Wayland, Iowa Comprehensive Plan

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RESOLUTION NO. 2013-23 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE WAYLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wayland, Iowa; WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Wayland, Iowa has determined that it was necessary to retain the services of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to conduct a study and ultimately prepare a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wayland; and WHEREAS, the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission has presented its proposed Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wayland; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on December 18, 2013, for the consideration of this Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Wayland, Iowa, has determined that the Comprehensive Plan as proposed should be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Wayland adopt the Comprehensive Plan prepared by the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission and reviewed by the public through a public hearing on December 18, 2013.

Adopted this 18"' day of December. 2013, by the City Council of the City of Wayland, Iowa.

MAYOR - Bradley Roth ATTEST:

CLE^K -xBeverly Conrad

I/



Acknowledgements The Wayland Comprehensive Plan would not have been possible without the support, input and cooperation provided by Citizens, City Council members, City Staff, and other community organizations. We are especially grateful to the many citizens and community leaders who freely shared their time and expertise in hopes of building a stronger and more vibrant community.

City Council Brad Roth, Mayor Karole Miller, Council Member Greg Rich, Council Member Kevin Fort, Council Member Melinda Ullery, Council Member Sheldon Miller, Council Member Terry Kaufman, City Treasurer Michael Vance, City Attorney Planning & Zoning Commission Kelly Overton, Chairperson Ron Scarff, Vice Chairperson Neil Reichenbach, Secretary Tammy Starr, Member Jim Renfro, Member Board of Adjustments Kathie Grimm, Chairperson Marti Baker, Vice Chairperson Karen Neff, Secretary Janet Sterling, Member Cinda Blake, Member

City Staff Beverly Conrad, City Clerk Marsha Chalupa, Deputy Clerk Barry Leichty, Public Works Gas Superintendent Randy Morrow, Public Works Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Larry Leichty, Public Works Geraldine Rixe, Janitorial Staff Ron Roth, Police Chief Tracy Brooks, Patrol Officer

Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Mike Norris, Executive Director Zach James, Planning Director Travis Kraus, Regional Planner Justin Bushong, Regional Planner Madeline Emmerson, Regional Planner Scott Annis, Intern Ivan Gonzalez, Intern

Citizens and Community Organizations WACO Community School District Way-Mar Housing Corporation Parkview Home Henry County Planning & Zoning Wayland Economic Development Corporation Wayland Youth Center Bill Grimm Dr. Darrell Smith Lois Nebel Sherri Janacek Bob Meyer Barbi Roth



Table of Contents

List of Maps

INTRODUCTION

…….......... 1

General Location Map

…….......... 12

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

................ 7

Aerial Map

................ 13

BACKGROUND

................ 11

Current Land Use Map

................ 41

COMMUNITY PROFILE

................ 17

Transportation System Map

................ 43

A VISION for the FUTURE

................ 47

Sidewalk Map

................ 44

GROWTH and LAND USE

................ 49

Future Land Use Map

................ 59

QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES ................ 61 A SENSE of COMMUNITY

................ 67

Summary

................ 71

IMPLEMENTING the PLAN

................ 73

Appendix A: Survey Results ................ 79



List of Tables and Figures Figure 4.19: Median Household Income Change for Wayland, Henry County and Iowa, 2000 to 2011

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Figure 4.20: Households With and Without Mortgages

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Figure 4.21: Age of Housing Units

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Figure 4.22: Number of Bedrooms by Housing Unit

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Figure 4.23: Housing Affordability Analysis

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Figure 4.24: Ability to Pay and Housing Units

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Figure 4.25: Housing Costs as Percent of Income

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Figure 4.26: 10-Year Snapshot of Retail in Wayland

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Figure 4.27: Retail Sales Comparison with Neighboring Communities

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Figure 4.28: Monthly Water Rates, 1985-2012

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Figure 4.29: Average Gas Price in Wayland, 2005-2012

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Figure 4.30: Math and Reading proficiency in WACO and Iowa, 2012

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Figure 4.31: Eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch for WACO and Iowa

38

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Figure 4.16: Method of Transportation and Travel Time for Workers 16 years and older

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Figure 4.32: K-12 WACO enrollment, 2001-2012

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Figure 4.33: Distribution of Land by Zoning Classification

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Figure 4.17: Wayland Income Distribution by Household, 2011

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Figure 4.34: Distribution of Current Land Use by Type in Wayland

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Figure 4.18: Distribution of Households by Income for Wayland, Henry County, and Iowa, 2011

Figure 4.35: Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts near Wayland for 2006 and 2010

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Figure 4.1: The City of Wayland Population Trend

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Figure 4.2: Regional Population Change

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Figure 4.3: Distribution of Population by Age 2000-2010

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Figure 4.4: Population Age Bins, Wayland, Iowa, and US

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Figure 4.5: Median Age, Wayland and Iowa 2000-2010

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Figure 4.6: Wayland Population Pyramids, 2000, 2010, 2020

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Figure 4.7: Local Composition by Race and Hispanic/Latino Origin

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Figure 4.8: Population by Race

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Figure 4.9: Change in Racial Composition 2000-2010

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Figure 4.10: Educational Attainment for Wayland Residents, 2011

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Figure 4.11: Distance between Wayland and Selected Colleges and Universities

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Figure 4.12: Employment Status for Population 16 years and over

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Figure 4.13: Employment Percentage Estimates by Industry

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Figure 4.14: Employment Percentage Estimates by Occupation

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Figure 4.15: Inflow and Outflow of Workers Employed in Wayland


1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WAYLAND PLAN

INTRODUCTION

“Wayland is a small, friendly community in Southeast Iowa where residents take pride in small town values. It’s the kind of place where you can walk down the street and know all your neighbors, where folks pull together in times of need, and where children can grow up in a safe and friendly community. Wayland is a good town.” The sentiments above, expressed by residents during a recent community-wide survey, truly convey why Wayland is a great place to live and grow. As a community of less than 1,000 residents, the City of Wayland resembles 60% of incorporated cities across the State of Iowa. Wayland embodies the small town values and agricultural traditions for which Iowa is well-known. Unfortunately, Wayland also faces significant challenges common to small communities, such as young people increasingly locating in larger cities and difficulties attracting small businesses. The Wayland Comprehensive Plan serves as a blueprint for the community to take advantage of opportunities and to navigate through obstacles in order to achieve growth and prosperity. The Wayland Plan builds upon community input about current conditions and provides a vision of the city’s future. Driven by the community’s vision, the adopted comprehensive plan serves as a policy guide for local community development. With effective leadership, public engagement, and the implementation of community action steps, the City of Wayland can be optimistic about a prosperous and vibrant future.

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The Role of a Comprehensive Plan

Why Plan? Just as the hallmark of a successful business is its ability to adapt to change, communities should have a framework to respond to the continually evolving world. Planning can help accomplish both specific and broad objectives to purposefully guide growth and change in a community. Plans helps achieve three basic objectives: 1. to meet events we expect to happen; 2. to accomplish things we want to happen; and 3. to avoid or prevent things we do not want to happen. In particular, the City of Wayland makes plans so that limited resources will have the highest positive impact on quality of life for all residents, and to promote the health, safety and welfare of all members of the community. Effective planning must anticipate multiple future scenarios. It involves conscious efforts to guide the course of future events to help achieve desired goals. Effective planning involves purposeful action by governments, as well as by enlightened and dedicated individuals and organizations within the community. Planning should be considered an ongoing process that responds to changes. While planning does not ensure an ideal outcome at some future date, it does help Wayland achieve the vision of a vibrant and prosperous community for generations to come.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

What is the Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan? A comprehensive plan is a guiding document for growth and change in a community. Comprehensive plans are intended to help inform the decision-making process used in the maintenance of a jurisdiction. The Wayland Plan examines the current conditions of public services and facilities, housing, transportation, economic development, and land use in order to provide a basis for policy recommendations and future plans. Comprehensive plans typically perform one or more of the following functions: • Goal Setting – based on collective goals, the plan can act as the formal documentation and direction of the public’s vision for future growth and change. • Consensus Building - the development of a sound plan necessitates broad public involvement. The process can create new and productive links among individuals and groups that can help resolve issues or problems. • Decision-making - economic development, public investment policies, and other growth and expenditure decisions can be guided by a comprehensive plan. The plan can help ensure that policies support community goals and objectives, and can become a dynamic vehicle for action and decision-making.

• Legal Requirements – Iowa law stipulates that zoning regulations are prepared in accordance with a comprehensive plan.

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INTRODUCTION

What was the Planning Process?

How will the Wayland Plan be used?

The planning team worked with City officials, residents, and other stakeholders to focus inquiry, select data, organize analysis, and construct the goals and objectives that shape the Wayland Comprehensive Plan. The team used the best planning theories and principles to organize the process and develop the final plan.

The Wayland Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a basis for policy recommendations and future plans. Wayland City Council members will use the plan as a tool for making decisions in order to ensure that city recommendations and actions remain consistent with community goals and objectives.

Gathering public input for this plan included three distinct levels of public involvement: a community survey, one-on-one interviews, and public meetings. The information gathered in these steps of the process set the tone for the conceptual framework of the Plan. Section 2 discusses citizen participation in more detail.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will use the plan to determine whether proposed development projects are consistent with stated goals and objectives. In cases where actions that are inconsistent with this plan are deemed to be in the best interest of the City, the Planning and Zoning Commission should initiate efforts to amend the plan to better reflect City interests.

In addition to gathering public input, the planning team collected relevant data to provide an analysis of existing and future conditions. Data came from the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, local assessors, map providers, and other similar agencies, as well as past planning documents. The team also collected primary data through site visits and observations.* Public input, data analysis, and planning principles informed initial drafts of the vision, goals, and objectives. These elements of the plan were further refined in a series of public meetings. Upon the completion of the initial draft of the Comprehensive Plan, the City provided an opportunity for the public to review the document and provide input. The planning team incorporated feedback into a final revision. As the last step in the process, the City adopted a final draft of the document.

City department heads will refer to the comprehensive plans to set goals and budgets, to plan for major public projects, and in the review of private development activities. Additionally, the plan can be used to measure progress toward community goals and objectives. The Comprehensive Plan does not prioritize goals and objectives, dictate schedules, or provide cost estimates. These items are often included in separate implementation documents (e.g. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, Capital Improvement Plans, Urban Renewal Plans, Annexation Plans, etc.). *A Note about Data – Much of the data used in the Wayland Plan comes from 5-year estimates of the American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS gathers information previously included in the decennial census. ACS data provides estimates based on samples rather than full counts of the population, and therefore typically contains margins of error.

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Plan Organization

INTRODUCTION PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Introduction and Public Participation sections of the plan provide information about the plan itself and the methodology behind creating the document. Results from the communitywide survey are included in Appendix A.

BACKGROUND COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Background and Community Profile sections of the plan provide an overview of Wayland’s history and current conditions. These sections of the plan are important because they illustrate historical trends that help anticipate future conditions, identify connections within the community that might not be otherwise apparent, and convey opportunities to improve upon current conditions. The history of Wayland is the foundation upon which to build the community moving forward.

A VISION for the FUTURE GROWTH and LAND USE QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES A SENSE of COMMUNITY

Sections 5 through 8 are the heart of plan. The Vision for the Future section establishes an overarching aspiration for which the community strives. The Growth and Land Use, Quality Public Services, and A Sense of Community sections include goals and objectives that can help achieve and maintain the community vision. This section also includes the Future Land Use Map.

IMPLEMENTING the PLAN

The Implementing the Plan section provides a framework for using the comprehensive plan to guide policies and decisions of the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as steps necessary to keep the plan current and updated as circumstances change.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

GOALS specify the communitydriven accomplishments to be achieved if the vision fully realized. Goals directly address needs of the community and clearly state specific outcomes that can be reasonably expected at the conclusion of the ten year period. OBJECTIVES are specific planning steps that can help get the community from where we are to where we want to be.

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INTRODUCTION

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Introduction A thorough public participation process is essential to a successful comprehensive plan. Input from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders provides the underlying framework for the plan and helps guide decisions made by City officials in the future. The planning team employed a variety of techniques to learn from residents and community leaders in order to ensure that their hopes and aspirations for Wayland are well-represented in this comprehensive plan. Planning for the future begins with imagining a vision for the community. The planning process included an exercise to review and update the most recent community-driven vision statement, which can be found in Wayland’s previous comprehensive plan from 2001. Section 5 of this plan provides more detail about the Vision Statement and the visioning exercise. Community members also had several opportunities to articulate strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for community development to the planning team. Gathering public input for this plan included three distinct levels of public involvement: a community survey, one-on-one interviews, and public meetings. The information gathered in these steps of the process also set the overall tone for the conceptual framework of the Plan. Goals and objectives should direct the community toward the community’s vision of the future. The goals and objectives included in this plan are largely based on a public input during the planning process. This section of the plan will outline the public participation process in more detail.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Informational Booth SEIRPC planners set up an informational booth during the WACO community school district registration. The staff distributed flyers explaining the comprehensive planning process and encouraged people to complete an online survey. Approximately 20 individuals participated in a mapping exercise, in which they were asked to prioritize locations for housing and transportation needs by placing colored dots on large maps of Wayland. Participants ranged from high school students to grandparents, and even included a few members of nearby communities that often utilize roads into Wayland for school functions. Results of the exercise were presented at the Future Land Use Mapping workshop.

