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Officials ask: What does Ottawa need?

Planners to examine possible capital improvement projects

By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer

It’s not too early to start thinking of city projects five, 10 and even 20 years down the road.

So say city officials who have created a Capital Improvement Plan for Ottawa.

The plan addresses everything from equipment to street improvements to recreation and more. It also lists estimated costs and when the projects might be completed, though those could very well change, staff told planning commissioners Wednesday afternoon.

A public hearing on the plan is set for the planning commission’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at City Hall, 101 S. Hickory St.

Residents are invited to attend and voice their thoughts on what capital projects they would or would not like to see for Ottawa.

City staff suggested that planners then recommend adoption of the plan to the city commission.

Richard Nienstedt, city manager, and Wynndee Lee, director of planning and codes, said the plan will develop according to the needs and resources of the city.

Nienstedt said it’s good to start thinking about long-range plans now, along with how such projects will be funded and how priorities will be set.

“This is really a dynamic document,” he said. “It’s not a static document.”

In other matters, planners:

• Approved a change to a conditional use permit for a boarding house at 501 E. 23rd St. for Loma Vista Nursery. The permit initially was approved with conditions, including a requirement that the city receive semi-annual inspection reports from the Department of Labor.

However, staff said owner Mark Clear later discovered that inspections are done annually. The permit condition will reflect that change, staff said.

Planner Richard Warren, who initially voiced concerns about the density of the operation and other issues, said he checked with the state and was reassured.

“I think Mr. Clear has done his homework, and I think it’s OK,” he said.

• Approved a site plan for Hasty Awards for a manufacturing facility north of Enterprise Street in the Ottawa Industrial Park. The plan proposes a 28,000 square-foot building on a 4-acre tract, with 9,000 square feet for office space and 19,000 square feet for manufacturing.

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