Kimball, Nebraska Kimball, Nebraska Comprehensive PlanningComprehensive Program – 2016Planning-2026. Program - 2024.
(Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – HousingNebraska Study Investment Grant Program) Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
JANUARY, 2016
KIMBALL, NEBRASKA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – 2016-2026.
MAYOR
Keith Prunty
CITY ADMINISTRATOR CITY CLERK Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez Rosemarie Russell
KIMBALL CITY COUNCIL John Morrison, President James Schnell Christy Warner James Shields
CITY OF KIMBALL PLANNING COMMISSION Mark Brown Penny Merryfield Bob Culek Brian Williams Assunta Calise
KIMBALL CITY ATTORNEY Kent Hadenfeldt
The Comprehensive Plan was funded by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, with matching funds from the City of Kimball. The Comprehensive Plan was completed with the guidance and direction of the Kimball Planning Commission.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANS & ZONING * HOUSING STUDIES * DOWNTOWN, NEIGHBORHOOD & REDEVELOPMENT PLANNING * CONSULTANTS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS* ------*Lincoln, Nebraska* 402.464.5383 * ------*Becky Hanna, Tim Keelan, Lonnie Dickson, AICP, Keith Carl*
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARTICIPANTS ...... i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... ii
LIST OF TABLES ...... v
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ...... vi
SECTION TITLE PAGE
SECTION 1 THE KIMBALL PLANNING PROCESS ...... 1.1
- Introduction ...... 1.1 - Planning Period ...... 1.1 - Planning Jurisdiction ...... 1.1 - Authority to Plan ...... 1.1 - Community Summary ...... 1.2 - Responsible Growth And Development ...... 1.2 - The Plan as a Community & Economic Development Tool ...... 1.3 - Organization of the Plan ...... 1.4 -Element 1 ...... 1.5 -Element 2 ...... 1.5 -Element 3 ...... 1.5 - Kimball Planning Commission ...... 1.5 - Kimball Planning Listening Session ...... 1.7 - Kimball Citizen Survey ...... 1.9
SECTION 2 COMMUNITY PLANNING GOALS & ACTION STEPS .... 2.1
- Introduction ...... 2.1 - Community Growth, Land Use & Zoning ...... 2.3 - Housing & Neighborhood Redevelopment...... 2.9 - Education & Community/Economic Development ...... 2.13 - Public Facilities/Utilities, Energy & Transportation ...... 2.18
SECTION 3 POPULATION, INCOME & ECONOMIC PROFILE ...... 3.1
- Introduction ...... 3.1 - General Population Trends And Projection ...... 3.2 - Income Trends And Projections ...... 3.6 - Employment/Economic Trends And Projections ...... 3.11
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
SECTION TITLE PAGE
SECTION 4 LAND USE, GROWTH & REDEVELOPMENT ...... 4.1 - Introduction ...... 4.1 - Proper Land Use Practices ...... 4.1 - Identification of Future Growth Areas ...... 4.2 - Location ...... 4.2 - Historical Development ...... 4.3 - The Natural Environment ...... 4.3 - Soil Associations ...... 4.3 - Watersheds...... 4.7 - Wellhead Protection Program ...... 4.7 - Climate ...... 4.8 - Land Use Analysis ...... 4.9 - Existing Land Use Profile ...... 4.9 - The Built Environment ...... 4.9 - Parks/Recreational ...... 4.10 - Public/Quasi-Public ...... 4.10 - Residential ...... 4.10 - Commercial ...... 4.13 - Industrial ...... 4.13 - Future Land Use ...... 4.14 - Infill Developments ...... 4.14 - Parks And Recreation ...... 4.15 - Public/Quasi-Public ...... 4.15 - Residential Areas ...... 4.15 - Commercial ...... 4.19 - Industrial ...... 4.19 - Intensive Agricultural Uses ...... 4.20 - Land Use Plan/Implementation ...... 4.20 - Annexation Policy ...... 4.21 - Community Image & Preservation of Attributes ...... 4.23
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
SECTION TITLE PAGE
SECTION 5 PUBLIC FACILITIES, UTILITIES & TRANSPORTATION ...... 5.1
- Introduction ...... 5.1 - Schools/Education ...... 5.3 - Parks/Recreation ...... 5.7 - Health, Wellness & Elderly Services ...... 5.9 - Public Safety & Government ...... 5.11 - Public Utilities ...... 5.14 - Water System ...... 5.14 - Sanitary Sewer System ...... 5.15 - Transportation ...... 5.15 - Existing Transportation System ...... 5.15 - Traffic Volume ...... 5.15 - Road Classifications ...... 5.17
SECTION 6 ENERGY ELEMENT ...... 6.1
- Introduction ...... 6.1 - Public Power Distribution ...... 6.1 - “Net Metering” ...... 6.2 - Electrical Energy Consumption ...... 6.3 - State-Wide Trends in Energy Consumption ...... 6.6 - Nebraska Energy Consumption By Sector ...... 6.7 - Energy Conservation Policies ...... 6.7
APPENDIX I KIMBALL ONE- AND SIX-YEAR STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
APPENDIX II KIMBALL CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. iv
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE TITLE PAGE
3.1 Population Trends & Projections ...... 3.2
3.2 Race & Hispanic Origin ...... 3.3
3.3 Population Age Distribution ...... 3.4
3.4 Specific Household Characteristics ...... 3.5
3.5 Household Income By Age Group ...... 3.7
3.6 Per Capita Income ...... 3.8
3.7 Estimated Owner Households By Income Cost Burdened With Housing Problems ...... 3.9
3.8 Estimated Renter Households By Income Cost Burdened With Housing Problems ...... 3.10
3.9 Employment Data Trends And Projections ...... 3.12
3.10 Workforce Employment By Type ...... 3.13
4.1 History of Population ...... 4.3
4.2 Existing & Future Land Use Capacity Matrix ...... 4.9
6.1 Electric Consumption Statistics Annual Reports ...... 6.4
6.2 Electric Revenue Statistics Annual Reports ...... 6.4
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. v
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
ILLUSTRATION TITLE PAGE
2.1 Future Land Use Map Corporate Limits - 2026 ...... 2.6
2.3 Future Land Use Map One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction - 2026 ...... 2.7
4.1 General Soil Associations Map - 2016 ...... 4.4
4.2 Lodgepole Creek Valley ...... 4.6
4.3 Existing Land Use Map Corporate Limits - 2016 ...... 4.11
4.4 Existing Land Use Map One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction - 2016 ...... 4.12
4.5 Future Land Use Map Corporate Limits - 2026 ...... 4.16
4.6 Future Land Use Map One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction - 2026 ...... 4.17
5.1 Public Facilities Map - 2016 ...... 5.2
5.2 Annual Average 24-Hous Traffic ...... 5.16
6.1 Electric Consumption Statistics Annual Reports ...... 6.4
6.2 Electric Revenue Statistics Annual Reports ...... 6.4
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. vi
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 1
The Kimball
Planning Process.
SECTION 1 THE KIMBALL PLANNING PROCESS.
INTRODUCTION.
This Kimball, Nebraska Comprehensive Plan was prepared as a tool to assist in planning for future stability and development in the City and the respective One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction. The Comprehensive Plan contains information about existing conditions within the City, including population, economic, land use, public facilities, utilities and transportation.
The Kimball planning process included the development of a general plan, which establishes specific and practical guidelines for improving existing conditions and controlling future growth. The Comprehensive Plan presents “Goals” and “Action Steps” in the areas of Community Growth, Land Use & Zoning; Housing & Neighborhood Redevelopment, Transportation Systems, Education & Economic/Community Development and Public Facilities, Utilities & Transportation.
The Comprehensive Plan was prepared under the direction of the Kimball Planning Commission and the City of Kimball Economic Development department, with the assistance of the City Council, City Staff and Planning Consultants Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C. of Lincoln, Nebraska. The Comprehensive Plan was funded by a Housing Study Grant through the NEBRASKA INVESTMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY, with matching funds provided by the City of Kimball.
PLANNING PERIOD
The Planning Period for achieving the goals, programs and community and economic development activities identified in this Comprehensive Plan is 10 Years. This approach allows the Community of Kimball to focus on a long-term vision, accomplished by means of implementing specific activities to address the social and economic well-being of its citizens.
PLANNING JURISDICTION
The City of Kimball Planning Jurisdiction includes the land areas within the Corporate Limits and the area within one mile of the City. The City enforces planning, zoning and subdivision regulations within the One-mile limit, in accordance with Nebraska State Statutes.
AUTHORITY TO PLAN
This Comprehensive Plan for the City of Kimball is prepared under the Authority of Section 19-924 to 929, Nebraska State Statutes 1943, as Amended.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.1
COMMUNITY SUMMARY
The City of Kimball, the largest Community in Kimball County, is located in the Panhandle of Nebraska, approximately 40 miles west of Sidney, Nebraska and approximately 45 miles south of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The City is serviced by County Highway 41 (also known as South Chestnut Street and “Old Highway 71”) and U.S. Highway 30, as well as Union Pacific Railroad and the Kimball Municipal Airport. Kimball is also serviced by the Nebraska Highway 71 Corridor, a multi-lane expressway that bypasses Kimball to the east; and the Interstate 80 Corridor, located south of the Community. Currently (2016), an estimated 2,420 persons reside in Kimball.
The City is in a position to determine the community and economic development enhancements most needed and desired to better serve persons and families interested in small town living. The Community of Kimball offers a variety of amenities including a public school system, restaurants, governmental services, grocery and convenience stores, senior center, hospital, etc.
Downtown Kimball is located between the Highway 30 Corridor and Union Pacific Railroad Corridor in the north central portion of the Community. Downtown consists mostly of professional offices, specialty stores, banks, restaurants and City offices.
Major employers in Kimball include Kimball Public Schools and Kimball Health Systems. The Community has the unique advantage of being located in close proximity to the Interstate 80 Corridor, as well as the Communities of Sidney and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, allowing for expanded access to nearby amenities.
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Kimball Comprehensive Planning Process promotes responsible growth and sustainability of Community services and values. This includes an understanding of the growth potential within the existing built environs of Kimball, as well as the support for preserving the agricultural and natural resources associated with the City. Undeveloped areas within the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction of Kimball will be assigned land uses and zoning classifications capable of preserving the integrity of these areas, while providing for controlled, well planned growth throughout the 10-year planning period.
Responsible growth and development activities will include the ongoing planning and implementation of needed public facilities, utilities and transportation systems in Kimball. The Community is cognizant of its commercial, industrial, social and recreational needs, but will need to continue to upgrade and develop modern, accessible public facilities and infrastructure to meet an increasing demand for these services.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.2
THE PLAN AS A COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL.
The Kimball Comprehensive Plan has been designed to enhance both community and economic development efforts, to promote the stability of the local economy. To accomplish this, local leaders will need to react to changing economic conditions and access both public and private financing programs available to meet and aid in financing these changes. Local decisions will need to enhance community and economic development opportunities, as well as preserve local values. The Community’s ability to utilize both Tax Increment Financing and LB840 sales tax for economic development will play an important role in growth opportunities for Kimball. Citizen input will be needed to assist and enhance this political decision making process.
The City of Kimball has an Economic Development Department and a Community Development Agency to serve as a vehicle to plan and implement residential, commercial, and industrial redevelopment activities in the City. The City of Kimball has one designated “Redevelopment Area,” which includes the ShopKo department store in southern Kimball. Additional Redevelopment Areas should be designated to provide public infrastructure improvements for both existing and future residential neighborhoods in Kimball.
The Future Land Use Maps for the City of Kimball included in this Comprehensive Plan encourages growth and expansion of the City during the 10-year planning period. The City must improve and enhance the older sections of Kimball, including the Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The City should establish incentives for public and private partnerships for redevelopment to coincide with community growth and expansion. Incentives such as LB840 sales tax, Tax Increment Financing, Historic Tax Credits, Community Development Block Grants and a variety of housing and economic development funding sources, coupled with private financing, should be utilized by the Community to achieve the goals contained within this Comprehensive Plan.
Providing safe, modern and affordable housing in Kimball, during the next 10 years, will ensure a population base capable of supporting various important businesses and services in the Community.
Under the direction of the City of Kimball Planning Commission, a new Community Housing Study was also completed in 2016. The Study includes a 10-Year Housing Action Plan, complete with a list of specific housing programs for both the construction of new housing and the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock. The Housing Study encourages the development of additional housing in the City’s Central Business District.
Housing development and rehabilitation activities in Kimball, coupled with new housing opportunities for both elderly and young families, should be an ongoing process. The City should support housing improvement and development efforts as a means of both expanding the population and local tax base.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.3
ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN.
The creation of the Kimball Comprehensive Plan included the implementation of both qualitative and quantitative research activities, in an effort to gather pertinent planning information and data. The qualitative approach included a comprehensive citizen participation process consisting of meetings with the Kimball Planning Commission and the implementation of a Citizen Survey in an effort to assess the needs and wants of residents.
The quantitative approach included the analysis of the various components of the Comprehensive Plan utilizing numerous statistical data bases provided by the 2000 and 2010 Censuses, the 2008-2012 American Community Survey and information from other pertinent Local, State and Federal Agencies.
The quantitative approach also included on-site field research activities to determine the present condition and profiles of local land use, housing, public infrastructure and facilities, transportation and environmental issues.
Combining the results of these two important research approaches produced this Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan includes the following Sections:
The Kimball Planning Process. Community Planning Goals & Action Steps. Population, Income & Economic Profile. Land Use, Growth & Redevelopment. Public Facilities, Utilities & Transportation. Energy Element.
The system embodied in this community planning framework is a process that relies upon continuous feedback, as goals change and policies become more clearly defined. Planning is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and revision throughout the proposed planning period.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.4
This Comprehensive Plan is organized into three elements as summarized below.
ELEMENT 1
The first element of the Comprehensive Plan is the Goals and Action Steps. The Goals and Action Steps represent the foundation for which planning components are designed and eventually implemented. The Goals and Action Steps identified in this Comprehensive Plan address each component of the Plan itself. Action Steps identify specific activities the Community should undertake to accomplish the Goals.
ELEMENT 2
The second element is the Background Analysis, which presents the research, both, quantitative and qualitative, necessary for the development of the Plan’s Goals and Action Steps. This research included the investigation of demographic, economic, land use, housing, transportation and public facilities and utilities in Kimball. The careful research of past and present data allowed for the projection of future population and development needs.
ELEMENT 3
The third and final element of the Comprehensive Plan are the Planning Components, which presents general background analysis and future plans for land use, public facilities, infrastructure, transportation and energy consumption reduction.
KIMBALL PLANNING COMMISSION. The Kimball Planning Commission provided invaluable information on what activities need to take place in the Community in order to create a vibrant, sustainable quality of life for all residents.
Identification of “Key Issues” related to existing land use and Community Development.
x There is a lack of vacant available housing to purchase and to rent in the City. This is resulting in area businesses having difficulty hiring new employees.
x The City has a lack of vacant lots to support the need for new housing development.
x The new houses that have been constructed in the last five to 10 years have ranged in the $150,000 to $200,000 price range.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.5
x Existing housing that is in good condition sells by “word of mouth” before it is listed in the newspaper. x Within the last two years, there is typically only four to five houses for sale on a weekly basis. x Apartments to rent are generally not available. When a unit is available for rent, they generally range between $600 and $800 per month. x Affordable housing for the local workforce, both to purchase and to rent, is the number one priority for the City of Kimball. x Downtown commercial buildings have not been maintained to building code standards. This prevents new commercial businesses from locating in these buildings. x Several vacant storefronts exist where the former business owners retired, no one purchased the business, so the Community has lost the businesses and ended up with vacant storefronts. x Vacant lands along the Highway 71 corridor, east of the City should be considered for future industrial development. x Commercial development should be more aggressively marketed at both Interstate 80 interchanges. x The City of Kimball is challenged to maintain and upgrade many sections of water and sewer mains throughout the Community. x Several areas have dead end water mains that need to be “looped” or connected to other mains to improve water pressure. x Zoning and Subdivision Regulations need to be updated.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.6
KIMBALL PLANNING LISTENING SESSION.
The Community Citizen Participation Program included a Community Planning “Listening Session” at the Kimball Event Center. Attendees provided input on local planning and development issues and offered solutions to alleviate weaknesses or threats to the quality of life in Kimball. The following highlights the priority Community issues or needs for the City of Kimball, as expressed by those in attendance.
Additional housing types that are needed in the City of Kimball include:
x Upper-Income Housing should be planned at the golf course environs in the southeast part of town.
x New housing should focus on additional housing types for retirees, similar to the housing available at Park Terrace. Affordable income based housing for retirees.
x Housing funding needs to address all income categories and family types.
x Kimball needs to develop additional Workforce Housing to expand the population base of the Community and provide housing attractive to the employees that work in Kimball, but live in another town.
x Housing is needed in all regional communities, young couples with children are attracted to the public schools in Kimball, but larger three and four bedroom houses are difficult to find. They potentially could live in Kimball and commute as far away as Sidney, Cheyenne and Scottsbluff.
x First-Time home buyers today want “turn-key” housing that is modern, fitted with all the finishes and appliances they want. New home buyers are no longer attracted to “affordable fixer-uppers.”
Identify the top three assets about Kimball, Nebraska:
1. Location – is reasonably close to Cheyenne, Denver, Sidney and Scottsbluff.
2. Family Values.
3. School System is viewed as one of the best in western Nebraska.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.7
To take advantage of these assets, the City of Kimball needs to:
A. Retain high school graduates that do not go to college and bring back those that go to college after they graduate.
B. Develop higher paying jobs in Kimball and/or expand affordable workforce housing so that these younger families with children could live in Kimball and potentially commute to jobs in the other regional communities.
C. Retain the businesses in Kimball and attract new businesses to diversify the local retail market. This will provide more opportunities for Kimball residents to choose to shop first in Kimball and spend their money locally.
Identify the three biggest challenges facing Kimball:
1. Negative attitudes.
2. Lack of youth activities available for local children.
3. The fear of “CHANGE.” The Community needs to embrace change, but control and direct it to the desired outcomes for the City.
Local residents, organizations and the City need to work together to address these challenges.
A. So much needs to be addressed that it’s hard to know where to begin
B. Remove dilapidated housing and replace with new housing, address improvement needs that would have a big “Wow” factor and encourage more improvements to be completed.
C. Effort needs to result in increased pride of the City of Kimball.
D. Expand efforts to market the good assets of the Community.
E. Expand recreational opportunities in the City.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.8
KIMBALL CITIZEN SURVEY.