Community-Wide Survey

Age of Survey Respondents

Beginning August 2012, the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission conducted a survey of Wayland residents in order to gather public input used to guide the future direction of the community. Surveys were mailed to all Wayland households, asking residents to complete the survey online or return the completed survey in the mail using the self-addresses stamped envelope. A total of 163 surveys were collected, which represents approximately 41% of occupied households in Wayland and approximately 17% of the total population. Survey results are included in Appendix A.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Interviews PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Individuals from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds were asked about what they consider the most important issues in Wayland. The 16 individuals included three city staffers, the mayor, two city council members, a local banker, a local pastor, a junior high student, the nursing home director, the school superintendent, a school board member, a school staffer, a local teacher, a day care provider, and a long-time resident. Their insightful comments were used to draft goals and objectives for subsequent public meetings.

Visioning and Goal-Setting Workshops Throughout the planning process, three interactive public meetings offered an opportunity for the entire community to share their ideas and concepts with the planning team. Each of these workshops included a discussion about drafting the City’s vision statement, a presentation of survey results, and an exercise for setting community goals and objectives. Each meeting had a different theme, which included: • Economic Development, Housing, and Transportation; • Community Character; and • Facilities & Services.

Future Land Use Mapping Workshop A public meeting was held to create the City of Wayland Future Land Use Map. The meeting included a discussion about the purpose of the map, prior public input, and common land use planning principles. Participants reviewed results from the informational booth mapping exercise, as well as a Current Land Use Map and Zoning Map to inform their opinions about future growth and development in Wayland.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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BACKGROUND

Planning Area The City of Wayland covers approximately 674 acres, or 1.05 square miles, of land in the northwest corner of Henry County, Iowa. Wayland is located approximately 10 miles south of the City of Washington, 20 miles north of Mount Pleasant, and 45 miles south of Iowa City. Highway 78 passes east-west directly through Wayland. Highway 218, a part of the “Avenue of the Saints� connecting St. Louis, Missouri and St. Paul, Minnesota, passes through Southeast Iowa seven miles east of Wayland. This route also joins I-80 in the Iowa City area approximately 45 miles to the north. US Highway 34 provides primary east and west transportation through southeast Iowa, and is located approximately 20 miles south of Wayland.

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THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Wayland’s Early Years

BACKGROUND

The origin of Wayland dates back to the 1830’s, when only a handful of people had settled on the land. A survey of the Jefferson Township indicated that four settlers lived in the area: Zeros Plunket, Elijah Shockly, Hopkins Williams and John Woods. Crooked Creek was the original name given to this community. Crooked Creek became a voting precinct on October 5, 1840. Two wagon roads intersected in the community, one route south to Mt. Pleasant and one east into the town of Winfield. At these crossroads, an inn was constructed to house the travelers and to exchange horses. In December of 1841, a stage line from Iowa City passed through the Crooked Creek. The 1850s brought signs of progress and change. Property values doubled in the growing community. During this time, stores, hotels, and a doctor office were established. In 1851, the town name changed to Marshall. After the American Civil War, settlers began to migrate west again and thus added to the development of the town. Gradual changes and improvements were visible. A new school was built in 1868. In 1870, Marshall, described as a post village, was one of the best farming towns in the state. The timber and prairie lands were about evenly divided and there was plenty of coal, lime, and sandstone. The population of Marshall reached 200 in 1879. In 1879, confusion over a similarly named community in the state, specifically Marshalltown in Marshall County, prompted yet another name change. The reason residents chose the name Wayland, however, is not known. Articles to incorporate the Town of Wayland were finalized January 30, 1890. Source: Wayland, The First Century 1880-1980, compiled and published by The Wayland Centennial Committee

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Past Planning Efforts A review of past planning efforts is an important component to the development of the comprehensive plan. Those planning efforts provide valuable insight regarding the evolution of the community, how past populations envisioned growth and development, and how well the City has been able to achieve prior goals and objectives. In general, the City of Wayland has a good track record of proactively implementing plans by creating actionable and achievable goals and objectives, and has used the plans effectively to acquire outside funding. The past planning efforts listed below contributed to this plan and were used to inform and design current goals and objectives. 1998 Wayland Community Builder Plan The 1998 Wayland Community Builder Plan, prepared by the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, precedes zoning land use controls. Like a comprehensive plan, the Community Builder Plan gathered public input to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to establish goals and objectives for the community. The plan included policy recommendations for various aspects of community development, most notably detailing pros and cons of designating Wayland an urban renewal area, which has since been a useful tool for the City. 2001 Comprehensive Plan The most recent comprehensive plan, entitled “The City of Wayland Comprehensive Plan: Planning for the Future 2001-2011�, was adopted by the Wayland City Council in February 2001. The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission was hired to manage the planning process and prepare the document. The Wayland City Council had determined that it was in the best interest of the City to regulate land use due to expanding industrial and housing growth in Wayland. Thus, the 2001 Comprehensive Plan was the basis for forming the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Ordinances, and Zoning Map for Wayland. 2003 Wayland Zoning Ordinance

On January 8, 2003 the City of Wayland adopted the Wayland Zoning Ordinance. This document details the purpose, definitions, rules, regulations, penalties, and interpretations of City ordinances designed to accommodate growth in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and to ensure compatibility of land uses to serve the best interests of the general public.

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BACKGROUND

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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COMMUNITY PROFILE

Introduction The 2012 community-wide survey asked residents to describe aspects of Wayland they value most and to explain what they like about living in Wayland. The “word cloud� above provides a visual representation of the summarized feedback. Word clouds give greater prominence to words or phrases that appear more frequently in the responses. The image clearly shows that residents most appreciate small town living, the friendly atmosphere, and the good schools that accompany life in Wayland. In general, the word cloud illustrates that residents highly value the benefits of living in a small town, especially the social cohesion and neighborly aspects of the community. The responses also illustrate reasons why many people consider Wayland a great place to raise a family.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

The responses are important to Wayland planning and decisionmaking because they identify aspects of the community that should be preserved, as well as opportunities to enhance the characteristics that residents value most. This section provides a snapshot of the people who currently call Wayland home and the environment in which they live. The Community Profile helps decision-makers and residents understand existing conditions in order to better plan for the future. A comprehensive overview of existing conditions can also make apparent the interdependence and connections between various aspects of the City.

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Population History Population and demographic data provide valuable information for understanding, managing, and planning future growth and needs. This demographic profile describes characteristics of the population based on results from the 2010 Census, as compiled in a May 2011 report by the Iowa State University Department of Economics.

As illustrated in Figure 4.1, The City of Wayland experienced relatively steady population growth between 1900 and 2010. The total population increased from 945 residents to 966 residents between the 2000 Census and the 2010 Census. The increase of 21 residents is a population percentage change of 2.2%.

The decennial census is an official enumeration, or count, of all residents on April 1st of the census year. The results of the census provide us with information about basic demographics characteristics of the population in Wayland, including age, race, ethnicity, household composition, occupancy, and housing tenure.

In comparison, the population of Henry County decreased 0.9% between 2000 and 2010. The State of Iowa and the United States had population increases of 4.1% and 9.7%, respectively.

Figure 4.1. The City of Wayland Population Trend Source: US Census, Iowa State Department of Economics

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Figure 4.2 illustrates the population trends in Wayland compared to all other incorporated cities in Henry County.

In fact, only Rome and Winfield had population increases during that time period, with only 7 new residents combined.

As the table shows, the population in Wayland has been growing steadily since 1960. The most recent census in 2010 shows an increase in population of 21 residents, or 2.17%. While this increase is smaller than those from the previous two decades, the number is significant considering nearly all other Henry County communities saw populations decline between 2000 and 2010.

The data suggests that Wayland may have been more successful attracting or retaining residents, or both, compared to other nearby communities in recent years. The City of Wayland should make efforts to continue to promote itself as a top choice for families and individuals seeking the small town lifestyle.

Study Area

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

Coppock

93

81

61

58

47

50

57

47

Hillsboro

280

253

218

252

208

169

205

180

Mt. Pleasant

4,610

5,843

7,339

7,007

7,332

7,959

8,751

8,668

Mt. Union

186

167

176

173

145

140

132

107

New London

1,340

1,510

1,694

1,900

2,043

1,922

1,937

1,897

Olds

302

187

189

206

225

205

249

229

Rome

119

134

117

135

113

124

113

117

Salem

457

473

442

458

463

453

464

383

Wayland

576

600

597

702

720

838

945

966

Westwood

-

-

-

-

-

104

127

112

Winfield

864

888

862

897

1,042

1,051

1,131

1,134

Henry County

17,994 18,708 18,187 18,114 18,890 19,226 20,336 20,145

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Surrounding Area Population

Figure 4.2: Regional Population Change Source: US Census

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Age Composition Figure 4.3 illustrates the breakdown of Wayland’s population by gender and age groups for 2000 and 2010. The graph shows a significant decrease in the number of residents aged 15-19, as well as increases in the age brackets between ages 45 and 69. The age brackets least represented in the overall population fall between ages 20 and 34 for both census counts, which may be due in part to the outflow of high school graduates seeking higher education elsewhere. As illustrated in Figure 4.4, Wayland has a relatively larger proportion of senior citizens (aged 65+) and a relatively smaller proportion of young adults (aged 1844) compared to the State of Iowa and the United States. Figure 4.5 shows median ages in Wayland and in the State of Iowa for 2000 and 2010. Both years, the median ages in Wayland are higher than the median ages in Iowa for the total population, males, and females. Median ages in Wayland are also higher compared to the national population. Additionally, Figure 4.5 shows that the median age in Wayland increased significantly between 2000 and 2010, from approximately 42 years old to approximately 47 years old.

Figure 4.3 (top): Distribution of Population by Age 2000-2010 Figure 4.4 (middle): Population Age Bins, Wayland, Iowa, and US Figure 4.5 (bottom): Median Age, Wayland and Iowa 2000-2010 Source: US Census, Iowa State Department of Economics

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

The age demographics show that the population has had increasingly higher proportions of older residents, which may have significant implications for growth and community development in Wayland over the next several decades.

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Population Trends

Figure 4.6 illustrates the actual populations in Wayland for the years 2000 and 2010, as well as the projected population in the year 2020 using the cohort-component technique. The projected pyramid predicts that the community will trend toward an older population, as cohorts aged 55 and older become larger proportions of the population, while cohorts aged 20 and younger

2000 Census

become smaller proportions. This trend may reflect the impact of the aging “baby-boomer� generation on the general population demography in Wayland, as well as the likelihood that their children relocate outside of Wayland after high school for work and educational opportunities. Several residents interviewed during the comprehensive planning process remarked that young people who grew up in Wayland have been increasingly moving back for work opportunities and to raise families. If so, the community may see different and more favorable outcomes than predicted in this model. Adequate steps should be take to ensure work and housing opportunities exist for new and returning young families.

2010 Census

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Population projections are generally based on the assumption that past trends will continue in the future. This assumption cannot predict outcomes precisely, however, as trends may change. The cohort-component method best estimates future populations by incorporating past trends for migration, births, and deaths.

2020 projection

Figure 4.6: Wayland Population Pyramids, 2000, 2010, 2020 Source: US Census

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Race & Ethnicity Wayland is a predominantly white community with a relatively small proportion of minority residents. Figure 4.7 illustrates the breakdown of Wayland’s population by race and ethnicity compared to Iowa and the United States. Wayland has considerably less racial diversity, with approximately 5% of the population being non-white, compared to the State of Iowa and the country, which have minority proportions of approximately 11% and 36%, respectively. Comparatively, the minority population in Henry county is approximately 10% of the total population.

The proportion of the population of Hispanic or Latino origin in Wayland is 1%, compared to 5% in Iowa and 16% in the US. Figure 4.9 shows the change in racial composition in Wayland between 2000 and 2010. The proportion of non-white residents increased from 16 people (1.7%) to 43 people (4.5%). Diversity contributes to the overall social fabric of a community. As in all communities, the City of Wayland should welcome and support all individuals and families regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture.

Figure 4.7 (top): Local Composition by Race and Hispanic/Latino Origin Figure 4.8 (bottom left): Population by Race Figure 4.9 (bottom right): Change in Racial Composition 2000-2010 The U.S. Census Bureau defines Hispanic or Latino origin as an ethnicity, not a race. A person of Hispanic or Latino origin may be any race, including white. Source: US Census, Iowa State Department of Economics

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Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment for Wayland Population 25 and Older, 2011

30.7% 28.3%

20%

10%

10.1%

8.6%

11.4%

6.3%

4.6%

0% Less than 9th grade

9th to 12th High school Some grade, no graduate college, no diploma degree

Associate's degree

Bachelor's Graduate or degree professional degree

Colleges and Universities and distance from Wayland Iowa Wesleyan College

Mt. Pleasant

17 miles

Fairfield

25 miles

West Burlington

45 miles

The University of Iowa

Iowa City

45 miles

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa

50 miles

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls

130 miles

Ames

150 miles

Maharishi University of Management Southeastern Community College

Iowa State University

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

COMMUNITY PROFILE

30%

Figure 4.10 illustrates the educational attainment levels for Wayland residents over the age of 25 in 2011. Most residents earned at least a high school diploma, and more than 26% of residents earned a degree beyond high school. Comparatively, Wayland residents have slightly lower educational attainment levels than the overall Henry County population. The proportion of residents in Wayland that did not pursue education beyond high school is 14.9%, compared to 9.5% in Henry County. The proportion of Wayland residents earning a graduate or professional degree (4.6%), however, is nearly equal to the Henry County proportion (4.8%). Figure 4.11 shows the locations and distances of the nearest colleges or universities, as well as the distances to Iowa’s state universities. As the table indicates, a diverse group of higher education institutions are located within a reasonable driving distance from Wayland.

