CHAPTER 5

UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

 

5.1       Background

 

This is the fifth of nine chapters that compose the City of Park Falls Comprehensive Plan.  Some utilities addressed include natural gas, electrical, telephone and cable service, and municipal water and wastewater.  Community facilities addressed include local government buildings, schools, police and fire services, library, care facilities, parks and dams. 

 

Utilities and community facilities are vital components to creating a positive, inviting atmosphere.  Services, recreational opportunities, educational facilities, water and numerous other resources shape the high quality of life, relaxing atmosphere, and civic pride desired by a community.  Maintaining this standard of living and the community facilities are important in attracting and retaining residents and businesses.  These amenities allow municipalities to promote themselves and form an identity for all people and structures to build upon.           

 

A.  Previous Studies

 

“Wisconsin Wellhead Protection Program”

 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed and implemented Wisconsin’s Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP).  The goals are to prevent groundwater pollution or minimize the contamination.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the program plan in 1993.  For a list of requirements for the WHPP, see section NR 811.16(5), Wisconsin Administrative Code.    

 

Park Falls has either an approved wellhead protection plan for at least one municipal well or has voluntarily adopted a wellhead protection plan; however, not all of the wells have plans developed for them.  This may be an activity to pursue in the future.        

 

B.  Utility and Community Facility Issues

 

UTILITY UPGRADES

 

Expansions and old age are causing wells to be added and water utilities and storm sewers to be replaced or renovated.  Especially apparent is the expansion of Flambeau River Papers and their Bio-Fuel project, which uses much more water than the previous system.  A fourth groundwater well was created this year and a fifth is being planned to comply with state regulations.  The downtown Park Falls and Hwy 13 antiquated storm sewers are currently being worked on.  In addition, the southeastern part of the City near Flambeau Hospital lacks adequate water utilities.  These are currently being addressed by the City of Park Falls Public Works Department. 

 

ENERGY PRICES INCREASE

 

As the rates for electric and natural gas increase, the need to use alternative sources for fuel becomes imperative.  Flambeau River Papers is in the process of going fossil fuel free with the development of their Bio-Fuel project.  This would make them the first pulp and paper mill in the country to become independent from fossil fuels.  Other businesses are confronting situations that will force them to change their heating methods.  If they do not change, energy costs may become too great to handle and business will not be worth continuing.  Solutions such as outdoor wood boilers, solar panels and wind systems need to be considered.      

 

5.2       Inventory and Trends

 

A.  Water

 

Improvements

 

Park Falls has numerous improvement projects planned dealing with public facilities and public utilities equipment.  The list is from the CEDS New Projects list (Attachment #2) beginning on page 25 of the Issues and Opportunities chapter.  Refer to this attachment for a complete list of anticipated City projects.

 

 

Project Title and Description

Proposed Year of Implementation

Estimated Cost

Local Priority Ranking

Well Project

2009

$3.5 million

1

Sewer Replacement on Hwy 13

2009-2010

$1 million

2

Storm Sewer on 2nd Avenue

2010

$100,000

2

Backhoe for Water Department

2010

$80,000

3

Sewer Jet for Sewer Department

2010

$50,000

3

Sewer Rehabilitation

2009-2011

$4 million

-----

 

In addition, the City of Park Falls Capital Improvements Plan illustrates projects such as:

 

-2010:  South water tower inspection, clear well inspection, air strippers for Well 5 and 6 at cost of $10,000.00; clean screen Well 6 for $20,000.00

-2011:  Clean screens Wells 4 and 5 for $40,000.00

 

*For a complete list of improvements, see Chapter 2 Economic Development Appendix A*

1.  Drinking Water

 

The City’s water system consists of wells, storage, treatment, and distribution facilities.  Numerous water checks are done daily to provide the best water possible. 

 

            a.         Wells

 

The water for Park Falls is supplied by four groundwater wells.  The depths of the wells are 86, 102, 112 and 100 feet.  The wells were developed in 1970, 1992, 1994 and 2008, respectively.  The 86 and 102 foot wells are located on County E going west out of Park Falls and the 112 and 100 foot wells are located three miles past the Park Falls Municipal             Airport.  A fifth well is under construction and will be 

on line in 2009 to accommodate the growing water needs of Park Falls, including the new Flambeau River Papers projects.         