Residents of Kimball participated in a Citizen Survey, available at strategic Community locations and on social media websites, to voice their opinion on what is needed in the Community. A total of 184 Surveys were completed and returned. Participants provided invaluable input towards the future of the City. The following summarizes the results of the Survey. Complete results are available in the Appendix of this Comprehensive Plan.
x 123 participants, or 66.8 percent of the total 184 participants, recommend Kimball Public Schools to parents, while 71.2 percent of participants feel there are sufficient, safe routes to school for children. Recommended improvements include street crossings, traffic congestion reduction and improvements to sidewalks.
x Churches, pharmacy, fire protection, the wellness/fitness center and banks were identified as the top five quality community services.
x Transportation items needing to be addressed included school traffic circulation, improved truck routes and pedestrian/trails connections.
x Participants would like to see the appearance and sustainability of Kimball be improved with street & pedestrian lighting, special sales and events, welcome banners, street trees, benches and landscaping, restoration and preservation of historic buildings, gateway entrance signage and design guidelines for building facades.
x Kimball should encourage new commercial and entertainment facilities to locate in the Downtown.
x Participants expressed support in actively enforcing City ordinances regarding parking, junk vehicles and property maintenance.
x 60 participants rated the condition of their home as “Excellent,” while an additional 33 participants rated their home as being in “Fair” or “Poor” condition. Participants living in homes needing minor or major repairs identified foundation issues and cosmetic improvements as major issues with their housing unit.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.9
x Participants identified the following housing types as “Greatly Needed” in the City of Kimball:
¾ Housing for Lower- and Middle-Income Families. ¾ Housing for Existing/New Employees. ¾ Housing for Single Parent Families. ¾ Single family owner and general rental housing, consisting of three+- bedrooms. ¾ Rehabilitation of Owner- and Renter-Occupied Housing. ¾ Housing Choices for First-Time Homebuyers. ¾ Housing for Low-Income Elderly Persons. x 65 percent of Survey respondents favored the City of Kimball using State or Federal grant funds to conduct an owner housing rehabilitation program. x 55 percent of the Survey respondents supported the City of Kimball using State or Federal grant funds to conduct a rental housing rehabilitation program. x 68 percent of the Survey respondents favored the City of Kimball establishing a local program that would purchase dilapidated houses, tear down the houses and make the lots available for a family or individual to build a house. x 72 percent of the Survey respondents supported the City of Kimball using grant dollars to purchase, rehabilitate and resell vacant housing in the Community. x 65 percent of the Survey respondents favored the City of Kimball using State or Federal grant dollars to provide down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. x A total of 120 participants identified eastern Kimball as being the most ideal location for future residential growth and development.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 1.10
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 2
Planning Goals &
Action Steps.
SECTION 2 COMMUNITY PLANNING GOALS & ACTION STEPS.
INTRODUCTION.
The Kimball Comprehensive Plan is an essential and most appropriate tool to properly guide the development of the City. The Community Planning Goals and Action Steps, an important aspect of the Plan, provides local leaders direction in the administration and overall implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. In essence, the goals and action steps are the most fundamental elements of the Plan; the premises upon which all other elements of the Plan must relate.
Goals are broad statements, identifying the state or condition the citizenry wishes the primary components of the planning area to be or evolve into within a given length of time. These primary components include Community Growth & Land Use/Zoning; Housing & Neighborhood Redevelopment, Education & Economic/Community Development and Public Facilities/ Utilities, Energy & Transportation. “Goals” are also long-term in nature and, in the case of those identified for the Kimball Comprehensive Plan, will be active throughout the 10-year planning period.
“Action Steps” help to further define the meaning of goals and represent very specific activities to accomplish a particular Goal. In many cases, specific time lines are attached to Action Steps and are the most measurable component of this Comprehensive Plan.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.1
The following “General Community Goals” were identified by the City of Kimball Staff and Administration, as well as the Planning Commission. The Goals and Action Steps of this Comprehensive Plan will specifically address how these goals can be achieved.
x Affordable Housing Development: Affordable housing for workforce populations and the elderly, including both owner and rental housing, is highly needed in Kimball, for persons and families of all incomes.
x Annexation Procedures: The City strives to expand the amount of land suitable for development through the proper annexation of land into the Community Corporate Limits for development of housing, businesses and industries.
x Code Enforcement: City wants to maintain a system of consistent enforcement of zoning and development regulations on properties, including local nuisance and building codes.
x Housing for “Spillover” Population: Surrounding Communities are experiencing issues with housing development that is not keeping up with demand. The City of Kimball needs to encourage the development of new housing for persons and families to support the regional housing demand.
x Industrial Expansion: The City has an interest in vacant land east of Kimball, along the Highway 71 bypass, for industrial uses.
x Commercial Development: Vacant land along the Interstate 80 corridor, at the City’s Highway 71 (south) interchange, has been subdivided to attract commercial development.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.2
COMMUNITY GROWTH, LAND USE & ZONING.
Goal 1: Population Growth Activities. The City of Kimball population is projected to remain stable for the next 10 years at an estimated 2,400. The “medium” population projection, would put the population at 2,407. The Community has the potential to reach a “high” population projection of 2,441 within the next 10 years, an increase of 22 persons. This population increase needs to be correlated with land availability and suitability for all types of developments. x Action Step 1: Meet the projected population growth and land use needs by maximizing development in existing land areas served by municipal infrastructure, including the development/infill of vacant parcels within the Corporate Limits of Kimball. Approximately 283 acres of vacant land exists within the Corporate Limits of the City of Kimball. An estimated 75 percent of this vacant land is developable. Approximately 57 acres of vacant lands are impacted by limited accessibility and other areas are located within lands that are prone to occasional flooding from the Lodgepole Creek and the Kimball Canal. x Action Step 2: Designate a minimum of 20 acres of land to support future residential development. The City has a current shortage of land areas designated for both owner and rental housing. Future residential growth areas are recommended to be concentrated to the east, south and southwestern portions of the Community, as identified on the Future Land Use Maps, Illustrations 2.1 and 2.2, pages 2.6 and 2.7. The Land Use Plan includes:
¾ Eastern Growth Areas are intended for infill housing development on large vacant tracts of land generally between the intersection of Sixth and Jefferson Streets, extending to the east/southeast and connecting to the Four Winds Golf Course. Multifamily residential uses are planned adjacent the Highway L53E Spur and along the southern boundary of the planned industrial area to the northwest of the Four Winds Golf Course. These areas will be ideally suited for residential expansion for its proximity to the eastern Interstate 80 interchange with Highway 71 and the recreational facilities within and near the Golf Course.
The highest number of Survey responses, 70, or 38 percent of the 184 total respondents, identified the eastern portions of Kimball as the most favorable location for future residential growth.
¾ Southern Growth Areas extend from the southern Corporate Limits of the City, generally along the Kimball Canal to the south providing for concentric growth that ties into the Eastern Growth Area. This area would support a variety of moderate- to upper income housing types including single family dwellings, duplex, patio homes and three- and four-unit town homes and potentially, retirement housing including, both, assisted and independent living facilities.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.3
¾ Southwestern Growth Areas are identified beyond the Corporate Limits, generally providing infill housing development opportunities in a variety of areas between incorporated areas, while allowing for growth beyond the Kimball Canal. The presence of industrial and commercial land uses to the north, along the south side of Highway 30, limits the viability of residential uses to the west of the Community. Single family residential uses are recommended throughout this growth area. x Action Step 3: Continue the development of Commercial and Industrial Land in Kimball. An analysis of existing land uses in Kimball, indicates that the City has ample amounts of both land use types. However, the rehabilitation of many commercial and industrial buildings is highly recommended. Some commercial and industrial buildings were found to be either underutilized or vacant and abandoned.
Efforts through 2026 are recommended to be concentrated within the Downtown and along the Highway 30 (Third Street) Corridor to adaptively reuse these existing buildings for new commercial and industrial uses. The location of future highway-oriented commercial uses is recommended along the Highway 30 Corridor through the City. Future business services and specialty retail outlets are recommended to remain in Downtown Kimball. Light industrial uses and manufacturing companies should be located in designated industrial zoned areas, primarily, adjacent the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor and the area planned for industrial uses between the Highway 30 and 71 corridors near the eastern Interstate 80 interchange.
x Action Step 4: Expand existing and identify new areas for Parks, Open Space and Public/Quasi-Public Land in Kimball. By National Planning Standards, the City meets the recommended amount of lands occupied by public/quasi-public facilities. These same standards, however, indicate that Kimball would need to designate an additional 10 acres of park land.
Lands areas adjacent the Kimball Canal would be ideal to accommodate an expanded hiking and biking trail system. The trail could extend to the east, connecting to the Four Winds Golf Course. A new Community Park, with provisions for soccer, baseball, softball should also be considered for the southwest growth area to provide recreational opportunities to the west side of the Community.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.4
Goal 2 – Land Use Plan. Adopt and maintain a Land Use Plan capable of fulfilling the residential, employment, recreational and entertainment needs of the Community of Kimball. The Plan should encourage the preservation and protection of environmental resources while supporting development in the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction of Kimball. x Action Step 1: Develop solutions to correct development barriers in Kimball, including the prohibition of intensive agricultural uses, such as feedlot operations, from developing or expanding within the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction. x Action Step 2: Promote residential, commercial and industrial growth areas that are located beyond flood prone and sensitive soil areas. x Action Step 3: All future, major developments in Kimball should be accompanied with a modern utility and infrastructure system of public and/or private utilities and a storm water drainage plan.
Goal 3: Ordinances and Regulations. Maintain proper land use development ordinances and regulations in Kimball. Utilize the City Zoning and Subdivision Regulations to implement the development provisions in the Land Use Plan. x Action Step 1: Adopt revised zoning and subdivision regulations and maintain appropriate building codes, which support the efficient implementation of the Land Use Plan. Establish new provisions within these regulations and codes that support mixed land use developments and promote sustainable development principles, smart growth and green building practices. Subdivision requirements should include modern infrastructure standards and the incorporation of storm water management systems. x Action Step 2: Utilize both voluntary and involuntary annexation policies in conformance with Nebraska State Statutes. These policies should serve as a guide to integrate residential and commercial growth areas adjacent the current Corporate Limits of the City of Kimball. Future development should be encouraged to locate in areas free of environmental problems related to ground and surface water features, soil and topographic slope. x Action Step 3: Enforce modern construction and property standards by including the International Building Code and Uniform Housing Code with the City’s current municipal codes. Such action will ensure that the residents of the City of Kimball can live and work safely in structures that are built and maintained to modern safety standards.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.5
FUTURE LAND USE MAP CORPORATE LIMITS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2026
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 2.1
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.6
FUTURE LAND USE MAP ONE-MILE PLANNING JURISDICTION KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2026
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 2.2
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.7
Goal 4: Appearance and Sustainability. Continue to implement Community improvement projects that enhance the quality of life and aesthetic appearance of the City of Kimball. x Action Step 1: Incorporate beautification projects that improve the appearance of Kimball. Target areas should include, but not be limited to, the Downtown, highway corridors, City parks and historically significant residential neighborhoods. Citizen Survey participants agreed with improving the appearance of the Community through improved street and pedestrian lighting, special sales, events and welcome banners; street trees, public benches, landscaping, building restoration/preservation, gateway entrance signage and the incorporation of design guidelines for facades, awnings and other building accessories. x Action Step 2: Create a sustainable, healthy Community for residents currently living in, or families planning to move to Kimball. Citizen Survey participants strongly agreed with improvements to streets, sidewalks and alleys, along with business retention/recruitment/expansion programs, vacant building marketing and the use of alternative energy sources as methods to improve the sustainability of the Community. Local churches, pharmacy, fire protection, wellness/fitness center and local banks were identified as high-quality community services/facilities in Kimball.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.8
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REDEVELOPMENT.
Goal 1: Community Housing Initiative. The City of Kimball should implement a Housing Initiative as a primary economic development activity. This Housing Initiative should include the development of up to 68 new housing units by 2026, including an estimated 32 owner housing units and 36 new rental units. This Housing Initiative would provide current and future residents of the Community with access to a variety of safe, decent and affordable housing types for families/individuals of all ages, household sizes and incomes. x Action Step 1: Support the efforts of Kimball Economic Development and the Kimball Housing Authority to encourage and monitor housing development. The City of Kimball should continue to work directly with both public and private sectors to encourage the development of specific housing programs to meet the needs of the Community’s current and future residents, with emphasis on housing for young families, the local workforce, retirees and special populations. By 2026, the City of Kimball will need to develop up to 20 owner units and 18 rental housing units for households, age 18 to 54 years, and 12 owner and 18 rental units for elderly households, 55+ years of age.
The City of Kimball has established memberships and/or working relationships with regional economic and housing development organizations such as Panhandle Area Development District, Western Nebraska Economic Development Group and Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. The programs provided by these organizations are vital to the successful implementation of future housing activities. Kimball Economic Development should take the lead role to design and implement a Workforce Housing Assistance Program for local employees and a Continuum of Residential Retirement Program for older adults in the City. x Action Step 2: Plan and implement an Employer’s Housing Assistance Program to encourage major employers in the Kimball area to become directly involved with assisting their employees in becoming homeowners in the Community of Kimball. Assistance could include, but not be limited to, locating and negotiating the purchase of a house, providing funding assistance, etc. Funding assistance could be, for example, in the form of a $5,000 to $10,000 grant and/or low-interest loan to persons and families for closing costs, down payment, etc. These homebuyers could also be a participant in a first-time homebuyers program, funded by either/both the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. x Action Step 3: Initiate a Continuum of (Housing) Residential Care Program in the Community of Kimball directed at persons and families 55+ years of age. This Program would address several facets of elderly housing needs and development opportunities in Kimball, including the increasing need for in-home services and home maintenance, repair and modification of homes occupied by elderly households in the Community and additional affordable housing, both owner and rental, with and without supportive services. Retirement housing for low-income elderly persons was identified as “greatly needed” by participants of the Kimball Citizen Survey.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.9
Goal 2: New Housing Developments. New housing developments in the City of Kimball should address the needs of both owner and renter households, of all age and income sectors, of varied price products. x Action Step 1: The City of Kimball should identify up to 20 acres of land for new residential development to meet the estimated need for 68 additional housing units by 2026. The City should develop housing in both new and developed areas of the Community. Preferred unit types should include single family housing, town homes, duplex/triplex and apartment units. x Action Step 2: Build an estimated 24 units of owner housing for households of low- to moderate income households (61%-125% AMI) and an estimated eight owner units for families and individuals of upper income (126%+ AMI). Special attention should be given the construction of single family housing units for younger households and single family duplex/triplex units for older adults. New owner housing price products should have a purchase price between an estimated $115,000 to $165,000, depending on the type of housing units and the household income sector being targeted. x Action Step 3: Build an estimated 24 Rental units of all types should be rental housing units for persons and constructed in Kimball, with emphasis families of low- to moderate-income on single family housing, (0%-60% AMI) and an estimated 12 duplex/triplex units, town home units rental units for households of and apartment rental units for both moderate- to upper-income (61%+ the elderly and younger households. A AMI). rent-to-purchase option should be made available with single family Rental housing for families and elderly rental units. Rental housing should be populations should be targeted to all built to meet the housing needs of income ranges. The City of Kimball young, single workers in the should provide a variety of new Community. retirement and elderly housing types in order to retain these populations in x Action Step 4: Future housing the City. development programs in Kimball should be located in the eastern Rental using price products in portion of City, as identified by Kimball should range in monthly participants of the Kimball Citizen rents from $495 to $720+, Survey. Consider new, modern depending on the size, number of housing development types, such as bedrooms and the household housing in the Downtown and new income sector being served. subdivisions utilizing modern planning concepts.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.10 x Action Step 5: New housing Goal 3: Existing Owner and developments in the City of Rental Housing Stock. Housing Kimball should include the rehabilitation programs and activities construction of housing that in the City of Kimball should strive to focuses on accessibility and use by protect and preserve the existing persons and families with special housing stock of the Community. needs. x Action Step 1: The Community of x Action Step 6: As needed, the City Kimball should support a housing should establish a policy of rehabilitation program for both condemning and demolishing housing owner and rental housing units, of a dilapidated condition, not cost with emphasis on meeting the effective to rehabilitate. The vacated housing rehabilitation needs of the lots could be set aside as part of a elderly, low income families and City-Wide Land Bank program to housing occupied by persons with be used for future owner and special needs. Rehabilitation of rental housing development owner and renter-occupied needs. housing units was identified as “greatly needed” by participants of the Kimball Citizen Survey.
x Action Step 2: The Community of Kimball should preserve housing of historical significance. Housing that is architecturally significant or for its association with persons or families who played key roles in the development and growth of the City adds to the character and uniqueness of Kimball neighborhoods.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.11
Goal 4: Financing Housing Development. The City of Kimball and housing developers should consider both public and private funding sources to both construct new housing and maintain the existing housing stock. x Action Step 1: The City should pursue State and Federal Grants to assist in financing housing rehabilitation, housing purchase, rehabilitate and resale and first-time homebuyers programs. The City and private builders should pursue such funding from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and Nebraska Department of Economic Development. x Action Step 2: The City of Kimball should utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to assist in the financing of new housing developments, specifically public facility and utility requirements. The City of Kimball has one designated “Redevelopment Area,” which includes the ShopKo store in southern Kimball. Additional Redevelopment Areas should be designated to provide public utility and infrastructure improvements to residential neighborhoods in Kimball. x Action Step 3: Housing developers in Kimball should be encouraged to pursue securing any and all available tools of financing assistance in the development of new housing projects in the Community. This assistance is available with the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, USDA-Rural Development, Federal Home Loan Bank and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in the form of grants, tax credits and mortgage insurance.
