The Community of Edgerton Sustainable Vision & · Web viewThe Community of Edgerton Sustainable Vision & Plan: A Community Vision and Plan Created through the Principles of...

The Community of Edgerton Sustainable Vision & Plan:

A Community Vision and Plan Created through the Principles of Sustainability

Sustainable Community Plan Report

Cooperating Partners:Community of Edgerton

Ohio State University Extension Sustainable Development Initiatives and the

Ohio Sea Grant College Program

February 2011

AcknowledgementsThe following organizations, their representatives and involved individuals have made this project possible through their sponsorship, leadership and commitment of time:

Community of Edgerton Sustainable Plan Steering Committee:

Name Organization/EntityDelton Riehle Steering Committee CoordinatorTiffany Gutierrez VolunteerRoger Strup Edgerton Chamber of CommerceChuck Wallace Edgerton Village CouncilLance Bowsher Mayor, Village of EdgertonDale Mathys Administrator, Village of EdgertonSue Kimpel St. Joseph Township TrusteesWayne Wilson Wilson Realty & Edgerton Area

Development CorporationDick Lutterbein Edgerton Area Development CorporationSteve Wilmont Edgerton Christian ChurchSandy Wood Edgerton Boy ScoutsMarvin Deitch Farm BureauBill Lutterbein Lutterbein LumberLaVern Franz Senior CitizenJulie Taylor Saint Mary’s Catholic SchoolMatt Krill Bonnie Blue Ribbon 4-H ClubEllen Herman Heartland 4-H ClubPhil Herman Heartland 4-H ClubJohn Merillat CitizenBrad McCrea CitizenHugh Perry Saint Joseph Township TrusteeCory Haury Area Rep. for National Write Your

Congressman OrganizationAnne Fleisher Edgerton Public LibraryCindy Thiel Edgerton Athletic BoostersBonita Hanson CitizenBob Koerner CitizenTom Dietsch CitizenDave Casebere CitizenDarwin and Shirley Krill CitizensChuck Merriman CitizenPat Strouse CitizenJim Stark CitizenTom and Rita Sechler CitizensRon Sechler CitizenEtta Pence CitizenSusan Herman CitizenSandra Thiel Edgerton BankDave Frazer Huntington BankTom Flegal Dietsch Furniture

Sponsorship is provided by the Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Business Group, Wilson Auction Realty and the Edgerton Area Development Corporation.

2

Process design, guidance, vision session analysis and report development is provided by The Ohio State University Sustainable Development Initiatives and Ohio Sea Grant College Programs.

Team Members: Joe Lucente, Extension Educator, Ohio Sea Grant College Program, Maumee Valley EERA, Lucas County

Myra Moss, Extension Educator, Heart of Ohio EERA, Licking County

3

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary

II. Introduction

III. Edgerton Community Profile

IV. Sustainable Community Plan

Economic Development

Community Facilities and Services

Education

V. Supporting Materials

Vision Report

Report from Planning Session I: Sustainable Community Plan

4

Executive Summary

This report contains the plan for the future of the Community of Edgerton as determined by leaders, residents and stakeholders of the village of Edgerton and surrounding area.

This plan is guided by a consensus vision of community residents as the first step in its development. Furthermore, this plan is built upon the principles of sustainability, which seek to find the balance between the economic, environmental and social sectors of the community. These principles and how they guide the planning process are discussed in the Introduction.

The Community of Edgerton has chosen three components upon which to build their long range, consensus driven community plan. These components emerged from the vision and include: Economic Development, Community Facilities & Services, and Education. They represent the values that residents of Edgerton hold dear and desire to develop and improve in order to create a community that provides opportunities for older residents to thrive while attracting and retaining youth.

A wide range of community interests were engaged in the creation of this plan. In order for a plan to foster community sustainability, this broad based involvement was critical for setting an achievable long-range future. The result is a community plan that is based on community values, driven by the community’s vision, and contains goals, objectives and strategies that have been developed through an engaged and inclusive planning process.

5

Introduction

In August of 2009, the Community of Edgerton initiated the creation of a community plan based on the long-range shared goals of Edgerton area residents. The first step in this plan was to determine resident’s consensus regarding their future vision for their community. Once this consensus was recognized, it provided guidance to a broad based planning group in the development of the community’s goals, objectives and strategies. This plan utilizes the methods that help to create sustainable plans and sustainable communities by focusing on certain principles including:

Seeking a balance and interconnection between the economic, social and environmental desires of community residents

Seeking inclusion in the planning process, whereby all sectors of the community are involved in providing guidance

Having a long-term planning window that looks out to future generations and their needs while considering the needs of current residents

Resolving planning issues from a holistic, multidimensional approach

This plan is meant to provide an overall direction that the Community of Edgerton can follow to achieve social equity, economic vitality and environmental quality. It does not dictate regulatory measures but instead provides general policy guidelines and recommendations. It is meant to provide an overall framework and direction for other, more detailed plans to follow.

The Community of Edgerton Sustainable Plan is the result of the cooperative planning efforts of the Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Business Group, Wilson Auction Reality and the Edgerton Area Development Corporation and Edgerton citizens with guidance by the Ohio State University Extension Sustainable Development Initiative Team and Ohio Sea Grant College Program.

Organization of the Plan

This document is laid out in sections designed to address the three major components of the plan. These components emerged at first as consensus themes, or areas of importance agreed upon by community residents, during vision sessions held throughout the community. Detailed goals, objectives and strategies for implementation are provided within the three planning sections: Economic Development, Community Facilities & Services, and Education. A physical and community profile section is included to provide information and data regarding trends and existing conditions within the Community of Edgerton and surrounding area. The final section of the plan provides supporting documents that were used to frame the planning issues and develop implementation approaches.

6

Four planning concepts emerged to frame the implementation approach to address key planning issues. These guiding principles include:

1. Community life: citizens of all ages are nurtured through opportunities and locations to gather together and participate in community events and activities

2. Locally based economic vitality: locally owned businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities provide a vibrant, secure economic future

3. Open spaces and natural beauty: resources are respected to increase environmental aesthetics and community attractiveness

4. Education: facilities and programs are available to encourage K-12, further education and lifelong learning for community residents

The following are important definitions to remember in reviewing the three component implementation plans:

Goals are broad statements of a general outcome that the Steering Committee is trying to achieve as it carries out the community’s consensus vision. Goals serve as the basis for formulating objectives.

Objectives are specific measurable statements of a target to be achieved by a service or program in a defined period. Objectives support a goal.

Strategies are ways of achieving an objective.

Action Steps are tasks that need to be completed to implement the strategies designed to reach the chosen objective.

7

The Planning Process

The stages in the development of the Community of Edgerton’s plan were as follows:

1. Establishment of a broad based Steering Committee:

A Steering Committee of community residents, stakeholders and leaders representing the economic, social and environmental interests of the community was established. The role of this Steering Committee was to provide guidance to the development of the plan.

2. Discovering community consensus to determine planning direction:

Beginning in August of 2009, a series of vision sessions were conducted throughout the Edgerton Community. 10 vision sessions were facilitated, two interviews were conducted and responses were obtained through a web survey from a broad range of community groups, organizations, students and residents. Volunteers from the community were trained to facilitate the visioning sessions, with over 116 citizens participating and sharing their thoughts regarding the future of the Edgerton community.

The vision themes that arose from these sessions throughout the community are listed below. These themes capture the unique position that will create a sustainable future for the community’s residents:

Economic development: Create jobs through local business attraction and expansion while maintaining small town environment; increase health care services and related businesses; expand retail, especially in the downtown; maintain agricultural business base; create job opportunities so youth can return to raise families

Community Facilities & Services:

Offer more activities for youth; expand/improve recreational facilities (especially Miller Park) and programs. Develop gathering places for youth (Youth Center), seniors (Senior Center) and the community at large (Community Center); expand Library

Education:

Continue school academic excellence; offer wider range of academic and extracurricular programs for students (sports, college credit, other); develop stronger linkages between community and schools; educate the community on technology to keep them up to date

8

3. Convening Steering Group and community residents to develop plan:

Two planning sessions were facilitated during which the community and Steering Committee reviewed the community consensus vision and developed Goals and Strategies that would help to reach this vision. This planning report details the results of these sessions and the plan that was developed.

This planning report is being submitted to the Steering Committee and community of Edgerton for their final review, acceptance and implementation.

9

Edgerton Community Profile

The Village of Edgerton has a land area of 1.86 square miles and a population density of 1,042 people per square mile, which is low. As of the census of 2000, there were 2,117 people, 812 households, and 568 families residing in the village. The population density is 1,137.8 people per square mile. There are 862 housing units at an average density of 463.3/sq. mi. The racial makeup of the village is 97.45% White, 0.19% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.05%Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race is 2.08% of the population.

There are 812 households out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the village, the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village is $38,750, and the median income for a family was $45,865. Males have a median income of $32,456 versus $23,646 for females. The per capita income for the village is $17,690. About 6.3% of families and 8.9% of the population are below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those ages 65 or over.

Sources: American Fact Finder. US Census Bureau, US Gazetteer Files: 2000 and 1990

History of EdgertonEdgerton sits in the extreme northwest corner of Ohio, a prominent part of the former Northwest Territory. On December 2, 1832, the St. Joseph Township was established. Preceding Edgerton, the Village of Denmark became the first village in Williams County. The future Edgerton area experienced growth due to its proximity to the railroad, gaining such necessary entities as a post office and livestock business with the railroad. The expanding town consisted of wood frame houses and farm families who used simple farming methods. However, there were the occasional amenities like ice, provided by the icehouse behind Callender’s Dairy.

The Village of Edgerton was officially incorporated as of December 4, 1865, bearing the name of the industrious Alfred P. Edgerton. Alfred had traveled west as an agent of the American Lands Company to sell land to the increasing number of settlers coming to Ohio. He settled in Hicksville, Ohio, and worked to stimulate its economy through the land office, timber mills, and the first toll road in the Maumee Basin. After becoming

10

owner of 40,000 acres of land in Ohio, Alfred donated land to the Village of Edgerton as a public square. This area would later be known as the Village Park. In 1865, the Village Council’s main function was to have authority over this park and to keep the land maintained, as it was when Alfred had given it to the community at large. The Council fenced in the park and put an entrance at the northwest corner. It also had a trough for watering horses and a windmill near the wooden sidewalk leading to the entrance.

