In the spring/summer 2007 time frame, a draft outlining the plan was created and prepared for review followed by a comprehensive plan presentation given by Vanderwalle and Associates in Nov. 2007 at the Karl Junginger Memorial Library.

A vision statement of a "green and healthy" community was created to outline the planning process. Key elements to help maintain a more vibrant live-work community, a safe, small town atmosphere, pride in the natural amenities and the promotion of the interconnections of park systems, schools and investments in downtown and neighborhoods were addressed.

"Overall, we are promoting Waterloo as an ideal place to do everything; to live, to work and to come to recreate and to grow," MacGlashan said.

According to MacGlashan, there are four aspects that make up a green and healthy community: environmental health, economic health, social health and personal health.

Environment health is a community's sense of place and how growth effects resources. Waterloo's future hinges on a healthy city that relies on the natural environment and natural features that help identify and establish a sense of character and uniqueness within the community.

Economic health is defined as the availability for the citizens of Waterloo to meet their day to day needs without leaving the community. It encourages residents to support existing businesses as well as welcome new businesses to the community and helps promote an efficient pattern of development that provides services in a cost effective manner.

Social health relates to the fundamental needs and how human interactions are met. Quality education, adequate housing, jobs, transportation and an environment that fosters community interaction and involvement are all factors that relate to social health. A sense of pride towards libraries, parks and schools as well as a sense of belonging are key factors that enable citizens to feel connected and safe in their environments.

Personal health is based on a person's living development and has an impact on one's health. It helps increase the opportunities for outdoor activities and encourages a safe environment for walking and biking. The overall goal is to enjoy activities without having to travel far.

Roffers discussed an "eco-campus" with the council, which is defined as areas that deal less with the use of land and focus more on how future development of the land looks regarding environmental health and sustainability.

The comprehensive plan is divided into 11 areas which include issues and opportunities within the city, economic development, agricultural resources, natural resources, cultural resources, land use, transportation, utilities and community facilities, housing and neighborhood development, intergovernmental cooperation and implementation.

In terms of economic development, a community development authority (CDA) would be developed. New businesses would be recruited and the utilization of tax increment financing would promote the development and redevelopment of land areas in the community. Existing businesses would also continue to thrive and expand. "Helping the businesses that are here to grow and prosper is really a great strategy for growth," Roffers said.

Agricultural resources help support county and town agricultural preservations, promote farmer's markets and assist in keeping existing lands in their natural state. By limiting housing development in farming areas outside the city and encouraging schools to use local products grown by farmers for their lunch programs, agricultural resources can be positively supported.

Natural resources can be supported by protecting and enhancing wetlands, park lands and trails. By working with the school district on creating ecological education and environmentally positive practices, the city can also protect the natural resources within the community.

"Cultural resources are really what separates Waterloo from many other places in the area. To create a true sense of place and distinction for Waterloo, I think building on your existing cultural assets and features is really a key part of the plan," Roffers said. Schools, the library and Firemen's Park are examples of cultural resources that are supported by the development plan, he added.

In regard to transportation, maintaining existing road networks for traffic movement is a crucial part of the plan. "For residents, visitors and potential business prospects what they see as they are driving through the community influences how they perceive Waterloo," Roffers said.

Utilities and community facilities can be enhanced by supporting park activities and events within the community by working with schools, the fire department and nearby communities.

Housing and neighborhood development can be strengthened by preserving and keeping existing neighborhoods natural and through the redeveloping and converting of existing buildings into housing units.

Intergovernmental cooperation helps preserve agricultural land and creates a collaboration with the city and school district on programs and an establish an understanding of the direction the development could be taking.

The future steps involved with the implementation of the comprehensive plan would include: a public hearing date set with a 30 day notice, copies of the plan are sent to surrounding communities, a council public hearing is held, council adoption occurs and ongoing implementations continue to be made.

Alderwoman Laura Cotting stated, "I personally like this plan very much and I understand from (Alderman) Perry that it is special among other plans in that it's fairly innovative."

The full comprehensive plan document can be found at www.vandewalle.com/work/waterloo.html.

The council approved an amendment to the city engineer's report regarding the special assessment for sidewalks located along North Monroe Street effected by the Highway 89 reconstruction project. Mayor Robert Thompson stressed that the amendment is simply the first step and not an absolute resolution guaranteeing that the city will pay for the sidewalks. A public hearing will be held for citizens to express their concerns.

All mayoral appointments, with the exception of the appointment to the Park Commission Committee, were brought before the council for a second time. At the May 1 council organizational meeting, confusion and concerns regarding how mayoral appointments are assigned, led to a failed motion. With the exception of Alderman Steve Brey, the mayoral appointments were approved.

The mayoral appointment to the Parks Commission Commit-tee has been tabled until the June 5 regular meeting after Cotting expressed her concerns with a conflict of interest that could occur if Alderman Chris Abel is appointed to the committee. Thompson withdrew his appointment as a council member is not required to hold the appointment and he will examine the situation in further detail.

In other business, the council:

- Approved the organizational and regular meeting minutes from May 1.

- Approved a payroll of $45,742.63 for the month of April.

- Approved pay vouchers from April 18 to May 15 in the amount of $397,293.51.

- Approved a soda water license for Tom Hotmar for the period ending June 30, 2008.

- Approved the hiring of Sarah A. Thomford as a full-time police officer with probationary status effective May 25.

- Tabled council vacancy appointment and council voting order procedures until June 5 meeting. Citizens are encouraged to contact city hall before the June 5 meeting with their thoughts and comments regarding voting order procedures.

- The Waterloo Fire Department received a $500 check from the Wisconsin Energy Foundation CO Instrument Grant Program. The fire department will use the grant money towards the purchase of a carbon monoxide instrument.

- A mayoral proclamation was issued by Thompson designating May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Thompson also recognized National EMS week and thanked the Waterloo EMS and fire department for their dedication and hard work.

- Alderwoman Christy Mosher was absent and the next council meeting is scheduled for June 5 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Read the complete article from Watertown Daily Times »