular pre-scheduled rides or called in as needed; long distance transports are welcome – CWA, Wausau, Marshfield, Madison and Milwaukee are a few of the regular transports. Call 715-342-8863 for more information.
D. Rail
The Canadian National Railroad operates a rail line, approximately six miles in length, in the Town of Plover, running southwest along STH 54 into the Town of Grant (Map 3.1 – Transportation Network). Two trains travel through the Town daily crossing Coolidge, Monroe, and Hayes Avenues, 100th and 110th Streets, County Roads F and R, as well as STH 54. These crossings are currently equipped with crossing lights, crossing arms, or stop signs. The rail running along STH 54 provides potential for further development involving manufacturing, warehousing and large business with a need for rail spurs.
E. Air Transportation Facilities
The three main airports that serve the Town of Plover are: Central Wisconsin Airport, Stevens Point Municipal Airport, and South Wood County Airport.
Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA): located approximately 25 miles north of Plover in Mosinee, is a full-service, all-weather regional airport offering around-the-clock service. This facility is owned and operated via joint agreements between Marathon and Portage Counties. Several airlines (Delta, United, and American) offer regular daily commuter and passenger service to Minneapolis, Detroit and Chicago providing connections anywhere in the world. Air cargo service as well as passenger charters are also available. Airframe and engine maintenance as well as fuel service are available. Several car rental companies are on site.
This airport has two large concrete runways (complete with taxi ways) capable of handling most planes. Main runway is 7,648 feet long by 150 feet wide. Secondary runway is 6,501 feet long by 150 feet wide. There are 25 private/corporate aircraft based out of this facility, 2 of which are jet and 2 are multi-engine. There are a limited number of hangers present which are leased. Beginning in the spring of 2011 CWA embarked on a 3 year $25 million renovation/expansion project
Stevens Point Municipal Airport: located on STH 66, with two runways – the primary runway is 6,028 feet long by 120 feet wide and the secondary is 3,642 feet long by 75 feet wide. With 37 private hangers at the airport, fuel and repair services are available. No passenger or freight service is available – it is classified as a Transport Corporate Airport. Owned and operated by the City, in 2003 the airport recorded 36,750 aircraft operations, home to 45 home-based aircraft including 4 jets, 40 single-engines and a multi-engine propeller airplane. Local businesses operate their aircraft from this location. Also, UPS operates daily flights providing essential cargo services to the local and regional community.
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South Wood County Airport (Alexander Field): located on the south side of the City of Wisconsin Rapids - owned and operated by multiple south Wood County municipalities. Two asphalt runways are available which can accommodate many types of aircraft. The primary runway is 5,500 feet long by 100 feet wide, and the secondary one 3,640 feet long by 75 feet wide. A third turf-based runway exists for use by ultralights. Hanger space is a combination of private and municipally owned involving 22 structures. It is home to 41 aircraft – 3 of which are multi-engine, and 8 are ultra- lights
There are no scheduled passenger or freight services although both can be contracted. Fuel services are available. Two corporate entities having 5 aircraft claim Alexander Field as home. Similar to the Stevens Point airport, the primary services provided by Alexander Field are for private and corporate aircraft.
A $5 million expansion and improvements project, of which 80% was received in State funds, was approved in 2016. Phase 3 of thle project has been completed in 2019.
Private Air Strip: This air strip is owned and operated by a local spraying service which supports agricultural needs in the area.
F. Trucking
Semi traffic in the Town generally consists of through traffic on Interstate 39 and STH 54, and normal delivery services for area businesses. Isherwood Road, from STH54 to Birch Drive, is the only truck route in the south-eastern portion of the Town of Plover.
County Road F is used frequently by semis to haul potatoes and processed potato foods between the trucking and warehousing facilities near Plainfield and processing plants on STH 54.
The Portage County Highway Department posts weight limits on County Roads in spring to mitigate potential damage from the thawing frost layer in the soil. The majority of truck traffic in rural Portage County (County Roads and local roads) comes from agricultural uses, sand and gravel pits, and some logging operations. Agricultural traffic, specifically during harvest and planting seasons, is especially heavy within the Town. The equipment used in the vegetable production industry is very large and presents unique hazards on roadways when present. In many cases, traffic must use the shoulder of the road to get around field equipment using the roadway. Farming equipment is causing damage to some town roads.
G. Water Transportation
The Wisconsin River is not used as a mode of transportation, even though it can be navigated from the DuBay Dam in northern Portage County to the Clark Street Bridge in Stevens Point, and from the spillway below Cty Rd HH to the dam at the New Page Paper Mill in the Village of Plover. The Wisconsin River and its flowages, as the northwestern border of the Town of Plover, are used for recreational purposes as well as the Little Plover River in the northeastern portion, Love Creek in the western part, the Buena Vista Creek and various drainage ditches in the southern portion of the Town.
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Section 3.3 Inventory and Analysis of Applicable Transportation Plans and Program
A. Six-Year Highway Improvement Plan
The reconstruction of CTY RD U and the STH 54 intersection has been completed..
Business 51: The final phase of the reconstruction program as Business 51 crosses the Springville Pond is yet to be completed.
County Road R: CTH R was reconstructed to a four-lane configuration from CTH HH south through the Porter Road intersection. The remaining segment from Porter Drive south to STH54 remains in discussion/redesign/planning stage.
Interstate 39/51: WisDOT has completed studies of the I39 corridor running thru the Town of Plover and does not anticipate any reconstruction work at this time. It is noteworthy that their study projects the I39 south ramp to State Highway 54 will be at capacity by 2040.
B. Wisconsin State Airport System Plan 2020
The plan determines the number, location and type of aviation facilities required to adequately serve the state’s aviation needs through 2020. The plan also forecasts the level of public investment required to upgrade substandard features such as widening of existing runways, replace existing systems to meet federal and state standards, and enhance the airport system through runway extension and new construction. The classifications for Central Wisconsin Airport (Air Carrier/Air Cargo) and Stevens Point Municipal Airport (Transport/Corporate) are not projected to change through 2020.
C. Wisconsin State Rail Plan 2030:
Completion of the final Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030 has been postponed; WisDOT released a draft of the 2030 plan in 2010 which is available on the Wisconsin Rail Plan website.
The Wisconsin Rail Plan is being developed to provide a vision for freight rail, intercity passenger rail and commuter rail over the next 20 years. It identifies rail network issues and recommendations, and provides the framework within which the state and stakeholders may maintain, improve and plan for the state’s rail network.
With the existing railroad, the availability for spurs for manufacturing needs is a possibility.
D. State, Regional and Local Bicycle and Trail Plans;
1. Spud/Corn/Green Bean Trail: Development of a multi-use trail extending from the sidewalk at Grant Avenue, in the Village of Plover, through the Town of Plover to Wood County has been discussed.
2. Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 2020: Overall plan goals are to increase the level of bicycling in Wisconsin and to reduce the number of crashes involving bicycle and motor vehicles.
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Section 3.4 Transportation Related Programs
The PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating) road condition rating system is administered by the Town of Plover in assessing the physical condition of local roads. The PASER software helps prioritize road maintenance, calculate project costs, evaluate consequences of alternative budgets and project selection strategies.
The Town of Plover accesses the Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads (WISLR) - an internet assessable system - that helps local governments and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) manage local road data to improve decision making and to meet state statute requirements.
Section 3.5 Transportation Issues
A. Need to adopt standards: Existing roads Future roads
B. Town Road Infrastructure Roads – town and county County/Emergency Management restrictions on placement of roads Driveway Ordinance Road Control Ordinance
C. Long-term maintenance of roads
D. Effective drainage of roads
E. Impact of width and weight of equipment using roads.
F. Traffic sign adherence to MUTCD standards (Manual-Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
G. Snowmobile trails, related grooming and proper signage
Section 3.6 Transportation Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. Goals: Maintain a safe and efficient transportation network. Review of Subdivision Ordinance Maintain and install traffic signs in compliance with reflectivity regulation per MUTCD standards. Protection of town’s investment in transportation infrastructure Improved safety related to use of snowmobiles and ATVs.
B. Objectives: Bring all current town roads into compliance with established standards Require developers to adhere to same standards as set by Town of Plover and Department of Transportation Develop and design roads to comply with established standards
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Maintain and enhance infrastructure of existing roads and bridges. Maintain proper drainage on all roads. Communication with all local snowmobile clubs regarding signage, grooming and road crossings.
C. Policies:
1. Adhere to state and federal standards related to town roads. 2. Establish and maintain an on-going communication with all agricultural property owners. 3. Reclaim and maintain ditches along all town roadways to ensure proper storm water flow. 4. Administer PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating) and WISLR (Wisconsin Information System of Local Roads) systems to evaluate road conditions throughout the Town. 5. Adhere to state standards for per-axle weight limits for local roads. 6. Clear trees and brush from the edge of road right-of-ways to maintain public safety. 7. Designate a frontage/backage road corridor along the north side of Hwy 54 West to support commercial development. 8. Promote industrial uses along the rail corridor on the south side of Hwy 54 –West. 9. Coordinate road maintenance needs with the Portage County Drainage District when maintenance relates to roads adjacent to district drainage ditches. 10. Work with County and Sports Clubs on access to and promotion of recreational locations and trails. 11. Review standards and ordinances related to recreational use of town roads.
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CHAPTER 4 Utilities and Community Facilities Element
Section 4.1 Introduction
Adequate infrastructure, utilities, community facilities and services are important in meeting existing and future community needs. As the framework of a community’s life, these characteristics define present day standards of living. Decisions made for the Town of Plover regarding the utilities and community facilities will impact all present and future residents.
This chapter will describe the existing utility and community facilities serving the community, and outline future desires and needs for the Town of Plover residents.
Section 4.2 Public Utilities Inventory
A. Sanitary Sewer Service
The majority of the residents in the Town utilize private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), otherwise known as private septic systems, as allowed by Wisconsin Department of Commerce Code 83 and the Portage County Private Sewage System Ordinance. An outcome of a prior boundary agreement with the Village of Plover makes sewer service available to portions of the Town without annexation; this agreement is subject to review in five (5) year increments. Extension of water and sewer service into some areas of the township will be limited due to economic viability. More information regarding this agreement can be found in the Intergovernmental Cooperation element (Chapter 7).
Food processors have their own onsite wastewater treatment systems.
B. Water Supply
The County has records of approximately 1045 wells in the Town of Plover, including 160 high capacity wells; however, a data base combining data collected over these 30 years, has not been compiled to permit developing an insight into how changes have occurred. The sand and gravel, or unconfined, aquifer beneath the Town ranges from 50 to 100 feet above the granite bedrock. Most private wells draw water from the unconfined aquifer; those wells that are drilled into the bedrock range from 75 to 310 feet deep.
The capacity potential of the unconfined aquifer throughout most of the Town is estimated at more than 1,000 gallons per minute; many high capacity wells are capable of pumping at this rate for many hours at a time. The pumping activity of several high capacity wells in close proximity result in a drop in groundwater levels of up to a foot per month during the irrigation season. While precipitation replenishes groundwater each year, “normal” levels fluctuate up to 5 feet per year in the Town of Plover and up to 10 feet in a multi-year cycle.
Approximately 45 percent of the Town is subject to high groundwater levels (within 5 feet of the ground surface) particularly in the southwestern and central portions of the Town; periodically, this involves a narrow zone extending from the upper basin of the Little Plover River , southwesterly, into the Buena Vista Marsh.
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C. Groundwater Quality:
For the past 30 years, the potential sources of groundwater contamination have involved scrutiny of septic systems which may also carry pharmaceuticals and person care products, underground storage tanks, pipelines, mining operations, manure, fertilizers, pesticides, improperly abandoned wells, landscaping practices, and landfills. Contaminants easily enter the shallow groundwater and move - to be discharged from wells, wetlands and streams.
Nitrate Nitrogen: The most common contaminant in Town groundwater is nitrate-nitrogen. While nitrate is most commonly found in agricultural and lawn fertilizers, it is also formed by decomposing waste such as manure, bio-solids or septic effluents. Nitrate is highly soluble and the mobile form of nitrogen. Landscapes and fields where no nitrogen is artificially added are “nitrogen limited” – meaning grass and plants take up all the available nitrogen resulting in natural levels of less than 1 part per million (ppm). State and Federal regulations require that public water supplies not exceed the 10 ppm maximum standard and that water from private wells can be consumed by property owners at any level. However, recently the Wisconsin Division of Health has published an advisory that nitrate water above 10 ppm should not be consumed by anyone of any age for an extended period of time.
Property owners in residential areas of the Town have sampled their drinking water more regularly than the general populace, and these areas show several wells with high nitrate nitrogen. The percentage of contaminated wells in residential areas is not significantly different than throughout the Town. Nitrate-nitrogen varies with well depths, but a well deeper or shallower is not predictably better or worse. Nitrate-nitrogen levels are also used as a predictable indicator of other contaminants in the groundwater. Since groundwater flows at about\ one foot per day in the highly permeable materials underlying the Town of Plover, drinking water should be sampled often – every fifteen months is recommended – to assure users they are not consuming unhealthy amounts of contaminants. Contaminants, including nitrate-nitrogen, herbicides and pesticides – are odorless and tasteless.
Most Town of Plover water samples are submitted to a state certified laboratory such as UW Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab, Agsource, or U.S. Water LLC in Weston, WI. One of the treatments for high nitrate nitrogen water is reverse osmosis units which are commonly used to remove nitrate nitrogen from water for human consumption such as drinking and cooking; however, even with high nitrate nitrogen levels, untreated water can be used for bathing, laundry and sanitation uses.
Herbicides and Pesticides:
Atrazine, a herbicide (weed killer), has been used on corn and other crops since the 1960’s. Atrazine prohibition areas were established in areas where concentrations of atrazine were over the health standard in drinking water – 3 parts per billion (ppb). There is one atrazine prohibition area that covers a small portion of the Town of Plover (Map 5.7).
Aldicarb, a pesticide, was commonly used on crops in Portage County including soybeans and potatoes. In 2010, aldicarb was cancelled for use on soybeans and potatoes and, in 2018, the use of aldicarb was prohibited in the State of Wisconsin.
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Information on the extent and severity of herbicides and pesticides in groundwater in the Town of Plover and Portage County is limited. The best source of information is the DATCP report “Agricultural Chemicals in Wisconsin Groundwater” as well as the “Wisconsin Well Water Viewer”.
D. Storm Water Management (MAP 4.1):
The Town of Plover has a limited storm water management system. Since responsibility for storm water management is shared by several municipalities, split between Portage County and the Town. the The Town’s management consists mainly of ditches along the local road network which vary in size ranging from 1 to 4 feet in width, while Portage County maintains ditches along County Roads within the Town of Plover. Portage County also considers issues related to storm water management in its development regulations. All projects located on land controlled by the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance are reviewed to determine if further storm water management issues need to be addressed. This includes land within 1,000 feet of a lake and 300 feet of a river or stream. Projects disturbing more than 1,000 square feet of area anywhere in the County are subject to storm water management review through the County Zoning Ordinance. Depending on the amount of disturbance, proximity to wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes, topography and other elements of the location, a permit for storm water management from the County Planning and Zoning Department may be required.
The soils in the Town of Plover are generally sandy and have a large capacity for infiltration of water. Flooding is generally not an issue in the Town. The sandy soils allow rapid infiltration into the groundwater except in spring when the ground is still frozen. Flood hazards in the Town may take place primarily in the spring when the ground is still frozen and thawing occurs on a spring day. When these snow melts do occur, the watershed divide, caused by the Arnott Moraine, drives creates snow melts and then the flow of water flows toward the road ditches. If the ditch or culverts does not have the capacity to handle store the melt water, it may top a road and continue to flow downhill. Roads which are not built to withstand this condition and may wash out creating a traffic hazard and require expensive repairs.
Other Flooding problems may occur when a major rain event, which is a recurring problem, takes place. Such an event occurred In September of 2010 a major rain event flooded occurred over the entire Wisconsin River watershed for 5 days. Higher elevations away from the Wisconsin River had few issues; locations near rivers and streams or areas with high water tables were not so fortunate. In some instances, structures experienced water in basements and foundation issues due to the hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls.
Town residents should be aware of issues and conditions in their local area that occur due to storm events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that there is no location completely free of a flooding hazard and includes levee and dam failures as examples. Localized flooding events can occur due to blocked culverts by natural or man-made obstructions. Residents can help to limit some of these issues by maintaining private culverts and keeping them free of debris after storm events, understanding how groundwater levels could impact structures, and preparing for major storm events ahead of time.
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E. Portage County Drainage District:
PORTAGE COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT
The following map identifies roughly one-third of the Town of Plover which lies within the Portage County Drainage District. The District was established in 1905 to oversee the development and maintenance of a drainage system for a large portion of the Buena Vista Marsh area in southwestern Portage County. The District is funded by special assessments on those parcels of land which enjoy benefits from the Drainage District. Drainage and reclamation has allowed undeveloped land in this area to convert to productive agricultural use.
For more than 100 years since the original dredging, the Drainage District, which is governed by a commission of 3 court-appointees, has maintained an active status, supported by the special assessments levied against landowners which cover the cost of maintaining the ditches. The entire network of drainage ditches in the County involves 87 miles of drainage ditching plus 73 miles of private ditches – a total of 160 miles of dredged drainage ditching just in Portage County. The Drainage District covers 55,270 acres of which 15% (8,400 acres) lie in the Town of Plover, or - in comparison - approximately 12 miles of drainage ditches plus 3.25 miles of private ditches in the Town of Plover represents 10% of the total district.
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F. Solid Waste & Recycling Facilities
The Town of Plover currently contracts with a disposal company for curb-side pick-up of solid waste and recyclables and, similar to other Portage County towns, contracts with the county for solid waste disposal.
G. Utilities (Map 4.1):
1. Telecommunication Facilities – There are numerous cell towers located within the Town.
2. Power and Gas Utilities - Town of Plover property owners currently receive electricity from two sources: western portions of the Town are served by Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting, while eastern portions are served by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. Natural gas service is provided to some residents west of County Rd F by Wisconsin Gas Company; east of County Road F - by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. Other sources provide gas to the rest of the town residents.
3. Telephone and Internet Services – There are multiple providers providing voice or internet services for Town residents whether by land lines or cell, cable or satellite. With financial support from government grants, broadband support has been extended to previously grant-defined unserved and under-served areas; broadband providers continue to extend services to pockets of need.
4. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – Conversion of CNG, as an emerging technology, will have a presence in the Town of Plover – specifically in the I39/54 Business District.
Section 4.3 Community Facilities Inventory and Analysis
A. Municipal Buildings
The Town of Plover Town Hall and Garage located adjacent to each other on Hoover Avenue are equipped with emergency back-up power and are designated as an emergency center when determined to be needed by the County or the State. The Town Hall contains office space for the Town Chairman and the Town Office as well as meeting space for public meetings and elections. The Town garage provides storage for road maintenance and other Town owned equipment – two snow plows, a grader, mowers and three utility trucks. The parking lot between the two buildings provides for two large commercial dumpsters which are available for residential purposes.
B. Police, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Response
Portage County Sheriff: The Town of Plover is currently served by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office which provides protective services through random patrols and on a “call-out” basis. For control purposes, Portage County is divided into three districts: the first district - bounded by STH 66 to the north and by the Wisconsin River to the west, the second, lies between STH 66 and STH 54, and the third district covers from STH 54 to the southern county line.
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The Town of Plover is located in the second and third districts. During the day shift, one officer is assigned to each district, plus an additional officer and one supervisor “floats” throughout the County. During the night shift, two officers are assigned to each district, plus an additional officer and one supervisor float throughout the County. Officers may drive through the Town any number of times during each shift to check on businesses and residences.
