Ozark officials address scattered growth

“We desperately need an update to our comprehensive plan,” said Ozark City Planner Steve Childers. “Due to all the growth we have seen, it has changed … the overall goals for the next 20 years.”

The city last adopted a comprehensive plan in 1993. That plan is outdated in many ways, Childers said. For example, the plan suggested that if the city annexed another 50 acres it would be good to go for the next 20 years.

“Let’s see,” Childers said with a laugh. “I think we’ve annexed 350 acres in the last three months.”

The plan also said the city has plenty of multifamily housing, a statement that is no longer accurate due to changes in the market, Childers said.

City officials want the new long-term plan to address land use.

Because Ozark is “scattered out,” said Childers, it has been difficult to know how to put available land to best use.

“We need to also identify our key commercial corridor and areas where we know we can generate sales tax, and that’s what that needs to be set aside for,” he added.

Childers said the city has had issues in the past because of a lack of a comprehensive, updated plan. For example, a key piece of property was rezoned for multifamily use, causing the city to miss out on added sales tax revenue, Childers said. Adding commercial sales tax dollars is the only way to support growing residential subdivisions, Childers said.

Other issues that will be addressed in the plan are transportation, preserving space for parks, natural resources and zoning.

The city’s request for proposals deadline is Aug. 31 for consulting firms interested in forming a new comprehensive plan for Ozark.

Childers said he has heard from several firms in Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis that are interested in submitting a bid for the new plan. The deadline is Aug. 31.

Olsson Associates, a consulting firm that opened a Springfield office in November 2005 is among the interested parties.

Olsson Associates is eager to bid for several reasons, said Mike McKenna, a client manager. One reason is that Stacy Gordon, assistant planner with Olsson Associates, and Kevin Lowe, another client manager, have each worked with the city of Ozark at former places of employment which helps the staff have a good understanding of the needs of the city.

Ozark’s Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposals in September and narrow the applicants to three. Following interviews, the commission will choose a consultant in October. Childers estimated that the cost of the project could range anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

Interested parties can contact Childers at (417) 581-2407.

Ozark to get community center

Ozark voters approved a K-cent sales tax Aug. 8 that will fund the construction of a community center in the city.

The tax will be in effect for 20 years and will cover the costs of the community center and indoor aquatic center as well as drainage for the project. The tax will then be cut back to V-cent to cover the cost of operation.

Ozark Mayor Donna McQuay said she is excited about the project and believes it will provide an excellent amenity to Ozark residents of all ages.

“Times are difficult so it was kind of a scary move,” McQuay said of the vote. “I’ll tell you, this community just overwhelms me. They said they wanted it, but my concern was whether they were willing to help pay for it in another manner.”

McQuay estimated that 35 percent of the funds brought in by the tax will come from people who live outside the area. [[In-content Ad]]