Village board is looking for resident's input on the Hazard Mitigation Plan prior to adopting at Village Board Meeting on 04-21-2025. 

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23 – Village of Park Ridge
23.1 Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team
Primary Point of Contact
Steve Menzel
Village President/Trustee
512 Sunset Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Telephone: 715-340-7228
E-mail Address: smenzel@vi.parkridge.wi.gov
Alternate Point of Contact
Gordon Renfert
Village Trustee
212 Sunrise Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Telephone: 715-252-9139
E-mail Address: grenfert@vi.parkridge.wi.gov
This annex was developed by the local hazard mitigation planning team, whose members are listed in Table 23-1.
Table 23-1. Local Mitigation Planning Team Members
Name
Title
Name
Title
Joe Thompson
Village Trustee
Dan Holloway
Village Trustee
Steve Menzel
Village President/Trustee
Kristin Paulson
Village Trustee
Gordon Renfert
Village Trustee
23.2 Jurisdiction Profile
23.2.1 Location and Features
The Village of Park Ridge, incorporated in 1938, is a small community located adjacent to the city of Stevens Point in Portage County, Wisconsin. Known throughout the area for its quiet, neighborhood atmosphere with 530 residents (2024), the Village also has a thriving commercial district along the Highway 66 corridor hosting more than 50 businesses. The Village is in close proximity to other important area institutions– within blocks of the region’s largest grocery store (Metro Market), Washington Elementary School, P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, and St. Michael’s Hospital. The Village occupies about 140 acres of nearly flat land with mostly sandy, well-drained soils. Roughly rectangular in shape and measuring about 1,800 feet by 3,700 feet, much of the Village’s east border abuts Iverson Park and its entire south border abuts the Wisconsin Central Railroad tracks.
23.2.2 History
The Village of Park Ridge was incorporated in 1938, initially comprising 133.4 acres previously part of the Town of Hull. According to a history compiled by Charlotte Wood (1988), at the time “there were 172 residents in the village, 66 of these children of school age. In addition there were two horses, more dogs than were licensed, more cats than had owners, and several coops of chickens with early morning crowing roosters. Through the largess of nature, there were stands of oak and jack pine, fields of wild flowers, a variety of birds and hordes of mosquitoes. And through the largess of Jules Iverson aided by the Work Projects Administration, there was Iverson Park as a playground below the ridge forming the eastern boundary of the village. Hence the name Park Ridge.” In keeping with its neighborhood culture and feel, the Village is known for its “Santa Visits” event for kids, a tradition that dates back to 1940. The Village Hall building at 24 Crestwood Drive was constructed in 1942. The Park Ridge volunteer fire department was established in 1950 and served the Village until July 2022, when the Village dissolved its fire department and entered into an agreement with Stevens Point Fire Department for fire and EMS services. Law enforcement for the Village is provided by the Portage County Sheriff’s Department.
23.2.3 Governing Body Format
Park Ridge is established as a Village under Chapter 61 if the Wisconsin State Statutes (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/61). Local governance consists of a 5-member elected Board of Trustees, including Village President, which is elected separately from the Trustees. All trustees serve 2-year terms with no limits. Active committees, whose rosters include volunteer residents of the Village, include a Zoning Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Comprehensive Plan Committee.
23.3 Current Trends
23.3.1 Population
The Village of Park Ridge, Wisconsin, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by a slight population increase and a significantly older median age compared to the surrounding Portage County. As of 2020, the population stood at 530 residents, representing an increase from the 2010 census. The community's racial makeup is predominantly white (94.53%), with a median age of 53.5, that is significantly higher than the county average of 38.3. A small percentage of the population (2.4%) speaks a language other than English at home.
Economically, the Village of Park Ridge demonstrates strong performance in several areas. The median household income ($87,679) is significantly higher than the county average ($70,061) and the poverty rate (3.8%) is comparable to the county's 9.1%. Additionally, Park Ridge boasts a very high home ownership rate (86.0%), exceeding the county average (66.9%).