Goal 5: Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. As a Community, Kimball will need to identify, discuss and establish a plan to eliminate all barriers and impediments to fair housing choice in the City. All sectors of the Community, both public and private, should play a role in this process. This would include the involvement of City government, schools, churches and the local business sector. x Action Step 1: Address the following, primary impediments to fair housing choice in Kimball, as identified by participants of the Kimball Workforce Housing Survey. The most common barriers faced when obtaining affordable housing included, but were not limited to housing/rental prices and a lack of sufficient homes/apartments for sale or for rent. x Action Step 2: The City of Kimball should establish and enforce a Fair Housing Policy, to ensure all current and future residents of the Community do not experience any discrimination in housing choice.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.12
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Goal 1: Educational Quality. Continue to provide a high quality of public and private elementary, junior and senior-level education for the residents of Kimball. Maintain an excellence in education by expanding facilities, amenities and employment opportunities, as needed, while creating new and expanding existing educational programs and activities to support a growing student and faculty population for Kimball Public Schools. A total of 18 Citizen Survey participants identified Kimball Public Schools as a factor in their decision to move to Kimball. Additionally, 123 (66.5 percent) of Survey respondents would recommend Kimball Public Schools to parents. x Action Step 1: Extra-Curricular Activities, such as homework assistance, athletics, student clubs should continue to be an important role in the development of education in all school children. x Action Step 2: Support any potential increases in enrollment at Kimball Public Schools. The enrollment at Kimball Public Schools has held steady at an estimated 525 students. In the event of a substantial increase in enrollment, educational facilities should be prepared with appropriate amenities, facilities and necessary staff to meet demand. x Action Step 3: Support the efforts of the Kimball Public Schools and Kimball Area Foundations to raise money and provide the funding necessary to continue Kimball Public Schools’ mission of providing for the excellence of students. x Action Step 4: Support the student leadership programs that are offered by Kimball Public Schools. Programs of this nature will provide school children of all ages with the necessary knowledge and potential to be successful, post-graduation. x Action Step 5: Provide opportunities for adults and the elderly to obtain skills in a new field through continuing education and athletic programs.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.13
Goal 2: Economic/Community Development. Utilize the Kimball Comprehensive Plan as an economic and community development resource and guide to maximize economic opportunities for all residents. Foster an increase in diversified employment and business types in Kimball. x Action Step 1: The City of Kimball Economic Development Department has established a strategic Economic Development Program for prioritizing economic and Community development and redevelopment efforts in Kimball. The focus of the Program is on providing adequate Community facilities, attracting new businesses and assisting existing businesses to grow. x Action Step 2: Create up to 150 new jobs in Kimball by 2026. This should be achieved by expanding existing and adding commercial businesses and industrial companies, that are “light manufacturing” in nature to Kimball. x Action Step 3: The City’s Economic Development Department will need to continue to support all funding opportunities of LB840, so as to maximize use of local tax dollars on an annual basis. x Action Step 4: Expand local efforts to support existing businesses and industries to renovate and grow. This effort is focused upon providing a revolving loan program and assisting in acquiring available Federal, State and Local grants. x Action Step 5: Focus efforts of diversified businesses and employment opportunities to expand existing and attract new companies. Expand the availability of retail commerce development sites and available storefronts for rent or purchase to attract non-local businesses. Maintain and improve both public and private services, businesses and industries in Kimball, in an effort to increase and diversify employment opportunities. Participants of the Kimball Citizen Survey identified Farming/Agriculture, Manufacturing, oil and Medical/Emergency services as the most important business/industry sectors to the Community. x Action Step 6: Continue to support business retention and expansion programs offered by Kimball Economic Development Department and Kimball-Banner County Chamber of Commerce to ensure the continuation of well established businesses in Kimball. Business transition services should be offered to support the transfer of businesses to new generation owners, as current owners retire. These Programs could assist in recruiting both High School and College students/graduates to train in selective career paths to become business owners. The Community should create and maintain a listing of Home Based Businesses so that as businesses outgrow a home (or farm) location, appropriate space in commercial or industrial areas of the Community can be occupied with a local base, home-grown businesses.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.14
x Action Step 7: Housing initiatives in Kimball should be paralleled with job creation activities. A high percentage of persons employed in Kimball live in other Communities. This is primarily due to the lack of available or suitable housing. Programs supported by the City’s Economic Development Department, through the provision of housing development partners should focus on addressing the need for housing development and redevelopment in older neighborhoods, combined with promoting new housing development in new residential subdivisions. x Action Step 8: Expand efforts to utilize Federal, State and Local Governmental Incentives for promoting economic development in Kimball and recruit and retain job/business opportunities. Continue strong relationships with Local and State Agencies such as the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Goal 3: Community Development. Community Development practices should strive to both stabilize and improve the local Kimball economy and quality of life. Proper renovation, adaptive reuse and additions of existing buildings, as well as new construction activities should be components of locally available incentives to attract residents, businesses and industries. x Action Step 1: Encourage local reinvestment in Kimball by both the public and private sectors. Provide infrastructure and needed amenities to support future growth of commercial, industrial and residential areas. Remove dilapidated buildings and promote building rehabilitation on structures that are considered cost-effective for such activity. x Action Step 2: Include a building repair and modification program for deteriorating structures, including commercial buildings with upper-story housing and homes adjacent Downtown Kimball.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.15
x Action Step 3: Designate Downtown Kimball as a “Historic District” to allow for the rehabilitation and preservation of buildings with historic significance. A potential activity is the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s “Downtown Revitalization Project-Phase I” program, which would highlight necessary improvements to buildings, streets, infrastructure and pedestrian safety in Downtown Kimball. The Downtown should also be designated as an “Entertainment District” for local residents comprised of businesses, restaurants and other entertainment venues. x Action Step 4: Promote the development and redevelopment of highway-oriented commercial businesses along the Highway 30, 71 and Interstate 80 Corridors. x Action Step 5: Utilize all available public programs of financing in funding development and redevelopment programs. These programs include, but are not limited to HOME Funds, Community Development Block Grants, SAFETEA-LU (Transportation Enhancement Act), Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Historic Preservation Tax Credits and locally based Tax Increment Financing. x Action Step 6: Provide public improvements to older residential neighborhoods, as well as Downtown Kimball, in need of street and sidewalk resurfacing, landscaping and street trees. Downtown facade improvements, a public gathering/festival square, and additional public parking are needed to support the development of additional specialty retail businesses. x Action Step 7: Enhance the potential of Community agency connections, including the Kimball Economic Development Department and Chamber of Commerce, Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska, Panhandle Area Development District, Western Nebraska Economic Development Group, State and City Government, Nebraska Municipal Power Pool’s MEAN Program and other existing organizations or special committees for technical and financial assistance for securing new community and economic development activities. Utilize Local, State and Federal funding sources to strengthen existing and assist in the creation of new business/industry. x Action Step 8: Promote Community sustainability and quality of life in Kimball as being a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. The high quality of parks and recreation areas and public facilities make this Community attractive to existing and future residents. Continuing a “sense of community” image in Kimball, through the local public education system and close-knit neighborhoods is important to the long-term viability of the Community.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.16
Goal 4: Community Redevelopment Planning and Implementation. Focus on improving structures, utility mains and public facilities throughout Kimball. Utilize various funding local, State and Federal funding sources to achieve various redevelopment goals in Kimball. x Action Step 1: Utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in designated “Redevelopment Areas” as a method of funding structural rehabilitation activities for commercial buildings. These activities could include façade renovation, utility and street improvements and mixed use developments. The City of Kimball has one designated “Redevelopment Area,” which includes the ShopKo store in southern Kimball. x Action Step 2: Kimball will need to consider additional use of Tax Increment Financing for Community development activities involving the improvement of public utilities, facilities, public utilities, streets, sidewalks and trails. Additional Redevelopment Areas should be designated to provide public infrastructure improvements to residential, commercial and industrial developments, including Downtown Kimball. x Action Step 3: Continue to support the efforts of the Community Development Agency in arranging and managing a variety of funding sources and development/ redevelopment activities, along with the implementation of improvements within the City’s current and future “Redevelopment Areas.”
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.17
PUBLIC FACILITIES/UTILITIES, ENERGY & TRANSPORTATION.
Goal 1: Public Facilities & Utilities. Maintain and improve the existing public facilities and utilities in Kimball. Develop, as needed, new facilities and services to reflect the Community's needs and demands during the 10-year planning period. Provide modern water and sewage treatment mains, public utility facilities, flood control and similar environmental control processes. x Action Step 1: Upgrade and expand public services to keep pace with population changes and associated commercial, industrial and residential developments. Provide public services in an efficient and economic manner in order to protect and enhance the safety and welfare of Kimball residents. Provide modern sewage treatment facilities, refuse collection and disposal, street cleaning, flood control and similar environmental control processes. x Action Step 2: Provide adequate law enforcement, fire and ambulance protection/ services, with increased emphasis on community relations, as well as adequate civil defense and emergency services. Ensure that facilities necessary to support such services are available throughout the Community. Promote the coordination of these services among the various governmental and quasi-governmental entities. x Action Step 3: Maintain an adequate supply of potable water and an expanded distribution system suitable for both present and future consumption and fire protection in Kimball. Continue to maintain the water distribution system to supply a sufficient quantity and quality of water for residents. x Action Step 4: Continue efforts to upgrade and expand segments of the Kimball municipal sanitary sewer collection system within the 10-year planning period. While segments of the original sanitary sewer system are aging and will likely need replaced during the next 10 years, the majority is adequately sized and in good condition.
Goal 2: Energy. Access available programs and funding sources to reduce energy consumptions and promote the use of alternative energy systems in Kimball. x Action Step 1: Promote the use of alternate energy systems in Kimball, available through the provisions of the Nebraska Net Metering, State Statutes §70-2001. A variety of wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and methane energy sources are available in association with “green building” methods to significantly reduce energy costs for heating and cooling. x Net Metering is also encouraged to be supplemented with “green building” techniques to enhance energy efficiency by all sectors of the City of Kimball. Tax Increment Financing, in combination with low-interest or no-interest loans through programs available from the United States Department of Agriculture and public power utility districts, can greatly reduce the cost of implementing these alternative energy systems.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.18
x Action Step 2: Assist public and private property owners in Kimball to access available funding sources through utility districts such as Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, MEAN and the Nebraska Energy Office for modern heating, cooling and lighting systems to reduce consumption rates by commercial, industrial, residential and public/quasi-public building owners. x Action Step 3: Strive to establish a pilot project in Kimball that utilizes alternative energy systems to provide electric energy to multiple stores within a strip-mail setting or within Downtown Kimball at a reduced rate or “no cost.” This would reduce overhead costs and achieve profitability.
Goal 3: Transportation. Provide an efficient transportation system throughout Kimball for the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services. x Action Step 1: Continue to annually update the coordinated One- and Six-Year Street Plan for maintenance and improvement of existing and future streets, roads, and highways in the Community. This includes paving, curbs, gutters, street lighting and curb cuts, all in an effort to reduce excessive travel delays. x Action Step 2: Maintain design standards and policies for various classes of streets, roads and highways to enhance the function and safety of the street system in Kimball. x Action Step 3: Coordinate the Kimball Land Use Plan and the One- and Six- Year Street Plan to prepare the City for future growth and development. Emphasis should be given to seeking cost effective methods to reduce/calm traffic along the Highway 30 Corridor.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.19
x Action Step 4: Seek funding sources to implement “Quiet Zones” along the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor through the Community. Once implemented, this effort would greatly improve the quality of life of residents of neighborhoods located along the Railroad Corridor, as well as throughout Downtown Kimball. x Action Step 5: New residential, commercial and industrial developments in Kimball should have appropriate and adequate streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. x Action Step 6: Plan and Implement a “Safe Routes to School” initiative in Kimball. Create a collaborative partnership including, but not limited to, educators, parents, students, community leaders, health officials and administrators to encourage school-age children to walk or bike to school through the construction of bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Specifically address the desire of Kimball residents for the need for sidewalks and or hiking and biking trails that connect adjacent neighborhoods to a City-Wide network of trails. x Action Step 7: Address transportation issues identified in the Kimball Citizen Survey. These include, but are not limited to, pedestrian and trails connections and school traffic circulation. x Action Step 8: Support beautification and revitalization efforts along old Highway 71 Corridor at the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor underpass. This should include pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety standards.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.20
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 2.21
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 3
Population, Income &
Economic Profile.
SECTION 3 POPULATION, INCOME & ECONOMIC PROFILE.
INTRODUCTION.
Population, income and economic trends in the City of Kimball and the respective Planning Jurisdiction serve as valuable indicators of future development needs and patterns for the Community by providing a basis for the realistic projection of the future population. The population trends and projections for the years 2000 through 2026 were studied and forecasted for Kimball, utilizing a process of both trend analysis and popular consent.
Kimball is projected to remain stable in population during the next 10 years, due to additional employment opportunities and continued housing development. To maintain a stable population base, the City will need to develop existing land within the Corporate Limits, while developing suitable land adjacent the City for future annexation. This population goal would also require the creation of additional housing stock and related public features and utilities for the City.
A Community Housing Study was conducted for the City of Kimball, Nebraska in July, 2015, that highlighted population, income, economic and housing trends and projections, as well as determined a 10-year housing target demand for Kimball. The Study also identified important housing development projects of various styles and serving several different income levels in the Community.
The Housing Study identifies a target demand for up to 68 new housing units, including 32 owner and 36 rental housing units, by 2025. The Study provides a “10-Year Housing Action Plan” for completing housing projects deemed most needed by the local citizens of Kimball.
The most critical housing issues in Kimball are to promote the development of housing for the local workforce population affordable to all income levels. Other priority housing needs in Kimball include providing opportunities for the elderly, first time homebuyers and middle-income persons and families, including new housing units of various types and styles, having three+-bedrooms. Future population and household growth in Kimball will be driven by new and expanded economic development and public service activities, not only in Kimball but throughout Kimball County.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.1
GENERAL POPULATION TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS.
The analysis and projection of population are at the center of all planning decisions. This process assists in the understanding of important changes which have and will occur throughout the 10-year planning period.
Estimating population size is critical to a community planning process. Further, projecting the population of a community is extremely complex. Because projections are based upon various assumptions about the future, projections must be carefully analyzed and continually reevaluated, due to the changing economic and social structure of a community.
POPULATION
x Table 3.1 identifies population trends and projections for the City of Kimball, Nebraska. The current (2016) estimated population for Kimball is 2,420. The “medium” population projection for Kimball highlights a decrease of 13, or 0.5 percent, to 2,407 by 2026. The City of Kimball has the potential to experience a population increase of 21, or 0.8 percent to 2,441, by increasing housing planning and economic/community development activities.
TABLE 3.1 POPULATION TRENDS & PROJECTIONS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 Total Annual Year Population Change Percent Change Percent 2000 2,559 ------2010 2,496 -63 -2.5% -6.3 -0.2% 2016 2,420 -76 -3.0% -19.0 -0.7% Low 2026 2,361 -59 -2.4% -5.9 -0.2% Medium 2026 2,407 -13 -0.5% -1.3 -0.05% High 2026 2,441 +21 +0.8% +2.1 +0.08% NOTE: 2013 Census Population Estimate, City of Kimball: 2,425. Source: 2000, 2010 Census. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.2
HISPANIC ORIGIN
x Table 3.2 identifies race and Hispanic origin for the City of Kimball, Nebraska. Persons of Hispanic origin comprised an estimated 3.5 percent, or 90 of the total 2,559 persons living in Kimball in 2000. The Hispanic population increased from 2000 to 2010 and comprised an estimated 7.1 percent, or 178 of the total 2,496 residents. This trend is likely to continue due to increased employment opportunities in the Community and throughout the Nebraska Panhandle.
TABLE 3.2 RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000 & 2010 2000 2010 Race Number % of Total Number % of Total White 2,463 96.2% 2,341 93.7% Black 9 0.3% 5 0.2% Native American 27 1.1% 37 1.5% Asian 4 0.2% 9 0.4% Other 56 2.2% 104 4.2% Totals 2,559 100.0% 2,496 100.0% Hispanic Origin 90 3.5% 178 7.1% Source: 2000, 2010 Census. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
AGE DISTRIBUTION
x For planning purposes, the various cohorts of population are important indicators of the special needs of a community. The cohorts of age, sex and family structure can assist in determining potential labor force and the need for housing, public facilities and other important local services.
x An analysis of age characteristics can be used to identify the potential need for public school, recreational areas and short- and long-term health care facilities.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.3
TABLE 3.3 POPULATION AGE DISTRIBUTION TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 age group 2000 2010 Change 2016 2026 Change 19 and Under 673 633 -40 604 580 -24 20-34 318 358 +40 356 365 +9 35-54 677 615 -62 591 540 -51 55-64 292 302 +10 311 323 +12 65-74 274 270 -4 250 257 +7 75-84 232 200 -32 184 197 +13 85+ 93 118 +25 124 145 +21 TOTALS 2,559 2,496 -63 2,420 2,407 -13 Median Age 43.1 44.8 +1.7 45.2 47.2 +2.0
Source: 2000, 2010 Census Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
x Table 3.3 provides age distribution for the City of Kimball, from 2000 to 2026. The “20-34,” “55-64” and “85+” age groups experienced population increases from 2000 to 2010. Of these three, the “20-34” age group experienced the largest increase in the Community. These age groups are also projected to continue to increase from 2016 through 2026.
x The Kimball population groups representing 55+ years of age are projected to increase by 2026. This includes elderly and frail elderly populations. City leadership must be cognizant of the increasing elderly populations and ensure that the necessary support services are available.
x The current median age in Kimball is an estimated 45.2 years, an increase from the 2010 median age of 44.8. The trend of an increasing median age is projected to continue through 2026, increasing to 47.2 years.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.4
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
x Table 3.4 identifies specific household characteristics of the City of Kimball, from 2000 to 2026. The number of households recorded in Kimball remained stable from 2000 to 2010. The Kimball Community Housing Study highlights that the Community consists of an estimated 1,090 households, including 731 owner and 359 renter households.
x An estimated 1,096 households are projected to exist in Kimball by 2026, including an increase in renter households. The Community Housing Study projects this will equal an estimated 730 owner and 366 renter households.
x Currently (2016), an estimated 44 persons reside in group quarters. By 2026, an estimated 38 persons will receive services in a group quarter facility. Group quarters consist of dormitories, correctional facilities and nursing/care centers and are not considered a household.
x The current number of persons per household in Kimball is approximately 2.18 and is projected to remain stable through 2026.
TABLE 3.4 SPECIFIC HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 Group Persons in Persons Per Year Population Quarters Households Households Household 2000 2,559 60 2,499 1,110 2.25 2010 2,496 48 2,448 1,110 2.20 2016 2,420 44 2,376 1,090 2.18 2026 2,407 38 2,369 1,096 2.16 Source: 2000, 2010 Census. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.5
INCOME TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME GROUPS
x Table 3.5, page 3.7, identifies household income trends and projections for Kimball, Nebraska, from 2000 to 2026. Household incomes in Kimball have increased in recent years and are projected to continue this trend through 2026. From 2000 to 2012, median income in Kimball increased from $30,837 to $41,745, or 35.4 percent. The median income is projected to increase, by 2026, from the current estimated amount of $46,919 to $58,643, an increase of 25 percent.
x The number of households in Kimball having an annual income at or above $35,000 is expected to increase during the next 10 years. Households having incomes at or above $50,000 experiencing the greatest increase.
x Incomes in Kimball, for households age 65+ years have also increased in recent years, from $23,277 in 2000 to $32,773 in 2012. Elderly household incomes are projected to increase from $35,724 in 2016, to $43,880 in 2026, an increase of 22.8 percent.