Figure 4.10 (top): Educational Attainment for Wayland Residents,2011 Source: American Community Survey 2007-2011 Figure 4.11 (bottom): Distance between Wayland and Selected Colleges and Universities

24


Employment Status and Occupation Wayland is within commuting distances of many communities with large employers, including Washington, Mt. Pleasant, Burlington, Ft. Madison, Keokuk, and Iowa City. Additionally, companies in Wayland provide a number of jobs. Figure 4.12 shows that Wayland has a low unemployment rate for residents in the labor force (1.3%), compared to Henry county (4.2%) and the State of Iowa (3.8%). A much smaller proportion of the Wayland population is in the labor force, however, likely reflecting the prevalence of older and retired residents. Figure 4.13 illustrates that occupations are relatively evenly distributed across industries. Figure 4.14 provides more detail information about occupations. The “educational services, health care and social assistance” category is the largest portion of the graph, reflecting the fact that the WACO Community School District is the community’s largest employer. Employment across a broad range of industries and occupations helps ensure the community can sustain fluctuations in the broader economy. Several individuals interviewed during the planning process indicated that young families, often people who grew up in Wayland, are increasingly returning to the area because of local employment opportunities. Prospective work in the agriculture industry, in particular, has encouraged more people to locate in Wayland. The City is known for the many turkey farms in the area. Wayland

Henry County

State of Iowa

In labor force

56.2%

63.6%

68.8%

Employed

54.9%

59.3%

65.0%

Unemployed

1.3%

4.2%

3.8%

43.8%

36.4%

31.2%

Not in labor force

Figure 4.12: Employment Status for Population 16 years and over Source: American Community Survey 2007-2011

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Figure 4.13 (top): Employment Percentage Estimates by Industry for Wayland Figure 4.14 (bottom): Employment Percentage Estimates by Occupation for Wayland Source: American Community Survey 2007-2011

25


Employment Inflow/Outflow Figure 4.15 shows employment inflow and outflow for people who live and/or work in Wayland. As shown, most employed Wayland residents leave the community to get to their places of employment, an estimated 331 individuals. Only about 11% of employed Wayland residents, an estimated 40 individuals, work within the city limits. COMMUNITY PROFILE

Conversely, jobs within the City tend to employ individuals that live outside of Wayland. An estimated 319 people work in Wayland but live elsewhere. The graph does not indicate, however, where those individuals reside, many of whom may live in the rural areas immediately surrounding the City. While commuting for work is not unusual in Southeast Iowa towns, the data suggests that there may be opportunities to encourage those workers commuting to Wayland to also live in the community.

Employed and Live in Wayland Employed in Wayland, Live Outside Live in Wayland, Employed Outside

Commuting Patterns Figure 4.16 compares the methods of transportation and average commute times for workers in Wayland, Henry County, and the State of Iowa. Like workers in the County and State, Wayland workers are typically auto-dependent. A greater proportion of Wayland workers, however, carpool to work compared to Henry County and Iowa. Carpooling should be encouraged to reduced transportation costs and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Public transportation is not used as a method of transportation for employed Wayland residents, very likely because of limited options. The average commute for a Wayland resident in 2011 was 23.2 minutes, supporting evidence showing that a majority of residents work outside the immediate community. On average, Wayland residents have farther commutes that the general populations in the County and State.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Wayland

Henry County

State of Iowa

Car, truck, or van -- drove alone

73.6%

79.3%

79.1%

Car, truck, or van -- carpooled

14.2%

10.2%

9.9%

Public transportation

0.0%

0.5%

1.1%

Walked

4.7%

3.6%

3.8%

Other means

3.2%

0.6%

1.3%

Worked at home

4.3%

5.7%

4.7%

Mean travel time to work (minutes)

23.2

17.8

18.6

Figure 4.15 (top): Inflow and Outflow of Workers Employed in Wayland Figure 4.16 (bottom): Method of Transportation and Travel Time for Workers 16 years and older Note: Arrows do not indicate directionality between home and employment locations.

26


Income Figure 4.17 illustrates the distribution of household incomes in Wayland in 2011. The most common bracket corresponding to household incomes is $50,000 to $74,999. The second and third most common income brackets are $15,000 to $24,000 and Under $10,000. As the graphs shows, a large proportion of Wayland households have low or very low incomes. These figures may reflect the large number of older residents living on fixed incomes in the community. Comparatively, Wayland has a much larger proportion of households with incomes below $25,000 than across Henry County and the State of Iowa, as shown in Figure 4.18. Approximately 37% of Wayland households fall into the category,

compared to approximately 28% in Henry County and 23% in Iowa. The 2011 median household income in Wayland is $42,344, lower than the median household in come in both Henry County and in Iowa. Figure 4.19 shows that median household income change between 2000 and 2011 is greater in Wayland than in Henry County. Henry County and the entire Southeast Iowa region have faced economic decline over the last decade. Figure 4.19 suggests that Wayland may have fared better economically than nearby communities. Household income gains in Wayland, however, were much lower than the increase in household incomes across the state.

Under $10,000

$10,00014,999

$15,00024,999

$25,00034,999

$35,00049,999

$50,00074,999

$75,00099,999

$100,000149,999

$150,000199,999

$200,000 or more

2011 Median HH Income

Wayland

12.5%

4.6%

20.1%

9.6%

7.4%

26.1%

11.3%

6.2%

1.7%

0.5%

$42,344

Henry County

6.4%

8.4%

13.5%

11.5%

19.2%

11.6%

11.6%

8.2%

2.5%

2.8%

$43,510

State of Iowa

6.1%

5.7%

11.2%

11.2%

15.3%

20.6%

13.3%

11.1%

3.0%

2.5%

$50,451

Wayland Income Distribution by Household, 2011

20%

Figure 4.17 (left): Wayland Income Distribution by Household, 2011 Figure 4.18 (above): Distributions of Households by Income for Wayland, Henry County, and Iowa, 2011 Figure 4.19 (below): Median Household Income Change for Wayland, Henry County and Iowa, 2000 to 2011

15%

Source: US Census 2000 and American Community Survey, 2007-2011

30% 25%

10%

Median Household Income Change, 2000 to 2011

5% 2000

2011

% Change

Wayland

$35,667

$42,344

18.7%

Henry County

$39,087

$43,510

11.3%

State of Iowa

$39,469

$50,451

27.8%

0%

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

27


Proportion of Owner-Occupied Housing Units With and Without Mortgages

Housing Stock

The City of Wayland should work to ensure an adequate housing supply for the growing number of elderly householders, many of whom have fixed incomes, while still offering adequate number of homes that suit and appeal to young families. Accomplishing this goal requires an understanding of existing housing supply and demand, as well as awareness about programs that support developers and homeowners. Housing options in Wayland include single-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, and mobile homes, totaling approximately 420 housing units. According to 2011 ACS estimates, 66% of housing units are owner-occupied and 34% are rentals. Figure 20 illustrates that a majority of owner-occupied homes carry a mortgage, approximately 61%, and 39% of units do not have a mortgage. The 2011 ACS indicates a vacancy rate of 2.1%, or only 9 housing units. Figure 21 illustrates that new home construction has been relatively slow in recent years. More than one-third of existing homes were built before 1939, and nearly 75% were built prior to 1980. Older homes may lack some of the modern features that appeal to prospective homeowners, such as 2 and 3-car attached garages. Figure 22 illustrates that most existing homes have at least 2 or 3 bedrooms. Young families, in particular, likely tend to seek houses with more than 1 or 2 bedrooms.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

39%

Owner-occupied units without a mortgage

61%

COMMUNITY PROFILE

A variety of housing options in a community helps meet a diverse range of needs for current and prospective residents of all ages, family types, and income levels in order to support a high quality of life. Additionally, a community’s ability to attract residents largely depends on the number and types of homes available to prospective residents. Home values also directly impact property tax revenue collected by surrounding jurisdictions.

Owner-occupied units with a mortgage

Number of Houses by Year Built

152

69 29

23

44

38

54 9

8

1939 or 1940 to 1950 to 1960 to 1970 to 1980 to 1990 to 2000 to 2005 or earlier 1949 1959 1969 1979 1989 1999 2004 later

Number of Bedrooms in Housing Unit 13%

16%

14% 29%

1

2

3

4

5+

28%

Figure 4.20 (top): Households With and Without Mortgages Figure 4.21 (middle): Age of Housing Units Figure 4.22 (bottom): Number of Bedrooms by Housing Unit

28


While a comprehensive housing study would best identify how well Wayland meets housing demand, Census data provides valuable insight regarding housing costs and residents’ ability to pay. Figure 4.23 shows the breakdown of housing units by home value for owner-occupied units, as well as the number of rental properties by monthly rent cost. The table also compares housing costs (i.e. monthly mortgage payments and monthly rent costs) with household income levels, providing some indication of how the existing housing stock matches residents’ ability to pay. Ability to pay, for the purposes of this analysis, assumes that no more than 25% of household income is spent on monthly housing costs. As the table shows, a majority of owner-occupied housing units are valued under $100,000 and most owner-occupied home values, approximately 84%, fall within a range of $50,000 to $150,000. In 2011, the median home value in Wayland was $93,800 and median rent cost was $465. HOUSING STOCK (OWNER OCCUPIED) Home value (owner-occupied)

HOUSING STOCK (RENTER)

TOTAL UNITS

# Units

Rental Price

# Units

Figure 4.24 further illustrates residents’ ability to pay with the corresponding number of housing units in their price range. For the most part, Wayland does not have a surplus of housing units which exceed resident’s ability to pay, assuming households pay no more than 25% of their income toward housing costs (which, of course, may not be true for all households). In fact, the data suggests that many families could afford to pay more than they do currently because of the relatively low number of houses valued more than $150,000. For example, 109 households fit into the $50,000 to $74,000 income bracket and could hypothetically afford a home somewhere in the range of $200,000 to $299,999. Only two such houses exist in Wayland, however. Of course, these numbers may reflect a preference of many households to spend a smaller percentage of their incomes on housing costs, a benefit often attributed to small-town living.

MONTHLY EXPENSE

ABILITY TO PAY

Mortgage Cost1

Rental Cost2

Income Requirement (approx.)3

# Households

# units by # of HH with ability to pay

Less than $50,000

16

Less than $300

18

34

Less than $320

Less than $300

$0 to $14,999

71

-37

$50,000 to $99,999

146

$300 to $499

59

205

$320 to 572

$300 to $499

$15,000 to $24,999

84

121

$100,000 to $149,999

87

$500 to $749

28

115

$573 to 825

$500 to $749

$25,000 to $34,999

40

75

$150,000 to $199,999

16

$750 to $999

31

47

$826 to 1077

$750 to $999

$35,000 to $49,999

31

16

$200,000 to $299,999

2

$1,000 to $1,499

0

2

$1,078 to 1,583

$1,000 to $1,499

$50,000 to $74,999

109

-107

$300,000 to $499,999

3

$1,500 or more

0

3

$1,584 to 2,593

$1,500 or more

$75,000 to $149,999

26

-23

$500,000 to $999,999

7

--

0

7

$2,594 to 5,120

--

$150,000 to $199,999

7

0

$1,000,000 or more

0

--

0

0

$5,121 or more

--

$200,000 or more

2

-2

Figure 4.23: Housing Affordability Analysis Source: American Community Survey, 2007-2011

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

1Assumes

30-year mortgage with 4.5% interest and 20% down payment 2Categorized by ACS bins 3Assumes no more than 25% of income spent on housing costs

29


Figure 4.25 illustrates the distribution of households in Wayland based on the proportion of the income spent on housing, based on estimates from the American Community Survey. Approximately 17% of homeowners could be considered very housing cost-burdened because more than 35% of their income goes toward housing costs. An even greater proportion of renters, approximately 33%, pay at least 35% of household income for housing.

Affordable Housing Wayland has one low-income development in the community. Way-Mar Apartments, operated by the WayMar Housing Corporation, provides 36 units of subsidized housing to qualified tenants (available to low-income residents over 62, or disabled residents). Private developers recently worked with SEIRPC to rehab and offer six upper story units on Main Street for incomequalified tenants. Additionally, Wayland has 3 public housing units. Mobile home parks often provide affordable housing options for low-income residents. A mobile home park on the east side of Wayland includes six lots.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Households by Ability to Pay and Existing Housing Units in their Price Range 250

200

CURRENT HOUSEHOLDS BY ABILITY TO PAY

150

CURRENT HOUSING SUPPLY

COMMUNITY PROFILE

On the other hand, the data suggest that Wayland may have a deficit of housing units that would be affordable for the lowest income bracket. An estimated 71 households fall into the $0 to $14,999 income bracket, while only 34 owner-occupied or rental housing units exist within the corresponding range of affordability (homes valued less than $50,000 and rental units costing less than $300 per month). These numbers suggest that some residents may be “housing cost-burdened” or, in other words pay a relatively high percentage of income toward housing costs.