The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher (61.8%) is significantly higher than the county average (31.1%). However, the employment rate in Park Ridge (52.4%) is lower than the county rate (63.8%). It's important to note that a higher-than-average portion of the population (13.4%) lives with disabilities. The percentage of residents lacking health insurance coverage (1.9%) is slightly lower than the county average (5.1%). According to The HHS emPOWER Program, the 54481-zip code has 5,374 Medicare beneficiaries, 53 of them receive oxygen services, 11 of them receive dialysis services, 17 of them receive home health services, 11 of them receive at-home hospice, and 203 of them use electricity dependent devices or durable medical equipment.
23.3.2 Climate
The National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) predicts potential changes in Portage County’s climate due to rising emissions. By 2050, average daily highs could increase by up to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows potentially rising by 3 degrees. While total precipitation might stay relatively stable, its distribution could change, leading to more intense rainfall events.
23.3.3 Development
Table 23-2 summarizes development trends in the performance period since the preparation of the previous hazard mitigation plan, as well as expected future development trends.
Table 23-2. Recent and Expected Future Development Trends
Criterion
Response
Has your jurisdiction annexed any land since the preparation of the previous hazard mitigation plan?
If yes, give the estimated area annexed and estimated number of parcels or structures.
No
Is your jurisdiction expected to annex any areas during the performance period of this plan?
If yes, describe land areas and dominant uses.
If yes, who currently has permitting authority over these areas?
No
Are any areas targeted for development or major redevelopment in the next five years?
If yes, briefly describe, including whether any of the areas are in known hazard risk areas
A few lots remain to be developed in the residential Planned Unit Development (Odessa Court and Angelo Court) on the Village’s north boundary.
How many permits for new construction were issued in your jurisdiction since the preparation of the previous hazard mitigation plan?
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Single Family
3
1
3
2
0
Accessory Dwelling Unit
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Multi-Family
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Other (commercial, mixed use, etc.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total
3
1
3
2
0
Provide the number of new construction permits for each hazard area or provide a qualitative description of where development has occurred.
N/A
Describe the level of buildout in the jurisdiction, based on your jurisdiction’s buildable lands inventory. If no such inventory exists, provide a qualitative description.
The only new construction that has occurred in recent years in the Village is the Planned Unit Development on Odessa Court and Angelo Court.
23.4 Capability Assessment
This section describes an assessment of existing capabilities for implementing hazard mitigation strategies. The base plan of the hazard mitigation plan describes the components included in the capability assessment and their significance for hazard mitigation planning. This section summarizes the following findings of the assessment:
• An assessment of planning and regulatory capabilities is presented in Table 23-3.
• Development and permitting capabilities are presented in Table 23-4.
• An assessment of fiscal capabilities is presented in Table 23-5.
• An assessment of administrative and technical capabilities is presented in Table 23-6.
• An assessment of education and outreach capabilities is presented in Table 23-7.
• Information on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance is presented in Table 23-8.
• Classifications under various community mitigation programs are presented in Table 23-9.
• The community’s adaptive capacity for the impacts of climate change is presented in Table 23-10.
Findings of the capability assessment were reviewed to identify opportunities to expand, initiate or integrate capabilities to further hazard mitigation goals and objectives.
Table 23-3. Planning and Regulatory Capability
Local Authority
Other Jurisdiction Authority
State Mandated
Integration Opportunity?
Codes, Ordinances, & Requirements
Building Code
Yes
Comment: We have local permitting following State of Wisconsin Building Codes and enforced through a Village Building Inspector.
Zoning Code
Yes
Comment: We have local zoning codes, enforced by a Village Zoning Administrator.
Subdivisions
No
Comment: N/A
Stormwater Management
Yes
Comment: The Village adopted in 2024 a Village Right-of-Way Ordinance the calls for swales on Village streets for stormwater management.
Post-Disaster Management
No
Comment: The Village has no staff or specific plan for post-disaster management, and instead relying on countywide resources to assist with this.
Real Estate Disclosure
No
Comment:
Growth Management
No
Comment:
Site Plan Review
Yes
Comment: Administered through building permit process through Village Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator.
Environmental Protection
No
Yes
Comment: Village follows State DNR and US EPA guidelines.
Flood Damage Prevention
Yes
Comment: The Village adopted in 2024 a Village Right-of-Way Ordinance the calls for swales on Village streets for stormwater management.