Village of Plover Fire Department: The Town currently contracts with the Village of Plover for fire, rescue and emergency medical services. The fire station is located at 2400 Post Road in the Village of Plover. The department employs a full-time Fire Chief and full-time Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Captain, Firefighter and Administrative Assistant. The department also contracts with a full-time advanced life support ambulance that employs four (4) full-time and twelve (12) part- time emergency medical technicians. Paid-on-Call employees include fifty (50) firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The department responds to over 1500 fire/rescue/EMS calls per/year. The department fire apparatus includes
2019 Toyota Highlander Command Vehicle (Assistant Chief) 2018 Rosenbauer Aerial Truck - 2000 GPM, 400 gal of water, 100’ Ladder 2018 Ford F-550 Ambulance (County Owned) 2016 Ford F-150 Command Vehicle (Deputy Chief)\ 2014 Toyota Highlander EMS Responder Vehicle 2014 Rosenbauer/Int’l Water Tender -500 GPM, 2200 gallons of water 2011 Toyota 4-Runner Command Vehicle (Fire Chief) 2010 CFB/Kenworth Water Tender - 2000 gallons of water 2010 Ford Police Inceptor Staff Vehicle 2009 Ford F-550 Brush/Hazmat Response (County Owned) 2009 Single Axle Trailer Hazmat Response 2007 Ford F-550 Brush Truck - 250 GPM, 300 gallons of water/foam 2007 Ford F-150 Staff Vehicle 2006 Ford F-550 Rescue Truck - TNT Extrication Tools 2005 CFB Engine - 1500 GPM, 1000 gallons of water 2002 Pierce Engine - 1500 GPM, 1000 gallons of water 1994 HME Engine - 1500 GPM, 1000 gal of water, Extrication Tools 1994 Ford Heavy Rescue - Ice/Water, Confined Space, Special Rescue 1993 Ford Utility Command Center/SCBA Refill Station
Village of Plover Fire/EMS Department - primary service area includes Village of Plover, Village of Whiting, Town of Plover and Town of Buena Vista. The Metro Fire District was developed in 2005 between the Village of Whiting and Village of Plover to provide automatic mutual aid between the two municipalities. Eventually, the City of Stevens Point and the Town of Hull Fire Department joined the Metro Fire District. In 2012, the Village of Whiting dissolved
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Utilities and Community Facilities 41 its fire department and began contracting services with Plover. The station, located at 3600 Water Street serves as a second station for Plover Fire Department.
The Metro concept provided the proper number of firefighters and apparatus required by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards automatically at all times of the day. As departments continue to struggle with the recruitment and retention of volunteer and paid-on-call firefighters throughout the country, the Metro joint response concept assists each municipality in meeting the NFPA standard.
1. Emergency Response: The department additionally is a member of Portage County, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 110. MABAS is the state wide mutual aid system where participating departments in each division agree to render mutual aid throughout their division and the State of Wisconsin if called upon. Division 110 includes all fire departments within Portage County.
2. Ambulance Services are coordinated by Portage County. The City of Stevens Point Fire Department (SPFD), Plover Fire Department (PFD) and Amherst Fire District (AFD) provide ambulance service under contract with Portage County. Four (4) Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances operated by SPFD, with one (1) ALS ambulance operated by PFD and one (1) by AFD. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) units staffed throughout the county provide initial patient contact and care until the ambulance arrives. The Plover EMR unit is staffed 24/7 by twenty (20) EMT-Basic members.
Other agreements include Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) services shared with the Village of Plover. EMRs are local residents who are first to respond to accidents and medical emergencies within the area. EMRs are dispatched by the Portage County 911 system, respond in their personal vehicles or department owned vehicles and provide initial care before ambulances arrive. The EMR program is supported financially by the municipalities involved in the Plover Fire Department.
Civil Air Patrol:- The Wisconsin Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Wing headquarters are located in Madison. The WisconsinWing consists of over 1000 c adet and adult members at multiple locations across the state of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Wing performs the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol providing emergency services; offeriing cadet programs for youth; and providing aerospace education for both CAP members and the general public.
C. Schools
The Town of Plover is served by the Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids School Districts for primary and secondary education (Map 4.2 – Community Facilities). Post-Secondary educational facilities near the Town of Plover are located in Stevens Point, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, and Marshfield.
1. Stevens Point Area Public School District – The Stevens Point School District has nine elementary schools that serve approximately 3,672 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Two junior high schools serve approximately 1,565 students in a seventh
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through ninth grade alignment. This district has one high school, SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High), a tenth through twelfth grade high school which serves approximately 1,765 students. The district also provides services for students thru the Alternative High School. The Boston School Forest is located on Lincoln Avenue in the Town of Plover; 20 acres belong to UWSP, 45 to the Stevens Point Public School District and 15 acres to the Stevens Point Catholic Schools. The mission of the Boston School Forest program is to provide the youth of Stevens Point area schools educational opportunities that foster personal growth as well as awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the natural world leading to sound stewardship of the earth. The Stevens Point Area School District also has 80 acres called the F. S. Halliday School Forest located on Forest Avenue in Plover.
2. Wisconsin Rapids School District - The Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools encompass the city of Wisconsin Rapids, the villages of Biron, Rudolph, Vesper and all or portions of 11 surrounding townships. The school district has a student population of approximately 5,400. Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools offers half-day 4K programming and has five K-5 elementary schools, three elementary charter schools, one middle school (grades 6-7), one junior high school (grades 8-9), one senior high school (grades 10-12), one alternative high school (grades 9-12) and operates a virtual school program with an enrollment of over 200 students. The school system has earned a solid reputation as a progressive professional organization, which has high student achievement and a low drop-out rate. Programs are continuously reviewed and modified to ensure they best meet the needs of our students. Staff members are regularly recognized by both state and national organizations and agencies for their professionalism and expertise.
3. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) - UW-Stevens Point has approximately 9,475 students within four academic colleges: College of Natural Resources, College of Letters and Sciences, College of Fine Arts, and the College of Professional Studies. The College of Natural Resources is the largest undergraduate college of its kind in the nation. There are 100 program choices within 58 majors and 13 graduate programs. The university employs 571 instructional staff members, 367 administrative and professional staff members and 314 classified support staff members with the school, with 76 percent of undergraduate courses taught by regular faculty, the highest percentage in the UW System. UW-Stevens Point is consistently named one of the top Public Midwestern Universities-Master’s in U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings. Locally, the university has a total economic impact of $407.8 million annually and generates $16.7 million in state and local tax revenue. Find out more at www.uwsp.edu.
4. Mid-State Technical College – Offering more than 100 associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates, Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) has led the development of central Wisconsin’s workforce for close to 100 years. Student-focused and community-based, MSTC serves a resident population of approximately 165,000 in central Wisconsin. Smaller classes, flexible scheduling and instructor involvement contribute to the fact that 86% of MSTC students have jobs within six months of graduation.
Both high school graduates and individuals seeking to enhance skills in their current job or retrain for a new career will find career programs ranging from healthcare, services and business to technical, industrial and renewable energy. Instructors are industry
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experts who are passionate about sharing their skills and insights through a variety of delivery methods and technology. The College has campuses in Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids, and a learning center in Adams. For more information about any of MSTC’s programs, call 888-575-MSTC or visit www.mstc.edu.
5. University of Wisconsin-Marathon County – UW-Marathon County (UWMC) is a two- year UW System campus located near downtown Wausau. It borders a 78-acre park and includes art studios, an academic building, field house with fitness center and pool, 160- bed residence hall, planetarium, greenhouses and a 365-seat state-of-the-art theater that opened in 2011. Average enrollment is 1,300 per year. There are 24 departments with more than 70 teaching staff, with an average of 25 students per class. UWMC offers both associates and some bachelor’s degrees in partnership with other UW System universities.
6. Northcentral Technical College – The Northcentral Technical College central campus in Wausau is supported by regional campuses in Antigo, Medford, Phillips, Spencer and Wittenberg, as well as a Public Safety Center of Excellence in Merrill, a Wood Technology Center of Excellence in Antigo, an Apprenticeship Center of Excellence in Wausau and an Agriculture Center of Excellence just north of the Wausau Campus in the Town of Maine. The Wausau campus also features a Center for Health Sciences, a Center for Business & Industry and an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center of Excellence. The college currently offers over 150 associate degree programs, technical diploma programs and short-term certificate options, and annually serves over 27,000 learners.
7. Rasmussen College – Rasmussen College was founded in 1900 in St. Paul, Minnesota and, today, it includes 22 campuses and more than 40 diverse online degree programs which are available to students around the globe.
Rasmussen College is regionally accredited. The Wausau campus offers Bachelor and Associate degrees, Certificates and Diplomas in the Schools of Business, Health Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology & Design. The Wausau campus opened in 2010 and now services upwards of 600 students who value the flexibility of online and residential course options. For more information, visit www.Rasmussen.edu or call the Wausau Campus at 715-841-8000.
D. Parks
Private: Prainwood Estate Subdivision, located on County Road R: This resident-owned 3.5 acre lot dedicated to the public for recreational use.
River Heights Subdivision - off Michael Court, this resident-owned 1.57 acre lot is dedicated to the public for recreational use
Public - Developed: Bluebird Park, a Town of Plover park, open to the public, located in the Bluebird Subdivision; football/soccer field with goal posts, swing set, picnic tables, sandlot softball field with backstop and a nine-station disc golf course
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Undeveloped: Bluebird Lake; unimproved and undeveloped at this time.
Forest Lake Natural Area, platted between Forest Lake Drive and State Highway 54: unimproved and undeveloped at this time.
Natural Area Walking Park: Beginning in 2011, the Village of Plover purchased approximately 140 acres of Town of Plover land immediately south of the Little Plover River between Kennedy Avenue and County High R. The intent is to develop a natural area with walking trails and educational areas depicting efforts to restore healthy flows to the Little Plover River while, at the same time - taking land adjacent to the Little Plover River out of agricultural production.
E. Other Recreational Facilities:
Galecke Park, a county park located off Park Drive in the Town of Plover: it is 34 acres in size and includes 1,600 feet of Wisconsin River frontage. This is one of the finest water ski areas in the State of Wisconsin with miles of Wisconsin River to ski between Plover and Biron. Amenities include restroom facilities, a small sand beach with picnic area, a pavilion with space for cook-outs and gatherings, and two unloading ramps for boating convenience.
Golden Sands Raceway: This race track bills itself as the “fastest paved 1/3 mile high- bank track in the Midwest”. There is top-notch late-model racing every Friday night from mid-May to late August. This draws in some of the best drivers in the Midwest for three of the race track’s premium races each year.
Golden Sands Raceway is located half-way between the Village of Plover and Wisconsin Rapids – across from McCain Foods (the largest employer in the Town of Plover) along the 4-lane State Highway 54-West.
Lake Pacawa: The Korean War Memorial is showcased on this man-made lake with a large white sand gently-sloped swimming beach. This park also has many amenities for families and provides shallow pan fishing, swimming and a walking trail area.
Ridgewood Campground: the Town of Plover, known as “Gateway to the North”, is home to “Ridgewood on the River”, a family-owned and operated private seasonal campground that has been in the Town for nearly 50 years. Ridgewood sits directly adjacent to the Wisconsin River and provides 20 miles of navigable river waterway access for many near retirement and full-retirement clientele who call Ridgewood their “summer place.” The peaceful, safe and relaxing atmosphere at Ridgewood is attracting people from across the state and beyond.
Wisconsin River: The Town of Plover has 9.5 miles of river frontage within it’s jurisdiction making up a part of the Biron Flowage. There are 4 public access sites available to the boating enthusiasts in this portion of the river.
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F. Cemeteries
Maine Cemetery - located on Hoover Avenue, just south of STH 54. Meehan Cemetery - located on Club Forest Drive and Pierce Avenue. McDill Cemetery - located on County Road HH. Plover Cemetery – located on River Drive – in the Village of Plover.
An agreement between the Town of Plover and the Village of Plover, at the time of the last incorporation by the Village, committed the Town of Plover to support 30% of the maintenance needs for the Plover Cemetery. Today, while continuing that arrangement, the Village administers the needs of the Plover Cemetery which is located on River Drive in the Village and then bills the Town of Plover for its portion of the expenses.
G. Health Care Facilities
Like most small municipalities in Portage County, Town of Plover residents have access to numerous medical services. The two largest providers are Ascension Health and Aspirus Health Care, with both having Hospital and Urgent Care facilities located in Stevens Point and Plover. In addition, there are specialized facilities operated by Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center, Stevens Point Orthopedics and numerous dental, chiropractic, ophthalmology, podiatry and sport medicine offices.
H. Senior and Child Care Facilities
There are four types of residential care facilities in Portage County: Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCAC), Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF), and Nursing Homes and Adult Family Homes (AFH). Of these facilities 1 RCAC, 3 CBRFs and several ADH facilities are located in the Plover area.
Residential Care Apartment Complexes may offer up to 28 hours per week of supportive, personal and nursing services in an apartment with a minimum of 250 square feet that includes a kitchens, living area, bedroom and bathroom. Of the four RCACs in Portage County, one is located in the Plover area.
Community Based Residential Facilities, by definition, provide care, treatment or services in addition to room and board but they do not include nursing services. There are three CBRFs in the Plover area with many more located elsewhere throughout the county.
Adult Family Homes serve fewer people per home than a CBRF, may be either corporate or owner- occupied and are either certified as 1-2 bed facility or licensed as a 3-4 bed facility. The AFH may provide up to 7 hours of nursing care per week to its residents. There are more than 40 AFHs in Portage County with less than 20 of them serving the elderly population; however, four of the corporate AFHs serve the elderly located in the Plover area.
Portage County has two Skilled Nursing Homes. Hospice services are available to residents with terminal illness in Nursing Homes and many of the CBRFs as well. There is one Adult Day Care Facility and several Adult Day Services programs located within Portage County. The Adult Day Care Facility in the City of Stevens Point has a maximum capacity of forty persons.
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The Wisconsin Department of Children & Families is responsible for child care certification and licensing and the Portage County Health. Licensing is based on the size of the child care facility – Licensed Family Child Care Centers, Licensed Group Child Care Centers and Licensed Day Camps. The Portage County Human Services Department coordinates programs related to Child Protective Services, Family and Employment Support and Foster Care.
I. Libraries
Town of Plover residents make use of the library in the Village of Plover - affiliated with the Portage County Public Library System, and the Charles M. White Public Library in Stevens Point. Public internet service is available at all Portage County library locations. A list of facilities and services can be obtained on the internet at: http://library.uwsp.edu/pcl/index_4.htm.
J. Historical Society
The Portage County Historical Society maintains a presence in the Village of Plover in the development of Heritage Park. Not only providing a walk down memory lane by refurbishing a school, post office, a railway depot – to name just a few, the Society has also created a vault area under a refurbished home to provide secure fire-proof storage for many records and pictures of the area. The Town of Plover has relocated Town records from the Town Hall to this facility.
Section 4.4 Utilities & Community Facilities Issues Identified by the Plan Commission
Constant power outages in certain areas of the power grid Inadequate storm water management in the residential footprint Spring run-off affecting residential areas along County Highway R Poor information on groundwater issues Inconsistent telecommunication infrastructure in rural areas of township Lack of information on renewable energy Consider establishing an intergovernmental boundary agreement to support utility needs for west end of Biron Drive
Section 4.5 Utilities & Community Facilities Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. GOALS: Continue to provide adequate services and utilities to Town residents.
B. OBJECTIVES: 1. Work with power companies to have power lines buried where possible. 2. Improve storm water management in residential areas once footprint has been addressed and identified. 3. Prevent spring run-off from affecting residential areas along County Highway R. 4. Improve education and understanding of groundwater issues. 5. Tower locations should not impede agricultural operations. 6. Support clean renewable energy efforts.
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C. POLICIES: 1. Work with the Village of Plover to provide utilities within certain areas of the Town without annexation. 2. Explore with Village of Biron an option to enter into a boundary agreement. 3. Allow new non-sewer residential lots to be less than 1 acre in appropriate areas through the use of efficient planned development patterns, cluster septic systems or shared wells. 4. Recommend co-located communication services whenever practicable. 5. Tower locations should not impede agricultural operations. 6. Recommend all transmission lines follow road right-of-ways. 7. Utility lines should be buried whenever possible. 8. Known or discovered power lines running in the right-of-ways or crossing town roads must be reported to Diggers Hot Line. 9. Allow denser residential zoning options in areas governed by governmental boundary agreements.”
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CHAPTER 5 Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Element
Section 5.1 Introduction
The agricultural, natural and cultural resources of the Town of Plover are some of the main reasons why people choose to live here. The Town’s flat topography and unique soils are ideal agricultural production factors. The Wisconsin River, woodlands and wetlands, abundant wildlife, productive farms and farmland all come together to create a favorable living environment.
The residents of the Town of Plover recognize the value of their uncommon landscape and understand that it supports and sustains a way of life of which they are proud. For those who choose to farm the land here, the community supports their efforts and works to minimize barriers that impede this economically viable industry. The residents also understand that the proper management of natural resources within the community will help sustain a rich quality of life that is enjoyed by all who settle here.
As a leading agricultural municipality, the Town of Plover was chosen to host the 2014 Farm Technology Days – a good indication of the areas recognition by the state-wide agricultural community.
Section 5.2 Agricultural Resources Inventory
A. Productive Agricultural Soils
Productive agricultural soils in the Town of Plover have been identified, with the assistance of the County Conservationist, utilizing information from the Soil Survey of Portage County, published by the United States Department of Agriculture (Map 5.1 - Productive Agricultural Soils). The Town does not have any soils in the desirable Class 1 Capability Grouping, leaving only soils with moderate to very severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants, require special conservation practices, or both. Soils with the lowest degree of limitations for farming are listed below. Slopes greater than 6% were excluded from the “highly productive” designation (due to severe hazard for water or wind erosion), along with small parcels and stony, rough, and eroded sites.
Productive agricultural soils in the Town include:
PRODUCTIVE: Bt - Billett sandy loam 0 to 2% slopes DuB - Dunnville very fine sandy loam 2 to 6% slopes RsB - Rosholt loam 2 to 6% slopes
The Billett series is susceptible to pesticide and nitrate leaching ( due to high sand and gravel content which relates to rapid water permeability – 2 to 6 inches per hour).
PRODUCTIVE IF IRRIGATED: RtA - Richford loamy sand 0 to 6% slopes RfB - Richford loamy sand 2 to 6% slopes Fra - Friendship loamy sand 0 to 3% slopes
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The Richford and Friendship series require irrigation to maintain productivity and are highly susceptible to pesticide and nitrate leaching.
PRODUCTIVE IF DRAINED: DxA- Dunnville very fine sandy loam, mottled subsoil variant 1 to 3% slopes
Drainage may cause flooding, stream bank erosion and water quality degradation due to down gradient receiving surface water.
B. Farming Systems, Demographics, and Land Tenure
The Town of Plover is located in two major farming regions in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, dairying is mostly concentrated in a belt that begins near Hudson (St. Croix County), heads east to Wausau (Marathon County) and Green Bay (Brown County), then turns southwest through Fond du Lac, Madison and ends near Dubuque (Iowa County). The 2012 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture permit information lists three (3) active Grade-A dairy farms operating in the Town of Plover.
Then, the second farming region which includes the Town of Plover is that of fresh vegetable production. The irrigated “golden sands” region of Wisconsin is located between the Town of Amherst and Stevens Point, and continues south into portions of Adams and Waushara counties. The Town of Plover is in the central part of this large irrigated plain where a number of vegetable operations can be found. Using aerial photo interpretation, there were approximately 163 fields under pivot irrigation in the Town of Plover in 2011 – representing 12,794 acres – or about one- half of the Town. Some of these fields may not be used for vegetable production, but odds are the majority have been used for this industry.
The amount of land dedicated to agricultural production changes regularly from year to year. In 2012, the Portage County Planning and Zoning office analyzed aerial photography for the Town of Plover to identify active farmland within the community. Total agricultural acres identified for 2012 were 16,211, representing approximately 59% of the total Town acreage and, of these acres, 12,794 acres were identified as supporting high capacity wells.
There were 62 people employed in an agriculturally-related field in the Town of Plover in 2010 representing 6.8% of employment for the Town. (See Table 1.9, Issues and Opportunities section). This is down slightly from the 1980 figure of 73 persons (7.0%). Plover has a slightly higher percentage of Agriculture-related employment when compared to Portage County at 6.2% for 2010.
