PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY

Ottumwa Comprehensive Plan Update

April 24,2019
AGENDA

 Public Input Summary

 Chapter Vision, Goals & Priorities
 Water & Infrastructure Analysis Overview
 Next Steps…
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY

 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (2 meetings)

 Public Workshop
 Key Stakeholder Interviews
 Ottumwa Leadership Academy Presentation
 Youth Mapping Exercise
 Box City Event
 Community Survey
Public Workshop
 December 13, 2019
 Bridge View Center
 6:00-8:00 p.m.
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING

Postcard Exercise Key Takeaways

 Riverfront + downtown revitalization
 Recapture “hub” of southeastern Iowa image
 Road maintenance resolved
 Blight redevelopment
 Downtown housing options
 Activities + things to do
 Shopping / mall reinvigorated
 Sports tournaments
PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

(green dot note card)
PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

(red dot note card)
PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big dream for Ottumwa?

(blank note card)
PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big dream for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big dream for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big fear for Ottumwa?

(back of blank note card)
PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big fear for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING

What is your one big fear for Ottumwa?

PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING

Housing Priorities
1. Mid-Level Single-Family Homes
2. Entry-Level Single Family Homes
3. Downtown Upper Story
4. Home Improvement Fund
5. Townhomes or Rowhouses
PUBLIC MEETING

Parks & Trails Priorities

1. More trails
2. Mini Parks
3. Sports Complex
4. Tennis / Pickleball Courts
PUBLIC MEETING

Jobs & Industry Priorities

1. Alternative Energy Investments
2. Business Incentives
3. Job Training Programs
4. Industrial Development in Target Industries
PUBLIC MEETING

Downtown Priorities
1. Sidewalk Improvement
2. Litter Control
3. Public Art
4. More Seating
5. Façade Improvement Program
6. Building Improvement Fund
PUBLIC MEETING

Streetscapes Priorities
1. Sidewalks
2. Traffic Calming
3. Bike Lanes
4. Shared Streets
5. Crosswalks
PUBLIC MEETING

Services Priorities
1. Mental Health Assistance
2. Childcare
3. Concerts
4. Community Events
5. Community Gardens
6. Fitness Programs or Initiatives
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING
Industry & Employment

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Industry & Employment

Least Liked
PUBLIC MEETING

Community Services + Events

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING

Community Services + Events

Least Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Streetscape Improvements

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Riverfront Activation

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Parks & Recreation

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Parks & Recreation

Least Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Housing

Most Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
Housing

Least Liked
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC MEETING

Mixed results on walkability / bikeability

Some feel very safe and others less so
PUBLIC MEETING

Two clusters at around 4/10 and 8/10 quality of life ranking

PUBLIC MEETING

Most seem to agree that downtown Ottumwa could be improved

Downtown revitalization brought up frequently in other exercises
PUBLIC MEETING

Strong support for attracting growth and development in Ottumwa

PUBLIC MEETING

Mostly strong support for the need to invest more in struggling neighborhoods
PUBLIC MEETING

Mixed results on the use of tax or financial incentives

Many were in the middle area
PUBLIC MEETING

Mostly negative views on the housing options available right now

Housing brought up frequently in other exercises
PUBLIC MEETING

Mixed results on feelings regarding safety in Ottumwa

People seem to feel somewhat safe in Ottumwa / their neighborhood
PUBLIC MEETING

Overall, community pride seems to be fairly positive

PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise
PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise
PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise Results – Public Meeting 1 Neighborhood Names

Build a digester for electricity

and smell reduction

Trail to Pearson Farm

PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise Results – Public Meeting 1 Housing rehab zone

Large potential for

redevelopment

Potential ‘tiny-homes’
Develop cabins for rent and
expand water recreation
Mixed-use &
some hi-tech

Blighted neighborhood Housing redevelopment

to rehab
Expand trail to Eldon
PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise Results – Public Meeting 1 Build lake for
water recreation

Organic farming

“Helgerson Flats”
New off ramp
from 163

Farm-to-table
learning
Natural area hiking trail

Trail on railroad ROW

Highway to Quincy
PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise Results – Public Meeting 1

Pedestrian bridge underneath

General redevelopment

Casey’s Gas Mixed-use infill

Bridge Redevelopment

Senior housing

Consolidated
baseball/softball

Develop housing
near schools Mixed-use infill
PUBLIC MEETING
Puzzle Mapping Exercise Results – Public Meeting 1

Canteen Alley

Hotel
Ottumwa
PUBLIC MEETING
Box City Event

Really fun disc

golf courses

I really enjoy my
work colleagues
and learn from
them all the time
PUBLIC MEETING
Box City Event
PUBLIC MEETING
Box City Event

Riverfront
development!