Emergency Management
Yes
X
Comment: Village complies with Wisconsin State Statutes 323.14(1)(b). In addition, the Village contracts with the City of Stevens Point for EMS and fire protection services.
Climate Change
No
Comment:
Other
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Comment:
Local Authority
Other Jurisdiction Authority
State Mandated
Integration Opportunity?
Planning Documents
Comprehensive Plan
Yes
Yes
Is the plan compliant with the Comprehensive Planning Law (s. 66.1001)?
Comment: Yes. Developed with help from Portage County staff. Updated and adopted in 2022.
Capital Improvement Plan
Yes
How often is the plan updated?
Comment: The Village’s first-ever CIP was adopted in 2023. To be updated every 5 years.
Disaster Debris Management Plan
No
No
No
N/A
Comment:
Floodplain or Watershed Plan
Yes
Comment: Countywide plan.
Stormwater Plan
No
Comment:
Urban Water Management Plan
No
Yes?
Comment: Defer to State and Countywide groundwater protection plans.
Habitat Conservation Plan
No
Comment:
Economic Development Plan
No
Comment:
Shoreline Management Plan
No
Comment:
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
No
Comment:
Forest Management Plan
Yes
Comment: Urban forest management plan developed by UWSP Forestry class in 2021.
Climate Action Plan
No
Comment:
Emergency Management Plan
Yes
Comment: The Village of Park Ridge local emergency response guide.
Threat & Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (THIRA)
Yes
Comment: Refer to this Village Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Post-Disaster Recovery Plan
No
Comment: The Village has no staff or specific plan for post-disaster management, and instead relying on Countywide resources to assist with this.
Continuity of Operations Plan
No
Comment:
Public Health Plan
No
Comment:
Other
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Comment:
Table 23-4. Development and Permitting Capability
Criterion
Response
Does your jurisdiction issue development permits?
If no, who does? If yes, which department?
Yes.
Village Building Inspector
Does your jurisdiction have the ability to track permits by hazard area?
No
Does your jurisdiction have a buildable lands inventory?
No
Table 23-5. Fiscal Capability
Financial Resource
Accessible or Eligible to Use?
Community Development Block Grants
?
Capital Improvements Project Funding
Yes
Authority to Levy Taxes for Specific Purposes
Yes
User Fees for Water, Sewer, Gas or Electric Service
Yes
Incur Debt through General Obligation Bonds
Yes
Incur Debt through Special Tax Bonds
?
Incur Debt through Private Activity Bonds
Yes
Withhold Public Expenditures in Hazard-Prone Areas
?
State-Sponsored Grant Programs
Yes
Development Impact Fees for Homebuyers or Developers
No
Other
Table 23-6. Administrative and Technical Capability
Staff/Personnel Resource
Available?
Department/Agency/Position
Planners or engineers with knowledge of land development and land management practices
No
Engineers or professionals trained in building or infrastructure construction practices
Yes
Contracted
Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural hazards
No
Staff with training in benefit/cost analysis
No
Surveyors
No
Personnel skilled or trained in GIS applications
No
Scientist familiar with natural hazards in local area
No
Emergency manager
No
Grant writers
No
Other
Table 23-7. Education and Outreach Capability
Criterion
Response
Do you have a public information officer or communications office?
If yes, briefly describe.
No
Do you have personnel skilled or trained in website development?
No
Do you have hazard mitigation information available on your website?
If yes, briefly describe.
No
Do you use social media for hazard mitigation education and outreach?
If yes, briefly describe.
No
Do you have any citizen boards or commissions that address issues related to hazard mitigation?
If yes, briefly describe.
No
Do you have any other programs already in place that could be used to communicate hazard-related information?
If yes, briefly describe.
Yes
Website and Facebook page.
Do you have any established warning systems for hazard events?
If yes, briefly describe.
Yes
Siren and emergency generator.
Table 23-8. National Flood Insurance Program Compliance
Criterion
Response
What is your participation status in the National Flood Insurance Program?
Application in progress (March 2025)
What local department is responsible for floodplain management?
N/A
Who is your floodplain administrator? (department/position)
N/A
Are any certified floodplain managers on staff in your jurisdiction?