C. Farm Economy and Infrastructure
Due to technological changes, best agricultural practices have supported a significant increase in agricultural production with minimal increase in the number of acres tilled. While Portage County consistently ranks first in the State for potato, snap bean and sweet corn production, the Town of Plover ranks first in the County with its agricultural commitment - with 78.9% of its total agricultural acres irrigated – representing 50% of the total 26,000 acres in the township. In 2013, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association reported that as a result of crop rotation practices in the Town of Plover 25% of its irrigated acreage was in potatoes, 40% in sweet corn, 27% in beans and 8% in peas.
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D. Other Local Influences on Agriculture
The Town of Plover is beginning to see an increase in the development of rural residential properties. Expansions of the Village of Plover and the City of Stevens Point have decreased the land base of the Township. This increased interest in the township has increased the assessed value of non-farm lands, and most importantly, possibly increased the sale price per acre of land beyond the point of being economically viable for purchase as farmland.
Portage County Drainage District (See Page 38)
The Portage County Drainage District was organized in 1905 to develop and maintain a series of drainage ditches that would make agriculture on and near the Buena Vista Marsh possible. Construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1915; however, due to adverse conditions such as acid soil, fire, frost, and the high cost of re-dredging, farming became unprofitable. Increased interest in irrigated agriculture for mint, potatoes, hay and pasture led to the re-dredging of the ditches in the late 1960's. Currently, the Portage County Drainage District is the largest active district in the State. (Lake Wazeecha Watershed Inventory Report, 1993)
The Portage County Drainage District is approximately 87 square miles in size and contains approximately 93 miles of District operated ditches, 41.5 miles of "private drains" and 5 miles of perennial streams.
All construction and maintenance of the district-operated ditches is regulated by a permitting process:
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource (Maintenance Dredging Agreement) and the Portage County Drainage District has been signed for a third 10-year commitment. This agreement blankets the permitting needed for maintenance purposes and provides for the use of drainage waters by the cranberry industry. A Dredging Permit has been signed with DNR for the second 10-year commitment which blankets the permits for dredging purposes. A Storm Water Management Plan has been signed with DNR for three years which covers bank-leveling needs also. ATCP 48 (Prototype Management Plan for the Portage County Drainage District, 1994) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code under DATCP is a fourth defining source. The Army Corps of Engineers must approve the engineered profiles before any dredging can begin. The Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Portage County Drainage District oversees the maintenance of these ditches through its statutory authority. Taxes, levied against district land which receive benefits from the ditches, are used for maintenance of the ditches. As the original dredging ages, the ditches need extensive re- dredging, and most will require a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. The continued maintenance of the ditches is necessary to sustain future agricultural production.
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E. Agricultural Program Sources:
Ag Extension Office (UWEX), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), National Department of Natural Resources (NDNR), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Farmland Preservation Program/Working Lands Initiative (FPP/WLD)
Section 5.3 Agricultural Issues
The following issues relating to agriculture were raised during the planning process:
Maintain balance between agricultural area and varying development needs
Reduce the erosion of sandy soil
Density of high-capacity wells
Performance of wind turbine
Impact of agricultural practices on road right-of-ways and the environment
Equipment exceeding road width and design limits
Alleviate the need for permitting use of excessively heavy implements of husbandry.
Section 5.4 Agricultural Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. GOAL: 1. Preserve agricultural lands and maintain local conditions that support the Town’s economy.
2. Encourage application of Best Management Practices
3. Encourage use of green spaces to buffer residential development from other adjoining uses.
4. Road maintenance/reconstruction should factor in the impact of evolving size and weight of agricultural equipment.
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B. OBJECTIVES: 1. Preserve co-existence of residential needs and agricultural enterprises.
2. Promote public awareness regarding the operations and activities of the agricultural community.
3. Encourage agricultural practices that are respectful and environmentally sensitive.
4. Reclaim and maintain ditches and drainage on road right-of-ways.
5. Evaluate need to post, issue permits and/or require bonding.
6. Reduce conflicts involving utility installations in road right-of-ways
7. Reduce negative impacts on small capacity well users as well as the environment and fisheries.
8. Evaluate effectiveness of wind turbines in central sands region.
C. POLICIES:
1. Implement and apply Agricultural Zoning where appropriate to help protect productive agricultural areas.
2. Maintain and promote agri-business and agri-industry which provide local jobs and support area farming, consistent with sound planning.
3. Continue the interface between the Town Board and leaders of the agricultural community to address the issues which cause the consideration for permitting of IOH.
4. Work with organizations, such as UW-Extension and the Land Conservation Department, to provide information regarding Best Management Practices to help minimize erosion.
5. Administer recovery of road damages as provided by statutes.
6. Some sources of information regarding agricultural practices, Wisconsin’s Right-to-Farm Law, Best Management Practices, etc. are available at the Town Hall - additional materials are available at the County.
7. Work with the Portage County Drainage Board to properly manage lands and ditches within the Drainage District to protect agricultural uses and water quality.
8. Recommend that new residential development adjacent to agricultural operations incorporate the use of spatial and/or vegetative buffers to minimize potential conflict.
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Section 5.5 Natural Resources Inventory
Natural resources in the Town serve as the foundation for residents’ physical and economic wellbeing – from groundwater quality to land suitability for agricultural, residential, or commercial development. This section will describe the existing natural resources inventory and state the issues, goals, objectives, and policies that were identified and adopted by the Town of Plover Plan Commission and Town Board.
A. Geomorphology
The present Portage County landscape primarily reflects the last or Wisconsin stage of the Pleistocene or Glacial Epoch (Holt, 1965). The glacial ice transported large amounts of rock debris known as drift. The drift is called till if deposited directly by the ice, and outwash if placed by glacial meltwater.
The Town of Plover is located in a geologic province known as the sand-plain province. This province was formed by glacial meltwaters depositing an extensive mix of sand and gravel with small amounts of clay or silt. The average thickness of these deposits is less than 50 feet in the western part of the Town to over 100 feet in the eastern part of the Town. The topography is controlled primarily by the stratified sand and gravel deposits of glacial meltwaters as a broad- flood plain. Areas identified as alluvium are post-glacial deposits of materials eroded from uplands and accumulated in lower areas such as marshes (organic-rich clay, silt, sand, and peat) and stream valleys (well-sorted silt, sand, and gravel). These alluvial deposits range from a few feet to over 60 feet in thickness.
As Map 5.3 - Topography presents the Town as generally flat and includes some lowland wet areas, creeks, and drainage ditches. Elevation ranges from 1,195 feet above sea level in the eastern part of the Town to 1,035 feet above sea level in the western part of the Town along the Wisconsin River.
B. General Soil Associations (Map 5.4)
Soils in the Town can be grouped into five soil associations, as follows:
Richford-Rosholt-Billett Association: Well-drained, nearly level to gently sloping soils that formed in sandy and loamy deposits and outwash sand and gravel. These soils are found in the eastern portion of the Town and are used primarily for crops. There is moderately rapid permeability and low to medium available water capacity.
Plainfield-Friendship Association: Excessively drained and moderately well drained, nearly level to sloping soils that formed in deep sandy deposits. These soils are found in the western portion of the Town and used primarily for crops, woodland or pasture. There is rapid permeability and low available water capacity. Friendship soils are saturated with water at a depth of 3 to 5 feet during periods of wetness.
Roscommon-Meehan-Markey Association: Somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drained, nearly level soils that formed in deep sandy deposits or, in places, in organic deposits that overlie the sand. These soils are found in the southeast portion of the Town and are used primarily for pasture or woodland. Ponding is common in undrained areas and saturation occurs at a depth of less than 3 feet during periods of wetness.
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Markey-Seeleyville-Cathro Association: Very poorly drained, nearly level soils that formed in organic deposits over sandy and loamy deposits. These soils are found in the far western portion of the Town, north of STH 54, and are used primarily for pasture or wildlife habitat. This association has very severe limitations for septic drainfields and basements.
Alluvial land, wet-Dunnville Association: Well drained to very poorly drained, nearly level soils that formed in river or stream transported deposits. These soils are found along the Wisconsin River where most of the alluvial land is subject to flooding, while areas of Dunnville soils not subject to flooding have moderate limitations for septic drainfields and basements.
Soil testing by a certified soil tester is strongly recommended for more detailed, site specific information.
C. Surface Water, Wetlands, and Flood Plains
The Wisconsin River is the major surface water body present in the Town. The Wisconsin River flows west and serves as the Town’s northern boundary, west of the Village of Plover.
Other surface water features in the Town include: the Little Plover River, which flows west into the Town from the Town of Stockton and converges with the Wisconsin River in the Village of Plover, as well as Ditch No.1 and the Buena Vista Creek, and ditches constructed as part of the Portage County Drainage District to help drain the Buena Vista Marsh for use as farmland.
Ditch No. 1 is listed as a Class 1 trout stream by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Class 1 streams are defined as high quality trout waters that have sufficient natural reproduction to sustain populations of wild trout, at or near carry capacity. Consequently, streams in this category require no stocking of hatchery trout. These streams or stream sections are often small and may contain small or slow-growing trout, especially in the headwaters.
The Buena Vista Creek is listed as a Class 2 trout stream: Class 2 is defined as: having some natural reproduction, but not enough to utilize available food and space. Therefore, stocking is required to maintain a desirable sport fishery. These streams have good survival and carryover of adult trout, often producing some fish larger than average size.
The majority of the Town, south and west of County Rd B, is situated in the Fourmile and Fivemile Creek watershed, while north of County Rd B is the Plover and Little Plover River Watershed. A watershed can be defined as interconnected areas of land draining from surrounding ridge tops to a common point such as a lake or stream union with a neighboring land area – see Map 5.5 (Wetlands & Watersheds).
Wetlands are an important part of the watershed, as they act as a filter system for pollutants, nutrients, and sediments, along with serving as buffers for shorelands and providing essential wildlife habitat, flood control and groundwater recharge. Wetlands in Plover include three general types: forested, scrub or shrub, and emergent/wet meadow.
Forested wetlands are the predominant type – including bogs and forested floodplain complexes that are characterized by trees 20 feet or more in height such as, tamarack, white cedar, black spruce, elm, black ash, and silver maple. These wetlands are located primarily along the Wisconsin River in the western part of the Town, with scatterings in the eastern and southern parts of the Town. 2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Agricultural, Natural & Cultural Resources
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Scrub/shrub wetlands, the second most abundant type – which include bogs and alder thickets, are characterized by wood shrubs and small trees such as: tag aster, bog birch, willow and dogwood. These are also found primarily in the western part of the Town, with inclusions scattered throughout the southwest part of Plover.
Emergent/wet meadow, the third type of wetland - consists of areas that may have saturated soils more often than having standing water. Vegetation includes: sedges, grasses and reeds as dominant plants, but may also include: blue flag iris, milkweed, sneezeweed, mint and several species of goldenrod and aster. These types of wetlands are found primarily along intermittent and ephemeral drainage ways in the southern part of the Town.
A flood plain is defined as land which has been or may be covered by floodwater during the regional flood. The flood plain includes the floodway and flood-fringe areas. A 100-year Flood is defined as a flood event having a one-percent chance of reaching the 100-year flood elevation in any given year. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a flood occurring once every 100 years. A 100-Year Flood plain is the area adjoining a river stream, or watercourse covered by water in the event of a 100-year flood.
Flood plains provide many benefits, including natural flood and erosion control, water quality maintenance, groundwater recharge, and fish and wildlife habitat. Some of these areas are also desirable for residential development due to aesthetic reasons, and agricultural development due to the presence of nutrient rich soils. If development in these areas increases, the benefits listed above will decrease. Floodplains in the Town are shown on Map 5.6 (Floodplain).
D. Groundwater Flow (Map 5.7)
All Town of Plover residents’ water supply comes from groundwater; therefore, protection of this resource is important. Depth to water table, soil texture, and permeability all play a role in determining the negative effects that pollutants may have on water quality. Depth to groundwater varies from 1 - 10 feet in the southern part of Plover and 10 - 25 feet in the northern and eastern portions. Although some of the soils ranked moderate to good in pollution attenuation, the sub- surface soil texture is sandy and coarse, allowing liquids a faster rate of travel through the soil column.
The aquifer potential throughout most of the Town of Plover is high, with potential pumping yield rates for groundwater at 500-1000+ gallons per minute. This rate is consistent with rates found throughout the eastern 1/3 of the County and much higher than rates found in the northwest quarter of the County. The potential yield rate diminishes north of STH 54 as one gets closer to the Wisconsin River.
In March, 2004 the Portage County Board of Supervisors adopted the Portage County Groundwater Management Plan. The Plan outlines goals and specific action recommendations for groundwater protection and management in the County, along with providing a technical basis and justification for the recommendations based on the best available information. Contact the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department for more information about obtaining a copy of the plan.
Groundwater movement follows subsurface paths or gradients, in much the same way as surface water follows land contours. Map 5.7 (Groundwater Flow) illustrates the general direction of groundwater movement in the Town of Plover. As shown, the direction of movement is generally
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57 to the west and to the north, towards the Wisconsin River. Knowing groundwater flow can be a helpful piece of information when determining proper sitting of well and on-site waste systems.
E. Wildlife Habitat and Forested Areas
When people think about wildlife, birds, fish and mammals most likely come to mind. It is important, however, to consider all organisms that make up an ecosystem in order for that system to continue providing the maximum benefit to humans and the environment. Town residents recognize the fact that human beings play a role in protecting or restoring, as well as, degrading or destroying wildlife and its habitat. They also recognize that it will be very difficult to preserve all ecosystems in the Town from human encroachment or interaction, therefore, it is the desire of residents to protect wildlife habitat where practicable.
The biggest threats to wildlife are loss of habitat quality and quantity. These threats can be attributed primarily to fragmentation, invasive species, and pollution. Fragmentation refers to the loss of large, contiguous sections of land through the subdividing into smaller parts. Subdivisions can lead to an alteration and possible degradation of the native plant and animal communities. Invasive species (both plant and animal) tend to out-compete or prey on native species also altering the native ecosystem. Pollution can lead to habitat degradation, and cause birth defects and increased mortality rates in animal species. Habitat areas are important for providing food and cover for nesting, brooding and sheltering. Farmland is one type of habitat that also provides food, as well as, travel corridors between wetlands and woodlands.
Prairie Chicken Habitat Management Area: The Buena Vista Grassland and interconnecting Leola Marsh, located in Portage and Adams counties, consist of the best and most extensive prairie chicken habitat left in Wisconsin.
Originally the area was a tamarack swamp with extensive portions of open marsh and alder shrubs. In the late 1800's the timber was cut and the marsh burned repeatedly. Later in the 1900's the area was drained by several ditches that crossed the marsh. After drainage, about 1/4 of the area was cultivated, 1/4 remained wet marsh or brush, and the rest was grassland habitat.
Agriculture failed because of the short growing season, severe frosts and soil chemistry problems that were difficult to remedy at the time. As a result of the severe frosts, bluegrass took over, leaving ample cover in the fields for chickens since only the heads of the plants were harvested. Eventually, the bluegrass market failed because of the strong market competition from other Countries.
Land Acquisition Program: Study of prairie chickens at Buena Vista Grassland was started by the Hamerstroms in 1935. It suggested acquiring land in the area in an "ecological scatter pattern." This scattered block pattern integrated grasslands into farming activities, providing nest-brood cover and wide open spaces. The pattern took advantage of existing private lands. Two major organizations, the Prairie Chicken Foundation and the Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus, Ltd., were formed to acquire land for prairie chicken habitat. Together, these two groups obtained 12,000 acres of land. Wisconsin's greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) began its return from near extinction in this state when, in 1954, the Wisconsin Department of
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Natural Resources (WDNR) entered into a partnership with Wisconsin conservation groups to establish a prairie chicken management program on the Buena Vista Grasslands in southwestern Portage County. Successful growth and continuation of this project has saved a species. The Wisconsin DNR has purchased this land for close to $1 million.
The Conservation Fund, based in Arlington, Va. has purchased 883 acres next to the Buena Vista Wildlife Area in Portage County for $2,045,000. The group plans to re-sell it to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as part of an ambitious project by the DNR and others to string together 15,000 acres of grassland to provide habitat for the threatened bird. Buena Vista Wildlife Area is a state-owned 12,700-acre property consisting of scattered grassland and some woodland.
Approximately 1,320 acres of prairie chicken lands are located in the southwestern corner of the Town of Plover. These lands are part of the Buena Vista Marsh Wildlife Area. The majority of these acres (924) are managed by the WI DNR under a long-term lease agreement with the Dane County Conservation League and the remainder is owned outright by the WIDNR (Map 5.9 – Forested Areas & Wildlife Habitat).
Today, the population of the greater prairie chicken changes yearly, but a few thousand chickens can be found in the central part of the state each fall. These birds breed, nest, raise their young and weather the seasons in a landscape still capable of supporting this native grouse species. Management of these lands consists primarily of maintaining the unique grassland habitat. Some of these lands are also potentially productive for agriculture, if cleared, drained and irrigated.
Threatened and Endangered Species: Known rare and endangered fauna species identified by the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) that are located within the Towns of Plover and Linwood include: Greater Prairie Chicken, White-tailed jackrabbit, Franklin’s Ground squirrel, Osprey, Pirate Perch, Redfin Shiner, and Four-Toed Salamander. Plant types include: Deam’s Rockcress, Northern Dry-Mesic Forest, and Northern Mesic Forest communities. These resources should be taken into consideration when development and protection measures are considered. A detailed description of rare and endangered plants and animals can be obtained from the WI DNR.
Woodlands or Forested Lands comprise 21% of the land area in Plover (Map 5.9) while wetlands make up 12%. In 2012, existing woodlands are primarily due to the inability to sustain successful agricultural practices.
One option open to all private landowners owning ten or more acres of woodlands is the Managed Forest Law Program (MFL). The MFL program is intended to foster timber production on private forests while promoting other benefits that forested lands provide. Participants in this program have the option to choose a 25 or 50 year contract period and pay property taxes at a reduced rate on enrolled lands. A portion of the difference in property taxes is recouped by the state at the time of a timber harvest when a yield tax is imposed based on the volume of timber removed. For more
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59 information regarding specific requirements and how to enroll in this program, contact the Department of Natural Resources.
Preservation of Environmentally Unique Lands: or landowners interested in conserving the unique qualities of their lands for perpetuity, the private organization, North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT) is a consideration.
F. Air Quality
The following information comes from the Wisconsin DNR and the Environmental Protection Agency:
A few common air pollutants are found all over the United States. These pollutants can injure health, harm the environment and cause property damage. The Environmental Protection Agency calls these pollutants criteria air pollutants because the agency has regulated them by first developing health-based criteria (science-based guidelines) as the basis for setting permissible levels. These pollutants include: ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and lead.
One set of limits (primary standard) is designed to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children and the elderly; another set of limits (secondary standard) is intended to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation and buildings. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that don't meet the primary standard are called nonattainment areas. All of Portage County, including the Town of Plover, is listed as an attainment area by the WI DNR.
G. Non-Metallic Mining
The glacial and geologic history of the area has made conditions in many portions of the County suitable for certain types of non-metallic mining (gravel and sand extractions). However, in the Town, glacial outwash deposited mostly sand. Due to implications of high ground water levels throughout the town, no areas of non-metallic mining operations are designated.
Section 5.6 Natural Resource Issues
The following issues relating to natural resources were raised during the planning process:
Groundwater: How can the Town manage current land use activities and future land use goals with the preservation of quality drinking water? Where do property rights figure in this balancing act? When is too much (high) ground water recharge a bad thing resulting in localized basement flooding or the inability to till or harvest crops on agricultural lands?
Environmentally Sensitive Areas: How much of the wildlife habitat involving the Wisconsin River, the Little Plover River and the Greater Prairie Chicken Lands should be preserved? How much fragmentation through development can be tolerated without impacting wildlife and the environmental benefits? Should larger parcel sizes be preserved?
Natural Resource/Recreation Areas: How can the Town better promote these wildlife habitat assets for Tourism or general Town name recognition? Do we need to promote
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upgrades to the various Wisconsin River boat launch facilities? Should the Town work with DNR to facilitate better access to trout fishing in the drainage ditches that flow through the Prairie Chicken Lands to alleviate trespass issues on private lands in the Drainage District?
Section 5.7 Natural Resource Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. Goal: Manage and preserve natural resources throughout the Town.