December 1882 brought about advertisements for sealed bids on the construction of a Village Hall. Advertisements were placed in the Edgerton Observer and two other Williams County newspapers. Plans and specifications for the new Village Hall were ordered from E.O. Fallis of Toledo for $100.00. It was a year and a half before the legislature in Columbus approved the construction of Village Hall in Edgerton’s park, but the legalization was announced on March 13, 1884. Edgerton's park was declared an easement owned by the citizens of Edgerton. Thus, Edgerton’s park was a public gathering place; a public square more than a park. On May 9, 1884, a contract was signed to allow the lowest bidder Von Behren and Shaffer from Stryker, Ohio, to build Village Hall. The Village Hall was later called the Park Opera House and provided “a public meeting place for lectures, entertainments, institutes, council and school board meetings, [and] voting precincts for town and township.” The original park today remains the site of Village Hall with a picnic shelter provided by the Lions Club and the Civil War Monument. Village Hall is also the location for the Edgerton Fire Department and the Edgerton EMS squad.

Before the Civil War Monument (affectionately known as “Clem”) rested at its present location, the statue had stood at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Indiana Street. The Barre-granite monument made its premiere on Thursday, May 30, 1912, with a price tag of $3,000. The monument remained in the intersection until July 22, 1972, when the Route 6 Highway improvement project was in full swing. Workmen moved the monument in nine pieces, and it was reassembled in front of Village Hall. Besides the Civil War Monument, Edgerton had been honoring its soldiers for years in the Maple Grove Cemetery, established in 1858. As a joint property of St. Joseph Township and Edgerton, a majority of the graves from the town of Denmark are now in this cemetery. A Civil War veteran, J.O. Rose, led the first Memorial Day service held there on May 30, 1868, and Memorial Day services are still held there each year.

After making so much progress, the Village of Edgerton faced a devastating setback from the infamous “Blaze of 1893.” The Edgerton Earth wrote an article on the fire on July 28, 1893, describing a catastrophe that the town’s Little Giant fire engine and a bucket brigade could not prevent. As a consequence of the fire, Frager’s Barber Shop is the only original storefront remaining in the downtown business block.

Before the invention of the telephone, any communication in Edgerton depended upon word of mouth, a telegraph service, or the local newspaper (officially the Edgerton Earth since 1878). During the year of 1899, a telephone system was first established in the town, greatly in part because of the work of E.A. and Anna Geauque. This couple later formed a telephone company in 1905 and started an office full of switchboard operators and linemen. In order to keep up with Edgerton’s increasing technological demands, the first electric power plant was built in 1903. Additionally, the Chicago Bridge and Iron

11

Company constructed the water tower in 1939. Storm sewers would follow in 1958, as well as the water plant in 1966, sanitary sewers in 1978, and the electric substation in 2003.

Even as Edgerton increased in population, some of its residents inevitably moved to other locations in the country. In order to foster memories and unity, an annual homecoming was organized in 1921. Here is an excerpt from a historical piece written by Jennie Fadely in 1927, describing the eve

In 1921 a Home Coming was inaugurated to take place the first week in August every two years…These home comings have been a delightful time to both residents and visitors. Almost every state in the Union has been represented in these meetings. 1,231 were registered in 1925 and a greater number is hoped for this year. Most of the visitors were born and reared in Edgerton and this returning to the scenes of their youth to renew old memories and friendships is a delightful time indeed. The saddest part being that with each meeting many who came before will never come again and friendly faces which greeted them have passed over The Great Divide.

Edgerton has continued hosting these homecomings, although the homecoming’s frequency and dates have changed. The homecoming is now named the “Festival of Flags” and is held annually at the end of July in Miller Park.

This community involvement shone during the 1940s. The local businesses regularly sponsored a free movie on Wednesday nights to attract business. The shows were held outdoors in the village park in pleasant weather or in the upstairs of the village hall in inclement weather. Additionally, the Farmer’s Institute was a big draw for residents to gather and learn more about new technology and methods of farming effectively. This program later transformed into the Community Institute, which organized lectures, debates, and entertainment for Edgerton. Picking up the thread of community involvement, the Edgerton Chamber of Commerce (previously the Edgerton Businessmen’s Association) was formed after the end of World War II. In the words of Roger Strup, “The purpose of the Edgerton Chamber of Commerce is to improve the cultural and economic welfare of the Edgerton, Ohio area. The Chamber acts as a clearing house for ideas, activities, and information and translates them into action.” The Chamber of Commerce has sponsored such events as the Festival of Flags and the Easter egg hunt held on the lawn in front of the old high school.

Edgerton remains a community that cares about the individual. It is home to numerous civic and service organizations such as the Edgerton Rotary Club, Edgerton Lions Club, the local Boy Scouts, and many more. With a proud history, Edgerton can face the future with the assurance that its residents are ready for any challenges that may come. We are the people that make a town a hometown. Through unity and firm resolve, Edgerton will continue adding stories of good memories and positive progress to its history.

Source: Edgerton, Ohio home page: http://edgerton-ohio.com/links/history.html

12

http://edgerton-ohio.com/links/history.html

Population Characteristics

The Village of Edgerton displays many of the characteristics of small, rural Ohio communities. 2000 US Census Data listed Edgerton’s population as having 2,117 persons. As of July 2009, Edgerton’s population was 1,939 persons with 922 males (47.6%) and 1,017 females (52.4%) which denotes a -8.4% change. The median household age was 36.1 years compared to 36.2 years for the State of Ohio. Further, the Village of Edgerton maintains a traditional non-diverse population indicative of many smaller rural Ohio communities in that its demographic makeup consists of a 96.7% white population followed by small numbers of African American, Hispanic, Asian and multi-racial persons.

Source: 2000 US Census and City-data.com

Population Growth

The Village of Edgerton’s population has decreased from that of 2,117 people in the 2000 census to that of 1,939 people as of July 2009 denoting a -8.4% change as mentioned above. By comparison, Williams County had a population of 39,188 persons in the 2000 census with an estimated population of 37,816 in 2009 representing a -3.5% change.

Sources: 2000 US Census, Ohio Department of Development and City-data.com

Population Projections

The population of the Village of Edgerton has been on a slow and gradual decline.

The Ohio Department of Development predicts the population of Williams County to be 38,490 by 2030. This approximates to roughly 700 fewer residents county-wide versus the population tabulated by the 2000 US Census. This equates to a population loss of -1.8%. Due to the evolving nature of financial and government regulations and residential migration patterns, it is difficult to ascertain whether or not this trending will take place in the Village of Edgerton. With all things being equal, the Village of Edgerton can expect flat population growth.

Source: Glenn Grisdale, Principal, Reveille Ltd.

13

The following table represents the largest areas of Williams County and depicts both 2000 Census numbers as well as population estimates in 2009*:

Largest Areas Census 2000 Estimated 2009 % Change

Bryan city 8,549 8,210 -3.9%

Montpelier village 4,324 3,970 -8.1%

Center twp. 3,052 2,971 -2.6%

Pulaski twp. 2,416 2,363 -2.1%

Jefferson twp. 1,966 1,955 -0.5%

Edgerton village 2,117 1,939 -8.4%

Springfield twp. 1,821 1,836 0.8%

West Unity village 1,889 1,733 -8.2%

Superior twp. 1,450 1,462 0.8%

Northwest twp. 1,384 1,370 -1.0%

*Projections are estimates only. Data was derived from Ohio Department of Development.

For comparison purposes, Williams County future population projections are depicted in the following table:

Williams County Population Projections*

Census 2000 2010 2020 2030 % Change

39,188 39,260 38,990 38,490 -2.0%

*Note: These projections are estimates only. The projections were calculated using county-wide data supplied by the Ohio Department of Development.

Age of Population

The Village of Edgerton’s median age in 2000, at 36.1 years, was slightly lower than that of Williams County (36.9 years) and the State of Ohio (36.2 years). Given the current population projections, it is anticipated that the median age of a slowly declining population will continue to rise.

14

The population breakdown by age composition, according to the 2000 US Census, indicated that the number of people under the age of five (5) living in Edgerton was 156. There were 1,550 people above the age of eighteen (18), which represents 73.2 percent of the entire population (compared to the national average of 74.30%). 16.2 percent of the population (344) in the community was sixty-five (65) years and over, compared to 12.40% nationally.

Persons per Household

The number of persons per household in the Village of Edgerton (2.53) is trending slightly downward from that of the State of Ohio (2.63) and that of the United States (2.71). The 2000 Census showed that for owner-occupied housing the average number of person per household was 2.53, while for renter-occupied housing it was even less at 2.34 persons. The Village of Edgerton has a total of 858 total housing units. In summary, the Village of Edgerton’s persons per household continue to trend downward, both state-wide and nationally, reflecting a population decline and stagnant growth.

Economic Characteristics

Employment

According to the 2000 US Census, 66% of residents in the Village of Edgerton age 16 or over were in the labor force with an unemployment rate of only 1.3%. More recent statistics for the Village of Edgerton indicate a current unemployment rate of 14.6%. *To provide a larger perspective, the most recent unemployment rate in 2010 for Williams County is 11.7%* compared to Ohio at 10.8% and the United States at 10.1%.*

According to Sperling’s Best Places, recent job growth in the Village of Edgerton is -3.91% compared to the US rate of -4.06%. The Village of Edgerton’s employment is expected to grow over the next ten years by 17.58% compared to 21.86% nationally.*

*Sources: Sperling’s Best Places and Ohio Department of Development Department of Jobs and Family Services

Employment Sectors

The industry mix for the Village of Edgerton provides insight into the Village’s employment profile. The Village of Edgerton’s labor force has a heavy reliance on production, transportation and materials moving, which is a sector that has been greatly impacted by the prolonged national recession.