100

50

0 Less than $50,000

$50,000 $99,999

$100,000 - $150,000 - $200,000 - $300,000 - $500,000 - $1,000,000 $149,999 $199,999 $299,999 $499,999 $999,999 or more

Housing Costs as a Percent of Household Income – Owner Occupied Less than 20%

17%

1%

8%

20% to 24.9% 25% to 29.9%

9%

15%

Housing Costs as a Percent of Household Income - Renters

58%

33%

26%

30% to 34.9% 35% or more

4% 2%

Figure 4.24 (top): Ability to Pay and Housing Units Figure 4.25 (bottom): Housing Costs as Percent of Income Source: American Community Survey, 2007-2011

30


Industry In 2003, Wayland added a 10-acre industrial park in the northeast corner of the City, which has proven very successful and now serves four local businesses with approximately 60 jobs. The park filled quickly. Many businesses had expressed interest in locating within Wayland, but were unfortunately unable to find adequate room to build. These missed opportunities may have resulted in the loss of new jobs and income in the community. The success of the existing industrial park and the interest from more prospective companies prompted the City and the Wayland Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to locate and acquire new land for industrial use. In 2013, the City and WEDC worked together to purchase and annex land to create the Wayland Industrial Park East. The area has also been rezoned from Agriculture (A) to Industrial (I-1), although the land in the development will continue to be used for agriculture pending industrial uses. Variable lot sizes are offered in the park to accommodate the needs of prospective businesses. The City will closely evaluate the utility needs for those businesses to ensure the demands can be handled with existing infrastructure. The addition of the 60-acre, industrial-zoned land provides significant economic development potential for the community. Because of the success filling the existing industrial park, The City of Wayland is optimistic about the prospects for attracting businesses to the new development.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

31


Retail Trade Retail trade analysis in Wayland is based on state-reported sales of goods and services subject to Iowa’s statewide sales tax. Key retail indicators in Wayland allow for comparisons over time, which allows the City to estimate future economic trends.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Wayland businesses directory includes a large variety of establishments, some of which provide goods and services to residents and others whose main business comes from outside the community. Farm supplies, auto services, banking, beauty shops, construction, healthcare, furniture, restaurants, bars, convenience and gas stores, and households goods are all available in Wayland. Residents also often go to Mt. Pleasant and Washington for goods and services, especially to do grocery shopping. Figure 4.26 shows retail sales and reporting firms over a 10-year period. The graph indicates fluctuating, yet relatively stable trends for both sales and number of firms. The number of reporting firms in Wayland typically hovers around 50. Total retail sales and per capita retail sales for fiscal year 2012, however, are the highest recorded in the 10-year period. Comparatively, Wayland retail sales per capita are roughly half of those from the State of Iowa. Figure 4.27 illustrates that Mount Pleasant, Fairfield, and Washington are the largest retail hubs in the area. In comparison to per capita retail sales of more similarly-sized neighboring communities, Wayland falls roughly in the middle. Along with the number of firms and the size of the population being served, location factors significantly into total retail trade. Two well-traveled roadways intersect in Wayland, providing opportunities to capture sales from travelers, although perhaps not to the extent of a community like Ainsworth along Highway 218.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Figure 4.26 (top): 10-Year Snapshot of Retail in Wayland Figure 4.27 (bottom): Retail Sales Comparison with Neighboring Communities Source: Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance, Iowa State Department of Economics

32


Utility Services and Infrastructure The City of Wayland provides services and infrastructure for sanitary sewer service, water supply, solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment technologies, storm water management, recycling facilities and telecommunication facilities. Appropriate maintenance and upgrades for services and infrastructure are critical considerations when assessing future demand within the City or at its boundaries. The City of Wayland owns and operates its own gas, water and sewer utilities. The City takes pride in purchasing gas at optimum prices and passing any savings on to residents, as well as keeping rates reasonable for all utilities.

Monthly Water Rates in Wayland, 1985 - 2012

$11.05

$10.50

1985-1997

$4.50

$3.50

$3.75

1997-2008

Set Fee

$11.05

2009-Present

Ad'tl per 1,000 gal.

Figure 4.28: Monthly Water Rates, 1985-2012 Source: City of Wayland

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Water Supply Wayland has a capacity of 150,000 gallons per day, and averages about 85,000 gallons of usage per day. The well supplying water to Wayland residents is a Jordan Sandstone well, permitted for a maximum of 50 million gallons per year at a max total rate of 700 gallons per minute. Water pumps are set to 160 gallons per minute normally. The City has contracted to use Rathbun as a secondary water source. The City has also extended water services to some properties outside of City limits, although those requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Figure 4.28 illustrates water rates in Wayland from 1985 to 2012. Usage rates decreased in 1997 and remained steady through 2009. Rates have not changed since the increase in 2009. Sanitary Sewer Wayland has a capacity of 0.31 million gallons per day, with an average daily usage of .0498 gallons. Currently, sewer rates include a set fee of $10.70 plus $2.60 per 1,000 gallons of water usage.

Wastewater Treatment Wayland currently uses a 3-cell aerated lagoon located in the south west corner of the city.

33


Gas Supply Wayland currently serves the city and some bordering properties with natural gas. The capacity is 900 mcf daily, and the year round average is 137 mcf per day (lower in summer, higher in winter). Figure 4.29 shows the average yearly price per MCF. The dramatic drop illustrated in the graph reflects the boom of natural gas production in the United States and the resulting price reduction nationwide.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Electricity Alliant Energy provides electricity and sets rates for Wayland. Solid Waste Disposal Solid waste disposal is provided by Luke Waste Management. Weekly collection includes curbside pickup of both trash and approved recyclables. The current rate for solid waste is $8.00 a month, plus additional costs for the purchase of approved garbage bags. Yard waste items can be take to the city lagoon located on South Pearl Street. The City also offers seasonal leaf pickup and large waste removal. Average Gas MCF Price in Wayland by Year

Storm Water Management Drainage issues are addressed as needed. Communications Wayland is currently provided internet, cable, and phone services from Farmers & Merchants Mutual Telephone Company. They provide the city with a city-wide fiber optic system. There are two Verizon cell towers and one US Cellular tower in the area. The official newspaper of Wayland is the Wayland News. City Website The City of Wayland publishes and updates an official website to communicate information relevant to current and prospective residents and businesses. The website includes a calendar of events, information about the city government and departments, information about city services and utilities, current news and events, and much more helpful information. The city website is www.waylandiowa.com.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

$13 $12 $11 $10 $9 $8

Figure 4.29 : Average Gas Price in Wayland, 2005-2012 Source: City of Wayland

34


Parks and Open Space Parks and open space are distributed throughout Wayland, providing close access to outdoor recreational opportunities for all households within the City limits. Wayland’s parks showcase the ability of the residents to successfully raise funds to make Wayland a better community. Most recently, the Roth Track & Field and new Central Park play structures were supported by successful public fundraising efforts.

Bomber Field and Wayland Dog Park is located along Pearl Street. Bomber Field includes two baseball/softball fields. The enclosed dog park allows pet owners to let their dogs run freely without leashes.

The WACO Jr/SR High School has outdoor facilities available for public use. In particular, the Roth Track & Field area is used often by the public for walking and jogging.

Central Park East Park is located in eastern section of Wayland on Railroad Street. The park has a half basketball court, a covered pavilion and grassy area for relaxation.

Central Park is located under the water tower beside City Hall. In 2013, the community raised sufficient funds for new playground structures suitable for children.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

West Park is located on West Main street. The park has a full basketball court, a tennis court, a baseball/softball field, two pavilions, several playground items, a bandstand and public bathrooms.

35


Public Buildings

COMMUNITY PROFILE

City Hall is located at 218 West Main Street, and is home to the City Clerk’s office, Mayor’s office, Police office, and Council Chambers. The collection office for the water, sewer, and gas utility is within the City Hall. Additionally, the building includes a Community Center available for rent and a Reading Room with hundreds of books available for checkout. The United States Post Office in Wayland is located on West Main Street.

Health and Human Services Wayland has a medial clinic through the Henry County Health Center, and a dental office. Other area facilities include: • • • •

Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant; Washington County Hospital in Washington; University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City; and Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

Wayland Community Action & Project Share helps with food, energy assistance and other items when the need arises. The Wayland Youth Center is located on West Main Street and is a volunteer-run organization providing activities for Wayland Youth outside of school. Parkview Home, located at 102 North Jackson Street, offers three levels of care: a full-care nursing center with 19 residential beds, 34 intermediate-care apartments, and 23 independent senior apartments.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

36


Public Safety The City of Wayland has a full-time police chief and a part-time patrol officer. 24-hour coverage from the Wayland Police Department is not available, although officers are available outside of normal hours to respond to calls. The Wayland Police Department also works closely with the Henry County Sherriff’s Department to ensure the safety of Wayland residents. The City contracts with the County to provide services when the needs arises or when Wayland Police are unavailable to respond to calls. Additionally, Wayland’s “Neighborhood Watch Program” relies on residents to report suspicious activity. The Wayland Police Department reports few instances of criminal activity. The City’s fire station is located along Washington Street, and houses the City’s rescue unit and tanker. The Wayland Fire Department protects lives and property in Wayland in case of fires and other emergencies, and also provides safety education to residents in hopes of preventing such emergencies. All responders volunteer their time and effort to the fire department. Currently 26 members comprise the full roster. The Wayland Fire Department provides emergency response services to surrounding rural areas and communities when necessary. The Fire Department also helps as weather spotters during storms or severe weather conditions. Wayland is equipped with a siren to alert citizens, by one long continuous sound of the siren, of the need to take cover. Three short blast of the siren is the "all clear" signal.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

37


% Proficiency in Math and Reading, 2012

Residents of Wayland, Ainsworth, Crawfordsville, and Olds take pride in the WACO Community School District, which is both a major employer in the area and a driving force for growth. Public schoolchildren from those four communities attend elementary school in Crawfordsville, and then transition to the Jr./Sr. High School in Wayland. Figure 4.30 shows 2012 proficiency in math and reading among fourth and eleventh grade students in WACO and across the state. In each case, proficiency in WACO exceeds the state averages.

Free and Reduced Lunch WACO

WACO

IOWA

85.3

74.3

4th Grade Math

82.4

78.2

11th

88.2

83.9

88.2

82.8

4th

Grade Reading

Grade Reading

11th Grade Math

Free Reduced Lunch (#) Lunch (#)

IOWA % FRL

% FRL

20072008

151

37

34.0

33.4

20122013

163

26

38.0

40.3 COMMUNITY PROFILE

WACO School District

In the 2012-2013 academic year, WACO had a smaller proportion of students eligible to receive free and reduced lunch (38.0%) compared to the state average (40.3%), as shown in Figure 4.31. Between 2007 and 2012, the proportion of WACO students eligible for free and reduced lunch has increased from 34% to 38%. K-12 WACO District Enrollment, 2001-2012

For the 2013-2014 academic year, the WACO Community School District became the first district in Iowa to adopt a “4 + 1” educational model. In this model, students have longer school days Monday through Thursday, with the option to take advantage of a variety of enrichment opportunities on Friday.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

541 # of students K-12

K-12 enrollment numbers at WACO suggest a downward trend, as illustrated by Figure 4.32, potentially reflecting the area’s demographic changes, specifically the increasingly older population. Keeping enrollment up will be a significant challenge in the WACO school district in the near future.

531

523 500

522

519 504

485

483

491

490

Figure 4.30 (top left): Math and Reading proficiency in WACO and Iowa, 2012 Figure 4.31 (top right): Eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch for WACO and Iowa Figure 4.32 (bottom): K-12 WACO enrollment, 2001-2012 Source: Iowa Department of Education

38


Figure 4.33 shows the distribution of land by zoning classification in Wayland. As shown, agriculture (A-1) has the largest total land area of all the classifications, comprising more than one-third of all land within the city boundaries. Much of the A-1 land in the city limits is undeveloped, but may serve other land uses as the community grows. Commercially-zoned land makes up the smallest portion. The list on the right side of this page provides brief descriptions about the basic uses allowed each of the existing zoning classifications. The Zoning Map is a separate document, available to the public through the City of Wayland. Zoning

# of Acres

A-1

212

C-1

6

C-2

21

Distribution of Land by Zoning Classification

A-1

I-1

52

0.2%

20.3% 39.1%

I-1 R-1

R-1

141

R-2

111

R-MH

1

R-2

Residential-Low Density (R-1) This classification identifies single-family attached and detached dwellings, and single-family zero lotline dwellings. Residential-Medium Density (R-2) This classification includes two-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, boarding and lodging houses and professional and semiprofessional buildings. Mobile Home Residential (R-MH) This classification includes mobile homes located within planned mobile home subdivisions. Central Business Commercial (C-1) Commercial use types in the central business area include the sale, rental, service, and distribution of goods, and the provisions of services other than those classified as Industrial or Institutional uses.

C-1 C-2

Agriculture (A) This classification identifies agricultural land used for row crops, pastures, and related agricultural uses.

General Commercial (C-2) General Commercial includes commercial use types in areas outside of the Central Business District. They include all permitted activity of the C-1 zone.

25.8%

R-MH

Figure 4.33: Distribution of Land by Zoning Classification Source: City of Wayland

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

9.6%

1.1% 3.9%

Industrial (I-1) Industrial use types include commercial and light industrial uses such as the on-site extraction or production of goods by non-agricultural methods, and storage and distribution of products.

39

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Zoning Zoning is a tool used by communities to regulate land use in accordance with the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Zoning classifications identify the allowable uses for specific parcels of property. Zoning ordinances more specifically describe allowed uses and activities for parcels within the Wayland city limits. Wayland Zoning Ordinances can be found on the city website.


The Current Land Use Map provides a snapshot of how land is used in Wayland, as of 2013. An overview of current land use can help the community envision how best to use land in the future. The list on the right describes the types of land uses displayed on the Current Land Use Map.