B. Objectives:
1. Encourage practices that are environmentally sensitive and protect air, soil, water and wildlife resources.
2. Protect the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater resources. C. Policies:
1. Protect environmentally sensitive areas through the use of Conservancy Zoning.
2. Conserve forest and woodland resources.
3. Support Department of Natural Resources management of publicly owned lands.
4. Recognize the potential for groundwater contamination due to intensive agricultural practices, improperly functioning septic systems and sandy soils; and stress the need for continuing education and study of this problem.
5. As a precondition for approving new residential subdivisions (multiple lots), the Town of Plover, in cooperation with Portage County, will require preliminary groundwater tests and/or monitoring by the developer. The results of such tests will be disclosed by the developer to all reviewing bodies, all perspective buyers and upon request, to the members of the general public. This will continue to be incorporated as a requirement under the Town’s Subdivision Ordinance.
6. Encourage agricultural and development practices that minimize the transfer of agricultural chemicals into the ground and surface water, air and reduce soil erosion and siltation of lakes and streams.
7. Review the high capacity well study on the Little Plover River watershed and the impact that high capacity wells have on the quantity of useable water available to all potential users.
Section 5.8 Cultural Resources
How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been?
Cultural and historic resources often help link the past with the present and can give a community a sense of place or identity. These resources can include historic buildings and structures along with ancient and archeological sites.
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Burial sites are one example of a resource that can add to a community’s sense of history as well as provide a great deal of genealogical information. Formally catalogued burial sites are protected from disturbance in Wisconsin and are given tax treatment equal to that of operating cemeteries.
Information regarding cultural and historic resources in the Town is constrained to limited financial and human resources. This section will provide goals and policies that promote the effective management of historic and cultural resources.
A. Cultural and Historic Resources Inventory
A wide range of historic properties have been documented that help create Wisconsin's distinct cultural landscape. Descriptions of existing locations are identified on the list of historic places by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Keep in mind many of the properties included in this inventory are privately owned and not necessarily open to the public. At this time, there are thirteen listings in Plover, which include houses, churches, barn, shed, and a school house. Sites in the Town of Plover include the Meehan Community Church and School House – a Front Gabled style clapboard church located on Meehan Drive and a red-brick school house from the past
Another location in the Town of Plover that should be mentioned is the Isherwood Hall. In Chapter 1, the Isherwood Hotel was noted, and as time went on, the Isherwood family donated land directly across the road from the Hotel on which a large meeting place was built (complete with a stage and curtain plus a full kitchen) to provide civic opportunities for this rural community with one prerequisite – no alcoholic beverages could be served. The Isherwood Hall is located at the intersection of State Highway 54 and Isherwood Road, just east of I39/51., has not offered outdoor recreation facilities but it has enhanced activities in the area. In its day, prior to 1970, the hall was operated as a community club (complete with by-laws and election of officers); monthly activities including square dances, Christmas programs presented by school children, meeting facilities for the local 4-H Club, and annual oyster feeds. The Isherwood Hall became a hub of the community even sponsoring weekly presentations by traveling summer theater groups. Today, not-for-profit groups may rent the hall which continues to be watched over by members of the donating family.
The National and State Register of Historic Places currently lists fourteen sites throughout Portage County none of which are located in the Town of Plover.
There are three cemeteries located in the Town of Plover: the Maine Cemetery, located on Hoover Avenue just south of State Highway 54; the Meehan Cemetery, located at the intersection of Club Forest Drive and Pierce Avenue; and the McDill Cemetery on County Road HH. The Plover Cemetery, located on River Drive, is in the Village of Plover; however, as a result of the 1972 incorporation the Village, the Town of Plover shares 33% ownership of this cemetery with the Village.
B. Cultural Resource Programs
At the state level, the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) works in association with the Wisconsin Historical Society. The Board's activity falls primarily into three areas: it provides guidance and assistance to archives and records management programs in Wisconsin; promotes the value of historical records as keys to our cultural heritage and works through partnerships with statewide organizations whose purpose and goals support that end; and works to bring federal grant funds to Wisconsin for improving access and preservation of historical records.
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Section 5.9 Cultural Resource Issues
To say “there were no issues or concerns regarding historic or cultural resources”, begs the question: “If we don’t know where we’ve been, how we know where we are going?”
How to support developing a historical site at the Meehan Church and School location
- Need for collection of relics and family histories; stories of hobo activity, transients walking thru after the world wars - looking for a place to stay, to share a meal - or even steal a hot pie cooling on a window sill.
Native American history:
- 1940’s - tribes came into Buena Vista field adjacent to southeastern edge of Town of Plover to set up a camp for a month or more. Residents could hear drums beating as they pow-wowed into the early evening hours; many beautiful baskets were w oven and a sale was held before they pulled up their camp and moved on.
- A burial site of a small child exists on Birch Drive about two miles from the camp site mentioned above.
Wisconsin River history: - saw mill in Love Creek area adjacent to a rail spur at Meehan Station - Clamming was done in the same stretch of the Wisconsin River, here in the Town of Plover, during days of the Depression. Clams were dug out of the shallow waters along the shoreline, cracked open, and cleaned; collected and sold for the production of “pearl” buttons.
Railroad: - Rail spur may have connected to the railroad route that ran parallel to today’s I39 from the Meehan area out thru Coddington - the same path as today’s Taft Road where residue from the old rail tracks surfaces as road reconstruction is done in 2019 on Taft Road by the Town of Plover.
Section 5.10 Cultural Resource Goals, Objectives and Policies
A Goal: Promote and protect historic and cultural resources.
B. Objective:
1. Work with organizations, such as the Portage County Historical Society, to identify historic and cultural resources. C. Policies:
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CHAPTER 6 Economic Development Element
Section 6.1 Introduction
Economic development, which can be defined as the type and level of business activity within an area, is often based on a combination of market forces, regulation, and the extent of local government encouragement. The Town of Plover has historically been a rural community of primarily agricultural activity including a number of industrial operations that support the agricultural economy. However, in the recent past an increase in commercial and residential development has occurred. Different types of development in surrounding areas, such as the Village of Plover, can have an impact on Town growth, quality of life, and even its ability to pay for Town services. The Town of Plover wishes to pursue economic development opportunities that will enhance the rural character of the area and assure the community the means to provide for the services and infrastructure needs of present and future residents.
County and State economic development information is included to help the Town identify potential opportunities that support economic development activities. This element concludes with goals, objectives, and policies to promote stabilization, retention, and expansion of the economic base.
Section 6.2 Labor Force and Economic Base
A. Labor Force Analysis
1. Educational Attainment/Opportunity
As discussed in the Issues and Opportunities chapter of this plan, and illustrated by Table 13 (Page 11 in that chapter), 26.7% of Town of Plover residents have achieved a college degree (Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate/Professional): however, currently 98% of local high school attendees graduate – above the state average of 94%.
The needs for technical development of the Town of Plover’s labor force is supported by the presence of Mid-State Technical College, UWSP and several on-line sources.
2. Earnings and Income
According to 2010 Census data (see Table 1.5 of the Issues and Opportunities Chapter) median household income for Town of Plover residents was $67,417 which was higher than Portage County ($50,978), and for comparison, the median household income for the State of Wisconsin was $51,014.
Table 6.1 compares the 2015 mean (average) earnings, mean household income and per capita income, for households and individuals in communities within the Plover area and Portage County overall. Plover ranks above the County overall in actual dollar amounts for the indicators.
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TABLE 6.1: MEAN EARNINGS, MEAN INCOME AND PER CAPITA PER HOUSEHOLD Means – Household | Income COMPARISONS 2011-15 2011-15 2011-15 Earnings Income Per Capita Town of Plover $68,247 $72,241 $27,926 Town of Buena Vista $71,483 $72,798 $28,441 Town of Grant $68,202 $69,556 $28,903 Town of Hull $73,866 $79,925 $32,256 Town of Stockton $75,835 $76,266 $29,080 Portage County $63,277 $64,355 $26,071
2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, DP03
3. Percent in Labor Force and Unemployment
Table 6.2 below examines labor force participation and employment percentages for the Town of Plover. Age sixteen is considered to be the lower threshold for being eligible for employment in 2015. The Town had a 2015 labor potential of 72%, with a 4% level of unemployment.
TABLE 6.2 EMPLOYMENT STATUS - TOWN OF PLOVER RESIDENTS 16 YRS. AND OVER 2011-2015* Employment Status Estimate Percent Population 16 years and over 1,426 100.0% In labor force 1,029 72% Civilian labor force 1,029 72% Employed 966 68% Unemployed 63 4% Armed Forces 0 0.0%
Not in labor force 397 28%
* 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, DP03
4. Employment by Occupation
Table 6.3 below provides information regarding the type of occupation in which Town of Plover residents were employed in 2015. Table 1.9 of the Issues and Opportunities Chapter which summarizes resident employment by industry for the Town of Plover provides another insight to these categories. Information in these tables represents the type of occupation/industry the working residents of the Town were employed in, and is not a listing of the employment opportunities currently located in Plover.
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Table 6.3: Town of Plover Resident Employment, by Occupation 2011-2015* Occupation Number Percent Management, professional, and related 246 26% Service 177 18% Sales and Office 279 29% Natural Resources, Construction, Extraction, and 123 13% Maintenance Production, Transportation, and Material Moving 141 15% Total Employed 966 100% * 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, DP03
5. Commuting
The same survey, as mentioned in the table below, reports 87% of the residents in the Town of Plover drove alone to their place of employment with a mean travel-to-work time of 20.8 minutes.
Table 6.4: Town of Plover Resident Commute to Work
2011-2015 Commute Estimate % Workers 16 years and over 942 100% Car, truck, or van - drove alone 821 87% Car, truck, or van - carpooled 77 8% Public transportation 0 0% Walked 3 0.3% Other means 14 2% Worked at home 27 3% Worked in Town 72 8% Worked outside of Town 870 92% Mean travel time to work 20.8 (minutes) Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2011-2015 American Community Survey
B. Local Economic Base Analysis
The economic base in the Town of Plover is mainly agricultural with a broad range of businesses relating to the agriculture industry. The Town of Plover is second in the County with 12,794 acres of irrigated cropland. The community supports the development of agriculture related businesses that are in harmony with existing land uses and are complimentary to the agricultural activities 2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Economic Development
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Existing businesses in the Town of Plover include: Food Processing/Mnf Vegetable/Dairy/Beef Convenience store Trucking farming Gas Station Building Contractors Race Track Dairy Store Metal Fabrication Campground Taxi & Limo Service Mechanical Services Auto Repair Landscaping Excavating Retail Sales Crop Spraying Beauty Salon Bait Wholesaler Auto & steel recycling Cold Storage Agronomy Rsrch /Dstr Used Car Sales Engineering Firms Nursery Overhead Door Sls/Srv Hotels Electrical Motor Repair Garden Center Convention Centers Heavy Equipment Paving/Sealing Restaurant/Taverns Storage Electrician Pet Crematory
Increasingly commercial and residential development has been occurring in the Town of Plover due to its proximity to the Village of Plover, the cities of Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids area. Most Town of Plover residents would like to maintain the rural agricultural atmosphere, while establishing some limited commercial development along the more heavily traveled State Trunk Highway 54 and I39/51.
Section 6.3 Strengths and Weaknesses for Attracting/Retaining Business
Strengths Available labor pool Existing broadband footprint - with Base of existing businesses additional expansion planned Rail System Medical facilities - nearby-hospital, Available educational/training centers Plover Family Practice (UW and Technical College) Good resources for landscaping Major Highway Access (I39/51 & 54) Cooperative relationship with the Railroad Access Village of Plover Good road network (E&W, N&S access) Development and planning at local level Level terrain combined with County Planning Land base (along Hwy I39/51 & 54) assistance High visibility Adequate, affordable housing Planned development areas Low tax rate Highway Commercial zoning in place Future provision of sewer and water to Land available (unsuitable for prime ag) designated areas of the Town without Centrally located to 4 larger cities annexation Good school system Potential to create TIF districts Recreational opportunities
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B. Weaknesses:
Cold winters (energy costs) The Town does not know the extent to which additional rail spurs are available. Lack of municipal sewer and water in some areas. County zoning (less than 2 acre min.) Possible agricultural land encroachment issues Limited access on Hwy 54 due to WisDOT access management plan
Section 6.4 Desired Businesses
Many businesses can develop in the Town of Plover community with little or no impact on surrounding uses; however, new proposals for industrial and commercial activities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Desired businesses in the Town include:
Agriculture product processor(s) Power plant Light manufacturing Light commercial Tourism and recreation Restaurants Small-scale, neighborhood compatible businesses Home-based businesses Large-scale commercial development in appropriate areas Hotels
Section 6.5 Environmentally Contaminated Sites
Contaminated sites, also known as brownfields, serve as a potential land base for economic development. Brownfields are defined as abandoned or underutilized commercial and industrial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. The Wisconsin Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources have jointly prepared a guide to help finance brownfields cleanup and redevelopment. It can be found on the internet at: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/rr/archives/pubs/RR539.pdf
There are currently no sites in the Town of Plover listed as brownfields with open status. Open status refers to a contaminated site in need of clean up or where cleanup is still underway. A complete list of all brownfield sites can be obtained by contacting the DNR or through their website at: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/rr/brrts/index.htm.
Although not listed as a brownfield site, a potential area identified for redevelopment is located along the northern side of State Hwy 54 in Section 1, T22N. This site was originally developed as an ethanol manufacturing facility when the Town of Plover administered its own zoning ordinance almost forty years ago.
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Section 6.6 Economic Development Resources
Revolving Loan Fund Programs (Portage County)
Purpose: Funds administered by local communities which provide local government the ability to assist in economic development projects that will create jobs for low-to-moderate income persons. Typically, the revolving loan fund program provides "gap" financing to local projects that make the project economically feasible.
Use of Funds: Land, working capital, buildings, and inventory.
Amount Available: Programs are different in each community.
Advantage: Offers terms to make the project economically feasible, maximize the return on and provide businesses the ability to finance job creation efforts locally. This program provides a quicker approval process than the Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development Program.
Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant-Economic Development (WI Dept. of Commerce)
Purpose: To provide resources to local governments to assist economic development projects that provides jobs to low-to-moderate income persons and expands the local tax base.
Use of Funds: Land, working capital, buildings, and inventory.
Amount Available: $750,000 maximum award, $75,000 to $500,000 is usual. Provides fixed- rate long term financing.
Advantage: Offers terms to make the project economically feasible, maximize the return on public funds, and provide business with rate of return comparable to industry norms. In addition, these funds remain locally for the creation or expansion of an existing Revolving Loan Fund.
Wisconsin Rural Economic Development Program (WI Dept. of Commerce)
Purpose: To stimulate the start-up and expansion of small businesses in rural and/or small communities.
Use of Funds: Planning and managerial assistance only. This could include development of a marketing strategy for a new product line. Program pays for technical assistance such as consulting fees.
Amount Available: Maximum loan award is $30,000. This program allows straight loans and/or forgivable loans.
Eligibility: Businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The business should be starting or expanding operations.
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Community Development Block Grant - Customized Labor Training (WI Dept. of Commerce)
Purpose: To stimulate the expansion of existing businesses, the attraction and creation of businesses, and the "retooling" of Wisconsin's Industrial base by providing customized labor training. This program is for new technology in the industry sector.
Use of Funds: Training costs incurred in the upgrading of manufacturing skills. This includes training on the shop floor while not producing salable product.
Amount Available: Grant Award. Training grant, competitively awarded, requires 50% match from company. Maximum $2,500 per employee trained.
Eligibility: Proposed training must not supplant training available through existing federal, state and local resources (such as the Technical College and University System). Projects are evaluated on economic contribution; quantity and type of jobs created or saved; cost effectiveness significance of skill upgrading and local unemployment situation.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
A voluntary, non-governmental organization controlled by member families to represent them on legislative issues and to provide farm marketing, business and planning consultation and services. Contact information:
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 1-800-261-FARM or 608-836-5575
USDA – Rural Development Administration (Wisconsin)
The Rural Development Administration is an organization affiliated with the United States Department of Agriculture that provides funding for home purchases and rehabilitation, technical assistance and funding to new cooperative ventures, and financing for new business development. A full list of their programs can be found on the internet at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi/programs/index.html Contact information: USDA Rural Development - WI 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone: (715)345-7615 -- FAX: (715)345-7669
Portage County Business Council (PCBC)
Strengthening business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts in the county are the goals of the PCBC. The Council serves as a contact for site and building availability, promotes business and economic development, participates in local, regional and state economic development initiatives, and provides workforce development opportunities.
5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482 Phone: 715-344-1940
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CAP Services: Goals of the CAP Services Business Development Program are to assist in the expansion of businesses, living-wage jobs, technical assistance, gab financing, loan packaging and lease/purchase programs
1674 County Road HH West, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone: 715-343-7135
Technical Assistance
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Center, located at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, is one of ten university-based SBDC's in Wisconsin. Their mission is to provide learning opportunities and practical guidance to help individuals make informed business decisions. The Stevens Point SBDC works with small business in eight central Wisconsin counties, and offers several types of services including seminars, customized in-house training, and individualized counseling. (715) 346-3838.
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP)
In an effort to improve quality and productivity of small to medium sized Wisconsin Manufacturers, a partnership between government, industry, labor, and education was formed. The WMEP assessment process is designed to be broad based rather than in-depth. The purpose is to "raise flags" where more effort should be placed. After the assessment, this can lead to a technical assistance project, in which a company is paired with a facilitator to help design and implement solutions.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center (SHWEC)
The University of Wisconsin-Extension's SHWEC program was created to provide pollution prevention services to waste generators in Wisconsin. SHWEC pollution prevention specialists assess hazardous waste systems, provide no-cost non-regulatory technical assistance, and identify potential waste reduction options.
Section 6.7 Economic Development Issues
The following issues were identified during the comprehensive planning process:
What can the Town do to promote amending the zoning ordinance to allow for more mixed uses within certain zoning districts? Some zoning districts within the current County Zoning Ordinance don’t allow mixed uses (e.g. commercial and light manufacturing) within the district.
How can the Town promote larger scale economic development within its borders?
To what extent can the Town of Plover enable policies that protect agriculture?
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Section 6.8 Economic Development Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. Goal:
Promote stabilization and expansion of the current economic base and creation of a range of employment opportunities.
B. Objectives:
1. Support commerce and tourism throughout the County. 2. Preserve productive agricultural land within the Town. 3. Maintain and promote agribusiness and agri-industry which provide local jobs and support area farming consistent with sound planning.
C. Policies:
1. Work with Portage County Zoning Department to amend the county zoning ordinances to allow mixed uses such as residential, home occupation, retail and light manufacturing. 2. Develop a liaison program to work with the Portage County Business Council and other organizations to promote economic development in the Town. 3. Direct commercial, industrial and other larger scale business development of appropriate areas as identified on the proposed land use map.(Map 8.1). 4. Maintain a good relationship with agricultural property owners to help develop policies that are favorable to agricultural uses.
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CHAPTER 7 Intergovernmental Cooperation Element
The intergovernmental cooperation chapter identifies opportunities for establishing or maintaining cooperation between units of government to aid in the recognition and possible resolution of conflicts between jurisdictions, and allows for the identification of mutual service needs and improvements.
Section 7.1 Inventory and Analysis of Intergovernmental Agreements
As the Town of Plover develops over the next 20 years it is important for them to continue to work with surrounding municipalities, school districts, and other governmental units.
A. Town of Plover
The Town of Plover holds a boundary agreement with the Village of Plover which will expire December 31, 2019. This agreement establishes an area to which the Village would extend utilities into the township without annexation.
1. School Districts
The Town of Plover is served by two school districts; the Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids School Districts. The primary form of interaction with these entities is through the payment of property taxes which, in part, help to fund the districts. The Town participates with both districts on issues pertaining to administration or siting of new facilities via referenda.
The Stevens Point District offers bus service through district-operated buses and one contracted bus to transport students. The Wisconsin Rapids School District contracts with private bus companies that provide bus service to students.
2. ATV/UTV Route The Town of Plover has opened all town roads to use by ATV/UTV vehicles, eliminating the need for accessing private property, while welcoming usage of not only their own residents but also residents from adjacent governmental units.
