On the agenda: Stevens Point City Plan Commission — data center (Nov 2)

Our intention is to have in-person meetings going
forward. For the time being, we will hold the City
Committee Meetings, Plan Commission, Council and
most others at the Community Room at 933 Michigan
Avenue. This in-person location will meet the legal
requirement for our open meetings.
We will have a virtual option available, but the
technology for the hybrid style meeting may not be
reliable all of the time.

Members
• Mayor Wiza
• Alderperson Kneebone
• Commissioner Arntsen
• Commissioner Beacom
• Commissioner Rice
• Commissioner Schade Stroik
• Commissioner Schuler

AGENDA
CITY PLAN COMMISSION
Date and
Time:

November 2, 2026
6:00 PM

Location:

Community Room
933 Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, WI
OR
Zoom Teleconferencing
Meeting ID: 859 8567 9865
Passcode: 477422
By Computer:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85985679865?pwd=iB4NZUa2b3M
By Phone: +1-312-626-6799 (US Chicago)

Opening Section:
1.

Roll Call

Discussion and Possible Action on:
2.

Report of the October 5, 2026 meeting of the City Plan Commission.

3.

Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to amend Chapter
23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point. Said
request amends Section 23.02(4)(e)(1)(a) to allow the Stevens Point Common Council to
consider groundwater protection districts from neighboring jurisdictions when enforcing the
provisions of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

4.

A request from the City of Stevens Point to enter into an easement agreement with the
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation for the property located at 1459 Water Street (Parcel
ID 281240832202055).

Closing Section:
5.

Adjourn

Page 1 of 13

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any person who has special needs while attending these meetings or needs agenda materials for these meetings
should contact the City Clerk as soon as possible to ensure that a reasonable accommodation can be made. The City Clerk can be reached by
telephone at (715) 346-1569 or by mail at 1515 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Maps further defining the above area(s) may be obtained from the City of Stevens Point Department of Community Development, 1515
Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or by calling (715) 346-1567, during normal business hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a quorum of the Common Council may be in attendance at this meeting.

Page 2 of 13

Our intention is to have in-person meetings going
forward. For the time being, we will hold the City
Committee Meetings, Plan Commission, Council and
most others at the Community Room at 933 Michigan
Avenue. This in-person location will meet the legal
requirement for our open meetings.

Members

We will have a virtual option available, but the
technology for the hybrid style meeting may not be
reliable all of the time.

• Mayor Wiza
• Alderperson Kneebone
• Commissioner Arntsen
• Commissioner Beacom
• Commissioner Rice
• Commissioner Schade Stroik
• Commissioner Schuler

MINUTES
CITY PLAN COMMISSION
Date
and
Time:

October 5, 2026
6:00 PM

Location:

Community Room
933 Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, WI
OR
Zoom Teleconferencing
Meeting ID: 846 9672 6674
Passcode: 404491
By Computer:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84696726674?pwd=TH5lmqsabdjMDzeU
By Phone: +1-312-626-6799 (US Chicago)

Opening Section:
1.

Roll Call
• Meeting called to order at 6:00PM
• Members present: Alder Kneebone, Commissioners Arntsen (virtual), Rice, Schuler
• Members excused: Mayor Wiza, Commissioner Beacom
• Members absent: Commissioner Schade Stroik

Discussion and Possible Action on:
2.

Report of the September 8, 2026 meeting of the City Plan Commission.
• Background: Minutes of the September, 8, 2026, meeting of the City Plan
Commission were included in the agenda packet.
• Motion: Rice moves approval to accept the meeting minutes as presented.
• Second: Schuler seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

3.

Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to amend Chapter
23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point. Said
request amends Ch. 23.02(1)(h)(2) & 23.02(1)(h)(3) to permit by right the construction of a
detached garage utilizing setback requirements of the “R-TND” Traditional Neighborhood
Overlay District.