Figure 4.34 shows the distribution of current land uses by type in Wayland. Agricultural/Undeveloped land use comprises the largest area of any type, followed by residential land use. The relatively small percentage of industrial land use reflects the types of business currently operating in the industrial park, which tend to be more commercially-oriented. According to Henry County Assessor records and aerial imagery, 53 parcels within the developed areas of Wayland can be considered vacant or private open space, meaning that no buildings currently exist on the properties. Vacant Parcel / Private Open Space

4.8%

Agricultural / Undeveloped

48.9%

Residential

25.2%

Commercial

9.7%

Industrial

0.8%

Public - Educational

3.7%

Public Open Space

2.9%

Public Institutional

3.3%

Private Institutional - Church

0.3%

Cemetery

0.4%

Figure 4.34: Distribution of Current Land Use by Type in Wayland Source: Henry County Assessor

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Vacant Parcel / Private Open Space This land includes vacant parcels and privatelyowned undeveloped areas within the developed areas of the City. Agriculture/Undeveloped This land is used for row crops, pastures, and related agricultural uses, or is otherwise undeveloped. Residential This land is used for single-family and multifamily dwellings.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Current Land Use

Commercial This land used for commercial purposes. Industrial This land is used for commercial and light industrial uses. Public - Educational This land is used for public education facilities and services. Public Open Space This land is used for parks and open space accessible by the general public. Public - Institutional This land is used for publicly-owned facilities. Private Institutional - Church This land is used for private institutions.

religious

Cemetery This land is used for the existing cemetery.

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Wayland Current Land Use Map

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Transportation System

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The City of Wayland has excellent transportation linkages. Highway 218, a part of the “Avenue of the Saints�, passes through Southeast Iowa 7 miles east of Wayland. This route also joins I-80 in the Iowa City area approximately 45 miles to the north. US Highway 34 provides primary east and west transportation through southeast Iowa, and is located approximately 20 miles south of Wayland. Highway 78 passes directly through Wayland. This direct highway access and close proximity to other major highways will appeal to prospective businesses. In town, the local roads are well-paved. Many streets, however, lack curb and gutter. The City is proactive about local road improvements as funds become available. The streets are well-connected and provide good access between homes, businesses, and parks. The map on page 43 shows the transportation network. Sidewalks Many roadways in Wayland lack sidewalks. In an effort to encourage residents to add sidewalks to their property, the City has a program to pay 50% of sidewalk improvements. In many cases, the lack of sidewalks is not problematic. The City is interested, however, in improving the sidewalk system in order to provide children more safe passage to school and to keep them from walking on the busy road surfaces. The map on page 44 shows locations of existing sidewalks, although it does not reflect the variation in quality among the sidewalks.

Figure 4.35: Average Annual Daily Traffic near Wayland, 2006 and 2010 Source: Iowa Department of Transportation

Traffic As shown on Figure 4.35, Iowa Department of Transportation traffic counts show an average daily traffic count of up to 2,070 vehicles on roads leading into Wayland. Approximately 13% of vehicles are trucks. As the new industrial park fills, there will likely be an increase in total traffic and truck traffic. The increase will not likely be excessive or unmanageable. Transit Wayland has access to public transit through the SEIBUS demand-response service. Handicap accessible services are available. SEIBUS can transport riders to surrounding communities, including Mt. Pleasant, Washington, and Iowa City. A fee for use applies, and 24-hour advance notice is required.

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Wayland Transportation Network Map

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COMMUNITY PROFILE

Wayland Sidewalk Network Map

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Existing Programs, Policies, and Initiatives The City of Wayland has several policies and tools in place to positively impact long-term development. The following items explain some of the tools used by the City to promote growth and community development. Urban Renewal Area and Tax Increment Financing In 1994, the City of Wayland adopted an Urban Renewal Plan that encompasses all property within the City limits. The Urban Renewal Area designation allows the City to capture property taxes exceeding a fixed assessment roll. Funds from the tax increments can then be used for a variety of community and economic development goals, such as financing projects in the Wayland Urban Renewal Area or to pay City debt obligations. Property Tax Abatement All qualified real estate assessed as residential property is eligible to receive an exemption from taxation for a period of five years on the first $75,000 of actual value added by the improvements. Additionally, all qualified real estate assessed as commercial or industrial property is eligible to receive an exemption from taxation for a period of three years on 100% of the actual value added by the improvements. In order to be eligible for tax abatement, the increase in actual value of the property, due to improvements, must be at least 5%. Partnerships The City partners with several organizations to plan for and attract economic development. In particular, the City works closely with the Wayland Economic Development Corporation, the Mount Pleasant Area Development Corporation, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to promote economic development and identify funding opportunities. Demolition On occasion, the City has purchased properties within the city limits with the intention of removing dilapidated properties that cause safety concerns and detract from the general appearance of the community.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

50/50 Sidewalk Program

Agreement for sidewalk repair, replacement and/or installation. The City and Property Owners will share the expense of sidewalk repair, replacement and/or installation, with each party paying 50% of the cost. The sidewalk work is done in accordance with City Ordinance #136 and Section 364.12, the Code of Iowa, and is, therefore, assessable to the owner and collectable as property tax if not paid by owner. The City will arrange for, supervise and approve sidewalk improvements or repair. Wayland Low-Interest Revolving Loan The Wayland Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Program is designed to provide supplemental financing (up to $75,000) in support of new and expanding businesses located within Wayland Urban Renewal Area to provide direct or indirect financial assistance to a qualifying business, and the related costs and expenses as allowed by an established Revolving Loan Review Committee. Revolving Loan Funds SEIRPC manages revolving loan funds (RLFs) for the region and individual RLFs for Henry County. RLFs are used as gap financing with primary lenders to make projects work that cannot secure conventional financing. Great River Housing Trust Fund The Great River Housing Trust Fund seeks to assist affordable housing developments – either acquisition rehabilitation or demolition new construction or potentially other combinations. Up to $25,000 is available per project.

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 8. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

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VISION STATEMENT

Many Wayland residents participated in an exercise to describe the ideal vision for the community in the next 10 years. Input from the “visioning” exercise helped craft a vision statement that guides the overarching purpose of the comprehensive plan. The vision is that “the City of Wayland is a safe, family-oriented, and business-friendly community that makes the best use of all resources in order to provide quality public services and to create a high quality of life for our citizens.” This vision statement provides a basis for goals and objectives most important for The City of Wayland, and identifies five specific areas of community development that should be maintained and improved: • • • • •

safety family-friendly policies and activities business-friendly policies and activities efficient use of resources, and quality public services.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

A VISION for the FUTURE

“The City of Wayland is a safe, family -oriented, and business-friendly community that makes the best use of all resources in order to provide quality public services and to create a high quality of life for our citizens.”

In many ways, the community’s vision for the future of Wayland is consistent with life in Wayland today. The city is wellmaintained to ensure the safety of residents- crime in Wayland is almost non-existent. Residents value the strong sense of community that currently exists in Wayland, and the City has a progressive approach toward attracting new families and businesses. Furthermore, the City of Wayland functions well while remaining competitive in the area with regard to tax rates. The City of Wayland recognizes, however, that opportunities to improve upon existing conditions are always present, and that current successful and well-functioning aspects of life in Wayland cannot be taken for granted. Outside forces can also greatly impact quality of life in Wayland, and the community must be resilient against unforeseen challenges. Goals and objectives in the Comprehensive Plan were created with the Wayland Vision Statement in mind, so that policies and actions will both preserve and enhance the Wayland way of life.

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 8. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

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Introduction This section of the comprehensive plan identifies community goals and objectives for aspects of the city primarily concerning growth and land use, including: housing, transportation, economic development, and land use.

GROWTH and LAND USE

Many residents cited “growth� as the means by which to improve the quality of life in Wayland. Promoting commercial development, promoting increased residential growth, and promoting industrial development were among the most highly ranked choices identified by survey respondents. Residents understand the linkages between improvements they’d like to see in Wayland and the need to build and sustain the population. Many view growth as an opportunity to promote economic activity, to support and sustain desired amenities, to increase school enrollment, to generate more revenue for the City, and to build a more vibrant community. To grow, the City must attract new residents and businesses. Wayland does have plenty of room to grow without jeopardizing the small town lifestyle valued by the community. The rate and type of growth should be managed to the greatest extent possible to ensure development remains consistent with the community.

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HOUSING - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Wayland will have sufficient and diverse housing options, in terms of quality and affordability, to meet the needs of existing and prospective residents. OBJECTIVES • Complete a housing needs assessment to identify needed housing types to serve existing and future housing markets. • Review annually-published Census data in order to identify demographic changes, particularly those related to elderly housing needs. • Stimulate new housing that will attract young families to Wayland, including rental housing. • Identify sufficient locations for diverse housing opportunities, including upper story apartments in the Central Business District and vacant lots within the developed areas of the City, and support development of these locations. • Identify and provide guidance regarding programs that provide assistance to developers and home buyers, including first-time home-buyers, veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. • Maintain competitive advantage in the area by continuing to provide incentives for housing development, such as property tax abatement and infrastructure. • Continue to work with the Great River Housing Trust Fund for financing acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition, or new home construction. • Evaluate the zoning ordinance for needed updates.

GOAL The general appearance of residential areas will appeal to visitors and prospective residents, maximizes property values, and enhances quality of life for current residents. OBJECTIVES • Develop and implement procedures to remove dilapidated structures, such as a special fund for demolitions • Apply for grants, such as housing sustainability programs from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, for owner-occupied rehabilitation • Enforce city codes related to housing standards and property maintenance and update as necessary. • Promote and expand the existing sidewalk program. • Create a housing rehabilitation program for homeowners unable to finance the entire project themselves. • Work with residents to preserve and expand the city’s existing tree canopy.

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HOUSING - GOALS and OBJECTIVES (continued) GOAL Development of Wayland’s neighborhoods will promote sustainable, livable, and community-oriented principles.

GROWTH and LAND USE

OBJECTIVES • Ensure housing redevelopment in existing neighborhoods is compatible with character of those neighborhoods through city codes. • Ensure future housing developments include a well-connected street network • Encourage the expansion of sidewalks/trails that connect to the existing bicycle and pedestrian system. • Encourage land use that supports a variety of housing types for all ages and family types, including a mixture of housing types, sizes, and price points • Encourage and support distinct neighborhood groups • Promote rehabilitation and infill development of existing neighborhoods, including upper story apartments along Main Street.

GOAL Residents in Wayland will take advantage of opportunities for energy and water efficiency to minimize both household utility costs and burdens on public utility infrastructure. OBJECTIVES • Educate citizens on ways to improve energy and water efficiency, the benefits of efficiency improvements, and financial incentives available to make improvements. • Work with homeowners to complete energy audits to identify needed energy efficiency improvements. • Encourage energy and water efficiency best practices for new home construction. • Identify local, state, or federal funding sources to assist homeowners with energy efficient projects.

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TRANSPORTATION - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Diverse transportation choices will attract new residents and businesses which improve the quality of life for existing Wayland residents. OBJECTIVES • Create and implement a local trails plan to identify a safe and well-connected trail network. • Create and annually update a local sidewalk plan to identify and track needed improvements. Promote walkable neighborhoods by expanding the existing sidewalk program and pedestrian facilities, with a focus on deterring students from walking or biking along Highway 78 or Pearl Street. • Work with community partners and SEIBUS to identify public transportation needs in Wayland. • Educate the public about existing transit services, the existing sidewalk program, and other services that increase mobility. • Work with local partners to identify and apply for local, state, and federal funding sources to assist in implementation local trail and sidewalk projects.

GOAL The local roadway system in Wayland will provide safe and efficient vehicular flow throughout the City with dependable, well-maintained roadways. OBJECTIVES • Develop and annually update a capital improvements plan to ensure projects are in place to allow for community growth or to maintain the existing system. • Ensure existing and future components of the transportation network will provide the capacity necessary to meet the demands placed upon the system. • Perform a complete evaluation of all existing roadway conditions to determine needed improvements throughout town. • Continue to support transportation improvements with strategic use of Tax Increment Financing, ensuring that funds are distributed equitably throughout the City. • Complete and maintain a GIS database of community’s transportation assets. • Work with local partners to identify and apply for local, state, and federal funding sources to assist in implementation of transportation improvements.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL The general appearance of commercial and industrial areas will appeal to prospective businesses, maximizes property values, and enhances quality of life for residents.

GROWTH and LAND USE

OBJECTIVES • Create and implement a downtown redevelopment plan, with an emphasis on design standards consistent with the overall vision and character of Wayland. Consult urban designers and/or landscape architects for professional design guidance. • Identify and assess brownfield sites to determine potential for cleanup, reuse, and redevelopment. • Work with property owners and businesses to improve facades of existing buildings for a cohesive and updated Main Street design • Maintain and improve appearance of gateways to the community by fostering relationships with property and business owners. • Explore opportunities to direct traffic to Wayland with signage along Highway 218 • Improve and maintain Highway 78 corridor appearance with tree plantings, landscaping, and other roadway design features. • Work with local partners to identify and apply for local, state, and federal funding sources to assist in implementation of beautification improvements.

GOAL A diverse economic base and diverse commercial activities will satisfy basic consumer needs for residents in Wayland. OBJECTIVES • Identify gaps in existing commercial services and retail that inhibit residents’ ability to conduct business in Wayland • Identify opportunities to support local businesses that provide and/or expand service-oriented and retail opportunities that benefit Wayland residents • Utilize financing resources (such as Revolving Loan Financing through WEDC, Henry County, and SEIRPC) to encourage business startups and expansions. • Work with local partners to identify and apply for local, state, and federal funding sources to assist in implementation of economic development projects.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Commercial and Industrial development in Wayland will grow at a steady pace and supports a diversified local economy.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

GROWTH and LAND USE

OBJECTIVES • Create and implement a downtown redevelopment plan, with an emphasis on attracting viable service and retail businesses • Continue to partner with the Wayland Economic Development Corporation to attract and incentivize new commercial and industrial business to locate in Wayland • Identify and implement marketing activities to widely promote commercial and industrial development opportunities • Support and retain existing businesses in the community • Anticipate future industrial growth beyond development of Wayland Industrial Park East, including implications for annexation, housing, infrastructure, and utilities • Work with local partners to identify and apply for local, state, and federal funding sources to assist in implementation of projects to assist in economic development. • Utilize financing resources (such as Revolving Loan Financing through WEDC, Henry County, and SEIRPC) to encourage business startups and expansions.