3. Public Needs The Town of Plover’s buildings, Town Hall and Town Garage, are both supported by natural-gas fired generators which permits their usage by the public in case of disasters. In addition, the Town’s grader, snow plows and tractor stand ready to support emergency needs in adjacent communities.
B. Adjacent Units of Government
The Town of Plover shares borders with the Towns of Buena Vista to the southeast, Grant to the southwest, Stockton to the east and with the Village of Plover to the north, the City of Stevens Point, and, in Wood County, the Village of Biron and the City of Wisconsin Rapids.
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1. Village of Plover
The Town of Plover has agreements with the Village for provision of fire and first responder services. The fire station is located on Post Road in the Village. In addition, the Town co- owns the Plover Cemetery with the Village of Plover. More detailed information about these shared services can be found in the Chapter 4 Utilities and Community Facilities Element of this Comprehensive Plan.
In response to increasing pressure from Village of Plover development requests, the Town and Village of Plover entered into an intergovernmental agreement on revenue sharing, permanent Town/Village boundaries, and provision of sewer and water without annexation. This agreement is attached to this document as Appendix C, and is illustrated in Map 8.4 (Town/Village of Plover Service Agreement Area). The Town of Plover has an on-going commitment to extend, in five-year increments, the boundary agreement with the Village of Plover.
2. City of Stevens Point
As stated in the Issues and Opportunities element, the Town of Plover and the City of Stevens Point entered into a mutual boundary adjustment agreement in 1995 that earmarked two areas of the Town for future annexation into the City. Sewer and water services were provided to these areas for a period of ten years before annexation took place in two phases, with the second phase being completed at the end of 2007. The boundary adjustment resulted in the Town’s population decreasing by approximately 500 residents.
In _____ another annexation occurred – this time ____ acres of agricultural land was annexed.
3. Adjacent Communities
The Town of Plover has agreements with surrounding Towns of Stockton, Buena Vista and Grant for snow removal and road maintenance on “shared” local roads that are located along the Town boundaries.
C. Portage County
1. Portage County Solid Waste
The Town of Plover currently contracts with a private contractor for curbside pick-up of solid waste and recycling materials. Waste is taken to the Portage County Landfill in the Town of Stockton, while recyclables are taken to the County’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Village of Plover.
2. Portage County Highway Department
The Highway Department of Portage County maintains and plows State and County Highways in the Town. This Department also administers the application process for local road projects as part of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Local Roads Improvement Program. Portage County also provides contractual services when necessary for major road projects within the Town of Plover.
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3. Portage County Police and Ambulance
The Town relies on the Portage County Sheriff’s Department to provide protective services through patrols and “on-call” support. Extra services are rendered when necessary. Portage County also provides the Ambulance and Spirit (medi-vac) services for the Town. Again, see Chapter 4 - the Utilities and Community Facilities Chapter - of this Comprehensive Plan for more detailed information.
4. Portage County Planning and Zoning Department
There are currently seven different sections operating under the Planning and Zoning Department; they include Planning, Zoning, Land and Water Conservation, On-Site Waste, , Water Resources, Geographic Information Systems, and Economic Development. This department provides valuable information and guidance to rural landowners in developing or managing their properties.
5. Board of Adjustment
The purpose of this board is to render decisions regarding the interpretation or application of the County Zoning Ordinances, granting variances or allowing special exceptions consistent with municipalities’ comprehensive plans. This quasi-judicial board conducts hearings, takes testimony, evaluates evidence and renders decisions. Landowners have a right to file an appeal to the board for relief from provisions of the County Zoning Ordinances.
5. Portage County Parks Department
The Portage County Parks, including Galecke Park, are open all year; however, they are maintained by the Department from May 1st to October 31st.
D. Wood County
Intergovernmental cooperation could be mutually beneficial to all municipalities not only commercially but also in the area of tourism by establishing dialog with adjacent communities to examine future possibilities in land use planning, and development of a future interconnecting recreational pathway and promotion of municipal activities
E. State of Wisconsin
The two primary State agencies that the Town of Plover interacts with multiple state agencies such as are the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Protection (DATCP). DNR is responsible for natural resource protection, compliance monitoring, and law enforcement. WisDOT is responsible for the planning and development of road networks and associated infrastructure, and is the lead agency
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Section 7.2 Identification of Existing or Potential Issues and Conflicts with Other Governmental Units
Limiting factors in the growth of the Town of Plover would include the extraterritorial control by the City of Stevens Point (a span of 3 miles) and the Village of Plover ( a span of 1.5 miles). In addition, the two Village of Plover municipal well recharge areas must also be considered.
Section 7.3 Issues/Conclusions Regarding Intergovernmental Relations and Possible Methods of Conflict Resolution
The Town will continue its intergovernmental agreements with surrounding communities and meet with them on a periodic basis to review how relationships and services can be improved. General methods of conflict resolution that the Town may explore include negotiation, compromise, or third-party mediation.
Section 7.4 Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals, Objectives and Policies
A. Goals
1. Strive toward on-going improvement of intergovernmental relationships.
B. Objectives
1. Communicate with surrounding municipalities for discussion of land use issues along adjacent boundaries. 2. Share services of other municipalities and counties when possible 3. Work with other Portage County municipalities to help promote economic development. 4. Work with other units of government to help preserve natural resources and open spaces in the Town of Plover. 5. Work with all governmental units to cause up-front communications on all projects.
C. Policies
1. Meet with adjacent units of government as needed. 2. Periodically review intergovernmental agreements (e.g. boundary agreements, shared roads, etc.).
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CHAPTER 8 Land Use Element
Section 8.0 Existing Land Uses
The purpose of this plan’s land use chapter is to compile an inventory of existing land use patterns, and establish the goals, objectives, policies and issues which will be used to guide public and private actions concerning future land use and development in the Town of Plover. These goals, objectives and policies express ideas that are consistent with the desired character of the Town and the other chapters of the Comprehensive Plan. Each of the following land use categories will relate to zoning districts which will determine the course of future developments. See the matrix chart in Chapter 9.
Land uses within the Town of Plover are quite diverse when compared to other towns in Portage County. The Town of Plover boasts one of the highest concentrations of vegetable production in the County and Central Wisconsin. See Map 8.1 – Existing Land Uses.
The table below of the 2017 Assessment Class Distributions provides the Town of Plover’s parcel count and acreage by classes of assessment. The significant acreage utilized by agriculture has encouraged the growth of agri-industries which is obvious by the almost 1000 acres involved in commercial and manufacturing uses. Proximity to urban areas and convenient transportation infrastructure in this area has resulted in residential areas competing for their “fair share” of acreage.
TABLE 8.1 TOWN OF PLOVER CLASS DISTRIBUTION - 2019 ASSESSMENT
LAND IMPROVEMENTS ACRES PARCELS % PARCELS % ACRES % CLASS 1 - RESIDENTIAL 655 32.8% 568 72.7% 1236 5.58% CLASS 2 - COMMERCIAL 62 3.1% 44 5.8% 305 1.38% CLASS 3 - MANUFACTURING 18 0.9% 10 1.3% 662 2.99% CLASS 4 - AGRICULTURAL 516 25.8% 0 0.0% 14888 67.19% CLASS 5 - UNDEVELOPED 358 17.9% 0 0.0% 2136 9.64% CLASS 5m - AGRICULTURAL FOREST 140 7.0% 0 0.0% 1137 5.13% CLASS 6 - FOREST LANDS 92 4.6% 0 0.0% 1511 6.82% CLASS 7 - OTHER (INCL AG BLDGS) 157 7.9% 156 20.2% 282 1.27% TOTALS 1998 100.0% 778 100.0% 22157 100.0% Source – 2019 Town of Plover Assessment Roll
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Section 8.1 Residential Residential land use includes single-family and seasonal residences, mobile homes, duplexes, and farm residences or farmsteads. Established patterns of residential use can be found along the Wisconsin River, within the Prainwood Estates subdivision (east of the I-39/Hwy 54 interchange), and in the Bluebird subdivision (east of I-39 between Porter and Bluebird Drives). Rural residences and farmsteads were estimated to occupy approximately 2 acres of area within the larger parcel, while calculations for acreage in concentrations of residential use are based on actual parcel size.
A. Trends: In anticipation of future population increases the town has identified the area north of STH 54 and the area east of I-39 for residential expansion. The town recommends housing densities that will have a minimal impact on groundwater quality, other natural resources, and agricultural operations. Possible future service agreements with the Village of Plover may allow for increased housing densities in specific areas of the Town (Map 8.4 – Town/Village of Plover Service Agreement Area).
B. Conflicts: There is potential for dispute between farm and non-farm uses. In the interest of avoiding conflict, the primary recommendation is to direct non-farm residential and commercial development away from intensive agricultural operations.
C. Mapping Criteria: As used here, the term “Residential” is intended to identify existing concentrations of lots, which are distinguished by platting or nonagricultural zoning, where it is the original intent of the developer/residents to maintain a residential/neighborhood character and where nonresidential uses would be incompatible. Examples of areas to be mapped as “Residential” include:
1, Existing developed residential zoning and areas immediately adjacent to or in close proximity. 2, Clusters of lots, strongly residential in character. Expansion to adjacent areas may be allowed though limited, with a preference to fill in the spaces within the cluster. 3. Areas identified on Map 8.4 as possible sewer and water extensions as per boundary agreement with the Village of Plover. 4. Lands immediately adjacent to Village of Plover boundaries and municipal services. 5. Areas for expansion of residential development based on goals and policies in this plan. Current non-residential uses would be allowed until future residential development occurs. 6. Mobile home parks. Development of new mobile home parks is regulated by special exception.
D. Land Use Categories:
Low Density Residential: Generally designated for single family residences requiring a minimum of 2 acres per parcel. Except, on waterfront areas along the Wisconsin River, parcels may be reduced to a minimum of 1 acre in size.
Medium Density Residential: Single family residential uses preferred. Identifies area where lots already exist in platted subdivisions or residential clusters. Densities for
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creation of new residential parcels may vary in size from ½ acre to 1 acre. Allowance for medium residential building density may be based on total project acreage, property location, property accessibility, soil type and approval of a proposed private, community or municipal waste water treatment method along with a potable water system, in accordance with State and County requirements.
High Density Residential: All residential uses such as single family, duplex and multi- family dwellings as well as zero-lot-line, condominium, town house and neighborhood commercial structures can be allowed down to a minimum of ½ acre per lot but any single family development needs to stand distinct and separate from any of the other higher density uses. High density uses would be recommended but not limited to areas defined on Map 8.4 per the boundary agreement with the Village of Plover. Allowance for these residential building densities may be based on total project acreage, property location, property accessibility, soil type and approval of a proposed private, community or municipal waste water treatment method along with a potable water system, in accordance with State and County requirements. This residential land use category would be a good fit for “planned development” projects.
Section 8.2 Commercial/Services Land Uses Commercial development is primarily located along the State Highway 54 corridor throughout the Town of Plover and includes a wide range of uses such as restaurants, taverns, offices, an auto race track, auto salvage, hotels, trucking, a gas station and convenience store, and professional services
A. Trends: The Town hosts an array of commercial and industrial uses, many of which complement regional agricultural operations. The Town foresees that trend to continue.
Two major areas in the Town have been identified to accommodate future commercial uses: the first area includes lands surrounding and to the south of the I-39/STH 54 interchange, and the second area includes lands on the north side of STH 54, west of the Village of Plover. The Town anticipates a range of commercial and industrial uses occurring in these areas, but will consider each on a case-by-case basis.
With available transportation such as excellent highway and railway capabilities, and the ability to satisfy high capacity needs for electrical and natural gas demands, industrial park concepts such as warehousing come to mind.
B. Conflicts: Potential land use conflict identified by the Town Plan Commission involved existing residential and future commercial uses. Future Town Boards and Plan Commissions will have to address the need for buffers or other measures to minimize conflict between these uses.
C. Mapping Criteria: Areas of existing or future commercial land uses. Proposals for new commercial development should be considered only on a case-by-case basis - based on the goals, objectives, and policies of the comprehensive plan. These land uses should be primarily located along railroad and principal arterial road corridors. The lower traffic-volume neighborhood commercial uses may also be located along collector type roads. The location of commercial clusters may require the creation of frontage/backage roads to service these uses as access restrictions may exist along these types of corridors.
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D. Land Use Categories: Includes uses as allowed in Commercial zoning districts along with light manufacturing uses per Town approval.
Section 8.3 Industrial/Manufacturing
Unique among all other towns in Portage County, the Town of Plover has the greatest amount of industrial acreage. Current uses include vegetable processing, pallet construction, mulch reprocessing, and commercial fertilizer distribution facilities. Value added processing is needed to support production of vegetable products in the Town of Plover.
A. Trends: The Town of Plover has potential for expansion of this use.
Two major areas in the Town have been identified to accommodate future industrial uses: the first area includes lands surrounding and to the south of the I-39/STH 54 interchange, and the second area includes lands on the south side of STH 54, west of the Village of Plover, along the railroad corridor. The Town anticipates a range of commercial and industrial uses occurring in these areas, but will consider each on a case-by-case basis.
With available transportation such as excellent highway and railway capabilities, and the ability to satisfy high capacity needs for electrical and natural gas demands, industrial park concepts such as warehousing come to mind.
B. Mapping Criteria: Areas of existing or future industrial land uses. Proposals for new industrial development should be considered only on a case-by-case basis - based on the goals, objectives, and policies of the comprehensive plan. These land uses should be primarily located along railroad and principal arterial road corridors. The location of industrial/manufacturing clusters may require the creation of frontage/backage roads to service these areas as access restrictions may exist along these types of corridors. Approval for such use may require a change to the land use map.
C. Land Use Categories: Include uses where a product is manufactured from a raw source or a warehousing, a trucking or an assembly operation from components manufactured elsewhere is the primary purpose of the business.
Section 8.4 Agricultural
Agriculture represents the largest land use in Plover. Land use in this category include irrigated and non-irrigated crop lands, cranberry bogs, dairy farms, livestock operations and permanent pastures as well as the many structures that store products or house agricultural equipment. As the previous Assessment Class Distribution table indicates the vast majority of land in the Town of Plover is dedicated to agriculture. Active agricultural operations are found throughout the Town, with some areas abutting the Village of Plover’s corporate boundary. The Town of Plover “Central Sands” area is historically well known for raising of potatoes, snap beans, and sweet corn as well as a wide diversity of other products. We envision the need for additional vegetable processing/canning operations in the Town of Plover.
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A. Trends: The Town of Plover land uses will continue to be dominated by agriculture. The Town continues to be on the edge of residential growth and business expansion due to its strategic relationship to the City of Stevens Point, the Village of Plover and the City of Wisconsin Rapids.
Agricultural land is a valuable natural resource to the Town and since it is the predominant land use, there is a desire to preserve the productive agricultural lands and limit new development within these areas. To encourage retention of the community’s agricultural base, the Town recommends the preservation of as much agricultural land as possible - especially south of STH 54 and the cranberry operations along the western portion of the Town.
B. Mapping Criteria: Lands recommended predominantly for the continuation of agricultural pursuits, the protection of productive agricultural lands, and the retention of the rural nature of the community. In recognition of the different soil characteristics throughout the County, changing agricultural economy, and development pressures, three categories of agriculture will be used based on the intensity of the agricultural operations in that area:
C. Land Use Categories: L-1 Enterprise Agriculture: The Enterprise Agriculture Category is intended to include lands that can support a full range of intensive agricultural uses, including large dairies, large confined livestock feeding operations, cranberry production, and concentrations of irrigated vegetable crop production. The category’s uses are designed to implement Comprehensive Plan goals by encouraging livestock and other agricultural uses in areas where conditions are best suited to these agricultural pursuits, and discouraging residential development to avoid potential land use conflict. Due to the more intensive nature of uses allowed, the L-1 category is not intended to be applied near moderately to densely populated areas, and it is not intended to accommodate residential uses as principle users.
L-2 Intermediate Agriculture: The Intermediate Agriculture Category is intended to preserve and enhance land for agricultural uses. Large confined livestock operations should be limited to ensure compatible land use and minimize conflicts with adjacent uses. The intensity of agricultural uses allowed in this category is less than that of the L-1 Enterprise Agriculture category but more than the L-3 Limited Agriculture category. This category’s uses and regulations are designed to encourage agricultural uses in areas where soil and other conditions are best suited to these agricultural pursuits, and residential development is controlled to avoid potential conflict with agriculture uses.
L-3 Limited Agriculture/Mixed Use The intent of Limited Agriculture Category is to provide for the continuation of low intensity agricultural uses, recommend against new and expanding livestock operations, provide for careful siting of single family residences, and support other uses that maintain the rural characteristics of the area. It may serve as a buffer for more intensive agricultural uses in adjacent categories, and prevent premature conversion of rural lands to urban uses. Some of these areas have been identified as mixed use with the understanding that growth from the Village of Plover may occur at some point in the future.
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Section 8.5 Governmental/Institutional
These lands include existing municipal and government owned structures, public schools, educational research lands, churches, cemeteries and fire stations. The greatest portion of these lands is attributed to the presence of the Boston School Forest, wooded research lands, owned by the Stevens Point Area Public School and the Stevens Point Catholic School Districts.
A. Mapping Criteria: Lands where public facilities exist or are to be located. Facilities include, but aren’t limited to: government services and institutions, educational, religious, cemeteries, medical and health care, military, power plants, solid waste disposal sites, and sewage treatment plants.
Section 8.6 Parks and Recreation
These lands could be publicly or privately owned and may include State, County, or Town parks, nature preserves, boat landings, athletic fields, disc golf courses and campgrounds. The majority of these lands are owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for use as grassland habitat for the Greater Prairie Chicken and Little Plover River fishery.
Section 8.7 Undeveloped (Includes Tax Exempt Properties)
Lands in this category include privately owned wooded and non-wooded areas, and fallow fields. The majority of these lands are located between STH 54 and the Wisconsin River.
Natural Areas: Lands recommended to remain in their natural state or for non-intensive uses such as recreation, wildlife habitat, or forest management. This category was applied to lands which are environmentally important or sensitive, including shore lands, wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, substantial wildlife habitat and public resource areas. Limited residential development could occur in a manner that does not negatively impact the ecological or aesthetic value of areas designated for preservation in their natural state.
A. Mapping Criteria: Criteria for identification may include the following: 1. Department of Natural Resource lands 2. Wetlands (except those in the Portage County Drainage District) 3. Portage County parks and the Tomorrow River State Trail 4. School Forest 5. Lands within 100 feet of navigable waters or to the landward side of adjoining wetlands (excluding the Drainage District), if greater than 100 feet. Including wetlands within 300 feet of navigable waters, and excluding preexisting structures or cropland that would be nonconforming uses Conservancy zoning. 6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100 year floodplains, including the Floodway of the Wisconsin River. 7. Large tracts of unbroken native landscapes such as grasslands.
B. Land Use Categories:
NA – Protected: Lands recommended to remain in their natural state or for non- intensive, non-developed uses such as passive recreation, wildlife habitat, ground
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and/or surface water protection and forest management. Development of these lands is not recommended due to the potential of destroying or degrading important or unique natural resources or due to the excessive measures necessary to overcome development barriers presented by the environmental conditions.
NA – Limited Development: Identifies lands that are environmentally important to the community; however limited residential development could occur without negatively impacting the ecological value of the area. These areas include lands along the Wisconsin River where residential development has already occurred; however, no future development will be allowed in these areas. If improvements to existing structures occur, it is recommended that the existing footprint and roofline is not exceeded.
Section 8.8 Land Use Goals, Objectives, Policies and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions
A. Goal: Provide for orderly planned growth that promotes a safe, healthy, productive and pleasant living environment.
B. Objectives:
1. Maintain and develop transportation systems that ensure the efficiency and safety of traffic. 2. Preserve agricultural land and maintain local conditions that support the Town’s agricultural economy. 3. Conserve natural areas and recreational resources within the Town. 4. Promote land use that protects the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater resources. 5. Promote development of residential areas that make effective use of available land. 6. Commercial, industrial, and manufacturing uses are encouraged in a manner that minimizes conflicts with surrounding uses and enhances the Town’s tax base.
