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A comprehensive plan is the document that sets plans for future growth and development. The plan assists with bond ratings and it makes the city more attractive when applying for grants. It also provides the policy framework for the community to guide development and land use activities. The city's most recent plan was written in 1999.
"The plan ultimately provides direction for a 15-20 year time frame," added Stridler. "It provides the framework where development might happen and where money should be spent."
He further explained that the first steps taken in developing the plan include identifying critical issues in the city and looking for corridors of "strategic growth" areas. The firm will interview residents, business owners and hold meetings to answer some of those questions.
Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Greg Smart asked if "branding" would be included in the scope of the comprehensive plan.
Branding is a method to help cities better market themselves. A Leadership Union group felt branding would have a positive effect on the promotion of the city.
Stridler said that URS will look into branding, but it will not be the primary focus in developing the comprehensive plan.
"It may not be a logo, or a jingle, that's not what we do," he said. "We will look at the strengths and see what comes out."
Smart said that a city "vision statement" for developers would be an important outcome of the plan.
"It is something we need to establish about where Union wants to go," said Smart.
City Administrator Russell Rost noted that the comprehensive plan will help the city with financial planning and capital improvement planning. "We can take items from the plan and determine how they fit into our capital improvement program," he said.
Planning board member Rich Purschke said he would like to see in the plan the state of infrastructure and where the city should be in over the course of 10 years.
Mark Felton, with URS, said the firm will focus on future land use, transportation needs and utilities.
"A healthy portion of the comprehensive plan is infrastructure," he said. Should we upgrade roads to arterial streets? Or should a road connect other roads?"
Why Planning Board
According to Community Development Director Joseph Graves state statutes say the "compilation and implementation" of the 10-year comprehensive plan is the responsibility of the planning board.
Stridler added that it is appropriate to "piggyback" the comprehensive plan with planning and zoning board meetings.
"If the city has the right to zone property there has to be a plan," he said. "You have to adopt and implement this, so it is important that you help author the plan."
Mayor Mike Livengood added that the comprehensive plan is only a plan for the city's needs.
"This is a guideline but it is not set in stone," he said. "It does change."