Positive
ambassadors!!
Key Stakeholder
Interviews
 January 28, 2019
 February 1, 2019
KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
 School District
 Downtown businessowners
 YMCA
 Banking community
 Housing community
 Arts Council
 Library
 Leadership Academy
 Welcome + Connect
 Chamber of Commerce
 Legacy Foundation
 Indian Hills Community College
 Current / Retired Teachers
 Immigrant Community Insiders
KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS

Key Takeaways
 Need to combat negativity of the residents
 Celebrate our diversity
 Housing is a major area of concern / people see it as a catalyst issue for other positive things
 Infrastructure maintenance is another major concern
 Retaining / attracting young people through quality jobs and things to do in the community
 Riverfront / downtown as major opportunities
 Excellent parks / trails – expand and improve upon this system
 Tech business / incubator
 Building art community
Leadership Academy
 February 21, 2019
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Postcard Exercise Key Takeaways

 Family-friendly activities
 Riverfront revitalization
 Economic development (industry / millennials)
 Entertainment / shopping / dining
 Historic preservation
 Festivals / things to do
 Recreation opportunities
 Lower taxes
 Positive community
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

(green dot note card)
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest opportunities for Ottumwa?

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

(red dot note card)
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What are the biggest challenges facing Ottumwa?

Youth Exercise
 Puzzle Mapping Exercise
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE

Truck Stop

Zoo
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE

High school fields

High school

Go Kart, roller
skating, arena Casino
Box City Event
 March 1, 2019
 Ottumwa Public Library
BOX CITY EVENT
Community Survey
 283 responses
 February 5, 2019 – April 22, 2019
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Respondent Profile

80.3%
6%
8.5%
19.4%
“How long have you “Which of the following best

lived in Ottumwa?” 18.3% describes your place of

employment?”
51.2%

4.9%

77.9%
“Do you work in
12.5%
Ottumwa?”
9.6%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Why do you choose to live in Ottumwa?

45%
 Work
56%
 Family
63%
 Grew up here
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life Concerns

 Average quality of life ranking 4.8 / 10
“…changes you think would improve the quality of life in Ottumwa”
 45% expect the quality of life to improve over time
 28% expect their quality of life to decrease over time

“Over time, do you expect the quality of life to:”

45%

28%
59%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Housing
 Strong support for more affordable entry-level single-family homes or townhomes/rowhouses

23%

47%

“What type of housing is most needed

in Ottumwa”
 COMMUNITY SURVEY
“The City of Ottumwa needs more…

“…Affordable multi- “…Affordable entry-level,

family housing such as owner-occupied housing
apartments” such as small single-family
homes or townhomes /
rowhouses

“…Senior-focused
“…increased regulation and
housing options”
inspection of rental housing.
COMMUNITY SURVEY

“The City needs more of the following:”

63%

72%

61%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Parks & Recreation

 Most needed amenity includes indoor recreation space, outdoor recreation complex with multi-sport fields,
recreation programs and trails
30%

57%
“The City of Ottumwa needs more of
the following recreational amenities:” 51%

38%

32%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Economic Development

“How would you describe the availability of employment “Please indicate your level of agreement to the following statement.
opportunities in Ottumwa?” "Ottumwa is a good place to start a business."

41%

64% 30%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Economic Development

"The City of Ottumwa should continue to plan and invest in

“Do you believe Ottumwa should commit additional tax dollars to attract future growth and development to expand the size,
and retain employment opportunities for the City?” population and economy of the community."

47%
71%
37%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Economic Development

"The City of Ottumwa should annex more land into the City to promote new
development and better manage growth in nearby rural areas."
COMMUNITY SURVEY “How often do you leave Ottumwa to shop?”

Quality of Life 40%

36%
How would you describe the availability to shop / dine in Ottumwa

“How often do you leave Ottumwa to dine out?”

58%

33%

49%

23%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life
“What amenities do you consider when choosing a place to live?”

69%

82%

62%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Diversity

"The City of Ottumwa should do more to celebrate its diversity."

20%

26%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Community Character
“What can the City of Ottumwa do to better take advantage of the riverfront?”
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Childcare Access

“Do you have difficulty finding childcare in Ottumwa?”

60%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Public Safety

"I feel safe living, working and visiting Ottumwa"

46%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Transportation & Infrastructure

 The average ranking for the connectivity and quality of streets in Ottumwa was 2.8 / 10

“In the next 10-15 years, the City will need more of the
following transportation and mobility amenities:”

96%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life

86%

“Have you ever considered

leaving Ottumwa?”
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life
“Based on your response to the previous question, what might change your answer?”
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life

“Five years from now, do you still plan on living in Ottumwa?”

35%

24%

38%
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life

“Based on your response to the previous question, what might change your answer?”
COMMUNITY SURVEY

Quality of Life

“What is your favorite thing about Ottumwa?”