 

            b.         Storage                                   

 

Park Falls has three water towers that provide approximately 675,000 gallons of storage.  The locations of the towers and gallons of water that each are capable of storing are Industrial Park West, 300,000; Tower Road and Division Street, 125,000; and along 9th Street North by Park Falls Public School, 250,000.  In 2014, the West Water Tower will be painted at an estimated cost of $180,000.00.    

 

            c.         Treatment

Additions to the water in the city include caustic soda for pH control, Fluoride, chlorine for disinfection, and potassium permanganate. 

 

            d.         Distribution System

 

The City’s water distribution system serves a considerable portion of Park Falls.

 

2.  Waste Water

 

The City of Park Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on Case Avenue by Nola Cemetery.  The facility was put online in November 1984 and upgraded in the late 1990’s.  The current capacity is a million and a half gallons per day (GPD). 

 

3.  Storm Water

 

Park Falls is served by a concrete, PVC pipe, and a clay storm sewer system.  Some areas of the system are adequate while others are not.

 

 

B.  Public Works

 

1.  Street Department

 

The City’s street department garage is located on Case Avenue by the Wastewater Treatment Plant and houses numerous equipment, including seven dump trucks, a street sweeper, and two backhoes, to name a few.  The street department is responsible for the maintenance of the local road system and storm sewers. 

 

Anticipated projects include:

 

Project Title

Proposed Year

Estimated Cost

Hwy 13 Sanitary Sewer Engineering

2009

$40,000.00

Lift Station Pump

2009-2013

$10,000.00 each year

Hwy 13 Utility Reconstruction

2010

$800,000.00

Backhoe

2010

$130,000.00

Cemetery Mower

2009

$6,000.00

City Hall Computers

2009

$7,500.00

Superintendent Pickup

2012

$20,000.00

Miscellaneous City Expenses

2009

$40,000.00

See Appendix A of Chapter 2 Economic Development for a complete list

 

2.  Solid Waste and Recycling Facility

 

The City contracts JB Disposal for curbside pick-up of garbage and recyclable materials. 

 

C.  Public Safety

 

1.  Police Department

 

As of January 2009 the Park Falls Police Department has seven full-time officers, two part-time officers and a full-time administrative assistant.  Out of the seven officers one officer is the Chief of Police who performs all the administrative duties for the department and one officer serves as the school liaison officer during the school year.  The other officers are responsible for handling and investigating all the calls that the police department receives.

 

Each on of the full-time officers is highly trained in a specific area.  This allows a small department to handle complicated crimes by calling in an officer who is trained in that specific area.  Areas of specialized training include:  Computer Crimes; Drug Investigations; Death Investigations; Burglary Investigations and Crime Prevention.

 

Having officers highly trained and working as a team has proven itself in the City of Park Falls.  The crime rate in Park Falls is lower than the national and state averages for a city of the same size and the crime solve rate is higher.

 

The Park Falls Police Department rotates their squad cars every three years.  After a three year period, the oldest squad car is replaced with a new one.  The squad car that is taken out of service is either given to another city department or sold at auction.  The squad car contains many pieces of highly technical equipment.  This equipment was all obtained from state and federal grants.  This equipment is used to provide the best service for all of our citizens and visitors.

 

The Park Falls Police Department is constantly striving to meet the following objectives:

  • To protect constitutional guarantees for all persons
  • To create and maintain a feeling of security in the community
  • To reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime
  • To aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm and assist those individuals who cannot care for themselves
  • To resolve conflict
  • To identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings
  • To identify potentially serious law enforcement or governmental issues
  • To facilitate the movement of people and vehicles
  • To provide other police services that the community may need.

In order to meet these objectives, the police department remains dedicated to staying up to date with training and implementation of safety programs in the schools and community.  Continuous cooperation with neighboring agencies demonstrates the department’s commitment and dedication to improving community services.

 

The Park Falls Police Department is located at 400 4th Avenue South just to the north of City Hall.  

 

2.  Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services 

 

The Park Falls Fire department consists of 40 volunteer fire fighters and provides services to the City of Park Falls, the Town of Lake, and the Town of Eisenstein.  There is a Chief, an Assistant Chief, two Captains, two Lieutenants and a Safety/Training Officer who command the force.  Duties of the department include fire suppression, fire prevention inspections, and school-based fire prevention training during Fire Prevention Week.

