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1. How does a BID work?

Let's say you own a historical building on Main Street in Stevens Point. Your building is well-maintained and the City has assessed your property at $200,000. Every year, you pay about $4,976.00 in property taxes (this includes the City, County, School District, and Technical College property tax levy). When a BID is established, the BID Board is able to levy additional money on your property for the purposes described above. For example, if the BID were to levy $1.00 per $1,000 for BID purposes, your property taxes would increase by $200. In return, the BID provides the following (for example):

• Promotes Downtown Stevens Point through marketing and promotions
• Manages events located downtown (holiday parade, corn on the curb, concerts, wine walk, etc.)
• Installs and maintains wayfinding signage and new downtown lighting
• Hires a private contractor to remove snow, maintain grass and flower beds
• Encourages reinvestment, business recruitment, and business retention within the District
• Provides financial assistance to property owners to fix and update the exterior of their properties

Several BIDs in Wisconsin hire part-time or full-time BID managers to assist with the above examples.

Money that is levied for the purposes of the BID MUST be utilized in the BID. The City would be the "caretaker" of the funds and would assist in the management and disbursement of those funds consistent with the BID Board of Director’s directive.

2. How do we establish a BID?

1. The first step in establishing a BID is to form a BID Planning Committee. This committee should be made up of all commercial property owners or their representatives within the proposed BID, an elected official, and a representative from the City’s Community Development Department. This group should be the most outspoken advocates for the creation of the BID and will serve as the advisory board in the drafting of the operating plan for the BID.
2. Create an operating plan with clear goals and objectives as they relate to the City’s Targeted Area Master Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and others. The operating plan will also address possible BID boundaries, work with the Community Development Department - Assessing Division, and identify proposed expenditures.
3. Once steps 1 and 2 are completed, the BID Planning Committee petitions the City for permission to create the BID.
4. As soon as the petition is submitted, the City will make a notice of the BID to the impacted property owners and schedule a ‘Class 2’ Public Notice consistent with Wis. Stats. §985.07(2).
5. The City Plan Commission will hold the public hearing consistent with the notice provided. At this meeting, the Plan Commission may choose to consider the operating plan submitted by the BID Planning Committee. Once the Plan Commission has held the public hearing, a 30-day waiting period is established. During this time, the BID could be rejected if:
   
   
   1. Petition is signed by owners of properties representing more than 40% of the value of property to be assessed using the same method of valuation specified in the initial operating plan
   2. Petition is signed by owners representing more than 40% of the value of property to be assessed in the proposed BID
6. The City Council votes to Adopt or Reject the operating plan of the proposed BID. If adopted, the Mayor appoints, with City Council confirmation, BID Board Members. The Levy imposed by the BID Board Members then goes into effect the following year.

3. Where has this worked in the past?

Some examples: the City of Wausau’s River District/Downtown BID, City of Eau Claire’s Water Street BID, City of Green Bay On Broadway BID, and the City of Milwaukee Historic Third Ward BID. More successful examples can be found on the UW-Extension website.

4. I represent a property that is property-tax exempt, how does this impact me?

In short, BIDs can’t levy any property tax on property-tax exempt properties. You are, however, a recipient of the benefits of being within the BID.

5. I have more questions, whom do I call?

You can contact Ryan Kernosky, Director of Community Development for the City of Stevens Point at 715-346-1567 or email him at rkernosky@stevenspoint.com.

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1. Have properties along the east side of the Wisconsin River been removed from the 100 year floodplain?

Yes. FEMA, the DNR, and the City have finalized an amendment to the mapped floodplain along the east side of the Wisconsin River which removed several properties from the 100 year floodplain and reclassified them to Area with Reduced Flood Risk Due to Levee. Property owners should contact their insurance and/or mortgage companies to determine the status of their flood insurance as it pertains to their property. The successful LOMR process was a result of the generous cooperation of VERSO and Consolidated Water Power Company allowing the City of Stevens Point to construction the additional Seawall on top of the existing Consolidated Water Power Company Seawall.

