Attachment 20_Public Works Department MemoMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Don Vogt, Public Works Director D7V
SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force Recommendations
DATE: August 5, 2010
Dubuque
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide recommendations in response to the
July 15 Safe Community Task Force memorandum from Management Fellow Phyllis
Russell.
BACKGROUND
In your subsequent July 22 memorandum, you asked each department manager to
consider and propose additional recommendations from the perspective of his or her
department.
DISCUSSION
Regarding Housing Code Enforcement recommendation #11, the Public Works
Department proposes that its solid waste collection, street maintenance, and sewer
maintenance personnel be trained to identify exterior housing and health code
violations. Training would also include how those front -line personnel should document
and submit the reports.
Regarding Neighborhood Engagement and Social Capital recommendation #2, the
Public Works Department proposes that it remove all current Neighborhood Watch
signs and erect new, redesigned units in the neighborhoods where the residents have
newly- affirmed their active support of the program. At the current time, it is our
perception that very few of the current Neighborhood Watch signs enjoy such support
and are not perceived as relevant or a criminal behavior deterrent.
Regarding Management of Physical Environment recommendation #5, the Public Works
Department proposes that a significant portion of the $30,000 budgeted for FY11 for the
purchase and installation of litter and recyclables receptacles in the downtown area be
used to place receptacles in the residential areas abutting the downtown.
Regarding Management of Physical Environment recommendation #6, the Public Works
Department proposes that it budget additional support for neighborhood cleanup
campaigns, using the resources of its solid waste collection and DMASWA solid waste
management activities. These resources would include solid waste collection trucks,
dump trucks, recyclables dropoff receptacles, access to solid waste disposal and
recycling facilities, its partnership with the local chapter of Keep Iowa Beautiful — Keep
Dubuque County Clean and Green, and its many related front -line workers and
management support personnel.
An additional recommendation of the Public Works Department pertaining to
Management of Physical Environment is that it continue to allocate a portion of its
monies for its annual asphalt overlay program to paving streets in Dubuque's older
neighborhoods. It has consistently been the case nationwide, that new streets have
proven to be a trigger for neighborhood cleanup efforts and improved neighborhood
aesthetics.
A final additional recommendation from the Public Works Department pertaining to
Management of Physical Environment is in regard to the City's pending expansion of its
Alley Cart Program. Monies are currently budgeted to expand the City's current
program, which presently serves only the Washington Street neighborhood. The focus
of the 500 customer expansion could address target neighborhoods where improved
alley aesthetics and sanitation would enhance neighborhood livability.
ACTION STEP
These recommendations are provided as requested, pending your subsequent
direction.