PER-CAPITA INCOME
x Table 3.6, page 3.8, identifies per capita income trends & projections in Kimball County and the State of Nebraska, from 2002 to 2026. Current per capita income in Kimball County is an estimated $48,020. By 2026, per capita income in the County is projected to increase by an estimated 24.3 percent to $59,726.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.6
TABLE 3.5 HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AGE GROUP* TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 % Change Income Group 2000* 2012 Est.* 2016 2026 2016-2026 All Households Less than $10,000 114 60 48 31 -35.4% $10,000-$19,999 206 164 151 128 -15.2% $20,000-$34,999 319 234 210 187 -11.0% $35,000-$49,999 163 189 190 207 +8.9% $50,000 or More 299 459 491 539 +9.7% Totals 1,101 1,106 1,090 1,096 +0.5% Median Income $30,837 $41,745 $46,919 $58,643 +25.0%
Households 65+ Yrs. Less than $10,000 57 22 16 9 -43.8% $10,000-$19,999 116 117 114 110 -3.5% $20,000-$34,999 135 91 86 72 -16.3% $35,000-$49,999 25 63 68 84 +23.5% $50,000 or More 72 140 157 179 +14.0% Totals 405 433 441 454 +2.9% Median Income $23,277 $32,773 $35,724 $43,880 +22.8%
* Specified Data Used. 2012 Estimate subject to margin of error. Source: 2000 Census, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Estimate. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.7
TABLE 3.6 PER CAPITA INCOME KIMBALL COUNTY, NEBRASKA / STATE OF NEBRASKA 2002-2026 Kimball County State of Nebraska Per Capita Percent Per Capita Percent Year Income Change Income Change 2002 $23,902 -- $28,598 -- 2003 $28,634 +19.8% $29,902 +4.6% 2004 $29,433 +2.8% $30,314 +1.4% 2005 $30,971 +5.2% $32,126 +6.0% 2006 $31,119 +0.5% $33,265 +3.5% 2007 $33,298 +7.0% $34,318 +3.2% 2008 $39,526 +18.7% $35,679 +4.0% 2009 $35,990 -8.9% $38,177 +7.0% 2010 $36,163 +0.5% $40,163 +5.2% 2011 $43,713 +20.9% $39,332 -2.1% 2016 $48,020 +9.8% $41,282 +5.0% 2002-2016 $23,902-$48,020 +100.9% $28,598-$41,282 +44.3% 2016-2026 $48,020-$59,726 +24.3% $41,282-$52,087 +26.2% Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System, 2016. Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 2016. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.8
COST BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS
x Tables 3.7 and 3.8 identify households with housing problems/cost burdened in the City of Kimball, from 2000 through 2026. Cost burdened households are households that spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing costs. Housing costs include any cost directly attributable to the cost of living and may include rent, mortgage, insurance, taxes and utilities. Housing problems may include a lack of plumbing facilities or overcrowded housing conditions. Overcrowded housing conditions exist when more than 1.01 persons per room exist in a housing unit.
x An estimated 89 owner and 131 renter households in Kimball are currently cost burdened and/or have housing problems. Households experiencing cost burden and/or housing problems are projected to decrease by 2026, when an estimated 70 owner and 120 renter cost burden households are projected to exist in Kimball.
x Substandard Housing, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, considers housing units that are experiencing overcrowded conditions or homes without complete plumbing. The 2008-2012 American Community Survey found eight homes in Kimball lacking complete plumbing and seven homes are experiencing overcrowded conditions.
TABLE 3.7 ESTIMATED OWNER HOUSEHOLDS BY INCOME COST BURDENED WITH HOUSING PROBLEMS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 2000* 2010* 2016 2026 Income Range # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP 0%-30% AMI 70 / 52 50 / 45 44 / 28 31 / 23 31%-50% AMI 93 / 30 80 / 45 75 / 37 67 / 34 51%-80% AMI 156 / 33 80 / 15 78 / 11 83 / 9 81%+ AMI 505 / 37 525 / 40 534 / 13 549 / 4 Totals 824 / 152 735 / 105 731 / 89 730 / 70
# = Total Households #CB-HP = Households with Cost Burden – Housing Problems *Specified Data Used. Source: 2000 CHAS Data. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.9
TABLE 3.8 ESTIMATED RENTER HOUSEHOLDS BY INCOME COST BURDENED WITH HOUSING PROBLEMS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2000-2026 2000* 2010* 2016 2026 Income Range # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP # / #CB-HP 0%-30% AMI 49 / 34 60 / 45 42 / 40 36 / 34 31%-50% AMI 59 / 47 100 / 60 62 / 59 56 / 57 51%-80% AMI 76 / 18 110 / 30 88 / 28 86 / 26 81%+ AMI 108 / 10 190 / 4 167 / 4 186 / 3 Totals 292 / 109 460 / 139 359 / 131 364 / 120
# = Total Households #CB-HP = Households with Cost Burden – Housing Problems *Specified Data Used. Source: 2000 CHAS Data. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.10
EMPLOYMENT/ECONOMIC TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS.
The most recent and comprehensive employment data available for the City of Kimball and Kimball County was obtained from the Nebraska Department of Labor. Since some of these figures are only available County-Wide, a review and analysis of Kimball County labor force statistics is also included to provide a general understanding of the economic activity occurring in and around the City of Kimball.
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
x Table 3.9, page 3.12, identifies employment trends and projections in Kimball County, Nebraska, from 2002 to 2026. The unemployment rate in Kimball County ranged from 2.6 percent to 5.3 percent, between 2002 and 2013. During this time, the number of employed persons decreased by 80 in the County. Currently, an estimated 1,947 employed persons exist in Kimball County with an estimated unemployment rate of 3.4 percent. By 2026, the number of employed persons is projected to increase by 95, or 4.9 percent, to 2,042.
WORKFORCE EMPLOYMENT BY TYPE
x Table 3.10, page 3.13, identifies workforce employment by type in Kimball County, Nebraska, for 2012, 2013 and 2014. Overall, non-farm employment (wage and salary) in Kimball County increased by 6.5 percent, between 2012 and 2014. The largest increase occurred in the Other Services, while the largest decrease occurred in the Education & Health, Other Services and Natural Resources & Construction sectors.
x Kimball is the County-Seat of Kimball County and portrays the image of an “agricultural community” in western Nebraska. The major employers in the City of Kimball include Kimball Public Schools, Kimball Health Services and all County-wide government operations. The Community’s close proximity to the Interstate 80 Corridor, as well as being located along U.S. Highway 30 and the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor, allow for great economic development potential through the ease of transporting goods to major Cities in Nebraska and beyond.
x Overall, the economic outlook for Kimball is “excellent” for the 10-year planning periods. Additional commercial and industrial business, as well as the expansion of existing businesses in the Kimball area and the provision of vacant land for these economic growth activities should be pursued if the Community desires more commerce. Existing locally-based business, including agricultural-related industries, will ensure Kimball has a stable economic base and a bright future for increased economic development.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.11
TABLE 3.9 EMPLOYMENT DATA TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS KIMBALL COUNTY, NEBRASKA 2002-2026 Number of Percent Year Employed Persons Change Unemployment 2002 2,059 -- 2.6% 2003 2,074 +15 2.8% 2004 2,119 +45 2.9% 2005 2,074 -45 3.0% 2006 1,970 -104 2.7% 2007 1,925 -45 2.7% 2008 1,896 -29 3.4% 2009 1,811 -85 4.9% 2010 1,806 -5 5.3% 2011 1,879 +73 3.2% 2012 1,893 +14 3.7% 2013 1,979 +86 3.3% 2016* 1,947 -32 3.4% 2026 2,042 +95 3.2% 2000-2026 2,059-2,042 -17 2.6%-3.2% *Data current as of June, 2015. Source: Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Market Information, 2016. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.12
TABLE 3.10 WORKFORCE EMPLOYMENT BY TYPE KIMBALL COUNTY, NEBRASKA 2012-2014 % Change Workforce 2012 2013 2014 2012-2014 Non-Farm Employment 1,421 1,512 1,514 +6.5% (Wage & Salary) Goods-Producing 323 397 416 +28.8% Manufacturing * * * * Nat. Res. & Const.** 84 88 114 +35.7% Service-Providing 1,098 1,115 1,098 +0.0% Trade, Trans, Ware, Util*** 297 285 282 -5.0% Total Trade 247 219 226 -8.5% Wholesale Trade 24 17 24 +0.0% Retail Trade 224 202 202 -9.8% Trans, Ware, Util 50 66 56 +12.0% Information * * * * Financial Activities 53 50 55 +3.8% Professional & Business * * * * Education & Health 39 32 64 +64.1% Leisure & Hospitality 106 111 91 -14.2% Other Services 27 29 39 +44.4% Total Government 414 455 424 +2.4% Federal 15 15 12 -20.0% State 19 19 21 +10.5% Local 380 421 391 +2.9% N/A = Not Available. *Data not available due to disclosure suppression. **Natural Resources & Construction. *** Trade, Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities. Source: Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Market Information, 2016. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 3.13
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 4
Land Use, Growth &
Redevelopment .
SECTION 4 LAND USE, GROWTH & REDEVELOPMENT.
INTRODUCTION. The Land Use, Growth and Redevelopment section of this Comprehensive Plan identifies the current and future land use development patterns in Kimball, Nebraska. The land use component examines development opportunities, requirements and future utilization of land in and around the City. A discussion of the environmental and physical characteristics of Kimball precedes a description and analyses of existing and future land uses in the City.
PROPER LAND USE PRACTICES. Proper land use practices can protect the natural resources of a community and be a complement to the built environment. The natural environment of the Community provides both opportunities and constraints for existing and future developments. As humans strive to create a sustainable living environment, they must work and live in harmony with their natural surroundings. This can occur by designing with nature, conserving unique features, protecting watersheds and using sensitive development practices.
In Kimball, the major development constraints are associated with the soil conditions and steep slopes to the southwest and south of the City. The Union Pacific Railroad and Highway 30 Corridors present man-made constraints that limit growth opportunities north of Kimball.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.1
IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE GROWTH AREAS
The proposed land use plan concentrates on the use of land in Kimball and the Community’s respective One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction during the 10-year planning period. Special attention is given to the identification of future residential, public/quasi-public, parks and recreational, commercial and industrial growth areas. The identification of land uses within undeveloped areas of the Corporate Limits and beyond into the Planning Jurisdiction is imperative to support growth and development opportunities over the next 10 years.
LOCATION
The City of Kimball is located in the center of Kimball County, at the junction of Highway 30 and the north/south Highway 71 corridor. The Union Pacific Railroad bisects the City from east to west, along the north side of Downtown Kimball. The majority of industrial land uses are located adjacent the Railroad Corridor. The City of Kimball is also located 20 miles east of the Wyoming /Nebraska State Line.
Interstate 80 is located approximately one mile south of Downtown Kimball. These transportation networks provide reliable access to area communities as well as to major metropolitan cities including, Denver, Omaha and Kansas City. This geographic setting directly links Kimball with trading centers in the Midwest and points beyond.
Downtown Kimball. All photos courtesy of the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.2
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT.
Initial settlement in Kimball began with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad with employees establishing present- TABLE 4.1 day Kimball as a settlement “community”. The temporary HISTORY OF POPULATION KIMBALL, NEBRASKA housing gave way to permanent residents after the railway 1900-2010 workers followed the tracks westward. A local newspaper +/- & PERCENT stated in 1885 that there were approximately 100 PERSONS CHANGE inhabitants in the settlement that was originally called 1900 254 +61 / +31.6% “Antelopeville.” The town changed their name to Kimball 1910 454 +200 / +78.7% that same year in honor of Thomas Lord Kimball, a General 1920 1,620 +1,166 / +256.8% 1930 1,711 +91 / +5.6% Manager of the Union Pacific Railroad. 1940 1,725 +14 / +0.8% 1950 2,048 +323 / +18.7% The 1890 U.S. Census confirmed the official population of 1960 4,384 +2,336 / +114.1% Kimball to be 193 residents, as highlighted in Table 4.1. In 1970 3,680 -704 / -16.1% 1980 3,120 -560 / -15.2% 1900, the population of Kimball was 254. Kimball grew by 1990 2,574 -546 / -17.5% 200 additional people by 1910 and, by 1920, added 1,166 2000 2,559 -15 / -0.6% people, reaching a new population of 1,620. The population 2010 2,496 -63 / -2.5% remained stable through 1940, but grew by 323 persons by Source: U.S. Census; 1950 to a total of 2,048. Kimball grew to its historic peak Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016. population during the 1950s, reaching a 1960 population of 4,384. In a span of 10 years between 1950 and 1960, Kimball grew by 2,336 persons, or an annual increase of approximately 11.5 percent.
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Major Existing SOIL ASSOCIATIONS Land Use Issue. The soils in and around Kimball are classified into four groups, or associations, each with a broad range of characteristics. The Total Area Illustration 4.1 graphically displays the General Soil included within the Associations for the City of Kimball and the One-Mile Corporate Limits of Planning Jurisdiction. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kimball in 2016 is Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted the soil approximately 1,350 survey and developed the boundaries of the soil types found on acres, which equates Illustration 4.1. to 55.8 Acres per 100 Persons. After The four Soil Associations depicted in Illustration 4.1 are the applying National Rosebud, Rosebud-Canyon, Rockland-Canyon and the Planning Standards, Bridgeport-Tripp Associations. The majority of the lands Kimball has 500 more acres of land throughout the Kimball Planning Jurisdiction are associated than the typical City with Lodgepole Creek. The City is situated along the southern of its population. banks and upper terraces of the Lodgepole Creek, which afforded the Community access to drinking water and suitable land for development purposes.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.3 GENERAL SOIL ASSOCIATIONS MAP ONE-MILE PLANNING JURISDICTION
KIMBALL, NEBRASKA
2016
LEGEND 1 Bridgeport-Tripp Association 2 Rosebud-Canyon Association 3 Rockland-Canyon Association 4 Rosebud Association
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 4.1
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.4
1. BRIDGEPORT-TRIPP as, “Deep, very gently sloping to steep, ASSOCIATION. moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained, silty soils that formed in This Soil Association is exclusively located loess on uplands.” Farms in this area are in the Lodgepole Creek floodway and river mainly planted for wheat and hay. bottom lands in the central and northern portion of the One-Mile Planning Soils in this Rosebud-Canyon Association Jurisdiction and most of the City of Kimball. are moderately to severely limited for Soils in the Association are described as, lagoons and septic tank absorption fields “Deep, nearly level to gently sloping, well due to steep slopes and slow permeability. drained, silty soils; on foot slopes, stream Dwellings with basements are moderate to terraces, and bottom lands.” Depth to the severely limited due to slopes and shrink- water table varies from one to six feet. swell potential of the soils.
Soils in this association are used primarily 3. ROCK LAND-CANYON for cash-grain farming and at the lowest ASSOCIATION. elevations are severely limited for any development. The soils that are frequently Soils in this Association are primarily flooded are generally used for pasture or are located in the southern half of the Kimball wooded and provide habitat for wildlife. One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction, between Occasional or frequent flooding is the main the Rosebud and the Rosebud-Canyon hazard on the bottom land. Rarely flooded Associations. Moderate to steep slopes at areas are located in the upper stream the base of the upper terraces of the terraces where the City of Kimball is Lodgepole Creek comprise this region. The situated. Septic tanks and leach fields are Associations is characterized as, “Deep, moderate to severely limited due to the high fairly steep, moderately well drained to water table, seepage and potential for somewhat excessively drained, silty and flooding. Dwellings with basements are loamy soils that formed in loess and glacial severely limited at the lower elevations, till; on uplands.” This Association while moderately limited at the higher comprises the roughest parts of Kimball elevations of this Soil Association. County. The Association’s steep, rocky slopes are comprised of grass, while some of 2. ROSEBUD-CANYON the milder sloped areas are cultivated. ASSOCIATION. The steepest areas of the Planning The Rosebud-Canyon Association is Jurisdiction are included in this concentrated along either side of the Association, resulting in severe limitations Lodgepole Creek. This associate is located for dwellings with basements. Moderate to along the southern fringes of the City of severe limitations exist for sewage lagoons Kimball in the terraced slopes just above and septic tanks from steep slopes, slow the bottom lands of the Lodgepole Creek. percolation and seepage. Topographic Within the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction, limitations also limit agricultural practices this Association is most prominent in the to pasture lands, with only a few areas central portions adjacent the west, south being cultivated. and southeastern boundaries of Kimball. Soils throughout the region are described
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.5
LODGEPOLE CREEK VALLEY ILLUSTRATION 4.2
1. Rosebud Association; 8, 9 and 10. Rosebud-Canyon Association; 2. Rock land-Canyon Rosebud Association; 3, 4 and 5. Bridgeport-Tripp Association.
4. ROSEBUD ASSOCIATION.
This Association is concentrated in the extreme southern portion of the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction, including rural lands exclusively. Lands included in the Association are comprised of upper terrace loamy soils. Soils in this Association are described as, “Deep, gently sloping, moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drained, silty soils that formed in loess; on uplands.” Due to the content of clay in the subsoil of the major soils, conserving moisture is a management concern during periods of drought. Wetness may be a limitation during wet periods. Soil blowing is a hazard in cultivated areas. Measures that control runoff are the primary management needs on these very gently sloping soils.
Soil conditions in this Association are moderately to severely limited in areas where drainage ways and canyons have sculpted the uplands. Septic tanks and leach fields have severe limitations due to wetness and slow percolation, while slopes and seepage are moderate to severe limitations for sewage lagoons. Dwellings with basements are severely limited due to flooding and wetness.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.6
WATERSHEDS
The topography and terrain of Kimball and the Planning Jurisdiction are varied. The natural landscape has been formed by wind and water erosion and deposits, creating areas of upland terraces bisected by steeply sloping drainage ways. The natural topography of Kimball is nearly level to gently sloping to the north/northeast of southern Corporate Limits. Land slopes sharply upward from the southern Corporate Limits, toward the south and southwestern portions of the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction. Storm water flows from these uplands to the north of the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor and into the Lodgepole Creek.
Groundwater and groundwater-fed surface streams account for a large percentage of the water resources in the Kimball Planning Jurisdiction. The underground water supply for the City is part of the Lodgepole Creek Watershed. The City of Kimball relies upon the groundwater reserves and surface water run-off to recharge the underground water supply of the municipal wells, located approximately two and one-half to three and one-half miles north of the City. A description of the municipal water system is provided in Section 5 of this Comprehensive Plan.
The underground water supply is vital to the region and is the source of water for numerous rural private drinking and irrigation wells. Any endangerment to the supply threatens public health, as well as the local farm economy. This natural resource must be protected. Securing the quality of drinking water from private wells in the rural areas within the Kimball One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction is very important.
A minimum lot size of three acres is recommended in the “A” Agriculture and “RR” Rural Residential Zoning Districts for residences in the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction that have individual water and waste water systems. This standard generally ensures that adjacent households do not contaminate one another’s drinking water.
WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM
The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) regulates ground water quality and quantity. To assist local municipalities with protecting their municipal drinking water supply, the NDEQ has developed the Nebraska Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program. The voluntary program intends to prevent the contamination of ground water.
The WHP Program provides the following in accordance with the federal laws: 1) duties of the governmental entities and utility districts, 2) determines protection area, 3) identify contamination sources, 4) develop a contaminant source management program, 5) develop an alternate drinking water plan, 6) review contaminated sources in future wellhead areas, and 7) involve the public.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.7
The purpose of Nebraska’s Wellhead Protection Program are to prevent the location of new contaminant sources in wellhead protection areas through planning, minimize the hazard of existing sources through management, and provide early warning of existing contamination through ground water monitoring. The Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA), established by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, in April of 2010, is located approximately two miles north of the City of Kimball. Thus the Wellhead Protection Area is located entirely within the Kimball County Planning Jurisdiction and the City must work with the County Commissioners to include the wellhead protection area in the County’s Planning and Zoning documents.
CLIMATE
The climate of the Kimball area is continental and characterized by widely ranging seasonal temperatures and rapidly changing weather patterns. The temperature ranges from an average daily minimum of 13.6°F in January and maximum of 92.2°F in July. The total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.8
LAND USE ANALYSIS.
EXISTING LAND USE PROFILE
Existing Land Use in and around Kimball is identified in Table 4.2 and Illustrations 4.3 and 4.4, Pages 4.12 and 4.13. The Table analyzes land uses within the Corporate Limits of the City of Kimball and compares them to National Planning Standards. The Kimball and National Planning Standards identify total acres per 100 persons.
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. The built environment of Kimball is characterized by its districts, roadways and landmarks. The combination of these physical features creates a sense of place for the citizens and patrons of Kimball. The natural terrain enhances the built environment by providing an aesthetic base for community development. The districts and neighborhoods are defined by their edges or boundaries. The major transportation corridors and the physical barriers of the terrain generally create the edge of each district, giving the neighborhoods distinct boundaries.
Designating the proper land uses adjacent the Highway 30 and 71 Corridors is essential. The general trend is to guide commercial and industrial development along the right-of-ways of Highways 30 and 71. Industrial land uses are concentrated adjacent commercial uses. A large industrial complex is located in the eastern portion of the City.
TABLE 4.2 EXISTING & FUTURE LAND USE CAPACITY MATRIX KIMBALL, NEBRASKA
2016 ESTIMATED POPULATION - 2,420 2026 PROJECTED (MEDIUM) POPULATION - 2,407 2026 PROJECTED (HIGH) POPULATION - 2,441 KIMBALL NATIONAL TOTAL 2016 PLANNING PLANNING ACRES NEEDED (Kimball / National) ACRES PERCENT STANDARD STANDARD 2016 2026** 2026*** Parks & Rec./Open Space 38.3 2.8 % 1.6 2.0 38.3 / 48.4 38.5 / 48.1 39.1 / 48.3 Public/Quasi-Public 66.1 4.9 % 2.7 2.8 66.1 / 67.8 65.0 / 67.4 65.9 / 68.4 Residential 291.5 21.6 % 12.0 10.0 291.5 / 242 288.8 / 240.7 292.9 / 244.1 Single & Two-Family 242.9 18.0 % 10.0 7.5 242.9 / 181.5 240.7 / 180.5 244.1 / 183.1 Multifamily 14.5 1.1 % 0.6 2.0 14.5 / 48.4 14.4 / 48.1 14.7 / 48.8 Mobile Home 34.1 2.5 % 1.4 0.5 34.1 / 12.1 33.7 / 12.0 34.2 / 12.2 Commercial 74.3 5.5 % 3.1 2.4 75.0 / 58.1 74.6 / 57.8 75.7 / 58.6 Industrial 223.8 16.6 % 9.2 2.3 223.8 / 55.7 221.4 / 55.4 224.6 / 56.1 Streets/Alleys/RR Corridor 372.0 27.6 % 15.4 9.0 372.0 / 217.8 370.7 / 216.6 375.9 / 219.7 Total Developed 1,066.0 79.0 % 44.0 28.5 1,066.0 / 689.8 1,059.0 / 686.0 1,074.8 / 695.2 Total Vacant 283.4 21.0 % 11.7 6.5* 283.4 / 157.3 281.6 / 156.5 285.6 / 158.7 Developable 212.6 75.0 % 8.8 6.5 212.6 / 157.3 211.8 / 156.5 214.8 / 158.7 Not Developable 70.8 25.0 % 2.9 NA 70.8 / NA 69.8 / NA 70.8 / NA
Total Acreage 1,349.4 ^ 100.0 % 55.8 35.0 1,349.4 / 847.1 1,315.1 / 842.5 1,259.6 / 853.9
^Based on Net Area Acreage. Note: Kimball and National Planning Standards identify number of acres per 100 persons. *Vacant Land Capable of Development. **Based on Medium Population Projection. ***Based on High Population Projection. Source: Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.9
Downtown Kimball is planned to remain the primary retail center of the Community with specialty shops and professional offices. The majority of the future “automotive orientated” commercial uses are recommended along the right-of-ways of Highways 30 and 71, with added emphasis at the two Interstate 80 interchanges.
Future industrial uses are planned to remain in their current locations with modest growth extending into the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction, along the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor. Two of the largest industrial facilities are located beyond the Corporate Limits of the City and are thus not included in the Existing & Future Land Use Capacity Matrix Table.
PARKS/RECREATIONAL Park facilities in the City of Kimball include Gotte Park and City Park, athletic fields associated with Kimball Public Schools, small neighborhood parks and open spaces. These parks comprise a total of 38.3 acres, or 2.8 percent of the total 1,349 acres in Kimball. A comparison between the Kimball and National Planning Standards indicate that the City has approximately 1.6 acres per 100 people which is 20 percent less than the National Standard for parks, two acres for every 100 persons.
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC A large percentage of public land uses are a result of the Kimball County Fairgrounds and Kimball Cemetery being located within the Corporate Limits of the City. Typical uses include the Public Schools, City and County buildings, U.S. Post Office and churches. Approximately five percent, or 66 acres in the incorporated area of Kimball are utilized by Public/Quasi-Public land uses. The Land Use Capacity Matrix indicates that the City of Kimball has 2.7 acres of public land per 100 persons, which is nearly equal to the 2.8 acres per 100 people recommended by National Planning Standards.
RESIDENTIAL Single family residential uses are the primary housing types in the Community. Residential uses occupy an estimated 291 acres of land, or 21.6 percent of the City’s total area. National Planning Standards reveal that the City of Kimball exceeds the single family residential recommended standard of 7.5 acres per every 100 persons by 33 percent. Kimball has a multifamily ratio of 0.6 acres which is 70 percent less than the National Standard recommendation of 2.0 acres per 100 people. Mobile Home uses account for 180 percent more land area than the National Standard recommendation of 0.5 acres per 100 people.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.10
EXISTING LAND USE MAP CORPORATE LIMITS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2016
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 4.3
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.11
EXISTING LAND USE MAP ONE-MILE PLANNING JURISDICTION KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2016
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 4.4
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.12
COMMERCIAL The City of Kimball comprises an estimated 34 acres of commercial land. A comparison of land use ratios from National Planning Standards indicates that the Kimball has approximately 30 percent more commercial land uses than the recommended National Standard. Although Priorities for commercial uses will continue to be developed along the Highway 30 and “Old Highway 71” Growth and Corridors, Downtown Kimball is desired by residents to be the commercial, entertainment Development and social focal point of the City. The results of the Land INDUSTRIAL Use Capacity Matrix The amount of land occupied by industrial uses revealed that Kimball in Kimball consists of approximately 224 acres, needs to concentrate its 300 percent more than National Planning efforts on expanding the Standards. The Castronics, Inc. pipe facility in amount of land dedicated eastern Kimball occupies approximately 95 to residential uses and acres itself and thus inflates the typical industrial area that would exist in a community diversifying commercial the size of Kimball. Industrial areas are also land uses. concentrated in southern and northwestern portions of the City of Kimball. The City is particularly U.S. Census Workforce Employment Data from underdeveloped in terms 2013 identifies 852 total persons employed in of multifamily housing, Kimball. A total of 544 of the 852 workers but must continue to commute to Kimball for employment, while the provide vacant land for remaining 308 live and work in Kimball. A total all residential land uses. of 673, or 63.9 percent of employees that live in The Downtown should Kimball commute for work beyond the increase efforts to Corporate Limits of the City. This includes an attract additional retail estimated 438 employees that travel more than businesses and upper- 10 minutes to work, as identified in the level residential uses. Kimball Community Housing Study. Automotive oriented commercial uses should be redeveloped along the Highway 30 Corridor and expanded along “Old” Highway 71, especially at the Interstate 80 interchange.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.13
FUTURE LAND USE.
The City of Kimball should propose a goal of implementing appropriate community and economic development initiatives to maintain a stabilizing population base and to prevent larger population declines that have occurred. Since its founding, the City has experienced a trend of gradually increasing population through 1960 when Kimball reached its historic peak population, but subsequently declined in each of the following decennial censuses. The expansion of industrial facilities during the 1950s and 1960s coincided with a boom in the oil production and the construction of nuclear missile sites throughout western Nebraska. This influx of population growth was subsequently followed by decreasing populations in each Census through today.
Meeting projections for growth through 2026 will require an expansion of vacant land, infrastructure and utilities to support development. Participants of the Kimball Community Listening Session and Citizen Survey respondents concluded that the proximity of Kimball to Cheyenne, Wyoming and Sidney, Nebraska, provides reasonable commutes times from Kimball for employment, shopping and entertainment. The current lack of available housing has limited the ability of the City to attract its workforce employees commuting from other regional communities to become permanent residents of Kimball.
Future annexation of large, vacant tracts of land into the Corporate Limits are needed to support the efforts of the City to expand residential land for future development. The identification of future growth areas for all land use types adjacent and beyond the City of Kimball Corporate Limits is necessary to support growth opportunities. Illustrations 4.5 and 4.6, Pages 4.17 and 4.18, identify future land use patterns for the City of Kimball, both within the Community and the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction.
INFILL DEVELOPMENTS
The strategic development of infill lots and other vacant land areas within the Corporate Limits would allow for managed growth and the utilization of existing infrastructure, including streets, electrical, gas, and water and sewer systems. However, these vacant parcels are not sufficient to meet the needs for future residential land, as well as parks/recreation and open space.
Illustration 4.5, Future Land Use Map, highlights the future land use development recommendations for areas within the Corporate Limits of Kimball. Future Land Use Map, Illustration 4.6, identify the growth areas proposed to the southwest, southeast and east of the City, within the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.14
PARKS & RECREATION
An estimated 38 acres of land in Kimball are comprised of park and recreation uses. This acreage is approximately 20 percent less than the amount of land recommended by current National Planning Standards. Efforts to modernize and expand park equipment in the existing parks, the development of a wellness/fitness center, indoor pool and walking trails were all identified as needed improvements by the respondents to the Citizen Survey.
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC
Future public/quasi-public land uses in Kimball will be primarily comprised of additional acreage to accommodate future expansions of existing uses. Existing facilities are expected to be sufficient to meet the service requirements of the Community throughout the next 10 years.
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Future residential development in and around the City of Kimball should be a high priority to the Community, during the 10-year planning period. According to the Kimball Community Housing Study, the City should designate a minimum of 20 acres of land planned and zoned for residential use. The Housing Study identifies the total demand of 68 additional housing units for Kimball through 2026 to provide additional housing options to all income sectors, age groups and family types/sizes.
The Future Land Use Map, Illustrations 4.5 and 4.6, identifies residential areas in and around Kimball. Development should include, single, duplex, triplex, four-plex and multifamily housing units for persons of all ages and incomes. These designations will allow developers the option of providing a variety of housing for families, singles, older adults and special populations.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.15
FUTURE LAND USE MAP CORPORATE LIMITS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2026
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 4.5
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.16
FUTURE LAND USE MAP ONE-MILE PLANNING JURISDICTION KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2026
* Lincoln, Nebraska * 402.464.5383 *
ILLUSTRATION 4.6
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.17
The following provides a description of the future residential land uses for the Community. Vacant lands Single family housing development should first occur within the Corporate Limits of Kimball. Vacant lots exist in designated for limited number throughout the residential areas of Kimball. new residential These “infill” lots, if available for purchase, should be development developed prior to establishing new residential subdivisions adjacent the adjacent and beyond the Corporate Limits. Residential Corporate growth areas, highlighted in Illustration 4.6, have been Limits, will established in the southwest, southeast and eastern portions of the City. require an extension of all Multifamily housing development must be pursued during utilities. the planning period. The previously discussed existing land use analysis concluded that multifamily acreage in Kimball Housing projections is currently 34 acres less than recommended National through 2026 must Planning Standards. The recent trend of residential be supported by development in Kimball has focused on single family houses. expanding the There are examples of multifamily buildings in Kimball, but Utility Service Area. there has not been a larger multifamily apartment building If projections for or complex constructed in the City. Vista Villa , an elderly 2026 are to be met, designated 30 unit independent and assisted apartment the City will need to building represents the most recent multifamily expand water and development in Kimball. Low vacancy rates and competition sewer services to the for rental housing in Kimball makes it difficult for workforce Utility Service Area. employees, their families and even retirees and young professionals to acquire sound, decent rental housing in Kimball. The Public Works Staff indicated that To expand affordable housing options for single adults, all designated residential growth families, retirees and the elderly, the Kimball Planning areas will require the Commission established a priority for the development of a extension of variety of multifamily housing types through 2026, including infrastructure and upper-story housing in Downtown commercial buildings. utilities systems to This effort will require the designation of residential growth support proposed areas to be planned and appropriately zoned for multifamily development. residential development. The existing Utility Service Area can sustain concentric The consensus of the Planning Commission was that new growth from the residential development should first occur within the Corporate current Corporate Limits of Kimball. If sufficient lands were not available, the Limits. development of planned growth areas would be implemented in Water and Waste conformance with the Future Land Use Map, Illustration Water Treatment 4.6. The primary residential growth areas are located in the Facilities have southwest, southeast and east portions adjacent the Corporate sufficient capacities Limits of Kimball. to support projected growth thru 2026.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.18 COMMERCIAL
Future commercial land use areas are anticipated to include replacing existing deteriorated and/or abandoned buildings along the Highway 30 Corridor. Automotive oriented commercial uses and big box retail outlets should continue to be developed along the Highway 30 Corridor to the east and west of Downtown Kimball. Secondly commercial uses should also be concentrated near the two Interstate 80 interchanges. Future highway commercial development should proceed with caution as to not diminish the role of Downtown Kimball as the primary center of commerce and entertainment.
Specialty retail, cafes/restaurants, and professional offices are encouraged to locate in available commercial buildings in Downtown Kimball.
INDUSTRIAL
The City of Kimball has a large amount of industrial land within the Corporate Limits, both developed and planned. Two areas exist along the south side of the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor, one to the east of the Highway 30 intersection with Highway 71 and the second located west of Locust Street. These two areas are buffered from residential areas by commercial uses along either side of Highway 30. Additional industrial uses are located in the southern portion of the City, generally along Chestnut Street (“Old Highway 71”), between 9th Street and the west Interstate 80 interchange. A total of 224 acres of industrial land is estimated to exist within the Corporate Limits. The current industrial tracts within the Corporate Limits, adjacent the Union Pacific Railroad, are encouraged to become "light" industry. The reason is twofold: one, it creates a more compatible land use with adjacent commercial and residential properties; and two, it satisfies a need in the Community.
The City of Kimball also has designated industrial growth areas beyond the Corporate Limits. Both areas area located east of the Highway 71 Bypass where one is located to the north of the Union Pacific Railroad, and the second area located to the south of Highway 30. These tracts of land would have the benefit of having access to Highway 71 and the north tract also having direct access to the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor.
To provide jobs for the Kimball population base and to attract additional business and industry to the Community, it is recommended that vacant lands within these industrial areas be prepared to support new industrial uses. The City must maintain enough industrial land for growth and development. Local development groups, organizations and property owners, with the guidance of Kimball Economic Development are encouraged to promote and continue their support for additional industrial land development. The Future Land Use Maps, Illustrations 4.5 and 4.6, identify proposed industrial land areas within, adjacent and throughout the City and the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.19
INTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL USES
The Kimball Planning Commission recognizes the importance of agricultural practices, to the economy of the Community, including livestock facilities. The expansion of existing livestock confinement operations within the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction of the City should only be permitted in unique circumstances. The development of new livestock confinement operations should be prohibited in the Planning Jurisdiction of the City. Floodplains associated with Lodgepole Creek, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad corridor limit the development of the City beyond its current northern Corporate Limits. Therefore, the remaining portions of the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction of the City are vital to the continued growth and development of Kimball. Livestock confinement operations are best suited for locations within rural Kimball County, beyond the Planning Jurisdiction of the Community.
LAND USE PLAN / IMPLEMENTATION
Various funding sources exist for the preparation and implementation of a capital improvement budget designed to meet the funding needs of proposed development activities. These include Local, State and Federal funds commonly utilized to finance street improvement funds, i.e. Community Development Block Grants, Special Assessments, General Obligation Bonds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The use of TIF for redevelopment projects in the areas such as the Downtown and adjacent older residential neighborhoods is deemed to be an essential and integral element of development and redevelopment planning.
Kimball has one designated Redevelopment Area; associated with the ShopKo retail store in southern Kimball. The Downtown and adjacent areas to the east and west, between Highway 30 and the Union Pacific Railroad corridor are strongly recommended to be designated a Redevelopment Area in the near future. A large number of commercial, industrial and residential properties within this area are deteriorating or are dilapidated. The upper stories of Downtown commercial buildings are also recommended for adaptive reuse as residential apartments, in conformance with the priorities set forth in the Community Housing Study.
This proposed Redevelopment Area has been discussed by the Kimball Planning Commission and supported by members of the Community that attended the Community Planning Open House. All participants agreed that this area including the Downtown and Highway 30/Union Pacific Railroad Corridor should be promoted for redevelopment.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.20
ANNEXATION POLICY
Future annexation activities in the City of Kimball, both voluntary and involuntary, should occur in the non-agricultural land use areas identified in Illustration 4.6, Future Land Use Map. Several tracts of land could be annexed at a point in time when in conformance with and meeting the criteria of Nebraska State Statues. A certain amount of vacant land will also be needed in each area to provide an overall functional land use system. To develop the Community in the most efficient and orderly manner possible, the focus should be placed, first, on the development of suitable vacant land within the Corporate Limits of Kimball.