C. Policies:
1. Require frontage or backage roads along the Highway 54 corridor as development occurs to safely handle slow moving traffic, service new development, and reduce driveway access. 2. Frontage or backage roads, when developed, shall be constructed to Town standards and extend from property line to property line. 3. Continue to work with the State Railroad Commission to maintain or improve safety at railroad crossings. 4. Encourage the continued use and upgrading of the rail corridor. 5. Consider the creation of a Town road ordinance 6. Protect productive agricultural lands through the application of Exclusive Agricultural Zoning. 7. Submit the Town’s Zoning map to the State Land Conservation Board for certification. 8. Support the continuance and growth of agri-business and agri-industry in appropriate locations.
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9. Encourage soil conservation practices that minimize erosion, including the retention and development of wind breaks. 10. Protect the principal agricultural use and purpose of ditches in the Portage County Drainage District. 11. Cooperate in the County program for the control of noxious weeds. 12. Promote the safe use and application of chemicals and fertilizers to maintain groundwater quality. 13. Protect environmentally sensitive areas through the use of Conservancy Zoning. 14. Encourage the continued management of public lands and the Wisconsin River and its tributaries by the Department of Natural Resources. 15. Encourage residential development in areas identified for possible provision of services by the Village of Plover (Map 8.4). 16. Promote residential densities that maintain quality groundwater. 17. Direct residential development toward areas identified on the Future Land Use Map. 18. Promote higher density development in areas identified for potential sewer service. 19. Allow for light manufacturing uses within areas designated as future commercial land use per Town Board approval. 20. Continue to use County regulations regarding signs, especially in commercial and industrial areas, until the Town creates its own sign ordinance. 21. The Town and Village of Plover must forward any proposed change to their Land Use maps within the Village’s extraterritorial area to the Town and Village before such change occurs. 22. The Town Board, in agreement with the Village of Plover, shall review boundary agreements on an annual basis, no later than the 4th Wednesday of April.
D. Extraterritorial Jurisdictions: Recognizing that land uses in town territory may affect neighboring cities and villages that may need to grow beyond their borders, state laws have long provided these municipalities with certain “extraterritorial” authority over adjacent town lands and have provided methods for them to expand their borders through annexation. This city and village extraterritorial authority may, subject to the applicable laws, apply to planning, land division approvals, zoning and coverage of the city or village official map. The extra territorial jurisdiction for a city with a population of 10,000 or more is three miles from its corporate boundary, while the extraterritorial jurisdiction for a city whose population is under 10,000 and for villages is one and one half miles from their corporate boundaries.
The Village of Plover’s extraterritorial boundary extends into the eastern portions of the Town (Map 8.3 – Village of Plover Extraterritorial Future Land Use Recommendations). The Village of Plover has indicated that it will likely have to expand its borders in order to accommodate anticipated growth over the next twenty years. The Town recognizes that expansion from the Village will have a direct impact on the Town’s ability to pay for services, tax base, and the maintenance of community identity. In light of anticipated growth, the Town and Village of Plover worked cooperatively on a boundary agreement (Appendix F) containing service provisions along with providing a framework for orderly growth and development over time. Included in this agreement are portions of the Town where sewer and water service could be provided without annexation (Map 8.4 – Town/Village of Plover Service Agreement Area). Both the Town and Village have agreed to review these agreements on an annual basis. The Town of Plover should
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continue to maintain a good working relationship with the Village of Plover to help ensure community identity and cost effective provision of services.
Section 8.9 Future Land Use Recommendations
Table 8.3 and Map 8.2 (Future Land Use) illustrate the recommendations of the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan, and identify how development should proceed in the future to meet the Town’s goal of encouraging a pattern of community growth and development that will provide a quality living environment, protect the rural character, and maintain the agricultural economy. Future development and redevelopment should be encouraged in an orderly pattern adjacent to and compatible with existing development.
Land Use recommendations include both immediate and long-range planning goals to be implemented. The long-range Land Use Plan recommendations will be implemented over the course of the 20-year planning period as development proposals and land use changes are presented to the Town for consideration. The Town will have to consider periodically updating its zoning map to reflect changing land uses and citizen requests.
Table 8.3: Future Land Use in the Town of Plover, 2025
% % Change 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 Existing Land Use (of (of 2005 to Acres Acres* Acres Acres Acres total) total) 2025 Residential 1,428 5.3% 1,304 1,354 1,404 1,450 5.4% 1.5% Commercial/ Services 184 0.7% 234 234 284 384 1.4% 108.6% Agricultural 16,555 61.0% 16,355 16,305 16,105 16,029 59.8% -3.2% Governmental/Institutional 96 0.4% 96 96 96 96 0.4% 0.0% Road/ Railroad Right-of-Way 1,202 4.4% 1,172 1,172 1,172 1,202 4.5% 0.0% Parks/Recreation 1,675 6.2% 1,675 1,675 1,675 1,675 6.2% 6.1% Industrial 222 0.8% 272 272 372 372 1.4% 67.6% Vacant/Undeveloped 5,776 21.3% 5,700 5,700 5,700 5,600 20.9% -3.0% Total 27,138 100% 26,808 26,808 26,808 26,808 100% Source: Town of Plover and Portage County Planning and Zoning Department *acreage reflects a loss of approximately 330 acres per the boundary agreement with the city of Stevens Point. The total Town acreage then remains constant through 2025 due to the uncertainty in projecting additional acreage loss due to future annexation or boundary agreements.
HIGHWAY 54 CORRIDOR: The entire length of STH 54 in the Town of Plover is designated as a controlled access highway, and as such, any new access points to this corridor would need WisDOT approval. Data from WisDOT indicates that the traffic volume on this highway has experienced an increase between 2011 and 2014 (see Map 3.1 of the Transportation Element).
In recognition of the above factors, the Town recommends that frontage or backage roads be developed to accommodate future uses along this corridor. Proposals for commercial, industrial and planned development uses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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HIGHWAY 54 CORRIDOR - WEST The Town encourages future uses within an area to the south of STH 54 be developed as industrial uses to take advantage of the existing rail corridor. Areas along the north side of Hwy 54 are planned for commercial uses adjacent to the road that transition into predominately residential uses that ultimately transition to single-family residential uses. This area has potential for the development of a recreational pathway that would interconnect Wisconsin Rapids trails with the Green Circle and the Tomorrow River State Trail involving the use of road rights-of-way on adjacent lands. To achieve this goal, a strip of land would need to be dedicated as a part of any future development.
HIGHWAY 54 CORRIDOR - EAST This area is seen as having potential for commercial and industrial development. It is recognized that the need for access from I39 or frontage roads will impact how this area is developed. This footprint provides an opportunity for planned business/commercial/industrial parks.
RESOURCE EXTRACTIONS:
These areas are considered economically viable resources and should be identified within specific boundaries to minimize or avoid conflict with other adjacent land uses. Resource extraction uses include clay, sand, gravel, and other aggregate extraction.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT:
The purpose of Planned Development as a land use is to encourage thinking outside the box. Developing a planned concentration of structures designed to satisfy a specific goal - be it homes, businesses, a mix of both, or recreational opportunities.
This land use is to encourage diversification, variation and imagination in the relationship between building density, building sizes and open spaces. This category considers total acreage to allow substantial flexibility in planning and designing a residential development – possibly with services - that focuses on the family unit. Ideally, this flexibility results in a development that is better planned, and that contains more services and amenities than usually found in traditional residential neighborhoods. Planned Development might allow for mixed compatible land uses and higher concentrated building density on a portion of the site, while preserving open space as an amenity on another portion of the same site.
Condominium or multi story residential rental units by themselves would not be considered a Planned Development. Building density would be based on total project acreage, location, property accessibility, soil type and approval of a proposed waste water treatment method along with a potable water system, in accordance with State and County requirements.
PARTNERING WITH NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES:
Opportunities to provide residents greater accessibility to neighboring communities by providing pathways as well as the ability to extend water and sewer utilities from adjacent municipalities into the Town of Plover should be explored as future considerations are examined. Review “Extraterritorial Jurisdictions” earlier in this section was well as the discussion of Intergovernmental Cooperation in Chapter 7.
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CHAPTER 9 Implementation Element
This Plan is intended to be used as the guide for future development decisions. Its real value, however, will be measured in the results it produces. Specific implementation measures must be taken to accomplish the goals, objectives and policies of the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan.
Section 9.1 Comprehensive Plan Adoption Procedures
The Wisconsin State Statutes establish the manner in which a Comprehensive Plan must be adopted by a community:
66.1001(4) Procedures for adopting Comprehensive Plans. A local governmental unit shall comply with all of the following before its Comprehensive Plan may take effect:
(a) The governing body of a local governmental unit shall adopt written procedures that are designed to foster public participation, including open discussion, communication programs, information services and public meetings for which advance notice has been provided, in every stage of the preparation of a comprehensive plan. The written procedures shall provide for wide distribution of proposed, alternative or amended elements of a Comprehensive Plan and shall provide an opportunity for written comments on the Plan to be submitted by members of the public to the governing body and for the governing body to respond to such written comments.
(b) The Plan Commission or other body of a local governmental unit that is authorized to prepare or amend a comprehensive plan may recommend the adoption or amendment of a Comprehensive Plan only by adopting a resolution by a majority vote of the entire commission. The vote shall be recorded in the official minutes of the Plan Commission or other body. The resolution shall refer to maps and other descriptive materials that relate to one or more elements of a comprehensive plan. One copy of an adopted Comprehensive Plan, or of an amendment to such a Plan, shall be sent to all of the following:
1. Every governmental body that is located in whole or in part within the boundaries of the local governmental unit.
2. The Clerk of every local governmental unit that is adjacent to the local governmental unit that is the subject of the plan that is adopted or amended as described in par. (b) (intro.).
3. The Wisconsin Land Council.
4. After September 1, 2003, the Department of Administration.
5. The Regional Planning Commission in which the local governmental unit is located.
6. The public library that serves the area in which the local governmental unit is located.
(c) No Comprehensive Plan that is recommended for adoption or amendment under par.(b) may take effect until the political subdivision enacts an ordinance, or the Regional Planning Commission adopts a resolution that adopts the plan or amendment. The political subdivision may not enact an ordinance or the Regional Planning Commission may not adopt a resolution under this paragraph unless the Comprehensive Plan contains all of the elements specified in sub. (2). An ordinance may be enacted or a resolution may be adopted under this paragraph only by a majority vote of the members-elect, as defined in s. 59.001 (2m), of the governing body. An ordinance that is enacted or a resolution that is adopted under this paragraph, and the plan to which it relates, shall be filed with at least all of the entities specified under par. (b).
(d) No political subdivision may enact an ordinance or no regional planning commission may adopt a resolution under par. (c) unless the political subdivision or Regional Planning Commission holds at least one public hearing at which the proposed ordinance is discussed. That hearing must be preceded by a class 1 notice under Ch. 985 that is published at least 30 days before the hearing
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is held. The political subdivision or Regional Planning Commission may also provide notice of the hearing by any other means it considers appropriate. The class 1 notice shall contain at least the following information:
1. The date, time and place of the hearing.
2. A summary, which may include a map, of the proposed Comprehensive Plan or amendment to such a Plan.
3. The name of an individual employed by the local governmental unit who may provide additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
4. Information relating to where and when the proposed Comprehensive Plan or amendment to such a plan may be inspected before the hearing, and how a copy of the plan or amendment may be obtained.
As previously stated in this plan, the Town of Plover Comprehensive Planning process took place as part of a larger County-wide planning effort (see the Introduction section of this document). These concurrent and complementary regional and local planning efforts began in June 2001. On July 25, 2001, the Portage County Comprehensive Planning Joint Steering Committee adopted the Portage County Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Plan. This extensive document detailed the many ways and opportunities that citizen input would be encouraged and facilitated throughout the formulation of the Comprehensive Plans across Portage County. On September 3, 2003, the Plover Town Board adopted the Portage County Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Plan as a model for their process.
Beginning in January 2003, the Plover Plan Smart Growth Commission held meetings to discuss the different elements that make up their Comprehensive Plan: 10 years later, the Town of Plover appointed the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee which began a similar process to revise the 2005 Comprehensive Plan – holding meetings to accomplish the revision of 2019.
Each of these meetings was open to the public and officially noticed, being posted in three public places as well as the municipal website. The Plan Commission recommended the Plan to the Town Board for consideration on July 15, 2005, with copies of this recommended draft made available for inspection at the Town Hall, Charles White Library in Stevens Point, the Plover Branch of the Portage County Public Library in the Village of Plover, and Portage County Planning and Zoning offices, as well as being posted for viewing on the Portage County Comprehensive Planning website. A public hearing was held before the Town Board and Plan Commission on November 10, 2005, and the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan was officially adopted by majority vote at the December 21, 2005 Town Board meeting.
Section 9.2 Comprehensive Plan Implementation
Wisconsin State Statute 66.1001(3) establishes the actions that must be based on the adopted comprehensive plan. 2003 Wisconsin Act 233 revised the original list of items to meet the consistency requirement to include:
(3) Actions, procedures that must be consistent with Comprehensive Plans. Beginning on January 1, 2010, if a local governmental unit engages in any of the following actions, those actions shall be consistent with that local governmental unit's Comprehensive Plan:
(g) Official mapping established or amended under s. 62.23 (6). (h) Local subdivision regulation under s. 236.45 or 236.46. (j) County zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 59.59. (k) City or Village zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 62.23 (7).
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(l) Town zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 60.61 or 60.62. (q) Zoning of shorelands or wetlands in shorelands under s. 59.692, 61.351 or 62.231.
The Town of Plover came under Portage County Zoning jurisdiction on July 1, 1987 and Portage County still administers the Zoning Ordinance for the Town. The Town is also subject to the County’s Shore land and Floodplain Zoning, Subdivision, Private Sewage, Tower and Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinances.
The Town shall undertake a review of these regulatory tools for compatibility and consistency with the various goals, objectives and policies of the adopted Comprehensive Plan, and identify any sections of the documents that may need updating. The review period shall commence within 12 months of the initial adoption of the plan. The Town recommends revision and final approval for the updated regulatory tools to be completed within 24 months of the County Board adopting the Portage County Comprehensive Plan.
To ensure that this Plan will accomplish its intended goals, more steps will need to be taken beyond simply adopting this document. In general, the plan’s effectiveness depends upon the commitment of Town and County officials, as well as local residents, to follow through with the policies, recommendations and action plan contained herein.
Action Plan: Specific actions needed to preserve the Town's rural atmosphere, guide growth and otherwise successfully implement this Plan include:
1. Update the Town of Plover zoning map to reflect changes in land use recommendations.
2. Annual review of Comprehensive Plan Goals, Objectives, and Policies.
3. Work with the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department to create a Comprehensive Plan text and map amendment application form by December 2005.
4. Submit plan document and updated zoning map within six months of adopting this plan to the State Land Conservation Board to allow farmers to be eligible for tax credits under the Farmland Preservation Program.
5. Create Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) ranking criteria within 24 months of adopting this Comprehensive Plan.
6. Provide informational materials to residents regarding rehabilitation programs and funding sources.
7. Review and update the Town’s Mobile Home Ordinance.
8. Consider the creation of a Town Road and Sign Ordinance.
9. Provide information such as agricultural practices, Wisconsin’s Right to Farm Law, and Best Management Practices at the Town Hall.
10. Work with Portage County Zoning Department to amend the County Zoning Ordinance to allow for mixed uses such as residential, home occupation, retail and light manufacturing, and the creation of a zoning district that allows for unsewered residential development on a one-acre minimum lot size.
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11. Periodically review intergovernmental agreements (e.g. boundary agreements, snow plowing, road maintenance, shared revenue, etc.)
12. The Town Board, in agreement with the Village of Plover, shall review intergovernmental agreements on an annual basis, no later than the 4th Wednesday of April.
Section 9.3 Relationship to Zoning
While this Plan is intended to serve as a guide in updating the Town zoning map, it is advisory in that it does not have the authority of a zoning ordinance. However, the State’s Comprehensive Planning law requires that beginning on January 1, 2010, if the Town of Plover engages in any of the following activities – zoning, subdivision regulations, shoreland zoning, or official mapping, those actions must be consistent with the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, the Town’s zoning map will have to be consistent with the recommendations found in this Comprehensive Plan.
The Portage County Board has the final decision-making authority regarding amendments to the Town zoning map since the Town of Plover is under County zoning jurisdiction. It is the County Board's established practice to seek the input of the Town Board, interested residents/ landowners, and the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department when formulating decisions. However, under State law, the Plover Town Board is granted the power to veto any zoning change made within the Town by the County Board.
The Town of Plover will rely on the Portage County Zoning Ordinance as the primary tool for implementing their Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan makes use of land use categories, while the Zoning Ordinance uses districts to separate incompatible uses and specify appropriate development densities. Each land use category identified by this Plan describes the community’s expectations of what future development should consist of within specific areas. To implement those expectations, the Town must assign zoning districts that match the intent of their land use categories. Table 9.1 details appropriate relationships between Town of Plover land use categories and Portage County Zoning Ordinance districts.
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Table 9.1: Town of Plover Zoning / Land Use Plan Compatibility Table*
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE
CATEGORIES
2)
-
3)
- -
-
2
/Institutional
– –
3
1 PORTAGE COUNTY
ZONING DISTRICTS 1) -
Enterprise Agriculture Enterprise (L Intermediate (L Agriculture / Agriculture Limited (L Use Mixed Area Natural Limited Area Natural Protected Governmental Planned Development Residential Low Density Residential Density Medium Commercial Industrial R1 – Rural and Urban Fringe X X Residence R2 – Single Family Residence1 X X
A1 – Exclusive Agriculture X
A20 – Primary Agriculture
A2 – Agricultural Transition X X
A3 – Low Density Agriculture X
A4 – General Agriculture X
C1 – Neighborhood Commercial X
C3 – Commercial X
C4 – Highway Commercial X
Industrial X
Conservancy X X
Planned Development (PD)4 X X X X X X X X X X Governmental/Institutional X 1 The use of the R2 zoning district applies only to existing residences. New residences are not recommended due to the potential for flooding or other environmental limitations. 2 All commercial requests will be considered on a case by case basis. 3 All industrial uses are regulated by special exception. 4 The Planned Development (PD) district does not currently exist as part of the Portage County Zoning Ordinance. This district will have to be created.
*The use of existing zoning districts, at the time of plan adoption, will be allowed until future uses change
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Section 9.4 Integration, Amendment, and Update of Comprehensive Plan Elements
A. Integration
The goals, objectives, and policies contained within the preceding eight elements (chapters) of this Comprehensive Plan, along with the accompanying inventory and analysis, have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Town of Plover Plan Commission and Town Board. Throughout the drafting and review process, great care was taken to include all issues and concerns from Board and Commission members, as well as from the community at large. Special attention was then given to making sure that the policies required to address the individual issues or concerns did not conflict, either with each other within the chapter, or between the different chapters. The future revision of any Comprehensive Plan goal, objective, or policy shall receive the same level of deliberation and analysis as the original Plan; special attention shall be given so that the new adopted language does not create conflicts within or between chapters.
B. Plan Amendment and Update
As cited at the beginning of this chapter, State Statute section 66.1001(2)(i), states that the Comprehensive Plan shall be updated no less than once every 10 years. To comply with this requirement, the Town of Plover will need to undertake a complete update of this nine-chapter document and appendices by the year 2015 2027 2030. The Town may commence the update at any time prior to 2015 2027 2030 as Town conditions or needs change.
Smaller-scale amendments to portions of the Comprehensive Plan may also be considered by the Town Board at any time. The public shall be notified of any proposed changes and allowed the opportunity to review and comment. The Town should consider residents’ opinions in evaluating a proposed change. The procedure for amendment and update will be the same as original Plan adoption outlined in Section 9.1 above, and as follows.
1. Amendment Initiation
The following may submit an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment:
Plover Town Board Town of Plover Plan Commission Any Town resident ** Any person having title to land within the Town Any person having a contractual interest in land to be affected by a proposed amendment Any agent for the above
** Any Plover resident may request that the Town Plan Commission review future land use for a parcel of land not owned by the resident making the request. The Plan Commission must then determine if the request is in the Town’s best interest; if so, the Plan Commission would move forward with the request; if not, then the Plan Commission would deny it.