15

The following chart provides the most current breakdown of employment occupations in the Village of Edgerton and compares it to the national average*:

Population by Occupation Village of Edgerton United States

Management, Business and Financial Operations

6.59% 13.70%

Professional and related occupations

12.69% 20.28%

Service 9.99% 14.73%

Sales and Office 21.98% 26.66%

Farming, Fishing and Forestry

0.30% 0.74%

Construction, Extraction and Maintenance

8.79% 9.51%

Production, Transportation and

Material Moving

39.66% 14.39%

*Source: Sperling’s Best Places

Per Capita, Median Household Income and Cost of Living

According to the 2000 US Census, the per capita income for the Village of Edgerton was $17,690 and the median household income was $45,865. 29.8% of the Village’s households fell between the $50,000-$75,000 range. The second largest category, at 18.5% of the total households, fell between $35,000-$50,000.*

The most recent 2008 data states the Village of Edgerton’s per capita income was $22,426 and the median household income was $47,934. 34.8% of the Village’s households fell between the %50,000-$75,000 range. The second largest category, at 18.4% of the total households, fell between $35,000-$50,000.*

Cost of Living* Edgerton, Ohio United States

Overall** 87 100Food 97 100Utilities 116 100Miscellaneous 96 100*Cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Edgerton, OH is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Edgerton, Ohio is more expensive. Overall, Edgerton, Ohio cost of living is 87.20.

16

**The total of all the cost of living categories weighted subjectively as follows: housing (30%), food and groceries (15%), transportation (10%), utilities (6%), healthcare (7%), and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, services and entertainment (32%). State and local taxes are not included in any category.

Sources: 2000 US Census, City-Data.com and Sperling’s Best Places

Education

Expenditure per pupil in the Edgerton, Ohio public school system is $4,546, much below that of the national average of $5,678. There are 35 pupils per teacher, 335 pupils per librarian and 422 children per counselor in Edgerton, Ohio schools. In terms of educational attainment, 81% of residents are high school graduates, 3% are two-year college graduates, 6.23% have bachelor’s degrees and 3.9% have graduate degrees.For comparison purposes, the following chart shows how Edgerton, Ohio compares to the national averages:

Education Edgerton, Ohio United States

School Expenditures $4,546 $5,678

Pupil/Teacher Ratio 35.2 14.9

Students per Librarian 355 803

Students per Counselor 422 513

2 Year College Graduates 3.3% 6.39%

4 Year College Graduates 6.23% 15.74%

Graduate Degrees 3.90% 8.87%

High School Graduates 81.02% 80.61%

*Source: Sperling’s Best Places

17

Housing Characteristics

According to the 2000 US Census, there were 862 total housing units in the Village of Edgerton. The number of occupied housing units was 812, or 94.2% of the total units in town. Of these, 629 were owner-occupied (77.5%) and 183 were renter-occupied (22.5% compared to the national average of 33.8%). There were also 50 vacant homes at the time of the 2000 census. Additionally, the total number of single family owner-occupied homes in the community was 509, with a median value of $79,700.

For comparison purposes, the following chart shows the most recent housing numbers for the Village of Edgerton, its closest neighbors (cohorts), Williams County, State of Ohio and the United States as of 2010:

Village of Edgerton Housing Compared with Cohort Cities and Villages, State of Ohio and the United States

Community Median Home Age

Median Home Prices

Appreciation Rate

Owner Occupied

Renter Occupied

Edgerton 49 $110,780 -0.71% 70.66% 21.13%

City of Bryan

47 $69,990 -0.80% 58.42% 33.81%

Village of Montpelier

63 $94,540 -0.73% 61.35% 29.77%

Village of West Unity

44 $114,540 -0.70% 63.72% 30.77%

Williams County

43 $100,480 -0.74% 70.11% 20.82%

State of Ohio

48 $103,700 n/a 64.2% 28.7%

United States

33 $183,450 -5.21% 60.14% 29.36%

*Sources: 2000 US Census, Sperling’s Best Places and Ohio Department of Development

18

Summary

The Village of Edgerton is a relatively mature community consistent with populations of Williams County, the Maumee Valley region and the State of Ohio. The population of the Village of Edgerton has slightly declined over the years. Community growth remains flat like all of Williams County and most of the Maumee Valley region. Further, the Village of Edgerton’s persons per household continues to trend downward, reflecting a population decline and stagnant growth.

The Village of Edgerton has a higher ratio of owner occupied housing to rental housing when compared with nearby communities, Williams County, the state and nation. Existing housing stock is, on average, older than the region and nation, but is holding its value. The Village of Edgerton has the second highest median home price in Williams County and is also higher than that of the State of Ohio. The community has sufficient land for new housing and existing housing stock to meet the future needs of its citizens and new business that may locate to the Village of Edgerton. Currently, there is sufficient rental housing opportunities for workers.

The Village of Edgerton’s job market is heavily dependent on its existing manufacturing base. Although the State of Ohio is currently seeing a modest increase in this employment sector as a whole, all of northwest Ohio and the Maumee Valley region have been slow to recover job losses in manufacturing. The overall decline of manufacturing in the State of Ohio will continue to impact northwest Ohio for the foreseeable future. An educated and skilled workforce is essential for any community. Education beyond high school is highly important for a community’s workforce to take advantage of future employment opportunities and to attract and grow new business development and industry. The Village of Edgerton’s high school graduation rates are slightly higher than the U.S. and State of Ohio averages, but the rate of those graduates going on to further education and obtaining degrees is lower than the state and nation. The current economy is challenging communities to diversify their economic base in terms of skilled training for workers and new business opportunities of the future. It is critical for the Village of Edgerton to seek partnerships with local and regional educational institutions to further develop its workforce. Continuing education and training will continue to be an important strategy to develop the Village of Edgerton’s current and future workforce.

19

Sustainable Community Plan

Overall Community Planning Recommendations

The Village of Edgerton has zoning regulations. However, no comprehensive land use plan exists for the community. It would be highly advantageous to have such a plan in place to help drive future development and conservation decisions and promote the efficient use of existing infrastructure. A new parks and recreation land use plan is needed. The existing members have been updating the plan as they move along in their decision making processes. An infrastructure development plan is needed as well as a retail development plan. This can be accomplished through a comprehensive land use plan with modifications.

I. Economic Development

Existing Conditions

The Village of Edgerton’s business activity is very similar to that of the State of Ohio and the Maumee Valley Region. The Village of Edgerton’s economy is heavily reliant on manufacturing and materials transportation, which is not only the major sector of Edgerton’s economy, but the overall region as well. A prolonged national economic downturn, new technologies, scaled-back production and outsourcing are the major contributing factors to the decline in manufacturing jobs. The Fleetwood Company (mobile home manufacturing) lost around 350 jobs and went bankrupt about two years ago in 2008-2009. Stark Trust (building trusses) lost around 100+ jobs in 2010. Edgerton Forge lost 100+ employees over the last couple of years due to the recession and Matsui, which had over 300 jobs, is down to only 150 jobs currently. Some companies, such as Matsui have begun to slowly hire again with around 60-70 new positions in the last year. Edgerton Forge has also picked up around 15-20 new positions with 25 more expected by summer of 2011 depending on new business contracts.

Sales and office supplies and materials are the second largest sector of employment in the Village of Edgerton.

Summary of Future Recommendations

Economic sustainability is vital for all communities. Therefore, it is important to maintain and expand the existing tax base that in turn provides high quality public services that will increase the community’s overall quality of life. A major priority for the Village of Edgerton is to focus on the retention of the existing manufacturing base and the expansion of new businesses in the community. It is highly recommended that the Village of Edgerton establish a proactive business retention and expansion program to focus primarily on its existing business base but to also use the business survey information to target new business opportunities that would benefit the community. The Village of Edgerton is urged to develop a stronger working relationship with the Williams County Economic Development Corporation in helping to better market the Village’s assets. Additionally, the Village should seek to develop a more dynamic relationship

20

with the schools and the community to better collaborate on future projects and activities. It is also recommended that the Village of Edgerton establish a micro-enterprise lending program to augment its existing revolving loan fund in order to help provide seed money to small business start-ups in the community to promote more entrepreneurs. One theme that evolved during community visioning sessions was the desire to attract and/or locally grow small businesses in the health care field such as pharmacies and health care providers. Further, the Village of Edgerton should develop a marketing plan geared toward attracting entrepreneurship in the community as well as partnering with the high school and career center to provide entrepreneurship training for high school seniors.

Planning Issues

The Edgerton community currently does not have a written economic development strategy in place. The Village of Edgerton should investigate resources in obtaining assistance in developing such a plan. Last, the Village of Edgerton should develop and promote a St. Joseph River Trail in the Village of Edgerton to bolster tourism and increase the overall quality of life for its residents.

Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Goal 1 and Goal 2: (combined)

1. Create job opportunities for the retention of youth in the Village of Edgerton and

2. Create a strong linkage between the local schools and community to create jobs for youth in the Village of Edgerton.

The Village of Edgerton is encouraged to partner with schools, businesses and local area career center(s) to create job fairs and to establish entrepreneurship training for area youth. Goals 1and 2 of the economic development section capture the potential economic value of providing education and entrepreneurship training to community youth through Objectives that:

Provides an opportunity for area youth to not only appreciate and understand existing businesses and possible job opportunities in the area, but to hone in one the skills and education necessary to obtain them.

Provides a mechanism that promotes awareness of available career/job opportunities for community youth.

Goal 1-Objective 1: Partner with Edgerton Schools and area career centers to create an atmosphere of learning and information exchange to inform community youth of potential career opportunities focused on retaining youth in Edgerton’s workforce.

21

Goal 2- Objective 1: Promote local financial stability by establishing a relationship between schools, alumni association, Edgerton Development Corporation and other community partners to promote available jobs to area youth.

Goal 3 and Goal 4: (combined)

3. Retain existing business in the Village of Edgerton

4. Attract new business to the Village of Edgerton

Research shows that 78% of all new jobs in Ohio are created by existing businesses (Kraybill, 1999). The percentage is even higher in rural communities. Local businesses provide significant revenues to provide public services. The growth of local businesses also provides incomes for families and provides job opportunities that retain and attract residents in the community. Future business development is also created by entrepreneurs who generate an idea into income and job producing operations.

Goals 3 and 4 of the economic development section recognize the contribution of local businesses to the community and the importance of maintaining and expanding successful business ventures through implementation of two objectives that can:

Promote businesses to the public and to other existing and potential businesses for business to business sales

Place an emphasis on retaining and expanding existing businesses

Redevelop available buildings and sites

Stimulate new business growth through location of enterprises on designated sites

Be an entrepreneur friendly community

Work with regional partners to increase services to and contact with existing and potential business

Goal 3-Objective 1: The Village of Edgerton shall work to develop a pro-business climate with its existing business base and work with them to address their needs.

Goal 4-Objective 1: Coordinate an effort among community resources to attract business investment in the Village of Edgerton.