No
What is the date that your flood damage prevention ordinance was last amended?
N/A
Does your floodplain management program meet or exceed minimum requirements set by NFIP? The DNR’s model floodplain ordinance meets NFIP’s minimum standards.
If exceeds, in what ways?
TBD
When was the most recent Community Assistance Visit or Community Assistance Contact?
N/A
Does your jurisdiction have any outstanding NFIP compliance violations that need to be addressed?
If so, state what they are.
No
What date was your latest Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted?
?
Are any RiskMAP projects currently underway in your jurisdiction?
If so, state what they are.
?
Do your flood hazard maps adequately address the flood risk within your jurisdiction?
If no, state why.
?
Does your floodplain management staff need any assistance or training to support its floodplain management program?
If so, what type of assistance/training is needed? It would be helpful to have a certified floodplain manager on staff,
?
?
Does your jurisdiction participate in the Community Rating System (CRS)? If yes, is your jurisdiction interested in improving its CRS Classification? If no, is your jurisdiction interested in joining the CRS program?
?
How many flood insurance policies are in force in your jurisdiction?
What is the insurance in force? What is the premium in force?
?
How many total loss claims have been filed in your jurisdiction?
What were the total payments for losses?
N/A
N/A
Please describe the implementation and enforcement of floodplain management regulations to regulate and permit development in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
N/A
Table 23-9. Community Classifications
Participating?
Classification
Date Classified
FIPS Code
?
?
N/A
DUNS #
?
?
N/A
Community Rating System
?
?
N/A
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
?
?
?
Public Protection
?
?
?
Storm Ready
?
N/A
?
Firewise
?
N/A
?
Table 23-10. Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change
Criterion
Jurisdiction Ratinga
Technical Capacity
Jurisdiction-level understanding of potential climate change impacts.
Comment:
Low
Jurisdiction-level monitoring of climate change impacts
Comment:
Low
Technical resources to assess proposed strategies for feasibility and externalities.
Comment:
Low
Jurisdiction-level capacity for development of greenhouse gas emissions inventory
Comment:
Low
Capital planning and land use decisions informed by potential climate impacts.
Comment:
Low
Participation in regional groups addressing climate risks.
Comment:
Low
Implementation Capability
Clear authority/mandate to consider climate change impacts during public decision-making processes.
Comment:
Low
Identified strategies for greenhouse gas mitigation efforts.
Comment:
Low
Please describe the floodplain management programs and activities that contribute to continued compliance with NFIP.
N/A
a. According to FEMA statistics as of [DATE]
Identified strategies for adaptation to impacts.
Comment:
Low
Champions for climate action in local government departments
Comment:
Low
Political support for implementing climate change adaptation strategies.
Comment:
Low
Financial resources devoted to climate change adaptation.
Comment:
Low
Local authority over sectors likely to be negative impacted.
Comment:
Low
Public Capability
Local residents knowledge of and understanding of climate risk.
Comment:
Medium
Local residents support of adaptation efforts
Comment:
Medium
Local residents’ capacity to adapt to climate impacts.
Comment:
Medium
Local economy’s current capacity to adapt to climate impacts.
Comment:
Unsure
Local ecosystems’ capacity to adapt to climate impacts.
Comment:
Unsure
a. High = Capacity exists and is in use; Medium = Capacity may exist but is not used or could use some improvement; Low = Capacity does not exist or could use substantial improvement; Unsure= Not enough information is known to assign a rating.
23.5 Integration Review
For hazard mitigation planning, “integration” means that hazard mitigation information is used in other relevant planning mechanisms, such as general planning and capital facilities planning, and that relevant information from those sources is used in hazard mitigation. This section identifies where such integration is already in place, and where there are opportunities for further integration in the future. The resources listed at the end of this annex were used to provide information on integration.
23.5.1 Existing Integration
Some level of integration has already been established between local hazard mitigation planning and the following other local plans and programs:
N/A
23.5.2 Opportunities for Future Integration
The capability assessment presented in this annex identified the following plans and programs that do not currently integrate hazard mitigation information but provide opportunities to do so in the future:
• Village Comprehensive Plan
• Village Strategic Plan
• Village Capital Improvement Plan
23.6 Risk Assessment
23.6.1 Jurisdiction-Specific Hazard Event History
Table 23-11 lists past occurrences of hazards for which specific damage was recorded in the Village of Park Ridge. Other hazard events that broadly affected the entire planning area, including Portage County, are listed in the risk assessments in the base plan of this hazard mitigation plan.