Currently, an estimated 283 acres of vacant land exists within the Corporate Limits of Kimball. An estimated 25 percent of the vacant land is not developable, due to limitations from steep topography or flood prone areas. It is estimated that the majority of the remaining 75 percent of the vacant land is designated for commercial and industrial development.
Areas for Annexation
Areas directly adjacent the existing Corporate Limits to the southwest, south and east/southeast of the City are recommended to be considered for annexation throughout the 10-year planning period. The jigsaw configuration of the eastern Corporate Limits has left several areas bound on two or three sides by the incorporated areas of Kimball. These areas should be annexed within the next few years to “square up” the eastern Corporate Limit boundary and to provide vacant lands within the designated growth areas to support needed development. These areas are all capable of being served by extensions of municipal infrastructure and utility systems. These areas are identified in Illustration 4.6, Future Land Use Map. Much of the land located in identified growth areas are adjacent existing infrastructure, water and sewer lines that can be readily extended to facilitate development.
Vacant land within the current Corporate Limits, designated for future residential development, is not of sufficient size to meet the residential needs during the 10-year planning period. Thus, plans must be developed to expand the utility service area of Kimball into all growth areas.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.21
The central Neighborhoods contain the oldest residential properties in Kimball. The associated infrastructure systems, street trees and public facilities reflect similar ages and potential needs for improvement.
Neighborhood Priorities. i Housing rehabilitation is needed in each Neighborhood to protect the viability of residential properties. i Very few, if any, vacant lots exist in these Neighborhoods, but the potential for housing demolition and replacement exists. Housing design standards should be considered so that new single and multifamily structures are compatible with the sizes, architectural styles, building materials and colors that are unique to the neighborhoods. i The large street trees provide a canopy covering over a few streets in each Neighborhood. A tree maintenance and replacement program should be coordinated with the City. i All residential areas of Kimball contain at least some underground infrastructure systems that are 70+ years of age and needing replacement. i The majority of the streets in these older Neighborhoods have paved concrete surfaces and are in good condition. The North Kimball Neighborhood still has a concentration of gravel surfaced “side streets” that should be evaluated to determine if the will be paved in the future or targeted for potential closure. i An annual review of the streets in these Neighborhoods should be coordinated with the yearly “One- and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan” for the City of Kimball to identify any needed public improvements. i Public facilities including street lighting, sidewalks, curb and gutters and public parks are present in each of these Neighborhoods. The condition of these facilities should be monitored for needed improvements. i Traffic calming measures and safe pedestrian crossings are needed for street corridors that connect these Neighborhoods, including 3rd Street (Highway 30), 6th Street and Chestnut Street (“Old Highway 71”) between Highway 30 and the Interstate 80 Interchange.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.22
COMMUNITY IMAGE & PRESERVATION OF ATTRIBUTES.
The Neighborhoods of Kimball form the foundation of the Community and strive to be walkable, encourage socialization and provide safe routes to public and private services and facilities throughout the City. The edges of the Neighborhoods are generally established by major arterial streets or by drastically different subdivision platting characteristics. The pattern of land use within these Neighborhoods, the density of development, the arrangement streets and the connections of major and minor arterial corridors to public facilities, business and industrial areas are woven together to form the Community.
From the beginning, Downtown Kimball has been the economic, social and entertainment center of the City. Its relationship to the Highway 30 and Union Pacific Railroad Corridor served as the framework from which the residential neighborhoods developed and grew within the Community. Historically, the Highway 71 corridor entered the City from the north along Chestnut Street and intersecting with Highway 30, at the center of Downtown Kimball.
The Highway 71 bypass around the eastern portion of the Community greatly enhances the Downtown by reducing the amount of heavy truck traffic along Chestnut Street. To protect and enhance the Community’s image, this new plan must identify the land use components and develop design elements that further enhance and contribute to its character.
Character Issues. Participants of the Kimball Planning Open House repeatedly looked to the benefits small town living when discussing the character of Kimball. The Community atmosphere includes a relatively low crime rate, excellent schools for their children and the availability of parks and open space.
The outcomes of this Comprehensive Plan must translate these characteristics into future development and growth opportunities to ensure that as the City grows and develops, it maintains and integrates these characteristics into new residential, commercial, industrial and parks and open spaces. A proactive approach to land use planning and the integration of design standards can lose track of the key issues of maintaining the small town character and unique attributes. Growth for the sake of growth is seen as the positive indicator of economic stability, but growth must also include the types of attributes that make Kimball a unique City. Thus, this Plan must function to sustain the traits that contribute to the most valued characteristics of the City.
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Compatible Development. The pattern of existing development in Kimball, Nebraska, is generally well planned, with the primary commercial areas consisting of the Downtown and the properties along both sides of 3rd Street (Highway 30). This system of local streets and highways are the principal arterial streets that support travel within and through the Community. Concentrations of single family dwellings exist along both sides of this Corridor to the east of the Downtown. High volumes of automotive and heavy truck traffic frequently travel this Corridor. Traffic calming measures and strict enforcement of posted speeding limits will be the only mechanisms to reduce traffic congestion along the Highway 30 Corridor.
Downtown Kimball is centered along Chestnut Street, between 1st and 3rd Streets. The sustainability of the Downtown and its deteriorating commercial brick buildings was questioned by several participants of the Planning Open House. Some comments focused on the need to eventually replace many of the buildings. However, the majority of responses to the Citizen Survey and from participants of the Open House indicated that Downtown Kimball defines the character and image of the City.
At a minimum, the facades of buildings must be structurally secured and preserved, while constructing a new building or retrofitting an existing one. The participants did not want to see the Downtown deteriorate to the extent of losing any additional commercial structures.
Participants identified the following attributes as being important the character of Downtown: Maintaining historical significance and architectural integrity. Preserving the existing local businesses with the Downtown. Continuing to enhance the public amenities with benches, lighting and landscaping. Promoting cultural diversity with food, music and festival events.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.24
There has been a transition of businesses in the Downtown and along the Highway 30 Corridor. Many of the former department and anchor stores have been replaced with specialty retail and professional offices. Regional and National commercial chain outlets may be attracted to develop along the Interstate 80 Corridor, but residents believe that locally owned specialty stores and professional businesses will be the primary tenants of Downtown Kimball.
The use of TIF is viewed as an important component to securing the structural integrity of the buildings, expanding existing businesses while attracting and further diversifying business in the Downtown. The utilization of upper stories of commercial buildings for residential purposes is encouraged to expand the vitality of the Downtown. The Community Housing Study identified 48 housing units currently exist in Downtown Kimball.
Enhancing the character of the Community requires a concerted effort on behalf of both the public and private sectors. From the perspective of the City, the development regulations and standards must be written to achieve the preferred outcomes. Without specific requirements for increased open space, landscaping, screening, and buffering, sign control and standards relating to building bulk and scale, roof design, placement of storage and loading areas, the appearance of individual properties and corridors are left to individuals rather than to the standards that are agreed to represent the desires of the residents of the City of Kimball.
Kimball Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 4.25
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 5
Public Facilities,
Utilities &
Transportation .
SECTION 5
PUBLIC FACILITIES, UTILITIES & TRANSPORTATION.
INTRODUCTION.
Section 5 of the Kimball, Nebraska Comprehensive Plan discusses the existing conditions and planned improvements to the public facility and utility systems in the Community. Quality public facilities, services and parks & recreation systems are provided to ensure a high quality of life for all residents of Kimball. All improvements to these Community components are aimed at maintaining or improving the quality of life in the City of Kimball.
Public Facilities identify existing facilities in Kimball and determine future needs and desires during the 10-year planning period. Public Facilities provide citizens with social, cultural and educational opportunities. Facilities in Kimball include, but are not limited to city government, health care, law enforcement, education, police/fire protection and recreational facilities such as parks and athletic fields. Unless otherwise identified, general maintenance is planned for all public facilities in Kimball, which also implies that the identified facility is adequate and meets the needs of the Community through the 10-year planning period. The locations of these public facilities are identified in the Kimball Public Facilities Map, Illustration 5.1.
Public Utilities address the water, wastewater and other related utility systems in the Community, including current condition and capacity. It is the responsibility of any community to provide a sound public infrastructure for its citizens, as well as to provide for anticipated growth. Therefore, it is important that the expansion and maintenance of these systems be coordinated with the growth of Kimball. Analysis of these infrastructure systems, via conversations with City maintenance and utility personnel, confirmed that the City must continue to maintain and improve these utility systems.
Transportation examines the systems that provide for safe travel of pedestrians and automobiles. The City has utilized federal funding opportunities to reconstruct major arterial streets, leveraging millions of dollars for transportation improvements. The availability of a convenient and efficient transportation system is essential to the continued economic and physical development of Kimball. An adequate transportation system is required to transport goods and services to and from major travel routes and market centers outside the City, and provide for the circulation needs within the Community. The overall purpose of the transportation plan is to provide the necessary guidelines for the safe movement of people and vehicles throughout the Community and One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.1
PUBLIC FACILITIES MAP CORPORATE LIMITS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2016
SCHOOLS/EDUCATION 1. Mary Lynch Elementary School 2. Kimball Junior/Senior School 3. Kimball Public Library 4. Plains Historical Society Museum
PARKS & RECREATION 5. City Park 6. Gotte Park 7. Four Winds Golf Course
HEALTH, WELLNESS & ELDERLY SERVICES 8. Kimball Health Services 9. Kimball County Manor 10. Kimball Friendship “Senior Center”
PUBLIC SAFETY, GOVERNMENT & COMMERCE 11. Kimball Police Department 12. Kimball Fire Department 13. Kimball Co. Ambulance Serv. 14. Civil Defense/Emerg. Mang. 15. City Hall 16. U.S. Post Office 17. Kimball Cemetery 18. Kimball Event Center
TRANSPORTATION 19. Kimball Municipal Airport/ Robert E. Arraj Field 19
ILLUSTRATION 5.1
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.2
SCHOOLS/EDUCATION.
Education is becoming increasingly important as the need for a broader-based education with emphasis on technical and human relation skills increases in today's society. Standards developed by educators and planners can provide guidance in the creation of, and addition to, the School District’s educational facilities. Kimball Public Schools is a major contributor to the quality of life and well-being in the Community of Kimball. It will be important, from 2016 to 2026, that the facilities maintained by Kimball Public Schools have the ability to support a growing population, specifically youth populations.
SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES
Kimball Public Schools maintains elementary, middle and high school facilities, along with athletic fields and maintenance buildings. All facilities are ADA compliant. Total district enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year is 494. Information associated with the Kimball Public Schools facilities was cited from the District Administration and Superintendent’s offices. Kimball Public Schools improvement goals include the following:
All students of Kimball public Schools…
1. will improve their basic math skills and computation skills. 2. will improve the quality of written expression across the curriculum. 3. will improve the quality of reading comprehension. 4. will be given opportunities to develop positive supports and connections that promote academic success.
MARY LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mary Lynch Elementary School is located at 1000 East 6th Street and serves grades Pre-K through Sixth. The education staff includes 15 regular education teachers, one full-time Title I teacher, one full-time Counselor, one full-time Principal, two full-time Special Education Teachers, one full-time Reading Teacher, one full-time Physical Education teacher, three para-professionals for regular education classrooms, one ELL para-professional, and four Special Education para- professionals. The elementary school shares a vocal music instructor, instrumental music instructor, business and computer instructor and Librarian with the Junior/Senior High School. The student enrollment for the 2014-2015 School Year includes 44 children in Pre-Kindergarten and 256 students in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. The school was recently upgraded with a new HVAC System that incorporated “Free Cooling.”
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.3
KIMBALL JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
This is an “AdvancEd Accredited” School serving grades 7-12 and houses 23 regular education teachers and two special education teachers. The School also houses a full time Principal, District Technology Director, Special Services Coordinator, the Transportation/Maintenance Director and the Activities Director. The Superintendent, Business Manager, and Business Assistant offices are also located at the School. Support staff includes two Special Educational Para-professionals, a Study Hall Associate, and a Library Associate. A total of 238 Students were enrolled as of the 2014-15 school year.
School amenities include three computer labs, two gyms, a training room, weight room, wrestling room, Library, Music Room, Auditorium and Student Center. Recent improvements to the School have included the addition of a new Gym, weight room, training and wrestling rooms and two computer labs. Planned future improvements include a new boiler system and improvements in Technology capacity and accessibility.
PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
Schools in Kimball should continue to meet the following standards and guidelines:
i Schools should be centrally located; i Schools should not be located near high traffic or heavily concentrated areas with high noise levels; i Land acquisition with future expansion in mind; and i Adequate open space should be available to students. i Provide safe routes to schools from all neighborhoods of the Community, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, school bus access and traffic signals.
The City and Kimball Public Schools should support and provide a high quality of elementary, middle and senior-level education for residents of the Community and surrounding area. The District should strive to maintain an excellence in education by expanding facilities, amenities and employment opportunities, as needed, while creating new and expanding existing educational programs and activities to support the existing and future student and faculty population within the Public School system.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.4
The most notable attribute to Kimball Public Schools is the increasing base of Hispanic children utilizing Public School Services. It should be a priority to both the City of Kimball and Kimball Public Schools to promote and provide the necessary amenities and services needed to accommodate Hispanic children and families utilizing local education programs.
Other Area Education Facilities – Several Colleges and Universities are located within a reasonable distance of Kimball. These Colleges and Universities include the following:
Western Nebraska Community College – Scottsbluff, NE Regional West Medical Center, School of Radiologic Technology – Scottsbluff, NE Summit Christian College – Gering, NE Northeastern Junior College – Sterling, Co Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture – Curtis, NE Mid Plains Community College – North Platte and McCook, NE (Ogallala, NE is an “extended” campus.) University of Nebraska – Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha, NE South Dakota School of Mines and Technology – Spearfish and Rapid City, SD Black Hills State College – Rapid City, SD University of Colorado – Boulder, CO Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO University of Wyoming – Laramie, WY
KIMBALL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Kimball Public Library is located at 208 S. Walnut Street in Downtown Kimball. This one-story building was constructed in 1966 and is maintained by a full-time Librarian, a children’s part-time Librarian, a Technical Services Coordinator and two part-time Library Clerks. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Available resources include 25,000+ volumes of books, periodicals and videos with an average annual circulation of 10,000. A local history collection of area family genealogy and several historic family diaries have recently been added.
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Adult programs consist of a Brown Bag Book Club, a Beginner’s Computer Class and Facebook class. Youth programs include a Pre-school Story time every Wednesday at 10:30 for ages 3-5 years. The “Club Next” After-school Program meets every Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. and one Tuesday a month the “Lego Club” meets to complete a challenge construction of a theme project. There are 14 computers available to patrons and wireless internet services are also available. A 3D-Printer has recently been added to the library’s equipment resources. The library is planning to expand services/programs for older youths.
PLAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
The museum is housed in the Fraternal Hall, built in 1904, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is a museum itself. In 1904, members of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen, and Royal Neighbors met to discuss the possibility of erecting a lodge hall. The cornerstone for the two-story frame building was laid August 4, 1904, and the new Fraternal Hall was dedicated in March 1905. The hall represents a simplified version of the Neo-Classical Revival style.
Displays in the museum include Indian artifacts, antique furniture, and tools and clothing dating back 100 years. Main attractions include an autograph book dated in the 1840s and an "Around the World" doll collection. The museum is open between June and August by appointment.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.6
PARKS/RECREATION.
The City of Kimball Parks and Recreation Department maintains 130 acres of designated park and recreation sites and amenities for residents and visitors. Kimball also provides a variety of pocket parks, Community gardens, hiker/biker trails and playground sites in non-designated park areas, including schools.
CITY PARKS i City Park – This two acre park is located southeast of Downtown Kimball between Oak and Walnut Streets, from 4th to 5th Street. A designated area has playground equipment, restroom building and basketball court. i Gotte Park – Located along the south side of 3rd Street (Highway 30) provides ample open space as well as sand playground equipment, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a picnic shelter and several open picnic areas. The tennis court is also utilized for roller blading, ice hockey and ice skating.
Gotte Park is home to the Kimball Municipal Swimming Pool that has daily swimming during the summer from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday 9th grade and above are scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays are reserved for adult and families, from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. Entry fees vary from daily rates to season passes for individuals and families.
Gotte Park is located adjacent to the Kimball County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are situated along the west side of Gotte Park and consist of livestock show arenas, exhibition areas and concession stands.
FOUR WINDS GOLF COURSE
A municipal 18-hole golf course is located southeast of Kimball at the northeast corner of Highway 71 and Interstate 80 interchange. This municipal golf course opened in 1969 and was designed with five sets of tees, with total distances ranging from 5,400 yards to 6,903 yards. Tee times are available by appointment, but normally, during the week, there is little delay in getting on the course. Green fees are available for daily or annual rates that very by age of the golfer. Over 5,000 trees were planted to define the individual fairways when the course was constructed and are now fully grown. There are four water hazards throughout the course.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.7
The pro shop is open from mid-March to the end of October, but the course is open from mid-March through the end of the year. In addition to the golf course, a driving range, a practice putting green, carts and clubs are available. A recreation area offers tennis courts, shuffle-board, field archery range, trap shoot range, four grass ball diamonds, and several picnic areas. A junior practice and playing area, complete with gazebo, was made possible by a grant from the United States Golf Association. The Junior Golf Program, financed by a local foundation, provides instruction and playing program available to children ages 4 to 18. This area is always free to the public.
FUTURE PARK & RECREATION RECOMMENDATIONS i Expand park and recreation facilities to supplement the projected increase in population during the next 10 years. i Continue to support the development of sports fields for youth activities. The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Kimball identified a desire to develop additional soccer, baseball and softball fields. i Community Planning Open House attendees expressed an interest in the development of a City-wide trail system that would provide safe access to throughout residential neighborhoods, parks and other amenities. i Extend a future hiker/biker trail to the Four Winds Country Club and Golf Course.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.8
HEALTH, WELLNESS & ELDERLY SERVICES.
A number of modern health and hospital services, including full service hospitals, nursing care facilities, clinics and private medical offices are available to residents of Kimball and the surrounding area. i Kimball Health Services – The Kimball Health Services facility was constructed in 1950 and is located at 505 South Burg Street, in southwestern Kimball. Currently, 83 employees maintain this 15-bed Critical Access Hospital and Basic Level Trauma Center. Several medical-related services and amenities are available including, but not limited to, physical, speech and occupational therapy; a radiology lab with onsite CT, MRI, ultrasound, and Echocardiograms; nuclear medical care, two trauma rooms, one surgery room and an out-patient surgical prep and recovery ward with five beds. The medical facility also has an attached Rural Health Clinic. The entire facility averages 100 emergency room patients per month, three in-patients admitted per day, and 1,500 Clinic, lab, and radiology patients per month.
