City Focus Magazine - Fall/Winter 2022 IssueCopyrighted
December 19, 2022
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 028.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: City Focus Magazine - Fall/Winter 2022 Issue
SUMMARY: City Manager providing a copy of the Fall/Winter 2022 issue of the City
Focus magazine, which focuses on infrastructure.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Fall/Winter City Focus Magazine Supporting Documentation
6q issues importantW
FA
THE CITY OF
DUB�E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
�u 6X6 s-'i die n ts FALL/WINTER 2022.
-7�
-J
ROSEN
Z
4!w
�� laUrLTFOR
YOU01
In rastructure in Focus
In This Issue
3
Getting There
6
Improvements on the Arterial
7
East/West Corridor Study
8
Move DBQ
9
Finding the Spot that's Right for You
10
Paving the Way for All Types of Travel
12
Infrastructure to Support a
Sustainable City
14
From the Well to Where You Dwell
16
Miles & Miles of Mains
17
The Difference in Drains
18
Where Does It All Go?
20
Supporting Public Safety
22
Broadband Expansion and More
24
Built for Fun!
26
Building for a Resilient Future
City Focus is a publication of the City
of Dubuque Public Information Office.
Phone: 563-589-4151
Email: publicinfo@cityofdubuque.org
4.
A Message from the City Manager
R f��
4
Throughout the course of every day, we all depend on
infrastructure.
• Shortly after waking up, we drink a glass of water, brush Mike Van Milligen
our teeth, and shower, relying on an adequate supply City Manager
of safe water delivered to our homes through the City's
water distribution system after it's treated and softened.
• We count on a sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment system to
process the water that leaves our homes when we flush the toilet or it goes
down a drain.
• When we leave our homes for work, school, appointments, or important
errands, we utilize Dubuque's transportation infrastructure to get where
we need to go safely and efficiently, whether on foot, by bike, by car, or by
public transportation.
• We need first responders to be able to get to emergencies quickly when
they are needed.
• We use the airport, downtown parking ramps, the library, Dubuque Ice
Arena, Five Flags, Port of Dubuque Marina, Bunker Hill Golf Course, Grand
River Center, and other general public buildings.
• When it rains or when winter snow melts in the spring, we need a
stormwater management system to convey run-off safely through
neighborhoods without flooding homes, businesses, and properties.
• At work, school, home, and at many appointments, access to affordable,
reliable, high-speed internet and telecommunications access is critical in
almost everything we do.
• In our free time, we can choose to enjoy reading books, visiting parks, trails,
pools, and other facilities for entertainment and recreation, regardless of
our age, income, or abilities.
In many ways, infrastructure is the most visible example of tax dollars hard at work.
The City of Dubuque is committed to maintaining, improving, and expanding the
many forms of infrastructure Dubuque residents and stakeholders need and count on.
As City Manager, I am extremely proud of the City employees who manage and
maintain Dubuque's infrastructure 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days
a year, regardless of holidays and working conditions. Their commitment, skills,
and professionalism were especially evident during the worst of the COVID-19
pandemic when, despite facing a variety of challenges that impacted most aspects
of life, all critical services offered by the City were maintained.
This issue of City Focus highlights many of Dubuque's recent investments in
infrastructure as well as major projects under way and planned.
l4
'•3 salt' xa+. • ,, ' , ,f4' ^ �
aIth i`
education, entertainment, and other
important aspects of life. You want to get to
those important destinations as safely and
efficiently as possible. That's why the City
of Dubuque is working to eliminate bumps
in the road, literally and figuratively.
In 2020, the City of Dubuque Engineering
Department and Public Works Department
worked with the Iowa Department of
Transportation (DOT) to perform a pavement
condition assessment on numerous city
streets. The assessment collected data on the
condition of surface pavement and roadway
structures to inform a path forward for
improving Dubuque's roadways.
8,091
segments
City streets were divided into 8,091
segments to better pinpoint areas in need
of improvement. The assessment found that
47% of pavement segments were in good
condition, 47% were in fair condition, and
6% were in poor condition.
With this data, the City developed a plan for
the future of Dubuque's roadways.
FALL 2022 1 2 City Focus 1 3
0-
T
ALTO
THE (,TO£
NDUB
Some of Dubuque's streets are
h BLIC4�
the very first streets in the state
of Iowa! This, along with our
hilly landscape, a, present some
challenges to road maintenance.
While it may seem that the logical place to start is repairing the roads in the
worst condition, these streets are often in need of total reconstruction, which
is an expensive and time -intensive process. Rehabilitation and preventative
maintenance on streets completed before they reach a poor condition
can sometimes prove less costly and save time and money for the City and
taxpayers in the long-term. While the City's streets budget is substantial, it
is not enough to fund every repair needed. Constraints like available funding,
time in a construction season, and the current labor market, force the City to
prioritize which streets to address and what level of care to provide.