Page 3 of 13

Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an overview
of the request.
• Discussion:
o Rice asks about an estimate on current non-conforming and asks if this
would bring conformity. Kuhn answers the estimate is unknown but there are
several garages built at the lot line and confirms it would bring conformity.
o Arntsen comments a one-foot setback seems minimal. Kuhn comments this
is acceptable and the overall number of requests for a conditional use permit
for lesser setbacks have been minimal and will likely not be heavily utilized.
• Public Hearing: Alder Kneebone declares the public hearing open.
o Cindy Nebel, 1100 Phillips St, speaks in opposition. Notes difference of
three feet vs one foot setback and concern about small lots for owners.
Expresses comments of leaving as a conditional use of three feet.
• Discussion:
o Kuhn states the change is part of the zoning code rewrite and aims to
reduce the amount of conditional use permits required. Explains changes
may be updated by Commissioners as needed.
o Schuler echoes staff sentiments on addressing nonconformity for the
traditional neighborhood overlay district.
• Motion: Rice moves approval of the amendment as presented.
• Second: Schuler seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to amend Chapter
23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point. Said
request amends Ch. 23.01(16)(a) to allow the construction of privacy fencing up to six feet
in height at the alley right-of-way line.
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an overview
of the request.
• Discussion:
o Rice confirms ordinance setback.
o Kuhn provides clarification.
o Alder Kneebone notes comments on space for snow on pavement.
• Public Hearing: Alder Kneebone declares the public hearing open. None wishing to
speak, public hearing closed.
• Discussion:
o Schuler comments on safety issues, asks aside from the vision triangles and
clear view area, is there anything else related to safety.
o Kuhn responds that a safety mechanism in the ordinance pertains to
detached garages accessed off alleyways and discusses setbacks.
o Rice comments on current code and no major concerns on changes.
• Motion: Alder Kneebone moves to approve the amendment as presented.
• Second: Rice seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
•

4.

5.

Discussion only: data center construction - community input, led by Alderperson
Kneebone.
• Background:

Page 4 of 13

•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Alder Kneebone provides an overview of reason for discussion and emphasizes
there are no active proposals, and no action is being taken.
Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides further background
pertaining to current zoning code and land use.
Discussion:
Patience Graham, 1932 Strongs Avenue, speaks in opposition. Thanks the
commission for initiating the conversation. Asks if any proposals have been
received. Director Kivela responds there have been general inquiries, but no valid
proposals at this point. Expresses appreciation for the transparency.
Charlotte Cipra, 401 Isadore St, speaks in opposition. Asks if data centers would be
AI related, expresses concern on nature impacts, creative work and Stevens Point
artists.
Bob Gifford, 517 Fieldcrest Ave, speaks in opposition. Portage County Board
Supervisor, emphasizes Stevens Point as a green space and voices concerns on
environmental and community impact. Distributes handout: Why Urban Green
Spaces matter.
Lu Hallmeyer, 1233 Franklin St, speaks in opposition. Communicates potential
financial risks of data centers on the community.
Jayne Passmore, 2209 East Ave, speaks in opposition. Shares personal
technology work experience, raises concerns on data centers citing limited job
creation and strain on water and electricity use.
Kelly McEwen, 1024 Phillips St, speaks in opposition. States any possible benefits
of data centers such as job creation and economic development contrasts longterm financial risk. Proposes local moratorium based on State proposal. Distributes
handout: 2025 Senate Bill 1061.
Terrance Mavtovski, 1608 Ellis St, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns on data
centers and potential noise pollution, increased utility costs, water usage and
overall community impact. Encourages regulation protections.
Cheyenne Witzeling, 3925 Doolittle Dr, speaks in opposition. Expresses concerns
on data center impact on Wisconsin River watershed, wildlife, noise, light pollution
and financial costs being passed onto taxpayers.
Christina Munny, 701 Franklin St, speaks in opposition. Parallels early
technological revolutions to AI, encourages proactive discussions.
Kyora Claus, 409 Reserve St, speaks in opposition. Speaks about personal
experience of data centers on community impact. Cites concerns of negative AI
impacts on student cognitive development.
Gwen Benzschavel, 1248 Fourth Ave, speaks in opposition. Shares concerns on
financial risks of the AI industry and encourages the city to adopt ordinances for
limitations on data centers.
Isabella Robinson, 1817 Maria Dr, speaks in opposition. Expresses concerns on
cognitive impacts of AI and encourages the community to challenge the expansion
of the data center industry.
Persephone Brown, 401 Isadore St, speaks in opposition. Raises environmental
concerns of data centers on noise pollution impacting plants, animals and impacts
on water for both residents and wildlife.
Michelle Gullickson, 929 Clark St, speaks in opposition. Supports enacting policies
and zoning regulations for data centers in the community. Raises environmental
concerns and encourages rejection of data center development.