Table 23-11. Past Hazard Events
Type of Event
FEMA Disaster #
Date
Assessed Damage (monetary, fatalities, injuries, structures destroyed or damaged)
Straight Line Wind Storm
N/A
June 2018
Large trees downed, damage to homes.
Flash flood
N/A
February 2021
Heavy rain on frozen ground caused temporary flooding on Village streets and in some residential basements.
23.6.2 Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Summary
Table 23-12 presents a summary of all hazards of concern for this jurisdiction including their location, extent, and probability. IF YOUR JURISDICTION IS NOT AFFECTED BY A HAZARD, STATE SO IN THE RISK SUMMARY AND LEAVE THE VULNERABILTY/IMPACT SUMMARIES BLANK.
Table 5-12. Hazard Risk Ranking
Hazard
Risk Summary
Vulnerability Summary
Impact Summary
Severe Weather – including tornadoes, high winds, hail, and lightning
Tornadoes, high winds, hail and lightning
Residential and commercial property damage, loss of mature trees.
Most vulnerable are mature trees, residential homes and the business district with 50 businesses.
28 species of trees averaging 14.9 inches in diameters (mature); 250 residential homes; business district with 50 businesses
Most homes in the Village are well-maintained but range from 40-90 years old, possibly making them more susceptible to storm damage. The Village’s large, mature trees are older and more susceptible to wind damage and less adaptable to climate change.
Potential property damage in the millions of dollars (Village’s equalized valuation is over $80 million), loss of life, and economic disruption.
Because of the Village’s relatively small footprint (140 acres) and high concentration of residential homes (250), the impact of a single storm could be catastrophic.
Flooding – including Dam Failure
Not at significant risk.
Wildfire
The Village of Park Ridge has considerable urban forest cover, especially on its south border with the Canadian National railway tracks. This presents a significant wildfire risk to residential homes in the Village.
Adding to this risk is the recent discovery of a few unhoused encampments on the railroad land.
The forested land on the south border of the Village is mostly pine, balsam and spruce trees growing on dry, well-drained, sandy soil. Even a small fire could quickly grow out of control and threaten residential homes to the north and Iverson Park and the Green Circle Trail to the east.
Wildfire, especially along the Villag’s south border, presents a significant risk of property damage, loss of life, displacement and economic disruption.
Ten residential homes located along the Village’s southern border are especially at high risk for wildfire, representing at least $4 million in total property value. The impact on the Village could be major.
Drought
Severe drought could have a major impact on the Village, which is characterized by dry, well-drained, sandy soils. In addition, most
Drought threatens the Village’s considerable urban forest cover as well as residential gardens and shrubbery, which rely
Severe drought could have a major impact on the Village, which is characterized by dry, well-drained, sandy soils. In addition, most
of the Village is served primarily by private wells rather than a municipal water system, extending the potential risk to residents’ access to clean drinking water.
Severe drought also poses a major risk to the Village’s urban forest cover, increasing the chance of tree mortality and fire damage.
largely on rainfall to survive and thrive.
Drought also raises the risk of fire, threatening residential homes in the Village.
of the Village is served primarily by private wells rather than a municipal water system, extending the potential risk to residents’ access to clean drinking water.
Severe drought also poses a major risk to the Village’s urban forest cover, increasing the chance of tree mortality and fire damage.
Extreme Temperatures (Cold, Heat)
Extreme temperatures present a significant health threat, especially to the elderly and other at-risk individuals who live in the Village and are not monitored by family and friends.
In addition, extreme temperatures could cause high power demands for heating and/or cooling, risking utility failures, extended power outages, broken water pipes in older homes (cold), damage to street pavement (heat), etc.
[Assets at risk include residential and commercial water pipes (cold), heating and cooling equipment (overuse), street pavement (heat).
Climate change brings increased threats to assets that were not built for such extremes.
Potential loss of life for elderly or at-risk individuals.