Rehabilitation &
preventative maintenance
Repairing a street's surface flaws is less costly than completely
reconstructing it. It also takes less time and has less impact on residents
and their commutes, making it an effective treatment method for roads
in fair to good condition. The City rehabs roadways each year through its
asphalt overlay program.
The existing surface pavement where isolated cracks appear is ground up by
a process called asphalt milling. Asphalt is crushed and recycled into new
material used to put a new layer on the roadway, creating a fresh, smooth
surface. Repairing the road to this standard also allows for crews to prevent
problems from getting worse through upkeep and maintenance.
Cedar Cross Road received a facelift from
the City's public works department as part
of the 2022 asphalt overlay program.
Complete reconstruction
Some roadways at the end of their lifetime are past the
point where rehab options are feasible, and it's time for
complete reconstruction of the street. This option makes
major structural improvements to the road's design and
can lead to related improvements to structures in the
area like utilities. All layers of the road are fully ripped
out and replaced, which is costly and time intensive,
but result in a brand-new road, with little maintenance
needed, for years to come.
By the numbers: By the numbers:
• $273,310 - Average cost of asphalt overlay treatment per mile. • $2.376 million - Average cost of asphalt street
• 7-10 years - Average years added to extend to roads lifetime. reconstruction per mile.
• 5-10 miles- Annual average of miles improved through the asphalt • 30-40 years - Average years added to extend to
overlay program. road's lifetime.
2022 Roadway Recap
Frith Shur
da
Eagle plot
Awl
Budd
Q,
o
W 31Pd Si
E o-
ey
Lore
W-d
,,�9 ,,
a m
Bunker HIII G°If
,6•"5v /
'
n
V
C°ur5e
5t
L
01 Ash u y
W+-u�usr
/
rses
Hillcreit
�d 5 e1v8
� 7
/
Pznm a
r
Pe ,ylvn IAve
9as h
� buque /
Z w3ra sr
i,.Via`. / East Dubu•
r�
t�
�`�ter Grove
n
s,
C�[hsh Creek
S"ce Preserve
Cate
I
Several roads received more intensive
improvements.
• Stoneman Road was completely
reconstructed to provide a more
accessible street for businesses and
residents in the area, and a water main
was relocated to improve capacity.
• Chavenelle Road reconstruction was
completed in 2022, connecting many
in our community to jobs at Dubuque
Industrial Center West.
• The Northwest Arterial State of Good
Repair Project reconstructed both the
Pennsylvania Avenue and Asbury Road
intersections, repaved the southbound
lanes, and total reconstruction of the
northbound lanes began.
IS
The City is making data -driven decisions
to identify future roadways in need of
major improvements. Roads in very poor
condition that the City plans to address as
www.cityofdubuque.org
The City is returning
roadways to a state of
good repair by prioritizing
high -traffic roadways that
maximize the overall impact
to Dubuque's street network.
During this past construction
season, over 10 miles on 44
of Dubuque's streets were
improved with asphalt
overlay rehabilitation and
are depicted in the map.
woo woo woo
part of the engineering department's 5-10
The same talented City crews
year reconstruction plans include:
that plow the snow in the
• North Grandview from Loras to
winter work throughout the
Auburn;
• North Grandview between Kane and
construction season and
32nd Street; and
around the clock to resurface
• select streets within the Embassy
and repair our roadways —
West and Sunnyslope subdivisions.
but potholes still pop up; it's
inevitable. Winter weather and
Timelines and budgets are being planned
snow plowing takes its toll on
accordingly to repair the sections of
streets listed above. In the meantime,
our roads, and when spring
the City is rehabilitating and resurfacing
rolls around, the warmer
street segments with the current available
daytime time temps paired
resources.
with the overnight lows put
stress on our streets. You can
help us locate and repair
Stoneman Road was completely
potholes, by reporting them at
reconstructed during the 2022
www.cityofdubuque.org/citizensupport
construction season. This allowed
for water main and storm sewer
improvements to be made during the
reconstruction process and resulted
in improved accessibility and
ease along the corridor.
City Focus 1 5
www.cityofdubuque.org
IMPROVEMENTS
oNTHEARTERIAL
The Northwest Arterial is one of Dubuque's busiest roadways. On average, 25,000
motorists travel on the arterial each day. That is over 9 million trips per year!
Although road construction projects may present short-term challenges for drivers,
over the long term, the improved infrastructure benefits the community. Better
street conditions improve safety and traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption and
wear and tear on vehicles.
Progress in 2022
In 2022, the City and the Iowa Department of
Transportation began a multi -year project to bring the
Northwest Arterial back to a state of good repair. This
includes the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the arterial
from U.S. 20 to John F. Kennedy Road.