 

The Park Falls Fire Department is located along Hwy 13 adjoining the Police Department and City Hall.  In the next five years, two new squad vehicles, a fire department tanker/pumper, and a patrol plow truck are expected to be purchased at a total cost of $323,000.00.

 

D.  Medical Facilities  

 

Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls “is among the nation’s 35 top critical access hospitals, according to a national study by LarsonAllen Health Care” (Marshfield Clinic, 2005).  It was established in 1922 and is the northernmost facility in Wisconsin for Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Health Care, which became co-sponsors in 1994.  A board of directors and the Administrator govern the facility.  The patient base is approximately 17,650 people from four area counties, and there are 42 total beds, 24-hour patient care, an Intensive Care Unit, and Medical/Surgery.  The two specialty units are Adult and Pediatric and Intensive Care.  Flambeau Hospital is a member of the American Hospital Association, Wisconsin Hospital Association and Rural Health Association.

E.  Nursing Homes and Cemeteries

 

Park Manor is located on 250 Lawrence Avenue and emphasizes nursing and rehabilitation care.  Skilled and intermediate nursing services, therapy, religious services, and resident activities are provided in this high quality care facility.  There are 25 employed nurses and care is available 24 hours.  It ranks at number four for the top private employers in 2006 in Park Falls, only below Weather Shield, Flambeau River Papers, and Flambeau Hospital.  The building is located along the beautiful Flambeau River and Riverside Park, complete with a wheelchair accessible path and benches.  Regular visits by local volunteers are made throughout the year to deliver flowers, sing, play games and visit with residents.  Park Manor has been Medicare Certified since 1998. 

 

Nola Cemetery is located on the eastern side of Case Avenue across from the Flambeau River and the set of railroad tracks parallel to the river.  A 4 by 16 foot space for standard burial is $600 and cremain burial for two in a specified area, 6 by 4 foot space, is $300 each.  Various other fees for administrative transfers and grave openings are applied but are dependent upon whether the individual is a resident or non-resident and the day/hour that service is needed.  See the City of Park Falls’ website for a complete list of Nola Cemetery fees.  Other than Nola Cemetery, which directly serves Park Falls, there are 16 other cemeteries in Price County.             

 

F.  Day Care Facilities

 

*        Almost Home Adult Day Center is located at 1181 North 4th Avenue and focuses on adult care.

*        Supportive Home Services is located at 1181 North 4th Avenue.

*        Nannie’s Day Care is located at 1181 1st Avenue.

*        Peace Lutheran Day Care and Preschool, Inc. is located at 600 North 2nd Avenue.

*        St. Anthony’s Day Care and Preschool is located at 276 S 5th Avenue

 

G.  Educational Facilities

 

Public Schools

 

The Park Falls and Glidden School Districts have consolidated to form the Chequamegon School District.  This newly formed district offers superb educational opportunities for grades Pre-K through 12.  The Park Falls campus holds classes for Pre-K through third grade students from the Park Falls area along with combined (Glidden and Park Falls students) in grades; four, five, nine, ten, eleven and twelve.  The Park Falls campus is located at 400 9th Street North, Park Falls.  The Glidden campus holds classes for Pre-K through third grade students from the Glidden area along with combined students in grades; six, seven and eight.  The Glidden campus is located at 370 South Grant Street, Glidden.  The Chequamegon School District has 823 students enrolled; 332 high school students, 172 middle school students and 319 elementary students. The student to teacher ratio is ????, approximately 75 staff members.  There are 778 white (non-Hispanic), 5 Black, 9 Hispanic, 22 Asian/Pacific Islander, and 9 American Indian/Alaskan students attending the district.  These statistics are for the 2009-2010 school year and may change slightly due to open enrollment.      

                       

Parochial Schools                    

 

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Elementary/Middle School had 123 students enrolled in grades Pre-K through eight for the 2009 – 2010 school year.  The student to teacher ratio is 9.5:1.  This coed facility is located at 200 5th Avenue South in Park Falls. 

 

Higher Education

 

The nearest technical college is Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Phillips.  This is a branch of Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, which was started in 1912 as Wausau Industrial School.  NTC has expanded into a 10-county district with over 57 degrees.  The Phillips campus offers 19 associate degrees, 4 one year technical diplomas, 5 programs with completion in less than one year,  along with various apprenticeship and certificate programs.   

