Introduction
Infrastructure plays a vital role in the community, as it
determines where development can safely and feasibly take place. This
section will seek to improve Mitchell's infrastructure system by focusing on
water and sewer capabilities as well as alternative methods to water
conservation. In addition, increasing the walkability and safety of
the city through sidewalk improvements and curb additions will be a focus.
The following are the overriding recommendations in this
section:
- Develop an updated Capital Improvements Plan.
- Allow only those new developments that do not
overstrain the water and sewer system.
- Based on the Capital Improvements Plan and anticipated
growth patterns, develop new facilities and infrastructure that guide
growth into desired areas.
- Support programs which educate the public on
demand-side management techniques.
- Develop a non-vehicular transportation improvement
plan.
When considering water conservation methods, the city can
focus on either supply side
Development
When considering targeting development to desired areas, two options
exist. Development can either be allowed only where current
infrastructure can support it, or development can be focused into areas
which the city is planning to expand with the development.
Goal
Focus development into areas best suited with supportive
infrastructure.
Recommendations
- Develop an updated Capital Improvements Plan.
- Require new developments to submit proposals which
should be assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the Capital
Improvements Plan.
- Allow only those new developments which do not
overstrain the current water and sewer systems,
or allow developments that
fit the planned areas of infrastructure growth.
Water Conservation
When considering water conservation methods, the city can
focus on either supply-side or demand-side management techniques.
Goal
Encourage the use of water conservation methods in
Mitchell.
Recommendations
- Develop an updated Capital Improvements Plan.
- Develop community awareness programs focused on water
conservation.
- Consider city-wide demand-side management alternatives
such as low flush toilets, water audits, capacity buybacks, etc.
- Consider alternative supply-side management techniques
such as a constructed wetland instead of a new traditional facility to
handle additional capacity needs.
Water and Sewer Capacity
Plans to expand the current water and sewer systems can take either a
traditional form, or an alternative plan is to build a constructed wetland.
Goal
Develop a plan to expand the current water and sewer
systems.
Recommendations
- Develop an updated Capital Improvements Plan.
- Require new developments to submit proposals which
should be assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the Capital
Improvements Plan.
- Encourage developments which are located in areas
where the current water and sewer infrastructure system can meet their
needs.
- Expand infrastructure, according to the Capital
Improvements Plan, as needed by new developments and industry.
Sidewalks and Curbs
Streets and sidewalks can be improved using safety as an indicator, or
the city can focus on creating a more walkable city.
Goal
Improve the quality of pedestrian circulation by continuing the
installation and improvement of sidewalks and curbs.
Recommendations
- Evaluate Mitchell's condition of sidewalks and curbs and its current
replacement pattern.
- Begin replacing sidewalks and curbs where safety is a concern
- Adopt a non-vehicular transportation improvement plan that allows
the building and maintenance of new sidewalks
- Develop an on-going fund-raiser to meet the improvements needs of
the non-vehicular transportation improvement plan.
- Continue improvements as needed and as called for in the plan.
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