Goal 5: The Village of Edgerton will work with and lobby elected representatives to change state workers compensation laws

22

Current economic times have been extremely hard on businesses nation-wide and particularly in the State of Ohio. Although there are signs of the economy turning around, small to medium sized businesses have taken the hardest hits of the economic downturn. A newly elected governor has vowed to listen to concerns of businesses in Ohio. Additionally, the leadership seeks to make it easier to do business by reducing the obstacles that burden businesses to create jobs and be competitive in the marketplace. Goal 5 of the economic development section captures the potential economic value of working with elected leadership to reduce burdens on businesses by one Objective that seeks to:

Objective 1: Lobby elected representatives to change Ohio state workers compensation laws to make Ohio a more competitive place to do business.

23

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Goal 1: Create job opportunities for retention of youth in the Village of Edgerton.Objective 1: Partner with Edgerton Schools to create an atmosphere of learning and information exchange to inform community youth of potential career opportunities focused on retaining youth in Edgerton’s workforce.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe1.1.1 Establish a job fair in partnership with Edgerton Schools to

inform the youth of potential career options in the Edgerton area.

Village of Edgerton will work with local schools and guidance counselors to establish a job fair focused on retaining Edgerton’s youth for the future workforce.

Edgerton Schools and guidance counselors

6-12 months

Goal 2: Create a strong linkage between the local schools and community to create jobs for youth in the Village of Edgerton.Objective 1: Promote local financial stability by establishing a relationship between schools, alumni association, Edgerton Development Corporation and other community partners to promote available jobs to area youth.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe2.1.1 Establish relationship between school board, village

administration and community partners to identify businesses seeking to hire local help.

Cooperating partners will identify businesses seeking to hire youth workers and will seek to establish more intern-type programs to provide real-world business experience.

Village of Edgerton, local school board and administration, school alumni, local businesses, Chamber of Commerce

One Year

2.1.2 Establish a web site, possibly through the Chamber of Commerce, where businesses could advertise positions and youth would be made aware of local employment opportunities.

Village of Edgerton, local school board, alumni, Chamber of Commerce and all community organizations will band together to utilize the web site to promote available employment opportunities to Edgerton’s

Village of Edgerton, Chamber of Commerce and local school board and alumni

One Year

youth.

Goal 3: Retain existing business in the Village of Edgerton.Objective 1: The Village of Edgerton shall work to develop a pro-business climate with its existing business base and work with them to address their needs.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe3.1.1 Create a mechanism for ascertaining the needs of the

existing business base in the Village of Edgerton.Village of Edgerton will work with the Chamber of Commerce, Edgerton Development Corporation and the Williams County Economic Development Corporation to develop an economic development plan to provide available resources to existing business seeking assistance or planning to expand or relocate.

Village of Edgerton,Edgerton Chamber of Commerce,Edgerton Development Corporation

One Year

25

Goal 4: Attract new business to the Village of Edgerton.Objective 1: Coordinate an effort among community resources to attract business investment in the Village of Edgerton.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe4.1.1 Create a mechanism that will cultivate and maintain a strong

and friendly pro-business environment in the Village of Edgerton.

Village of Edgerton will work with community partners to:

a) Maintain a favorable tax rate

b) Maintain a strong utility infrastructure

c) Maintain a strong pro-business environment

d) Maintain strong relations between the schools and the community

e) Research all available grants, low-interest loans, economic development programs and chamber and development funds

Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Development Corporation and Edgerton Chamber of Commerce

6-12 months

4.1.2 Survey existing business community as to why they have stayed in Edgerton and gather ideas on how to attract additional businesses.

Village of Edgerton will survey existing businesses as a means of creating financial stability and seeing what the Village can offer in its effort to attract more businesses to the community and what types of businesses the Village should seek.

Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce

6-12 months

26

4.1.3 Ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the business climate in the Village of Edgerton.

Village of Edgerton and community partners will:

a) Incorporate this question into business survey questionnaire

b) Market Edgerton’s resources to the business community

c) Research how surrounding communities are attracting businesses

Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce

6-12 months

Goal 5: The Village of Edgerton will work with and lobby elected representatives to change state workers compensation laws. Objective 1: Lobby elected representatives to change Ohio state workers compensation laws to make Ohio a more competitive place to do business.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe5.1.1 Contact and lobby elected officials urging them to help repeal

state workers compensation laws and bring Ohio more in line with other states in terms of workers compensation and its effect on the existing business climate.

Village of Edgerton will work with neighboring communities to lobby elected representatives in hopes of changing state workers compensation laws to promote a more competitive business climate in Northwest Ohio.

Village of Edgerton,Chamber of Commerce,Edgerton Development Corporation,Surrounding communities

6-12 months

27

II. Community Facilities and Services

Existing Conditions

Elected leaders and citizens of the Village of Edgerton recognize the importance of community facilities and services as crucial building blocks that support both community and economic development. Community facilities and services are also seen as highly important indicators for existing businesses and for those potentially seeking to locate a business in the Village of Edgerton.

The Edgerton Fire Department is an ISO Class 5 rated department protecting The Village of Edgerton, St Joseph Township, North ½ of Milford Township and the West 1/3 of Center Township, totaling 90 square miles. The department is a combination department with a full time fire chief and is allowed up to 35 volunteers. The fire department operates seven trucks out of two stations, allowing it to provide protection to either side of the busy Norfolk and Southern Railroad main line. The department has a strong relationship with all surrounding departments through automatic aid on all structure fires and mutual aid for any other needs beyond our capabilities. The fire department is trained in all facets of emergency services including firefighting, hazardous materials, confined space rescue, incident command, investigation-cause and origin, severe weather, aircraft emergencies, railroad emergencies, water rescue, electrical emergencies, homeland security, basic first aid, CPR, AED, landing zones, EMS assist, Law Enforcement assist and evacuations. Any emergency not covered by another agency usually gets assigned to the fire service to get help started.

The Village of Edgerton Police Department maintains three (3) full time officers and 10-11 part time officers who also assist the county sheriff and highway patrol when needed.

The Village of Edgerton Water Department operates and repairs the municipal water treatment plant, distribution system, water-testing laboratory and water lines. The Water Department also protects the drinking water supply of the Village of Edgerton and maintains a drinking water source protection plan in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Village of Edgerton Public Library, which is a branch of the Williams County Library system, is in the Village of Edgerton Community building. The building serves a dual purpose as a public library on the first floor with a senior center on the lower floor.

The Village of Edgerton Street Department handles the repair and cleaning of the streets, alleys, catch basins, lands, square, sidewalks, streams and water courses, as well as the park and recreation facilities of the Village and repairing a variety of mechanical equipment used within the Street maintenance department. The Street/Parks Department performs a variety of tasks ranging from maintaining Edgerton’s roadways to spraying for mosquitoes.

The Village of Edgerton Electric Department maintains, operates, and repairs a variety of mechanical equipment used in the electrical distribution system and street lighting system.

The Village of Edgerton Utility Department prepares utility bills, collects utility rents and deposits funds in the proper account and maintains customer accounts. In addition, the Utility Department administers the office portion of both the Electric and Water Departments that offers electric, water, sewer, storm sewer, garbage, and recycling services.

Miller Park is a Village of Edgerton public park that covers over 80 acres. The Village received its first deed to part of the park in 1972, and the park continued expanding until it reached its current size in 2009. Citizens and organizations who have greatly contributed to the formation of the park include Charles A. Miller, James & Florence Laubach, William & Maxine Ford, Lewis A. Brown, the Edgerton Rotary Club, the Edgerton Chamber of Commerce, and the Edgerton Village Council. The park is overseen by the Park Board Trustees.

Miller Park has such amenities as an open-air pavilion with picnic tables, an open-air gazebo, and an enclosed shelter house that can be rented for receptions, meetings, reunions, and parties. The park has one full-length and fully lit basketball court with four baskets, three tennis courts, and three adult co-ed regulation-sized softball fields. One of the fields is equipped with a full concession stand with clean restroom facilities and a press box/media center with a fully lit field.

Also available to the public is a sand volleyball court, a nature trail, a driving/chipping hill for golfers, horse shoe pits, and a sledding hill for the winter. Miller Pond provides a dock for fishing, as well as access for non-motorized boats. The park also boasts a truck/tractor pull track facility with ample parking. Additionally, children can enjoy “Munchkin Junction,” a well-maintained playground area.

The Village of Edgerton Burkhart Field features three (3) little league baseball diamonds; a shelter house and concession stand with restroom facilities (port-a-johns).

Town Park features a shelter house and a gazebo for public performances.

29


This plan supports and encourages improvements to all community facilities and services to better serve industry and village residents. It is highly recommended that the Village of Edgerton continues to gauge community input into expanded community facilities due to citizen demand for them. Community visioning has identified potential options for reuse of existing village-owned facilities as well as the potential for new facilities on village-owned property. Additionally, the Village of Edgerton should seek further community input regarding best potential reuse of existing space at the old school building once village offices have completed relocation to the old school building. Citizens desire an expansion of the local library and the use of a community center that can be accommodated with reuse of existing village-owned property as well.

The Village of Edgerton’s Street and Parks Department contributes to the quality of facilities and activities offered. It is further recommended that the Village of Edgerton investigate options to either expand the existing Miller Park building or construct a larger facility for citizen and community-related events. It is also highly recommended that the Village of Edgerton seeks to take advantage of the scenic St. Joseph waterway and develop a “community greenway” to promote healthy outdoor recreational activities such as biking, jogging and walking trails. Doing so will further the Village of Edgerton’s status as a community-friendly place to do business and increase the quality of life for all village residents.

Planning Issues

Communities with cost effective, high quality community facilities and public services are more attractive to businesses and residents of the Village of Edgerton. The Village of Edgerton has a number of community facilities that should be explored for their re-use or expansion potential. The community should continue to ensure that water, waste water and storm water services remain efficient and of high quality.

The Village of Edgerton should also continue with appropriate development of its natural areas such as along the St. Joseph River and explore the possibility of creating a community-greenway. Further, the Village of Edgerton should seek available grants and funding for these improvements.

Provide for the continuation of Miller Park (soccer fields), finish baseball field, and shelter house at Miller Park.

Streets, paving and gutters at Miller Park for citizen access Continue to update the community’s park plan when appropriate

30


The following list of goals and objectives is designed to address the community and facilities services planning issues. The attached implementation plan identifies specific action steps to complete the strategies including identifying responsibility and an implementation timeline.