There is minor to moderate risk of property damage to residential and commercial buildings, primarily from broken water pipes (cold) in older structures and ones that are mostly vacant or unmonitored. If the damage is widespread, it could disrupt living conditions and the Village economy.
Severe Winter Weather – including blizzards
Severe winter weather is a significant threat to the Village from November through March. The primary threats are heavy snowfall, ice storms, and high winds.
All three present risks to homes and commercial properties and to public safety.
Exposed assets include: trees; streets; right-of-way street signage, plantings and structures; homes and commercial buildings, especially rooftops and older buildings.
Severe winter storms can result in major damage to trees, structures as well as a high risk for vehicle damage and public safety concerns due to hazardous driving conditions.
Pest Infestation
Pest infestations pose a potential risk to the Village’s relatively large urban tree cover and residential gardens. There may also be a risk to older homes and commercial
Exposed assets include: a large urban tree canopy and residential garden plantings that could be damaged by insect infestations; older homes and commercial
Potential major impact on the damage or loss of hundreds of Village trees, especially in forested areas that have limited diversity of species. This includes large stands
buildings that are not well-sealed or serviced by an exterminator.
buildings with cracks and openings that allow pests to enter and damage the interior.
of pine trees along the Village’s southern border.
A major loss of trees in the Village would have a large impact on the character and aesthetics of the Village, possibly even impacting property values and quality of life in the Village.
Power Outage
Power outages in the Village have rarely lasted more than a few days, but a lengthy and widespread outage could threaten heating and cooling of residential homes and commercial buildings. Loss of winter heating, especially, could be damaging and dangerous.
Primarily residential homes and commercial buildings.
Loss of street lighting could pose a safety risk in Village streets, threatening vehicles and pedestrians.
Buildings are at risk of water pipe damage due to loss of winter heating.
Loss of street lighting could pose a safety risk in Village streets, threatening vehicles and pedestrians.
Solar Weather – including solar flares and coronal mass ejections
Low risk.
Electromagnetic Pulse
Low risk.
Terrorism/Sabotage/Weapon of Mass Destruction
With no schools, churches or large public gathering places, the Village is at relatively low risk for these threats.
Cyber Incident
With no large employers and a residential and business district that are serviced by a fairly diverse range of networks, including TDS, Spectrum and various cell providers, the Village is at relatively low risk of cyber attacks.
The Village Hall follows best practices to prevent cyber attacks, including multi-factor authentication for its email and website accounts.
Internet & Communications Failure
Relatively low risk. The Village Hall is serviced
by a 70 kW Generac generator, powered by natural gas. It also follows best practices to protect its network, including multi-factor authentication for its email and website accounts.
Water Failure (Water/Wastewater)
The risk of sudden widespread water failure is relatively low, due to the Village being primarily serviced by private wells. However, the safety and effectiveness of those private wells depends heavily on access to clean groundwater. Being surrounded by Stevens Point, Portage County’s urban center, the Village’s groundwater supply is at moderate risk of contamination from industrial accidents, industrial waste and surface pollutants (road salt, herbicides, etc.)
Approximately 200 private wells in the Village, which rely on clean groundwater, are at moderate risk of contamination from industrial accidents, industrial waste, and surface pollutants (road salt, herbicides, etc.). In case of severe damage to the groundwater resource, these private wells would no longer be functional, and many homes would need to resort to bottled water for their drinking water.
Though the risk is low to moderate, the impact could be major, potentially effecting the vast majority of residential homes in the Village. Finding alternate sources of drinking water would, at minimum, cause significant hardship and inconvenience for residents for months or years. At its worst, it would require a massive effort to install municipal water mains and laterals under every Village street, costing an estimated $10 million.
Infrastructure Failure (bridges, roads, etc.)
Although Village streets are in need of upgrades and repairs, the risk of infrastructure failure is low.
Hazardous Materials
The Village is at moderate risk of hazardous materials primarily due to its proximity to the Canadian National Railroad tracks along its southern border, and to Sheridan Publishing Company along its western border. Both enterprises use, store or transport hazardous materials, which could result in spills of harmful chemicals or the release of toxic gases.
Exposed assets include groundwater and human health.