The applicant that proposes an amendment to the Future Land Use Map shall have the burden of proof to show that the proposed amendment is in the public interest and internally consistent with the remainder of the Plan.
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2. Application and Review Procedure
The amendment process described in Section 9.1 shall also include the following steps:
a. Submittal of Application. The applicant shall submit a complete application to the Town Clerk, along with any applicable application fees. A copy of the application shall be forwarded by the Clerk to members of the Plan Commission. (Appendix I)
b. Application Review. The Plan Commission shall review the application at one of its regular or special meetings for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. Upon conclusion of their review, Plan Commission shall make a written recommendation to the Town Board for either approval or denial. This recommendation shall include findings of fact to justify the recommendation.
c. Per State Statute requirements, the Town Board shall hold a public hearing on the request. After reviewing the application, Plan Commission recommendation, and comments from the public hearing, the Town Board shall make a decision to deny the proposed amendment; approve the proposed amendment; or approve the amendment with revision(s) that it deems appropriate. Such revisions to the proposed amendment shall be limited in scope to those matters considered in the public hearing.
d. Update History of Adoption and Amendment. The Plan Commission shall establish a table entitled “History of Adoption and Amendment” for the purpose of keeping records on Plan amendments. See Appendices A, E and G.
3. Application Requirements
a. An application submitted by a resident/landowner/agent to amend the Future Land Use Map shall include the following:
A scaled drawing of the subject property.
A legal description of each of the parcels in the subject property.
A map of existing land uses occurring on and around the subject property.
A written description of the proposed change.
A written statement outlining the reason(s) for the amendment.
Other supporting information the Town or applicant deems appropriate.
b. Other Amendments. For all other types of amendments, the application shall include the following:
A written description of the proposed change.
A written statement outlining the reason(s) for the amendment.
Other supporting information the Town or applicant deems appropriate.
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4. Special Considerations for Plan Amendments
a. Internal Consistency. Amendments shall be made so as to preserve or enhance the internal consistency of the entire Comprehensive Plan.
b. Granting special privileges or placing limitations is not permitted. No amendment to change the Future Land Use Map shall contain special privileges or rights or any conditions, limitations, or requirements not applicable to all other lands in the district.
c. The amendment shall not create an adverse impact on adjacent land/land uses.
d. The amendment shall not create an adverse impact on public facilities and services.
Section 9.5 Monitoring/Formal Review of the Plan
To assure that this Comprehensive Plan will continue to provide useful guidance regarding development within the Town, the Plover Plan Commission must periodically review and amend the Plan to ensure that it remains relevant and reflects current Town values and priorities.
In order to achieve this, the Town Plan Commission Chair shall request, at least once every year, to place the performance of the Comprehensive Plan on the agenda of a regular or special Plan Commission meeting for discussion and recommendation to the Town Board. Discussion should include a review of the number and type of amendments approved throughout the previous year, as well as those that were denied. This information serves to gauge the adequacy of existing policies; multiple changes indicate policy areas in need of re-assessment. Other topics would include changes to either the development market or residents’ attitudes and values toward different aspects of Town life. As a result of this discussion, the Plan Commission would recommend either no change to the Plan, or one or more specific changes that should be addressed. At this point the process detailed in Sections 9.1 and 9.4 above would commence.
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Appendix A
Town of Plover
Resolution to adopt the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Plover, Portage County, State of Wisconsin
July 15, 2005
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n
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NEED RESOLUTION
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Appendix B
Wisconsin Statutes
16.965(4)
And
66.101
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DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
16.965 Planning grants to local governmental units. (4) In determining whether to approve a proposed grant, preference shall be accorded to applications of local governmental units that contain all of the following elements: (a) Planning efforts that address the interests of overlapping or neighboring jurisdictions. (b) Planning efforts that contain a specific description of the means by which all of the following local, comprehensive planning goals will be achieved: 1. Promotion of the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public services and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial and industrial structures. 2. Encouragement of neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices. 3. Protection of natural areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, lakes, woodlands, open spaces and groundwater resources. 4. Protection of economically productive areas, including farmland and forests. 5. Encouragement of land uses, densities and regulations that promote efficient development patterns and relatively low municipal, state governmental and utility costs. 6. Preservation of cultural, historic and archaeological sites. 7. Encouragement of coordination and cooperation among nearby units of government. 8. Building of community identity by revitalizing main streets and enforcing design standards. 9. Providing an adequate supply of affordable housing for individuals of all income levels throughout each community. 10. Providing adequate infrastructure and public services and an adequate supply of developable land to meet existing and future market demand for residential, commercial and industrial uses. 11. Promoting the expansion or stabilization of the current economic base and the creation of a range of employment opportunities at the state, regional and local levels. 12. Balancing individual property rights with community interests and goals. 13. Planning and development of land uses that create or preserve varied and unique urban and rural communities. 14. Providing an integrated, efficient and economical transportation system that affords mobility, convenience and safety and that meets the needs of all citizens, including transit−dependent and disabled citizens. (c) Planning efforts that identify smart growth areas. (d) Planning efforts, including subsequent updates and amendments that include development of implementing ordinances, including ordinances pertaining to zoning, subdivisions and land division. (e) Planning efforts for which completion is contemplated within 30 months of the date on which a grant would be awarded.
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66.1001 SUBCHAPTER X PLANNING, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
66.1001 Comprehensive planning. (1) DEFINITIONS. In this section: (a) “Comprehensive plan” means a guide to the physical, social, and economic development of a local governmental unit that is one of the following: 1. For a county, a development plan that is prepared or amended under s. 59.69 (2) or (3). 2. For a city, village, or town, a master plan that is adopted or amended under s. 62.23 (2) or (3). 3. For a regional planning commission, a master plan that is adopted or amended under s. 66.0309 (8), (9) or (10). (am) “Consistent with” means furthers or does not contradict the objectives, goals, and policies contained in the comprehensive plan. (b) “Local governmental unit” means a city, village, town, county or regional planning commission that may adopt, prepare or amend a comprehensive plan. (c) “Political subdivision” means a city, village, town, or county that may adopt, prepare, or amend a comprehensive plan.
(2) CONTENTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. A comprehensive plan shall contain all of the following elements: (a) Issues and opportunities element. Background information on the local governmental unit and a statement of overall objectives, policies, goals and programs of the local governmental unit to guide the future development and redevelopment of the local governmental unit over a 20−year planning period. Background information shall include population, household and employment forecasts that the local governmental unit uses in developing its comprehensive plan, and demographic trends, age distribution, educational levels, income levels and employment characteristics that exist within the local governmental unit. (b) Housing element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs of the local governmental unit to provide an adequate housing supply that meets existing and forecasted housing demand in the local governmental unit. The element shall assess the age, structural, value and occupancy characteristics of the local governmental unit’s housing stock. The element shall also identify specific policies and programs that promote the development of housing for residents of the local governmental unit and provide a range of housing choices that meet the needs of persons of all income levels and of all age groups and persons with special needs, policies and programs that promote the availability of land for the development or redevelopment of low−income and moderate−income housing, and policies and programs to maintain or rehabilitate the local governmental unit’s existing housing stock. (c) Transportation element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs to guide the future development of the various modes of transportation, including highways, transit, transportation systems for persons with disabilities, bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, walking, railroads, air transportation, trucking and water transportation. The element shall compare the local governmental unit’s objectives, policies, goals and programs to state and regional transportation plans. The element shall also identify highways within the local governmental unit by function and incorporate state, regional and other applicable transportation plans, including transportation corridor plans, county highway functional and jurisdictional
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studies, urban area and rural area transportation plans, airport master plans and rail plans that apply in the local governmental unit. (d) Utilities and community facilities element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs to guide the future development of utilities and community facilities in the local governmental unit such as sanitary sewer service, storm water management, water supply, solid waste disposal, on−site wastewater treatment technologies, recycling facilities, parks, telecommunications facilities, power−generating plants and transmission lines, cemeteries, health care facilities, child care facilities and other public facilities, such as police, fire and rescue facilities, libraries, schools and other governmental facilities. The element shall describe the location, use and capacity of existing public utilities and community facilities that serve the local governmental unit, shall include an approximate timetable that forecasts the need in the local governmental unit to expand or rehabilitate existing utilities and facilities or to create new utilities and facilities and shall assess future needs for government services in the local governmental unit that are related to such utilities and facilities. (e) Agricultural, natural and cultural resources element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs for the conservation, and promotion of the effective management, of natural resources such as groundwater, forests, productive agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive areas, threatened and endangered species, stream corridors, surface water, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources consistent with zoning limitations under s. 295.20 (2), parks, open spaces, historical and cultural resources, community design, recreational resources and other natural resources. (f) Economic development element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs to promote the stabilization, retention or expansion, of the economic base and quality employment opportunities in the local governmental unit, including an analysis of the labor force and economic base of the local governmental unit. The element shall assess categories or particular types of new businesses and industries that are desired by the local governmental unit. The element shall assess the local governmental unit’s strengths and weaknesses with respect to attracting and retaining businesses and industries, and shall designate an adequate number of sites for such businesses and industries. The element shall also evaluate and promote the use of environmentally contaminated sites for commercial or industrial uses. The element shall also identify county, regional and state economic development programs that apply to the local governmental unit. (g) Intergovernmental cooperation element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps, and programs for joint planning and decision making with other jurisdictions, including school districts, drainage districts, and adjacent local governmental units, for siting and building public facilities and sharing public services. The element shall analyze the relationship of the local governmental unit to school districts, drainage districts, and adjacent local governmental units, and to the region, the state and other governmental units. The element shall consider, to the greatest extent possible, the maps and plans of any military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, with which the local governmental unit shares common territory. The element shall incorporate any plans or agreements to which the local governmental unit is a party under s. 66.0301, 66.0307 or 66.0309. The element shall identify existing or potential conflicts between the local governmental unit and other governmental units that are specified in this paragraph and describe processes to resolve such conflicts. (h) Land−use element. A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs to guide the future development and redevelopment of public and private property. The element shall contain a listing of the amount, type, intensity and net density of existing uses of land in the local governmental unit, such as agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and other public and private uses. The element shall analyze trends in the supply, demand and price of land, opportunities for redevelopment and existing and potential land−use conflicts. The element shall contain projections, based on the background information specified in par. (a), for 20 years, in 5−year increments, of future residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial land uses including the assumptions of net densities or other spatial assumptions upon which the projections
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are based. The element shall also include a series of maps that shows current land uses and future land uses that indicate productive agricultural soils, natural limitations for building site development, floodplains, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive lands, the boundaries of areas to which services of public utilities and community facilities, as those terms are used in par. (d), will be provided in the future, consistent with the timetable described in par. (d), and the general location of future land uses by net density or other classifications. (i) Implementation element. A compilation of programs and specific actions to be completed in a stated sequence, including proposed changes to any applicable zoning ordinances, official maps, or subdivision ordinances, to implement the objectives, policies, plans and programs contained in pars. (a) to (h). The element shall describe how each of the elements of the comprehensive plan will be integrated and made consistent with the other elements of the comprehensive plan, and shall include a mechanism to measure the local governmental unit’s progress toward achieving all aspects of the comprehensive plan. The element shall include a process for updating the comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan under this subsection shall be updated no less than once every 10 years.
(2m) EFFECT OF ENACTMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CONSISTENCY REQUIREMENTS. (a) The enactment of a comprehensive plan by ordinance does not make the comprehensive plan by itself a regulation. (b) A conditional use permit that may be issued by a political subdivision does not need to be consistent with the political subdivision’s comprehensive plan.
(3) ORDINANCES THAT MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANS. Except as provided in sub. (3m), beginning on January 1, 2010, if a local governmental unit enacts or amends any of the following ordinances, the ordinance shall be consistent with that local governmental unit’s comprehensive plan: (g) Official mapping ordinances enacted or amended under s.62.23 (6). (h) Local subdivision ordinances enacted or amended under s.236.45 or 236.46. (j) County zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s.59.69. (k) City or village zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 62.23 (7). (L) Town zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 60.61 or 60.62. (q) Shorelands or wetlands in shorelands zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 59.692, 61.351, 61.353, 62.231, or 62.233.
(3m) DELAY OF CONSISTENCY REQUIREMENT. (a) If a local governmental unit has not adopted a comprehensive plan before January 1, 2010, the local governmental unit is exempt from the requirement under sub. (3) if any of the following applies: 1. The local governmental unit has applied for but has not received a comprehensive planning grant under s. 16.965 (2), and the local governmental unit adopts a resolution stating that the local governmental unit will adopt a comprehensive plan that will take effect no later than January 1, 2012. 2. The local governmental unit has received a comprehensive planning grant under s. 16.965 (2) and has been granted an extension of time under s. 16.965 (5) to complete comprehensive planning. (b) The exemption under par. (a) shall continue until the following dates: 1. For a local governmental unit exempt under par. (a) 1., January 1, 2012. 2. For a local governmental unit exempt under par. (a) 2., the date on which the extension of time granted under s. 16.965 (5) expires. (4) PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTING COMPREHENSIVE PLANS. A local governmental unit shall comply with all of the following before its comprehensive plan may take effect: (a) The governing body of a local governmental unit shall adopt written procedures that are designed to foster public participation, including open discussion, communication programs, information services, and public meetings for which advance notice has been provided, in every
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stage of the preparation of a comprehensive plan. The written procedures shall provide for wide distribution of proposed, alternative, or amended elements of a comprehensive plan and shall provide an opportunity for written comments on the plan to be submitted by members of the public to the governing body and for the governing body to respond to such written comments. The written procedures shall describe the methods the governing body of a local governmental unit will use to distribute proposed, alternative, or amended elements of a comprehensive plan to owners of property, or to persons who have a leasehold interest in property pursuant to which the persons may extract nonmetallic mineral resources in or on property, in which the allowable use or intensity of use of the property is changed by the comprehensive plan. (b) The plan commission or other body of a local governmental unit that is authorized to prepare or amend a comprehensive plan may recommend the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan only by adopting a resolution by a majority vote of the entire commission. The vote shall be recorded in the official minutes of the plan commission or other body. The resolution shall refer to maps and other descriptive materials that relate to one or more elements of a comprehensive plan. One copy of an adopted comprehensive plan, or of an amendment to such a plan, shall be sent to all of the following: 1. Every governmental body that is located in whole or in part within the boundaries of the local governmental unit. 2. The clerk of every local governmental unit that is adjacent to the local governmental unit that is the subject of the plan that is adopted or amended as described in par. (b) (intro.). 4. After September 1, 2005, the department of administration. 5. The regional planning commission in which the local governmental unit is located. 6. The public library that serves the area in which the local governmental unit is located. (c) No comprehensive plan that is recommended for adoption or amendment under par. (b) may take effect until the political subdivision enacts an ordinance or the regional planning commission adopts a resolution that adopts the plan or amendment. The political subdivision may not enact an ordinance or the regional planning commission may not adopt a resolution under this paragraph unless the comprehensive plan contains all of the elements specified in sub. (2). An ordinance may be enacted or a resolution may be adopted under this paragraph only by a majority vote of the members−elect, as defined in s. 59.001 (2m), of the governing body. One copy of a comprehensive plan enacted or adopted under this paragraph shall be sent to all of the entities specified under par. (b). (d) No political subdivision may enact an ordinance or no regional planning commission may adopt a resolution under par. (c) unless the political subdivision or regional planning commission holds at least one public hearing at which the proposed ordinance or resolution is discussed. That hearing must be preceded by a class 1 notice under Ch. 985 that is published at least 30 days before the hearing is held. The political subdivision or regional planning commission may also provide notice of the hearing by any other means it considers appropriate. The class 1 notice shall contain at least the following information: 1. The date, time and place of the hearing. A summary, which may include a map, of the proposed comprehensive plan or amendment to such a plan. 2. The name of an individual employed by the local governmental unit who may provide additional information regarding the proposed ordinance. 3. Information relating to where and when the proposed comprehensive plan or amendment to such a plan may be inspected before the hearing, and how a copy of the plan or amendment may be obtained. (e) At least 30 days before the hearing described in par. (d) is held, a local governmental unit shall provide written notice to all of the following: 1. An operator who has obtained, or made application for, a permit that is described under s. 295.12 (3) (d). 2. A person who has registered a marketable nonmetallic mineral deposit under s. 295.20.
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3. Any other property owner or leaseholder who has an interest in property pursuant to which the person may extract nonmetallic mineral resources, if the property owner or leaseholder requests in writing that the local governmental unit provide the property owner or leaseholder notice of the hearing described in par. (d). (f) A political subdivision shall maintain a list of persons who submit a written or electronic request to receive notice of any proposed ordinance, described under par. (c), that affects the allowable use of the property owned by the person. Annually, the political subdivision shall inform residents of the political subdivision that they may add their names to the list. The political subdivision may satisfy this requirement to provide such information by any of the following means: publishing a 1st class notice under Ch. 985; publishing on the political subdivision’s Internet site; 1st class mail; or including the information in a mailing that is sent to all property owners. At least 30 days before the hearing described in par. (d) is held a political subdivision shall provide written notice, including a copy or summary of the proposed ordinance, to all such persons whose property, the allowable use of which, may be affected by the proposed ordinance. The notice shall be by mail or in any reasonable form that is agreed to by the person and the political subdivision, including electronic mail, voice mail, or text message. The political subdivision may charge each person on the list who receives a notice by 1st class mail a fee that does not exceed the approximate cost of providing the notice to the person.
(5) APPLICABILITY OF A REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION’S PLAN. A regional planning commission’s comprehensive plan is only advisory in its applicability to a political subdivision and a political subdivision’s comprehensive plan.
(6) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAY TAKE EFFECT. Notwithstanding sub. (4), a comprehensive plan, or an amendment of a comprehensive plan, may take effect even if a local governmental unit fails to provide the notice that is required under sub. (4) (e) or (f), unless the local governmental unit intentionally fails to provide the notice. History: 1999 a. 9, 148; 1999 a. 150 s. 74; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1001; 1999 a. 185 s. 57; 1999 a. 186 s. 42; 2001 a. 30, 90; 2003 a. 33, 93, 233, 307, 327; 2005 a. 26, 208; 2007 a. 121; 2009 a. 372; 2011 a. 257; 2013 a. 80; 2015 a. 391. A municipality has the authority under s. 236.45 (2) to impose a temporary town− wide prohibition on land division while developing a comprehensive plan under this section. Wisconsin Realtors Association v. Town of West Point, 2008 WI App 40, 309 Wis. 2d 199, 747 N.W.2d 681, 06−2761. The use of the word “coordination” in various statutes dealing with municipal planning does not by itself authorize towns to invoke a power of “coordination” that would impose affirmative duties upon certain municipalities that are in addition to any other obligations that are imposed under those statutes. With respect to the development of an amendment of comprehensive plans, s. 66.1001 is to be followed by the local governmental units and political subdivisions identified in that section.
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Appendix C
Town of Plover/Village of Plover
Intergovernmental Boundary And Utility Service Agreement
And
Public Hearing Notice
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
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In accordance with Wisconsin statutes 66.0301(6), NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Town of Plover will conduct a public hearing on SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. at the Plover Town Hall located at 5081 Hoover Avenue-South in the Town of Plover, Portage County, State of Wisconsin. The Town Hall doors will be open at 5:30 PM for in-house viewing of the INTERGOVERNMENTAL BOUNDARY AND UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PLOVER AND THE VILLAGE OF PLOVER.
The purpose of this hearing is to receive oral and written comments regarding extending the term of the intergovernmental boundary agreement another four years beyond its expiration date of December 31, 2016. While the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement expired December 31, 2015, the entire agreement, including the intergovernmental boundary agreement had been set to expire December 31, 2016. The boundary agreement, land use and sewer service portion of the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement outlining the intergovernmental boundary agreement between the Town and Village is now extended four more years to January 1, 2021.