 

Colleges/universities with over 2,000 students and the distance to the schools include Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, 81 miles (full-time (FT) enrollment 2,039); Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, 94 miles (enrollment 2,045); University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Eau Claire, 107 miles (FT 9,866); Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, 107 miles (FT 2,601); University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, 115 miles (FT 8,083); University of Wisconsin-Superior in Superior, 124 miles (FT 2,436); University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, 126 miles (FT 7,183).        

 

The Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (CEP) helps people find jobs and assists with successful business growth with these jobs.  In particular NWCEP deals with workforce development services such as finding workers and training for a business, surveys, workshops and other employer services.  They also conduct JobFit assessments, job preparations, resume critiques, surveys, workshops and other employer services.  An office is located in Park Falls serving Park Falls and Price County.     

 

H.  Recreational Facilities

 

The City of Park Falls supports the Park Falls Municipal Swimming Pool, Armstrong Field (baseball diamond), a softball field, two little league fields, a skateboarding park, an eight lane track and the Park Falls Ice Arena.  The baseball and softball diamonds are used by high school varsity players during the school year and for student and adult leagues throughout the summer.  Both comply with regulation standards and have been well maintained.  The two little league fields are used by younger students for summer softball and baseball leagues.  Bleachers along MacDonald (football) field are anticipated to be replaced in 2012 at a cost of $10,000.00.  The Park Falls Municipal Swimming Pool hires eight full-time lifeguards/swim instructors and several part-time employees for patron surveillance, teaching lessons, lifeguard certification and CPR/AED training during the summer.  This outdoor pool has two springboard diving boards, a large pool attached to a ten foot diving well, and a wading pool for small children.  There are a wide range of lessons taught for all age groups:  minnows, whales, lessons 1 through lesson 6 advanced, lifeguard training, water aerobics and private lessons for developmentally disabled.  Repairs on the wading pool are expected in 2009 at an estimated cost of $6,000.00.  The Park Falls Ice Arena houses figure skating and hockey lessons for all ages.  The facility is rented out for expos and private parties during the off-season. 

 

I.  Energy and Telecommunications

 

CenturyTel and Price County Telephone Company (PCTC) provide telephone and high speed internet service, including fiber optic phone lines, and high speed internet access with T1 line capabilities.  Xcel EnergySM provides electric power and natural gas services.  Charter Communications provides high speed internet and cable television. 

 

J.  Parks

 

Park Falls has six parks within the city:  Tourist Park (3), Hines Memorial Park (1), Riverside Park (6), Triangle Park (2), South Side Park (4) and Preisler Park (5) (Figure 42).  These provide terrific recreational opportunities for all ages.  Tourist Park is adjacent to Flambeau Hospital and Park Falls Dental Clinic.  Hines Memorial Park is equipped with a fishing pier, shelter, bathrooms, basketball courts, volleyball courts and running water.  Riverside Park also has a fishing pier, benches and a paved, wheelchair accessible path.  Hines Park is 16 acres and the other parks are approximately one acre.  In 2009 the City plans to repair the boat landing at Hines Park for $12,000.00.

Figure 42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               

Source:  City of Park Falls
 
K.  Other Government Facilities

 

City Hall

 

Park Falls City Hall is located along Highway 13 and includes city offices, community meeting rooms, the fire hall and offices for the Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Concentrated Employment Program. 

 

Library

 

 
 
The Park Falls Public Library is located along Highway 13 at 121 North Fourth Avenue.  There are 34,109 books, 1,094 audio materials, 1,066 video materials and 153 serial subscriptions.  Overall, the library has more than 46,000 items available on-site and is capable of obtaining what they do not have.  Employees include a library director, adult services librarian, children services librarian and four library assistants.  A Board of Trustees deals with library expenditures, budget, personnel decisions and policies.  The operating income is $275,511.  There are numerous library programs, events, and concerts throughout the year in addition to the fiction, nonfiction, references, magazines, cassette tapes, videos, books-on-CD, puzzles, puppets and DVDs.  Four computers with internet access are available for use.  Extensive remodeling took place in the late 1990s to this historic building, and it continues to bring cultural and adventure experiences to Park Falls.        

