VILLAGE OF HORTONVILLE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Process
The Village of Hortonville’s Comprehensive Plan Update was completed in six phases, all of which involved provided opportunities for public involvement. The phases included Organization, Plan Kickoff Meeting and Visioning, Inventory/Analysis and Issue Identification, Plan/Goal Alternative Development, Plan Implementation, Plan Review, Public Hearing and Adoption.
Organization
During the onset of the project, a public participation plan was prepared to facilitate public knowledge and involvement in the Comprehensive Planning Update process. The plan was prepared in accordance with Section 66.1001(4)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes. The Public Participation Plan was adopted by the Village of Hortonville’s Board on April 4, 2013. A copy of the plan can be found on this website under public participation. Additionally organizational activities included the development of a project website and the appointment of three citizen 'ex-officio members to the Village’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
Plan Kickoff Meeting and Visioning
To officially kickoff the project a meeting was held with the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 26, 2013. At this meeting, a summary of the comprehensive planning requirements and process was outlined to plan commission members. The update of the Village of Hortonville’s Comprehensive Plan is being update per the requirements of Section 66.1001 of the Wisconsin State Statutes. This legislation provides a framework for unified land use planning in Wisconsin. Other items discussed with the Planning and Zoning Commission included the planning approach, intended outcomes, responsibilities of the Commission and a review of the Public Participation Plan. To increase community awareness, an article regarding the comprehensive plan update appeared in the Spring Issue of the Village Voice.
A large community-wide planning event was held on May 4, 2013 to evaluate a number of issue areas within the general framework of the comprehensive plan. At this event, a review of and summary of standard plan element inventories and conclusions, as well as a list of known issues and accomplishments from the current comprehensive plan were identified. The focus groups identified specific neighborhood improvements and changes that will be used to maintain or enhance the specific planning topic areas including: livability and quality of life, multi-modal transportation and mobility, recreation and health, housing and changing markets, community services, economic development, environmental qualities and function and adjacent developing areas.
Inventory/Analysis and Issue Identification
All factual information contained within the Village of Hortonville’s Comprehensive Plan adopted on August 2003 was updated to reflect current conditions. Background chapters containing updated demographic trends (population, household and employment forecasts, age distribution, and education and income levels), economic conditions (employment characteristics, labor force and economic base data), housing characteristics (age, structural, value and occupancy), inventory of the transportation system, utility and community facility infrastructure (sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water supply, waste disposal, parks, telecommunications, power generating plants and transmission lines, cemeteries, health and childcare, public safety, libraries, education and government facilities), agricultural, natural and cultural resources, land use and intergovernmental cooperation were developed and analyzed. Community leaders, Village Staff and the general public reviewed this information to ensure that the basis for the updated land use plan is current and well-connected to short and long-term trends and challenges.
Utilizing the Village’s existing Strategic Plan, information obtained from the Community & Neighborhood Visioning Workshop and an analysis of existing conditions, key issues were identified and prioritized. All information was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for input. Information was posted on the Village website.
Plan/Goal Alternative Development
Utilizing key issues, draft goals, strategies and recommendations and plan alternatives were developed. Each of these items has a different purpose in the planning process. Goals are broad, long range statements which describe a desired future condition. Strategies are statements which describe specific conditions which will help attain the stated goals. Recommendations can include new ordinances, amendments to existing ordinances, new programs or other tasks. Different plan alternatives were also developed during this stage. Information was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for input. Information was posted on the Village website.
Plan Implementation
This phase of the planning process establishes the tools necessary for implementation of the plan. Recommendations for regulatory techniques including zoning and an action plan with an accompanying timeline were developed to ensure that the intent of the plan is achieved. Information was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for input and posted on the Village website.
Plan Review, Public Hearing and Adoption.
The final phase of the planning process culminates with the adoption of the comprehensive plan update by the Village Board. A draft plan was available at numerous locations around the Village so that the community would have an opportunity to review and comment. A Class 1 (30 day) Public Notice was published in the local paper and a public hearing was held prior to adoption. The Planning and Zoning Commission met to recommend that the Village Board adopt the plan by ordinance. The Village Board adopted the plan on April 17, 2014.