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Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project_Supporting DocumentsAugust 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment July 1993 Flooding Telegraph Herald Articles Betty and HarVey'kuhle bail water from their basement Monday. Their house, at corner,of EImarid 25th streets in __Dubuque, was drenched by heavy afternoon rains. (TH photo_by Craig"Fritz) • Floc—id7ofnew• _S.:_from..--Mid* is-t - . • a iy CQUNTIES GET-AlEr.-Itatyrra wit-atid rirOwiiiirc-- SiCtaCt(r0 1 i-tOPS: Some victims of tiooding along the Mis'si-i§laii— catised more flooding and storm_damage_anlY_days_after--RiVe4ay- they'rlc-oking3o-Wednes 5100. miltionPowereall-- _.717=_Wisconsin-counties-Wenfederral-disaster stehTSfrorn jaCkporas a possible solution to• their problems. More people are buying eirlierstormand water -problems. - - tickets,- said -Terry Eickhoff, a cashier at Ea le Food Center in Davenport in u eae ne sa m c e . me i1 J noubi flooding of basements and roadways in the northeast and . Odds of:winning Powerbali are one in 54 rrellio57This-Pball lac pouts _ t_ito_niasigwathiogssof.....„110sh-Uda,ls:inranyarea,,Str-orig---only-the fouilh-tor ie,ii,li, &ifs_ level -in -the ntSTOry ot lonenes nationwide. the ._ winds toppled trees and power lines in Fond du Lac_Coun- _. .recorclwas 'fornia s $118.8 million that was split •10 ways in April 1991. - 1 • Then . ylvenia end -Florida -lotteries -also reached 8100 million. . • Madison authorities cloSed some streets because of • - • • 111 TOWNS- EVA'ATED: Flaging Iowa riversforced -evacuationeat Eddy - water • low portions covered by as_rtiech as a loot or hvo of . - . . . - - . wile and Ottumwa a IdcloSed a two•mile stretch of interstate 80 near Iowa . . • -• . In Green Lake Countythe sheriff's dePartment Saida City. Gov. Terry Brenstad today inspected seeping levees near Burlington in • ., . Milwaukee man died after his canoe capsized•Sunday. in .. • sobtheast.lowa,-where the Mississippi River reached record heights. Along t'he•rain.swollen Fox River southwest of Aerial The virtiin . tne riverfront..water .has made it .into the building that houses the Port- of . , • ra-V—Wence-gOnner. 53. was norwearing-a-tiftrpreserv,,-„tiurlinoton- as -melt -as the city's welcome center, which. just .underwent a - - 'His wife. Carol Wellac -},conner, managed to reach shore iiiajor renovation. Water is also in the basement of Memorial -Auditorium. But - safely, but Conner Was,P-fb-nriunCed dead at the scene by • there was no meicir flood damage. - - - -. - Deputy Crvoner.reff_Neitzke- - •.- z ' , _ ,_ .____ ____ ---Robert Lee.Witt,'-dji-FcTOF-Eif the .Fedireaf Emergency • - Management Agency,.said state-andfederardamege °ad- - . 'rnalgs show More than-1-;580-hun-ies in-thir.17-c0unty area • - .10 east-of--kake Winnebago_lo.the Mississippi River . suffered damage -from wind,ram and flooding that -have The 17 counties are Calumet Clerk Cdlumn :=Eau Glaite,LFond_dtr,Lac-Green.-take._JacksOh, -.-quotwoutagarnw, Fwmagii:Sat-ilt•,-Trerimesateen, WatiPa- ca. Waushard. Winnebago -add Wood. • Goyernor Tommy G._Threnpenn -placed damage storms and resulting floods at 6200 mIllibn so far. and said estimates would continue tO rise. ' - - 1 DOWNRIVER WOES:'Flo0-dweary7Midvidaterners • and' Nationay Gdardsmen.fought high waters from the , -mighty Mississippi today - aridprayed for' Clear Skies, . ;-=;-------Andthiii-ibund7otdownpoUrs-Mblii8y98bfrifie-1 000 - -.horn-the already -rain -swollen river, breaking more levees, _fongLrnose-evaeuations-and-clettroying-pleCibus iu Additional •r centributing.to -the since 1965, .. • . • -- uuderriet- . thiLeiJob_ tbia4ig,h_LateCkingandbagS_atrip laelaes_protact.- .• .Some o( the Wcrst'llooding was in Davenport; -tow. •-. where-the-MiiiiiiiiPpi's.appearecr tdrh--ave •aested-at- ieet.-inatievel was Unchanged from Sunday -end 6 inches ' ShOrt of the record setin 1965. ▪ " Towns along the diet' sirlbutatlei also -ware I.nundated. - 2A-109-411e-_scenic Rock-Rive-r-in7MotineHif,-good waters. • "have entered Grace Dorbeck's living- rocim.,."I've never • .flooding on the Mississippi. It's as II they've forgotten us..- !out here," she said. - . ockerrimMoliiteleas-2 feera. 191eJf-doilritage -▪ -ef-12,feet.Monday and stilliising • • Also MOnday,.autrtorigi3slecove-Tedsthe,godypi,5,ieer•". old bOY7Whe_dreWried,heer.Warramingo, iviinn.,;_in• the "' swojten Zurnbro RIVer, which flows (MO the Mis Iasi - I -ckeT06,MttiesPle'j7 r.gre.lt0 wag CaoirigiloaniriciLtysy.frorn the._ _ • Pi6sissipoi in.pans 01 tcapiaa and viestern.and northern 9atiaso FA rsin-Covered Inter:State near Rock rt.• Mo: a 1 e arotorist. • r,,,_.,.frLeastern,Seuth,Dako. ',•_,_•.sippi.byWaYfol.the Misaoi River, otie4lyers have been ffooding'Sidte-snowmel ed In April,' the :100iist tinuousffloOdlhd_onilegord in, !be state,. the NatiOnal.. .-.LW.0.6therSer01c6 Said: : - • • -.Nearlyiono Ibird ofltie 6 000 .risidenta- -'-&-11,,,vere forced from_homes over:theiyeekababOlood- -E-arhandKateRe 1d0dt3 p1 Dell•Pdh_t carry -a feW:et Weir belbititigSTa-t--d-LR3iid , .,„ n and feerS:abour.the selej-Yr.I4Ar.PPItiwa-yzet-_Liatie.,Ner„,±-- • . - - •-• • ' • „ in -East -Dubuque; 7Z:floinitriberPserifftfErti*t4.16197.alOvOriver... 11LTH pflotcbyr-David-.Gtfi. 7/5/93 • layrL.ie: L`Li4i7:1ty .1.1v_C.0 t1p...LU 1L _, 114 Ji-:11tr ,.1. t n:l - i,a> i # f € T rsV sari = rli i;r—.rzlrtr-i —'` ca ors , get too- worried =` stage, avid= many residents and The raj about :the snbw melting because i jaus nessges moved :a good tally : a the flagdS atwayS-oorne around-T. = ort of =or gir be n gs to thFough_ here ue-or- oft._ .. n_.�.� er-ffr. arc . -s-f1gff damage;woulfIn't; be -as. high as theTenarr wTl: oporr_se and three jte` a gwhich .: .nexf .u+ ek covered _ with several 'feet of Jersey rr u e 7 e.1t 1 said a - TFc lmil urfi rfi rii=nc th_�rO�tigt— the :heart of.the,: tri -states; , had to etosed`fn free p ,because__: 0o ing y- rat : rrm • asl open except for the strh -: Is fortunate, 4 Dubuque- ponce said portions of t e _l at cinal two :retaini rnt_ walls eollapsedbe- 3iieh "-n i;1n -the: fereeast — and Rif nncday ere_ -is.&: Percent -c an+ee of A {�rt�on of s�ne�+ r one-y -cof is Rio one-wasc T -Loa late sec Stree 1 =said the near _the_ €allcn walls r_ernain :.a. trr?1rtle, - is closed restaurant had a r -foot -ss -wafier-�r=-t#a ib�r morn IV�an�la� • - a wat•er�:�earne i�� t • -even fag_ce-3'-s -c • : rdl fait,:: ,a. wen awe Flooding —it e sportsnmex > = orx least -one "..f the •softb. J the t 3 -r f t-hg iet th° eyba - rrz tr u--empIo-yees - roori sm --did:close-._the K'1fTYf igr�' t. fkr .f lj _ ' f ,. � H-33+Y 's��i�Hr33ci#=-3►3• � � '_— ; a u �3 : r 4 onday bud tndtn s t __to : ,rnmm• one -point -water- reached_ FILMED BY THE P CREST INFORMATION TECI-IN ch ? mt 3 44[A. �y.'omaoO. O m9ro`,3ic' b'�L 0_ a. ›''A 2. ya ',T., ,4ro osE" WovvES «�mcvo�..� Y v;: 4en�2wyaNe e,o 34�L roL� -'12 0q1`yf V gl52",- C -c. �; aN:' tip¢ C ro• �vj�,cy"� gym=; a.�`� ° v��cc'- 1 _v v O ; s>c- •> Iv�E� �v4� ��z.�.ao I 2. ro E -2 e via nx m §, .s 'O ,.-. a s -p ■ ■ otialetl Press If1As Ing home I:,'Stitrth Korea --- ore tins-of-0-American killed during the Korean War next he 81h US. Army tld be the largest i cit. ned-since-tile 11---tar and -is seen odwill gesture to t:£Ilnlon, whit io th Korea over the t-}rrrr8: 3 served in the war counted for. North is returned about 45 s er the past three r, independent U.S. never have- been d limit ii gawkers PON, Tenn. — The s Speed Limit 3i motorists stop. would be amazed at ber of out-of-state ho stop and act0al- -pictures. said -City -- Sammy Dickey:- -- ;n is on state Route off U.S. 45 West toward Alamo. ft ed years ago. y'body-else had mits of 30 or 35 city council want- : little. bit different y body -else, so they II c ake-it-31 mplr.'-=1 rid. k thieves check out OOD CITY. Calif. boys chose the eller. when they trill a stolen S250 -ergo Teller Jenny iced the rl:rr:. "..,is her: naFIE:. rified bank secur he youths. -ages 16 "ere arrested earlier da d an Dean Dickel and Jim Dyer Of fh-eTergra ffitaraio Vicious thunderstorms Thursday night -- II -Ed a tornado and a bash tt000 that washed six cars into the ;Mississippi River. - No one was seriously injured or killedras wind and rain -slashed across the tri-states. - Most towns in the soggy upper Mississippi River basin had few problems coping -with Yar7er..,affi>— r . uba trat.,nt. t;dnu-neaorntue-ms-- from Guttenberg, Iowa. east to Mineral Point, dumped up to four inches of rain.• - Glen Haven. Wis., was overwhelmed by a---- -- - five-foot wall of water that rolled down Main Street as four inches of rain fellin .30 -nutes.-The high-waterearried-away Six cars.- l "They were floating through the town -just - - like a big old bobber on a' fis4ing line," said J_ Gary Hoffman, owner of-Wackw 's-Bar,which had two feet of water in it this morning. • --Tlte-sterttrmoved-eastanddumpedseveral __I inches of rain in Beetown Township, flooding roads and washing out bridges over eulverts.=--$ county -officials said. A tornado touched down north of Platte- ville near County D and Rawson Lane. rip- ping -the -roofs -of -taro homes -and destroying barns and 'garages. • We were sleepiggiand we heard -this loud. , - sharp lightning. T en mymother heard'a loud roaring," said Jean Olson, who lost part , of her root', sun porch. and garage doors. - But. despite the rain. things are looking up as the riveE continues-togodown, - ••• The U.S. Coast Guard_epened. the.;lissis- sippi to pleasure craft above Lock and Dam --t-I in Dubuque. Below the dam, the river is I closed except to licensed commercial fisher- men. who are_allowed _on -the river south- to = - _ .. be mouihof-k' ipinicon River. Lock I I remaineci•closed this morning and' Lockmaster Nick Bainbridge said the surge I Of water expected from the Guttenberg area will keep it closed "until further notice.' The Corps of Engineers had hoped to open the lark this-anernoori: Lock 10 in -Guttenberg_ is I open, but most toffs are atayirtg put -until the • .-.. river is completely open. ested Part of the back and at Pat Fol er's house on Green Street in Dubuque was sucked into a 25-foot diameter sinkhole Iowa Gov. Terry Branstaf today Iowa 9 G federal disaster assistance for 11 [Diva coun- j hives during this week's heavy rains. At first, neighbors said, it was thought to be caused. by a broken storm sewer but Iles Clayton. Clinton. Des Moines, Dickin- - now -they think an otd-mine Shaft -gave way.- (TH-photo by Mark Hirsch) sun. Humboldt. Jackson. Johnson. Louisa. gnet • 1G0 Whai au- - (1� ire calling theost t vv �r J fugitfye-rn fugitives i t on Page i k cd re fugit; ' in 1�. G /19� .Sin area:. _. _ '— Inc- Ine-week nation- undup corralled rated people. U.5- Hudsoe said atnr �- Missouri Hudson said at a tfertnce-in- .rung=-- �/ e ;weep du�,hed xpects- ed a Trident, involved shall T e...lho record •f Alcohhol.ol.Service, Tobacco irms.and the Drug . - r�-Aa tit hi;stra , ngu.vith state and 1ori ties. Chicago area, slier. ('„ok and -Winne- unties a td police O Graphic: Why the floods? gin :rod R-a ki wi- - D ED banks-0tlers flood help-- firer'rat avints -said - - Cleanupiirms backed up dues. L' S maoshai D Tips on mess removal neon li,r-rn 'lnsu,cr or ■ City picks up damaged items ■ Levees expected to fail "t,rt 0' L Zest and most stir- . Lgnlcr• manhunt in h1storv,,'. id ore flood news damages . - — — ------Mueiratine-. Scott -and Wapello.-- .........- Tony Pettaway (left)'assists John Kelly In emptying his waders Thursday after they had helped build flood dikes in the drenched Quad Cities area. The men were in Iowa for an air show and decided to help out. (AP photo) • sourco: National WeaNer Servmu . People,in Marquette, Iowa and. East Dubu- • que. I11., were breathing a sigh -of relief as 'flood contrdl efforts Area ented further -flood.. ing. ..-.._- Most people were returning to their East Dubuqueltonien afteradrainage-cbtch.back up problem- was resolved. About 20 homes still had no electricity today, police said, • - Federal -disaster officials inspected East Dubuque -and -Galena, Ill_ to assess flood damages - --Ja-Daviess Count 'Slternl Steve-tlll"e�- satt edecal Emegency Management Agency inspectors called Washington this morning (cith-a report of the dainage. -- Hill Arnold, Doug Wagen and Lyn Hansom Jerrie contributed -to thisreport The deluge 24- zs' 26 Rainawen.0.62 frn[e Jcnosa. Plos toreeast- 0,05"'.:: xi.�ez . ..-27.;:-..-2a.=-_1_225 :70 Julys-'-_-.'2.--. 3 1.05": 0.73 0.53' 7. n _ia._ riff hnr rnr+/ror • -0 0 a) Ct. - • 0 • Louis Paulsen 0 2 2 a a) 0 ,0 b,01) • ra,"§ , 1 °Y3 1 0' 7 F.) 0.8 4.) vo II' 0 p t29 g 0 0 '0 '•-)„, ttS Et P. IC) al. ' • I I:, . -. .....07;:r°.c1"..-45fE' '''::' ''11:. r' ci •i'3:-.0' 1.6:1'.--:.: ' • , 0 : , c„...,..z 0 , t o .0 ., ,....;, ,;0•.,, -p,.. '.-, i ' - • CP 13'1),, . ;,''. ... . '.:"..' -I'' ." Gni ' 0 CP 7-'''CP 4.--,.., N-'',..,: .0-) ,'',' 'i•-•-; ''.;..,;•', L' -'••- , Cr) aj .. CT. 1 1d) 14 +4 -' ,-, •,L., C C • . r0 —.JO :a) 0.Z --•4),-.,, •••' .0 •••-•. 0 , • --•:' i•th • - •,78 •C• - •••I'' C• -0'.0-7•12,1);_,-'7•,0,-,1 ° '-c. ,--1-: ',1 Z,F• ::* ,•-cu -.0•0.--,1q -..-' , Ai- ,-• • 4) c4 ..,t',.;-740 44..- .-'9,3)...:::.,,,4j....-.:;4':`61.:..:.,...:-1‘.,:i ‘.-Q-'' : . , . • z.,9- &> tin.- i;z5..-.i.A_ *...•01,..; . t'''';,-8,:,,,,14 ...i. , : it ja:csai• 00 4J-,;(1,?, . , . tn• ,,,.., . 0.4 c .,v.r, :4, p., ',.z •-• 4,,_, ,..: a) ..-, a) cn. Z vl. • - 0 • a). c• 4-i -'• cti ,E, •• •.'.-. r74.•.44 0, as E,--,."L',,Y) , -.->i,z.. ,i•,_::_:, 0 • •:•2 ."!,:f-:44-°1E M 0)1 ph Herald • Thursday, July 22, 1993 . . . • • • .. • - • - ..•• • . IU • ' - • -• - - 20. The Delug'e, A Sotivenir.•Selction_of TeledrapthrierakicTriorsdays•July 22,-1993 . 1-41 - - ebe--2 7- --The te Ser-viee-r-saya parts of Iowa are _vulnerable to .ingderate... flooding.thisspring; but state clirria, tologiSt Harry Hillaker -said Mother -I Nature still has time to prevent it. __•_-_WedneadaMarch_.24. T-ha-- • Maquoketa River crested today and • was on its way down Thursday: • Thursday, March 26 The Pecatonica River in Darlington, Wis., rose to 11_5 feet today. • Friday, March 26 - The Galena River in Galena, 111. is filled to its hanks, but hasn't gotten high enough to f1,r6e the city to elou31 a giant flood tea! the entrance to downtown. The gat, hasn't been closed in five.yoar6 The Mississippi River is absorbing the runoff and thr• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers left a Wifiti ill the 1311101die rivet- , Satunday 141ar_nh 27 - The Torke) River level 1,, 15 7 feet. a little nirin- than a lout helms nittgi oLoge 1!. ihte. Niaritioketti Riv1ar in,Jaokn,o 7 00,01 2-1 2 feet below nuod st.age riciiihMitquiikelit and _ _T_Ine_S1213isipini6un- -Jont.i.-rriunicy. at. Anfriaisa0 a110ost2 feet below its• fleod stage 010 feet • • Friday, April 2 - Deep Creek,iit str'•p ref Jataird. _Ora t _ro s Clinton County, Iowa, emptying into trio NIriquoketri River is causing big firio'd problems for farmers near Predon. Iowa. • Monday, April 19 - Tlat idississippi River Duhuquc is 18.5 feet - Mod stage 1,, 17feet • Tuesday, April 20 - Guinique, i inehe6 of -precipitation 16 recorded and I ineti of snow_ (1i ant C,viiity, Ni; sheriffs depart- _ reent 5 to 6 inches of n blind Iron. 1I•en nysiin 11, 11,0: of Fennimore At Loch and Darn No_ 12 in 'River 13 at i 6 65 Pet, ene loot away from stoptnn tragic Lir 16 7 Pet_ The Mississippi at Duhuotp • Thursday_ May 27 t.hrough. Sunday, May 30 - Heavy ran, over -t.ne Mississippi River's upper hasin. • ryriday, Jue 4, through Thursday, June 10 -5171» rain inundates the already saturated regihn. " SatutrlaN', June19-- -Torrindos.— darn, through the tri-stat"-e area p .throughout the there ate roports of -possible, an8-ikigg' wind, kiipeking die,e '1r1ii10; pow, lines and a haril bv 7 pima -hie tin -midi, near Manchester. Trees rinri-n- - Continded-ori-Page 6 hpneiveribring cloudover the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, witl . • remember my -covenant -between the -and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the Water become a flood to destroy all Iffe." - God's promise to Noah after the Great Flood, Genesis 7:14 No easy measure exists to gauge-. therain and floods of the spring arid • summer Of 1993. 1 As-ry-d-arroltoweTfainy day; - the nutnbels in weather record books_ soon paled. - . And when the peoplAbegan to murmur in apocryphal tones about the mighty. river. power, and then - took to -measuring rain -in -days -rather -- than inclres, only biblical compar- isons seem appropriate. After nearly 40days of rain, floods and more rain in the tri-states, jokes.about build-. ing an ark.and gathering the animals logeth- er wmc thin. Al first the_ relentlessly rising MisSissi was a curiosity. 13u1 days of black noonday streaked by lightning, -downpours that • - —turned streams into torrents and streets into swift rivers and people being forced from their 131311135 turnert.tri.staten;_ciciennitiod.in currigh-jrinst Il1e-triktriratt-r-dcsperafron--,Glierl-KM-7-V. drove ut,,. We fought despair as tlic rains Dubuque(111:)'-Municipal Garagel-along.-Nytth-other--city- test dents kept coming anticipation of more'floodiRg. (TH photo by Mark Hirsch) Dubuque's wall handles the test • No other event more clearly defines that . - • struggle against nature than when the water' --• -6uruti rough sandbags.on July Kist . Dubuque, ill. Despite -daylong heroic efforts, muddy water pushed aside sandbagsSlacked atop a drainage ditch, sending frustrated volunteers tumbling. They had worked shoulder -to - shoulder against the rain anci floods, trying to protect their neighbors' homes. As it did . nearly everywhere else in the Mississippi River basin, the Water had won. HuMans in .. its path could do little to stop it. Continued on Next Page.. Section Credits Cover Photo - A sandbag wall along • a drainage CliACII in East Dubuque, Ill., gives way July-5 despite the efforts of volunteers to hold back the water_ The water flooded a residen- tial area, forcing several families out of their homes. This• photo beeanie the. classic image of the human struggle -against the unierenting floodwaters or rivers throughout the Midwist, was featured in Life Magazine; Newsn,ver:k; U.S. Ncws & World Report, USA. Today rind numerous member newspa- per,. or The ASSOCilittld Press around tin world. C1•11 photo by David (huh:nick) Cover Design - Mike Day 5 Mark UhrtiholOgy - Compiled by Sandy 11,1,1 and limit Paine Story C-ontent - Compd. d from 1•11 Itirs Sy fieun DickVI - • - Se, -[ion Design- Randy icr,jlicr-s - The Finley Hospitca giving'flood relief...a shot in the arm. In an effort to safeguard arpa flood Means and relief workers; The-Finelpitol is offering discounted tetanus -diphtheria immunizations. WHO —Arryanewlni-has-tieutrwiting-1 around flood waters and has not had a tetanus - diphtheria immunization in the past Len years. WHAT $3.00 Tetanus -Diphtheria Immunizations- WHE RE 1 1111 1 The Finley Hospital 4W ' EmergencytTraurnallept___4: _ , - •11 -/' , WHEN -I-, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Appointments are not necessary, (Offer good for alit -ailed time-) (Payment is requiredat the lime of service.) FINLEY HOSPITAL Quaiity. Healthcare with a Personal 'roach. 354) North Grandview Ave.,..p.ehoque, Iowa 52voi • 319/582-1881 Two peciplE --'worstflopcli --Most-rn-aa watchers s BUI, the rive-. city ofDubuqu nearly touched Mississippi brit ar'-2-37£ the ouldate-d-l7 abotrug- _ wall, built folic 1965. Thc wall kV/AS.2 diffe unimpeded acrc causing million But The Dell, (?s"5--11541 LENDER ■ ■ 15 Larry Maahs {left). the. owner of Spring Lake Tavern in Potosi, Wis., looks over the dike that he and others built up around his place to - protect it froni the rising.waters of the Mississippi River. (TH photo by Craig Fritz. Dubuque rainfall in 1993 12 13 14 - 0-15" 16 . 17 18 0.10". 23 24 25 - 26 0.47" 0.09' 0.12' 12 13 14 Trace 21 19 20 l2" 7 8 9 10 11 Trace - 14 .15 16 17 18 0.37" 0.55" B-Trace 0.89'' 19, 9 10 0.53" 0.56" "..Trace - --- Average-thrUughJuly 20: 20,18" Through July 20,1-993: 30.89". Sources_' National We:eher Servird. TH hbc4ry (TH cyaphic, - " The Deluge, A Souvenir Section of the Telegraph Herald, Thursday July 22,=1993 ,,.613 .- Celebrate Christmas-' iI1 ": ‘ . rn. Jule. fl at. III OCn]tp®d o Fmg 1 Onin ing 4n.urchases_ot $300 _ :. receive 6 months no interest on your purchase. You make 6 low monthly payments --interest fr_ee. - - - or On purchases of $1,000.00, 20% down and approved credit, receive 12 months no interest on your purchase. You make- 12 low monthly payments --interest free. . _ Or - On non-credit card purchases of $300.00 or more, take an additional 5%q- off sale prices. You may also take advantage of 90 days no interest with approved credit and 20% down_ — _ -Open: Sunday, July .25, , . from .1 until 4 - lave 40 "r3ts-fin-e- dining from Richardson, Robinson, Dinaire end Athol --SatosAteepe�� Flodulars-. Pick .your style and fabric... over 20,000 combinations '- ` Starting at $499 »:+- fin `m �1 Save On on all -- m•stock-pipures, lamps 6'mirrors.;, - -- Check for special savings on clearance merchandise. ` - (Made In The U.S.A. ) 6 5 ai t \ / fil r. —.ts�_ �r Specially Priced ^' T1i amoes � WO �/�t� Queen Size [ {j •� 4�-r ef� V1'It •14- Only 1199 Limited Time Only - to 30111110111,1 special order only In. -_ choice of two colors. MondayHOUTuesRS: dayWoodMlllI . Thursday 6 Friday 9-5; FahlaTUVE elk Wednesday 9 e: •- sawrday 9.4 5855 Saratoga Rd.- Dubuque. Iowa 52002 Phone 01A9)S88=t98t7 t -. ;,_; .'. August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Storm of 1999 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 gin . A erica s Newspapers COUNTY 'A MESS,' OFFICIALS SAY</CS> Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, May 18, 1999 Author: Nathan Carlisle and Jeffrey Pieters Water damage: Cities of Dubuque and Dyersville sustain the most damage to streets and homes Around 3 a.m. Monday, they made the rounds in Dubuque -Mayor Terry Duggan, City Manager Mike Van Milligan, Assistant City Manager Tim Moerman and Fire Chief Dan Brown, in Brown's four-wheel drive truck. What they saw: "A mess," said Duggan. "I think by far it's the worst ground or surface water damage Dubuque has ever seen," he said. "I saw blacktop heaved, I saw a storm sewer caved in, manholes popped up," Duggan said. Van Milligen also said the damage exceeded that of a previous memorable storm. "Everybody we talked to said this is worse than 1993," he said. According to the Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency, parts of the county reported receiving more than four inches of rain within two hours. The deluge caused heavy flooding and has led state officials to declare Dubuque County a disaster area. The rising Mississippi River prompted local officials to close all the city's floodgates. The river is expected to reach 20 feet by late Tuesday. Officials don't know whether that level will be the crest. In Dubuque, water five to six feet high was reported between the 20th and 28th blocks of Jackson, Washington and White streets. The high waters prompted several calls for rescue from submerged motorists. Police and fire officials also helped area residents, including one resident of Old Mill Road who had to be rescued by boat. But despite the heavy damage, no injuries have been reported. On Monday morning, County Supervisor Jim Waller estimated county road damage at $150,000, but he added that the estimate continues to rise as road crews continue their assessments. No estimate on damage to city of Dubuque streets was available by presstime. In Dubuque, Valley Street, East 22nd Street and Washington Street from 25th to 27th streets remain closed as a result of flooding. In addition to street damage, a city water main on Pennsylvania Avenue just west of Kennedy Road, broke around 4 a.m. Monday. The break affected water pressure to homes across a large area of the city. City officials anticipated the break would be repaired by 5 p.m. Monday. St. Joseph the Worker School in Dubuque canceled classes today because of flooding in the preschool and cafeteria. Sgt. Chuck Uskavitch of the Dubuque County Sheriffs Department and the assistant director of Disaster Services, listed Dubuque and Dyersville as the Dubuque County cities hardest hit by the flooding. There also was flood damage reported in the northern part of the county, along U.S. 52. The Red Cross distributed food and dispensed other aid in all three areas. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers FLOOD REPAIRS ON RISE Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, August 29, 1999 Author: Jeff Pieters 100 days: City officials expect all public facilities damaged during the May storm to be fixed by the end of the year Some 100 days after the mid -May floods, Dubuque city officials report good progress in restoring damaged public facilities. What few projects remain, they say, are expected to be completed by year's end. Forty of 46 incidents of street, sewer and ditch damage have been repaired, according to Don Vogt, director of the city's Operations and Maintenance Department. "We feel we're basically done," Vogt said. Of the six remaining projects, three are ditches with collapsed sides or silt buildup, and two are roadway "slides" partially in private properties. The remaining project is a collapsed retaining wall, also involving public and private property. The city's engineering department is overseeing a $517,000 project to clean the Bee Branch Storm Sewer, from 25th Street to Rhomberg Avenue. The 16-foot-wide, 8-foot-high sewer line reportedly filled to capacity during the storm on May 16 and 17. Removing collected debris from within the storm sewer line improves the line's ability to send collected rainwater from Dubuque's northern neighborhoods to the Mississippi River. "They (cleaning crews) are going to start any day now," said Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos, who is overseeing the cleaning project. "It's going to take about six weeks." The city expects to be reimbursed for the cost of the project by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Psihoyos said the city also spent about $36,000 on a project to clean the 32nd Street detention pond, where the Bee Branch line begins. A stormwater management plan, intended to list solutions to some of Dubuque's drainage problems, will be completed in 12 to 18 months, Psihoyos said. The city applied for federal and state money to buy a house flooded in the May storm, and in several, earlier storms. The house, at 3425 Pennsylvania Ave., was filled with water 8 feet deep in the May storm. Because the house is downhill from neighboring properties, it is prone to frequent flooding through the storm sewer system, according to city officials. The city negotiated with the property's owners for a purchase price of $126,728. Eighty-five percent of that will be covered by federal and state money. The city will pay the rest. Dennis Harper, of the Iowa Emergency Management Agency, said Dubuque's purchase of the house is listed as a high priority to receive funds when they become available. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Flood/Please turn to Page 2A The federal government has given Iowa only about 4.5 percent of the more than $33 million it needs to meet all the buyout requests issued by cities, Harper said. Requests this year for buyout money exceeded those resulting from the 1993 flood, Harper said. City Attorney Barry Lindahl said the city received and reviewed more than 30 claims for damages to cars and houses that owners believed were the result of the city's negligence. All of those claims, reviewed by the city's insurance carrier, the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool, were denied, Lindahl said. The insurance company decided in those cases that "it wasn't any negligence on the part of the city. It was an 'act of God' situation," Lindahl said. The city has had no further contact from people who had filed claims, and new claims have stopped coming in, Lindahl said. Shortly after the May floods, the city's housing department began offering special Tong -term, low -interest loans to homeowners who were ineligible for FEMA assistance. The department has made two loans, totaling $7,500, said Housing Services Manager David Harris. Three other requests for loans are pending, Harris said. The fire department is waiting for FEMA to reimburse it for costs incurred shortly after the floods. The department submitted bills totaling about $10,000, said Fire Chief Dan Brown. The bills included overtime wages and the cost of operating special equipment used in flood recovery efforts. In addition, the department pumped out 60 to 80 flooded basements, at a rate of $50 per hour. Those fees were billed to homeowners, who in turn can seek reimbursement from FEMA, Brown said. Caption: Mug - Don Vogt Edition: WISCONSIN Section: FRONT Page: A 1 Index Terms: DISASTER RELIEF, FLOOD Record Number: 1999241049 Copyright (c) 1999 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 LOCAL/AREA BRIEFS Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, July 3, 1999 Author: TH staff Council will consider extending deadline for storm -sewer cleanup The scheduled date to finish a major cleaning of Dubuque's Bee Branch storm sewer line might be set back three months. Possible bidders on the project told Public Works Director Mike Koch that an Oct. 1 completion date was too ambitious, Koch said. "The result could be an extraordinarily high project cost," Koch wrote, in a memo to the city council. The council will vote Tuesday on whether to adopt Koch's proposed extended schedule. Under the new schedule, bidders would have until July 14 to submit proposals to clean the 16-foot-wide, 8- foot-high storm sewer line from 25th Street to Rhomberg Avenue. Koch's estimated cost of the project is $975,315. The council would have a public hearing on the project July 19. The job would be finished by Dec. 31. It was the Bee Branch line that reportedly overflowed in the May 16 and 17 storm that caused flooding in parts of Dubuque. 3 arrested after scuffle at park Three men were arrested on charges of public intoxication after a melee involving a shotgun at Riverview Park early Friday morning. Barry Pettorini, 37, 15931/2 Main St.; Dennis Kean, 33, no known address; and James Doty, 38, 1071 Main St., No. 2, were arrested on charges of public intoxication. Police said Richard Bracewell, 44, 8685 Jessica Lane, reported that the three men assaulted him in the park. The three men said that during the incident, Bracewell took a shotgun from his vehicle. The three men said they took the gun and threw it into the river. Police said that they did find a gun matching the description in the river. Pettorini was taken to The Finley Hospital for treatment. Bracewell was taken to Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque. The investigation is ongoing. Sinsinawa organizes entertainment on Sunday SINSINAWA, Wis. - The 35-piece Sinsinawa Strings Orchestra and Color Guard will put on a free program, "A Time to Celebrate," at 2 p.m. Sunday. The event will pay homage to Independence Day while also having an international flavor, celebrating the United Nations and the 20th anniversary of the Sinsinawa Dominican ministry in Trinidad. Selections will include songs from Jamaica, Trinidad and Russia. Edition: WISCONSIN Section: TRISTATE Page: A3 http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Index Terms: BRIEFS Record Number: 1999184048 Copyright (c) 1999 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Americas Newspapers COUNCIL OKS RIVERFRONT LAND DEAL Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, July 20, 1999 Author: Jeff Pieters $238,400: The property lies near the former brewery Slightly more than two acres of riverfront property near the former Star Brewery site now belongs to the city of Dubuque. The city council on Monday authorized buying the land, which will be used for a portion of the city's Riverwalk project. Dubuque paid the appraised value of $238,400 for the land, in a complex deal in which a lessee sold the property and two other interested parties dropped their claims to parts of it. The seller was American Grain and Related Industries, or AGRI. Meanwhile, an adjacent lot that the city also wants remains entangled in a snare of property liens. The city council authorized condemning that half -acre lot, which is directly east of the former brewery building. That lot is where the city's amphitheatre will be placed in the riverfront project. A condemnation commission will determine what the city will offer for the land. An early estimate of its value is about $60,000, according to a city memo. In other business, the council: * Approved a commercial rezoning of 54.5 acres of farmland along U.S. 20 that will be annexed into the city later this year. The council earlier had denied that rezoning request, but reconsidered its action. The land, which is part of a 64-acre parcel owned by Paul and Jayne Cate, was the subject of controversy last month, when neighbors objected to the rezoning proposal. In particular, three neighboring landowners said they feared commercial development of a 9.5-acre piece near their homes would disrupt their lives and reduce their property values. The Zoning Advisory Commission will hold another public hearing on rezoning the remaining 9.5 acres, owned by the Cates and Wayne Stewart. That hearing is not yet scheduled. * Tabled discussion of a proposal to add three levels and 237 parking spaces to the Fifth Street parking ramp. The lot addition, said Parking System Supervisor Cindy Steinhauser, is designed to accommodate the expected needs of Cigna Retirement and Investment Services, which plans to build a 112,000-square-foot office building at Fifth and Main streets starting this fall. Along with the new building, Cigna would boost its local employment by as many as 300 people, Steinhauser said. Those people will need a place to park, she said, and the parking ramp the city intends to build on Iowa Street, between Third and Fourth streets, won't be enough for both Cigna and whatever new businesses are http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 drawn to the Old Main district. Council members said they will need more information before they can make a decision. "I don't know that I'm against it, but I'm not ready to vote for it tonight," said council member Ann Michalski. Mayor Terry Duggan said he had questions about the proposed use of tax increment financing dollars in adding the three levels to the ramp. "Asking all the citizens of the city to pay for downtown parking, I don't think it's fair," he said. "Why don't we raise the parking fees? How come that's not under consideration?" * Approved a $1.05 million bid from Portzen Construction to rebuild Eighth Street, between Iowa and Locust streets. The street, which is now part of Town Clock Plaza, would be reopened to traffic and paved with colored concrete and lined with ornamental streetlights, trees and limestone monuments. The project is funded primarily through tax increment financing and assessments to private properties along Eighth Street. * Approved a $313,000 bid from Pressure Concrete to clean the Bee Branch Storm Sewer line. The 16-foot wide, 8-foot high sewer line was filled to capacity in the May 16 and 17 storm that resulted in the flooding of homes in the Couler Valley neighborhood of Dubuque. The line runs from the 32nd Street detention basin to the 16th Street detention basin, but the cleaning will be done between 25th Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The bid is nearly 60 percent below City Engineer Mike Koch's cost estimate. The job is to be done by Dec. 31. Edition: WISCONSIN Section: FRONT Page: Al Index Terms: CITY COUNCIL, CITY GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT, RIVERS Record Number: 1999201016 Copyright (c) 1999 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 �c. America's Newspapers SEWAGE DISCHARGES SPUR FORMAL COMPLAINT Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, October 14, 1999 Author: Jeff Pieters Catfish Creek Coalition: Group wants testing to be done for erosion and contaminants Five sewer -line ruptures, reported this summer at points along or near the Middle and North forks of Catfish Creek in Dubuque, are cause for concern to a local environmental group. That group, the Catfish Creek Coalition, filed a formal complaint last week with the Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District against the city of Dubuque. In filing the complaint, the coalition's aim is to ensure that the sewage discharges haven't deleteriously affected water quality in the creek, and that city crews' actions to fix the ruptures didn't, in turn, weaken creek banks to erosion. The coalition wants the creek to be tested for contaminants and for erosion control measures along the creek to be evaluated by state experts. In its complaint, the coalition commended the city for quickly fixing the ruptures, but expressed concerns that sewer infrastructure near the creek might be unstable and that city resources to maintain that infrastructure might be insufficient. "We're not saying the city is negligent," said coalition President Regina Thibeau. "We're just saying there's deficient resources." City officials acknowledged the number of ruptures and said it was a figure that is out of the ordinary for any stretch of sanitary sewer line in Dubuque. Historically, said Public Works Director Mike Koch, the lines near the creek have had fewer than one rupture per year. Much of the line was installed in the late 1950s, Koch said. Some parts of Dubuque's sanitary sewer system are more than a century old and still functioning well, he said. Storm sewer lines near Catfish Creek are in good shape, said Koch and others. "The general condition of the miles and miles of lines that are out there are in good shape," said John Klostermann, Dubuque's street and sewer maintenance supervisor. He called the five ruptures "very coincidental" and added, "it's been a tough year." That was acknowledged by Thibeau, who recalled high water on the creek following a heavy rainstorm in May. It's possible, she said, that the high pressure of water infiltrating the sanitary sewer lines in the May 16 and 17 storm weakened some parts of the line. The ruptures reported by the coalition occurred at four points along the creek, and at one point further north, but still in the watershed area. They were: * 1495 Southern Ave., June 5. A lateral line was cracked by tree roots, causing an overflow from a nearby manhole. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers COUNCIL OKS CONDO PLAN Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, November 16, 1999 Author: Jeff Pieters Zoning change:Developer convinces Dubuque officials drainage won't be adversely affected A developer's claim that his plans will improve, rather than harm, drainage in a northside Dubuque neighborhood was enough for the city council Monday night. Council members voted 7-0 to authorize a zoning change that will allow Steve Boge's firm, Kane Development Corp., to build 52 condominium units in the 2900 block of Kane Street. The condominiums will be built on the former Area Residential Care site, across the street from Wahlert High School. An engineer's estimate of the site's predicted water -handling abilities showed that grading to be done as part of the development would practically eliminate water runoff to the east, south, southwest and west. Instead of running off in those directions, the water would be caught and directed to two places: to a detention basin on the northwest corner of the property and to the Kane Street storm sewer, along the property's northern border, said Dennis Waugh, of IIW Engineers & Surveyors. In addition, Waugh said, a narrow, 10-inch pipe would slow the release of water from the detention basin to area storm sewers, which neighbors say frequently are overwhelmed by substantial rain storms. "I've been there nine years," said Jim Sullivan, of 922 W. 32nd St. "And each year, the water has increased." Whatever happens on the Kane Street site, city officials say, won't do much to change the wet trend. The nine -acre property lies in the midst of a vast, 1,800-acre drainage basin, stretching from West 32nd Street to Asbury Road, according to city officials. Water collected in that basin is run through storm sewers to the West 32nd Street detention basin, then through the cavernous Bee Branch Storm Sewer, and eventually to the Mississippi River. The city cleaned the Bee Branch line this summer, after it backed up in a May storm, resulting in flooding at some points along the line. And city engineers have begun a full study of Dubuque's drainage system, including the storm sewers in the northern part of the city, to ascertain what may be done to prevent or minimize further flooding episodes. A neighbor of the proposed development, Merlin Langkamp, of 2977 Wildwood Drive, reminded council members of a pledge some of them made in May - to make solving drainage woes in his neighborhood, and others, a top priority. "All of us north -enders suffered the first part of this year," he said. "Don't give us no more water until the problem is solved." City Engineer Mike Koch said he approved of the plans submitted by Waugh, on behalf of Boge, and agreed they would - if nothing else - not worsen current conditions. His department would monitor site work to ensure it was being done in accordance with those plans, Koch said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 In other business, the council: * Authorized the purchase of a vacant lot at 301 Main St. - the site of the former Army Surplus building - for $107,133. The seller was the non-profit development group Dubuque Initiatives. The building, which also once served as a bus terminal, was demolished in October. According to city records, the purchase price was based on the non-profit group's costs to purchase and tear down the building. The site will be a parking lot. * Authorized an enterprise zone contract with Cottingham & Butler Insurance Inc./Self Insured Services Co. The contract outlines the benefits Cottingham & Butler may receive as part of a $1 million renovation of its facility, on the Town Clock Plaza. The business will add 30 jobs, paying an average of $14.05 per hour, in the renovation, and may claim a tax credit based on a portion -1.5 percent - of those wages. * Issued $360,000 in urban renewal tax increment revenue bonds to aid construction of the CarteGraph Systems Inc., building in the Dubuque Technology Park. As a condition of receiving the bonds, CarteGraph must build a $1.9 million, 30,000-square foot facility in the industrial park, and have 200 people working there by Jan. 1, 2002. Edition: WISCONSIN Section: FRONT Page: Al Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT, ZONING, CONSTRUCTION, HOUSES„. NEIGHBORHOOD Record Number: 1999320017 Copyright (c) 1999 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2000 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 CITY DIVES INTO WATER -DRAINAGE STUDY - MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS: LAST YEAR'S FLASH FLOOD RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT WATER -HANDLING ABILITIES Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, October 2, 2000 Author: JEFFREY PIETERS A study of how Dubuque can improve water drainage during rainstorms is proceeding on schedule, and part of it could wind up before the city council as soon as November, officials say. The study, in progress for more than a year, took on added urgency in the wake of concentrated flash -flood damage in several areas of the city in May 1999. Civil engineer Deron Muehring said the study has concentrated primarily on two areas hardest -hit by the 1999 floods: the basin of the north fork of the Catfish Creek, where water spilled over roads; and the drainage basin of the Bee Branch storm -sewer line, along which homes in the city's Couler Valley area saw heavy basement flooding. The city engineers' recommendation for the council will be two -fold, Muehring said. First, engineers will recommend a set of capital projects meant to improve the city's water -handling abilities in the areas most often reported as water-logged. Such projects could include the construction of new water -retention basins or digging wider or deeper ditches, but Muehring said that it's too early for engineers to speculate on what their recommendations will be. "We're looking for the best solution in terms of practicality and effectiveness, but we're also keeping a close eye on the dollar amount," he said. "It could easily be $20 million - that's just not an option." The second part of the engineers' recommendation, which may take another year to complete, will be to adopt a "design manual" of standards that developers and planners can use "so we can prevent future deficiencies" in the city's water -handling system, Muehring said. The aim in both sets of recommendations, he said, is "to provide protection from the 100-year storm." The May 1999 floods reportedly were the result of such a storm. The term "100-year storm" reflects a one - percent probability that such a storm may happen in a given year, Muehring said. In November, engineers will be looking for guidance from the city council about whether their recommendations seem on the right track. Not long afterward, officials plan to meet with residents of the affected areas to see what they think. "They're a living, breathing document of what's going on," Muehring said. "We certainly want to tap into their knowledge base. "Our hope is to meet with them at the point not where it's, 'This is what we are going to do,' but at the point where it's 'This is what we can do,"' he said. Checkback is an occasional feature of the Telegraph Herald. If you'd like an update on an issue or think there is a story worth retelling, write to the City Editor, 801 Bluff Street, Post Office Box 688, Dubuque, Iowa, 52004 -0688. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: FRONT Page: A 1 Column: Checkback Index Terms: POLITICS ; LOCAL AUTHORITIES ; GOVERNMENT ; CITY GOVERNMENT ; WATER Record Number: 2000276014 Copyright (c) 2000 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2001 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers COUNCIL WADES THROUGH DRAINAGE IDEAS - FLOODING WORRIES: ENGINEERS RECOMMEND POTENTIAL STORM -WATER SOLUTIONS Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, July 24, 2001 Author: ERIN COYLETH Graphic Saving Dubuque businesses and homes from rushing storm water is a slow process. The Dubuque City Council, city staff and nearly 20 residents spent two hours in the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium Monday night hearing about potential solutions. Two engineers from HDR Engineering Inc., of Omaha, Neb., presented preliminary recommendations for a storm -water management master plan. HDR had been selected to review the problem in October 1998. "It's a balancing act," said Laurie Carrette, project manager for HDR. Council members requested that an HDR engineer guide a bus tour for the council to see the areas affected by the suggestions before they decide whether to approve the plan. The engineers' recommendations were aimed at preventing the removal of about 1,200 homes exposed to flooding from extremely heavy rains along two drainage routes to the Mississippi River. Carrette and HDR Vice President Richard Niedergeses analyzed problems with flooding along the north fork of the Catfish Creek drainage area and the Bee Branch storm -sewer line. HDR recommended the city combine tools, such as detention basins, an open channel and higher berm, to curb the flow of water that could pose problems for current and future development. HDR recommended a $1.6 million alternative to solve problems along the Catfish Creek drainage area. Niedergeses recommended increasing the capacity of water -detention systems north of the intersection of the Northwest Arterial and Kennedy Road. This would decrease the rush of water flowing through neighborhoods near Kennedy Road and down to Pennsylvania Avenue. "It gives us the best hydraulic improvements," Niedergeses said. Niedergeses said there are numerous homes between the Northwest Arterial and Key Way Drive that are at risk. He suggested increasing the capacity of drainage structures located at Rosemont Street and Key Way Drive to eliminate problems. He said that improving the drainage system at Kennedy Road and Pennsylvania Avenue could prevent street flooding and could manage the speed of draining water. With these drainage changes along the north fork of Catfish Creek, Niedergeses said, "There are no homes left in the 100-year flood plain." Recommendations for the Bee Branch, which stretches from West 32nd Street to the 16th Street drainage basin, were much more complex and costly. The existing basin goes underground from the Mississippi River to the 32nd Street basin. "There are about 1,200 homes affected in these areas," Niedergeses said. Jerry Roussel, of 685 W. 32nd St., has lived in one of these homes for about 38 years. Roussel said the flooding problems started in the last five years. "In '99, I had to sit there and watch it come right in the windows and basement door," Roussel said. "I'd sooner move than to go through that." Roussel did not learn if his house is one of the 15 homes currently standing in harm's way of the 32nd Street http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 basin that HDR recommends the city purchase. Niedergeses recommended constructing a large storage area at Carter Road and making an earthen berm at the 32nd Street basin two feet taller. These changes are expected to reduce the downstream flow from the 32nd Street basin to almost one-third of the current amount. The estimated cost of this alternative is $4.7 million. "This gives us the maximum storage at West 32nd and at Carter and it limits the flow," said Niedergeses. "We're saying just go ahead and do it. It can't do any harm." These solutions would not improve flooding along Kaufmann Avenue. Solving this problem could require placing a detention basin along a current connection from North Grandview Avenue to Kaufmann Avenue. Even the permanent change in roadway would not fix all of the problems, according to Niedergeses. The engineers did not provide an estimated cost for this alternative. "There's still going to be some flooding down there," Niedergeses said. The costs and complexities multiplied on the eastern end of the Bee Branch. Niedergeses said one problem that stops the flow of the Bee Branch's drainage is the point where the pipes converge just above the railroad tracks along Garfield Avenue. "We need to target a solution now between 24th Street and the river," Niedergeses said. Niedergeses suggested creating an open channel between 24th Street and the 16th Street detention basin. He estimated this would save 99 percent of the homes and businesses from the 100-year flood plain. The estimated cost for this option is $17.1 million dollars. Purchasing about 70 homes and business and building at least one railroad bridge drove up the price of the channel. "The open -channel option was the only option that eliminated that 100-year flood in the lower reach," Niedergeses said. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; flood Record Number: 2001205072 Copyright (c) 2001 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Drainage plans endanger 200 homes - Bus tour: Consultant details a costly plan for run-off solutions Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 Author: ERIN COYLE The Dubuque city council embarked on a four-hour tour to try saving 1,200 homes and businesses from stormwater run-off. Richard Niedergeses, Vice President of HDR Engineering Inc., of Omaha, Neb., held a red microphone on a city bus Tuesday. He guided a tour along two drainage routes to the Mississippi River -the Bee Branch storm -sewer line and the north fork of the Catfish Creek drainage area. HDR recommended a $1.6 million alternative for the Catfish Creek drainage area. Tuesday's tour included a peek at excavation that started north of the intersection of the Northwest Arterial and Kennedy Road. Niedergeses said this will increase the water detention capacity there to decrease water flow from the Kennedy Road area down to Pennsylvania Avenue. Engineers said the North Fork of Catfish Creek exemplifies problems that arose from drainage systems lagging behind development. "The systems were designed for a smaller city, and the city has grown," Niedergeses said. Increasing this basin and drainage structures located at Rosemont Street and Key Way Drive are expected to eliminate flooding problems in this area. However, the solutions recommended for the Bee Branch are more complex and costly. These are estimated to cost $4.7 million and the potential loss of about 95 properties. "We're going to have to rely heavily on state and federal funding," said Councilman John Markham. Niedergeses led city and state representatives from the bus to a detention site near Eisenhower School. "This is above the 32nd Street basin and what this would do is reduce the flooding into 32nd Street," Niedergeses said. The earthen berm at the top of this basin is the first in a series recommended alongside Carter Road. "It is intended to hold it all back until the storm is done," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. The bus cruised to Fink and Gillespie streets, where a concrete bridge spans the 32nd Street Basin. Niedergeses said the basin's capacity needs to be doubled to alleviate downstream flooding. Enlarging the basin would come at a price council members questioned to no avail. "It's these 15 (homes) here or the thousand downstream," Niedergeses said. City engineers said about 15 residences along West 32nd, Fink and Gillespie streets have to go for the area to be excavated and form a natural wetland. Without these changes, Niedergeses said up to 1,200 cubic feet per second of water could rush down West 32nd Street below the basin. The bus drove along the streets where water would rapidly flow to 27th Street. At the intersection of 27th and Washington streets, Niedergeses said surface flooding is 2.2 feet for a 10-year rain. Three blocks later, he said the level is 5.5 feet. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/Info Web 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Pam Jochum, of 2368 Jackson St., said rainfall washed cars past her home in 1999. Water rushes into this area from both directions at 30th Street, Niedergeses said. He recommended a floodway, ranging from 50 to 150 feet wide, stretch somewhere in the area from 30th Street to the 16th Street Basin. Approximately 75-80 structures would be removed to excavate this path for water run-off. "By reducing the water surface at this point, we make the Bee Branch more effective" Niedergeses said. Caption: HDR Engineering consultant Rick Niedergeses, of Omaha, Neb., explains a drainage plan for the 32nd Street Watershed to Dubuque City Council members Ann Michalski (from left) and Pat Cline and Iowa Rep. Pam Jochum at the corner of Fink and Gillespie streets. The officials participated in a four-hour bus tour to gain more specific knowledge of plans to improve the city's drainage system. Clint Austin Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: Economy, Business and Finance ; Construction and Property ; CONSTRUCTION ; HOUSING ; SAFETY; Community_ Issues Record Number: OEE38D 1 EA3D02CE3 Copyright (c) 2001 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Council to vote on stormwater-management plan - Monday:Proposal would spend $24.1 million Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, December 16, 2001 Author: ERIN COYLE The Dubuque City Council on Monday could move closer to saving 1,200 homes and businesses from the threat of flooding. The council will consider whether to approve a citywide stormwater-management plan that proposes $24.1 million in construction projects for improvements. Council members say something needs to be done to help protect people and their property. Most agree the North Fork Catfish Creek Basin and the West 32nd Street Sub -basin need improvements, such as those estimated to cost more than $7 million. But, some raise concerns about the $17.1 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The creek restoration suggests more than 70 homes be removed for a natural open channel to run from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street Detention Basin. The channel would be a 150-foot corridor with banks mildly sloping to a 76-foot bottom. "I will never vote for a big cement ditch," said council member Ann Michalski. Michalski and council member Pat Cline both want to ensure that the creek restoration and other improvements use prairie grass and that the improvements are environmentally sound. "We have to take care of those problems or we are going to have major problems down the road," Cline said. Mayor Terry Duggan said he is concerned about houses that would be removed for the creek restoration. Duggan said if the city is serious about getting affordable housing, which the council set as a top priority last year, it should find alternatives to removing these affordable homes. "Those are absolutely irreplaceable as far as affordable housing goes," Duggan said. Council member Dan Nicholson said the basic plan is good, but it needs more work. Nicholson said the open waterway is much less expensive than a $90 million alternative to build underground storm -sewer systems. "We would have to put in five more Bee Branch sewers if we were to put them underground," said Nicholson. "What needs to be done is to pick an alignment of the open waterway." Council member Roy Buol said where the Bee Branch restoration is placed will be the biggest consideration of the proposed improvements. Buol said the open waterway is probably the only feasible solution in that area. "I think as far as the drainage basin, that is the case of where is the best place (for it)," Buol said. "(The plan) came up with, I think, some viable solutions." Buol also said stormwater management is a citywide problem, and the plan really takes into account the entire city. Council member John Markham said he does not want people to have to live with more flooding of the 1,200 homes and businesses that have been flooded at least twice in the past 10 years. "Something has to be done and the sooner the better in this area," Markham said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Tristate Page: a17 Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; city government Record Number: 0F07D7F83688D9D3 Copyright (c) 2001 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City studies how to pay for sewer - $24 million: Duggan doesn't like houses being removed Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, December 20, 2001 Author: ERIN COYLE Dubuque's storm -water management needs work. The city council on Monday directed city staff to study how to pay for more than $24 million of suggested improvements. It approved a Drainage Basin Master Plan by a vote of 6-1. "We clearly have a storm -water runoff problem, and if we have to set up a storm -water utility, including a fee for that to take these 1,200 homes out of harms way during these 100-year rainfalls, I would support it, face value," said council member John Markham. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the master plan because it calls for the removal of affordable homes. The plan suggests building more detention basins north of the Northwest Arterial and Carter Road. About 70 homes and other buildings would be removed for the West 32nd Street Basin to be expanded into an open waterway and for the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek between 24th and Elm streets and the 16th Street Drainage Basin. "I just think it's a silly notion," Duggan said. Duggan said he did not see the need for a $17 million open waterway that would require removing houses between 24th and 16th streets. The homeowners displaced from this area may not be able to afford homes comparable to the ones they would lose, according to Duggan. And, he contended it would contribute to another existing problem - a lack of affordable houses in Dubuque. "I know what happens to a $50,000 home when the competition increases," Duggan said. "We'll effectively put them out of the housing market." City Manager Mike Van Milligen said the city would suggest purchasing houses as they came up for sale. That would minimize the number of people losing their homes. "It does sound like a very expensive way of dealing with storm water, but the alternatives are five times and six times the cost," said council member Roy Buol. "Something needs to be done." The master plan offers a very expensive alternative to restoring the Bee Branch Creek, which once meandered through the area. Building five underground Bee Branch storm sewers would cost more than $90 million. "I hate to see even one house go down, but if we don't do something about the flooding, 900 houses will go down," said council member Ann Michalski. "The cost that we will incur will be nothing to the costs if we don't do something." City staff is studying the feasibility of forming a storm -water utility like those formed by seven other Iowa cities. Dubuque's storm -water utility would pay for maintenance of storm sewers as well as the master plan's suggested improvements. "It would have to take care of not only capital improvement projects, we're thinking it would have to take care of maintenance issues," said Gus Psihoyas, assistant city engineer. The feasibility of the utility is being considered by city staff. City engineers expect the utility fees would be determined according to the amount of each property's impermeable surfaces, such as pavement and roofing, which contribute to runoff. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 "If the fee comes back at $10 a household per month, I wouldn't support it, but if it comes back at $2 a household per month, I'd take a serious look at offering it my help," Markham said. Council member Dan Nicholson said the overall plan is good, but it is just a concept for now. Nicholson would like to see some changes in the plan, and he said there will be plenty of opportunities for change as the city completes future studies. "We have approved the concept of the master plan, and everything that comes along will have to be approved," Nicholson said. Caption: Mugs - Terry Duggan, John Markham Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; sewage treatment ; city council ; Community Issues Record Number: 0F08D2203592B0F1 Copyright (c) 2001 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2002 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Ar erka s Newspapers Budget cuts taxes - Dubuque 2003 fiscal year: $102.4 million budget is 12.7 percent less than the fiscal 2002 budget Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, January 20, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE Residential property taxes will decline in fiscal year 2003, according to the proposed budget the Dubuque City Council will review Monday. The $102.4 million budget recommended is 12.7 percent less than the fiscal 2002 budget of $117.3 million. The city expects lower revenues in 2003 because of reductions in road -use tax money and other revenues from the state. It also reflects a goal the city council has set to lower homeowner taxes. City Manager Mike Van Milligen said the city has not raised property taxes for eight years. The budget calls for the city to adjust its taxing rate for residential, commercial and industrial property from $10.7608 per $1,000 valuation in fiscal year 2002 to $10.212 in fiscal year 2003. This will result in a 5 percent decrease in property taxes for the average homeowner, a 5.1 percent decrease for industrial properties and a 9.48 percent increase for commercial properties. The city will change the taxing rate for 2003 to reduce the impact of a state equalization increase of 18 percent for commercial properties. "We thought that was very, very unfair, so we actually are lowering taxes on the average homeowner so we don't have to increase quite so much on commercial property owners," said Dan Nicholson, city council member. However, the net total of taxes estimated for collection in fiscal year 2003, $15,771,203, is actually 0.5 percent more than the $15,686,136 total budgeted for fiscal year 2002. The reduction in certain property taxes also is intended to offset the impact of other changes in utility fees. Water rates will increase 2 percent to cover a debt issuance for the construction of a new water tower at the soccer complex on Kennedy Road. Sewer rates will increase 1 percent. Refuse collection rates are projected to increase from $7.50 per month to $8.20 in July and August. The monthly rates in September become $7.20 for one can to be collected each week plus $1.05 for each additional can collected. The budget also proposes the city create a stormwater utility that would cost the average homeowner about $2 per month. "No matter what you want to call it, it's still a tax," said Mayor Terry Duggan, who opposes the proposed stormwater utility. "I just think we need to handle those things in our budget." The city's suggested $60,151,505 operating budget suggested for fiscal year 2003 is 7.7 percent higher than the $55,864,372 allotted in fiscal year 2002. Some of the increase stems from: $808,745 the city will issue in one round of general obligation bonds for the America's River project; $616,000 for a land payment for the Dubuque Industrial Center West; and $1,140,526 for changes in city staffing and wages. "A portion of it is to reflect the three-year implementation of a wage package that makes the city wages more competitive as we recruit people for professional positions," Van Milligen said. The $42,228,612 projected capital improvement budget for fiscal year 2003 is 31.2 percent lower than the $61,422,934 total for fiscal year 2002. However, the reduction does not reflect a decrease in projects, according to Van Milligen. The fiscal year 2002 budget included $37,634,923 the city expected to receive in Vision Iowa grants for the America's River project. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 "(The budget) keeps moving our community in a fiscally responsive manner," Van Milligen said. The city council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; TAX Record Number: 0F13087302E328F6 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Neighbors want plan for sewer changed - Open waterway: Many are concerned that 71 properties will be removed between 16th, 24th streets Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, February 28, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE The Washington Neighborhood Council Inc. wants to know whether some of the neighborhood's homes and businesses will be taken to improve stormwater management. Dan Shireman, president of the council, said the group does not have a problem with the city's Drainage Basin Master Plan. The $24.1 million plan proposes to save 1,200 homes and businesses from the threat of flooding from stormwater. The neighborhood council is concerned with a $17.1 million portion of the plan. This option calls for 71 homes or businesses to be removed between 16th and 24th streets. A grass -covered open waterway would replace portions of the densely populated neighborhood. "They're focused heavily on taking these homes or businesses, which we just don't think is an option," said Shireman, of 382 E. 21 st St. City officials are meeting with the Washington Neighborhood Council at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Comiskey Park to discuss the plan. "We're hoping that the city will eliminate the channel as an option, take a much better look and have much more discussion on options that will not remove these people's homes," Shireman said. The plan proposes an open waterway flow somewhere in the vicinity of the existing Bee Branch sewer line. The sewer line begins west of West 32nd and Saunders streets and travels southeast to Washington and 28th streets. Then, the sewer follows Elm Street to 21st Street. At that point, it goes under commercial and industrial properties to the 16th Street Detention Cell. The neighborhood council contacted some businesses in this area to find out how many jobs could be impacted by the open waterway. The neighborhood council reported that 273 to 283 jobs would be eliminated in the area if businesses were forced to relocate. "To me, this is like a small community in a large community," said Rita Brothers, who has lived at 2130 Elm St. for 38 years. Brothers said she had some water in her basement in 1999 when stormwater flooded the area. The Bee Branch sewer line was not large enough to channel the rainfall through the area without flooding. But, Brothers said that was the only time her basement has flooded. Gus Psihoyos, assistant city engineer, said an actual alignment for the Bee Branch Drainage Basin has not been chosen yet. Since the city has yet to complete a study for the alignment, Psihoyos said there is no way to know which homes and businesses would be affected. City engineers determined that building enough underground sewers to handle 100-year rainfalls, like those that fell in 1999, would cost about $90 million. Therefore, this option was not recommended. "We don't want your trench through our back yard," said Shireman. "If the flood did come down through here, think I'd rather have it come through my neighborhood than down a channel like that." Brothers said she worries that someone would drown in the open waterway. Since the grass -covered area is proposed as a recreational area, children could get used to playing there before water rushes through the channel. "It's very hard and almost impossible to keep children from playing around these," Brothers said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Shireman suggested that the city prefers the open waterway option because part of the Heritage Trail Extension Project follows Washington Street between 15th and 21 st streets. "We believe it perhaps is more about the Heritage Trail than it is about flood control," Shireman said. Carrie Peppmeier, a neighborhood council board member, said she worries about losing the house where she has lived for 30 years. Peppmeier, of 2169 Elm St., said she has postponed buying new carpet until she knows whether she will lose her home. And, she wonders if she should start looking for a new one. "You've got to take people's feelings into consideration to make things good for everybody all the way around," Peppmeier said. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; sewage treatment ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F1F9F326D210030 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Residents oppose open waterway - $24 million plan: City manager says changes aren't set in stone Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Friday, March 1, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE Do not remove about 70 homes and businesses, Dubuque residents said. Do not require residents to pay more utility fees, they told city officials. More than 130 people filled the Comiskey Club House Thursday night to deliver these messages to Dubuque city staff. The crowd practically stood shoulder -to -shoulder as city officials explained a Drainage Basin Master Plan to the Washington Neighborhood Council Inc. City Manager Mike Van Milligen and city engineers told residents no changes recommended by the master plan are set in stone. "It's a very expensive plan. It's almost $25 million," Van Milligen said. "There are components of this project that may never be built." One component would involve the removal of about 70 homes and businesses between 16th and 24th streets. Van Milligen said the city is proposing starting a stormwater utility fund, which would generate about $10 million over 20 years. While it is estimated to cost residents $2 per month, Van Milligen said the fund will not raise enough money to complete all of the plan's recommendations. Van Milligen said the city council has committed to finding money for all necessary improvements. Deron Muehring, an engineer for the city, said Dubuque's fiscal year 2003 budget includes an alignment study for the Bee Branch Creek restoration. This project calls for an open waterway to be built from 16th to 24th streets. Restoring the creek that the Bee Branch sewer line replaced would require removing homes and businesses. The master plan says restoring the creek and making several improvements upstream would minimize the threat of stormwater flooding 1,150 homes and businesses. "We want to do this study so that we can answer if this creek ever does get built, we'll know who it does impact and who it doesn't," Muehring said. Muehring showed a digital image of what the channel could look like. A stream of water flowed through the center of a grassy area that includes a bike path. Dan Shireman, president of the neighborhood council, stopped Muehring to ask if the pathway was the Heritage Trail. Shireman has said he believes the open waterway is being suggested to allow the Heritage Trail extension to go through the area. "It is my thought that since this could possibly displace the Heritage Trail, we would have to incorporate the Heritage Trail into this somehow," Muehring said. Several residents challenged the master plan's claim that 1,150 homes are at risk for flooding. Don Wolter said he has lived at 2058 Elm St. for 16 years without a drop of water in the basement. Some contended the existing Bee Branch sewer could handle more water if the city did a better job maintaining it. They suggested cleaning the sewer prior to the flooding of 1999 could have prevented a lot of damage. "I would venture to say it was only at two-thirds of its capacity because it was not cleaned out," said George Beaves, who attended to represent Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Muehring said a storm sewer typically is not designed to carry a 100-year rainfall - rainfall so heavy that http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 climatologists do not expect it to occur more than once in a century. They typically are designed to carry a 10 -year rainfall, which the rains of 1999 greatly exceeded. However, the Bee Branch is built to seven-year standards, Muehring said. "I personally went up into the Bee Branch Basin last night," Shireman said. "There was probably two or three feet of debris." Gus Psihoyos, assistant city engineer, said the sewer was cleaned after the flood of 1999. And, Psihoyos said, it routinely is cleaned twice per year. Shireman and other residents challenged the city to fix the existing sewer line. They also asked why more sewer lines could not be built. Psihoyos said the engineering firm, which completed the city's master plan, looked at the cost and possible benefits of building more sewers. They estimated the sewers would cost more than $90 million with less benefit than an open waterway. They estimated the waterway from 16th to 24th street would cost $17.1 million. Most people at the meeting said they do not want the loss of homes or businesses to remain an option. "We know there are other answers, and we want you to find them," said Peggy Welbes, of 1946 Jackson St. Caption: George Beaves, of Dubuque, voices his concerns to Dubuque city officials regarding a stormwater- management proposal Thursday evening at the Comiskey Club House. The proposal suggests removing about 70 homes and businesses between 16th and 24th streets to build a waterway. Clint Austin Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; sewage treatment; Community_ Issues Record Number: OF1FFBBCF586B4D1 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Residents oppose stormwater-management plan - Changes: Proposal would remove about 70 homes and businesses Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, March 3, 2002 Author: TH STAFF Do not remove about 70 homes and businesses, Dubuque residents said. Do not require residents to pay more utility fees, they told city officials. More than 130 people filled the Comiskey Club House Thursday night to deliver these messages to Dubuque city staff. The crowd practically stood shoulder -to -shoulder as city officials explained a Drainage Basin Master Plan to the Washington Neighborhood Council Inc. City Manager Mike Van Milligen and city engineers told residents that no changes recommended by the master plan are set in stone. One component would involve the removal of about 70 homes and businesses between 16th and 24th streets. * Quebecor World Dubuque Inc. on Thursday confirmed a $24 million expansion plan that is expected to create more than 100 jobs within the next three years. Officials said the proposed project would retain the company's 227-employee work force and create 109 "very good -paying" jobs within three years, under a proposed agreement between the commercial printer and the city. The average starting wage of the new positions would be $14.86 per hour, according to the Dubuque Economic Development Department's memo of understanding. Quebecor plans to invest $4 million in its existing Kerper Boulevard operation and an additional $20 million in new equipment. * Charles Jacobs turned himself in to authorities Friday morning, more than 31/2 years after he was found guilty on several charges, including theft. The former Dubuque attorney was convicted in July 1998 on 30 charges, including first-, second- and third- degree theft; fraudulent practices; money laundering; perjury; and falsifying a public document. He was accused of misappropriating more than $200,000 in probate cases. Jacobs was sentenced to 30 years in prison through a combination of consecutive and concurrent sentences, but he had not served any time since he filed two appeals and posted bond. * Ellen Willis is experiencing a little deja vu. The owner of Ellen's Floral Gallery, 372 Main St., is again operating in cramped quarters, a situation prompted by a city order requiring Willis to shore up her damaged business. She likens the amalgamation of steel tubes and braces holding up the building's displaced ceiling to an "erector set," or "monkey bars." The bulky shoring equipment blocks much of the florist shop's back room, stealing valuable work and storage space. "We are literally in the front again," Willis said. It's a familiar position for Willis. She and three other adjacent Main Street property owners in January 2001 were forced to vacate the rear portions of their buildings for nearly two months, after cracks began forming in the structures. While the matter is presently tied up in litigation, the property owners blame the damage on construction of the city's Fourth Street parking ramp, directly behind the buildings. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 * The graduation date for Hempstead and Senior high schools will remain June 2, the Dubuque Community School Board decided Monday night by a 4-3 vote. The consensus of the board was that it's too late to shift this year's graduation date to Memorial Day weekend. But several board members said they were upset with the process by which the date was chosen, and they want to move 2003 graduation back to Memorial Day weekend - the district's traditional commencement weekend. * Construction on the west side's long -anticipated "power center" is expected to begin within the next few weeks. Jim Loarie, vice president of the Rockford, III. -based Rubloff Development Group Inc., the development firm for the center, said his firm is finalizing lease agreements with a number of big -chain retailers who are potential tenants for the planned shopping center near the corner of Asbury Road and the Northwest Arterial. "These guys want to be open by the 15th of September," Loarie said in an interview with the TH. To date, Michael's, the nation's largest arts -and -crafts retailer, is the only store that has committed to the development. Petco, Famous Footwear and The Dress Barn, as well as previously unannounced Pier 1, are among the national retailers that have signed letters of intent to locate at the "power center," Loarie said. Negotiations are continuing with Old Navy, and a contract with Circuit City is "on hold," he said. * A German global supplier of door -technology systems has purchased movable -wall maker Modernfold Inc. as part of a two -company, multinational acquisition. The DORMA Group, headquartered in Ennepetal, Germany, announced the acquisition of Modernfold. Company officials did not disclose terms of the purchase. Modernfold, a division of Home Insurance, based in New Castle, Ind., has a work force of 340 employees, including 227 at its Dyersville, Iowa, plant. The 77-year-old company is the nation's second-largest producer of operable walls and accordion partitions, according to company officials. DORMA's simultaneous acquisition of Modernfold and German -based Huppe Form Raumtrennsysteme GmbH, Europe's movable -wall market leader, only builds on DORMA's global market -share dominance. Coming this week ... The Dubuque City Council meets Monday night. Tri-State Home and Builders Show begins Friday at the Five Flags Center. Caption: George Beaves, of Dubuque, on Thursday tells Dubuque city official that he has concerns about a stormwater-management plan. Clint Austin Section: Tristate Page: a 16 Series: Tri-State Week in Review Index Terms: current; Human Interest ; Society ; CITIES AND TOWNS Record Number: OF20F4F9BOCAD938 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City council approves 12.7% budget decrease - $102.4 million: Dubuque mayor sees new utility fees as offsetting a 5% cut in property taxes Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, March 6, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE Disagreements about taxes arose during the Dubuque City Council's consideration of the city's fiscal year 2003 budget Tuesday night. During its annual budget hearing in the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium, six council members approved the budget. The document calls for a 5 percent decrease in property taxes for the average homeowner. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the budget because it includes new utility fees that he believes offset that 5 percent reduction. "We're not lowering taxes, we're just calling them something different than a tax," said Duggan. The city's $102.4 million operating budget for fiscal year 2003 is 12.7 percent lower than the city's $117.3 million fiscal year 2002 budget. The city expects lower revenues in 2003 because of reductions in road -use tax money and other state money. The reduction also arises from lowering taxes. "It's been over eight years since there's been a property -tax increase in the city, and this year the mayor and city council approved a 5 percent decrease," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. But, Duggan said property taxes are not really being lowered. He opposes the creation of a stormwater utility. The estimated $2 per month fee is 5 percent of the average taxpayers' $480 portion to the city budget, said Duggan. "Instead of putting it in the budget, we're telling people we're giving them a 5 percent tax decrease this year, and we're not if this goes into place," Duggan said. The council also approved several ordinance changes that increase public fees: * It increased water rates for residential and industrial use and fire -sprinkler service 2 percent. * It increased basic wastewater charges for residential, commercial and minor industrial users by 1 percent. * It increased animal -impoundment fees. First impoundment charges will go from $25 to $30. Charges for the second impoundment in a year jump from $35 to $60. * A series of solid -waste collection fees also were adjusted. Refuse- collection fees immediately will increase 9.3 percent - from $7.50 per month to $8.20 per month. The entire program will change in September when the city implements a pay -as -you -throw system. R.J. "Bud" Isenhart, of 8908 Quail Ridge Court, addressed the city's use of tax -increment financing for economic development. He said the city's current TIF debt is about $50 million - $20 million of which falls on the Dubuque Community School District. "School levies are paying for these amounts," Isenhart said, although he also offered that he didn't think the city was doing anything "illegal." Van Milligen said the state gives the school district 55 percent of the amount diverted for TIF. He disagreed with Isenhart's assertion that the school district loses revenue to TIF. "It's all new value, new value that would not exist without tax -increment financing; they don't lose anything," Van Milligen said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Van Milligen said the city has seen tremendous growth in its development, which would not have happened without TIF. He contended this growth also has helped the city reduce taxes. "The proof is in the pudding," Van Milligen said. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; Politics ; Government ; budget; City_GOvernment ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F219D8716E6084A Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Mc. America's Newspapers s City revisits plan to remove homes - Drainage: Engineers will study the proposal for an open waterway from 16th to 24th streets Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, March 10, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE The city of Dubuque is re-examining whether it needs to remove about 70 homes to decrease the threat of flooding for 1,150 homes and businesses. The city council has tabled the most controversial part of its $24.1 million Drainage Basin Master Plan because more than 130 people attended a meeting Feb. 28 to oppose the plan. Rather than using $250,000 to pay an engineering firm to determine the alignment of an open waterway, some of this money will be used to study the master plan. A special focus will be given to the plan's recommendation that about 70 homes and businesses be removed for an open waterway to stretch from 16th to 24th streets. "We were not comfortable with anybody losing a home or anything like that," said Pat Cline, city council member. "We're hiring another engineering firm, trying to find out what they think we should do." Engineering consultants also would look at the master plan's recommendation for a waterway to stretch from 16th Street to the Mississippi River. The plan says railroad tracks in this area currently impede stormwater from properly draining into the river. It suggests the tracks act like a levee, pooling water in the north end where 1,150 homes are threatened by stormwater flooding. "We'll look at that whole basin again," said Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos. Dan Shireman, president of the Washington Neighborhood Council, said he is grateful the city will take another look at the plan. However, Shireman is concerned about the Bee Branch sewer, which serves the area. "We do not believe for a second that the city has properly maintained the Bee Branch sewer," said Shireman. "If their concern is flooding, let's do the obvious first and get the sewer cleaned out." John Klostermann, street/sewer maintenance supervisor for the city, said his department performed its annual inspection of the sewer Wednesday. Klostermann said the overall structure of the sewer is in good shape. Since the bottom of the sewer line is fairly flat and water generally flows through at a slow pace, he said it is not self-cleaning. "With any structure that age or that type, you're going to find some deposits," he said. Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city, said there are a couple of areas of minor debris in the sewer line that the engineering department will have removed. The city plans to proceed with some drainage improvements recommended in the master plan. The city recently purchased vacant land to expand the Carter Road detention basin. It also hopes to double the size of the West 32nd Street detention basin. However, the city first needs to implement a stormwater utility fee to pay off bonds for these expansions. "We'll have to pay for it over a period of time and probably the best way to do that is through a utility," said city council woman Ann Michalski. Mayor Terry Duggan, however, opposes forming the stormwater utility as well as removing homes. Duggan said the city should find a way to pay for the improvements other than creating a fee he considers a tax. He said the plan needs to be revisited with input from residents living in the drainage basin areas. "I think they need to go back and visit with all of the residents there because they are the ones affected," http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Duggan said. "We're talking about a lot of money for basically no gain." Duggan said a lot of houses served by the Bee Branch sewer had water in their basements when heavy rains fell in 1999. Although the water was an unpleasant thing, he said the master plan misrepresented the impact of the rains. "I think that in talking to the neighbors in that area and selling homes out there that stating that 1,000 homes were flooded was a gross overstatement," said Duggan, who is a Realtor. Wayne Klosterman, president of the Northend Neighborhood Association, said he is glad the council tabled this project. He hopes the city does not build an open waterway. Klosterman and Shireman also said increasing other city detention basins should decrease the amount of water draining into the Bee Branch drainage area. A new study will look at these and other alternatives because neither neighborhood association wants to see an open waterway disrupt neighborhoods. "We've already modified our approach to this plan just based on that one meeting," with the Washington Neighborhood Council," said Muehring. Caption: Mug: Dan Shireman Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Human Interest ; Society; CITIES AND TOWNS; houses Record Number: 0F233E28B7E934C7 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Residents anxiously await fate - Stormwater project: Dubuque officials are studying whether they need to remove numerous homes in the West 32nd Street detention basin Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, April 22, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE If only sewer rats were the primary concern for homeowners near the West 32nd Street detention basin. Rodents sometimes scurry from the detention basin's debris -laden tributary, according to Al Weidenbacher, of 695 W. 32nd St. He acts as an exterminator when rats climb past a muffler, tire and trash lodged under the Fink Street Bridge. He tries to keep the rodents from making the nearly 200-foot trek from the bridge to his home. But keeping the rats away is only one of Weidenbacher's concerns about living near the basin. After nearly three decades living there, he wants to know whether the basin's expansion will take his home. He at least wants to know if he should look for a new house. "Right now you can't go out and look for one because you don't know," if you have to move, said Weidenbacher. His house is one of 15 the city's Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends be removed to reduce Dubuque's stormwater run-off problems. That plan says 1,150 homes and businesses on the city's north end are threatened by stormwater flooding. Expanding the West 32nd Street basin is one step the plan recommends to reduce flooding. "Although the exact configuration of the modified West 32nd (Street) Basin is yet to be determined, there is a significant likelihood that the modifications will require the removal of your home," according to a letter Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city, wrote to Weidenbacher and his neighbors. Muehring said it is too early to know whether the residents will lose their homes. The city needs to design the project and establish a stormwater utility to pay for it. "We won't know until we go through all the steps we have to go through as a city," said Muehring. One step has placed an 18-month building permit moratorium on the 15 homes mentioned in the master plan. This week, the city council unanimously voted to prevent these property owners from building onto their homes. "We figure in 18 months we'll have it figured out what's going to happen in that area," said Muehring. Tim Widmeier, of 775 Gillespie St., first learned about the moratorium because he and his son wanted to build a four -seasons room onto 785 Gillespie St. Widmeier spent several hours in the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium to see the council approve the moratorium. This answered questions about the four - seasons room's fate. But the council did not tell Widmeier what he and his neighbors really want to know: Will they be able to stay in their homes? "The worst part is not knowing what's going on," said Widmeier. A memo the council received from the engineering department estimates property acquisition would happen in this area in 2003 and 2004. It says without a moratorium, "home improvements could occur in the area that would increase the property acquisition cost." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 But Muehring said he does not want "to give false hope." He said there is a likelihood that the houses will have to go. The project is not far enough for the decision to be final. "Up to this point, the council has been on board with this phase of the master plan, and so following that we're just taking steps," said Muehring. Homeowners want some of those steps to include giving them more information. They received Muehring's letter. But some information was missing from it. The letter originally explained the master plan's three primary drainage improvements. Muehring said that two - the West 32nd Street basin and the Carter Road detention cell expansions - somehow were not included in the letter residents received. "It did cause some confusion, and that's my fault. Some people have called me on that. I'm glad they did," Muehring said. He said the letter was an effort to keep a dialogue open with the residents. And, he said engineers will be happy to meet with residents if they have questions. Residents want more information. Most want to hear one answer - that they can keep their homes. "You want what you've got," said Weidenbacher. Caption: Debris litters part of the West 32nd Street detention basin underneath the Fink Street Bridge in Dubuque. Gabriel Hacker Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Environmental Issues ; Water Supplies ; CITIES AND TOWNS; sewage treatment Record Number: 0F31198C8CF69881 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Tax cut, rate hike evens out - Dubuque homeowners: New utility and other increases nearly eliminate any savings from 2003 tax reduction Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, May 19, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE The city of Dubuque plans to lighten its draw from the average homeowner's taxes in fiscal year 2003 while it increases water and sewer rates. The average homeowner would save about $5. City officials make a point of the fact that they have not raised property taxes for the last eight years. The fiscal year 2003 budget actually reduces property taxes. However, the budget also increases several utility fees and creates a new utility. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the budget in March because he does not believe the city is decreasing taxes. Duggan argued the city simply is calling taxes by another name. "A tax is a tax no matter how you want to call it a user fee," said Duggan. Only one council member, John Markham, agrees with Duggan's assessment that a user fee could be considered a tax. But Markham said implementing the stormwater drainage improvements, supported by the new utility, is an extraordinary service the city has to pay for. If the city does not improve stormwater runoff problems now, Markham said taxpayers will have to help pay for properties damaged by flooding. "The net result in this for the majority of people is going to be zero increase or very minimal increase because we are reducing property taxes," said Markham. "This is for also taking care of things down the road so that taxes will not go up," said Pat Cline, council member. "Taxes did go down." The budget proposes residents start paying the stormwater utility of $2 per month in January. This would tack $12 onto residential utility fees for fiscal year 2003, which ends in June. If a full year of the new stormwater utility fee is considered, the average homeowner, with a $96,744 home, would owe $28.92 more for fiscal year 2003 than for fiscal year 2002. That also includes increased water and sewer rates. That $28.92 is almost as much as the average homeowner will save in property taxes after the state's rollback factor is taken into account. Fiscal year 2003 taxes are $33.53 less than fiscal year 2002 taxes, for that average homeowner. After the state's rollback factor is taken into account, the city will collect $510.45 in fiscal year 2003 taxes from the average homeowner. It is collecting $543.98 in fiscal year 2002 taxes from the average homeowner after factoring in the state's rollback. The city cut its budget 12.7 percent between fiscal year 2002 and 2003. The leaner budget calls for water rates to rise 2 percent and sewer charges to rise 1 percent. "I cannot see reducing taxes in the future as policy," said city council member Roy Buol. "I think we are getting to a point where it is hard to wring any more savings out of the system." The 2003 budget also includes a series of fee adjustments for solid -waste collections. Refuse collection fees will jump from $7.50 to $8.20 in July and August to replenish nearly depleted reserve funds. The base refuse collection fee drops to $7.20 in September when unit -based pricing goes into effect. The number of containers covered by the base fee then will drop from four to one. Collection of additional http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 containers will cost $1.05 each. The state mandated that the city implement unit -based pricing because Dubuque's landfill did not meet waste reduction goals. The new collection system is designed to decrease the amount of Iandfilled-solid waste. "Some people will be paying more for garbage than other people based on how much they use it," said Buol. True utilities charge people for their use of a service, according to Duggan. The proposed stormwater utility will not post water meters on each home's down spout to measure how much water runs from it. Instead the city budget proposes residents pay a flat monthly fee for stormwater management. "This is just another way of raising revenue without calling it a tax," said Duggan. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Social Issues; HOUSING; TAX Record Number: 0F3A564ED6284D50 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 c. America's Newspapers Council 'flooded' by runoff concerns - Stormwater management: Most Dubuque City Council members are in favor of implementing a utility to help limit flooding Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, May 20, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE The Dubuque City Council tonight will consider important steps to limit stormwater runoff. About 1,150 homes and businesses are threatened by stormwater flooding, according to a Drainage Basin Master Plan the council adopted in December. The plan suggests the city implement $24 million of drainage improvements to remove these buildings from harm's way. But the city does not have millions of dollars for this project. While the city studies the necessity of nearly $17 million of those improvements, it plans to create a stormwater utility to support the other improvements. The council will consider hiring consultants to formulate the utility and also the fees for residential, industrial and commercial properties. "We are just anticipating that the stormwater utility will be one of the ways we pay for our stormwater- management system," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city. The city plans to improve detention basins located along Carter Road, the Northwest Arterial and West 32nd Street. It also will improve culverts at Kennedy Road and Pennsylvania Avenue and at Key Way Drive and Rosemont Street. Increasing the drainage capacities in these areas will reduce flooding along the north fork of Catfish Creek and the city's north end, according to the master plan. Most city council members support the implementation of a stormwater utility to help limit flooding. Mayor Terry Duggan objects to implementing the utility. He voted against the fiscal year 2003 budget because it called for the stormwater utility's creation. Duggan has said the city should find federal or state money for the improvements. City staff recommends that Camp Dresser & McKee, of Chicago and WHKS & Co., of Dubuque, formulate the utility. The consultants estimated it would cost $198,502 for them to implement the utility by January. This is 32 percent higher than the amount budgeted. "It is over the amount that we budgeted, but it is way below what the other competitive firms offered," said city council member Ann Michalski. "It is probably one of those cases where our estimate on the cost was probably a little less than what it costs to do." Earth Tech, of Milwaukee, and MSA, of Dubuque, submitted the next -lowest bid of $249,033. AMEC, of Nashville, Tenn., teaming with IIW Engineers & Surveyors, of Dubuque, and Powers Communication, of Dubuque, submitted a $279,000 project cost. City staff proposes the additional expense be covered by reallocating money budgeted for the $17 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration. The city has delayed that portion of the project, which would create an open waterway between 24th and Elm streets and the 16th Street Detention Basin. The Bee Branch Creek Restoration is the most controversial portion of the Drainage Basin Master Plan because it calls for the removal of about 70 homes and businesses on the north end. But the restoration is not the only drainage improvement that would require homes to be removed. Tonight the council will consider purchasing the first home for drainage basin improvements near West 32nd Street. City staff has recommended the council purchase a home at 895 W. 32nd St. for $99,000. The property owner approached the city about buying the home, which stands just beyond the boundary of a building permit moratorium the council approved in April. Property owners in this area, along Gillespie and West 32nd streets, have been told their homes may be removed for the detention basin's expansion. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 "There is still many steps that have to be done for this project to move forward," said Muehring. "Ultimately, we are looking at it as even if we do not build the basin we could always resell this house." Karen Maury, of 895 W. 32nd St., would not comment to the Telegraph Herald on whether she would sell the house to the city. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; flood; city council ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F3A5650867590D3 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment June 2002 Flooding Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 r.. America's Newspapers Storms unleash flooding - Dubuque hit by record rainfall Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, June 5, 2002 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE Rains from severe thunderstorms flooded homes, yards and streets throughout Dubuque Tuesday. Residents struggled to save people and homes from muddy waters as a record rainfall - 31/2 inches in 24 hours - challenged the city's storm sewers and detention cells; Dubuque received nearly 61/2 inches of rain on Monday and Tuesday. The fire department received requests to help remove water from 123 homes prior to 4 p.m. Many others cleaned out the muck and assessed property damage on their own. Residents who live along Catfish Creek and its tributaries said Tuesday's flooding was the worst they have seen. A soggy mound of orange carpet stood outside 3755 Hillcrest Road at the top of the North Fork of the Catfish Creek Drainage Basin. More than an inch of water pooled in the basement after the rug was removed. The Lambropoulos family labored to dry out their home with three sump pumps and a wet/dry vacuum. "This is the first time we have ever had a drop in the basement," Connie Lambropoulos said. "With us on the hill to have this much, I cannot even imagine what people in lower spots are experiencing today." The water depths and damages were much higher near the bottom of the basin's watershed. Matt and Bob McDermott, of 1695 Old Mill Road, helped remove a woman from a car stalled on a flooded stretch of Old Mill Road. The woman's power door locks and windows stopped working, trapping her in the car as water lapped against the doors. "We had to break the window out with a chain," said Matt McDermott, 17. "I actually carried her from the car," Bob McDermott, 20, said. City officials and the McDermotts said they did not know the woman's name Tuesday. By the time the brothers helped her wade from the bridge, the McDermotts' home was surrounded by water. Firefighters brought a boat for their mother, Barbara, as waters approached the home's second story. The water took a heavy toll on homes along Old Mill Road. "This is the worst I have ever had," said Wayne Laufenberg Sr., of 1699 Old Mill Road. Laufenberg pointed to a roof standing near the Catfish Creek's banks. That was all that remained of the McDermotts' garage after floodwaters rolled the building from its foundation. Laufenberg and other residents throughout the city blamed flood damage on the city's water run-off management. He pointed to a culvert that he says channels run-off toward his home. City Manager Mike Van Milligen said he was not familiar with the problem. But he recognized that stormwater flooding in general is a problem. "We know that this potential exists until we do something to correct it, and the city council has taken a very strong position that they are willing to commit the money to implement the plan to provide greater protection," said Van Milligen. The council is considering creating a stormwater utility to support more than $6 million of drainage http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 improvements on the north and west ends. These would require the city to remove up to 95 homes near the intersection of West 32nd and Fink streets and between 24th and Elm streets and the 16th Street detention cell. "We wish they would make up their minds," said Jane Roussel, of 685 W. 32nd St. The West 32nd Street detention cell overflowed its banks Tuesday morning, pushing water into Roussel's yard and basement. Yet, like other residents who live along the Bee Branch Drainage Basin, she said flooding was worse in May 1999. The fire department pumped 26-inch-deep muddy water from 2302 Washington St., which is near the basin bottom. Bill Hannan said 5-foot-deep water was pumped from the property's basement three years ago. But 26 inches was enough to do significant damage to the duplex. "We will need another new washer and dryer, two new furnaces again, and two new hot water heaters, again," Hannan said. Eldon Lange, 2316 Washington St., moved his car to Comiskey Park to save it from flooding at 4 a.m. When he reached the park, it was not safe to walk back home. Nearly three feet of water flowed down Washington Street. "I had to stay up there," for two hours, Lange said. "I did not dare walk." Lange said he was one of the lucky ones. His back -flow valve and sump only allowed 5-inch-deep water to accumulate in his basement by the time he returned. But, that was enough for Lange to say the city needs to improve its stormwater management. "(The city) has got to hold the water up on the hill," Lange said. Caption: A parked car is submerged in floodwaters at the Swiss Valley Campground after a downpour early Tuesday that caused flash flooding. Bob Klaas, a Dubuque firefighter, removes floodwater Tuesday morning from the Steve and Tanya Anglin home on Washington Street. A downpour late Monday and early Tuesday caused flash flooding throughout the tri-state area. Dave Kettering Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; Flood Record Number: 0F3F8F5EE780AF66 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 .. America's Newspapers Dubuque mops up deluge - Flood aftermath: 'It just rained so hard that the water did not have anyplace to go,' resident says Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, June 6, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The frustration of dealing with flash flooding continued Wednesday in Dubuque, although the rain had stopped falling. Residents cleaned mud -coated belongings, scraped dirt from their driveways and continued pumping water from basements. They worked to remove signs that torrents of rain had flooded more than 500 homes in eastern Iowa and western Wisconsin. Dubuque was one of the most heavily affected areas, according to the American Red Cross. Nearly 6.5 inches of rain drenched the city Monday and Tuesday. The water filled every city storm sewer to capacity, pushing water into the streets, according to Dubuque Operations and Maintenance Director Don Vogt. "There was massive street flooding everywhere," Vogt said. Torrents washed away sections of older streets and coated newer roadways with gravel and mud. In many sections, the water topped curbs and streamed into yards and basements. Dwane Redfearn, of 2152 Washington St., still is trying to get ahead of the stormwater. After he flushed the 18-inch-deep water from his basement Tuesday, he found another foot of water in his basement Wednesday. "It just rained so hard that the water did not have anywhere to go," Redfearn said. He hopes his basement will not be an option for stormwater detention again. "We are pouring cement around the back of the house to seal it so nothing gets in again," Redfearn said. The city also is working to eliminate flooding in this area. Its Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends removing nearly 95 homes and businesses in the basin to improve drainage. It proposes an open waterway stretch from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street detention cell. Most residents in the area do not want the homes or businesses removed. But they want the city to channel stormwater away from their streets and houses. "They have got to have some place for it to go," said Jody Peavy, of 2468 Elm St. "We had about two feet of water in the basement and probably three inches of water inside our cars." The city is considering removing 15 homes from the middle of the Bee Branch Basin. The homes stand near the West 32nd Street detention cell, which the master plan recommends expanding. Residents in this area say the real problem is debris accumulating in the detention cell. They watched an excavator scoop mud, trees and debris from the detention cell Wednesday, making a channel for water to flow into the Bee Branch sewer. "It has got to be cleaned up," said Al Weidenbacher, of 695 W. 32nd St., who pumped nearly a foot of water from his basement Tuesday. Nearly 6-inch-deep water seeped back into the basement Wednesday. "It seems like everybody got hit this time," Weidenbacher said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Some homeowners, whose property sustained substantial water damage, would rather move than live through flooding again. Robert Timmons, of 1620 Old Mill Road, is fed up with water rushing into his home. Timmons' boat stopped floating in his garage when water receded from the home's first -level Tuesday. But, a 6-foot-deep lagoon remained in his basement Wednesday morning. By late afternoon, Timmons had pumped out enough water to start carrying water-logged items to a Dumpster. "They lost everything on the first floor and everything in the basement," said Richard Cottrell, a friend helping clean the flood -ravaged home. Timmons held up his "souvenir" from the flash flood - a light bulb half-filled with gray -green water. That is one of the few things Timmons hopes to keep from the home, which has flooded three times in the last 10 years. He hopes the city or the Federal Emergency Management Association will buy the home before it floods again. "It will only get worse," Timmons said. News you can use To report flood damage in Dubuque County: * In Asbury, Epworth, Farley, Dyersville and Cascade, call local city clerks. * In the city of Dubuque, all other cities and unincorporated areas of Dubuque County, call 563/589-4170 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local emergency officials urge property owners to report damage by 5 p.m. Friday. Residents from Clayton, Dubuque and the upper third of Jackson counties in Iowa; Grant County, Wis.; and East Dubuque, III. with disaster -caused needs also can contact the American Red Cross at 563/583-6451. Residents outside this area should contact the Grant Wood Chapter at 319/393-3500 or the Northwest Illinois Chapter at 815/233-0011. Caption: Eldon Dimitroff shovels mud from the curb of his home along East 27th Street in Dubuque Wednesday following heavy rains Monday and Tuesday. Dave Kettering Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; flood Record Number: 0F4025E74AC5252C Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Crew cleans Bee Branch - Sewer: Much debris found in spots Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, June 13, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE. A skid steer sloshed through the cavernous Bee Branch stormwater sewer Wednesday. Muddy water lapped against the sewer's limestone walls as the mini -bulldozer scraped sand, gravel and broken glass from the sewer floor. The machine left a pile of debris near a hole in Washington Street. An excavator reached through the hole to scoop the dirt, rocks and trash into a dump truck, parked at the intersection of Washington and 24th streets. Portzen Construction will spend several days this week removing debris from the sewer line. The Bee Branch stretches from the West 32nd Street detention cell to the 16th Street detention cell to serve the city's north end. "We had picked the contractor and scheduled the cleaning for this year well before the rains," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. The city has planned for the Bee Branch to be cleaned about every three years. The sewer line was last cleaned after it was overwhelmed by a 1999 rain storm. That storm flooded streets and homes throughout the city, but was most severe along the Bee Branch's Washington Street corridor. Record rains again flooded the sewer line this month, increasing the need for cleaning. After nearly 6.5 inches of rain soaked the city June 3 and 4, the Bee Branch was one of the first drainage systems that city staff identified for cleanup. "We went in after the storm and we found exactly what we thought we would find in various areas: branches and debris," said John Klostermann, street/sewer maintenance supervisor for the city. As much as 2 feet of debris stands in some sections. Trash, gravel and silt have not clogged the north end's storm sewer line. But they have impeded the sewer's ability to channel stormwater to the 16th Street detention cell. "Even though the accumulation of debris has not been that great, we do want to keep it at its maximum flow capacity at all times," Van Milligen said. Caption: Portzen Construction employee Mike Portzen, of Dubuque, uses a Bobcat skid steer to remove debris from the Bee Branch Sewer in Dubuque Wednesday. Portzen Construction employees Dan Freiburger, of Bernard, Iowa, (left) and Terry Walton, of Benton, Wis., use an excavator to remove debris from the Bee Branch stormwater sewer near the intersection of Washington and 24th streets in Dubuque Wednesday morning. Clint Austin Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; sewage treatment ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F42405992B20275 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Inc. America's Newspapers Dubuque must consider an open waterway - Drainage: Removing homes may be radical and controversial, but the community should weigh its merits Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, June 23, 2002 Author: TH STAFF The scene is familiar: Residents of Dubuque's North End in rubber boots bailing water from their basements. Just three weeks ago, they were at it again, after a drenching rainfall. For folks in the Couler Valley area, flooding is nearly a rite of spring. However Mother Nature is not entirely to blame. The city's drainage system needs to be fixed. A deluge can overtax the city's stormwater system, sending water overflowing into streets, yards and, eventually, basements. So, city officials have come up with a comprehensive $25 million master plan to alleviate stormwater flooding in several areas in Dubuque. Many components of the plan will get nearly uncontested approval from the community. Building culverts and increasing the size of retention basins will help stem flooding problems with minimal impact to most residents. But city staffers had to look for Tong -term solutions when it comes to the Bee Branch Creek restoration. The Bee Branch once meandered through Couler Valley, and Mother Nature seems never to have gotten the message that water is not welcome to flow through houses and neighborhoods. That is why the city is proposing that an open waterway stretch from 16th to 24th streets. Such a plan would require the removal of nearly 80 homes and businesses - an idea that, at first blush, sounds extreme. The city is not taking this consideration lightly. It has hired a consulting firm to determine if the open waterway is the best solution, weighing the threat of continued flooding against the number of homes that would be lost. It might sound radical, but the city is right to at least consider it. Residents demand flood protection from the city. Yet few are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to provide that protection. The sad truth is that some places were just not meant to be populated with houses. East Dubuque has found that out. Littleport found that out. How long can the homes in Couler Valley withstand year after year of flooding? City officials need to investigate whether the waterway is the appropriate solution for Bee Branch restoration. It is hard to envision the North End cleared of homes in an eight -block path. Surely, to many, the thought is devastating. But it is an option that must be examined. The heartbreak of neighborhoods dissolved must be weighed against the long-term benefit. Section: Opinion Page: a20 Series: Water Woes Index Terms: current; Waterways Record Number: 0F4624262FF6A5C1 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 Draining rain a pain - Flood of concern: Many are tired of water in buildings after a big rain and want better sewers Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, June 23, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Each time she drives along Pennsylvania Avenue, Cindy Gilligan waves at the site where she had hoped to expand her business. Gilligan, who owns a beauty salon, planned to place a day spa in a home at 3425 Pennsylvania Ave. until stormwater became a nightmare. Heavy rains rushed from driveways, parking lots and rooftops downhill toward Gilligan's house. In May 1999, water burst through the basement door. It filled the house with 8 feet of water and caused about $45,000 worth of damage. Although stormwater ruined the foundation and destroyed the house's resale value, Gilligan said she was fortunate. The city negotiated a $126,728 purchase price for the home, which was prone to frequent flooding. Eighty- five percent of that was covered by federal and state money. The city paid the rest. "I was still pretty lucky. A lot of people did not get those answers," Gilligan said. Unfortunately, the city cannot afford to purchase all 1,155 Dubuque homes and businesses threatened by stormwater flooding. Not all qualify for federal programs that purchase flood -prone properties. Home and business owners throughout the city have battled stormwater flooding for at least a decade. Their appliances and furniture stand on blocks. Their pictures and other precious mementos remain in plastic containers, ready to float. Their sump pumps wait to drain each inch of water that seeps in through windows, cracked foundations and drains. Many people are tired of cleaning mud from floors and dealing with warped doors that no longer close. Hundreds have complained that the city needs to improve the stormwater sewers designed to channel water toward the Mississippi River. "It is way past time that something is done in the city to address the stormwater problem," said city council member Roy Buol. The city's fiscal year 1998 budget included $375,000 for consultants to study stormwater management and formulate strategies for the future. In December 2001, the city council approved a Drainage Basin Master Plan. The plan reports that 1,155 homes and businesses stand threatened by stormwater flooding. It recommends $24 million of drainage improvements along two of the city's major'watersheds - the Bee Branch drainage basin and North Fork of the Catfish Creek. These improvements could prevent stormwater from rushing from the areas' highest points to lower spots during heavy rains. But the city does not have millions of dollars to implement the suggested improvements. The council is considering creating a stormwater utility. It also is seeking federal money. Mayor Terry Duggan opposes the utility and part of the Drainage Basin Master Plan because the plan proposes a $17 million open waterway that would require the removal of at least 70 homes and businesses. A creek would flow between grass -covered embankments between 24th Street and the 16th Street detention cell. "If they put an open trench in, (the combination of) water and kids are hazardous," said Wayne Klostermann, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3, president of the North End Neighborhood Association. After residents objected to the waterway, the council voted for consultants to study other drainage improvements for the Bee Branch. Many north -end residents have challenged the need for the recommended drainage improvements. They blame flooding problems on poor maintenance of the city's current detention basins and sewers. "We do not believe for a second that the city has properly maintained the Bee Branch sewer," said Dan Shireman, president of the Washington Neighborhood Council. "If their concern is flooding, let's do the obvious first and get the sewer cleaned out." The city currently cleans the sewer, which extends from the West 32nd Street detention cell to the 16th Street detention cell, about every three years. The latest cleanings followed major storms in 1999 and 2002. Residents also blame flooding on debris and silt that have accumulated in the West 32nd Street detention cell. "I think (the flooding) is mainly because of all the debris that builds up at the detention (cell)," said Scott Hillery, of 715 W. 32nd St. Contractors scooped silt, trees and trash from the West 32nd Street Basin after heavy storms in 1999 and 2002. "We usually check it after major storms that we have. It is just on an as -needed basis," City Engineer Mike Koch said. "We do watch and see how much siltation is in there and use that for a guide, too." Regardless of the city's cleaning schedule for the drainage system, the master plan shows the current system does not have enough capacity to handle a 100-year rainfall. A 100-year rain is one that is so heavy it is estimated to occur just once every 100 years. "(Sewers) can only carry so much water," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city. "Usually you only have a sewer to carry a 2- to 10-year storm." The city needs to improve the drainage system's capacity rather than risk home and business owners experiencing more devastation, according to city council members. Municipal records show 300 homes needed new furnaces and water heaters after a severe 1999 storm. The city still is investigating the damages from record rains that fell early this month. "As a community, we have to do the best we can to avoid an incident like this from happening again," council member John Markham said. The city also is working to reduce the risk of stormwater washing pollutants into the Mississippi River and Catfish Creek. "Our emphasis was two -fold. One, to comply with the federal law. The other is to protect the flood -prone areas," Council member Dan Nicholson said. Amendments made to the Clean Air Act inr1987 recognize that urban runoff contributes to water -quality problems. This link between stormwater runoff and waterway pollution ultimately increased municipal responsibility for the pollutants stormwater carries into creeks, streams and rivers. Improving municipal stormwater operations is one of these criteria. "By March of 2003, we will have to have our plan together on how we will combat pollution from water runoff," Muehring said. But flooding is on the forefront of many people's mind, as many continue to tabulate the damages a recent severe storm caused. After record rains drenched Dubuque earlier this month, Gilligan again drove past the site where her plans to open the spa were dashed in 1999. Seeing the damage runoff did to the area again affirmed Gilligan's http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 3 of 3 decision to let go of her expansion plans when she sold the flood -prone site. "It would have happened again," Gilligan said. Caption: Mug: Cindy Gilligan Section: Front Page: al Series: Water Woes Index Terms: current; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F462425775D00FD Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 f„„. America's Newspapers Storm sewer options Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, June 23, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Dubuque's Drainage Basin Master Plan calls for the threat of flooding during heavy rains to be alleviated for nearly 1,200 homes and businesses. The plan focuses on the city's north and west ends, areas from which hundreds of residents have complained to the city about stormwater flooding. It analyzes problems and potential solutions for the Bee Branch basin watershed, which stretches from Asbury Road and the Northwest Arterial to the Mississippi River; and the North Fork of Catfish Creek, which winds from the Northwest Arterial to University Avenue at U.S. 20 to the Mississippi River. North Fork The limited capacity of existing detention cells, natural channels and culverts contribute to most problems along the North Fork. Water overflows the creek banks and roadways that currently cannot handle 100-year rainfalls. The city plans to implement $2.135 million of improvements to help the drainage system handle heavy rainstorms: * Increase the storage area of the Northwest Arterial detention cell by 56 percent. * Build a concrete wall near a culvert underneath Pennsylvania Avenue and Kennedy Road. This would pool water near the culvert rather than allowing water to flood nearby structures. * Make the natural channel deeper between Key Way Drive and the Northwest Arterial, allowing more water to flow within the creek banks. * Replace the culverts under Key Way Drive with reinforced concrete box culverts. * Build an additional culvert under Rosemont Street. Bee Branch Most flooding problems in the Bee Branch basin occur in the Couler Valley area, which is roughly in the vicinity of Central Avenue from 16th Street to north of the city limits. Water rushes downhill from the upper portion of the basin into the valley. Railroad tracks near the end of the watershed, which are raised slightly, act as an earthen berm, preventing water runoff from reaching the 16th Street detention cell. The city is considering implementing nearly $12 million of Bee Branch drainage improvements:. * Nearly double the size of the Upper Carter Road detention cell. * Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing West 32nd Street detention cell to more than double the cell's storage. * Create a drainage way from the railroad tracks near the former Farmland Foods plant to the 16th Street detention cell. The city also plans to hire a consulting firm to re-evaluate the most controversial portion of the master plan. The plan proposes that a $17 million open waterway stretch from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street detention cell. This restoration of the Bee Branch Creek, which once meandered through this valley, would http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 require the removal of at least 70 homes and businesses. The council is trying to obtain federal money to build a portion of that waterway, from the railroad tracks behind Eagle Discount Supermarkets, at 1800 Elm St., to the detention cell. Caption: A Portzen Construction employee removes debris last week from a sewer near the intersection of Washington and 24th streets. The city wants to expand the Northwest Arterial detention cell by 56 percent to help contain stormwater runoff. Clint Austin Section: Front Page: al Series: Water Woes Index Terms: current; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F46242572859FAD Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 Catfish Creek a 'gnawing' worry for some - Stormwater runoff: Development increases the potential risk on the city's west side Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, June 24, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Day two of a five-day series Editor's note: When heavy rains hit, nearly 1,200 homes and businesses are threatened by storm -water flooding in Dubuque. The city council is considering some controversial measures to reduce the risk of flooding, primarily in two areas - the Bee Branch and North Fork of Catfish Creek. TH reporter Erin Coyle looks at the stormwater troubles and the proposals to correct them. Every heavy rainfall builds anxiety for dozens of Dubuque residents. They wonder whether the North Fork of Catfish Creek again will besiege their homes with flooding. For more than a decade, significant storms have sent water rushing over the creek banks, through yards and into homes. With each new roof spotted on the city's western horizon, homeowners expect the creek to grow deeper and wider. Greg Cigrand could step across the creek when he moved into his home at 1865 Admiral St. in 1976. The creek has grown to nearly 8-feet wide. Since the Northwest Arterial was constructed in the mid-1980s, rains have washed the creek out of its banks and into Cigrand's basement almost every three years. The water has washed a mural from a basement wall, soaked appliances and threatened the sanctity of his home. "It is an ever-present gnawing thought that if there is a big downpour, what is going to happen?" Cigrand said. He is one of hundreds who have sought the city's help over stormwater flooding during the past decade. In 1995, the city council responded, adopting a policy to prevent development from increasing runoff. The city now requires developers to build stormwater-detention cells that prevent torrents of run-off from overrunning city drainage systems when rain falls. But stormwater still overtaxes the city's system and floods homes, yards and streets. "We have no delusions that detention is this Holy Grail, this savior of stormwater," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. "Development still will increase the amount of peak runoff." The city hopes to alleviate stormwater flooding with a series of drainage improvements along the North Fork of the Catfish Creek drainage basin. The city currently is expanding a detention cell near the Northwest Arterial. The $587,300 project will increase the cell's storage during a 100-year rainfall. The expanded cell will hold 81 acres of one -foot deep water. The current capacity is 47 acres. This could reduce the amount of water overflowing the cell by 72 percent. The cell expansion is the only drainage improvement the city can afford at this time. The city council is considering the creation of a stormwater utility to support nearly $2 million of drainage improvements along the North Fork drainage basins. Two suggested North Fork improvements would direct more water downstream rather than allowing it to flood Cigrand's property. An $81,000 project to place another culvert under Rosemont Street would channel more water beyond Admiral Street. A $970,000 change would deepen the creekbed between the Northwest http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3 Arterial and Key Way Drive, washing more water downstream within the creek's banks. People who live near the North Fork believe something needs to be done to control a creek. Its water pulls grass and soil from yards. And the widening creek gradually approaches their homes. "It kind of scares me with all the new construction going on," said Jim Hall, of 3602 Keymeer Drive. "All that water has got to run somewhere." The runoff has rushed beyond the creek banks into Hall's home and many others along Keymeer and Key Way drives. It has saturated more than basement carpeting. It has seeped into the area's sanitary sewer system, leaving residents to ward off water from two sources their drains and the creek. "It comes back up through the sewers," said Mike McPoland, of 3510 Keymeer Drive. "The sewers out front just cannot handle that water load." McPoland ran a sump pump through the wee morning hours of June 4, with nearly one -inch- deep water pooling on his black -and -white basement floor twice before the rains subsided. The dirty stream spouted from floor drains as the creek's water receded from McPoland's yard. Stormwater streaming from the sanitary sewer system has turned McPoland and other residents of the North Fork basin into veteran flood fighters. These waters can enter the sanitary sewers a few ways, according to Muehring. The water seeps through cracks in the sanitary system's pipes. Illegally channeled sump pumps also have overloaded the system. The city hopes to alleviate these difficulties by placing three box culverts under Key Way Drive. The $332,000 project would direct more stormwater downstream, making the creek less likely to flow over its banks and overload the sanitary sewer system. During heavy rainfalls, city pumps often draw stormwater from the sanitary sewer lines under Key Way Drive and Kensington Place. Hoses spout the water into streets, which route runoff toward storm sewers and the creek. Jim Conzett listened to the city pumps run throughout the nights when heavy rains challenged local drainage systems until flooding spurred his family to move from 3274 Kensington Place to a house on top of a hill. The Kensington Place home flooded at least seven times during Conzett's seven years there. "One reason that we moved from there is that we did not think we could ever remodel the basement. We did not want to stick money into it and keep having it destroyed," Conzett said. Sump pumps and back-up valves kept some Kensington Place basements dry during a May 16, 1999, rainstorm, when 2.5 to 5 inches fell in a six -hour period. But, these devices did not spare some homes when nearly 6.5 inches of rain fell June 3 and 4 this year. Aaron Simpson found ankle-deep water at 3273 Kensington Place that morning. Although back -flow valves and pumping alleviates some flooding problems, the city hopes to prevent flooding in the Kensington area. A proposed $165,000 project would allow water to pool near a culvert, located under Pennsylvania Avenue and Kennedy Road, when too much rain falls for the natural channel to direct the stormwater downstream. North Fork residents hope the city will implement changes that save their yards and homes from future flooding. And they hope the drainage improvements accommodate more than the city's current development. "There is still a lot of water waiting to come down those farm fields out there," Cigrand said. "Things change. They change a lot." Caption: The North Fork of the Catfish Creek extends through neighborhoods between the Northwest Arterial and Key Way Drive. Heavy rains sometimes force the creek from its banks, flooding nearby homes. Mugs - Jim Hall, Deron Muehring Clint Austin http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 America's Newspapers Flooding brings bad memories for many - Bee Branch: Council mulls creating a stormwater utility Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, June 25, 2002 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE Day three of a five-day series Editor's note: When heavy rains hit, nearly 1,200 homes and businesses are threatened by stormwater flooding in Dubuque. The city council is considering some controversial measures to reduce the risk of flooding, primarily in two areas - the Bee Branch and North Fork of Catfish Creek. TH reporter Erin Coyle looks at the stormwater troubles and the proposals to correct them. Cracks squiggle through the foundation of the garage and basement at 685 W. 32nd St., just two of the many scars sustained when water flowed over the West 32nd Street detention cell's grassy banks in 1999. Remembering the flooding, Jane Roussel considered moving from the home where her family has lived for nearly 40 years. Water swept past the garage, over the back yard and rushed through the basement door. "It just poured in like in the movie 'Titanic," Roussel said. The waves drenched the freezer, furnace, furniture and family photographs. Since then, every heavy rainfall seems to fill more of the detention cell. A 61/2-inch rainfall overflowed the cell again this month, pushing several inches of water back into Roussel's basement. Roussel said her family does not want to move from its home, but the threat of future flooding might leave no choice. Their home is one of 15 properties the city is considering purchasing in order to expand the West 32nd Street detention cell. The city's Drainage Basin Master Plan suggests more than doubling the cell's capacity. During a 100-year rainfall, the existing cell can hold 46-acres of one -foot deep water. The expanded cell would have a 94-acre capacity, reducing potential overflows by almost 80 percent. Although the city accepted the deed of one West 32nd Street home this month, city officials say it is not certain whether the expansion will require removing any properties. "There is a likelihood they will have to go," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. "It is just that you cannot really say for sure." Many people living in the upper and middle portions of the Bee Branch drainage area are living in limbo, awaiting answers about what will alleviate flooding in their neighborhoods. Some of these answers depend on whether the city creates a stormwater utility to pay for the installation of a detention cell along Carter Road and the expansion of the West 32nd Street detention cell. The utility would finance nearly $5 million in improvements to the upper Bee Branch, where 15 homes might have to be removed. "We are going to pay for our own home to be torn down," if the city implements the utility, said Gary Anderson, of 655 Gillespie St. Anderson questions why the city would pay $4.023 million to double the size of the existing cell rather than build more cells in the drainage area. The city's fiscal year 2003 budget calls for an $875,000 earthen berm to be constructed alongside Carter Road. This would transform a natural gully into a detention cell. The gully currently lacks the capacity to hold http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3 one -foot -deep water during a 100-year storm. The new detention cell would hold 182 acres of one -foot -deep water. "It can actually capture all of the water from a 100-year storm and not let it go," Muehring said. Merlin Langkamp, 2977 Wildwood Drive, eagerly awaits the Carter Road detention cell's construction. He lives alongside the West 32nd Street drainage ditch, about halfway between the Carter Road and West 32nd Street cells. Water runoff has eaten away chunks of a grassy drainage ditch near Langkamp's driveway. When he moved into the brick multi-plex 23 years ago, he could push a lawnmower through the grassy ditch. Simple maintenance now requires maneuvering a weed whacker around cement patches, dirt mounds and debris. Langkamp poured some cement in the ditch after stormwater washed away rocks he used for erosion control. But water has continued to wash away soil, leaving a trail of sediment and debris. "The water comes down and tears up my property," Langkamp said. "We still have this threat all the time of this water coming down." The lack of upstream capacity is not the only thing Langkamp blames for his property's erosion. He spent two days cleaning mud and debris from his driveway in 1999 because too much trash and silt filled the West 32nd Street detention cell, according to Langkamp. "It backed up onto the street out here and onto our driveway all because they did not dean the (cell)," he said. Two or three times a year, excavators scoop debris and dirt from the basin's gates, according to Public Works Director Mike Koch. The gates stand at the mouth of the Bee Branch sewer line to catch trees and other large items stormwater washes into the basin. This ensures water has a pathway to flow into the basin and from the basin into the Bee Branch sewer line. But cleaning silt build-up, which limits the cell's capacity to hold water, is handled separately. The city cleaned silt and debris from the cell in July 1999, nearly two months after a storm flooded the cell. The cell previously was cleaned in 1995, according to Koch. It is tough to tell how much silt built up between 1995 and 1999 because flooding washed silt and debris from the basin. "The main thing is if they clean it all the time, that takes the big threat away from the North End," Langkamp said. The recommended drainage improvements for the Bee Branch deal with a larger flooding threat than the North End received in 1999 or earlier this month. The master plan suggests drainage improvements to minimize flooding from 100-year rainstorms in a fully developed area. "It is not what happened in 1999," Muehring said. City documents indicate the rainstorm that overflowed the cell in 1999 was a 3-year to 50-year rainstorm. Reports throughout the city indicated that between 2.5 and 5 inches of rainfall occurred in a six -hour period in May 1999. Earlier this month, 6.5 inches of rain drenched much of the city during 24 hours. That equates to a 25- to 50-year rainfall, according to Muehring. These are the rainfalls people remember flooding streets, yards and basements along the Bee Branch's main drainage lines and others. After heavy rains this month, about a foot of silt coated the parking lot of Hartig Drug Store, at 22nd Street and Central Avenue. Even the roof drains were overwhelmed. There was nowhere they could channel water as torrents rushed down Kaufmann Avenue over Hartig's parking lot and into the store. "We had a big mess in the store," said Dick Hartig, chief executive officer of Hartig Drug Stores. "We had some merchandise that was damaged." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 3 of 3 Heavy rains have flooded the store in previous years. Water has gushed through the store's back door, swamping the basement and shorting electrical wires. The flooding problems have decreased as the city has worked on the street's storm sewer lines. The Drainage Basin Master Plan suggests the city build an earthen berm near Bunker Hill Golf Course, where North Grandview Avenue veers toward Kaufmann. The $530,000 project could alleviate some downstream flooding during heavy rains, transforming that portion of Grandview into a detention cell. This is one aspect of the master plan for which the city plans to commission more analysis. "As far as stormwater is concerned, it is a good option, but we have to look at what the other impacts would be," Muehring said. This is not the first drainage improvement delayed for further study. The city postponed improving the stormwater and sanitary sewers on Rosedale Avenue until the master plan addressed these problems. Both sewer systems could be improved in the next year with support from the stormwater utility. "There (are no) general tax money set aside for it at this time," Muehring said. Randy and Jodi Butlett, of 1240 Rosedale Avenue, are sick of waiting for improvements. Heavy rains overload the sewer line, and water bubbles through the manholes like geysers. "The manhole covers will rise three to five feet in the air before they flip," Randy Butlett said. Earlier this month, waves flushed down the street and ripped away sections of pavement. New strips and patches of asphalt now cover holes in which a car would have fit into after the June rains, Jodi Butlett said. But the Butletts were concentrating on their home during the storm. Sewage seeped through the floor drain as it did in 1999. The Butletts smelled human waste and smoke. An electrical short sparked a furnace fire, which the Butletts extinguished. Water nearly 18 inches deep toppled shelves as it pooled in the basement. The smelly water ruined about $5,800 of appliances and personal items in a matter of hours. "Our next resource is taking the bill to the city," Randy Butlett said. "They need to do something. Butlett said he feels sorry for the people for whom the flooding has left worse off than his family. Although he is not facing the possibility of losing his home, he shares others' desires for answers. They want to know how and if flooding threats will be decreased. Roussel, of West 32nd Street, said she does not want to leave her family's home, but she says it seems inevitable. Each heavy rainfall threatens to overwhelm the West 32nd Street detention cell and flow into her home. But she will not know whether her family has a choice about leaving until the city council makes some decisions. Later this year, the council will vote on how to pay for the expansion. It also will hire a consultant to reevaluate what drainage improvements are needed for the Bee Branch. "The hardest part is hanging on because they have not made up their minds," Roussel said. "You have to know one way or another." Caption: mug: Langkamp, Butlett Stormwater flows beneath Fink Street into the 32nd Street detention cell (left) during flash flooding on June 4. Dave Kettering Section: Front Page: al Series: Water Woes Index Terms: Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; Flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F462E1426AB9539 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Fire department waives fee to pump out floodwaters - Basements: FEMA will cover overtime costs Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, June 26, 2002 Author: by ; ; KYLIE GREENE The Dubuque Fire Department pumped more than 150 basements at no cost to homeowners during this month's floods. While the department usually charges $50 per hour, Fire Chief Dan Brown said the fee was waived because there were so many residents affected by the heavy rainfall. The fee has been in place for a number of years, but it also was waived in 1993 and 1999 when rainwater swept into many homes, according to Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser. The city recognized the significant amount of rain and responded to the emergency, she said. "It is a tribute to the city staff that is able to respond and deal with the 100-plus homes affected," she said. "When we have that, our concern is for people in their homes versus getting reimbursed. That is what being a community is about." Lorraine Spautz is grateful to fire crews, who pumped about 4 feet of water from her basement at 2503 Windsor Ave. "That was wonderful because we do not have much money," she said. She knew the fire station could help because she has dealt with water in her home before. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover the firefighters' overtime associated with the pumping and might pick up the labor and equipment costs, according to Brown. The city has yet to determine a dollar amount for all the work done in relation to the pumping. The department's policy on pumping basements currently is being revisited, which Brown said is typical after such widespread flooding. "We are just reviewing and making sure we are doing everything as efficiently as we can," he said. Brown is not sure if the pumping fee will change, but for now, residents again will be charged. In past years when flash flooding occurred, the department also received hundreds of calls, Brown said. His main concern during strong storms is the safety of structures. Appliances and electrical panels exposed to water can be extremely dangerous, he said. Although the fire department's equipment can only pump water higher than 6 inches, Brown said crews typically respond to all calls. "We want to evaluate each one and help the ones that need us the most - not necessarily the ones with the most water," he said. Caption: Mugs - Cindy Steinhauser, Dan Brown Dubuque firefighter Bob Klaas sucks up floodwater from a Washington Street home's basement June 4 after heavy rains caused flash flooding. TH Staff http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F46832CC966433C Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 rnc. America's Newspapers North End residents are getting 'fed up' - Want answers: Many are opposed to an open waterway plan Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, June 26, 2002 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE Day four of a five-day series Editor's note: When heavy rains hit, nearly 1,200 homes and businesses are threatened by storm -water flooding in Dubuque. The city council is considering some controversial measures to reduce the risk of flooding, primarily in two areas - the Bee Branch and North Fork of Catfish Creek. TH reporter Erin Coyle looks at the stormwater troubles and the proposals to correct them. Faith Kramer would sell her home at 2362 Washington St. to the city of Dubuque in a heartbeat. More than fed up with stormwater transforming her basement into a lagoon, she would rather move than clean out the mud and pay to replace her hot water heater and furnace again. Flooding forced her to replace them twice in the past three years. Kramer is one of the few North End residents willing to sell their home to make way for a proposed open waterway that would stream through her neighborhood. She cannot imagine anyone else buying the home now that flood problems have spurred the city to consider removing dozens of houses and businesses to make way for the waterway. It was scary for Kramer to watch stormwater pour onto her street this month. She panicked as water pooled on the pavement and waited for waves to hop over the curb. Kramer feared the swells would wash over her yard and into the basement again as they did in 1993 and 1999. Earlier this month, record rainfalls left a nearly 4-foot-deep lagoon in her basement. Only two steps remained above water after the city received 6.5 inches of rain in more than a 24-hour period. "People around here are fed up," Kramer said. They want answers that the city will not have for at least 18 months. The city plans to commission another study of flooding problems on the north end. This study will determine whether the city implements drainage solutions suggested by its Drainage Basin Master Plan. Few North End residents like the solution proposed by the master plan. It recommends an open waterway stretch from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street detention cell. Between 60 and 80 homes and businesses would have to be removed for the Bee Branch Creek to meander through the Couler Valley as it did before a sewer enclosed the waterway. The sewer system, which stretches from the West 32nd Street detention cell to the 16th Street cell, was overwhelmed by the last few severe rainstorms. Rain and run-off channeled to the sewer from developed areas and flooded streets, yards and buildings along the Bee Branch. The sewer line's drainage area is roughly bound by the Northwest Arterial, West 32nd Street, Asbury Road, University Avenue and the Mississippi River. But the Bee Branch's capacity was not expanded as buildings and roadways were constructed. "Development will increase the amount of times that that stormsewer will be over taxed," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer with the city of Dubuque. Now nearly 1,150 homes stand threatened by flooding in the Bee Branch's drainage area. In order to reduce the flooding risk for 970 properties at the bottom of the basin, the city's master plan says the city needs to spend more than $93 million to build five more Bee Branch sewers. Alternately, it suggests the $17.1 million http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3 open waterway could reduce the flooding risk for these properties during 100-year rainfalls. The 150-foot wide waterway could be made into a landscaped greenspace that would serve as a park beside the Heritage Trail Extension project. "I see this as trying to find a way to build a bike trail down to the 16th Street detention (cell)," Mayor Terry Duggan said. "It would be a pretty expensive bike trail is what it boils down to." Dan Shireman, president of the Washington Neighborhood Association, has also suggested the open waterway plans have more to do with the Heritage Trail Extension project than stormwater control. This extends the bike path from north of Dubuque through the Couler Valley, near a proposed location for the open waterway. Part of the extended trail will follow Washington Street between 15th and 21 st streets. If the open waterway runs beside the trail, the embankments could be landscaped to serve as a park during dry spells. "The issue is we do not want your trench through our backyard," Shireman said. "I hope that the city will just realize the devastation, the pain, the anguish and the hurt that they are going to cause: The destruction of two neighborhoods." The Washington Neighborhood Council and the North End Neighborhood Association have objected to the proposed open waterway. Both oppose their neighborhoods being torn apart by the proposed removal of homes and businesses. And they have serious safety concerns. "A kid can drown in a 5-gallon bucket, and here you have got a 25-foot wide trench," said Wayne Klostermann, president of the North End Neighborhood Association. "I hope they do not build it." The city council responded to these objections by removing the portion of waterway, which required removing homes and businesses, from its fiscal year 2003 budget. It removed the $10 million stretch of waterway planned to meander somewhere between 24th and Elm streets to the railroad tracks behind Eagle Discount Supermarket at 1800 Elm St. Later this year, the city will commission a study to analyze other drainage solutions for the area between 24th and 18th streets. "We kind of stepped back from proceeding along those lines to look closer at the alternatives that we could do to help alleviate flooding in that area," Muehring said. The city is continuing its work to obtain funding for less controversial drainage improvements suggested by the master plan. It hopes federal money will help build a $7 million drainage way from the railroad tracks to the 16th Street detention cell. Since the tracks are elevated above the street levels, their embankments form a levy that prevents stormwater from flowing toward the river. The city's plans call for water to be channeled under the tracks to the detention cell without disrupting any homes or businesses. North End residents have challenged the city with the suggestion that improving the flow beyond the railroad tracks and increasing upstream detention might sufficiently reduce flooding risks if the city property maintains the Bee Branch sewer. Shireman donned hip waders to tour the sewer in February. He found waist -high water and five-foot high piles of dirt in some portions of the line between the 32nd Street and 16th Street cells. "If their concern is flooding, let's do the obvious thing first and get that sewer cleaned out," Shireman said. Kramer, the Washington Street resident willing to sell her home to the city, said water did not flow into the drains on her street to the Bee Branch sewer during this month's storm. She said the city has to stop picking spots in the sewer to clean, and start cleaning it from one end to the other. "The city should know what the heck is down in these sewers," Kramer said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 3 of 3 The city currently cleans debris from the Bee Branch as semi-annual inspections show it is needed. City records show it last was cleaned after the 1999 storm. But City Manager Mike Van Milligen is suggesting the city start cleaning the sewers annually. As of fiscal year 2004, he is suggesting the city budget $50,000 a year to clean the sewer. Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos estimated the city spent $300,000 to clean more than 2,000 feet of the sewer after it was flooded by the 1999 storm. Portzen Construction Co., of Dubuque, was paid nearly $50,000 to clean about 800 feet of the sewer after heavy rains fell this month, according to Psihoyos. The section cleaned north of 24th Street was a special concern. A sanitary sewer line running through the storm sewer at 24th Street snags debris before water can wash it from the sewer. Piles of trash and sediment form in this area over time, ultimately restricting the sewer's capacity. "The major reason that we have got the debris built up there is because of the sanitary sewer conflict," Psihoyos said. Some North End residents worry that sanitary sewers also cause flood problems in the area where stormwater overwhelms the Bee Branch. As the ground saturation grows, pressure increases around sanitary sewer lines. This can form tiny cracks in the sanitary system, forcing wastewater to flow back through toilets and drains into homes. Sewage seeped through the floor drain of Tim Habel's 23121/2 Prince St. home in 1999. Murky wastewater transformed the washer and dryer into vessels that floated at the top of the basement stairs. He turned off the house's electricity because he worried methane gas was filling the area, making it smell like a hog farm. "It stunk so bad," Habel said. "Every time we get a hard rain down here we kind of cringe." Despite these difficulties, Habel does not want to lose his neighborhood for stormwater drainage improvements. He plans to fight to save the area. But Kramer is sick of struggling to save her belongings from floodwater. Her home has flooded four times since she moved in nearly 35 years ago and three times in the last decade. "(The city) has got to realize it is not going to get any better," Kramer said. Caption: Mugs - Dan Shireman, Tim Nabel, Faith Kramer Mark Morett takes a break from pumping water from the basemane of his home at 25th and Washington streets in Dubuque during the June 4 flash floods. Dave Kettering Section: Front Page: a 1 Series: Water Woes Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F46832DC5425650 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 America's Newspapers Development exacerbates runoff potential -'Worse every time': South -end resident has seen the amount of stormwater runoff climb steadily over the past 40 years Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, June 27, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The final day of a five-day series Editor's note: When heavy rains hit, nearly 1,200 homes and businesses are threatened by stormwater flooding in Dubuque. The city council is considering some controversial measures to reduce the risk of flooding, primarily in two areas - the Bee Branch and North Fork of Catfish Creek. TH reporter Erin Coyle looks at the stormwater troubles and the proposals to correct them. A rusting lawn mower and other flood -ravaged items stood along the driveway at 1699 Old Mill Road nearly three weeks after record rainfalls drenched the area. Wayne Laufenberg Sr. is still clearing out items that stormwater drenched in his home June 4. Torrents rushed into his garage before the Catfish Creek overflowed its banks. Then, water rushed from the creek into Laufenberg's basement before he could remove the washer or dryer. This is the worst of the five floods he has experienced since he moved in 40 years ago. Muddy water lapped against the garage's gutters. Only the roof remained dry. "(The flooding) has been getting worse every time it comes," Laufenberg said. The early floods, which taught Laufenberg his home was built on a floodplain, only pushed 1-foot-deep water into his home. But the pooling of stormwater that forms in his basement has grown deeper as more homes were built on nearby hills. More than 6 feet of water ruined his appliances in 1999 and again this month. "It is all runoff anymore," he said. "They should, if nothing else, put a big catch basin up there." Laufenberg does not blame the city for the problem, but he wishes it could slow the flow of runoff channeled through a culvert, near his home, to the creek. "(City officials) have to get in their mind that they are going to start doing something about these things," Laufenberg said. The city initially tried to decrease the impact development had on stormwater runoff in 1995. It mandated new construction standards. Detention cells were required to retain water that could run off pavement, roofs and other impermeable surfaces. "Prior to the '90s, the city did not have a stormwater-management policy," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. "Over time, there has been created a problem with controlling stormwater." The council commissioned the first comprehensive review of the city's stormwater drainage in 1996. This resulted in a Drainage Basin Master Plan, which the council received in 2001. The plan includes the North Fork of the Catfish Creek and the Bee Branch drainage basins. When combined, the two cover almost 80 percent of the city and contain the most populated areas. "It is also the areas where we have had most of the issues arise with stormwater," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. But Laufenberg's home is south of the area included in the plan's suggested improvements. The plan does not include improvements to help Laufenberg's neighborhood. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3 Drainage improvements for this and other areas not covered in the plan would be considered in a localized manner. "We will still be looking at the individual sites and try and correct those," Muehring said. But it was not practical for the city to study improvements for the entire drainage area impacting Old Mill Road. Some water rushes into this area from developments on the city's southwest side. Stormwater also drains into this area from other locales outside city limits. "We have little control over improvements that could be made there," Muehring said. City staff is working with a team of consultants and citizens to determine whether Dubuque should create a stormwater utility. The utility would finance nearly $6.7 million of drainage improvements for the Bee Branch and North Fork basins. Without these improvements, the master plan indicates 1,155 homes and businesses stand threatened by flooding. "We know that this potential exists until we do something to correct it, and the city council has taken a very strong position that they are willing to commit the money to implement the plan to provide greater protection," Van Milligen said. In December of 2001, the council voted 6-1 to approve the plan. The document recommends the city remove about 85 homes and other buildings to implement $24.1 million of drainage improvements. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the plan because it calls for the removal of some of the city's most affordable homes. The plan proposes an open waterway replace nearly 70 of these houses. "I think there are other ways to handle it," Duggan said. He suggested some homeowner would be willing to live with sump pumps in their basements rather than risk losing their homes. The council holds as a top priority increasing the amount of affordable owner -occupied housing in the city. City staffers are working with developers to establish ways new Dubuque homes could be sold for $104,500 to $131,500. That is nearly three times the value of the average home in the area proposed for the waterway in the North End neighborhood. The master plan suggests the channel run from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street detention cell. The average assessed value of homes in that area of Elm Street is $39,686, according to the city assessor's office. That is only 41 percent of the city's average assessed home value - $96,744. The average value of homes along Washington Street, where the waterway also could flow, is $40,606 - only 42 percent of the average home value. "We are real concerned about making sure that people are taken care of in the event that this thing does happen," said David Harris, director of housing and community development. Harris said city staff has discussed providing a package that includes relocation benefits. Staff also is considering making up for the difference between the value of North End homes and those to which residents could be relocated. But North End home owners worry they may not be able to afford other homes when the city wants residents to move. Bill Grobstick, of 2234 Washington St., has land where he ultimately plans to build a house. But he and his fiance, Lori Meyer, hope to live in the duplex for five years, while they save money for their next house. Currently, they are converting the duplex into a single-family home. Unlike Grobstick, who has lived in the duplex for 41/2, many elderly people have lived in their neighborhood for decades, he said. "This house is just a stepping stone for us," Grobstick said. "But (the proposed relocation) just sucks for everybody else." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 3 of 3 Pearl Meyers, of 2314 Washington St., said she is not in favor of a "canal" replacing homes in her neighborhood. Her house has flooded a handful of times in the 47 years she has lived there, but she does not want to lose it for drainage improvements. If the city wants to take Meyers' house, she said, "They would have a fight on their hands." Dozens of objections to the proposed displacement have spurred the city council to reevaluate the channel. The council now plans to commission a second study, which will analyze the necessity of the $10 million channel between 24th and Elm streets and the 16th Street detention cell. A definite timeline has yet to be established for the study, which will analyze alternative drainage improvements for the entire Bee Branch drainage area. "We envision starting the process in the next few weeks," Muehring said. The city is continuing to study the creation of a stormwater utility to pay for the plan's other suggested drainage improvements. This is one of several options the city has for financing the changes. It could also legally use tax money or gambling revenues, said Barry Lindahl, corporate counsel for the city. "No decision has been made yet about how to finance it," Lindahl said. "It could be a combination of taxes and fees. It could be all taxes. It could be all fees." The city's fiscal year 2003 budget proposes charging residential properties $2 or $3 per month to cover $6.7 million of drainage improvements. Estimated fees for commercial and industrial properties are not included in the budget. But all property owners would pay the fees for a number of years, which has yet to be determined, while the utility raises millions of dollars. "There is no way that stormwater utility would help me," said Robert Timmons, 1620 Old Mill Road. Catfish Creek overflowed its banks, sending Timmons' boat floating around his garage earlier this month. Stormwater gushed along with the creek into his basement. And the resulting pool of water was several feet deep on the home's first floor. For Timmons, it is a top priority to move from a home that storms have swamped several times since he bought it 12 years ago. Unable to imagine who would buy the flood -damaged house, he is willing to support a stormwater utility if it could prevent others from suffering through similar water woes. "I am in favor of other people getting relief," he said. But his neighbor, Laufenberg, does not support the proposed utility. His objections are unrelated to others' need for flood relief. He just cannot see paying the city more money at this time. He said he is on a fixed income, paying off loans for flood damages from an earlier flood and evaluating the cost of this month's flood. "I am not ready to pay any more money out than I am now," Laufenberg said. Caption: Mike Bisdorf, of Dubuque, pumps water from his basement on Jun 4. Bisdorf, who bought the White Street house a year ago, is attempting to remodel his basement. Mugs - W. Laufenberg, Bill Grobstick David Royal Section: Front Page: al Series: Water Woes Index Terms: current; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F46D522AD864B7E Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Few homeowners buy flood insurance -'Makes sense':Few consider their property at risk Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, July 1, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Few Dubuque residents purchase flood insurance even though stormwater has swamped basements, yards and streets throughout the city twice in the past three years. With a floodwall protecting the city from high Mississippi River levels, few property owners consider their properties at risk. But the city's Drainage Basin Master Plan shows that nearly 1,200 homes and businesses stand threatened by stormwater flooding. "Most home owners' policies do not cover anything like (flooding)," said Scott Kinney, communications director for the Iowa Insurance Division. "It just makes sense for people to look into getting flood insurance." But even last month's flash flooding did not pique local interest in the insurance, according to Sharon LaPrell, personal lines manager for The Friedman Group Inc. in Dubuque. She estimated the company received two calls as a result of June rains transforming basements into lagoons. "We just really have not had that much call for the flood insurance," said LaPrell. Local disinterest in flood insurance is a trend. After heavy rains flooded many sections of the city in May 1999, insurance agents told the Telegraph Herald that property owners expressed little interest in flood insurance. Only 27 policies are active in Dubuque, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. The federal program's insurance is the only type available for flood damages. The Telegraph Herald was unable last week to reach by phone or in -person two known flood insurance policy holders. Federal law requires properties located on federally designated flood plains to be insured if the property is mortgaged or a loan for construction of a property was issued by a federally insured lender. Many banks' loans fall into this category. The owners of uninsured homes located in locales the federal government has rated flood hazard areas are ineligible for federal assistance in the case of flooding. "If that collateral is swept away in a flood, then the taxpayers are left with the tab," said Mark Stevens, public affairs officer for the National Flood Insurance Program. "We strongly advise people to consider flood insurance even if they are outside the fioodplain." But flood insurance is not available in every community. The federal program only allows the insurance to be purchased in cities and counties with ordinances that restrict building on flood plains. Structures throughout the city of Dubuque have been eligible for the insurance since 1971. But confusion about what type of flooding the policies cover keeps some people from buying the insurance. "Very few people buy flood coverage because they think of flooding as the Mississippi River getting into their house," said Frank O'Connor, president of O'Connor Insurance Agency in Dubuque. "That is only one of about 20 different ways you can get a flood." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city, said flood insurance covers any sort of water washed over property lines. That means the insurance could replace appliances ruined when the sanitary sewer system backs up into a basement. It also could pay for structural damages resulting from stormwater pooling in buildings. "That is one way (property owners) could protect themselves from a big cost from floods," Muehring said. But some people consider the policy costs too high for something that seems more likely to ruin appliances than level homes in the city. "Generally, depending on where you are at, flood insurance can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 a year," said Sara Flatness, a Nebraska -based catastrophe coordinator for State Farm Insurance. Policy costs increase according to each property's risk for flooding and the extent of damages covered. LaPrell estimated a policy for a $100,000 home and its contents would cost at least $300 annually. "You just have to weigh the odds and decide how comfortable you feel. Would you have the financial backing to replace everything?" Kinney said. News you can use For assistance obtaining flood insurance or claims for damages, call the Iowa Insurance Division toll -free at 877/955-1212. The National Flood Insurance Program can provide referrals to local agents selling flood insurance at the toll - free number: 800/427-4661. Additional information is available on the Internet at: www.iid.state.ia.us www.fema.gov/nfip Caption: mUG - sHARON IApRELL Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; INSURANCE; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F48692FA8F9B528 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Dubuquer: Flooding issue can't wait - Drainage improvements: North End resident plans to petition the city council to forgo an 18-month study Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, July 15, 2002 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE North End flooding problems continue to concern Dubuque citizens. More than a month after record rainfalls rushed through much of the city and into homes, some residents are tired of waiting for help. Rain keeps them awake at night as they wonder whether storms will again challenge their basement sump pumps. "I do not feel that homeowners down in my community should have to be afraid every time it rains," said Michelle Harry, of 2316 Prince St. Harry plans to address the council during its regular meeting tonight about the area's flood threat. A 1999 rainstorm left 6.5-foot-deep water in her basement. Fortunately, Harry had two sump pumps running during record rains in early June, and only 1.5-foot deep water pooled in her basement. But each rainstorm carries the threat of washing more water into her home. Even when she is away from home, she worries about a deluge potentially turning her basement into a murky lagoon. Harry wants the council to do something now. She is not alone. As of Friday afternoon, she had gathered 100 supporters by knocking on the doors of North End homes. She wants the council to implement drainage improvements as soon as possible, even if that means an open waterway channels stormwater between 24th and 16th streets. "I want to show the council that the people down in my community do not want to wait," Harry said. She is asking the council to forgo an 18-month study on drainage improvements. "We do not want to wait for another 18-month study to be done," she said. In March, the council tabled the most controversial portion of its $24.1 million Drainage Basin Master Plan - part of the open waterway proposed to run between 24th and Elm streets and the 16th Street detention cell. The council voted to postpone a $10.2 million waterway proposal that would stretch from 24th Street to Garfield Avenue. "The Washington Neighborhood Council and the North End Neighborhood Council had advised us that they had voted that they were not is support of that part of the plan," City Manager Mike Van Milligen said. "The city council decided that they wanted to table that portion until they could get further study and get more citizen input." Rather than using $250,000 for consultants to design the waterway's alignment this year, the council allocated part of that money for consultants to study drainage improvements. "(The study) is going to look at the entire Bee Branch Watershed again," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city. The council's decision to consider alternatives followed a Washington Neighborhood Council meeting at which people challenged the city's plan. Councilwoman Joyce Connors, who represents the area, was at the packed Comiskey Club House in Comiskey Park when members of the Washington Neighborhood Council and the North End Neighborhood Associations opposed the waterway. She heard residents' concerns about whether the open waterway, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 which could replace as many as 80 homes and businesses, is necessary. "These people have a legitimate concern and as the city we have an obligation to try and solve that problem," Connors said. "When we come up with something, it really needs to be something that solves the problem." And it has to solve drainage problems for more than the area between 16th and 24th streets, according to Connors. It has to solve the problem for the entire Bee Branch watershed, which stretches from Asbury Road and the Northwest Arterial to the Mississippi River. But each day residents wait for consultants to study the area's drainage is another day they have to worry about water damaging their foundations. "We all feel that something needs to be done now," Harry said. News you can use North End resident Michelle Harry is interested in hearing the questions and comments of other North End residents regarding the city improving stormwater drainage. She can be reached at 563/582-8450. Caption: Michelle Harry jokes with Andy Houselog outside his Washington Street residence Friday while explaining her petition to the Dubuque City Council to implement drainage improvements as soon as possible. David Royal Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F4CC808E3851DB8 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Resident challenges council for quick action - North End flood problems: 143 homeowners sign petition for a waterway, not an 18-month study Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, July 16, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The Dubuque City Council encouraged a North End resident to continue challenging the council to rethink its stance on stormwater management. During the council's meeting on Monday in the Carnegie Stout -Public Library auditorium, Michelle Harry pleaded with the council not to delay placing a $10 million open waterway between 24th Street and Garfield Avenue. Harry, of 2316 Prince St., requested the council move forward with this proposal, which was tabled in March when the council allotted money for a consulting firm to study drainage alternatives for the area. "I do not want to be under water any more," said Harry. "We are not happy bailing ourselves out." She has collected signatures from 143 weary homeowners, who want the North End's flooding problems solved as soon as possible. These people have signed Harry's petition asking the city not to commission an 18-month study of drainage alternatives for the area. Six people opposed her suggestion, 12 refused to sign it and two were undecided, according to Harry. After addressing the council, she said she was not encouraged the council would change its plans. But, she is determined to continue collecting signatures to show the council how North End residents feel. "I think she has challenged us to move forward, but we have to figure out how to pay for it," said council member Ann Michalski. Council member Roy Buol said he favors moving forward with the waterway rather than commissioning a second study. "I think any future study would just be a redundant waste of money and a waste of time," Buol said. Although the open waterway could require the removal of up to 80 homes and businesses, he does not see many better options for channeling water away from private property. "There is only so much room between the bluffs," Buol said. "(The waterway) sounds like a very feasible remedy to the situation to me." Harry told the council that the flooding has spread further with time. When she was a child, growing up in the North End, much of the flooding was along Central Avenue. Now, it has spread nearly five blocks east. Her family and other supporters do not want to wait to see how much further the flooding problems could spread by the time an 18-month survey is completed. A number of her neighbors and even her four sons have difficulty sleeping when there is a rainstorm. Her boys watch to see if water will rush into their home, forcing them to evacuate the basement and first floor as it did in 1999. "I do not know what else to do. I am kind of at my wits' end," Harry said. Michalski reassured Harry that the city has not stopped seeking money from the federal government for drainage improvements. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The city does not have millions of dollars to implement any of the improvements suggested by the Drainage Basin Master Plan on its own. The plan calls for more than $24 million of improvements for the city's largest drainage areas, the North Fork of the Catfish Creek and the Bee Branch Basin, where Harry lives. "This is an extremely expensive proposition regardless of what we do, so to think that a wand will be waved and think that this problem will be solved over night is wishful thinking," said council member John Markham. Harry said residents realize the process will take time. They are just asking it not be delayed any longer than necessary. Markham said Harry is doing exactly what she should be doing - trying to collect individual's thoughts on drainage improvements. He suggested city staff has been instructed to gauge flooding problems in the Bee Branch Basin to help the city implement the best solution. "The intent was to try to come to some resolution to resolve this problem that seems to be reoccurring more and more frequently," Markham said. Merlin Langkamp, 2977 Wildwood Drive, also tried to address the council during Monday's meeting. But, public comments were not allowed since the council was not holding a public hearing. Time for Harry to speak was on the agenda as an action item. "My big thing is clean that (the West 32nd Street cell) and keep it clean," Langkamp said after the meeting. He feels that improving the current drainage system and building another detention cell proposed for Carter Road could fix the Bee Branch's problems. The council is not scheduled to make any decisions about what drainage improvements are needed until September, according to Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos. At that time, staff is proposing to bring before the council consultants' proposals for the Bee Branch's drainage. "I do not want the people of my community to have to go through an 18-month study and then in 18 months say, well, you know the first study was correct," Harry said. "We can not wait." Caption: Mug - Michelle Harry Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; flood; city council ; Community_ Issues Record Number: OF4DAC8CCABD8AC9 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 City to weigh stormwater alternatives - Bee Branch: Some residents want plans for open waterway to move forward Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, August 5, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIK HOGSTROM The city of Dubuque is seeking the services of a qualified consultant to assess the Bee Branch watershed stormwater facilities. North End resident Michelle Harry thinks the city could save money on consulting fees by heeding what she called a common assessment of watershed facilities: "We are tired of being flooded." After a meeting tonight, the Dubuque City Council could begin soliciting proposals to develop a drainage - basin master plan for the Bee Branch area - a watershed of about 7.1 square miles in the north -central portion of the city. City officials expect the Bee Branch master plan to identify drainage deficiencies in the area and establish alternatives that reduce the threat of flood damage. "They already have taken a look," Harry said. "They have researched and researched and researched, and this is what they have got. This is a small area. There are only a few options to study." The master plan also includes the formation of a citizens' advisory panel to ensure the recommended alternatives are agreeable to residents of the watershed area. Stormwater that falls in the upland and bluff areas of Dubuque generally drains from west to east, flowing down steep slopes into an area of densely populated flats. Harry said a good portion of the stormwater ends up flooding her Prince Street home and the homes of her neighbors. "We are sitting ducks down here," she said. "Our foundations just can't take it." In December, the city council adopted a basin master plan that included the creation of a 150-foot-wide open waterway that would channel water between 16th Street and 24th and Elm streets. Building the waterway amounts to reconstructing a creek basin presently located underground. Harry called the open waterway "the first decent proposal in 25 years" of studying Dubuque's stormwater problems. However, constructing the channel would require buying and removing about 70 homes. The likelihood of homes being destroyed led Wayne Klosterman, president of the Northend Neighborhood Association, to call for further study of the area's stormwater problems and potential solutions. "It is critical it gets re -studied," Klosterman said. "I think what is critical is that whoever does the consulting interviews all the people involved." • Harry has collected 156 signatures of residents asking the city to proceed with the waterway construction. "People down here would rather lose their house and get compensation than lose their house to the water," Harry said. Klosterman estimates 1,150 people live in the affected area and says all of these residents should be heard if http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 consultants study the issue. He said he believes more information is needed before the city makes a stormwater decision. "There's a lot of misinformation out there," Klosterman said. Council member Ann Michalski knows residents are tired of talking about the flooding issue. She said residents are ready for some type of action. "Whether we reconstruct the creek basin or do something else, we have to do something down there," Michalski said. "It's not going to go away." A recommended series of drainage improvements - including the construction of the open waterway - could cost about $22.5 million. "The city doesn't have the funding to write that kind of check," Klosterman said. Michalski admits that "whatever we do is going to cost a lot of money." She said the city would consider options such as the formation of a special taxing district to help pay for improvements. Michalski envisions combining taxing -district funds with money from the federal government and other sources to address drainage issues. Harry understands the need to fund stormwater projects but said she cannot understand the need to fund studies of additional potential stormwater projects. "It is a repetitive waste of money to keep doing these," she said. "We want (the city) to get down to business, but apparently that is not what is happening." News you can use City officials will discuss stormwater management issues at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the new fieldhouse at Comiskey Park, 2400 Jackson St. The North End Neighborhood Association is hosting the meeting. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F549C334115731 F Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 c. America's Newspapers Sleepless nights might end after drainage work - Rain damage: For some waterlogged homeowners in Dubuque, city can't act fast enough Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, August 25, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Dubuque residents who sleep lightly during rain storms had a tiring week. Why? Nearly 9.3 inches of rain fell between Wednesday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service Quad Cities Office. The initial 5.99 inches of rain stirred restless residents' memories of basement lagoons, swamped streets and ruined appliances. The city's engineering department and citizen advisory panel are working to reduce the number of sleepless nights Dubuque residents attribute to rain. The advisory panel is helping the city evaluate its current stormwater management program. But that doesn't mean much to some residents, many of whom have slept lightly since Wednesday. "When you get these big rains, you stay up," said Lisa Bachhofer, of 324 East 24th St. Fortunately, last week she did not see a repeat of June, when 6 inches of water pooled in her basement. In spite of her recent luck, she wants the city to improve her neighborhood's drainage. "They need to make more checks on it than they have been doing," she said. By late fall, the city council will consider hiring a consultant to re-evaluate drainage options for the Bee Branch drainage area, where Bachhofer lives. The area is roughly bound by the Northwest Arterial, West 32nd Street, Asbury Road, University Avenue and the Mississippi River. The lowest portions of this area experienced the most severe flooding this June and in May 1999. Daniel Reiter, of 2352 Washington St., drained 71/2 feet of water from his basement in May 1999. And this year, 4 feet of water filled his basement during the June storm, forcing him to replace his furnace and water heater for the fourth time since 1988. Like many frustrated residents, Reiter wants the city to solve drainage problems or buy out the frequently flooded homes. "Either way would be fine with me as long as I do, not have to keep replacing furnaces, water heaters and cleaning up my basement on an every three-year basis," Reiter said. The citizen advisory panel is scheduled to recommend how often the city should clean out its sewers and catch basins during its upcoming Sept. 12 meeting. The panel is evaluating the system to help city engineers determine the cost of routine operations a stormwater utility should support. "How much we do with our (stormwater management) program will affect our fee," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city. By the end of the year, the city council will vote on whether to start a stormwater utility. The proposed system would use citizens' monthly fees to pay for the drainage system's maintenance and improvements. The city's Drainage Basin Master Plan suggests the city pay as much as $24 million to expand its current drainage capacity for the Bee Branch and the North Fork of the Catfish Creek drainage areas. Nearly 1,200 homes and businesses in these areas stand threatened by stormwater flooding, according to the plan. The areas encompass about 80 percent of the city. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Meanwhile, city engineers are focusing on alleviating water woes for properties that sustained the most severe flood damages this June and in 1999. They have submitted a notice of interest to Iowa's Emergency Management System for the state to help purchase six properties located south of the areas included in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. The city has indicated that four properties - 1620 Old Mill Road, 1699 Old Mill Road, 1695 Old Mill Road and 1650 Old Mill Road -sustained 50 percent or more damage by June flooding. Although two additional properties - 1580 Old Mill Road and 1711 Old Mill Road - sustained less damage, the city has recommended the state also purchase the properties. "By the end of October, we should know if funds are available for which homes," Muehring said. Bob Timmons, of 1620 Old Mill Road, wants to move. He is tired of storms pushing the Catfish Creek into his home. "I would be just happy to get out of here," Timmons said. "I don't know how much longer I can stand it." Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents ; Flood ; flood Record Number: 0F5A8FEED5465927 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City council weighs progress on goals - Session: America's River, work on U.S. 20 and telecommunications are among priorities Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, August 28, 2002 Author: ERIN COYLE On Tuesday evening, the Dubuque City Council gathered to begin the process of considering priorities for the next 18 months. Before the council looked forward with new goals, it looked back to the priorities it set at this time last year. Surrounding a long table in Four Mounds' conference room, the council assessed the city's progress on these priorities. "It is a process that has been very successful, as is shown by many of the things that are going on in the city," said council member Roy Buol. Outside of its formal session, the council members addressed how the city is progressing with priorities set last August: * Telecommunications strategy: The city budgeted $50,000 for a consultant to help the city develop a telecommunications strategy in fiscal year 2003, which started July 1. Later this year, city staff will bring the council a recommendation for a consultant to study the city's potential to provide high-speed Internet access throughout the city. * America's River project: Council member Dan Nicholson said the riverfront redevelopment "is just absolutely fantastic." The council is scheduled to award a construction contract Monday for the city's education and conference center. * Stormwater management: Mayor Terry Duggan estimated the city is about "halfway there." In the past year, the council has adopted a Drainage Basin Master Plan. But the city cannot pay for a new basin until it figures out how it will get the funding. By the end of the year, a citizen advisory panel will recommend whether the city should create a utility to pay for drainage improvements. In the next few months, the council also will consider hiring consultants to reassess reducing the North End's flooding. problems. "We need to continue (with the) stormwater issue," said council member John Markham. * Owner -occupied affordable housing: The city's staff and Affordable Housing Task Force have studied how to decrease costs for newly constructed homes. Upon their recommendation, the council changed the city's zoning ordinance. In February, it reduced the minimum allowable lot size to help cut costs. * Improve U.S. 20: This remains a high priority for council members, especially those disappointed that the state's strained budget has delayed a study of the highway corridor between Dubuque and Peosta. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 They also eagerly are awaiting consultants' initial steps to improve the highway's traffic flow on the city's west side. By the end of the year, consultants intend to synchronize traffic signals that often cause vehicles to stop repeatedly on the highway. "Finding us a better solution to Highway 20 is my number one priority," Mayor Terry Duggan said. * Continue the street program: The city sets an aggressive schedule to reconstruct and resurface streets through the city each year. In the past year, the city has worked on about 10 miles of neighborhood streets. "We push it to the final penny that we can spend," said council member Pat Cline. * Develop strategy for federal relationships and funding: City officials and other community leaders flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials in March. Some of the federal leaders followed up with a visit to Dubuque this month. They came to see initiatives, like the America's River project, that need federal funding to reach fruition. "That is a very notable success," said council member Ann Michalski. * Incentives for business recruitment and expansion: The city has relied on a myriad of tools to help companies expand and relocate in the city. These range from offering companies tax rebates to reducing the cost of land purchased in the city's industrial park. "It is individually negotiated with each company that wants to expand here or to move here," said council member Dan Nicholson. * Develop standards for Northwest Arterial access: Council members said they have continued addressing requests for new intersections on an individual basis as the Iowa Department of Transportation has extended the roadway from Kennedy Road to U.S. 52. "We are going to have to do some re-evaluating because it is not the same road it was," Michalski said. * Complete Downtown Master Plan: Last week, the council approved a $98,900 contract for a consultant to complete the plan. "I certainly want to see us continuing the things that we are in the midst of," downtown and in the Port of Dubuque, said council member Joyce Connors. Next session Thursday The Dubuque City Council's second goal -setting session will be held from 4 to 9. p.m. Thursday at Four Mounds, 4900 Peru Road. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Government ; city council ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F5B51 B44C326A61 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 No flooding problems when city cleans basin Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, September 2, 2002 Author: KAREN M. KUHLE 2662 Central Ave. 1993: Rainstorms and water in the basement. City cleans the 32nd Street retention basin and Bee Branch sewer system. No water in basement until 1999. Again, city cleans the 32nd Street retention basin and Bee Branch sewer system. Three years later in June, lots of rain and water in the basement again. Oh, that's right, the city cleans the 32nd Street retention basin and Bee Branch sewer system every three years, and they just hadn't gotten to it yet this year, but shortly after the heavy rain, they got the job done. Then, in August another rain storm. Much more rain than in June. But guess what, no water in the basement. Seems funny, doesn't it? Could it be because they had cleaned the 32nd Street retention and Bee Branch system that we didn't have the problem? Seems likely to me. The city wants to spend millions of dollars on a canal, taking people's homes away, when it would seem to be a simpler and less expensive solution to just keep the 32nd Street retention basin and Bee Branch sewer clean. We have lived in our home for 29 years and have only had the water problem the last nine years. It seems that the problem comes from all the new development on the hill where there is no where for the water to go. Enlarging the 32nd Street retention basin and cleaning it every year would seem to be a likely place to start rather than spending millions buying homes and building a canal that not many people want. Perhaps the people should vote on the idea. Section: Opinion Page: a4 Index Terms: current Record Number: OF5D4ABFAE3AED6D Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Utility could alleviate flood concerns - Stormwater: Fee is needed because current funding will not cover drainage improvements Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, October 8, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The city of Dubuque wants to ensure citizens understand how they might have to pay to alleviate future stormwater flooding. The city will host a series of stormwater-utility-information meetings this month in order to help the community understand how a stormwater utility could support about $24 million in stormwater improvements. A Drainage Basin Master Plan, that the council adopted in 2001, recommends the city spend at least that much to remove nearly 1,200 homes and businesses from the threat of flooding. "Under current funding, it would take about 43 years to implement all of these improvements," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer with the city of Dubuque. He said the city currently allocates about $500,000 to $1 million for annual stormwater-management projects. That is not enough for the city to build several new drainage basins on the north and west ends of the city while maintaining the existing system. The city is evaluating whether it is necessary to pay more than $17 million for an open waterway and detention cells to decrease North End' basement deluges. Even if the city finds other options to alleviate flooding in the area, it needs more than $1.4 million to update the stormwater-management system along the North Fork of the Catfish Creek. "We would like to do things as soon as possible, but that has an impact on funding," Muehring said. By the end of the year, the Dubuque City Council and a citizen advisory committee will decide whether to expedite improvements for the drainage system by starting a stormwater utility. Stephen Sedgwick, a stormwater practice -utility consultant for CDM, of Jacksonville, Fla., is helping the city determine how citizens could pay for improvements to be completed within 25 years. "We need a fair and equitable means to charge for these services," he said. Sedgwick is guiding a panel of Dubuque citizens that will advise the council whether it should create a stormwater utility. During public information meetings this month, he also will explain to citizens how this system could impact their wallets. Under the proposed utility structure, any developed property in Dubuque would be charged monthly stormwater fees. Residential property owners could pay as much as $4 per month. Fees for commercial, industrial and institutional properties could be higher. These fees would be assessed according to the square footage of a property's pavement, roof and other impermeable materials. "The more impervious area you have in an area, the more runoff you are going to get," Sedgwick said. In theory, that means developed property that creates the highest amounts of runoff also will contribute more money for the city to maintain and improve the stormwater management system. How each property owner will pay to ease future flooding problems will be decided after public input is received this month. Citizen involvement is critical to creating the most equitable system to support stormwater management, according to Sedgwick. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 "We can not judge that without having the public involved," he said. City sets 3 stormwater meetings The city of Dubuque is hosting three stormwater utility information meetings this week: * Senior citizens can attend a meeting after the 11:30 a.m. lunch today at the Dubuque Area Lifetime Center * Tax-exempt property owners or representatives can attend one at 2:30 p.m. today at Mercy Medical Center in the sixth floor auditorium. * Business property owners or representatives can attend a meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesday at the Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino. Three community meetings will be hosted: * From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Washington Junior High School Auditorium * From 7-9 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Hempstead High School Auditorium * From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Comiskey Center. Caption: mug: Deron Muehring, Stephen Sedgwick TH Staff Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; flood; city council ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F69890E99EF2028 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Take time to learn about utility proposal - Stormwater: All property owners - even churches and non-profit groups - might foot the bill Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, October 9, 2002 Author: TELEGRAPH HERALD EDITORIAL It is time for Dubuquers to weigh in on city government's idea of creating a stormwater utility. For years, the city has wrestled with stormwater management. Heavy rains cause flooding throughout the city, but especially in the North End. Homes there have sustained the brunt of an overburdened stormwater system. Runoff results when grassy areas are replaced with impervious surfaces like concrete, asphalt and buildings. Instead of being absorbed into the ground, accumulated water rushes elsewhere, causing flooding and property damage. The more the south and west sides of town have been developed, the greater the pressure on existing stormwater lines and retention basins. The overflow affects the lowest point of town most dramatically. A citizens committee, working with a city -paid consultant, has been meeting to determine how the city should pay for drainage -improvement projects. The leading option is a stormwater utility - a monthly fee based on the amount of rainwater that flows from a piece of property. The charge would be included on a water bill. This would require approval of the city council. The proposal would affect every Dubuque resident who pays utilities. In examining the issue, there are some aspects that no doubt will be troubling to residents. The utility, for example, would be assessed to churches, schools and other non-profit organizations, based on the amount of space their buildings, parking lots and drives take up. Dubuque residents should learn more about the proposals - public meetings are under way - and then share their opinions with their City Council representatives. News You Can Use To learn about a Dubuque stormwater utility and its potential impact on residential customers, these input sessions are scheduled: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22, Washington Junior High School Auditorium 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23, Hempstead High School Auditorium 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24, Comiskey Center Questions about the city's Stormwater Management Plan may be directed to the city's engineering department, 589-4270, or the public information office, 589-4151. Section: Opinion Page: a4 Index Terms: current; flood; water Record Number: OF69B90FA62BEO6F Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Panel considers drainage fees - Stormwater runoff: Citizens commission mulls ways Dubuque can raise another $1 million annually Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, October 10, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The cost of decreasing problems from stormwater-runoff flooding is becoming more clear for Dubuque property owners. The city council has yet to decide on whether it will make more than $24 million of improvements suggested by a 2001 Drainage Basin Master Plan. Regardless of the council's decision, one thing is clear: The city needs to spend more than its current levels of nearly $1.7 million per year if it hopes to eliminate stormwater- flooding problems. In order to implement the master plan and upgrade maintenance efforts in the next 25 years, the city would need to expend about $2.8 million annually. It is considering raising that money by starting a stormwater utility. The new system would charge all property owners according to the amount of stormwater that their pavement, roofs and other materials prevent the ground from absorbing. "The amount of rainfall that is discharged to the public right of way is directly related to the amount of impervious area you have," said Stephen Sedgwick, a stormwater consultant. The city has hired Sedgwick, of Jacksonville, Fla. -based CDM, to help a citizens advisory commission assess the best way to improve stormwater management. Seven Iowa cities have developed utilities similar to the one Dubuque is considering. Residents of Ames pay the lowest user fee - $1.50 per month. Des Moines residential properties have the highest costs - $4.60 per month. Based on the flat -fee example Sedgwick offered Wednesday, local properties would owe as much as $4.87 per month. During an information meeting held at the Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino on Wednesday, Pat Friedman asked if larger homes would be assessed the same amount as smaller homes. As broker/owner of Prudential/Friedman Realty and Prudential Friedman Realty Inc. Commercial Services, she wants to be able to tell clients how much the utility would cost. Sedgwick said the commission has considered a tiered billing system that would charge the base fee to properties with 1,500 to 4,500 square feet of impervious surface. Properties with Tess than 1,500 square feet would pay half the base fee and those with more than 4,500 square feet would pay 11/2 times the base fee. "I do not think it is clear what the impacts are going to be," said Dan Walsh, director of government and business affairs for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. Walsh, who serves on the advisory commission, said there is a question of whether it is necessary for people to pay another utility fee for suggested services. "It is a question of: Is the need for stormwater management so great that you implement a fee that may be detrimental to development," Walsh said. Because the city council adopted a Drainage Basin Master Plan in 2001, Sedgwick's materials focus on how to pay for improvements suggested by the plan. The financial examples that he provided for business leaders reflect options for supporting the stormwater management system. Owners of an industrial property, which has 223,245.59 square feet of impervious area, could pay $5,444.59 per year in stormwater fees or $7,181.69 in taxes for an upgraded system. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Dan McDonald, assistant director of the Greater Dubuque Development Corp., said using property taxes would require commercial properties to pay more for improvements than residential and agricultural properties. He explained that the state assesses a commercial property for 100 percent of its value while the others are only taxed for about half their values. "(The utility) would actually bring everyone up to the same level," said McDonald, a member of the advisory commission. The proposed system also channels charges to tax-exempt properties, such as schools, non-profit organizations and churches. If the economy remains in a depressed state, raising additional money for stormwater management will pose challenges for entities already counting coins. "I'm sure our assessment will be anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 a year," said Father Wayne Ressler, pastor of Dubuque's Cathedral of St. Raphael. He said the Catholic parish almost would need to add another Sunday to the year to collect money for the utility fees. Representatives for tax-exempt properties are not the only ones with worries. "A lot of senior citizens have concerns because they are on a fixed income," said Bob Hartig, director of facilities at Medical Associates Clinic. As a member of the advisory commission, Hartig has attended each stormwater information session held this week. Commission members are taking measures to make sure they hear what the community needs and what citizens can afford. Caption: Mug - Stephen Sedgwick Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents; water; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F69827110CAE300 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City council rejects study - Stormwater: Some members say it is time to move ahead Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, October 22, 2002 Author: by ; ; MARY RAE BRAGG In a move that apparently has further divided Dubuque's North End residents over the issue of stormwater control, the city council Monday night voted 5 to 2 to scuttle plans for additional study of a proposal for an open waterway to ease flooding in the area. The move came when the council was asked to make a seemingly routine approval of an engineering consulting firm to conduct a second study of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin. The firm was selected by a committee composed of city personnel and three residents who were charged by the council with recommending a firm to restudy the waterway proposal that could mean removal of up to 80 homes and businesses. With only Mayor Terry Duggan and at -large council member Dan Nicholson voting to approve the committee's recommendation, the council in effect rejected any other solutions to the flooding problems that plague the area between 24th Street and Garfield Avenue. "It's a waste of money and time to study the problem any further," said council member Roy Buol. Council member Patricia Cline said she was troubled that the open waterway will mean losing homes, "but we need to move ahead." The five council members apparently were reacting to a petition drive launched by Michelle Harry, who lives at 2316 Prince St. Harry recently told the council she represented 513 area residents who said they did not want the issue studied further, but wanted the council to move on the waterway as soon as money becomes available. Contacted by the Telegraph Herald after the meeting, Harry said she was "ecstatic" about the council's vote. "It was just amazing," she said. "I just can't believe that happened. Maybe now we can get some resolution and we can find out where this is going to go." But, Wayne Klosterman, president of the North End Neighborhood Association, and Dan Shireman, president of the Washington Neighborhood Council, were extremely unhappy with the decision. Both Klosterman and Shireman served on the committee to select an engineering firm to restudy the proposal, and they said the council's rejection was an insult to the committee members. "We had no indication they would do that," Klosterman said. "If we had had that indication we couldn't have gone through that effort." Klosterman said he thinks every member of the selection committee is convinced there are other alternatives, other than the channel. All three firms that made the committee's final cut conclude that there were other options, he said. Shireman agreed, saying, "The one thing that came out in the meetings was nobody was happy with what came out of the first study." "This battle isn't over yet," Klosterman vowed. "This battle has just started." "Our city council is absolutely out of touch with the community," Shireman said. "We spent hours and hours and hours working at that issue." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 During the council's discussion before the vote, Duggan noted that it will be years before the city will be able to begin to afford construction of the waterway, which is part of a Drainage Basin Master Plan The total plan calls for more than $24 million in improvements to the city's largest drainage areas, the Bee Branch Basin and the North Fork of Catfish Creek. Council awards 2 construction contracts In other action Monday, the council: * Set Nov. 4 for a public hearing on a proposal by Area Residential Care to rezone property on the city's West End for a 16-unit apartment for ARC clients. * Approved an amended conceptual development plan by the University of Dubuque for new student apartments to be located between the campus and U.S. 20. * Awarded a $887,683 contract for construction of the Northwest Arterial 'water main extension to Tschiggfrie Excavating of Dubuque. * Awarded Landmark Structures L.P., of Fort Worth, Texas, a $1,206,000 contract to build a 1.25 million - gallon elevated water tower on Kennedy Road. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; water; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F6D5DC11 C3C5984 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Dubuque told 'something' must be done about flooding - Stormwater runoff: North End residents call for quick city action Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Friday, October 25, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE John Mitchell and almost 40 other North End residents who are sick of stormwater swamping their properties gathered in the Comiskey Building Thursday evening. Most said the city needs to do something to prevent rain from flooding the area. Like Mitchell, who lives at 2320 Washington St., some worry their houses will not weather the water damage from future storms. "The big thing is they have got to do something, and they have got to do it now - not 20 years from now," Mitchell said. "The longer this thing is (dragged) on, the worse it seems to get." Deron Muehring, of the city engineering department, said that improving these problems depends on the city attaining more money for stormwater management. It annually uses anywhere from $500,000 to $1.7 million from gaming revenues and the general fund for this program. Muehring said that at the current rate, it could take more than 40 years for the city to implement more than $24 million of improvements required to reduce flooding throughout the city. "If we are going to provide more services than we have in the past, then we need to pay for it," Muehring said. Stephen Sedgwick, a consultant for CDM, of Jacksonville Fla., told the group that the city is considering creating a utility to pay for those additional services. He presented an example of how much residential property owners could pay if all of the improvements were to be made in 25 years. The residential fee suggested in this example is $4.87 per month. The new utility would charge commercial and industrial properties more, basing fees on the amount of each one's pavement and other impervious surfaces that water can run off. "Every property is treated equally based on its stormwater contribution," Sedgwick said. Jim Giesen, 1600 Lori St., asked why a utility is needed to pay for the stormwater management program. "It's the only way we could tax the non -profits," said Public Works Director Mike Koch. Starting a stormwater utility would enable the city to collect monthly fees from all properties in the city, including the land and structures owned by non-profit organizations that are exempt from paying property taxes. The utility also would allow the city to ensure that a set amount of money annually is devoted to maintaining and improving the drainage system. "There is no playing with the money, moving it from pot A to pot B," Sedgwick said. Sue Denlinger, 2369 Washington St., said it is encouraging to hear that the city is working on a way to improve its stormwater system. She wants the city to do something soon to prevent water from pouring into her basement again, even if that means starting a new utility. "It is fine to get the money, but tell us what they are going to do with it," Denlinger said. Some of those answers have yet to be determined. A citizen advisory committee is evaluating options for using utility, gaming and tax dollars to cover costs to increase how much water retention basins can hold, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 culverts can convey and a waterway can channel through Denlinger's neighborhood. February is the earliest that the city council will make a decision based on the committee's recommendation. Regardless of the need to reduce flooding risks, some citizens worry about how they can pay for the proposed utility charges. "I cannot afford it and there's a lot of other ones that cannot afford it," said Lain Gibbs, 728 Peru Road. "My big problem is the city has wasted too damned much money on other stuff." Mitchell also said he does not like the possibility of another monthly charge from the city. But, he is willing to pay more to prevent water from pouring into North End basements again. "Something has to be done," he said. Caption: tephen Sedgwick, a consultant, presents proposals for the city of Dubuque to handle the rainwater - flooding problems at a public -input meeting Thursday at Comiskey Park. Clint Austin Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Disasters and Accidents; water; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F6E6404C5EB4777 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 A erica's Newspapers Water problems divide residents - Stormwater:Some think city council made the right choice to move on, others disagree Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, October 28, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE North End residents remain divided as to how the city of Dubuque should eliminate their stormwater flooding problems. Almost a week after the city council voted 6 to 1 to reconsider the most controversial portion of a Drainage Basin Master Plan, some residents hope the council will approve the plan's recommendations. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the plan, which calls for an open waterway to replace about 70 North End homes and businesses. "You are sitting on the fence and you don't know which way to fall," said Carrie Peppmeier, of 2169 Elm St. Despite the unpalatable potential loss of structures, Peppmeier and other North End residents want to prevent future downpours from swamping roads and homes. She is fortunate her house sits on top of a slight slope, a hint of a hill just steep enough to prevent stormwater from ponding in her basement. Yet she wants the city to build a waterway before flooding further damages neighboring homes, which stormwater swamped in 1999 and earlier this year. "Something does need to be done to help these people that are bailing out every time they get a bad rain," Peppmeier said. She thinks the council made the right decision last week when it voted 5 to 2 not to hire another consultant to study more drainage options for the area. Duggan and council member Dan Nicholson voted in favor of hiring the consulting team. "As far as another study goes, I do not think we need it. They got one. They know what needs to be done," Peppmeier said. The city engineering department plans to bring that study, performed by HDR Engineering Inc., of Omaha, Neb., before the council on Nov. 4, according to engineer Deron Muehring. During the meeting, the council may decide whether to proceed with plans to build an open waterway from 24th and Elm streets to 16th Street. "At least they only brought it back to the table right now. They have not passed it," said Theresa Caldwell, of 1633 Elm St. Caldwell wants the council to consider more ways to reduce flooding, such as enhancing soil absorption. She worries that moving forward with the proposed open waterway would displace residents from this densely populated area before the council considers less drastic alternatives. "I'm hoping that the majority of those responsible for the final outcomes will see that we do need an additional study done to explore further options," Caldwell said. State Rep. Pam Jochum, who lives at 2368 Jackson St., said the city has done a good job considering two prongs of what should be a three -pronged solution. She said the city thoroughly addresses how to retain and drain water. "We need to be open to complementing those traditional solutions with some others that are more environmentally friendly," Jochum said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 She said Dubuque needs to improve water absorption on the hillsides of the city before it focuses on channeling water through a valley to the river. "You absorb, then you hold, then you drain. And I just do not think we have done enough work with the absorption issue," Jochum said. Wayne Petersen, an urban conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the United States Department of Agriculture, has met with Jochum, council members and city engineers to discuss environmentally friendly options for stormwater management. Petersen told the Telegraph Herald that it is not realistic to expect to solve all stormwater problems by increasing the organic matter in soil and planting vegetation that holds more water. But he said these ecological approaches should be part of the solution. "If we incorporate that, it will allow us to soften up some of our engineering approaches or it will make some of them more dependable," Petersen said. The city still might incorporate ecological measures in its stormwater management system, according to Muehring. Although Ann Michalski and five other council members voted to reconsider the open waterway proposed by HDR, the council has not limited its focus to building retention basins and the controversial open waterway. "What we need to do is ask HDR to tell us at this point 'What do you think it would look like?,' and then get a second opinion," Michalski said. She recognizes citizens have the right not to have flooding concerns drag on forever. But she wants the city to take the time needed to find the best solution. "I think if we are going to do it we ought to do it right," Michalski said. But Peppmeier is tired of waiting for definitive answers. "I am at the point that a decision has to made. If there are some of us who have to move, so be it," she said. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; water; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: OF6F6A340C9AOBDC Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Council to revisit flooding - North End: Council might discuss an open waterway at Monday's meeting Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, November 3, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The Dubuque City Council on Monday will again debate how to alleviate stormwater flooding problems for the North End. Almost nine months after the council tabled the most controversial portion of its $24 million Drainage Basin Master Plan - an $11 million open waterway - the council could revisit the proposed improvement Monday. The council, however, has many steps to take before the city could build an open waterway to channel stormwater from 24th and Elm streets to Garfield Avenue and Pine Street. It first must reconsider whether to have consultants restudy that portion of the plan. "The bottom line is flooding and how do we prevent it," said council member Ann Michalski. Although Michalski two weeks ago voted along with four other council members not to hire consultants to study other drainage options for the North End, numerous citizen inquiries spurred her to request the council reconsider the item on Monday. "I keep hearing that there are people who say that it can be done better and it can be done more cheaply," Michalski said. "We do not have any money anyway, so why don't we take a good look at it?" Other council members who voted against a city staff recommendation to have MSA Professional Services prepare a Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan are standing behind their original decisions. "I am against a reconsideration. I would like to move forward with the original open drainage basin concept," said council member Roy Buol. Only Mayor Terry Duggan and council member Dan Nicholson voted in favor of the Bee Branch plan. Nicholson still thinks the city should have consultants search for less costly options that might reduce the potential loss of structures. The open waterway would replace about 70 North End homes and businesses. "It is a major surgery in a neighborhood. If I was going to do a major surgery on my body, I would want a second opinion," Nicholson said. "I think it is smart to make sure that we have a second study." Council member John Markham wants to see if the city has alternatives to building the waterway, but he is not convinced the city needs to pay MSA about $180,000 to do this. "It might possibly come down to taking care of everything upstream and then see how much impact it has downstream," Markham said. The Drainage Basin Master Plan, which the city approved in December of 2001, includes $4.9 million of changes that directly impact how much water drains down Dubuque's hills into the valley through which the Bee Branch Creek once meandered. Unfortunately, these improvements would only reduce the flooding risk for 185 of more than 1,150 currently threatened in the area, according to a memo Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos wrote to the council. Although engineers consider the open waterway the most cost-effective way to decrease the number of properties swamped during severe storms, the council wants more information. Council member Joyce Connors wants the city to bring back HDR Engineering, of Omaha, Neb., which http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 created the Drainage Basin Master Plan. Like other council members, she wants engineers to show the council what the creek restoration would look like and where it would flow. "The open waterway has not been completely defined as far as I am concerned and that has got to be completely defined before we vote on it," said council member Pat Cline. News You can use The Dubuque City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Carnegie -Stout Library auditorium. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; City_GOvernment ; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F7159B1172F6D88 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 City council tables waterway decision - Stormwater runoff: Panel wants to obtain more information from the consulting firm Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, November 5, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The Dubuque City Council wants to get more information from the consultants who created a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the city. The council wants to hold a special work session with HDR Engineering Inc., of Omaha, Neb., before it decides whether to build an $11 million open waterway. During a Monday meeting in the Carnegie -Stout Library auditorium, the council reaffirmed two earlier decisions related to the master plan. For the second time since the council approved the plan in December, the council tabled considering whether to construct an open waterway, the most controversial portion of the $24.1 million plan, and decided not to pay about $180,000 for another engineering firm to evaluate that proposition. "We are drawing this thing out," said council member Roy Buol. "We need to move forward with the original study and get a design." The council unanimously agreed that it should bring back HDR to help determine whether there are alternatives to building an open waterway to eliminate flooding risks for nearly 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch drainage area. "Before we go out and spend another $180,000, that is obviously the proper step," said Mayor Terry Duggan. "I think we need to question them on what they found." Duggan and council member Dan Nicholson were the only two who voted in favor of hiring MSA Professional Services, of Dubuque, to perform a second study two weeks ago and again during the Monday meeting. "If you have got a firm in Dubuque that can do the job, the firm in Dubuque ought to be the one that does the job," said Wayne Kloster- mann, president of the North End Neighborhood Association. Klostermann was disappointed the council voted not to retain the local consultants. He gave the council a petition with 111 signatures of people in favor of the council finding a cost effective alternative to building an open waterway. The channel is proposed to stretch from Garfield Avenue and Pine Street to 24th and Elm streets. Although council member Ann Michalski asked for the council to reconsider hiring MSA, she said she did not vote to hire the firm because there were not enough votes to support it. "I believe that a HDR work session will lead to a more satisfactory conclusion," Michalski said. Michele Harry, of 2316 Prince St., who presented the council in October with a study that shows 513 North End residents favor the open waterway, was not discouraged by the decisions the council made Monday. "I am really happy that they did not take 10 steps back and go with the second study," Harry said. "I think we are at a standstill, but I do not think we went backward." Council member John Markham said the council should go with the HDR report and make upstream improvements along the Carter Road and West 32nd Street before it determines what to do in the Bee Branch area. "We have to do upstream items first," Markham said. "As we take care of these problems upstream, it might http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 change the whole scenario downstream and what we have to do." If the city creates a stormwater utility fee during this fiscal year, which started July 1, Dubuque will be able to generate money to make improvements intended to reduce stormwater flooding throughout the city. Between fiscal years 2002 and 2005, the council has budgeted $875,000 to build a detention basin along Carter Road and about $4 million to expand the West 32nd Street detention basin. "I think we are jumping the gun here working on the Bee Branch right now when a lot of things could change the way the water flows," said council member Pat Cline. HDR estimated upstream improvements only would remove about 16 percent of the nearly 1,150 homes and businesses currently at risk of stormwater flooding. But council members want the consultants to answer questions about this and other related issues before the council votes on constructing the channel. In other items: * The council unanimously voted to amend an ordinance that prohibits swimming or wading in waters adjacent to the River's Edge Plaza. The ordinance also will prohibit swimming and wading in waters adjacent to the Riverwalk, including two sets of steps that cascade toward the Mississippi River. * By a 7-0 vote, the council approved a plan to establish urban revitalization districts for the Langworthy, Old Main and Cathedral historic preservation districts. With this expansion, the Urban Revitalization Program will include all five historic preservation districts. * The council voted 4-3 to approve the first reading of a proposal to create an urban revitalization district for Area Residential Care to construct a new apartment facility between Keyway Drive and Kennedy Circle. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; City_GOvernment Record Number: 0F72425D8EA8E0A1 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Arnerkes Newspapers Residents don't want to lose homes Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, November 11, 2002 Author: LISA MAIERS 2315 Prince St. The TH has had several articles discussing the city council's decision not to have a new study done regarding the flooding of the North End, which have stated the residents are divided. I do not believe this to be true. Each person affected by the flooding wants there to be an end to the feet of muddy water in their basements. I would once again like to enjoy listening and watching a thunderstorm, but instead I am posted on my porch watching to see if/when the rain will spill over the curbing, while I pray that it doesn't end up in my basement again. I think we all would agree we are tired of the endless hours spent cleaning this smelly water out of our basements, not to mention the thousands of dollars lost in irreplaceable belongings, time taken off of work and the expense of new water heaters and furnaces. But not all of us feel it is necessary or want to lose our homes as the solution. No, we do not want another two years of study, but we do not want to lose our homes either. There are a lot of beautiful homes in this area, that is why we purchased our home here along with it being affordable. To purchase a new home comparable to ours in another area could cost us about $40,000 more than our current home. If we could afford to purchase a home at that price, we would have done so to begin with. How/where would we be able to afford to purchase a new home, and what about the 70 other residents who also would lose their homes at the same time. Move into an apartment? Now that it is winter the worry of flooding is done for a few months, but we now worry that we are going to lose our home because of the improper drainage of the development of the West End. What about looking into a solution to fixing the problem where it starts (the West End) not where it ends (the North End). Section: Opinion Page: a4 Index Terms: current; WATER Record Number: 0F7400888710825B Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Water woes draining some residents of optimism - Flooding: City council will hear information on an open waterway Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE Some Dubuque residents are resigned to the belief that water could pool in their streets and flood their houses for as long as they live. They are waiting for Dubuque officials to decide what they will do to improve the drainage system that is intended to prevent storms from swamping homes. Since the city council approved a $24.1 million Drainage Basin Master Plan in December 2001, residents have watched city officials debate whether that plan is the best way to alleviate flooding. "They can make a lot of proposals and do a lot of things, but when it comes down to it, forget it," said Leon Freese, of 2346 Jackson St. "By the time they get around to doing it, you and I will be long dead and buried." Two months after the master plan was approved, the council tabled the most controversial portion - an open waterway that would stretch from 24th Street to the 16th Street detention cell. During a special council meeting Monday at the Carnegie -Stout Public Library, the council prepared to move forward with stormwater improvements. It directed staff to give it information on a study of the waterway's location. The engineering department plans to bring that data before the council at its next meeting on Monday. After almost a year of weighing whether the city needs to replace more than 70 homes with the drainage way, the council already has voted for a channel to stretch from Garfield Avenue to the 16th Street detention cell. Another study could help the council conclude debates on whether to extend the channel about seven blocks to 24th Street. "They should do something, but I think they should have been planning on this a long time ago," said Dwane Redfearn, of 2152 Washington St., who wants the city to expand its sewer system to improve drainage in the area. Cost dissuaded consultants from HDR Engineering, of Omaha, Neb., from including that recommendation in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. The engineers estimated that building sewers would cost about $90 million. On the other hand, it would cost substantially less -about $17.1 million - to build the waterway and remove nearly 70 homes standing in its path. "It is going to take a lot of money, and they are going to displace a lot of people," Freese said. But some residents are willing to move for the waterway to curb flooding in the area. In October, Michele Harry, of 2316 Prince St., presented the council with a study that shows 513 North End residents want a waterway to stretch as far as 24th Street. "It is the only thing that is going to stop the water," Harry said. Others worry that a waterway will create public safety hazards. "I don't want that open sewer down there that they want to put in because I think it is going to kill the little kids," said Dolores Weber, owner of the Ten Pin Tap, 601 Rhomberg Ave. Council member Pat Cline also fears a child could drown in the waterway, but her concern decreased this week when she learned water does not have to pool in the 150-foot-wide channel. Deluges would pour into http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 the 13-foot-deep waterway, but its grassy embankments could be a dry park area at other times. "I am not against it. There are a lot of precautions that need to be taken and that we need to take into consideration," Cline said. Residents want drainage improvements implemented before future floods damage properties again or cause injuries or deaths. "They should start doing something now," Freese said. Caption: mug: Freese Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: Disasters and Accidents; Waterways ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F7DDE4910E2919F Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 ►.r. America's Newspapers Property owners face loss of homes - Flooding: Consultant recommends that city remove homes so stormwater cell can be expanded Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, December 14, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Heavy rains have pushed water into the yard and basement of Joyce Weidenbacher, at 695 W. 32nd St., for almost 15 years. Muddy pools have drenched anything her family has dared to store in the basement. But she and her husband, Al, now have more to worry about than whether stormwater will ruin the heater again. Engineers say it is best for the city to replace homes with a large stormwater detention cell, but that does not make it any easier for property owners facing the potential loss of their homes. "I lived here almost 30 years and nothing really bothered me other than this worrying about having a roof over your head," Weidenbacher said. The couple's home is one of 15 HDR Engineering, of Omaha, Neb., has recommended the city remove to expand the West 32nd Street detention cell. The consultants have suggested the city purchase the properties because of concerns 100-year rainstorms might overflow the current cell and flood nearby homes. "It appears that those homes could be at risk," said Laurie Carrette Zook, water resources section manager for HDR. But Gary Anderson, of 655 Gillespie St., said not all of the homes recommended for razing have flooding problems. Although water has poured over the bridge that stretches between Gillespie and West 32nd streets, it has not touched the property owners' yards. "We are under the impression here that they just need a hole to hold the water," Anderson said. "Why can't they dig it somewhere else?" Expanding the existing cell is the least -expensive option, said Zook. HDR estimates the city must spend about $4 million to nearly double the size of the cell and purchase 15 properties. "If you can enhance an existing facility, the costs are greatly reduced," Zook said. Creating a larger cell at that site and a new cell in an undeveloped area beside Carter Road is the best way to reduce the amount of stormwater that cascades down hillsides to flood flat areas of the North End, according to HDR. The two cells could hold about 80 percent of the water HDR projects a 100-year storm could send rushing into North End homes. "I guess if it helps people downstream it is progress. We have to move," said Michael Turner, of 745 Gillespie St. "I don't have any choice." Like his neighbors, Turner worries about whether the city will pay enough for them to move into a similar home and neighborhood. "We have not taken the acquisition policy to the council yet, but what we are looking at recommending is that we would provide an opportunity for a person to end up in a like home in a like neighborhood," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. The city council has a handful of decisions to make before it determines how much to spend on these homes. It first must decide how to get the money to buy the properties and expand the basin. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Panel: City needs cash to improve drainage - Stormwater: Advisory committee is examining ways to raise $24 million to deal with flooding Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, December 17, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE A citizen advisory committee on stormwater management wants the city to address drainage problems as soon as possible. The committee is analyzing how the city can raise more than $24 million to improve drainage without creating a financial hardship for local property owners. It wants to enhance the local quality of life without pulling too many dollars from local wallets. "The bottom line is Dubuquers don't want to see Dubuquers drowned out every major thunderstorm," said Rick Dickinson, executive director of Greater Dubuque Development Corp. He said the key question is: "What's the fix for that problem, and how do you pay for that fix?" One of the committee's top suggestions is that the city expand its operations to perform proactive maintenance on the city's detention basins, sewer lines and other infrastructure. This would shift the city away from its reactive practices of fixing infrastructure as problems arise, said Dan Lau, a CDM consultant advising the committee on behalf of the city. "The intent is just to make sure it is in good shape before the storm hits," said committee member Bob Hartig, director of facilities at Medical Associates Clinic. News You Can Use The city of Dubuque will hold a stormwater-utility public- information meeting from 6:30 to 8 tonight in the Washington Junior High School Auditorium. But increasing maintenance efforts and constructing drainage structures requires that the city add more than $24 million to the money already placed in the city's coffers for stormwater management. The committee also wants the city to continue allocating nearly $1.7 million annually for dealing with stormwater. The committee suggests Dubuque enhance its stormwater-management program by tapping a number of monetary sources, including a new stormwater-utility system. Engineers would calculate the amount of concrete, roofing and other materials that prevent each property owner's land from absorbing water. Owners then would be charged according to the amount of water run-off created by their impervious surfaces. "Everyone contributes to the problem for water run-off, and everyone has to contribute to help fix it," said Greg Cigrand, a committee member who has struggled with stormwater frequently flooding his home. Cigrand said the committee is still considering how much people should pay for the utility. But they are emphasizing making the fees affordable, fair and equitable. The committee also suggests some type of fee adjustment be extended to property owners who have constructed detention cells or taken other steps to improve drainage. Engineers are working on a formula for how credit can be given for efforts that save the city money, Lau said. "The issue now will be to define them or quantify them," Lau said. The committee is stressing that user fees are only one component of financing that should support Dubuque's stormwater-management system. It wants the city to keep utility charges low by adding federal grant money and other types of funding to the system's current municipal contributions. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The committee also wants the city to commit $5 million of Dubuque Racing Association money if the city receives money from a pending settlement over the former two -tiered taxing system for land- and water - based casinos. "We have still got some things up in the air as to how we are going to fund it completely," Hartig said. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: Disasters and Accidents; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: OF7FDB8DEA2A7BD4 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 c. America's Newspapers Jury still out on stormwater solution - $24 million: Committee wants to form a stormwater utility Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, December 18, 2002 Author: by; ; JOHN EVERLY Sentiments were mixed on how best to solve Dubuque's stormwater problems at a public -information meeting Tuesday. The couple of dozen people attending the program at Washington Junior High School were split not only on a solution for chronic flooding problems but how to pay for rectifying the problem. A citizen advisory committee on stormwater management is analyzing how the city can raise more than $24 million to improve drainage without creating a financial hardship for local property owners. Some residents at Tuesday's meeting also questioned if the proposed $24 million price tag was too expensive. They disagreed on whether a stormwater-management system should be funded through user fees or increased property taxes. The citizens advisory committee is proposing the creation of a stormwater utility. Property owners would be assessed fees, based on how much stormwater runoff their properties contribute to the city storm sewer. Engineers would calculate the amount of concrete, roofing and other materials that prevent each property owner's land from absorbing water. Committee member Wayne Klosterman said a fee structure would be the fairest way to fund drainage improvements. Dan Lau, with Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., the city's consultant on the project, said user fees would comprise about half the needed funds for a stormwater utility. The remainder would come from property taxes, the Dubuque Racing Association, sales tax and any available grants, he said. Lau said to raise the needed funds for the stormwater utility, a typical "small" residence would pay $18.36 per year in fees, while a "large" home would be assessed $55.08 per year. One of the committee's top suggestions is that the city expand its operations to perform proactive maintenance on the city's detention basins, sewer lines and other infrastructure. The committee also wants the city to continue allocating nearly $1.7 million annually for dealing with stormwater. The committee is recommending the city commit $5 million of Dubuque Racing Association money if the city receives money from a pending settlement over the former two -tiered taxing system for land- and water - based casinos. Lau said the committee has not finalized its recommendations and will meet again Jan. 14. The Dubuque City Council could consider the committee's recommendations at its Jan. 20 meeting. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: Disasters and Accidents; water; Business and Commerce Record Number: 0F8031415951 BAFD Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Arn rlca`s Newspapers Utility concerns surface - Stormwater: Some worry about the financial impact on non -profits Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, December 28, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Several members of a stormwater citizen advisory committee do not support the committee's recommendation that the city of Dubuque initiate a utility. Their major concern - the cost such a utility would have on non-profit organizations. For example, they say it will cost $30,000 to $75,000 annually for Holy Family Catholic Schools. They are opposing the consensus of the committee, which calls for the city to support more than $24 million of drainage improvements with user fees. "We do not agree with the method of using the utility as a method of creating a revenue," said John Greenwood, committee member and business manager for the Holy Family Catholic Schools. Greenwood said the utility "will not have a positive impact" on any non -profits, especially on local schools and colleges. "If this ran for 30 years at the worst -case scenario, it would impact our schools to over $2 million," Greenwood said. The Archdiocese of Dubuque, which helps support the Holy Family Catholic Schools, also is concerned about new user fees. "We just don't have any cushion in most of those parish budgets to just pick up an added expense," said Rick Runde, committee member and finance officer for the archdiocese. Runde pointed to the local United Way's continued struggle to meet its October 2002 fund-raising goal as evidence of tough times currently faced by non -profits. United Way has yet to meet the $1.56 million goal. Contributions to the archdiocese also are not at levels Runde would like to see. "Oftentimes charities are last on the priority list in terms of financial commitments," Runde said. He is concerned about how the archdiocese and other non-profit organizations, which are exempt from paying property taxes, will handle municipal fees. The proposed utility makes every property owner in the city responsible for the amount of water that runs off their property. Stormwater contribution indirectly is determined by calculating a property's square footage of concrete, roofing and other impervious areas. Runde said he personally would prefer that the city use tax money to improve its system of storm sewers and detention cells. "As a homeowner, I would much rather have it be a property tax so that I could deduct it on my federal and state tax return," Runde said. Mike Portzen, chairman of the committee and owner of Portzen Construction, said he thinks using property taxes to support the drainage system would be unfair. He is concerned that commercial property owners will bear the largest burden. The state of Iowa only taxes about half the value of residential properties. It taxes the entire value of commercial properties. • http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 John Herrig, committee member and president of the Dubuque Area Landlord Association, wants the council to tighten fiscal belts and reallocate money from other projects. He said the city and consultants have steered the committee to recommend a utility be created. "To a certain extent I think everybody's time has been wasted on this because we did not have any choices," Herrig said. "It was basically what we were willing to charge the Dubuque citizens." Stephen Sedgwick, a Jacksonville, Fla., consultant the city hired to help the committee, said the committee has not been steered to create a utility. He said the committee was given more options, including doing nothing, redirecting money currently planned for other projects, raising property taxes or increasing the local sales tax. "All those options were discussed by not only us but by the city representatives and the committee members," Sedgwick said. He added that the committee has raised concerns about burdening non -profits with user fees. Despite these worries, the committee developed a consensus that they should be treated as any other property owner. The council has included $11.5 million of general obligation bonds in its budget for fiscal years 2003 through 2007. City documents call for a stormwater utility to pay off these bonds, which will support drainage improvements throughout the city if the utility is approved in 2003. When the committee meets again Jan. 14, it will reconsider each funding option and whether non-profit organizations should help pay for stormwater management. Caption: mug: Greenwood Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: Economy, Business and Finance; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F837221AA690833 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) • http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Residents: Tourism over sewers? - Priorities questioned: City officials say.most of the money for America's River could not be used to ease flooding problems Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, December 29, 2002 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE As major components of the $188 million America's River project take shape on Dubuque's riverfront, many residents question why some of the project's millions are not being used to alleviate stormwater flooding problems. Joyce Weidenbacher, of 695 W. 32nd St., wonders why the city is pumping more than $40 million into a tourist attraction. Her home is among more than 1,150 Dubuque structures threatened by flooding from heavy rain. The city needs more than $24 million to lesson the risks these property owners face. "What I don't understand is how they can do so, so, so much down by the boat and the riverfront and all that s--- and not do something out this way," Weidenbacher said. The North End Neighborhood Association also wants city officials to explain their stance on improving stormwater drainage. "The neighborhood group kind of questions the list of priorities. Is tourism more important than property and health and welfare?" said Wayne Klostermann, president of the neighborhood association. City officials see the America's River project as a key to the city's future. They also say most of the money for the riverfront project could be used only for that purpose. Also, the city had earmarked the money before the stormwater concerns came to light. Council member Ann Michalski said Dubuque does not want to go back to its bleak 1980s outlook. The local unemployment rate soared above 14 percent after the area's largest employers cut jobs. "Dubuque was not only going broke it was going dead," Michalski said. She said the introduction of the Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino shook the city out of its doldrums. The municipal lease agreement with the Dubuque Racing Association, which holds the license for the dog track and casino, and a later agreement with the Diamond Jo Casino, provided the city with more than $60 million to upgrade parks, streets and other infrastructure. These cash cows also lured tourists to the area, showing the city it can make more money by drawing visitors to Dubuque. "A city has to spend money in order to keep moving and we have to spend money on projects that put us back in the picture," Michalski said. City officials expect that the major components of the America's River project - the Grand River Center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark - will attract at least 500,000 annual visitors. They anticipate tourists will add as much as $128 million to the local economy. Yet the city is struggling with how it will support more than $24 million of drainage improvements. A citizen advisory commission is considering whether the city should create a utility to help support stormwater improvements. Many citizens wonder why this is necessary considering that the city recently devoted nearly $30 million of city dollars and issued $12.5 million of bonds for the riverfront revitalization. "There is a huge misunderstanding as to where the money is coming from and where it is going and who is http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 paying for what," Klostermann said. City Manager Mike Van Milligen said a lot of the city money used for the America's River project could not have been used for stormwater management. The city budgeted more than $18 million from gaming money, property tax revenues and sales tax for the riverfront revitalization. That money could have been used for stormwater improvements; the remaining $23 million, which must be used for building roads or other specific purposes, could not. The city committed more than $40 million to the America's River project nearly eight months before officials realized Dubuque needed more than $24 million for drainage improvements. The city and Dubuque County Historical Society received a $40 million Vision Iowa grant for the project in April 2001. Almost eight months later, the Dubuque City Council approved a Drainage Basin Master Plan. "The opportunity to leverage $40 million in state funds as a grant and almost $10 million in federal funds as a grant presented itself before we were into looking at the cost of the solution for stormwater management," Van Milligen said. The Vision Iowa grant agreement locked the city into spending $29.8 million of municipal dollars and issuing $12.5 million of bonds for the project, said Pauline Joyce, administrative services manager for the city. Van Milligen said this level of commitment also was necessary for the other components of the America's River project to be constructed. "None of these other things would have happened if it had not been for the city's investment," Van Milligen said. Weidenbacher said she expects the America's River project to be wonderful for people who have money to spend. But she expects she will remain on the North End, wishing the city had worked on stormwater problems before it started revitalizing the riverfront. Caption: mug: J. Weidenbacher TH Staff Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; tourist trade; INFRASTRUCTURE ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F841 F321 F19B4E1 Copyright (c) 2002 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2003 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Stormwater utility affects all residents - Property owners:Businesses will raise prices to cover their increased overhead costs Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, January 6, 2003 Author: DARYL C. SEILER After attending several stormwater information meetings, the latest one held Dec. 17 at Washington Junior High School auditorium, I was disappointed in the attendance and would like to give my viewpoint on several concerns. There were less than 25 people at this meeting and with the impact on every property owner in the city of Dubuque, the auditorium should have been standing -room only if the interest was in our community. Quite possibly people feel, "Oh, it is only a $3 or $4 additional utility assessment" or "we live on the hill and this problem of flooding is not ours" or "rains of the past several years are only once -in -a -lifetime of the magnitude to cause these floods." Well folks, a citizens advisory committee has targeted a cost of $24.5 million to address drainage problems. All existing funding sources, including a new stormwater user fee - a fee accessed to all property owners, tax -exempt properties included, such as schools, churches, universities, etc. - is being considered for Dubuque. This committee has met for several months and in early January, a proposal will be given to our city council for its approval. If approved, this stormwater fee will possibly go into effect as early as April 1 or May, 1, and this fee is for 30 years per the financial model. I agree the flooding problems need to be addressed and action taken as soon as possible, but I feel there is a big picture that needs to be looked at before we take drastic action. * The Couler Valley area has had businesses locate in the flood plain, areas have been filled in, dredging has been minimal and housing development has occurred in the vicinity. The city of Dubuque, Sageville and the Corps of Engineers need to get together to alleviate the water coming from the north to Flexsteel and Highway 52 areas. * The 32nd Street detention basin has worked for many years, but because of no maintenance for several years, it proved inadequate. These basins fill up with silt, trees, etc., over a time period and must be cleaned out for proper drainage management. * $900,000 has been appropriated to construct a basin west of Carter Road and this would also help overflow of the 32nd basin. * The detention basin recently constructed west of the Northwest Arterial is too small for the area it serves. There is area to the north of this basin for expansion and this would help water flow from the west in the Asbury area. * The small tributaries such as the Durango and Rockdale areas need to be looked at. Possibly to the west of Dubuque, dams could be constructed to regulate water flow when heavy rains occur. We all agree the flooding is a problem and needs attention. My heart goes out to the people who have had their homes and farms flooded in the past years. strongly feel $24.5 million is excessive and the proposed stormwater fee is a double-edged sword to property owners in Dubuque. A property owner will only find higher prices at the business they shop at, schools, churches, etc., because they must allocate their budgets to reflect their fees and all property owners will still have to dig into their wallets when the utility bill is in the mail box. The city, with what money is available, has done several stormwater things, such as requiring all new http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 housing developers to construct a detention basin for stormwater, dredging of the 32nd Street basin last year and repairing several problem storm sewers, but we all know the problem will not go away. I ask the council of the city of Dubuque: Just because seven cities in Iowa have a fee for stormwater, do we have to really get on the bandwagon also? Look at the overall problems. Don't disrupt many people's lives in Dubuque. Seiler retired in August 2000 after 30 years at John Deere Dubuque Works. Caption: mug: Daryl C. Seiler TH Staff Section: Opinion Page: a4 Column: My View Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; water Record Number: 0F8674C3649F75CE Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Budget calls for at least 7% hike in utility fees - City council meets tonight: Dubuquers' share of the stormwater utility could fluctuate over 5 years Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, February 27, 2003 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE The average Dubuque homeowner will pay more for city utilities if the city council approves the proposed fiscal year 2004 budget tonight. Budget documents call for Dubuque residents to pay at least 7 percent more for fiscal 2004 fees than they are spending now. Much of that increase stems from a proposed stormwater utility with a suggested $1.29 monthly charge for the average homeowner. The new utility will support more than $24 million of drainage improvements intended to curb stormwater flooding problems. "I think the utility is definitely the way to go," said council member Roy Buol. "I really do not think that it is a very expensive proposition." Budget documents allow for stormwater fees to rise to $1.79 and go as high as $4.32 per month during the first five years of the utility, which could increase utility bills 16 percent compared to current fiscal 2003 rates. "I think they are all reasonable fees considering the importance of what we are doing," said council member Ann Michalski. Council member John Markham expects residents will pay $1.79 per month for drainage improvements. That fee and other fee increases would boost the average homeowner's annual tab to $418.67, or 8 percent more than the $386.96 for fiscal 2003, which end June 30. Residents will face that total if Dubuque does not receive a nearly $5 million settlement related to Iowa's two - tiered taxing system for gambling facilities. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider the fairness of the system by July. "The only money that appears to be in doubt is the $5 million settlement," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. Van Milligen said tonight he will recommend the council implement a $1.29 rate because the chance of needing a higher rate is remote. Still, according to Van Milligen's written recommendation, the rate could go as high as $4.32 during the first five years of the utility if a Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino expansion does not increase gambling revenues. The average homeowner's annual utility bills could be $449.03 if the state does not allow the gambling facility to expand. "If that does not get approved by the Legislature, then that income will not be realized and we will have to make budget changes," said council member Dan Nicholson. Mayor Terry Duggan projects that monthly stormwater fees could soar as high as $12 with time. His concerns relate to the budget's reliance on $11 million of federal money or additional gambling revenues for a North End open waterway. "I was assured on our most recent trip to Washington, D.C., that federal funding would not be coming for it," Duggan said. "It is way too controversial of a project for them to get involved." Duggan contends the city can pay for drainage improvements by reallocating money from the $208 million http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 c. America's Newspapers Dubuque city council awash in stormwater issue - Advance: Payment could be approved to buy 2 oft -flooded homes Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, March 16, 2003 Author: by ; ; ERIN COYLE Robert Timmons hopes the Dubuque City Council will finalize on Monday the purchase of his flood -ravaged 1620 Old Mill Road home. Timmons now lives at 989 Tressa St., where he does not worry about stormwater pushing the Catfish Creek into his home. In June, creek water filled the first level of the Old Mill Road house, causing a boat to float in his garage. Timmons later took out a loan for a house on higher ground. "I kind of emptied my checkbook and I am running out of gas," Timmons said. City Manager Mike Van Milligen recommends the city advance money to Timmons and other owners of flood damaged homes, including Wayne Laufenberg, Sr., of 1699 Old Mill Road, and Barbara McDermott, of 1695 Old Mill Road. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Iowa Emergency Management Division and the city already have authorized purchasing the homes for a combined total of $251,995. However, the federal share, $201,596, is not likely to arrive until April. "Two people have homes (they want to purchase) that they are afraid they are going to lose," Van Milligen said. He said Laufenberg is one person at risk. However, he could not confirm that McDermott also was at risk. Neither property owner could be reached for comment Saturday. Van Milligen recommends the city help the Old Mill Road homeowners this month by providing the amount of money promised by the city and FEMA. "We are in a situation where we have to take care of the people," said council member Pat Cline. Although Cline hates to think of anyone else losing a home, it is a very real prospect for North End residents. On Monday, the council also will consider issuing a request for proposals for consultants to study the alignment of a Bee Branch Restoration project, which likely will displace North End residents. "This will pick the route of the open waterway and determine which properties have to be taken," said council member Dan Nicholson. Council member Roy Buol said that more than 900 homes and businesses will remain threatened by flooding until something channels stormwater away from the structures. "The stormwater problem in Dubuque will not be totally solved, in fact, a big part of it will remain, unless we solve the Bee Branch problem," Buol said. Running a drainage way from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th street detention cell could cost more than $17 million and remove some of the city's most affordable housing. The council has approved building a $6.9 million portion of the channel between the detention cell and Garfield Avenue, which should not impact homes. The alignment study could provide information to help resolve some concerns about the ultimate cost of the http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 proposed northern portion. "We have got to get a clearer understanding if, and I say a big if, we would go with the canal concept," said council member John Markham. Although council members prefer to prevent displacing residents, some North End property owners want to take steps Timmons has taken. They want freedom to live without fearing stormwater filling their homes and businesses. Section: Tristate Page: a 15 Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; city council; flood ; Community_ Issues Record Number: 0F9D2DAB892E497E Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Local/Area Briefs Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Author: TH STAFF Walker's attorneys mull special defenses Michael Walker's attorneys are considering insanity or diminished responsibility as defenses. Walker, 38, of 3467 Hillcrest Road, Apt. 4, is charged with murdering his children, Lindsay, 9, and Jordan, 8, and attempting to kill his estranged wife, Karen M. Walker, 34, on Feb. 17. During a pretrial conference Monday in Dubuque County District Court, Walker's attorneys indicated they are considering the special defenses. Public defender Tom Goodman, one of Walker's attorneys, said filing the possible defenses is routine, and he does not know if either one will be used. The pretrial records also indicate that the defendant might challenge admissibility of "confessions, statement, or statements by defendant." If convicted, Walker, who is being held on $1.5 million bond, faces life in prison on two counts of first -degree murder and up to 25 years for attempted murder. City council makes advance payments for damaged homes The Dubuque City Council voted 7-0 to make advance payments worth a total of $201,596 to three owners of water -damaged homes on Old Mill Road. Officials say the Federal Emergency Management Program will reimburse. The city also will pay $30,239 to help the owners relocate from the flood plain. Mayor Terry Duggan cast the only vote against requesting proposals for a Bee Branch Alignment Study, which involves a preliminary plan for a North End open waterway, intended to channel storm -water away from private properties. Economic expert speaks today The University of Dubuque will present Dr. R. Glenn Hubbard, a former chairman of the White House Council of economic advisers, at 7:30 p.m. today at the Charles C. Myers Library. The lecture will render an agenda for economic growth and ways in which public policy can promote living standards and economic well-being. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Record Number: 0F9DED3FF3816A74 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City mulls budget woes - Council members worry about police and fire protection, as well as Dubuque's credit rating Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 Author: by; ; ERIN COYLE Dubuque residents soon could see significant reductions in public services as the city struggles with a domino effect of budget shortfalls. During the next month, the Dubuque City Council and city staff will discuss ways to offset at least $1.9 million in decreased revenue, primarily due to state cuts. At a Monday meeting in the Carnegie -Stout Library auditorium, the council publicly discussed a number of budget shortfalls possible in fiscal year 2004, which starts July 1. The lack of money ultimately will mean more than longer lines for citizens waiting to pay utility bills at City Hall. It could mean cutting more than 30 jobs, which would include police and firefighters. "I am concerned about police and fire," said council member Ann Michalski. "My second concern is the quality -of -life issues." The city has seen the amount of money available to pay employees and support public services shrink since the state certified the city's budget in March. However, council members and Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen do not feel that this is an appropriate time to dip into Dubuque's reserve fund, which equals 10 percent of the city's $63,274,666 operating budget. The city needs that money available for emergencies, such as natural disasters, and to protect its bond rating. "If we use up the reserve fund and we have to go out for bonds, like for stormwater, the bond companies are going to look at our reserve funds and our rates are going to go up," said council member Dan Nicholson. The city is grappling with shortfalls that change almost on a weekly basis. Van Milligen said he learned at the end of last week that state legislation could cut another $300,000 from city coffers in addition to the nearly $1.2 million cut by "Reinvent Iowa" legislation, which stops state aid for consolidated payments and bank franchise fees. The additional cuts stem from plans to stop repaying cities, counties and schools for homestead property tax credits. "The statewide cuts have gone from $60 million to $77 million," Van Milligen said. With the Iowa Legislature returning to Des Moines for a special session at the end of the month, council members laughed at the prospect that the house and senate would restore funding for cities. "I find it ironic that the state terms this 'reinventing government.' I call it reneging on the cities," said council member John Markham. On Van Milligen's recommendation, the city staff is studying ways to slash operating expenses. Each division must trim costs until the city reaches a target of more than $2.6 million in savings, which will provide a small cushion for the city. The city is facing other revenue hits not tied to the state. During the past two months, an estimated $1.2 million increase in health care expenses leapt to $1.8 million, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 leaving $600,000 of expenses to cover. Also, the fire department has learned it would not receive $150,000 of anticipated revenues. John Deere Dubuque Works decided not to pay for the city's fire department to provide confined -space rescue services for the company during fiscal year 2004. "We are between a rock and a hard place," said council member Pat Cline. "I just hope that we can keep our services going." In other business: * The council unanimously voted to pay up to $3.5 million to purchase Port of Dubuque property from the Adams Co., relocate the company and pay the difference between the costs of the existing building and a future West End facility. A $2 million federal grant will cover about 60 percent of the costs. The city also will provide the company with about 10.5 acres of Dubuque Industrial Center West land with an "acquisition grant" covering the entire $79,000 per acre cost, if the company maintains current employment levels. * By a 7-0 vote, the council approved changes to the Kennedy Mall zoning to allow a 30,008-square-foot Best Buy store to be constructed at 555 Kennedy Road. * The council voted 6-1 to grant a $249,844 contract to Camp, Dresser & McKee and Stanley Consultants to study the alignment and complete the preliminary design of an open waterway, which could channel stormwater from 24th and Elm streets to 16th and Sycamore streets. Mayor Terry Duggan voted against the study. * The council unanimously approved a $108,500 contract for Veenstra and Kimm Inc., to design a stormwater detention basin, planned for construction along Carter Road. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Government ; City_GOvernment;; budget Record Number: 0FB2A501320FF37E Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Fee added to utility bill - The average Dubuque homeowner will pay $1.29 per month for a new stormwater utility Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, July 6, 2003 Author: by ; ; M. D. KITTLE Dubuque homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations will begin picking up part of the tab for the city's new stormwater utility, that was created to curb flooding. But new fees could jump if the utility's main income stream is judicially dammed. Beginning next week, the city will send out letter -sized utility bills, including a new stormwater utility fee. The fee will add $1.29 to the utility bills of the average Dubuque homeowner; $15.48 per year. Commercial and industrial properties will pay more, with fees based on how much each property contributes to downstream flooding. Low-income property owners and non-taxable properties, like churches and schools, would receive a 50 percent discount. The Dubuque City Council in February approved the stormwater-management fee as part of the city's fiscal 2004 budget. The increased income is expected to generate one-third of the $25 million targeted for stormwater improvements. The varied projects will "keep more than 1,150 downtown, North End and West End homes and businesses safe during heavy flooding," according to a city media statement. While not many dispute the need to tackle Dubuque's recurring flooding problems, some have taken aim at the necessity of a fee -based stormwater utility. Mayor Terry Duggan cast the lone vote against the budget because it included the fee. "It is just another tax increase disguised as a user fee," Duggan said in a Feb. 28 TH article. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce opposed the utility fee, arguing there "appears to be sufficient money in the city budget" to cover the improvement projects. "If the city believes this is a priority, as the Chamber does, then it should be prioritized as such and money should be allocated for the improvements," wrote Steward Sandstrom, the chamber's president and chief executive officer in a letter to the council. The chamber's position has not changed. Sandstrom said there are items in the city's capital improvement program budget that "weren't as important" as addressing Dubuque's flooding problems. The chamber's board of directors believes the city could have used money from the CIP to fund the stormwater utility, Sandstrom said. City Manager Mike Van Milligen said the stormwater plan had the backing of an important citizen group. "The citizens advisory commission put forth this recommendation," he said. "They saw it as an equitable way to fund the improvements." But the commission made it clear that the city needed to reprioritize its capital and operating budgets to pay for stormwater projects. "Some of the flooding could be a life -threatening issue," said Bob Hartig, committee member and director of facilities at Medical Associates Clinic in a January TH article. "With that in mind, it should be pretty easy to determine in the five-year budget which of the projects are important." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The established utility fees might soon climb, however. Much depends on the outcome of a looming Iowa Supreme Court decision. About $16 million of the funding for the stormwater improvements would be derived from annual distributions from the Dubuque Racing Association. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a decision by the Iowa court that deemed the state's two -tiered gambling tax unconstitutional. The Iowa court ruling lowered state taxes on racetrack casinos to 20 percent - 16 percent lower than the top level the gambling establishments would have paid next year. If the lower court reverses its own decision, it could mean the return of much higher taxes for racetrack casinos. Higher taxes would take millions of dollars in revenues from the Dubuque Racing Association, the non-profit license holder of the Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino. Consequently, the city would lose about $15 million over the next five years in DRA distributions. As dependent as the city's stormwater management plan is on racing association dollars, the lost revenue would more than likely have to be filled through higher utility fees, Van Milligen said. "If we lose that court decision, I will recommend the city council establish the $1.79 fee instead of the $1.29 fee," Van Milligen said. Commercial and industrial fees likewise would go up. Utility bills to become easier to read Dubuque utility customers will see a new -look bill this month. In place of the old postcards, the new bills are letter -sized sheets of paper and include a return envelope, according to a city media release. "The new bill is designed to be easier to read with larger type and more space to explain charges," the release said. The bill will include the new stormwater utility fee - about $1.29 for most Dubuque homeowners. Dubuque businesses and non-residential properties pay a fee based on the amount of hard surface on their property. For more information about the new utility bills, contact Utility Billing at 589-4144. For more information about the stormwater utility, contact the Public Works/Engineering Division at 589-4270. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics ; Local authorities ; City_GOvernment; INFRASTRUCTURE Record Number: 0FC2182C0187F388 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 ,;m America's Newspapers Basin project detains 32nd Street residents Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 Author: SUSAN DAKER Faced with displacement by expansion of the West 32nd Street detention basin, residents of the area can only wait. Within the past week, 16 homeowners received letters from Dubuque's Housing and Community Development Department outlining their rights. In the next two to three years, the city plans to purchase property along West 32nd and Gillespie streets to double the size of the existing Bee Branch Drainage Basin. Officials hope the expansion will help alleviate some of the city's flooding problems. The city will begin purchasing the land in July 2004. Since funds for that year are limited to $563,000, the city will buy only five to 10 homes. It could be another year or two before the city can purchase the remaining homes. Before the city makes an offer, residents are being advised not to move. If a homeowner moves prematurely, they could risk not receiving relocation assistance. Residents may be eligible for referrals for replacement housing, payment for moving expenses and financial assistance to help rent or buy a replacement home. At the July 7 Dubuque City Council meeting, David Harris, the city's director of housing and community development, said he is looking into other options for property owners besides moving into a new house. For instance, the city might help owners move their homes to other locations, he said. Residents in the area are waiting for the city to make them a decent offer to move, said Joyce Weidenbacher, 695 W. 32nd St. Weidenbacher would like to move into a similar house, with five rooms, a small yard and a garage. She and her husband, Al, are too old to take out a new mortgage, she said, so she hopes they receive enough money to pay for a new house. Weidenbacher, 69, isn't looking forward to packing up everything she has accumulated in the 32 years she has lived in her home. "It's different if you are in good health, but a lot of people here, they are up in years," Weidenbacher said. Caption: Mug - Joyce Weidenbacher Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current Record Number: 0FC5A603CE6B4983 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Rezoning request draws surprise - The city manager asks for a moratorium on projects within path of stormwater study Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Author: by; ; M. D. KITTLE A rezoning request could result in a building moratorium for dozens of properties in a section of Dubuque's North End. The Dubuque City Council Monday night voted, 5-2, to table a request by Winger Construction, LLC, to rezone its property at 468 Lincoln Ave. from alternate two-family residential to commercial service and wholesale district. Winger wants to move its business to the site. The request to table the rezoning issue, which recently was approved, 5-0, by the Zoning Advisory Commission, came frog _City Manager Mike Van Milligen shortly before the meeting. In a memo to the council, Van Milligen said the property at 468 Lincoln Ave. is located between an area from 24th and Elm streets to the 16th Street Detention Basin - the alignment and design study area for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project. Van Milligen asked that the council consider placing a moratorium on rezonings and building permits for expansion in the area, until the study's completion, expected June 30. The council will decide whether to implement the moratorium Dec. 1. Mike Winger, co-owner of Winger Construction, said he was "caught off guard" by Van Milligen's last-minute request. "It's not fair to the people who live in the area," Winger said. Council member Ann Michalski said building moratoriums are not unprecedented, pointing to a similar action around White Street in the early 1990s. "This is done to protect taxpayer money," she told Winger. "I sympathize with you, but this is not uncommon." The moratorium presumably would maintain property values in the neighborhood, saving the city increased property acquisition costs if and when the Bee Branch stormwater project begins. Mayor Terry Duggan called the project "one huge hypothetical" to disrupt businesses and homeowners in the area with a moratorium. Council member John Markham, who also voted against tabling Winger's request, asked Van Milligen why the zoning commission hadn't "caught" the fact that the Lincoln Avenue property was in the Bee Branch study area. "It should have been caught early on, but it wasn't caught until today," Van Milligen said. * In other action, the council held a public hearing on the authorization of issuing city general fund capital loan notes to initially cover the cost of the proposed $15 million riverfront baseball stadium. The council will vote on whether to issue the loans at a special meeting on Dec. 18, two days after a $6 million bond issue referendum. If Dubuque voters turn down the referendum, the stadium proposal and the need to issue loans are moot. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; CONSTRUCTION ; zoning http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Record Number: OFEEDAEI CI6C9581 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 ��. America's Newspapers Land owners: Moratorium unfair - They wanted to revamp 'blighted area,' but rezoning request was denied Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, November 20, 2003 Author: by; ; ERIK HOGSTROM Contractors Mike and Jay Winger don't want much. They want to install a fence and shrubs around their property at 468 Lincoln Ave. They also want to demolish a dilapidated building. "It's a blighted area," Mike Winger said. "We want to clean it up, fence it off and make it look nice." Mike and his father, Jay, own Winger Construction, an eight -employee remodeling and excavation business. By a 5-2 vote, the Dubuque City Council tabled a rezoning request by the business Monday, citing a proposed building and rezoning moratorium in the city's North End that could start next month. "It is as unfair as unfair could be," said Jay Winger. City Manager Michael Van Milligen has proposed the moratorium while the city waits for the conclusion of a study of the Bee Branch stormwater project, an open waterway that could channel water from 24th and Elm streets to 16th and Sycamore streets. Van Milligen expects the study to be completed by June 2004. City staff are compiling a map of properties affected by the proposed moratorium. They will not know how many homes and businesses the moratorium would impact until the map's completion. The council decides whether to implement the moratorium on Dec. 1. Mike Winger said the implications of such a moratorium could include restrictions on what local residents can do with their private property. "It's not fair to the neighbors down here," he said. The Wingers have owned the property for about six months, after riverfront development forced a move from their previous location in the Fifth Street area. "We looked and looked for a new location," Mike Winger said. "We found this property and it suited us." The Lincoln Avenue property had been home to an auto -repair business. The Wingers planned to fence the property for winter storage for some of their construction equipment. City officials say they have the best interests of the majority of Dubuque's taxpayers at heart by proposing the moratorium, which could limit property value increases in an area where the city might have to purchase property. "We don't want to have to pay any more for properties should the open waterway be approved," said city council member Roy Buol. Buol believes the timing and short duration of the proposed moratorium should lessen its impact. "Over the winter, there is not much of a construction period," Buol said. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 He also believes the Wingers should be refunded their fees paid for the rezoning process. Dubuque Mayor Terry Duggan and council member John Markham voted against tabling the Winger rezoning request. "I am not opposed to a moratorium," Markham said. "My 'no' vote was based on the case we were facing." Markham said Winger followed proper procedures, including working with city staff and the Zoning Advisory Commission, and should not be penalized. At no step of the process, Markham said, was Winger alerted to the moratorium issue. "Then, at the 1 lth hour, we surprised him with this moratorium," Markham said. "In my mind, it was a case where we dropped the ball, and by 'we' I mean the staff." Caption: Jay Winger and his son want to revamp property they own on Lincoln Avenue in dubuque. However, bcause of a proposed moratorium on the city's North End, the City council has tabled their rezoning request. Steve Babuljak Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics; zoning Record Number: OFEF3C3FIB7D19D9 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 3 America's Newspapers Van Milligen: No tax hike - City manager is intent on keeping Dubuque's property tax rate the 2nd-lowest among the state's 9 largest cities Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, December 1, 2003 Author: by; ; M. D. KITTLE Despite revenue question marks and fiscal challenges ahead, City Manager Mike Van Milligen is recommending the city again hold the line on property taxes. The recommendation is part of Van Milligen's proposed fiscal year 2005 policy guidelines, the parameters that city officials will follow as they go about the business of crafting next year's budget. The City Council is expected to consider the recommendations at tonight's meeting. Van Milligen's top directive has been the council's constant mantra for the past decade. "My recommendation is that (the council) establish a guideline of no property tax increase for the average homeowner," Van Milligen said. The average home in Dubuque, according to the city, is valued at about $103,000. Big issues on hold Two big property issues could be put on hold at tonight's council meeting. City Manager Mike Van Milligen is recommending the council delay its decision on a building permit moratorium for a section of the North End. On Nov. 17, Van Milligen asked the council to issue the temporary moratorium on properties in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study area. The issue came up after Winger Construction LLC requested a zoning change for its property at 468 Lincoln Avenue. Van Milligen also is requesting the council postpone a hearing to consider the annexation of approximately 703 acres of property along Seippel Road and Middle Road. He recommends rescheduling the hearings in January. City staff, which had mailed one notification letter to affected property owners, recently discovered that a new state law mandates municipalities send two letters regarding annexation public hearings. Tonight's city council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium. Dubuque - as city officials are quick to point out - enjoys the second -lowest property tax rate among the state's nine largest cities. Maintaining that ranking while attempting to accomplish the council's ambitious list of priorities won't be easy. In September, the council outlined its goals for the 2005 fiscal year. The top-10 list of priorities includes everything from annexation and continued riverfront development to stormwater and street projects. Those goals will require funding, on top of the city's existing commitments. So how will the city go about paying for programs and services while keeping property taxes in check? By "implementing operating efficiencies, increasing the tax base, eliminating debt payment, and using other sources such as sales tax, gaming revenues, utility franchise fees, and user fees for property tax relief," Van Milligen wrote in the policy guidelines overview. The city, however, will have to contend with some shrinking revenue sources and added expenses next year. On the property tax front, the state has issued an 8 percent equalization order on residential property and lowered the rollback factor from 51.4 percent to 48.5 percent. The move gives homeowners a bigger break on their property taxes, but cuts into a key source of city revenue. Interest earnings, according to Van Milligen, are down $300,000, and police and fire retirement costs are up http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 3 by about $400,000. The city also will be responsible for a $123,000 energy bill at its new Grand River Center; insurance for the facility will run about $24,000. "In summary, these changes have increased tax askings over last year's projections by $847,200," the city manager wrote. The costs would be partially offset by "healthy sales tax revenues and hotel/motel tax receipts," however. Van Milligen earlier had projected the 2005 fiscal year budget would require a 10.5 percent increase in property taxes. Following this year's initial $2 million budget deficit and the city's struggle to fill it, a tax increase might not have come as a surprise to many. Council member Dan Nicholson said the city might have to rethink its position on property taxes. "I don't see how we can accomplish what we want to do without a modest tax increase at this time," he said. But Van Milligen says he has a plan to avoid raising property taxes. He recommends using a greater portion of Dubuque Racing Association money - the millions DRA pays in rent, taxes and admission fees - to fund the city's operating budget. Instead of splitting the money 50/50 between the capital improvement and operating budgets, 75 percent would be earmarked for operations. The formula change would mean a nearly $1.1 million increase in funding for the operating budget. The diversion of DRA funds would have an impact on capital improvement projects, however. "In order to achieve this goal, the amount of equipment replacement in fiscal year 2005 will be significantly diminished," Van Milligen wrote. "It reflects a priority given to maintaining current city services over maintaining capital improvement projects." The CIP budget could take another big hit depending on the outcome of an Iowa Supreme Court ruling. If the high court overturns an earlier decision on the state's two -tiered gambling tax system, Iowa's racetrack casinos would see their tax rates rise from 20 percent to 36 percent. The higher tax on the Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino could cut DRA distributions to the city by almost $20 million in the next five years. Van Milligen's budget estimates count on increased revenue from the racing association, however. He said the DRA is looking to expand Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino in 2005. The city manager estimates hundreds of additional slot machines at the casino could generate another $8.67 million for the city over the next five years. While a property tax hike might not be in the cards next year, the odds are good fee increases will be. "User fees and charges should be established where possible so that those who utilize or directly benefit from the service ... also pay for it," Van Milligen wrote. Big issues on hold Two big property issues could be put on hold at tonight's council meeting. City Manager Mike Van Milligen is recommending the council delay its decision on a building permit moratorium for a section of the North End. On Nov. 17, Van Milligen asked to council to issue the temporary moratorium on properties in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study area. The issue came up after Winger Construction, LLC requested a zoning change for its property at 468 Lincoln Avenue. Van Milligen also is requesting the council postpone a hearing to consider the annexation of approximately 703 acres of property along Seippel Road and Middle Road. He recommends rescheduling the hearings in January. City staff, which had mailed one notification letter to affected property owners, recently discovered that a new state law mandates municipalities send two letters regarding annexation public hearings. Tonight's city council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Carnegie -Stout Public Library auditorium. Section: Front Page: al http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Moratorium still on hold - City Council approves a rezoning request despite proposal to wait for Bee Branch study Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, December 2, 2003 Author: by ; ; ERIK HOGSTROM A fencing project won't have to wait while city officials consider a building moratorium. The Dubuque City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request on Monday for a property at 468 Lincoln Avenue. The reclassification from R-2A alternate, two-family residence to CS commercial service and wholesale clears the way for the property's owners, Jay and Mike Winger, of Winger Construction Inc., to fence the property for winter storage for some of their construction equipment and demolish an old building. "What the Wingers are proposing to do would certainly improve the look of that spot," said council member Joyce Connors. The council tabled the rezoning request last month while officials weighed the implementation of a building permit and rezoning moratorium. City Manager Michael Van Milligen had proposed the moratorium while the city waits for the conclusion of a study of the Bee Branch stormwater project, an open waterway that could channel water from 24th and Elm streets to 16th and Sycamore streets. On Monday, however, the council gave the Wingers the go-ahead while referring the proposed moratorium to the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee for further study. The moratorium could help maintain property values. The city might have to purchase some North End properties to construct the stormwater channel. City Council member John Markham argued the Wingers were disadvantaged, having met all their zoning obligations while unaware of the proposed moratorium's halting effect on their plans. "This is a classic example of government gone wrong," Markham said, "and I think we ought to right that wrong." Council member Ann Michalski voiced concerns that additional construction on the property - above and beyond the fence - could impact taxpayers. The council approved the Winger rezoning with one condition: Winger Construction would be required to come before the City Council for approval of any additional improvements to the site. The Wingers agreed to the condition and look forward to constructing the fence. "I think it would be pretty pleasing," Jay Winger said. Also on Monday, the council: * Approved a set of policy guidelines for Fiscal Year 2005, with some reservations. The recommended guidelines include continuing to hold the line on property taxes while increasing the amount of rent -and -tax -derived gaming revenue earmarked for the city's operating budget. These gaming funds are separate from the end of the fiscal year allocations to the city and local charities. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Council members felt uncomfortable placing more reliance on gaming revenue and on continuing to limit professional travel reimbursements for city employees. The council holds its first budgetary work session at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. * Tabled a public hearing on West End annexation until Jan. 5. The council will consider the annexation of approximately 703 acres along Seippel Road and Middle Road. * Increased the speed limit on a portion of Dodge Street (U.S. 20) to 55 mph from 50 mph. The stretch, from just past the Olde Highway Road intersection to the city limits, already sported a posted speed of 55 and the council decision conforms city ordinance with the current legal limits established by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; Politics; Clty_GOvernment Record Number: 0FF3F967EF95E220 Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Arnerkafs Newspapers City council to consider moratorium - Major zoning issues concerning Bee Branch and Apex Concrete top tonight's agenda Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, December 15, 2003 Author: by; ; M. D. KITTLE The Dubuque City Council is expected to tackle two major zoning- related issues that would impact property owners on different ends of the city. At its meeting tonight, the council could vote on a proposed moratorium that would restrict new construction in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration study area. A proposed project to tackle the area's stormwater problems would create an open waterway that could channel water from 24th and Elm streets to 16th and Sycamore streets. The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee recommends the council enact the moratorium, which would essentially freeze commercial development and the construction of new homes in the North End study area. The committee also said the moratorium should not extend beyond May 29, when the group is expected to make its proposal on the Bee Branch alignment to the city council. The committee also wants certain projects within the moratorium area, such as a possible Wal-Mart and a community development project at the "Five Points" neighborhood, considered on a case -by -case basis. City Manager Mike Van Milligen first suggested the moratorium in November after the owners of a business in the study area requested a zoning change. The council tabled a vote on the moratorium, seeking the advice of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. Council member Pat Cline doesn't see the moratorium causing many problems. "It's not an area of town where people are building," she said. "I don't think there's going to be any potential development down there." Council member Dan Nicholson agrees with the concept, but takes issue with the proposed moratorium's reach. "I didn't envision it being that big," he said. "I believe this is a little ambitious." The moratorium proposal might not find support from Mayor Terry Duggan, who has characterized the Bee Branch project as a huge hypothetical. "I've never been in favor of the plan to begin with, so a moratorium makes no sense to me," Duggan said. The council also is expected to take comments on a contentious rezoning request. On Dec. 3, the Dubuque Zoning Advisory Commission unanimously approved a request to rezone about five acres south of U.S. 151/61 and U.S. 52 from a commercial district to modified heavy industrial use. The zoning change would allow Apex Concrete to move from its longtime Ice Harbor location. The relocation, however, would place a ready -mix plant near neighborhoods, a prospect many adjacent residents vehemently oppose. "I don't feel we should have to put up with a concrete plant next to us," said Ruth Speck, of 622 Jacobs St., told the commission. Neighbors near the proposed Apex site worry about noise and dust the concrete plant could create and the traffic and safety concerns it could bring. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The zoning panel earlier this year denied the rezoning request on a 6-to-1 vote. Apex changed its plans, trimming from 10 acres to five the land it would use for its operations. Three of the four council members contacted by the TH seem to support the zoning change. "Apex has gone out of their way to adapt the property to be as friendly to the neighborhood as possible," John Markham said. Duggan won't know how he'll vote until after tonight's public hearing. He did say the city's new Planned Unit Development has put Apex in a box. Under the PUD, existing industry at the Port of Dubuque is not allowed to expand and cannot rebuild in the event of a catastrophic incident. "They can stay at the Ice Harbor, but obviously they don't feel welcome," the mayor said. * Also on the agenda - the council will vote on a proposed lease agreement with Riverside Baseball, the owners of the minor league baseball franchise that would move to Dubuque if the city builds a proposed $15 million riverfront stadium. The vote on the lease comes one day before Dubuque voters decide the fate of a $6 million stadium bond issue. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; Politics ; Government ; zoning ; City_GOvernment Record Number: 0FF77C7978856B 1 F Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Apex rezoning fails to receive 6 votes - Firm's bid to move from the Ice Harbor to U.S. 52 must get readings at 2 more council meetings Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) -Tuesday, December 16, 2003 Author: ERIK HOGSTROM Dubuque officials aren't finished with a rezoning request for a proposed concrete -batch plant. The request to rezone property located southeast of U.S. 52 South and U.S. 61/151 from C-3 (general commercial district) to MHI (modified heavy industrial) failed Monday to garner the six affirmative City Council votes needed to pass. It now must get readings at two more council meetings. The request would clear the way for the relocation of Apex Concrete to move from its longtime Ice Harbor home. However, three council members - Pat Cline, Ann Michalski and Dan Nicholson - rejected the request. "I would like to see us take a little more time on this," Cline said. On Dec. 29, the council will reconsider the request, which drew 14 speakers in opposition at Monday's public hearing. About 10 speakers voiced approval. Neighbors raised concerns about additional noise, dust and traffic if the ready -mix plant relocated. "We fear for what that cement dust is going to do to our property," said Renee Williams, who lives on U.S. 52 South. Gary Cavanaugh, of 9250 Bellevue Heights Road, cited noise and traffic as primary reasons for opposing the request. "This is going to be a regular echo chamber," he said, "and I find it hard to believe the city of Dubuque would make the Great River Road - Highway 52 - a dangerous path of entry." Speaking on behalf of the request, property owner Don Mueller called the proposed plant "state-of-the-art," with components in place to minimize dust and noise. He said Apex plans to apply for a turning -lane extension from the Iowa Department of Transportation to mitigate traffic concerns. Dan McDonald, of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation echoed Mueller's assertions that nuisances could be avoided. Also Monday, the council: * Approved by a 6-1 vote, with Mayor Terry Duggan dissenting, a building moratorium that restricts new construction in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration study area. A proposed project to alleviate stormwater problems would create an open waterway that could channel water from 24th and Elm streets to 16th and Sycamore streets. The moratorium, with the condition that large-scale projects would be considered on a case -by -case basis, will conclude by May 29. * Concurred with an Iowa Department of Transportation decision to increase the speed limit on the Northwest Arterial to 50 mph from 45 mph. The state's transportation department has sole jurisdiction over the Northwest Arterial (officially designated as Iowa 32). The limit takes effect with the installation of new speed signs, although the state has not set a timetable for that installation. * Approved the 20-year lease with Riverside Baseball Inc. for the proposed baseball stadium in the Port of Dubuque. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; zoning Record Number: 0FF7DA542E27A46D Copyright (c) 2003 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2004 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Public meeting scheduled to address stormwater plan - Citizens will have an opportunity to voice their concerns about runoff problems Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Friday, March 26, 2004 Author: TH STAFF The city of Dubuque Engineering Division, engineering consultants Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. with WHKS & Co., and the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Fulton Elementary School Gym. Participants should enter the gym from White Street. The goal of the meeting is to provide information, answer questions and allow participants a chance to voice concerns about plans to alleviate flooding problems in Dubuque's North End neighborhoods. The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee has been meeting since September to determine the best location for drainage improvements. The group has narrowed its consideration to underground sewer and open channel options. The public meeting agenda is as follows: 6 to 6:30 p.m. - Open House. Participants may walk around the gym and look at displays, handouts and newsletters about the flooding problem and the work of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. 6:30 to 7 p.m. - Presentation. Project Manager Dan Lau, of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., will give a presentation about the history of the project and possible solutions to alleviate flooding. Answers to frequently asked questions will be provided. 7 to 8 p.m. - Questions and Answers. Staff will be available at various information booths to answer questions and discuss concerns. Questions and comments will be recorded and forwarded to the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee for consideration. 8 to 9 p.m. - Public Input Session. Participants will be given the opportunity to step up to the microphone and express their thoughts. Depending on the number of attendees, a time limit may be imposed. Comments will be recorded and forwarded to the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee for consideration. Those unable to attend may send their comments to Engineering Bee Branch, 50 W. 13th St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001; e-mail at stormwater@cityofdubuque.org, or call the Engineering Division at 563/589-4270. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; stormwater Record Number: 1019C2E84E30EE1 C Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapets Residents eye flood -control plans - 55 review options for a North End storm water system Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, March 31, 2004 Author: MARY RAE BRAGG Updating Dubuque's North End storm water system might have created a flood of public criticism two years ago, but by Tuesday night, the anger was down to a trickle. Of some 55 residents attending a public meeting at the Fulton School gymnasium, only two stayed long enough to comment during a public input portion of the program explaining flood -control options. Jim Lewis, of 2668 Jackson St., said the audience reaction was very different from the hostility he witnessed in March of 2002 when residents first met with city officials to vent their frustration over the floods that plagued their neighborhood. "I think they (city officials) got the people calmed down a little bit," said Lewis. Those present had an opportunity to study maps of proposals to realign the Bee Branch storm water line and get a briefing on the two options being considered for the line south of 24th Street. The meeting, hosted by the city engineering department, its consulting firm and the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee, was called to get word out about plans to alleviate flooding in Dubuque's North End and receive public comment. Construction of an open channel would require a 180-feet-wide corridor, while installing giant relief pipes would need a path about 150-to 180-feet wide, said Dan Lau, project manager for the consulting firm of Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. The open channel would cost as much as $29.8 million to build and would mean tearing down 67 houses and 12 businesses, Lau said. The relief pipe construction is estimated to cost $42 million and would take out 58 homes and 16 businesses. When it came time for public comment, Ernest Pfeiffer, of 2931 Jackson St., let the advisory committee know he objected to "tearing down houses people can afford." Pfeiffer blamed the flooding on the city's failure to clean current Bee Branch pipes and development to the west that resulted in runoff into the North End. He also warned that open channels would be "death traps for children." But on the other side there was John Mitchell, of 2320 Washington St., who said he had water up to his basement rafters in 1999. "I'd like to see everyone get together so something gets done," Mitchell said. Parents have to be responsible for teaching their children to be careful around waterways, just as they do when living near railroad tracks, he said. The new construction is necessary to handle "100 year floods," when 7 inches of rain comes down in a 24- hour period, Lau said. The city is currently expanding the 32nd Street retention basin and building a new bowl on Carter Road. Those two projects will handle flooding along the Bee line from 32nd Street south to 24th Street, Lau said. But from 24th Street south, the current Bee Branch system can handle only from 20-50 percent of a 100-year http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 downpour. The audience Tuesday night thinned considerably after having the chance to talk one-on-one with various city officials and members of the consultant team, but several took comment sheets home with them. Their written comments and those delivered by Pfeiffer and Mitchell will be complied for the Citizen Advisory Committee to use as it prepares its recommendation for the City Council's consideration later this year. Caption: Eldon Lange (from left), John Mitchell and Tony Zelinskas look over possible plans to alleviate flooding problems in Dubuque's North end neighborhoods during a public meeting Tuesday night at Fulton elementary School. Ernest Pfeiffer, of Dubuque, voices his objection to plans that would alleviate flooding Ben Plank Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; flood control Record Number: 101ACO25C8238D58 Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers City to consider stormwater project - Advisory group prefers a plan to place a more costly pipe along the Bee Branch instead of an open waterway Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, May 16, 2004 Author: ERIK HOGSTROM City officials face a $16 million decision on the Bee Branch stormwater project. The project's citizen advisory committee has recommended an alternative that places a pipe from 24th Street to Garfield Street by way of Elm and Kniest streets. The preferred alternative's estimated price tag of $41 million compares to a $25 million cost of constructing an open -channel waterway. "They prefer the pipe (alternative), but obviously the financial burden on the community is something they have to consider, too," said Gus Psihoyos, assistant city engineer. The Dubuque City Council will discuss the Bee Branch stormwater project during a 5 p.m. work session that prefaces Monday's regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Carnegie -Stout Public Library. "Obviously, there is a substantial cost difference," said council member John Markham. "Are the benefits enough to offset the cost difference? That's just something we have to sort through." Psihoyos said advisory committee members voiced concerns about the price difference between alternatives. However, safety topped the list of concerns. "There was a perception of safety issues related to an open channel," Psihoyos said. Council member Pat Cline shares the safety concerns. "Can you put a price on a life?" Cline said. "I am very concerned about an open channel. It always has been my concern." Cline fears that neighborhood children would play in or around the open channel, which could fill with water within minutes of a heavy rainstorm. "What if we have kids used to playing in that area?" Cline said. "The next thing you know, whoosh, there is a big downpour." Both the open channel and pipe options necessitate the removal of 64 homes and 14 businesses. The $41 million cost includes the purchase of these properties and the construction required to lay the pipe. The city would fund the project by raising its stormwater utility rate. The current single-family unit rate of $1.29 per month could increase to $5.30-$5.80 per month. "People whose basements don't flood will say its too high," council member Dan Nicholson said, "but when you have to replace your furnace a couple times, it gets pretty expensive." The advisory committee will likely reconvene in July, Psihoyos said, before making a final recommendation to the council. "This has been put on the back burner for so many years," Cline said. "We have no choice but to address this now." http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 During the regularly scheduled meeting, the council will consider: * Designating a portion of Grandview Avenue as a demolition district. The district would require Historic Preservation Commission review and City Council approval of demolition permits. * Creating a residential parking permit district on West 15th Street from Cornell Street to Fairview Street and on West 16th Street from Catherine Street to Fairview Place, Cornell Street and Pickett Street. The district would prohibit non-residential parking from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, except Sundays and holidays. Section: Tristate Page: a13 Index Terms: current; Politics; stormwater Record Number: 102A0E15A8DC7923 Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Council balks at stormwater bid - Pipe alternative would cost $16 million more than an open channel Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, May 18, 2004 Author: ERIK HOGSTROM City officials balked at a proposed alternative for the Bee Branch stormwater restoration project. During a work session Monday, council members called the proposal too costly. A citizen advisory committee had recommended placing a pipe from 24th Street to Garfield Street by way of Elm and Kniest streets. That alternative would cost about $41 million, about $16 million more than an open -channel waterway. "I don't think the pipe is going to fly in this city," said council member Roy Buol. Both the open channel and pipe options necessitate the removal of 64 homes and 14 businesses, and both alternatives would require a width of between 150 and 190 feet for excavation. Committee member Laurie Bartolotta, who would lose her home at 2104 Kniest St. to make way for the project, said the city must act to alleviate northern Dubuque flooding problems. "I would be losing my house," Bartolotta said, "but I have had to replace my furnace, my washer and dryer and my water heater. Don't say 'no' because it is too costly. We have to do something." A majority of advisory committee members had cited health and safety concerns when advocating for the pipe solution. "I have to vote my conscience," said committee member Audrey Morey of 2545 Elm St. "I cannot vote for an open channel." Morey fears an open channel would become a breeding ground for vermin and mosquitoes. "Infection control is a very big issue," she said. The risk of drowning in an open stormwater channel also led the committee to prefer the pipe alternative by a 12-3 margin. Michele Harry, an advisory committee member who opposes the pipe alternative, questioned why city residents would be willing to pay $16 million more for a pipe alternative when an open channel would perform an identical function. "Sixteen million? That is a ton of money," said Harry, of 2316 Prince St. Residents will adapt to the open waterway without an increase in drowning risks, Harry said. Council member Ann Michalski agreed. "I am a little confused why you are so concerned about the health and safety of a waterway when we live on the river," she said. The city would fund the project by raising its stormwater utility rate. The current single-family unit rate of $1.29 per month could increase to $5.30-$5.80 per month to fund the pipe option. The open -channel alternative would require an increase of between $2.65-$3.15 per month. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Council member John Markham doubted any federal funding would help pay for the project, saying that lawmakers have been fielding the same assistance requests from many other communities. "Every trip we take to Washington D.C., stormwater assistance has been at the top of our list," Markham said. "We're going to have to generate this money locally," he said. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; city government Record Number: 102AAC3E5D8C34AC Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Doubts about Bee Branch system persist - Rainfall sparks concern Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, May 29, 2004 Author: ERIK HOGSTROM Recent rains sent a shudder through Dubuque's Bee Branch drainage system. While not causing widespread Dubuque flooding, the rainfall reminded some North End residents of when a hard rain meant disaster. "Something has to be done," said Rita Brothers, 65, of 2130 Elm St. Brothers reported a small amount of water in her basement after last weekend's thunderstorms. "That was just ground seepage," she said. In 1999, a larger -scale, rainfall -related flood cost Brothers her washer and her dryer. Brothers has lived in the area since 1964 and remembers a time when heavy rains barely caused a ripple of trouble in her neighborhood. "We had street flooding, curb -high and that's as far as it went," she said. Heavy rains began to extract a heavier toll on her neighborhood by the 1990s, Brothers said. She blames the increase in housing and other development on Dubuque's West Side. "With the building on the West End (rain -related flooding) kept increasing," Brothers said. "That is what has created our problem: The more cement you have, the less ground you have to soak up the runoff." Engineers have determined that the existing Bee Branch storm sewer inadequately drains rainwater from storms with large amounts of precipitation. City officials are considering alternatives for a stormwater management project that would funnel rain runoff to a basin near 16th Street. Brothers sits on a citizen advisory committee that has recommended placing a pipe from 24th Street to Garfield Street by way of Elm and Kniest streets. That alternative would cost about $41 million, about $16 million more than an open -channel waterway. Both the open channel and pipe options necessitate the removal of 64 homes and 14 businesses, and both alternatives would require a width of between 150 and 190 feet for excavation. While the city decides the next stormwater management course, officials say recent efforts have helped mitigate flooding problems. "We've got the Carter Road detention basin in operation," said Gus Psihoyos, a city engineer. "In the long run, it will certainly help in every storm." Dubuque officially received 3.86 inches of rain from May 21-23, according to state climatologist Harry Hillaker. Dubuque received another 0.30 inches on May 24. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; rainfall http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Record Number: 102E8794F90908E6 Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 tno. America's Newspapers Cheaper solution for flood control? Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Author: DONALD J. STIERMAN Associate Professor, Department of Earth, Ecological and Environmental Sciences University of Toledo Although all I know about the Bee Branch flood control project is what I read in the online edition of the Telegraph Herald, it appears that changes in land use contribute to flooding hazards in Dubuque's North End. As farms and woods between 32nd Street and Asbury Road were replaced by residential developments and parking lots, impervious cover accelerated runoff. Water that used to soak into the ground ended up in basements along Elm Street. My 1956 "Dubuque North" topographic map documents other changes that may have been overlooked in seeking a flood hazard fix. Runoff used to flow north from the old 32nd Street viaduct through a series of wetlands toward the Little Maquoketa River. My father and grandfather used to trap muskrats behind Melody Mill. Just maybe the cheapest solution to this flood problem is restoring part of Couler Valley to its natural role as a storm water sponge and directing excess Bee Branch water there. Where developers are required to finance larger storm sewers needed to handle the additional runoff for which they are responsible, "green" solutions are often implemented as better and cheaper alternatives to traditional engineering. Section: Opinion Page: a4 Series: Letters to the Editor Index Terms: current; flood Record Number: 102F2C6748F5E98B Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Storm dumps rain on tri-states - Sageville, Mud Lake and Holy Cross are among the hardest hit Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, June 17, 2004 Author: M.D. KITTLE A fast-moving storm front Wednesday evening dumped about 2 inches of rain on the tri-states. Rick Arkell, meteorologist for the National Weather Service's Quad Cities office, said more than 2 inches of rain drenched portions of Dubuque County. Dubuque's unofficial rainfall total was about an inch and a half, just before 8:30 p.m., Arkell said. "The most hard-hit areas were Sageville, Mud Lake, Holy Cross and those areas north of Dubuque," said Tom Berger, director of the Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency. Berger said about eight roads in the county were under water, stalling traffic and leaving a mess of gravel and mud. The downpour closed roads around Holy Cross. An abandoned car was reported floating in the rising waters beneath a bridge near Mud Lake, he said. A normally shallow creek that runs under Sleepy Hollow Road rose 20 feet in a matter of minutes and roared through Roger Dalbkermeyer's farm yard. It swept up a 12- by 20-foot farm shed and smashed it against the bridge. "It come up so fast, about a foot a minute. It just boiled," said Dalbkermeyer, who is the fourth generation to live on that farm. "The last time'it was this bad was in '47," he said as county officials examined the bridge. It was declared safe, though the water had scoured a six-foot hole along the bank. An earthen bridge was all but washed away at Rock Grove Court. In Dubuque, torrential rains flooded city streets on the North End. Emergency crews freed a woman from a vehicle stranded by rushing water at the intersection of Central and 22nd streets. Police and firefighters closed off portions of White and Central streets for a time. The weather service reported portions of Jo Daviess County, III., were socked with as much as 3 inches of rain. The forecast calls for more rain in the region over the next two days, threatening already flood -swollen banks. The Mississippi River at Dubuque, already at the 17-foot flood stage, is expected to hit 18.6 feet by Saturday, Arkell said. "There definitely could be some flooding this weekend," especially in East Dubuque, the meteorologist said. A flood watch remains in effect through much of this afternoon, Arkell said. Flood warnings remained in effect for McGregor and Guttenberg, Iowa. - Mary Nevans-Pederson contributed Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; rainfall http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Record Number: 103475CAF591DAA8 Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Floods upset Bee Branch residents - Research continues on how best to alleviate the problem Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, June 19, 2004 Author: EMILY SZESZYCKI Faith Kraemer wasn't happy to see stormwater rise onto the sidewalk in front of her house Wednesday night. But she is used to it by now. "This is the second time in the past two weeks that we have flooded," said the Bee Branch watershed resident. "The water started out on the street, then it went way up over the sidewalk." Wednesday's heavy rainfall resulted in flooding along the Bee Branch watershed, which encompasses the city's North End. Kraemer, 2362 Washington St., said she tried calling the Dubuque Police Department's non -emergency number, only to hear a recorded message on the other end. She then called 911. "I'm so disgusted with all of this," said Kraemer, a representative with the Bee Branch Advisory Committee. "'It will never get fixed. Deal with it or leave.' That is pretty much what everyone has told us." Gus Psihoyos, an engineer with the city, said the only problem reported Wednesday during the storm was a pipe in need of repair at the intersection of 22nd and Jackson streets. "Otherwise, there were no big problems," he said. The watershed neighborhood has been affected by heavy rains even after the construction of the Carter Road Detention Basin and the doubling in size of the existing West 32nd Street Detention Basin, according to city records. Investigations on how to best alleviate flooding in the neighborhood are ongoing. Representatives from two engineering firms - Omaha, Neb.-based HDR and Milwaukee -based CDM - report that the only feasible solution to the problem is an open channel at the 16th Street Detention Basin, which extends to the intersection of 24th Street and Elm Street. Members of the advisory committee have suggested placing a pipe from 24th Street to Garfield Street by way of Elm Street and Kniest Street. This option would cost the city about $16 million more than the $25 million open channel waterway proposed by the out-of-state engineers. Sue Denlinger, 2600 Jackson St., said her vacuum cleaner was full of water from her basement after the mid- week downpour. "My neighbor across the street got it worse than I did, because her curb is lower," she said. "She went shopping and called me when it started raining and told me that I had better move my car." Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: current; flood Record Number: 1035BFCB0569FC6C Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 At er ka's Newspapers Basin plan spurs mobile home - Size of drainage area will double, so house is moved from Gillespie Street Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 Author: EMILY SZESZYCKI After more than five hours of pushing, pulling, dragging and cutting down trees and removing bridge rails, a home on Gillespie Street in Dubuque was on its way to Bernard, Iowa. The city has purchased 15 homes along West 32nd and Gillespie streets as part of a plan to double the size of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin. City officials hope the expansion will help alleviate flooding that has plagued the area for years. The beige, ranch -style home was being moved by its owners. Area residents milled around the spectacle, which began around 8 a.m. Tuesday before crews and the house exited Fink Street at about 2 p.m. One Gillespie Street resident, who asked that her name not be used, was upset with the way the moving was carried out. She said city officials told her part of her front yard is municipally owned. The public property portion of her yard was "torn up" by workers Monday and Tuesday. They left a pile of dirt, gravel and an abandoned tree stump, according to the resident. "There's a lot of damage that has to be cleaned up," she said. The city began buying the homes about one year ago, said David Harris, director of Dubuque's Housing and Community Development Department. "Our goal is to get all of the houses moved by the end of the summer," Harris said. Workers with Alliant Energy moved wires as KGT Housemoving, of Zwingle, Iowa, tried to maneuver the house out of the narrow roadway. Difficult street and bridge conditions caused problems for the moving crew. "It took about three -and -a -half hours just to move two blocks," one Alliant worker joked. Just as it looked like the wide load was in the clear, a loud "pop" startled spectators as a chain securing the house broke. After about a five-minute delay, the show was back on the road and headed out of Dubuque. Caption: KGT Housemoving, of Zwingle, Iowa, maneuver a home through the intersection of 32nd Street and Central Avenue on Tuesday. The home was moved from Gillespie Street in Dubuque to Bernard Iowa. Dave Kettering Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; houses Record Number: 105DAD435E6B8DA4 Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2005 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 � . America's Newspapers Council approves agreement - In other action at Monday night's meeting, the Dubuque City Council approved: Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, February 8, 2005 Author: TH STAFF * The Consultant Professional Services Agreement for Earth Tech Inc. to complete preliminary engineering design services for Iowa 32 (Southwest Arterial). In September, the council approved the selection of Earth Tech as the project's preliminary engineering design consultant. A comprehensive project scope of services was developed jointly between the consultant, the city and Iowa Department of Transportation. Based on the project scope of services, the anticipated cost to complete the preliminary engineering design services is $2,229,524. *Amendments to the original contract with IIW Engineering for the 150-acre expansion of the Dubuque Industrial Center West, adding an extra $17,600 to the original agreement. The new contract cost total is $257,808.75. * The selection of MSA Professional Services Inc. to provide engineering and design services for the West 32nd Street Detention Basin project at a cost of $105,582. The city formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan in 2001, which includes three projects to reduce the threat of flood damage: the new Carter Road Detention Basin; expansion of the existing West 32nd Street Detention Basin; and the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek from 16th to 24th streets. The city is currently in the process of acquiring homes in the 32nd Street Detention Basin area. Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; city_ government Record Number: 108244870A7DE075 Copyright (c) 2005 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Buyouts for basin nearly finished - Work on the West 32nd Street Detention Basin should begin in fall Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Author: EMILY SZESZYCKI All but two of 16 homes in a Dubuque North End neighborhood have been purchased, preparing the way for excavation work on the West 32nd Street Stormwater Detention Basin expansion - on schedule to begin this fall. The homes affected are along West 32nd and Gillespie streets. A couple of other properties were included in the buyouts. David Harris, Housing and Community Development director for the city, said the 14 homes obtained have been acquired through the buyout process. Many of the relocated residents had lived in their homes for decades. The city and the last property owners are negotiating fair market value. "The process is in its final stages," Harris said. "Our objective is to have all the homes purchased in time for the scheduled start of construction in October." City officials hope the expansion will help alleviate flooding that has plagued the area. By late September or October, excavation for the detention basin expansion will begin, said Deron Muehring, an engineer with the city. Although buyouts can lead to difficult negotiations between residents and local officials, Harris said the majority of those relocated are in new residences that are of higher value than former ones. Al Weidenbacher, who was relocated from his home on West 32nd Street, said negotiations with the city went smoothly, although it is taking more time than he expected to be completed. "(The city was) pretty nice to deal with," Weidenbacher said. "I'm satisfied with them. I enjoyed doing business with them." Despite the two remaining property acquisitions, the project remains on schedule. The plan was to acquire and relocate all the properties within one year. "So far, so good," Harris said. "We're certainly getting down to the end." The expansion of the 32nd Street Detention Basin is part of the $24 million Drainage Basin Master Plan. The plan calls for adding and improving various basins, from the Northwest Arterial to the Bee Branch Creek restoration project. The Carter Road Detention Basin, which opened in September, was the first of the series completed. The 350-feet-long, 240-feet-wide, 40-feet-high earthen dam is intended to help eliminate downstream flooding problems. Muehring said property acquisitions for the Bee Branch Creek restoration, in the city's North End, might begin sometime this year. It could take up to three years to complete property acquisitions for that project. More than 70 properties, both residential and commercial, might be impacted by the Bee Branch restoration. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: current; infrastructure Record Number: 10BA0F8F9A3DBE30 Copyright (c) 2005 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2006 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 5 ,no. America's Newspapers Streamlined Solution - $32 Million open waterway should alleviate North End flooding Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, July 9, 2006 Author: ROB KUNDERT For Rita Birch, 2106 Kniest St. has become more than just a home. "This house is my life," she said. "At least, I thought it would be." But after living 32 years at their Dubuque residence, Birch, 57, and her husband David, 59, will be forced to leave their home and relocate to make way for a nearly mile -long waterway - part of the Bee Branch Creek restoration project - designed to alleviate flooding problems on Dubuque's North End. The problem is, no one has told the Birches when the city will acquire their house. All they can do now is sit back and play the waiting game. They should keep us aware of what's going on," Rita Birch said. "Is it coming? And when?" Birch says the rain water that frequently floods her basement doesn't bother her. Not so for Birch's neighbors, Joseph and Laurie Bartolotta. "I'm sick of the water," Laurie Bartolotta said. "Having to vacuum the water out of the basement every time it rains - it gets monotonous." City officials say the answers are near and the flooding woes will soon be a thing of the past. The last straw During a heavy rain in May of 1999, the tornado sirens sounded in Dubuque sending people to their basements. "Hundreds of these basements filled with stormwater, some to the rafters, creating a significant risk of drowning or electrocution as electric boxes, water heaters and furnaces became inundated," according to a 2004 city engineering department report. The water ran 2 to 4 feet deep in the streets. Then came June of 2002. A total of 31/2 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour span - and a total of 61/2 inches fell in a two-day period. Again streets and basements were flooded. City officials believe they have a plan to avoid a repeat performance. "The open waterway addresses these existing risks," the report said. That open waterway - a controversial plan in the works since the 1990s - was approved by the City Council in 2004. The methodical process to get the waterway completed will take seven years, in two major construction phases. If plans play out, by 2013 the waterway will cut its way through Dubuque's North End to restore the surface flow of Bee Branch Creek to alleviate flooding. "We can bring this creek back to the neighborhood in a positive way," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 5 The surface canal will stretch from 24th Street to the 16th Street Detention basin near the old Dubuque Packing Company site. The city will have to buy up to 94 properties to make way for the $32 million project, funded by the city's Storm Water Utility fee and gambling revenue from the Dubuque Racing Association. Some properties are partial acquisitions, where the city will need only a portion of the property. Each property - 65 homes, 15 businesses and 14 vacant properties - is a potential hot spot of controversy in the path of the city's effort to protect more than 1,100 homes from sudden flooding. "A lot of long-time residents will need to be relocated and naturally they are apprehensive about that," said Theresa Caldwell, president of the Washington Neighborhood Association. A letter later this year to update property owners in the waterway's path will answer questions, but the project will be far from simple. Detention basins The surface canal is the downstream portion of a larger plan to alleviate storm water problems in the North End included in the city's Drainage Master Plan, which was approved in 2001. Detention basins - pooling areas to slow the flow of rushing storm water - are a big part of the plan devised by consulting engineers. The Carter Road Detention Basin, bulwarked by a 350-foot-long, 240-foot-wide and 40-foot-deep earthen dam located in the 2800 block of Carter Road, was completed in September 2004 at a cost of less than $1.1 million. Since that time, the city has been working to enlarge the 32nd Street Basin further downstream, at an estimated cost of more than $4 million. Fifteen homes have to be purchased and cleared from the site - negotiations on one home remains to be finalized - to make room. The enlarged pooling area - triple the size of the current one - will actually be two basins in one. The lower basin will be a little bigger than what is there now, while the upper basin will extend up to the bridge near 1005 W. 32nd St. Design work upstream of the basin is being done to stabilize the banks to cut down on erosion and sediment from entering the Bee Branch. As soon as the design is finalized and property acquisition is completed, work on the enlarged basin could begin this fall and go through winter, Muehring said. "I would say the majority of the work would only take two months, then there will be the landscaping and establishment of vegetation," he said of the work next spring. The canal "Our goal is to make this an amenity," Muehring said. "We realize it is not going to be the historic creek that once flowed through the area, but it is our goal is to make it better than the creek that is buried." The existing Bee Branch storm sewer will continue to be used from where it begins at 32nd Street to 24th Street, where the surface waterway will begin. According to plans, the wide, shallow -sided waterway would allow the normal flow of the stream through a 15 -foot to 25-foot-wide lower main -channel, which would be sided with limestone and trimmed with tall grasses and wild flowers. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 3 of 5 Farther up the slope would be mowed grassy areas with ornamental grasses, shrubs, trees and planter boxes. "The whole corridor can be from 150 and 180 feet wide," Muehring said. "(For) 90 percent of the rains, the water is going to be in the lower 50 feet or so, if that." There are five bridges planned over the 4,500-foot-long feature - four will be to allow traffic over the waterway, the other will go under the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern railroad track at Garfield Avenue, Muehring said. "Those will be with a nice facade. Planter boxes with flowers and plantings," he said. Two phases The waterway will be built in two main phases. The first - estimated to cost $5 million to buy property and for construction - will be from the 16th Street Detention basin to the railroad tracks near Garfield Avenue. "We've broken that out to construct that sooner rather than wait for the whole corridor to be designed," Muehring said. The primary reason is the plans of Wayne Briggs and Hwy 151 & 61 Development LLC to turn the old Dubuque meatpacking house into an urban shopping center. "Nobody is interested in having someone invest in our community and a month after they open their doors we rip up the area," he said. "So we would like to try to get out of their way as much as we can." The path of the waterway would go along the western portion of that property to the railroad tracks. "There's two bridges, one at Sycamore Street and one on 16th Street," he said. "Those can take six to nine months to construct by themselves." The plan would be to have that section of the waterway completed by January 2009. The second phase - which has yet to be designed - will run from the railroad tracks at Garfield Avenue to 24th Street. "We'll get more into the design of that the summer of 2009, with the initial construction taking place in 2010," he said. Part of that work will be going under the tracks owned by the DM&E railroad. The old Bee Branch storm sewer already goes under the tracks. "What there is now is like a wooden ceiling, beams like a bridge, with limestone walls," Muehring said. The plan is to go under the tracks in a different location with larger tubes. "We'll basically go through where they (the railroad) have their office on Garfield," Muehring said. "It will be at least four times larger." To do that, will require a lot of work with the railroad. The tracks will have to be rebuilt. As the lower section is constructed, agreements can be worked out with the railroad, and start that portion with the second phase to 24th Street. Buying up homes The city got a good tune-up in acquiring homes for a storm water project when it had to buy up and move or deconstruct 15 residences to make way for the 32nd Street Detention Basin expansion. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 4 of 5 Bret and Kathy Triervieler were homeowners in that area and went through the acquisition process. "At first, it was a little disturbing knowing that we were going to be displaced," Bret said. Their case was complicated because Bret is wheelchair -bound with multiple sclerosis. His ranch -style home was handicapped accessible. "They had to meet my needs," he said of the work by Joleen Patterson, city housing rehab supervisor and her staff. "Joleen went out and did the leg work, but when one would become available, it was sold the day it was on the market." In the end, Patterson and her staff recommended the Triervielers use the city buyout money to build a new home. Today they live in the Tanzanite Drive area. "I guess for me it was a positive experience throughout the whole thing. They went.above and beyond what I had expected from them," Bret said. Some negotiations went smoother than others and there were those who fought the process. "Our experience over the last couple of years in 32nd Street has led us to conclude that in most cases, the family will find themselves better situated then when they left," said David Harris, city Housing and Community Development director. To take care of the much larger Bee Branch corridor, the city will hire a specialist for 24 to 30 months whose sole purpose will be to guide the process of buying up the homes to make way for the project. The relocation specialist's first duty will be to put together a letter to all the property owners in the corridor, letting them know what will happen next. "Hopefully we'll be able to send out that correspondence this fall," Muehring said. "The letters themselves will be specific to the property but do not start the acquisition process. They are just an update on where we are at." Harris said that process will include a survey of the residents to identify hardship cases, who could get quicker attention. North End complications For those in the path of the surface canal, finding out when their property will be bought is only half the battle. Getting fair value for their home is also troubling for the Birches of Kniest Street. "We've got kids to put through college yet," Rita Birch said. "We need a decent deal, but we don't know what we're going to get for it." Bartolotta, who served on a City Council citizen advisory committee for the Bee Branch project, says she knew moving was inevitable, she's just concerned about the lack of communication between the city and the residents affected by the project. "People have really put their lives on hold, not really doing anything to their houses," she said. "I know it's a long project, but communication is a key thing." Putting fears and concerns to rest is as simple as holding a community meeting and explaining the project in terms people can understand, Bartolotta says. "If you're not communicating, you've got these people living in limbo for 10 years," she said. "If you can put them at ease, I think you should do that." City officials estimate it will take 31/2 years to acquire the properties. The city has placed a moratorium on any improvements to property, though they can do necessary maintenance. "I don't think it is causing a hardship on many people, but there are some," said Caldwell, of the Washington http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 5 of 5 Neighborhood Association, which has some homes in the corridor. "They are in limbo. "They can't sell because they won't get any price for it," she said, so they have to play a waiting game until the city comes calling. Patterson, with the city housing department, said she has observed that most of the homes are under $100,000 - two-story, two- or three -bedrooms and a bath with a one -car garage or no garage. Finding comparable homes in the market could become a challenge. One of the federal requirements for such acquisitions is that the comparable property be "decent, safe and sanitary." "That's the hardest part," she said. A property maybe priced at $89,000 could have $20,000 in building code violations. "We have to add that $20,000 to the price of $89,000 when we are making an offer," she said. The acquisition program also has some provisions for renters, in a tenant assistance program, which offers rental assistance payments. There's also the question of what the city will do with all the homes. Most of the residences in the 32nd Street project were deconstructed, which turned out to be quite successful, according to Harris. "There's quite a market for that material. The contractors just sell the material right off site," he said. Moving a home, a much more expensive option, could also be a possibility. "We're looking right now for some land with the thought of creating a new subdivision of older homes," Harris said. "Some sort of planned fashion, but at this stage, it is purely speculation." - Josh Weinhold contributed Caption: An Artist's rendering depicts the open waterway that is proposed to replace the Bee Branch storm sewer alone Dubuque's Couler Valley Contributed Section: Front Page: al Index Terms: floods Record Number: 112C47A52A8CBEF8 Copyright (c) 2006 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 e. America's Newspapers Bee Branch history Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, July 9, 2006 There's a reason they call it the Bee Branch Restoration project. There was once a Bee Branch Creek, also called Couler Creek, that carried surface and spring -fed water across the North End to a slough off the Mississippi River. "I've seen drawings (circa 1900) between 22nd and 24th (streets) where they show the creek on some plats," said Deron Muehring, city civil engineer. As the city grew, portions of the stream were covered. "Between that 50-year period essentially that drainage system was constructed," he said. "The way it seemed to have been built was in sections. It started out as basically a culvert where they would connect the streets together." The first sections were put in around 1900. The 32nd Street Detention Basin was built in 1953, as part of the evolving storm water system. Page: a8 Record Number: 112C47A30870C988 Copyright (c) 2006 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 11,0. America's Newspapers Council could ask agency's assistance - ECIA would undertake the purchase of property for Bee Branch Restoration Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Author: ROB KUNDERT The city of Dubuque is considering a regional agency to help buy homes and relocate families in the path of a planned stormwater canal that will likely cut through a portion of the city's North End. The Bee Branch Restoration project could impact 70 homes. Dave Harris, director of Dubuque's Housing and Community Development, is recommending the East Central Intergovernmental Association for the job. At its meeting today, the Dubuque City Council will be asked to approve the recommendation. ECIA provides technical assistance to municipalities in Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson counties. "We are an extension of city and county staff," said Kelley Deutmeyer, executive director of ECIA. The Dubuque Housing Department advertised for a temporary specialist to work on the project for 24 to 30 months. Four people were interviewed, but none were hired, according a memo from Harris. "ECIA has performed this type of work for a number of communities including Dubuque," Harris said, pointing out that the agency would need little training to undertake the task. The ECIA, Deutmeyer said, takes into consideration property owners rights, Kelley Deutmeyer. "There will be a lot of negotiations and close work with the property owners to make sure the relocation and acquisition is suitable for them," she said. There are also dollar savings. The salary for the specialist would have cost $40,000 to $53,000 plus benefits. Harris said over the 30-month time period, the cost to hire ECIA would be less than an employee. "We're very excited about this project," Deutmeyer said. "That is why we are here, to do it more economically, efficiently and to provide expertise." Pending approval by the council, Deutmeyer said the ECIA is ready to get the acquisition and relocation process moving. Also on Tuesday's agenda: * a recommendation to contribute up to $5,000 to the America's River Corp. to help offset the deficit incurred by the 2006 America's River Festival. The June event in the Port of Dubuque suffered a cost overrun of $21,000. * a recommendation of an agreement withNeumannMonson Architects for design services for the Dubuque Federal Building, which was transferred to the city in July. The agreement is estimated to cost $118,580. * a public hearing on a request from Loras College to buy a portion of a city -owned alley between W. 16th Street and W. 17th Street, west of Catherine Street at a cost $1,290. The college wants to use the area to expand parking. Caption: Kelley Deutmeyer http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: city_ government Record Number: 113F74A9002FFD28 Copyright (c) 2006 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 Atnerkafs Newspapers City can cut canal costs - Officials act fast in hopes of benefiting from changed regulation Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, November 5, 2006 Author: ROB KUNDERT The city had to move fast to take advantage of a change in state regulations that will cut the cost of projects like the stormwater drainage canal through Dubuque's north end. The Dubuque City Council will be asked Monday night to formally approve more than $5.8 million in low - interest loan applications for stormwater and wastewater work, including the Bee Branch Restoration project. The state Environmental Protection Commission will consider the applications on Dec. 5. City staff submitted the applications to the Iowa Finance Authority to meet a Sept. 29 deadline. The Finance Authority partners with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the Revolving Loan program. "Originally we were told they (applications) wouldn't have to be in until December. Then they moved up the deadline," said Dawn Lang, Dubuque's budget director. The decision was made to get the paperwork in, without committing to anything to avoid missing the deadline, she said. "Dubuque came in like gang busters," said Patti Cale -Finnegan, coordinator of the Iowa DNR's revolving fund. The end result might mean a savings of up to $2.8 million on the debt over 20 years to pay for the city's estimated $38 million Stormwater Basin Master Plan, Lang said. The low -interest loans will mean Tess money will have to be borrowed through general obligations bonds, which can have interest rates from 4.5 to 5 percent. The state money can be had for 3.25 percent. Money for planning and design is loaned with no interest for the first three years, Lang said. "We are restructuring the way we are looking at our borrowing for these huge projects," she said. The city of Dubuque recently discovered that the Iowa Finance Authority had changed its guidelines for the State Revolving Loan program to include stormwater projects. The fund traditionally provides low -interest loans for drinking water and wastewater facilities in Iowa using federal funds. Some of the money is targeted for stormwater control projects like the Bee Branch Restoration, West 32nd Street Detention Basin and North Fork Catfish Creek. Other funds would go toward sanitary sewer work in the Asbury Plaza area and a waste water treatment plant study. "As far as Dubuque is concerned, they have six projects on the list and there's no reason they shouldn't be approved," Cale -Finnegan said. Also on the council agenda: * Public hearing on whether to establish a residential parking permit district on Hansel Drive between Keystone Drive and Keymont Drive. * Consider a recommendation to terminate a lease between the city and the Dubuque County Historical Society for the Adams Company building and site. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 Section: Tristate Page: a17 Index Terms: city_ government Record Number: 1153DFC612773410 Copyright (c) 2006 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2007 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Dubuque's 2008 budget 7.3% higher - Van Milligen explains there will be no homeowner property tax hike in new proposal Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, January 15, 2007 Author: ROB KUNDERT For the 13th year, Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen will recommend no property tax increase for the average homeowner in Dubuque. He will formally present his plans to the City Council Tuesday night. As is, the city's fiscal budget for 2008 will be 7.3 percent more than the current budget at $116.8 million. Commercial taxes will increase 4.3 percent and industrial taxes will increase 3.4 percent. Van Milligen said the annual allocation from the Dubuque Racing Association's operation of Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino and the local option sales tax helped keep the tax burden in check. Increased property values, he said, have also added to the city's coffers. "Our assessed values have increased about 6 percent a year over the last decade," Van Milligen said. Some fees would increase under the proposed budget. Water and sewer rates would increase 5 percent from $2.25 to $3.25 per month. There is also support built into the proposed budget for renovation of the Carnegie -Stout Public Library. Van Milligen will recommend that the city of Dubuque provide half the funding to match the library's fundraising campaign for the $5.3 million project. Also, there is a plan to work with the Iowa Department of Transportation to line up interest -free loans to provide matching money for $25 million in federal funds earmaked for the Southwest Arterial, the area's highest priority highway project. "There would be a future cost to repay that money," Van Milligen said. The proposed budget also includes: * $6 million to extend water and sewer service to areas willing to be annexed that were identified in a recent study. * $600,000 for the Washington neighborhood to assist with grants for down payments to encourage home ownership. That fund would grow from $700,000 to $1.3 million. * Money to support the Airport Master Plan and construction of a new terminal. * Funds for the Bee Branch Restoration project to relieve storm flooding on the city's North End. * Funding to support the "green initiative" to make Dubuque more environmentally sustainable. Caption: Mike Van Milligen Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: city government Record Number: 1168053124E7C4E8 Copyright (c) 2007 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Dubuque expecting to raise several city fees - Thursday's budget hearings will discuss proposed boosts for water, sewer and trash Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Author: ROB KUNDERT Dubuque residents face fee increases in the city's proposed budget. The City Council will hold its second budget hearing on Thursday. Department heads for Water, Water Pollution Control, Public Works and Engineering will present their plans for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Fees for water, sewer and trash collection are proposed to go up. Such services are "enterprise" operations, which means they are funded with the fees they collect, not through general fund dollars, according to Jennifer Larson, city budget director. "They are to be self-supporting like a business," she said. An exception is the storm water utility, which receives some city funds. It also is proposed to increase. Two of the departments show operational deficits, as they plan to spend down reserve accounts that have gone above the required 10 percent, Larson said. Key points of the proposed department budgets: * Water - Projecting a $22,145 deficit. Water fees would increase 5 percent. * Water Pollution Control - Projecting a $13,186 deficit. Sanitary sewer fees go up 5 percent. * Public Works - A 20.2 percent increase, due to equipment purchases, a part-time employee and rising street maintenance costs for asphalt. The standard unit for the storm water utility fee will go up $1, from $2.25 to $3.25 per month; the trash fee will go up 45 cents, from $9.46 to $9.91. * Engineering - A 4 percent decrease due to revenues from city property leases, connection charges and miscellaneous permit revenue and inspection fees. Major capital improvement program projects include: * $7.2 million next year to begin major work on the Bee Branch Restoration project, with $22 million planned over the next five years. * $13 million over the next five years to upgrade the water pollution control plant. * $7.6 million over the next five years to provide water and sewer connections to areas identified in the new annexation study. * $750,000 next year to upgrade the clear well reservoirs at the water plant. * $10 million for the annual street program. * $800,000 over the next two years to upgrade the north fork of Catfish Creek sanitary sewer system. The next budget hearing for Five Flags Civic Center, Recreation, Parks, Information Services and Cable TV will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The hearings, which are open to the public, will go into early next month. All will be held in the Carnegie - Stout Public Library and broadcast live and rebroadcast on City Cable Channel 8. Section: Tristate Page: a3 Index Terms: city_ government Record Number: 11772BAA11888A68 Copyright (c) 2007 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Sewer rebate praised Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, July 22, 2007 Author: Rob Kundert TH staff writer Betty Eldridge remembers the spring of 1999. She had just moved to her home on Kaufmann Avenue when Dubuque was hit with a major downpour. The street was a river, geysers of water blew off manhole covers and her sewer backed up. "Raw sewage was coming in from the bathroom toilet and drain in the basement. Just that day, I had moved a lot of boxes of stuff down there. All that was ruined," she said. Later, she signed up for a city rebate program to install a one-way valve in her sewer line that lets the wastewater leave, but not come back even when the sewers fill up. "I've never had a problem since," Eldridge said after last week's downpour. "I was happy to get the rebate. It paid for most of the cost." Public Works Director Don Vogt said the city began the program in 1996 to help residents in certain areas of the city install backflow stopvalves on their sewer lines. Patterned after a one-time Iowa City program, Dubuque created the rebate program to cover up to $500 to install the check valves. "It has to be in a neighborhood where we feel that their problem is due to the city's sanitary sewer backing up into their house," Vogt said. People interested must contact the Public Works Department. They will be sent a cover letter and a form. The city Building Department will inspect before and after the work. "Sometimes the inspector will find they already have a stopvalve in their house and it's not working right," Vogt said. During the years, the 72 homeowners have benefited. "I think it's been very effective," Vogt said, compared to the 1970s when he started with the city. The area around Key Way Avenue on the West Side had a much bigger problem with sewer backups. "I remember being up there one night. A person with a walkout basement couldn't get the door open because their was so much water in the basement," he said. A primary source of the problem was homeowners on the West Side connecting basement sump pumps or roof downspouts to their sanitary sewer lines. Inspections during the years by the city's Engineering Department has corrected most of the illegal dumping. "It's still a problem. I'm sure engineering will be making inspections in some neighborhoods again," Vogt said. They know illegal dumping of stormwater still is going on because the sewers still fill up during heavy rains, such as the downpours last week. When that happens, a sensor alerts Vogt's department of rising water in the sewer line. A pumping crew is dispatched to relieve pressure in the pipe by pumping sewage out of the line on Key Way, and into a branch of Catfish Creek. The ditch is monitored by the city and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. That was the case last week. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 "We had only two backups that we were aware of, and those were due to our pump dying on us until we could clear the intake," Vogt said of the Key Way area. Approximately a dozen other homes in other areas of the city had backups due to blockages or problems related to street construction. Obstructions once were a bigger problem, especially in remote areas where children would remove manhole covers and throw in rocks and other debris. "We found a 50-gallon barrel in one," he said. "Now we have bolt -down lids, or we weld them in place." Meanwhile, the $1.1 million Carter Road detention basin completed in 2004 apparently protected the North End, another problem area for flooding. The structure filled with water, which was released slowly to flow into the 32nd Street detention basin, preventing the Bee Branch storm sewer from being overwhelmed as it has in the past. "There was street flooding, but as far as basements, no. Not that I'm aware of," Vogt said of that area of the city. "The Carter Road detention basin I think was a huge plus. That thing really did its job." Section: A Page: 9 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_782503 Copyright (c) 2007 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 America's Newspapers Buyouts of 2 homes delaying basin project Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, August 12, 2007 Author: ROB KUNDERT TH staff writer Drawn -out negotiations on two home buyouts is delaying construction of a major project designed to help ward off flash flooding in Dubuque's North End. The $4 million plan to triple the size of the 32nd Street Detention Basin was to be finished in the spring of 2006. The basin stores stormwater so it can be released gradually and not overwhelm the Bee Branch storm sewer. The city of Dubuque has acquired 13 of the 15 homes needed to make way for the work. They will either be torn down or moved from the site. The Dubuque City Council recently voted to establish the fair -market value for the property at 625 Gillespie St., home of the late Arthur Frommelt, whose family has been negotiating with the city since July 2005, according to a staff memo to the council. Frommelt died in October at the age of 90, according to an obituary in the Telegraph Herald. "Out of deference to the family, we held off and bought other properties first," said Dave Harris, director of Housing and Community Development for Dubuque. The council's move was a procedural first step. To go to condemnation would require another vote by the panel. Once started, it takes about 60 to 90 days to get a hearing before the condemnation jury, said City Attorney Barry Lindahl. "Our objective is to reach an agreement with the family and to purchase it without having to go the full process of condemnation," Harris said. "We are not at loggerheads with the family." Gary Anderson's home, at 655 Gillespie St., has been bogged down in tougher negotiations and has a further complication. The brick home, partially built into a bluff, was deemed historically significant by the Army Corps of Engineers, said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer with the city of Dubuque. The detention basin lies on the Bee Branch Creek so the project had to be reviewed by the Corps. "We're building in what is considered waters of the United States, so we had to get a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers," Muehring said, which required, among other things, a consultant to review all of the properties for potential historic significance. Anderson's home was the only one in the basin area that made the designation, which complicated the negotiations, Lindahl said. The city had an agreement to purchase the property and was to close on it July 1, 2006. "Mr. Anderson would not close on the sale. His lawyer now says he wants to renegotiate the purchase price," Lindahl said. "It is clear to me that he would not honor the purchase agreement, so I am going to recommend we move to condemnation." Anderson declined to comment on the situation. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The home cannot be moved and it's impractical to leave it on site, Muehring said. Two consultant reports required by the Army Corps and the State Historic Preservation Office stated that it couldn't be moved, primarily because it is a brick building accessed by a bridge and built into the hillside. Further complicating the issue is that the city is waiting for approval of an agreement with the Army Corps and the State Historic Preservation Office that will outline exactly how the brick home will be deconstructed. Part of the process will be to thoroughly document the property, according to Harris, to include an archeological survey, photographs of every aspect of the building, its floor plans and history. "So you create a record that can be referred to that says, 'this is what this house was," Harris said. With the project almost two years behind schedule, Muerhing is looking at alternatives. "The city is considering starting construction on part of the project that wouldn't directly impact these two houses." Section: A Page: 2 Index Terms: CITY_COUNCIL Record Number: MERLIN_822372 Copyright (c) 2007 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers City takes steps to acquire home Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, December 4, 2007 Author: MARY RAE BRAGG TH staff writer Rebuffing a family member's appeal to spare a home located in the way of the West 32nd Street Detention Basin expansion, the Dubuque City Council Monday night approved using condemnation proceedings to get the property, if necessary. Fred Frommelt, who said he has "spent 56 years in and out of the residence," asked the council to slow down the project and see if other solutions could be found to address the need to expand the basin. City Manger Mike Van Milligen said the city is negotiating with the attorney handling the Frommelt estate and is hopeful that it will not be necessary to resort to eminent domain. But he warned against further delays in expanding the holding basin, saying that without it, 1,150 homes in the Bee Branch area remain at risk of flooding whenever there is a "significant rain storm." In other business, the council: 3 Approved providing Dubuque Community Ice and Recreation Center, Inc. with a $50,000 grant if the group is successful in obtaining a grant from the Vision Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism Program to build an ice arena at the McAleece Sports Complex. 3 Instructed Van Milligen to look into a traffic study in the area of Hill and 3rd streets, in response to a request for a four-way stop at the intersection made by the neighborhood's residents. James Edwards, 390 Hill St., presented the city with a petition signed by 230 people asking the council to take action that will make the intersection safer. 3 Gave unanimous support to Northeast Iowa Community College's proposed $35 million bond issue for major infrastructure updates on the Peosta and Calmar campuses. The bond referendum will be Tuesday, Dec. 11. 3 Set Dec. 17 for a public hearing on the sidewalk construction project along Kennedy Road, from Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial. Property owners along Gordon Drive, whose backyards abut Kennedy Road, have filed a petition objecting to constructing sidewalks in their area. 3 Unanimously approved a request for city support of an 18-unit single room occupancy project by Michelle Mihalakis at 2160 EIm St. The support will accompany Mihalakis' application to the Iowa Department of Economic Development for HOME Investment Partnership Program funds. The council also unanimously suspended multiple readings of a rezoning request, and voted to rezone the Elm Street property to accommodate the home for low income single women. Section: A Page: 3 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT ; EMINENT DOMAIN Record Number: MERLIN_ 1049740 Copyright (c) 2007 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2008 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 inc. America's Newspapers Basin begins taking shape Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, June 26, 2008 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com North Fork improvements to begin soon Phase I of a stormwater improvement project affecting West End residents living near the North Fork of Catfish Creek will begin in the fall. Crews will begin reconstruction of the sanitary sewer from near the University Avenue Extension to near the intersection at Kennedy Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. Next year, plans call for improvements from Keyway Drive to the Northwest Arterial. When complete, the project will drastically reduce the need to release untreated wastewater into the creek as the result of heavy rain. The homes are gone, the soil is being moved and the expansion of the West 32nd Street Detention Basin is taking shape. The $4 million project is Part II of the Drainage Basin Master Plan, which was conceived in 2001 to reduce stormwater runoff affecting about 1,150 properties throughout Dubuque's North End. Part I, The Carter Road Detention Basin, was completed in 2004, and the city is purchasing properties to make way for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project that will channel stormwater from 24th Street to the 16th Street Detention Basin. It should be completed in 2013. "Carter Road is upstream and impounds quite a bit of water and lets it out slowly," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. "It works in conjunction with West 32nd Street. These two upstream detention basins will certainly help." While the design targets major rainfalls, it also will slow runoff from smaller rainfalls. For instance, 2.64 inches of rain will flow into the basin at 223 cubic feet per second, but only 112 cubic feet per second will flow out. In a major rain, of 6.36 inches, 1,250 cubic feet per second will flow in, but only 382 cubic feet will flow out. That is a nearly 70 percent improvement over the current basin's outflow. The expanded basin will cover 10 acres, and if necessary, will hold more than 33.5 million gallons. It will include two wet ponds, and the larger one to the north will cover 2.1 acres with an average depth of 5.2 feet. "The upper cell is where we hope to capture the majority of the sediment, where in the past it spread over the entire basin and made it difficult to clean," Muehring said. "Every two or three years when we need to remove the sediment, we will be able to drain that upper pond." Construction includes the excavation of about 105,000 cubic yards of soil, of which 75,000 cubic yards must be hauled from the site, and sewer replacement. Flowers and prairie grasses will form a perimeter, and black -vinyl fencing will add a layer of safety. A noticeable feature will be the replacement of the small bridge near Wildwood Drive by a twin 9-foot- wide-by-8-foot-high box culvert. Section: A Page: 2 Index Terms: DETENTION_ BASIN Record Number: MERLIN_ 1460713 Copyright (c) 2008 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Designers selected for Bee Branch project Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, September 14, 2008 The city of Dubuque selected the team of Strand Associates Inc., IIW Engineers & Surveyors P.C. and Ken Saiki Design Inc. for the design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project at the Aug. 18 Dubuque City Council meeting. The design team will be coordinating location of public utilities, initiating land surveying activities and performing soil borings anticipated in September and October. These activities will be along the creek alignment extending from the 16th Street Detention Basin to the Garfield-Kniest Street intersection, Kniest Street to 22nd and Elm Street from 22nd to 24th Street. The design team will hold several public meetings throughout the design process. Public meeting notifications will be forthcoming. If you have any questions about the surveying or design process, contact IIW Engineers & Surveyors, P.C., 4155 Pennsylvania Ave., Dubuque, IA, 52002, of phone 563-556-2464 and ask for Mike Jansen or Michele Knief-Nemmers. If you have general questions about the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, call the city of Dubuque Engineering Department at 563-589-4270. Section: A Page: 11 Index Terms: CITY COUNCIL Record Number: MERLIN_ 1604244 Copyright (c) 2008 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 2 MC. America'sNewspapers Tri-state cities holding their own Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, October 1, 2008 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com As of now, city of Dubuque officials are watching Wall Street's ebbs and flows with interest, but they are not planning any protective measures of assets. Other area municipalities are not in panic mode, either, even as states and cities elsewhere feel the bite of the credit crunch. "From a city of Dubuque perspective, I don't see any short-term problems other than a lower interest rate on our bonds, but that should be of marginal impact, nothing catastrophic," said City Manager Mike Van Milligen. "In the long term there could be some impact, but nobody knows what that would be right now. We'II have to wait and see how things play out." City Administrators Mick Michel, of Dyersville, Iowa, and Loras Herrig, of Bellevue, Iowa, echoed Van Milligen's sentiments. "From a municipal standpoint, I don't see any issues as far as decreased property values or properties that are vacant," Michel said. "I haven't seen any indication that it will affect Dyersville's ability to go out and borrow money." Herrig feels a bit insulated from national concerns. He said Bellevue receives very little in federal and state funding, and he thinks local banks will remain strong. Dubuque Financial Director Ken Tekippe and Budget Director Jenny Larson said Iowa law allows only certain types of investments, and the city is well -protected from the current crisis. "We're not invested in equities," Tekippe said. "Our investments are in fixed -income -type instruments, so we don't have the exposure that other entities might have who have endowment funds that are 50, 60 to 70 percent equities." Tekippe said he often bids on six-month CDs and that interest rates affect the city's return on those investments. He said in two weeks, when the city receives its property taxes from the county, the city will have money to invest. "So if interest rates are down, it would hurt us from that standpoint," Tekippe said. "But you're not going to have the large swing like you see from the equity side." Tekippe said the city does have money managers that invest a portion of the city's money, but that is mostly in government -type investments, such as treasuries and mutual funds. BusinessWeek's recent assessment of towns that could be hardest hit by the financial crisis indicates a potentially troublesome trend in the economic ripple effect. "The impact of a downturn could be more serious in smaller cities that are less diversified," the study stated. West Des Moines, Iowa, ranks fourth on the top 10 list of cities with the most to lose in the troubled economy. And the credit crunch is hitting states' ability to borrow. Massachusetts, for instance, recently wasn't able to borrow $400 million from Wall Street investors on the final portion of a loan - money marked for quarterly aid payments to cities and towns. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 2 of 2 The financial volatility leading up to what could be the biggest government intervention since the Great Depression already has affected Iowa government institutions that are about 60 percent invested in the U.S. stock market, said State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, a six -term Democrat. In some ways, the travails in equity markets might benefit municipalities who sell bonds to finance capital improvement projects. "With equity markets tight, in the past, Wall Street has seen a flight to security," said Platteville City Manager Dave Berner. "Municipal bonds are more secure than stocks, and municipalities looking at bonding will have more people bidding on them because they are secure." Dubuque is putting up nearly $11 million in bonds for sale in early October to fund several projects, from the purchase of houses to make way for the Bee Branch stormwater project to funding library renovations and grading projects in Industrial Center West. So as of now, it's business as usual as cities look ahead to fiscal year budgeting and capital improvement plans. "We write a budget that is 18 months in advance of anything happening," Larson said. "There haven't been any out -of -the -ordinary instructions given to department heads. It's request capital items as you see necessary." As Congress debates some type of Wall Street bailout, city officials can do little but take a wait -and -see approach. "I think we're all waiting to see what Congress is going to do and how all of these things will play out in local and state economies," Berner said. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: ECONOMY Record Number: MERLIN_ 1638396 Copyright (c) 2008 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 c. America's Newspapers Dubuque seeks bond sale for big projects Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, October 5, 2008 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com The Dubuque City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St. The city of Dubuque should know by the time of its City Council meeting Monday night how the auction of its bonds fared. The bonds go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday. The sale of $1,195,000 Water Revenue Bonds would fund costs of water main replacements and repairs, construction of water main extensions, and the acquisition and installation of pump station radio communications equipment and facilities. Water utility fees will be used to repay the debt. The sale of $3,885,000 General Obligation Storm Water Bonds would support Bee Branch capital projects, and $3,290,000 General Obligation Bonds would support Carnegie -Stout Public Library renovations and improvements to the former Kephart's Building. The sale of another $2,465,000 in General Obligation Bonds would support the North Siegert Farm demolition and grading project for expansion of Dubuque Industrial Center West. Repayment of these debts will be made through storm water utility fees and tax increment revenue from the Greater Downtown Dubuque Urban Renewal District and the Dubuque Industrial Center West Economic Development District. "Often two or three entities go together to buy the bonds," said Dubuque Finance Director Ken Tekippe. "It's big brokerage houses. Some of the local banks or their trust departments will sometimes by a part of it. But we haven't had any local entity in the eight years that I've been here buy all of the bonds." The council will host two public hearings Monday. The first deals with the Dubuque County Historical Society's request for a conservation easement for property in the Ice Harbor where the William M. Black is located. Part of the property for which the conservation easement has been requested lies outside of the current lease boundary. In order for the Dubuque County Historical Society to grant the conservation easement, to which the city must consent, it is necessary for the lease boundary to be expanded. Conservation easement is a condition of eligibility for financial assistance from the National Park Service and from the Save America's Treasures Grant Program. The second public hearing will take place before the council votes on amendments to the 2009 fiscal year budget. The amendments include 2008 budget carryovers of encumbrances totaling $21,810,596, capital projects totaling $34,946,326 that were not completed and associated revenues totaling $30,757,164. There are operating budget appropriation carryovers of $1,327,300. Section: A Page: 13 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_ 1645820 Copyright (c) 2008 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 inc. America's Newspapers Citizens get look at revised Bee Branch project Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, October 26, 2008 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/ apiper@wcinet com News You can use The next public information meetings about the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project design are set for Wednesday, Nov. 5. The first session is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Audubon School. The second session is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Comiskey Park. The city also will present updates to the North End Neighborhood Association at its regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 5 at Comiskey. A third session is set for 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Nov. 6 at Appolonia's restaurant, 201 E. 22nd. For further information, call Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque, at 589-4276. A few years from now, an open channel will direct stormwater from 24th Street along Elm Street, cut down Kniest Street across Garfield and eventually cross the former packing plant property and connect to the 16th Street Detention Basin. Final design for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project still is under consideration. Last week, the design team of Strand Associates and Ken Saiki Design, both of Madison, Wis., IIW Engineers & Surveyors and city of Dubuque engineering staff met with citizens and compiled a list of their hopes and fears. "We want people to know that we will try to address as many of those things as we can," said Deron Muehring, a civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. "We presented people with the vision that the city has for this project, and we wanted to know what the community's vision is." About 25 people expressed their ideas during two meetings Wednesday at Audubon School, which is in close proximity to the canal. The proposed route borders part of the school's playground. "I understand the need for the project, and I understand the nature of the flooding that occurs here," said Audubon Principal Andy Ferguson. "My biggest concern is for the safety of the kids. I want to make sure there are things in place so that kids can't go wandering into it." Ferguson said the playground also is popular after school hours, and he hopes safeguards will keep balls and equipment from ending up in the creek where youngsters might be inclined to retrieve them. Traffic flow also concerns Ferguson. Part of Lincoln Street will be closed at 21 st Street, but the city has plans to build another street with school traffic in mind that connects Lincoln and Rhomberg. Residents hope to see a combined hike/bike trail along the canal with benches, tables and awnings. Landscaping will include trees and other plantings in what the city hopes will become a neighborhood asset. Those who attended the meeting were shown about 40 pictures of what the canal zone could look like and were asked to determine the views they liked and those they didn't. Fears included the creation of unsecure "hangouts," trash accumulation and the attraction of nuisance wildlife, such as geese. Design staff is compiling citizens' input and will return for another series of meetings on Nov. 5-6 to offer some options. "We want to show people how we are responding to what they told us and how we are accommodating their hopes and fears, within the constraints of the project," said Ken Saiki, of Ken Saiki Design. "We'll let them see that they have been heard." Saiki hopes to have some more concrete plans available for another session on Nov. 19. Section: A Page: 13 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_ 1684213 Copyright (c) 2008 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2009 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Bee Branch project unveiled Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com The challenge: How do you create a stormwater drainage ditch that is an asset to the neighborhoods it passes through? The Dubuque City Council got a sneak peek Tuesday at what the design team of Strand & Associates, IIW Engineers & Surveyors and Ken Saiki Design has in mind for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. "I think of it as my backyard, because inevitably it is someone's backyard," said Rebecca Flood, landscape engineer for Ken Saiki Design. "The input from citizens was invaluable, and then you put yourself in their shoes for a day." The concept for the creek that will run from 24th Street to Garfield Avenue and pass under the railroad tracks to the 16th Street Detention Basin goes far beyond its function, which is to protect property owners from flooding. Bike and walking paths could run the length of the creek and connect to the Heritage Trail at 16th Street. There is room for a park -like area between 24th and 22nd streets. An amphitheater is proposed near Audubon School that students and neighbors alike could use. Vehicular bridges, possibly with a limestone appearance, would cross the creek at 22nd Street and Rhomberg Avenue, with foot bridges crossing other points. "What they've got is absolutely beautiful, and I think it will actually draw people to the North End," said City Councilwoman Joyce Connors, who serves constituents in that part of town. "I can understand the people who live in the area who were very nervous, and I think it was very valid because they have the most at stake. I think they will like it." As for the amphitheater idea, Flood said the design team started to think about things they could provide that people might not have thought possible. "That was one of them," Flood said. "I'm sure somebody threw that idea out there at a work session and it was an 'Ah-ha!' moment." The landscape design still is evolving, and a public -review session will soon be scheduled. Construction of the $32 million project will begin in the spring. "It can't just work," said City Councilmember Ric Jones. "It has to be nice." Section: A Page: 3 Index Terms: CITY COUNCIL Record Number: MERLIN_1807209 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Designers unveil Bee Branch plan Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, February 1, 2009 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com News You can use Landscaping designs for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project are being showcased for public comment during three upcoming meetings at Comiskey Park Pavilion, 25 E. 24th St. The meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4; from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. After years of planning and discussion, the time to cut the chatter about the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is drawing near. City staff and its design team of IIW Engineers & Surveyors, Strand & Associates and Ken Saiki Design will make the current landscaping designs available for public review and comment during three public meetings over the next two weeks. "Hopefully, the current concept captures the spirit of the citizen input thus far," said Deron Muehring, civil engineer for the city of Dubuque. "Ultimately, it is our job to try and prepare a design, tweak it here and there so it reflects the overall consensus of the community. If we find out at the upcoming workshops that the current landscape concept captures the community's vision, then it may be the last public input session." While the primary goal of the project is to control stormwater and eliminate flood damage that occurs in the North End, a secondary goal is to provide an attractive landscape that is an asset to the neighborhood. The design concept divides the creek into two sections, with different characteristics. The neighborhood section spans from 24th Street to Garfield Ave-nue. The commercial section runs from Garfield Avenue to the 16th Street Detention Basin. Neighborhood section The neighborhood section incorporates green space and landscaping to accommodate some recreational uses. A multi -use trail would follow the northeast side for the length of the creek. Sidewalks, walking paths, lighting and benches would line the corridor. An amphitheater near Audubon School between 22nd Street and Lincoln Ave-nue would provide a venue for teaching and neighborhood gatherings. Commercial section In the Commercial section the creek would be wider and deeper to augment future retail uses. Trees would screen the train tracks. Patio -like features would complement adjacent redevelopment. Bridges The bridges would have three arches. One that spans the creek and one to span the multi -use trail. The bridges would have limestone facing and decorative railing. Bridges are planned for 22nd Street, Rhomberg Avenue, 16th Street and Sycamore Street. There are tentative plans for pedestrian crossings at Lincoln and Garfield avenues. Section: A Page: 13 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_ 1859460 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Council to mull basin access Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, April 19, 2009 Author: Andy Piper TH staff writer/apiper@wcinet.com News You can use The Dubuque City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St. At 5 p.m., the council will hear a presentation on the Washington Neighborhood Plan. The public is invited, but discussion is limited to the council table. The Dubuque City Council is being asked to reconsider plans that call for fencing off the West 32nd Street detention basin and instead allowing some limited public access. Perhaps taking a page from the Bee Branch Creek planning process, the city Engineering Department has offered three proposals for the council to consider Monday night. City Manager Mike Van Milligen has recommended that the council adopt a combination of those proposals, which include off-street parallel parking for five vehicles, a sidewalk that would run the length of the basin and an overlook, with signs describing the vegetation and the purpose of the basin. Engineering staffers reported that as the project took shape, they began hearing positive comments from citizens about how it looked and inquiries as to whether the public would have access to the area. In November, Jim and Anita Sullivan, who live near the basin, sent a letter to the City Council encouraging it to revisit the fence concept. The Sullivans said the previous fence was poorly maintained and unsightly, and that walking paths would make the area a public treasure "rather than an eyesore and upkeep issue." As for safety concerns, city Civil Engineer Deron Muehring said many of those issues are addressed by the design of the basin itself and the surrounding vegetation. "The detention basin will include native prairie plants that form dense groupings with tall stalks, sometimes four to six feet tall, that make passage through the vegetation very difficult," Muehring said. "This type of vegetation is commonly used in some communities as an alternative to fencing." Muehring said the wet ponds also are designed with safety in mind. They each are mildly sloped and have an aquatic safety shelf under the waterline to maintain a slow rise in water depth. "The safety shelf will also create a narrow band of vegetation sticking above the waterline around the perimeter of the basin," Muehring said. "This vegetation will be very dense and generally unpleasant to walk through, discouraging people from entering the basin." The cost is estimated at $68,000, but subtracting the cost of the fence, $50,500, the net cost is $17,500 to the $1.6 million project. Section: A Page: 19 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2016100 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Stormwater project wrapped in red tape Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, June 29, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet com bee branch project As part of a plan to eliminate flooding to about 1,100 North End homes, the city plans to build a $32 million stormwater channel from the 16th Street Detention Basin to 24th Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The city is in the process of purchasing and deconstructing more than 50 homes to make way for the channel. To remove some of the homes, the city needs approval from the State Historic Preservation Office. Some houses in the path of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project have been sitting vacant for up to two years, as the city of Dubuque awaits approval from the proper government agencies to deconstruct them. "The biggest thing for the city is that vacant houses are a public nuisance and can attract vandalism," said Deron Muehring, of the city's Engineering Department. In 2006, the city began purchasing homes along the channel's route. It had planned to remove them as they were acquired. However, 24 of the 57 homes sit in what a 2002 study deemed architecturally significant neighborhoods. While not official historic districts, the East 22nd/ Washington Street and Rhomberg/Kniest Street neighborhood districts collectively have some architectural significance. Since the city is using state revolving loan funds, its plan to mitigate the Toss of those structures needs approval from the state Historic Preservation Office. The city also needs approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because Environmental Protection Agency money is involved. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources also must sign off on the plan. "What we need is some sort of corroboration or agreement as to what is historically significant," Muehring said. "We have our opinion based on what our consultants have said, but we don't want to start tearing down houses outside of those districts and then find out later the state has another opinion. Then it's shame on you." Part of the delay is procedural. The city learned in 2007 that the Historic Preservation Office only responds to requests from the lead agency, in this case the Iowa DNR. The DNR has discussed the project at the state level, but has yet to forward the official mitigation plan to the state Historic Preservation Office, Muehring said. "We've prepared the information with guidance from people who work in the field," Muehring said. "It just has to go through the right channels. If we weren't using federal or state funds, we wouldn't have had to consult SHPO at all." While frustrating, the red tape is not delaying construction. The majority of the homes sit in what will be Phase II of the $30 million project, which is planned for next year. Phase I is expected to begin this summer and will run from the 16th Street Detention basin across the former Dubuque Pack property to the railroad tracks near Garfield Avenue. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2162527 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Bee Branch Creek project progresses Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, July 5, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet. com drainage basin master plan After heavy rains in 1999 that flooded hundreds of homes from 32nd Street to 15th Street, Dubuque embarked upon a series of measures to reduce the impact of major storms. The drainage basin master plan has three parts: • The Carter Road Detention Basin was completed in 2004 for $1.1 million. • The West 32nd Street Detention Basin was completed this year for $4 million. • The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is split into three phases. Phase I, from the 16th Street detention basin to Garfield Avenue, will begin this summer. It is estimated to cost about $9.6 million. The total project is estimated at $32 million. Final preparations for Phase I of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project are under way. Monday, deconstruction of a house at the corner of 16th and Sycamore streets will begin. The creek, which is designed to channel stormwater from 24th Street to the 16th Street Detention Basin, is a 4,500-foot corridor and will include park -like features, walking paths and benches. An amphitheater is planned near Audubon School. Deconstruction of homes in the path of the creek is a major component of the project. Most of the 65 impacted homes will be deconstructed. Deconstruction is an alternative to demolition. It combines the salvage and recovery of building materials for reuse and recycling. The property at 1576 Sycamore is a prime example. The home was damaged by fire nearly 10 years ago, but nearly 90 percent of the material can be diverted from the landfill and into other uses. "It has been identified as a hazard by Building Services, so as the owner, we either have to repair it or remove it," said Deron Muehring, project engineer. "So we're moving ahead." Portzen Construction will scrap all metal found on the property and in the building, and some structural beams might be salvaged. Tires that littered the property already have been recycled. Trees will be harvested or shredded into mulch. Nearly 800 tons of concrete and brick rubble will become solid fill on another project. Utility relocation and bridge construction will begin this fall. One bridge will span the creek at 16th Street as it crosses from the detention basin to the former Dubuque Pack site. "It looks like it will be possible to build that bridge and keep traffic pretty much intact," Muehring said. "Basically, we'd build the bridge without building the ditch first." Section: A Page: 13 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2173164 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Landlord says city strong-armed him Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Author: Kim Norvell TH staff writer • knorvell@wcinet com With Phase I of Dubuque's Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project beginning, some residents and property owners whose homes will be deconstructed as part of the project feel they're receiving unfair treatment from the city. The city will build a storm water channel from the 16th Street Detention Basin to 24th Street and Rhomberg Avenue and will be deconstructing more than 50 homes in the path of the channel. Milton E. Schwartz, a landlord for two of the properties, said he is "not happy" about the treatment he has received from the city in negotiating the last remaining property. Schwartz owned the Airport Inn, 574 E. 16th St., which the city acquired in October. He said city officials were willing to negotiate prices with him, but when it came time to pay Schwartz his settlement, it took them until last Friday to send the check. He said city officials made him an offer on a Friday afternoon, and he was told he needed to have the papers signed by the following Monday or they would ask the City Council to have the property condemned. "I signed it, but how am I supposed to talk to my lawyer if they give it to me on a Friday afternoon and give me until Monday?" Schwartz said. He said the city was willing to pay him $2,000 more than the property's appraisal, because the Airport Inn was commercial. The city also paid him $11,000 for the rent he missed from the apartment above the tavern from the time he sold the property to the time he received his check nine months later. Now, Schwartz said, he is dealing with the city to sell his residential property, but he says he will not receive the proper amount. Schwartz owns the property at 1553 Maple St., where his daughter and her husband, Regine and Tom Ronek, reside. Unlike the initial process with the tavern, he said the city is not willing to negotiate for the home. "They don't negotiate or nothing. They told me if I want more money, they will pay me the appraised value," he said. "I had it appraised, and they wanted me to sign the papers for a lower price (than the new appraised value), but there was no 'Are you happy with the price?' or negotiation. It was like I was selling them a loaf of bread or something." Dubuque City Attorney Barry Lindahl said he was unfamiliar with this particular situation, but said most of the time property owners are compliant. "I'm sure we had it appraised and offered the appraised value," Lindahl said. "We've been pretty lucky with most of these purchases. People have really seriously objected only to a couple of them." Schwartz said that unlike the money received for the tavern, he was told he will not be getting any more money than the appraised value of the property. He said he feels as though the city "is not being fair with the landlords," and city officials don't understand what he stands to lose. And the stalemate, he said, could force him to take the matter to court. "It was part of my living. That income I got from rent was part of my plan to subsidize my Social Security," Schwartz said. Regine Ronek said she plans to stay in the property until the city tells her it is time to move out. She said there is no time line set for a move, but civil engineer Deron Muehring said the city hopes to have Phase I completely under way by Spring 2010. Regine and Tom Ronek have not spoken directly to city officials about ownership of their property, but they believe the city is not taking the time to really listen to what the residents in their neighborhood think about the project. "They don't give a (expletive deleted) what you say, or else all these people wouldn't be gone," Regine Ronek said. "Nobody would have given up their houses." Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2176594 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Severe storm socks tri-states Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, July 25, 2009 Author: M.D. KITTLE TH assistant city editormkittle@wcinet.com A wicked summer storm blasted much of the tri-states Friday, bruising the area with heavy rains, flash floods, fierce winds and - in some parts - tennis ball -sized hail. Funnel clouds were spotted in parts of southwest Wisconsin, and wind gusts topped 91 mph in Hazel Green, while other portions of Grant County reported sustained winds of nearly 80 mph during the worst of Friday evening's severe weather. "We were watching the weather all day. We knew it was supposed to get ugly," said Julie Loeffelholz, Assistant Emergency Management director for Grant County (Wis.). Platteville arguably saw the ugliest of the nasty weather. Grant County's biggest city reported trees down everywhere, countless electric lines toppled and damage to homes. The storm didn't spare the weather -connected. "In fact, I have a broken window at my house," Loeffelholz said. Grant County was just beginning to assess the mess around 8 p.m., when the heavy rains began to subside. Parts of the county reported between two to four inches of rain in a very short period of time, washing out roads in some places. U.S. 151 near Platteville was water -covered and Wisconsin 81, near Ellenboro, was shut down for a time. Radar indicated a tornado near Georgetown, but there were no reports of touchdowns. To the east, Southwest Wisconsin's Lafayette County reported funnel clouds, but Mary Paisley, of the Lafayette County Sheriffs Department, said there was no official word of a touchdown. The county's west to southwest corridor, between Belmont and Shullsburg, saw the most significant damage, with hail ranging from pea- to tennis ball -sized. There were reports of damaged sheds and barns and numerous trees and power lines down. Dubuque's North End reported golf ball -sized hail, and winds hit 65 mph at Kennedy Mall, according to the National Weather Service. Flash flooding swamped several city streets - perhaps most pronounced on West Locust. Much like Jackson, Clayton and Delaware counties in northeast Iowa, high winds and heavy rains played havoc with trees, power lines and roads in Dubuque County. Damage assessments were yet to be totaled in northeast Iowa as of late Friday. Torrential rains delayed the showcase country performance at the Dubuque County Fair. The show, featuring Billy Currington and Lee Ann Womack, was supposed to get under way at 7:30 p.m. Diehard fans took cover under the grandstand and at nearby tents and buildings during the downpour. Crews started taking the tarp off the sound system just after 8 p.m. The rains subsided and the sky turned a dirty shade of orange as the sun began to set. The show went on. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: WEATHER Record Number: MERLIN2212070 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Floodplain boundaries to cost you? Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, August 6, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer apiper@wcinet.com meetings scheduled The city of Dubuque's Planning Services Department will hold informational meetings for affected property owners on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's new Digitized Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These meetings will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth Street, in the City Council chamber (2nd Floor) at the following times: 7:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. FEMA will hold an informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Peosta Community Centre, 7896 Burds Road, Peosta, Iowa. This will be a countywide meeting. Representatives from FEMA, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the consulting firm that prepared the maps will be on hand to answer questions. The city is mailing 1,422 notices to property owners that staff have determined are in a flood plain according to FEMA. For more information, contact the Planning Services Department at 589-4210 or planning@cityofdubuque.org. More than 1,500 Dubuque property owners might think they were dreaming if they wake one morning and find themselves living in a floodplain. But that could be reality if the Federal Emergency Management Agency's new flood zones for the city stand as proposed. City officials intend to challenge the map that includes most of the North End, sections of 32nd Street, Kaufmann Avenue, the Key Way/Key Stone area, a portion of Erdmore Lane near Four Mounds and along Catfish Creek near Nordstrom's distribution center in Dubuque Industrial Center West. There are about 70 structures listed in the current flood map. The new map would include 1,806. "Basically, the issue is that FEMA is using some outdated information and the city is getting them the current information about what we've done for flood mitigation," Mayor Roy Buol said. "There seems to be a lot of misinformation and this is an opportunity to educate FEMA about what we've been doing." The city is hopeful that updated information will remove many of the property owners from the expanded floodplain. The financial impact of living in a designated floodplain can be substantial. While there is no federal requirement that people purchase flood insurance, lenders often build that into contracts when property is sold, refinanced, or when they finance renovation projects. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, the average cost of a flood insurance policy is $542 per year. The new map includes property from 20th Street to beyond West 32nd Street. While homeowners can attest to flooding problems in the area following heavy rains, the city contends it is addressing those problems. FEMA did not include the impact of the West 32nd Street and Carter Road detention basins in its report, nor does it include the future impact of the Bee Branch Creek restoration project. "While the Bee Branch is a planned project, we do have technical analysis that shows how that will affect runoff," Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens said. The city intends to forward that information, as well as information on upgrades to the North Fork Catfish Creek area, to FEMA. Once the Bee Branch is completed, the city will have spent about $40 million on stormwater improvements. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: FLOODING Record Number: MERLIN_2234506 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 ,�. America's Newspapers Dubuque fighting floodplain proposal Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Friday, August 14, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet.com FEMA meeting postponed The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it has postponed the Dubuque County meeting about its newly proposed flood maps, which was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Peosta Recreation Center. FEMA has agreed to review data it recently received from the city of Dubuque, and after further consultation with the city, FEMA will incorporate the data and revise the maps as it deems necessary. The meeting will be rescheduled. Stanley Schroeder's family moved into 2244 Jackson St. in 1941, and it has lived there ever since. The property wasn't affected by the flood of 1965. Heavy rains that flooded North End homes in 1993 and again in 1995 didn't dampen his home. So you can imagine Schroeder's surprise when he recently discovered that the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers his home to be in a floodplain. "I was totally shocked," Schroeder said. "Totally unbelievable." Schroeder left a meeting with Dubuque Planning Services and Engineering representatives Thursday armed with comment sheets. The city is collecting public input as part of its campaign to remove as many homes as possible from the proposed floodplains. "The city's biggest concern is that this could create disincentive for homeowners to upgrade their properties," said Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens. "That is not the intent of the National Flood Insurance Program." FEMA's inclusion of much of Dubuque's North End, from 22nd Street to beyond 32nd Street, Kaufmann Avenue and West 32nd Street, took city officials by surprise. The map also includes property on the West End in the Keyway/Keystone area, along Catfish Creek near Nordstrom's and a small section at the end of Edmore Lane north of Four Mounds. The current maps were created in 1989 and place about 70 structures in flood zones. The proposal includes 1,806 properties. "We should be able to get FEMA to change these maps," said Deron Muehring, of the city's Engineering Department. "How much, we'll just have to wait and see. It is our guess that some areas of the North End will still be in a floodplain." FEMA has agreed to re-evaluate the situation based on input it recently received from the city, which outlines recent stormwater mitigation efforts, such as the Carter Road and West 32nd Street detention basins, since it appears FEMA did not factor those projects into its floodplain projections. "They used their own model using aerial photos and old numeric models that have been around for many years," Muehring said. "It's kind of rudimentary. We've done more detailed studies, although they weren't to determine floodplains, but to determine how well the storm water system works." Muehring said FEMA likely won't take the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project into account until it is complete, at which time the city will resubmit updated information. Living in a floodplain can be expensive and a hassle. Flood insurance will be required by a commercial lender if the property is sold or if the owner refinances. If a renovation project enlarges the floor area by 25 percent or more, the entire structure might be required to be elevated or flood - proofed. Where there are no base flood elevations determined, the property owner must hire an engineer to determine the base elevation and how much the structure must be raised. No base elevations have been set in the North End. "You could find yourself facing a $150,000 renovation on a house that might be worth $100,000," said Assistant City Planner Kyle Kritz. "Who's going to do that?" Kritz pointed out that the North End has been a developed part of the city for more than 100 years and wondered how it suddenly became a floodplain. "Are we mapping a floodplain that is really a stormwater issue?" Kritz asked. Kritz said the maps won't be finalized until September 2010 at the earliest. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: FLOODING Record Number: MERLIN_2249915 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Property owner, city far apart Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, August 16, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer apiper@wcinet. com city council The Dubuque City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St. Milton Schwartz has no plans to attend Monday's Dubuque City Council meeting. The council will decide whether to move forward with eminent domain proceedings on his property at 1553 Maple St. Schwartz does plan on letting his lawyer work through the process as long as necessary to get what he considers a fair price. "We'll just let it sit, and I suppose we'll end up in court," Schwartz said. The rental home isn't the first property owned by Schwartz that the city is acquiring to make room for the Bee Branch Creek restoration project. He sold the Airport Inn, a longtime 16th Street tavern, to the city in October. This time, Schwartz isn't satisfied that he is getting a fair price. The city has purchased about 60 properties for the Bee Branch, and this would be the first negotiation to proceed to eminent domain. In May, the City Council established the appraised value of the property at $62,000. Schwartz rejected that offer and a subsequent offer of $64,000. Schwartz hired an appraiser of his own who assessed the property at $73,000. "We had our review appraiser, who is a third party, come in and who thought that was too high, so we can't pay that," said Assistant City Attorney Tim O'Brien. "We have had people in this Bee Branch process who have had their own appraisals done and our review appraiser has agreed with that assessment." If a settlement isn't reached, the case will go to a "sheriff's jury," which is a panel appointed to settle eminent domain disputes. If the panel rules in favor of the city, the property owner can file suit in district court and let a judge decide the fair market value. "They offered me $2,000 over the appraised value, but I don't want to sell it for that," Schwartz said. "They're off base, and as far as I'm concerned they are trying to steal the property from me. guess we'll end up in court." The Bee Branch Creek restoration is an approximately $30 million project designed to channel stormwater from 24th Street to the 16th Street detention basin to mitigate stormwater damage to homes on the North End. Section: A Page: 15 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2253835 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's a's Newspapers Note to FEMA: Rethink Dubuque Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, August 17, 2009 Author: the TH Editorial Board where we stand FEMA needs to weigh the city's flood mitigation efforts. Apparently, word travels slowly when it comes to government agencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency appears to have been drawing on outdated information when it mapped out new flood zones for the city. Dubuque has taken a number of steps to ease flooding in community neighborhoods over the past several years. It's curious, then, that while current maps list 70 Dubuque structures in the floodplain, proposed new maps list 1,806. Sounds like somebody in the federal government missed a memo. The new map includes most of the North End, sections of 32nd Street, Kaufmann Avenue, the Key Way/Key Stone area, a portion of Erdmore Lane near Four Mounds and along Catfish Creek near Nordstrom's distribution center in Dubuque Industrial Center West. It doesn't take into account the impact of the West 32nd Street and Carter Road detention basins, nor does it include the future impact of the Bee Branch Creek restoration project. When that work is complete, the city of Dubuque will have put more than $40 million toward stormwater improvements. City officials are taking information from citizens who live in areas that would be deemed in the floodplain who state they have never had any water in their basements. Before FEMA goes any further, it should consult the pile of information the city is forwarding to bring the agency up to speed. Dubuque's significant efforts in the area of flood mitigation will not go unrecognized. Dyersville officials and the Iowa Department of Transportation should be commended for their efforts to make a dangerous intersection safer. The plan includes implementing an advance warning system at the intersection of Seventh Street SW and U.S. 20, the site of four fatalities and seven injuries in accidents over the past five years. The system would alert drivers seeking to turn left onto U.S. 20 that traffic could be approaching. It's a positive step. But when Dyersville City Administrator Mick Michel says this isn't going to entirely fix the problem, he's exactly right. Warning lights can be helpful. In this case, the light will only flash when traffic is approaching, so it should serve its purpose as a warning beacon. However, nothing takes the place of alert driving. Accessing U.S. 20 is part of daily life for many people who live in the Dubuque area. It is easy to let your guard down when a driving habit becomes routine. But when entering the curvy portions of U.S. 20, that's no time for inattentive driving. Drivers can help protect themselves by keeping distractions to a minimum at these dangerous intersections. The actions by the city and state will help drivers be safe. Coupled with cautious driving, the change could really make a difference. Speaking of alert driving, try to keep your cool on the West End this week when you need to get near Kennedy and Pennsylvania. Closure of the intersection begins today and is expected to last one to three weeks. That should just about take us up to the time the city will close Pennsylvania Avenue to all westbound traffic from Kennedy for approximately 200 feet to allow installation of the new sewer. But that's not the end of the detours. Add to that work on Pennsylvania, slated to be closed at the end of the month for another three weeks or so. All that doesn't make the area too palatable for driving. Especially if your destination is in that area, like, say, Hempstead High School. It's unfortunate that this major disruption to one of the busiest intersections in town comes days before the start of the school year, when hundreds of young drivers will be passing through. Pennsylvania was already deemed dangerous by school officials - even before it was partially closed and detoured. The school calendar obviously isn't the top priority when it comes to local road construction. But in this location, the timing couldn't have been worse. Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board. Section: A Page: 4 Index Terms: OPINION Record Number: MERLIN_2255520 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers What is a flood zone? Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, August 24, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet.com Many North End property owners can relate to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's definition of a flood: "a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow." It only takes a surface flow of one inch regardless of the source - hurricane, torrential rain or stormwater runoff created by urban development. FEMA's newly proposed flood maps created a stir in Dubuque as they listed nearly 1,800 properties in a flood zone, where only about 70 stood before. The agency has agreed to review additional information provided by the city of Dubuque and could revise the proposed maps, but Rick Nusz, a hydraulic engineer in FEMA's flood map division in Kansas City, Mo., isn't making any promises. The maps show the potential risk of flooding, not the history of flooding. "Once all of the information is here, we'll incorporate it into the map," Nusz said. "It shouldn't take more than a month, and then we will pick up the process where it left off and reschedule the public hearing." FEMA earlier this month postponed a Dubuque County meeting about its newly proposed flood maps. Upgrading the flood maps, which are used for insurance purposes, is a five-year, $1 billion project. It is estimated that the project will save the federal government $45 billion over the next 50 years. Flood risk isn't just based on history, it's also based on rainfall, river flow, tidal -surge data, topography, flood - control measures and changes due to building and development. Dubuque County was selected for the program in 2005. Nusz said until the Map Modernization Program began, upgrades only were done sporadically and as detailed as funding allowed. "That's why in some cases, 100-year-flood areas show up where they didn't before, because they hadn't been mapped," Nusz said. A property deemed high -risk need have just a 1 percent chance of flooding in a given year, or a 26 percent chance over the life of a 30-year mortgage. On average, one-third of all flood -insurance claims are paid to property owners in low -risk areas. Nusz said that FEMA is not creating brand-new engineering models for every stream in the county, but converting existing information into digital form. He said the agency then does approximate studies, rather than detailed studies, of areas not previously mapped. Dubuque officials are presenting FEMA with what they believe is more accurate, detailed information, including recent stormwater mitigation projects, such as the Carter Road and 32nd Street detention basins. Nusz said any potential benefits from the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project cannot be taken into account. "We can only consider projects that are in place," Nusz said. Section: A Page: 2 Index Terms: FLOODS Record Number: MERLIN_2270203 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 fr,c. America's Newspapers Detour deconstruction Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, October 3, 2009 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet.com The grand re -opening is near, but before traffic on Kennedy Road and Pennsylvania Avenue returns to normal it will come to a halt at the intersection overnight Monday. "Everything should be opened up by noon Tuesday, but unfortunately things will get worse before they get better," said Deron Muehring, of Dubuque's Engineering Department. Plans call for closing the intersection at 7 p.m. Monday for paving, which will take approximately five hours. About 4 a.m. Tuesday, a crew will paint lane markings and by noon, one of the city's busiest thoroughfares, which carries about 20,000 vehicles daily, should fully reopen for the first time since Aug. 17. It will be a relief to the Dubuque Police Department's traffic unit, which consists of two officers. "They adjusted their schedules and worked a substantial amount of time up there," said Lt. Scott Baxter, of the Dubuque Police Department. "Because it's such a major intersection, it also affected several surrounding blocks with increased traffic on secondary streets." Baxter said officers issued numerous citations to drivers who ignored signs around the construction zone. Businesses regularly complained of drivers using their parking lots to circumnavigate construction and nearby residents complained of reckless drivers speeding through their usually quiet neighborhoods. Baxter said "local traffic only" signs are difficult to enforce and are basically meant to limit traffic by warning drivers about potential delays. "We expected to have some issues because of the volume of traffic, but all in all things went about as well as could be expected," Baxter said. Lane closures were necessary to install a segment of sewer underneath the intersection as part of the North Fork Catfish Creek stormwater and sanitary sewer replacement project, which is designed to mitigate pumping of untreated wastewater into the creek during heavy rains and prevent flooding that has impacted about 70 West End homes. When complete, about 2.2 miles of larger sewer will be in place from U.S. 20, near the University Avenue extension, to the Northwest Arterial. Phases I and II should be complete in November. Bidding for Phase III will take place later this month. Phase III runs along Catfish Creek from Keystone Avenue to the Northwest Arterial. A tentative completion date is Aug. 27. "At some point, culvert improvements at Key Way and at Rosemont will require those streets be closed, but it won't be at the same time," Muehring said. "It should go a long way toward reducing overflows and bypass pumping at Key Way." While plans to upgrade the sewer line have been in the works for several years, in July the Iowa Department of Natural Resources presented the Iowa Attorney General's Office with multiple violations of the city allowing untreated wastewater into the creek. City Attorney Barry Lindahl said the Attorney General's Office has yet to announce whether it will proceed with a case. Phase III of the project will cost about $1.9 million and in 2013, when the Bee Branch Creek restoration project is complete, the city will have spent about $40 million on stormwater and sewer upgrades, including the 32nd Street and Carter Road detention basins. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: ROAD CONSTRUCTION Record Number: MERLIN_2360735 Copyright (c) 2009 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment Drainage Basin Master Plan 2010 Telegraph Herald Articles Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Dubuque taking on FEMA in D.C. Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, January 18, 2010 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer apiper@wcinet.com council meets Tuesday The Dubuque City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at in the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St. The city of Dubuque is taking its flood plain debate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency office in Kansas City to Washington, D.C. "We are at the point where we think we need help and that our federal delegation can provide us with some assistance," Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens said. Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann will present Dubuque's argument to Sens. Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley on her next trip to Washington and encourage them to contact FEMA officials in the capital. FEMA is in the process of updating its flood zones nationally and the changes proposed for Dubuque stunned city officials in July. If approved, the new maps would place 1,700 structures in a flood zone. Only 70 Dubuque structures are in a flood zone now. The majority of the additions are North End homes in mid- to low-income neighborhoods. The city challenged those designations and FEMA responded with a revised proposal. It took a few properties out of the North End area, but added others along Kerper Boulevard. The fear is that homeowners and business owners will avoid investing in their properties if added to a flood zone. The disincentive occurs if a property owner seeks a loan to work on the property. The lender is mandated to require flood insurance, which the city says would add more than $600 per year for insurance on a $75,000 home. The property owners also could be required to elevate their additions, but FEMA has not set any elevation standards. Carstens said FEMA used the city's Drainage Basin Master Plan as the basis for the new maps, but the plan was never intended to serve that purpose. "We have pointed out to FEMA that they have no historical data supporting the maps they have produced," Carstens said. "They have not followed their own process. They have not used sophisticated engineering models, but instead used our own stormwater study." Carstens expects FEMA to set a public hearing in the near future to present the maps to the public. She said the date for that meeting has not been set. Section: A Page: 3 Index Terms: CITY GOVERNMENT Record Number: MERLIN_2567030 Copyright (c) 2010 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 America's Newspapers Will your home be in a flood zone? Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer • apiper@wcinet.com FEMA meeting The Federal Emergency Management Agency will present its updated Dubuque County flood insurance rate maps at 6:30 tonight at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds ballroom. House bill fails A bill sponsored by state Rep. Tom Schueller, D-Maquoketa, which would have prohibited state funding for construction projects and rebuilding projects due to flooding in 500-year flood zones, failed to make it out of committee. Several municipalities, including Dubuque, argued the bill would create disincentive to improve their riverfronts. The Port of Dubuque and the Historic Millwork District both sit in a 500-year flood plain. "It met a lot of resistance," Schueller said. "In the six years I've been here, I've never seen so many people show up at a subcommittee meeting. I should have charged admission. I could've helped the state with its budget problem." Schueller said the bill wouldn't have prohibited new projects or renovations in the 500-year flood zones, only state community development dollars to fund them. Properties also would not be eligible for state assistance for flood damage. "The frustrating part for me was that last year we did all sorts of good things as far as being reactive, but now you try to do something proactive and it's an uphill battle all the way," Schueller said. "If you keep doing things the same way over and over again, you will get the same results." A Senate bill that addresses flood plain management made it out of committee but has yet to be voted on. Schueller said that bill is less specific. Andy Piper Dubuque's pleas to the Federal Emergency Management Agency have resulted in little change to the proposed flood maps, but some potentially good news arrived Monday. FEMA officials will present the proposal to the public tonight at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. The revised maps would place more than 1,700 structures in a flood plain. Only 70 are listed in a flood plain now. City officials say that adopting the maps will create neighborhood disinvestment and decline over the long term. "The meeting isn't to say this is it, we're done," FEMA's Roger Benson said. "It's to say this is the best we have at this point." That definition might have changed Monday afternoon. Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens was notified that FEMA has decided to use the city's latest contour data, which it submitted after the proposed maps were introduced last summer. One of the city's arguments against the new maps is that data from the Drainage Basin Master Plan was used that was not intended to demonstrate flood patterns. "FEMA has said it will re -delineate Zone A flood hazard areas, and it should be more accurate than the data they used previously," Carstens said. Zone A includes much of Dubuque's North End, a portion of Kerper Boulevard, West 32nd Street and the Keymont area on the West End. "I can't say all of the Zone A areas would go away, but they should be redrawn more accurately," Carstens said. Benson said the purpose of the maps is to show where water will go in the event of a 100-year flood. He said FEMA does not differentiate stormwater runoff from a stream or a river overflowing its banks. Excess water is excess water. Benson said it is common for revised maps to include many more structures than the previous maps, many of which were drawn decades ago. Maps taking effect in Linn County on April 5, for instance, include 1,900 structures that were not in flood zones prior to the flood of 2008. "The reaction in Dubuque is similar to what you find where there hasn't been widespread flooding," Benson said. "People tend to discount the map that shows they are in a flood zone. We didn't get too much resistance in Cedar Rapids." The city's Planning Department hosted a series of public information meetings on Feb. 9 to explain the potential impact to residential and commercial property owners. Flood insurance is required by commercial lenders if a property owner refinances or buys property in a flood plain. Insurance for a $75,000 home and contents valued at $30,000 costs about $260 per year. In a flood zone, that cost rises to more than $800 per year. Property owners could be subject to flood proofing or elevating their buildings if they choose to build additions, which also adds to the cost. A 90-day appeal process will commence about two weeks after tonight's meeting. Municipalities and individual property owners can contest the results. Benson said the appeal process will be outlined at the meeting. Section: A Page: 2 Index Terms: FLOODING Record Number: MERLIN_2654731 Copyright (c) 2010 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Ic. America's Newspapers dubuque city council Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Author: The Telegraph Herald Crime and poverty study Issue: The city deemed a 2009 study about the relationship between Section 8 housing and crime in Dubuque as inadequate, and the City Council authorized more in-depth research. Background: The Safe Community Task Force recommended the study include: Comparisons with like communities, a longitudinal study of changes in crime rates, a multivariate study of arrest records, a comparison of actual crime in Dubuque with public perception, contextualize research findings within current criminology and policy literature, and make evidence -based recommendations for effective policy. Action: The council voted, 7-0, to accept the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies' bid of $69,900. What's next: The city budgeted $14,000 for the study. Budget Director Jennifer Larson has identified $55,900 from debt service savings in the general fund from the West End fire station land purchase, which will not occur in Fiscal Year 2010. Bee Branch Creek interagency agreement Issue: The City cannot remove any structures acquired for the construction of the Bee Branch Creek stormwater channel until the State Historic Preservation Office, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city agree to a plan that ensures no unnecessary harm comes to historic properties. Background: An architectural survey determined that the path of the creek requires removal of 24 structures within the Rhomberg and Kniest District. On March 26, the Iowa DNR provided the city with a copy of an agreement prepared with all four parties' collaboration. The Iowa DNR asked the city to sign the agreement and forward it to the next agency. Action: The council voted, 7-0, to authorize City Manager Mike Van Milligen to sign the agreement. What's next: The city can begin deconstructing properties once the agreement is signed by all parties. Traffic study Issue: The city is seeking bids to study the conversion of Ninth and 11th streets from one-way to two-way traffic. Background: Millwork District plans recommend Ninth Street between Bluff and Elm, and 11th Street between Central and Elm, be converted from one-way to two- way streets. The study would evaluate the potential for converting Ninth Street between Locust Street and Kerper Boulevard and 11th Street between Central Avenue and Kerper Boulevard to two-way traffic. In addition, 10th Street between Bluff Street and Central Avenue will be evaluated for possible conversion to two-way traffic. Action: The council voted, 7-0, to authorize requests for proposals be submitted for the project. What's next: Recommendations are due to the City Council by May 3 with a tentative study completion date of Oct. 29. The study is expected to cost between $75,000 and $140,000 once the scope is determined. Funding will be allocated from the potential savings of street reconstruction projects. Section: A Page: 3 Index Terms: CITY COUNCIL Record Number: MERLIN_2754008 Copyright (c) 2010 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 c. America's Newspapers Clearance sale Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, April 15, 2010 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer apiper@wcinet. com bee branch bids People interested in purchasing a building should contact the Dubuque Engineering Department at 563-589-4270 to obtain a listing of the buildings for sale. Sealed bids for the purchase and removal of buildings must be received by the city engineer no later than 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at the City Engineer Office in City Hall. If you're in the market for a house or a garage, the city of Dubuque is offering an unusual opportunity. There is, however, some heavy lifting involved. The buyer is responsible for moving the structure. Up for bid are 51 houses, 20 garages and 10 sheds the city purchased to make way for the Bee Branch Creek. Construction of the stormwater channel, which will run from the 16th Street detention basin to 24th Street, just south of Comiskey Park, is scheduled to begin in mid -July. Phase I runs from the detention basin around the west side of the former packing plant site and ends just short of the railroad tracks. Phase II, which includes some of the houses in question, is scheduled to begin in late 2011. The entire project should be completed in 2013. Civil engineer Deron Muehring said a committee was searching for city lots to place the houses for development, but it has yet to identify a suitable property. "So we wanted to make them available to citizens who might have a vacant lot or want to purchase a home or garage," Muehring said. "We have had citizens over the years say, 'Hey there's a nice garage over there.' As a municipality, we have to let the whole public know about a possible sale." The city has developed two ways to bid. Prospective buyers can bid an amount they are willing to pay to the city to take over ownership of the structure and move it, or bid an amount that they would accept as payment from the city in order to take over ownership and move it. "For instance, if it is going to cost $20,000 to move a house and they paid $15,000 and the city paid $5,000, then the city would be ahead in the long run," Muehring said. Any structures that are not sold will be deconstructed at city expense. The goal is to keep as much material out of the landfill as possible. Mary Summers, of Oakwood Investments, has moved five structures over the years and said prospective buyers should consider a few things. Moving a structure requires coordination between the movers, police, fire and the power company. "Those heavy fiber-optic lines cost about $500 each to move and that was five years ago," Summers said. "Depending on the route, you might have to get trees trimmed, and once you get it to your site, you have to reconnect everything." She said first -timers will need to hire an experienced mover to take them through the process, but the city's incentives could make it a viable option. "The week of the move is a nightmare, and every time we'd swear we weren't going to do it again, but we did," Summers said. "If it's at a price you can afford, it might be worth it." Muehring said he wouldn't be surprised if some of the garages didn't go for higher prices than the houses. Many of them, he said, were added to the property at a later date. "You could bid a dollar if you wanted to," Muehring said. "We realize there is cost involved." The stormwater project was conceived after a series of heavy rains in 1999 that damaged hundreds of houses in the area. It is expected to alleviate stormwater-related flooding to about 1,100 structures. The problem has its roots in the 1880s as developers over a period of decades began filling in the original Bee Branch Creek for development. The Bee Branch sewer line, which runs from West 32nd Street to the 16th Street detention basin, eventually replaced the length of the creek. The sewer will remain in place from 24th Street to West 32nd. Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: HOUSES Record Number: MERLIN_2774672 Copyright (c) 2010 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/Info Web 7/6/2010 Multi -Print Viewer Page 1 of 1 Ina. America's Newspapers The MISSING LINK Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, June 28, 2010 Author: ANDY PIPER TH staff writer apiper@wcinet com public hearing The Leisure Services Department will host a public hearing to receive comments on the Catfish Creek Biking and Hiking Trail Feasibility Study. The study, if adopted, would assist the city with future trail developments along the Catfish Creek corridor. The open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Five Flags Center. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 563-589-4263. The feasibility study is available at cityofdubuque.org/parks. A trail along Catfish Creek that connects Bergfeld Recreation Area to the Mines of Spain saunters through the imaginations of Dubuque's hikers and bikers. The Leisure Services Department wants to know how badly the public wants to make the trail a reality. It's hosting an open house Tuesday at Five Flags Center to display the trail's potential paths and communicate many of its pitfalls. Citizens will be asked to submit their impressions in writing. "Does it make sense? Is there a need for it? Is it something that will benefit the community?" queries Recreation Division Manager Pat Prevenas. "There are some challenges, and it's only fair to let the public express their opinions." The challenges include: * An estimated price tag of $9.5 million for 7.35 miles, which doesn't include the cost of property acquisition and trail amenities. * Because of the terrain, some stretches would parallel a busy railroad line. * Rail crossings present safety issues. * Catfish Creek weaves through the valley, and the price tag jumps each time the trail crosses the creek. * Some low-lying areas are prone to flooding. The trail, however, remains high on outdoor enthusiasts' to-do lists. "I think it's the one piece of the whole trail system that the trail community would most look forward to seeing completed," said Brian Walsh, chairman of Tri-State Trail Vision. "It's going to take time and persistence. It won't be easy, but the most valuable things are never easy." A feasibility study published by MSA Professional Services breaks the project into three phases. Phase I connects Bergfeld Recreation Area to Welu Drive. Phase II proceeds from Welu Drive to Fremont Avenue. Phase III provides access to the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. "If it were done in phases, the western phase is the most logical that may occur in the near future," Prevenas said. "It's mostly city owned, and some trails already exist." Apart from making possible a connection to the Heritage Trail on Dubuque's North End, which would create a loop around the entire city, Walsh said it's ripe r'ira environment that beckons. "The trails along the Northwest Arterial are getting used more than we thought they would," Walsh said. "This would be through a scenic, really beautiful part of town that would provide people an opportunity to get away from the traffic and the noise. It would be the equivalent of a Heritage Trail experience, but in town. People look for those opportunities." Section: A Page: 1 Index Terms: NONE Record Number: MERLIN_2949779 Copyright (c) 2010 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb 7/6/2010 August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting — Action Item #4 Lower Bee Branch Reconstruction Project Attachment City Council Priorities And Stormwater Management Documents Leader's Guide 2001/Mayor and City Council/Dubuque, Iowa • • Targets for 2000-2001: Our Action Agenda TOP PRIORITY A Major Highway Development Traffic Congestion Dodge Street: Action Plan Industrial Park Development Neighborhood Reinvestment Strategy: Expansion HIGH PRIORITY Street Improvement Program: Continuation Stormwater Policy and Management Plan (Drainage) Riverfront Development Downtown Development Old Main: Strategy and Action Copyright © 1999: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. (P9-242) 121 Leader's Guide 2001/Mayor and City Council/Dubuque, Iowa Pending Targets for 2000-2001 C 1. Budget Year 2001 2. Park Development 3. City Technology Improvements 4. Financial Plan: Preparation for Downturn 5. Annexation: Policy and Action Plan 6. Erosion Policy 7. Historic Preservation: Policy and Future Direction 8. Gateway Beautification Action Plan 9. Fire Stations: Direction 10. Comprehensive Plan: Update 11. City Staffing Level and Plan 12. Comprehensive Sidewalk Policy and Action Plan 13. Law Enforcement Center Expansion 14. Public Arts and Culture Policy and Plan 15. Police: Staffing 16. Privatization of City Services and Functions: Policy and Plan 17. Library: Future Direction Copyright © 1999: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. (P9-242) 128 Strategic Plan 2001-2007/Mayor, City Council and Management Team/Dubuque, Iowa Incentives for Business Attraction and Expansion Northwest Arterial Access Policy Downtown Master Plan: Review and Implementation O a O F y0 0 a, ett a e. o •E E E1 0 CO g. F co d OJ 0. 3 x o Y America's Riverfront Project and Development s Highway 20: Short -Term Actions, Long -Term Projects Street Program: Funding Federal Strategy Copyright © 2001: Lyle Sumek Associates. Inc. 0 Copyright © 2001: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. Strategic Plan 2002-2004/Mayor and City Council Dubuque, Iowa y Marketing Program: America's River Project School Local Option Tax Erosion Policy Brewery Project Action Agenda 2002-2004 Policy Agenda 2002-2004 Air Service Strategy Highway 20: Short -Term Action Stormwater Study America's Riverfront Project 0 a Arts Policy and Funding Downtown Master Plan Marketing: Riverfront and Total Community Gaming Referendum Property Acquisition Riverfront Copyright ®2002: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. s 0 • N fA w Copyright ® 2002: Lyle Sumek Associates. loc. ,M;ea;S Iejapa3 '0I Riverfront Master Plan Implementation 00 :1 O' " A W N �+ (asia);uea) a;u;S River Valley Initiative (GDDC) Vacant Property Redevelopment 1E11a1V ;samtpno5 Street Program: Funding Public Information: Enhancement 2a[pun3 ,Caeugl'I uol;aaa! 111l1Pue'I Management Agenda 2002-2004 CA fD ea 2 0 eo S ea rol N W :sassauisng atop n 0 O �/ N C ,\ 0 00 2 N O O = o o o co n_ U N C 643. ❑ ❑ O O r CO O C t6 To — a) N 'D 0 = C E CL -0 L a) c0 O .Q N a) es as as Q C te-0 - 0 O C 5 co-41 c 73 c�a 5 to CD _ 0 E a) N :i • c6 L o a) .S to c o U as c O Cas 0 co c.)al as CD a) a Q a ,es as co. E E O L C C co U as E U o U Q C = coO N o c a) .0 U s — ' a) 3 U E co a)) (0 co N •— O to to' a a = i- C c ca O a)c).1 = 0 M (00 O co LL. EF} 0_= Q) c 0) I-- a FY 2003 ($80,125, page 1). TOP PRIORITIES - FISCAL YEAR 2004 Service Strate U a) 0 0 0 to .0) w> a) O CU .O a) E O U A 73 CO rtS a) O O. a) t .E. a) E a) Q. E co O C a) > a Q I0 ca co 0 O CV O O N L ca } U LJ- a) t 1- Q� h FAA funding of the $28,675,895 projects. a) (0 Q 0 0 0 0 M M a) co m a (0 O 0) a) .J 'o c O 0 a) 0 as n. 0 0 0 O M c a 0) to cc; O 2- a) C a) a a) 185), and Radar Display System ($130,000, page 194). ement Polio c e0 Storm Wate 73 'CS .c O a) N a)U E 7 = 1% N co E (0 c .0 0 = U o 4.. '� s N cn ca 2 E o c c yr L L '''' '2 U O c6 o 2 o O E O a)} to O -C UO) a)i— as C vs C X 4-c .Q 0 0 > -4-. O o c a) > u) o co C N _a co N O co a) c0 13 (0 E (0 = cc; c0 f6 O a) } L a) E t0 -a o_ c 'a o C CO it u) a C 4- >, Q 0) C O O E co a) = N L CO L to CD al o Q h` o L C a) D Q 3 E ^ L oUOtE a) a) C ' O� L2. O O L § :N Ea 'a ❑ Q. 2 as O Q U ;ti E a) tx >' O N c 0, L O � .0 E 8 -ff. a) 0 Q E u. U E N E c N N �C U a) a) o ��. .0 �+ U U a) 0) C a) > (0 t!) o m a) c0 c p) a) a) L > c N m c O O N rn o -13-4 X C a) N O N if=O N _c eh cc N o L o0 'si = a) N 'a o CD 'a .0 C c 16 C E f6 TT 4- a) V Q to C E _a � (0 "a) < ai ❑ .0 co the amount of money received from a stormwater utility fee. Executive Summary: Strategic Plan 2003-2009-2020/Mayor and City Council/Dubuque, Iowa Major Projects 2003-2005 1. Stormwater Projects: Carter Road, 32nd Detention Acquisition 2. Highway 20 Improvement Project Copyright © 2003: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. 03-SEP-05 23 Executive Summary: Strategic Plan 2003-2009-2020/Mayor and City Council/Dubuque, Iowa Management Agenda 2003-2005 1. Julien Dubuque Bridge 2. River Valley Initiative 3. State Grants 4. Industrial Park Development: Next Phase 5. Riverfront Master Plan: Implementation 6. Star Brewery Lease 7. Adams Company: Acquisition, Relocation 8. CIP: New and Maintenance Copyright © 2003: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. 03-SEP-05 22 City 4lanager's Office 50 Nast 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 521101-4864 (563) 589-4110 phone (563) 589-4149 fax ctyingraacitvohl ubtuiue.org Tf ltE crry OP Contact: Susan Gwiasda Public Information Officer City of Dubuque (563) 589-4151 MEDIA RELEASE September 16, 2004 Goal -Setting Session Sets Priorities for New Fiscal Year Mayor Terry Duggan and the Dubuque City Council completed their annual goal -setting session recently at the Grand River Center. During the two-day event, Councilmembers developed a 2020 vision, five- year goals and 18-month priorities, along with a management agenda. The goal -setting process was facilitated by Lyle Sumek, of Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Fla. A Dubuque 2020 vision statement was reaffirmed: Dubuque is a city of history, beauty, opportunities and excitement: Masterpiece on the Mississippi. The vision statement was approved to include: "The City of Dubuque is a growing city with a strong, balanced economy and connections to the world. The Dubuque community takes pride in our history and heritage and has actively preserved our picturesque river and community. Dubuque citizens have choices of quality livable neighborhoods and fun things to do; and are engaged in the community. Dubuque city government is financially sound and providing services with citizens getting value for their tax dollars." -more- The City Council adopted five-year goals for the community: • Improved Connectivity: Transportation and Telecommunications • Planned and Managed Growth • Diverse, Strong Dubuque Economy • Riverfront Development • Partnering for a Better Dubuque The City Council adopted a Policy Agenda 2004-2006 and developed 12 priority issues. These issues were divided into top and high priority: Top Priority • Southwest Arterial — Funding for the arterial is once again the No. 1 transportation priority for the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, DMATS, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dubuque Development Corp. • Opportunitylowa — This initiative involves a feasibility study about the creation of a fiber optic utility for the City of Dubuque. • Stormwater: Bee Branch Creek Restoration • Street Improvement Programs — Continue to devote significant funding to resurface and reconstruct streets within the City. • Arts Policy and Funding — Finalize a policy decision. High Priority • East-West Corridor Study — This study would examine the east -west transportation links within the city. • Air Service and Emplanement Strategy • National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) • Annexation Study and Policy • Newly Annexed Areas: Plan, Zoning, Services • Property Maintenance Cases • Water & Sewer Services to New Developments Also established was the Management Agenda for 2004-2006. These 12 issues represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff: • Mediacom Franchise Agreement • Zoning Ordinance: Update • Adams Company Relocation Completion • Collective Bargaining Negotiations • Incident Tracking System • Healthcare Cost Containment Strategy and Action • Federal Strategy • Dubuque Industrial Center West, Phase III • Gaming Agreement: Protect City's interests • Star Brewery Completion • Waterworks Park/Pyatigorsk Park • State Strategy # # # City Manager's Office 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 NEWS RELEASE Sept. 12, 2005 — For Immediate Release CONTACT: Mayor Pro-Tem Joyce Connors 563-588-0558 City Manager Mike Van Milligen 563-589-4116 www.cityofdubuque.org Goal -Setting Sessions Set City Priorities for New Fiscal Year DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal -setting sessions recently at the Grand River Center. During the two-day event, Council members developed a 2020 vision, five-year goals and 18-month priorities, along with a management agenda. The goal -setting process was facilitated by Lyle Sumek, of Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Fla. A Dubuque 2020 vision statement was reaffirmed: Dubuque is a city of history, beauty, opportunities and excitement: Masterpiece on the Mississippi. The vision statement was approved to include: "The City of Dubuque is a growing city with a strong, balanced economy and connections to the world. The Dubuque community takes pride in our history and heritage and has actively preserved our picturesque river and community. Dubuque citizens have choices of quality livable neighborhoods and fun things to do; and are engaged in the community. Dubuque city government is financially sound and providing services with citizens getting value for their tax dollars." The City Council adopted five-year goals for the community: • Improved Connectivity: Transportation and Communications • Diverse, Strong Dubuque Economy • Planned and Managed Growth • Partnering for a Better Dubuque • Riverfront Development The City Council adopted a Policy Agenda 2005-2007 and developed 10 priority issues. These issues were divided into top and high priority: Top Priority • Southwest Arterial — Funding for the arterial is once again the No. 1 transportation priority for the City of Dubuque. • Intermodal Transit Facility in the Port of Dubuque • Downtown Master Plan Implementation • Bee Branch Stormwater Improvement Project • Erosion Control Policy (MORE) Goal -Setting Sessions Set City Priorities continued... (Page 2 of 2) High Priority • Municipal Communication Utility Referendum • Airport Master Plan Implementation • Police Department Staffing and Deployment • Neighborhood Crime Reduction Strategy • Library Renovation Also established was the Management Agenda for 2005-2007. These 18 issues represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff. Included in the Management Agenda are items that are considered Major Projects that involve significant city resources and may span more than one year for completion: Management Agenda • Federal Building • Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrade Plan • Infrastructure Upgrade Strategy and Action • Annexation Study Update • Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update • Petroleum Plume Remediation • Regional Community Safety Training Center • City Leases: Upgrade • After School Program Development Major Projects • Casket Company Completion and Tot Lot • Shot Tower Renovation Plan and Project • Storm Sewer Projects • Gateway Landscaping Project • A.Y. McDonald Park Project • Pyatigorsk Park Project • Bergfeld Recreation Area • Comiskey Park Improvement Project • Pet Park ### City Manager's Office 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 NEWS RELEASE Aug. 31, 2006 — For Immediate Release CONTACT: Mayor Roy D. Buol (563) 588-4265 OR City Manager Mike Van Milligen (563)589-4116 www.cityofdubuque.org City Council Sets Priorities for New Fiscal Year DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal -setting sessions recently at the Grand River Center. During the two-day event, Council members developed a 2020 vision statement, a 2006-2007 policy agenda, along with a management agenda. The goal - setting process was facilitated by Lyle Sumek, of Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Fla. The Dubuque 2020 Vision Statement was approved to include: The city of Dubuque is a progressive, sustainable City with a strong balanced economy and connections to the world The Dubuque community takes pride in our history and heritage and has actively preserved our picturesque river and community Dubuque citizens have choices of quality livable neighborhoods and fun things to do, and are engaged in the community The City Council also adopted a 2006-2007 Policy Agenda and developed priority issues: CONTINUING PRIORITIES • Southwest Arterial • Unified Development Code / Bluffland Ordinance • Annexation Study • Bee Branch Project / Drainage Basin Master Plan Projects TOP PRIORITY • Street Program: Continuation and Funding • Workforce Development Strategy • Green City Designation • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance • Library Renovation (MORE) City Council Holds Goal -Setting Sessions (Page 2 of 2) HIGH PRIORITY , • Airport Master Plan • East — West Corridor Study • Rail Spur — Dubuque Industrial Center West • Water Pollution Control Plant Facility Plan The 2006-2007 Management Agenda was also established. These issues represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff. Included in the Management Agenda are items that are considered major projects that involve significant city resources and may span more than one year for completion: TOP PRIORITY • Community Health Center • Pandemic Influenza Plan • Grand River Center Maintenance • Fire Department Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) / Wireless Networks • Police Department Territorial Accountability Design HIGH PRIORITY • Dubuque Technology Park • Port of Dubuque Development • Intermodal Transportation Facility • Utility Infrastructure Update • Mediacom Franchise Implementation MAJOR PROJECTS • Pedestrian Wayfinding Signs • Federal Building Project • Shot Tower Renovation • Regional Public Safety Responder Training Center • Westbrook Park • Welu Park • Eagle Valley Park • Riley Park • Town Clock Renovation • Highway 20 Landscaping • Ice Harbor Boat Dock ### THE CITY OF 4 DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque Wend tatimedicaCdy 2007 CONTACT: Mayor Roy D, Buol (563) 588-4265 (home) (563)-564-5455 (cell) NEWS RELEASE August 30, 2007 - For Immediate Release City Council sets goals and priorities for next year DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal -setting sessions last night. During the two-day event, Council members developed a 2020 vision statement, a 2007-2008 policy agenda, along with a management agenda. The goal -setting process was facilitated by Lyle Sumek, of Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Fla. DUBUQUE VISION 2022 • The CITY OF DUBUQUE is a Progressive, Sustainable City with a Strong Balanced Economy and Connections to the World: • THE DUBUQUE COMMUNITY takes pride in our History and Heritage and has actively preserved our Picturesque River and Community • DUBUQUE CITIZENS have choices of Quality Livable Neighborhoods and Fun Things to do and are Engaged in the Community: DUBUQUE GOALS 2010 • Diverse, Strong Dubuque Economy • Planned and Managed Growth • Partnering for a Better Dubuque • Improved Connectivity Transportation and Telecommunication Riverfront Development POLICY AGENDA 2007 --2008 Top Priority • Workforce Development Strategy • Green City Initiatives • Every Child / Every Promise- City Actions • Keyline Transit Service • Police Staffing: Evaluation and Actions High Priority • Street Program Continuation and Funding • Water Pollution Control Plant Facility Upgrade • Unified Development Code • East / West Corridor Study • Southwest Arterial: Direction (MORE) Dubuque City Council sets new goals and priorities (Page 2 of 2) The 2007-2008 Management Agenda was also established. These issues represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff Included in the Management Agenda are items that are considered major projects that involve significant city resources and may span more than one year for completion: MANAGEMENT AGENDA 2007-2008 • ADA Actions • Air Service Expansion • All -America City Award Promotion • Drainage Basin Master Plan Diversity: Next Steps "Hot Spots" Police Patrol North Fork Catfish Creek (Stormwater and Sanitary Sewer Improvements) • Port of Dubuque Parking Facility • Service Needs Assessment and Staffing Plan • Traffic Safety Solutions (Northwest Arterial/Pennsylvania Avenue) # # # Leader's Guide 2008 Summary Report/Mayor, City Council and Executive Team/Dubuque, Iowa 6. PROJECTS AND ISSUES IN PROGRESS Dubuque, Iowa July 2008 DEPARTMENT: Engineering Please list departmental projects or issues in progress (meaning there is work currently being done on them). 1. 2. 3. 4. Consolidation of the City's One -Call response system. Designing for the reconstruction of Foye/Merchants/Gold Streets Designing for the Washington Neighborhood Green Alley Pilot Project Designing for the Locust Street Resurfacing Project (9th to 17th) 5. Designing for the Hwy 52 Resurfacing Project (W. 32nd Street to the NW Arterial) Implementation of the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) • W. 32nd Street Detention Basin Project The project is under construction and is to be substantially complete in 2008. • North Fork Catfish Creek Stormwater Management Improvements Designing the improvements at Pennsylvania/JFK and from Key Way to IA32 (NW Arterial). • Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Acquisition of all residential properties should be complete by the end of 2008. The selection process has been initiated with the release of an RFP to hire a consultant to design the improvements. Design of the Lower Bee Branch project (16th Street Detention Basin to just south of Garfield Ave.) is to be completed in 2008. A consultant has been selected to start developing a Programmatic Agreement among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa DNR, State Historical Preservation Officer, and the City of Dubuque to mitigate the adverse impacts of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project on the Rhomberg Avenue and Kniest Street historic district. Copyright © 2008: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. 08-AUG-3 8 47 Leader's Guide 2008 Summary Report/Mayor, City Council and Executive Team/Dubuque, Iowa 11. 12. 13. Establish funding for the implementation of the Pavement Management Program. Use of a Pavement Management Program to manage capital improvement. programs of roadway networks has been a nationally accepted practice for over a decade. Besides providing an accurate accounting of current pavement conditions, this annual program provides historical data on rates of pavement deterioration and, most importantly, the pavement management software predicts rates of future deterioration. Complete the construction of the North Fork Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements project that will eliminate the need to pump wastewater from the interceptor sewer at Key Way into the North Fork Catfish Creek. Complete the construction of the Drainage Basin Master Plan improvements along the North Fork Catfish Creek: the culvert improvements at Pennsylvania and JFK, Key Way, and Rosemont as well as the channel improvements from Key Way to IA 32 (NW Arterial). Copyright © 2008: Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc. 08-AUG-38 51 THE CITY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque AnmedcaClty 1IIII, 2007 CONTACT: Mayor Roy D. Buol (563)588-4265 (home) (563)564-5455 (cell) NEWS RELEASE August 27, 2008 — For Immediate Release City Council Completes Annual Goal -Setting Sessions DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal -setting sessions last night. Over the last two evenings, Council members developed a 2024 vision statement, a 2008-2010 policy agenda, along with a management agenda. The goal -setting process was facilitated by Lyle Sumek, of Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Fla. DUBUQUE VISION 2024 • The city of Dubuque is a progressive, sustainable city with a strong diversified economy and expanding global connections; • the Dubuque community is an inclusive community celebrating culture and heritage and has actively preserved our Masterpiece on the Mississippi; • Dubuque citizens have choices of quality, livable neighborhoods and an abundance of fun things to do and are engaged in the community, achieving goals through partnerships; and • Dubuque City government is financially sound and providing services with citizens getting value for their tax dollars. FIVE-YEAR GOALS • Diverse, Strong Dubuque Economy • Sustainable City • Planned and Managed Growth • Improved Connectivity — Transportation and Telecommunication • Partnering for a Better Dubuque POLICY AGENDA 2008 — 2010 Top Priority • Workforce Development Strategy/Project HOPE • Warehouse District Redevelopment and Plan • Port of Dubuque Development a) America's River Phase II b) Port of Dubuque Business Recruitment North Port c) South Port — Evaluation and Plan d) Dodd's Leases - Direction • Sustainability Plan • Street Program — Continued Funding • Public Transit — New Model (MORE) Dubuque City Council Sets New Goals and Priorities (Page 2 of 2) High Priority • Development Standards Incorporating Green Standards • Unified Development Code • Rental Licensing/Irresponsible Landlords • Downtown Master Plan • Neighborhood Investment/Code Enforcement. The 2008-2010 Management Agenda was also established. These issues represent short-term projects for the City Manager and City of Dubuque staff. Included in the Management Agenda are items that are considered major projects that involve significant city resources and may span more than one year for completion: MANAGEMENT AGENDA 2008-2010 Top Priority • Industrial Riverfront Leases • National Trust for Historic Preservation Memorandum of Understanding • Bee Branch Project • Every Child/Every Promise, Partner with Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque • Southwest Arterial High Priority • Washington Neighborhood Plan • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Actions: Continue Implementation & Education • Envision 2010 • Library Project • Airport Master Plan # # # CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM July 20, 2001 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: " Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management City Council Worksession Attached you will find a copy of an executive summary and agenda for Monday night's worksession regarding stormwater management. The meeting will be held in the • Library Auditorium on the third floor of the Carnegie -Stout Public Library beginning at • 5:30 p.m. with dinner served on the second floor at 5:00 p.m. The presentation Monday night will consist of an interactive PowerPoint presentation by HDR, followed by a question and answer period. HDR will have large visuals depicting various areas for review. I am anticipating the meeting taking somewhere between two to three hours. Michael C. Van 1Vlilligen MCVM/ksf Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Mike Koch, Public Works Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM July 20, 2001 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Management City Council Worksession Attached you will find a copy of an executive summary and agenda for the Monday night worksession with the City Council regarding stormwater management. An interactive PowerPoint presentation • will be given by HDR, followed by a question -and -answer period. Large visuals will be available to aid in the discussion. It is anticipated that the meeting will last two to three hours. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. GP/ka Atta chs . City of Dubuque, Iowa Storm Water Management Plan Project City Council Working. Session Agenda July 23, 2001 I. Introduction — City Staff II. Storm Water Presentation Outline — RDR Engineering, Inc. • Storm Water Management Overview • Project Background • Project Approach • Project Goals • Project Methodologies • Alternative Selection Criteria • North Fork Catfish Creek Drainage Basins • Bee Branch Drainage Basin • Possible Funding Sources r III. Questions and Answers IV. Adjournment CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA STORMWATER MASTER PLAN Executive Summary for Council Worl.session —July 23,. 2001 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY List of Figures General Location Map - Figure 3-9 North Fork Catfish Drainage Basin Reach: Northwest Arterial to Rosemont Figure 3-10 North Fork Catfish Drainage Basin Reach: Rosemont to Pennsylvania Figure 3-11 North Fork Catfish Drainage Basin Reach: Pennsylvania to University Figure 3-13 North Fork Catfish Drainage Basin Flood Inundation Map — Rosemont to Winnie Figure 3-14 North Fork Catfish Drainage Basin Flood Inundation Map — Winnie to Carter Figure 4-1 Bee Branch Drainage Basin —Drainage Basin Subareas Bee Branch Drainage Area 100-Year Flood Inundation Map — Existing Conditions Figure 4-8 West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea — Detention Site Alternatives Bee Branch Drainage Area 100-Year Flood Inundation Map — With West 32nd Street Alternative - No. 5 Improvements Figure 4-22 Bee Branch Drainage Basin — Proposed Floodway Alternative City of Dubuque, Iowa Drainage Basin Master Plan Executive Summary July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PROJECT BACKGROUND The city of' Dubuque selected HDR Engineering, Inc. to prepare a stormwater master plan for the city in October 1998. The city's Geographic Information System (GIS) was in the process of being developed and the masterplanning activities were suspended until the drainage data became available. A project kick-off meeting was conducted on April 6, 2000 to discuss project goals and objectives and designate a pilot drainage basin. The City's GIS information was completed in May 2000 and HDR began working on the master planning activities in the pilot study basin, the North Fork of Catfish Creek. As the project evolved the pilot basin study was expanded to include the entire North Fork of Catfish Creek Drainage Area and the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea. Finally the entire Bee Branch Drainage Area was evaluated. The attached general. location map shows the area of study. Various alternatives were evaluated to reduce the impacts of flooding on the main channel and selected major tributaries. In addition to a drainage area masterplan, draft drainage policies and drainage standards/criteria have been developed. The city staff is reviewing the draft submittals. The standards and criteria have been provided to several Dubuque consulting engineers for review and comment. These comments will be reviewed by the Engineering Department and then integrated into a revised draft drainage standards/criteria document. After it is adopted by the city the drainage standards/criteria will be used to guide future drainage design and construction in the -city of Dubuque. Progress meetings have been conducted in 2000 on June 1, August 31, October 25, and December 6 and in 2001 on May 21 and July.2 at the offices of the city of Dubuque. PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Flooding problems in Dubuque can be attributed to two main causes: 1) lack of adequate capacity in storm water conveyance in open -channels, streets and storm sewers; 2) the inability to discharge into the Mississippi River during high water levels in the river. The drainage study masterplans will address the issue of conveyance of storm water in major streams; the identification of existing and future problem areas that do not meet Dubuque's adopted drainage standards/criteria and the development of recommendations for solutions to specific problem areas. This Master Plan addresses existing and projected flooding within the study watersheds. Specifically, the Master Plans identifies the expected future stormwater runoff and hydrology for the drainage 'areas considering existing plus proposed land use changes based on the . city's ultimate development comprehensive land use plan. In several areas, drainage problems were identified for the existing system without consideration of future development. Where problems were identified, alternatives were developed based on projected future stormwater runoff. PRELIMINARY FINDINGS North Fork Catfish Creek Construction of new or expanded detention storage facilities offers a means of controlling major flood events to prevent damage to downstream properties and infrastructure. In the North Fork Catfish Creek Drainage Basin, the potential to increase detention storage exists along the northern leg of North Fork, upstream of the Northwest Arterial and upstream of Pennsylvania/JFK. City of Dubuque, Iowa. Drainage Basin Master Plan Executive Summary 1 • July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PROJECT BACKGROUND The city of Dubuque selected HDR Engineering, Inc. to prepare a stormwater master plan for the city in October 1998. The city's Geographic Information System (GIS) was in the process of being developed and the masterplanning activities were suspended until the drainage data became available. A project kick-off meeting was conducted on April 6, 2000 to discuss project goals and objectives and designate a pilot drainage basin. The City's GIS information was completed in May 2000 and HDR began working on the master planning activities in the pilot study basin, the North Fork of Catfish Creek. As the project evolved the pilot basin study was expanded to include the entire North Fork of Catfish Creek Drainage Area and the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea. Finally the entire Bee Branch Drainage Area was evaluated. The attached general location map shows the area of study. Various alternatives were evaluated to reduce the impacts of flooding on the main channel and selected major tributaries. In addition to a drainage area masterplan, draft drainage policies and drainage standards/criteria have been developed. The city staff is reviewing the draft submittals. The standards and criteria have been provided to several Dubuque consulting engineers for review and comment. These comments will be reviewed by .the Engineering Department and then integrated into a revised draft drainage standards/criteria document. After it is adopted by the city the drainage standards/criteria will be used to guide future drainage design and construction in the city of Dubuque. Progress meetings have been conducted in 2000 on June 1, August 31, October 25, and December 6 and in 2001 on May 21 and July 2 at the offices of the city of Dubuque. PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Flooding problems in Dubuque can be attributed to two main causes: 1) lack of adequate capacity in storm water conveyance in open -channels, streets and storm sewers; 2) the inability to discharge into the Mississippi River during high water levels in the river. The drainage study masterplans will address the issue of conveyance of storm water in major streams; the identification of existing and future problem areas that do not meet Dubuque's adopted drainage standards/criteria and the development of recommendations for solutions to specific problem areas. This Master Plan addresses existing and projected flooding within the study watersheds. Specifically, the Master Plans identifies the expected- future stormwater runoff and hydrology for the drainage areas considering existing plus proposed land use changes based on the city's ultimate development comprehensive land use plan. In several areas, drainage problems were identified for the existing system without consideration of future development. Where problems were identified, alternatives were developed based on projected future stormwater runoff. PRELIMINARY FINDINGS North Fork Catfish Creek Construction of new or expanded detention storage facilities offers a means of controlling major flood events to prevent damage to downstream properties and infrastructure. In the North Fork Catfish Creek Drainage Basin, the potential to increase detention storage exists along the northern leg of North Fork, upstream of the Northwest Arterial and upstream of Pennsylvania/JFK. City of Dubuque, Iowa Drainage Basin Master Plan Executive Summary 1 July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The segment of North Fork between the Northwest Arterial and University Avenue was identified as a significant problem area. Numerous residential structures are located within the 100-year flood plain and are relatively low in relation to the creek and likely incur frequent flooding. It is proposed to improve the channel capacity by clearing and grubbing the channel, shaping the channel and increasing the capacity of the existing drainage structures. Three (3) alternatives were evaluated to reduce or prevent damage to private- property from the 100-year flood. These alternatives are depicted in Figures 3-9, 3-10 and 3-11. Estimated costs of Alternatives 1, 2 and 3 are summarized in Table ES-1. Table ES-1 North Fork Drainage Basin Channel and Structural Improvement Summary Alternative Proposed Improvements • I999 Estimated Opinion of Probable Construction Costs' Comments Alternative 1 Modify drainage outlet at Northwest • Arterial. Provide additional storage upstream of Pennsylvania by excavation, increase channel capacity from Northwest Arterial to Pennsylvania and increase the capacity of the drainage structures at Rosemont and Keyway. S1,400,000 _ • Decreases property values at Penn/JFK • Changes aesthetics at Penn/JFK . Alternative 2 Provide additional storage upstream of Northwest Arterial by excavation, increase channel capacity from Northwest Arterial to Pennsylvania and . increase the capacity of the drainage structures at Rosemont and Keyway. SI,60o,000 • • Minimum land acquisition costs • Saves trees and maintains aesthetics at Penn/JFK • Preserves property values at Penn/JFK • Solves problems close to the source • Best hydraulic improvement Alternative 3 Provide additional storage upstream of Northwest Arterial and Pennsylvania by excavation, restrict drainage structure at Pennsylvania/JFK and increase channel capacity, from Northwest Arterial to• Pennsylvania and increase the capacity of the drainage structures at Rosemont and Keyway. S 2,4000,000 • Additional costs with no appreciable improvement in hydraulics • Decreases property values at Penn/JFK •Changes aesthetics at Penn/JFK Notes: 1. Contingencies (25%) were added to account for estimated quantities, unit price adjustments and miscellaneous work related items. An additional 25% was included for administrative, legal and engineering costs. Right-of-way, operation and maintenance and mitigationcosts were not included. Costs based on Iowa Department of Transportation 1999 unit prices. City of Dubuque, Iowa Executive Summary Drainage Basin Master Plan July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY It was found that Alternative 3 does not substantially decrease the water surface elevations downstream of the Pennsylvania/JFK intersection nor does it improve the street drainage at the intersection. The costs associated with Alternative 3 exceed the resulting benefit of the proposed improvements. Impacts to the 100-year floodplain associated with the channel improvements proposed in Alternatives 1 and 2 are shown in Figures 3-13 and 3-14. Alternatives 1 and 2 both include increasing the channel capacity from Northwest Arterial to Pennsylvania and increasing the capacity of the drainage structures at Rosemont and Keyway. Although both alternatives remove portions of residential areas from the 100- year floodplain, the improvements associated with Alternative 2 provide protection to a greater residential area and contain the 100-year flood to the main channel for longer reaches. Alternative 2, expansion of the NW Arterial detention cell, is the recommended option for improvements to the North Fork Catfish Creek Drainage Basin. This alternative demonstrated the best hydraulic improvement to the North Fork Catfish Creek system by providing •storage in the upper portion of the basin, and minimum land acquisition costs are associated with this alternative. Although impacts at Pennsylvania/JFK would be avoided with Alternative 2, some additional excavation at the existing Pennsylvania detention site that may be required for borrow purposes would also improve hydraulic conditions. Bee Branch The Bee Branch Drainage Area, as shown in Figure 4-1, includes the West 32nd Street, Kaufmann, Locust, and Downtown Drainage Subareas which discharge into the 16th Street Detention Cell. The primary West 32nd Street conveyance system is an open channel, while in the remaining drainage subarea's runoff either enters a storm sewer or flows in the streets. The extent of the existing 100-year flood inundation for the Downtown Drainage Subarea is shown in the attached figure. In the Bee Branch, the only viable detention storage sites available to store flood flows in upstream areas are located within the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea. The emphasis on the study to date has been directed at evaluating storage alternatives in the West 32nd Street system. Storing and controlled release of the upstream runoff to the maximum extent possible permits the downstream storm sewer system to improve the local drainage during the early stages of a flood event. An initial study of the Bee Branch storm sewer shows that the local drainage may overwhelm this system and that detention storage in the upper basins will assist in alleviating flooding problems downstream. The 100-year return period was used to determine the required storage necessary to reduce the flooding impacts downstream. Five alternatives were evaluated in the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea and are shown in Table ES-2 and Figure 4-8. Table ES-2 West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea Improvement Summary Alternative Proposed Improvements 1999 Estimated Opinion of Probable Construction Costs! Alternative I Construct multiple upstream detention at JFK, pedestrian bridge, and upper Carter. Excavate additional storage at West 32nd detention cell and remove and replace outlet structure. Purchase properties located within the 100-year flood pool. $5,250.000 City of Dubuque, Iowa Executive Summary 3 Drainage Basin Master Plan July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Table ES-2 West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea Improvement Summary Alternative 2 Construct multiple upstream detention at JFK, pedestrian bridge, and upper Carter. Increase existing berm elevation to provide additional storage at West 32nd detention cell and remove and replace outlet structure. Purchase properties located within the 100-year flood pool. $-1,000,000 Altemative 3 Construct one large upstream detention at upper Carter. $4,700,000 Excavate additional storage at West 32nd detention cell and remove and replace outlet structure. Purchase properties located within the 100-year flood pool Alternative 4 Construct one large upstream detention at upper Carter. 53,500,000 Increase existing berm elevation to provide additional storage at West 32nd detention cell and remove and replace outlet structure. Purchase properties located within the 100-year flood pool. ' Alternative 5 Construct one Large upstream detention at upper Carter. 54,700,000 Increase existing berm elevation and excavate existing area to provide additional storage at West 32nd detention cell and remove and replace outlet structure. Purchase properties located within the 100-year flood pool. ' Notes: 1. Contingencies (25%) were added to account for estimated quantities, unit price adjustments and miscellaneous work related items. An additional 25% was included for administrative, legal and engineering costs. Right-of-way, operation and maintenance and mitigation costs were not included. Costs based on Iowa Department of Transportation 1999 unit prices. The proposed detention storage construction on the upper Carter site is located in a natural depression area and offers the opportunity to store the total upstream 100-year runoff volume, if a control gate is installed. This structure would be required to be constructed in accordance with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Class 3 dam classification. It was found that constructing the smaller multiple upstream detention cells are not a favorable option because the peak discharges are slightly reduced and the peak volumes are unchanged. It is more cost effective to construct one larger detention cell at Upper Carter which will have a dramatic impact on the downstream peak discharges and volumes. Increasing the berm elevation at the West 32nd Street detention cell is more cost effective than excavation, but since the adjacent homes would be purchased, excavation remains a viable alternative. In addition, the analysis shows that the West 32nd Street detention outlet does not adequately regulate the flows. It is recommended that the existing intake and weir structure be removed and an automatic controlled gate be installed upstream of the outlet pipe. This gate should operate in conjunction with sensors on the main Bee Branch storm sewer. The homes located within and surrounding the West 32nd Street Detention Cell, approximately 15 homes, are located within the existing 100-year flood prone zone and are located below the elevation of the existing weir. It is recommended to purchase these homes and restrict development in the 100-year flood zone. Alternative 5, construction of one large detention cell at Upper Carter with additional excavation and increased berm elevation of the West 32nd Street detention cell, is the recommended option for improvements to the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea. The attached figures compare the 1 00-year City of Dubuque, Iowa Drainage Basin Master Plan Executive Summary 4 July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY flood inundation for existing conditions and the -condition with the proposed .. West 32nd Street improvements from Alternative 5. As shown in these figures, the flood levels are significantly lowered in the upper portion of the Washington Street Subarea with the Alternative 5 improvements. Analysis of the hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics of the Bee Branch Drainage provided numerous insights into the performance of the existing and proposed systems. Although the inlet capacity of the Bee Branch sewer provides full capacity of the sewer pipes, the capacity of the existing Bee Branch sewer system is approximately a 7-year return period event. Flood volumes from the' Windsor, Kaufmann, Locust and West 32nd Street Drainage' Subareas converge upstream of the railroad tracks, which serve as the primary restriction to flood flows. The only effective upstream detention is in the. West 32nd Street Drainage' Subarea. This detention reduces flooding depths by delaying flood volumes. Since the improvement of the West 32nd Street. Subarea is effective in reducing flooding effects above 24th Street, solutions for the Downtown Drainage Subarea from 24th Street to the Mississippi River were targeted with the proposed improvements to the West 32nd Street Subarea included. The alternatives mentioned for the West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea focus on structural improvements for flood minimization. However, several non-structural alternatives also exist that may provide more indirect improvements for flood minimization in the Downtown Drainage Subarea. A summary•of the structural and non-structural alternatives for flood minimization improvements in the Bee Branch Drainage Basin is listed in Table ES-3. Table ES-3 Bee Branch Drainage Basin Flood Minimization Alternative Improvements Structural Alternatives Non -Structural Alternatives • Open channel floodway • Relief storm sewer • Create upstream detention • Utilize open space upstream detention • Flood proofing • Pressure sewer system • Expand 16th Street Detention capacity • Divert West 32nd Street Subarea to the Little Maquoketa • Deep storage/pumping tunnel • Educate/outreach • Flood warning system • F000dplain buyout • Do nothing From the overall list of alternatives, two primary alternatives were investigated for the lower reach of the Be.e Branch Drainage Basin. The first alternative consisted of constructing a 150-foot wide, open channel. floodway to increase the capacity for the 100-year flood event, as shown in the attached Figure 4-22. This is the only option that reduces' 100-year flooding in . the lower reaches of the Bee Branch. Construction of this channel from the 16th Street detention cell to 24th Street would save 99% of the homes and businesses 'from the 100-year floodplain, while requiring the purchasing or relocation of approximately 70 homes and/or businesses. Estimated cost for this alternative is $17.1 million. A second option to the first alternative was also proposed. This option involved constructing the same 150-foot-wide open channel floodway, but the channel would only be constructed from the 16th Street detention cell to Garfield Street. This option would save 44% of the homes and businesses from the 100- City of Dubuque, Iowa Executive Summary 5 July 2001 Drainage Basin Master Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY year floodplain. Purchasing or relocation of 13 homes and/or businesses would berequired for this option. Probable construction costs for this option to Alternative 1 are estimated at $6.9 million. The second alternative for the lower Bee Branch Drainage Basin involves installation of a parallel relief storm sewer. This alternative would provide protection for the 10-year flood event, but provide only minimal improvements for flooding depths during the 1 QQ-year event. The estimated construction cost of a single trunk line of storm sewer is $18.7 million. City of Dubuque, Iowa Drainage Basin Master Plan Executive Summary 6 July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY mimmpmrZ City of Dubuque, Iowa Executive Summary 7 Drainage Basin Master Plan July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • ,.tt • 'eVg•:Sl 'tip '.., 7-\'F-.. ' "- •, ' ••. . , -: Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation • • r a Existing conditions Hooding depths (feet) 'sttirl 0.1-0.5 f. aF- .�f�i ,( 0.5 -1 y" =�••I'.-''r r ; 1- 2 -: ,.�,{i 1�2-3 y ` ,;art - 3-4 fir,' S c 4.... -' • t 4. tea. tom: -4 e7 ✓ f i•�1' •S� -�'t�Y� !: 1000 0 ' •�%w ,,.'•iE�t-L-c's`'. •t "r- °• • ;' �:l.' rtt 4"'`•` Y! -.yam., AO: • Q 1000 2000 Feet • ttr Bee Branch Drainage Area 100-Year Flood Inundation Map — Existing Conditions s.. • City of Dubuque, Iowa Executive Summary 8 Drainage Basin Master Plan July 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Ili Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation Flooding depths with West 32nd Sleet improvements installed (feet) i .: ; :.t --0.1-0.5 7 � 0.5-1 oil 1 - 2 A ,.:. ,,. iim 2-3 N Fiil 3 4 -4 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet _7, 5+ X'▪ ;r "•: e .. 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ANUNNWUNW �Crr lswfet5Mf sl A®®® '.olersi�wr ! igmamm nnewma 1111111 r aiHf�ir7�F��if aagoligNmum iin c�l�s3®�YHidiff�c9iA�Ps AriMiniNigwa4 wr �wceF � 1 1NSI / AolmE EEEN1Er ANEfiININEEM- S9A�°F 1EW v6- 4Wti Anikg c ENNA 'gf;ff71 1 .4 Pti •aui 46uueeu}6u3 HaH n7-PmsACHANNEL / lr;'0/CITY_oF_ WBUOUE/007-134_STORUWh7ER/:.uTOC:.O/OUBUCUE - 9-00 0 f ENYIP.Q/CITY_GP_Ou UOUES31S_IADOEIINGR,LAT71SFVREPoRf.JPR • r N) N N 0 1. X.st == • Sa s- �., 'er: 1 • to TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM . December 11, 2001 Michael C. Van Milllgen, City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Stormwater Management Plan INTRODUCTION The attached resolution provides for: 1) Adoption of the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc.; and 2) Authorization to prepare a.Request forProposais (RFP) for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch basin flood control channel recommended in the DBMP. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan: The need for the plan arose from a growing number of 'citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. in 1997, six consulting engineering firms formally submitted proposals tp prepare a plan . for the City. After a second interview the team of engineers headed 'by HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska was selected to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. The Stormwater Management Plan consists of four elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage. problems and reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff; 3.. A set of ordinances and policies that specifically address stormwater runoff issues; and 4. A skeleton NPDES Phase II permit application to be refined by City Staff. The accompanying document is the. Drainage Basin Mater Plan, prepared by HDR Engineering, for the Bee Branch and North Fork Catfish Creek watersheds (see Figure 1). It should be emphisized that the Drainage Basin Master Plan does not identify all areas within the City that experience poor drainage. In fact, many drainage problems are of a localized nature: The City will continue to investigate all drainage complaints on an individual basis, assess whether the master plan addresses such issues, and assist property owners in any way possible to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff. The remaining tasks will be completed during the winter of 2001-2002. DISCUSSION. A master. plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage pattern it usually effects, for better or worse, the drainage of the entire watershed. The Drainage Basin Master Plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. To achieve the primary objective -increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff -the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the. existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models suing aerial topographic mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; 3. Identify areas where public safety is compromised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff; and 4. • Identify funding sources that might be available to construct the recommended . drainage improvements identified by the Basin Master Plan. North Fork Catfish Creek Basin Plan Several problem areas were identified within the North Fork Catfish Creek drainage system. Figures 3-14, 3-15, and 3-16 in the Drainage Basin Master Plan outline the flooding extents under existing and proposed conditions. The benefit of the recommended improvements (alternative 2) is reflected by the proposed conditions. Outlined in Table 1 is the $2,135,300 worth of improvements recommended, and the order in which they should be constructed. 1000 0 1000 2000 Figure 2. 100-year flooding depths under existing conditions. Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation . f,4 Existing conditions flooding depths (feet) i 4 0.1- 0.5 Alternatively, it was discovered that an open channel originating at 24th and Elm Streets and extending to the 16th Street detention cell would eliminate the risk of flood damage to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. Therefore, the Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends the construction of the open channel. The cost of the channel, which includes the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses, is estimated at $17.1 million. Figure 4 shows the channel extents. 5 Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Council Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City.Engineer Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken Tekippe, Finance Director Mike Koch, Public Works Director 9 THE CITY OF DUB E MEMORANDUM December 13, 2001 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Plan In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. - The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff and that need was intensified with the significant amount of damage to hundreds of homes in a major rainstorm in May 1999. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. .HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska, was the selected consulting engineering firm to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. The Stormwater Management Plan consists of four elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage problems and reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff; 3. A set of ordinances and policies that specifically address stormwater runoff issues; and 4. A skeleton National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II permit application to be refined by City staff. To achieve the primary objective of increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stomiwater runoff, the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic system mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; 3. Identify areas where public safety is comprised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff; and 4. Identify funding sources that might be available to construct the recommended drainage improvements identified by the Basin Master Plan. Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos and Civil Engineer Deron Muehring are recommending adoption of the Drainage Basin Master Plan, as previously presented to the Mayor and City Council in a public Work Session, and subsequently presented to interested parties. The Plan recommends $24.1 million in construction projects for improvements that will remove over 1,200 homes and businesses from risk of flood damage from heavy rainfall events. The improvements include: 1. North Fork Catfish Creek Basin improvements - $2,135,300 2. West 32nd Street Sub -basin improvements - $4,898,000 3. Bee Branch Creek restoration - $17,100,000 The recommended modifications to the Northwest Arterial Detention Basin have been previously approved and were implemented this fiscal year. The most significant cost item in this recommendation is the $17.1 million for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The creation of an open channel, beginning at 24th and Elm Streets, and extending to the 16th Street Detention Basin, would eliminate the risk of flood damage to 970 homes and businesses. The cost of the channel includes the purchase of approximately 70 homes and businesses. Historically, the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the north end. Over the years the creek was lined by limestone, eventually covered, and transformed into the existing Bee Branch Storm Sewer. The proposed channel is, in reality, the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. With a 76' bottom width, the channel would be designed with mildly sloping landscaped banks. It is anticipated that a 150' green corridor would be required for the channel. The exact alignment of the channel is yet to be determined. Part of this recommendation includes issuing a request for proposals for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch Basin Flood Control Channel recommended in this report. An alternative to constructing this channel was studied and it was determined that five additional underground storm sewer systems, the size of the existing Bee Branch Storm Sewer, which is 20' wide and 12' high at its largest point, would need to be constructed at a cost exceeding $90 million. Therefore, this underground option is not being recommended. The City of Dubuque does not currently have the funding capacity to pay for these improvements, totaling over $24 million. Therefore, through the City's Fiscal Year 2003 budgeting process, the Council will be receiving a recommendation to form a stormwater utility to fund the stormwater activities of the City, and in addition, the City will need to pursue federal funding in support of these projects. concur with the recommendations and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. I further respectfully request that the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission be assigned to lead a community planning effort to implement the Stormwater Management Plan, working to mitigate any impacts on individuals and neighborhoods, and providing input on the formation of a Stormwater Management Utility to finance the implementation of the plan. Part of the direction of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission would be to formulate a City Interest Group that will be comprised of potentially -impacted property owners and businesses, as well as representatives from such areas as neighborhood associations, the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission, the Housing Commission, the Community Development Advisory Commission, school, real estate, health officials, civic leaders and church organizations. The key staff members I will be assigning to work with the commission are Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Housing and Community Development Director David Harris and Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM December 11, 2001 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer O Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Plan INTRODUCTION The attached resolution provides for: 1) Adoption of the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc.; and 2) Authorization to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch basin flood control channel recommended in the DBMP. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project. Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff and the significant amount of damage to hundreds of homes in a major rainstorm in May, 1999. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. In 1997, six consulting engineering firms formally submitted proposals to prepare a plan for the City. After a second interview the team of engineers headed by HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska was selected to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. The Stormwater Management Plan consists of four elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage problems and reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff; 3. A set of ordinances and policies that specifically address stormwater runoff issues; and 4. A skeleton NPDES Phase 11 permit application to be refined by City Staff. The accompanying document is the Drainage Basin Mater Plan, prepared by HDR Engineering, for the Bee Branch and North Fork Catfish Creek watersheds (see Figure 1). It should be emphasized that the Drainage Basin Master Plan does not identify all areas within the City that experience poor drainage. In fact, many drainage problems are of a localized nature. The City will continue to investigate all drainage complaints on an individual basis, assess whether the master plan addresses such issues, and assist property owners in any way possible to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff. The remaining tasks will be completed during the winter of 2001-2002. DISCUSSION A master plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage pattern it usually effects, for better or worse, the drainage of the entire watershed. The Drainage Basin Master Plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. To achieve the primary objective -increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff -the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; 3. Identify areas where public safety is compromised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff; and 4. Identify funding sources that might be available to construct the recommended drainage improvements identified by the Basin Master Plan. North Fork Catfish Creek Basin Plan Several problem areas were identified within the North Fork Catfish Creek drainage system. Figures 3-14, 3-15, and 3-16 in the Drainage Basin Master Plan outline the flooding extents under existing and proposed conditions. The benefit of the recommended improvements (alternative 2) is reflected by the proposed conditions. Outlined in Table 1 is the $2,135,300 worth of improvements recommended, and the order in which they should be constructed. 2 Figure 1. Bee Branch and North Fork drainage basins within the City of Dubuque (corporate limits -25 square miles) L ffr t`• " f!t Bee Branch Basin Master Plan Mississippi The problems that exist in the Bee Branch basin became evident to the City on May 16, 1999. Reports throughout the City indicated that between two and a half (2.5) and five (5) inches of rainfall occurred in a five hour period. The Drainage Basin Master Plan identifies over 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch basin that are in the 100-year flood plain, at risk of flood damage (see Figure 2). Outlined in Table 2 are the recommended improvements within the W. 32nd Street drainage basin, a sub -basin of the Bee Branch drainage basin. The reduction in flooding depths that result from the W. 32nd Street improvements are 3 shown in Figure 3; 185 of the 1,155 homes and businesses are no longer at risk, however, approximately 970 remain at risk. Table 1. Recommended North Fork Catfish Creek Improvements, listed in the recommended order of construction. Improvement Description Est. Cost NW Arterial Detention Basin modifications Excavate basin to increase the storage 56% to 81 Acre-feet $587,3001 Penn/JFK Culvert improvements Build concrete structural headwall . $165,000. Channel modifications from Keyway to 530 feet east Increase channel to 25-foot bottom width with 3(H):1(V) side slopes -$210,000 Keyway culvert modification Remove existing culverts and construct 3- 10 x8 Reinforced concrete boxes $332,000 ' • Channel modifications from Keyway to Rosemont Increase channel to 25 foot bottom width from Keyway to Ellen and 10-foot from Ellen to Rosemont with 3(H):1(V) side slopes the entire length $627,000 Rosemont culvert modification Build an additional 6-foot culvert $81,000 Channel modifications from Rosemont to the NW Arterial Increase channel to 10-foot bottom width with 3(H):1(V) side slopes $133,000 TOTAL M1 $2,135,300 , Fundcng for the modifications to the NW Arterial Detention Basin was approved by City Council in a previous year's Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget. The basin will be . fully functional by March of 2002. It would require five times the size of the existing storm sewer to eliminate the • risk to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. Commonly referred to as the Bee Branch storm sewer, the existing storm sewer is 20 feet wide by 12 feet high at its .largest point. The cost of building five such storm sewers exceeds $93 million. Table 2. Recommended W 32nd Street sub -basin i Improvement Description Est. ,. Cost Upper Carter Detention Basin Build an earthen berm. to create 182 acre-feet of storage. $875,000 W.32"d Street Detention . Basin Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing basin and excavate within the basin to increase the available storage 100% to 94 acre-feet.. $4,023,000 - • TOTAL $4,898,000 Figure 2. 100-year flooding depths under existing conditions. Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation Existing conditions flooding depths (feet) 1-1 0.1-0.5 n 1-2 4\-sai �2-3 3-�4 4 6 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet Alternatively, it was discovered that an open channel originating at 24th and Elm Streets and extending to the 16th Street detention cell would eliminate the risk of flood damage to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. Therefore, the Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends the construction of the open channel. The cost of the channel, which includes the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses, is estimated at $17.1 million. Figure 4 shows the channel extents. 5 Figure 3. Projected floodinq depths with W. 32nd Street sub -basin im?rovements. Washinton Street Sub Area 100- Flood Inundation Flooding depths with West 32nd Meet improvements installed (feet) LT 0.1-0.5 ® 1-2 um3-3 N 3-4 - 4 - 5 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet - 5+ • Historically, the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the North End. Over the years the creek was Tined by limestone, eventually covered, and transformed into the Bee Branch storm sewer that exists today. The proposed channel is in reality the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. With a 76-foot bottom width, the channel would be designed with mildly sloping landscaped banks. It is anticipated that a 150-foot green corridor would be required for the channel. The exact alignment of the channel is yet to be determined. Depending on the alignment, between 60 and 80 homes/businesses could be impacted. 6 Figure 4. Extents of the recommended flood control channel. The recommended flood control channel would start at the 16 Street detention cell (1) and terminate at 24tt' and Elm Streets (2). In summary, the Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends $24.1 million in construction projects. Once the recommended improvements are constructed, over 1,200 homes and businesses will no longer be at risk of flood damage from heavy rainfall events. Table 3. Drainage Basin Master Plan recommended improvements. Description North Fork Catfish Creek Basin Improvements W.32°d Street Sub -Basin Improvements Bee Branch Creek Restoration TOTAL Estimated Cost $2,136,300 $4,898,000 $17,100,000 $24,133,300 7 Channel Corridor Study For the purpose of estimating the cost of building a channel from 24th Street and Elm to the 16th Street detention cell, a preliminary alignment was arbitrarily sited. That alignment would require the purchasing of approximately 65 homes and 6 businesses. The estimate includes $7.1 million to purchase these properties. At numerous public forums, City staff has informed citizens that the exact alignment of the channel has not been determined. As can be expected, the uncertainty of the channel location has caused considerable anxiety in the North End neighborhoods. A corridor study would establish the homes and businesses that the City might buy to clear the way for the construction of the flood control channel. The process of purchasing the necessary properties could proceed more economically if negotiations can be minimized. This can be accomplished if the City can purchase the:property on the open market, subject to an appraisal. RECOMMENDATION 1 recommend that the City Council adopt the attached resolution which has the following effect: 1) Adopting the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan as prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc.; and 2) Authorizing the preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting engineering firm for the purpose of establishing the alignment of the Bee Branch drainage channel described in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. BUDGET IMPACT The costs associated with hiring a consulting firm for the channel corridor study and a separate consulting firm to establish the stormwater utility will be presented in the FY 2003 CIP budget. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution that: 1) Adopts the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan; and . 2) Authorizes the preparation of. a Request for Proposals (RFP) to for a consulting engineering firm for the purpose of establishing the alignment of the Bee Branch drainage channel described in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Council Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Engineer Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager 'Ken Tekippe, Finance Director Mike Koch, Public Works Director /a lip /0u0 / Buol moved to close the public hearing and table this matter to the January 7th Council meeting and extend the construction time frame accordingly. Seconded by Nicholson. Motion carried 7-0. Upon motion the rules were reinstated limiting discussion to the Council. ACTION ITEMS Iowa Friends of Extension Award: Beverly Berna and Ellen Spurlock, Field Specialists from the Dubuque County Extension Office, presented David Harris and Joleen Patterson with Iowa Friends of Extension Award. Upon motion the Council commended Housing and Community Development Director David Harris and Housing Rehabilitation Supervisor Joleen Patterson. Sanitary Sewer Connection Policy: City Manager recommending approval of revisions to the City's policy for establishing limits on sanitary sewer connection costs, upon motion received and filed and approved recommendation. Jaeger Heights Subdivision No. 2 — Final Plat: City Manager recommending approval of the final plat of Jaeger Heights Subdivision No. 2 with conditions, upon motion received and filed. Robbins moved adoption of Resolution No. 546-01 Approving Lots 3 and 4 of Block 5, Lots 4 through 10 of Block 6, Lot D of Block 6, and Lots 1 through 15 of Block 7 of Jaeger Heights Subdivision No. 2, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Buol. Motion carried 6-0 — Nicholson out of the Chambers briefly. Transition for the Imposition of Taxes and Annexation Areas: Communication from Corporation Counsel Barry Lindahl regarding the transition for the imposition of taxes after property has been annexed to the City and communication from Art and Karen Rokusek, Kim Sanford, and Tom and Charlotte Pfeiffer regarding the imposition of property taxes, upon motion received and filed. Ice Harbor Urban Renewal District: City Manager recommending adoption of a Resolution of Necessity finding that an Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Ice Harbor Urban Renewal District is necessary, upon motion received and filed. Markham moved adoption of Resolution No. 547-01 of Necessity finding that an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Ice Harbor Urban Renewal District is necessary in the interest of the residents of the City of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Nicholson. Motion carried 7-0. Port of Dubuque - Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program: City Manager recommending approval of an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for participation in the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program for the Port of Dubuque area, upon motion received and filed. Robbins moved adoption of Resolution No. 548-01 Authorizing the filing of a proposal for the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program for environmental assessments in the Port of Dubuque. Seconded by Markham. Motion carried 7- 0. Stormwater Management — Drainage Basin Plan and Stormwater Management Plan: City Manager recommending adoption of the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) and authorization to prepare Requests for Proposals for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch basin flood control channel, upon motion received and filed. 7 Discussion ensued about the 20 year duration of the storm water utility, the loss of 70 homes, and the time frame for the proposed Plan. Nicholson moved adoption of Resolution No. 548-01 Adopting the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan, authorizing a Request for Proposals for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the flood control channel recommended in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. Seconded by Buol. Carried by the following vote: Yeas—Buol, Cline, Markham, Michalski, Nicholson, Robbins. Nays —Duggan. ITEMS TO BE SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING White Street Reconstruction Project — Initiate: City Manager recommending initiation of the bidding process for the White Street Reconstruction Project and City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for January 21, 2002, upon motion received and filed. Buol moved adoption of Resolution No. 550-01 Preliminary approval of plans and specifications; Resolution No. 551-01 Fixing date of hearing on plans and specifications; Resolution No. 552-01 Resolution of Necessity; Resolution No. 553-01 Fixing date of hearing on Resolution of Necessity for 1/21/02 at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law; Resolution No. 554-01 Approving preliminary schedule of assessments; Resolution No. 555-01 Ordering bids. Seconded by Markham. Motion carried 7-0. Jaycee Trail — Initiate: City Manager recommending initiation of the bidding process for the Jaycee Trail Project and City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for January 21, 2002, upon motion received and filed. Buol moved adoption of Resolution No. 556-01 Preliminary approval of plans and specifications; Resolution No. 557-01 Fixing date of hearing on plans and specifications for 1/21/02 at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law and Resolution No. 558-01 Ordering bids. Seconded by Markham. Motion carried 7-0. Port of Dubuque Utility Relocation Project Phase II — Initiate: City Manager recommending initiation of the bidding process for the Port of Dubuque Utility Relocation Project Phase II and City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for January 21, 2002, upon motion received and filed. Buol moved adoption of Resolution No. 559-01 Preliminary approval of plans and specifications; Resolution No. 560-01 Fixing date of hearing on plans and specifications for 1/21/02 at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law and Resolution No. 561-01 Ordering bids. Seconded by Markham. Motion carried 7-0. Watermain and Road Extension from Chavenelle Road at Radford Road to the Industrial Park: City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for January 21, 2002 on the acquisition of land to construct the Chavenelle Road Watermain Extension and for the extension of Chavenelle Road, upon motion received and filed. Buol moved adoption of Resolution No. 562-01 Setting a time and place for public hearing on a proposed public improvement project to construct the Chavenelle Road watermain extension and to acquire property for the extension of Chavenelle Road, and to acquire agricultural land for the project and that the public hearing be 1/21/02 at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law. Seconded by Markham. Motion carried 7-0. 8 • • t 1-7 - . • - - „ .; • • _ • V: • „. • ��aa D� MEMORANDUM March 1, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Plan On Thursday, February 28, I met with the Washington Neighborhood Council at Comiskey Park, along with Public Works Director Mike Koch, Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos and Civil Engineer Deron Muehring, at their request, to discuss the Stormwater Management Plan. Approximately 150 people attended the meeting. We were informed by Washington Neighborhood Council President Dan Shireman that the official position of the Washington Neighborhood Council was in opposition to the construction of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. After the three and a half hour meeting, it was apparent that all those attending were also in opposition to that component of the plan. Wayne Klostermann, President of the Northend Neighborhood Association, was in attendance, and informed us that the Northend Neighborhood Association has also taken an official position in opposition to the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project component of the Stormwater Managemenf Plan. While there were many issues identified and many questions raised which still need to be responded to, I would say there were two general themes, First, there seems to be a general belief that the problem that exists there related to stormwater management is not as pervasive as originally thought. Many people said that May of 1999 was the first time that they had any water problems, and the general consensus seemed to be that the consultant's identification of up to 1,150 homes being at risk was a much greater number than those that the neighborhood believes had a problem even in 1999. Secondly, the group seemed to support all the other elements of the Stormwater Management Plan including, it appeared, the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from the railroad tracks east to the 16th Street Detention Basin. However, they asked that the City continue to pursue other alternatives to the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from Comiskey Park east to the railroad tracks if, in fact, in the end it was determined that the other elements of the Stormwater Management Plan did not provide an acceptable level of protection. March 1, 2002 Page 2 would respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council consider taking the following actions in relation to this project: 1. Accept the Long Range Planning Commission's recommendation to appoint a chairperson to a task force to continue to explore the creation of the Stormwater Utility to finance the Stormwater Management Plan. 2. Table the appointment of a chairperson for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. 3. Remove from the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget Plan the budget related to the construction of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from Comiskey Park east to the railroad tracks, but leave the other elements of the Stormwater Management Plan in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. 4. Authorize staff to develop a process to survey and receive input from the property owners and residents of the impacted area so that we have a greater understanding of the scope of the problem. b. Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals for an engineering firm to review the study, as completed by HDR Engineering, and further examine potential alternatives. P2s&dc. U , Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Mike Koch, Public Works Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Cc-r:ff Project .Update The Dubuque City Council is willing to commit a tremendous amount of public resources to solving and/or reducing the stormwater problems in the north end of Dubuque. While a conceptual Stormwater Management Plan has been approved, nothing is final at this point. The proposed City Budget (with creation of a Stormwater Utility as a funding source) includes enough money to do the following: 1. Carter Street Detention Basin ($875,000) 2. West 32nd Street detention basin improvements ($4,023,000) 3. In addition, there is $5 million available to build a portion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project or to match federal funds to build the entire project. On February 27, the City completed the purchase of the property needed for element #1, the Carter Street Detention Basin. It would cost $7 million to build a drainage way from the railroad tracks near Dubuque Pack to the 16th Street Detention Basin. (Thereby eliminating the railroad berm acting as a dam and keeping the stormwater trapped in the north end,) Currently, there are no funds to build the $10 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 24th Street to the railroad tracks behind Eagle Foods. This means that 650 of the original 1,150 homes and businesses are still at risk of flooding if all the phases are built, except this one. While the City Council has approved the conceptual Stormwater Management Plan, they have not approved any property acquisitions (other than the property mentioned above), project designs, or construction plans. The Council's intention is to listen to public input about the need and appropriateness of the different elements before moving forward. Planning Services Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 (563) 589-4210 office (563) 589-4221 fax planning@cityofdubuque.org The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members City of Dubuque City Hall - 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 DUB February 25, 2002 Re: Stormwater Management: Community Planning Processes Dear Mayor and City Council Members: The City of Dubuque's Long Range Planning Advisory Commission reviewed information presented by City staff regarding the proposed community planning processes for stormwater management. The staff reports and related information are attached for your review. Discussion Staff presented the Stormwater Management Plan and summarized the proposed community planning processes for Stormwater Management. The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission reviewed and discussed the Stormwater Management Plan and proposed community planning processes. Staff discussed the timeframe and estimated time commitment for the Chairpersons of the Bee Branch Corridor Study citizen input group and the stormwater utility citizen input group. Recommendation By a vote of 6 to 0, the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission recommends that the. Council appoint Commissioner Charles Winterwood as the Chairperson for the Bee Branch Corridor Study citizen input group and Commissioner Mike Portzen to lead the stormwater utility citizen input group. A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the reque Respectfully submitted, Mal Ginig Alet4444°A/ Mary Lynn Neumeister, Chairperson Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Attachment P E 0r 0 CD Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 14, 2002 TO: Long Range Planning Advisory Commission FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management: Community Planning Processes.. The City Council has directed that the Long Range Planning Advisory..Ccirnmission to lead a two -fold community planning effort for stormwater management that will implement the Drainage Basin Master Plan adopted in December, The Drainage Basin Master Plan is summarized in the enclosed December 13, 2001 memo from the City Manager to the City Council. Engineering staff .will make a presentation at the Commission's February 20 meeting to outline the Commission's anticipated role in the Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study, and the process of establishing the stormwater utility. Please review the enclosed memos regarding the recommended community planning • processes for the Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study and the stormwater utility. . The Commission will be asked to select representatives to lead each of these efforts as the Chairperson of a citzen input group at the February 20 meeting. Enclosures cc Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muerhing, Civil Engineer CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM . February 14, 2002 TO: Long Range Planning Advisory Commission FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: Formation of the Stormwater Utility: Community Planning Process INTRODUCTION With the City Council's adoption of the Drainage Basin Master Plan on December 17, 2001, the Engineering Division was authorized to prepare an RFP to select a consulting firm to help establish a stormwater utility for the City of Dubuque. In addition, the City Council has assigned the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to lead a community planning effort to implement the Drainage Basin Master Plan, working to mitigate any impacts on individuals and neighborhoods, and providing input on the formation of a Stormwater Management Utility to finance the implementation of the plan. Specifically the City • Council directed the Long Range .. Planning Advisory .Commission -to form a Citizen Advisory group . to participate . in the process of establishing the stormwater utility. DISCUSSION This memo describes a recommended community planning process to establish a storm water utility: A proposed process is attached, based on input from stormwater consultants. Stormwater Utility Page 2 RFP (Request for Proposals) Committee We propose hiring a consultant to assist City staff and a citizen committee with the formation of a stormwater utility. The RFP Committee would develop and distribute an RFP,. review submitted proposals, interview firms, and then recommend a consultant. The selected consultant would facilitate meetings, provide technical expertise, and help us finalize the community planning process. The RFP Committee will consist of the following City staff members: 1. Gus Psihoyos • 2. Deron Muehring 3. Ken TeKippe 4. Bob Green 5. Kyle Kritz 6. Susan Gwiasda 7. Pauline Joyce 8. Bill Baum 9. David Harris Engineering Engineering Finance Water Planning Services . Public Information Officer. Administrative Services -Economic Development Housing & Community Development Technical Committee The Technical Committee will go through many of the same Advisory Committee. This committee will have additional tasks collection, utility billing and other technical aspects that need to be The Technical Committee will consist of the same members as with the following additions: 1. Engineering Assistant (TBD) 2. Dawn Lang 3. Marge Schemmel Engineering Finance Utility Billing steps as the Citizen to perform; i.e., data evaluated.. the RFP Committee, Citizen Advisory Committee The Citizen Advisory Committee, working with the project consultant and the Technical Committee, will review stormwater needs and costs, draft a stormwater utility ordinance, take public input, and present their recommendation to City Council... Their tasksare outlined in the attached process.. • We recommend the following groups and individuals be invited to participate as members of the Citizen Advisory Committee: 1. Representative 2. Representative 3. Representative 4. • Representative 5. . Representative 6. Representative 7. Representative Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Dubuque Main Street Ltd. Community Development Block Grant Advisory Commission Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Bluff Street Neighborhood Association Stormwater Utility Page 3 8. Representative 9. Representative 10. Representative 11. Representative 12. Representative 13. Representative 14. Representative 15. Representative 16. Representative 17. Representative 18. Representative 19. Representative 20. Representative 21. Representative 22. Representative 23. Representative Downtown Neighborhood Association Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association North End Neighborhood Association Washington Neighborhood. Council Valley View Neighborhood Association Holy Family Schools Dubuque Area Congregations United West Side Business Association Dubuque Community School District Tri-Colleges Developer's Roundtable Dubuque Homebuilders Association Dubuque Board of Realtors Landlord Association Mercy Hospital or Finley Hospital Flexsteel Industries, Inc. 24. Merlin Langkamp Impacted resident 25. Greg Cigrand Impacted resident ACTION REQUESTED We request that the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission review the proposed community planning process, suggest any changes, and then select a representative to serve as the Chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee. Attachment PROPOSED COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS FOR FORMATION OF A • STORM WATER UTILITY I. Retain a consultant — Spring 2002 11. Form Technical Committee and a Citizen Advisory Committee Spring. 2002 111. • Technical Committee and Citizen Advisory Committee Objectives_- Spring 2002 A. Assess Stormwater. Needs = Spring 2002 1. Review Drainage Basin Master Plan Review Stormwater Detention/Management 3. Discuss Costs and Funding Options 4. Hold Public Meeting on Stormwater Needs B. Review Formation of A Stormwater Utility — Summer 2002 1. Establish Recommended Policies 2. Establish Recommended Rate Structure 3. Establish Recommended Stormwater Utility Ordinance C. Recommend Stormwater Utility Ordinance — Fall 2002 1.. Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Ordinance 2. Revise Recommendation as needed 3. Present to City Council D. Issue Bonds — Late 2002 E. Begin Billing - January 2003 i CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 14, 2002 TO: .Long Range Planning Advisory Commission FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study: Community Planning Process INTRODUCTION With the City Council's adoption of the Drainage Basin Master Plan on December 17; 2001, the Engineering Division was authorized to prepare an RFP to select a consulting firm to perform a corridor study and establish the likely location of the restored . Bee Branch Creek. The City Council has assigned the Long Range Plaririirfg •Advisory Commission to lead a community planning effort to implement the Drainage Basin Master Plan, working to mitigate any impacts on individuals and neighborhoods, and providing input on the Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study. Specifically the City Council directed the Long Range. Planning Advisory Commission to form a citizen advisory group to participate in the process of establishing the. likely Bee Branch Creek alignment. DISCUSSION This memo describes a recommended community planning process for the Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study, based on similar experience with transportation corridor studies. RFP (Request for Proposals) Committee We propose hiring a consultant to assist City staff and a citizen committee with the Bee Branch Creek Corridor Study and the community planning process for establishing the likely Bee Branch Creek alignment. The RFP Committee would develop and distribute an RFP, review submitted proposals, interview firms, and then recommend a consultant. The selected consultant would help us finalize the community planning process, facilitate meetings, conduct the corridor study, provide technical expertise, and prepare Bee Branch Corridor Study Page 2 and distribute a project newsletter. Since .federal funding is anticipated for this project, the consultant also would prepare the required environmental documentation and get approvals from various government agencies. . The RFP committee will consist of the following City staff members: 1 Cindy Steinhauser 2. Susan Gwiasda 3. Jerelyn O'Connor 4. Gus Psihoyos 5. Deron Muehring 6: KenTeKippe. 7. David Harris. 