Goal 1: Develop the gymnasium at the old school as a community center for the Village of Edgerton

The Village of Edgerton desires more opportunities for recreational enjoyment. Development of a citizen community center at the old elementary school is highly desirous. Implementation of this Objective can ensure the realization of this goal in coordination with the Village of Edgerton by working to:

Objective 1: Secure community involvement to work in tandem with the Village of Edgerton to develop the old school gymnasium into a multi-purpose community center.

Goal 2: The Community of Edgerton desires to expand the public library facilities

The current public library, a branch of the Williams County Public Library, is pressed for additional space to meet the needs of the public. As such, the Village of Edgerton should seek to examine options that would allow for an expansion of its public library facilities through an Objective that can:

Objective 1: Seek solutions with the Village of Edgerton to adequately expand the physical space of the public library to adequately address the needs of citizens and the library itself.

Goal 3: The Community of Edgerton desires to expand the existing building or build new community facility at Miller Park

Public parks and amenities are a key component that lends to the quality of life ina community. Miller Park provides recreational, family and sporting relatedactivities for residents of the Village of Edgerton. Community partnerships,fundraising and investigation of funding sources can help with one Objective thatcan:

Objective 1: Seek solutions with the Village of Edgerton to adequately expand the physical space of the Miller Park facility or build new community park facility on existing parkland to address the needs of citizens.

31

Goal 4: The Community of Edgerton desires to create a “community greenway” along the St. Joseph River complete with bikeways and walking/jogging trails

All communities have unique natural characteristics that can be utilized for publicbenefit. A community can provide additional benefits to its citizens by seeking todevelop recreational opportunities that can promote a healthier lifestyle byoffering walking paths and jogging/bike trails. Further, increasing opportunities forpublic enjoyment of enhanced recreation areas will lead to a direct increase inquality of life factors that new businesses often seek to identify when looking tolocate in a new community. One Objective that can help to accomplish this goalcan be stated as:

Objective 1: The Village of Edgerton will seek citizen input and funding opportunities to address the community’s desire to construct a community greenway and also utilize this project as a business attraction tool.

32

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Goal 1: Develop the gymnasium at the old school as a community center for the Village of Edgerton.Objective 1: Secure community involvement to work in tandem with the Village of Edgerton to develop the old school gymnasium into a multi-purpose community center.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe1.1.1 Create a mechanism for scheduling use of the gym for

different functions.Village of Edgerton will work with local citizens to form a committee to standardize a schedule/use form that will allow for equal access to all groups seeking to utilize the gym for a variety of purposes.

Village of Edgerton

One Year

1.1.2 The Village of Edgerton will work with the community about extra space that will be left over after the Village moves their offices into the old school space.

Village of Edgerton will work with community and organizations to help determine best use of remaining space at old school that will not be used for Village office relocation.

Village of Edgerton

One to Two Years

Goal 2: The Community of Edgerton desires to expand the public library facilities.Objective 1: Seek solutions with the Village of Edgerton to adequately expand the physical space of the public library to adequately address the needs of citizens and the library itself.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe2.1.1 If the Village is able to secure a new fire station, the old fire

station could be used as a library expansion/annex.Village of Edgerton will work to secure funding for a new fire station and will then explore best alternative locations for library expansion/annex.

Village of Edgerton

Three Years and Ongoing

2.1.2 If the Village of Edgerton creates a community center at the old school, the basement at the existing library could be used for expansion as opposed to its current use as a senior center. .

Village of Edgerton will work with community and organizations to help determine the best location for a library expansion.

Village of Edgerton


2.1.3 After Village of Edgerton moves offices into old school building, there may be additional space left over for a library expansion/annex.

Village of Edgerton will work with community and organizations to help determine the best location for a library expansion.

Village of Edgerton


Goal 3: The Community of Edgerton desires to expand existing building or build new community facility at Miller Park.Objective 1: Seek solutions with the Village of Edgerton to adequately expand the physical space of the Miller Park facility or build new community park facility on existing parkland to address the needs of citizens.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe3.1.1 Build an entirely new, bigger building at the park or

significantly expand the size of existing facility to meet the needs of future generations.

Village of Edgerton will:a) Seek grants for park

improvementsb) Seek building designs

and architectural drawings

c) Seek private donationsd) Hold community

fundraiserse) Seek funding from the

Edgerton Area Community Foundation

f) Identify local talent in terms of volunteering services and donating time toward rebuilding

Village of Edgerton


34

Goal 4: The Community of Edgerton desires to create a “community greenway” along the St. Joseph River complete with bikeways and walking/jogging trails.Objective 1: The Village of Edgerton will seek citizen input and funding opportunities to address the community’s desire to construct a community greenway and also utilize this project as a business attraction tool.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe4.1.1 The Community of Edgerton desires to create a

“community greenway” along the St. Joseph River complete with bikeways and walking/jogging trails.

Village of Edgerton will:a) Seek grants for

greenway improvements

b) Seek designs and architectural drawings

c) Utilize citizen advisory committee to solicit input and feedback

d) Seek private donationse) Hold community

fundraisersf) Seek funding from the

Edgerton Area Community Foundation

g) Identify local talent in terms of volunteering services and donating time

h) Acquire land/easements

Village of Edgerton


35

III. Education

Existing Conditions

The Edgerton Local School District, located in Edgerton, Ohio, consists of two school buildings. The Jr. Sr. High School, located at 111 East River Street, houses grades 7-12, serving approximately 328 students. Edgerton Elementary, located at 324 North Michigan Avenue serves grades Pre-Kindergarten though 6th grade. The Edgerton Local School provides students with opportunities to develop their potential intellectually, socially and emotionally. Edgerton Local Schools have a strong academic foundation, a parent community that is interested and is actively involved, a faculty professionally skilled and personally committed to meeting the needs of students and a student body motivated to perform well.

Edgerton Elementary School is comprised of one half day "Young Fives" kindergarten, three all day kindergarten classes, two first grade classes, two second grade class, two third grade classes, one fourth grade and two sections of fifth and sixth grades. Edgerton Elementary has a library and two technology labs, and a small playground area

In January of 2010, Edgerton Local Schools began construction on a new facility at the 111 East River campus. The new facility is being accomplished through the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission (OSFC) and local community support. Projected to be finished during the summer and occupied in the fall of 2011, it will house Pre-School through 8th grade.

Part of the OSFC requirements is to make the building "green". In other words the building is to be as energy efficient as possible. Since the project is an addition to an existing building the district has qualified for some energy savings upgrades for the existing facility, including new lighting for the high school gymnasium.

According to the Ohio Department of Education’s District Report Card for 2009 – 2010 school year, the Edgerton District was Effective, meeting 21 out of 26 State Performance Indicators. This ranking is based on four measures of performance. The six state designations are, from highest to lowest, Excellent with Distinction, Excellent, Effective, Continuous Improvement, Academic Watch and Academic Emergency, therefore Edgerton is in the middle ranking. Edgerton’s 2009 – 2010 Graduation Rate was outstanding at 100%, compared to a similar district and statewide percentage of 95.9 and 83 respectively. For more information, see the Ohio Department of Education Interactive Local Report Card for the Edgerton District. The web site address is: http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us/

Sources: Edgerton Local School District Web Site: http://www.edgerton.k12.oh.us/Ohio Department of Education District Report Card

http://www.edgerton.k12.oh.us/

http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us/


Edgerton community residents are proud of their school district and local schools and recognize how they provide a unifying asset and point of pride for the community. Involvement in the support of local schools by Edgerton residents and businesses is critical in building school success and in creating the workforce of the future. Access to academically excellent programs as well as involvement in extra curricular activities provides the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being necessary to build future generations. A number of goals, objectives and strategies were identified by community stakeholders to address planning issues related to education. Included in the recommendations are the development of strong partnerships among the community, parents and local schools in order to develop closer, supportive and engaged relationships for the betterment of the Edgerton community’s youth.

Planning Issues

Several future planning issues emerged from the community’s vision of the desired future of their school district and its role in the community. These issues are:

The closer engagement and involvement of school district teachers in the community of Edgerton is desired. Strategies and activities to encourage this engagement should become a focus of the educational component of this plan. These strategies can include encouraging current teachers to live in the Edgerton community by promoting its attributes, as well as identifying qualified teachers already living in Edgerton for possible employment in the school district.

Edgerton School District’s continuously improving academic status, with the goal of reaching the Excellent state performance category, should be pursued. Both the community and schools will need to develop closer collaborative efforts – in the classroom and in the homes - in order to obtain this goal.

Students and the community desire a wider range of extracurricular activities, through the schools and through complimentary community programs. The recognition that a well-rounded educational experience includes sports, languages, arts and other extra-curricular activities as well as academic programs in the creation of well-rounded students.

There is a need to create strong linkages between the local schools, businesses and the community in order to create jobs for youth in the Village of Edgerton. This planning issue is addressed in the Economic Development section of this plan.

Educational plan goals have been developed that will help to address these planning issues that emerged during the community visioning process and through the strategic planning sessions conducted by the Steering Committee and community stakeholders.

37


Goal 1: The Edgerton Community is actively involved with their school district

“When families, schools, and community institutions (e.g., local businesses, community colleges, and health agencies) collectively agree upon their goals and decide how to reach them, everyone benefits. Schools enjoy the informed support of families and community members, families experience many opportunities to contribute to their children's education, and communities look forward to an educated, responsible workforce. Benefits accrue to the staff of schools and community agencies as well: they can observe boosts in morale, heightened engagement in their work, and a feeling that their work will net results.”

Source: Leaders for Tomorrow’s Schools, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/The_Importance_of_School_and_Community_Collaboration_156613_7.pdf

Communities in which local educational institutions are valued and supported, and where community residents, businesses and community institutions actively seek to enhance local education, are more desirable places to live. The single most important location factor that families use when making relocation decisions is the quality of the local school district. Schools are a key component of local economic vitality and enhancement of community quality of life. The interconnections between community and schools should be extensive and active in order to result in benefits for both.

Objective 1: Improve school-community collaborations by developing more formal lines of communication between the school district and community.

Objective 2: Provide opportunities for interaction, involvement and communication that foster relationships between the schools and community residents

Goal 2: The Edgerton School District’s teachers are committed to and actively engaged in the Edgerton community

Teachers in the Edgerton School District provide an asset that can lead to improvements in both education and in the community. Teachers who understand and relate to the community in which they teach are more effective in fostering student’s engagement in learning and success. Furthermore, teachers who have a commitment to the local community because it is where they choose to live and volunteer are able to give back in a substantial way.