2. When and how can property owners in the former 100 Year Floodplain quit paying flood insurance?

If a mortgage lender (or any lienholder) imposed a flood insurance requirement as a condition of a loan, it is up to that lender/lienholder to then decide whether to waive their requirement. (Note, flood insurance is not a FEMA requirement; it is a federally banking regulation in the high-hazard flood risk zone on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map.) In most instances, a federally-regulated lender who imposed the mandatory flood insurance requirement because the real property (the building )securing the loan was “in” the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area, will oblige the borrower and most likely waive the flood insurance requirement once the lender becomes aware that the flood hazard zone has changed. Most lenders rely on third party “flood certification” vendors to make the flood zone determination, and the entire loan portfolios of the many lenders in Stevens Point can take months to review. Property owners whose lender required them to purchase flood insurance in the area affected by the map revision should contact their mortgage lender as soon as possible and request the lender review the revised flood hazard map and if the lender agrees the risk zone has changed, and the mortgage lender agrees to waive the flood insurance requirement, the property owner’s insurance agent should obtain a written waiver letter from the lender and then request the flood insurance policy be canceled and a premium refund processed. Bear in mind that just because the flood risk zone has changed that does not mean the risk of flooding is eliminated; it means it is lessened. Inexpensive flood insurance is still available outside the high-risk flood hazard area and water does not have to stop when it reaches a line on a map, so we strongly urge property owners to maintain what we call “Peace Of Mind” flood insurance. FEMA’s inexpensive Preferred Risk Policy is available in the low-to-moderate flood risk zones (B, C and X). See Preferred Risk Policy Information

3. Will property owners in the former 100 Year floodplain receive a notice from FEMA?

No, FEMA cannot notify individual policy holders of the map revision, just as we could not notify them of their initial flood risk zone mapping. It is up the property owner to be aware of the flood risk zone affecting them and to make the appropriate risk management decisions. Property owners’ casualty insurance agent should be aware of any changes to the flood risk and advise the client accordingly. And as noted above, any mortgage lender should also be aware of changes. FEMA publishes the flood risk maps and any revisions and amendments at www.msc.fema.gov. Note that the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement is imposed by federally-regulated mortgage lenders and not by FEMA. State-licensed property casualty insurance agents and brokers are responsible for producing the FEMA-underwritten Standard Flood Insurance Policy to satisfy the lenders’ requirement. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center

4. What is the Flood Zone for Stevens Point?

The 100 and 500 year Flood Zones may be viewed on a Stevens Point map on the FEMA website (click the magnifying glass below the word "view." You do not have to buy the map to look at it).

Stevens Point map on the FEMA website

5. What is a "flood zone determination" as it relates to a mortgage?

Flood Zone Determination is a process used by lending institutions to meet their federal banking regulation requirements to make an evaluation of whether or not the structure that they are processing a loan for is in the one percent chance flood hazard area. Lenders can do this evaluation themselves or, as most elect to do, hire such service provided by firms that make flood zone determinations their sole business.

6. How do lenders find flood zone determination companies?

The Federal Emergency Management's (FEMA) Web site provides a list of companies that are in the business of providing flood determination services. FEMA does not attest to the quality of accuracy of the services offered. That must be determined by potential users of those services. FEMA does not approve, endorse, regulate, or otherwise sanction any company on the list.

Flood Zone Determination Services

7. If a property owner disagrees with the lender's determination that the property is in a floodplain, what can be done?

In some cases, a lender determines that a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), but the property owner disagrees. The SFHA is also known as the 100-year floodplain. It is more precisely defined as the floodplain associated with a flood that has a one percent annual chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Therefore, the SFHA is not a flood event that happens once in a hundred years; rather, a flood event that has a one percent chance of occurring every year. Property owners in this situation have a couple of options. They may apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), or a Letter of Map Revision - based on Fill (LOMR-F) (if fill placement is the basis of the request). In addition, property owners may apply for a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). Forms for these purposes can be found on the FEMA website.

Forms on the FEMA website

8. How do the LOMA or LOMR-F process and the LODR processes work?

Upon receiving a completed MT-EZ (for LOMAs) or MT -1 (for LOMR-Fs) application, FEMA reviews property-specific information including surveyed elevation data; typically the elevation of the lowest adjacent grade of the structure in question, provided by a licensed land surveyor. (Note: The homeowner may be required to hire a licensed engineer or surveyor to perform this elevation survey, if this data is not readily available), and makes a final flood zone determination for the property. Once an application and all necessary data are received, the determination is normally issued within 30 to 60 days. If the LOMA or LOMRF removes the SFHA designation from the property, it can then be presented to the lender as proof that there is no federal flood insurance requirement for the property. However, even though a LOMA or LOMR-F may waive the federal requirement for flood insurance, a lender retains the prerogative to require flood insurance. No fee is charged for the review of a LOMA; however, there is a review fee for a LOMR-F. A listing of all fees associated with flood map reviews can be found on the FEMA website.