8. Laura Carstens 9. Bill Baum Assistant City Manager Public Information Office Neighborhood Development Specialist Engineering Engineering Finance . Housing & Community Development Planning Services . Economic Development Community Planning Process The main goals of the Corridor Study are twofold. The first goal includes identifying feasible concepts to manage storm water along the Bee Branch Creek Corridor. The second goal is to determine a preferred concept through public input, comparative analysis, and refinement... A comprehensive public involvement process is proposed for the corridor study.. The process includes formation of a Community Advisory Group, which would consist of up. to 20 individuals representing business, institutional, and neighborhood interests in the study corridor. Input from the Community Advisory Group through workshop type meetings would be an important part of the corridor study. At- least three meetings with the consultant and Community Advisory Group are anticipated. The first meeting would introduce the project and seek input before' project concepts have been developed significantly. Additional meetings would be planned through the concept development • process to review concepts and seek additional input. . In . addition to the Community Advisory Group, public information meetings would be • held during the corridor study. A series of newsletters also would be provided to interested parties throughout the study. The Community Advisory Group would meet at key project milestones, generally coinciding with upcoming public meetings. The Study Team and consultant would use the Community Advisory Group to offer insights on areas of concern from a local perspective and a neighborhood perspective, as well as provide reaction to the . information developed by the Study Team and the consultant. Specifically, we would. like the Community Advisory Group to identify elements of the alternative concepts that the public is likely to support or are likely to have problems with, as well as the reasons for these positions. Bee Branch Corridor Study Page 3 Study Team The Study Team will go through many of the same steps as the Community Advisory Group. This committee also would be involved in the more technical aspectsof the corridor that need to be evaluated. The Study Team would meet more often with "the consultant than the Community Advisory Group. The Study Team would consist of the same members as the RFP Committee, with the following additions: 1. Engineering Assistant (TBD) Engineering 2. Joleen Patterson Housing & Community Development Community Advisory Group We recommend the following groups and . individuals be invited to participate as members of the Community Advisory Group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative: Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Citizen Citizen Citizen Long Range. Planning Advisory Commission Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Landlord Association Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission Housing Commission Community Development Block Grant Advisory Commission North End Neighborhood Association Washington Neighborhood Association Dubuque Area Board of Realtors Holy Trinity& Holy Family Schools (Sacred Heart) Dubuque Community Schools (Audubon) Eagle Discount Supermarkets (Property Owner) Perfection Oil Company (Property Owner) Wholesale Carpets (Property Owner) I&M RailLink (Property Owner) Blum Properties (Property Owner) Junnie's & Rich's Coins (Property Owner) • Hardee's Restaurants (Property Owner) Elm Street Area (Property Owner) Prince Street Area (Property Owner) Kniest Street Area (Property Owner) ACTION REQUESTED We request that the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission review the proposed community planning process, suggest any changes, and then select a representative to serve as Chairperson of the Community Advisory Group. _ THE CITY OF v/ DUB�'r E MEMORANDUM .• December 13, 2001 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Plan In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. • The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff and that need was intensified with the significant amount of damage to hundreds of homes in a major rainstorm in May 1999. increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plana HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha; Nebraska, was the selected consulting engirieering firm to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. The Stormwater • Management Plan consists of four elements: • 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan that. addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. .A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage problems and reduce pollution associated.with stormwater runoff; • 3. A set of ordinances and policies that specifically address stormwater•runoff issues; and 4. A skeleton National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II permit application to be refined by. City staff. To achieve the primary objective of increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff, the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, .50-,100- .and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic system mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; 3. Identify areas where public safety is comprised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff; and 4. Identify funding sources that might be available to construct the recommended drainage improvements identified by the Basin Master Plan. Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos and Civil Engineer Deron Muehring are recommending adoption of the Drainage Basin Master Plan, as previously presented to the Mayor and City Council in a public Work Session, and subsequently presented to. interested parties. The Plan recommends $24.1 million in construction projects for improvements that will remove over 1,200 hornes and businesses from risk of flood damage from heavy rainfall events. The improvements include: 1. North Fork Catfish Creek Basin improvements - $2,135,300 2. West 32nd Street Sub -basin improvements - $4,898,000 3. Bee Branch Creek restoration - $17,1.00,000 • The recommended modifications to the Northwest Arterial Detention Basin have been previously approved and were implemented. this fiscal year. The most significant cost item in this recommendation is the $17.1 million for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. .The creation of an open channel, beginning at 24tn and Elm Streets, and extending to the 16th Street Detention Basin, would eliminate the risk of flood damage to 970 homes and businesses. The cost of the channel includes the purchase of approximately 70 homes and businesses. Historically„the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the north end. Over the years the creek. was Tined by limestone, eventually covered, and transformed into the existing Bee Branch Storm Sewer. The proposed channel is, in reality, the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. With a 76' bottom width, the channel would be designed with mildly sloping landscaped banks. It is anticipated that a 150' green corridor would be required for the channel. The exact alignment of the channel is yet to be determined. . Part of this recommendation includes issuing a request for proposals for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch Basin Flood Control Channel recommended in this report. An alternative to constructing this channel was studied and it was determined that five additional underground storm sewer systems, the size of the existing Bee Branch Storm Sewer, which is 20' wide and 12' high at its largest point, would need to be constructed at a cost exceeding $90 million. Therefore, this underground option is not being recommended. The City of Dubuque does not currently have the funding capacity to pay for these improvements, totaling over $24 million. Therefore, through the City's Fiscal Year 2003 budgeting process, the Council will be receiving a recommendation to form a ' stormwater utility to fund the stormwater activities of the City, and in addition, the City will need to pursue federal funding in support of these projects. I concur with the recommendations and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. I further•respectfully request that the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission be assigned to Lead a community planning effort to implement the -Stormwater • Management Plan, working to mitigate any impacts on individuals and neighborhoods, and providing input on the formation of a Stormwater Management Utility to finance the implementation of the plan. Part of the direction of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission would be to formulate a City Interest Group that will be comprised of potentially -impacted property owners and businesses, as well as representatives from such areas as neighborhood associations, the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission, the Housing Commission, the Community Development Advisory Commission, school, real estate, health officials, civic leaders and church organizations. The key staff members I will be assigning to work with the commission are Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Housing and Community Development Director David Harris and Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVMrh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM December 11, 2001 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer. Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer c SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Plan INTRODUCTION The attached resolution provides for: 1) Adoption of the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared _by HDR Engineering, Inc.; and 2) Authorization to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a corridor study to establish the alignment of the Bee Branch basin flood control channel recommended in the DBMP. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan, The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff and the significant amount of damage to hundreds of homes in a major rainstorm in May, 1999. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. In 1997, six consulting engineering firms formally submitted proposals to prepare a plan for the City. After a second interview the team of engineers headed by HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha; Nebraska was se lected to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. The Stormwater Management Plan consists of four elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage problems and reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff; 3. A set of ordinances and policies that specifically address stormwater runoff issues; and 4. A skeleton NPDES Phase 11 permit application to be refined by City Staff. The accompanying document is the Drainage Basin Mater Plan, prepared by HDR Engineering, for the Bee Branch and North Fork Catfish Creek watersheds (see Figure 1). It should be emphasized that the Drainage Basin Master Plan does not identify all areas within the City that experience poor drainage. In fact, many drainage problems are of a Localized nature.. The City will continue to investigate all drainage complaints on ark individual basis, assess whether the master plan addresses such issues, and assist property owners in any way ,possible to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff. The remaining tasks will be completed during the winter of 2001-2002. DISCUSSION A master plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage paitem it usually effects, for better orworse, the drainage of the entire watershed.. The Drainage Basin Master Plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. • To achieve the primary objective -increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff --the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; • 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic. mapping using the ' Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage -segments within each watershed; 3. Identify areas where public safety is compromised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff; and . 4. Identify funding sources that might be available to construct -the recommended drainage improvements identified by the Basin Master Plan. - North Fork Catfish Creek Basin Plan Several problem areas were identified within .the North Fork Catfish Creek drainage system. Figures 3-14, 3-15, and 3-16 in the Drainage Basin Master Plan outline the flooding extents under existing and proposed conditions. The benefit of the recommended improvements (alternative 2) is reflected by the proposed conditions. Outlined in Table 1 is the $2,135,300 worth of improvements recommended, and the order in which they should be constructed. Figure 1. Bee Branch and North Fork drainage basins within the City of Dubuque (corporate limits -25 square miles) 1 Mississippi Bee Branch Basin Master Plan The problems that exist in the Bee Branch basin became evident to the City on May 16, 1999, Reports throughout the City indicated that between two and a half (2.5) and five (5) inches of rainfall occurred in a five hour period. The Drainage Basin Master Plan identifies over 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee. Branch basin that are in the 100-year flood plain, at risk of flood. damage (see Figure 2). Outlined in Table 2 are the recommended improvements within the W. 32nd Street drainage basin, a sub -basin of the Bee Branch drainage basin. The reduction in flooding depths that result from the W. 32nd Street improvements are 3 shown in Figure 3; 185 of the 1,155 homes and businesses are no longer at risk, however, approximately 970 remain at risk. Table 1. Recommended North Fork Catfish Creek Improvements, listed in the recommended Improvement • Description Est. Cost NW Arterial Detention Basin modifications Excavate basin to increase the storage 56% to 81 Acre-feet $587,300 1 Penn/JFK Culvert• improvements • Build concrete structural headwall $165,000 Channel modifications from Keyway to 530 feet east Increase channel to 25-foot bottom width with 3(H):1(V) side slopes $210,000 Keyway culvert modification Remove existing culverts and construct 3- 10'x8' Reinforced concrete boxes $332,000 Channel 'modifications from Keyway to Rosemont lncrease channel to 25-foot bottom width from Keywayto Ellen and 10-foot from Eilen•to Rosemont with 3(H):1(V) side slopes the• entire length • $627,000 Rosemont culvert modification Build an additional 6-foot culvert $81,000 Channel modifications from Rosemont to the NW Arterial Increase channel to 10-foot bottom width with 3(H):1(V) side slopes $133,000 TOTAL: $2,135,300 Funding for the modifications to the NW Arterial Detention Basm was approved by City Council in a previous year's Capital Improvement Project (CIF)) budget. The basin will be fully functional by March of 2002. It would require five times the size of the existing storm sewer to eliminate the risk.to.the remaining 970 homes and businesses. Commonly referred to as the • Bee Branch storm sewer, the,existing storm sewer is 20 feet wide by 12.feet high at its largest point. The cost of building five such storm sewers exceeds .$93 million. "d Street sub -basin improvements. ....._ .....___......_____ - - -- Improvement Description Est. Cost Upper Carter Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 182 acre-feet of storage. $875,000 W.32"� Street Detention Basin Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing basin and excavate within the basin to increase the available storage 100% to 94 acre-feet. $4,023,000 TOTAL $4,898,000 • Fi•ure 2. 100-yearfloodin• deaths under existin. conditions. Washinton Street Sub Area 100 yr Flood Inundation Existing conditions flooding depths (feet) 0.1- 0.5 ▪ 1-2 Mi2-3 3-4.11 4 - 5 1000 0 1000 2000 F ▪ 5 + Alternatively, it was discovered that an open channel originating at 24th and Elm Streets and extending to the 16th Street detention cell would eliminate the risk of flood damage to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. Therefore, the Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends the construction of the open channel. The cost of the channel, which includes the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses, is estimated at $17.1 million. Figure 4 shows the channel extents. 5 Figure 3. Pro'ected flooding depths with W. 32nd Street sub -basin improvements. Washinton Street Sub Area 100�-yr Flood Inundation Flooding depths with West 32nd Meet improvements installed (feet) L_J0.1-0.5 ME 0.5 -1 1-2 MI 2-3 gm 3-4 4 - 5 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet Historically, the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the North End. Over the years the creek was lined by limestone, eventually covered, and transformed into the Bee Branch storm sewer that exists today. The proposed channel is in reality the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. With a 76-foot bottom width, the channel would be designed with mildly sloping landscaped banks. It is anticipated that a 150-foot green corridor would be required for the channel. The exact alignment of the channel is yet to be determined. Depending on the alignment, between 60 and 80 homes/businesses could be impacted. 6 Figure 4. Extents of the recommended flood control channel. The recommended flood control channel would start at the 16 Street detention cell (1) and terminate at 24th and Elm Streets (2). In summary, the Drainage Basin Master Plan recommends $24.1 million in construction projects. Once the recommended improvements are constructed, over 1,200 homes and businesses will no longer be at risk of flood damage from heavy rainfall events. Table 3. Drainage Basin Master Plan recommended improvements. Description Estimated Cost North Fork Catfish Creek Basin improvements $2,135,300 W.32n4 Street Sub -Basin Improvements $4,898,000 Bee Branch Creek Restoration $17,100,000 TOTAL $24,133,300 7 Channel Corridor Study For the purpose of estimating the cost of building a channel from 24th Street and Elm to the 16th Street detention cell, a preliminary alignment was arbitrarily.sited. That alignment would require the purchasing of approximately 65 homes and 6 businesses. The estimate includes $7.1 million to purchase these properties. At numerous public forums, City staff has informed citizens that the exact alignment of the channel has not .been determined. As can be expected, the uncertainty of the channel location has caused considerable anxiety in the North End neighborhoods. A corridor study would establish the homes and .businesses that the City might buy to clear the way for the construction. of the flood control channel. The process of purchasing the necessary properties could proceed more economically if negotiations can be minimized: This can be accomplished if the. City can purchase the property on the open market, subject to an appraisal: RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council adopt the attached resolution which has the followingeffect: 1) Adopting the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan as prepared •.by HDR Engineering, Inc.; and 2) Authorizing the preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting engineering firm for the purpose of establishing the alignment of the Bee Branch drainage channel described in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. BUDGET IMPACT The costs associated with hiring a consulting firm for the channel corridor study and a separate consulting firm to establish the stormwater utility will be presented in the FY 2003 C!P budget. ACTION -TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution that: 1) Adopts the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan; and 2) Authorizes the preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to for a consulting engineering firm for the purposeof establishing the alignment of the Bee Branch drainage channel described ..in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. s Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Council Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Engineer Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken Tekippe, Finance Director Mike Koch, Public Works Director THE CITY OP DUB E MEMORANDUM April 10, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Building Permit Moratorium --West 32nd Street Detention Basin Dubuque Public Works Director Mike Koch is recommending the establishment of an 18-month permit moratorium surrounding the existing West 32nd Street Detention Basin. Without a moratorium, home improvements could occur in the area that would increase the property acquisition cost for the West 32nd Street Detention Basin expansionthat has been approved as a part of the Stormwater Management Plan. 1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Mike Koch, Public Works Director CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM April 11, 2002 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Building Permit Moratorium — W. 32nd INTRODUCTION This memo requests a moratorium surrounding the existing W. 32nd Street Detention Basin. Please see attachment map that illustrates the impacted properties. DISCUSSION In July of 2001, HDR Engineering outlined preliminary findings of the Drainage Basin Master Plan at a City Council workshop. One of the .recommended improvements was the modification of the existing W. 32nd Street detention cell. The conceptual design provided in the Drainage Basin Master Plan indicated that 15 homes would need to be removed in order to double the size of the existing detention cell. In August of 2001, during a City Council bus tour, a stop was made at the W. 32nd Street detention basin and HDR Engineering spoke at length for the need to increase the size of the existing detention cell. In December, 2001 the City Council approved the Drainage Basin Master Plan, and authorized City staff to request proposals from consulting engineering firms to help the City establish a stormwater utility. The Fiscal Year 2003 budget, approved by the City Council in March of 2002, included funding to hire a consulting . engineering firm to help establish a stormwater utility. The purpose of the utility is to fund severalof the improvements recommended in the Drainage Basin Master Plan. One of the improvements included in the FY2003 budget is the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin Improvements project. The estimated project schedule is: Design 2003 Property Acquisition 2003-04 Construction 2004 Without a moratorium, home improvements could occur in the area that would increase the property acquisition cost for the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin Improvement Project. To avoid this situation, the City of Dubuque Engineerng Division has requested that the City of Dubuque establish an 18-month building permit moratorium. To establish the moratorium, the City Council must approve the attached ordinance. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council establish the moratorium to expire October 1, 2003. cc: Rich Russell, Building Services Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Engineering ORDINANCE NO. 36 -02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11 (BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 11-58.4 ESTABLISHING AN EIGHTEEN -MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR WORK IN THE WEST 32ND STREET DETENTION BASIN AREA Whereas, the City Council of the City of. Dubuque, Iowa has directed its Engineering Department to design an expanded detention basin and facility for certain areas of the City, which will include .the purchase of property necessary for said expansion; and Whereas, the Engineering Department has requested that the City Council adopt a moratorium for an eighteen -month period to allow the Engineering Department to design the detention basin and facility; and Whereas, the City Council believes that it is in the best interests of the City and its citizens to minimize inconvenience and disruption to property owners in the proposed detention basin and to minimize property acquisition costs during the design of the detention facility and basin and that a moratorium for the West 32nd Street Detention Basin Area should be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDIAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Chapter 11 (Buildings and Building Regulations) of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby amended by adding the following new Section 11-58.4: Section 11-58.4 Moratorium — for work in the West 32nd Street Detention Basin Area. The Building Official shall not issue any permit for any new construction or substantial enlargement, alteration, repair or remodeling, but not including demolition, of any structure, building, or sign in the West 32nd Street Detention Basin Area as shown on the map on file in the Office of the City Clerk, 50 W. 131" Street, Dubuque, Iowa, during the period from the date of publication of this ordinance to October 1, 2003, except where a vested right to the issuance of such permit accrued prior to April 18, 2002. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication, as provided by law. Passed, approved and adopted this 15th Attest: eanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk day of Apri 1 , 2002. Terrance M. D ! Mayor THE CITY OF DUBE TO: The Honor FROM: Michael C. SUBJECT: Consultant Stormwate In 1996, the City of Dubu committed to developing In December 2001, the 1 Council. In addition, the to solicit qualified engine Utility for the City. On March 5, 2002, the C $6.7 million in drainage i Table 1. Drainage Improveme Through the Formati MEMORANDUM May 14, 2002 ble Mayor and City Council Members an Milligen, City Manager election for the Formation and Implementation of a Utility • ue, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. • • rainage Basin Master Plan was formally adopted by the City ouncil directed City staff to prepare a Request for Proposals ring firms to help formulate and implement a Stormwater ty Council approved the Fiscal Year 2003 budget that includes provements (See Table 1). is Included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget that funding is Derived n of a Stormwater Utility. Project De cription Budget Project Timetable Carter Road Detention Basin $875,000 CY 2002 - 03 West 32nd Street Detention B sin Improvements $4,023,000 CY 2002 — 05 Pennsylvania/JFK Culvert $165,000 CY 2003 Channel improvements from Keyway to NW Arterial $970,000 CY 2003 - 04 Keyway and Rosemont Culvert Improvements $413,000 CY 2003 — 04 Match for Federal Funds for additional improvements Under Study Under Study Six firms submitted prop interviews, Camp Dress CDM is nationally recogi team who will assist the stormwater managemen rsals and the top three firms were interviewed. Based on the r & McKee (CDM) distinguished itself from the other two firms. ized for its work in stormwater management. The CDM project ;ity of Dubuque has been involved with approximately 90 utility projects throughout the United States. In addition to many other projects, Steve Sedgwick (Project Director), Dan Lau (Project Manager), Joseph Ridge (Financial Analyst), and Donald Stone (GIS Specialist) worked together on the formation and implementation of the City of Des Moines Stormwater Utility. The team has also implemented Stormwater Utilities in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Duluth, Minnesota; Lake County, Illinois; and St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Sedgwick has personally worked on the implement-tion of 35 of the 400 Stormwater Utilities in the United States. Camp Dresser & McKee ill be partnering with WHKS & Company to formulate and assist in the implementati+n of the Stormwater Utility. CDM's estimated cost to •erform the work is $198,502. The Proposal Review Co mittee is recommending the selection of Camp Dresser & McKee as the consultant or the formation and implementation of a Stormwater Utility. concur with the recomm-ndation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. MI'chael C. Van Milligen MCVMfjh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Co •oration Counsel Cindy Steinhause , Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, As . istant City Engineer OITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM May 14, 2002 TO: Michael. C. Van Mil!igen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for the Formation and Implementation of a Stormwter Utility. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request City Council approval of the selection of the Engineering Consulting Firm for the development of the City's Stormwater Utility. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. The Stormwater Management Plan consists of three elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stornriwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new. drainage problems and reduce pollution associated with sto mwater runoff; and 3. A Natioial Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase 11 permi application that satisfies federal requirements. In 1998, HDR Engin ering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska was selected to prepare a DBMP for the Northf rk of the Catfish Creek and Bee Branch watersheds. In December 2001, he DBMP was formally adopted by the City Council. In addition, the Council directed City staff to prepare a Request for Proposals to solicit qualified engin ering firms to help formulate and implement a Stormwater Utility for the City. On March 5, 2002 the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2003 budget that includes $6.7 million n drainage improvements (see Table 1). Table 1. Drainage Improvements Included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget that funding is Derived Through the Forhnation of a Stormwater Utility. Projec Description Budget Project Timetable Carter Road Detention B sin $875,000 CY 2002 - 03 West 32nd Street Detention Basin Improvements $4,023,000 CY 2002 — 05 Pennsylvania/JFK Culver) $185,000 CY 2003 Channel Improvements from Keyway to NW Arterial $970,000 CY 2003 - 04 Keyway and Rosemont Calvert Improvements $413,000 CY 2003 - 04 Dubuque has been System (NPDES) Ph working toward a pe quality regulations. City currently uses • cost to fully impleme between $100,000 a plan in March of 201 NPDES permit. A proposal review C. Deron Muehring, C Economic Develop Susan Gwiasda, Pu David Harris, Hsg. Assistant City Engin: Request for Proposa (see attachment) for from highest score to identified as a National Pollution Discharge Elimination se II community. As a result, City staff is in the process of it application to meet the requirements of federal water [though the goal is to include many of the practices that the r modify existing programs to meet the requirements, the t the requirements of the permit have been estimated to be d $300,000 per year. The City must begin implementing its 3. The Stormwater Utility will be used to fund the City's mmittee composed of Pauline Joyce, Admin. Services Mgr.; it Engineer; Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner; Bill Baum, ent Director; Bob Green, Water Department Manager; •lic Information Officer; Ken TeKippe, Finance Director; Community Development Director and Gus Psihoyos, er, interviewed three of the six firms who responded to a s for this project. A weighted evaluation matrix was used he decision to invite three firms for an interview. The firms lowest score were as follows; 1. AMEC (Na. hville) with IIW (Dubuque) and Powers of Communication (Dubuque) 2. Camp Dre-ser & McKee (Chicago) with WHKS & Co. (Dubuque) 3. Earth Tech (Milwaukee) with MSA (Dubuque) 4. Barr Enginering (Minneapolis) with WHKS & Co. ( Dubuque) 5. V & K ( De . Moines) with Ruekert.Mielke (Waukesha) 6. Strand Ass•ciates (Madison) DISCUSSION The formal interview of the top 3 firms included a presentation followed by a question and ans er period. The intent was to appraise each firm's ability to present itself an convey ideas to an audience with varied technical backgrounds. Th selected firm must be able to convey the importance of the Stormwater Utility o citizens and key stake holders. Based on the inte from the other fi stormwater mana Dubuque has be utility projects th projects, Steve Joseph Ridge (Fi together on the Stormwater Utility Wauwatosa,Wisc Louis, Missouri . of 35 of the 400 S RECOMMENDA rviews, Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) distinguished itself o firms. CDM is nationally recognized for its work in ement. The CDM project team who will assist the City of n. involved with approximately 90 stormwater management oughout the United States. In addition to many other edgwick (Project Director), Dan Lau (Project Manager), ancial Analyst), and Donald Stone (GIS Specialist) worked ormation and implementation of the City of Des Moines The team has also implemented Stormwater Utilities in nsin; Duluth, Minnesota; Lake County, Illinois; and St. r. Sedgwick has personally worked on the implementation ormwater Utilities in the United States. ON Based on an exte reference checks, of Camp Dresser formulate and as City of Dubuque. BUDGET IMPAC CDM's estimated for the three firm after CDM was c $279,000 and $2 The Stormwater appropriation of $ Alignment approp sive review of the proposals, presentations, interviews and the proposal review Committee recommends that the team & McKee, working with WHKS & Company, be retained to ist in the implementation of the Stormwater Utility for the cost to perform the work is $198,502. The cost estimates interviewed were not considered by the Committee until osen. AMEC and Earth Tech estimated the project cost at 9,033 respectively. tilities will be funded by a Fiscal Year 2003 General Fund 50,000. Additional funding will come from the Bee Branch iation of $250,000. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council i McKee team as t Utility and to auth for the project. requested to approve the selection of the Camp Dresser & e consultant for the development of the City's Stormwater rize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with CDM 4/25/2002 FIRM: Stormwater Utility Formation Request for Proposal Analysis RFP MEMBER: Individual Scor (1-10, 10 = Highest) Criteria Weight (1, 3, 5, 8, 10) Criteria Weight(CW) Evaluation Criteria Individual Score x CW = Weighted Score 8 Qualifications and with similar projects experience of the TEAM x8 = 5 Education and ex manger assigned erience of the project o the project x5 = 5 Education and e the project in m magnitude erience of staff assigned to ging projects of similar x5 = 3, Proposal and pres understanding ntation style - ease of x3 = 8 Ability to devote fhe project necessary staff to the x8 = 5 Grasp of project requirements understanding of the services, preparation —the firm's scope of work and and level of interest x5 = 3 . Responsiveness—c consultants and the attitude and ability ompatibility between City of Dubuque, general to communicate x3 = 3 Local economic impact, local firms ability to incorporate x3 = 10 Schedule evaluati the project, abiii January 1, 2003. n—time required to complete to deliver the project by x10 = 10 Approach to invo_ving the public in the project x 10 = TOTAL Individual Weighted THE CITY OF Dusk MEMORANDUM May 31, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: WORK SESSION — JUNE 3, 2002 — 5:30 P.M. — LIBRARY AUDITORIUM • Stormwater Utility In December 2001, the City Council adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan prepared by HDR Engineering. On March 5, 2002, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2003 budget that included $6.7 million in drainage improvements and the formation of a Stormwater Utility to help pay for those improvements. At the May 20, 2002, City Council meeting, Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM), in partnership with WHKS & Company, was selected to serve as the City's consultant for the formation and implementation of Dubuque's Stormwater Utility. A representative of. CDM will make.a brief presentation at the work session to provide the City Council with an overview of the proposed program and the basic tasks that must be completed, as well as identification of the key issues and milestones that will be critical to the program's success. That Will then leave time to answer any questions that the City Council might have. MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer MEMORANDUM 5/4,7ili-)7(.44044e1 May 29, 2002 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Utility City Council Work Session INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to give a brief description of the Stormwater Utility work session scheduled for June 3, 2002. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering. On March 5, 2002 the City Council approved a Fiscal Year 2003 budget that includes $6.7 million in drainage improvements recommended in the DBMP (see Table 1). Table 1. Drainage improvements included in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget that the anticipated funding is derived through the formation of a Stormwater Uti ity Project Description •Budget Project Timetable Carter Road Detention Basin $875,000 CY 2002 - 03 West 32na Street Detention Basin Improvements $4,023,000. CY 2002 — 05 Pennsylvania/JFK Culvert $165,000 CY 2003 Channel Improvements from Keyway to NW Arterial $970,000 CY 2003 - 04 Keyway and Rosemont Culvert Improvements $413,000 CY 2003 - 04 At the May 20th City Council meeting, Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM), in partnership with WHKS & Company, was selected to serve as the City's consultant for the formation and implementation of Dubuque's Stormwater Utility. DISCUSSION CDM will make a brief presentation at the June 3 work session to provide the Council with an overview of the proposed program and the basic tasks that must be completed, as well identification of the key issues and milestones that will be critical to the program's success. The purpose of the presentation will be to provide the Council with some background on the stormwater utility concept, outline the proposed utility program development, and answer any questions that the Council might have. Formulation and implementation of the Stormwater Utility will require a focused effort to complete a number of major tasks in a very short time frame and to develop the required acceptance for the program that will be critical for its successful implementation. The primary means of developing this acceptance will be through the formation and interaction with a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). CDM will talk about the roles of the CAC, the Council and city staff in the utility development process that is expected to occur over the next seven months. The first CAC meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2002. The following organizations have been invited to participate: Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Community Develop. Block Grant Downtown Neighborhood Council Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Assoc. North End Neighborhood Assoc. Washington Neighborhood Council Valley View Neighborhood Assoc. Dubuque Area Congregations United Westside Business Association Dubuque Homebuilders Assoc. Dubuque Board of Realtors Landlord Association United Auto Workers Merlin Langkamp attachment CC: Michael Koch, Public Works Director Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Bill Baum, Economic Development Director David Harris, Housing & Community Development Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Environmental Stewardship Dubuque Main Street Ltd. GDDC Bluff Street Neighborhood Holy Family Schools Dubuque Community Schools University of Dubuque Loras College Clarke College Developer's Roundtable Mercy Hospital Finley Hospital Flexsteel Industries Electrical Workers Local 704 Greg Cigrand City of Dubuque City Council Work Session For Formation and Implementation of . a Storm. Water Utility June 3rd, 2002 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. Agenda I. Background/ History II. Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. III. Storm Water Utility Concepts IV. Key Issues For Utility Implementation V. Citizen Advisory Committee VI. Project Schedule VII. Next Step VIII. Question/ Discussion Cound Worksession Agenda.doo • -& ..-- ,---, r:,:-,;,,,,, .... - .. ... -.... .... - •-•''' ' '''''' ''''"--,:.-,,- . .-.4';.,....i4-,4%---.•,-.--_'.---.. ,;., f -'.--...7+-'. -..`..--.--.,--.4.,-,,,,'-.-.-, 4-- -',,_ %.:..- -...:-.;- 4.-- ',,,-; --;,,,- ---i.c,,-.-1,-.,',,,,,,,_ --,...2.1,-,.- ''-,,,-'... v ,.',', •,. . . „ • . „. . . - - '- .,-,v,',-,'",• -,-4---,'' -- - -, ,- ...''''._,-- --,',..1-'„,--±'-4,-,,,:q.:::-..-:---, ;-'1. , • ' 4 .,. . . _ • -, , 1 - -. • • THE CITY OP DUB E MEMORANDUM July 30, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Miiligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan Request for Proposals (RFP) Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends authorization to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to build a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin. In December of 2001, the DBMP was formally adopted by the City Council. During the Fiscal Year 2003 budget process, a capital improvement budget was recommended to City Council based on the DBMP recommended improvements; however, because of the opposition voiced by the residents, the portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield Avenue to 24' and Elm Street was removed from the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. With the approval of the Fiscal Year 2003 CIP budget, funding was established to hire an engineering firm to restudy the Bee Branch drainage basin. In addition, Council authorized the use of a survey process to receive input from the approximately 1,150 property owners and residents to gain a greater understanding of the scope of the problem. In December of 2001, at the recommendation of the Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission, the City Council appointed Dr. Charles Winterwood (member of the Long - Range Planning Advisory Commission) to chair the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. However, Dr. Winterwood's appointment was subsequently tabled when the Fiscal Year 2003 budget was formally adopted. Having expressed his interest in the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan, Dr, Winterwood has been actively participating, providing input as a member the RFP Review Committee. It is recommended that Dr. Charles Winterwood be appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee that will be formed as part of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan Project. 1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer CITY OF DUBUQU.E, IOWA MEMORANDUM July 30, 200.2 TO: Michael C. Van Mil'igen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer 0413 94104) SUBJECT: Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan Request for Proposals (RFP) INTRODUCTION An RFP for the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan has been drafted and reviewed by the proposal review committee. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City -Wide Stormwater Management Plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage due to stormwater runoff are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. One of the elements of the Stormwater Management Plan is a Drainage Basin Master Plan. A master plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage pattern, it usually affects the drainage patterns of the entire watershed. The Drainage Basin Master Plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. Drainage problems in the Bee Branch watershed basin became evident on May 16, 1999. A severe thunderstorm moved through the Dubuque area producing between two and a half (2.5) and five (5) inches of rainfall in a six -hour period, the latter would indicate between a 50- and 75-year rainfall event. In July of 2001, HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE) presented a preliminary Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) to the City of Dubuque City Council. It established the 100-year flood plain for the Bee Branch watershed basin with over 1,150 homes and businesses recognized as being within the floodplain limits and at risk of flood damage during a 100-year rainfall event. The DBMP identified several capital improvements that would reduce the threat of flood damage. Table 1 lists the improvements recommended for Bee Branch. watershed basin and reveals the impact each improvement has on the homes and businesses in the floodplain. Table 1. Bee Branch Drainage Basin Improvements Recommenaea Description oy hurl Est. Cost $875,000 cngtimu] iriy. Homes & Businesses Remaining In the Floodplain Homes & Businesses Purchased _ lmprovemen t Upper Carter Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 182 acre-feet of storage. W.32"d Street Detention Basin Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing basin and excavate within the basin to increase the available storage 100% to 94 acre- feet. $4,023,000 9900" 15 Grandview & Kaufmann Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 44 acre-feet of storage. $530,000 - - Floodway from 16th St. to Garfield 150' wide flood -way from the existing 16th Street detention cell to Garfield Ave. and Pine Street. $6,900,000 645(2) 17 Floodway from Garfield to 24th Street. 150' wide flood -way from Garfield Ave. and Pine Street to 24th and EIm Streets $10,200,000 < 5(3) 53 TOTAL $22,528,000 85 .Y.__ .L_ __.`_....._a:......r u..., r+...4.... o.,.,a ae+en+inn nnn nnri mnriifiratinnc to the Axistiritl W32nd Street detention cell. 2.After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to Garfield. 3.After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to 24th and Elm. In October, City staff presented the DBMP to the North End Neighborhood Association - the neighborhood where the majority of the 1,150 homes and businesses are located. The channel from 16th Street to 24th and Elm was presented. There were some concerns expressed about relocating families. Building the channel from 16th Street to 24th and Elm would require the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses. In December of 2001, the DBMP was formally adopted by the City Council. During the Fiscal Year 2003 budget process, a capital improvement budget was recommended to City Council based on the DBMP recommended improvements. In February, 2002, City staff presented the DBMP at a Washington Neighborhood Council meeting. Many of the approximately 150 residents in attendance voiced opposition to the portion of the DBMP that called for the removal of 70 homes. Because of the opposition voiced by residents, the portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield Avenue to 24th and EIm Street was removed from the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. With the approval of the Fiscal Year 2003 CIP budget, funding was established to hire an engineering firm to restudy the Bee Branch drainage basin. In addition, Council authorized the use of a survey process to receive input from the approximately 1,150 property owners and residents to gain a greater understanding of the scope of the problem. DISCUSSION Several features will be incorporated into the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan process to ensure that impacted residents are able to participate in the creation of the drainage basin master plan for their neighborhoods. Mr. Wayne Klosterman, President of the North End Neighborhood Association, and Mr. Dan Shireman, President of the Washington Neighborhood Council, are serving as members of the proposal review committee. The committee's objective is to review proposals from consultants and to recommend to the City Council the engineering firm whom the committee feels would be the best firm to prepare the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan. A significant prerequisite of the consulting firm will be its ability to work with impacted residents. The Consultant must establish channels of communication that promote input from the 1,150 impacted residents. The following shall be included in the project scope: the formation of a Citizen Advisory Committee; the completion of a survey; public meetings with neighborhood groups; and presentations to the City Council. The Citizen Advisory Committee is to be assembled in such a manner that it generally represents a cross-section of the impacted residents. The purpose of the Committee is to help the Consultant produce a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin that consists of alternatives and improvements that are agreeable to the impacted residents — arrive at a plan that the residents of the Bee Branch basin can call their own. The Consultant must facilitate a consensus, enabling the committee to recommend the adoption of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan to the City Council. In December of 2001, at the recommendation of the Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission, the City Council appointed Dr. Charles Winterwood (member of the Long - Range Planning Advisory Commission) to chair the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. However, Dr. Winterwood's appointment was subsequently tabled when the Fiscal Year 2003 budget was formally adopted. Having expressed his interest in the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan, Dr. Winterwood has been actively participating, providing input as a member of the RFP Review Committee. The schedule for the selection of a consulting firm is as follows: RFP Sent to Firms Responses Due Committee To Establish Short List Interviews Conducted Committee to Select Firm Committee to Recommend Firm to City Council August 7, 2002 September 2, 2002 September 6, 2002 3`1 Week of September, 2002 4th Week of September, 2002 October 7, 2002 With these dates as a guide, it is anticipated that the consultant would initiate the project the first week of November. The project will require between nine and eighteen months to complete. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to build a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin. In addition, I recommend that Dr. Charles Winterwood be appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee that will be formed as part of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan project. BUDGET IMPACT The engineering cost estimate for the. Bee Branch Basin Master Plan Project is $250,000. The project will be funded from a Fiscal Year 2003 General Fund appropriation in •the amount of $250,000. ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully request that the City Council authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to develop a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin and that the City Council appoint Dr. Charles Winterwood chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee to be formed as part of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan project. cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Manager Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Dr. Charles Winterwood, Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission Member Wayne Klosterman, North End Neighborhood Association President Dan Shireman, Washington Neighborhood Council President REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE REVIEW/DEVELOPMENT OF A DRAINAGE BASIN MASTER PLAN FOR THE BEE BRANCH DRAINAGE BASIN FOR THE CITY OF DUBUQUE (IA) The City of Dubuque ("City") is seeking the services of a qualified consultant to assess the Bee Branch watershed stormwater facilities. The Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan (BBMP) will investigate both structural and nonstructural flood mitigation technologies. INTRODUCTION Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois and Wisconsin. The City is approximately 30 square miles in area, with a population of nearly 60,000 persons. .With an annual operating and capital budget is nearly $100 million, funding a full range of services. More information about the City organization can be found on the City's web site: www. c ityofd u b u q u e. o rg . Dubuque's terrain is varied, with steep hills and bluffs, and flat river valleys. Rugged rock outcroppings dot the bluffs and many wooded areas are located within the city limits. Located in the north -central portion of the city, the Bee Branch watershed is approximately 7.1 square miles in area. It is bounded by W. 32"d Street to the north,- Asbury Road and University Ave. to the south, NW Arterial to the west, the Mississippi River to the east. Stormwater generally drains from the west to the east: originating in the upland -bluff areas, it flows down the steep slopes into the densely populated flats where it is collected in the "Bee Branch" storm sewer. The Bee Branch storm sewer originates approximately 625-feet west of the W. 32"d Street and Saunders Street intersection. Traveling in a southeasterly direction the sewer resides under buildings, running diagonally with respect to the streets, until it reaches 28th and Washington Street where the alignment follows Washington Street until 24th Street. The storm sewer gradually increases from a 60-inch concrete pipe where it originates to a 20-foot by 12-foot stone box where it outlets into the 16th Street detention cell. Flow from the 16th Street detention cell outlets to the river either through the flood wall or through the use of pumps when the Mississippi River is high and the flood gates are closed. Background In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage due to stormwater runoff are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. 7/19/2002 1 The Stormwater Management Plan consists of three elements: 1. A Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) that addresses flooding problems and issues in specific watershed basins; 2. A Stormwater Drainage Criteria Manual that guides development to prevent new drainage problems and reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff; and 3. An National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - Phase 11 permit application that satisfies the requirements outlined in the Federal Register. Drainage problems in the Bee Branch watershed basin became evident on May 16, 1999. A severe thunderstorm moved through the Dubuque area producing between two and a half (2.5) and five (5) inches of rainfall in a six hour period, the later would indicate between a 50 and 75-year rainfall event. In July of 2001, HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE) presented a preliminary Drainage Basin Master Plan to the City of Dubuque City Council. It established the 100-year flood plain • for the Bee Branch watershed basin with over 1,150 homes and businesses recognized as being within the floodplain limits and at risk of flood damage during a 100-year rainfall event. The DBMP identified several capital improvements that would reduce the threat of flood damage. Table 1 lists the Bee Branch watershed basin improvements recommended in the DBMP and the impact the improvement has on the homes and businesses in the floodplain. In October, City staff presented the DBMP to the North End Neighborhood. Association - the neighborhood where the majority of the 1,150 homes and businesses are located. The channel from 16th Street to 24th and EIm was presented. There was some concerns about relocating families. Building the channel from 16th Street to 24th and EIm would require the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses. In, December of 2001, the DBMP was formally adopted by :the City Council. During the fiscal year 2003 budget process, a capital improvement budget was recommended to City Council based on the DBMP recommended improvements. In February, City staff presented the DBMP to Washington Neighborhood Council. Many of the approximately 150 residents voiced strong opposition to the portion of the DBMP that called for the removal of 70 homes — effectively destroying "their neighborhood." Because of the strong opposition by residents, the portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield to 24th and Elm Street was removed from the fiscal year 2003 budget. In addition, funding was established to hire an engineering firm to prepare a drainage basin master plan specifically for the Bee 7/1912002 2 Branch watershed basin and authorized the development of a survey process to receive input from property owners and residents to gain a greater understanding of the scope of the problem. Table 1. Recommended W 32"" Street sub -basin improvements. _ Improvemen t Description Est. Cost Homes & Businesses Remaining In the Floodplain Homes & Businesses Purchased Upper Carter Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 182 acre-feet of storage. $875,000 - W.32"d Street Detention Basin Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing basin and excavate within the basin to increase the available storage 100% to 94 acre- feet. $4,023,000 990(1) 15 Grandview & Kaufmann Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 44 acre-feet of storage. $530,000- Floodway from 16th St. to Garfield 150' wide flood -way from the existing 16th Street detention cell to Garfield Ave. and Pine Street. $6,900,000 645(24 17 Floodway from Garfield to 24th Street. 150' wide flood -way from Garfield Ave. and Pine Street to 24th and EIm Streets $10,200,000 < 5(3) 53 TOTAL $22,528,000 85 2. 3. After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell and modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell. After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to Garfield. After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to 24th and Elm. II. OBJECTIVE In general, the Bee Branch Master Plan will: 1) Identify/verify drainage deficiencies in the Bee Branch watershed; 2) Establish structural and non-structural alternatives or combination of alternatives that reduce the threat of flood damage; and 3) Work with impacted residents in the form of a citizens advisory committee to ensure that the recommended alternatives are agreeable to the people the proposed drainage improvements benefit. 7/19/2002 3 III. SERVICES BY THE CITY Information pertaining to the Bee Branch watershed compiled by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE) will be provided to the selected firm. Appendix A includes an excerpt from the methodology section of the DBMP. Electronic files associated with the computer modeling efforts will be made available. The City of Dubuque has a geographical information system referred to as the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System, or DAGIS. Available topographical mapping includes 2-foot contours, digital terrain models, parcels, building outlines, edge of pavement, storm sewers, and aerial orthogonal photos. IV. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN PROPOSAL To simplify the review process and to obtain the maximum degree of comparability, the proposal will include the following information and will be organized in the manner specified below. Letter of Transmittal Provide a letter of transmittal briefly outlining the consultant's understanding of the work and the name, address, telephone number and fax number of the consultant's primary contact person. Profile of Firm Provide and present the following information in a clear and concise format. Consultants should feel free to present material to ensure that the City is fully aware of their experience and expertise in this type of project. A. Provide the Firm's official name, address, and principal offices B. Provide references illustrating the firm's experience preparing drainage basin master plans, working with impacted residents, and building consensus with a citizen group for municipalities having similar physical, social, and economic characteristics as Dubuque. For each reference list: 1) Project name and location; 2) Contact person and telephone number; 3) Cost of work (actual cost vs. initial estimated cost); and 4) Time required to complete the project C. Provide abbreviated resumes (one to two pages each) of the key personnel who will be working on the project, describing their education, specialized and technical competence, and experience in relation to the work referenced in part B above. D. Specify the Firm's ability to integrate this project into their work schedule. E. Although the City attempted to identify the work and services required, this 7/19/2002 4 should not constrain the scope the Consultant believes to be necessary to meet the City's objective. Include any ideas to improve the development of the plan and recommend work not identified in this RFP considered essential by the firm. F. Include a project schedule outlining the time period and estimated completion date of the proposed scope of work. This should include a schedule for and description of all deliverable products throughout the period. G. The proposal will specify anticipated City resources in terms of personnel, facilities or equipment to be utilized by the consultant during the project contract period. V. SCOPE OF WORK AND SERVICES The Consultant will carry out the following tasks. Responders may propose additional tasks that would help reach the project goal. Public involvement and project management The Consultant must establishing channels of communication that promote input from the 1,150 impacted residents. The following shall be included in the project scope: the formation of a Citizen Advisory Committee; the completion of a survey, public meetings with neighborhood groups; and presentations to the City Council The Citizen Advisory Committee is to be assembled in such a manner that it faithfully represents a cross section of the impacted residents. The purpose of the committee is to help the Consultant produce a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin that consists of alternatives and improvements that are agreeable to the impacted residents. The Consultant must facilitate a committee consensus, enabling the committee to make a recommendation to the City Council. The City. Council has directed a member of the Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission to chair the Citizen Advisory Committee meetings. However, it will be the Consultant's responsibility to prepare information for all required meetings and public hearings. The necessary information may include but is not limited to: invitation letters; hearing handouts; aerial displays; and exhibits including maps, drawings, photos, and slides. It will be the Consultant's responsibility to set the agenda for all meetings with Citizen Advisory Committee. Verify existing drainage conditions Aside from the gathering of physical data, this stage will include gathering input from the residents who make up the 1,150 at risk homes and businesses. This will require a survey and public meetings with impacted residents. The survey must be a scientific survey that statistically represents the group. If the 7/19/2002 5 consultant prefers that the City undertake a portion of the fact finding survey through the use of a local organization proficient at such a task, it should be indicated in the proposal. Establish viable alternatives Several alternatives have been identified in the DBMP previously adopted by the City Council. The consultantshould utilize the improvements identified in the DBMP as they see fit. As stated previously, the consultantmust work closely with the Citizen Advisory Committee to alternatives/improvements that are agreeable to the people they benefit. Establish the recommended alternatives . The consultant must present the gamut of alternatives to, and work closely with, the Citizen Advisory Committee and City staff to formulate the alternatives that will be recommended as the Bee Branch Master Plan presented to City Council. VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposals will be screened to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the proposal format. A review of qualifying proposals will identify potential firms which most closely meet the needs of the City of Dubuque. Proposals will be evaluated by the selection committee based upon the following (not necessarily listed in order of importance): A: Qualifications and experience of the firm —reference checks, achievements and completion of similar projects for municipalities with characteristics similar to Dubuque. B. Project design :team —qualifications ..and experience of the principal consulting staff proposed to work on the project, variety and application of various disciplines within the team, and availability and qualifications of any subcontracting staff. C. Grasp of the project requirements —the firm's analysis, preparation and level of interest. D. Design approach/methodology in completing the scope of work and services —technical alternatives, _creativity and problem solving ability. E. 4 Responsiveness —compatibility between consultants and the City of Dubuque, general attitude, ability to communicate. F. Qualifications/experience of the firm working with large groups of private citizens,' gathering input and building consensus. G. Local economic impact —ability to incorporate local firms. H. Schedule evaluation —time required to complete the project. I. Proposed cost to complete the project. The RFP committee will rank the responsive •consultants and compile a short list of firms. Consultants remaining after the initial screening will be contacted and invited to interview during the 3rd week of September. The purpose of the 7/19/2002 6 interview will be to allow the consultant to make a presentation before the committee and allow members of the committee to ask questions of the consultants. Firms will be ranked based on the final interview and overall responsiveness to the RFP. The committee will make its recommendation to City Council at the October 7, 2002 City Council Meeting. The City of Dubuque is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. VII1. FEES AND COMPENSATION Separate the Fees and Compensation proposal (separate enclosure) from the other portion of the RFP submittal. Initial screening will be done by the selection committee without the benefit of knowing the consultant's proposed fee for services. A contract -will be negotiated after the selection process has been completed. Taxes The City of Dubuque is exempt from all State sales tax. Do not include sales tax in the Firm's proposal price. Tax exemption certificates will be supplied upon request. Contract Documents The Contract Documents will consist of the Advertisement of Proposals, the Request for Proposal, Addendums to the Proposal, Responses to Follow-up Questions and the signed Contract. These Documents will be on file with the City Clerk. IX. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Proposals are to be signed by' an officer of the firm authorized to bind the submitter to its provisions. Proposals are to contain a statement indicating the period during which the proposal will remain valid. A period of not Tess than ninety (90) days is required. The proposal submitted by the firm shall become an integral part of the contract between the City and the Firm and representations, covenants, and conditions therein contained shall be binding upon the person, firm or corporation executing the same. Failure to manually sign proposal will disqualify it. An original plus 10 copies of the proposal must be received in the office of the City of Dubuque's Engineering Division. by 5:00 p.m. CDT on September 4, 2002. The address is: City of Dubuque (Engineering) C/O Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 7/19/2002 7 Each firm assumes full responsibility for delivery and deposit of the completed proposal package on or before the deadline. The City of Dubuque is not responsible for any Toss or delay with respect to delivery of the proposals. The City of Dubuque is not liable for any cost incurred during the preparation of proposals by any firms prior to the execution of an agreement or contract. Nor shall the City of Dubuque be liable for any costs incurred by the firms that are not specified in contract documents. Appendix B outlines the insurance requirements for professional services. All questions and correspondence regarding this RFP should be directed to Gus Psihoyos (563-589-4275) or Deron Muehring (563-589-4276) from the City of Dubuque Engineering Division, or by fax at (563) 589 - 4205. 7/19/2002 8 Special Event Insurance Grant: City Manager recommending approval of proposed criteria for a Special Event Grant Program for events held on public right-of-way that require insurance, upon motion tabled and referred to Staff to review the standards. Mississippi River National Education and Conference Center — Cascading Stairs: City Manager requesting Council direction on the design and height of the proposed signage on both sides of the cascading stairs being constructed near the Mississippi River National Education and Conference Center, upon motion received and filed and directed that no lettering be done. Downtown Planning Committee Membership: Long Range Planning Commission requesting Council approval of the membership for the Downtown Planning Committee of the Long Range Planning Commission, upon motion received and filed and approved membership as presented. Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan Request for Proposals (RFP) City Manager recommending approval to solicit proposals to develop a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch Watershed Basin and further recommending that Dr. Charles Winterwood be appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee to be formed as part of the project, upon motion received and filed and approved recommendation. Heritage Trail Extension Project: City Manager recommending award of the contract for the Heritage Trail Extension Project to Tschiggfrie Excavating in the amount of $609,726.65 and directing staff to prepare a change order for the removal of the route along Volunteer Drive at a cost of $87,356.25, upon motion received and filed. Nicholson moved adoption of Resolution No. 403-02 Awarding contract. Seconded by Connors. Motion carried 7-0. ITEMS TO BE SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING Request to Purchase City -Owned Property — Joseph Feltes: City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for August 19, 2002 to consider a request from Joseph G. Feltes to purchase City -owned property located between his property at 2616 Stafford and Linwood Cemetery, upon motion received and filed. Michalski moved adoption of Resolution No. 404-02 of Intent to dispose of City interest in Lot 4A of Mineral Lot 472, Dubuque, Iowa and set this for public hearing on 8/19/02 at a meeting to commence at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law. Seconded by Nicholson. Motion carried 7-0. Lenox Addition — Sale of City Property: City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for August 19, 2002 to consider disposing of City -owned property located in Lenox Addition to Eric and Bonita Timmerman, upon motion received and filed. Michalski moved adoption of Resolution No. 405-02 of Intent to dispose of City interest in Lot 130 of Lenox Addition, Dubuque, Iowa and set this for public hearing on 8/19/02 at a meeting to commence at 6:30 P.M. in the public library auditorium and that the City Clerk publish notice in the manner prescribed by law. Seconded by Nicholson. Motion carried 7-0. Birch Acres — Sale of City Property: City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for August 19, 2002 to consider disposing of City -owned property located in Birch Acres to Jeff Arensdorf, upon motion received and filed. Michalski moved adoption of Resolution No. 406-02 of Intent to dispose of City interest in Lot 3 Block 9 Birch Acres and Lot 4 Block 9 Birch Acres, Dubuque, Iowa and set this public hearing for 8/19/02 at a meeting to commence at 6:30 P.M. in 7 „ • ",--.• „ ,"; •• .„„ " , - . „ , - , • , , • • y I, THE CITY OF MEMORANDUM October 16, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan A Proposal Review Committee, consisting of North End Neighborhood Association President Wayne Klostermann, Washington Neighborhood Council. President Dan Shireman, Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission Member Dr. Charles Winterwood, Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser, Finance Director Ken TeKippe, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Housing and Community Development Director David Harris, Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos, Neighborhood Development Specialist Jerelyn O'Connor, and Civil Engineer Deron Muehring, Was formed to determine the engineering firm suited best suited to perform the second study of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin. After reviewing the proposals, the selection committee short-listed CDM, McClure, MSA, and Stanley for interviews. Following the interviews, the committee carefully deliberated each firm's strengths and weaknesses. The committee decided that a second interview was necessary and asked CDM, McClure, and MSA to interview a second time to address lingering questions. By a vote of 4 to 3 to 3, the committee arrived at the recommendation of MSA Professional Services. While MSA was not everyone's first choice, all committee members agreed that MSA demonstrated that they have the technical background and understanding of the public involvement process required to make the study a success. The Proposal Review Committee recommends that the City Council approve the selection of MSA Professional Services as the engineering consulting firm to conduct a second study of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVMfjh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahi, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Mike Koch, Public Works Director TO: CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM October 15, 2002 Michael C. Van Mil!igen, City Manager FROM: 'Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer ono p,, SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request that the City Council approve the selection of MSA Professional Services (MSA) as the Engineering Consulting Firm to conduct a second study of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE). The DBMP established the 100- year flood plain for the Bee Branch watershed basin. HDR identified over 1,150 homes and businesses as being within the 100-year floodplain limits and at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommended several capital improvements that would reduce the threat of flood damage.. Table 1 lists the recommended improvements for the Bee Branch watershed basin and it reveals the impact each improvement has on the homes and businesses in the floodplain. Following HDR's recommendations, City staff prepared a Fiscal Year 2003 budget that included capital improvement projects recommended by HDR. In addition, staff recommended the establishment of funds to conduct a study to determine the alignment of the proposed channel from 24th and Elm to 16th and. Sycamore.- Such a study would identify where the channel would be built and identify. what properties would be impacted. In February 2002, City staff presented the DBMP at a Washington Neighborhood Council meeting. Many of the approximately 150 residents in attendance voiced opposition to the portion of the DBMP that cut through the .neighborhood and would result in the removal of 70 homes. Because of the opposition voiced by residents at this meeting, the portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield Avenue to 24m and Elm Street was not included in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. Instead, the City Council budgeted $250,000 to hire an engineering firm to work with the impacted residents to try and find an alternative solution that would not have such a significant impact on the neighborhood. Table 1. Bee Branch Drainage Basin Improvements Recommended by HDR Engineering. Improvement Description . Est. Cost Homes & Businesses Remaining In the Floodpiain Homes & Businesses Purchased Upper Carter Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 182 acre-feet of storage. $875,000 NA - W.32"d Street Detention Basin Purchase 15 homes surrounding the existing basin and excavate within the basin to increase the available storage 100% to 94 acre- feet. $4,023,000 990(1) 15 Grandview & Kaufmann Detention Basin Build an earthen berm to create 44 acre-feet of storage. $530,000 NA' Floodway from 16th St. to Garfield 150' wide flood -way from the existing 16th Street detention cell to Garfield Ave. and Pine Street. $6,900,000 645(2) 17 Floodway from Garfield to 24th Street. 150' wide flood -way from Garfield Ave. and Pine Street to 24th and Elm Streets $10,200,000 < 5(3) 53 TOTAL $22,528,000 ' 85 1 After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell and modifications to the existing W32nd Steel detention cell. 2.After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to Garfield. 3.After the construction of the Carter Road detention cell, modifications to the existing W32nd Street detention cell, and construction of the channel from 16th St. to 24th and Elm. DISCUSSION Because it is a hydrologic and hydraulic engineering study, a firm with considerable engineering (technical) capabilities to solve problems associated with complicated drainage systems is important. However, the consultant must be able to deal effectively with the public. The proposal review committee consisted of Wayne Klostermann, North End Neighborhood Association President; Dan Shireman, Washington Neighborhood Council President; Dr. Charles Winterwood, Long -Range Planning Advisory Commission Member; Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager; Ken TeKippe, Finance Director, Laura Carstens, Planning Services. Manager; David Harris, Housing and Community Development Manager; Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer; Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist; and Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer. The committee's objective was to determine the engineering firm best suited to perform the study. Seven firms submitted proposals: AMEC (Nashville) with WHKS (Dubuque), Barr Engineering (Minneapolis) with WHKS (Dubuque), CDM (Milwaukee) with WHKS (Dubuque), Earthtech (Waterloo), McClure Engineering (Ankeny), MSA Professional Services (Dubuque), and Stanley (Muscatine). After reviewing the proposals., the selection committee short-listed CDM, McClure, MSA, and Stanley for interviews. Following the interviews, the committee carefully deliberated each firm's strengths and weaknesses. The committee decided that a second interview was necessary and asked CDM, McClure, and MSA to interview a second time to address lingering questions. By a vote of 4 to 3 to 3, the committee arrived at the recommendation of MSA Professional Services. While MSA was not everyone's first choice, all committee 'members agreed that MSA demonstrated that.they have the technical background and understanding of the public involvement process required to make the study a success. How will MSA's study be different from HDR's? Several differences between HDR's study and MSA's study are important to note. 1) The first study did not involve impacted residents in the process. The second Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Planwill ensure that impacted residents are able to participate in the creation of the drainage basin master plan for theirneighborhood. a) Mr. Wayne Klosterman, President of the. North End Neighborhood Association and Mr. Dan Shireman, President of the Washington Neighborhood Council served as members of the proposal review committee that recommends the hiring of MSA Professional Services. b) . With insight from the City Council, neighborhood groups, impacted residents, and City staff, MSA will form the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. Assembled in such a manner that it represents a cross-section of the impacted residents, the purpose of the committee is to ensure that potential drainage alternatives and improvements are agreeable to the impacted residents. The committee will work directly with MSA. c) MSA has proposed several methods to involve and gather citizen input. i) MSA has identified twelvemeetings with the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. MSA will work directly .with the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee to facilitate a committee consensus, enabling the committee to, arrive at a plan that the residents of the Bee Branch basin can support, enabling the committee's recommendation of the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan to the City Council. ii) MSA has identified six meetings with the constituencies of each Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee member. The meetings will be held in locations that are convenient and comfortable to promote attendance. Ili) With the help of Loras College's Center for Business and Social Research, MSA will conduct a statistically significant survey of residents. iv) MSA will distribute a questionnaire to the impacted residents requesting their insight into the drainage conditions near their home, and allowing residents to express their ideas and concems. v) MSA will be a physical presence in neighborhoods, talking to residents, and gathering information. vi) MSA will create an interactive website to provide citizens information pertaining to the project and allowing citizens to submit their ideas and concerns. There is a discrepancy between the problems predicted by HDR's modeling of the 100-year rainstorm and what impacted residents experienced in 1993, 1999, and 2002. To better understand the drainage problem that citizens contend with, MSA will: a) Distribute a questionnaire to the impacted residents requesting their insight into the drainage conditions near their home; b) Model the 1999 or 2002 rainstorm as well as the hypothetical 100-year rainfall event; and c) Use a survey crew to physically gather street cross-section data and other drainage facility data to refine HDR's computer model so that it reflects flooding depths witnessed by citizens in 1999 or 2002. 3) There is a discrepancy between the size of the required solutions reported by HDR and that of impacted residents. While HDR recommends solutions totaling more than $24 million and removing 85 homes, some residents contend that timely maintenance of the existing drainage facilities would be sufficient. Once MSA builds a model that reflects what people witnessed, the model can be trusted to reveal the benefit of each drainage improvement. Approximately 70 homes would need to be relocated/removed to construct the proposed channel from 16th and Sycamore to 24th and Elm. However, the study did not identify the 70 homes. As a result, hundreds of families must live in a state of uncertainty and unrest because they do not know if their home is one that would be removed to make way for the channel. Whether the solution recommended by the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory ., Committee is a 150-foot wide, open channel or a single underground storm sewer, this study will include the location of all improvements. 5) HDR's challenge was to provide drainage improvements to eliminate the threat of flood damage for 99% of all rainstorms .(the 100-year rainfall event). it is possible that drainage improvements were dismissed by HDR because they were not effective for the 100-year event when they might be effective for the 25-year event. The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee might decide that the cost of providing protection from the 100-year rainfall event is too great. It might recommend that protection from the 50- or 25-year rainstorm is sufficient. The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee will contemplate this item during this study. There is no consensus among the residents as to what drainage improvements the City should implement. Everyone may not be happy with the proposed drainage improvements that come from the second study, however, a substantial effort will be exerted by everyone involved with the project to ensure that impacted residents, understand why the City should pursue the improvements developed during the study. RECOMMENDATION Based on the extensive review of the proposals, the presentations, and interviews, the proposal review committee recommends that the City retain MSA .Professional Services to prepare the Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan. BUDGET IMPACT MSA's estimate to complete the project is $179,500. The interview process helped identify additional avenues to solicit involvement and input from impacted residents. During the project, MSA, the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee, and Citystaff will continually monitor the effectiveness of the outreach program. The project will be funded from a fiscal year 2003 General Fund appropriation of $250,000. ACTION REQUESTED The City Council is requested to approve the selection of MSA Professional Services as the consultant to develop a Drainage Basin Master Plan for the Bee Branch watershed basin and to authorize the City Manager to enter an agreement with MSA Professional Services for the project. cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Michael Koch, Public Works Director Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Manager Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Dr. Charles Winterwood, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Member Wayne Klostermann, North End Neighborhood Association President Dan Shireman, Washington Neighborhood Council President \Ce We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open .. Channel Concept to .control the drainage problems in. the North End of the City of Dubuque. Name °--- may 35 `r /fi.rA74-' Address Phone # ( optional ) f:ef-tr-a-i4A We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost e ` ive alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to control the drainage problems in. the.North.End. of the City of. Dubuque. Addres Phone # (optiorad ) 5J8;E...<, / A St /ex k w tcse vty 1 5 i�L avrik 01\y G)kie_ 3t 3�'_�' e-1 t i-) 3 Nti vnft_C �,r` We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to .control the drainage problems in. -the -North End of the. City. of Dubuque. Name- Xle-4 Eel /9 5014 AO(i Address 4 5V5' 3t70 /67' I770 Phone# ( optional ) 01. eaArYtd a5C5 �Ih► -S . 2.Zt L? turn f j glige ZS(. 63 / 8'e0c/C) sg240(4S We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to control the drainage problems in the. North End. of the City of Dubuque. Name Address Phone # ( optional } %9 o J 77- )77 3 f W „rr3 -3 9 4 ,'- . ,s"s"G - / (.12 co-1 ? S5 -F,2 41f j!J v - t ems-. 55�0 - Bago Qa *,4; z.{ S83-1_0 -t3 i2 ®iv* c_3--I#'1/ '7 .,a # o ' c4l Spa _7 s/c,s \� We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to .control the drainage problems in.theNorth Endof the City of Dubuque. Address R3a7 cENfiei-L. Ado./ >- cQ►k�r<e t t. a7 ie' n i fL L ,..rp a 30/ (pv ,-// grecl IA) Phone # ( optional } \t) We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA• Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to control the drainage problems in_the.North End of the City of Dubuque. Name a--- ' Address 0 14 31r oil Phone # ( optional- ) IPA ) *-4., A! AvrAw_AWIM ,,4111111.13MIAT , - / -4:1WAIWA ;111:4-Mr a (6 ,c1 We, the under signed, request the Dubuque City Council to restudy the Bee Branch, and to retain MSA Professional Services, to explore cost effective alternatives to the Open Channel Concept to .control the drainage. problems. in the North End of the City. of Dubuque. —mow Address Phone # ( optional } 'Itfe dr r I/ � 1 -. —11 ?- CICL/t l 024 hc4 Ca M, ' 1 /I A ,r 1 fyo ,.i 1i a \,y 7 �_.-- • 1_., ILEA L s i '.�s_ _ _ _ '1 S. A, / 1 I , e_ l b L` °LC) (Lk& kkM oSt \c d 1 /e, 4 -i4 ,1 A rr7E ci1Y OF DuB E MEMORANDUM October 31, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: • Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project — 24th and Elm to Railroad Tracks The City Council has previously reviewed the $24,475,000 Drainage Basin Master Plan prepared by HDR Engineering designed to save over 1,150 homes throughout Dubuque from stormwater flooding in a 100 year rain event. During that review the following elements of the plan totaling $13,457,000 were approved. 1. Carter Detention Basin ($875,000) 2. West 32nd Street Detention Basin improvements ($4,023,000) 3. Pennsylvania/JFK Culvert Improvements ($165,000) 4. Channel Improvements from Keyway to the NW Arterial ($970,000) 5. Keyway and Rosemont Culvert Improvements ($413,000) 6. Bee Branch Creek Restoration — from railroad tracks to 16th Street Detention Basin ($7,011,000) At the October 21, 2002 City Council meeting, staff was directed to bring the final element to this plan to this City Council meeting. The final element is an $11,018,000 restoration of the Bee Branch Creek from 24th Street to the railroad tracks near the Farmland Foods plant. Historically, the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the North End. The storm sewer that exists today came as a result of lining the creek with limestone and eventually covering the entire length from W. 32nd Street to the 16th Street Detention Basin. The proposed channel is, in reality, the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. Figure 4 shows the channel extents. The channel recommended by HDR Engineering is only a conceptual design. With a 76-foot bottom width and mildly sloping landscaped banks to a channel depth of approximately ten feet with a 150-foot green corridor. An aIignment/prelirr,inary design study is required to determine what the channel will look like and the approximate alignment of the channel. Depending on the alignment, the waterway will require the acquisition of between 60 and 80 homes/businesses. respectfully request Mayor and City Council direction on this project. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Mike Koch, Public Works Director 6- 0 0 O 000 ci 0) N M O O 69- 6969- O o 00 0 0 Co O O O N N 0) 4A *Er EH 0 o0 N M E!T 6} 69- 0o 0 co cO c7(! Ef} O O O C)) N O M O O O O o 0 O 0) O Y o co O o cci CNO.M N CV 69 to 0 0 O O 0 O LOT O O O 0 0 �0)0 0 'C) 69 69- 69 69- 0 0 0 N o 0 6!3 0 0 0 0 Ns- M co O O O Cfl ti Cfl Ef? 0 0 (0 Nsn 69 69- B. PROJECT FINANCING X 1- ca ca General Fund -5 C"C 3 Eo t- o) u) c ea o CY. C7 li O C: IMPACT - OPERATIONS Administration/Maintenance v a EPr N N O N h N N Ef} LO 0 0 Ef3 ER 69- E9- ER O M Ef} PROJECT DESCRIPTION o a) -° m LI) _ •-- [0 C 0 Ei o ccaa > c c >-. O N o '0 .a cc y m o -0 O Y x 7 0 ".ca 0) -a Tel -a 1' 'a 0) C O 0 c5C CA LO 0 0 C ai •r- C Lo CO v C N N co M tll s-. -CER W C0 N CO C �. T E x, co a) N "0Zr,•c p 3 .O N cotr,E U O 3 N 0 0 0 EA E o -0 ~ x aa) N o ca aa; c a a) a) ca m C >, � E oo�•Ds I--- O � C a C f8J co n, U a) C E a E o N a.0 y co c' N 3 t to — a) a) 0 0 O t co % w N- N N (01-4 `O co ici ca C C O O: a0•O co'p co O N o o '0 co a. C O .Y O O O N N L O> C a. N idO yr 'O N CL y t0 O•0 OC\I (N. C o 8'~ a) C%).�C O a)M cLat a) O _c a. 22 ER t� N co,.. c 0 o Z +N a 0 N aj. y�.. E Eft a) E 6 4EN a) U a) CE N y co 6 2 T T i- alc o o O0 a C 0 p) ca N E o •.§ ' E E 3 Q- o o Ii o y E U 6' N a) Q) 0 C O T = O= p Q�� Y � o o �� m v_- L 0 y m p~p C o C a CO O C ._ C ? 0) 0) S U j O (0 Q) (� N C. Cr .LZ %� f=6 O y a >; m a) N a) co !!) E : oe ; : u- �UU To o.� c v Co 0 La�q> cc a) O cujM co ca,o f0 C coasyN as , w cU a.UYmm m E L as a,2 m` cv cr, v u) 6 moo`.. N aa)) JUSTIFICATION .c E 2 E % \ co k f \ 0 0 � 0 c 2 as o § @ to C E _c 27 '-Q kk ca §$ k 0 kL kk - \ _£$ Ea) / -ru k E co 0 / IQ a) e. I —CO Once the improvements are in place, aver 1,150 homes/businesses will no longer be threatened by stormwater runoff due to a 100-year runoff event. aco ) gy* § E k .02 )- 2m2 f § kLI-to' ° z k22 cu �/ m$k %k� V % in f/)0 4- o e .- ƒ > ma) =2E a) c w k k 4 f / 0 .c 2 m m / 0) o a c c k2- o a oc § co \�A� ® 0 % a CO § 8 E E - IL(0 $2A) 7 % ° E a)ED. • § w E a)§ §_ $ k 0)as k�c o § R c f02m C(i) � 0 � ) ■�2G.c o —ox c 2 as E a$ 2 e o w E k a)w I-LL02 Oa32£ 1- / 2 $ a'0. b § $ 0 ■ m o ti 0 t §io P. �0. 2®oc c e 5 0 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM October 28, 2002 TO: Michael C. Van Mil'igen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer _A (;:? SUBJECT: Inclusion of the Open Waterway (Channel) from 24th & Elm to the Railroad Tracks (I&M Rail Link) as part of the adopted Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP). INTRODUCTION The attached resolution re -instates the portion of the open waterway (channel) as part of the adopted Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering, Incorporated and previously adopted in December of 2001. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide Stormwater Management Plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the Stormwater Management Plan. In 1997, the City Council approved the selection of HDR Engineering, Incorporated of Omaha, Nebraska to produce Dubuque's Stormwater Management Plan. One of the elements of the plan was to prepare a DBMP for the Bee Branch drainage basin (see Figure 1). A master plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage pattern it usually affects, for better or worse, the drainage of the entire watershed. The Drainage Basin Master Plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to .solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. To achieve the primary objective -increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff -the following steps were followed: 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical. Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; and 3. Identify areas where public safety is compromised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff. Figure 1. Location of the Bee Branch drainage basin in the City of Dubuque (corporate limits —25 square miles Bee Branch Basin Master Plan The problems that exist in the Bee Branch basin became evident to the City on May 16, 1999. Reports throughout the City indicated that between two and a half (2.5) and five (5) inches of rainfall occurred in a five -hour period. The DBMP prepared by HDR Engineering echoed the fact that the existing stormwater drainage system in the Bee Branch basin has major deficiencies. They identified over 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch basin that are in the 100-year flood plain, at risk of flood damage every year (see Figure 2). Figure 2. 100-year flooding depths under existing conditions. Washinton Street Sub Area 100- Existing conditions flooding depths (feet) ,--10.1-0.5 um 0.5-1 1-2 � 2-3 N E3-4 N _ 4 - 5 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet —5+ �: --•__ ,� yr Flood Inundation F HDR determined that the construction of a detention basin near Carter Road ($875,000) and doubling the size of the existing West 32nd Street Basin ($4,023,000) would reduce the homes/businesses at risk by 185: It would require the construction of a storm sewer five times the size of the oxisting Bee Branch storm sewer to eliminate the risk to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. The Bee Branch storm sewer is 20 feet wide by 12 feet high at its largest point. The cost of building five such storm sewers was estimated at approximately $93 million. Alternatively, HDR found that an open waterway (channel) originating; at 24th and Elm Streets and extending to the 16th Street detention cell would eliminate the risk of flood damage to the remaining 970 homes and businesses at an 3 estimated cost of $17.1 million. The estimated cost includes the purchasing of approximately 70 homes/businesses. Therefore, HDR recommended in the Drainage Basin Master Plan the construction of the open channel. Figure 3 shows the extent of properties still at risk if the open waterway is not constructed; 185 of the 1,155 homes and businesses are no longer at risk, however, approximately 970 remain. Figure 3. Projected flooding depths with W. 32nd Street sub -basin improvements. Washinton Street Sub Area 100- r Flood inundation Flooding depths with West 32nd sleet improvements installed (feet) 0.1-0.5 MI 0.5-1 1-2 ▪ 2-3 MI 3-4 ▪ 4 - 5 woo 0 1000 2000 Feet - 5+ 4 Historically, the Bee Branch Creek meandered through the . North End. The storm sewer that exists today came as a result of lining the creek with limestone and eventually covering the entire length from W. 32nd Street to the 16th Street detention basin. The proposed channel is, in reality, the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. Figure 4 shows the channel extents. Figure 4. Extents of the recommended flood control channel. The recommended flood control channel would start at the 16 Street detention cell (1) and terminate at 24t and Elm Streets (2). The channel recommended by HDR Engineering is only a conceptual design. With a 76-foot bottom width and mildly sloping landscaped banks to a channel - depth of approximately ten feet, a 150-foot green corridor would be required. An alignment/preliminary design study is required to determine what the channel will look like and the approximate alignment of the channel. Depending on the alignment, the waterway will affect between 60 and 80 homes/businesses. In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE). ; Following HDR's recommendations, City staff prepared a Fiscal Year 2003 budget that included capital improvement projects recommended by HDR, In addition, staff recommended the establishment of funds to conduct a study to determine the alignment of the proposed channel from 24th and EIm to 16th and Sycamore. Such a study would identify where the channel would be built and identify what properties would be impacted. The portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield Avenue to 24th and EIm Street was not included in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. Instead, the City Council budgeted $250,000 to hire an engineering firm to restudy the Bee Branch basin and try to find an alternative solution that would ndt have such a significant impact on the neighborhood. DISCUSSION in August of 2002, the City Council authorized the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to develop a second Bee Branch Basin Master Plan. On October 21, 2002 the proposal review committee made a recommendation to the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter an agreement with MSA Professional Services to re -study the Bee Branch drainage basin. The City Council voted against doing the re -study of the Bee Branch drainage basin. Moreover, the Council directed City staff to bring back that portion of the stormwater plan from 24th street to the detention basin. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to review the -attached resolution that re -instates the portion of the open waterway (channel) as part of the adopted Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering, Incorporated and provide further direction to staff. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Engineer Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Michael Koch, Public Works Director 6 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN OPEN WATERWAY (CHANNEL) FROM GARFIELD AND PINE TO 24TH AND ELM AS PART OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE DRAINAGE BASIN MASTER PLAN Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque is committed to developing a City-wide stormwater management master plan; and Whereas, the City of Dubuque retained the firm of HDR Engineering, Inc. to produce a Drainage Basin Master Plan; and Whereas, the Drainage Basin Master Plan addresses flooding problems and issues in the City of Dubuque and recommends certain public improvements to implement the plan, including an open. waterway (channel) from Garfield and Pine to 24th and EIm Street. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE. CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: That portion of the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc. recommending an open waterway (channel) from Garfield and Pine to 24th and EIm be re -instated as part of the adopted City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan is hereby approved. Passed, approved and adopted this day of , 2002. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk THE Lii Y OP DUB E MEMORANDUM December 5, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management WORKSESSION December 9, 2002 The worksession on stormwater management with a presentation by HDR Engineering will be held on December 9, 2002 at the Dubuque Carnegie -Stout Public Library's third - floor auditorium. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. in the rotunda with the worksession beginning at 5:30 p.m. Background materials are attached. A copy of the Drainage Basin Master Plan was previously distributed. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/ksf Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Mike Koch, Public Works Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque DU1B1;QtuE City Council Work Session December 9, 2002 Storm Water Management Bee Branch Drainage Basin Improvements Presentation Outline • Storm Water Management Overview • Bee Branch Drainage Basin • West 32nd Street Subarea • Bee Branch Alternatives • Where We Go From Here Master Planning Process • Rainfall Laud Use • Physical Features Input • Selection Criteria Alternative identification • Flooding • Conveyance Runoff 1 Damages .$image Rate Roadway • Geometry • Overtopping 1 'Noa•struatasl ^`ler"1ai' 2` 'r''3I• Runoff. I • Water 1. • Violations Rate { Steam• Volume Elevations Runoff • Depths • Flooding Limits Output 1 • Phasing/ Sequencing • Capital Improvements Program • Prioritization • Foalingntz w Council Interview Common Themes • Describe Alternative Selection Process • Solve Upstream to Greatest Extent • Urban Conservation/Sustainable Design • Maximize West 32nd Street Detention Cell • Hydrologic Assumptions/1999 Experience • Public Outreach/Information Fair • Show a Channel Alignment/How Would it Look? Tools to Manage Storm Water • Runoff Reduction • Infiltration Control • Restrict Development • Timing Changes • Targeted Maintenance • Channel Improvements • Storage • Detention • Retention • Increase Capacity 1 Bee Branch Drainage Basin Flood Minimization Alternative Improvements Structural Alternatives ♦ Sustainable Design ♦ Flood proofing ♦ Pressure sewer system ♦ Deep storage/pumping tunnel • Divert West 32nd Street Subarea to the Little Maquoketa ♦ Create upstream detention • Expand l6th Street Detention capacity ♦ Utilize open space upstream detention ♦ Relief storm sewer • Open channel floodway Nonstructural Alternatives 4 Educate/outreach ♦ Flood warning system 4 Floodplain buyout ♦ Do nothing West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea Alternatives Evaluated - 100-Year Alt No. Multiple Upsara m Detentio a Sites One Isrve Upstream DeteononSite Upper Cares Blvd West 32nd Street Detention Site Excavate Berm Pu<cbese Homes W32-1 ✓ ✓ ✓ W32-2 ✓ ✓ ✓ W32-3 ✓ ✓ ✓ W32-4 ✓ ✓ ✓ W32-5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓. Bee Branch Drainage Basin Flood Inundation - Existing System West 32nd Street Drainage Subarea Detention Site Alternatives 2 • West 32nd Street Subarea Alternative Evaluation AlNo. Description Capital Cost Comments (millions) Multiple storage sites; W32.1 excavate West32ed cell S53 Multiple storage sites; W32-2 berm West 32nd cell $4'0 W32-3 Upper Carter storage site: excavate West 32nd cell 54.7 . Upper Carter storage site; W32.4 berm West 32nd cell $3S Upper Carta storage W32-5• slerexcavate and berm Weat 32nd all • Rcsemn lo3h1veWve 54.7 a Maximum hydaulic1evefit a Maniawmstomgo at West 32nd cal and Upper Carta 6 Limits flaw to capacity of West 3?ad cell alder Remaining Bee Branch Drainage Subareas Bee Branch Findings Before Alternatives Were Developed ♦ 16th Street Detention Cell is not a restriction • Capacity of Bee Branch sewer is approximately a 7-year return period • Inlet capacity to the Bee Brancb sewer is adequate to provide full capacity of sewer • The principal restriction to flood flows occurs at the railroad tracks ♦ Plood volumes from Windsor, Kaufmann, Locust and West 32nd Street converge upstream of the railroad tracks • Delaying volume in upstream detention is effective In reducing floodbrg depths • Except for West 32nd Sheet Subarea, detention areas are not effective • Improving West 32nd Street Subarea is effective in reducing flooding above 24th Stamt; therefore targeted solutions from 24th Street to Mississippi River Bee Branch Drainage Basin Flood Inundation - 100 Year Existing Conditions —(1,155) West 32nd Street Improvements — (990) Remaining Bee Branch Drainage Subareas Detention Site Alternatives Operating Conditions Storm Sewer System Cleaned and in Optimal Worldng Condition • Downstream Boundary Conditions for Channel Alternative: • Mississippi River: Normal or Gate Closure States • 16th Street Cell: Normal, Gate Closure or Minimum Pampino Stages • 16th Street Cell Pumps: On • Sluice Gate: Open or Closed • Recommended West 32nd Street Improvements In Place • 100-Year Level of Protection la 3 • Bee Branch Drainage Basin Flood Minimization Alternative Improvements S tructural Alternatives Non -Structural Alternatives a Sustainable Design 4 Educate/owl-each • Flood proofing ♦ Flood warning system 4 Pressure sewer system ♦ kloodplain buyout • Deep storage/pumping tunnel ♦ Do nothing • Divert West 32nd Street Subarea to the Little Maquoketa • Create upstream detention 4 Expand 16th Street Detention capacity 4 Utilize open space upstream detention ♦ Relief storm sewer ♦ Open channel floodway Examples of Open Channels in an Urbanized Area Where We Go From Here 6 Alignment Development • Information Gathering/Public Outreach • Community Impacts Determination • Design Criteria Options • Altemative Alignments Determination • Mitigation Measures • Cost Determination • Phasing • Financing Alternatives Bee Branch Drainage Basin Open Channel Floodway Alternative ref Conceptual Rendering of an Open Channel in Dubuque 4 THE CITY OF DUB E 540ill.&5/74-44.,-1 MEMORANDUM November 7, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Study - HDR The work session with HDR on the Stormwater Management Study is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2002, in the Library Auditorium. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor staff lounge. _ While this is highly unusual, I have asked HDR to call Council Members and find out about potential questions over the phone or set up an in -person meeting so that HDR will be better prepared for the work session. As of now, I have asked HDR to make a 30 minute presentation about the study and the options considered. They might go longer to incorporate information on questions that have been asked. The remainder of the work session would be questions and answers. I have attached historical information, including the study. p V Michael C. Van Milligen MCVMTh Attachments cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Mike Koch, Public Works Director Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer December 6, 2002 RE: Dubuque Stormwater Management Plan Response to Letter from Mr. Klostermann Dated 21 November 2002 The following are HDR's responses to Mr. Klostermann's letter addressed to the Mayor. 1. Is there some plan to control the Windsor Street watershed other than conveying it to the Bee Branch, as it does now? If not why not? Response: The Windsor watershed was studied as part of the Drainage Basin Master Plan. Storm sewer improvements were recommended to improve an undersized storm sewer on Windsor and Burden. The Windsor basin was studied to define regional detention opportunities; however, because of the topography and land use of the area, no suitable regional detention facilities were identified. Although some open land exists it is located too high in the basin to provide useful storm water detention. 2. Is it possible to core the 32nd Street cell deeper and not remove any homes? Response: I am assuming you are referring to homes taken to,expand the 32nd Street basin. We recommend increasing the basin size from the existing 46 acre-feet to 96 acre- feet by excavation and by increasing the top of the berm that forms the cell. We considered this approach, a deep excavation of the cell, in the early stages of evaluating alternatives. Excavation beyond the depths recommended in the report would require the installation of a pumping facility. To be effective, this storage would have to continuously pump down to make sufficient storage volume available for storm runoff. All low flow stormwater runoff from the 32nd Street basin and infiltration from groundwater sources would have to be pumped from the cell continuously. This would require a perpetual expenditure for energy and may not be possible depending on the rate of ground water infiltration. Therefore at this time we do not recommended excavating the 32nd Street cell deeper than can be drained by a gravity flow system. Many of the homes in this area have habitable floors below the elevation of the existing top of the cell. We recommend purchase of these homes regardless of other improvements as a matter of public safety. Other homes were shown to be removed because the cost to providing safe assess, sewer and water exceed the value of the structure. 3. Is there a possibility of wetland creation to the north of the Shooting Society Park? Response: The Shooting Society Park is located outside the limits of our study area and was not considered in the development of drainage alternatives. Page 1 of 2 4. Have you explored the possibility of conveying water from the 32nd Street Cell to the north to the Flexsteel cell, enlarging the cell, and then pumping it to the north, instead of placing it in the Bee Branch? Response: As part of our study, we looked at the diversion of 100% of the flow from the 32nd Street cell to the area north of Flexsteel. This alternative was rejected because it consists of a trans -basin diversion, which we believe would be very difficult to get permitted without extensive environmental studies and extensive mitigation measures in the Maquoketa basin. If constructed, the City of Dubuque could become liable for all future flooding damages in the Maquoketa basin. Our recommendation is that runoff from the 32nd Street basin be reduced as much as possible and future design efforts should focus on achieving that result. The improvements recommended are very effective in reducing downstream flooding. However, this basin is only 27% of the total Bee Branch drainage area. Beyond our recommendations, a 100% elimination of runoff from this basin will help but will not substantially reduce flooding below 24th Street where the runoff from Kaufmann, Locust and Windsor Subareas converge. 5. Do you plan on field verifying your high water data with citizens that live in the identified flood area? Response: Yes, as a part of the alignment identification process, we recommend a comprehensive data collection activity in which information about historic flooding is collected. In addition to high water marks information on the nature, frequency and duration of flooding, and photographs of past flood events would all be very helpful. Page 2 of 2 North End Neighborhood Association 2636 Queen St. Dubuque, Iowa 25001 November 21, 2002 Honorable Mayor and City Council City Hall 50 West 13th St Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Re: Work Session with MR Dear Mr. Mayor, We would like the following questions to be asked of HDR during the upcoming work session. We also request there response be forward on to us. Thank you in advance for your time regarding this matter. 1. Is there some plan to control the Windsor Street water shed other than conveying it to the Bee Branch, as it does now? If not why not? 2. Is it possible to core the 32nd street cell deeper and not remove any homes? 3. Is there a possibility of wetland creation to the north of the Shooting Society Park? 4. Have you .explored the possibility of conveying water from the 32nd St Cell to the north to the Flexsteel cell, enlarging the cell, and then pumping it to the north, instead of placing it in the Bee Branch? 5.Do you plan on field verifying; your high water data with citizens that live in the identified flood area? If after review you have any questions, please contact me at 583-9261 and we can review. Respectfully submitted, Wayne Klostermann President hc,Ying • See,{ First on at on C ereg � al United Church 1112A f Christrl!I! =—Iiin�1111#�-- Dear Mayor Duggan, Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Bickel Rev. Nancy N. Bickel Senior Minister Minister of Church Life 255 West 10th Street • Dubuque, Iowa 52001 • 563-582-3648 December 10, 2002 0 C. ` 0 I have served on the Stormwater Utility Citizen Action Committee for the city of Dubuque and I have one chief concern I wish to share with the members of the Dubuque City Council. I believe that a Stormwater Utility is the wrong way to go in paying for necessary and legitimate storm water concerns within our city. This attempt has clearly been an attempt to tax the tax exempt property in the city. If you deem the projects are needed then please raise property taxes to meet that need. I own a home at 75 Fremont Avenue in Dubuque and I would be happy to pay more property taxes to help meet the storm water concerns of our fair city. These increased taxes would be tax deductible from my federal and state income taxes and a fee would not be deductible for individual taxpayers. Again, if the work is needed, please do it through property taxes. Non-profit properties have been tax exempt over the history of this nation because these institutions have been considered a blessing to our community. Most citizens like having hospitals, colleges, public schools, parochial schools, churches, synagogues, a rescue mission, a food pantry, a place like Maria House, and a place like Hillcrest as part of the community. 1 believe that most citizens would rather pay slightly higher taxes then burden the already cash strapped tax exempt organizations in Dubuque with a stormwater utility fee. Thank you for listening to my concern! Sincer 171 Rev. Dr. Kenneth' R. Bickel Bob and Carol Fry 267 West 17h Street Dubuque, lA 52001 December 11, 2002 The Honorable Terrance M. Duggan Mayor, City of Dubuque 2428 Beacon Hill Dubuque, IA 52003 Dear Mr. Mayor: It has come to my attention that there is a serious proposal to establish a "Stormwater Utility" under the jurisdiction of the municipal government. I object to this proposal for the following reasons: ■ Because this is called a utility fee instead of a tax, the fee is not a deductible expense. Taxes are deductible, fees are not. This is a terrible disservice to Dubuque homeowners. ■ As a fee, this will be applied to charitable, tax exempt organizations, which are already financially strapped, as well as homeowners. The consequences will include fewer people educated, housed, fed, clothed and decreased medical care for the needy. ■ The fee will result in "double taxation." Tax supported institutions such as the _ schools will. have to raise their taxes to help pay their Stornwater Utility fees. Not only will homeowners pay their taxes, we will be called onto pay fees levied on any government agency that must pay the tax. ■ The fee will also be applied to churches. Like other non-profit groups, these have traditionally been tax-exempt. This is changing the rules without any serious regard for the consequences. Many churches operate on a shoestring budget and any substantial fee could force their closure. ■ This seems to be a "foot in the door" proposal. If approved, it opens an untapped well that will be visited again and again. Perhaps we will see a police utility fee, a fire utility fee, an EMS utility fee, a snow removal utility fee, a court house utility fee, a city vehicle utility fee, ad nauseam. It is obvious that as citizens gain experience with this new tax, opposition will begin to build. I ask that you reconsider the merits of this proposal and carefully study the.points mentioned above. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely} . ry . • December 12, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Solicitation of Proposals for Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study As requested at the December 9, 2002 City Council Work Session on Stormwater Management, Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending that the City proceed with a solicitation for proposals for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 24t" Street to the 16t" Street Detention Basin alignment study and preliminary design. It is important to note that the component of this project from 24th Street to the railroad tracks near Farmland has not yet been approved by the City Council, but that this additional information has been requested by City Council prior to giving further consideration to this component of the Stormwater Management Plan. The current City budget has a $250,000 allocation for these services. A recommendation on firm selection will be at the March 17, 2003 City Council meeting. The project will take 9 to 15 months to complete. Several features will be incorporated into the Bee Branch Alignment Study to ensure that impacted residents are able to participate in the creation of the alignment of the channel. 1. A representative from the North End Association and the Washington Street Neighborhood Council will be asked to serve as members of the RFP Review Committee; 2. A Citizen Advisory Committee will be formed to work with the consultant to ensure citizen input during the alignment study; and 3. In December of 2001, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission member, Dr. Charles Winterwood was appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee at the recommendation of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission; it is recommended that Dr. Winterwood serve as a member of the RFP Review Committee to help select the firm best suited to perform the alignment study. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Michael Koch, Public Works Director THE CITY OF DUB E MEMORANDUM December 10, 2002 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Solicitation of Proposals for Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request that the City Council authorize City staff to solicit proposals for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. BACKGROUND In 1996, the City of Dubuque, through the Capital Improvement Project Budget, committed to developing a City-wide stormwater management plan. The need for the plan arose from a growing number of citizen complaints related to stormwater runoff. Increasing public safety and reducing property damage are the primary goals of the stormwater management plan. In 1997, the City Council approved the selection of HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska to prepare a stormwater management plan. One of the elements of the plan is the Bee Branch drainage basin (See Figure 1). A master plan is a plan for an entire watershed. When a modification is made to a portion of a watershed's drainage pattern it usually affects, for better or worse, the drainage of the entire watershed. A drainage basin master plan is necessary to ensure that efforts to solve stormwater problems are efficient and cost-effective and address the concerns of taxpayers and drainage system users. To achieve the objectives of increasing public safety and reducing property damage related to stormwater runoff, HDR included the following elements in preparing the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP): 1. Determine the capacity of the existing drainage system for the 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period storm events under future drainage basin characteristics; 2. Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models using aerial topographic mapping using the Dubuque Area Geographical Information System (DAGIS) for major drainage segments within each watershed; and 3. Identify areas where public safety is compromised and property damage occurs due to stormwater runoff. Bee Branch Basin Master Plan The problems that exist in the Bee Branch basin became evident on May 16, 1999. Reports throughout the City indicated that between two and a half and five inches of rainfall occurred in a five -hour period. The HDR's DBMP confirmed that the existing stormwater drainage system in the Bee Branch basin has major deficiencies. HDR identified over 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch basin that are in the 100-year flood plain and at risk of flood damage every year (See Figure 2). HDR determined that the construction of a detention basin near Carter Road at a cost of $875,000 and doubling the size of the existing West 32nd Street Basin at a cost of $4,023,000 would reduce the number of homes and businesses at risk by 185. HDR also determined that it would require the construction of a storm sewer five times the size of the existing Bee Branch storm sewer to eliminate the risk to the remaining 970 homes and businesses. The Bee Branch storm sewer is 20 feet wide by 12 feet high at its largest point. The cost of building five such storm sewers was estimated by HDR at approximately $93 million. As an alternative to five Bee Branch sewers, HDR determined that an open waterway or channel originating at 24th and Elm Streets and extending to the 16th Street detention basin would eliminate the risk of flood damage to the remaining 970 homes and businesses at an estimated cost of $17.1 million. The estimated cost includes the purchasing of approximately 70 homes and businesses. HDR recommended ,in the DBMP the construction of the open waterway channel. Figure 3 shows the extent of properties still at risk if the open waterway is not constructed; although 185 of the 1,155 homes and businesses would no longer be at risk because of the construction of a detention basin near Carter Road and the improvements to the West 32nd Street Basin, approximately 970 homes and business will remain at risk unless the open waterway is constructed. Historically, the. Bee Branch Creek meandered through the North End of the City. The storm sewer that exists today was the result of lining the creek with limestone and eventually covering the entire length of the creek from West 32nd Street to the 16th Street detention basin. The proposed channel would, if constructed, be the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek. Figure 4 shows the proposed channel extents. The channel recommended by HDR is at this point only conceptual. With a 76-foot bottom width and mildly sloping landscaped banks to a channel depth of approximately ten feet, a 150-foot green corridor would be required. An alignment/preliminary design study is required to determine what the channel will look like and the approximate alignment of the channel. Depending on the alignment, the waterway will effect between 60 and 80 homes and businesses. In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the DBMP prepared by HDR. Following HDR's recommendations, City staff prepared a Fiscal Year 2003 budget that included the capital improvement projects recommended by HDR. In addition, staff recommended the establishment of funds to conduct a study to determine the alignment of the proposed channel from 24th and Elm to 16th and Sycamore. Such a study would identify where the channel would be built and identify what properties would be impacted. The portion of the proposed channel that was to extend from Garfield Avenue to 24th and Elm Street was not included in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget. Instead, the City Council budgeted $250,000 to hire an engineering firm to restudy the Bee Branch basin and try to find an alternative solution that would not have such a significant impact on the neighborhood as the open waterway might have. DISCUSSION In August of 2002, the City Council authorized the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to develop a second Bee Branch Basin Master Plan. On October 21, 2002 a review committee made a recommendation to the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with MSA Professional Services to re -study the Bee Branch drainage basin. The City Council rejected the re -study of the Bee Branch drainage basin. However, the City Council directed City staff to bring to it for further consideration that portion of the DBMP recommending the open waterway from 24th street to the 16th Street Detention Basin. On December 9, 2002, the City Council held a work session with HDR and IIW Engineering to discuss the original DBMP and to answer questions related to the study. HDR advised the City Council that the next step in implementing the DBMP would be to conduct an alignment study of the proposed open waterway channel from 24th & Elm to the 16th Street Detention Basin. Following the work session, City Engineering staff began the process of determining the scope of services for the alignment study for the RFP process. The schedule for selecting a consulting firm is as follows: RFP sent to Firms Responses Due Committee To Establish A Short List Interviews Conducted Committee to Select Firm Committee to Recommend Firm to City Council January 10, 2003 January 31, 2003 February 7, 2003 Week of Feb. 24, 2003 March 10, 2003 March 17, 2003 With these dates as a guide, it is anticipated that a consultant would initiate the project the first week of April, 2003. The project would require between nine and fifteen months depending on the complete scope of service. ELEMENTS OF THE RFP PROCESS Several features will be incorporated into the Bee Branch Alignment Study to ensure that impacted residents are able to participate in the creation of the alignment of the channel. 1. Representatives from the North End Association and the Washington Street Neighborhood Council will be asked serve as members of the RFP Review Committee; 2. A Citizen Advisory Committee will be formed to work with the consultant to ensure citizen input during the alignment study; 3. In December of 2001, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission member, Dr. Charles Winterwood was appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee at the recommendation of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission; it is recommended that Dr. Winterwood serve as a member of the RFP Review Committee to help select the firm best suited to perform the alignment study. The RF{ Review Committee's objective is to recommend to the City Council the engineering firm that is best qualified to perform the alignment study. A significant requirement will be the firm's ability to work with impacted residents. The firm must be able to establish channels of communication with the 1,150 impacted residents. The following will be included in the project scope: The formation of the Citizen Advisory Committee Public meetings with neighborhood groups Presentations to the City Council The Citizen Advisory Committee will be assembled in such a manner that it generally represents a cross section of impacted residents. The purpose of the Committee is to ensure that impacted residents have input as the firm produces the alignment study of the open waterway. The study process will include impacted residents and City staff working together with the firm selected, considering multiple alignment alternatives, and arriving at a consensus for recommendation to the City Council. BUDGET IMPACT The engineering cost for the Bee Branch Alignment Study is estimated to be between $250,000 - $400,000 depending on the scope of services selected. The project will be funded from a Fiscal Year 2003 General Fund Appropriation in the amount of $250,000. If required, prioritization of the Fiscal Year 2004 CIP budget can provide additional funds for the study. RECOMMENDATION recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms to conduct the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. In addition, I recommend that Dr. Charles Winterwood be appointed chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee to be formed as part of the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectively request the City Council to authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals from qualified engineering firms for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study and that the City Council appoint Dr. Charles Winterwood as Chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Committee to be formed as part of the study. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Engineer Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Michael Koch, Public Works Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Manager Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer Dr. Charles Winterwood, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Member Wayne Klostermann, North End Neighborhood Association Dan Shireman, Washington Neighborhood Council Figure 1. Location of the Bee Branch drainage basin in the City of Dubuque (corporate limits -25 square miles) X 1• r_s North Fork • Drainage Basin Mississippi • . • .... • Fi• ure 2. 100-year flooding depths under existin conditions. Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation Existing conditions flooding depths (feet) 7-7-1 0.1 - 0.5 D.5 - 1 1 - 2 2 -3 MI 3-4 5 + 1.1 '-- 1 ,,,,c^'• qn'',fi -tr..% _. _t•:-.4..s.l. , r'- . k'r '. •• 1 I:: '''..111.'''''.1271:7L:411:11"i'lp,i'l • ! 4, , , f. '...= i r•Y " ''''.11.1, •:. ••• . . • , • :. : : • „. . • • • Fi ure 3. Pro'ected flooding deaths with W. 32"1 Street sub -basin improvements. Washinton Street Sub Area 100-yr Flood Inundation Flooding depths with West 32nd Steet improvements installed (feet) 0.1-0.5 •0.5-1 ON 1-2 nj 2-3 3-4 4 -.5 ao00 0 1000 2ooa Feet --t Figure 4. Extents of the recommended flood control channel. The recommended flood control channel would start at the 16 Street detention cell (1) and terminate at 24t" and Elm Streets (2). DEC-16-2002 08:48 DUGGAN IOWA REALTY 563 556 2347 P.01/01 u CHURCH St. Luke's United Methodist Church 1199 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.4778 phone:(563) 582443 fax: (563)582-2307 Jerry E. oatdtrnd, pater Andes J. Beecham, Nancy L Woodin, JerryOatdend©e61.com Director of Discipleship Administrative Assistant cell: 563-543.1937 a -mall: AndreaStLuke@aol.com a -mail: dbqetlukegaoi com December 13, 2002 Dear Mayor Duggan, I wish to express my concerns about the concept of a Stormwater Utility with members of the City Council of Dubuque. 1 understand something significant needs to be done to alleviate the stormwater problems in the city. My concern is that this should be funded by property taxes, rather than by the fees of a utility. In this case property owners should contribute to the cost based upon the valuation of their property. This improvement to our city warrants a tax increase, if necessary. To begin to assess a fee to the non-profit organizations of the city is poor policy and will establish a bad precedent. Non-profit organizations have been exempt from property taxes throughout the generations because of the services they offer their communities and because of the ways in which they benefit their communities other than by paying taxes. It is impossible to imagine a healthy and vibrant city, such as Dubuque, without the community contributions of hospitals, colleges and other educational facilities (both public and private), churches, church -related institutions and a host of other public service -minded organizations. The membership and the constituency of each of these organizations live and work in Dubuque; they own property in Dubuque; they pay property taxes in Dubuque, Consider, for instance, just three of the services St. Luke's United Methodist Church offers its community. First, tourists from many parts of the nation and from foreign countries, as well as citizens of Dubuque, stop in and view our Tiffany windows — one of the ten largest collections of Tiffany ecclesiastic glass in the world. Second, each Saturday evening we serve a free hot meal to persons in need in our community: Frequently this year we have served 110 -120 persons in an evening. All total, we have served 2,256 meals during the past 26 weeks. At a cost of 55 par meal, this constitutes an annual contribution to the city of $22,560 — all donated by members of the congregation. Third, for twelve weeks each winter we offer free concerts on Friday noons to members of our community; average attendance is 125 per concert. • To access a fee for city services to the non-profit organizations is to dishonor their contributions — and will require•their memberships to make additional contributions to pay this fee or will prompt them to reduce or cut their community services. Obviously, this becomes counterproductive if the city has to pick up additional responsibilities dropped by the non-profit organizations. . Please plan to fund the stormwater improvements by increased property taxes and not by creating a new utility which will assess fees against the tax exempt properties of Dubuque. Thank youyourtor yo consideration of my concert. ,.. r rn :raj J . , TOTAL 01 co THE cITY o Du51ten",-/xe.„5/74-4, $ E MEMORANDUM December 13, 2002 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: WORK SESSION - DECEMBER 16, 2002 Stormwater Utility The Stormwater Utility Work Session is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2002, at 4:45 p.m. in the Carnegie Stout Public Library Auditorium, with dinner served at 4:15 p.m. Attached is the material from the Citizen Advisory Committee. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Mike Koch, Public Works Director City of Dubuque Storm Water Utility Project Citizen Advisory Committee Presentation to City Council December 16th, 2002 4:45 PM Work Session Agenda I. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Background and Overview - Steve Sedgwick, CDM II. CAC Member Introduction - Mike Portzen, CAC Chairperson ID. CAC Consensus Opinion an Storm Water Funding Principles - CAC members IV. Non Consensus Items - Steve Sedgwick, CDM VIII. Next Steps/ Questions - Steve Sedgwick, CDM C:\W II` DO W S\Temporary Internet Files \OLKF054\Agenda rev I .doc Memorandum To: Dubuque Citizens Advisory Committee From: Michael Oleson- CDM Dan Lau- CDM Steve Sedgwick- CDM Date: December 12, 2002 Subject: December 5, 2002 CAC Meeting #7 Summary On December 5, 2002, CDM conducted the seventh meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). This memorandum summarizes the important aspects of the presentation, discussion, questions and action items. The meeting was chaired by Mike Portzen, with the formal presentation by Dan Lau and Steve Sedgwick and assisted by Michael Oleson. Also providing short presentations were Mike Portzen (CAC- Chairperson) and Michael C. Van Milligen (City Manager). Mr. Portzen presented information on impacts of property taxes. Mr. Van Milligen was invited to attend the meeting by the Chairperson to answer specific funding policy questions and to present two potential financial scenarios for the CAC to consider. Meeting Format/Purpose The purpose of the meeting was to review and obtain direction from the CAC on the storm water program level and expenditures. The CAC was also asked to provide direction on revenue sources, induding the utility, to meet the storm water program. Meeting Topics/Agenda Meeting #7 Topics (an overview of the following): ■ Questions From Last Meeting ■ Meeting Objectives x Highlight's from Pre -CAC Meeting (Dec. 4th) ■ Existing and Future Program Cost Review ■ Property Tax Comparison (M. Protzen) • Storm Water Program Alternatives ■ Financial Scenarios (M. Van Milligen) • Preliminary Council Recommendations? S:120959‘361471120502 CAC #7\CAC #7 Mtg Sum (rev2),doc CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 2 Questions/ Comments Is the billing cost allocation shown in the table (Attachment No. 1) an existing billing system cost that is being reallocated? This is a reallocation of an existing City cost for doing the current billings for water, refuse, and sanitary (4 utilities vs. current 3), but there are some additional costs to modify the system to accommodate storm water. -The new bill would likely have to come in an envelope as opposed to a post card. These costs are included in the administration function in the Expanded Program costs. What is the CIP related Engineering cost shown in the table (Att. No. 1)? Is the $330K for hiring additional engineering staff? The $330K shown is 15% of CIP cost which is reserved for engineering to cover the costs of inspection, survey, project management, etc. This cost includes some current staff time spent on these activities associated with CIP projects. Under an expanded CIP program, additional engineering effort would be required to support the new capital projects. The additional time was initially assumed to be provided through outside consulting services. Why does that cost not stay with each project? It was shown this way to provide a means to identify the engineering effort to support the CIP. However, these activities. are typically funded through the CIP as part of each project. Is that $330K being taken out of CIP cost? Yes, the $330K is based on an assumption of a $2.2mil CIP for that year and is subtracted from the $2.2mil and moved to Engineering (Operating side) and Capital is then shown as $1.87M. For projects such as Carter Detention Basin for $875K, does that total include engineering fees? Yes, 15% of that cost is for Engineering Related Costs. Explain CIP O&M activity in the handout (Att. No. 1)? CIP O&M . includes currently budgeted O&M activities such as catch basin reconstruction, detention basin cleaning, and storm sewer repairs which are handled by the Engineering department and are outside of the Operation and Maintenance Department. Note, we have subsequently discussed with the City where certain O&M costs might be shown to be more consistent with their funding source. As a result of this discussion, some O&M costs may be moved from the Operating side of the budget to the Capital side. The future expanded O&M program seems very large, how many years does it go out? The O&M activities under the expanded program are intended to provide the level of service required for the City to provide ongoing, proactive maintenance in support of its infrastructure. This is based on information previously provided to the CAC relative to the frequency of each maintenance activity. What is the difference in cost between existing and expanded programs to the Operating side of the budget? The City has budgeted a net increase of $370,000/year in new dollars on S:120959\361471120502 CAC #7\CAC #7 Mtg Sum (rev2).doC CAC Meeting #7 • December 12, 2002 Page 3 the operating side of the budget. Note, this cost increase is based on re -categorizing several O&M activities from the Operation budget to the CIP budget as mentioned earlier. Didn't we say that O&M was front end loaded? Although it is theoretically possible that maintenance costs will go down in the future with proactive maintenance and new capital projects, we have conservatively assumed that the same level of service will be necessary for maintenance. Does the $2.2mil shown in the table (Att. No. 1) include the $330K for Engineering? Yes, it is shown on that table with the $330K included. However, the financial model has the $330K broken out and. included with the Engineering Function. What other Capital Improvements axe there in the City? The City has.capital improvement projects for: streets, water mains replacements, repairing sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and building maintenance. The City p,ays for these projects as follows: sanitary sewer projects are paid from the sanitary fund; water projects are paid by water bills; street projects are paid by Road Use Tax and Local Option Tax; and, storm sewer projects are paid for out of DRA and the General Fund. Can property taxes be used to pay for capital projects? Probably not, the City receives about $15 million/year in property taxes with most of it going to funding operations such as salary etc. We need to clean up the numbers and see "what's really where" relative to the Operating and Capital budgets? Yes, we have attempted to do this and will revisit the issue given that the City is working on their budget so we can further clarify the numbers. If we have a billing system in place, why do we have to reallocate the billing cost? Isn't some amount of money coming from the other three utilities? The billing system is in place but modifications will have to be made to add a storm water utility and it is not fair to have the three current utilities pay the entire cost if the storm water utility is adding a charge. Will they (other 3 utilities) pay less?- Yes, but we can'ttell you an exact amount as system costs go up every year. My feeling is that we are going to tax people out of existence and we need to do projects such as Carter and W. 32nd• and come to grips with what we have before proceeding with more projects. Your City Manager is asking a lot of our citizens to pay for projects that really have not been defined very well at this point. Aren't there better solutions out there? I wish there was a simple answer but I'm no expert. The City hires qualified consultants to provide us with the answers to our storm water problems. The experts have told us what they feel are the best solutions to our problems and have given us their best estimates of the cost to implement them. We can only trust the experts to give us sound advice and then make our decisions accordingly. SA209591361471120502 CAC #71CAC #7 Mtg Sum (rev2).doc CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 4 As a homeowner I'd rather pay money in the form of property taxes versus a user fee or utility fee. We are going to pay it either way. A user fee though pays based on runoff • contribution not taxable value. Mike Protzen will have a short presentation on property taxes. Is the use of DRA funds limited only by Council policy? The DRA Distribution funds are distributed based on City Council Policy but DRA also haslegal requirements on where "distribution" money can be used. Can't a property tax be specific to storm water? Can't we earmark the tax so it doesn't go to the General Fund. The City Council on an annual basis approves the budget and if priorities would change could move money in the general fund away from storm water. What do the streets contribute to this problem (in terms of runoff or costs)? I believe we are ignoring that part of the scheme. If you didn't have streets, you wouldn't have storm sewers. Besides being part of the drainage system, streets are implicitly built into the equation to define storm water costs by parcel. Everyone has a street in front of his or her home (or business). Previous studies in other communities have shown that allocations of streets to individual properties generally do not appreciably change the potential charge to each property. In a user fee scheme, can you exempt the non-profit? No, that approach is not legally defensible. Are there sources of funding to subsidize non -profits? The General Fund through taxes can be used to subsidize the utility. A few other communities have done this. Was the change of the DRA distribution to a 50/50 split voted on 2 weeks ago by the City Council? Yes Where did the money to buy the logging company come from? The City purchased it and sold it immediately to "Dubuque Initiative". What about the Adam Company? Most of the money for the Adam Company came from DRA funds and a federal. grant. So how do we respond to all the people about money spent on the Harbor area? Where's that money coming from? The majority of the money came from Vision Iowa and federal grants and borrowing and savings by the City. The City was'able to leverage a significant amount outside money for this project. Can we slow down on road improvements? Will the Council go with that? Road improvements are paid out of the Road Use funds and that money can not be diverted to storm water. SA209591361471120502 CAC 171CAC #7 MIg Sum (rev2).doc CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 5 - Will there be credits for detention basins? Yes there can be. CAC Discussion: • For commercial properties, taxes will run higher than under a user fee. Commercial properties currently pay 2/3 compared to 1/3 for residential which is an.unfair distribution of costs. • I sense that there is a fear of raising taxes for storm water. Why are we afraid if the need is warranted? • Are we saying that Loras (for example) is not contributing to the problem? What's • wrong with paying for the runoff you have? I agree, but what's wrong with a (utility as) better form of equity? • Even with a user fee, the School Board will find a way to come back to the residents such as raising tuition; they'll ask for support that way. • A user fee will make business not put in parking lots because it will increase their user fee. • A user fee for 10 years will go away, hopefully, - Taxes don't. • Property tax goes into the General Fund and can be spent on something else other than storm water. A user fee for storm water can only be spent on storm water. • We need to send a message to community that there is a sunset. That was what I tried to accomplish with my model ( Bob Hartig's Alternative 21). • Whether or not Council accepts the user fee, we need to decide how projects should be implemented on a year-to-year basis. • A user fee anywhere above $3.00 will kill churches. • I would recommend a user fee with other shared revenue and take 0 & M out of it. • We need to look at the basics. Do we have a need for this? - Yes, Do all of us have runoff - Yes, Lets agree on a strategy and let the experts figure the $'s, We need to come to an agreement on a general direction. • Sunsets just muddy the water. I don't see a need for a sunset. S:1209591361471120502 CAC #71CAC #7 Mt' Sum (rev2).Uoe CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 6 • A recommendation should be based on principal not detail - the Council has the ultimate decision; we are only recommending. If it's good for the city - we -should do it. • - • We are too focused in detail - we need to get to basics. I would even recommend Mr. Van Milligen's Scenario #1, because we don't know if the money Mr. Van Milligen is talking about will come. We need to go.with the worse case scenario because engineers don't look at a 5-year flood or a 10-year flood they look at a 100-year flood. • The difference of 50 cents here is nothing to the big picture. • We need a 3-pronged approach- Scenario 1, Scenario 2 (if the money becomes available), and a Sundown clause. Need to just go to Council and have faith in them, that they will make the right decision. You have to trust our City Council, I do, I feel that they have Mercy's best interest. • Do it (the CIP) now; we have no idea what will happen in 5 years. We don't know about the projects down the road 20 years from now. So we need to look at the present. • I feel the 24.5 million Scenario 1- is more sellable to the Council. Pre -CAC Meeting Consensus Opinion On December 4, 2002, three members of the CAC who could not attend the December 5th meeting met with Dan Lau and Chairperson, Mike Portzen to discuss the City's storm water program and potential funding sources. Attending the meeting were Rick Runde, Dave Stuart and Tim Pancratz. The meeting produced the following consensus opinion that was to be reported to the full CAC -on December 5th for consideration. 1. Need to implement major CIP to address identified drainage problems as soon as possible. Magnitude of the CIP should start with target of $27 million and be reviewed annually. 2, Need Expanded Operating Program to do proactive maintenance to protect City's infrastructure. 3. Storm water program must be funded from a number of sources including the user fee. 4. City should contribute at current funding levels and should identify additional funds to keep user fee as low as possible. S:1209591361471120502 CAC #71CAC #7 Mtg Sum (rev2).0oo CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 7 5. User fee must include significant credits or incentives. 6. Alternative 12 with additional revenue contribution from the City most closely achieves 1 through 5 above. Prefer a more uniform fee without major jumps over planning period. 7. Would like to see impact on specific properties once final financial model is developed. CAC Consensus The CAC discussed the alternatives developed and distributed in advance by CDM, as well as an additional alternative that was intended to reflect Bob Hartig's scenario, and the three additional alternatives presented by Mr. Van Milligen. After considerable discussion, the following Consensus Opinion on Funding Principles for the City's Storm Water Management Program were developed (they have been edited below to better explain their intent and purpose): 1. The City should implement a major capital improvement program (CIP) to address identified drainage problems as soon as possible. The magnitude of the CIP should start with target of $24.5M and be reviewed annually. 2. The City should adopt an Expanded Operating Program to do proactive maintenance to protect the City's infrastructure. 3. The City should fund its storm water management program from a number of sources (all existing funding sources) including the user fee. 4. The City should contribute to the storm water management program at current funding levels and should identify additional funds, such as federal grants, to keep user fee as low as possible. 5. The City should commit $5 million of the potential DRA tax settlement to fund its storm water management program. 6. The user fee must include significant credits or incentives. CAC Non -Consensus Items: 1. User Fee Sunset - Consensus could not be reached on a "sunset" for the user fee. Opinions included: no sunset; a 12 to 15 year sunset; and, a sunset when the major CIP projects would be completed and paid off. S:1209591301471120502 CAC #71CAC #7 Mtg Sum (rev2).doc CAC Meeting #7 December 12, 2002 Page 8 2. Variability of User Fee - Consensus could not be reached on how to best approach setting the user fee and how it should vary from year to year over the 30 year planriing period in the financial model. Opinions included: a higher initial fee, declining over time; a uniform fee, changing little over time; and, a lower initial fee, increasing over time. 3. Subsidy for Tax Exempt Properties - Consensus could not be reached on the need for a - subsidy to tax exempt properties. Opinions included: no subsidy or some degree of subsidy to partially offset the impact of the user fee to selected tax exempt parcel categories. The consensus and non -consensus items will be summarized on one page for use at the Council Work Session. Council Work Session on December 16th The following CAC members agreed to assist in presenting the consensus opinion to the Council at the December 16th work session: • Bob Hartig • Tracy Wagner • Mike Portzen • Ron Smith • . Bernie Fox • Mike Coty • Dave Stuart (Note, Dave Stuart participated in the pre -CAC meeting on December 4th and agreed to also represent the CAC at the work session) Action Items 1. Distribute Pre -CAC Meeting Consensus Points 2. Distribute CAC Mtg #7 Consensus and Non -consensus points 3. Run funding alternatives based on suggestions by the CAC members for the next meeting. Next Meeting The next Meeting of the CAC will be Tuesday, January 14th. S:1209591361471120502 CAC #71CAC #7 Mtg Sum (re✓2).doc Consensus Opinion on Funding Principles for the City's Storm Water Management Program.. Citizens Advisory Committee December 5, 2002 (draft) CAC Consensus Principles 1. The City should implement a major capital improvement program (CIP) to address identified drainage problems as soon as possible. The magnitude of the CIP should start with target of $24.5M and be reviewed annually. 2. The City should adopt an Expanded Operating Program to do proactive maintenance to protect the City's infrastructure. 3. The City should fund its storm water management program from a number of sources (all existing funding sources) including a new storm water user fee. 4. The City should contribute to the storm water management program at current funding levels and should identify additional funds, such as federal grants, to keep the storm water user fee as low as possible. 5. As soon as available, the City should commit $5 million of the potential DRA tax settlement to fund the expanded storm water management program. 6. The storm water user fee should include significant credits or incentives. CAC Non -Consensus Items 1. Storm Water User Fee Sunset - Consensus could not be reached on a "sunset" for the storm water user fee. Opinions included: no sunset; a 12 to 15 year sunset; and, a sunset when the major CIP projects would be completed and paid off. 2. Variability of Storm Water User Fee - Consensus could not be reached on how to best approach setting the storm water user fee and how it should vary from year to year over the 30-year planning period in the financial model. Opinions included: a higher initial storm water user fee, declining over time; a uniform user fee, changing little over time; and, a lower initial user fee, increasing over time. 3. Subsidy for Tax Exempt Properties - Consensus could not be readied on the need for a subsidy for tax exempt properties. Opinions included: no subsidy or some degree of subsidy to partially offset the impact of the storm water user fee to selected tax exempt parcel categories. CM S:\20959\36147\120502 CAC #7\Consensus Opinion on Funding Principles for the City.doc THE CITY OF Dui MEMORANDUM January 13, 2003 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: City Priorities and Issues: Washington, D.C. In anticipation of participating in the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce February trip to Washington, D.C., and in furtherance of the City Council priority to work closely with the Federal government, Economic Development Director Bill Baum is recommending City Council approval of the City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVMrJh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Bill Baum, Economic Development Director CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM January 10, 2003 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Bill Baum, Economic Development Director SUBJECT: City Priorities and Issues: Washington, D.C. INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION On February 12, 13, and 14 the Mayor and majority of the City Council will be in Washington D.C., participating in the annual information sharing discussion with the Iowa Congressional Delegation. In preparation for the meeting Congressional staff are requesting information on the priorities or issues of the City. In reviewing the City Council goals for 2003, as well as the information provided to the staff in the past, I have developed the attached report entitled "City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations." RECOMMENDATION l recommend the City Council approval of the "City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations." F:\USERS\WBaum\Federal Initiatives\Memo to Mike 2003 priorities.doc February 2003 City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations 1. DUBUQUE'S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project Purpose: To limit flooding in low/moderate income neighborhoods. In 1999, an unusually intense spring storm deluged Dubuque with rainfall. The storm produced in excess of four feet of stormwater in city streets and five feet of stormwater in basements, and resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dubuque County. Flood damage devastated hundreds of homes in the City of Dubuque. At the time of the flood, the City was in the process of adopting a Stormwater Management Plan. On July 23, 2001, HDR Engineering, of Omaha, Neb., the consulting firm hired by the City to produce the Stormwater Management Plan, presented its findings to City Council. The solution proposed by the consultants includes the construction of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation project: The 4200-foot proposed open waterway would extend from 16th Street and Sycamore, to 24th and Elm Streets at an estimated cost of $17.1 Million. Of this total, approximately 2000 feet of the open waterway would extend through a low/moderate income target neighborhood at an estimated cost of $10.2 Million. The City Council has not yet made a final decision on what elements will be in the final plan. The City has requested an earmark through the State and Tribal Grant program "STAG." The City is studying the concept of a storm water utility. The City's consultants have indicated a potential of Corps of Engineers grant program that might be available to assist in this project. The City is looking at any possible EPA source of funding from Washington, D.C. to assist us in this project. 1 2. TRANSPORTATION IA 32 -- (Southwest Arterial): The Dubuque City Council, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, and Dubuque Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMATS) have identified the completion of the IA 32 (Southwest Arterial) as the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area. The IA 32 connects the new Dubuque Technology Park on U.S. 61/151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West, and the existing Dubuque Industrial Center near U.S. 20. The highway then extends north to John Deere Dubuque Works. In October 2001, McGraw Hill Publishing Company made a decision to locate a new 330,000-square-foot distribution center in the Dubuque Industrial Center West. Assurances that US 32 was under study and construction was in the Iowa Department of Transportation five-year plan weighed heavily in that decision. Other companies asking for a connection between U.S. 20 and U.S. 61/151 include John Deere, Nordstrom Distribution Center, A.Y. McDonald, Swiss Valley Farms, Flexsteel, and Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing. Total Project Cost: Current estimate: $52,000,000 - $71,000,000. City and County have agreed to cost share in the Environmental Assessment Phase, and have contracted for $594,000 to complete the EA. The State of Iowa has committed $21 million for the project in the Iowa Department of Transportation's five-year plan. The Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS, has committed $7 million in Surface Transportation Program funds for the facility. The funding "gap" in the project is $24 Million on the low side to $43 Million -on the high end. The City is requesting this project be identified and earmarked in the next federal transportation bill. Current Status: Work continues on the Environmental Assessment. The consultants have identified 14 sites requiring intensive level archeological study, and each study is estimated to cost $300,000. Therefore, $4.2 million of additional work could be completed in FY03/04, according to City consultants and IDOT. City has requested an earmark, and on July 25, the City was informed of Senate committee approval of $3,000,000 to assist in accomplishing this work. 2 Capacity Improvements to U.S.20/Julien Dubuque Bridge The U.S. 20/Julien Dubuque Bridge spans the Mississippi River and provides one eastbound and one westbound lane of traffic. On either side of the river, the highway immediately expands to four or more lanes. The result is a bottleneck in traffic on both sides of the bridge. This link is important for an east -west connection between Dubuque and other communities. To the west: Galena, III.; Rockford, 111.; and Chicago. To the east: Waterloo, Iowa and the 1-35 interchange. This project is a very high priority with the City Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS. The City of Dubuque appreciates the $28 million commitment to the bridge secured by Dubuque's Congressional delegation. Current Status: The location study and environmental documentation are complete. IDOT has selected the firm of Parsons of Chicago, Illinois, in conjunction with WHKS of Dubuque, to perform the preliminary and final design of the bridge, bridge approaches, and roadway improvements. The City had hoped to see completion of Phase I construction plans for the new approaches in June, 2003. Phase I construction on the bridge approaches and roadway improvements on both sides of the River was scheduled for the latter part of Calendar Year 2003 and Calendar Year 2004 with the current money available. New cost estimates raising the total bridge project cost from $96 Million to $165 Million has derailed these plans. The design and land acquisition will be completed with existing funds, however no funding is currently available for construction of the project. Additionally, the City has been informed of City responsibility to pay the cost of relocation of utilities, estimated to be approximately $3,000,000. Latest estimates to complete the project are $130 Million. Therefore, the City is requesting 80% - 90% funding for construction, and utility relocation in the amount of $104 — $117 Million in the next federal transportation bill. If legislation needs to be amended to recognize utility relocation as an eligible expense, we request that change in the law. Dubuque Regional Airport The Airport Commission is nearing completion of an airport terminal study. The study identifies the need for a new terminal approximately 3 times the size of the existing facility. Estimated cost is $25 million. After the study is finalized and approved, the City will be requesting federal assistance for construction of the new terminal. 3 3. AMERICA'S RIVER AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE Property Acquisition/Environmental Assessment in Port of Dubuque. The City has, in the past year, invested in the purchase these properties in the Port of Dubuque: Peavey (ConAgra) property: 5 acres Dubuque Hardwoods property: 5 acres Mississippi Valley Trucking: 1.4 acres Klauer Manufacturing: .529 acres Current status: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced award of a $2,000,000 grant for the acquisition of the Adams Company property. In October, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the award of a $200,000 grant to the City for Phase 1 and Phase II Environmental Assessments in the Port of Dubuque. Consultant selection has been completed. In August, the City was informed that a Senate committee had approved an earmark of $400,000 to assist in property acquisition and/or cleanup activities. These funds are yet to be appropriated. City is now seeking funds to assist in the mitigation of environmental issues on the properties acquired by the City. Specifically, EPA's new grant program for cleanup and HUD's Brownfield Economic Development Initiative are two potential funding sources. Dubuque Star Brewery Located on the Mississippi River and a prominent landmark in the Port of Dubuque campus, this City -owned inactive brewery is a unique historical structure. Eligible for National Register designation, the brewery requires stabilization and is proposed to be redeveloped into a mixed -use project. The estimated cost of renovation is $6,000,000. City has requested $1,500,000 through Save America's Treasures, but the request has not been funded. The City has issued an RFQ/RFP to potential developers, one response has been received, and the City is negotiating with the potential developer, 4 Shot Tower Located on East Fourth Street in the Port of Dubuque, the City -owned Shot Tower is a unique National Register structure used in the early munitions industry to produce lead shot during the Civil War. The Shot Tower needs to be renovated, landscaped, and improved to make it a strong part of the America's River project. The City has submitted an application to the Department of Interior for the Save America's Treasures grant program, but the application has been denied. The City anticipates applying again for $250,000 in matching funds for Phase I of the renovation. Passenger Boarding Facilities in Port of Dubuque; Citv Garage Maintenance Facility. The City has requested an earmark of $880,000 through Federal Transit Authority. Purpose: design and construction of passenger boarding facilities within the Port of Dubuque in conjunction with the America's River Project, and new City garage on City property north of Kerper Court. 4. Neighborhood Strategy Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Program Purpose: To reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning through "lead - safe" rehabilitation of older residential buildings Problem statement: Dubuque's residential housing stock is the oldest in the State; Iowa's is the sixth oldest in the nation. 41 % of Dubuque's housing was built pre-1940; approximately 90% was constructed before 1978, the year lead paint was banned for residential uses. More than half of the city's housing units are assumed to have an incidence of lead -based paint. Our incidence of childhood lead poisoning — for children from birth to age six — Is twice the national average. Background: Dubuque received a $3.69 million HUD Lead Hazard Prevention grant in 1997. We will have made nearly 500 residential units lead -safe by the scheduled termination of this contract, in March 2003. 5 In addition, we have trained and certified more than 200 local contractors, workers and landlords in safe lead paint removal practices. We are the only Iowa Department of Public Health -certified state-wide provider of these training services. We have held these training classes around the State for contractors, risk assessors and municipal health officials, since 1998, certifying 200 additional personnel. We have made application for renewal of these HUD funds, from the Office of Lead Hazard Control, for the past three years. These applications have been denied. At this time, we will be without HUD funding by the end of this fiscal year. Solution: We need to continue our lead paint hazard reduction activities, in the interest of the public health and welfare. Specifically, this program, as we have developed it over the past five years, must: 1. Provide subsidized loans or grants to Dubuque home and apartment owners for the high costs of lead paint removal 2. Continue our program of testing in older housing stock, using specialized technology to identify the presence of lead -based paint 3. Continue our programs of public education , alerting the public to the dangers of this invisible health hazard 4. Continue our training certification programs for area contractors and apartment owners, in safe work and hazard reduction practices 5. Continue our training programs for lead paint contractors and health officials throughout the State. As the only certified training provider, all other Iowa cities are dependent on us to do this, in order to remain in compliance with HUD regulations requiring certification. 6. Continue to respond with medical and environmental investigations, in cases of childhood lead paint poisoning Cost: With existing staff capacity, we can generate 75-80 units annually. At $7000/unit subsidy, this cost is approximately $540,000. Staff and program costs are an additional $225,000 annually. To continue our existing programs and provide all the services listed above, both locally and throughout Iowa, this program cost is approximately $750,000 per year, and the City will be resubmitting an application to HUD early in 2003. 6 5. Dubuque Post Office Renovations The City is very concerned about the ongoing deterioration of the Federal Building downtown currently housing the Post Office. Our understanding is that the Social Security Administration will soon be moving out of the facility, leaving only the Post Office operation in this magnificent building, and that the building would soon be for sale. The City requests the Congressional delegation work with GSA to fund renovations to this building, and encourage federal agencies to lease space in this downtown facility. 6. Cable TV Rate Regulation The City of Dubuque recently received a letter from our cable TV franchise operator announcing the addition of three program services to the basic cable service package (which they now call "Family Cable") in Dubuque, and a plan to implement an increase in the rate they charge for that service, effective February 1, 2003. Prior to February 1, rate for "Family Cable" was $36.95/ mo., plus taxes and federal fees. The new rate will be $41.95/mo., plus taxes and fees. Senior Citizens will receive a $4.20 (10%) discount. This new rate represents a 13.5% increase in one year, and a 90.7% increase since the City's limited rate regulation authority was lost in July, 1996. Inflation for that same 6.5 year period has been about 15%. The $5.00 increase will be the largest single increase in the basic rate in Dubuque's 49-year cable history. The current provider and its predecessors raised basic cable service rates on the first of February in 2001, 2002, and 2003, and on the first of January in 1997, 1998,1999, and 2000. Many major' cable operators are implementing their annual increases across the country. However, the amount of this increase, particularly as compared to inflation, is once again very disturbing and clearly reflects the combined effects of a vertically - integrated industry which is subject neither to regulation nor to effective market competition. Dubuque's need for an entry-level "broadcast basic" package, which includes area broadcast stations and PEG access channels, will be a key topic in franchise renewal negotiations, but local rate controls, per se, cannot be restored via the franchise renewal process. The solution is federal legislation. Deregulation of this industry was passed to create competition and lower prices. Just the opposite has occurred in Dubuque: a monopoly is controlling higher prices. The 1996 law limiting the City's ability to regulate rates should be repealed. 7 7. Homeland Security Regional Emergency Responder Training Facility PROJECT SUMMARY The Dubuque Fire Department is part of the group developing the training facility as a joint venture with all emergency response agencies in Dubuque County. OUR VISION: To develop an emergency responder training facility including training tower, an indoor/outdoor evolution lab and classroom to enable firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and safety workers in local manufacturing/commercial industry to safely train in real -life emergency situations. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS workers will now be able to participate in joint training exercises, enabling: -Preparation for multiple disaster scenarios -The sharing of ideas and training techniques -Introduction to and training with new and more efficient equipment -Team building between departments and communities FUNDING CHALLENGES: Private/public partnerships have been established to assist with funding this project. However, additional funding assistance is necessary. Since much of the training will be related to homeland security disasters, we are hopeful that some funding may be possible from the federal government. The total cost of the facility is $2,600,000. Proposed Requirements For Security Measures for Ports, Vessels, and Facilities. (See attached memo from Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager) THE CITY OF DLTB MEMORANDUM January 14, 2003 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Federal Register Maritime Security Notice Discussion Attached is a summary of a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday, December 30, 2002. The content of this Notice relates to Maritime Security and its impact locally could be quite significant. In summary the notice is being proposed by the United States Coast Guard in response to terrorist acts of September 11, 2001. The Coast Guard's comments indicate the need for specific threat identification, analysis of threats, and methods for developing performance standards to plan for response to maritime threats. The most significant piece of this notice as it relates to Dubuque, is that the notice extends beyond maritime vessel owners and operators and will be extended to include commercials vessels and facilities as well as to such entities as facilities that 1) transfer, store or otherwise handle dry bulk or general cargo; 2) • recreational vessels and 3) waterfront areas that are densely populated or host large public events. This includes all of the major facilities at the Port of Dubuque (National Mississippi Museum and Aquarium, Diamond Jo Casino, Spirit of Dubuque, Grand Harbor Resort, The Grand River Center, Dubuque Star Brewery, Peavey Grain, Newt Marine, Dodds Terminal) as well as the Port itself. This may also includes facilities at Schmitt and Dove Harbor and Riprow Valley. Kevin Stier from the Diamond Jo has participated in early discussions related to this proposal and has raised concerns about cost and operational challenges that will face impacted facilities. There is no . information on whether there will be funds available to assist in these costs. Recommendation 1 would suggest that a copy of this Federal Register be distributed to the property owners at the Port of Dubuque, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce as well as city departments including Economic Development, Police, Fire and Water. We may also want to consider this in our discussion with federal legislators in Washington to make sure that Homeland Security Funds are appropriated for implementation of security measures. Cc: Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Monday, December 30, 2002 Part III Department of Transportation Coast Guard Maritime Security; Notice 79742 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2002 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard [USCG-2002-14069] Maritime Security AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Notice of meetings; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is holding seven public meetings to discuss requirements for security assessments. plans, and specific security measures for ports, vessels, and facilities, Discussions will aid the Coast Guard in determining the types of vessels and facilities that pose a risk of being involved in a transportation security incident, and in identifying security measures and standards to deter such incidents. Discussions will also focus on aligning domestic maritime security requirements with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and recent amendments to the International Convention for the Safety. of Life at Sea (SOLAS), to comply with section 102 (Port security) of the recently enacted Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). We encourage interested individuals and organizations to attend the meetings and submit comments for discussion during the meetings. We aIso seek comments from anyone unable to attend the meetings. DATES: The public meetings will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. • January 27, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Orleans, LA. • January 30, 2003, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Cleveland, OH. • .January 31, 2003, 12 (noon) to 6 p.m., St. Louis, MO. • February 3, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Seattle, WA. • February 5, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Los Angeles -Long Beach, CA. • February 7, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jacksonville, FL. • February 11, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New York City, NY. Comments and related material intended for inclusion in the public docket (USCG-2002-14069) must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before February 28, 2003. Comments and related material containing protected information, such as proprietary or security information, intended for inclusion in the Coast Guard's internal docket for protected information also must reach the Coast Guard's Office of Regulations and Administrative Law (G-LRA) on or before February 28, 2003. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the following locations: • New Orleans, LA —Hilton Riverside, 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70140. • Cleveland, OH —Sheraton Cleveland City Centre Hotel, Dorothy Fuldheim Room, 777 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44144. • St. Louis, MO —Robert A. Young Federal Building (R.A.Y. Building), 1222 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63017. • Seattle, WA —Boeing Field, 7755 East Marginal Way South, Building 2- 22, Auditorium, Seattle, WA 98108. • Los Angeles -Long Beach, CA Port of Los Angeles, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., San`Pedro, CA 90731. • Jacksonville, FL --Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), 921 N. Davis St., Building E, Jacksonville, FL 32209. • New York City, NY —Customs House Auditorium, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House, 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004. You may submit your public comments directly to the Docket Management Facility. Please see the Request for Comments section below for more information regarding submitting comments that contain protected information. To make sure that your public comments and related material do not enter the docket (USCG-2002- 14069) more than once, please submit them by only one of.the following means; (1) Electronically through the Web Site for the Docket Management System at http://dms.dot.gov/. (2) By fax to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251. • (3) By delivery to room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366- 9329. (4) By mail to the Docket Management Facility, (USCG-2002-14069), U.S. Department of Transportation, room PL- 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The Docket Management Facility maintains the public docket for this notice. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the public docket, will become part of this public docket and will be available for inspection or copying at room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this notice in the public docket on the Internet at http:// dms.dot.gov/. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Department of Transportation's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http:// dms.dot.gov/. Comments containing protected information, as explained in the Request for Comments section below, must be submitted in writing and must be mailed or hand -delivered to Commandant (G-LRA)/Room 3406, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information concerning this notice or the public meetings, write or call Mr. Martin Jackson of the Office of Standards Evaluation and Development (C-MSR), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593, mjackson@comdt.uscg.miI, or at 202- 267-1140. For questions regarding submissions of protected information, contact Ms, Kathryn Sinniger of the Office of Regulations and Administrative Law (G-LRA), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593, or at 202-267- 1534. For questions on viewing or submitting material to the public docket, call Ms. Dorothy Beard, Chief of Dockets, Department of Transportation, at 202-366-5149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in these meetings by submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number (USCG-2002-14069) and give the reason for each comment. If you wish to submit any protected information in your comments, you must submit your comment by mail or hand delivery to the Office of Regulations and Administrative Law (G-LRA) at the address under ADDRESSES. Protected information includes confidential or privileged business or commercial information that is not normally released to the public. It also includes security information that, if released, would be detrimental to the safety of persons in transportation. Federal Register l Vol. 67, No. 250 /Monday, December 30, 2002 /Notices 79743 Examples of the latter include vulnerability assessments (or portions thereof), specific security actions to be taken by your company or vessel, and draft plans that would comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code or any of the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) referenced in this notice. Please be sure to indicate whether the entire submission constitutes protected information, or if it is only portions of the submission that need to be protected. If the latter, please identify those portions which constitute protected information clearly within your submission. If you are submitting confidential or privileged business information, please explain, within your submission, how this information is normally treated within your company .or organization. You may submit your public comments and material electronically, by fax, by delivery, or by mail to the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES; but please submit your public comments and material by only one means. If you submit them by mail or delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Public Meetings The Coast Guard encourages the following individuals and organization representatives to attend the public meetings: • Owners and operators ofvessels, facilities, and other structures located on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waters; • Federal, State, and local agencies in law enforcement and emergency planning; • Port authorities; • State and local government organizations; • Shipping agents; • Insurance companies; • Protection and Indemnity Clubs; • Classification societies; • Maritime industry associations; and • Other interested persons. Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to orally comment on topics scheduled for discussion on the agenda. Appendix A provides the intended format of the meetings. We may ask questions to clarify comments given by an attendee. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be held each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the dates and locations identified under DATES and ADDRESSES. Attendees will be responsible for making their own arrangements for lunch at the mid -day break, scheduled for 1 p.m, each day. The meetings will reconvene at 2 p.m. and are scheduled to end at 5 p.m. We may end the meetings early if we have covered all of the agenda topics and if the people attending have no further comments. All statements, questions and answers, or comments made orally at the public meetings will become part of the public docket. In addition to these public meetings, the Coast Guard will request its Federal Advisory Committees, as appropriate, to include maritime security issues and the content of this notice on their agendas in order to provide further opportunities for comment. Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities To obtain information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to ask that we provide special assistance at the meetings, please notify Mr. Martin Jackson at the address or phone number under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Background and Purpose In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Commandant of the Coast Guard reaffirmed the Coast Guard's Maritime Homeland Security mission and its lead role, in coordination with the Department of Defense; Federal, State, and local agencies; owners and operators of vessels and maritime facilities; and others with interests in our nation's marine transportation system, to detect, deter, disrupt, and respond to attacks against U.S. territory, population, vessels, facilities, and critical maritime infrastructure by terrorist organizations. In November 2001, the Commandant of the Coast Guard addressed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) General Assembly, urging that body to consider an international scheme for port and shipping security. Recommendations and proposals for comprehensive security requirements, including amendments to SOLAS and the new ISPS Code, were developed at a series of intersessional maritime security work group meetings held at the direction of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee. The Coast Guard submitted comprehensive security proposals to the intersessional maritime security work group meetings based on work it had been coordinating since October 2001. Prior to each intersessional meeting, the Coast Guard held public meetings as well as coordinated several industry meetings with representatives from major U.S. and foreign associations for shipping, labor, and ports. Maritime security was also a major agenda item at Federal Advisory Committee meetings held by the Coast Guard during the past year. Additional meetings were also held with Federal agencies having complementary security responsibilities. In January 2002, the Coast Guard held a two-day public workshop in Washington, DC, attended by more than 300 individuals, including members of the public and private sectors, and representatives of the national and international marine industry (66 FR 65020, December 17, 2001; docket number USCG-2001--11138). Their comments indicated the need for specific threat identification, analysis of threats, and methods for developing performance standards to plan far response to maritime threats. Additionally, the public comments stressed the importance of uniformity in the application and enforcement of requirements and the need to establish threat levels with a means to communicate threats to the marine transportation system. The Coast Guard considered and advanced U.S. proposals for maritime security that took into account this public and agency input. We consider the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) amendments and the ISPS Code, as adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Diplomatic Conference in December 2002, to reflect current industry, public, and agency concerns. The entry into force date of both the ISPS Code and related SOLAS amendments is July 1, 2004, with the exception of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) whose implementation was accelerated to no later than December 31, 2004, depending on the particular class of SOLAS vessel. Domestically, the Coast Guard had previously developed regulations for security that are contained in 33 CFR parts 120 and 128. Complementary guidance can be found in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 3-96, Change 2, Security for Passenger Vessels and Passenger Terminals. Prior to development of additional regulations, the Coast Guard, with input from the public, needed to assess the current state of port and vessel security and their vulnerabilities. As mentioned previously, to accomplish this, the Coast Guard conducted a public workshop January 28-30, 2002, to assess existing Maritime Transportation System 79744 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2002 / Notices security standards and measures and to gather ideas on possible improvements. Based on the comments received at the workshop, the Coast Guard cancelled NVIC 3-96 (Security for Passenger Vessels and Passenger Terminals) and issued a new NVIC 4-02 (Security for Passenger Vessels and Passenger Terminals) that incorporated guidelines consistent with international initiatives (the ISPS Code and SOLAS amendments). Additional NVICs were also published, including NVIC 9-02 (Guidelines for Port Security Committees, and Port Security Plans Required for U.S. Ports), NVIC 10-02 (Security Guidelines for Vessels); and NVIC 11-02 (Security Guidelines for Facilities [not yet available)). The documents are or will be available in the public docket (USCG-2002-14069) for review at the locations under ADDRESSES. On November 25, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into effect Public Law 107-295, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), which had been proposed to Congress the year before as the Port and Maritime Security Act (S. 1214). The MTSA requires the Secretary to issue an interim final rule, as soon as practicable, as a temporary regulation to implement the Port Security section of the Act, The MTSA expressly waives the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, including notice and. comment, for this purpose. Nevertheless, the Coast Guard believes it is important to get the preliminary views of the public, especially affected maritime interests, prior to issuing the interim final rule. The temporary interim rule may be superseded by a final rule within one year of the enactment of the MTSA. The requirements of MTSA section 102 directly align with the security requirements embodied in the SOLAS amendments and ISPS Code; however, the MTSA has broader application that includes domestic vessels and facilities. Thus, the Coast Guard intends to implement the MTSA through the requirements in the SOLAS amendments and the ISPS Code parts A and B for all vessels and facilities that are currently required to meet SOLAS, as well as those vessels exclusively on domestic trade and facilities that are at risk of being involved in a transportation security incident. The Coast Guard considers that the implementation of these requirements is best done through mandating compliance with the SOLAS amendments and the ISPS Code including part A and part B (see Appendix B). The Coast Guard considers part B an essential element to ensure full and effective compliance with the intent of the MTSA. Foreign flag vessels entering the U.S. would be expected to verify compliance with part B or provide proof that any alternatives are equivalent to that part. Verification of compliance could be established by flag administration documents or endorsements that indicate that the Ship Security Certificate was issued based upon full compliance with part B. Because of the broad application in the MTSA, the discussions in this notice use the term "vessels" rather than the term "ships" as found in the SOLAS amendments and the ISPS.Code. These terms can be used interchangeably but serve to emphasize the Coast Guard's • intention to apply security measures to those vessels we have determined are at risk of being involved in a transportation security incident. In addition, under MTSA, the terms "Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan" means a Port Security Plan developed in accordance with NVIC 9- 02; "Area Security Advisory Committee"means the Port Security Committee; and "Federal Maritime Security Coordinator" means the cognizant Captain of the Port. The Coast Guard intends to align any future rulemaking with the MTSA terminology. The Coast Guard plans to publish a temporary interim rule no later than June 2003 and a final rule by November 2003. These dates are critical in order to uniformly implement the ISPS Code and SOLAS amendments, as well as meet the urgency set by the mandates in the MTSA. As such, the Coast Guard is announcing seven public meetings and requesting comments that will aid them in drafting the mandated interim rule and final rule. What Will Be Discussed at the Public Meetings? Attendees should be prepared to discuss the implementation of SOLAS amendments and ISPS Code, including application to vessels engaged in domestic voyages in accordance with the MTSA, as well as domestic implications of implementing the recommended security measures described in recently published guidance (NVICs). How Should I Prepare for the Public Meeting? Attendees should review the SOLAS amendments and ISPS Code, published NVICs, existing regulations in 33 CFR parts 120 and 128, section 102 of the MTSA, preliminary cost analysis, and associated supporting documents to evaluate the feasibility of recommended or required security measures. The ISPS Code and SOLAS amendments, and the preliminary costs analysis are included in this notice as Appendix B and Appendix C, • respectively. The NVICs, MTSA, related public comments, and associated supporting documents are available for review in the public docket (USCG- 2002-14069) at the locations under ADDRESSES. After evaluating these documents, the public should then prepare statements to be presented at the meetings or submit to the public docket (USCG- 2002-14069) expressing any concerns and suggesting ways to implement the required measures. Attendees also should propose possible equivalencies to the SOLAS amendments and ISPS Code, and the MTSA requirements. Who Should Attend the Public Meetings? Port Stakeholders. While the Coast Guard will be primarily responsible for ensuring the new SOLAS amendments and ISPS Coda, and section 102 of the MTSA for U.S. ports are implemented through the development of Port Security Plans and establishment of Port Security Committees, we will need the cooperation of other Federal agencies, port authorities, State and local governments, loca emergency responmaritime industry associations, facility and vessel owners _ and operators and other port community stakeholders such as the owners of other structures located on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waters. -Because Port Security Plans are overarching and address many areas of the maritime community, the plans will, apply to commercial vessels and facilities, as well as to such entities as— • Recreational vessels and uninsppected assengers vessels, • Nauticaipschool vessels and sailing school vessels. • Small passenger vessels on domestic voyages. • Uninspected fishing vessels. • Oil spill response vessels. • Military installations and vessels. • Facilities that transfer, store, nr otherwise handle dry bulk or general car • Marinas. • Ship repair facilities. • Waterfront areas that are densely populated or host large public events. • OdTer areas within the port that are critical to port operations or public safety. Vessel Owners, Operators, and Charterers. Requirements are being Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2002 / Notices 79745 considered for operators of certain vessels to develop Vessel Security Assessments and Plans, designate Company and Vessel Security Officers, and implement security measures (see Appendix A). The Coast Guard considers these security measures to be integral for vessel security and appropriate for the majority of vessels operating in U.S. waters. Therefore, the Coast Guard would apply these requirements to such commercial vessels as— • All foreign ships, both cargo and passenger, required to comply with SOLAS; • All foreign ships, both cargo and passenger, of countries not signatory to SOLAS; • All vessels subject to 46 CFR subchapter I (cargo vessels); • All vessels subject to 46 CFR subchapter L (offshore supply vessels); • All passenger vessels subject to 46 CFR subchapters H and K; • All passenger vessels subject to 46 CFR subchapter T engaged on an International voyage; • All barges subject to 46 CFR subchapters D, I, and 0; • All tankships subject to 46 CFR subchapters D and O: • All Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) subject to 46 CFR subchapter I —A; and • All towing vessels greater than 6 meters in registered length. Facility Owners or Operators. Requirements are being considered for operators of certain facilities to develop Facility Security Assessments and Plans, designate Facility Security Officers, and implement security measures (see Appendix A). The Coast Guard considers these security measures to be integral for facility security and appropriate for the majority of facilities servicing vessels that operate in U.S. waters or facilities that are on or adjacent to U.S. waters and pose a risk to them. Therefore, the Coast Guard would apply these requirements to such facilities as— • Facilities that handle cargo regulated under 33 CFR parts 126, 127, and 154; • Facilities that service vessels certified to carry more than 150 passengers; and • Facilities that receive vessels on international voyages including vessels solely navigating the Great Lakes. As an Affected Entity, What Information Should Hiring to the Public Meetings? Attendees should bring their recommendations and responses to the questions provided in Appendix A. Attendees should also be prepared to offer their best practices with regard to the security issues and comments on • application, implementation and operating costs. What Will Be the Format of the Public Meetings? The public.meetings will follow a question -answer format. A facilitator will describe the SOLAS amendment and ISPS Code requirements and the Coast Guard's implementation strategy. The facilitator then will pose a series of questions and solicit attendees' responses. We will discuss, in this order, general security provisions, port security provisions, vessel security provisions, facility security provisions, and other security provisions. Appendix A provides the intended format of the meetings. What Other Information Would Assist the Coast Guard in Drafting the Temporary Interim Security Rule? We request information about all current Federal, State, and local governmental laws, procedures, regulations, and standards that are either functioning or that are planned. We also request industry to provide any current and planned standards and procedures covering the security of vessels and facilities, and recommendations toward additional regulations. What Are the Estimated Costs of Implementing the SOLAS Amendments, the ISPS Code, and Section 102 of the MTSA, as Discussed in This Notice? For the purposes of good business practice and in order to comply with regulations promulgated by other Federal and State agencies, many companies have spent, to date, a • substantial amount of money and resources to upgrade and improve security. The costs discussed in Appendix C do not include resources these companies have already spent to enhance security. To estimate costs, we contacted operators to determine what specific security improvements they had made and the costs they had incurred since the events of September 11, 2001. We found that these operators were reluctant to share their information with us. Consequently, the estimates in the following analysis are based heavily on Coast Guard judgments. We realize that each company engaged in maritime commerce would not implement the ISPS Code exactly as presented in this analysis. Depending on each company's choices, some companies could spend much less than what is estimated herein while others could spend significantly more. In general, we assume that each company would implement the ISPS Code based on the types of vessels and facilities it owns or operates and whether it engages in international or domestic trade. Based on this analysis, the first year cost would be approximately $1.4 billion, with costs of approximately Present Value (PV) $6.0 billion over the next 10 years (2003-2012, 7 percent discount rate). The preliminary cost analysis in Appendix C presents the costs in three sections: vessel security, facility security, and port security. The following is a summary of the preliminary cost analysis. • Vessel Security. The first -year cost of purchasing equipment, hiring security officers, and preparing paperwork is apyroximately $188 million. Following initial implementation, the annual•cost is approximately $144 million. Over the next 10 years, the cost would be PV $1.1 billion approximately. The paperwork burden associated with planning would be approximately 140,000 hours in the first year and 7,000 hours in subsequent years. • Facility Security. The first -year cost• of purchasing equipment, hiring security officers, and preparing paperwork is an estimated $963 million. Following initial implementation, the annual cost is approximately $535 million. Over the next 10 years, the cost wouT�be PV $4.4 billion approximately. . The paperwork burden associated with planning would be approximately 465,000 hours in the.first year and 17,000 hours in subsequent years. • Port Security. The first -year cost of establishing Port Security Committees and creating Port Security Plans for all port areas is an estimated $120 million. The second -year cost is approximately $106 million. In subsequent years, the annual cost is approximately $46 million. Over the next 10 years, the cost would be PV $477 million approximately, The paperwork burden associated with planning would be - approximately 1,090,000 hours in 2003, 1,278,000 hours in 2004, and 827,000 hours in subsequent years. Dated: December 20, 2002. Paul J. Pinta, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection. Appendix A: Maritime Security Issues for Discussion General Security Provisions 1. Obligations of Contracting Government with respect to security. The SOLAS amendments (regulation 3) and ISPS Code (part A, section 4, and part B, paragraph 4) lay out a series of requirements for THE C1 Y OF DUB E MEMORANDUM July 2, 2003 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Low Income Stormwater Subsidy Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos and the Stormwater Utility Implementation Committee are recommending that the City use the same low-income subsidy criteria for the Stormwater Utility that is used for Utility Billing for refuse subsidies. Under refuse criteria, a person who meets Section 8 requirements, which is where the person's income is 50% or less of the medium income for Dubuque County, would be given a 50% subsidy toward the Stormwater Utility fee. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. 141/140 V61/1/ Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Mike Koch, Public Works Director w # 4 THE CITY OP DUB MEMORANDUM June 30, 2003 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Low Income Stormwater Subsidy As you know our first stormwater utility bills will be going out in July. As we go through the final details on implementing the stormwater utility, the subsidy policy for low-income residents needs to be clarified. You recommended in the Fiscal Year 2004 budget transmittal letter to the City Council that "low-income residents be given up to a 50% subsidy" for their stormwater utility bill. To honor that recommendation the stormwater utility implementation committee's recommendation is to use the same criteria that were set forth by Utility Billing for refuse subsidies. Under refuse criteria, a person who meets Section 8 requirements, which is where the person's income is 50% or Tess of the medium income for Dubuque County, would be given a 50% subsidy toward the stormwater utility fee. Because the subsidy criteria are based on annual income, a person must apply every year. Applications are reviewed the first of every fiscal year by Utility Billing staff. There are 297 people who have applied for and are currently taking advantage of the refuse subsidy. We recommend that these same people automatically be given the stormwater utility subsidy. Under the current fiscal year budget we budgeted $10,000 for the low-income subsidy. If 300 people apply, based on our current $1.29 rate, the subsidy would require approximately $2,300 for FY04. If the rate would go to $1.79, the subsidy would require approximately $3,200. If you have any questions or need further clarification on this intended policy, please call. cc: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Ken TeKippe, Finance Director David Harris, Housing/Com. Dev. Director Marge Schemmel, Utility Billing THE CRY OF DUB JE MEMORANDUM July 29, 2003 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bond Sale to Support Storm Water Projects Finance Director Ken TeKippe is recommending City Council approval to,sell not to exceed $2,110,000 in General Obligation Bonds to support storm water projects which were included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2003 CIP budget and that a public hearing be set for August 18, 2003. Although we are selling General Obligation Bonds to support the project, repayment of the debt will be from a new storm water utility fee which began July 1, 2003. 1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Kenneth J. TeKippe, Finance Director CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM TO: Michael C. Van Mil!igen, City Manager FROM: Kenneth J TeKippe, Finance Director SUBJECT: Bond Sale to Support Stormwater Projects DATE: July 29, 2003 The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend the sale of General Obligation Bonds to support stormwater projects which were included in the adopted FY'03 CIP budget. Although we are selling General Obligation Bonds to support the project, repayment of the debt will be from the stormwater utility fee which began July 1, 2003. The date of publication is to be not Tess than four clear days nor more than twenty days before the date of said public meeting on the issuance of said Bonds. The requested action steps for City Council is to adopt the attached resolution fixing the date of August 18 for a public hearing on the proposition of selling not to exceed $2,110,000 in General Obligation Bonds (for an essential corporate purpose) of Dubuque, Iowa and providing for publication of notice thereof. KJT/jmg Attachments cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Jeffery A. Wickenkamp, P.E. Senior Project Manager Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. 125 South Wacker Drive, Suite 600 Chicago, IL 60606 Dear Mr. Wickerkamp, 602 E. 22nd St. Dubuque, IA 52QQ1 11-18-03 ' zs�1 f `1 _C) c1) arc Following the Sept. 25, 2003 meeting of the Dubuque BBCAC, I visited with you briefly about an engineering alternative for the storm water/storm sewer problems being experienced periodically here in Dubuque. For some time I have been working with Dr. Jos. Schaefer, P. E., formerly of Loras College's Department of Physics & Engineering, & now an Engineering Professor at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. initially Dr. Schaefer did not have specific figures on such items as storm sewer dimensions, so I have updated his preliminary calculations to more closely reflect these figures as now known from information you provided at the Sept. 25, 2003 meeting of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. Because I will be sharing this communication with members of the BBCAC, & others, I will be including some of my initial comments to Dr. Schaefer (as quotes from communications to him) so that you may understand the background of my proposal(s) on this m atter. From my communication to Dr. Schaefer on 3-18-03: "The solution to the periodic flooding problem, proposed by the city's engineering consulting firm, is a large open ditch some 6 or more blocks in length, costing between 20 & 25 million dollars, to carry the excess runoff which the*existing storm sewers cannot handle. It would displace a considerable number of home owners and, having experienced a similar runoff ditch system in Japan, I know it would initiate a separate set of problems of its own. Even if the displaced people got fair market value for their homes & property, it would be very difficult for them to locate replacement housing here in Dubuque because their homes are generally older & quite modest by today's standards. What follows is my alternate proposal, which I have made to two members of the city's Engineering Division: Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer, & Gus Psihoyos, PE, Assistant City Engineer. They indicated that they would take my idea to their engineering consulting firm but after several weeks 1 have heard nothing. If you are willing, I would ask your informal opinion of the physics of the plan, particularly from your background in hydraulic engineering. There may be some fundamental reason that it will not function, either theoretically or practically but as yet no one has raised such a concern. I know that it has never been done before - (at least these two engineers have no knowledge of such a system) - and would probably need some testing. First, the philosophy behind my proposal. The city engineers state "we have the flooding problem because the existing storm sewer essentially gets 'full' when we have very heavy rain in a short time span". The storm sewer empties into the retention basin (and ultimately the river) by means of gravity. Because it is not practical to change the gradient of the storm sewer to increase the rate of water transport, the conventional thinking is that we need something bigger, i.e. the large open ditch to carry the water. It seems to me that this is an example of a sort of one dimensional thinking. After all, "bigger is better" is often a legitimate solution to many problems but if that's the only avenue of thought, perhaps some other solution is not even considered, causing, in this case, considerable expense, social upheaval, & the perpetuation of what caused the runoff problem in the first place. Page 2 Proposal #1. My contention is that there is another way to transport the runoff. Certainly one can go 'bigger' but has anyone considered causing the water in the existing storm sewer to flow faster? And I'm not talking aboutchanging the gravitational gradient of the existing storm sewer to achieve this. This idea came to me while considering a plumbers' method (which was used in my basement) to quickly remove a pool of standing water which had formed when we had to dig up a branch sewer line because it had rusted through (over the past century) & plugged. The trench which resulted from us breaking up the concrete floor & removing the soil underneath to gain access to the sewer line soon filled with water because the line was blocked further down stream from where we dug. However, when we cleared the blockage the water in the trench slowly began to recede as it flowed, through gravity, into the unblocked main sewer line. At this point the plumber took a hose with a nozzle on the end, stuck it into the defective line directing the flow towards the main sewer line & the trench emptied in a matter of a few tens of seconds, far quicker than it had been, even through he was actually adding water to what was already there. I knew immediately that what has causing the increased flow rate was the use of Bernoulli's Principle. The increased speed of the water exiting the nozzle caused a reduced pressure because of the higher velocity & subsequently the effect of atmospheric pressure caused the water to flow at a much higher speed. Such Bernoulli devices are often employed to create vacuums in devices designed to 'pick up' water from floors, etc. Joe, 1 don't need to explain the Bernoulli Equation to you but 1 will write it here in case you have someone else look at this. P + 1/2p v2 + p g h = a constant. P is pressure, p is mass density, v is velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, & h is the height. The three terms in the equation are related to the pressure, kinetic energy & gravitational potential energy, respectively. Since changes in the gravitational potential energy within the storm sewer are relatively small, they can be ignored. Therefore, if one can increase the velocity there is a reduction in the pressure,. The application of Bernoulli's Principle is what enables us to explain why air planes fly, curve balls curve, & the behavior of tsunamis (tidal waves), aspirators, etc. So, what sort of mechanism am I proposing for the storm sewer. First, 1 propose using the existing storm sewer, but converting it into a two -stage operation. The existing main storm sewer, which causes the problems, is large enough so that a small end -loader (Bobcat) can enter it for cleaning & debris removal purposes. (The channel is approximately a rectangle with an arched top, some 10.5 feet in height and 16 ft in width. Figures corrected from original estimate.) The idea of a two - stage system is to place, against one wall to still allow space for cleaning equipment, a smaller diameter storm sewer pipe, .e.g. say 9 feet in diameter, which would have strategically placed openings for water entry along its length. (These 'intakes' should probably be near the bottom of this pipe to reduce the intake of floating debris.) See diagram on separate page. Near the retention basin end of this pipe would be a large version of the hose nozzle described in the application above powered by a high velocity pump. Perhaps it only needs to be something like the pumps used by fire engines, or perhaps it needs to be something like the pump/nozzle arrangements used in placer mining operations. This pump/nozzle arrangement would be used only under the following conditions. When the rain is 'normal' & the storm sewer does not fill beyond the top of the 2nd interior pipe, the sewer operates just as it does now. However, with heavy short term rain the storm sewer fills beyond the top of the interior pipe. Then sensors would trigger the pump/nozzle arrangement, causing a higher flow rate in the inner pipe, thus lowering the pressure, allowing atmospheric pressure along the length of the entire system to move the water faster than is done by the gravitational gradient. Once the water level fell below the top of the interior pipe, the pump/nozzle arrangement can be automatically shut down. The source of the water for this pump/nozzle system could be the storm sewer system itself, city water mains, or as one of the city engineers suggested, it could come from the 32nd St. detention basin where they need to get rid of some water anyhow. Page 3 These are all details that could be worked out. I also believe the cost of converting the existing system to a two stage system would be far cheaper than the proposed 20 to 25 million dollar price estimate for the open trench. However, I have no expertise in estimating such costs accurately. To summarize, the proposed two -stage storm sewer has the following advantages: It is based upon well known scientific principles; It utilizes existing facilities; The storm sewer would continue to operate as a gravitational drainage system as it does at present; The second stage would go into operation only when needed; The social disruption would be minimized; Presumably the costs would be significantly less than the proposed open ditch solution; Safety concerns ofan open ditch of rapidly running water would be eliminated. " End of my communication to Dr. Schaefer on 3-18-03 In an initial e-mail reply, on or about March 20, Dr. Schaefer commented as follows: "I agree with your comments about the additional problems one could expect to occur with an open ditch, & I. share your conclusion about observations made of such systems in Japan. There might be a better way to proceed, & at least the city should try to explore alternatives. Your comments about the socio-economic consequences for the current residents who would be displaced are very appropriate. I wonder where those who would be displaced could find comparable housing at affordable prices. Open ditches lead to stagnant water, no matter how well designed, & it is easy to think of dozens of problems associated with water standing in open ditches, e.g. mosquitoes, disease, & safety of children. In principle your idea works very well, and we know that it works on a small scale with both air & water. ... A factor that you have not included in your analysis is the friction of the walls. Such losses are not insignificant. ... So the upshot is that 1 know the system you describe works, but the question is whether it would be practical in terms of the size & cost of the equipment that it would require & in terms of the loss of flow rate due to friction. This could be a fertile new design area for retrofitting systems such as Dubuque where similar run off problems have developed. ... If I get some time ... I will make a quick calculation to estimate the frictional losses for your geometry." Dr. Schaefer's detailed numerical analysis appears below. This calculation addresses the problem of frictional effects caused by the secondary pipe. From Dr. Schaefer's March 22, 2003 communication (with updated numeric values & appropriate supporting editorial changes): This is a calculation comparing the flow in a channel with a secondary pipe in it to the flow with no such pipe present. For simplicity I treated it as open channel flow, even though the storm sewer is enclosed. The situation shown in the diagrams would approximate open channel flow if the storm sewer is not completely full, e.g. the water level was within, say, an inch of the top so that the water did not make contact with the top. The same assumption is made for the pipe, i.e. there is a small area at the top of the pipe that does not have contact with the water. Obviously, that is not the case because for the given conditions the secondary pipe would, indeed be full. A more complete calculation could be made for closed channel flow, but I do not want to go through all of that today. Page 4 I assume that the original storm sewer and the secondary pipe are made of the same material so that they have the same frictional effect. Perhaps the original storm sewer is rough concrete or even brick so that in reality it would have a different friction coefficient than new, smooth concrete that would be presumably used for the secondary pipe, but my intent is not to get an exact answer. More about that later. Using the dimensions from the diagram, assuming the depth of the channel to be 10.5 ft., the width to be 16 ft., the diameter of the secondary pipe to be 9 ft., and assuming the channel to be rectangular in shape (the July 6, 1899 diagrams from city records show the shape of a good portion of the Bee Branch line to approximate a rectangle with an arched top), one can calculate certain mathematical properties of the storm sewer channel & secondary pipe which will be needed in further calculations, e.g. areas, perimeters, etc. Because these calculations do not need to be extremely precise, small variations in dimensions, certain estimates & assumptions, etc., do not significantly effect the final result which may be off by a few percent due to these variations. If you wish to skip the mathematical portion of what follows, proceed to the results at the asterisk, *, on page 6. With the assumptions regarding open channel flow, the flowrate is given by the Manning Equation, which is: Q= (k/n) A (Rh)2/3 so1/2 where Qis the flowrate in either m3/s or ft3/s, k is a conversion factor that is equal to 1.00 for S Iunits and is equal to 1.49 for British units (Manning was a Civil Engineer, so he did not express the equation in dimensionless parameters the way most such equations in fluid mechanics are expressed). I will compare the two cases, so if both calculations are conducted in the same units, the factor k will cancel out anyway. n isthe Manning coefficient that represents the friction effect of the fluid on a particular surface. For finished concrete n = 0.012, for unfinished concrete n = 0.013, and for brickwork n = 0.015 so the assumption that the surfaces have the same Manning coefficient is justified. If you prefer you could make a calculation with one value for the original channel and another for the pipe, but as you will see that difference will produce a small effect compared to the change in the wetted perimeter. A is the cross sectional area of the channel, in either square feet or square meters, Rh is the hydraulic radius of the channel. It is calculated by dividing the cross sectional area of the channel by the wetted perimeter of the channel carrying the fluid. The hydraulic radius has the dimension of length. You have to be careful to not confuse the hydraulic radius used in the Manning equation with the hydraulic diameter used in calculations for the closed pipe. It does not necessarily follow that hydraulic radius is one half the hydraulic diameter. So is the slope of the channel, which I will assume is the same for both cases. Page 5 Case 1 The original storm sewer in the present condition Area: A = (10.5 ft) (16 ft) = 168 ft2 (Due to the irregular & changing the Bee Branch channel, I believe an area of 140 ft2 is representative value of the actual average area, and this value, 140 ft2, will be used in the calculations which follow.) shape of a more i.e.A= Wetted Perimeter, "P": Under the assumptions listed above water is in contact with both sides of the channel and with the bottom of the channel so that P = 10.5 ft + 10.5 ft+16ft=37ft Hydraulic Radius: Rh = A / P = 140 ft2 / 37 ft = 3.78 ft Thus we have the flowrate for the original condition, Qo as: Qo = (k/n) (A) (Rh)2/3 So1/2 = (k/n) (3140) (6.3.78)2/3 So1/2 = 340 (k/n) So1/2 Case 2. Pipe with circular cross section ofdiameter 9 ft placed inside the original storm sewer. Area: I assume that therelis no reduction in the area for flow produced by the insertion of the pipe, i.e. the wall thickness for the pipe is negligible. This is an assumption in your favor, the effect of which can be calculated in a more precise mathematical analysis. Wetted Perimeter, "P": The water touches one 10.5 ft wall of the original channel. The pipe makes contact with the other 10.5 ft wall and with the 16 ft base of the original channel. In an ideal world the pipe would be tangent to those surfaces with an infinitesimal region of contact, but in reality there will be a greater length of the original channel not in contact with the water. While this gives a wetted perimeter of 37 ft, for this calculation I reduced the wetted perimeter ofthe original channel to 35 ft, again an assumption probably still in your favor. The pipe is wetted on both sides (inside & outside) so its wetted perimeter is 2 (Tr) (D) = 2 (Tr) (9 ft) = 56.5 ft. The portion of the outside wall of the pipe touching the two walls will not be wetted, but I believe that the 2 ft reduction in P for the channel covers that. It also covers the fact that for open channel flow the pipe will not be completely full. This gives a total wetted perimeter of P = 35 + 56.5 = 91.5 ft. Compare this to the 37 ft calculated for the original condition. You could reduce this number if you believe that the assumptions regarding contact between the pipe and the walls is not generous enough. Hydraulic Radius: Rh = A / P = 140 ft2 / 91.5ft = 1.5 3 ft Note the significant reduction in the hydraulic radius because the water is in contact with more surface. The real culprit here is the fact that the secondary pipe makes contact with the water on both sides, inside & out. Page 6 The flowrate for the condition with the secondary pipe, Qp is: Qp = (k/n) (A) (Rb.)2/3S01/2 (k/n)(36140) (2.1.53)2/3 Sp1/2 = 186(k/n) So1/2 When we calculate the ratio ofthe two flowrates with the assumption that both materials have the same Manning coefficient and both channels have the same slope, the (k/n) So 1/2 terms cancel out and the ratio of the flowrates is: Qp/Q,a= 186/340=0.547 *This means the flowrate with the secondary pipe in place is only 54.7% of the original flowrate because of the greater loss to friction. I suspect that you will have difficulty accepting that the frictional effect is so great, because I know that I. had some difficulty in accepting it when I first encountered it in teaching Fluid Mechanics from an engineering approach. You see, we both are accustomed to a Physics approach that assumes ideal, inviscid fluids. Stating this in another way, the reduction in flow that occurs because of the added friction due to inserting the pipe in the original storm sewer is 100% - 54.7% = 45.3%. That means that your system using the Bernoulli effect would have to bring about at least a 45.3% increase in flowrate inside the secondary pipe to break even without considering the cost of purchasing, installing, and operating the system. One might think that substitution a smooth steel pipe would help reduce the losses, but it turns out that the Manning coefficient for smooth steel is the same 0.012 as for finished concrete. Interestingly enough, for painted steel n = 0.014, although there may be some special epoxy paint that is slicker and might give a smaller value. I believe that all of the assumptions that I made in these calculations favor your system in any roundoffs, the neglecting of contact length, etc. This calculation leads me to believe that it would be difficult to implement your suggestion in a practical way because of all the losses incurred. End of Dr. SchaeferTs communication of March 22, 2003 From Dr. Schaefer's analysis above, one would need to increase the flow rate in the secondary pipe at least a factor of 2 to have any meaningful gain with the two -pipe system. While I believe it is possible to achieve that type of gain on a small scale, I am not qualified to judge whether or not it can be achieved on the larger scale needed. Now having gone through all of this it struck me that a simpler modification of this idea might be much more promising. Page 7 Proposal #2. sics books make the point that pipes are not really necessary for the Bernoulli effect to work. Therefore, what would happen if one discarded the ideaof the second pipe & simply put the water injection nozzles near the end of the Bee Branch channel near 16th Street? This works on the smaller scale plumbing example mentioned above. Costs would be far cheaper. If one could get a flow rate twice as fast due to the Bernoulli effect, it would be like having two identical Bee Branch channels for far less than building a large open ditch. From another communication from Prof. Schaefer: "Perhaps you could convince the city staff to have the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research (IIHR) conduct some experiments with models to test the idea(s). The costs of such a study would depend upon how much of a complete analysis would be required, but I would think that $10,000 to $20,000 would finance an investigation that would give some reasonable answers. If the city wants to pursue that (i.e. this secondary pipe idea, Proposal #1), or if you simply want to ask some questions, I suggest contacting Rob Ettema. He is Chairman of Civil Engineering at the State University of Iowa, Iowa City. (Dr. Schaefer worked with him for 7 summers at IIHR. He can be reached at: 319-384-0596 or e-mail at robert- ettema@uiowa.edu " opeasulast Thank you for your time in examining these proposals. It is my personal belief that Proposal #2 should be considered first. Sincerely, Frank Miller, Member of BBCAC • /1, 0 m4 7. . -1 • Li •r, 17 -..e...-*:_....--.•—/- 4 —1,1J-1:- _ .... _ _ . 0 . _ . _CL- - .C-•"Y• L? .e—Y.'7.-. .7.7 . . ___ . _ - ... ____?-6-H>____:. __________T .ize.......7.,.` _____. ___—__ . .. V..:: 1 ' ... 1. • �! ' • .ram-: �",>__..__. -- • • OO_ -. ti . •c� . .. �:.. ,a•.._.. -r: /II pre:( c.:.e. • THE CITY OF DUBS MEMORANDUM December 26, 2003 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Berger is recommending approval of an updated Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan. The plan has been prepared by the East Central Intergovernmental Association and a local committee consisting of Council Member Dan Nicholson, Council Member Ann Michalski, Assistance City Manager Cindy Steinhauser, Fire Chief Dan Brown, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Steines, Operations and Maintenance Manager Don Vogt, Police Chief Kim Wadding, Police Lieutenant Dan Avenarius, Public Information Officer Susan Gwiasda, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz, Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos, Airport Manager Andy Perry and Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Berger. The new Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan is an update of the original Hazard Mitigation Plan that was approved by the City of Dubuque on February 4, 2002. The changes to the plan were mandated by the Pre Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 that was implemented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the original plan was submitted to the Iowa Emergency Management Division. This plan was submitted in draft form in July and then revised by ECIA after a few changes were suggested by FEMA. This plan is considered Part B of our Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and qualifies the City of Dubuque for Federal and State Assistance in a disaster. After the public hearing the approved plan will be submitted to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division for their approval and then forwarded on to FEMA I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. wvi 41. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Thomas I. Berger, Emergency Management Coordinator THE CITY OF DUB '� E tPS 1f MEMORANDUM //s4 December 10, 2003 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM:. Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Berger is recommending approval of an updated Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan and that a public hearing be set for January 5, 2004. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Thomas I. Berger, Emergency Management Coordinator Date: December 10th, 2003 To: Michael C. Van Milligen , City Manager From: Thomas I. Berger, EMA Coordinator Subject: City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan A request has been made by East Central Intergovernmental Agency. to schedule a public hearing for January 5th for the updated Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan. The plan has been prepared by ECIA and a local committee over the past year. The local committee consisted of Council Members Dan Nicholson and Ann Michalski; Asst. City Manager Cindy Steinhauser, Fire Chief Dan Brown, Asst. Fire Chief Rick Steines, Operations and Maintenance Manager Don Vogt, Police Chief Kim Wadding, Police Lieutenant Dan Avenarius, Public information Officer Susan Gwiasda, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz, Asst. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos, Airport Manager Andy Perry and myself. The new Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan is an update of the original Hazard Mitigation Plan that was approved by the City of Dubuque on February 4th, 2002. The changes to the plan were mandated by the Pre Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 that was implemented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after our original plan was submitted to the Iowa Emergency Management Division. This plan was submitted in draft form in July and then revised by ECIA after a few changes were suggested by FEMA. This plan is considered Part B of our Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and qualifies the City of Dubuque for Federal and State Assistance in a disaster. After the public hearing the approved plan will be submitted to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division for their approval and then forwarded on to FEMA. Thank you for your consideration on this plan. Dec 04 03 12:07p CC IA 3195560348 p. 1 Q COMMENTS: 1 EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION A Regional Response to Local Needs FAX TRANSIVXITIAL DATE ai d 3 TO 7e4nfwrt, Sc�k�,t� ,' 1 Cc�1 C,I K, FROM V i.d 6l ire I % - ex-) A Suite 200 3999 Pennsylvania Avenue Dubuque, i-n c co —r • n • RE esa 3.0,s �o t_.,r‘v-13 44 pr,�.btc.�.- i1.e,p.V twJ (1419 Ta,,i 5, z°1:1w) app,�.•�.1 )91-4a-t-a-el ,.• -Re. *4l fl1,5-11h Ctt� �.., (,e . se e �h 4,2 s '`4 _ zoo y r4 - � ,1 P4,11luc. )2,1,4lrti ?(;-. There area pages (including this page) being transmitted. If you of receive all a es lease ,� call (563) 556-4166 or 800-942-4648 and ask for ,,' "i 4. ( g ' p Conftdentlality Notice: This transmission contains confidential information. If you are not the intended reci ien hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or p t, You are reliace on the contents is prohibited. If you received this in error, please call us immediately to arrange for the return of the information. PHONE (563) 556-4166 IOWA ONLY (800) 942-4648 FAX (563) 556-0348 E-MAIL ecia®ecia.org WEB SITE www,ecia.org - Dubuque Metropolitan Area ilansportation Study • Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority • Region 1 Employment and 'Raining • • ILIA Regional Planning Affiliation • ECIA Business Growth, Ina • RESOLUTION # 18-04 RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE DUBUQUE PRE -DISASTER NIITIGATION PLAN WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan was presented to the Dubuque City Councilon January 5, 2004; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan was prepared in compliance with the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Planning Requirements of the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 provided by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan identifies the City's potential hazards in the community; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan includes a profile of heard events, a vulnerability assessment, evaluation of mitigation goals and a plan maintenance process. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dubuque does hereby approve and adopt the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan this 5th day of January, 2004. Attest: e F. Schneider, City Clerk Dec'04 03 12:08p ECIA 3195580348 p.2 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION: ESTABLISH A PUBLIC HEARING TO SOLICIT WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS ON THE CITY'S PROPOSED PRE -DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan was prepared in compliance with the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Planning. Requirements of the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 provided by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan identifies the City's potential. hazards in the community, and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan includes a profile of hazard events, a vulnerability assessment, evaluation of mitigation goals and a plan maintenance process; and WHEREAS, the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division regulations require that the City hold a public hearingto solicit public comments prior to the approval and adoption of their Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA that a public hearing to solicit written and oral comments on the City's proposed Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan will be held on January 5 , 2004 at 6:30 PM before the Dubuque City Council in City Hall, 50th W. 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. ADOPTED this 15th day of December, 2003. Terry Duggan, Mayor ATTEST: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION: ESTABLISH A PUBLIC HEARING TO SOLICIT WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS ON THE CITY'S PROPOSED PRE -DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan was prepared in compliance with the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Planning Requirements of the Pre -Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 provided by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan identifies the City's potential hazards in the community; and WHEREAS, the Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan includes a profile of hazard events, a vulnerability assessment, evaluation of mitigation goals and a plan maintenance process; and WHEREAS, the Iowa Homeland Security and. Emergency Management Division regulations require that the City hold a public hearing to solicit public comments prior to the approval and adoption of their Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA that a public hearing to solicit written and oral comments on the City's proposed Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan will be held on January 5 2004 at f:10 PM beforetheDubuque City Council in City Hall, 50t W..13th Street Dubuque, Iowa. ADOPTED this 15th day of December, 2003. Terry Duggan, Mayor ATTEST: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk City of Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan This plan funded through the Iowa Emergency Management Division and City of Dubuque Prepared by the East Central Intergovernmental Association Adopted 2004 PRE -DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN Table of Contents Page Planning Process 1 Identifying Hazards 1 Profiling of Hazards 3 Floods 3 Repetitive Loss Information 4 FEMA National Flood Insurance - Insurance Claims and Policy Statistics 4 Flood Insurance Information 4 Preventative Actions Taken 4 Tornadoes 5 Preventative Actions Taken 5 High Winds .. 6 Preventative Actions Taken 6 Thunderstorms 7 Preventative Actions Taken 8 Hailstorms 8 Preventative Actions Taken 8 Severe Winter Weather 9 Preventative Actions Taken 9 Hazardous Materials, Human -Made Disasters 9 Preventative Actions Taken 10 Earthquakes 10 Preventative Actions Taken 11 Wild Fires Including Prairie and Grass Fires 11 Preventative Actions Taken 11 Extreme Temperatures 11 Preventative Actions Taken 11 Community Profiles (Community Assets) 12 Community Population 12 Community Structures 12 Critical Facilities 14 Structures 14 Outdoor Warning Siren locations 15 Dubuque Schools: Elementary & Secondary 15 Academic Colleges & Universities 15 Transportation Systems 16 Lifeline Utility Systems 16 Vulnerable Population Centers 16 Dubuque Preschools 16 Major Public Parks 17 Hotels & Motels 17 Mobile Home Parks 17 Child Care Centers 17 Description of Land Uses 18 Residential 18 Commercial 18 Industrial 19 Development Trends 19 Recent Developments - Subdivisions 20 Recent Annexations 20 Commercial Developments 20 Industrial Developments 20 Other Development Trends 20 Other Development 20 Comprehensive Land use Plan 21 Hazard Analysis and Ratings of Hazards 22 Floods 22 Tornadoes 24 High Winds 26 Thunderstorms 28 Severe Winter Weather 30 Hazardous Materials and Human -Made Disasters 32 Wild Fires including prairie fires and grass fixes 34 Earthquakes 36 Extreme Temperatures 38 Matrix of Hazard Values 40 Pre -Disaster Mitigation Goals 42 Floods 42 Tornadoes 44 Severe Winter Weather 46 Hazardous Materials and Human -Made Disasters 47 Earthquakes 50 Wild Fires 50 Extreme Temperatures 51 Community Preparedness 51 Mitigation Strategies 52 Involvement of the Public 52 Consistent with Community Goals 52 Cost Effectiveness 52 Technical Feasibility 52 Consistent with Community Profile, Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment 53 Identifying Funding Sources 53 Select and Prioritize Mitigation Measures 53 Monitoring, Evaluating and Updating of the PDM Plan 53 Implementation Through Existing Programs 53 Responsible Parties 54 Continuing Public Involvement 54 Plan Adoption by the City of Dubuque 54 Tables Table 1 Identified Hazards 2 Table 2 Inventory of Assets 13 Table 3 Hazard Matrix with Cascading Values 40 Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix 0 Pre -Disaster Mitigation Planning Team Table B - NOAA Recorded Flood in Dubuque County Dubuque Flood Insurance Study - 1989 Dubuque Flood Insurance Rating Map Table E-1 Fujita Scale Table E-2 NOAA Recorded Tornadoes in Dubuque County Table F NOAA Recorded High Winds in Dubuque County Table G NOAA Recorded Thunderstorms in Dubuque County Table H NOAA Recorded Hailstorms in Dubuque County Table I - NOAA Recorded Winter Storms in Dubuque County Table J - NOAA Recorded Extreme Temperatures in Dubuque County Table K-1 Dubuque and State of Iowa Population Comparison Table K-2 Housing Units By Year Built within the City of Dubuque Critical Facilities map Vulnerable Populations map American Red Cross Designated Shelters in the City of Dubuque Dubuque Resolution# Adopting Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan THE crrY of DUB MEMORANDUM February 24, 2004 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual Assistant City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends City Council approval of the Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual prepared by City staff and CDM, the City's stormwater utility consultant. This Policies and Procedures Manual provides the guidelines and framework under which the Utility will operate. Specifically the manual covers procedures for stormwater billing, fee adjustments, financial assistance, credits and appeals. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Mi iel C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant city Engineer Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director " 7 c ti �`'.♦ � Yww MEMORANDUM February 20, 2004 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer _90 SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to present the Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual prepared by City staff and CDM, the City's stormwater utility consultant, to the City Council for review, discussion, and approval. This Policies and Procedures Manual provides the guidelines and framework under which the Utility will operate. In addition, the Manual identifies credits that may reduce a portion of a customer's Stormwater Utility Fee. BACKGROUND The City Council established a Stormwater Management Utility on February 27, 2003, pursuant to Iowa Code § 384.84(1), with the passage of Ordinance No. 7-03. While the Ordinance provides the mechanism for billing and payment, adjustments to fees, accounting for capital contributions, and establishes a Stormwater User Fee Fund, the Policies and Procedures Manual identifies and clarifies the procedures for updating a customer's billing data file. Specifically, the Manual covers procedures for: stormwater billing, fee adjustments, financial assistance, credits, and appeals. In Fiscal Year 2004, the City Council established two annual financial assistance programs within the Capital Improvement Budget intended to lessen the financial burden the stormwater user fee might impose on low-income residents and property tax exempt organizations. The financial assistance programs will be available as long as the City Council continues to budget, non -storm water utility fee funds to support them. In July, the City Council authorized the use of the low-income subsidy criteria used for refuse subsidies to be used for the stormwater utility fee. Therefore, a customer who meets Section 8 requirements, income is 50% or less than the medium income for Dubuque County, is given a 50% stormwater fee reduction. The Citizen Advisory Committee established by the City Council to discuss the City's stomiwater management program and how it should be funded, unanimously recommended that, "Credits shall be given to those properties that provide storm water management actions that reduce the City's cost of storm water management." A stormwater credit is a percent reduction in a portion of a customer's Stormwater Utility Fee. For example, if a 20% credit is granted then the customer's stormwater fee will be reduced by 20%. DISCUSSION The Manual, intended for the Citystaff use, has five sections: Section 1 is an introduction with definitions, Section 2 establishes guidelines for customer account management, Section 3 describes fee adjustment procedures and financial assistance programs, Section 4 discusses credits, and Section 5 outlines the appeal process. Of the five sections, the credit section necessitates the most discussion. When the Stormwater Management Utility was passed in February of 2003, City staff promised to develop a policy that would provide up to a 50% credit for customers that take actions that reduce the City's cost to manage stormwater. The Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual specifically identifies the activities that warrant a credit and how much the credits will be. Moreover, the Manual provides the necessary forms and guidance for staff and customers to facilitate an efficient application and review process and ensure that the policy is applied equitably. City staff intends to keep the credit application process as simple as possible, employing principles of equity and reason. The credit policies have been developed to strike a delicate balance between simplicity, effectiveness, and equity. When discussing stormwater credits it is important to recognize that the Stormwater Management Utility is similar to the water, refuse, and sanitary sewer utilities in Dubuque. In each case, the City is providing citizens with a service and the customer's fee for the service is based on the cost to provide the service. While the water utility fee is established by measuring the cubic feet of water used by the customer and the refuse utility charge is based on the size and number of trash receptacles, the sanitary sewer fee is based on the measurement used by the water utility. And, the stormwater utility fee is based on a measurement of hard (impervious) surface areas. While the fairest way to establish a customer's stormwater contribution is to measure the rainwater that runs off each customer's property, it is cost prohibitive. Similarly, the sanitary sewer utility does not measure the actual amount of wastewater that each customer generates. Therefore, the stormwater utility makes use of a compromise by using the measurement of hard surface area to establish a customer's fee. A credit can increase the equitability of the utility fee because more than the amount of impervious area dictates the amount of rainwater that runs off a customer's property. Typically, residential customers do not have the necessary land or resources to implement, operate or maintain meaningful or quantifiable stormwater management facilities. Moreover, the City does not have the means to regulate or oversee individual residents to ensure that a credit is valid. For example, while the City could issue a credit for the use of a rain barrel, the City would be unable to verify that a rain barrel is installed properly or that it is empty prior to each rain. Therefore, only nonresidential customers are eligible for credits. Facility and Activity Credits The City's Stormwater Management System is funded through various sources, including the Dubuque Racing Association distribution, the general fund, bonds, fees, and the Stormwater User Fee. The City allocates money from each source to activities or facilities associated with stormwater management. Facility and activity credits are available if a customer's activity or facility is associated with City activities or services funded by the user fee. For example, although a customer might reduce the City's cost to maintain the floodwall by removing debris along the Mississippi River, a stormwater fee credit is not warranted because stormwater user fees are not used by the City to operate and maintain the floodwall. Table 1 is a summary of Facility and Activity credits, user fee funded activities categorized into the various components of the stormwater management system: administration, billing, operations and maintenance, Capital Improvement Program and NPDES program. Table 1. Summary of Facility and Activity Credits - Facility and Activity Credits Max. Credit Operation & Maintenance Catch Basins Generally, the maintenance of a catch basin requires annual inspection and sediment removal. Cleaning requires a vacuum truck and/or climbing into the catch basin. Climbing into the catch basin is a confined space entry, requiring specific safety training per the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). 10% Storm Sewer Maintenance of the storm sewer system consists of inspection, cleaning, and general repairs. If a customer has the resources to inspect, clean and repair a public storm sewer on private property, the customer may be eligible for a Storm Sewer credit. 21 70 Manholes The maintenance of manholes involves biannual inspection and cleaning and repairs as needed. If a customer has the resources to inspect, clean and repair a public storm manhole on private property, the customer may be eligible for a Manhole credit. 3% Culverts/ Bridges Culverts and bridges provide conveyance for stormwater under roads and other structures. If a customer has the resources and expertise to inspect, clean, or repair a culvert or bridge the customer may be eligible for a Culverts/Bridges credit. 1 % Creeks/ Streams If a customer has the capabilities to remove sediment and debris from a creek or stream the customer may be eligible for a Creeks/ Streams credit. 1 % Capital Improvement Program Future Projects (Debt Relief) Capital improvement projects are projects built to improve the infrastructure or performance of the City's Stormwater Management System. While it is unlikely that a private citizen would be allowed to assist the City with implementing future facility construction or facility repair, under rare circumstances a customer may be eligible for a CIP credit. . 26% NPDES Public Education & Outreach The City will consider the maximum credit for public education and outreach and public involvement and participation tasks. Activities considered must be applicable to the program outlined in the City's NPDES Phase II permit. 4% Public Involvement & Participation 4% Direct Discharge Credit The purpose of the direct discharge credit is to increase the equity of the Stormwater Management Utility. The goal of the user fee -funding source is to have each customer pay a fee based on the customer's runoff contribution to the total that the City must manage. Because there is a lower stormwater management cost associated with runoff from private property that discharges directly into the Mississippi River, Catfish Creek, South Fork Catfish Creek, or Middle Fork Catfish Creek a credit is warranted. The credit is limited to 20% because the City remains accountable for all stormwater, originating within the city limits, that discharges into waters of the United States. Private NPDES Permit Credit Certain private industrial operations are required to obtain an NPDES permit directly from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The permit requires the industrial operation to implement measures to manage stormwater runoff to minimize the pollutants associated with the stormwater runoff that leaves the property. The credit is in recognition of unique industrial activities that have stormwater management costs above and beyond other utility customer costs. The maximum NPDES credit is 10% and is available for a customer who maintains an NPDES General Permit No. 1 or General Permit No. 2 for stormwater discharge associated with an industrial activity. Private Detention Basin Credit -- Peak Flow Preservation Current City policy requires that the peak flow of runoff from the site prior to development during 2, 10, and 100-year rains is preserved following development. The peak flow preservation credit is available when a customer has developed detention basin preserves. While the preservation of peak flows has been a requirement for developments that are an acre or more in size since the mid -nineties, an inequity arises between sites developed prior and those developed after the City's detention policy. Without detention credits, newer developments pay twice; once as an increase in development costs and the Toss of usable land and twice when paying the Stormwater Management Utility fee for services that, in part, result from poor stormwater practices on other customers' properties. The maximum peak flow preservation credit is 10%. A greater credit is not warranted because even though a developer preserves the peak flow, the largest volume of water leaving the site at one time does not increase as a result of development, the developer does not address the increase in the flow (other than the peak flow), volume, or velocity of stormwater runoff leaving the site. Private Detention Basin Credit — Peak Flow Reduction Another reason to offer a credit is to provide an incentive for a customer to reduce the need for the utility service. The peak flow reduction credit provides such an incentive for developers to provide more detention than is required by the City's current stormwater detention policy described above. A 4% credit is available for a twenty percent reduction in peak flows for each of the 2, 10, and 100-year rains resulting in a maximum peak flow reduction credit of 12%. Table 2 is a summary of stormwater fee credits. The City of Dubuque Engineering Division will accept applications from customers for credits. Applications (see Appendix C) will be made available in the Office of the Engineering Division. In most cases, engineering calculations are required to support credits. A registered professional engineer may be required to prepare some of the supporting application documents. Table 2. Stormwater Credit Summary. Credit Maximum Available Credit Facility and Activity Credits Operation & Maintenance Catch Basins 10% Storm Sewer 21 % Manholes 3% Culverts/Bridges 1 % Creeks/Streams 1 % Capital Improvement Program Future Projects (Debt Relief) 26% NPDES Public Education and Outreach 4% Public Involvement and Participation 4% Direct Discharge .Credit 20% Private Detention Basin Credit Peak Preservation Credit Peak Reduction Credit 10% 12% Private NPDES Permit Credit TOTAL MAXIMUM CREDIT 1 0% 50% RECOMMENDATION I recommend the adoption of the Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual and the procedures and policies established within. ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully request that the City Council approve the Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual and the procedures and policies established within. CC: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Michael Koch, Public Works Director Dawn Lang, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer ff6mg.A/L- Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual City of Dubuque, IA Winter 2003 Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual Stormwater Management Utility Policies and Procedures Manual Table of Contents Section Page TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION ... 3 1.1 DEFINITIONS 3 1.2 RESPONSIBILITY 6 SECTION 2 - STORMWATER BILLING 7 2.1 STORMWATER USER FEE FUND 7 2.2 UTILITY CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATION 7 2.3 STORMWATER USER FEE 8 2.4 BILLING AND PAYMENT 9 2.5 DELINQUENT CHARGES AND NON-PAYMENT PENALTIES 9 2.6 BILLING DATA UPDATE 9 2.7 SERVICE REQUESTS/DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICE 9 2.8 UTILITY BILLING GUIDELINES 10 SECTION 3 - FEE ADJUSTMENTS 11 3.1 SFU ADJUSTMENT 11 3.1.2 RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER 11 3.1.3 NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER 11 3.1.4 SFU ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION PROCESS 11 3.2 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ADJUSTMENT 12 SECTION 4 CREDITS 13 4.1 FACILITY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS 13 4.1.1 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION & ENGINEERING 14 4.1.2 OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE 14 4.1.3 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 17 4.1.4 NPDES 17 4.2 DIRECT DISCHARGE CREDIT 17 4.3 PRIVATE DETENTION BASIN CREDIT 19 4.3.1 PEAK FLOW PRESERVATION CREDIT 19 4.3.2 PEAK FLOW REDUCTION CREDIT 19 4.4 PRIVATE NPDES PERMIT CREDIT 20 4.5 CREDIT SUMMARY 20 4.6 CREDIT APPLICATION PROCESS 20 SECTION 5 - APPEALS 22 List of Tables paw TABLE 3 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COST ALLOCATION 16 TABLE 2 MAXIMUM FACILITY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS 18 TABLE 3 SUMMARY OF THE MAXIMUM CREDITS AVAILABLE PER PROPERTY 20 APPENDIX A - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ORDINANCE 7-03 APPENDIX B - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY FORMS, NUMBERS 1 THROUGH 7 APPENDIX C - STORMWATER UTILITY FEE CREDIT APPLICATION MEMORANDUM February 25, 2004 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan On January 5, 2004 the City Council approved the revised Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP) prepared by East Central Intergovernmental Agency (ECIA) for the City of Dubuque. This plan was reviewed by the State of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and was returned to ECIA with recommended changes. A review of these changes by ECIA and City staff indicates that they are minor and do not change the intent or purpose of any sections of our plan. Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Berger recommends approval of the amended City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan. 1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Thomas 1. Berger, Emergency Management Coordinator Date: February 24th, 2004 To: Michael C. Van Milligen , City Manager From: Thomas I. Berger, EMA Coordinator Subject: City of Dubuque Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan On January 5, 2004 the City Council approved the revised Pre Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP) prepared by East Central Intergovernmental Agency (ECIA) for the City of. Dubuque. This is an expansion of an existing plan that was previously prepared by ECIA and the City of Dubuque in 2001. The PDMP is a requirement for local governments to have in place prior to request federal funds (such as FEMA) for local disasters. As part of this process, ECIA has submitted our plan to the State of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and/or the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review and comment. This plan was reviewed by the State of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and was returned to ECIA with recommended changes. A review of these changes by ECIA and city staff indicates that they are minor and do not change the intent or purpose of any sections of our plan. The changes are mainly justification of the information we already provided to ECIA and they present the information in a different manner than we originally submitted. ECIA has amended our plan to include the new language and information to have our plan adhere to the federal requirements. After reviewing the proposed amendments to the plan, I feel that we should allow the minor changes presented in the document as the changes do not change the intent or purpose of any sections of our plan. Thank you for your consideration on this plan. Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan Planning Process The City of Dubuque has developed a local hazard mitigation plan in compliance with the Pre - Disaster Mitigation (PDM) planning requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2000). A planning team consisting of members of the City Council, representatives from City Engineering, City Planning, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, Ambulance, Emergency Management Services, Public Relations, and the regional Council of Governments. (See Appendix A for a list of team members.) The planning' process began with a review of the existing City of Dubuque Hazard Mitigation Plan of 2002. (In order to avoid confusion of these two documents, this document will be referred to as the PDM Plan.) The team met bi-weekly to further refine the document and provide greater detail in terms of historic data, vulnerability, risks and goals. Meeting notices and agendas were posted in advance of the meetings at City Hall. The public was encouraged. to attend the meetings and/or offer input via City Hall. Planning meetings and workshops were held on June 11, 2003, June 20, 2003 and December 23, 2003 for public input and comment during the drafting stages of the plan and a public hearing was held on January 5, 2004 for public input prior to approval and adoption of the plan.. All meetings of the PDM Committee are subject to and abide by the requirements of the Iowa Open Meetings laws. (See Appendix R for Iowa Open Meetings law.) The City of Dubuque will place on their local cable access channel and post at City Hall notices that copies of the City's Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan are available to the general public. The City will review the PDM Plan after its formal adoption and post all non -classified portions of the Plan on the City Website. Identifying Hazards The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River, where the eastern border of Iowa meets with Wisconsin and Illinois. It has a population of 57,538 and serves a region of 250,000 people. The City is the hub of several highways; four -lane US Highway 20 runs east - west, four -lane US Highway 61 runs northeast and south, US Highway 52 runs north -south generally following the Mississippi River and US Highway 151 exits Dubuque to southwest and northeast. The Midwestern part of the United States routinely experiences many snowfalls every winter along with spring flooding in the many rivers in this region as a result of spring snowmelt and occasional flash floods due to a combination of the somewhat regular thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls and the impervious clay soil found in this area. In addition tomadoes occur commonly throughout the Midwest in spring and early summer, although they have been known to occur at any time of the year. 1 Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan The Planning team identified several hazards that are addressed in -this PDM Plana The hazards were identified through the review of the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan, research of historic data from area newspapers, FIRM maps and additional GIS maps developed through the regional council of governments and valuation information from the County Assessor's office. This information was again used along with a vulnerability assessment was used to determine those hazards that present the greatest risk to the City. The following Table identifies the hazards that were identified as having a potential risk to the City. TABLE 1— Identified Hazards Hazard How Identified Why Identified Floods • Review of past floods • Review of disaster declarations • Identification of loss of past floods . • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • Public Input • History of floods • Review of FIRM maps • Associated with effects of thunderstorms Tornadoes • Review of past tornadoes • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • Midwest has potential Thunderstorms • Review of past thunderstorms • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • History, of thunderstorms • May result in flood • May result in tornado High Winds • Review of past high wind events • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • History of high wind events Severe Winter Weather • Review of winter storms • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • History of winter storms Human -made Hazards • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • 9-11 considerations • Presence of major 4-lane US Highway & state highway • Presence of major rail line in City Grass Fires • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • There have been rural grass fires in the county Earthquakes • Risk & Vulnerability Assessment • Building codes require all areas to consider earthquakes in design 2 Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan Profiling of Identified Hazards Floods The City of Dubuque borders the Mississippi River on its east City limits. The Catfish Creek; South, Middle and North Forks flow through the City and join at various locations emptying into the Mississippi River. The Little Maquoketa River drains easterly across Dubuque County north of the City limits; however has resulted in flooding within the City in past years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) increased its recordation of flood information in 1993. The recorded information now includes more specific weather data and reported flood damages. Recorded flood events in Dubuque County and across the state indicate several patterns of behavior. (See Appendix B for NOAA recorded data. Note: The NOAA data is reported on a countywide basis with cities referenced on some narratives.) The February floods result from- an early thaw of snow and an accompanying heavy rain that result in quick runoffs .over the still frozen ground. They commonly result in flash floods with advance warning of less than -24 hours. The floods are often exacerbated by ice jams resulting from the thawing and breaking up of ice in the rivers and streams. If there has been significant melting, it may only take small rainfalls to produce February and early March floods. Damages from late winter floods are almost always limited to property located near rivers. . Spring floods typically result from the melting of snow and typically are forecast well in advance. The National Weather Service provides advance flood estimates as much as a month in advance. However, these forecasts are revised with unanticipated temperatures and/or rainfall. Spring floods typically result in "repeat" property damages that . are properties that receive similar damage from every flood of significance and delay the planting of crops or damage early crops. Summer floods result from well above normal precipitation over an extended period of time and/or extremely heavy rainfall. Those occurring over the extended wet weather may allow for several days to. possibly two weeks notice of floods. Those occurring after extremely heavy rainfalls typically result in advance warning of less than 24 hours. Damages from summer floods may include any property as heavy rains of this magnitude create heavy ground saturation and commonly flood basements. They may cause significant crop damages as well depending on the maturity of crops, The City of Dubuque paid out no citizen claims due to flooding between January 2000 and May 30, 2003. However, the City has incurred infrastructure damage as a result of floods. Listed below are the damage costs that the City of Dubuque incurred for infrastructure repairs as a result of the storms and floods since 1993. 3 Dubuque Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan TO: FROM: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM May 12, 2004 The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Work Session - May 17, 2004 Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study Attached is the material for the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study Work Session scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2004, at 5:00 p.m. in the third floor auditorium of the Carnegie -Stout Public Library before the City Council meeting. The objectives of the Work Session are as follows: • Brief the Council on the evolution and status of the project; • Present the Council with preliminary recommendations developed by BBCAC; • Allow the Council and BBCAC representatives the opportunity to discuss the background and reasoning behind the preliminary recommendation; and • Obtain feedback from the Council on the preliminary recommendations. 2 Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer Dawn Lang, Budget Director fronbrigna IJ:1IE4 C.I AVIr =10 MEMORANDUM May 12, 2004 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: May 17th City Council Work Session for the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to provide a summary of the status of the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study in preparation for the Council Work Session on May 17th, 2004. The memo summarizes the progress of the project and the BBCAC process utilized for developing the preliminary recommendation. The Bee .Branch Citizens Advisory Committee (BBCAC) has been meeting since September 2003 to understand the problems and potential solutions associated with the Bee Branch flooding problem. They have recently developed a preliminary recommendation for an acceptable alignment and their desired solution to the Bee Branch flooding problem. WORK SESSION OBJECTIVES The Work Session is intended to accomplish the following objectives: • Brief the Council on the evolution and status of the project • Present the Council with preliminary recommendations developed by BBCAC • Allow the Council and BBCAC representatives the opportunity to discuss the background and reasoning behind the preliminary recommendation • Obtain feedback from the Council on the preliminary recommendations BACKGROUND On December 16, 2002, the City Council authorized City staff to issue a request for proposals to develop preliminary design and to conduct an alignment study for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th and Sycamore to 24th and Elm. On the 27th of February, 2003, the City Council adopted Ordinance 7-03 establishing the stormwater management charge of $1.29 per single-family unit. The charge was based on a twenty-five (25) year funding scenario for stormwater management that included the $17.1 million for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The adopted five-year Capital Improvement Program Budget included the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project with initial funding scheduled for Fiscal Year 2006. An RFP was presented to the City Council in March of 2003. The Council approved the RFP that identified the goals of the study to: 1. Establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway along its approximately 4,500-foot length (from the 16th Street detention basin to 24tt' and Elm) based on existing environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints; 2. Provide a preliminary design to a level that it establishes: a. What the waterway will look like at different locations along its entire length; b. How the waterway will function before, during and after rainstorms of different magnitudes; and 3. Work with impacted residents in the form of a citizens advisory committee to ensure that the recommended alignment location and waterway design are based on input from the neighborhoods impacted by the proposed open waterway. In May of 2003, the City Council approved the proposal review committee's recommendation to select CDM (with WHKS) to provide engineering and design services for the study. In August of 2003, the City Council established the roster of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (see attachment). PROJECT EVOLUTION AND BBCAC MEETINGS The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee has met five times since September. Project Objectives and Evaluation Criteria At the first meeting, discussion included project objectives such as solving the (Bee Branch) flooding problem, minimizing acquisitions, maintaining safety, preserving Comiskey Park, and preventing the Toss of jobs. In order to rank potential solutions, the Committee selected seven criteria that were used to establish a rank for each potential solution. In order of importance, they are: preserve local businesses and services, minimize property acquisitions, affordability, preserve neighborhood access and connectivity, minimize health and safety risks, and consider impacts to quality of life and the environment. Potential Solutions To better understand the source of the flooding problems and to help identify appropriate solutions, the committee asked the engineers to consider the feasibility of the open channel, more detention basins, a bigger storm sewer, runoff reduction controls, stormwater pumping, and various improvements to the existing sewers. CDM developed a computer model to analyze and develop a solution that safely conveys stormwater through the study area. in addition, the model is used to show how each potential solution/alignment is capable of eliminating or reducing the flooding problems. At the second meeting, committee members were shown that CDM's model generally reflects the flooding they saw in 1999 and in 2002. By the end of the second BBCAC meeting, committee members dismissed the use of upstream detention basins because they would require the removal of over 130 homes. Rain gardens, rain barrels, cisterns, and porous pavement were considered; but because of limited benefits, they are suitable only as a component of the final recommendation. Pumping and pipe efficiency improvements proved to be too costly, estimated to exceed $60 million. Therefore, the committee turned its attention to an open channel or relief pipe solution. Alignment Development At the third meeting, the BBCAC was divided into three working groups that were asked to develop potential project alignments. Three alignments were developed for a basic project "footprint". CDM evaluated these three alignments and considered 9 additional alignments to focus on the most appropriate alignment for a Bee Branch solution. The alignments were evaluated primarily in terms of commercial acquisitions, residential acquisitions and road closures. The 12 alignments were reduced to 1 primary alignment that was contingent upon resolving issues with the railroad and access to Audubon School. Alternatives The BBCAC asked CDM to evaluate both a pipe solution and an open 'channel solution for the selected alignment. The first altemative that the BBCAC analyzed is an open channel between 24th and Elm and the 16th Street Detention Basin. This is the principal solution that HDR Engineering recommended to the City Council at a cost estimate of $17.1 million (1999 cost). CDM produced a preliminary cost estimate of $29.7 million (2004 cost), later revised to $25.1 million, based on the selected BBCAC alignment. This altemative would require the acquisition of 65 homes and 13 businesses. The HDR Engineering Drainage Master Plan investigated multiple relief pipe solutions. One alternative consisted of five equivalent Bee Branch sewers running under various streets. This option did not require the removal of any homes or businesses and was estimated to cost $93.5 million (1999 cost). A second option called for rebuilding a larger underground pipe in the location of the existing Bee Branch sewer. While this estimate was Tess, at $57.1 million (1999 cost), it required the removal of approximately 50 homes and businesses. The second alternative that the BBCAC considered is a combination of a relief sewer and an open channel. The relief sewer would be built from 24th & Elm to the railroad tracks at Garfield and the open channel would be built from the railroad tracks at Garfield to the 16th Street Detention Basin. The relief sewer portion would consist of two (2) underground pipes ranging between 10-foot high by 28-foot wide and 10-foot high by 42-foot wide. This option would still require the acquisition of 64 houses and 14 businesses. CDM produced a preliminary cost estimate for this option of approximately $42 million (2004 cost), later revised to $41 million. Attached are typical cross sections of the open channel and relief pipe systems. PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting was held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on March 30, 2004(after the fourth BBCAC meeting). The agenda for the meeting was: 6:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. Open House This initial session was comprised of an open house much like an IDOT public information meeting. This open house comprised of displays and handouts. A five (5) page frequently asked questions handout prepared by Engineering staff (attached) and an acquisition/relocation process handout prepared by David Harris was made available. Comment forms were also available for written questions and comments. Stamped envelopes were given out to individuals who wished to comment after the meeting (see attached comments). 