Kimball Health Services employs 83 full- and part-time employees including a CEO, CFO, Medical Director, one Medical Doctor, one NP-C and three Physician Assistants – C. Planned future improvements to the facility include a new HVAC system, a new Surgical Suite and a Wellness Center.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.9
KIMBALL COUNTY MANOR
The Manor is located in the southeast portion of the Community at 810 East 7th Street and was completed in 1968 as a privately owned nursing home. The County purchased the manor in 1971 and added an additional 15 rooms, two dining areas, and another nurse's station. Kimball County taxpayers approved a bond issue totaling $350,000 to finance the improvements. The facility remains self-sufficient and is not supported by tax dollars.
A memorial chapel constructed in 1985 and a garage and maintenance shop was completed in 1994. A solarium was added the following year in 1995. The addition of 18 apartments and the upgrading of the kitchen and the laundry facility in 2000 supported a Kimball County Manor Assisted Living addition. Funding for the Assisted Living facility was provided by a local $280,000 bond issue and a grant from the State of Nebraska. With the addition, the facility is licensed as a 49-bed nursing center and an 18-bed assisted living facility.
KIMBALL FRIENDSHIP “SENIOR CITIZEN” CENTER
Local senior citizens have utilized the Kimball Friendship Center, located at 107 South Oak Street. The building was constructed in the early 1950s and has a kitchen, bath rooms and a meeting room that holds approximately 125 persons. The Center supports the Aging Office Nutrition Program on weekdays by providing a noon meal. Members annually hold a soup supper and two rummage sales to raise funding for the facility. Recent improvements have included refinishing the exterior cement block walls and performing routine maintenance as required.
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PUBLIC SAFETY & GOVERNMENT.
Public administration facilities are facilities which serve the citizens of the Community and conduct the business of government and carry out its operations. Therefore, it is essential these services are centrally located and convenient to the majority of the citizens in the Community.
PUBLIC SAFETY
KIMBALL POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Kimball Police Department is located adjacent the City Hall building at 223 South Chestnut Street in Downtown Kimball. This building was remodeled in 1999 and houses the administrative offices, patrol offices, evidence room, as well as an interview room with full high definition camera and sound equipment. The Department currently has six full-time police officers and a full-time administrative assistant including the Chief of Police, Captain, Patrol Sergeant, School Resource Officer (SRO) and two Police Officers. The Department maintains six patrol vehicles that are all equipped with camera systems. The department also has four body cams that are worn by officers while on duty.
KIMBALL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The City of Kimball Volunteer Fire Department is located at 200 West 2nd Street and was constructed in 1995. The Department consists of a Fire Chief, two Assistant Fire Chiefs and 31 volunteer fire fighters that cover at total of 30 square miles including the City of Kimball and the rural fire jurisdiction within Kimball County. The Department maintains three Class “A” Pumpers, two Tender Water Trucks, two Grass Riggs, an Equipment Truck and a Command Vehicle. The insurance ISO Rating is “5” within the City of Kimball Corporate Limits.
KIMBALL COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE
The Kimball County Ambulance Service, located at 207 East 3rd Street, provides emergency transportation services to the City of Kimball and throughout Kimball County. The Advanced Life Support Services squad consists of a Director, Assistant Director and 20 licensed volunteer members and maintains two ambulance rescue trucks for emergency response. The service averages approximately 250 emergency calls per year.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.11
CIVIL DEFENSE / EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Kimball County Civil Defense is coordinated throughout Kimball County by the City of Kimball Police Department and Emergency Managers Office, located in the County Courthouse. The Kimball County Hazard Mitigation Plan is also implemented by the Kimball County Emergency Manager.
The planning and preparation for natural disaster and man-made emergencies consist of the following: Mitigation, Preparation, Response and Recovery. Examples of natural and man-made disasters include floods, tornadoes, wither storms, chemical spills, explosions, plane crashes, etc. Other services include weather alert of severe weather, tornado awareness week education, winter road conditions and/or closure.
GOVERNMENT
CITY HALL
The City Hall is located in Downtown Kimball at 223 South Chestnut, in Downtown Kimball. All City offices are located at the City Hall including the utility offices, City Clerk, and City Administrator Offices and support staff. The Kimball City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Public Works, City/County Park and Recreation Board and Cemetery Board all hold their public meetings in the Council Chambers. The entire building meets ADA accessibility requirements.
U.S. POST OFFICE
The U.S. Post Office in Kimball is located at 201 West 2nd Street. The building was constructed in approximately 1955 and is ADA compliant. There are a total of 590 postal boxes, of which 260 are rented and accessible 24 hours a day. The Post Office provides house to house delivery via two City postal routes and one rural route. Employees include the Postmaster, eight employees and three rural route delivery drivers.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.12
CEMETERY
The Kimball Cemetery is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 30 and County Road 39 along the west Corporate Limits of the City. The City owns and manages the Cemetery through the Kimball Cemetery Board.
KIMBALL EVENT CENTER
The Kimball Event Center is located east of Downtown Kimball on the north side of Street (Highway 30) at 615 East 3rd Street. The building was constructed in the mid-1970s as a grocery store. The Center has four separate meeting rooms that hold between 20 and 500 people depending on the needs of the event. A permanent kitchen, rest rooms and small reception room are also available.
KIMBALL COUNTY SHUTLE
Public transportation service in the City and throughout Kimball County is available from the Kimball County Shuttle, based at 209 East 3rd Street. The shuttle is equipped with a lift for wheelchair access for persons with mobility limitations. The service is available to all residents of Kimball County at round trip of $1.00 for up to three miles round trip, $1.50 for rides of three to 20 miles and $2.00 for over 20 miles round trip. Hours of operation are 9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Rides are scheduled by calling at least two hours in advance.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.13
PUBLIC UTILITIES.
It is the responsibility of any community to provide a sound public infrastructure for its citizens, as well as to provide for anticipated growth. Therefore, it is important that the expansion of these systems be coordinated with the growth of the City. The following information highlights the condition of public utilities in the City of Kimball.
WATER SYSTEM
Kimball initially began providing municipal water service to its residents in the early 1930s. The first water wells were replaced by two wells in 1978 and a third well in 1986 in a new well field approximately two miles north of the City. Water service lines in Kimball range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. Most residential areas are serviced by 4 to 6 inch water lines, while the Downtown consists of 6, 8 and 12 inch water lines. Eight and 12 inch lines are also located along the Highway 30 Corridor and north along Chestnut Street to the Municipal Well Field north of Town. According to Kimball Public Works staff, approximately 39 miles of water mains deliver over 200 million gallons of water per year. Several sections of water mains are deteriorating and in need of replacement. Kimball in is the process of establishing an annual fund reservation to gradually replace the water mains that are deteriorated.
The water system through Kimball is also supported by an elevated storage tank, located at the intersection of West 15th Street and Hilltop Drive, northwest of the west Interstate 80 interchange. The tank has a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons.
The following provides an overview of the water system in Kimball, as per the City’s Public Works office.
i Gallons/Day (Average Daily Demand) – 0.797 million gallons. i Gallons/Day (Historic Peak Demand) – 2.62 million gallons. i Active Production Wells – 3. i Firm Capacity – 1,425 gallons per minute. i Normal Operating Pressures – 80 pounds per square inch.
Recent projects implemented by the Kimball Public Works Department have provided improved water standards in the Community.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.14
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
The existing Sanitary Sewer System in Kimball consists of sewer lines ranging from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. A majority of the Community is serviced by 6 to 8 inch lines. Historic wastewater demands include an average daily load of 0.172 million gallons per day. The Kimball wastewater treatment plant has a maximum capacity of 1.81 million gallons per day.
Kimball does not currently have any lift stations. However, if municipal sewer service is eventually extended to the east Highway 71 corridor, or beyond to the Four Winds Golf Course, lift stations will be necessary to effectively serve these eastern areas.
TRANSPORTATION.
A fundamental responsibility of any community is to provide a transportation system for the movement of people, goods and services to, from and within the Community. This section describes road classifications and proposed improvements within the corporate limits of Kimball.
EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Illustration 5.2, Annual Average 24-Hour Traffic Count, depicts the transportation system in the City of Kimball. The transportation system is comprised of U.S. Interstate 80 as “Interstate”, U.S. Highway 30 as “Major Arterial- Intermediate” and 71 as an “Expressway” in which these roads connect with surrounding Communities.
All other streets within the Corporate Limits of Kimball are classified as local streets. Local streets provide transportation throughout the City, while the State highway, spur route and County roads provide transportation into the County, adjacent Communities and areas beyond.
TRAFFIC VOLUME
The Nebraska Department of Roads monitors traffic volume in the Kimball area, for County roads and State and Federal highways. This tabulation process is done to identify appropriate existing road classification and engineering standards. Illustration 5.2 also identifies the average daily traffic counts for State and Federal transportation routes around Kimball.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.15
ANNUAL AVERAGE 24-HOUR TRAFFIC KIMBALL, NEBRASKA
AVERAGE ANNUAL 24-HOUR TRAFFIC COUNT 2010 2012 2014 A 2,260/345 2,370/360 2,270/345 B ---- 1,085/175 1,110/180
C 360/60 650/105 1,285/205
D 1,630/200 1,800/220 1,705/210
E ---- 635/85 480/65 F 7,285/4,455 7,535/4,775 7,570/4,724 G 1,610/354 1,350/330 1,540/380 H 1,360/300 1,515/335 2,020/445 I 7,470/4,345 7,730/4,690 7,980/4695 J 1,165/120 1,155/120 1,125/225
Source: NDOR Annual Average 24 Hour Traffic Count Maps.
Legend = Commercial Vehicles / Heavy Trucks
ILLUSTRATION 5.2
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.16
ROAD CLASSIFICATIONS
Nebraska Highway Law identifies the eight functional classifications of rural highways as follows:
(1) Interstate: Which shall consist of the federally designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways;
(2) Expressway: Second in importance to Interstate. Shall consist of a group of highways following major traffic desires in Nebraska and ultimately should be developed to multilane divided highway standards;
(3) Major Arterial Principal and Intermediate: Consists of the balance of routes which serve major statewide interests for highway transportation in Nebraska. Characterized by high speed, relatively long distances, and travel patterns;
(4) Scenic-Recreation: Consists of highways or roads located within or which provide access to or through state parks, recreation or wilderness areas, other areas of geological, historical, recreational, biological, or archaeological significance, or areas of scenic beauty;
(5) Other Arterial: Which shall consist of a group of highways of less importance as through-travel routes which would serve places of smaller population and smaller recreation areas not served by the higher systems;
(6) Collector: Which shall consist of a group of highways which pick up traffic from many local or land-service roads and carry it to community centers or to the arterial systems. They are the main school bus routes, mail routes, and farm-to-market routes;
(7) Local: Which shall consist of all remaining rural roads, except minimum maintenance roads;
(8) Minimum Maintenance: Which shall consist of (a) roads used occasionally by a limited number of people as alternative access roads for area served primarily by local, collector, or arterial roads, or (b) roads which are the principal access roads to agricultural lands for farm machinery and which are not primarily used by passenger or commercial vehicles.
The rural highways classified, under subdivisions (1) thru (3) of this section should, combined, serve every incorporated municipality having a minimum population of 100 inhabitants or sufficient commerce, a part of which will be served by stubs or spurs, and along with rural highways classified under subsection (4) of this section, should serve the major recreational areas of the State. Sufficient commerce shall mean a minimum of two hundred thousand dollars of gross receipts under the Nebraska Revenue Act of 1967.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.17
Future transportation system improvements are highlighted in the City of Kimball is outlined in the One and Six Year Road Plan. The One-Year Plan is for projects to be undertaken in 2015. Kimball’s Six-Year Plan is for projects to be undertaken through 2020, or earlier if funding becomes available. The Roads Plan is available in Appendix of this Comprehensive Development Plan.
The Kimball Underpass Renovation Project:
The Kimball Underpass Renovation Project will rehabilitate the Union Pacific Railroad underpass, located on the north side of Downtown Kimball. The project is being administered by the City of Kimball with funding provided by the Federal Highway Administration and Nebraska Department of Roads.
The underpass was originally constructed as a Federal Works Progress Administration Project in 1938 and opened to traffic in 1940. The Renovation Project is needed to preserve the integrity of the existing structure and improve access for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The Underpass stone approach slopes and sidewalks are deteriorating, broken and heaving. Plans also include the addition of lighting for pedestrian safety and flood control measures. Construction is planned to begin in 2017.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 5.18
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Section 6
Energy Element.
SECTION 6 ENERGY ELEMENT.
INTRODUCTION.
This Section of the Kimball Comprehensive Plan complies with a July, 2010 amendment to Nebraska State Statues 23-114.02, requiring an “Energy Element” with a Community Comprehensive Plan. This component of the Plan assesses the energy infrastructure and energy use in Kimball. This Section is also intended to evaluate the utilization of renewable energy sources and promote energy conservation measures.
PUBLIC POWER DISTRIBUTION.
The City of Kimball is a member of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool (NMPP). NMPP was created in 1975 as 19 municipal electric utilities pooled their resources to better handle escalating fuel prices while still serving their Communities effectively and efficiently. Today, 155 Nebraska Communities, including the City of Kimball, are member Communities of NMPP. Several Communities in the States of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and North Dakota are also members of this electric supply organization.
The passage of legislation in 1981 allowed the formation of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN), a wholesale electric supply organization. This organization is a program operated by NMPP. Since its inception, MEAN has relied upon member generation as part of its power supply and, with its growth, has secured additional sources of electric generation from other organizations. Today MEAN supplies wholesale electricity to more than 65 Communities in Colorado, Iowa, Wyoming and Nebraska, including the City of Kimball. Collectively, these Communities subscribe to the core philosophies of local control and working together in providing reliable, low-cost energy and energy-related services to member Communities.
MEAN also has a 50-megawatt, long-term participation power agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The agreement provides MEAN with energy priced at a fixed rate from NPPD through 2023.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.1
MEAN’s current total wind-generation energy is 47.5 megawatts or eight percent of its total electric generating capacity, enough to power about 12,500 homes (if operating at full capacity).
As of 2015, approximately 42 percent of MEAN’s energy generation was from coal (which includes participation in the Whelan Energy Center Unit #2), an additional 21 percent of its total sources was purchased from other coal energy producers, 17 percent was from renewable resources including wind, hydro-electric from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and other renewable energy sources, 12 percent was from other market purchases, and 8 percent was purchased nuclear power.
Currently, MEAN’s total renewable energy component is 13 percent of its total electric capacity.
By comparison, the mission statement of NPPD includes the goal of producing 10 percent of its energy supply from renewable sources by 2020. This would involve the development of at least 80 megawatts of wind-generated power every two year period to achieve the 10 percent goal by 2020.
In order for NPPD to meet its goal of 10 percent of its generating capacity from renewable resources, primarily wind, the District will need to have 533 megawatts of total wind generation by 2020. As of December, 2010, the State of Nebraska had a total wind turbine production of 213 megawatts.
“NET METERING”
In 2009, the State of Nebraska Legislature approved and signed into law, LB 439 (Nebraska State Statute §70-2001 to 2005), which is also referred to as “Net Metering.” This law allows individual residences and businesses to supplement their standard electric service with one, or combinations of, five alternate energy systems, including Solar, Methane, Wind, Biomass, Hydropower and Geothermal.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.2
By implementing these types of alternative energy systems, individuals will reduce their reliance on public utility systems, potentially generating more electricity than they use and profit by the public utility districts purchasing their excess energy. The Kimball Planning Commission chose to allow usage control of Net Metering by allowing residential and businesses property owners to seek a Special Use Permit, if the applicant can document they are in conformance with the provisions of the Small Wind Energy Conversion System provisions in the Zoning Regulations.
A new net metering service was developed by NMPP to assist its Communities in complying with net metering laws. The plan offers three options with cost-based fees to allow members to customize the service to best fit the needs of their Communities.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION.
The City of Kimball Department of Public Works Electric System retails electricity within the corporate limits. The city owns a generating plant capable of generating sufficient power to meet the needs of the entire City, but has since 1980 been utilized only as an emergency back-up for the City. The electric plant is an eight megawatt generating system. In the event of a power shortage, the plant can assist in meeting power needs throughout the regional system.
Additional sources of electricity are Western Area Power Association (W.A.P.A.) and Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN).
The City of Kimball owns and maintains the electricity distribution system throughout the City and is capable of producing its own power, as detailed above, but does so only as an emergency back-up. Kimball purchases 100 percent of its electricity from MEAN and WAPA.
Table 6.1 is a comparison of annual Energy Consumption By Sector, while Table 6.2 compares annual Electric Revenue By Sector between 2011 and 2015. The latest available information is from 2015. The Residential Sector, between 2011 and 2015 has increased by 30 percent in both the amount of electricity consumed and in total revenue. As of 2015, the Residential Sector has accounted for 47.7 percent of the $2,735,820 Total Revenue produced by electric sales. General Service includes multiple subcategories that are typically utilized by both commercial and industrial small to mid-scale consumers of electricity. The General Service category comprised a total of 25.6 percent of Total Energy consumed in 2015, which is an increase of 20 percent between 2011 and 2015.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.3
TABLE 6.1 ELECTRIC COMSUMPTION STATISTICS ANNUAL REPORTS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2011 – 2015
SECTOR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Tax Exempt -City 210,871 223,222 242,302 267,698 287,787 -Rural 9,272 9,948 11,579 12,403 11,534 Residential -City 1,005,608 1,052,803 1,123,904 1,225,454 1,303,584 -Rural 48,615 48,964 53,048 57,065 62,109 Gen. Serv. -City 584,520 608,761 616,056 666,430 701,356 -Rural 26,809 27,976 30,279 32,439 35,744 Gen.Serv.Dem-Ct. 161,053 225,130 250,099 235,035 223,417 -Rl. 9,669 11,255 6,051 5,582 8,481 Irrigation -Seas. 3,372 5,789 5.450 2,617 0 -Off Seas. 0 0 2,506 92 0 Munic. Comm 56,916 56,603 60,640 67,942 64,971 Flat Rt Su. Light. 3,170 3,492 2,074 2,208 2,259 Street Lighting 21,820 23,702 25,465 28,969 31,113 TOTAL 2,135,152 2,288,365 2,419,427 2,599,018 2,735,820
Source: City of Kimball Public Works 2016. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
TABLE 6.2 ELECTRIC REVENUE STATISTICS ANNUAL REPORTS KIMBALL, NEBRASKA 2011 – 2015
SECTOR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Tax Exempt -City $219,306 $232,151 $251,994 $278,405 $299,187 -Rural $9,642 $10,346 $12,042 $12,899 $11,995 Residential –City $1,118,585 $1,171,105 $1,250,141 $1,363,125 $1,450,346 -Rural $53,340 $53,723 $58,204 $62,613 $68,153 Gen. Serv. -City $648,344 $647,946 $682,778 $738,473 $777,072 -Rural $29,388 $30,666 $33,193 $35,564 $39,187 Gen.Serv.Dem-Ct. $328,561 $435,085 $485,036 $478,940 $491,987 -Rl. $25,137 $30,530 $20,407 $19,198 $29,005 Irrigation -Seas. $3,507 $6,020 $5,668 $2,722 $0 -Off Seas. 0 $234 $3,337 $256 $0 Munic. Comm $61,706 $61,368 $65,778 $73,791 $70,428 Flat Rt Su. Light. $3,506 $3,865 $2,296 $2,442 $2,498 Street Lighting $22,693 $24,650 $26,483 $30,128 $32,357 TOTAL $2,524,641 $2,735,581 $2,897,361 $3,098,557 $3,277,941
Source: City of Kimball Public Works 2016. Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., 2016.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.4
Monthly electricity rates are based on a flat base rate plus costs consumed at a kilowatt per hour rate. The following Table reviews these monthly rate charges as established by the City of Kimball in February of 2015.