Construction began in June 2022 with the reconstruction
of the Pennsylvania Avenue and Asbury Road intersections.
As planned, both intersections were completed and open to
traffic before school resumed in August. The southbound
arterial lanes were then milled and repaved with asphalt
and new four -foot -wide shoulders were added.
In October, work shifted to the northbound arterial lanes.
The section from U.S. 20 to the Catfish Creek bridge was
milled and repaved with asphalt and a section near John F.
Kennedy Road was reconstructed.
FALL 2022 1 6
Plans for 2023
Work on the northbound lanes is expected to resume in
April 2023. Unlike the southbound lanes, the northbound
lanes are undergoing total reconstruction. This includes
the removal of existing concrete pavement, excavation, and
installing new subdrains, stone base, and 13.5 inches of new
asphalt pavement.
During construction, the northbound lanes will be
completely closed with two-way, head -to -head traffic in
the southbound lanes. Median crossings will be installed
at Pennsylvania Avenue and Asbury Road to allow for
normal traffic flow through the intersections. The project is
expected to be finished in August 2023.
Why Now?
The Northwest Arterial project is part
of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between the City and the
State of Iowa (Iowa DOT), an ongoing
collaboration since 2013 centered
around the development of the
Southwest Arterial. Although the
City served as the lead agency for
construction of the Southwest
Arterial, it was funded by the State.
After the Southwest Arterial was
completed and open to traffic,
the MOU included a Transfer of
Jurisdiction of the Southwest Arterial
from the City to the State in exchange
for the Transfer of Jurisdiction of the
Northwest Arterial and the Central
Avenue/White Street corridor from
the State to the City. The transfer was
completed and took effect in January
2021.
To transfer ownership, state law
requires roads to be in a state of
good repair. Over the last several
years, the City has completed major
rehabilitation projects on Central
Avenue and portions of White Street
as part of the roadway transfer and
is currently doing the same on the
Northwest Arterial.
Funding
The total project cost is approximately
$9.2 million, the majority of which
will be paid for through state funds
as part of the Transfer of Jurisdiction.
The project also received $4.8
million in Dubuque Metropolitan
Area Transportation Study Surface
Transportation Program SWAP funds.
Stay in
the know!
To stay updated on project -related street closures
and detours, sign up for Northwest Arterial State
of Good Repair email and/or text alerts at
www.cityofdubuque.org/notifyme.
East/West Corridor
Connectivity Study
Another high -traffic roadway in Dubuque is U.S. 20 (also known
as Dodge Street), which is the primary route for east/west travel in
the city. Future traffic projections indicate that U.S. 20 alone will
not provide sufficient capacity for travel from the east side of the
city to the west with Dubuque's projected growth. Capacity along
other east/west roadways will need to be increased and improved
to provide connectivity between the growing areas near the west
and our vibrant downtown in the east. This realization became
clear to the City in 2010 and prompted the East/West Corridor
Connectivity Study.
Through traffic counts and photos and video analysis of
Dubuque's other east/west corridors, the City gained insight on
travel times, intersection turning movement counts, and existing
signal timings to determine traffic flow. This data was taken into
consideration along with the potential traffic volume caused by
diverting motorists from U.S. 20 onto these roadways. Ultimately,
it was determined that three other Dubuque roadways that span
from the east of our city to its west had the potential to support
growing capacity if roadway improvements were made.
In December 2021, the City Council approved a contract with a
consultant to complete the preliminary engineering design and
environmental clearance phase, advancing the development of
the East/West Corridor capacity improvements along University
Avenue, Asbury Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue. As design
options are finalized, the City anticipates holding public
information meetings with project stakeholders and property
owners to seek input on preliminary design alternatives over
the next year. For more information on the project and input
opportunities, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/eastwestcorridor.
RIDE PARK WALK ROLL
Businesses and residents rely on having access to parking. It is essential to a vibrant,
strong economy and expanding connectivity from point A to point B. Lack of available
parking can lead to employees, customers, and tenants needing to walk longer
distances between open parking spaces and their final destination. That is why the
City of Dubuque is developing "Move DBQ," a new smart parking and mobility plan
that will shape transportation systems in Dubuque for the next 10 to 15 years.
Aging Infrastructure
The City's current parking ramp fee collection systems
and on -street meters have exceeded their expected
lifespan and are equipped with outdated technology,
some of which is no longer supported. These systems
are not efficient or sustainable for our future. The Move
DBQ plan will provide a long-term roadmap for how
the City will implement and invest in new technologies
and systems to improve parking access, efficiency, and
overall user experience.
Technology
The City is conducting a detailed assessment of
Dubuque's on- and off-street parking systems
including how parking ramps are managed, how
meter systems work, financial metrics, parking
utilization, and EV charging locations to ensure
that the supply and demand are in balance.