6:30 — 7:00 p.m. Proiect Background Presentation CDM Project Manager, Dan Lau, presented the history of the project and status of the alignment study. In addition, David Harris spoke about the relocation process. 7:15 — 8:00 p.m. Question and Answer Period At this time individuals were able to attend six different information stations to speak directly to BBCAC members, engineers and City staff about concerns and get answers to their questions. The majority of BBCAC members were present and helped answer many of these specific questions and concerns. 8:00 — 9:00 p.m. Public Input At this session, individuals were given the opportunity to step up to the microphone and express their thoughts, concerns and opinions concerning the project. Only two individuals opted to voice their opinions and these comments were tape-recorded, transcribed and presented to the BBCAC (see attached transcript). Sixty-nine (69) people signed the attendance sheet. The meeting was extremely beneficial to the citizens, BBCAC, CDM and City staff. The meeting atmosphere was highly conducive to providing citizens with the information they sought and providing the BBCAC, engineers, and City staff a better understanding of citizens' concerns. BBCAC MAY 3, 2004 MEETING A fifth meeting of the BBCAC was held to discuss resolution of the railroad and school issues, and to reach consensus on the final alignment, to evaluate the pipe and open channel alternatives, and to select a preferred alternative. The meeting produced the following: • Recommended project alignment • Preliminary recommendation for a preferred alternative Recommended Project Alignment The BBCAC unanimously selected the EIm/Kniest Alignment (attached) by voice vote, regardless of whether the open channel or pipe alternative is selected. This alignment was selected because it best met the evaluation criteria developed by the BBCAC in that it minimized the impacts associated with the loss of services in the area and also minimized the number of residential acquisitions. Preliminary Recommendation for a Preferred Alternative The BBCAC approved by a 12 to 3 paper ballot vote, the Pipe Alternative as its preferred alternative to address the Bee Branch flooding problem. This recommendation was characterized as a "preliminary recommendation" based on the information available to the BBCAC and without any knowledge of budget limitations that might be imposed by the Council". The intended use of this recommendation was to seek feedback from the Council on the affordability of the Pipe Alternative. There was considerable discussion on this issue with the minority position being most concerned about the possibility that project would never be implemented because of the $41 million price tag. The specific wording of the BBCAC recommendation was: "The BBCAC recommends the Council identify funding to construct the Pipe Alternative as the preferred alternative. The BBCAC prefers the Pipe Alternative because it preserves neighborhood accessibility, presents fewer health and safety risks, and enhances the quality of life." Contingent Solution The BBCAC discussed a contingent solution, the Open Channel Alternative, as a fall- back position if the Pipe Alternative could not be implemented. The BBCAC did NOT approve the contingent recommendation by a 7 to 8 paper ballot vote. The specific wording of the question was: "The BBCAC would accept the Open Channel solution as opposed to doing nothing, provided the Council has pursued timely, adequate and comprehensive funding for the Pipe Alternative". This question was defeated by a 7 to 8 vote. Potential Funding Impacts The proposed alternatives have preliminary cost estimates of $25.1 and $41 million. These costs are significant increases over the previous HDR cost of $17.1 million. The BBCAC asked about the potential change in the stormwater rate to pay for either the Open Channel or Pipe Alternatives. CDM has developed preliminary costs and the potential impact that these alternatives might have on the stormwater rate. The current rate is $1.29 per SFU per month. The majority of single-family property owners currently pay this fee to help fund Dubuque's Stormwater Management Program. The rate was established based on a twenty-five (25) year funding scenario that included $17.1 million for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. It was also based on the use of $5 million from the State of Iowa associated with the back taxes owed the DRA. However, the recent DRA settlement forgave the back -taxes resulting in a decrease in the projected revenue for stormwater management activities. Unless another funding source is found to replace the $5 million DRA distribution, replacing this lost revenue through bonding would necessitate raising the rate $0.50, from $1.29 to $1.79, per SFU per month to retire the debt. This potential increase was reported in the FY 2004 Citizen's Guide and in the Public Works' FY 2004 budget presentation. Table 1 outlines the potential impacts to the stormwater management rate based on the alternatives being discussed as part of the current study. These rate assumptions do not include access to any future federal funding which has proved difficult at best. Table 1. Potential Stormwater Rate Increase Comparison ALTERNATIVE Required SFU Rate to Fund Alternative Required SFU Rate if other Funding is Unavailable to Replace Unrealized $5MfromDRA $17.1 Million Open Channel Project (Original Estimate) $1.29* $1.79 $25.1 Million Open Channel Project (Current Estimate) $2.65 $3.15 $41.0 Million Open Channel/Relief Sewer (Current Estimate) $5.30 $5.80 *Current Rate The potential rate changes presented herein are preliminary and are intended for planning purposes only. While the original financial model was utilized to determine the relative rate differences, they are presented with the understanding that the City's budget resources change and that actual rate increases would be derived from an updated financial model produced by the City. Discussion of the BBCAC Recommendation There was considerable discussion in the May 3rd BBCAC meeting surrounding the recommendation and the contingent recommendation. Those that voted for the pipe solution were most concerned about the risks associated with an open channel solution that they perceived did not currently exist in the area or greatly exceeded the pipe solution risks. Those that voted for the contingent solution were concerned that nothing might be done if the pipe solution was unaffordable. In the end, the BBCAC agreed that the recommendation should be viewed as preliminary subject to feedback from the Council on the affordability of the pipe solution. Several members of the BBCAC agreed to attend and participate in the Council Work Session on May 17th to assist in developing a final recommendation. attachments Cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dawn Lang, Budget Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Harris, Director of Housing & Community Development Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Don Vogt, Operations & Maintenance Manager Bill Baum, Economic Development Director John Klostermann, Street & Sewer Maintenance Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer Dan Lau, CDM Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee Roster Name Association/Background Address 1. Long Range Planning Dr. Charles Winterwood Advisory Commission -Chair of CAC- 2. League of Women Voters 1555 Montrose Terrace 3. Sierra Club 4. Bee Branch Watershed resident 1. Community Development , David Shaw Advisory Commission 2 2. Assistant Manager of Eagle 2835 Elm Street Foods (1800 Elm) 3. North End resident Wayne Klostermann 1. North End Neighborhood 3 Association representative 2636 Queen 2. North End resident Dan Morgan 4 Audubon PTA 704 Lincoln 5 Jim Lansing Dubuque Board of Realtors 4029 Pennsylvania representative• 6 Michelle Harry 1. impacted resident 2. North End resident 2316 Prince Street Faith Kramer 1. impacted resident 7 2. North End resident 2362 Washington 8 Audrey Morey 1. Impacted resident 2. North End resident 2545 Elm Street Owns property at: John Gronen 2027 Elm 205 Washington g 1766 Plymouth Ct. Y 1. Impacted property owner 2015 Washington 2. Developer 2032 Washington 2042 Washington 2046 Washington Richard Sullivan 1. Soil Conservation District 2. Bee Branch Watershed 10 resident 817 Garfield 3. Senior Citizen Frank Miller 1. Sacred Heart Parish 2. North End resident 11 3. Professor of Physics (Ret.) 602E 22nd Street 4. Senior Citizen Pam Jochum 1. State of Iowa Legislature 2368 Jackson 12 2. North End resident 3. Impacted Resident 1. Impacted resident Irene Waltz 2. Impacted property owner 1552 Maple Street 13 3. Bee Branch Watershed resident 4. Senior Citizen Bee Branch CAC Membership 7/30/03 14 Laurie Bartolotta 1. Impacted Resident 2104 Kniest Street 45 Rita Brothers 1. Impacted Resident 2. Member of Washington Neighborhood Council 2130 Elm Street 16 David Fuerstenberg 1, Impacted Resident 2. Retired Deere worker 2259 Prince Street 17 Sue Denlinger 1. Impacted Resident 2369 Washington Bee Branch CAC Membership 7/30/03 (I) LL b 0 0 0 0 10 0 Lo 0 Typical Open Channel Cross -Section Typical Relief Pipe Cross -Section Stormwater related frequently asked questions March 30, 2004 Stormwater Frequently Asked Questions Question: What is stormwater runoff? Answer: Stormwater runoff is the rain that does not soak into the ground. It is the portion of rain that flows down streets, ditches, and creeks. Question: What is a stormwater management plan? Answer: It is a plan to solve drainage problems and prevent new problems from developing. Dubuque's stormwater management plan that pertains to flooding consists of two things: 1) A Stormwater Detention Policy that requires developments to construct detention basins to prevent new drainage problems and 2) The Drainage Basin Master Plan that recommends the construction of drainage improvements to solve existing flooding problems in the North Fork Catfish Creek and Bee Branch watershed basins. Question: What is the Bee Branch watershed basin? Answer: The Bee Branch watershed basin is the land that contributes rainfall -runoff to the Bee Branch storm sewer. Totaling just over seven (7) square miles, it includes land surrounding W.32"d Street, Kaufmann Avenue, W. Locust Street, Windsor Avenue, and the North End between Peru Road and 14th Street. Question: What is the Bee Branch storm sewer and where is it? The approximately two-mile long storm sewer originates at the W.32" Street detention basin. Traveling in a southeasterly direction, the sewer resides under buildings, running diagonally with respect to the streets, until it reaches 28th and Washington Street where the alignment begins to follow Washington Street. The storm sewer gradually increases from a 60-inch concrete pipe at W.32"d Street to a 20-foot wide by 12-foot high stone box near the old Dubuque packing plant. Question: What is a 100-year rainfall event? Answer: It is a rainstorm that has a 1 % chance of occurring each year. The predicted amount of rainfall associated with the storm was established looking at the rainfall records over the past 100 years. 1 Stormwater related frequently asked questions March 30, 2004 Question: What is a 100-year floodplain? Answer: It is the area of land that has a' 1 % chance of being covered with water each year. Question: How did the City identify the homes that are in the 100-year floodplain?- 'Answer: A computer program developed by HDR Engineering modeled the rainfall -runoff process and determined how the stormwater flows through the Bee Branch storm sewer. The model determined how deep the water would pond between the 16th Street detention basin and 32nd Street. The boundary of the floodplain was established using these elevations. The fact that a home has been identified within the boundary of the floodplain does not mean that it will receive flood damage during every heavy rainstorm. Question: Why is my home shown in the a floodplain when it wasn't flooded in 1999? 2002? Answer: A home can be within the floodplain boundary and be above the floodwater elevation. If this is the case, the home might not flood. The fact of the matter is that a • home could flood for a variety of reasons. The obvious way is that stormwater gets so deep in the street that it reaches the heightof a door or window and then enters into the house. -Basement flooding is more complex. Question: What causes basement flooding? Answer: Three (3) common things can cause basement flooding: 1) Water moving through the soil (groundwater) can enter -your basement through the floor and walls. This threat can be reduced using sump pumps and foundation drains or draintlle around the outside of the home; 2) Rainwater can get into the sanitary sewer causing it to back up into homes. Sanitary sewers are not designed to drain stormwater. The City takessteps to prevent this. Home inspections are done to ensure that downspouts or sump pumps are not illegally connected to sanitary sewers. Brokenand cracked sanitary sewers are repaired. Every year old -brick manholes are replaced with concrete manholes. .. Finally, drainage improvements are constructed so that the stormwater drainage system can drain more rain; and -2 Stormwater related frequently asked questions March 30, 2004 3) Rainwater on the ground can enter a basement through a window well. Placing covers over window wellscan reduce this threat. Question: What's wrong with the existing Bee Branch storm sewer? Answer: HDR Engineering determined that the existing storm sewer is unable to drain the rainwater from large intense rainstorms. In fact, 15% of all rainstorms will cause flooding and likely result in • flood damage. Question: Does the City remove debris from the Bee Branch storm sewer? Answer: City employees regularly inspect the entire two-mile stretch of storm sewer. Debris is removed on an as needed basin. On three separate occasions over the past four years, debris was been removed from different sections of the sewer. Two locations were identified during the fall inspection where debris has collected. Funds have been budgeted to remove the debris this summer. Question: Why not build more detention basins? Answer: Only two viable sites were found to build detention basins, an area just west of Carter Road, east of Eisenhower Elementary (referred to as the Carter Road detention basin) and the existing W. 32nd Street detention basin. Question: When will the Carter Road detention basin and W. 32nd Street detention basin be constructed. Answer: The Carter Road detention basin is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed by June 30th, 2004. The City has already purchased three of the homes needed to expand the W. 32nd Street detention basin. The improvements will be designed this summer with funding available for the construction next summer. Question: Why, not just build the Carter Road detention basin and the improvements to the W.32nd Street detention basin? Answer: While the two construction projects will significantly reduce the flooding between the Carter Road detention basin and 26th Street, over 900 homes & businesses will still be at risk of flooding. -3- Stormwater related frequently asked questions March 30, 2004 Question: Why not build a bigger storm sewer? Answer: While building an additional sewer could solve the problem, the cost is estimated to be between $12,000,000 and $40,000,000 more than the open channel option. Question: Why doesn't the City just dig the W. 32nd Street detention basin deeper? Answer: If the basin was dug deeper, water would just fill up to the elevation of the existing storm sewer, the Bee Branch, that drains the basin. Therefore, no additional storage volume would be available for runoff. The proposed W. 32nd Street Modifications Project involves the removal of homes around the basin and digging a basin twice as big as the existing basin. The improvements will be designed this summer with funding available for the construction next summer. Question: What is the BBCAC? Answer: The BBCAC is short for the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. The citizen committee members were appointed to represent the needs and views of impacted residents as the City seeks a solution to the North End flooding problems. Along with City staff, and an engineering consulting firm, the committee has been working on the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study. Question: What is the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment. Study? Many questions and concerns have been raised about the possibility of an open channel extending through the North End and Washington Street neighborhoods. The study is to determine: 1) What the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway • along from the 16th Street detention basin to 24th and Elm Streets based on environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints; 2) What the waterway will look like along its entire length; and 3) How the channel will function under different seasonal conditions. Question: When is the City planning to construct the open channel? Answer: The first available funding for the portion of the open channel between Garfield and the 16th Street detention basin is budgeted 4 • Stormwater related frequently asked questions March 30, 2004 for July of 2005. Purchasing property will be the first task and it is expected to take up to three years to acquire all of the necessary property. The portion of the project north of Garfield that would run up to Comiskey Park has not been budgeted. Pending the outcome of the Bee Branch Alignment Study, the City Council will consider budgeting money for the improvement. The project schedule depends on the funding. 5 COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 Received week of April 1, 2004 0A2 BEN HifIwm A-367 PR 1AlcEST, COM/-e' 0-J MENT: jtaAAV,IV, .°' 4 tte 04-1 Gtia4-41 0,pc, r.ht_.i6ef—dr cPP - COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING SA' 02134- /1 r c+Fel_ Lam' CL -M Eilt5 e »< [754 is ELj oA! &FH6-5 D 060 4)0E- COMMENT. Fulton School March 30, 2004 Dr2;t frmi/E-Aps r5x/;36- /t/7w- ,PEe/c5/04/ c5v Fgepzr xioL¢) Gt)%// l) Of" ;7Lni(L5 P6-BLS/a./VL5a Oa- ittfo— .0)/-m-7-},st th4-4-4--r; exp.!, 74- Air-54 6) 4 `- f -7),&" p u'Air .b24461\f e L-LD CAM) ATECE5.5,4g-ti->1 6-71-111 SbD COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 yer Croy Easy k1d Sl -k, COMMENT: -�- L.A.)6 JcI like a yna I C i outurf OP itt . c 4-a t. COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING 0_,g COMMENT: '70;ak Fulton School March 30, 2004 (�nfy(e,�y� Yide e E COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 6*--ie/e)Z-1 c',2777 Blq0 e9,i-Veh9Y COMMENT: &)//~745?-e7-e ,�i Sizee COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 /e eL' COMMENT: li d ' fi r✓ 6114i111/eZ, 360 c) fr42_ e ke.40, ic-z)`Lisle AiSo Le > Fern- gLai c -c s pAleko L9le COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30 2004 sOid.K ffoos tuAt4x1 ja, 6v71 4t(A+-e-- ,A4-o wat-t 1"s-6 fe,g4r-, ,,t/1-;\ /at-eite- e"dc)t5 COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 COMMENT: u\HIN•Lig vi IA w ill 14 O Ty\_,,\xtd u.Lk &Dv wo,v.m .6669K b.)-t4k1, 3 64 -7414N )11+1 -ak. DUO\ 5)$-kv) CM-kivv Oki IC .�A-Nkt Jo- cam_ Received week of April 1, 2004 COMMENTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Fulton School March 30, 2004 e3 - 1}3'/0 eharUbe. a 45 59 cl; a sr n COMMENT: Latex aia c 7-e_i• I am in favor of the open channel solution to the Bee Branch flooding problem. I have lived in several communities across the nation, even though most of my adult life has been spent in Dubuque. In all of those communities, the properties fronting on streams, rivers, and lakes were valued higher than other properties in the community. The view of an open channel that the engineering firm proposed is very attractive and I feel will accomplish several things. First, the open -channel solution is closer to the proposed budget, while the underground pipe solution could end up costing twice as much. I assume this would delay the project until funds could be gathered to cover the costs. I do not live right on the proposed route of the channel or pipe, but I am impacted by the flooding because I live at 2554 Jackson Street and in 1999 and 2002, my basement had seepage of ground water caused by this flooding problem. I was happy to hear that many of the projects that are intended to help this situation have either been started or are nearing completion. I have waited five years for the city to move positively toward a solution to this problem.. Secondly, any underground pipe solution, as discussed in the last BBCAC meeting, may limit the effectivity of the solution because the pipe presently available would be divided in half, not being large enough to handle the volume of water anticipated. The engineering firm agreed that this did cause friction and would inhibit the flow to some extent. Nothing was said about the open channel stopping any of the flow. Thirdly, there was no discussion about the time it would take for the underground piping to break down, as we all know piping will do over time. Although this was not discussed, it would appear that the open channel had very little to deteriorate over time. In the seven criteria, where is it stated that the solution needs to happen in a timely manner? Also, there needs to be a definite deadline for making a recommendation to the City Council, not a vague one. People respond best to a definite date. At the last meeting of the BBCAC, I sat next to a gentleman who lives right in the path of all of the alternatives. He knows that whatever the committee chooses, he will lose his house. He has already been asked to wait five years for a solution, as I have. However, he is in an even less tenable position, because it is less likely that he can sell his house to anyone. They know they wouldn't be able to keep that house as soon as acquisition starts. Also, he is being asked, as I am being asked, to put up with the basement water while these discussions continue. I know, since I have worked in a real estate office in the past, that the possibility of water in the basement is a negative when you are selling a house. Is this having a negative impact on the value of my property? I think it is. One warning I wish to raise. I see a danger in the underground pipe solution. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and lived within biking distance to a large underground pipe opening into an open channel. We kids knew of the dangers associated with walking up into that pipe — we knew if water should come rushing down, we would have no place to escape it. That only made it more attractive to us. We never went near the open channel. While either solution has possible dangers associated with it where children are concerned, I think the open channel has less danger based on my personal experience growing up. Charlotte Magee 2554 Jackson St PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING COMMENT: A l4 n A.A L - '4►1")\-• i,n(-as `l,g-t 'tom ��, , ,, \ *Z 2. 4 S i , C_..;00 Cso f r t>^ti- �-- `�'►- CIt,ot v\r C A ��►� DNS C_,\r Liv-oc• ice y am- © C `tl Qr 'Vaces: `w"C\ ivy Ernest Pfeiffer 2931 Jackson I'll be first, I ain't proud. You might say well he lives way up on Jackson, it don't really affect him. Yes it does affect me. I was talking to some of you people before about this drainage issue. They are doing it down in Texas because they are 2-foot above sea level they got to go with that, they are very very dangerous. When I was down there I looked at them and the water when the rain comes is very dangerous. You heard and seen on the news when kids got in the drainage ditches and drowned. We want to create the same thing in Dubuque, Iowa, I don't think so. This is a new century 2004 this ain't 1900. We got modem technology, modem equipment to make a new pipe line if you want to call it, water line if you want to. call it, sewer line, as to tearing down houses that people can afford. I was born and raised next to the Packing House, 16th & Maple, I seen kids almost drown down there and at one time a kid did, a young Urbain kid, before my time, I'm 61 years old, did die down there. My father saved a little girl from drowning down there, and that girl today when she sees my family she says, do you remember that day your dad pulled me out of that water? We don't need open lagoons, we can pipe that water. Bee Branch sewer, years ago when I can remember when they cleaned it out we had no problem, now you come down 24th Street and you have all kinds of problems now, why? There is something wrong, the City has neglected to clean that out properly, it needs to be done properly, do you understand? Getting back to the houses, people lived there, my dad lived on 16th & Maple for one reason, two reasons, it was close to work and he could afford that house. 1 retired from John Deere I could afford taxes for a house on the north end, south end, west end, these people live down here, my father couldn't afford a house on the west end, north end, south end, he had to stay where he could afford, I'm sure when you displace these people they aren't going to be able to afford it, there's no way. Why do you want to displace people that can't afford something later on in life? The Bee Branch, where it comes down to 24th Street why couldn't you run another pipe, a Y off of that and go with two pipes going into 16th Street detention basin instead of one? As far as the railroad tracks down there go, you got maps, you let people look at maps, they don't know much, they can't tell you much, they aren't map readers, if you take a person down there, 16th Street, Garfield Avenue, and let them look at that area, how flat it is, how easy it is to put a pipe down there or put a pipe down the middle of the street where the Bee Branch is now, today, it's all down the middle of the street if I'm not mistaken, you could still run it down Elm Street, I think I'm pretty positive it runs under the Packing House, if I'm not mistaken. When I was a youngster the Packing House wasn't as big as it was today, you know back in '42, which is when 1 was born. Conlon Construction Company, which was the main operator for the Packing House, kept building out and building out and building out. So that's why you got there what you got today. That's why they run the Bee Branch sewer under the Packing House years ago, when Harry Wahlert was alive they could do that and why can't you do that today, why do you have to tear peoples houses down and make an open lagoon for a death trap for a child? What is a child's life worth to you, to me? It's priceless. Somebody was saying a couple million dollars but it cost a couple of million dollars more, b.s. the City wastes millions of dollars. To me, why'd they even thought of it, I got my own reasons why they thought of it, cause they live up there on the west end, up on the hill, well I'll tell you one thing, I'm proud when 1 lived down in the flats and I'm proud now where 1 live today, I'm no better or any worse than what that man on the hill is, he puts his pants on the same way I do, one leg at a time. I ain't college educated but it don't take no rocket scientist to figure out where we're at here. Thank you. Dan Lau CDM Thank you for the comment, anyone else. John Mitchell 2320 Washington Street I appreciate what this man is saying but we have had a railroad track running up there for how many years, and the parents kept their children away from the railroad tracks. Now I had my basement full of water right to the rafters in '99 and I don't want to see it again. 1 had to replace everything in my basement from refrigerator, freezer, washer/dryer, furnace, hot water heater. My furnace and hot water heater were 2 years old at the most. I have nothing against an open water way, there will not be that much water in it in dry time. Like I say, parents are going to have to teach their children that when there is a rainstorm they shouldn't be playing in the damn thing, the way 1 look at it. I have children, I have grandchildren I don't expect them to be out there playing in it when there is a flood going through or whatever, but I just like to see something done. The part that 1 don't like is that if everybody pulls in a different direction, it isn't going to happen, it will never get done. I won't live to see it, Iwould like to see everybody try and get together on this thing so something gets done, I really do. That's about all 1 can say. Dan Lau CDM Thank you. Anyone else? I know I spoke to a couple of people who did have some questions of us and maybe they got answered at the stations, and I know that there were some people who had questions of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, and if you do have a question for them that you didn't get a chance to ask, you could ask that now and we could direct that question to them also, or specifically provide them with some direction for the next meeting, this would be an opportunity to do that also. Ernest Pfeiffer 1 got a question for you. Do you think this is ain't set in stone, that the City Council has predicted what they want to do? Dan Lau CDM The Council has basically provided a frame work to the Citizen's Advisory Committee that says, "we would like you to look at where you would place this solution an "open channel solution", that was their direction, to basically pick the best alignment to minimize impacts to the adjacent development and the existing property owners. The Committee wanted to maintain the pipe solution because they thought that would have minimal impacts so we continued with both alternatives at this point in time. The Committee, basically has been charged with making their own recommendation to the Council, and the Committee can recommend to do nothing, the Committee can recommend a pipe solution, the Committee can recommend an open channel solution at any location that they feel is best within the constraints that we have to work with and those are, we want to be able to provide a solution we want to be able to afford a solution, we don't want to have major safety impacts, we don't want any major property impacts, within all those kinds of constraints. Ernest Pfeiffer Right, I agree with you, but why was these people flooded out, why, because the City "failed to maintain Bee Branch sewer". Whether you like that or not, is immaterial, everybody knows what the City of Dubuque is like, they lived here long enough, that's history, what the City of Dubuque does, Pfohl, Hartig, and Chavenelle, and some other people, our forefathers run the City of Dubuque, what they did, and we got a bunch now, they think they're god, they aren't god, ya know, and like I said, 1 don't know why they want to get rid of this area down here, they consider it slum area degraded area, I don't know, I sure can't determine that, and t would say no, i think it is a very proud neighborhood, they are just as proud there as the rest of the west end, south end. We never had problems till they quit cleaning out the sewers, when they quit cleaning out the sewer system that's when we got the problems. It don't take a rocket scientist like I said before, if you clean something out, like your heart, your arteries you keep em' clean it's gonna flow, you neglect that heart, that one vein and you got a heart attack. Dan Lau CDM You make several good points, and one stations over there, when you look at the existing Bee Branch sewer and put a couple of feet of sediment in there you certainly reduce it's capacity and under certain conditions that could contribute to some additional backing up and some ponding. So I agree with you 100% there, however, when it comes to a major design event, like the 100-year event that we talked about, it doesn't have the capacity, it probably has as we showed, 20.50 percent of the capacity that it needs, we would still have the flooding problem, regardless of sediment in there or not. Ernest Pfeiffer Absolutely, now why is this problem created, because they took up on the hill, they took away the land, the grass, the soil to hold the water and put concrete on it, and what happens, water runs off of concrete it won't run off the grass. Dan Lau CDM Absolutely.... and Ernest Pfeiffer The City has created the problem, now they want to blame people here, you can't take problem A and give it to B down here. Dr. Winterwood ...(cannot understand due to the fact he was not speaking into a microphone) Ernest Pfeiffer Right, you could put a pipeline down there real easy. You were talking about the City, I can't remember now, but the, anyway with open lagoons, I really don't think that's the answer, I think the City neglected to clean the Bee Branch sewer out. They wanted to create a problem whether they will admit.to it or not, .99% of the people behind me know that they created the problem, and when they create problems its "lets fix it, lets do this lets do that", yeah. And the City of Dubuque ain't growing, somebody said the City is growing, we're not growing. A quick question for you guys, when was the last time there was a manufacturing industry brought into Dubuque? I'm 61 years old, I can't remember any, manufacturers like John Deere, Ford Motor Company, Caradco or them kind of places, there is nothing come in to Dubuque to bring young kids to Dubuque. My son and daughter-n-law went to Texas to get work, my grandkids are down there, I don't get to see em', why? Cause there's no Packing House no more, yeah know. Sure I agree with you, greed took over the Packing House. When Harry Wahlert was alive you never had them problems, but when his kid and his in-laws took over, then the problems were created. That's basically kind a what the City does, the City says well lets slow things down, lets create something here. think they stay up all night thinking of these things, ifs hard to say, you may think I'm a goofy nut but .....I Dan Lau CDM appreciate all your comments, and we probably can't solve all those ... Ernest Pfeiffer know, I ain't gonna cure the world tonight neither, your right, but by god I finally got a chance to put my two -cents in, I just wish there was a full house to hear it. usually attend a lot of Council meetings and I try to get my two -cents in but 1 might as well talk to the ceiling. Al Mosen was right and ...hated Al Mosen because he knew what the City was all about. and, ....Gordon Kilgore of KDTH, they cut his sound -off program off because he tried to help the City of Dubuque, City Council people, whoever, the higher echelon said no. Ya know..ya know.. Dan Lau CDM We appreciate your comments tonight and if you want to basically submit some of those and then there will be some additional time for public input down the road, one is if you want to basically go through any of the BBCAC members and bring that kind of a comment to our meetings. The other thing would just to attend the Council meeting or contact your Councilman or Councilwoman. The finally, the last thing is we anticipate another Public Information Meeting down the road, after our Committee comes to a preliminary recommendation, to basically get the word out in terms of where we think we are going to head. Ernest Pfeiffer I know Irene Waltz, she lives on 15th & Maple, I live on 16th & Maple. Another gentlemen here that is on the Committee and they, them two people I talked to are definitely for the for the piping,...so you watch, the whole Committee could be for the piping, and I think the City already has their mind made up. Thank you. Dan Lau CDM Thank you for your comment. Anyone else? Well as I said I think there will be other opportunities down the road if you kind of watch the newsletter for how things progress. We will definitely get the word out..... Deron.. Deron Muehring If you are not getting the newsletter, come to me and I will put you on a special mailing list. Some properties might not be getting them... Dan Lau CDM If 1 could close, I guess I should close, we just appreciate you all taking the time to come out tonight. I know 1 observed some really good interaction back and forth and I would guess that the Advisory Committee members also got some good feedback from you and got an opportunity to interact with where they are headed, what they are thinking and what some of your concerns. We appreciate that input feedback and that was really one of our objectives of the meeting. thank you very much for coming and wish you a good night and we will see you again in another couple of months. Thanks so much. Page 1of1, Subj: Bee branch Date: 9/19/2004 12:20:17 PM Central Daylight Time From: Jldbartl To: rbuoll@mchsi.com;aem10@mchsi.com;danielenicholson@mchsi.com;jmarkham@comerenergy.com;jconr Dear mayor, and council members: I am writing you in regard to the Bee Branch Project. I was a member of the BBCAC board, It was my understanding that our primary role was to give input on the alignment process,not to come up with a solution. As a commitee we did that As a commitee we did discuss several options in respect to solutions, including natural options such as geothermal and even rain forest -gardens, unfortunately these options would not obtain the maximum stormwater reduction that we need. Therefore the open channel and pipe option were decided on. As a citizen who experiences flooding and foundational damage during heavy rains . I implore the council to move on this issue and not to table it any more. We as homeowners have done what we can do . In my neighborhood my neighbors and myself have down waterproof patching ,sub pumping , restructured our sidewalks to realign the flow of water, but our efforts are not enough . The water still comes. One of the concems about the open channel was health issues. In my house we are experiencing more colds , allergy flareups,and asthsma flareups, due to the mold spores and fungas problems that occur because of the dampness. We run a dehumidfler everyday nite and day in our basement to help with this problem. When it rains and my husband goes down to work on the flooding 1 am always worried about him getting hurt by electrocution or just slipping and falling. He is careful but it could happen especially If it has been a heavy rain. I know that funding is a problem but it is a problem for every situation in life. I love the neighborhood I live in . I've lived here for 6 years,but our house needs work done on it. Its hard to make any decisions when we don't know the outcome of whets going to happen down here . My husband and i take pride in our home and we have made many improvements in the years we've lived here to make it nice. I am asking you to make a decision so that we can get on with our plans and dreams . I thank you for your time and consideration. You may contact me at my e-mail address Jldbart1 @wmconnect,com or phone me at home 557-6273 Sincerely, Laurie Bartolotta 2104 Kniest Street Dubuque, is 52001 CL1 • • t Sunday, September 19, 2004 Wa1-Mart Connect: Jldbartl finalReport SAVE For Upcoming Work Session I hereby certify that this engineering document was prepared by me or der rect personal supervision and that I am a duly licen a si al Engineer under the laws of the State of Iowa, Daniel H. Lau, P,E. License number 10398 My license renewal date is December 31, 2005. Pages or sheets covered by this seal: Entire Report 3 Date Contents 1 i e 1 r I i I i i Contents Section 1- Background 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Bee Branch Drainage Basin 1.3 Existing Bee Branch Sewer 1.4 Previous Studies 1.5 Purpose of Study 1.5.1 Citizen Advisory Committee 1.5.2 Scope of Work 1.6 Report Organization 1-1 1-1 1-4 1-6 1-8 1-9 1-9 1-10 Section 2- Design Criteria 2.1 Introduction 2-1 2.2 Background 2-1 Section 3- HydroIogic and Hydraulic Analysis 3.1 Introduction 3-1 3.2 Model Selection 3-1 3.3 Hydrology 3-1 3.3.1 Study Watershed 3-2 3.3.2 Rainfall 3-2 3.3.2.1 Rainfall Depth and Distribution 3-2 3.3.2.2 Critical Duration Analysis 3-4 3.3.2.3 Design and Historical Storm Events 3-5 3.4 Hydraulics 3-5 3.4.1 Model Representation 3-6 3.4.2 16th Street Basin and Mississippi River 3-6 3.5 Validation 3-10 3.6 Existing Conditions Performance . 3-11 3.7 Design Storm and Outlet Condition 3-11 3.8 Freeboard Criteria 3-12 Section 4- Alternative Analysis 4.1 Introduction 4-1 4.2 Overview of Coordination 4-1 4.2.1 Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee 4-1 4.2.2 Technical Support Committee 4-2 4.3 Evaluation Criteria 4-2 4.4 Alignment Development & Evaluation 4-5 4.5 Alternative Development Sr Evaluation 4-5 CDM I aecument code Table of Contents Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study 4.5.1 Open Channel Alternative 4-5 4.5.1.1 Hydrology and Hydraulics Analysis 4-7 4.5.1.1.1 Model Representation. 4-7 4.5.1.1.2 Design Condition Results 4-7 4.5.2 Pipe Alternative 4-8 4.5.2.1 Hydrology and Hydraulics Analysis 4-9 4.5.2.1.1 Model Representation 4-9 4.5.2.1.2 Design Condition Results 4-9 4.6 Final Recommendation 4-10 4.6.1 Preferred Alignment Recommendation 4-11 4.6.2 Channel Alternative Recommendation 4-11 Section 5- Preliminary Design 5.1 Introduction 5-1 5.2 Channel Alignment 5-1 5.3 Open Channel Concept 5-3 5.3.1 Low Flow Channel 5-5 5.3.2 Channel Treatment .... 5-6 5.3.3 Over -bank Areas 5-7 5.4 Streets and Roadways 5-8 5.5 Crossing Structures 5-11 5.6 Utilities 5-13 5.7 Geotechnical/ Environmental 5-13 5.7,1 Geotechnical Investigations 5-14 5.7.1.1 Subsurface Conditions 5-14 5.7.1.2 Slope Stability 5-15 5.7.1.3 Groundwater Levels 5-15 5.7.1.4 Groundwater Seepage 5-15 5.7.2 Environmental Investigation 5-16 5.8 Other Considerations 5-17 5.8.1 Property Acquisition 5-17 5.8.2 Historical Structures 5-19 5.8.3 Permitting 5-19 5.8.4 Project Extents/Limits 5-19 5.8.5 Existing Bee Branch Sewer 5-20 5.8.6 Project Staging 5-20 5.8.6.1 Segment 1... 5-20 5.8.6.2 Segment 2 5-22 5.8.6.3 Segment 3 5-22 5.8.6.4 Optional Contracts 5-22 5.9 Estimate of Probable Cost 5-23 i1 1 r A t A t 1 Table of Contents See Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study Appendices Appendix A Design Criteria Appendix B Hydrologic Model Event- Critical Duration Analysis Appendix C BBCAC Meeting Protocols (9/11/2003) Appendix D BBCAC Meeting Dates Appendix E BBCAC Meeting Presentations Appendix F BBCAC Meeting Newsletters Appendix G BBCAC Meeting- Alignments and Alignment Ranking Appendix H BBCAC Chairmen- Council Letter (6/30/2004) Appendix I Index and Legend- Preliminary PIans Appendix J Channel Typical Sections- Preliminary Plans Appendix K Channel Plan and Profile Drawings- Preliminary Plans Appendix L Street Plan and Profile Drawings- Preliminary Plans Appendix M Structure Crossing Typical Sections- Preliminary PIans Appendix N Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Report (March 15, 2004)- Terracon Appendix 0 Environmental Investigation Appendix P Estimate of Probable Cost Appendix Q Bibliography !f! ;-4 1- t V_ • = .• 1.. - •, 4 t.! • T` • "t•' ' r 1 " t 4'1 5 • -- • '..-, ' . • - • 1. . ., 2 .. • , • .•• 4-, - iif THE CITY OP DUB MEMORANDUM December 15, 2004 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending adoption of the alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, including modifying the existing building permit moratorium. He further recommends adoption of the elements and concepts outlined by the preliminary design, including the amenities. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. I Milligen gen hael C. Van MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer THE CITY OF Dui MEMORANDUM December 14, 2004 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer . SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to seek acceptance of the elements of the preliminary design for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project produced by the City's consultant CDM. BACKGROUND On November 1, 2004 the City Council approved the inclusion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Phase II (between Garfield Avenue and 24th Street) as part of the Drainage Basin Master Plan and directed that a work session be scheduled. A City Council work session was held on December 13, 2004 to discuss the preliminary design elements of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Discussions revolved around the open waterway alignment, appearance, performance, and impacts to existing infrastructure. The alignment in the vicinity of the Smithfield property was also discussed. Local developer Wayne Briggs informed the City Council that his organization has a signed purchase agreement from Smithfield Foods Inc for the property and that the alignment west and south of the property best suits the needs of his organization. The southwest alignment was the alignment recommended by CDM. DISCUSSION Alignment The attached Figure 5-6 shows the alignment initially recommended by the BBCAC (presented to the City Council at the May 17, 2004 work session) and recommended by CDM at the December 13, 2004 work session. It should be noted that the BBCAC's final recommendation was the northeastern alignment around the Smithfield property. However, they indicated that either the northeast or southwest alignment was acceptable, leaving it to the discretion of the City Council. The BBCAC and CDM recommend the preferred alignment primarily because it best met the top three criteria established by the BBCAC: preserve commercial & non- commercial services, minimized residential property acquisitions, and minimize the Page 1 of 5 project cost. The preferred alignment impacts sixty-five (65) residential homes and fifteen (15) non-residential buildings (see 5-6). Total acquisition and demolition would be required on fifty-seven (57) of the eighty properties. On the other twenty-three (23) properties, a house or building is not impacted. Therefore, an easement or partial property acquisition may be all that is required. There are an additional fourteen (14) properties without structures that would also be impacted. Engineering recommends the establishment of the alignment shown in Figure 5-6 for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, the repealing of the existing building permit moratorium set to expire on July 1 of 2005, and establishment of a building permit moratorium for the recommended alignment. Appearance The preliminary design outlines a 150 to 180-foot wide project corridor consisting of a 15 to 25-foot wide low flow channel, a 60 to 70-foot wide flood channel bottom, a 30-foot wide channel side -slope section, and a 15-foot wide overbank area. Figure 4 identifies the elements of the restored creek. Meandering through the flood channel bottom, the low flow channel would have sides approximately four feet high made of cut quarry stone (preferred by the BBCAC) and a bottom constructed of articulated block matting. Quarry stone would provide the desired creek bank stability with an appearance approaching that of a natural creek. Articulated block matting was chosen because it effectively balances aesthetics, functionality, and cost. Its use will also minimize the cost of future maintenance. Although the specific landscaping plan will not be known until the final design, the preliminary design calls for a mixture of taller prairie and ornamental grasses with a mixture of wildflowers to make up the balance of the relatively flat flood channel bottom. Turf grass will likely make up the majority of the 4-foot horizontal to 1-foot vertical (25%) channel side -slopes. Besides the landscaping described above, the preliminary design includes landscaping in the overbank area that would consist of medium to high canopy trees such as ash, maple, or birch trees; bushes; planters as shown in Figure 2 near the bridge; light fixtures; benches; and the incorporation of the Heritage Trail through the area. Cost estimates include adequate funding to construct bridge structures with a rustic stone appearance similar in pattern to local limestone outcroppings. Page 2 of 5 Figure 1. Elements of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Included in the Preliminary Design Prepared by CDM. Structures (Bridge/Culverts) Included in the preliminary design and the associated cost estimate are bridge structures at 2491 Street, 22nd Street, Rhomberg Avenue, 16th Street, and Sycamore Street. Figure 5-5 shows the bridge structures included in the preliminary design for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. To meet the needs of Audubon School, the preliminary design includes the construction of a new street between Lincoln Avenue and Rhomberg to accommodate traffic to and from Audubon School. RECOMMENDATION Based on the results of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study, Engineering recommends: 1. Establishing the entire alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project as outlined in Figure 5-6; 2. Rescinding the existing building permit moratorium set to expire in July of 2005 and establish a new building permit moratorium for the properties impacted by the alignment shown in Figure 5-6; and 3. Including the elements and concepts outlined by the preliminary design, such as the number of bridge structures and level of funding for amenities, in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BUDGET IMPACT CDM's estimate for the restoration of the Bee Branch Creek outlined by the preliminary design is $26,983,247. Based on the preliminary design and a 10-year funding plan with inflation, the cost for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th Street to 24th Page 3 of 5 Street is estimated to be: Item Cost Property Acquisition $ 9,200,000 Utilities $ 1,172,100 General $ 667,500 Open Channel $ 4,951,300 Roadways $ 194,800 Bridges/Culverts $ 5,243,700 Additional Amenities $ 1,058,000 Contingency / Design $ 4,896,800 Inflation (3% FY05- FY13) $ 4,379,500 TOTAL $ 31,763,700 Tasks FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 Engineering Design Permitting MUMMATIII Acquisition Consulting Parcel Acquisition Construction Table 1. Proposed Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Funding Scenario Following the adoption of the DBMP, the City Council adopted the FY 2003 to FY 2008 Capital Improvement Program budget; it included funding for the Carter Road detention basin, the W. 32nd Street detention basin, culvert and channel improvements for the North Fork Catfish Creek watershed, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The formation of a stormwater utility fee was to help finance the projects. In the spring of 2003, the City Council adopted the funding scenario we are currently operating under, one that includes revenue from the stormwater utility. Because the project cost for the Bee Branch Creek project has changed, adequate funding for the project is not provided for in the current funding scenario. The establishment of funding for the project will be considered as part of the annual budget approval process currently underway for Fiscal Year 2006. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I request that the City Council adopt the following: 1) Resolution adopting the entire alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project as outlined in Figure 5-6; 2) Ordinance No. 50-04 and amending the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 Buildings and Building Regulations by adding a new Section 11-58.5 adopting a moratorium on the issuance of building permits for commercial and new residential Page 4 of 5 construction in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study Area; and 3) Resolution approving the elements and concepts outlined by the preliminary design, such as the number of bridge structures and level of funding for amenities, in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. attachments cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dawn Lang, Budget Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Bill Baum, Director of Economic Development David Harris, Director of Housing & Community Development Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Don Vogt, Operations & Maintenance Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer it Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee CDMNVHKS Page 5 of 5 RESOLUTION NO. APPROVING THE ENTIRE ALIGNMENT OF THE BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Whereas, approving the establishment of the entire alignment of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project in the City of Dubuque; and Whereas, the City Council deems that it is in the best interest of the City to adopt the entire alignment of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project as outlined in Figure 5-6. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The attached alignment of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, as outlined in Figure 5-6, be approved. Passed, approved and adopted this _ day of 2004. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk Sources: Dubuque Area Geogaphic lnbrmation Systems (DAGIS), dated May 2000 11-IE CITY OF Dus 500 Feet BEE BRANCH RESTORATION ALIGNMENT STUDY STRUCTURE CROSSINGS DATE: SEPT. 2004 FIGURE No. 5-5 A ORDINANCE NO. 85-04 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 50-04 AND AMENDING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 11 BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 11-58.5 ADOPTING A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS FOR COMMERCIAL AND NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN THE BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION ALIGNMENT STUDY AREA Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa is undertaking a study of an alignment for the proposed Bee Branch Restoration Project in the City of Dubuque between 24th Street and the 16th Street Detention Basin, which will include the acquisition of property necessary for said project; and Whereas, the City Council believes that it is in the best interest of the City and its citizens to minimize the inconvenience and disruption to property owners in the study area and to minimize property acquisition costs for the construction of the Bee Branch Restoration Project and that a moratorium for the study area should be adopted; and Whereas, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 50-04, providing for a moratorium, which Ordinance should now be repealed and a new moratorium adopted in lieu thereof. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Ordinance No. 50-04 is hereby repealed. Section 2. The City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Buildings and Building Regulations are hereby amended by adding the following new section: Section 11-58.5 Moratorium Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Area. The Building Official shall not issue any permit for any commercial construction or for any new residential construction, including a new house or new garage, but not including demolition and emergency repairs, without the approval of the City Council, in the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment area as shown on the map on file in the office of the City Clerk, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, during the period from the effective date of this ordinance until July 1, 2010, except where a vested right to the issuance of such permit accrued prior to December 19, 2003. Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication, as provided by law. Passed, approved and adopted this 20th day of December 2004. Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk T rance M. Duggan, '':; or RESOLUTION NO. APPROVING THE DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CONCEPTS AS OUTLINED BY THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Whereas, approving the design elements and concepts as outlined by the preliminary design for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project in the City of Dubuque; and Whereas, the City Council deems that it is in the best interest of the City to approve the design elements and concepts as outlined by the preliminary design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The design elements and concepts as outlined by the preliminary design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project be approved. Passed, approved and adopted this day of 2004. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk June 30, 2004 The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 Subject: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Bee Branch Citizens Advisory Committee Recommendations Honorable Mayor and City Council Members: Over the course of the past ten months the Bee Branch Citizens Advisory Committee (BBCAC) has met six times with City staff and the City's consultant to discuss the Bee Branch watershed drainage problems and evaluate alternatives and alignment options. The objectives of the BBCAC were to: • Establish the optimum alignment; • Provide input on what the waterway will look like and how it will function; and • Select an acceptable solution which reflects the overall desire of the community Ali2nment Recommendation By unanimous vote, the BBCAC has established the preferred alignment (see attachment) as starting just north of the intersection of 24th Street and Elm Street and proceeding southeasterly along Elm Street to 22ad Street, where the alignment runs parallel to and on the north side of Kniest Street. The alignment continues southeasterly until it crosses the IC&E railroad. Downstream of the railroad, there are two- alignment options: Alternative alignment 2 (west and south of the meat packing facility); and an alternative alignment suggested by a Council member (north and east of the old Dubuque Packing Company /FDL buildings). The BBCAC is comfortable with City staff evaluating and selecting the optimum alignment between the railroad and the 161 Street Detention Basin. The BBCAC's preferred alignment is to the north and east of the "Pack" unless cost, environmental, or future development considerations make this alignment less advantageous as the previously selected alignment to the south. The BBCAC preferred alignment would have less impact on residences and existing local services. The BBCAC deferred the alignment decision to City staff.City staff and the Consultant anticipate being able to make a recommendation on this portion of the alignment within 2 months. Honorable Mayor and City Council Members June 30, 2004 Page 2 Moratorium Recommendation While City staff and the Consultant are evaluating this alignment alternative, the BBCAC recommends that a moratorium be established for both alignments until July 1, 2005. Once the evaluation of the lower alignment has been completed, the moratorium should be revised to reflect the final preferred alignment. Drainage Improvement Recommendation The BBCAC met on June 24, 2004 to review and evaluate the preliminary recommendations presented to the City Council at the May 17, 2004 Work Session. There was considerable discussion about the impacts of the open channel solution compared to the high costs of the pipe solution. The BBCAC voted 8-6 to make the previous recommendation "final". Note that the previous vote, prior to the City Council work session, was 12-3. The recommendation is as follows: "The BBCAC recommends the Council identify funding to construct the Pipe Alternative as the preferred alternative. The BBCAC prefers the Pipe Alternative because it preserves neighborhood accessibility, presents fewer health and safety risks, and enhances the quality of life." Minority Drainage Improvement Recommendation The minority recommendation was made given the understanding that the pipe solution is preferred but may not be affordable for the City. Something must be done to address this problem and the open. channel alternative is a better option than doing nothing. The minority recommendation from the BBCAC is as follows: - "The pipe alternative was preferred but the open channel alternative should be constructed if the pipe alternative is deemed too expensive." Construction Timetable Recommendation The preferred Bee Branch drainage improvement should be constructed as soon as possible. Erosion Control Recommendation The BBCAC recommends that the City Council enact an Erosion Control Ordinance. Honorable Mayor and City Council Members June 30, 2004 Page 3 Multi -jurisdictional Watershed Management Recommendation The BBCAC recommends that the City pursue comprehensive multi jurisdictional watershed management planning for the drainage basins that across jurisdictional boundaries . Runoff Reduction Best Management Practices Recommendation The BBCAC recommends that the City encourage Best Management Practices for runoff reduction for development and redevelopment within the City. In general, the BBCAC agreed that there is a pressing need for something to be done with the Bee Branch and that the City must give it a high priority. The BBCAC recognizes that the final decision on the Bee Branch rests with the City Council, but feels that it is in the best interest of the community to resolve the ongoing health and safety risks that exist with the current flooding situation. We appreciate the opportunity to assist the Council in resolving this major issue that affects the City of Dubuque. Very truly yours, Charlie Winterwood Chairman Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee Enc: - Preferred Alignment Site Plan- 6/24/2004 cc: BBCAC Members CDM Gus Psihoyos, City Engineering The Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals t. 40, Creeks Are Coming Back Into the Light Persistence is paying off as communities work to uncover America's buried streams. By Donna Gordon Blankinship Patience can be a virtue in government work, especially when the project you want to complete is hidden from public view. For 60 years, students and staff at North Carolina State University in Raleigh have been walking and driving over Rocky Branch Creek without being aware that a portion of the waterway was buried in the 1950s to maximize avail- able land for building. A 1950s-era master plan called for Photos: North Carolina State University culverting all of Rocky Branch, and for 20 years the university worked toward that goal. But the operation was expen- sive, and the community became more aware of the effects of culverting in the 1970s, so the creek was never completely buried underground. Now, North Carolina Sea Grant (NCSG)—a partnership of various public agencies, including the university —is work- ing to reverse that environmentally mis- guided plan and improve the campus's stormwater-management program at the same time. Barbara Doll, water -quality specialist for NCSG, says it has taken about 10 years to get the money to begin construction on the project, but discussion been going on for many years. Workers on this and other projects involving "daylight- ing"—uncovering buried waterways —say that although money of the idea has for public works projects is as hard to come by as ever, gov- ernment officials and environmental activists are finally find- ing ways to get their hands on some of the money needed to complete the creek daylighting projects they've been talking about for decades. Doll says several strategies helped in obtaining the money for the mile -long Rocky Branch restoration. First, the project was divided into several small phases, which were easier to fund. Then, it became part of a very big construction plan (another master plan) for the entire campus. This helped bring the money to light, but added a new complication: con- struction timing. And the creek restoration is a very small part of a big construction plan. "On this last phase, we expected to be in construction about a year earlier, but they're putting in sports fields right next to the creek at the same time, so there were space is- sues that really killed us on time," Doll says, adding that the final stage, expected to begin in 2005, will be competing with gym construction next door. The daylighting part of the project will be stage three. Be- cause final plans have yet to be approved for stage three, Doll notes the amount of creek that will actually be daylight ed is not yet known, although it will range between 250 and 500 feet of the channel. The three-part project also includes expanding the floodplain, building a riparian buffer zone, and creating a walking path along the stream. Two-thirds of the $5 million project is being funded by the federal govern- ment and one-third by the State of North Carolina. Part of Doll's job was to build collaborative networks among agencies and to find creative ways to fund the work. The North Carolina Clean Wa- ter Management Trust Fund has supplied a grant for stream restoration, installation of stormwater filtration systems to treat runoff into the creek, a system to monitor the creek's stability, and relocation of a sewer line. An EPA grant was used to repair the up- stream portion of Rocky Branch, add an edu- cational campus greenway, and perform some environmental surveys. Federal Emergency Management Association money from hurri- cane damage to the area also helped pay for the project. The state Department of Trans- portation helped pay for the greenway path and some roadwork. The last stage of funding depends on approval of plans to mitigate the loss of parking on campus. Doll says she is getting calls from universities all over the country asking for advice about her success at grant requests. Other universities are also looking toward NC State for its leadership in stream -restoration projects. In a 2001 report as the project was just getting started, Charles Leffler, associate 30 Stormwater ■ January/February 2005 www.stormh2o.com Why. Daylighting? To make way for new development, urban planners in the 1950s and '.60s often "culverted" natural streams and creeks by .: routing them through channels or pipes and paving over them, Beginning in the-1970s the trend changed, and:today many.: such streams arebeing partially' or. completely uncovered, or""daylighted.".When it's"possible to da so, daylighting projects, might.re=establish a waterway fur its original channel: If existing development doesn't..allow that; a new open channel migh('',.` be routed between buildings; streets, and other structures. Why would a community go to the trouble and expense of daylighting a buried strearii?:.There .are sev.,era 1 reasons. Onrti_ of the.most urgent is that increased runoff resulting from new development becomes too great for:Die-pipes or undergroun channel to accommodate, leading to overflows and flooding; an open channel generally has.greater hydraulic capacity. ?' Sometimes it's simply a matter of saving money:.if a culvert collapses it might be cheaper to:open uptthe -waterway _than to', • rebuild., • The main benefits, however, have to do with water quality and the aesthetic value to the.commuriity. As Richard::: Pinkham points out in his article "Daylighting: New Life for Buried Streams (Stormivater, November%December.200I; �http://stormh2o.com/sw_01 1 l_daylighting.html k)), an' open, waterway thataccommodates aquatic and,rjparian.vegetation'car improve water quality through the plants' uptake of pollutants: A channel with an earthen bottom ,not encased iri:.a.p pe or.. '. Culvert; might slow runoff and allow infiltration. And communities generally value: water, and the. habitat. itsupports;:pro 5er ty values tend to increase around lakes, creeks, and streams,.... vice chancellor for facilities, noted, "This project is consistent with the mission of a land grant university —to lead the way for the nation in addressing major issues." The stream -restoration project will both increase flood storage on campus and improve the surrounding environ- ment. In 1978, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality classified Rocky Branch as the state's most polluted urban stream. Fifty years earlier, the creek and its banks were alive with fish, wildlife, flowers, and trees; it was a lively, deep creek heading toward a river that fed other waterways into the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to building collaboration around funding of the project, NCSG also worked with a number of partners to design the restoration plan, which includes wetland ponds and rain gardens to filter stormwater runoff. Students have been involved in several phases, including some initial overall designs by architecture students and signage by NC State's College of Design students. The signs will explain concepts of natural channel design and identify flora and fauna along the greenway. Hybrid Solutions Collaboration has been a key element in other creek day - lighting projects around the country, including the Thornton Creek project in North Seattle, WA. The creek is at a strate- gic location from a drainage standpoint, according to Miranda Maupin, senior planner for Seattle Public Utilities. It's at the base of a nearly 700-acre sub -basin. A gigantic mall parking lot and the water pipe underneath it have served as the area's stormwater "system" for years. Maupin says flooding Photo: Seattle Public Utilities www.starmh2o.com has not been a problem here, but water quality has been an issue. The creek has been identified by the state Department of Ecology as "a water body in need of some water -quality improvements," Maupin says. Development led to the creek being culverted under the parking lot, and development is part of the reason the creek is now being daylighted. For 15 years, stakeholders have de- bated the future of Thornton Creek, and development was stopped in the area until the problem could be resolved. Like most environmental and water quality projects in the Seattle area, Thornton Creek has gained a creative perspec- tive from public involvement in the planning process. Instead Standing Water? Nowhere to Drain? Mitered Drain'" Can Help. • Slopes drainage to flowline of pipe, not above it • Minimizes standing water • Maximizes use of bioswales • Increases surface water retention time • Available in 3", 4", 6", 8" and 12" sizes MITERED DRAIN" INCORPORATED //��I1//� 707-620-0606 www.mitereddrain.com info@mitereddrain.com Circle #77 on Reader Service Card January/February 2005 ■ Stormwater 31 of fully daylighting the creek, the city chose a hybrid solution. It will be restoring an open channel with water flowing through it year-round, plus maintaining a belowground drainage pipe to prevent floodwaters from over- whelming the creek. "What's unique about this proposal is the stormwater pipe will stay underground," Maupin says. "We'll divert the more frequent flows —the smaller flows —to the surface channel. The big storms will stay in the pipe. We'll keep the old system and add a new one." The project will also include native plant landscaping and a pedestrian walkway. "The other exciting thing is the com- munity enthusiasm around this project. A lot of the ideas came from a grass- roots effort," Maupin notes. "There was interest for a long time on the part of some creek activists to daylight the creek. The hybrid solution provided the best of both worlds." The project is estimated to cost $6.85 million, plus $375,000 to buy the land. The timeline for construction estimates a 2008 completion date. The t 1: Haw wlll Pn1/utlon Find/R" ftelp yoU eomplyT' Stormwater colleetton systems leak; seep or empty . into creeks, streams; rivers and lakes. Theirtlterm@I',• signatures vary from their' surroundings and canoe accurately, quickly and efficiently pinpointed troll! the air using Aerial lnfrated Irhennegrapha►s'- "raprietaryPallytion adlA":methpd..' .t r Aerial thermogiaph showing three outhals irum 1,500 n AGL (above groundievpf), FEB16/02,0137:2p.9R2,-05,9/01.02006F 0111,3519.255H.OBO99-079W, 95,t TS.209 F. .. Circle #66 on Reader ServiceCard project will be funded by property owners though drainage rates. Home- owners will pay about $100 a year for the project. Landscape architect Peg Gaynor, who recently won for Seattle a $100,000 Harvard University award for another stormwater project she did for the city, is designing the Thornton Creek project. Developers interested in building housing and retail developments nearby can now start taking steps toward those projects. "This is the next step in the re- vitalization of Northgate, improving the economic vitality of the neighborhood and the environment at the same time," noted Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in a statement about the project. About 670 acres of water currently drain through a pipe that is 20 to 25 feet under the parking lot, according to Maupin. The site is not really used for mall parking, but rather for special Photos: US Army Corps of Engineers events like RV shows and giveaways from yardwaste bins. It's adjacent to a major bus station, so it would be an ob- vious site for mixed -use building. Another hybrid daylighting project should be getting under way soon in Salt Lake City after about 20 years of discussion. Scott Stoddard, intermoun- tain representative for the US Army Corps of Engineers, admits that funding for this project has been put on hold because of the Army's other big project right now: the war in Iraq. Stoddard says there's a good possibility, however, that in the new fiscal year there will be money in the budget for the City Creek project. In 1910, 2 miles of City Creek were culverted in a pipe below North Temple Street in the central area of Salt Lake City. The culvert pipe was rebuilt in 32 Stormwater ■ January/February 2005 www.stormh2o.com 1983 after a big flood that was beyond its capacity. The area contains a 1.5-mile stretch of railroad right of way and rails that run through a mixed commercial and residential area that is described in a document about the project as being "in transition." The plan for City Creek, which will include moving the rails, daylighting the creek, and developing 12 acres of parkland and walkways, will be part of a city revitalization project, but it's being funded mostly by the fed- eral government. The City Creek project is being con- ducted by the Corps of Engineers un- der the authority of Section 206, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration and Protection, of the Water Resources De- velopment Act of 1996. Stoddard says planning of the project is in the feasibil- ity stage, but he feels confident the pro- ject would go forward as soon as federal funds can be released. It is a joint project of the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. "We have our fin- gers and toes crossed that when the fis- cal year starts that funding will be restored," Stoddard says. Although some residents and busi- ness owners in the area were at first ner- vous about the open -channel proposal, Stoddard says they changed their minds when they learned more about the hy- brid nature of the new flood control ef- forts and were assured that the city's old flood problems would not return. Because community support for this project is very strong, he expects that if the federal funding does not come through as planned, local government officials might start lobbying their con- gressmen for assistance. The local dele- gation has expressed support for the project, but they haven't been asked to propose legislation to fund it. Without the concrete box culvert, which is about 12 feet wide and 8 feet high and can carry hundreds of cubic feet of water per second, this creek would flood Salt Lake City nearly every year, according to Stoddard, who is a civil engineer. But just as in the Seattle project, the underground pipe is not go- ing away; it's just being supplemented by an attractive and useful open chan- nel. The aboveground channel will car- ry 3 to 5 cubic feet of water per second. "Most of the flow during high runoff times will stay in the pipe," Stod- dard adds. In addition to the environmental ad- vantages of the project and the improve- ment in stormwater control, the project also has been a winner thanks to the way the government agencies carefully planned it to appeal to members of the public —another common feature among these daylighting projects. The City Creek project is adjacent to another EPA effort, the Brownfields 'Redevelopment Project on the east, and it has the Jordan River on its west end. The trail planned as part of the City Creek development will tie togeth- er all three natural sites and connect with the valley -wide Bonneville Shore- line Trail. These three projects are but a small sample of the many creek daylighting efforts in various stages of production across the country. Although federal and local money remains tight, it seems like just a matter of time before some more of these projects mired in decades of planning will come to the surface. 0 Author Donna Gordon Blankinship specializes in stormwater topics. Publish With ForesterPress! ForesterPress, the book publishing division of Forester Communications, invites you to contribute to the professional development, education, profitability, and advancement of your profession. 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A condensed issue of CDM's report was never intentionally produced or distributed. I apologize if the original copy you received was not a complete copy. I agree with your assessment that Section 1 does not specifically present all of the questions and concerns associated with the open waterway. However, public safety has been the principal concern and driving force behind the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project. Because of the episodic basement flooding, North End and Washington Street neighborhood residents will continue to be at risk when seeking shelter in their basements during severe weather. The City staff memo to the City Council that accompanied the CDM report included a discussion on citizen concerns. The first concern listed was that "many citizens assert that an open waterway is unsafe for children." One purpose of the study was to "provide a preliminary design to a level that it establishes ... how the waterway will function before, during, and after rainstorms" (CDM Report, page 1-8). In doing so, safety issues such as the depth of the water and how fast it will flow under various conditions were presented and discussed at the December 2004 City Council work session. Emergency response has also been discussed and it will be an important aspect of the final design. I assure you that the safety of citizens is the City's first priority. The petition that you mentioned did not originate or pass through City staff. It was submitted directly to the City Council. Therefore, 1 can only take it at face value. It states that it "is ... for anyone who is in favor of the city's B-Line Project." You state that the North End neighborhood group was not addressed by anyone on the task force. While City staff did make several presentations to various citizen groups during the study, only two would be considered neighborhood groups, the meeting at Service People Integrity Responsibility 1m-ovation Teamwork Mr. Wayne Klostermann January 28, 2005 Page 2 Fulton and the North End Neighborhood Resource Fair co -sponsored by the North End Association. The City's hope was that the Bee Branch Citizens Advisory Committee (BBCAC) members would act as a conduit for citizen input, pass information about the study to the groups and organizations that they represented and present citizen feedback to the other BBCAC members, the consultant, and the City. As you know, two North End Neighborhood Association members served on the BBCAC and City Neighborhood Development Specialist Jerelyn O'Connor's was a regular presence at North End Neighborhood meetings. You questioned CDM's use of the computer models produced by HDR in conjunction with the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP). CDM utilized the drainage models to optimize the use of public monies. Instead of starting from scratch, CDM refined the model to the level required to create a preliminary design that shows how the creek would function under various conditions. You state that the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has told Pam Jochum that the Northwest Arterial drains to the north and that CDM's report says that it flows to the W. 32nd Street Detention basin. Both are correct, they are just speaking about different sections of the roadway. Figure 1-2 in the report shows the small portion just south of the soccer complex that drains to the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin. You raised some questions about the operation and abilities of the 16th Street Detention basin. As you are probably aware, it only functions as a detention basin when the floodgates are dosed. The City closes the gates and turns on the pumps at river stage 13.0 when the United States Army Corp of Engineers predicts a river stage of 14.0. Therefore, at the same time the floodgates are closed, pumping starts. You asked if the existing detention basin could handle the volume of flow that the Bee Branch Creek is designed to handle. The answer is yes; the existing detention basin will be able to handle the design flow conveyed by the Bee Branch Creek both when the floodgates are open and when the floodgates are closed. The purpose of the 16th Street Dredging Study is to determine the maintenance (excavation and dredging) required to maintain the flood protection established with the construction of the floodwall. Because a close look at the functionality of the 16th Street Detention basin was required as part of the Bee Branch Creek Alignment study, CDM with WHKS were asked and are currently performing this task. Surveying was performed last fall and the results are expected by the end of February. With regard to your question about two different rainfall distributions, both HDR and CDM utilized historical rainfall data to produce a hypothetical rainstorm with a 1 % chance of occurring in a given year, also know as a 100-year storm. HDR produced a 100-year storm that would dispense 7.0 inches of rain over a 24-hour period. The 24- hour storm is widely used because historic rainfall data indicates the recorded inches of rainfall for a particular day. While studying the Bee Branch watershed, CDM found that the specific 100-year storm that produced the largest peak flow (wave of stormwater) is the 100-year 2-hour storm (see Appendix B of CDM report). That is a storm that would Mr. Wayne Klostermann January 28, 2005 Page 3 dispense 4.1 inches of rain over a 2-hour period. Each firm exercised its engineering judgment as to which design storm to use. Your point with regard to Table 3-5 in the report is well founded. To be consistent, each of the column headings in Table 3-5 should have stated that the values are approximate values. I understand that BBCAC members directed CDM to look at options other than the open waterway solution. While there was value to provide insight into why other options fail to fully address flooding in the watershed, the City Council's decision not to study more drainage options but "establish the optimum alignment and provide a preliminary design that establishes what the waterway will look like and how it will function" was presented at the first BBCAC meeting in September of 2003. The formation of the Technical Support Committee (TSC) was discussed at the first BBCAC meeting and that BBCAC members were welcome to attend future meetings. Because of scheduling, meeting dates and times were variable. To find out the time and place of a meeting required contacting Engineering or one of the City staff personnel who regularity attended BBCAC meetings. BBCAC Chairperson, Charlie Winterwood attended most of the TSC meetings. Your point regarding the depth of the water in the Bee Branch Creek fluctuating with the river stage is correct. Water will be contained within the low flow channel about 60% of the time at Sycamore Street and about 75% of the time at 24th Street. And yes, it will be an issue that a contractor must deal with during construction. The video you speak of was taken at Washington Street and reveals the stormwater flowing down 22nd Street. At that location, the slope of 22nd Street (0.69%) is more than ten times steeper than the proposed Bee Branch Creek (0.05%). Based on the street width, slope, and observed depth of flow, the velocity shown in the video is much closer to 11 or 12 feet per second. In addition, the velocities that you site are the expected velocities through the structures. Based on the preliminary design, the average velocity of water in the creek would be 3.7 feet per second for 90% of all rainstorms and 4 feet per second for the 100-year design storm. This average includes the higher velocities through structures that you cited. The vote that you are referring to was: "the BBCAC would accept the Open Channel solution as opposed to doing nothing, provided the Council has pursued timely, adequate and comprehensive funding for the Pipe Alternative". With seven votes for and eight votes against, the proposition was defeated. While the report may not include this failed recommendation, it was presented to the City Council at the work session and through several staff memos to the Council. Mr. Wayne Klostermann January 28, 2005 Page 4 The City shares your concern about standing water and mosquitoes. Due to the natural springs throughout the Bee Branch Watershed, groundwater will constantly feed flow to the Bee Branch Creek. Therefore, standing water should not be an issue. In addition, depending on the landscape plan established with the final design, a habitat for mosquito predators is a real possibility. However, the conditions would be monitored. If a problem did arise, an inexpensive larvacide could be used to control mosquitoes. With regard to BBCAC recommendations, all of the BBCAC recommendations in the letter from BBCAC Chairperson Charlie Winterwood, the letter from Pam Jochum and yourself dated September 13, 2004, and the letter from you dated October 26, 2004 have been presented to the City Council. The final design normally addresses specific materials and construction methods such as the reconstruction of the Heritage Trail with asphalt concrete, porous asphalt concrete, block pavers, etc. This issue actually extends beyond stormwater management. For example, is a rough surface acceptable for the intended uses of the Heritage Trail? But it highlights one of the complexities of best management practices; when and where does their use make sense? There would be no benefit of a pervious trail right next to the creek in terms of peak flow reduction -- flood protection. The only potential benefit would be in terms of water quality. However, even this benefit is diminished because of the grassed buffer between the proposed trail and the low flow channel. Justifying the construction of a more expensive pervious trail surface should not be based on stormwater management fundamentals alone. One of the main goals of the preliminary design stage is to identify potential roadblocks to a project. As you note, Terracon performed a geotechnical study to that end. You might recall that HDR originally proposed 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) side slopes. One of reasons that the preliminary design calls for 4:1 side slopes is because of the potential slope instability sited in Terracon's report. It is CDM's professional judgment that slope stability, groundwater seepage and other similar issues will be further addressed during the final design stage of the project when the creek will be designed, foot by foot, parcel by parcel, and the materials and construction methods specified. Thanks for pointing out the typographical error on Figures A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4. The only reason to label the square footage is to give the typical size of residential structures. As I stated previously, emergency response was discussed in conjunction with the project. For instance, the closing of Lincoln Avenue just north of Kniest Street will not impact the ability to respond to an emergency situation at Audubon School. Although there are no concerns with accessing properties in the vicinity of the proposed creek, emergency response will be considered further as an important part of the project's final design. With regard to the loss of jobs, one of the project objectives identified by the BBCAC and listed in the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study Newsletter#1 was to prevent the loss of jobs. In addition, both Newsletter#2 and Newsletter#3 listed the criteria Mr. Wayne Klostermann January 28, 2005 Page 5 ranked highest by the BBCAC as to determine the project alignment: the preservation of local businesses and services. As you note, the width of the project alignment varies as shown in the preliminary design. From 22nd Street to 24th Street the actual creek corridor (low flow channel, overbank area, and side slopes) is 130-feet wide. Between 22nd Street and the proposed railroad bridge just south of Garfield Ave. the creek corridor is 150-feet wide. From the railroad bridge to the 16th Street Detention Basin the creek corridor is 160-feet wide. The average creek width is approximately 150 feet. The ROW also varies depending upon the location along the project corridor. Both the necessary creek and ROW widths were determined as part of the preliminary design phase. In closing I would like to thank you again for investing your time in this very important project. Identifying and dealing with problems is a sign of progress. Your insightful comments and concerns continue to help the City move towards the resolution of the flooding that continues to plague hundreds of Dubuque residents. Sincerely, Michael C. Van Milligen City Manager MCVM:gd Klostermann 2636 Queen Street Dubuque, Iowa 5200I December 18, 2004 Re: CDM BEE Branch final report Honorable Mayor and City Council After a number of calls to the Engineering Department, to receive a copy of the report prepared by CDM for the BBCAC. I received a condensed issue of the report. I would like to thank Councilman Markham for providing the with the full copy. It was rather interesting to note what was omitted from the report that I received. After review of the report, there are some errors and omissions in the report I feel must be brought to your attention. On page 1-6 where the citizens concerns are expressed, one major concern was omitted, that one being safety. On. page 1-8 they indicate that a petition was submitted that supported the open waterway. That couldn't be farther from the truth. I am enclosing a copy of page one of the petition for review that I received from the City clerk. Page 1-9 states that the task included conducting meetings, with neighborhood groups, to gather input and provide progress updates. The North End neighborhood group was not addressed by any one from the task force. Section 3. 3.1 CDM referred to the DBMP as the starting point of for their models than "modifications were done to meet the requirements of the Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study" The question is what modifications and what were the requirement that had to be met. Were they a predetermined requirement? Section 3.3.1 the report states the Northwest Arterial drains into the 32nd Street Detention Pond. The IDOT has told Pam Jochum that the Arterial drains to the North, and is not the cause of the flooding in the City. This additional area would cause the model to have some margin error that would affect the outcome of the project model. The report states that the subbasins drain into the river under normal conditions and into the 16 street basin under flooding conditions. Operations and Maintenance has the responsibility to divert the subbasins and information as to the river stage when this takes place is in the report. The question is are the pumps turned on then to drain down the basin to handle the addition volume at that time or is the basin allowed to fill before pumping ? There has been some discussion as to the volume, and the ability of the basin to handle the volume, as it"is constructed now. That question has never been fully answered. The answer has been, as still is, there will be a study on the 16a`. basin, as of yet no study. To this date no RFP has been sent, but engineering tells us the funding is there. Section 3.3.2.1 CDM used a different rain fall distribution chart and table that the DBMP. The question is what distribution chart and table is correct. Engineering is supposed to be 1 a science, both can't be correct, can they? ' What was the reason for the two different rain fall distribution charts? Section 3.7 Table 3-5 CDM states the approximate existing storm sewer capacity but is indicating that the capacity conveyance percentage is an exacting number and, that, is a mathematical impossibility. Section 4.1 states that the BBAC were to reach a consensus on the following "Acceptable alignment for flood control solutions between 24th Street and the 16th Street detention Basin Recommended flood control solution" It became apparent as the meetings progressed that the only control solution that was going to be accepted was the open ditch. That was predetermined well before the BBACC was ever convened. Discussions of other options were very short lived as we were informed that would not work but could be included in the recommendations. That was said to pacify some of the committee members, myself included, as will be pointed out below. Section 4.2 Makes the statement that "several neighborhood meeting were held during the process" Once again it is my understanding no meeting(s) were held with the North End Neighborhood Association. One public meeting was held at Fulton school Section 4.2.2 BBCAC members were welcome to attend the Technical Support Committee meeting. Some of us may have attended if we would have been informed as to when and where the meetings were taking place. Section 4.5.1.1.1. The low flow channel is 4' deep as shown in figure 4-3. By the City engineers own estimate the low flow channel will be full at 22" when the river is high, but not at flood stage. This information can be verified by the operators that cleaned the Bee branch when the river was high but not at flood stage. According to Mr. Portzen the river was a problem the entire time they worked cleaning out the Bee branch. The flows range from 5.5 to 8 ftls as the channel transitions through structures at crossings. l would ask you to review the video that City Engineering has from the last major rain event. This video will provide you with a visual idea of the turbulence that can be expected as the water transgresses down the ditch over articulated concrete matting. Section 4.6.2 the final recommendation was for the pipe alternative, which is correct. Pressure was placed on the BBAC following the council work session. What was omitted from the recommendation was that on a 12-3 (taken before the work session), the BBAC voted if the pipe alternative was not selected the opinion was to leave the Bee branch as it now functions between 24a'. Street and the railroad tracks. 7 .,y c7r_r_acc-coc 1,.0114.1 .o.. ....r,re • 2 5.3.1 Low Flow Channel one very important note to be made is " The base of the LFC for the BEE Branch will be under water so vegetating the concrete articulated matting for this particular application will not be feasible" The important part is "will be under water" meaning that it not just be a small charge of moving water to keep the mosquitoes down as CDM would like us to believe. 5.3.3 Over —Bank Area One of the recornmendations of the. BBAC was to use conservation practices ie. Pervious pavement etc. within the water shed. Yet CDM is recommending asphalt for the trail from 24th Street to Garfield Ave. 1 can not understand, why the recommendation of the BBCAC was discarded when it comes to conservation practices. They were not even noted in the summary to the council 5.7.1.3. Ground Water Lewis. As a point of reference the El of 953.7 is equal to a trail water river stage of 5.5' In section 5.7.1.4 Ground water Seepage, a lot of assumptions were made for the worst case scenario. One assumption that is not mentioned is the increase of hydro pressures that could result in the failure of the below surface walls, and as a result, a collapse of the structure. Another assumption that was made, but directly stated, was that the homes will not stay dry during a 100 year event. This is derived from the geotechnical report by Terracon. The borings tell the tail. Sand seams in the side slope of the ditch that can pose a problem during dewatering can also pose a problem after the ditch is constructed. Water can move laterally and infiltrate the basements of existing structures. Once the seam is opened during dewatering the water has a place of least resistance to flow and it will follow that path for now and forever. A.3. Reference figure A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4. Depicts drawings reference property acquisition. Either 1 don't understand what there trying to convey, or their math is extremely bad. A primary structure that is 30x40 is not 120 sq. ft It is 1,200 ft sq. The same applies for the detached structure. The correct square footage is 1,000 ft. sq. is the rest of the math correct? We know they assumed other numbers and presented the answer as fact, as was noted above. I would like to draw your attention to the Preliminary Geotechnical Report prepared by Terracon of Bettendorf Iowa. On page 5 of that report they state " Dewatering may result in the settlement of adjacent structures, pavement, or other nearby improvements. Adjacent existing improvements should be monitored during construction" Terrocon also warns of slope stability issues due to high water levels and the potential of soil saturation. l beg to ask the question, are we ready for another lower Main Street event and cost? Or do we take a chance? It is my opinion the ditch is not worth the gamble to damage structures that never had a water problem before to dig a ditch. l would ask that any decision on this matter be tabled until all the items listed above have been answered, not only to my satisfaction but to the satisfaction of all parties involved, fellow progressive 8 members, property owners outside the proposed ditch that will be 3 mom ■e Nimr ■ ■ affected by road closing, lose of services, increased travel time for police and fire, the possibility of structure failure, the list goes on and on. One group that is forgotten is the worker that will lose his, or her, job because the ditch is going through there place of employment. Some business will not relocate simple because they would have to try to establish a new trade area and new clients. Or the owner will retire_ During this entire process we were informed that the ditch would be 150' wide than it grew to 180' to accommodate 4/1 slopes. In the information I received from Councilman Markham it grew again this time to 212' ROW Garfield to Rhomberg , Lincoln to 22"d Street Than it grew again to 237.5 ROW Rhomberg to Lincoln Avenue. Thank you for taking your time to read my concerns. I can't speak for all of the "progressive eight", just Parn and Audrey, but I am confident, if you asked them, they would concur with my thought process and concerns. If after review, you have any questions, please contact me and we can review. Thank you, , Wayne Klostermann 4 t9A"-14-04 FRI 12.40 PM DUBUQUE CITY CLERK t•Fix NU. Iti6 btia Ut dU p.2 r• uc S-.0, O2'' 30. 32, 4.0 Pk3Y[L' (» FOR Ttl6 NSW li I. St WATER R1-Xf.A.S FRQIr_CY 'this pctkion is being passed around f•►r tn•.yaro Veda is in, favor or the city's 134.11ke Plagjud W 1 pttt 11 cnr 714411.otb o,] to race'cni further !loading of our properties. >+im.so siiA raft vane, adclre4 sod yihcmo in the an:a ]x;krv. You milky only Sign your own Sign urc if ycu know cif oOsecc inicapied r1tziu: cots t tbvta and nabs -them wwate of tiu+; •i'r_silionr 1 eta ix; rcncitcxd nt 5B2-8450. 'char& you for your Vote APCRES5 .o . . 7e44€60.4404 -,c217Z t r -044A. c Jf(a aa,te, Yg ..;?; GY-�?h) .. cac It l `c ..f'. &+- A _41C1i33 f44-.04 (t r t 61-,4-1r 9- .: ' .9a / Jam'%'7.5� E6141.e?� nat. �! �e /�6 Q .'V MOHO rr- iG. �-e2=q1194-J2-4-e*--- »/.14�, at Z�1f re- 19. 3-5'6' /43-4T P.'d R2R2-9RR-FA4 wey>f 1eN uyar e6S=OT i*O 02 oar Section 3 Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis Table 3-5: Existing Conditions Bee Branch Sewer Performance Location Approximate Storm Sewer Capacity (cfs) 100-year Existing Conditions Flow (cfs) Capacity Conveyance Percentage of 100- year Flow 25th Street 320 1170 27% 24th/Washington to 24th/Elm 230 1650 14% 22nd Street 540 2730 20% Rhomberg Avenue 360 3330 11% Under the Packing Plant 880 2400 37% 16th Street 1200 2500 48% Two 100-year level of protection scenarios were evaluated to determine the worst case situation for design. The first was a 10-year storm in the Bee Branch watershed with a 10%exceedance elevation on the Mississippi River (elevation 597.9 NGVD). The 10% exceedance elevation is the elevation at which 10% of the time the river level is equaled or exceeded. The second was the 100-year storm in the Bee Branch watershed with an average elevation on the Mississippi River (elevation 593.9 NGVD). Based on hydraulic model results, the 100-year storm in the watershed was the worst case scenario, and this was used to evaluate alternatives in Section 4. 3.8 Freeboard Criteria The alternatives discussed in Section 4 were sized to provide freeboard protection to adjacent structures. Alternatives were sized using the 100-year design storm so that water surface elevations would be a minimum of 1-foot below existing ground elevations along the centerline corridor of the alternative. Based on a limited review of adjacent structures, low water entry points on adjacent structures ranged from 1- foot to 5-feet above existing ground elevations. 3-12 Stormwater Management Plan Bee Branch Alignment Study October 2002: The City Council voted 5-2 NOT to hire another consultant to study more drainage options. December 2002: City Council work session with HDR and IIW to discuss the original Drainage Basin Master Plan. December 2002: RFP for an alignment study was presented to the City Council and authorization was granted to solicit proposals for the study. Bee Branch Alignment Study BBCAC Characteristics Collectively, the sixteen -member committee has the following background: Impacted residents; Impacted home owners; North End Neighborhood Association; Washington Neighborhood residents; Sacred Heart Parish; Elm, Washington, Jackson, Prince, and Johnson Street residents; Impacted businesses; Dubuque Board of Realtors; Developer, State Representative; Sierra Club; League of Women Voters; Senior Citizens; and Long Range Planning and Community Development Advisory Commissions. wwcs & co, Stormwater Management Plan Bee Branch Alignment Study March 2003: The City Councii approves the RFP for the alignment study. The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study will: 1) Establish the optimum alignment; 2) Provide a preliminary design that establishes what the waterway will look like and how it will function; and 3) Work with impacted residents in the form of a citizen advisory committee. Introduction to the Drainage Basin • Watershed characteristics • Land use • Flooding areas • Capacity versus flow • 16tStreet Basin 5 50' Side B Front Lot Line Property / Boundary Side Lot Line Edge of XY Street Pavement (EOP) MECRTOF DUB E CDM BEE BRANCH RESTORATION ALIGNMENT STUDY TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DATE: SEPT. 2004 I FIGURE NO. A-1 tj • C j co a) O? to 'C "- .0 a) .c N a) 3 'n `E3 A cn -D O v./ /////l/// a) a) C c .c N C a) 4 E > ''' a) a) C° cti C .c / •o o 2 °roc E o m,°CW 0 C E c co 3 �.a, a ate•_cO-a)a) cn,_ ,..EEro r�°D�ro� .4 %cu o °•5 v cn� CD oN E-' E osc o L °aa•°i.Y ro / E cn d • a)a)�Uro°-c��- m o off° �c�'�c�o �V� Z� cc �� CO �0 a)t3a)��ca°°N / `nE st c• C C di c cD o / �. 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E,cacc o E NE0 p U O m `�. �L4`)a� a�Eo�3Eo L O W 22 O I- [AccN� I OQ>Oa BBCAC MISSION STATEMENT t Appendix B Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study Hydrologic Model Event - Critical Duration Analysis I Duration Summary Table Basin Critical Duration Locust Street 2-hour West 32nd 12-hour GarfieldlLincoln 2-hour Kaufmann Avenue 2-hour Windsor Avenue 2-hour 16th Street 2-hour Locust Street Basin Event Type Rainfall Peak Flow 100-yr 24-hr Huff Type III 7.00 374.6 100-yr 12-hr Huff Type II 6.30 541.4 100-yr 6-hr Huff Type I 5.25 644.2 100-yr 3-hr Huff Type I 4.50 314.8 ' _W :fir-=V.K;i ff :i = -- 4�18' :8.76.&'.i;r: 783.4 100-yr 1-hr Huff Type I L 3.20 West 32nd Street Basin Ever.: Type , Rainfall Peak Flow 100-yr 24-hr Huff Type III 7.00 308.4 =yr"1.2;;fuaftIyi�eYit< =-,: gi: ;a �fi;�0.1_��:, - :a5-74';,:..: 100-yr 6-hr Huff T ype 1 5.25 344.5 100-yr 3-hr Huff Type I 4.50 355.5 100-yr 2-hr Huff Type I 4.10 344.4 100-yr 1-hr Huff Type I _3.20 195.0 Garfield/Lincoln Basin Event T Type _ Rainfall Peak Flow 100-yr-24-hr Huff Type III 7.00 74.0 100-yr 12-hr HuffType II . 6.30 110.2 100-yr 6-hr Huff Type I 5.25 141.4 . 100-yr 3-hr Huff Type I 4.50 - 191.2 -$g0-Yr 2�fiil Nita fXYPe.O.,:t a ' f; : r` F ` 222a5:_ ',r 100-yr 1-hr Huff Type I 3.20 207.6 Kaufmann Avenue Basin Event Type _ Rainfall Peak Flow 100-yr 24-hr :Huff Type III 7.00 516.8 100-yr 12-hr Huff Type II 6.30 742.3 100-yr 6-hr Huff Type I 5.25 895.9 100-yr 3-hr Huff Type I 4.50 1119j 5.e1i Z pr2 hFr Htaff::Type?k= ;7' 4 '` " l 7 d s1y.a7_a 100-yr 1-hr �HuffType I 3.20 925.8 Windsor Avenue Basin Event Type , Rainfall _ Peak Flow 100-yr 24-hr Huff Type III 7.00 172.0 100-yr 12-hr Huff Type II 6.30 256.7 100-yr 6-hr Huff Type I 5.25 330.4 100-yr 3-hr Huff Type I 4.50 437.8 `tl "2=hr��'. `+iuff'7yja�� 4�fk Huff Type I 1 s � 3.20 _ �:.431�2 ,:_ 463.5 100-yr 1-hr 16th St Basin . Event Type . 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C l U C 0 co CD a) m a- 0 u) ca�'[� z a)!n y •>pvNNa) _O M c = 0 ¢ E f° � H--}, c y a ac o cc U C 0 o WO O°rn0Ero ;ND+.vo Wi—F'- V 0E o v°l E �Z W c�a p� c >°,ca c .C<>,o cam V� J i 0 c O CNa ro o ro A'co = ci)0 z LL Z y y} U m 0 co 0 E N rn 0 al N O 0- N "O -o ._ CO Q ° c W 0V O _'°o ca al a) . m a) a 3 a' w Z E -,5)t) o f mP c_ m o 0 al °' � o E 0 C y y O N 0 E 3 c )) 2 N o >+ .0 O a) 0 0 1- oocc.0.sa f--U '5o33 C.. 0 c 0 0 Q C a) U °ocaZaio_EEE ° ' ° N a�i o E 0 N C 0 C N° U E to >mcu° OV.17.,c .0 N L 0 c o C - c �' O c p _ a) '> �°•cn°°°'Eg�-oc C �C .� a) ._ O 0 co .0-- tr. 0 (d w C3 ).2 O -C % am 0 L o E -0 Tu O O 0= O N 0 p C A) 0 +, w 3n� Nca3f311 0 E E .n ° W .v C *E- . y c U a) v°l `o. v°)l co c E a C 0 CD > .0 w • E.. 0 O N 72 '0 t • Cal Cp En a) U 0 ° E ° E c C.f)Ca) a) 'alv 0 I- 0 BBCAC MISSION STATEMENT i MEMORANDUM February 28, 2005 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Utility Rate Change INTRODUCTION This memo outlines Engineering staffs recommendation to modify Section 44-274(d) of the Code of Ordinances. The proposed changes modify the stormwater utility fee rate to reflect the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) funding which is recommended in the Fiscal Year 2006 budget. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE). Based on the study, approximately 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch watershed are at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommends several capital improvement projects that would reduce the threat of flood damage including the Carter Road Detention Basin, the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin, and an open waterway from 16th Street to 24th Street. The open waterway project represents the restoration of the Bee Branch/Couler Creek and has been termed the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. City staff prepared a Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Improvement Program budget that included the three projects. In addition, staff recommended that the City Council appropriate funds to conduct a study to determine the alignment of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th and Sycamore to 24th and Elm Streets. Such a study would identify where the waterway would be built and what properties would be impacted. Due to the concerns voiced by residents, the City Council separated the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project into two individual projects: Phase I, between 16th Street and Garfield Avenue and Phase II, between Garfield Avenue and 24th Street. Because Phase II involves the acquisition of approximately sixty-eight homes, the City Council removed it from the DBMP. However, it remained under consideration pending further study. On December 16, 2002, the City Council authorized the solicitation of proposals from engineering firms to conduct the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study. On Page 1 of 5 March 17, 2003 the City Council approved the RFP for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study. The study was to include the following: 1) Establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway along its approximately 4,500-foot length (from 16th Street detention basin to 24th and Elm Streets) based on existing environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints; 2) Provide a preliminary design that establishes: a. What the waterway will look like at different locations along its entire length; b. How the waterway will function before, during, and after rainstorms of different magnitudes; and 3) Working with impacted residents through a citizens advisory committee to ensure that the recommended alignment location and waterway design are based on input from the neighborhoods impacted by the proposed open waterway. On May 19, 2003, the City Council approved the selection of Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) with WHKS and Conservative Design Forum (CDF) to provide engineering and design services for the study. In August of 2003, the City Council established the roster of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC). The BBCAC provided input to CDM with regard to the social and economic concerns and needs of the impacted neighborhoods, help establish the criteria to evaluate alternative alignments/preliminary designs for the open waterway, and ultimately make an alignment/preliminary design recommendation to the City Council. Between September of 2003 and June of 2004, the BBCAC convened six times. A City Council work session was held on May 17th, 2004. Preliminary BBCAC recommendations were outlined and individual BBCAC members presented their individual thoughts about the study and potential solutions to the flooding problems. Although the BBCAC recommended a closed pipe solution between Garfield and 24th Street, the consensus from the City Council was that City staff and the City's consultant should proceed with the study as previously directed: provide a preliminary design for the open waterway that establishes what it would look like and how it would function. Eight BBCAC recommendations were presented to the City Council in a letter dated June 30, 2004 from BBCAC Chairperson Dr. Charles Winterwood. In July of 2004, the City Council established a building permit moratorium based on the alignment preferred by the BBCAC, including the properties potentially impacted by both the northeast and southwest alignments in the vicinity of the Smithfield Foods property. On November 1, 2004 the City Council approved the inclusion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Phase II (between Garfield Avenue and 24th Street) as part of the Drainage Basin Master Plan and directed that a work session be scheduled. Page 2 of 5 The work session, held on December 13, 2004, discussed the open waterway alignment, appearance, performance, and impacts to existing infrastructure. The alignment in the vicinity of the Smithfield property was also discussed. Local developer Wayne Briggs informed the City Council that his organization has a signed purchase agreement from Smithfield Foods Inc for the property and that the alignment west and south of the property best suits the needs of his plan. The southwest alignment was the alignment recommended by CDM. On December 20th, 2004 the City Council endorsed the alignment and preliminary design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project. The $31.8 million estimate to construct the project as outlined by the preliminary design was also presented. In addition, the City Council passed an ordinance to establish a building permit moratorium on commercial and new residential construction. DISCUSSION Based on the preliminary design and a 10-year funding plan, the cost estimate for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th Street to 24th Street is: Property & ROW Acquisitions Construction Construction Contingency Engineering & Design Total Project Cost $ 8,700,000 $18,232,152 $ 1,823,215 $ 3,008,305 $31,763,672 Therefore, the cost estimate to fund the entire DBMP in the original 10-year timeframe is $38,694,949. Table 1 outlines the change in cost estimates for the DBMP. Because the cost estimates have changed, so too must the strategy to fund the improvements in the DBMP. The original plan first introduced with the Fiscal Year 2003 budget called for funding the DBMP with GO Bonds and State or Federal Grants. The current funding strategy adopted along with the stormwater utility and Fiscal Year 2004 budget calls for the combination of DRA revenue, Utility Fee revenue, and GO Bonds; it approaches a "pay-as-you-go" funding option. Because the cost estimate for the Bee Branch restoration has increased, a new funding option is to issue GO Bonds to pay for the DBMP and use DRA and Utility Fees to retire the debt. Under the current funding plan, DRA revenue and Utility revenue are also used to fund six activities besides the DBMP. In Fiscal Year 2004 these totaled $581,000 and they are escalated at 2.5% each year thereafter. The programs are: Administration of the Stormwater Utility, NPDES Compliance Program, Storm Sewer Improvements/Extensions, Stream -bank Stabilization Assistance Program, Detention Basin Maintenance, and Stormwater Ditch Maintenance & Remediation. The Utility Fee rates shown reflect this fact. In the spring of 2003, the City Council adopted the funding scenario we are currently operating under, one that includes revenue from the stormwater utility. Page 3 of 5 Tab DBMP Project FY03 Estimate FY04 Estimate FY05 Estimate 10-year Plan $875,000 Carter Detention $875,000 $875,000 W. 32nd Detention $4,023,000 $4,023,000 $4,036,000 NF Catfish Improvements $1,548,000 $1,548,000 $1,659,364 Bee Branch Creek (16ih to 24th) $18,029,000 $18,054,000 $31,763,672 TOTALS $24,475,000 $24,500,000 $38,694,949 With the presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget on February 22nd, the Engineering Department outlined a plan to fund the DBMP with GO Bonds to construct the improvements and a combination of DRA and Utility Fee revenue to retire the debt. Table 2 outlines the original stormwater utility SFU rate and compares it to the current rate and the recommended rate to fund the open waterway and the other DBMP projects. In addition to the stormwater utility revenue, approximately $35 million in DRA revenue are projected to be dedicated to the implementation of the DBMP. Table 2. Stormwater Utility SFU Rate Comparison for the Original, Current, and Recommended 10-year Project Funding Scenario for the DBMP that Includes the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Years* 1 - 5 Years 6 - 10 Years 11-15 Years 16-20 Plan FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14-18 FY19-23 FY03-13 (Original) $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 FY04 -13 urrent) $1.291 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.81 (Proposed) $1.29 1.79 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.50 3.502 *Utility was established in FY04 'Rate would need to be increased to $1.79 to offset the fact that the DRA did not receive a back tax payment from the State of Iowa when the lawsuit was settled. 2Rate would continue at $3.50 until the debt is retired in FY2032. RECOMMENDATION I recommend updating the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the Stormwater Utility Fee rates proposed in Table 2. Page 4 of 5 BUDGET IMPACT The recommended funding plan for the DBMP involves the issuance of GO Bonds to fully construct the projects by 2013. Along with DRA funds, the increase in the Stormwater Utility Fee will be utilized to retire the debt. ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully request the amendment of the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the Stormwater Utility Fees recommended to fund the $38.7 million DBMP. attachment CC: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dawn Lang, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist F:/Ischluet/Gus/Memo/MVM Memo/Stormwater Utility Rate Change Memo 2 28 05 Page 5 of 5 ORDINANCE NO. 19-05 AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 44- 274(d) SFU RATE, CHARGES; UTILITY REVENUES FOR THE STORM WATER UTILITY NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section 44-274(d) is amended to read as follows: (d) The SFU rate to be applied to residential and nonresidential properties shall be as follows: (1) For the period July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2005 the SFU rate shall be $1.29 per SFU; (2) For the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 shall be $1.79 per SFU; (3) For the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 the SFU rate shall be $2.00 per SFU; (4) For the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 the SFU rate shall be $2.25 per SFU; (5) For the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 the SFU rate shall be $2.50 per SFU; (6) For the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 the SFU rate shall be $2.75 per SFU; (7) 1 For the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 the SFU rate shall be $3.00 per SFU; (8) For the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 the SFU rate shall be $3.25 per SFU; (9) For the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2033 the SFU rate shall be $3.50 per SFU. Passed, approved and adopted this 8th day of March Attest: in// d.2r�Eit C eanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk 005. T- rance M. Dugg. '( ayor THE CITY OF Dui MEMORANDUM September 21, 2005 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for the Commercial Property Acquisition South of 16th Street Associated with the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project In August of 2005, an RFP was issued to solicit proposals from qualified property acquisition consultants for the acquisition of the six commercial properties south of 16th Street that are required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends City Council authorization to enter into an agreement with Graham Land Acquisition Associates to provide property acquisition services at an estimated fee of $61,416. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. id „vi Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer <<. THE CITY OF DUB E MEMORANDUM September 21, 2005 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for the Commercial Property Acquisition South of 16th Street Associated with the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request approval of the selection of Graham Land Acquisition Associates to provide property acquisition services for the commercial property south of 16th Street required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE). Based on the study, approximately 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch watershed are at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommends several capital improvement projects that would reduce the threat of flood damage in the Bee Branch Creek Watershed. They are the Carter Road Detention Basin that was completed in the spring of 2004, the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin that is currently under design, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th Street to 24th Street. In December of 2004, the City Council established the alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, from 15th and Sycamore Streets to 24th and Washington Streets, and established a building permit moratorium for the properties impacted based on the alignment. On March 8, 2005, the City Council amended the City Code of Ordinances (Ordinance 19-05) to establish the Stormwater Utility Fees to help fund the Drainage Basin Master Plan, including the $31.8 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The current five-year Capital Improvement Program budget includes $1,114,983 in FY 2006 for property acquisition and property acquisition consulting services for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (CIP#320A23). While the majority of these funds are for the actual purchase of property, it includes funding for consulting services to assist with the acquisitions. Housing & Community Development has been assisting with the acquisition of the residential properties for the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin Project. They will provide the same service for the five residential properties south of 16th Street required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Because commercial properties present different challenges, a seven -member committee was established by the City Manager to prepare an RFP soliciting proposals from qualified property acquisition consultants for the acquisition of the six commercial properties south of 16th Street required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The committee members are: Ken TeKippe, Finance Director; David Harris, Housing/Com Development Director; Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer; David Heiar, Economic Development Director; Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist; Greg Doeden, Civil Engineer II; and Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II In August of 2005, the RFP was presented to the City Council and the City Council authorized its release to the public. DISCUSSION The City received proposals from Graham Land Acquisition Associates (Nevada, Iowa); Kevin D. Olson, Attorney -at -Law (Coralville, Iowa); and Universal Field Services (Des Moines). The committee carefully deliberated each firm's qualifications and determined that Graham Land Acquisition Associates has the experience and expertise required and are the best prepared to meet the needs of the City based on the proposals and reference checks. The estimated fees for the acquisition services were as follows: City Estimate $60,000 Kevin D. Olson $47,210* Graham Land Acquisition Associates $61,416 Universal Field Services $72,070 *Did not include cost of review appraisals. Based on the other two quotes, the review appraisals ranged between $6,000 and $8,000. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City retain Graham Land Acquisition Associates to provide property acquisition services for the commercial property south of 16th Street required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BUDGET IMPACT Graham Land Acquisition Associates' fees for property acquisition services for the six commercial properties are estimated to be $61,416. The project will be funded from the FY2006 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (CIP#320A23: 7201654) appropriation in the amount of $1,114,983. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request authorization from the City Council for the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Graham Land Acquisition Associates to provide property acquisition services for the commercial property south of 16th Street required for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Prepared by Deron Muehring CC: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dawn Lang, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director David Harris, Housing & Community Development Manager David Heir, Economic Development Manager Gregory Doeden, Civil Engineer II Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II TFIE CITY OF DUB E MEMORANDUM February 16, 2006 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Utility Rate Change INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to outline Engineering staffs recommendation to modify Section 44-274(d) of the Code of Ordinances, thereby modifying the stormwater utility fee rate to reflect the funding scenario for the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) and other stormwater management activities recommended with the Fiscal Year 2007 budget. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, NE). Based on the study, approximately 1,150. homes and businesses in the Bee Branch watershed are at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommends several capital improvement projects that would reduce the threat of flood damage. They are the Carter Road Detention Basin, W. 32nd Street Detention Basin, and an open waterway from 16th Street to 24th Street. The open waterway project represents the restoration of the Bee Branch/Couler Creek and has been termed the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. On May 19, 2003, the City Council approved the selection of Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) with WHKS and Conservative Design Forum (CDF) to provide engineering and design services for the alignment of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from 16th and Sycamore to 24th and Elm. The study was to identify where the waterway would be built and identify what properties would be impacted. In August of 2003, the City Council established the roster of the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC). The BBCAC provided input to CDM with regard to the social and economic concerns and needs of the impacted neighborhoods, help establish the criteria to be used to evaluate alternative alignments/preliminary designs for the open waterway, and ultimately make a alignment/preliminary design recommendation to the City Council. Between September of 2003 and June of 2004, the BBCAC convened six times. A City Council work session was held on May 17th, 2004. Preliminary BBCAC recommendations were outlined and individual BBCAC members presented their Page 1 of 3 personal thoughts about the study and potential solutions to the flooding problems. Although the BBCAC recommended a closed pipe solution between Garfield and 24th Street, the consensus from the City Council was that City staff and the City's consultant should proceed with the study as previously directed: provide a preliminary design for the open waterway that establishes what it would look like and how it would function. Eight BBCAC recommendations were presented to the City Council in June of 2004 In July of 2004, the City Council established a building permit moratorium based on the alignment preferred by the BBCAC. On November 1, 2004 the City Council approved the inclusion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project from Garfield Avenue to 24th Street as part of the Drainage Basin Master Plan and to directed that a work session be scheduled. The work session was held on December 13, 2004. Discussions revolved around the open waterway alignment, appearance, performance, and impacts to existing infrastructure. On December 20th, 2004, the City Council established the alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, from 15th and Sycamore Streets to 24th and Washington Streets, and established a building permit moratorium for the properties impacted based on the alignment. The $31.8 million estimate to construct the project as outlined by the preliminary design was also presented. Besides funding the DBMP, DRA revenue and Utility revenue are also used to fund six stormwater management activities. The programs are: Administration of the Stormwater Utility, NPDES Compliance Program, Storm Sewer Improvements/Extensions, Stream - bank Stabilization Assistance Program, Detention Basin Maintenance, and Stormwater Ditch Maintenance & Remediation. In Fiscal Year 2004, the first year of the Stormwater Management Utility, they totaled $581,000 and they are escalated at 2.5% each year thereafter. DISCUSSION With the presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget, the Engineering Department outlined a funding plan for the DBMP that included GO Bonds to construct the improvements and a combination of DRA and Utility Fee revenue to retire the debt. Subsequently, on March 8, 2005, the City Council amended the City Code of Ordinances (Ordinance 19-05) to establish the Stormwater Utility Fees for the next 25 years to help fund the Drainage Basin Master Plan, including the $31.8 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration. A decrease in the revenue projections from the Dubuque Racing Association of $14,089,543 over the next five years and an increase in sales tax that did not meet projections have meant less operational and capital resources in Fiscal Year 2007 than was anticipated when the projections were done last year. Page 2 of 3 The implementation of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is the key to saving over 1,100 homes from flooding during severe rainstorms that seem to come all too frequently. By accelerating the part of the project from the 16th Street Detention Basin through the damming affect of the railroad tracks just south of Garfield will allow for a quicker redevelopment of the former Dubuque Pack site and timelier flood relief for North End residents. The FY07 budget recommendation includes an accelerated rate of increase of the Stormwater Management Utility Fee. The current proposal is to have the fee cap out at $5 00 in Fiscal Year 2012 instead of $3 50 in Fiscal Year 2013. Table 1 below illustrates the differences between the Stormwater Utility rates established last year and the rates recommended in FY07 to fund the $38.7 million DBMP. Table 1. Stormwater Utility SFU Rate Comparison for the Current, and Recommended 10-year Project Funding Scenario for the DBMP. Utility was establish in FY04. Years 2-5 Years 6-10 Years 11-29 Plan FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY19-23 (FC 04-13 $1.29 1.79 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.50+ (Proposed) 2.25 3.25 4.00 4.25 4.25 5.00 5.00 5.00+ +Rate would remain until the debt is retired in FY2032. RECOMMENDATION I recommend modifying the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the Stormwater Utility Fee rates proposed in Table 1. BUDGET IMPACT The recommended funding plan for the DBMP involves the issuance of GO Bonds to fully construct the projects by 2013. Along with DRA funds, the increase in the Stormwater Utility Fee will be utilized to retire the debt. ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully request the amendment of the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the Stormwater Utility Fees recommended to fund the $38.7 million DBMP. attachment CC: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dawn Lang, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Page 3 of 3 ORDINANCE NO, 23-06 AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 44- 274(d) SFU RATE, CHARGES; UTILITY REVENUES . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section 44-274(d) is amended to read as follows: (d) The SFU rate to be applied to shall be as follows: (1) For the period July rate shall be $2.25 (2) For the period July rate shall be $3.25 (3) For the period July rate shall be $4.00 (4) For the period July rate shall be $4.25 (5) For the period July rate shall be $4.25 (6) For the period July rate shall be $5.00 per SFU. Passed, approved and adopted this end day of March Attest: %e,4"4'/ -. Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk residential and nonresidential properties 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 the SFU per SFU; 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 the SFU per SFU; 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 the SFU per SFU; 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 the SFU per SFU; 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 the SFU per SFU; 1, 2011 through June 30, 2033 the SFU , 2006. ioy D. Buol, Mayor CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION -18 0 ai d • cv 4o o oo o o 4- P. o C/] cc Ica a � 0 cji o o 0) cc G.)o 4 v 2 3 0) '° , Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Don Vogt, Public Works Director Green Alley Pilot Program December 6, 2007 Dubuque kerd Anmedea City t 2007 Attachment VIII INTRODUCTION The purposes of this memorandum are to provide information and recommend your consideration of a "Green Alley" Pilot Program for Dubuque. BACKGROUND The use of permeable pavement to absorb and filter stormwater is not new. The City of Phoenix, Arizona paved a mile of urban highway with permeable, water -absorbing pavement over twenty years ago to test the concept — in large part to avoid the cost of installing a storm sewer under the highway. That section of highway is still in use today, in good condition, and still absorbing stormwater. The City of Chicago recently tested the concept by paving a number of its alleys with three different types of permeable, hard -surface materials. Chicago has the most alleys of any city in the world, with 1,900 centerline miles. Like Dubuque's alleys, the vast majority do not have storm sewers underneath them. As a result, Chicago's 3,500 acres of paved, previously -impermeable alleys would always shed stormwater onto adjacent properties, sometimes flooding nearby basements. Chicago also had a problem with alley stormwater that did find its way to storm sewers under nearby streets, where it often could not enter already - overloaded storm sewers and exacerbated street flooding. Chicago has stated that its Green Alley Program is an opportunity to convert a substantial part of its infrastructure, that was part of its stormwater management problem, into part of its stormwater management solution. To date, Chicago has been very happy with its Green Alley Program and plans to expand it in the future to more neighborhoods. DISCUSSION The reasons cited for using permeable pavement and constructing "green alleys" are the same, no matter whether the city is Phoenix, Chicago, or Dubuque. First and foremost, permeable pavement alleys can absorb and filter up to 80% of the rainwater falling onto them. This is especially important to neighborhoods prone to periodic flooding, where there are no storm sewers under the alleys and nearby storm sewers staff works on the 'front lines' in maintaining a standard of living in the Washington Neighborhood. A Housing -Engineering Department partnership continues to prepare the way for the Bee Branch Creek Realignment Project, a storm water mitigation initiative that will have major impacts on the North End and Washington Neighborhoods. Consultant engineering analysis determined that, when completed, this project will remove 1100 homes from the area of chronic storm water flooding. The Housing Department has completed purchase of 13 homes on 32nd Street, for expansion of the detention basin at that location; and purchased the first 30 (of 70) homes in the 16th-24th Street corridor. This will result in an improved quality of life for residents in this area, as well as generating investment in home improvements. The completed Realignment will also result in a linear parkway, with hiking -biking paths, offering a recreational amenity for public use. Longer -Term Initiatives While recognizing that enforcement is a key element in neighborhood revitalization efforts, development of human capital is a longer -term solution to improving our quality of life. In particular, we recognize that the City must assist our less -advantaged citizens to access the ladder of economic opportunity that leads out of poverty. The City Manager has initiated "Project Hope," a convening of area workforce development agencies, City staff and educational institutions, in a challenge to respond to high unemployment and/or under -employment of residents of the downtown neighborhoods. We have begun a discussion on how to reach these residents, who are traditionally cut off from opportunities for advancement, due to social, cultural or educational barriers. The objective of Project Hope is to establish inter -agency programs specifically designed to provide opportunities — hope — to these citizens, and to find ways of over -coming barriers to their participation in the job market. The Mississippi Valley Promise/America's Promise initiative has been supported by the City since its inception. The purpose of MVP is to insure that the 'Five Promises' are delivered to all children in our community. Connecting youth to opportunity is a high priority in our efforts to improve conditions in our downtown neighborhoods. It is the surest long-term strategy for breaking the cycle of poverty and raising a standard of living. The Manager will propose two initiatives for Fiscal Year 2009 in support of Mississippi Valley Promise. The first is a three-year, $25 000/year grant to assist in employing a full-time, paid executive director. This would be partial funding for a $250 000 budget for that three-year period. While the organization has been admirably served in a voluntary capacity by its first two directors, to raise the level of its effectiveness, paid staff is needed. as under the streets tend to be unable absoob, filter, handle aall ndthe recyclewater rainwater intodeanthem. only Secondly, green alleys not groundwater, they are usually constructed with materials that include recycled concrete aggregate, recycled asphalt, and recycled tires. Finally, green alleys have been found to engender neighborhood and community pride, often fostering additional sustainable practices on adjacent properties, theuse including the vegetated stormwater swales, of permeable pavement in private property driveways and patios. Street and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor John Klostermann and I have not only been consulting with City staff regarding this proposal, but also staff at the Iowa State University's Center for Transportation and Research and Iowa State University's National Concrete Pavement Technology Center. All have been very supportive regarding this initiative. Their collective counsel included the following recommendations: Pave two to four blocks of green alleys as part of a pilot program — half with permeable asphalt and half with permeable concrete - then evaluate and compare their performance over ensuing years; the green alleys must be relatively flat, in order to retain and then absorb water; the green alleys should be in neighborhoods with small yards and a disproportionately large percentage of impermeable surfaces, including roofs, streets, driveways, and sidewalks, where they would prove to have the most beneficial impact; a relatively porous base and subsoils, such as sand and/or gravel, should underlie the alleys under consideration, so that the water absorbed by the permeable pavement is not blocked immediately underneath by heavy soils such as clay; and, the green alleys should be in neighborhoods where there is a history of stormwater problems, including basement, street, and yard flooding. Based on the above recommendations and parameters, I request your consideration of hiring qualified contractors to leconcrete next summer. The alleys that best fit the pavetwotwo blocks of alleys with permeable above parameters lie between 14th, 24th White and Elm Streets. For next year's proposed pilot program, I recommend paving the alleys between 16th, 20t" Washington, and Jackson Streets. The Engineering Department has estimated the cost of the project to be $182,000. Housing and Community Development Director David Harris has informed me that, given nds could be madee recommended lavailable for the, up to l pilot program.15,000 of Community Development Block Grant fu ACTION STEP Your consideration and endorsement of the Dubuque Green Alley Pilot Program is requested. CC: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Utility Fee Rate Change DATE: February 25; 2008 INTRODUCTION Dubuque kiftd All -America City h. E P 2007 The purpose of this memo is to outline the Engineering staff's recommendation to modify Section 44-274(d) of the Code of Ordinances, thereby modifying the stormwater utility fee rate proposed with the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. BACKGROUND In February of 2003, Ordinance 7-03 was passed establishing a Stormwater Management Utility and associated fee. At that time, the Stormwater Management Utility Fee helped fund the administration of the Stormwater Utility, NPDES Compliance Program, Storm Sewer Improvements/Extensions, Stream -bank Stabilization Assistance Program, Detention Basin Maintenance, and Stormwater Ditch Maintenance & Remediation. DISCUSSION When the Stormwater Management Utility User Fee Fund was created in Fiscal Year 2004, stormwater management activities were funded from a number of sources, which included general, sales tax, and DRA distribution funds, as well as stormwater user fees. As Figure 1 shows, DRA funded 57.6%, property taxes funded 21.8%, and sales tax funded 4.6%. As proposed with the FY2009 budget, the Stormwater Management Utility will become for the first time a self-supporting enterprise fund. This means that all stormwater management activities will be funded by the stormwater management utility and permit fees. Figure 2 shows the funding for stormwater management activities proposed with the FY2009 budget. A number of factors have impacted the need to have the Stormwater Utility Fund exist as a self-supporting enterprise fund, including the projected decrease of DRA funding, lack of state and federal Grants, and an increase in the original costs to implement the Bee Branch Drainage Master Plan. Figure 1. Sources that funded stormwater management activities when the Stormwater Management Utility was established in FY2004. Fiscal Years 04-08 6.0°%a Sales Tax 4.6% Figure 2. As proposed with the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, only user and permi fund stormwater management activities. Fiscal Year 2009 1 5% Permit Fees fees will Table 1 below shows the proposed rate schedule, illustrating the differences between the Stormwater Utility rates established previously and the rates recommended with the proposed FY2009 budget. Table 1. Previously adopted Stormwater Management Utility Fee rate versus the rate proposed with the FY2009 budget. Adopted Proposed FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FYFY33 to $3.25 $4.00 $4.25 $4.25 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $3.25 $4.00 $5.00 $5.50 $6.35 $7.00 $7.00* The General Fund will continue to provide a 50% subsidy for the stormwater management utility fee charged to property tax exempt properties, low- to moderate -income residents, and residential farms. RECOMMENDATION I recommend modifying the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the Stormwater Utility Fee rates proposed in Table 1. BUDGET IMPACT The rate changes will change the Stormwater Management Utility into a self-supporting enterprise fund. DRA revenue, property taxes, and sales tax will no longer be used to fund stormwater management activities. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request passing the attached ordinance amending Section 44-274(d) of the City Code of Ordinances to reflect the stormwater management utility fee rate proposed with the FY2009 budget. Prepared by Deron Muehring cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney, Jenny Larson, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II ORDINANCE NO, 21-08 AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 44- 274(d) SFU RATE, CHARGES; UTILITY REVENUES. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section 44-274(d) is amended to read as follows: • (d) The SFU rate to be applied to residential and nonresidential properties shall be as follows: (1) For the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 the SFU rate shall be $4.00 per SFU; (2) For the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 the SFU rate shall be $5.00 per SFU; (3) For the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 the SFU rate shall be $5.50 per SFU; (4) For the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 the SFU rate shall be $6.35 per SFU. (5) For the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2033 the SFU rate shall be $7.00 per SFU. Passed, approved and adopted this 13th day of M! ch , 2008. oy D. Boul, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Bee Branch Rental Property Purchases March 11, 2008 Dubuque ktatil Alt-AmericaCity 2007 Housing and Community Development Department Director David Harris is recommending a change to the City's property acquisition policy related to implementation of the Drainage Basin Master Plan for rental properties. Federal and Iowa relocation laws require the City to relocate tenants to suitable rental units. This process typically takes 60 to 120 days. As part of negotiation with the property owner, the City requires that vacated units not be re -rented prior to acquisition. The result is that property owners may have vacant units for several months, with no rent revenues. The City is not required by law to reimburse owners for this expense. Housing and Community Development Department Director David Harris is recommending that the City offer a maximum 120-day payment to landlords for vacant units awaiting closing on the sale of the property. The expected cost increase for the entire project is approximately $80,000, which is available in the project budget. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council ' approval. ! �` Micpti41 C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department Director THE CTTY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque blag AII-Amefica City g r 2007 DATE: 11 March 08 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department SUBJECT: Bee Branch rental property purchase As part of acquiring properties for the Bee Branch Realignment Project, we are purchasing our first rental units. One issue that we have encountered is the cost to landlords for vacant units. Federal and Iowa relocation laws require us to relocate tenants to suitable rental units. This process includes identification of a `comparable' unit available on the market, establishing a rent differential payment for which the tenant is eligible, and providing a 90-day move notice to renters. This process typically takes 60-120 days. After all tenants have moved from the building, we close on the acquisition with the owner. As a policy, we have decided not to acquire occupied properties, as this would add considerable administrative burden as well as liability and potential expense. As part of the negotiation with the owner, we require that the vacated unit(s) not be re - rented prior to our acquisition. Obviously, if units were reoccupied, we would have to start the relocation process over. The result of this is that owners may have vacant units for several months, with no rent revenues. Although we are not required by law to reimburse owners for this expense, the question has been raised as to the `fairness' of this policy. To address this issue, we have surveyed the Bee Branch properties we will be acquiring. These include 47 rental units. We have proceeded on the assumption that offering a maximum 120 day payment to landlords would be equitable, as well as providing an incentive to owners to assist us by working with tenants to facilitate their move to other units. We have estimated the cost of this policy, calculating an average monthly rent at $425. For 47 units, paying owners for four months vacancy would cost $79 900. This is a worst -cost scenario, figuring all units are currently occupied and all would take 120 days to vacate. Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Jenny Larson, Budget DirectorU Bee Branch Rental Vacancy Payments March 7, 2008 Dubuque lbAil All -America City 1 r 2007 I have previously spoken to Civil Engineer Deron Muehring about the addition of the $80,000 to the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project for rental vacancy payments. The $80,000 rental vacancy payments are not part of the FY 2008 or FY 2009 Bee Branch Creek Restoration budget. In terms of a budget impact, our position is that while $80,000 will add to the cost of the project, no changes to the budget or the utility rate are warranted at this time due to the constant refinement of estimated costs for the various components of the project. Two examples of components that have been refined are: 1. Environmental Costs. The FY08 CIP budget includes an estimated $677,120 for the mitigation of potentially hazardous soils in the first phase of the project south of 16th Street. Preliminary engineering preformed since has revealed that the soil will not be hazardous. The revised estimate for the mitigation of soil is only $33,024. Therefore, the current estimate for the project is $644,096 less than the adopted FY2008 CIP budget for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. 2. Acquisition Costs. The adopted FY07 budget included $1,650,000 for the acquisition of property for the first phase of the project around 16th Street. Based on a closer look at recent sales of commercial property in the area, the estimate in the FY08 CIP budget was increased to $1,709,199. It is my opinion that the $80,000 rental vacancy payments can be added to the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project without impacting the project budget or Stormwater Fee. JML cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque bfrd AI-AmericaCity 1 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project - RFP for the Design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project DATE: June 11, 2008 City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending release of a Request for Proposals to identify a consultant to prepare the final design, prepare construction/bid documents, and perform construction observation for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering. Based on the study, approximately 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch watershed are at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommends several capital improvement projects that would reduce the threat of flood damage in the Bee Branch Creek Watershed. They are the Carter Road Detention Basin that was completed in the spring of 2004, the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin that will be under construction this summer, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The estimated total cost of this consultant contract is $1,782,581. The intent would be to have a recommendation to the City Council by August 4, 2008, and to have the construction project for the lower portion of the project from the 16th Street Detention basin to the railroad tracks south of Garfield Avenue complete by December 31, 2009. The upper portion of the project, from the railroad tracks to 24th Street will be under construction beginning in the summer of 2010. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. (e Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer MEMORANDUM Masterpiece on the Mississippi June 5, 2008 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project - RFP for the Design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to request authorization to release an RFP to identify a consultant to prepare the final design, prepare construction/bid documents, and perform construction observation for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BACKGROUND In December of 2001, the City Council formally adopted the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) prepared by HDR Engineering (Omaha, Nebraska). Based on the study, approximately 1,150 homes and businesses in the Bee Branch watershed are at risk of flood damage. The DBMP recommends several capital improvement projects that would reduce the threat of flood damage in the Bee Branch Creek Watershed. They are the Carter Road Detention Basin that was completed in the spring of 2004, the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin that will be under construction this summer, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In the spring of 2003, the City hired a consultant for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. In the spring of 2003, CDM (Milwaukee, WI) was hired for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. The main components of the study were to: 1) Establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway along its approximately 4,500-foot length (from 16th Street detention basin to 24th and Elm Streets) based on existing environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints; 2) Provide a preliminary design to a level that it establishes the appearance of the waterway and how it will function before, during, and after rains of different magnitudes; and 3) Work with impacted residents in the form of a citizen's advisory committee to ensure that the recommended alignment location and waterway design are based on input from the neighborhoods impacted by the proposed open waterway. To that end, the consultant relied on the input from the ad hoc Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. Comprised of impacted Bee Branch watershed residents, impacted property owners, senior citizens, a local parishioner, local PTA member, a developer, a state representative, and a Dubuque Board of Realtors member, the sixteen -member committee (BBCAC) recommended where the restored Bee Branch Creek should be located and provided input as to its appearance. The alignment recommended by the committee and later adopted by the City Council impacts seventy nine (79) property owners. On November 6, 2006, the City Council authorized the City Manager to submit an application for, and subsequently approved the use of State Revolving Loan funds to design the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project improvements. In December of 2006 the State approved the City's application, placing the project on the Iowa Finance Authority State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program intended use plan. In June of 2006 the City Council passed Resolution 230-06 authorizing an agreement with HWY 151 & 61 Development, the local group headed by Wayne Briggs to assist with the redevelopment of the former Smithfield property on 16th Street. Per the terms of the agreement, the City is to complete the construction of the lower portion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project by December 31, 2009. DISCUSSION One of the benefits of using SRF to fund the design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is that the borrowing is interest free for up to three (3) years until the project moves into construction. The lower portion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, from the 16th Street Detention Basin to the rail road tracks south of Garfield, will move into construction next year; the loan will be interest free for approximately one year. But the upper portion of the project, from the rail road tracks to 24th Street will not be under construction until the summer of calendar year 2010; the design loan could be interest free for approximately two (2) years. Therefore, to take full advantage of the interest free loan, the design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is separated into two components: the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project and the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. As detailed in the RFP, the objectives of the consultant are to: 1. Utilize the engineering study previously performed and reported in the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study to design the improvements of both the Lower and Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Projects; 2. Gather and utilize input from citizens for the design of the final landscaping plan for both projects; 3. Prepare bid documents (plans and specifications) for the construction of the improvements. The project will be bid as at least two, and possibly three, individual construction projects. Construction of the first portion, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, must be completed by December 31, 2009; 4. Acquire permits and authorizations from the various regulatory agencies for both projects in a timely fashion that avoids any delays to the construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project; 5. Satisfy the Clean Water Surface Revolving Fund (SRF) requirements from design, through bidding and construction; and 6. Manage/oversee the construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The estimate to prepare the final design and prepare construction/bid documents for both the Upper and Lower reaches, and perform construction observation for the Lower reach of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: • Design of Lower Bee Branch $ 544,052 Design of Upper Bee Branch $ 984,638 Engineering During Construction of Lower Bee Branch $ 253,891 The proposed schedule for the projects is as follows: RFPs released to the public: Responses due: Recommendation to City Manager: Potential Action by City Council: TOTAL $ 1,782,581 June 17, 2008 July 10, 2008 July 28, 2008 August 4, 2008 The following staff members will review the proposals and formulate a recommendation: 1. Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager 2. John Klostermann, Street and Sewer Maintenance Manager 3. Ken TeKippe, Finance Director 4. Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager 5. Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer 6. Steve Sampson -Brown, Project Manager 7. Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II RECOMMENDATION I recommend releasing an RFP to the public for to identify a consultant to prepare the final design, prepare construction/bidding documents, and provide construction observation for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BUDGET IMPACT The current Capital Improvement Program budget includes $1,860,074 for design and construction observation of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (CIP#7201654). ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request authorization to release to the public an RFP for the final design, construction/bidding documents, and construction observation for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Attachments Prepared by Deron Muehring cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Ken TeKippe, Finance Director John Klostermann, Street and Sewer Maintenance Manager Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager Steve Sampson -Brown, Project Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer 11 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) THE CITY OF D T T v ISSUE DATE: June 17, 2008 CONTACT: Deron Muehring FAX NO: 5563-589-4270 63 589-4205 EMAIL: dmuehrin@cityofdubuque.org Masterpiece on the Mississippi SUBMIT PROPOSAUOFFER PRIOR TO: CLOSING DATE: July 10, 2008 CLOSING TIME: 2:00 P.M. (CST) SUBMIT TO: SEE Section 8.0 FAX/EMAIL NOT ACCEPTED DESCRIPTION: The City of Dubuque is seeking proposals from engineering consulting firms for engineering services for the preparation of the final design, bidding/construction documents, and construction inspection for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. 0 o RECEIPT OF PROPOSAL If you are considering a response to the left, fill in the information below and you received this RFP. NO RESPONSE REPLY If you do not want to respond to this ACKNOWLEDGEMENT this RFP, please mark the box to return this sheet as a confirmation that RFP at this time, please mark the box to return this sheet only. the left, fill in the information below and COMPANY NAME: DATE: MAILING ADDRESS: CITY/STATE: ZIP CODE: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: PRINTED NAME: TITLE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: EMAIL: PHONE: Masterpiece on the Mississippi Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CITY OF DUBUQUE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Dubuque a aan t r 2007 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 2 of 11 RFP ORGANIZATION Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Table of Contents: SECTION PAGE 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Project Objectives 6 3.0 Community Background... 6 4.0 Project Scope of Services 6 5.0 City Resources 7 6.0 Information to be Included in the Proposal 7 7.0 Proposal Questions and Answers 9 8.0 Submission Requirements 10 Appendix A Scope of Services Appendix B Consultant Evaluation Selection Process Appendix C RFP Rules and Protest Procedure Appendix D Insurance Requirements Appendix E City of Dubuque Contract Terms and Conditions Appendix F Project Related Data Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 3 of 11 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Consultant Services Request for Proposal 1.0 INTRODUCTION Dubuque kited IwwilaCnr 'IIIP' 2007 The City of Dubuque, Iowa is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide engineering design services for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. The project involves the day -lighting of approximately 4,500 feet of creek that is currently buried in a limestone block storm sewer that on average is fifteen (15) feet wide and eight (8) feet high. The consultant is expected to utilize the preliminary design and associated supporting engineering investigations as the basis for preparing the final design. The preliminary design of the restored creek outlines a meandering fifteen (15) to twenty five (25) foot wide creek, or low flow channel, running through a 150 to 180-foot wide floodway corridor. Durin • - • vier rains, the stormwater will rise out of the low -flow channel and spread into dway corridor. The preliminary design includes a conceptual landscaping plnsisting of a mixture of taller prairie and ornamental grasses with a mixture o wil• owers to make up the balance of the relatively flat floodway bottom. It also includes medium to high canopy trees such as ash, maple, or birch trees; bushes, planters near bridges, light fixtures, benches, and the incorporation of the Heritage Trail that runs through the area. The construction of the bridges would include a rustic stone appearance similar in pattern to local limestone outcroppings. The figure on page 2 is the City's vision of the restored Bee Branch that drained stormwater through the area as it did over 100 years ago. See the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study found in Appendix F for the alignment. The estimate for design and construction of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Construction $ 20,382,523 Engineering Design (8%) 1,630,602 Engineering During Construction (4%) 815,301 TOTAL $ 22,828,426 The use of Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) has been approved for the design of both the stormwater and sanitary sewer improvements. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring compliance with terms and conditions of Iowa's CWSRF program. The selected consultant will be expected to complete the contracted scope of work within the agreed upon timeframe, under the general direction and coordination of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 4 of 11 City's Engineering Department as authorized by the City Council. The design should be broken into two distinct phases, the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project and the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, to ensure that the public bidding process for the later can be initiated sometime in early 2009. Construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project consisting of the construction of two bridge/culverts and 2,000 feet of channel from the 16th Street Detention Basin to the railroad tracks must be completed by December 31, 2009. See the "Scope of Services" section of this Request for Proposals for more details on the work to be performed. BACKGROUND A number of North End properties have suffered from basement flooding over the past several years. With the hope of solving the problem, the City of Dubuque commissioned a nationally recognized engineering firm to quantify the magnitude of the problem and identify possible solutions. The findings were presented in the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) adopted by the City Council in 2001. The DBMP determined that over 1,150 homes and businesses in the vicinity of the buried Bee Branch storm sewer were found to be at risk of flood damage. Three projects were identified to address the problem. The Carter Road Detention Basin was completed in the spring of 2002 for $1.1 million. The design for the $4 million W. 32nd Street Detention Basin project is complete and construction should begin in early summer 2008. Both of these projects are upstream of the Bee Branch sewer. These detention basins will limit the amount of stormwater that can flow to the Bee Branch storm sewer. To eliminate the risk of flooding, a third project is required. The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project involves the resurrection -reconstruction of the buried creek (Bee Branch/Couler Creek) that drained stormwater through the area over 100 years ago. In the spring of 2003, the City hired a consultant for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. The main component of the study was to establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway along its approximately 4,500-foot length (from 16th Street detention basin to 24th and Elm Streets) based on existing environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints. To that end, the consultant relied on the input from the ad hoc Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee. Comprised of impacted Bee Branch watershed residents, impacted property owners, senior citizens, a local parishioner, local PTA member, a developer, a state representative, and a Dubuque Board of Realtors member, the sixteen -member committee (BBCAC) recommended where the restored Bee Branch Creek should be located and the design elements and concepts to be incorporated into the design of the restored creek. These design elements are depicted in the figure shown on page 2. To date, the City has purchased 32 of the 79 properties required for the project. In 2004, the City Council adopted resolutions approving the alignment from the 16th Street Detention Basin to the intersection of 24th and Elm Streets as well as the design elements and concepts outlined in the preliminary design (see Appendix F). Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 5 of 11 2.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The objectives of the consultant are to: 1. Utilize the engineering study previously performed and reported in the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study to design the improvements of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project; 2. Gather and utilize input from citizens for the design of the final landscaping plan for the project; 3. Prepare bid documents (plans and specifications) for the construction of the improvements. The project will be bid as at least two, and possibly three, individual construction projects. Construction of the first portion, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, must be completed by December 31, 2009; 4. Acquire permits and authorizations from the various regulatory agencies in a timely fashion that avoids any delays to the construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project; 5. Satisfy the CWSRF requirements from design, through bidding and construction; and 6. Manage/oversee the construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. 3.0 COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois and Wisconsin. The City is approximately 30 square miles in area, with a population of approximately 60,000 people. The City's annual operating and capital budget is over $100 million and funds a full range of services. The City's web site is www.citvofdubuque.oro. Dubuque's terrain is widely varied, with steep hills, bluffs, and a flat area protected from the Mississippi River by a floodwall. Rugged rock outcroppings dot the bluffs and many wooded areas are located within the city limits. 4.0 PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES Although the scope of services or the project plans may be divided, truncated, phased, or expanded at the sole discretion of the City of Dubuque, the proposal shall outline the means and methods by which the consultant will provide the scope of Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 6 of 11 services identified herein. A detailed Scope of Services is supplied with this Request for Proposal as Appendix A and includes the following elements: • Project Management and Coordination • Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Channel Design • Subsurface Investigations • Surveying • Drawings, Specifications, Construction Cost Estimates, Schedules, and Short and Long Term Maintenance Requirements • Permitting Assistance including completing all permit applications • Bidding and Award Services • Construction Services The estimate to fulfill the scope of services outlined in Appendix A is follows: Design of Lower Bee Branch $ 544,052 Design of Upper Bee Branch $ 984,638 Engineering During Construction of Lower Bee Branch $ 253,891 TOTAL $ 1,782,581 5.0 CITY RESOURCES 5.1 Use of City Resources for the RFP Preparation All information requests shall be directed to the City's Project Manager as detailed in Section 7.0 of this request for proposal. 5.2 Material Available for the RFP See Appendix F. 5.3 City Resources Available to the Selected Vendor The City will make DAGIS (Dubuque Area Geographical Information System) data (contours, property lines, property ownership, storm & sanitary sewer systems and aerial photography) available for this project. 6.0 INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN PROPOSAL The submitted proposal should address all aspects of the required work discussed in this RFP, including any cost information which should be included in the submittal and clearly titled "Project Cost Estimate". The proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight -forward, concise description of the consultant's capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the RFP. Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 7 of 11 To simplify the review process and to obtain the maximum degree of comparability, the proposal shall include the following information and shall be organized in the manner specified below. While additional data may be presented, the .following subjects must be included. They represent the criteria against which the proposal will be evaluated. 6.1 Letter of Transmittal Provide a letter of transmittal briefly outlining the Proposer's understanding of the work and list the project manager's name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. The name that is provided for the project manager will be used as the primary contact during this RFP process. The Letter of Transmittal must include from the Proposer a conflict of interest statement that explicitly states that the Proposer understands and agrees that the Proposer awarded this Construction Manager contract, its firm and subsidiaries of its firm shall not be eligible to bid, or to participate in the preparation of any bids for the City of Dubuque's Port of Dubuque Public Parking Facility Improvement Project. 6.2 Index Each proposal shall contain a table of contents that delineates each section contained in the proposal and the corresponding page number. 6.3 Profile of Firm Provide general background information about the firm and its areas of expertise as they relate to this RFP. Include information about the key project team members who will be assigned to the project and their areas of expertise that will be utilized on the project. Include a flow chart that shows the communication path between the city and key project team members. Include all project team members on the flow chart and show the supervisory relationship between all members of the team. 6.4 Proposed Project Team Qualifications Describe the experience and success of the Firm and key personnel proposed for the Dubuque project, in performing similar projects. Specifically include any experience and success the firm or key personnel have in working on sanitary sewer, culvert, and ditch/waterway design. Include at least 3 client references (including individual contact name and telephone numbers) from similar projects that have been completed in the last five (5) years AND the list the names of project team members proposed for the Dubuque project who have worked on the referenced projects. Describe the name and location of other sub -contracting firms that would be used Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 8 of 11 by the Consultant during the project. List the approximate percentage of the work that would be performed by each of these firms. Briefly describe any relevant experience and qualifications of the sub -contracting firm. 6.5 Scope of Services Describe the means or strategy by which the Consultant would satisfy the Scope of Services. Include a copy of the sub consultants completed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the project (See Appendix F), and clearly mark the services which your firm will provide as main consultant. Only mark services that are included in your proposed fee. At a minimum, the submitted WBS should include the services required by the RFP. The Consultant should indicate in the WBS any work items that are expected to be completed by City staff. 6.6 Proposed Project Schedule Provide a design/construction project schedule outlining the time period and estimated completion date of the proposed scope of work. This should include a schedule and description of all deliverable reports/documents throughout the project. The construction documents for the first leg of the project should be ready for public bidding in January of 2008. 6.7 Certificate of Insurance The selected firm will be required to meet the City's insurance requirements for professional services (see Appendix D). 6.8 Fees and Compensation Provide a fixed fee budget for completion of the proposed scope of services with cost breakdowns by major scope element. The Consultant will be progressively paid for the earned value of progress made for each major scope element completed, plus reimbursable expenses, subject to the agreed upon Not -to - Exceed amount as written in the signed contract. Invoices shall be paid on a monthly basis. Quotation of fees and compensation shall remain firm for a period of at least 60 days from the RFP submission deadline. 7.0 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS If you have any questions concerning this proposal, or other technical questions, please submit your requests to the City's designated Project Manager. The City has used considerable efforts to ensure an accurate representation of information in this RFP. Each Proposer is urged to conduct its own investigations into the material facts provided. When submitting a question to the Project Manager, please include the appropriate Consultant contact information. Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 9 of 11 No answers given in response to questions submitted shall be binding upon this RFP unless released in writing (letter, fax or email) as an officially numbered and titled addendum to the RFP by the City of Dubuque. From the date of issuance of the RFP until final City action, the Proposer shall not discuss the RFP with or contact any other City of Dubuque staff or any of the Selection Committee members except as expressly authorized by the City representative identified in this section (Section 7.0) for this proposal. Violation of this restriction will be considered a violation of the rules and be grounds for disqualification of the Proposer's proposal. Project Manager contact information is as follows: Deron Muehring City of Dubuque Engineering Department 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 8.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Phone 563.589.4270 Fax: 563.589.4205 E-mail: dmuehrin@cityofdubuque.org Before submitting a proposal, each Proposer shall make all investigations and examinations necessary to ascertain site conditions and requirements affecting the full performance of the contract and to verify any representations made by the City upon which the Proposer will rely. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INFORMATION • Submittal Deadline: • Submittal Mailing Address: July 10, 2008 on or before 2:00 p.m. CST City of Dubuque Engineering Department c/o Deron Muehring 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 • Submittal Copies: Ten (10) hardcopies and one electronic (pdf) copy of the proposal shall be provided. Submit one (1) original signed proposal and nine (9) copies all labeled Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Submitted proposals must be in delivered in printed format. In addition, supply one (1) electronic version of the proposal in Adobe Acrobat format. No faxed or e-mail proposals will be accepted. The proposal must be a document of not more than fifteen (15) numbered 8-1/2 x 11-inch pages, not including the letter of transmittal, index, project schedule, dividers and the front and back covers. Proposals Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 10 of 11 should not include any pre-printed or promotional materials. Any proposals exceeding 15 numbered pages may not be considered. The original proposal document shall be signed in blue ink by an officer of the company who is authorized to legally bind the Proposer to its provisions. Proposals are to contain a statement indicating the period during which the proposal will remain valid. A period of not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the proposal closing date is required. Each Consultant assumes full responsibility for delivery and deposit of the completed proposal package on or before the deadline. Any proposals received after the submittal deadline will not be considered, and will be returned unopened to the Proposer. The City of Dubuque will not be responsible for any loss or delay with respect to delivery of the proposals. The City of Dubuque is not liable for any cost incurred by any Consultant prior to the execution of an agreement or contract. Nor shall the City of Dubuque be liable for any costs incurred by the firms in responding to this RFP and those not specified in any contract. All results from this project will remain the property of the City of Dubuque. Thank you for your consideration and interest in the project. Sincerely, [ //,./0 //' ) Deron Muehring Civil Engineer II City of Dubuque Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Page 11 of 11 Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Stormwater Management Utility — Residential Farm Subsidy March 10, 2009 Dubuque bfrd All4malcan,/ 11 2007 City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending increasing the existing residential farm stormwater fee subsidy from 50 percent to 75 percent effective March 17, 2009. The City Council approved amending the FY 2010 Stormwater Subsidy — Residential Farms CIP from 50 percent to 75 percent on March 9, 2009. This recommendation amends the FY 2009 CIP to increase from 50 percent to 75 percent at a cost of $520 in FY 2009. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michae C. Van Milligen MCVM/jl Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Masterpiece on the Mississippi MEMORANDUM TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Utility, Residential Farm Subsidy (CIP#7201906) DATE: February 17, 2009 Dubuque AlAreerIcatily 111111 2007 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to recommend that the Stormwater Management Utility subsidy for residential farms be increased from fifty to seventy five percent. BACKGROUND In February of 2003, Ordinance 7-03 was passed establishing a Stormwater Management Utility. The City began billing for the associated stormwater utility fee at the beginning of FY2004. The FY2004 CIP Budget also included a 50 percent subsidy for property tax exempt organizations and low -to -moderate income residents. A subsidy does not reduce the collected Stormwater Management fee for a property. Instead, funds from the General Fund are used to pay for 50 percent of the fee. With the adoption of the FY2008 CIP Budget, a subsidy was created for residential farms. At that time, there were about thirty such farms in the city. DISCUSSION One of the reasons that the farm subsidy was initially created was due to feedback from the owners of agricultural property considering annexation. During the latest annexation of properties on the west end of Dubuque, the issue was raised once again. The stormwater utility fee represents a new fee that can deter annexation. The current recommendation is to increase the level of the farm subsidy from 50 to 75 percent. The proposed FY2010 CIP Budget reflects this change. See attachment. I recommend making the change starting in March of 2009 to coincide with the first utility bills to be sent out to the recently annexed west side properties. Table 1 shows the cost of the projected farm subsidy if it remains at 50 percent. Table 2 shows the projected cost of the subsidy if it is increased to 75 percent in March of 2009. The projected difference is a $520 increase. Table 1. Proiected cost of current 50 percent farm subsidy. 7/1/08 through 2/27/09 3/1/09 through 6/30/09 Total Existing $1,440 $720 $2,160 Annexed - $320 $320 Total $1,440 $1,040 $2,480 Table 2. Proiected cost of proposed 75 percent farm subsidy starting in March of 2009. 7/1/08 through 2/27/09 3/1/09 through 6/30/09 Total Existing $1,440 $1,080 $2,520 Annexed - $480 $480 Total $1,440 $1,560 $3,000 RECOMMENDATION I recommend increasing the existing residential farm subsidy from 50 percent to 75 percent and that the change is made starting in March of 2009. BUDGET IMPACT Changing the farm subsidy from 50 percent to 75 percent in March of 2009 will cost an additional $520 in FY2009. The FY2009 farm subsidy budget (CIP#7201906) is $4,300, enough to cover the increased subsidy. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request that the farm subsidy be increased from 50% to 75% starting in March of 2009. Attach. Prepared by Deron Muehring cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II • • y ••.ti10 ` �... 7 �+ fy BEYOND I 2013 O If) 61 O O U) (0 69 ER -EH O LO F;;,''.. i;i 11O 0.•�• y - 7 N CD E9 CD CO n 69 69 CD ER : "'ILif T T V. 0 10 COCO EA W c0 Ul CO (. cD fl) 69 CO II) c0 E9 PROJECT TITLE: r x+,y b`t water Subsidy Resider Farms, } 0 O N rn u010 69 0) Tr 10 61 EA rn En 69 O 09 O O N 10. O E9 '7 U, lr) EH E9 't Lr E9 O 9 co N M E9 M M V• 69 E9 M 'd' 69 , ''' PROJECT BUDGET A. EXPENDITURE ITEMS Design & Engineering Land and R.O.W. Construction Other TOTAL B. PROJECT FINANCING General Fund TOTAL DE�ARTJIAENT `�'F�'-y � Engineering ESTIMATED FY 08 0 10 M 6469 0 o in in rM M E969 0 in M IEXP PRIOR I TO FY 08 69 61 c r. c O • 0 c U N h a) N co } N .0N a '4 a) co o Li- • O- a) 0 >, 72 0 N E9 0) N G To D O` 2 N CI a a) T W co 2 - o c o 0 O 7 To. N o3E a) E� EN Er w p . m U N N O 7 .o } _ N t x cS ra * 2 E „- w co Li- !0 N 4: ++ O` c • C V a c tss •- • N d C a) O N C c o y (V a) al ..+ N l0 .0 c >, o Eh'vnE 0 0 co 0 p ,O -0 c 0 c E 0-t yO ND.. N w Q '0 •0 N .-7.OL O C 1 c w a) co aid ;0 0) o) 0 0 a) a) 7o m 0 a) '0 E Eo~m c o N a)o EEO V) C R � t w .0 ER d V) N 0, c o m'- 4 2 m 0. a 0) N N a) Ei > N 0} d U c..) - a) ;0 c 8 C .Cn 0 w -c0.2 12 c y '0 CO O = '� '�" m `o Ce E a o O M '� N pt V • rn 1. ca .W a) 0_ C C. E9 E = -c 7 O .0 CO f"' 0 F. .r- COm T Q 0 O Ea- .61F-N wE c O- E V 5 rn EL9af6i axi Z a. • n o€� Q• • 1 m Eci.ts Q i Z i N Q a) O d w 'o0u-a LT- Er Fo Ow(0 o P w y � c rn Sri CI' � c W 'L a F- co En 2 -) H re I- /1 /b h-coY STATE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Applicant: City of Dubuque County: Dubuque COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Project No.: CS1920513-01 — Lower Bee Branch Creek State: Iowa Location: The City of Dubuque is located in Dubuque County approximately 90 miles east of Waterloo, Iowa and 70 miles north of Davenport, Iowa. Population: The population of Dubuque according to the 2000 US Census is 57,686. System Background: There is a long history of flooding associated with the Bee Branch, a water of the United States. The Herald (now the Telegraph Herald) reported on September 10, 1875 the "flats were a vast lake." Another flood was reported in 1878. In late June of 1880 it was reported that the city between 11 th and 20th Streets was under several feet of water. In 1896 it was reported that the flood played havoc with the newly paved Kaufman Avenue. And recently, floods in 1999, 2002, and 2004 produced flood damage spurring Presidential Disaster Declarations. In 1999 the Telegraph Herald reported that hundreds of basements were flooded. Furnaces, water heaters, washers and dryers, freezers, and even electrical boxes were damaged. Even before the flood of 1999, the City Council began charting a new course towards addressing the Bee Branch flooding issue by commissioning an engineering study to identify improvements to solve the problem once and for all. Completed in the fall of 2001, the Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) concluded what thousands of residents already knew; over 1,150 properties were at risk of flood damage due to heavy rains. The DBMP also outlined four projects to address the flooding issue: the Carter Road Detention Basin that was constructed in 2004 for $1.1 million, the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin that was constructed in 2009 for $3.7 million, and the Lower and Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Projects. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make improvements that both reduces property damage due to flooding and improves the water quality within the Bee Branch and Mississippi. Proposed Improvements: The proposed improvements involves the removal of 1,500 feet of existing stone arch storm sewer that currently confines the Bee Branch and replacing it with a 2,300-foot long, by 100-foot wide, by 5-foot deep open water way. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Alternatives Considered: As outlined in the DBMP, several alternatives were considered. A Public education program was considered that would inform citizens of required safety practices before, during and after a flood. Frequently, casualties during flooding relate to structural failures of basement and foundation walls. Public education is an effective means to inform people of these dangers. Public outreach could include the development of public programs to provide emergency shelters and first aid during a flood event and emergency service to assist in evacuation of residences. A flood plain buyout was also considered. Another alternative involved the flood proofing of structures. Flood proofing facilities could range from structural modifications to reduce or eliminate damages from flooding to educational programs that inform people how to protect their property or remain safe during a flood event. Structural measures are usually implemented in commercial or industrial settings where personnel are available to operate and maintain flood EID Page 2 City of Dubuque CS1920513-01 — Lower Bee Branch Creek proofing devices. In residential applications, flood proofing is usually limited to the relocation of vital residential systems such as heating, cooling, water heaters and laundry areas to safe flooding areas. The relocation of electrical services to areas above the anticipated water surface elevation is also required. Another option considered was the creation of upstream detention areas. The construction of a relief sewer was also considered. Construction of a relief storm sewer to expand the capacity of the Bee Branch storm sewer trunk line would deliver water to the Mississippi River more quickly and decrease flooding in the low-lying areas of the City. Once the open waterway option was identified as the proposed solution, the Dubuque City Council commissioned the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Alignment Study to establish the optimum alignment for the proposed creek based on engineering, environmental, social, and economic constraints; to establish the look and feel of the restored creek; and to establish how the creek would behave during Tight, moderate, and heavy rains. The City Council created a sixteen -member Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC) comprised of impacted residents, impacted property owners, senior citizens, a local parishioner, local PTA member, a developer, a State representative, and a Dubuque Board of Realtors member. CDM, the City's consultant for the project was directed to work with the BBCAC to ensure stakeholder input. Between September of 2003 and June of 2004, the BBCAC convened six times, discussing the problems, solutions, and several options as to the optimum location and look of the restored creek. The adopted alignment is the alignment recommended by the BBCAC. In addition to the alternatives considered in the DBMP, CDM discussed and evaluated a full range of potential solutions through a screening process with the BBCAC. Some solutions were not feasible, while others could be a component of an overall solution. The screening process narrowed the list of solutions down to two options: an open waterway or open channel, and a combination of a buried pipe and open channel. Reasons for Selection of Proposed Alternative: The No -Action alternative is not viable due to the history of flood damage and the risk to human health and safety posed by current conditions. Two hydraulically effective regional upstream detention areas were identified that the City has already constructed: one on Carter Road and one on W. 324d Street. The only remaining alternative that could be shown to eliminate the flood risk was the Lower and Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Projects. The BBCAC recommended an alignment that scored best according to weighted evaluation criteria that they established. They evaluated of multiple alignments for the project. The top three priorities chosen by the BBCAC to evaluate alignments and alternatives, in order of importance, were to preserve commercial / noncommercial services, minimize residential property acquisitions, and minimize cost. The project site (alignment) was based on the recommendation of the BBCAC. MEASURES TAKEN TO ASSESS IMPACT: Coordination and Documentation With Other Agencies and Special Interest Groups: The following Federal, state and local agencies were asked to comment on the proposed project to better assess the potential impact to the environment: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers State Historical Society of Iowa Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Iowa DNR Water Resources Section Citizen Band Potawatomi Indian Tribe Delaware Tribe of Indians Flandreau Santee Sioux Ho -Chunk Nation Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque AI14ma1caCity 1 I 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Response to 12/30/09 FEMA Letter on Flood Insurance Rate Map DATE: January 26, 2010 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens requests City Council approval a proposed response letter to the December 30, 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) letter transmitting FEMA's revised preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM). The City of Dubuque has repeatedly requested that FEMA remove new Zone A areas, determined by approximate methods and previously not designated, from the preliminary DFIRM. All the changes requested by the City's previous correspondence for the preliminary DFIRM have not been made. City staff has concerns with the revised preliminary DFIRM as well, due to new inaccuracies. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Dubuque AI4aub y s 2007 Michael Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager -96G Response to 12/30/09 FEMA Letter on Flood Insurance Rate Map January 26, 2010 Introduction This memorandum transmits the recommended City response to the enclosed December 30, 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) letter received by the City of Dubuque on January 4, 2010 transmitting FEMA's revised preliminary DFIRM (Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map). Discussion The City of Dubuque has repeatedly requested that the FEMA remove new Zone A areas, determined by approximate methods and previously not designated, from the preliminary DFIRM. All the changes requested in the City's previous correspondence for the preliminary DFIRM have not been made. City staff has concerns with the revised preliminary DFIRM as well, due to new inaccuracies. These are highlighted in the Mayor's letter to FEMA. City staff held a conference call on January 21, 2010 with FEMA staff to share our concerns. We learned that the FEMA public meeting on the DFIRMs is set for 6:30 p.m. on February 23, 2010 at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. City staff is continuing to review the preliminary and revised DFIRMs for inaccuracies and issues. We plan to hold a series of informational meetings for affected property owners on February 9, 2010 to help them to prepare for the FEMA public meeting. Requested Action The requested action is for the City Council to review and approve the enclosed response to FEMA re: the revised preliminary DFIRM. Enclosures cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM FEMA NATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 300 Kansas City, Missouri 64114-3372 December 30, 2009 The Honorable Roy Buol Mayor, City of Dubuque City Hall 50 West Thirteenth Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 D ECEOW Erni JAN - 4 1010 1-U) E PLANNICllY OF NG SERVICESDEPARTMENT RE: Revised Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) for City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. Dear Mayor Buol, On July 13, 2009 we provided your community with two copies of the Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. The DFIRM and FIS report were prepared in countywide format, which means that flood hazard information for the entire geographic area of the community was presented. The preliminary DFIRM panels have been revised to reflect the following changes: In a letter dated August 04, 2009, you identified panels where the new Zone A flooding does not properly reflect the recent storm water control facilities, or the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project installed by the City. Based on your comments and the data you provided on October 7, 2009, the floodplain boundaries have been redelineated on DFIRM panels 237, 241, 243, and 244. We are providing two copies of the above -referenced Revised Preliminary DFIRM's for your review and comment. These four panels supersede the respective Preliminary panels dated July 13, 2009. Your community has 30 days from the receipt of this letter to review the enclosed copies. The review period provides your community with an opportunity to identify changes or corrections to non -technical information presented on the DFIRM or in the FIS report, such as corporate limits, road names (within or adjacent to the SFHAs), bridges, and stream labels. Comments or changes received during this 30-day review period will be assessed and incorporated, as appropriate, before the DFIRM and FIS report become effective. Comments should be sent to AECOM, 2405 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1000, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. FEMA will contact you shortly to discuss the maps and schedule a county/community coordination meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to present the results of the study, discuss the information presented on the DFIRM and FIS report, discuss the impact of the DFIRM and FIS report on your community's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and give your community a chance to comment or ask questions regarding the DFIRM and FIS report and the NFIP in general. We 2 encourage you to circulate the enclosed copies among elected officials, staff, and other individuals or organizations in your community who have an interest in the DFIRM and FIS report. Your community's comments on the Revised Preliminary DFIRM panels are an important part of the review process, and will be considered carefully before final publication of the DFIRM and FIS report. If you have additional questions or comments regarding the enclosed documents, please contact, Roger Benson, the Consultation Coordination Officer designated for your community at (816) 283-7031. Sincerely, Ms. Melissa Janssen, Chief Risk Analysis Branch List of Enclosures: DFIRM cc: Mr. Bill Cappuccio, State NFIP Coordinator Laura Carstens, Community Floodplain Administrator Masterpiece on the Mississippi Melissa Janssen, Chief Risk Analysis Branch FEMA Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway Ste 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Dear Ms. Janssen: Dubuque al recur! I 1. 2007 Office of the Mayor & City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org February 2, 2010 This letter is in response to your December 30, 2009 letter received by the City of Dubuque on January 4, 2010 transmitting the revised preliminary DFIRM (Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map) for the City of Dubuque. The City of Dubuque has repeatedly requested that FEMA remove new Zone A areas, determined by approximate methods and previously not designated, from the preliminary DFIRM. This revised preliminary DFIRM does not respond to the City's requests. Enclosed for your consideration are a set of talking points with respect to the City of Dubuque's concerns with FEMA's DFIRM for our community. The enclosed letter dated August 4, 2009 to Roger Benson of FEMA Region VII Consultant Coordination Officer, is acknowledged in your letter of December 30, 2009. Letters dated September 9, 2009, September 22, 2009, and December 21, 2009 to Rick Nusz, FEMA Region VII Hydraulic Engineer, however, are not acknowledged in your December 30, 2009 letter. Copies of these letters are enclosed for your consideration and a response. The enclosures referred to in these letters were provided to Mr. Benson and Mr. Nusz. In addition, questionnaires from over 100 Dubuque property owners impacted by the preliminary DFIRM were sent to Mr. Nusz in September, 2009. We ask you to review and respond to these citizens' comments. All the changes requested in the City's previous correspondence for the preliminary DFIRM have not been made. The City of Dubuque has concerns with the revised preliminary DFIRM panels 237, 241, 243, and 244 as well, due to new inaccuracies. For example, the revised preliminary DFIRM no longer shows historic flood plains in the Couler Valley -- but places about over 1,600 structures in Zone A flood hazard areas in the North End and Kerper Boulevard industrial area. The DIRM shows the flood plain along Peru Road on a hillside but not on the area at a lower elevation below the hillside. Letter to Melissa Janssen, FEMA February 2, 2010 Page 2 Although flood elevations have not been provided, based on the topography the DFIRM indicates that at the intersection of Kleine Street and Kaufmann Avenue the flood depth will be approximately eight feet deep on the south side of Kaufmann but only six feet deep on the north side of Kaufmann. A similar discrepancy can be found at the intersection of Main Street and Kaufmann Avenue. Intermittent flood areas are shown as islands in the North End. These are only a few examples of inaccuracies City staff has found in the preliminary and revised preliminary DFIRMs. The City's current FIRM indicates the area along the Mississippi River inundated by the 500-year flood plain as a shaded Zone X. This shaded Zone X is still noted on the revised preliminary DFIRM as being protected from the 100-year flood. The revised preliminary DFIRM should be updated to reflect the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 2008 Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan that concludes that the levee protects the city from the 500-year flood. There remain these concerns and other issues with the preliminary DFIRM dated July 13, 2009 and with the revised preliminary DFIRM that the City received in January of 2010. In some cases, the maps are inconsistent with the Flood Insurance Study for Dubuque County. In other cases, the mapping methodology is inconsistent with the Floodplain Management Desk Reference produced by FEMA and the Iowa DNR. City staff is continuing to review the preliminary and revised DFIRMs for inaccuracies and issues. Please feel free to contact Laura Carstens, Community Floodplain Administrator, at 563.589.4210 or Icarsten(a,citvofdubuque.orq for more information. Sincerely, Roy D. Buol Mayor Enclosures cc: Beth Freeman, FEMA Regional Administrator, FEMA Region VII Roger Benson, Consultant Coordination Officer, FEMA Region VII Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII Bill Cappuccio, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Office of the Mayor City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org August 4, 2009 Roger Benson Consultant Coordination Officer FEMA Region 7 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Dear Mr. Benson: Please find attached to this letter information related to changes the City of Dubuque would like to see incorporated into the preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) for the city of Dubuque. The City of Dubuque is very supportive of'the map modernization program that FEMA has undertaken. We hope that the following information will aid in the creation of a DFIRM that will accurately reflect the flooding potential within the city of Dubuque. Requested changes: 1. The cover letter from FEMA indicated under the carbon copy list that Bob Schiesl was the community flood plain administrator. This is incorrect. Laura Carstens is the community flood plain administrator. 2. The corporate boundaries of Dubuque shown on the preliminary DFIRM map do not reflect several recent annexations. The current city corporate boundaries are included in a digital format. • 3. The new Zone A shown along the Catfish Creek west of Iowa Highway 32 (Northwest Arterial) does not reflect a LOMR (Letter of Map Revision) filed " by the City after a bridge crossing was removed. City staff is researching the status of this LOMR submittal, and will provide you with this information. 4. The new flood zone A near Keyway Drive does not reflect recent storm water control facilities installed by the City along this drainage area. City staff is compiling information on these improvements, and will provide FEMA with this information. Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork Letter to Roger Benson, FEMA August 4, 2009 Page 2 5. The large area shown as new flood zone A on the city's North End does not reflect the existence of recent storm water control facilities, such as the Carter Road and West 32nd Street detention basins that were constructed after the City's drainage study. FEMA's use of this drainage study to create the new zone A in the North End does not reflect the most current information on flood mitigation. The planned Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project will address the flooding experienced in the North End due to storm sewer constraints. The City's drainage study is a planning study; it is not a detailed study of what structures would be impacted. It identifies a generalized area that appears to be at risk from storm sewer backups or overflows. FEMA's preliminary DFIRM is thus, in the City of Dubuque's opinion, identifying a storm sewer problem rather than a flooding issue connected with a stream or river. • Two aerial maps are enclosed. Figure 1 shows the conditions at the time of the drainage study, and Figure 2 shows projected flooding mitigation resulting from the new Carter Road and West 32nd Street detention basins. The City of Dubuque will prepare a similar aerial map and supporting technical analysis of the expected flooding mitigation for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Thank you for your consideration of these requested changes and submittal of additional information related to the submitted preliminary DFIRM. If you have •questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Carstens, Community Flood Plain Administrator at 563.589.4210 or Icarsten@cityofdubuque.orq. Sincer Iy, Roy S.Buol Mayor Enclosures cc: Watershed Concepts, 2405 Grand Blvd, Suite 1000 , Kansas City MO 64108 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Le- .T%TE CITY OF Dui Masterpiece on the Mississippi September 9, 2009 Rick Nusz Hydrologic Engineer FEMA Region 7 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Dear Mr. Nusz: Dubuque y I. 2007 Office of the Mayor & City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org This letter provides follow-up non -technical comments to. FEMA regarding the preliminary DFIRM for the City of Dubuque. This letter outlines changes the City of Dubuque would like to see incorporated into the preliminary DFIRM for the community. The City of Dubuque is very supportive of the map modernization program that FEMA has undertaken. We hope that the following information will aid in the creation of a DFIRM that will accurately reflect the flooding potential within the city of Dubuque. The City of Dubuque is requesting a revision of proposed floodplain boundary delineations or regulatory floodway boundaries, and alerting FEMA to possible base map errors, in accordance with FEMA's Flood Hazard Mapping Fact Sheet, based on the following points: 1. FEMA has asked the City of Dubuque to send comments from property owners about the DFIRM. Enclosed are over 120 comment forms received to date. We asked property owners to provide information about flooding on their property, especially after the large rains in 1993 and 1999. We also asked them to indicate any changes they have noticed in flooding since the City installed detention basins along the Iowa 32 (Northwest Arterial), Carter Road, and West 32nd Street. Our engineering consultants tell us that these field observations in connection with known rain events serve to calibrate the models used to determine and delineate flood - prone areas. Please consider these comments. 2. The flood zone boundaries of Dubuque shown on .the preliminary DFIRM map do not accurately reflect the topography of the cormunity throughout these zones. In some Zone A areas, the side of a street that is at a higher elevation is in a flood zone, while the lower side of the street is not. One area that we noticed immediately is at the intersection of Kaufmann Avenue and North Main Street. As shown on the enclosed aerial view, the flood zone appears to move up the steep slope of North Main Street to an elevation of 646 MSL while across the intersection, the flood elevation only rises to 630 MSL. How is this possible? Therefore, we believe that the flood hazard area is incorrectly shown, and the Kaufmann Avenue flood zone should be removed from the Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA September 9, 2009 Page 2 DFIRM. This same discrepancy may apply to other areas mapped as Zone A on the DFRIM. Another area that we noted is the Zone AE at the Julien Dubuque monument, which sits atop a river bluff. The DFIRM shows a flood level up to the base of the monument at approximately 746 MSL. The Flood Insurance Study, however,,indicated the base flood elevation is 610 MSL. The flood boundaries. in this area need to be revised due to this discrepancy, and should reflect actual topography. Again, this discrepancy may be present on other new flood zones depicted on the DFIRM. The current city two -foot contours are enclosed in a digital format. Please consider this data.' We believe that further analysis of the city contours, especially in the new Zone A areas, will result in the removal of these areas from the DFIRM. 3. The new Zone AE shown along the Catfish Creek west of Iowa Highway 32 (Northwest Arterial) has been enlarged near the former location of the Radford Road bridge. The DFIRM does not reflect that this bridge crossing was removed. In August of 1990 the City of Dubuque submitted the enclosed Joint Application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Corps of Engineers to allow fill in this area for a future industrial project (now the site of Nordstrom's distribution center). The grading and filling of the site was to raise the site out of the 100-year floodplain. In addition, the Radford Road bridge was removed; this eliminated the backwater created by the bridge abutments and therefore, should reduce the expected flooding levels. Please review the enclosed information to determine whether the subject area should still be in a special flood hazard area. The City can submit a LOMR-F if the enclosed information is not sufficient. 4. The City of Dubuque requests that all new Zone A areas have base flood elevations determined, so that they are converted to Zone AE areas on the DFIRM — if in fact these are special flood hazard areas. Section 8.4.1 of the FEMA Floodplain Management Desk Reference states: "Regulating development in approximate or unnumbered A Zones is one of the tougher jobs you'll face, especially in counties that have large areas of such zones." Section 8.3 states that: "The applicant for a permit in an approximate A Zone is required to provide the data necessary for the DNR — Water Quality Bureau staff to calculate the 100-year flood elevation. This process can take up to a year." The new DFIRM significantly expands the number of properties designated as being in a flood plain. There are approximately 70 structures in the current special flood hazard areas. The proposed new special flood hazard areas include approximately 1,806 properties, with an estimated 1,741 structures over 500 square feet. The most significant impact of having a property in a flood plain is that new construction, new additions and even the existing structures may have to be elevated or flood proofed as part of any substantial improvement to a property. In Zone A, where there are no base flood elevations determined, the property owner must hire an engineer to f:\users\rnrettenb\wp\dfirm\fema dfirm change Itr#2.doc Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA September 9, 2009 Page 3 determine the base flood elevation in order to determine how high an addition or a new structure must be elevated. The single largest Zone A area is. the North End of Dubuque. This area includes the Washington Neighborhood and the North End Neighborhood. These areas are characterized by some of the city's oldest housing (dating from the late 1800's) and long- standing businesses and industries. These neighborhoods have a higher percentage of low to moderate households and racial and ethnic minorities than the city as a whole. The City of Dubuque has focused reinvestment efforts in these neighborhoods, and has installed upstream storm water management facilities to alleviate problems with the stormwater system. The delineation of these neighborhoods as a Zone A flood hazard area will reverse the progress the City has made. The Zone A designation will result in neighborhood disinvestment and blighting conditions. Placing this burden on approximately 1,400 property owners in the new Zone A areas is unacceptable. The burden of determining the base flood elevations (BFEs) must rest with FEMA, not the citizens of Dubuque. As FEMA determines the base flood elevations in the proposed Zone A areas, we believe that the accuracy of the DFIRM will increase, and the extent of the special flood hazard areas will decrease in size. Thank you for your consideration of these requested changes to the Dubuque preliminary DFIRM. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Carstens, Community Flood Plain Administrator at 563.589.4210 or Icarsten(a�citvofdubuque.orq. Sincer, l y, L, % Roy l . Buol Mayor Enclosures cc: Watershed Concepts, 2405 Grand Blvd, Suite 1000, Kansas City MO 64108 Roger Benson, Consultant Coordination Officer, FEMA Region 7 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Bill Cappuccio, Iowa Department of Natural Resources f:\users\mrettenb\wp\dfirm\fema dfirm change Itr #2.doc THE CITY OF Dubuque DuB E110 ► Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007 September 22, 2009 Rick Nusz Hydraulic Engineer FEMA Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway Ste 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Office of the Mayor & City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org Dear Mr. Nusz: This letter transmits a GIS shape file prepared by HDR, who worked with the City on the City of Dubuque Drainage Basin Master Plan. The shape file reflects the area of the North End within the new Zorie A proposed by FEMA that HDR predicts would witness flood depths in excess of one foot during a 100-year event. HDR's shape file reflects the existence of the Cater Road Detention Basin completed in 2004 and the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin completed this spring. Also enclosed is a project summary prepared by HDR outlining the engineering models and techniques used to establish the predicted flooding limits. The City of Dubuque is still on record as being concerned about the designation of the North•End of Dubuque, including Kaufmann Avenue and 32nd Street, as an A zone as it does not, in our opinion, accurately represent the flooding potential in this area. The City's Drainage Basin Master Plan was intended to address long standing issues with urban storm sewer conveyance problems in this area of the community — not flooding associated with a creek or river. These types of urban storm water problems are not uncommon throughout the United States. . The City of Dubuque does not believe that the history of localized street flooding and basement flooding experienced in the North End rises to a level of being designated as a regulatory flood plain, unless this has been the approach FEMA has taken throughout the United States in urban areas as part of the DFIRM Project. We also have enclosed additional comment forms submitted by property owners in the potential new flood hazard areas for your consideration. The City of Dubuque is requesting revision of the proposed flood plain boundary delineations on the preliminary DFIRM based on the enclosed GIS shape file prepared by HDR. Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA September 22, 2009 Page 2 Thank you for your consideration of the enclosed information to the Dubuque preliminary DFIRM. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Carstens, Community Flood Plain Administrator, at 563.589.4210 or by email at Icarsten a(�.citvofdubuque.orq Sincerely, a d 14,1 Roy D. Buol Mayor Enclosures cc: Watershed Concepts, 2405 Grand Blvd, Suite 1000, Kansas City MO 64108 Roger Benson, Consultant Coordination Officer, FEMA Region 7 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Bill Cappuccio, Iowa Department of Natural Resources f:luserslmrettenblwpldfirminusz letter 09_14-09 final.doc. Masterpiece on the Mississippi Rick Nusz Hydraulic Engineer FEMA Region VII . 9221 Ward Parkway Ste 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Dubuque heal a iaIUI 'I 'r 2007 Office of the Mayor & City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org November 17, 2009 Dear Mr. Nusz: This letter is in response to your request for the City of Dubuque to provide data for the Zone A covering a large portion of the North End of Dubuque on FEMA's preliminary DFIRM (Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map). The City of Dubuque is not comfortable supplying any additional data related to the area currently designated as a Zone X that might be used to increase the size of the proposed new Zone A shown in the City's North End. As indicated in previous correspondence, the City believes that the new Zone A shown on the preliminary DFIRM is unfounded as the storm water drainage issues are related to basement flooding due to storm sewer and street storm water conveyance capacity limitations. North End History and Impacts The North End is laid out in a traditional grid street system and has been fully developed for approximately 100 years. With the construction of the original Bee Branch storm sewer system, many of the problems associated with storm water were resolved; otherwise, the area would not have fully developed in its present configuration. The historical records since the construction of the Bee Branch Storm sewer system would suggest the only problems have been associated with storm water creating relatively minor street flooding and water in basements. The City's latest project to rebuild the Bee Branch storm sewer system addresses problems associated with the age of the system and additional storm water created by development in upland areas since the original Bee Branch storm sewer was constructed. It is very typical for cities to design their storm sewer systems to handle the 10-year storm. Obviously, this can be exceeded from time to time in any given year; in those instances streets are asked to carry this additional flow. The fact that cities' storm sewer systems can be overwhelmed by particular storm events and there is street flooding does not render all those areas throughout the United States as being in a regulated flood plain. Many streets in Dubuque actually have curbs that are nearly two feet in height to allow the street to carry more storm water. Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA November 17, 2009 Page 2 From the time that the City's Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP) was completed in 2001, the City has never indicated that there are 1,150 properties in the 100-year flood plain. The City has simply indicated that there are 1,150 properties at risk of flood damage during heavy rains. While the DBMP findings were based on sophisticated models (the US Army Corps of Engineers' HEC-HMS and the US EPA's SWMM models), it was not the intent to identify a flood plain — only quantify/qualify a drainage issue and present potential solutions. The City has already started implementing the solutions with the last to be completed in 2013. The proposed designation of the North End of Dubuque as a Zone A would increase the number of structures over 500 square feet located in special flood hazard areas from approximately 70 to approximately 1,741.- The most significant impact of having a property in a flood plain is that new construction, new additions, and even existing structures, which may be undergoing rehabilitation, may have to be elevated or flood proofed as part of any substantial improvement to a property. In Zone A, where there are no base flood elevations, an engineer must be hired to determine the base flood elevation, in order to determine how high an addition or new structure must be elevated. The area proposed for inclusion in the new Zone A on the North End of Dubuque includes some of the City's oldest housing stock (dating from the late 1800s) and long- standing businesses and industries. These neighborhoods have a higher percentage of low to moderate income households and racial and ethnic minorities than the City as a whole. The City of Dubuque has focused reinvestment efforts in these neighborhoods for many years and has installed upstream storm water management facilities to alleviate problems with the storm water system. The delineation of these neighborhoods as a .Zone A flood hazard area will reverse the progress the City has made. The Zone A designation will result in neighborhood disinvestment and blighting conditions. Placing this burden on approximately 1,400 low to moderate income households in the new Zone A is unacceptable. The burden to determine base flood elevations (BFEs) must rest with FEMA and not the citizens of Dubuque if FEMA is determined to designate this area as a special flood hazard area because of storm water issues. National Flood Insurance Program in Dubuque The City of Dubuque was the first community in Iowa to join the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on April 2, 1971. The City's current flood maps were revised in September 1989. These maps updated a previous set from the 1970s. The North End of Dubuque was not shown as a special flood hazard area in either of the two previous FIRM maps. The City of Dubuque has been very conscientious in its application of the NFIP requirements. The City has never approved a variance from the NFIP requirements. The City has not allowed a single new residential structure to be built in any Special Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA November 17, 2009 Page 3 Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The only new structures built in SFHAs have been commercial structures that have been elevated and/or flood proofed in compliance with NFIP requirements. Inaccuracies of Preliminary DFIRM The inaccuracies that City staff found in the preliminary DFIRM maps will make it difficult to enforce NFIP requirements in areas newly designated as a SFHA. The preliminary DFIRM shows flooding heights on Kaufmann Avenue such that vehicles would be submerged, when the 100+ year history that shows no such flooding having ever occurred. This error will make citizens question the validity of the new maps, and rightly so. The City of Dubuque cannot stress enough the far reaching negative impacts to the North End that designation as a Zone A will have. If this area had a history of flood damage, the City would not question its designation as a special flood hazard area; however, the written record of over 100 years does not support such a designation. Flood Boundary Methodology The accuracy of the preliminary DFIRM also calls into question the methodology used to establish the flood boundaries initially. In the conference call of October 22, 2009 with FEMA, City staff and AECOM / Watershed Concepts staff, it was stated that FEMA did not use a standard model for the new Zone A areas. The Nebraska model, INSECT, was used. This model depicts normal depth at cross sections. You confirmed that FEMA was using Iowa regression analysis. It was further discussed at the conference call that FEMA was using new modeling, and it was not done to an engineering standard that would enable elevations to be published. You stated that FEMA has limited funding to do an engineering study that would determine BFEs. Therefore, this burden will be placed on citizens in the City of Dubuque who have the least means; the City finds this unacceptable. If FEMA does not have the funding to do an engineering study, using sufficiently sophisticated models to produce BFEs, then no new Zone A areas should be mapped. By failing to do more than a rudimentary planning study, FEMA fails to provide the BFEs needed for the City to regulate development in the North End. The Zone A in the North End, in particular, will create neighborhood disinvestment. It also will subject low and moderate income households to costly flood insurance that they cannot afford, further acerbating disinvestment in this historic neighborhood. The shallow flooding experienced in the new Zone A areas on the preliminary DFIRM is due to local drainage problems with the capacity of the City's storm sewer system. These areas do not rise to the level of a regulatory flood plain, and should not be mapped as A Zones by FEMA. Increasing our inventory of structures in the flood plain from 70 to over 1,700 through non-standard mapping would be a mistake. Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA November 17, 2009 Page 4 Flood Insurance Studv By definition, a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report is an appraisal of a community's flood problems, including historic floods. The City of Dubuque's FIS Report from FEMA, revised on September 6, 1989, does not mention any flooding hazards in the North End. The July 2009 FIS Report for Dubuque County and incorporated areas provided by FEMA to the City of Dubuque earlier this year does not mention any flooding hazards in the North End. On page 4, the 2009 FIS Report indicates the 1989 FIS Report for the City of Dubuque is a reference document. On Page 5, the 2009 FIS Report described the Scope of Study for the area studied. The report states, "the areas studied were selected with priority given to all known flood hazard. areas and areas of projected development or proposed construction." The City of Dubuque is not included in the following section entitled Community Description on pages 6-9. The City of Dubuque is not listed in the next section, Principal Flood Problems, on pages 9-11. On page 12, the City of Dubuque is identified as having no flood protection measures in existence or proposed. The City has a floodwall and levee system along its Mississippi Riverfront that provides protection from the 100-year and 500-year flood events. Shouldn't this levee system be acknowledged in the 2009 FIS Report? The 2009 FIS Report lists Engineering Methods for hydrologic analyses (pages 13-17) and hydraulic analyses (pages 18-23). The North End is not mentioned in either of these analytical descriptions with respect to flooding. The 2009 FIS Report describes flood plain management applications on pages 23-25. This section speaks to streams with respect to regulated flood plains, floodways, and floodway fringes. Urban storm water in the North End of Dubuque is never mentioned in this context. Conclusion The point of the NFIP is for communities to regulate floodplain development. In Dubuque, we have an excellent record of flood plain management. The Zone A areas shown on the preliminary DFIRM are not supported. by the FIS Reports, and therefore including them in the DFIRM would be a mistake. that would burden low and moderate income households with costly flood insurance that they cannot afford, further acerbating disinvestment in .their historic neighborhoods. The new Zone A areas should be removed entirely from the City of Dubuque's DFIRM before the FEMA public meeting, for the benefit of everyone. Sincerely Roy D / uol Mayor Letter to Rick Nusz, FEMA November 17, 2009 Page 5 cc: Watershed Concepts, 2405 Grand Blvd, Suite 1000, Kansas City MO 64108 Roger Benson, Consultant Coordination Officer, FEMA.Region 7 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Bill Cappuccio, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Masterpiece on the Mississippi Rick Nusz Hydraulic Engineer FEMA Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway Ste 300 Kansas City MO 64114 Dubuque hill! 2007 Office of the Mayor & City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org December 21, 2009 Dear Mr. Nusz: Please find enclosed information regarding base flood determinations obtained through a detailed study by IIW Engineers & Surveyors, P.C. for property in and around the City of Dubuque's Dubuque Industrial Center West (DICW). The City of Dubuque developed the DICW in the mid 1990s. As part of the development of the industrial park, a substantial amount of grading was completed to create building pads as well as made changes to the Middle Fork of the Catfish Creek as it runs through the DICW. Currently there are portions of the industrial park, designated as a special flood hazard area, Zone A, that the enclosed study completed by IIW Engineers & Surveyors addresses. The City hired IIW Engineers & Surveyors to do the study in an effort to clearly define the new limits of the special flood hazard area within the industrial park. Attached to this letter is a letter from Dennis Waugh, professional engineer with IIW Engineers & Surveyors, as well as a disc containing all the pertinent study data. Please contact Associate Planner Kyle Kritz in the City's Planning Services Department if you need additional information or clarification of information in this letter. Sincery, Roy f . Buol Mayor Enclosures cc: Watershed Concepts, 2405 Grand Blvd, Suite 1000, Kansas City MO 64108 Roger Benson, Consultant Coordination Officer, FEMA Region 7 Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager ✓Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator/ Flood Plain Administrator Bill Cappuccio, Iowa Department of Natural Resources • •-=.' • .4= • t • • ,,,•• = • ;35 - isA s ' '`''s•es = „ •- ' T 7; •_t ' r. .17,-* 7- • -'t•-•i•ss .,t, .! .•••,,,k -1-, *4,4 • . • 4a, t • s. • 'T•s• - • - Vt •-• _ ••. , 5,1?-. ss; 4.°`' ;6-m1Z, •it.. :4;45 '4" - 4+-,!';,, ‘'',;.1";.:,•4' • t 3 4'44. 7. • :,••T "-T;i1 ' !•• " • - ="4 t 4-4;4 - - - - Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (CIP# 7201654 & 7201375) DATE: April 12, 2010 Dubuque rill! 2007 City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends initiation of the bidding process for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, and further recommends that a public hearing be set for May 3, 2010. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. ichael C. Van Mllliaen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer DATE: April 12, 2010 Dubuque 1IIIJ.' 2007 SUBJECT: Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (CIP# 7201654 & 7201375) INTRODUCTION The enclosed resolutions authorize the public bidding procedure and establish the date of a public hearing for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BACKGROUND In 2001 the Drainage Basin Master Plan identified three projects to provide flood protection for 1,150 properties within the Bee Branch Watershed: the Carter Road Detention Basin, the West 32nd Street Detention Basin, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In May of 2003, the City of Dubuque City Council approved the selection of CDM, a consulting engineering firm, to provide engineering and design services for r the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. The study objectives were to: 1) Establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway along its approximately 4,500-foot length (from 16th Street detention basin to 24th and Elm Streets) based on existing environmental, utility, social, and economic constraints; 2) Provide a preliminary design to a level that it establishes what the waterway will look like at different locations along its entire length and how the waterway will function before, during, and after rainstorms of different magnitudes; and 3) Work with impacted residents in the form of a citizen advisory committee, the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC), to ensure that the recommended alignment location and waterway design are based on input from the neighborhoods impacted by the proposed open waterway. The citizen committee's preferred alignment was presented to the City Council in a letter from BBCAC Chairperson Charles Winterwood. The BBCAC's preferred alignment was chosen because it best met the top three criteria established by the BBCAC: it preserved commercial and non-commercial services; it minimized residential property acquisitions; and it minimize the project cost. The preferred alignment impacted sixty- five (65) residential homes and fifteen (15) non-residential buildings. In December of 2004, the City Council adopted the alignment preferred by the BBCAC. This is the current alignment proposed for the project. In August of 2008, the City Council authorized the hiring of Strand & Associates (Madison, WI), in association with IIW Engineers (Dubuque, IA) and Ken Saiki Design (Madison, WI), to prepare the final design of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. As outlined in the scope of services, the consultant team utilized the engineering study previously performed and reported in the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study to design the improvements of Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Input was to gather and utilize input from citizens as they crafted the design of the final landscaping plan for the project. The City hosted a series of workshops to help gather citizen input. A press release was issued before each workshop and over 2,000 post cards were sent to targeted neighborhoods. At the first workshop held in October of 2008, citizens were asked to identify their hopes and fears for the project. In addition, they were asked to provide input on the various potential landscape features, bridges, and secondary uses (paths, park benches, playground equipment, etc.). At the second workshop in November of 2008 and again in January of 2009, the design team presented conceptual drawings that began to address the citizen's hopes and fears as well as their landscape preferences. And finally, at the third workshop in February of 2009, the design concept based on citizen direction was presented to the public for comment. DISCUSSION The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is to be constructed in at least two phases. The first phase is the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration project which will extend from the 16th Street Detention Basin to the west across Sycamore Street, Cedar Street and Maple Street before extending north along the western portion of the former Dubuque Packing Co. site to the railroad tracks just south of Garfield. See Figure 1. The design of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is based on the input gathered at the citizen workshops. Because this phase of the Bee Branch project is located in an area transitioning from industrial (former packing plant) to a commercial land -use, the design outlines a permanent, wide expanse of water which will enhance a commercial setting. The project includes a hiking/biking path along the proposed waterway. It includes a gazebo and overlook area that will actually extend out over the water. The design of the bridges illustrated in Figure 2 reflects citizen's preferences voiced at the public workshops: the cut limestone facade and spindle railing look. The landscape design proposed for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration project includes almost 500 trees. Attachment A shows a rendering of the proposed waterway as if standing at the railroad tracks just south of Garfield and looking south towards 16tn Street. Attachment B shows a rendering as if standing on 16th near Maple and looking east towards the proposed Sycamore Street Bridge. Figure 1 Limits of Proposed Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Figure 2. Rendering of the proposed bridges for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (see also Attachment D) Construction of the 2,100-foot long open waterway will involve the excavation and handling of approximately 265,000 cubic yards of soil. In addition to the open waterway, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project includes the construction of two previously -mentioned bridges: a 100-foot long bridge at Sycamore Street and a 110-foot long bridge at 16th Street. It includes the reconstruction of just less than 1,900 feet of the 36-inch diameter Couler Valley sanitary sewer interceptor sewer from the Cedar Street sanitary sewer lift station north to the railroad tracks. This sanitary sewer line will be extended north all the way to 24th Street with the construction of the next phase(s) of the Bee Branch project. Watermain along 16th Street will be upsized from an 8-inch diameter main to a 12-inch diameter main. The project includes the construction of 2,180 feet of storm sewer ranging in diameter from fifteen (15) inches to eighty-four (84) inches. And finally, the project includes the dredging of the 16 h Street Detention Basin. While preparing construction bid documents, the design team considered a potential challenge: How far will a contractor have to haul the roughly 265,000 cubic yards (about 26,500 truckloads) of excess soil removed from the project site? The question is important because it has a direct impact on the project cost. The design team came up with a solution. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers agreed that the excess material can be placed in the north portion of the 16th Street Detention Basin. This is possible because even though the footprint of the existing detention basin will be smaller, the storage volume will be maintained through the creation of the open waterway. The placement of the excess soil in the basin decreases the project cost. And, as a consequence, it will result in the creation of a roughly six-(6) acre parcel at 16th and Kerper Boulevard as shown in Attachment C. PROJECT SCHEDULE The schedule for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Initiate Public Bidding Processing Advertisement for Bids Publish Notice of Hearing on Plans & Specifications Public Hearing Receipt of Bids Award of Contract* Notice to Proceed Construction Substantially Complete Construction Complete April 19, 2010 April 23, 2010 April 23, 2010 May 3, 2010 May 18, 2010 June or July, 2010 July 19, 2010 December 31, 2010 June 17, 2011 *Although a recommendation to award the construction contract will likely take place in June, the award date may depend on the issuance of federal and state permits required for the project. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council establish the date for the public hearing and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for proposals for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BUDGET IMPACT The estimate of probable costs for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Construction Contingency Engineering Total Project Cost $ 8,442,310.00 844,230.00 1,392,980.00 $10,679,520.00 The funding summary is as follows: CIP No. Fund Description 7201654 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project 7201375 Detention Basin Silt Removal Total Project Funding ACTION TO BE TAKEN Fund Amount $10,479,520.00 200,000.00 $10,679,520.00 I respectfully request that the City Council adopt the attached resolutions that establish the date of the public hearing and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for proposals for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II b0 uw • b ATTACHMENT D • INMAN •fr,N MW owN f70 max warelaao MMIN M MN MMfM WIr 11011.11111 M 111111W7 1101LVAf711:1105 mous KIWI Mali Mil *WM AYN /FYI I 1a1 ■ /1q3 i • RESOLUTION NO. 112-10 LOWER BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST; SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST; AND ORDERING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: The proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, in the estimated amount of $10,679,520.00, are hereby preliminarily approved and ordered filed in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection. A public hearing will be held on the 3rd day of May, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers at which time interested persons may appear and be heard for or against the proposed plans and specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of said Project, and the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to cause the attached notice of the time and place of such hearing to be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which notice shall be published not less than four days nor more than twenty days prior to the date of such hearing. At the hearing, any interested person may appear and file objections to the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, or estimated cost of the Project. The Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is hereby ordered to be advertised for bids for construction. The amount of the security to accompany each bid shall be in an amount which shall conform to the provisions of the Notice to Bidders hereby approved. The City Clerk is hereby directed to advertise for bids for the construction of the improvements herein provided, by publishing the attached Notice to Bidders to be published in a newspaper having general circulation iri the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which notice shall be published not Tess than four but not more than forty-five days before the date for filing bids before 2:00 p.m. on the 18th day of May, 2010. Bids shall be opened and read by the City Clerk at said time and will be submitted to the City Council for final action, at 6:30 p.m., in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor), 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, on a date yet to be determined but no later than August 16, 2010. April 1 , 2010. pted and approved this 19 t h day of Roy /: uol, Mayor Attest: eanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE LOWER BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa will hold a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 26, Code of Iowa, at 6:30 p.m., on the 3rd day of May, 2010, in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor), 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Said proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City Clerk. At said hearing any interested person may appear and file objections thereto. The scope of the Project is as follows: Construction of the 2,100-foot long open waterway will involve the excavation and handling of approximately 265,000 cubic yards of soil. In addition to the open waterway, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project includes the construction of two previously mentioned bridges: a 100-foot long bridge at Sycamore Street and a 110-foot long bridge at 16th Street. It includes the reconstruction of just less than 1,900 feet of the 36-inch diameter Couler Valley sanitary sewer interceptor sewer from the Cedar Street sanitary sewer lift station north to the railroad tracks. This sanitary sewer line will be extended north all the way to 24th Street with the construction of the next phase(s) of the Bee Branch project. Water main along 16th Street will be upsized from an 8-inch diameter main to a 12-inch diameter main. The project includes the construction of 2,180 feet of storm sewer ranging in diameter from fifteen (15) inches to eighty-four (84) inches. And finally, the project includes the dredging of the 16th Street Detention Basin. Any visual or hearing -impaired persons needing special assistance or persons with special accessibility needs should contact the City Clerk's office at (563) 589-4120 or TDD at (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Published by order of the City Council given on the day of 2010. Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF DUBUQUE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LOWER BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Time and Place for Filing Sealed Proposals. Sealed bids for the work comprising each improvement as stated below must be filed before 2:00 p.m. on May 18, 2010, in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall - First Floor, 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Time. and Place Sealed Proposals Will be Opened and Considered. Sealed proposals will be opened and bids tabulated at 2:00 p.m. on May 18, 2010, at City Hall - Conference Room A, 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, for consideration by the City Council (Council) on a date yet to be determined but no later than August 16, 2010. The City of Dubuque, Iowa, reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Time for Commencement and Completion of Work. Work on each improvement shall be commenced within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed has been issued and shall be substantially completed by December 31, 2010, with full completion by June 17, 2011. Bid Security. Each bidder shall accompany its bid with a bid security as security that the successful bidder will enter into a contract for the work bid upon and will furnish after the award of contract a corporate surety bond, acceptable to the governmental entity, for the faithful performance of the contract, in an amount equal to one hundred percent of the amount of the contract. The bid security shall be in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the contract and shall be in the form of a cashier's check or certified check drawn on a state - chartered or federally chartered bank, or a certified share draft drawn on a state - chartered or federally chartered credit union, or the governmental entity may provide for a bidder's bond with corporate surety satisfactory to the governmental entity. The bid bond shall contain no conditions excepted as provided in this section. Contract Documents. Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained by contacting Tri-State Blue Print & Framing Company, 696 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, 563-556-3030. A nonrefundable deposit of $50.00 per set of documents or receipt of AGC, AMC, AMEC, MBI or NECA card is required. Preference for Iowa Products and Labor. By virtue of statutory authority, preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa, and to Iowa domestic labor, to the extent lawfully required under Iowa statutes. Sales Tax. The bidder should not include sales tax in its bid. A sales tax exemption certificate will be available for all material purchased for incorporation in the project. General Nature of Public Improvement. Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project CIP: 72101654 & 7201375 Construction of the 2,100-foot long open waterway will involve the excavation and handling of approximately 265,000 cubic yards of soil. In addition to the open waterway, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project includes the construction of bridges: a 100-foot long bridge at Sycamore Street and a 110-foot long bridge at 16th Street. It includes the reconstruction of just less than 1,900 feet of the 36-inch diameter sanitary sewer from the Cedar Street sanitary sewer lift station north to the railroad tracks. The project also includes 12-inch diameter water main along 16th Street and the construction of 2,180 feet of storm sewer ranging in diameter from fifteen (15) inches to eighty-four (84) inches. And finally, the project includes the dredging of the 16th Street Detention Basin. Pre -Bid Construction Conference. Each prospective bidder is encouraged to attend the Pre -Bid Construction Conference to be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Central Time on May 11, 2010, at the City of Dubuque Municipal Service Center Lunch Room, 925 Kerper Court, Dubuque, Iowa. Attendance by all prospective bidders is not mandatory but highly recommended. Published in the Telegraph Herald, April 23, 2010. Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction (CIP# 7201654) DATE: May 11, 2010 Dubuque httd Alca t 11111, 2007 In 2001, the Drainage Basin Master Plan identified three projects to provide flood protection for 1,150 properties within the Bee Branch Watershed: the Carter Road Detention Basin, the West 32nd Street Detention Basin, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In December of 2004, the City Council adopted the alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Since March of 2007, the City has been actively working through the process of obtaining the necessary state and federal approvals to start removing buildings. The City cannot deconstruct/remove structures acquired for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project until the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and the City of Dubuque become a party to a programmatic agreement (PA) outlining a satisfactory mitigation plan for buildings potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. On May 4, 2010, after three years of work, the PA outlining the mitigation plan for buildings potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places was fully executed. On April 22, 2010, the City took bids from parties interested in taking ownership of the acquired buildings and the responsibility of moving them from the City -owned property. The City received one bid from a private organization to move a house. The Housing Department will be moving two additional houses and multiple garages for reuse in the neighborhood. The Four Mounds HEART Program has agreed to deconstruct one house this summer. They will also be refurbishing a house on Washington Street. Over the past few years, the City has been acquiring the property necessary to make way for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Many of these properties have buildings that must be removed before construction can start on the stormwater management improvement project. The City is taking bids for the deconstruction of and removal of forty-four (44) buildings. Deconstruction involves the systematic disassembly of a building in order to maximize the recycling and reuse of the resulting used building materials. The goal is to divert as much used building materials from the landfill as reasonably possible. An inventory of each building has been performed and a diversion level established for each individual building. While bids for deconstruction are typically higher than bids for demolition, the cost tends to even out when all of the costs of demolition are figured into the equation. For example, demolition means more materials sent to the landfill, shortening the life of the landfill, etc. The benefits of deconstruction are as follows: • Makes available used building materials at greatly reduced prices to homeowners, re -modelers, landlords, and rental management companies; • Recycles unusable building materials into mulch, aggregate fill, and reusable metal; • Reduces need for construction & demolition landfill space • Saves natural resources and embodied energy contained within the reclaimed materials; • Reduces greenhouse gas emission; • Grows stable jobs in the "green collar" industry; and • Performs a structure's take -down in a manner that is more environmentally friendly. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends approvals of the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of $683,733 for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. ichael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer DATE: May 11, 2010 SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction (C I P# 7201654) Dubuque NFAmericaCNU 11111, 2007 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to seek approval of the plans, specifications, form of contract and the estimated cost for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction to be considered at the public hearing. BACKGROUND In 2001 the Drainage Basin Master Plan identified three projects to provide flood protection for 1,150 properties within the Bee Branch Watershed: the Carter Road Detention Basin, the West 32nd Street Detention Basin, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In December of 2004, the City Council adopted the alignment for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Since March of 2007 the City has been actively working through the process of obtaining the necessary state and federal approvals to start removing buildings. The City cannot deconstruct/remove structures acquired for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project until the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), and the City of Dubuque become a party to a programmatic agreement (PA) outlining a satisfactory mitigation plan for buildings potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. On May 4, 2010 the PA outlining the mitigation plan for buildings potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places was fully executed. On April 22, 2010 the City took bids from parties interested in taking ownership of the acquired buildings and the responsibility of moving them from the City -owned property. The City received one bid. The Housing Department will be moving two additional houses and garages for reuse in the neighborhood. DISCUSSION Over the past few years the City has been acquiring the property necessary to make way for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Many of these properties have buildings that must be removed before construction can start on the stormwater management improvement project. In April, the City received one bid from a private organization to move a house. And the Housing Department will be moving two additional houses and multiple garages for reuse in the neighborhood. The HEART Program has agreed to deconstruct one house this summer. They will also be refurbishing a house on Washington Street. The City is now taking bids for the deconstruction of and removal of forty-four (44) buildings. Deconstruction involves the systematic disassembly of a building in order to maximize the recycling and reuse of the resulting used building materials. The goal is to divert as much used building materials from the landfill as reasonably possible. An inventory of each building has been performed and a diversion level established for each individual building. While bids for deconstruction are typically higher than bids for demolition, the cost tends to even out when all of the costs of demolition are figured into the equation. For example, demolition means more materials sent to the landfill, shortening the life of the landfill, etc. The benefits of deconstruction are as follows: • Makes available used building materials at greatly reduced prices to homeowners, re - modelers, landlords, and rental management companies; • Recycles unusable building materials into mulch, aggregate fill, and reusable metal; • Reduces need for construction & demolition landfill space • Saves natural resources and embodied energy contained within the reclaimed materials; • Reduces greenhouse gas emission; • Grows stable jobs in the "green collar" industry; and • Performs a structure's take -down in a manner that is more environmentally friendly. I recommend approval of the plans, specifications, form of contract and the estimated cost for the Bee Branch Building Deconstruction Project. BUDGET IMPACT The estimate of probable costs for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Construction $ 540,500.00 Contingency (15%) 81,075.00 Engineering (10%) 62,158.00 Total Project Cost $ 683,733.00 The project will be funded through the FY2010 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project appropriation in the amount of $4,573,061 for property acquisitions (CIP#7201654). ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request adoption of the attached resolution approving the plans, specifications, form of contract and the estimated cost for the Bee Branch Building Deconstruction Project. Attach. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II RESOLUTION NO. 163-10 APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE BEE BRANCH BUILDING DECONSTRUCTION PROJECT NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: That the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Bee Branch Building Deconstruction Project, in the estimated amount $683,733.00, are hereby approved. Passed, adopted and approved this 17th day of Attest: :d4r.",( /. U//%lG�iG eanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk May ,. 2010. Roy D. Buol, Mayor Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction (CIP#7201654) DATE: April 27, 2010 Dubuque ,5/i7/, AII•Amedcaclty 2007 City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends initiation of the bidding process for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, and further recommends that a public hearing be set for May 17, 2010. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer DATE: April 27, 2010 Dubuque Iftand Al -America City 111111 2007 SUBJECT: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Building Deconstruction (C I P# 7201654) INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to seek authorization to initiate the public bidding and establish a public hearing for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BACKGROUND In 2001 the Drainage Basin Master Plan identified three projects to provide flood protection for 1,150 properties within the Bee Branch Watershed: the Carter Road Detention Basin, the West 32nd Street Detention Basin, and the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. In May of 2003, the City of Dubuque City Council approved the selection of CDM, a consulting engineering firm, to provide engineering and design services for the Bee Branch Creek Alignment Study. The primary objective of the study was to work with impacted residents in the form of a citizen advisory committee, the Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC), and establish the optimum alignment for the proposed open waterway. In the fall of 2004, the citizen committee's preferred alignment was presented to the City Council in a letter from BBCAC Chairperson Charles Winterwood. The BBCAC's preferred alignment was chosen because it best met the top three criteria established by the BBCAC: it preserved commercial and non-commercial services; it minimized residential property acquisitions; and it minimize the project cost. The preferred alignment impacted sixty-five (65) residential homes and fifteen (15) non-residential buildings. In December of 2004, the City Council adopted the alignment preferred by the BBCAC. This is the current alignment proposed for the project. DISCUSSION Over the past few years the City has been acquiring the property necessary to make way for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Many of these properties have buildings that must be removed before construction can start on the stormwater management improvement project. Since March of 2007 the City has been actively working through the process of obtaining the necessary state and federal approvals to start removing buildings. The City cannot deconstruct/remove structures acquired for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project until the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), and the City of Dubuque become a party to a programmatic agreement (PA) outlining a satisfactory mitigation plan for buildings potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. On March 26, 2010 the IDNR provided the City with a copy of the PA and asked that the City start the process of routing the PA for signatures by being the first to sign the PA. To date, the City and the USACE have signed the PA. And we anticipate that both the IDNR and SHPO will sign the PA in May, just prior to the proposed date to award contracts for the deconstruction of buildings. On April 22, 2010 the City took bids from parties interested in taking ownership of the acquired buildings and the responsibility of moving them from the City -owned property. The City received one bid. The Housing Department will be moving two additional houses and garages for reuse in the neighborhood. The City is taking bids for the deconstruction of and removal of forty-eight (48) buildings. Deconstruction involves the systematic disassembly of a building in order to maximize the recycling and reuse of the resulting used building materials. The goal is to divert as much used building materials from the landfill as reasonably possible. An inventory of each building has been performed and a diversion level established for each individual building. While bids for deconstruction are typically higher than bids for demolition, the cost tends to even out when all of the costs of demolition are figured into the equation. For example, demolition means more materials sent to the landfill, shortening the life of the landfill, etc. The benefits of deconstruction are as follows: • Makes available used building materials at greatly reduced prices to homeowners, re -modelers, landlords, and rental management companies; • Recycles unusable building materials into mulch, aggregate fill, and reusable metal; • Reduces need for construction & demolition landfill space • Saves natural resources and embodied energy contained within the reclaimed materials; • Reduces greenhouse gas emission; • Grows stable jobs in the "green collar" industry; and • Performs a structure's take -down in a manner that is more environmentally friendly. PROJECT SCHEDULE The schedule for the Building Deconstruction for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Initiate Public Bidding Processing Advertisement for Bids Publish Notice of Hearing on Plans & Specifications Public Hearing Receipt of Bids Authorization to Deconstruct Buildings* Award of Contract Notice to Proceed Deconstruction Complete May 3, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 17, 2010 May 20, 2010 May 21, 2010 June 7, 2010 June 14, 2010 August 27, 2010 *The Programmatic Agreement (PA) outlining the steps and conditions to which the City must follow to mitigate the effects on historic structures is in the process of being circulated to signatories. To date, the City and the US Army Corp of Engineers have signed the PA. Both the Iowa DNR and the State Historic Preservation Officer are expected to sign by May 21, 2010. • RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council establish the date for the public hearing and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for proposals for the deconstruction of buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. BUDGET IMPACT The estimate of probable costs for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is as follows: Construction $ 540,500.00 Contingency (15%) 81,075.00 Engineering (10%) 62,158.00 Total Project Cost $ 683,733.00 The project will be funded through the FY2010 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project appropriation in the amount of $4,573,061 for property acquisitions (CIP#7201654). ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request that the City Council adopt the attached resolutions that establish the date of the public hearing and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for proposals for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II RESOLUTION NO. BUILDING DECONSTRUCTION FOR THE BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST; SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST; AND ORDERING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: The proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, in the estimated amount of $683,733.00, are hereby preliminarily approved and ordered filed in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection. A public hearing will be held on the 17th day of May, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers at which time interested persons may appear and be heard for or against the proposed plans and specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of said Project, and the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to cause the attached notice of the time and place of such hearing to be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which notice shall be published not less than four days nor more than twenty days prior to the date of such hearing. At the hearing, any interested person may appear and file objections to the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, or estimated cost of the Project. The Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is hereby ordered to be advertised for bids. The amount of the security to accompany each bid shall be in an amount which shall conform to the provisions of the Notice to Bidders hereby approved. The City Clerk is hereby directed to advertise for bids for the deconstruction herein provided, by publishing the attached Notice to Bidders to be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which notice shall be published not less than four but not more than forty- five days before the date for filing bids before 2:00 p.m. on the 20th day of May, 2010. Bids shall be opened and read by the City Clerk at said time and will be submitted to the City Council for final action, at 6:30 p.m., in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor), 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, on June 7, 2010. Passed, adopted and approved this day of , 2010. Roy D. Buol, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk 2010. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE LOWER BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa will hold a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 26, Code of Iowa, at 6:30 p.m., on the 17th day of May, 2010, in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor), 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Said proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City Clerk. At said hearing any interested person may appear and file objections thereto. The scope of the Project involves the deconstruction and removal of forty- eight (48) buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project. Deconstruction involves the systematic removal of house fixtures, removal of materials to be salvaged, and removal of materials to be recycled. Any visual or hearing -impaired persons needing special assistance or persons with special accessibility needs should contact the City Clerk's office at (563) 589-4120 or TDD at (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Published by order of the City Council given on the day of Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF DUBUQUE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT DECONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS FOR THE BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Time and Place for Filing Sealed Proposals. Sealed bids for the work as stated below must be filed before 2:00 p.m. on May 20, 2010, in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall - First Floor, 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Time and Place Sealed Proposals Will be Opened and Considered. Sealed proposals will be opened and bids tabulated at 2:00 p.m. on May 20, 2010, at City Hall - Conference Room A, 50 West 13t" Street, Dubuque, Iowa, for consideration by the City Council (Council) on June 7, 2010. The City of Dubuque, Iowa, reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Time for Commencement and Completion of Work. Work on each building shall be commenced within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed has been issued and shall be completed by August 27, 2010. Bid Security. Each bidder shall accompany its bid with a bid security as security that the successful bidder will enter into a contract for the work bid upon and will furnish after the award of contract a corporate surety bond, acceptable to the governmental entity, for the faithful performance of the contract, in an amount equal to one hundred percent of the amount of the contract. The bid security shall be in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the contract and shall be in the form of a cashier's check or certified check drawn on a state - chartered or federally chartered bank, or a certified share draft drawn on a state - chartered or federally chartered credit union, or the governmental entity may provide for a bidder's bond with corporate surety satisfactory to the governmental entity. The bid bond shall contain no conditions excepted as provided in this section. Contract Documents. Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained by contacting the Office of the City Engineer at 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque IA 52001. There is no plan deposit. Sales Tax. The bidder should not include sales tax in its bid. A sales tax exemption certificate will be available for all material purchased for incorporation in the project. General Nature of Work to be Performed. Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Number: 72101654 Over the past few years the City has been acquiring the property necessary to make way for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Many of these properties have buildings that must be removed before construction can start on the stormwater management improvement project. Deconstruction of Buildings for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project involves the removal of forty-eight (48) such buildings. The City is taking bids for the deconstruction of the buildings which involves the systematic disassembly of a building in order to maximize the recycling and reuse of the resulting used building materials. The goal is to divert as much used building materials from the landfill as reasonably possible. An inventory of each building has been performed and a diversion level established for each individual building. Published in the Telegraph Herald, May 7, 2010