Page 5 of 13

•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

Trevor Roark, 601 Washington Ave, speaks in opposition. Cites concerns on landuse, zoning, and TIF districts. Advocates for a moratorium to explore
environmental, economic and land-use impacts and enact regulations.
Callie Luebke, 5571 Ellis St, speaks in opposition. Supports a moratorium on data
centers and overall rejection of any proposals citing Stevens Point as an
environmentally inclined community.
Nate Sayas-Porter, 4427 Pine Ridge Dr, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns on
data centers of community impact on rivers, water use and possible increased
utility costs for residents and limited economic benefits. Advocates for local
ordinances, zoning requirements, noise limits and for developers to absorb any
utility and infrastructure costs.
Zunneh-bah Jim, 4427 Pine Ridge Dr, speaks in opposition. Shares experience as
an Indigenous person advocating for water, land and wildlife protection. Raises
concerns on long-term environmental impacts and encourages officials to protect
Wisconsin’ s natural resources.
Nathaniel Springer, 701 Franklin St, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns of
community impact on resources and business practices. Supports a moratorium,
advocates for legal and regulation measures.
Dorian McDonald, 1817 Maria Dr, speaks in opposition. Cites concerns of distress
on community.
Lex Donaldson, 401 Isadore St, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns of
environmental, financial costs, and impact on community green spaces.
Trey Schimion, 401 Isadore St, speaks in opposition. Expresses environmental
concerns and impact on tourism in Stevens Point.
Emily Smith, 2809 Frontenac Ave, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns on
possible health consequences associated with data centers.
Remus Redinger, 301 Reserve St, speaks in opposition. Cites local nature
preserves and UWSP natural resources programs in bringing students and
residents to the community. Expresses concern on driving away prospective
students.
Sam Lang, 1547 Strongs Ave, speaks in opposition. District 9 Alderperson
expresses concerns on long-term impacts of AI on automation and civil rights.
Supports further community discussion and encourages involving the Sustainability
Commission.
Gwen, 700 Fifth Ave, speaks in opposition. Supports a moratorium citing concerns
on overall community impact of data centers.
Phillip White, 2309 Stanley St, speaks in opposition. Supports a moratorium on
data center development citing concerns on resident impact.
Ada Hage, 2309 Stanley St, speaks in opposition. Shares experience as a graduate
of UWSP College of Natural Resources and expresses concern on protecting
natural resources in Stevens Point, supports a moratorium on data centers.
Lynn Markham, 302 Georgia Street N, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns on
utility and water usage. Advocates for data center regulation through updating
ordinance language, conditional uses, zoning and a moratorium.
Nancy Roppe, 39 Angelo Ct, speaks in opposition. Raises concerns on data
centers possibly competing for water resources with agriculture and possible
impacts on local farm production.

Page 6 of 13

•

•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrea Olson, 410 Franklin St, speaks in opposition. District 4 Alderperson
comments on discussion only agenda items vs. action items. Advocates for a 12–
18 months moratorium on data centers to address zoning, utility impacts,
emergency response, financing and TIF districts.
Discussion:
Attorney Beveridge explains data centers require large sites and the city's land
would make development difficult. Shares information on tax assessment,
ordinance language and potential legal challenges, and possibly researching the
legal structure and implementation of a moratorium on data centers.
Schuler expresses appreciation for public comment and recommends further
discussion and next steps.
Rice expresses appreciation for community conversation and also recommends
future timeline.
Alder Kneebone echoes sentiments on community discussion and speaks on staff
researching a moratorium for future discussion.
Schuler thanks Attorney Beveridge for offering to research a moratorium for
commissioner knowledge and education purposes. Comments on procedures and
needing further information for possible next steps.
Kuhn clarifies if informal next steps would be for staff to explore a moratorium
discussion.
Arntson comments on community input and staff exploration of a moratorium
discussion.
Alder Kneebone thanks community for input and reiterates staff exploration of a
moratorium and further discussion.
Kuhn asks Alder Kneebone to clarify what a possible timeline looks like for staff and
public.
Alder Kneebone responds the timeline is at the City Attorney’s discretion and a goal
of further discussion prior to the end of the year.
Alder Kneebone thanks community for discussion and advises further engagement
in future public meetings.