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LAND USE - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Wayland will promote a high quality of living through land use patterns that address the social and economic needs of Wayland’s residents.

GROWTH and LAND USE

OBJECTIVES • Protect existing land uses and planned land uses from the encroachment of incompatible land uses. • Ensure land uses allow for a diversity of housing units types (single-family, senior, rental, and multifamily). • Encourage business and industry expansion in a manner consistent with the Future Land Use Map. • Identify and establish suitable sites for recreational areas. • Promote the construction of parks, trails, and the preservation of open space. • Evaluate the Wayland zoning and city ordinances for needed updates.

GOAL Wayland will maintain an adequate supply of land to accommodate future needs and growth in all sectors. OBJECTIVES • Evaluate areas for potential annexation of city boundaries for recreational, residential, commercial, and industrial use. • Encourage infill development and the utilization of existing buildings before developing new areas.

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LAND USE - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Development in Wayland will respect the integrity of natural and agricultural assets. OBJECTIVES • Encourage infill development and the utilization of existing buildings before developing new areas in order to minimize impacts on local agriculture. • Identify and assess brownfield sites to determine potential for cleanup, reuse, and redevelopment. • Encourage and support efforts that mitigate negative environmental impacts related to community activities and growth. • Promote and implement best practices for storm water management, such as rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavements, retention ponds, etc. • Establish necessary measures to protect against soil erosion. • Protect environmentally sensitive land and promote preservation of natural areas. • Update city codes to include the quality and productivity of soils for agricultural use before approving new development.

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Wayland Future Land Use The Wayland Future Land Use Map provides a generalized view of how land in Wayland is intended to be used. This map serves as an overall policy tool, providing an orderly basis for future growth. This document is not meant to be site specific, nor replace the specificity reserved for such tools of implementation as the Zoning Ordinance. The Future Land Use Map should be viewed as conceptual representation of relevant goals, policies, and action strategies that are found throughout the Comprehensive Plan. By providing expectations about development patterns, everyone can make private decisions accordingly.

Agriculture This land is intended to be used for row crops, pastures, and related agricultural uses.

Industrial This land is intended to be used for commercial and light industrial uses.

Low Density Residential This land is intended to be used for single-family attached and detached dwellings, and single-family zero lot-line dwellings.

Public Educational This land is intended to be used for public education facilities and services.

Medium Density Residential This land is intended to be used for multi-family dwellings, boarding and lodging houses and professional and semiprofessional buildings.

Public Open Space This land is intended to be used for parks and open space accessible by the general public.

Central Business District This land is intended to be used for commercial purpose in the Central Business District along Main Street.

Public Institutional This land is intended to be used for publicly-owned facilities, such as City Hall or the lagoons, that are necessary for a wellfunctioning community.

General Commercial This land is intended to be used for commercial purpose outside of the Central Business District.

Cemetery This land is intended to be used for the existing cemetery.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

GROWTH and LAND USE

Considerations for future land use include the expected growth of Wayland, the type of land in Wayland’s fringe area, continuity of certain current zoning, and the city’s ability to service the future growth. Actual development should occur in a manner consistent with the ability of supportive utilities, facilities, transportation, and services components to accommodate the impact of the development. The future land use map does not necessarily show land use as it exists today, and it does not show zoning information. The list below describes the types of land uses displayed on the Wayland Future Land Use Map.

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GROWTH and LAND USE

Wayland Future Land Use Map

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

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Introduction This section of the comprehensive plan identifies community goals and objectives for public facilities and services operated and maintained by the City of Wayland. Goals and objectives included in this section are designed to ensure quality public services as the City evolves and grows.

QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES

Well-functioning community facilities and services significantly impact quality of life for residents and the overall success of Wayland. The City of Wayland should continue to provide high quality services, while looking for opportunities for enhancements and additions that can be achieved in a cost-effective manner. The City should continue to have a proactive approach toward solving existing problems. Additionally, public facilities and infrastructure should be managed and directed to encourage new development. When asked what aspects of Wayland the value most, many survey respondents specifically pointed out the good community parks. The top issues related to facilities and services, as identified by survey respondents, include the costs of utilities, street maintenance, and tax rates. The responses suggest that the City should identify opportunities for efficiency and cost-savings while continuing to improve amenities and services for the community.

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PUBLIC BUILDINGS & SERVICES - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL The City of Wayland will ensure necessary and adequate (high quality) utility services for residents. OBJECTIVES • Provide adequate and safe water to all residents of Wayland. • Provide adequate sewage collection and treatment facilities. • Provide an adequate storm water drainage throughout the City. • Maintain appropriate and cost-effective waste reduction and recycling programs. • Create a GIS database of existing city utility assets. • Develop and annually update a capital improvements plan to ensure projects are in place to allow for community growth or to maintain existing system. • Work with local, regional, state, and federal partners to identify funding sources to help offset the cost of improvements for the City’s facilities and services.

GOAL Wayland will incorporate best practices to increase efficiency and provide services in a cost-effective manner. OBJECTIVES • Encourage infill development where possible in order to utilize existing infrastructure. • Support existing or new facilities, equipment, or services that can be shared between jurisdictions. • Evaluate opportunities to reduce costs of utilities or to provide better service to residents. • Educate citizens on the benefits of weatherization and available programs to assist in making energy efficient improvements. • Upgrade existing facilities and ensure new facilities utilize latest technologies for energy efficiency. • Communicate with other jurisdiction whenever contracts or major capital improvements are up for consideration to identify cost savings measures and evaluate all existing public services to identify opportunities for cost savings through shared services or other efficiencies. • Identify funding opportunities to reduce the impact of large capital projects.

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PARKS & RECREATION - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Wayland will maintain a park system and recreational programs appropriate to the needs and desires of Wayland residents.

QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES

OBJECTIVES • Evaluate existing parks for improvements that would support fitness and physical activity. • Annually assess buildings and parks to determine needed improvements. • Evaluate need for additional park offerings. • Create and implement a local trails plan to identify a safe, connected, and easily accessible trail network. • Maintain high standards for sanitary facilities in public parks. • Identify opportunities to support or implement recreational programs.

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PUBLIC BUILDINGS & SERVICES - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL High quality fire, police, and other services and plans will ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in Wayland to the greatest extent possible. OBJECTIVES • Implement elements of the Henry county multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan currently being created through SEIRPC. • Work with local, state, and federal partners to identify funding opportunities to assist in hazard mitigation activities and disaster preparedness. • Ensure adequate training for all police, fire, and emergency personnel. • Identify and incorporate appropriate technological improvements for police and fire equipment. • Create a GIS database of existing city services and assets that would help provide a higher quality of service, such as fire hydrants, sidewalks, street lighting, etc. • Conduct regular inspections of structures to ensure they comply with building codes intended to increase safety of occupants • Work with local, state, and federal partners to identify funding opportunities to assist in providing higher quality community facilities and services

GOAL The City of Wayland will ensure accessibility to health care systems for all members of the community to the greatest extent possible. OBJECTIVES • Maintain and support relationships with local, county, and state partners to provide emergency and other health-related services • Identify health care needs of Wayland residents and support efforts to attract health care providers to fill these needs. • Support state and federal legislation that creates a favorable environment for rural health services in Wayland.

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QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES

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INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

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Introduction This section of the comprehensive plan identifies goals and objectives that enhance the sense of community among Wayland residents. The goals and objectives are designed to distinguish Wayland from other towns, to foster cohesion among members of the community, and to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for visitors and residents.

A SENSE of COMMUNITY

The City of Wayland should continue to promote policies and activities that generate civic pride. In particular, survey respondents would like to see improvement in the general appearance of residential areas, as well as improvements to the appearance of downtown Wayland. In some cases, that could mean physical improvements to buildings and land. Other efforts might involve bringing the community together to spruce up the town, as has been done in the past for “Hometown Day”.

An important aspect of proactive growth involves establishing a “brand” that describes the Wayland way of life. The Wayland brand should be marketed toward prospective residents with similar appreciation for small town living. Making people aware of all that Wayland has to offer will help achieve the community’s goals for growth and vitality.

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COMMUNITY CHARACTER - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Small town values, community pride, and civic engagement will set Wayland apart from other communities. OBJECTIVES • Encourage residents to participate in civic activates and share ideas for improving the community • Encourage and support citywide cleanup outings and other volunteer beautification activities to make Wayland more attractive • Encourage and support individuals, organizations, and programs that welcome and integrate new residents to the community • Provide space and opportunities for public art. • Identify opportunities to bring members of the community together to foster pride and social cohesion, such as a local farmers’ market, community gardens, movies in the park, etc. • Recognize individuals and organizations for contributions to the community.

GOAL Communication and collaboration activities and efforts will promote Wayland and enhance quality of life for residents. OBJECTIVES • Create a public relations plan to improve communication amongst citizens, businesses, organizations, and other public entities. • Support efforts to recruit and organize volunteers in the community. • Foster the relationship between the City and the WACO Community School District in order to identify opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships, especially opportunities to engage students and community members on “4+1 Fridays”. • Identify opportunities to partner with realtors, the local economic development group, the school district, and other organizations to market the community. • Enhance the effectiveness and reach of social media to promote Wayland. • Continue to improve the City’s website.

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COMMUNITY CHARACTER - GOALS and OBJECTIVES GOAL Community design, policies, and services will encourage and support activities that promote health and wellness in the community.

A SENSE of COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVES • Encourage and support efforts to increase access to healthy food options for residents, including grocery and restaurant options • Promote locally grown foods by supporting efforts for a local farmers’ market, community gardens, Farm to School Program opportunities at WACO, etc. • Support the local Food Bank. • Identify funding opportunities to support local food initiatives

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Summary Goals and objectives in the Wayland Comprehensive Plan build upon the community-driven vision to maintain and enhance the small town lifestyle valued by citizens. In particular, Wayland residents appreciate the strong sense of community among neighbors, the family-friendly environment, and the Wayland agricultural heritage. At the same time, citizens understand the importance of growing the community and attracting new residents and businesses in order to preserve the quality of life in Wayland for generations to come. The City of Wayland efforts to guide growth and development consider both the short-term and long-term needs of the community. A proactive planning approach has served the Wayland community well in the recent past. The City’s Urban Renewal District, for example, has helped the City implement capital improvements to improve services and infrastructure. Local policies and programs, as well as strong partnerships with outside organizations, have led to significant growth in the industrial sectors. Moving forward, the City will continue to proactively address the needs of the community in order to improve quality of life for residents. Through effective planning, community leaders can recognize the interconnectedness of various elements of community growth and development and make decision accordingly.

An important aspect of effective planning includes consideration for continually changing demographics and their impact on the community. Population trends indicate that Wayland may have been more successful attracting or retaining residents, compared to other nearby communities in recent

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

years. While populations in most nearby communities have been declining over the last two decades, Wayland has seen modest growth. The Future Land Use Map illustrates the community desire to focus most on growth in the residential sector. Many view residential growth as an opportunity to increase school enrollment and to create a more vibrant community. Housing goals and objectives in the Wayland Comprehensive Plan focus on the need for an adequate supply of homes to both meet existing demand and to attract prospective residents. Population trends illustrate the community can expect a larger proportion of older residents, increasing the demand for housing suited for an older generation. Wayland also needs an adequate supply of family-friendly housing options in order to attract young families, who seek a different type of housing that suits their particular needs. Additionally, the general cost, quality, and appearance of homes in Wayland should appeal to prospective residents. The future land use map and housing goals and objectives address the need to improve and expand the residential sector to achieve community stability. The City of Wayland should work to ensure an adequate housing supply for the growing number of elderly householders, many of whom have fixed incomes, while still offering adequate number of homes that suit and appeal to young families. Accomplishing this goal requires an understanding of existing housing supply and demand, as well as awareness about programs that support developers and homeowners.

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The agricultural industry in the area has shown promise in attracting young families. Young people who grew up in Wayland have been increasingly moving back for work opportunities and to raise families. Again, providing an adequate supply of housing is important.

Wayland residents do not expect the town to be a major commercial hub. Larger cities in the area draw more retail sales, and residents enjoy the benefits of being a quiet and safe “bedroom community.” Residents would, however, like more basic commercial services that serve the community, such as restaurants and a grocery store. The viability of these types of businesses often depends upon the size of the market, further supporting the need to attract more residents, and also illustrating how various aspects of development are interconnected. A downtown redevelopment plan would also support commercial growth.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Economic development goals and objective relevant to the commercial sector focus primarily on creating a businessfriendly environment by providing incentives and improving the appearance of the commercial areas. Additionally, the City can target and market to specific businesses that are compatible with the community. Marketing to prospective residents and business should convey the community “brand” and the high quality life available in Wayland. Several goals and objectives in the plan promote increasing awareness of the community to surrounding areas in hopes of attracting residents and businesses. Wayland offers a high quality of life in a small town environment within reasonable driving distance to larger cities in the region. Furthermore, the City offers appealing financial incentives for new development and rehabilitation of properties. Making people aware of all that Wayland has to offer will help achieve the community’s goal for growth and vitality.