 

 

 

County Garage

 

Located along Hwy. 13 in Phillips is a garage that houses road equipment used in maintaining County Highways in northern Price County.  

 

L.  Dams                                                    

 

The five dams nearest to Park Falls are the Upper Hydro (Upper Park Falls) and Lower Hydro (Lower Park Falls) Dams in Park Falls; Kitten and Kougl Dams in the Town of Eisenstein; and the Tuscobia Trailhead County Park Dam in the Town of Lake.  These dams are classified by their size.  The definition of a large dam according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is having a structural height over 6 feet and impounding 50 acre-feet or more, or having a structural height of 25 feet or more and impounding more than 15 acre-feet.  Inspections must be performed once every 10 years on all large dams located on navigable waterways.   

 

The Upper Hydro Dam is owned by North American Hydro, is classified as a large dam, and has a high hazard potential.  It is located north of Hwy 182 and east of Hwy 13 between Court Street and Sherry Avenue. The Lower Hydro is owned by Flambeau Paper Corp, is classified as a large dam, and has a low hazard potential.  It is located along South Hwy 13 traveling towards Fifield (photo above).  Kitten and Kougl Dams are privately owned by Joseph Kitten and Mr. Kougl.  Kitten is classified as a small dam and Kougl Dam’s status is currently abandoned.  Tuscobia Trailhead County Park Dam is classified as a small dam and is owned by Price County Forestry Committee.             

 

5.3       Goals and Strategies

 

GOAL:            MAINTAIN CITY WELLS AND SEWERS THAT ADEQUATELY                                SUPPORT PARK FALLS           

 

   Strategy:        Look into developing a Wellhead Protection Plan for all City wells

 

   Strategy:        Support sewer replacement and rehabilitation and well projects

 

   Strategy:        Assure safe, clean drinking water for all residents

 

GOAL:            PROMOTE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT UTILITIES,                                                FACILITIES AND SERVICES THAT MEET THE                                                           NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF RESIDENTS

 

   Strategy:        Provide needs and services to meet a growing aging population and                               disabled individuals

 

   Strategy:        Support recycling and highly quality educational opportunities

 

   Strategy:        Continue to provide excellent public safety through the police department,                      fire and EMS personnel

 

GOAL:            SUPPORT PARK FACILITIES TO MEET DEMANDS OF                                            RESIDENTS 

 

   Strategy:        Maintain infrastructure and utilize lands to create a healthy amenity

 

5.4       Bibliography

 

“Flambeau Hospital Among Nation’s Top Critical Access Hospitals”.  Publications. 

            2005.  Marshfield Clinic.  24 July 2008.  <http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/

            patients/Default.aspx?page=cattails_2006_marapr_flambeau>.

 

Flambeau Hospital.  2006.  Ministry Health Care.  24 July 2008.  <http://www.minis

            tryhealth.org/display/router.aspx?docid=13567>.

 

City of Park Falls.  June 2008.  <www.cityofparkfalls.com>.

 

“Park Falls High School”.  Public Schools Information and Data.  2008.  Public Schools            Report.  24 July 2008.  < http://schools.publicschoolsreport.com/Wisconsin/Park

            Falls/ParkFallsHi.html>.

 

Park Falls Public Library.  1 June 2004.  Park Falls Public Library.  24 July 2008.              <http://www.parkfallslibrary.org/Default.htm>. 

 

Park Manor.  2008.  Park Manor.  29 July 2008.  <http://www.parkmanorwi.com/

            index.htm>.

 

“Participating Communities”.  Wisconsin’s Wellhead Protection Program.  7 March       2007.  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  24 July 2008.  <http://www.

            dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/gw/wellhead.htm>.

 

“Price County Cultural Features:  Dams”.  Wisconsin Gazetteer.  2008.  WI HomeTown

Locator.  4 Aug 2008.  <http://wisconsin.hometownlocator.com/Features/cultural,

class,Dam,scfips,55099.cfm>.

 

“Summary”.  Wisconsin’s Wellhead Protection Program.  7 March 2007.  Wisconsin    Department of Natural Resources.  24 July 2008.  <http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org

            /water/dwg/gw/wellhead.htm>.

 

“Wisconsin Wellhead Protection Program Summary.”  Wellhead Protection Program.  26

            March 2007.  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  July 2008.              <http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/gw/whp/WHP-sum.html>.