Chapter Visions, Goals
& Priorities
 Housing
 Economic Development
 Parks & Recreation
 Environment / Natural Resources
 Community Character
 Land Use
 Public Facilities
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Housing
 Neighborhood preservation
 Maintain / rehabilitation for older homes
 Need for new mid to upper-level housing
 Affordable housing through rehabilitation
 Downtown living
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Economic Development
 Infotainment Retail
 Airport area development
 Workforce development training
 Business incubator / support
 Renewable energy
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Parks & Recreation

 “Electric Park”*
 Riverfront trail development
 Sports complex – Greater Ottumwa Park
 Park maintenance > park expansion
 Downtown parklet
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Environment
 Protect river as major resource
 Green energy hub*
 Trail expansion
 Non-structural stormwater management solutions
 Water quality
 Clean up riverfront
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Community Character
 Downtown revitalization
 Neighborhood identity
 Community pride
 Sidewalk / bicycle improvements
 Road maintenance
 Inclusive community (celebrate diversity)
 Public safety
 Historic preservation
 Volunteerism
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Land Use
 Focus on infill and redevelopment opportunities
 Limited and targeted annexation
 Industrial development around airport
 Key intersections along Highway 63 / 34
CHAPTER GOALS + PRIORITIES + VISION

Public Facilities
 Library expansion / community room space
Infrastructure & Transportation
Analysis Overview
 Stormwater System
 Natural Resources
 Water System
INFRASTRUCTURE

Watershed Summary
 Two stream segments and one waterbody within City limits are impaired waterways
 Federal soil data shows that majority of classified soils in Ottumwa have Low to Very Low infiltration rates
 Existing stormwater infrastructure extensive
 There are on-going efforts to complete separation of storm/sanitary sewers
 Stormwater management techniques include Regional / Localized Detention and other small-scale approaches
 Given the low infiltration rates of soil, infiltration-only options are not optimal and alternative infiltration strategies
including small-scale best management practices (BMPs) would be more effective
INFRASTRUCTURE

Flood Risk Assessment

 FEMA Firm / FIS for Ottumwa were originally published in 1980
 Preliminary FIS for Wapello County published in Dec. 2018
 6 levees on the Des Moines River de-accredited by FEMA in the preliminary 2018 FIS requiring that a new flood
hazard map is required

Soils
 Classification data available for 80% of soils in the city limits
 Moderate Infiltration – 23% of soils
 Very Slow Infiltration – 77% of soils
INFRASTRUCTURE

Flood Risk Assessment

INFRASTRUCTURE

Stream Assessment
 Bear Creek – impaired by organic enrichment
 Des Moines River – partially supported for designated uses
 Sugar Creek – not assessed for aquatic life + general use classes

Lake & Wetland Assessment

 2 named waterbodies within city limits
 Ottumwa Park Ponds – partially supported for aquatic life
 Ottumwa Lagoons – impaired, not supported for recreation or aquatic life
INFRASTRUCTURE

Water System
 Ottumwa served by Ottumwa Water Works
 9,800 service connections + 154 miles of water mains in 5 pressure zone

Water System Recommendations

 Conduct annual inspections of each pump station
 Replace 3 miles of water main per year (instead of current 2 miles)
 Implement regular flushing program to eliminate sediment + biological growth / improve water quality
 Test active wells frequently
INFRASTRUCTURE

Wastewater System
 City’s sanitary sewer is combined with storm sewer system
 Currently 9 permitted CSO outlets allowed to bypass WWTP and flow into roads, ditches and nearby waterways
 City is under order to eliminate all CSOs – started in 2006 and expected to be completed by 2036
TRANSPORTATION + MOBILITY

Ottumwa Transportation System

 Transportation hub for southeast Iowa
 Well-connected to larger transportation network (US-34 and US-63)
 Approximately 301 miles of roads within city limits
 Streets predominantly asphalt (ACC) or asphalt-surfaces (COM)
 Much of city’s traffic currently focused on few key facilities
 Most traffic is personal-vehicle traffic

87% of roads are local and primarily serve residential areas

13% of roads are arterials and collectors

TRANSPORTATION + MOBILITY

Ottumwa Transportation System

 Ottumwa Regional Airport – 45 planes / day
 Train Depot – National Register of Historic Places / Amtrak / 12,000 passengers per year
 Non-Motorized – well-supported, shared-use facilities
 Public Transit – Ottumwa Transit Authority has 5 main routes
TRANSPORTATION + MOBILITY

Safety
 Primary concern for street facilities
 Identified several intersections
 Highest Priority – IA 149 & 4th Street / US-34 & Wapello Street
 Priority – Rochester Street & IA-149 / Finley Avenue & N. Ferry
Street / US-34 & Venture Place
 31 intersections with more investigation needed
TRANSPORTATION + MOBILITY

Condition
 Overall, condition of Ottumwa’s streets is normally distributed across class + surface type
 Majority – Fair or Better
 Average PCI = 57 / 100
 Overall pavement worse than state average in every street category (11.7 points below state)
 25 road segments are Very Poor
 Bridges – 2 / 10 are considered “structurally deficient”

Jefferson Street Viaduct (23 / 100)

&
S. Ward Street Bridge (27 / 100)
TRANSPORTATION + MOBILITY

Operations
 DOT data on traffic volumes used to determine planning LOS for each street
 Almost every road is performing within expected parameters
 Only possible issue – Wapello Street (north of river) and US-34 (between Quincy St & Wapello Bridge)

Pedestrian & Bike Facilities

 City maintains 5 primary trail systems (all paved)
 County provides 11 bike routes (unpaved mostly)
PROJECT SCHEDULE / NEXT STEPS

Phase 3 – Draft Plan Chapters

 Joint Commission / Council Meeting
 Draft Plan (on-going)
 Review Meetings