School and community interaction can be enhanced by identifying the existing pool of available, qualified teachers already in the Edgerton community who are available to teach in the school district. Promoting Edgerton as a place to live and raise a family to teachers who live elsewhere will build teacher’s engagement in the community.

38

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/The_Importance_of_School_and_Community_Collaboration_156613_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/The_Importance_of_School_and_Community_Collaboration_156613_7.pdf

Implementation of Objective 1 will enhance the community-school relationship and engagement by enhancing levels of teacher-community involvement.

Objective 1: Top quality teachers are attracted to and live in the Edgerton School District.

Goal 3: Edgerton Schools provide an academically excellent, well-rounded education and extra-curricular experience for all students

In addition to excellence in core academics, extra-curricular opportunities that offer well-rounded experiences enhance a student’s overall abilities. For those students going on to college, participation in language study, arts and music, sports, community volunteer activities and work, is an expectation for admissions to many colleges. School districts and communities that recognize the importance of building these opportunities into a student’s educational experiences provide their youth with competitive advantages that will help them obtain further educational goals. Objective 1 builds these opportunities by encouraging school and community engagement in the development and offering of extra-curricular activities. Objective 2 builds on academic excellence by developing school-community partnerships that will identify and implement initiatives to reach this goal.

Objective 1: Opportunities to engage in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities are available for Edgerton School District students.

Objective 2: Seek state designation as “Excellent” for all Edgerton schools

39

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – EDUCATION

Goal 1: The Edgerton Community is Actively Involved with their School DistrictObjective 1: Improve school-community collaborations by developing more formal lines of communication between the school district and community

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe1.1.1 Create a communication

and involvement link between the Village Council, Edgerton School District and Chamber

a) Appoint 1-2 persons from Village Council to act as liaison to Edgerton School Board and Chamber

b) Appoint 1-2 persons from Edgerton School Board to act as liaison to Village Council and Chamber

c) Appoint 1-2 persons from Chamber to act as liaison to School Board and Village Council

d) Responsibilities of these persons will be to share information, provide input & improve communications among the entities

Village Council

Edgerton School Board

Chamber

All three entities

Short Term:1-3 months

1.1.2 Create a School-Business-Community Partnership to formalize relationships, facilitate communications, and plan around common issues

e) Research other communities for best practices in the creation of a School-Community-Business partnership

f) Create the Partnership

All three entities Medium – long Term: 12-24 months, then ongoing

Objective 2: Provide opportunities for interaction and involvement that foster relationships between the school and community

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe1.2.1 Identify and develop

opportunities for engagement in community activities

a) Survey community organizations and groups to identify needs and opportunities for volunteerism

b) Prepare an Inventory of volunteer opportunities and post to village web site. Update inventory as new opportunities become available.

Steering Committee

Village

Medium – 6-12 months

1.2.2 Promote community engagement opportunities to teachers in Edgerton School District

a) Encourage teachers to become involved in Edgerton community activities through promotional materials and identification of opportunities (see 1.2.1. b.)

b) Survey teachers to determine volunteer interests

c) Match opportunities with interests

Steering Committee

School District

Medium – 6-12 months

Medium – Long 12-18 months

41

Goal 2: The Edgerton School District’s teachers are committed to and actively engaged in the Edgerton community.Objective 1: Top quality teachers are attracted to and live in the Edgerton School District

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe2.1.1 Promote the desirability of

living in Edgerton to existing and newly hired teachers living outside of the district

a) Form a “Welcome Wagon” committee to create a promotional strategy and materials

b) Create a promotional package about Edgerton to provide to teachers

c) Meet with teachers to make them feel welcome in the community

Steering Committee members

Edgerton School District

Medium term: 6-12 months, then ongoing

2.1.2 Engage teachers in activities in the Edgerton community

a) Welcome Wagon committee (see 2.1.1 a.) will identify volunteer opportunities throughout the community

b) Committee will develop an Annual Community calendar which includes new events and activities that are family focused and community centered

a. b.1) This Community Calendar will be posted on the Village’s web site with contact information

b. b.2) This Calendar will be linked to the Edgerton School District’s web site and promoted among teachers

Steering Committee Members

Edgerton School District

Chamber

Medium term: 6-12 months, then ongoing

Medium Term:12 months

42

c) Committee will encourage teacher’s to participate in a volunteer opportunity of their choosing

d) Create an Annual Award for Engaged Teacher of the Year with award criteria recognizing engagement in the community of Edgerton. Announce award at a major annual community event such as an Annual Chamber Dinner

43

Goal 3: Edgerton Schools provide an academically excellent, well-rounded educational and extra-curricular experience for all students.Objective 1: Opportunities to engage in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities are available for Edgerton School District students.

Strategy Action Responsibility Timeframe3.1.1 Identify gaps in extra-

curricular activitiesa) Inventory existing extra-

curricular activities and identify who provides them

b) Survey students and teachers to determine desirable extra-curricular

c) Identify gaps between what is needed/wanted and what is being offered

d) Identify organizations, individuals and entities who may be able to provide these extra-curricular activities

e) Create Ad Hoc committees to develop and implement programs

Edgerton School DistrictVillage CouncilChamber

Medium – Long18-24 months

Develop specific extra-curricular opportunities to fill gaps in opportunities

a) Convene Ad Hoc committee of school representatives, students and community organizations to develop a plan of action to address gaps in extra-curricular opportunities

b) Implement plan of actionc) Revisit plan every year to

identify new opportunities

Edgerton School DistrictVillage CouncilChamberLocal organizations/entities


44

Objective 2: Seek state designation as “Excellent” for all Edgerton schoolsStrategy Action Responsibility Timeframe

3.1.2 Develop collaborations among the schools and community that will help to support improvements in student’s performance

a) Convene “summit” of education and community leaders to:1. Identify improvements

and initiatives that can improve student performance

2. Establish school-community partnerships to implement these improvements and initiatives

b) Monitor school performance annually to determine effectiveness of school-community partnerships in meeting goals

Edgerton Local School Board and Administration

Steering Committee


45

Supporting Materials

Vision Report

Report from Planning Session I: Sustainable Community Plan

46



Draft Vision Report




July 2010

47

AcknowledgementsThe following organizations, their representatives and involved individuals have made this project possible through their sponsorship, leadership and commitment of time:

Community of Edgerton Sustainable Plan Steering Committee:

Name Organization/EntityDelton Riehle Steering Committee CoordinatorTiffany Gutierrez VolunteerRoger Strup Edgerton Chamber of CommerceChuck Wallace Edgerton Village CouncilLance Bowsher Mayor, Village of EdgertonDale Mathys Administrator, Village of EdgertonSue Kimpel St. Joseph Township TrusteesWayne Wilson Wilson Realty & Edgerton Area

Development CorporationDick Lutterbein Edgerton Area Development

CorporationSteve Wilmont Edgerton Christian ChurchSandy Wood Edgerton Boy ScoutsMarvin Deitch Farm BureauBill Lutterbein Lutterbein LumberLaVern Franz Senior CitizenJulie Taylor Saint Mary’s Catholic SchoolMatt Krill Bonnie Blue Ribbon 4-H ClubEllen Herman Heartland 4-H ClubPhil Herman Heartland 4-H ClubJohn Merillat CitizenBrad McCrea CitizenHugh Perry Saint Joseph Township TrusteeCory Haury Area Rep. for National Write Your

Congressman OrganizationAnne Fleisher Edgerton Public LibraryCindy Thiel Edgerton Athletic BoostersBonita Hanson CitizenBob Koerner CitizenTom Dietsch CitizenDave Casebere CitizenDarwin and Shirley Krill CitizensChuck Merriman CitizenPat Strouse CitizenJim Stark CitizenTom and Rita Sechler CitizensRon Sechler CitizenEtta Pence CitizenSusan Herman CitizenSandra Thiel Edgerton BankDave Frazer Huntington BankTom Flegal Dietsch Furniture

48

Sponsorship is provided by the Village of Edgerton, Edgerton Business Group, Wilson Auction Realty and the Edgerton Area Development Corporation.

Process design, guidance and vision session analysis and report development is provided by The Ohio State University Sustainable Development Initiatives and Ohio Sea Grant College Programs:

Team Members: Joe Lucente, Extension Educator, Ohio Sea Grant College Program, Maumee Valley EERA, Lucas County

Myra Moss, Extension Educator, Heart of Ohio EERA, Licking County

49

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary

II. Introduction

IV. Vision Session Results:

Economic Sustainability

Social Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

V. Vision Session Overview

50

Executive Summary

This report contains the vision for the future of the Community of Edgerton as shared by residents and stakeholders of the village and surrounding area. The establishment of this consensus vision is the first step in the development of a community plan for Edgerton. This plan will be built upon the principles of sustainability. Resident’s thoughts regarding what they value about Edgerton and what they hope for the future will provide the overall guidance for the ensuing community plan.

Beginning in August of 2009, 10 vision sessions were facilitated, two interviews were conducted and responses were obtained through a web survey from a broad range of community groups, organizations, students and residents. Volunteers from the community were trained to facilitate the visioning sessions, with over 116 citizens participating and sharing their thoughts regarding the future of the Edgerton community.

Vision Direction

A sustainable Community of Edgerton will be based on the shared priorities of the residents of this community. The future will be determined by building on and protecting valued community assets while developing new opportunities to create a vibrant economy and unique quality of life attributes. Based on the shared values and desires of the residents of the Community of Edgerton, the following themes capture the unique position that will create a sustainable future for the community’s residents:

1. Economic development: Create jobs through local business attraction and expansion while maintaining small town environment; increase health care services and related businesses; expand retail, especially in the downtown; maintain agricultural business base; create job opportunities so youth can return to raise families

2. Parks and recreation:Offer more activities for youth; expand/improve recreational facilities (especially Miller Park) and programs

3. Community facilities:Develop gathering places for youth (Youth Center), seniors (Senior Center) and

the community at large (Community Center); expand Library

51

4. Education:Continue school academic excellence; offer wider range of academic and extracurricular programs for students (sports, college credit, other); develop

stronger linkages between community and schools; educate the community on technology to keep them up to date

5. Public services:Provide excellent public services to maintain community safety (fire, police,

EMS)

6. Leadership and volunteerism:Provide excellent leadership through public and private entities, organizations, and the faith based community; encourage volunteerism

The goal of this visioning process was to create the framework and focus for the development of a sustainable Community of Edgerton plan. This important step of the overall planning process has now been accomplished through the establishment of a shared vision by the residents. The next step will be to use this vision to guide the creation of a sustainable plan for the Community of Edgerton.