SUMMARY

The expanding industrial sector has been a major community development success in Wayland. A strong and diverse industrial base can provide many economic benefits to a community, such as local jobs, taxes, and support for other types of businesses. As cities become increasingly competitive, Wayland should continue proactive efforts to provide adequate land for industrial use and to attract prospective companies. The City should continue to appropriately make use of resources and tools, such as partnerships, strategic capital investments, and enticing incentives. As Wayland Industrial Park East fills, the city should identify other areas to manage industrial growth.

The City of Wayland play an important role in providing a high quality of life and creating a strong sense of community. Facilities and services goals and objectives help ensure that high quality services are provided efficiently and at minimal cost to residents. The community character goal and objectives involve strengthen relationships with and among area organizations, such as the WACO Community School District, and empowering citizens to become more involved in the town, and community-driven initiatives and activities are encouraged and supported by the City.

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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The success of this plan hinges on the efforts of many different groups and organizations, both public and private. The following paragraphs identify ways in which public organizations can use and implement the plan. City Councils City Councils set priorities, budgets, tax rates, and make key decisions on public and private development projects. The value of this plan is directly related to which Council members are aware of the plan and expect City actions to be consistent with this plan. Every council member should have a copy of this plan and be familiar with the major goals and action items described within. Moving forward, members of each City Council should expect and require that city recommendations and actions both reference and remain consistent with this plan. Planning and Zoning Commission Land use, development, zoning, and city code recommendations are a core component of this plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission has a major role in guiding those decisions. Commission members must each have of a copy of this plan and must be familiar with its content. It is generally the responsibility of Planning Commission to determine whether proposed development projects are consistent with this plan and to make sure decisions or recommendations are consistent with this plan. In cases where actions that are inconsistent with this plan are deemed to be in the best interest of the City, the Planning Commission should initiate efforts to amend the plan to better reflect City interests. This will help to reinforce the legitimacy of the plan as an important tool in City functions. City Staff City staff has a significant influence on community decisions from

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

capital and operational projects to policy decisions. It is imperative that city employees aware of, support, and actively work to implement the various goals and action items in this plan. The following staff members should consult and reference the comprehensive plan during city council meetings, annual goalsetting process, budgeting process, during planning for major public projects, and in the review of private development projects: • City Clerk • Public Works Director • Police Chief These key staff members are expected to know and track the various goals and action items to reference that content as appropriate in communications with residents and elected and appointed officials.

Financing Many public objectives can only be met through the expenditure of public funds. Achieving the objectives in this Plan should lead to more efficient use of both public and private resources. Each project should be viewed with the full range of funding alternatives and technical assistance available before action is taken. These sources must not only provide sufficient funds to accomplish the objectives intended, but they should be utilized as equitably as possible when balancing costs against benefits received. Another method for implementing the objectives could be developed through a system of incentives and compensation to individuals or organizations. The benefits and costs involved in the achievement of public objectives should be considered in a way that satisfies both the individuals or organizations and the general public.

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IMPLEMENTING the PLAN

Roles and Responsibilities


Action Plans

Plan Maintenance and Updating

Implementation of the plan will be successful only if organizations or individuals assume responsibility and accountability for goals and objectives. While the Wayland Comprehensive Plan outlines community goals and objectives, it does not dictate how the plan will be implemented. The community can consider using Action Plans, which essentially translate the objectives into implementation steps and assignments, and serve as measurable assessments of progress. The chart and tips below can be used as a guide for defining roles and expectations.

A relevant, up-to-date Plan is a critical element to ongoing planning success. Evaluation and modifications based on sound judgments should be made to the planning document as necessary to maintain public and private sector confidence.

• Possible amendments to the Plan; and

Goal: Objective:

• Relevance of the Plan with respect to population and economic changes.

Lead Role Time Line Measure / Document Resources Needed Funding Source

The Planning and Zoning Commission should hold a public hearing regarding this report in order to: • Provide citizens or developers with an opportunity to present possible changes to the Plan; and

• Be sure to document and distribute the plan, and solicit review and input from the community. • Organize objectives into smaller action plans. • Be sure that one internal person is identified as the lead in managing implementation. • Specify who is doing what and by when. • Establish regular implementation.

After the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, opportunities should be provided to identify any changes in conditions that would impact elements or policies of the Plan. Each year a report should be prepared by City staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission, and should include information and recommendations on:

status

reviews

of

action

plan

• Identify any changes in the status of projects called for in the Plan, bring forth any issues, or identify any changes in conditions that may impact the validity of the Plan. If the Commission finds that major policy issues or major changes in basic assumptions or conditions have arisen which could necessitate revisions to the Plan, they should recommend changes or further study of those changes. This process may lead to identification of amendments to the Plan.

• Translate the actions into job descriptions, especially for key leaders.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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A plan update should occur after the current Plan has been in use for five (5) years. The update process could include forecasts to a new target year, analysis of alternative land use plans, and possible evaluation of alternative formats for the Plan. The annual review of the Plan, specified above, will accommodate any necessary revisions to the Plan that may arise during the years prior to the next update. Individuals and groups may come forward with proposals to amend the Plan. Ideally, those proposals are compiled and reviewed once a year, rather than on a case-by-case basis. By reviewing all proposed amendments at one time, the effects and impacts of each proposal can be evaluated and all proposals can be reviewed for their net impact on the Comprehensive Plan. However, if major or innovative development opportunities arise which impact several elements of the Plan, a plan amendment may be proposed and considered separate from the annual review of other proposed plan amendments. City staff shall compile a list of proposed and recommend action on the proposed amendments. The comprehensive plan amendment process should adhere to the adoption process specified in Iowa Code and should provide for organized participation and involvement of interested citizens.

Using the Plan in the Decision-Making Process If the Comprehensive Plan is to have value, methods must be devised to make sure that actions and decisions conform to and do not detract from the Plan. Proposals that requires significant action by the City Council or Commission should be accompanied

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

by an evaluation of their potential to achieve goals from the Comprehensive Plan. This evaluation can be quite simple in situations where the impact is minimal, amounting to no more than a brief indication of whether the Comprehensive Plan provides direction and whether or not the proposal conforms with the Plan. Where a requested proposal is inconsistent with the Land Use Plan, however, or is a comprehensive proposal affecting the overall Plan, additional review procedures are necessary.

Criteria for Evaluating Development Proposals Interpretation of the Plan should be composed of a continuous and related series of analysis, with references to the goals and policies, the overall Land Use Plan, and specific land use policies. Therefore, when considering specific proposed developments, interpretation of the Plan includes a thorough review of all sections of the Plan. If a development proposal is not consistently supported by the Plan, serious consideration should be given to making modifications to the proposal. The following criteria could be used to determine if a comprehensive plan amendment would be justified:

IMPLEMENTING the PLAN

Plan Update and Annual Amendments

• The zoning uses and character of nearby properties. • The suitability of the property for the uses allowed under the current zoning designation in contrast to uses that may be permitted by amending the Plan. • The type and extent of positive or detrimental impact that may affect adjacent properties, or the City at-large, if the request is approved. • The impact of the proposal on public utilities and facilities.

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• The benefits of the proposal to the public health, safety, and welfare compared to the hardship imposed on the applicant if the request is not approved. • The comparison between the existing Land Use Plan and the proposed change regarding the relative conformance to the goals and policies. • The consideration of professional staff recommendations.

Large Scale Amendments

In more comprehensive proposals (such as a capital improvements program, a new zoning ordinance or maps, or a sub-area plan), a more extensive evaluation may be required to identify potential revisions to the proposal or to the Comprehensive Plan. The staff report on such a proposal could address the following: • Description of the proposal;

• Identification of elements of the Plan that would be affected by the proposal; • Evaluation of the effects of the proposal on the Comprehensive Plan by element, such as goals and policies, land use, or transportation if the proposal supports the Plan; • Indication of any conflicts with the Plan, including the nature and extent of the conflict; and • Identification of adjustments to the Plan or the proposal that would reduce any noted conflicts or negative impacts. If adjustments to the Plan are proposed, they should be undertaken and adopted per the comprehensive plan amendment process before final action is taken on the proposal.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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IMPLEMENTING the PLAN

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THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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1. INTRODUCTION 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 3. BACKGROUND 4. COMMUNITY PROFILE 5. A VISION for the FUTURE 6. GROWTH and LAND USE 7. QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES 8. A SENSE of COMMUNITY 9. IMPLEMENTING the PLAN Appendix A: Survey Results

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Appendix A includes results from the 2012 community-wide survey. A total of 162 responses were collected, representing about 17% of all residents. Nearly half the respondents were 60 years of older. A large proportions of respondents were female, and respondents tended to live in small households.

Question 1: Age

Question 2: Gender

Appendix A: Survey Results

Question 3: Household Size

Question 4: Zip Code 100% of responses indicated a zip code of 52654.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Question 5: What aspects of Wayland do you value? What do you like about living in Wayland? 1) the small town togetherness of people who care for each other! you can meet them on the street and it is nice to be greeted with a smile or for me to greet others. 2) again the small town closeness, what better life could we ask for!! a small town Clean and caring community close knit community. Great schools Everything! Small town closeness. Community awareness. Community responsible for its community. Friendliness Good education Safety Proximity to larger towns for shopping Cleanliness Friendliness, close knit, caring community Friendly- Christian basis nursing home - close-knit families, good church and school environment Friendly people, good mayor, utility rates reasonable. Good Christian community. Warm, caring people. Good helpful people - friendly It is a clean town that I feel safe in for my kids. Its a very welcoming community. Its a fast growing community. Its very clean and kept up very well. Its definitely not the city or school system. I've lived here all my life and the things happening are outrageous. Knowing everybody and being involved with the neighbors, classmates, etc. on community projects. Knowing most people, letting kids play outside, having family and friends close, great neighbors, love the elementary school, churches. Love the small town feeling and the way folks pull together in times of need. Great school district, yards big enough to play in but not so big they're unmanageable. I like having a gas station in town for quick things, and a post office. Nice quiet town Our city council does a great job. A caring community.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

People are mostly friendly, clean town. Good banks- good schoolbusiness friendly Quiet Small community small community living that is safe, friendly, and well raised that my children can grow up in. I like the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and the willingness of the community to pull together when needed. Small friendly small school district. Kids are not just a number Small town Small town Small town friendly people. Pretty town. Places to eat and socialize. Great highschool Small town, friendly people Small town-Community. Knowing lots of people, safety compared to big city. small townlife The nice close families that are tight knitted. Small businesses and the farming industries. (Eichelberger farms, turkeys, etc.) The religious feel to the community. Good City maintenance people. The Parks where you can go have a family reunion. A small town where you can walk down the street and you know all your neighbors Wayland is quiet, close-knit and over all friendly. We have lived here for 9 months now and the people we have encountered have been so helpful and welcoming. Wayland is very neighborly. People are friendly. People are willing to provide a helping hand when needed. It's a small town and we feel safe here. My kids can ride their bikes and play at the park.

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Question 6: Of the issues below, check the top three issues that are important to you in Wayland

Of the issues below, which are most important to Wayland? (check three) 27

General appearance of residential areas

25

Utility rates

23

Street maintenance

22

Tax rates General appearance of downtown

19

Housing availability

19 12

Cost of housing

10

General appearance of commercial areas

8

Under-utilized properties Lack of sidewalks

6

Water and sewer problems

6

Appendix A: Survey Results

5

Location of new development Other: police

The graph on the left illustrates the frequency with which each of the options provided was chosen by survey participants for Question 6. The two “other� changes at the bottom of the graph reflect write-in responses.

2

Lack of a connecting trail system

1

Other: grocery store / gas station

1

Other: schools

1

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Question 7: Please describe why these issues are important to you If your town is seen- down and dumpy looking, a passerby will not have a good first impression and most likely will not even consider a closer look into the fine qualities of our small town. In order to grow Wayland and keep our young people here, we need to improve downtown, provide housing, control the tax rate. It does not attract new people. It is a quiet little town- one to be proud of. City employees work hard to make it and keep looking nice. It is important to keep a decent looking environment for people who are passing through or looking for a place to live to feel comfortable with the quality of the town. Keep Wayland Alive! Kids safety Looking nice is very important and upkeep of properties keeps the town looking nice. Sidewalks are safer for my kids to ride their bikes and often we have to go into the street since there is no sidewalks in area. Makes our town attractive to prospective people who want to move here or start a business. or are just passing through Makes the town more attractive for future building up of more construction of homes and businesses more housing could potentially bring more kids to a school faced with declining enrollment a bike/walking trail could reinforce health seeking measures for citizens of the community street maintenance is important for promoting the community My husband and I moved here from Burlington, Iowa. We were very surprised by the availability and the cost of one trailer. The residents take the town of Wayland very seriously . Living on a fixed income these issues are very important . We have no plans to leave. Need to constantly keep improvements, affordability On fixed income- Rent sky high, taxes raising every year- all utility ratestelephone- tv- water- sewer and electricity raising- Where does it stop? Our small town pays one officer to do the job that most towns have a deputy for- a deputy that covers many towns. Yet we still had vandalism and burglaries all summer. We don’t need an officer to drive around all day. We need evening and late night and weekend coverage.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Snow removal on my street is very poor. This is a huge issue in order to get to and from work. I feel as though our one police officer provides next to nothing in regards to law enforcement. Our property taxes are close to $2000 a year for a 20 year old house on less than 1/2 acre. Some places look very old and need some sprucing up it is a beautiful little town Taxes are increasing faster than cost of living - Taxes are way too high for location The appearance of our town is the first thing visitors see. Positive property appearance will draw more people to our community. There also needs to be available housing for individuals who want to move to our community. The street I live on really needs to be resurfaced. These are all things that will help better the community and help it be very prosperous in the future. They cost us money. They affect our enjoyment of living and they also influence new families moving into town. Vacant properties make our street look bad and they are unkempt, look messy. Have heard of several families looking to move to Wayland area but no housing. We have the highest taxes in this part of the state. I am currently looking at buying a house instead of renting and there are not many for sale. We need to attract more people We own our home and the constant rise in tax rates make it harder and harder to continue to own. The cost of housing and utilities are important in being able to pay the bills. When you are an older person and live alone, its sometimes necessary to cut corners to pay your bills. * That everybody could have the ditch fixed in front of their house, so they can mow the ditch instead of having to weed eat it eveyr week, so it looks nice. With a fixed income i can’t handle it

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Please indicate up to four changes you think Would improve the quality of life in Wayland. 74

Improve downtown Promote commercial development

64

Promote increased residential growth

63

Improve K-12 education

54

Decrease taxes and fees

54

Improve infrastructure (roads, water, sewer)

29

Improve bike and pedestrian trails/facilities

28

Improve recreational opportunities

27 27

Improve housing affordability

22

Plan for more diverse housing options

12

Appendix A: Survey Results

Improve arts/cultural activities or events

The graph on the left illustrates the frequency with which each of the options provided was chosen by survey participants for Question 8. The three “other� changes at the bottom of the graph reflect write-in responses.