The impact of a chemical spill or toxic gas release could be severe, since sources are very close to dense residential areas.
Damage to goundwater could be significant, lasting and expensive (see Water Failure above).
Damage to human health by direct exposure to hazardous materials could be immediate and catastrophic for nearby residents.
Public Health Emergency (emerging diseases, etc.)
The Village is at relatively low to moderate risk of a public health emergency. Of primary concern is any exposure to the Village’s elderly residents, a significant population within the Village.
Primarily elderly residents.
Emerging diseases and pandemics pose a serious threat to the Village’s elderly population. The impact on some residents and their families could be major, including serious illness, long term symptoms, or even death.
A pandemic could result in loss of life, significant lifestyle changes and economic disruption throughout the Village.
Food Related/Agricultural Threats (food contamination, etc.)
Low risk.
Other
N/A
23.6.3 Jurisdiction-Specific Vulnerabilities
The base plan of this hazard mitigation plan provides complete risk assessments for each identified hazard of concern. This section provides information on a few key vulnerabilities for the jurisdiction. Available jurisdiction-specific risk maps of the hazards are provided at the end of this annex.
The Village of Park Ridge’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Team identified the following jurisdiction-specific vulnerabilities:
Each of these vulnerabilities is described in greater detail below.
Repetitive Loss Properties
Repetitive loss records are as follows:
• Number of Repetitive-Loss Properties: NONE KNOWN
• Number of Severe-Repetitive-Loss Properties: NONE KNOWN
• Number of Repetitive-Loss Properties or Severe-Repetitive-Loss Properties that have been mitigated: NONE KNOWN
Other Noted Vulnerabilities
• N/A
23.7 Status of Previous Plan Actions
Table 23-13 summarizes the actions that were recommended in the previous version of the hazard mitigation plan (Portage County Hazard Mitigation Plan) and their implementation status at the time this update was prepared.
Table 23-13. Status of Previous Plan Actions
Action Item
Completed
Removed;
No longer Feasible
Carried Over to Plan Update
Check if Yes
Action # in Update
Develop a Stormwater Management Plan and integrate with Community Plans, Zones, and Ordinances.
☐
X
☐
Comment: Stormwater management is primarily being addressed in the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (2023) with street reconstruction and swales.
Reconstruct all village streets to include the addition of swales
☐
☐
X
VPRHH1
Comment: Primarily being addressed through the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (2023) with street reconstruction and swales. Hillcrest/Greenbriar (2025) and Ridgewood Greenbriar (2027) reconstructions are examples.
Continued Compliance in NFIP
☐
☐
X
VPRHP3
Comment: Initiated application process to enlist in NFIP participation in March 2025
23.8 Hazard Mitigation Action Plan and Evaluation of Recommended Actions
VPRHH1 Mitigation Action: Village of Park Ridge
Category:
Health and Safety
Additional Goals:
This action also addresses potential hazards within the Property and Environment category
Action Item Summary:
Reconstruct village streets to include the addition of swales.
Action Item Description:
Some swales were added during the reconstruction of the north half of Linwood Avenue in 2019. The need for more swales is primarily being addressed through the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (2023) with street reconstruction and swales. Hillcrest/Greenbriar (2025) and Ridgewood Greenbriar (2027) reconstructions are examples.
Hazard(s):
Urban flash flooding
Lead Party Responsible:
Village of Park Ridge
Supporting Parties:
Estimated Cost:
Medium, although swale construction typically is linked to street reconstruction, which has a high cost.
Funding Method:
Village street maintenance and repair budget and grants.
Benefits:
High
Benefits New or Existing Assets:
Benefit primarily to maintenance and longevity of street assets.
Implementation Schedule:
20 years (per Capital Improvement Plan, 2024-2043)
Year Initiated:
2024
Priority:
High
VPRHH2 Mitigation Action: Village of Park Ridge
Category:
Health and Safety
Additional Goals:
This action also addresses potential hazards within the Property and Environment and Intergovernmental Relationships categories.
Action Item Summary:
Add municipal water mains for fire hydrants
Action Item Description:
As part of the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan and its agreement with the Stevens Point Fire Department for fire protection and EMS services, the Village plans to add water mains and fire hydrants on streets that are scheduled for reconstruction. Initial projects include Hillcrest Drive/Greenbriar Avenue North (2025) and Ridgewood Drive/Greenbriar Avenue North (2027).