52

Introduction

What makes a Sustainability Plan Unique?

Sustainability is based on finding the balance between the economic, environmental and social sectors of what creates a community. Each sector is intentionally connected to the other sectors to assure the availability of resources necessary to provide opportunities not simply for today but also for future generations. Every community must establish the cornerstones upon which it will build and sustain itself. The leaders of the Community of Edgerton have chosen to build their community on the cornerstones of sustainability. The four cornerstones of sustainability have guided the process of Edgerton’s visioning as follows:

1. Balanced and Interconnected:

The concept of sustainability is defined as finding the long-term balance between environmental (built and natural), social and economic issues. Within this context, sustainability seeks to find and nurture a balance among these three key sectors that impact the viability and vitality of a community. Sustainability means giving all three factors careful consideration and act with intentionality, not causality, as community planning, development and redevelopment efforts move forward. The next step in the comprehensive planning process will begin to draw linkages among the input shared through visioning, arriving at holistic and consensus community goals.

2. Long Term:

Sustainability planning is about looking out generations, not just decades as is the case with most planning efforts. By focusing on the long term it forces us to look beyond the more immediate conflicts and begin to articulate what we want the future to be. The second question of the visioning sessions, What do you hope the Community of Edgerton will become for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren? pushes residents to think out two generations, or 50 years.

3. Inclusionary:

Sustainability planning is a resident-driven process which insures that all segments of the community have the opportunity to become part of the process. This is accomplished in two ways: first, by insuring that the steering committee is comprised of members of all segments of the community, and second, by insuring that barriers to participation in the visioning are reduced. Using “Lasswell’s Wheel” the steering committee has been formed to insure that all voices in the Edgerton community are at the table. Also using this tool, groups and organizations that should be visited were identified. Thirdly, barriers to participation in visioning were reduced by “going to where people gather,” that is, by piggybacking on top of already scheduled gatherings, going to places where residents were already familiar and comfortable.

53

4. Multi-dimensional Indicators:

Multi-dimensional indicators provide an effective method to track and measure if chosen community goals are helping to reach the community’s shared vision. They are multi-dimensional because they consider social, economic and environmental qualities in measuring progress. They will be developed during the development of the plan and included in the document.

Process

This vision report contains a compilation of resident statements regarding what residents currently value about the Community of Edgerton and what residents hope for future generations in the Edgerton community as identified during 10 vision sessions, interviews and web based surveys conducted from August 2009 through April, 2010. Over 100 Edgerton residents and stakeholders of all ages, ethnicity, race, backgrounds and walks of life gave of their valuable time to provide their priorities, thoughts and dreams. What emerges is a commonly shared ethos of the community of Edgerton. This shared vision will provide direction and goals for the next stage of this planning process, that is, the creation of Edgerton’s resident-directed community plan built upon the four cornerstones of sustainability.

54

Major Component: Economic Sustainability

I. What we Value (question #1);

The Community of Edgerton has a local business base that provides jobs, shopping and services convenient to community residents.

Community Category: Affection Money – the way people use their money towards the community Grocery store, post office, shopping in general Store and gas station – shopping available Store – shopping

Community Category: Skills Small businesses and companies Restaurants Store are close together – don’t have to drive far Main roads like state route 6 and 49 to the turnpike Dietch furniture Industry commerce

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Jobs that are local Good work ethic – small town verses big city

Community Category: Well Being Dollar store provides shopping in the community Grocery store – shopping in community

Community Category: Respect Local businesses

II. What we hope (question #2):

Residents of Edgerton want a financially stable community with more good paying jobs and existing jobs retained, a wider variety of shopping and entertainment venues, a vibrant downtown, and a strong economic base of health care providers, services and facilities.

Community Category: Affection More jobs in the area Good shopping- businesses Plenty of good paying jobs Good doctors, dentists, eye care and hearing services Financially stable community More shopping for community- variety Employment More small businesses Lutterbein Lumber Agricultural businesses Good doctors

55

Pharmacies Be less dependent upon Bryan and other towns Pet store Army reserve Skyscrapers

Community Category: Skills Grow bigger Fast food restaurants More stores Be known for attractions Financially stable Bigger hospital- more jobs with that Movie theater Productive economically- factories open back up No casinos Growth that would not affect values that Edgerton has as a community More jobs in the area Aggressive

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Survive as a community We are prepared for change- social and economic Schools stay competitive with the workplace Utilize downtown shops and stores More jobs and maintain what jobs we have left Need more people to support businesses Livestock industry- Edon Farmer Co-op- Agricultural businesses

Community Category: Well Being More jobs- more income for their families and opportunities More retail- drug store and downtown shopping

Community Category: Power We are thriving- not a ghost town More jobs Retain and expand our businesses More jobs Strong economic base that stays/lasts

Community Category: Respect Opportunities Keep money local (self-sufficient)

Community Category: Rectitude Increase commerce- work in town instead of out of town

56

Major Component: Social SustainabilityI. What we value (question #1):

The residents of Edgerton appreciate the low crime and safety of their community, cooperation in emergencies, and the excellent services provided by the EMS and Fire Department.

Community Category: Affection Low crime Safe Community Cooperation in emergencies

Community Category: Skills Safe- for children, senior citizens and family homes Safe community

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Safe community Low crime Safety EMS Fire department

Community Category: Well Being Safe Community- leave doors and car unlocked and have no worries EMS- helps needs of community and safety Fire Department- safety of community

Community Category: Power Safety

Edgerton residents are proud of their community and shared values. Edgerton is a tight knit, kind, quiet town, and is a good place to raise a family with a strong sense of community.

Community Category: Affection Relatives Community Pride Families here Small community- everyone knows everyone Friendly people Nice people

Community Category: Skills Small and quiet town Friendly people Raise a family Rural setting Small town values

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty

57

Good moral people Great area- location Friendly people

Community Category: Well Being Tight knit community- everyone knows everyone

Community Category: Power Rural lifestyle

Community Category: Respect Sense of community

Community Category: Rectitude Kind people Great town to raise children- small community Small town values- sense of community

The Community of Edgerton provides excellent services and support to residents of all ages. Public services and utilities are of good quality and cost effective. The Library provides a gathering/education place for children, families and individuals. Services for the elderly, including nursing homes, senior center and supportive programs are valued. The community has an excellent network of service clubs and organizations.

Community Category: Affection Library Eastern Star Nursing homes Garbage picked up at house Fair priced utilities Fair taxes Supportive community Good government Senior Center

Community Category: Skills Library Good support Doctor offices Community services Community activities and projects Parade and festivals of flags and other different contest Edgerton Earth – (community paper) Public service and utilities

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Public service and utilities Service clubs Supportive community Service clubs – Lyons, Chamber, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Rotary

Community Category: Well Being58

Food bank – helps the needy Library – information and helps children with reading

Community Category: Power Good utilities/good quality

Community Category: Respect Library Sidewalks

The Community of Edgerton values its faith based community of churches, religious institutions, and programs.

Community Category: Affection Churches Freedom of religion

Community Category: Skills Religion – Churches Kids clubs on Wednesday nights at ECC church Churches

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Churches Freedom of religion

Community Category: Well Being Variety of churches – morals and values of community

Community Category: Respect Churches

Edgerton residents are proud of their school system, including its excellent rating, quality teachers, linkages to the community, and facilities such as the gym and buildings.

Community Category: Affection School School program open to public School gym

Community Category: Skills New school School system Edgerton pride – pride to be a building School teachers

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty School system – teachers and facility

Community Category: Power School – educational system Excellent school rating – school sign

59

Community Category: Respect Schools

I. What we hope (question #2)

Edgerton residents desire a strong education system offering quality academic programs in K-12, community involvement with schools, and community education in technology.

Community Category: Affection

Good school systems More programs for younger people- helps develop minds and body Good schools

Community Category: Skills Grades more seriously instead of sports Better school system- better leadership Good education- college credit classes so you can save money later at college Spring break since we don’t have one now Bully system at school Strong school system

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Keep community educated with new technology

Community Category: Well Being Good schooling- educational system working with students and community Expand school band- more student involvement

Edgerton residents hope for additional and improved community facilities, programs and resources that meet youth, senior and other resident’s needs for support, social interaction and education. Youth need a place and programs to help address challenges and provide a safe, healthy environment.

Community Category: Affection Community Center Senior Center Affordable taxes Re-route US 6 -smoother Town ran properly Bigger library Museum

Community Category: Skills Hangout place for teens – kids out of trouble (there were a lot of responses

regarding this) Place for abused and pregnant kids – Sarah’s house – more awareness for kids

– cancer – prosper from each advancement

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty

60

Parking for businesses

Edgerton residents hope that the community remains safe with low crime rates and excellent safety services.

Community Category: Affection Safety

Community Category: Skills Safe – low crime rates Safety

Community Category: Well Being Continuing EMS and fire department, on doing a good job – more volunteers

Community Category: Respect Churches

Community Category: Rectitude Feel safe

The Community of Edgerton is a positive, optimistic small town with strong community values where people want to stay or return to raise their families.

Community Category: Affection Good Community Spirit Children come back to raise their families Optimistic view be people Small community atmosphere Small town feel People

Community Category: Skills Less Gossipy Raise a family here Small town feel People would come back to live Community balance

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Appealing for youth to stay here

Community Category: Power We uphold our community values Rural lifestyle Small town values

Community Category: Rectitude Place where they will want to return/not want to leave Good community to raise family

61

Edgerton’s leadership, elected, appointed, religious and volunteer, is effective and collaborative.

Community Category: Affection Good doctors Churches working together

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Interactive leaders

Community Category: Power Good community leadership

Major Component: Environmental SustainabilityI. What we value (question #1)

Community of Edgerton residents value open space, surrounding rural/farm land uses, and natural amenities such as aquifer, creeks, ponds, trees and wildlife.

Community Category: Affection Crops

Community Category: Skills Farms (Open space) Lots of trees in area

Community Category: Power Fish Creek Aquifer Hunting and fishing

Community Category: Skills Farms (Open space) Lots of trees in area Miller pond for fishing

Community of Edgerton residents appreciate clean local parks and playgrounds, recreational and sports programs available for youth and families in community. They especially value Miller Park.