Closing Section:
6.

Adjourn
• Meeting adjourned at 7:54PM.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any person who has special needs while attending these meetings or needs agenda materials for these meetings

should contact the City Clerk as soon as possible to ensure that a reasonable accommodation can be made. The City Clerk can be reached by
telephone at (715) 346-1569 or by mail at 1515 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Maps further defining the above area(s) may be obtained from the City of Stevens Point Department of Community Development, 1515
Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or by calling (715) 346-1567, during normal business hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a quorum of the Common Council may be in attendance at this meeting.

Page 7 of 13

City of Stevens Point
Department of
Public Utilities &
Transportation

Joel C Lemke
Director
Phone: 715-345-5266
[email protected]

September 17, 2026
MEMO
RE: Groundwater Protection Overlay - Amendment

Council members,
You will recall much conversation about our Groundwater Protection Overlay districts during the
consideration of development matters at the corner of Hoover Road and CTH HH.
During these conversations and while applying the rules set forth in the ordinances, it became
apparent that we should codify our ability to consider the same districts that exist in our
neighboring communities if it should become necessary or desirable to do so.
Attached is an ordinance amendment that gives clarity to the fact that the Council may give
consideration to the concerns of neighboring communities when those concerns and requests
come to the Common Council in the form of official action from the neighboring community. I
believe the simplicity of the proposed text gives the latitude that was desired during recent
considerations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,

Joel Lemke
Director

P.O. BOX 243, 300 BLISS AVENUE, STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN 54481-0243
PHONE 715-345-5260 * FAX 715-345-5369 * stevenspoint.com/water
Page 8 of 13

ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN
The Common Council of the City of Stevens Point do ordain as follows:
SECTION I:

a)

That Subsection 23.02(4)(e)(1)(a) of the Revised Municipal Code,
pertaining to application of groundwater protection overlay district
regulations, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Application of Regulations

The regulations specified in this Groundwater Protection Ordinance shall apply to the incorporated
and unincorporated areas of the City of Stevens Point and Portage County that lie within the
recharge areas for municipal water supply wells as a Groundwater Protection Overlay District and
are in addition to the requirements in the underlying zoning district. If there is a conflict between
this Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
The Groundwater Protection Overlay District is divided into three districts: District A, District B,
and District C. All district boundaries are intended to end or begin at road centerlines, railways,
surface water features, or tax parcel lines. The boundaries of the districts are shown upon maps of
the City of Stevens Point, being designated as the “Groundwater Protection Districts for Municipal
Recharge Areas in and around Stevens Point” as adopted or amended by the Common Council.
The Common Council may consider Groundwater Protection districts from the jurisdiction of
neighboring communities when enforcing this ordinance and applying the regulations within it.
Requests from neighboring communities will come to the Common Council as official action of
their highest governing body before receiving consideration.
SECTION II:

This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication, as provided
by law.

APPROVED:_________________________
Mike Wiza, Mayor

ATTEST:
Dated:
Approved:
Published:

_________________________
Susan Pagel, City Clerk

September 15, 2026
September 24, 2026
September 28, 2026

Page 9 of 13

Easement
THIS INDENTURE is made this ______ day of ______________,
______, by and between The City of Stevens Point, a Wisconsin
Municipal Corporation, ("Grantor") and WISCONSIN PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION, a Wisconsin Corporation, along with
its successors and assigns (collectively, "Grantee") for good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, Grantor, owner of land, hereby grants and warrants to,
Grantee, a permanent easement upon, within, beneath, over and across
a part of Grantor’s land hereinafter referred to as "easement area"
more particularly described as follows:
Part of Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 012080
Recorded in the Portage County Register of Deeds of
Certified Survey Maps as Document 920081; being
part of Government Lot 2, located in Section 32
Township 24 N, Range 8 East, City of Stevens Point,
County of Portage, State of Wisconsin, as shown on
the attached Exhibit “A”.

