News

Comprehensive plan completed

Scott Wagar

10/01/2013

Scott Harmstead, planner for SRF Consulting out of Bismarck, was in Bottineau on Sept. 25 to present the final comprehensive plan for the city of Bottineau during a special city council meeting.

During the meeting with the councilmen, Harmstead spoke on the land use plan, transportation, recreation and policy and implementation of the comprehensive plan.

In the land use plan, Harmstead pointed out that constructing residential developments on the west side of town near the forestry park isn’t the best land to develop due to poor drainage, it is considered a flood area and septic removal is difficult.

“It makes it really hard for existing septic out there,” Harmstead said. “Sewer system capability serves property better on the east and southeast side of town.”  

He also stated that near the airport for residential development should not happen due to noise from the airport and take-offs and landings in that area, which SRF felt would not be conducive to a residential development.

However, Harmstead pointed out that industrial development around the airport would be beneficial along with the west side of town for future development, but reminded the council that sewer issues played a role there and that the city would have to take that into consideration.

When it came to trucks in the community, SRF encouraged the trucks have a bypass in the city and to keep the residential areas clear of any truck traffic.

Harmstead also advised for the city to take advantage of the rail line in town for industry. He did state that during SRF’s survey with local residents in town, numerous individuals complained of noise from use of the rail line.

Harmstead stated to the aldermen that they should consider placing a quiet zone in the area of the rail road. A quiet zone is created by the federal government where a quiet zone corridor is established to make the residential community in that area quieter.

The SRF planner also stated for the city to take advantage of the highway and build out east of Walmart and Shopko.

Harmstead added the city should considered the following when it comes to road networking:

  •  Designate truck bypass (13th Ave., 98th St., 11th Ave.) as minor arterial
  •  Limit access onto Highway 5 west of 11 Ave., and east of 13th Ave
  •  Frontage roads for new developments along Highway 5 east of Walmart and Shopko
  •  Continue grid pattern in growth areas

“The future road network goes hand in hand with future truck bypass. Keep all industrial on the outside of the town,” Harmstead said. “And, make sure that when it comes to grids that there is more access in the grids. At the present moment there are a lot of dead ends in the new developments.”

Harmstead also included reducing rail conflicts in the short-term improvements in transportation.

Another short-term improvement Harmstead spoke on was the downtown section. SRF discovered that the most accidents in town occur between Second and Seventh Street on Main Street.

Harmstead stated the council should consider extending out the end of intersections, narrowing the mediums by adding a center medium to slow down the traffic in these areas of Main Street.

In the recreation element of Bottineau, Harmstead promoted expanding the path system in towns with multiuse paths, bike lanes and side walks.

He also stated the city should take opportunities along Oak Creek. “Preserve Oak Creek and use what you have there to attract residential home owners.

Harmstead pointed out that SRF final comprehensive plan supported five policy and implementation issues, which included:

1. Orderly Growth

  •  Protect, enhance the downtown and city core
  •  Have affordable housing
  •  Coordinate growth with infrastructure

2. Opportunities

  •  Business-friendly environment
  •  Build on existing city assets

3. Service

  •  Schools and surrounding neighborhoods

4. Quality of Life

  •  Parks and Recreation master planning
  •  Oak Creek opportunities

5. Zoning Code  

At the end of the meeting, Harmstead said that it was important that the council not place the comprehensive plan on the shelf, but to make use of the plan. He stated that the comprehensive plan was a tool for marketing and economic development, a guide for transportation investments, a guide for parks and recreation planning and assists the zoning and platting process.

“The comprehensive plan is suppose to help you as a council so when you are dealing with planning and zoning issues you can have this with you and let it help guide you in making decisions,” Harmstead said.

SRF comprehensive plan is in association with Wold Engineering. The two entities started to collect data for the plan in November of 2012. In February, a public community data forum was held in Bottineau where the public gave input on community values and concerns and participated in future land uses on city maps.

In April, SRF was back in the community to discuss alternative land use maps with the city officials and came back to Bottineau again in June to present a draft comprehensive plan. The company then amended the draft plan, revised it in July and presented the final plan on September 25.

With the presentation completed, the council voted to accept the plan.

Individuals, who would like to read the entire comprehensive plan, can contact the city office at 228-3232.