The Intergovernmental Boundary Agreement includes Exhibit 1 (Map 8.7 Extraterritorial Future Land Use Recommendations adopted by the Village Board on April 6, 2005), Exhibit 2 (Map 8.2 Future Land Use adopted by the Town Board on December 21, 2005), and Exhibit 3 (Town of Plover Sewer Service Area, Village of Plover Twenty Year Planning Boundary, and Town/Village Permanent Boundary).
The INTERGOVERNMENTAL BOUNDARY AND UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PLOVER AND THE VILLAGE OF PLOVER is available for review at the Plover Town Hall; contact Joan Scheider, Clerk/Treasurer of the Town of Plover, at 715-344-7684 for Town Hall hours and availability of materials. The Plan will be available on the Town of Plover website at townofplover.com.
For more information regarding the INTERGOVERNMENTAL BOUNDARY AND UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PLOVER AND THE VILLAGE OF PLOVER contact Tim Karcheski, Town Chairman, at 715-630-5493.
Upon close of the public hearing, a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Plover shall be called to order and the boundary agreement should be discussed and considered per the agenda.
Note: A quorum of the Town Board will be present. POSTED: Aug. 13, 2016 PUBLISHED: Aug.12, 2016
INTERGOVERNMENTAL BOUNDARY AND UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT
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This Agreement made by and between the Village of Plover, a Wisconsin Municipal Corporation, and the Town of Plover, a Wisconsin Town, WITNESSETH.
WHEREAS, the Village of Plover (hereinafter referred to as the “Village”) and the Town of Plover (hereinafter referred to as the “Town”) entered into an intergovernmental agreement, more formally known as the “Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement” on March 30, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the revenue sharing portion of the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement expired on December 31, 2015 and the entire Agreement will expire on December 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Village and Town desire to continue the boundary agreement, land use, and sewer service portions of the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement; and
WHEREAS, §66.0301, 66.0813, and 66.0821 permits two or more municipalities by a majority vote of a quorum of their governing bodies to enter into an intergovernmental boundary and utility service agreement; and
WHEREAS, individual public hearings were held by the Town Board of the Town of Plover and the Village Board of the Village of Plover and notice of said meetings were preceded by a Class III notice published under direction of the Clerk of each governing body; and
WHEREAS, the governing bodies of the municipalities participating in this Intergovernmental Agreement believe it to be in the best interests of their respective communities to enter into an Intergovernmental Boundary and Utility Service Agreement as set forth herein below; and
WHEREAS, at a public meeting held on ______by the Town of Plover and on ______by the Village of Plover, resolutions were adopted by each municipality approving this Intergovernmental Boundary and Utility Service Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of the parties, and pursuant to the authority granted them under§66.0301, 66.0813, and 66.0821 Stats.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1. The term of the Agreement shall be for 4 (four) years and shall commence on January 1, 2017.
2. The Village shall use Map 8.7 Extraterritorial Future Land Use Recommendations (adopted by the Village Board of Plover on April 6, 2005) of the Village of Plover Comprehensive Plan to review annexation requests, development proposals, lot splits, rezoning requests within the Town of Plover and within the Village of Plover’s Extraterritorial Area. Annexation requests, development proposals, lot splits, or rezoning requests that are not consistent with Map 8.7 Extraterritorial Future Land Use Recommendations shall be denied by the Village; however Map 8.7 may be amended upon joint approval of the Village of Plover and Town of Plover. Map 8.7 may also be amended by substituting less intensive uses for those shown, without joint approval. Map 8.7 is shown in attached Exhibit1.
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3. The Town shall use Map 8.2 Future Land Use (adopted by the Plover Town Board on December 21, 2005) of the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan)to review development proposals, lot splits, rezoning requests within the Town of Plover land area within the Village of Plover’s Extraterritorial Area. Development proposals, lot splits, or rezoning requests that are not consistent with Map 8.2 Future Land Use shall be denied by the Town; however Map 8.2 may be amended upon joint approval of the Village of Plover and Town of Plover. Map 8.2 may also be amended by substituting less intensive uses for those shown, without joint approval. Map 8.2 is shown in attached Exhibit 2.
4. The Village shall allow sanitary sewer and water extensions to those areas identified as “Town of Plover Sewer Service Area”, as illustrated in Exhibit 3. Such areas shall be provided sanitary sewer and water without annexation to the Village of Plover. The Town shall be responsible for all sewer, water, engineering, and appurtenance costs associated with serving property within the “Town of Plover Sewer Service Area”, including any extensions across private property and rights-of-way located within the Village of Plover municipal limits. If sanitary sewer and water extensions are required within Village municipal limits, the Village shall agree to establish deferred assessments on such property and reimburse the Town at such time as development occurs on the benefiting property.
5. Sewer and water shall be constructed according to Village of Plover construction policies and practices. The areas identified for Town of Plover sewer service are required to be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
6. All sanitary sewer and water mains and appurtenances shall be the property of the Village of Plover and shall be maintained by the Village of Plover.
7. Sanitary sewer and water customers located within the Town shall be billed quarterly by the Village, in accordance with Public Service Commission and Wisconsin State Statute rules and requirements.
8. The Village of Plover and Town of Plover shall adhere to the “20 Year Planning Boundary” and “Permanent Boundary” identified in Exhibit 3. The Village of Plover agrees to deny requests for annexation that are located outside the “20 Year Planning Boundary” and/or “Permanent Boundary” for the term of this Agreement. The Town of Plover waives its right to contest/challenge annexation petitions to the Village of Plover that are located within the Village’s “20 Year Planning Boundary”. Further, the Town agrees not to contest/challenge annexation petitions to the Village of Plover that are located within the Village’s “20 Year Planning Boundary”. The 20 Year Planning Boundary and/or Permanent Boundary may be amended upon joint approval of the Village of Plover and Town of Plover Board.
9. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or declared to be or shall, in fact, be inoperative or unenforceable as applied in any particular case in any jurisdiction or jurisdictions or in all jurisdictions, or in all cases because it conflicts with any other provision or provisions hereof or any constitution or statute or rule of public policy, or for any other reason, such circumstance shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering
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any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatever.
10. This Agreement shall terminate December 31, 2020, although the Village and Town may extend any portion of this agreement upon mutual resolutions of approval.
VILLAGE OF PLOVER
Dated:______, 2016 By:______Thomas Davies, Village President
Attest:______Karen Swanson, Village Clerk
TOWN OF PLOVER
Dated:______, 2016 By:______Timothy Karcheski, Town Chairman
Attest:______Joan Scheider, Town Clerk
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Appendix D
Public Hearing Notice of Plan Commission Adoption Resolution
November 10, 2005
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
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In accordance with Wisconsin statutes 66.1001(4) (d), NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Town of Plover will conduct a public hearing on November 10, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Plover Town Hall located at 5081 Hoover Avenue South in the Town of Plover, Portage County, Wisconsin. The Town Hall doors will be open at 7:00 p.m. for in-house viewing of maps and materials.
The purpose of this hearing is to receive oral and written comments regarding the Town of Plover’s Comprehensive Plan and ordinance to adopt its Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a document that outlines the community’s development goals and public policies for guiding future growth over a twenty-year time frame. The Comprehensive Plan consists of nine elements, including: housing, transportation, utilities and community facilities, agricultural, natural and cultural resources, economic development, intergovernmental cooperation, land use, and implementation. Within the plan elements are issues, goals, objectives, policies, programs, and maps employed to obtain a future development pattern within the Town of Plover.
The Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan will be available for review at the Charles White Library in Stevens Point and the Plover Public Library, Plover; a limited number of copies will be available at the Plover Town Hall for check-out and return. Contact Town Clerk, Cindy Simonds at 344-7684 for Town Hall hours and availability of materials. A copy will also be available at the Portage County Planning & Zoning Office, 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and the Plan will be available on the internet at: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/portage/compplan/LocalUnitPlans.html
For more information regarding the Town of Plover Comprehensive Plan, contact Plan Commission Chair, Doug Steinke at 341-0585.
Note: A quorum of the Town Board and Town Plan Commission will be present.
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Appendix E
Town Board Adoption Ordinance And Amendment
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TOWN OF PLOVER TOWN PLAN COMMISSION ORDINANCE
The Town Board of the Town of Plover, Portage County, Wisconsin, does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish a Town of Plover Plan Commission and set forth its organization, powers and duties, to further health, safety and welfare, and wise use of resources for the benefit of current and future residents of the Town and affected neighboring jurisdictions, through the adoption and implementation of comprehensive planning with significant citizen involvement.
SECTION 2. AUTHORITY; ESTABLISHMENT (7-Member)
The Town Board of the Town of Plover, having been authorized by the Town meeting under sec. 60.10(2)(c) Wis. Stats., to exercise village powers, hereby exercises village powers under sec. 60.22(3), Wis. Stats., and establishes a seven (7) member Plan Commission under secs. 61.35 and 62.23, Wis. Stats. The Plan Commission shall be considered the “Town Planning Agency” under secs. 236.02(13) and 236.45. Wis Stats., which authorize, but do not require Town adoption of a subdivision or other land division ordinance.
SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP (7 Member)
The Plan Commission consists of one (1) member of the Town Board, who may be the Town Board Chairperson, and six (6) citizen members, who are not otherwise Town officials, and who shall be persons of recognized experience and qualifications.
SECTION 4. APPOINTMENTS
The Town Board Chairperson shall appoint the members of the Plan Commission and designate a Plan Commission Chairperson during the month of April to fill any expiring term. The Town Board Chairperson may appoint himself or herself or another Town Board member to the Plan Commission and may designate himself or herself, the other Town Board member, or a citizen member as Chairperson of the Plan Commission. All appointments are subject to the advisory approval of the Town Board. In a year in which any Town Board member is elected at the spring election, any appointment or designation by the Town Board Chairperson shall be made after the election and qualification of the Town Board members elected. Any citizen appointed to the Plan Commission shall take and file the oath of office within five (5) days of notice of appointment, as provided under secs. 19.01 and 60.31, Wis. Stats.
One non-voting member shall be appointed to succeed any commissioner in case of a vacant seat or long- term absence.
SECTION 5. TERMS OF OFFICE (With Citizen Member Terms Staggered)
The term of office for the Plan Commission Chairperson and each Commission members shall be for a period of 3 years, ending on April 30, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, except:
1. Initial Terms: (7-member) If the initial appointments to the Plan Commission are made during April, the citizen members shall be appointed for staggered terms as follows: Two (2) persons for a term that expires in one (1) year; Two (2) persons for a term that expires in two (2) years;
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Two (2) persons for a term that expires in three (3) years.
2. If the initial appointments are made after April, the first citizens appointed to the Plan Commission shall be appointed for staggered terms as follows: Two (2) persons for a term that expires one (1) year from the previous April 30; Two (2) persons for a term that expires two (2) years from the previous April 30; and Two (2) persons for a term that expires three (3) years from the previous April 30.
SECTION 6. VACANCIES
A person who is appointed to fill a vacancy on the Plan Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term.
SECTION 7. COMPENSATION; EXPENSES
The Town Board of the Town of Plover hereby sets a per diem allowance of $30.00 per meeting for citizen and Town Board members of the Plan Commission as allowed under sec. 66.0501(2), Wis. Stats. In addition, the Town Board may reimburse reasonable costs and expenses, as allowed under sec. 60.321. Wis. Stats.
SECTION 8. EXPERTS & STAFF
The Plan Commission may, under sec. 62.23(1), Wis. Stats., recommend to the Town Board the employment of experts and staff, and may review and recommend approval of proposed payments of contract with an expert.
SECTION 9. RULES; RECORDS
The Plan Commission, under sec 62.23 (2), Wis. Stats., may adopt rules for the transaction of its business, subject to Town ordinances, and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which shall be a public record under secs. 19.21-19.39, Wis. Stats. The Plan Commission Chairperson shall plan and conduct meetings, provide resources to members, prepare and mail agendas to its members and provide an agenda to the Town Clerk at least 5 days before the meeting date, to be posted and mailed to the media in accordance with Wisconsin’s Open Meeting Laws.
SECTION 10. CHAIRPERSON & OFFICERS
1. Chairpersons. The Plan Commission Chairperson shall be appointed and serve a term as provided in sections 4 and 5 of this ordinance. The Chairperson shall, subject to Town ordinances and Commission rules: a) Provide leadership to the Commission; b) Set Commission meeting and hearing dates c) Provide notice of Commission meetings and hearings and set their agendas, personally or by his or her designee; d) Preside at Commission meetings and hearings, and e) Ensure that the laws are followed.
2. Vice Chairperson. The Plan Commission may elect, by open vote or secret ballot under sec. 19.88(1), Wis. Stats., a Vice Chairperson to act in the place of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is absent or incapacitated for any cause.
3. Secretary. The Plan Commission shall elect by open vote or secret ballot under sec. 19.88(1) Wis. Stats., one of its members to serve as Secretary, or, with the approval of the Town Board, designate the Town Clerk or other Town officer or employee as Secretary.
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SECTION 11. COMMISSION MEMBERS AS LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS All members of the Plan Commission shall faithfully discharge their official duties to the test of their abilities, as provided in the oath of office, sec. 19.01, Wis. Stats., in accordance with, but not limited to, the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes on: Public Records, secs. 19.21-19.39; Code of Ethics for Local Government Officials, secs. 19.42, 19.58 & 19.59; Open Meetings, secs. 19.81-19.89 Misconduct in Office, sec. 946.12 and Private Interests in Public Contracts, sec. 946.13 Commission members shall further perform their duties in a fair and rational manner and avoid arbitrary actions.
SECTION 12. GENERAL & MISCELLANEOUS POWERS The Plan Commission, under sec. 62.23(4), Wis. Stats., shall have the power: 1. Necessary to enable it to perform its functions and promote Town planning. 2. To make reports and recommendations relating to the plan and development of the Town to the Town Board, other public bodies, citizens, public utilities and organizations. 3. To recommend to the Town Board programs for public improvements and the financing of such improvements. 4. To receive from public officials, within a reasonable time, requested available information required for the Commission to do its work. 5. For itself, its ,members and employees, in the performance of their duties, to enter upon land, make examinations and surveys, and place and maintain necessary monuments and marks there on. However, entry shall not be made upon private land, except to the extent that the private land Is held open to the general public, without the permission of the landowner or tenant. If such permission has been refused, entry shall be made under the authority of an inspection warrant issued for cause under sec. 66.0119, Wis. Stats., or other court issued warrant.
SECTION 13. TOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING; GENERAL AUTHORITY & REQUIREMENTS 1. The Plan Commission shall make and adopt a comprehensive plan under secs. L62.23 and 66.1001, Wis. Stats., which contains the elements specified in sec. 66.1001(2), Wis. Stats, and follows the procedure in sec 66.1004(4), Wis. Stats. 2. The Plan Commission shall make and adopt the comprehensive plan within the time period directed by the Town Board, but not later than time sufficient to allow the Town Board to review the plan and pass an ordinance adopting it to take effect on or before January 1, 2010, so that the Town comprehensive plan is in effect by the date on which any Town program or act in affecting land use must be consistent with the Town comprehensive plan under sec. 66.1001(3), Wis. Stats. 3. In this section the requirement to “make” the plan means that the Plan Commission shall ensure that the plan is prepared, and oversee and coordinate the preparation of the plan, whether the work is performed by the Town by the Plan Commission, Town staff, another unit of government, the regional planning commission, a consultant, citizens, an advisory committee, or any other person, group or organization.
SECTION 14. PROCEDURE FOR PLAN COMMISSION ADOPTION & RECOMMENDATION OF A TOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OR AMENDMENT The Plan Commission, in order to ensure that the requirements of sec. 66.1001(4), Wis. Stats. are met, shall proceed as follows: 1. Public Participation Verification. Prior to beginning work on a comprehensive plan, the Plan Commission shall verify that the Town Board has adopted written procedures designed to foster public participation in every state of preparation of the comprehensive plan. These written procedures shall include open discussion, communication programs, information services and
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noticed public meetings. These written procedures shall further provide for wide distribution of proposed, alternative or amended elements of a comprehensive plan and shall provide an opportunity for written comments to be submitted by members of the public to the Town Board and for the Town Board to respond to such written comments.
2. Resolution. The plan Commission, under sec. 66.1001(4)(b), Wis. Stats., shall recommend its proposed comprehensive plan or amendment to the Town Board by adopting a resolution by a majority vote of the entire Plan Commission. The vote shall be recorded in the minutes of the Plan Commission. The resolution shall refer to maps and other descriptive materials that relate to one or more elements of the comprehensive plan. The resolution adopting a comprehensive plan shall further recite that the requirements of the comprehensive planning law have been met, under sec. 66.1001, Wis. Stats., namely that: (a) the Town Board adopted written procedures to foster public participation and that such procedures allowed public participation at each state of preparing the comprehensive plan; (b) the plan contains the nine (9) specified elements and meets the requirements of those elements; (c) the (specified) maps and (specified) other descriptive materials relate to the plan; (d) the plan has been adopted by a majority vote of the entire Plan Commission, which the clerk or secretary is directed to record in the minutes; and (e) the Plan Commission clerk or secretary is directed to send a copy of the comprehensive plan adopted by the Commission to the governmental units specified in sec. 66.1001(4), Wis. Stats., and sub 3. of this section.
3. Transmittal. One copy of the comprehensive plan or amendment adopted by the Plan Commission for recommendation to the Town Board shall be sent to: a) Every governmental body that is located in whole or in part within the boundaries of the Town, including any school district, Town sanitary district, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district or other special district. b) The clerk of every city, village, town, county and regional planning commission that is adjacent to the Town. c) The Wisconsin Land Council. d) After September 1, 2003, the Department of Administration. e) The regional planning commission in which the Town is located. f) The public library that serves the area in which the Town is located.
SECTION 15. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall take effect after adoption by the Town Board and publication or posting as provided by law.
Passed and approved this ______day of ______, ______.
______Chairman Supervisor Supervisor ______Supervisor Supervisor
ATTESTED TO BY: ______Joan Scheider, Clerk/Treasurer
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AMENDMENT TO TOWN PLAN COMMISSION ORDINANCE
The Town Board of the Town of Plover DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
1. That Section 3. Membership is amended to allow for 6 citizen members, who are not otherwise Town officials, and who shall be persons of recognized experience and qualifications. This increase in two (2) extra citizen members will stay on to see the completion of the Smart Growth Plan. After this process is complete, the citizen members shall return to the four (4) members.
2. This amendment to the Town Plan Commission Ordinance shall take effect upon passage.
Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Plover this 20th day of March, 2002.
______Robert Steinke, Chairperson
Attest: ______Dale O’Brien, Supervisor ______Cindy Simonds, Clerk ______Jeanne Fehrman, Supervisor
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Appendix F
Town of Plover
Initiated Request to the
Portage County Planning and Zoning Committee
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TOWN INITIATED REQUEST TO THE PORTAGE COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
DATE RECEIVED ______REQUEST NUMBER ______
TOWN INFO: CONTACT FOR TOWN:
Town of:______Name:______
Address ______Address: ______
______City State Zip City State Zip Telephone No: ______Telephone No: ______
REQUESTED CHANGE (check all that apply)
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment Future Land Use Map Amendment Zoning Map Amendment
Briefly explain what is being requested and why
______
______
______
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Please submit the following documents confirming the Town’s action on the request:
1. A copy of the public hearing notice. For Comprehensive Plan Amendments, please note the date that the Class 1 notice was published to verify the 30-day minimum notice requirement.
2. A summary of the action taken by the Town Plan Commission, including results of the vote. Meeting minutes would be sufficient.
3. A copy of the Town Plan Commission resolution recommending adoption of the amendment (with signatures).
4. A summary of the action taken by the Town Board, including results of the vote. Meeting minutes would be sufficient.
5. A copy of the Town Board ordinance adopting the amendment (with signatures).
6. Proposed text and mapping changes.
______Signature of Town Official Date
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Appendix G
Town of Plover
History of Comprehensive Plan
Adoption and Amendment
HISTORY OF ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT
DATE REVIEW ADOPTION AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING 11/20/04 X 07/15/05 X 08/16/13 X 01/04/17 X 04/19/17 X X X 02/27/2019
Appendix A: Resolution for Adoption – 2005 Appendix E: Ordinance for Adoption - 2005
2019 Comprehensive Plan – Town of Plover Appendices