59

Promote industrial development

Promote preservation of prime agricultural land

Question 8: Please indicate up to four changes you think would improve the quality of life in Wayland.

6

Other: remove/rehab unsighlty vacant houses

3

Other: promote education and our schools

2

Other: revise hours for law enforcement

2

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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Question 9: Please describe why these issues are important to you A grocery and restaurant as well as retail will encourage people to move to Wayland Air quality has become an issue because of agricultural activities within and near the community, there are times that its not possible to sit outside of my house, due to strong odors. Always room for improvement Besides 2 books, Bar, clinic and plumbing there is not much on Main St. Store fronts do not look very inviting. Some buildings in very bad disrepair! Not many houses to purchase or many rental units. Need grocery store! Bike trails would be great. Downtown needs more businesses Community needs to recruit higher income families to area. Community success depends on a balance of attractive homes- commercial development- growing goods - service options Don't want Wayland to become a ghost town. Want to promote WACO not close it down Downtown - to revive community many streets in poor condition (chip rock, really?) 4-day school week - beginning of the end Education can ALWAYS be improved, and if Waylandites want to live happy lives, they need to be healthful, part of which means getting out and getting active. Education should be top priority. Industrial development has been good. More would be better. Education will continue to see decreased funding and to ensure secure education need to be stores. Wayland needs something unique to draw people to the community. Food store for kids health living and more activities so don't have to drive to other places. Good education, jobs, decent housing and a nice downtown are really important. Growing our community can help to grow out school population. It seems we have filled up our current town - can we expand housing east on Main Street gravel? South on Pearl/Dakota?

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Growth- important for survival of small communities, downtown services needed for elderly population. Have to go out of town to get my food, only place to eat is bar. Having good schools, roads and jobs will bring people to Wayland and they will buy houses and grow the community. Homes in Wayland sell for way more than they are worth! If things were more affordable then more people would come to live here. If there was more/cheaper land to buy people would build more which brings the town more money. I think it is being done already but it is the only way small towns continue to survive is through development of business who will or do employ. I would like to see it survive and grow I would like to see Wayland grow but we need a grocery- good family restaurant and available housing for that to happen and jobs I would love to see a grocery store down town along with a Casey's on the highway. I would like to see a hard surface road on Cummings Street. If industrial and commercial development is improved, the other things will follow, such as resident growth. There would be need for more housing along with it. These are the few things that should happen. If our town is to grow it needs to be able to handle more waste Important for growth of Wayland - provides for more students, more ???? opportunities for the city Improving our industrial and commercial development would attract better and more people that would want a good school and attractive place to live Increase quality of life and draw in more families Increased growth equals increased revenue. Less taxes is always good industrial and housing - pull in new families for both work and living, increases school enrollment bike and pedestrian - promote health of families, opportunities to do more things, possibly would stay in town longer. A study advertised when Mt. Pleasant worked on their bike trails stated that citizens come to towns who plan for recreation for it's people. I think this would be a great advantage as a small town. It would not need to be elaborate. Industrial is paving own way, smaller business need help to retain and expand them. more summer activity for youth. Not enough housing for the growth in Wayland.

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Question 9: Please describe why these issues are important to you

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

Our downtown has nothing to offer citizens except services (Post offices, banks, etc. and a bar) I'd like to see a restaurant or grocery store that has affordable items. Our town Main St. is almost a disgrace. for our slow economy rent is too high. Our taxes and fees are becoming too much Our town needs to grow People my age are starting to move back to Wayland- We need to fix up the city, downtown Quality school/ Good work opportunities/ good choices available to live/ "basics" in supplies to live, offered locally are the hub of making a good community that will grow well. Restoring downtown and keep our school so this brings people to our town. Save driving for needs and fun Since I have moved to Wayland area my taxes have gone up! No improvement to the area. Mt. Pleasant, our county seat should rename this county to Mt. Pleasant county. They get all my tax dollars. So that more people would enjoy the area! Support the growth of the town The more jobs the more people, which is more money for the community The other things on the list are already being done or have been given attention. Bike/running path would be awesome and education can always be improved in our changing world. The town needs to grow and these things grow a town There is nothing to do in Wayland. There is an unsupervised gym at parkview. No trainers or professionals available. Can use track at schoolboring and kids are using for school stuff. There isn't anything to attract people to Wayland when you have high taxes, housing and utilities without any jobs and the ones that are available have low pay and very few benefits. These 3 that are marked are the three that Wayland is lacking in I believe, the rest are improving with stride.

Appendix A: Survey Results

Industrial is paving own way, smaller businesses need help to retain and expand them. More summer activities for youth. Not enough housing for growth in Wayland. It is hard for people to drive out of town for groceries, especially if you try to go only once a week in order to save on gas. It would be nice to see more local employers in Wayland. It would be nice to have a mini place for entertainment and events. Better housing opportunities might help the town grown. It would help the community grow and prosper. more jobs It would make the city look more attractive to people interested in moving here. Could some of the alleys be paved and maintained better? It would provide lots in town for new housing without trying to develop outlying areas and provide places for new citizens to move here Its pretty obvious whyLike to see grocery store in town, decrease taxes would help draw people to live here Looking for town growth Lower fees new development in both housing and businesses -Mainstreet Wayland is like a ghost town. We need more places of interest something to draw people there. -We need more housing that is desirable & affordable for people wanting to move here. More convenient, up economy, easier for seniors More industrial and commercial development would bring more people to live in and around Wayland thus bringing the school enrollment up. My road is bad. I have young children. A bike path would be great. Need more jobs, more housing, downtown improvements Other beneficial changes result in more local jobs and housing opportunities. Diversity from agriculture foundation would be good.

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Question 9: Please describe why these issues are important to you

These changes could increase Wayland's population or maybe tourists These things might keep/bring more people to Wayland They are important factors in a thriving, growing town and makes the city appealing to outsiders. This community is a great place to live. Friendly and caring community. Parkview a real asset - Great school To Allow the city to grow we need more jobs which is why the City should be trying to work with the employers around the community to help growth. Then this will bring new families to town making a need for housing. to bring life and activities back to our small community especially in the downtown area. other towns do it, why can't we? To bring more people to our community. To have more things in Wayland. So we wouldn't have to go out of town for them. To improve quality of life in Wayland To keep our community strong, safe; a place people want to raise their kids! To make town grow To see growth To see the town grow Wayland is a nice little town with nice friendly people, others should experience what we have. Promoting Wayland could bring others to the area. Wayland needs to be more then a bedroom community. Wayland needs to have retail opportunities...grocery store, barber shop,restaurants for family use. A furniture store would be nice. We have small children and would like to see the town grow in size some and keep our school. We need a grocery store in Wayland. We need available housing to promote school growth. Half of Winfield golf/swimming business probably comes from Wayland. We could support one in Wayland. Much needed. We need jobs to bring people to the community to help repopulate with children

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

We need to have something to offer new families. There are great people here and a wonderful town but no one knows it. We need to advertise and sell ourselves. Our industrial park is awesome...folks need to know. Our elementary school is outstanding but 7-12 needs some improvement. We also need a restaurant or a more modern convenience store. We need these things to sell why people would want to live here!! We need to make our town attractive so people and businesses will want to come. Also clean up some of the houses. When people move in to get people to know others, Game night would bring people together. With young families and also seniors in Wayland, a bike and pedestrian trail would be very useful to all. This could be created around the perimeter of the city of Wayland, accessible to many people. There are grants available for such projects! Without more jobs and businesses less people will want to live here, thus less tax dollars to improve the city Would be an asset for the town, keeping people in modest but nice, affordable homes; giving young and old alike routes to venture out and see what's going on

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Question 10: Do you have any additional comments?

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

This is a great community...we have great friends, a strong school, generous neighbors. I am glad there are people looking at how to make it better. Bring in more business...a grocery store, modern convenience store, restaurant, dollar store, SOMETHING for when you need something at 7 p.m. on a Saturday! This questionnaire is great! Thanks and I look forward to seeing the results published and hopefully some changes. This would help with numbers in our school Wayland Council and other leaders are doing a great job! Wayland is a Good Town We are in dire need of "Basics" in supplies to live, offered locally! Caseys would be a wonderful option!! (Grocery, Gas, food) We have a good small town but need to constantly work to improve it to draw people to the area. We have enjoyed Wayland, been here for 26+ years We need a store here in Wayland & another gas station work hard to revitalize our downtown area, make it a fun place to be!! WOuld like to see someone prosper in Wayland besides the Mayor - he seems to be the only benefactor to many decisions. Yes, dust control on road going to Cory Faimer and Russ Wagler homes!!!! All of East Wayland is affected by dust Yes, people think WACO will close in a few years- They are rushing it along by going to 4 day week to save money- gas etc. This wont help those little needing 5 days to study and be helped. Little kids cant walk to school on Friday for special help- folks work and the teachers won't be there anyways. 1st week of school (4days) - One substitute teacher worked 2 of those days, why are the teachers absent to a maximum??? and the students absence. Tell our crippled school board and superintendent to wake up and do their jobs. Our town is pathetic. -There are several run-down unoccupied houses that the city needs to buy & knock down & sell the lots. I can think of 3 in the east end of town for sure. -There are roads that need curbed & guttered. Cumming Street is a highly traveled road with the track & football field & it always gets overlooked. -We need a Casey's store or some type of quick shop/gas station.

Appendix A: Survey Results

#1 concern- Taxes! It doesn't pay to do any home improvement because the tax you will pay supersedes the benefit. Wayland should eliminate all property taxes and become more self sufficient on business taxes. This would make living in Wayland more admirable. Also-Help-Tax abatement-low interest loan- other ways for a modern gasQuick stop- grocery suppliers- for local residents Get some action going on getting rid of broken down houses Bike trails/sidewalks to school from East and North Wayland. Many times children are seen walking along busy highways and W55. a bike trail would be used by many Build it, they will move here. Comparing Wayland to other towns of this size, I think Wayland is in the top ten. Wayland needs a grocery and a restaurant- we are too close to Washington and Mt. Pleasant for it to be successful in my opinion. Other small towns have the same problem. We have a fine school- hew housing and our town is clean and neat - attractive Crack down on drug use and drug suppliers Do you have any additional comments? Encourage residents to keep their property attractive. From the alleys, some of the backs os some buildings on Main Street look bad. Get better law enforcement- We pay too much to have 1 police officer who doesn't do a damn thing around this city- Have the city council get off dead center. Get rid of him and hire someone to work nights and weekends like the criminals. We need better law enforcement! Help new businesses with grants and other monetary help How much will all this increase our taxes? Do we have a say? If so when? Why are we hiring somebody else to evaluate our situation? What is this evaluation costing us? Did the board of trustees say it was alright to do so? Who is paying for this? I also have a problem with how the engineers take care of drainage problems during wet weather. To drain off of streets and run it open through private property is not the answer. To have standing water does not help the resale of private property. Need to look at possible solutions, not avoidance. I believe with the 4+1 school day week we will have residential growth if some of our old homes are purchased by the city and gotten rid of and replaced with better.

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Question 10: Do you have any additional comments? I love living in Wayland! It's peaceful and pretty. Lots of good honest people I worked in Wayland for 30x years and when I retired there was no benefits I recieved. Just a broken down body from the heavy dirty jobs that were available. Improving downtown with businesses It would be nice to have a couple of restaurants in town that you could place an order. They would deliver. It would be nice to have more recreational opportunities It would be nice to rid the town of the hog smell. If you open a window to get fresh air then you back to do something then the hog smell comes in and so you shut the window. Job Growth Kids really yearn for some summer water fun. I realize we can't afford (probably) a pool, but what about some sprinklers & some wading pools. Kids & parents would go nuts over this! The Parkview residents would have fun watching & even sitting on an bench nearby getting a little closer to the action. Like small town living Need grocery store The mayor and the council have done a great job of keeping the town alive over the last several years, how houses are being built and the industrial park is full. a second industrial park is in the process of becoming a reality. Wayland is very much growing and alive. Our town really needs a nice family restaurant. Purchase the standard station and put something attractive in its place. Recreation and cultural opportunities create community as people learn to know one another. The city does a great job! Of course improvement is always necessary but lets not overlook the good things that have already been accomplished. The Mayor & others within the comments groups should be more about the businesses supporting this town than doing things to benefit people on the boards!!!! They are to be helping the City and its employers rather than Themselves. There are so many things that happen but they have to benefit #1.

THE WAYLAND PLAN: Community Vision to 2023

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