Community Category: Affection Parks Clean Playgrounds Miller Park

Community Category: Skills Sports Young group during the week – keeps kids busy Tractor pulls at Miller Park Miller pond for fishing

62

Softball, baseball and fields Art and recreation

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Parks

Community Category: Well Being Park and Recreation – good for the children and whole community

Community Category: Power Miller Park Walking paths

Community Category: Respect Playground

The Community of Edgerton values its history and buildings, such as the Town Hall, that embody that history.

Community Category: Affection History

Community Category: Skills History Edgerton’s heritage Town hall

Community Category: Power Historical buildings History

II. What we hope (question #1):

Edgerton residents hope that the Town Hall will be rehabilitated and preserved for future generations.

Community Category: Affection Town Hall saved Town hall Historical

Community Category: Skills Historical attractions Fix up town hall so our families in future can see it

Community of Edgerton residents hope for physical improvements to existing parks (Miller Park and others), additional recreational and sports programs for youth, including a recreational center, additional sports facilities, and a swimming facility.

Community Category: Affection Park development Swimming

63

Youth recreation center Park - fish, swimming, grills, picnic tables Enlarge park building – air conditioning Community pool Water slide Water park Gym for St. Mary’s

Community Category: Skills Sports programs going – add sports like tennis, soccer and swimming teams Use resources within the community / if we have something put it to use like

tennis court but they do not offer tennis as a sport – old building still useable but they want new buildings

More festivals Parks

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Better building at Miller Park

Community Category: Well Being Continue growing parks and recreation – swimming, update building (air

conditioning), soccer fields

Community Category: Respect Recreational facilities

64

Ideas for Future of North Michigan SchoolQuestion #3- What are the ideas for the future of the North Michigan school facilities?

Fitness Center/sports center/YMCA/recreationCommunity Category: Affection

Fitness center Shooting ranges

Community Category: Skills YMCA – would benefit everyone in the community – wouldn’t have to drive to

Bryan Sports for kids – gym availability – St Mary’s Catholic school basketball practices Not for schooling – like all being together in one school younger kids with older to

help them and involving them in all activities. tear down and make new football field

Tear down and put in community pool or other businesses Skateboard, bike and rollerblade park in the back or just nice park with more

trees

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Instead of park expanding, utilize school building Fitness center

Community Category: Respect Keep gym- need for all basketball practices and games

Community BuildingsCommunity Category: Affection

Town offices Community buildings

Community Category: Skills Village hall – town meetings Police department and police training center Village Hall offices Public use

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Community center

Community Category: Respect Community service center

Community Category: Rectitude Community center To be used by the people of Edgerton

Educational PurposeCommunity Category: Affection

College classes salute schools

65

Preschools Daycare

Community Category: Skills Child daycare Agricultural room back so they can have that class back Small college Bus barn

Performing Arts/PlaysCommunity Category: Skills

Old gym – drama stage – offer more to kids Hold plays or any community functions Theatrical house or movie theater

Community Category: Rectitude Theater

LibraryCommunity Category: Affection

Library

Community Category: Skills Library – so village could use their building which would be perfect in size Bigger library

Economic Development/Business UseCommunity Category: Affection

Rent out for gatherings Rentable storage and rooms Rentable storage and rooms Apartments Hospitals

Community Category: Skills Rentable storage Hotels Businesses – a mall Tear down and put something else that would bring income and people or park Revenue stream Tear down and put in other business Arcade

Community Category: Wealth and Poverty Will create jobs for community if we keep and use school building

Community Category: Rectitude Built and design in a way that will attract growth

Community Program UseCommunity Category: Affection

Senior Center

66

Mentoring programs Boy scouts, Girl scouts clubs and organizations Museums Army reserve Attraction – something from our past that we can be proud of

Community Category: Skills Boy scouts, Girl scouts clubs and organizations Church groups – youth groups Keep underage kids in new [part and use rest for activities for them

Reuse or Tear DownCommunity Category: Affection

Keep it Tear down – unsafe and a fire hazard – start new era – bring new life to Edgerton

Community Category: Skills Tearing it down is a waste of money – village taxpayers – not good Keep up with building and appearance Tearing it down is a waste of money – village taxpayers – not good Tearing it down would be a opportunity loss for the community Memories of the past – family members went there – don’t tear down Tear down – not structural Town down – unsafe and a fire hazard – start new era – bring new life to

Edgerton Was informed it was unsafe and not structural so tear it down – keep as is Demolition Will help with community appearance if we use it Use it or tear it down Keep up with building and appearance

Other CommentsCommunity Category: Affection

National buildings UFC Events

67

Community of Edgerton Visioning SessionsAugust 2009 – April 2010

Community Sector and Category Date Organization/Entity Facilitator(s) # of Partici-pantsWealth/PovertyChamberIndustrySmall BusinessCommunity ActionLandownersInsuranceFoundationsConsumers

11/4/09

11/5/09

Edgerton Rotary

Edgerton Development

Roger Strup 15

10

Well-BeingRecreationLaw EnforcementEmergency Services/FireSolid Waste Management/RecyclingHealth

Edgerton EMS Chuck Wallace 5

EnlightenmentUniversitiesResearch OrganizationsMediaRectitudeReligious OrganizationsMinisterial AssociationsOther

12-15-10 Life Changing Realities Fellowship Church

Tiffany Gutierrez 4

SkillsPublic SchoolsNon-Public SchoolsCareer Centers/Tech Schools/Workforce Dev.

11/5/09 Edgerton School Board Steve Wilmont 11

PowerCity/Village CouncilsPlanning CommissionCourt SystemHuman ServicesTownship Trustees

8/20/09 Community of Edgerton Steering Committee

Myra Moss and Joe Lucente

22

AffectionYouthFamiliesSenior Citizens4-H

Unknown

11/9/09

11/6/09

Edgerton High School Government Class

Edgerton Senior Citizens

Matt Krill

Delton Riehle

Unknown

139

17

9

10/30/09 2/23/10

Posted 11/09

Boy Scouts

Individual Senior Citizen Interviews

School Web Site Survey

Delton Riehle

Myra Moss & Joe Lucente

2

2

RespectCitizen GroupsService ClubsCivil Rights Groups

1-20-10 Edgerton Lions Club Unknown 11

Summary:1. Total # of Groups: 102. Total # of Survey Responses: 23. Total # of Interviews: 24. Total # of Participants: 247

# Youth: 148 (60%)

69



Sustainable Community Plan




August 2010

Results from August 12, 2010 Steering Committee Meeting

Miller Park, Edgerton, Ohio

1. Results of Community Visioning

The community vision report was shared with the Steering Committee and the themes emerging from resident’s input were summarized. These themes will be used to guide the development of Goals for the community plan. These themes included:

Economic Development Themes: Create jobs through local business attraction & expansion Increase health care businesses & services Expand retail…especially in Downtown Maintain agricultural base Job opportunities for returning youth

Community Facilities and Services Themes:• Developing gathering places for youth (Youth Center)• Develop Senior Center• Develop Community Center• Expand Library• More activities for youth• Expand/improve recreational facilities (especially Miller Park) and programs

Education Themes:• Academic excellence• Wider range of academic & extracurricular programs (sports, college credit,

other)• Strong linkages between schools & communities• Educate community on technology

Public Service Themes:• Excellent public services to maintain safety

Leadership and Volunteerism Themes:• Excellent private and public leadership• Community volunteerism

2. Developing the Community Plan

The majority of resident input, and the widest response according to Lasswell’s categories, was under three of the above themes; Economic Development, Education, and Community Facilities and Services. The OSU Extension Team recommended that the community of Edgerton might want to focus on these three themes to guide the development of their community plan and the Steering Committee agreed.

71

Step 1: Steering Committee members were asked to choose which one of the three themes they wanted to work on. Three workgroups were formed around the following categories:

1) Economic Development2) Education3) Community Facilities and Services

Step 2: Each group was asked to use the input under their theme (see above) to develop Goals. Then, for each goal, the groups were asked to brainstorm Objectives and Strategies.

The following is the progress that the Steering Committee made during this first planning meeting.

Group One: Economic Development Theme

Goal: The Community of Edgerton wants financial stability for community growth.

Objectives: Quality Schools Faith based community- harmonious relationships

Strategies: WEDCO (Williams Economic Development Corporation)- development building

sites inventory- record site and get Wayne Wilson from Edgerton Economic Development Corp. involved.

Fleetwood building Seed Money Tout low electric rates Create enterprise zone Livestock facilities Technology related businesses- find out what made Bryan, OH so attractive to

outside businesses NW State Community College- plastics

Group Two: Education Theme

Goal: Edgerton schools will achieve and maintain excellence.

Goal: The Community of Edgerton wants to develop a strong linkage between schools and the community (teachers, community members) to establish effective communication.

Objectives: Involve teachers in community initiatives Develop relationships between schools and area businesses (students visit

industry, businesses, banks, etc.)

Group Three: Community Facilities and Services Theme72

Goal: Edgerton desires a community center for residents of all ages.

Objectives: More activities besides core sports for youth such as: music, volleyball, pool, ping

pong and arts More senior activities to promote: fitness, arts and mentoring youth

Strategies: More community involvement Identification of potential funding sources for facilities and services in terms of:

public dollars, grants, Edgerton Area Foundation, business donations and community fundraising events

Goal: The Community of Edgerton desires a historical facility to preserve its rich community heritage.

3. Next Steps Needed to Complete Plan

The Steering Committee agreed that at least one more meeting was needed to complete the Community Plan. The agenda for this meeting would be to review and complete the goals, objectives and strategies and to create Action Plans that will be used to implement the plan. Potential dates in September were identified and the LCRF Church was identified as a suitable site for this evening meeting. The OSU Extension Team offered to cover the costs of food for participants so that the meeting could begin early in the evening. The importance to promote the meeting was emphasized by the Steering Committee, and the OSU Extension Team offered to help the Steering Committee and Village in creating and implementing a promotional plan.

Prepared by Joe Lucente, Myra Moss & Bill GrunkemeyerOSU Extension Team

September 1, 2010

73

The Community of Edgerton Sustainable Vision & · Web viewThe Community of Edgerton Sustainable Vision & Plan: A Community Vision and Plan Created through the Principles of...

Documents