§ 4.26. Utilities and Community Facilities Goals and Objectives

Community goals are broad, value-based statements expressing public preferences for the long term (20 years or more). They specifically address key issues, opportunities, and problems that affect the community.

Objectives are more specific than goals and are measurable statements usually attainable through direct action and implementation of plan recommendations. The accomplishment of objectives contributes to fulfillment of the goal.

Goal: Provide city facilities and services that meet the demands of residents, will meet future demands, are of high quality and are consistent with the city vision for the future.

Objectives

1. Actively pursue and maintain the highest levels of service from solid waste, natural gas, electrical, telephone, cable, telecommunications and other technology providers.

2. Continually, consider impacts of development proposals to city facilities and services.

3. Maintain or pursue additional cooperation between communities to avoid duplication of facilities and increase the cost effectiveness of services provided to residents.

4. Continually monitor the need for new, expanded or rehabilitated services.

5. Coordinate utility and city facility planning with the location of future service areas as guided by the comprehensive plan, environmental considerations, economic development, and growth management objectives.

Sanitary Sewer

Goal: Ensure proper disposal of wastewater to protect ground and surface water and meet the needs of current and future residents.

Objectives

1. Avoid sewer extensions into environmentally sensitive areas.

2. Formulate sewerage assessment policies that will encourage compact development and discourage scattered development.

3. Institute and support technically and economically feasible wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems.

Stormwater Management

Goal: Promote stormwater management practices which reduce property and road damage and ensure a high level of water quality.

Objectives

1. Increase the use of stormwater management practices to abate non-point source pollution and ensure water quality.

2. Preserve natural open space areas such as wetlands and floodplains that will accommodate flood water and minimize flooding.

3. Maintain an adequate stormwater collection system (i.e., curb and gutter collection system, outfalls, detention/retention sites, etc.)

4. Stormwater outfall (drains) should not discharge unmanaged stormwater into wetlands, aquifers or sensitive areas.

5. Utilize a municipal stormwater management plan to determine the type, location and size of required stormwater system improvements.

Water Supply

Goal: Ensure that the water supply for the city has sufficient capacity, remains drinkable and is available to meet the needs of current and future residents.

Objectives

1. Maintain an adequate water supply storage and distribution system.

2. Reduce the potential of point and non-point source pollution by implementing recommendations of the well-head protection plan.

3. Continually evaluate the potential impacts of development proposals on groundwater quality and quantity.

4. Protect and improve the quality and quantity of the ground and surface water features.

Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Facilities

Goal: Promote effective solid waste disposal and recycling services and systems that protect the public health, natural environment, and general appearance of land use within the city.

Objectives

1. Increase city and citizen involvement in decisions involving the type, location and extent of disposal facilities and services.

2. Annually evaluate solid waste and recycling services available to residents to determine if current needs are adequately being met.

3. Require major developments to adequately address solid waste disposal and recycling needs.

4. Increase collection opportunities for the proper recycling and disposal of unique (i.e., tires, white goods, etc.) and/or hazardous wastes.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Goal: Allow for recreational opportunities within the city.

Objectives

1. Identify areas where recreational opportunities can be increased.

2. Provide opportunities for all age groups and abilities to enjoy recreational pursuits.

3. Continually identify the recreational needs and priorities of the residents of the city.

4. Maintain and improve the city's existing parks, natural resources and recreational facilities that provide multi-use recreational opportunities.

5. Complete recommendations as identified within the Clark County Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Utilities and Communication Services

Goal: Ensure the provision of reliable, efficient, and well-planned utilities (i.e., gas, electric) and communication services (i.e., telephone, cable, telecommunications) to adequately serve existing and future development.

Objectives

1. Increase city involvement in the planning and coordination of utilities (gas, electric) with other agencies and jurisdictions in order to efficiently serve existing and future development and regional growth.

2. Continually monitor the location, condition and capacity of existing and future public utilities in order to efficiently serve existing residents and planned service areas.

3. Direct new utility transmission and distribution lines into public-right-of-ways whenever feasible.

4. Establish structural design, location and service standards for towers to reduce the negative visual impacts, collocate facilities and address public safety issues.

Libraries and Schools

Goal: Promote quality schools and access to educational opportunities for everyone.

Objectives

1. Increase city involvement in the coordination of local planning efforts with the School District in order to allow them to anticipate future growth and to provide appropriate facilities.

2. Continue to look at options on how local libraries can be used in their efforts to increase community education.

Fire/Rescue Facilities

Goal: Provide a level of fire and emergency services that meets existing and future demands of residents and development patterns.

Objectives

1. Initiate efforts to improve the ISO rating of the fire department.

2. Increase resident education on ways to reduce the risks of fire and increase access and response time of emergency vehicles to local residences (i.e., forest and grass fire prevention, driveway design that eases emergency vehicle access).

3. Continually monitor and evaluate the condition of equipment and facilities and address needs where appropriate.

4. Maintain a properly trained staff of volunteers.

Police Protection

Goal: Ensure that police services are appropriately meeting the existing and future needs of the city.

Objectives

1. Maintain adequate police staffing levels.

2. Maintain adequate police facilities and equipment.

3. Maintain involvement with the Clark County Sheriff's Department in an effort to provide additional police protection.

4. Maintain good relationships with neighboring municipalities for utilization of extra police services when needed.

Government Facilities

Goal: Maintain quality city services and facilities.

Objectives

1. Maintain a public meeting place for large gatherings, city activities and public meetings.

2. Continually monitor the need for new or expanded local government facilities or services.

3. Maintain adequate staffing levels while effectively providing quality city services.

4. Provide a contact person for developers, homeowners, landowners, agencies and local business owners for information regarding city procedures, ordinances and/or land use regulations and programs.

5. Develop an annual and 5 Year Capital Improvement Program to provide local decision makers, private developers, and citizens with detailed information on any capital improvement projects that will take place in the city's future.

Health and Child Care Services and Facilities

Goal: The city should allow for reasonable access to health care facilities and child care.

Objectives

1. Allow opportunities for local residents in providing child care facilities.

2. Support school districts or local community organizations in their sponsorship of child care programs and early developmental programs.

3. Support local clinics and hospitals in developing education programs to inform citizens of available services or health care advances.

4. Increase correspondence and coordination with health care providers and facilities in providing health care to residents, providing services or transportation for those with special needs, and allow for facilities that will meet the needs of future residents and an aging population.