SIKESTON - A final draft of the city's new comprehensive master plan is nearing completion and slated for presentation to the city council after seven months of examination and revision.
"Planning and zoning began in July, and its been our main topic since then," said Tom Bridger, public works director. "We have totally dissected it, taken it apart from chapter to chapter."
The plan was not quite ready for adoption by the city council as presented by Bucher, Willis and Ratliff of St. Louis, the firm contracted to draft it. "We had to make numerous corrections," said Bridger.
Doug Friend, city manager, said the firm's methods, which included visiting with residents and city staff, were effective. "Generally they did a pretty good job," said Friend. "Certain aspects of the comprehensive plan are right on target and accurately reflect the future developmental goals, trends and needs of this community. But there are some parts that lack clarity."
The plan as presented was often hard to follow in regards to zoning districts and current and proposed land use.
The existing 27-year-old plan is admittedly outdated, but the city's zone classifications were more recently revamped at which time the number of zone classifications were increased from a half-dozen to 14, according to Bridger. Zone classifications now include three types of commercial zones; seven residential zone classifications; light and heavy industrial zones; and transitional zones.
Sections of the plan that are standard for any city such as those dealing with streets appeared to be "cut and pasted" into the comprehensive plan without cleaning up details specific to Sikeston. "There was even mention of a 'Springfield Street' in it," said Bridger.
Other parts simply did not apply to Sikeston or were not useful and were cut. "We've been doing a lot internally to prepare it for presentation to council," said Friend, "It's had a lot of thought and input."
The comprehensive master plan's map is also being adjusted to fit the plan's descriptive text.
Officials said they are generally pleased with the plan and expect it to benefit the city. "There were a lot of good things in it," said Bridger. "A lot of good thoughts and ideas."
Changes to the plan before adoption were expected. "That's why you have public hearings, have the planning and zoning board and city staff massage this thing," said Friend. The important thing, he said, "is that we've got a good structure to allow for future growth and management."
Officials plan to have a final draft for review by the planning and zoning board this month. Upon their recommendation, the plan will be presented to council members, hopefully sometime in March. "And then we begin the adoption process," said Friend.
Even then, nothing will be "written in stone," Friend said.