In addition, property owners may apply for a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). A LODR is a review of the lender's determination. In other words, the LODR is a process where FEMA reviews the same information the lender used to determine that the structure was located in a SFHA. It is important to note that the LODR process does not consider the elevation of the structure or property above the flood level; rather, it considers only the location of the structure relative to the special flood hazard area boundary shown on the FIRM. Thus, property owners should be aware that the lender does not consider the elevation of the property or structure when determining if the property or structure is in or out of the SFHA. FEMA reviews this information and issues its finding of whether the structure is located in the SFHA according to the current NFIP map. The request for such a letter must be jointly requested by the property owner and the lender no later than 45 days following the date the lender notified the borrower that the property is in a special flood hazard area. While this determination cannot consider the elevation of the structure or property, it can be useful if the property owner feels the lender's interpretation of the map is incorrect.

To summarize, then, there are obviously some important distinctions between the two processes (LODR versus LOMA/ LOMR-F).

1. The determinations are based on different data. The LODR process does not consider the (vertical) elevation of the structure or property above the flood level; rather, it considers only the horizontal location of the structure relative to the special flood hazard area boundary shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. The LOMA/LOMR-F process uses actual survey elevation data to determine if the property or structure is at or above the elevation of the SFHA.
2. There are different fees involved. A listing of all fees associated with flood map reviews can be found on the FEMA website.
3. The determinations result in different actions. A LODR does not result in an amendment or revision to the National Flood Insurance Program map. It is only FEMA's finding regarding the structure's location with respect to a delineated special flood hazard area. A LOMA or LOMR-F actually removes the SFHA designation from the property by letter.

Fees associated with Flood Map Reviews

9. Are local officials liable for making flood zone determinations?

The new Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac flood insurance guidelines require lenders to determine whether a structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The key distinction for government officials is between providing information and making a determination that a property is in or out of a SFHA. If a local official makes a determination and fills out the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF), he/she could be liable for inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Local officials' only obligation is to have the information available and accessible to the public, including the determination companies.

In Wisconsin, it is recommended that local officials require the property owner to provide a site plan showing the location of the proposed project in relation to the SFHA. The site plan should be done by a licensed engineer or surveyor.

The above information was obtained from "Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes", Volume 4, Number 1, Winter 2006, WI Department of Natural Resources.

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1. Building Permits

Permits are required for most building and remodeling projects including; any structural work, siding, reroofing, remodeling, replacement of a water heater/furnace/air conditioner, sheds, fencing, building demolition, electrical upgrades, and plumbing work beyond fixtures. To avoid a double permit fee, please call and inquire prior to the start of your project if you are unsure.

Get More Building Permit Info.

2. Fire Pits and Burning

Open burning is allowed without a permit if: fire is contained within a commercially-manufactured outdoor fireplace, or within a below ground pit (4" min.) and less than three feet in diameter and at least ten feet from any structure. Fires shall be put out by 11:00 PM.

Visit the Fire Dept. for More Info.

3. Lawn Care & Weed Control

Typical turf grass lawns and weeds, including the area within the boulevard (between the curb and sidewalk), should be kept less than 9” tall. Noncompliance will result in abatement by the City with any unpaid costs being assessed against the property. Natural/native lawns are allowed with a corresponding plan for these types of plantings and the ongoing maintenance.

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4. Snow & Ice Removal

Snow must be fully removed from the entire width of the public sidewalk surrounding your property within 24 hours of the ending snowfall. Streets where no boulevard exists shall have 48 hours.  The entire sidewalk must be free of all hazards. Sand is available in 5 locations throughout the City for use by residents. Noncompliance will result in abatement by the City without notice, with any unpaid costs being assessed against the property.

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5. Interior Furniture Items Outside

Furniture and appliances that are designed for interior use are prohibited to be used in any outdoor areas exposed to weather. Bulk item curbside pick-up is also available at the Treasury Department or on-line for $15.00, with all nonhazardous items being picked up every Monday morning.