Hazard(s):
Fire; the risk is particularly high with forestland adjacent to the Canadian National railroad tracks south of Ridgewood Drive.
Lead Party Responsible:
Village of Park Ridge
Supporting Parties:
City of Stevens Point (Public Utilities; Fire Department)
Estimated Cost:
High
Funding Method:
Village operating and capital budget; state and federal grants
Benefits:
High
Benefits New or Existing Assets:
Adding water mains and hydrants concurrent with street reconstruction is more cost effective than adding them after the pavement has already been installed.
Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing
Year Initiated:
2024
Priority:
High
VPRHP3 Mitigation Action: Village of Park Ridge
Goal:
Property and Environment
Additional Goals:
Action Item Summary:
Continued Compliance in NFIP
Action Item Description:
Actively pursuing participation in NFIP as of March 2025
Hazard(s):
All Hazards
Lead Party Responsible:
Local EM and Floodplain Specialist
Supporting Parties:
Estimated Cost:
Low
Funding Method:
Grants - HMA, Public Assistance, other federal and state grants
Benefits:
High
Benefits New or Existing Assets:
Implementation Schedule:
Ongoing
Year Initiated:
2025
Priority:
High
23.9 Public Outreach
23.9.1 Public Outreach Events/Activities
Table 23-15. Public Outreach Events/Activities
Event
Date
Summary
Attendees
Adoption of the Village’s Comprehensive Plan
Nov. 14 2022
The development of the Village’s updated state-mandated Comprehensive Plan encouraged citizen engagement through committee meetings and public hearings.
All Village residents were invited to committee meetings and public hearings prior to adoption.
Adoption of the Village’s Strategic Plan
Nov. 14, 2022
The development of the Village’s Strategic Plan encouraged citizen input and engagement through committee meetings and public hearings, and included a village-wide survey (Oct. 2021), Public Participation Event (Oct. 27, 2021) and a Public Hearing and Input Session on July 19, 2022.
All Village residents were invited to committee meetings and public hearings prior to adoption.
Adoption of the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan
Nov. 20, 2023
The was developed with consultants MSA Professional Services, Inc., and the process encouraged citizen input and involvement through a public hearings on Nov. 2, 2023 and Nov. 20, 2023.
All Village residents were invited to public hearings prior to adoption.
Public input opportunity
February 1-15, 2025
Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan available for public inspection and comments at the Village Hall and on the Village website.
All Village residents invited to share comments on the draft plan.
Adoption of updated Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Village of
February 17, 2025
Plan adoption at the Village’s regular monthly meeting.
All Village residents are invited to
Park Ridge
comment on the draft plan prior to adoption, since it is an open meeting.
23.9.2 Continued Public Participation
The Village of Park Ridge actively maintains a web page (https://vi.parkridge.wi.gov/) that includes:
• A feedback/contact form for public inquiries (https://vi.parkridge.wi.gov/contact-us/)
• A sign-up page to subscribe to notifications about Village meetings and notices via email or text message (https://vi.parkridge.wi.gov/subscribe/)
In addition, the Village mails newsletters during the year to all households.
23.10 Plan Monitoring, Implementation, and Future Updates
As a participant in the 2025 update to the Portage County Mitigation Plan, The Village of Park Ridge agrees to convene their internal planning team at least annually to review their progress on hazard mitigation strategies and to update the plan based on new data or recent disasters.
When Portage County sends federal notices of funding opportunity for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program, the village will evaluate the viability of projects eligible for such grants and submit grant applications if appropriate to align with the priorities of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. This will be a key strategy to implement the plan.
23.11 Information Sources Used for This Annex
The following technical reports, plans, and regulatory mechanisms were reviewed for this annex.
• Village of Park Ridge Comprehensive Plan (2022)
• Village of Park Ridge Strategic Plan (2022) – pgs. 24-69
• Village of Park Ridge Capital Improvement Plan (2023)
The following outside resources and references were reviewed:
• Portage County Emergency Management Office
• Portage County Planning & Zoning Department