Return to:
Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Real Estate Dept.
P.O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
Tax Parcel Identification Number
(PIN)
281-24-0832202055

1. Purpose: ELECTRIC UNDERGROUND - The purpose of this easement is to construct, install, operate,
maintain, repair, replace and extend underground utility facilities, conduit and cables, electric pad-mounted
transformers, manhole, electric pad-mounted switch-fuse units, electric pad-mounted vacuum fault interrupter,
concrete slabs, power pedestals, riser equipment, terminals and markers, together with all necessary and
appurtenant equipment under and above ground as deemed necessary by Grantee, all to transmit electric energy,
signals, television and telecommunication services, including the customary growth and replacement
thereof. Trees, bushes, branches and roots may be trimmed or removed so as not to interfere with Grantee's use
of the easement area.
2. Access: Grantee shall have the right to enter on and across any of the Grantor’s property outside of the
easement area as may be reasonably necessary to gain access to the easement area and as may be reasonably
necessary for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, removal or replacement of
the Grantee’s facilities.
3. Buildings or Other Structures: Grantor agrees that no structures will be erected in the easement area or in
such close proximity to Grantee's facilities as to create a violation of all applicable State of Wisconsin
electric and gas codes or any amendments thereto.
4. Elevation: Grantor agrees that the elevation of the ground surface existing as of the date of the initial
installation of Grantee's facilities within the easement area will not be altered by more than 4 inches without
the written consent of Grantee.

Page 10 of 13

5. Restoration: Grantee agrees to restore or cause to have restored Grantor's land, as nearly as is reasonably
possible, to the condition existing prior to such entry by Grantee or its agents. This restoration, however,
does not apply to any trees, bushes, branches or roots which may interfere with Grantee's use of the
easement area.
6. Exercise of Rights: It is agreed that the complete exercise of the rights herein conveyed may be gradual
and not fully exercised until sometime in the future, and that none of the rights herein granted shall be lost
by non-use.
7. Binding on Future Parties: This grant of easement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
heirs, successors and assigns of all parties hereto.
8. Easement Review: Grantor acknowledges receipt of materials which describe Grantor’s rights and options
in the easement negotiation process and furthermore acknowledges that Grantor has had at least 5 days to
review this easement document or voluntarily waives the five day review period.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT BLANK]

Page 11 of 13

WITNESS the hand and seal of the Grantor the day and year first above written
The City of Stevens Point, a Wisconsin Municipal Corporation
Organization name
Sign Name
Print name & title
Sign Name
Print name & title
STATE
OF

)
)SS
)

COUNTY
OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me this _______ day of ___________________, _______, by the
above-named_________________________________________________________ The City of Stevens
Point, a Wisconsin Municipal Corporation, to me known to be the Grantor(s) who executed the foregoing
instrument on behalf of said Grantor(s) and acknowledged the same
Sign Name
Print Name
Notary Public, State of
My Commission expires:

This instrument drafted by: Erica Pomerening
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
REMS Entity ID

WR Number

Document ID

REMS Formatted Number

1498180

WMIS-3515163

3349224

INT11-498-180

Page 12 of 13

TEMPORARY EXHIBIT "A"
NOT TO SCALE
FOR REFERENCE ONLY

Portage County Parcel Viewer
NORTH

Create Portage
County

W

**
te**
t
a
i
d
b
i
r
h
e
x
t
la
yE
a
r
t
a
r
a
o
l
p
a
**Tem nt for approv
se
e
b
l
l
i
w
bit
i
h
x
E
l
ina
at

er

Portage Cou
Annex

St

**F

12 FOOT WIDE EASEMENT
Stevens Point
Community
Services Children's
Hospital of
Wisconsin

Beth Israel
Synagogue

Portage House

St

10/22/2026, 4:42:58 PM

lin

n

Pl

k

Ar

o
gt

lin

n

El

Ar

o
gt

Pl

Page 13 of 13