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6. Garbage & Recycling

Carts for refuse and recyclable materials collected by the City shall be placed at the curb the evening before collection, and removed by midnight the day of collection. Garbage & recycling containers shall be stored at or beyond the front plane or closest protrusion of the dwelling toward the street. The brown lid carts are for garbage and the green lid carts are for recycling. All cart contents must fit inside the carts with the lid fully closed or they will not be picked up.

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7. Parking Overnight

Alternate side parking is in effect 2:30 AM - 6:00 AM on any city street except in the Downtown Business District. 

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8. Parking on Private Property

Vehicles licensed for use on public roadways must be parked on an approved hard surface: gravel, concrete, blacktop, or paver blocks. The entire vehicle must be parked on a hard surface, not on the grass. Recreational style vehicles (boats, trailers, campers, etc.) may be parked on any surface, anywhere on the property.

Vehicle licensing & Repairs: All vehicles must be operational and have current license plates displayed at all times if they are parked outside a garage.

9. Pets

Licensing: Every owner of a dog or cat must license each pet annually, which requires a valid rabies certificate and fee payment.

Prohibited Animals: No one shall keep, maintain, or possess any farm or dangerous or wild animal within the City limits. Rabbits, ducks, pigeons and chickens (hens only) are allowed by special permit.

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1. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations may be submitted in person or in writing through the PRF office at 2442 Sims Avenue.
• Cancellations made sixty (60) days or more in advance of rental date shall be eligible for a refund of rental fee paid minus a $25.00 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made thirty (30) to fifty-nine (59) days in advance shall be eligible for a 50% refund of rental fee paid minus a $25.00 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made less than thirty (30) days in advance of rental date shall not be eligible for a refund. Renter shall only be able to reschedule reservation for a future available date.
• Online reservations are allowed no less than seven (7) days in advance.

2. Refund Policy

• All refunds resulting from cancellation by renter shall be charged a $25.00 cancellation fee.
• Refunds shall be issued via check from the City of Stevens Point Treasurer’s office.
• Refunds may take up to thirty (30) days to be issued from request date.
• When possible, refunds shall be issued via credit card. Credit card refunds will be susceptible to processing/transaction fees required by the payment vendor in addition to the $25.00 fee listed above.

3. Facility Usage Agreement

• All rentals require acceptance of our Facility Usage Agreement (PDF). 
• Agreements may differ slightly for each facility. 
• Once you have reserved a facility, please read your facility use permit for information on rental process and expectations.

4. Reservation Dates

• Reservations may be made up to 545 days (one and a half years) in advance of the requested rental date. 
• Online reservations are allowed no less than seven (7) days in advance. 
• The City of Stevens Point Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department reserves the right to alter, edit, or change a reservation date at any time.

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1. Are sewers and storm drains the same?

No. Contrary to common belief, they are two totally separate systems. A sanitary sewer collects waste from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines from our homes. This wastewater is carried through underground pipes to the city’s wastewater treatment facility where the wastewater is treated before the effluent is discharged to an area waterway.

Runoff from our roofs, streets, and parking lots are collected in a storm drain system. This is a system of collection basins and pipes that transport the water entering this system to a nearby lake, river, or wetland where it is discharged untreated along with any contaminants it has collected along the way.

2. What can you pour down the storm drains?

Remember this: "Only rain down the storm drain."

3. Why plant a rain garden?

Every time it rains, the stormwater runs across our lawns, driveways, and down our streets taking fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and other pollutants with it, and it goes down the nearest storm drain and eventually ends up polluting our nearby lakes and rivers. You can help reduce this runoff by planting a rain garden because a rain garden reduces pollution while giving you a garden that is easy to maintain. Planting a rain garden on your property is also one way to conserve water, reduce your monthly water bill, and protect our waterways all at the same time.

4. How does a rain garden work?

A rain garden receives runoff from roofs or other hard impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. The rain garden holds the water on the landscape so that it has time to soak into the ground instead of flowing into the street and down a storm drain. This infiltration is beneficial for recharging the groundwater. The plants, mulch, and soil in a rain garden combine their natural physical, biological and chemical processes to remove the pollutants from the runoff.

5. Are rain gardens mosquito breeding grounds?

Contrary to popular belief, rain gardens are not mosquito factories. The water in a rain garden will stand no more than a few hours and mosquito reproduction needs 7 to 12 days of standing water.