Electric Rates Category Customer Charge First 570/2200 kwh First 570/2200 Balance (per Balance (per Minimum kwh KWH) KWH) Summer Winter Summer Winter Charge Residential - In (570 kwh) $20.36 (570 kwh) 0.1318 0.1318 0.0989 $20.36 City Limits 0.1183 Residential - (570 kwh) $22.76 (570 kwh) 0.1318 0.1318 0.0989 $22.76 Rural 0.1183 General Service - (2200 kwh) $38.33 (2200 kwh) 0.1281 0.1281 0.1054 $38.33 In City 0.1258 General Service - (2200 kwh) $44.92 (2200 kwh) 0.1281 0.1281 0.1054 $44.92 Rural 0.1258 Minimum Demand (per Demand (per Energy (per KWH) Energy (per KWH) Category Customer Charge Demand KWH) KWH) Charge Summer Winter Summer Winter General Service - $119.78 $335.38 $25.75 $16.77 0.0719 0.0635 Demand General Service - $119.78 $335.38 $28.75 $17.97 0.0742 0.0659 Demand Rural Irrigation Rate $167.69 - $19.16 $7.19 0.1 0.0779 Municipal Same as General Service Light Balance (per Customer Charge First 2200 kwh First 2200 kwh Ballance (per KWH) Maintenance KWH) Category (Minimum Charge Summer Winter Summer Winter Charge) Street Lighting $21.56 $3.30 0.0838 0.0704 0.0838 0.0704 150 Watt 250 Watt Category (per Month) (per Month) Security Lights $17.37 $17.37
Effective October 1, 2003, City Council placed a 4.0% Occupation Tax (reflected as OT on bill) on Electric & Water to be put in the General Fund on a monthly basis. Winter Months: October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May
Summer Months: June, July, August, September Adopted 02-26-2015 byBPW
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.5
STATE-WIDE TRENDS IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION
During the last 40+ years, the State of Nebraska, as a whole, has vastly increased energy consumption. However, percentage share of personnel income has remained constant. In 1970, 11.8 percent of the percentage share of personal income was spent on energy. As of 2012, 12 percent was spent on energy usage. The peak percentage occurred in 1980 at 17.1 percent.
Trends in the Total Energy Consumption for the State of Nebraska, published in the “2014 Annual Report” of the Nebraska Energy Office, is mirrored in each of the individual energy categories, coal, natural gas, gasoline and distillate fuel oil (primarily diesel fuel), nuclear power and hydroelectric production. Each energy type is detailed between 1960 and 2012, as follows:
x Coal consumption increased from 20 trillion BTU in 1960 to 272.59 trillion BTU, as of 2012. Peak use of coal was established in 2011 at 285.38 trillion BTU, surpassing the previous high set in 2010. The increase through 2011 was attributable to coal energy used to generate electricity
x Natural Gas consumption rose and fell during the 52 year period between 1960 and 2012, beginning at 140.4 trillion BTU, peaking in 1973 at 230.7 trillion BTU and, by 2012, declining to 161.77 trillion BTU.
x Gasoline and Diesel Fuel consumption increased in Nebraska between 1960 and 2012. Gasoline consumption rose by 25 percent, from 78.7 to 98.9 trillion BTU, as of 2012, and peaked in 1978 at 115.9 trillion BTU. Diesel fuel consumption quadrupled from 24.1 trillion BTU to 115.52 trillion BTU. Petroleum consumption, overall, peaked in 1978 at 246.6 trillion BTU.
x Nuclear power generation began in Nebraska in 1973 at 6.5 trillion BTU. Usage increased to 72.5 trillion BTU as of 2011, but declined to 60.8 trillion as of 2012. The peak use of nuclear power was in 2007 at 115.7 trillion BTU.
x Renewable energy consumption has fluctuated, beginning in 1960 at 13.4 and ending at a record high of 164.9 trillion BTU as of 2011. As of 2012, the consumption of renewable energy declined to 137.2 trillion BTU. Hydropower was the primary renewable energy source from 1960 to 1994. Biofuels or ethanol production began in 1995 equaling hydropower. As of 2012, 76.3 percent of all renewable energy produced during that year came from biofuels. 8.9 percent from hydroelectric, 8.9 percent from wind and 5.2 percent from wood products. Very small amounts came from geothermal and solar energy.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.6
NEBRASKA ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SECTOR.
The Nebraska Energy Office, in 2011, published the “Nebraska’s Total Energy Consumption by Sector.” State-wide, the Industrial Energy Sector consumed more than a third, 43 percent, of Nebraska’s total energy consumed in 2011. Twenty- Three percent of the energy consumed in the State was in the Transportation Sector, The Residential Sector consumed 18 percent and the Commercial Sector consumed 16 percent.
The only Sector to see an increase in consumption between 2010 and 2011 was the Industrial Sector.
Nebraska is ranked fourth in wind energy resources in the Nation. Approximately 1.8 billion Kilowatt Hours were generated by utility scale wind energy facilities in Nebraska. The State has 422 operational wind turbines capable of producing 734 Megawatts. An average annual output from the 13 wind facilities across Nebraska could potentially power 244,880 homes.
ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICIES.
The most effective means for the City of Kimball to reduce its total energy consumption in each of the Energy Sectors (and by energy type) is by conservation practices and by continuing to promote the conversion to alternative energy systems when appropriate.
The following is a list of policies to guide energy practices throughout the City:
Promote the use of “Net Metering” or the use of one or more combinations of the five alternative energy sources to reduce residential, commercial and industrial facilities consumption of energy.
x Utilize the Kimball Zoning Regulations to control the placement and operation of alternative energy systems.
x Require compliance with the Special Use permit process so that established conditions are met by the applicant.
x Adopt the NMPP net metering service it established to assist the City in complying with Nebraska’s Net Metering Law.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.7
x Promote the development of vocational education opportunities in high schools, trade schools, Community and State colleges and universities to educate the current and future workforce in alternative energy design, fabrication of equipment and maintenance.
Assist Kimball County in providing for the use and placement of large scale Commercial Wind Energy Conversion Systems, commonly referred to as “Wind Farms” in locations throughout the County.
x The placement of large scale wind towers is not compatible with uses in the limited development areas of the One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction of Kimball.
As other sources of Alternative Energy Systems are developed or become cost-effective for use in Nebraska, amend planning documents of the City to locate and control their operation.
Promote the use of conservation methods to reduce the consumption of energy usage in each of the individual sectors including residential, commercial, and industrial (which includes agricultural and public uses).
x Promote the expanded use of solar and geothermal exchange energy systems for applications throughout the Kimball One-Mile Planning Jurisdiction. Subareas of the Community, such as the Downtown, a Neighborhood or individual subdivisions, are encouraged to collectively pursue an alternate energy source or combination of sources to lower energy consumption and to make energy more affordable.
x Promote the rehabilitation of agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and public/quasi-public buildings utilizing weatherization methods and energy efficient or “green building” materials in conformance to the “LEED” Certified Building techniques.
x Implement conservation programs supported by NMPP for its member communities. For example, the ENERGYsmart Commercial Lighting Program provides cash incentives to businesses that replace old lighting fixtures with high-efficient light fixtures such as LED to reduce consumption and energy costs.
x The City of Kimball could also access grant and loan programs to replace street light fixtures with LED fixtures that reduce consumption and are more efficient.
Kimball, Nebraska | Comprehensive Plan – 2016-2026. 6.8
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Appendix I.
Kimball One- and Six-
Year Street
Improvement Plan.
City of Kimball 1-6 Yr Street Program
1 Year Projects - Maintenance Only 6 Year Projects
M-373(121) M-373(118)
M-373(120)
Kimball, Nebraska
Comprehensive Planning Program - 2024.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Housing Study Grant Program.
Appendix II.
Kimball Citizen
Survey Results.
Kimball, Nebraska Comprehensive Planning Program
CITIZEN SURVEY
The City of Kimball Planning Commission is currently conducting a Comprehensive Planning Program, to determine both the present and future needs of the Community for the next 10 years. The Program is funded by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority-Housing Study Grant Program, with matching funds from the City. An important activity of this Planning Program is to ask you about the needs and wants of the Community. Please take a few minutes to complete and return the following Citizen Survey to City Hall by MONDAY, MARCH 9TH.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
1. How long have you lived in Kimball?
Less than 1 Year (7) 11 to 20 Years (28) 1 to 5 Years (26) 21+ Years (107) 6 to 10 Years (13) I do not live in Kimball (4)
2. Including yourself, how many persons are there in your family/household?
One (48) Four (11) Two (85) Five (7) Three (24) Six or More (5)
3. How many persons in your family are in each of the following age groups?
____70___Less than 18 Years ____92___55 to 64 Years ____21___18 to 24 Years ____66___65 to 74 Years ____43___25 to 34 Years ____39___75 to 81 Years ____22___35 to 44 Years ____20___82+ Years ____50___45 to 54 Years
EDUCATION
4. Check all that apply.
I am a graduate of Kimball Public Schools. (77) I have children attending Kimball Public Schools. (42) Kimball Public Schools were a factor in my decision to locate in Kimball. (18)
5. Are there sufficient and safe routes to School for children?
Yes (131) No (16)
If No, what could be done to improve the safety of children commuting to and from school?
Top Responses: speed limit enforcement, new and/or improved sidewalks, improved snow removal, increased police patrol.
6. Would you recommend Kimball Public Schools to parents?
Yes (123) No (20)
PUBLIC FACILITIES & COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
7. What new public recreational opportunities should be considered for Kimball?
Top Responses: wellness/fitness center, indoor pool, walking trails, Oliver Reservoir improvements.
8. What three new businesses would you like to see in Kimball?
Top Responses: restaurants (sit-down & fast food), retail/shopping opportunities, movie theater, farm/agricultural supply store.
9. What three services would you like to see offered in the City of Kimball that are currently not available?
Top Responses: manufacturing/industrial park, alternative energy services, health clinic, lawn/landscaping services.
10. Please rate the quality of the following Community Services & Public Facilities in your Town. (1 = Excellent, 2 = Good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Poor).
_1.39_Church _2.53_Discount/Variety Store _2.82_Repair Services _2.35_Grocery Store _2.94_Downtown Businesses _3.58_Entertainment _1.48_Pharmacy _2.10_Senior Center _1.74_Library _1.47_Fire Protection _1.85_Post Office _2.14_Medical Clinic _1.91_City Office _3.04_Restaurants/Cafes _2.20_Police Protection _2.20_Parks/Recreation _2.25_Convenience Stores _1.59_Banks _1.16_Wellness/Fitness Center _2.68_Streets/Sidewalks _1.91_Schools _1.96_Garbage Collection _2.47_Utilities _2.43_Child Care Opportunities _2.55_Local Government _2.92_Retail Goods/Services ______Other______2.50_Cable TV _3.42_Employment Opportunities
11. Please rate the top three (3) most important business/industry sectors to the City of Kimball.
__121_Farming/Agriculture __37__Health __13__Financial Activities __59__Manufacturing __4___Leisure/Hospitality/Tourism __14__Professional & Business __7___Wholesale Trade __16__Government __42__Education __17__Retail Trade __49__Medical/Emergency __7___Home-Based Businesses __18__Utilities __9___Automotive __37__Law Enforcement/Protection __19__Railroad __13__Retail __37__Fire Protection __4___Information __4___Entertainment ______Other Top Response: oil industry.
TRANSPORTATION
Greatly Somewhat Not Needed Needed Needed Comments 12. Which Transportation items need to be addressed in Kimball? Traffic Safety Improvements 16 49 70 Pedestrian/Trails Connections 51 49 44 School Traffic Circulation 11 58 58 Improved Traffic Control 13 32 86 Improved Truck Routes 39 52 49 Highway Corridor Enhancement 30 51 53 Access Management Improvement 14 44 61 Reduce Railroad/City Conflicts 19 30 76 More Parking 8 32 93 Control Storm Water Run-off 24 54 58 Congestion Reduction 3 14 110
COMMUNITY GROWTH/LAND USE/ZONING
Strongly No Strongly Agree Agree Opinion Disagree Disagree 13. The appearance of the City of Kimball can be improved with… Street & Pedestrian Lighting 20 49 44 21 7 Special Sales, Events and Welcome Banners 16 60 38 17 6 Crosswalk Enhancements 17 39 53 27 4 Street Trees, Benches & Landscaping 33 60 32 12 4 Pedestrian Seating Areas and Sidewalk Cafes 35 48 44 11 7 Vehicular Traffic Safety 13 33 65 23 4 Coordinated Traffic Control Lighting 8 21 73 24 12 Directional Signage 11 33 65 20 9 Restoration/Preservation of Historic Buildings 52 57 31 9 5 Gateway Entrance Signage and Advertising 32 60 39 13 6 Design Guidelines for Facades, Awnings, etc. 25 48 45 19 6 Safer Railroad Crossings 13 36 62 23 5 Other (Specify):
14. The sustainability of the City of Kimball can be improved with… Water, Sewer & Utility Replacement 18 58 44 14 4 Improved Streets, Sidewalks & Alleys 57 54 26 12 2 Additional Pedestrian Safety Measures 16 32 67 20 5 Additional Parking for Businesses/in Downtown 7 22 62 35 5 Burying Overhead Utility Lines 23 42 53 18 5 Business Retention, Recruitment & Expansion 88 41 19 3 2 Marketing of Sales & Festivals 45 63 30 6 2 Coordinated Business Hours 26 46 59 7 2 Designation of “Historic Districts” 16 46 57 14 7 Increased Marketing of Vacant Buildings 81 53 22 4 2 Development of an Incubator Business Program 38 40 51 8 5 Reducing utility costs with alternative energy sources 85 43 23 6 2 Other (Specify):
15. Where should future residential growth in Kimball take place?
North (44) East (70) South (54) West (48)
16. Should the role of Downtown Kimball be expanded with new commercial and entertainment facilities?
Yes (135) No (25)
Should new commercial and entertainment facilities be expanded along the highway and Interstate 80 Corridors?
Yes (116) No (43)
If No, where should future commercial and entertainment facilities be developed?
Top Responses: in and around Downtown, south and east along Highways 71 and 30.
17. Do you support strict enforcement of City ordinances regarding parking, junk vehicles and property maintenance?
Yes (147) No (23)
HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
18. Do you own or rent your place of residence?
Own (166) Rent (14)
19. Describe the type of housing you currently reside in.
House (157) Apartment (5) Mobile Home (13) Town Home/Duplex (0)
20. Are you satisfied with your current housing situation?
Yes (157) No (18)
If No, why not? ______(See Comments)______
21. How would you rate the condition of your home or place of residence?
Excellent (60) Fair – Needs Minor Repair (31) Good (84) Poor – Needs Major Repair (2)
If minor or major repair is needed to your home, please describe the type of repair needed. ______(See Comments)______
22. Which of the following additional housing types are needed in Kimball, in the next 10 years?
Greatly Somewhat Not Needed Needed Needed Housing For: ------1. Lower-Income Families 61 47 21 2. Middle-Income Families 77 52 8 3. Upper-Income Families 23 49 47 4. Single Parent Families 56 54 11 5. Existing / New Employees 63 47 7 Single Family Housing 65 55 10 Rental Housing (General) 76 46 12 Manufactured Homes 13 72 33 Mobile Homes 7 51 58 Condominiums/Townhomes 19 47 47 Duplex Housing 25 69 23 Apartment Complexes (3 to 12 Units per Complex) 30 54 30 Rehabilitation of Owner-occupied Housing 53 49 18 Rehabilitation of Renter-occupied Housing 62 37 17 Housing Choices for First-Time Homebuyers 71 45 7 Single Family Rent-to-Own ------1. Short-Term 3 to 5 Years 24 71 16 2. Long-Term 6 to 15 Years 20 72 19 Duplex/Townhouse Rent-to-Own ------1. Short-Term 3 to 5 Years 23 58 25 2. Long-Term 6 to 15 Years 16 64 27 One Bedroom (Apartment or House) 32 60 23 Two Bedroom (Apartment or House) 56 59 10 Three Bedroom (Apartment or House) 61 49 10 Independent Living Housing for 31 65 22 Persons with a Mental/Physical Disability Group Home Housing for 23 58 34 Persons with a Mental/Physical Disability Housing in Downtown 17 32 69 Retirement Housing – Rental 30 61 26 Retirement Housing – Purchase (Owner occupant) 22 59 32 Retirement Housing For: ------1. Low-income Elderly Persons 70 47 12 2. Middle-income Elderly Persons 52 56 15 3. Upper-income Elderly Persons 12 43 57 Licensed Assisted Living, with Specialized Services 33 54 26 (i.e. health, food prep, recreation services, etc.) Single-Room-Occupancy Housing (Boarding Homes) 13 42 61 Short-Term Emergency Shelters – 30 Days or Less 23 58 36 Long-Term Shelters – 90 Days or Less 16 38 58 Transitional Housing 18 45 49 (3-12 month temporary housing) Other (specify): Other (specify):
23. Would you support the City of Kimball using State or Federal grant funds to conduct: … an owner housing rehabilitation program? __120__ Yes __64__ No … a renter housing rehabilitation program? __101__ Yes __83__ No
24. Would you support the City of Kimball establishing a local program that would purchase dilapidated houses, tear down the houses and make the lots available for a family or individual to build a house? __125__ Yes __59__ No
25. Would you support the City of Kimball using grant dollars to purchase, rehabilitate and resell vacant housing in the Community? __132__ Yes __52__ No
26. Would you support your Community using State or Federal grant dollars to provide down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers? __120__ Yes __64__ No
27. Please provide additional comments regarding the future of Kimball, Nebraska:
______(See Comments)______
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Thank You For Your Participation!
Return this Survey, by MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, to:
Kimball City Hall 223 South Chestnut Street