Technology that can be used to improve the
parking experience, such as wayfinding, meter
and gating systems, and convenient payment
options, is being evaluated as solutions to our
city's parking issues.
Mobility
The project will also include a high-level assessment
of Dubuque's current transportation offerings and
identify opportunities to advance the ease of traveling
and improve the connectedness of the downtown
transportation network. This assessment will help
create a more connected community for those
people who rely on and use alternative modes of
transportation such as walking, biking, ride -hailing,
micromobility devices, and public transit.
MOVE DBQ PHASES
PHASE 1 Assessing the current conditions of parking
infrastructure and collecting data and input.
PHASE 2 Analyzing future needs, envisioning scenarios, and
exploring financial modeling to help determine a plan.
PHASE 3 A Smart Parking and Mobility Management Plan
will be created and used as a guide to implement
parking improvements.
FINDING THE SPOT
THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
A parking spot is more than just a slab of concrete. Our
vehicles connect us to education, jobs, healthcare, and
other goods and services outside of walking distance from
our home. In a city, having accessible, affordable, and
readily available parking gives you the keys to go where you
want without worrying what to do with your car when you
get there.
PARKING RAMPS
That's why the City of Dubuque offers a variety of different
parking options that span downtown Dubuque, each with
their own benefits. This gives residents and visitors alike
the opportunity to choose parking that best meets the
needs of their trip - increasing commerce in our city and
connecting them to goods and services outside of walking
distance from our home.
Dubuque has seven parking ramps strategically located throughout the downtown area,
allowing commuters to park and walk to various destinations. In total, there are 3,910 parking
spaces in City ramps. Some of these spots are rented at monthly rates for commuters who
take trips to the downtown for work almost daily. Some spots are available at an hourly rate for
those visiting or only downtown for the day. Spots in the Port of Dubuque Parking Ramp are
free for residents and visitors looking to explore Dubuque's riverwalk and nearby attractions.
While costly to construct, parking ramps offer efficiency. Hundreds of parking spots are fit into
one structure, conserving land and space.
PARKING LOTS
An alternative to parking ramps is parking lots. Dubuque has 19 surface lots located across the +++�
downtown district. Combined, there is a total of 397 parking lot spaces. Like ramps, some of
these spots are reserved monthly for frequent commuters. Other spots are metered, allowing
motorists to park their car in the lot temporarily and pay by the amount of time the plan on being
parked there.
amn
Parking lots don't house as many spaces as ramps, but they still have unique benefits. Parking
lots cost less to create and maintain, making adding them to our parking network easier. Dubuque
has been able to add more parking lots throughout downtown, creating parking options closer to
commuters' destinations than ramps.
ON -STREET PARKING METERS
Finding a parking spot directly outside of your destination is often the most convenient option
and leaves you feeling like you've won the lottery. Dubuque has over 2,000 metered on -street
parking spaces that create a desirable parking option. However, there is not enough space
directly outside of every destination to offer on -street parking for everyone.
That's why the city has parking meters. Although you might find them annoying, they encourage
parking turnover so that a car doesn't remain parked outside of a business all day long --even
more annoying, right? They instead motivate one customer to make way for the next, through
financial incentives. Meters cost $0.25 per 20 minutes parked, and are free at night and on
Sundays. This pricing model takes peak hours into account and incentivizes other modes of
transportation like walking, biking, or taking the Jule, or other available parking options.
1
» j�f
s ;1)'
FALL 2022 1 8 City Focus 1 9
www.cityofdubuque.org
Paving the Way for All Types of Travel
When investing in infrastructure, it's important to build for
the future. As alternative modes of transportation grow,
the City of Dubuque is planning to pave new paths that
allow residents to walk, bike, ride, or roll however they
like. That's the idea behind a complete street.
Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe
access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and
transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely
move along and across a complete street. All complete streets
are different in what they offer. Sidewalks, bike lanes or
wide paved shoulders, special bus lanes, comfortable and
accessible transit stops, frequent crossing opportunities,
median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, and curb
extensions are some features that allow residents to travel
Incorporating these aspects of a complete street
into roadway designs can have many different
benefits:
• Complete streets improve safety. A Federal Highways
Administration safety review found that streets designed
with features like sidewalks, raised medians, and traffic -
slowing measures improve pedestrian safety. These
features enable pedestrians to cross busy roads in two
stages, reduce left -turning motorist crashes, and improve
bicycle safety through visibility.
• Complete streets encourage walking and bicycling for health.
Having sidewalks, bikeways, and other places designed
for physical activity allows residents to commute in a way
that's good for their health.
through an alternative mode of transportation easier. Complete streets address climate change. By offering safe
and accessible options for other modes of transportation,
trips can be taken by lower carbon -producing modes of
transportation.
Complete streets foster strong communities. They play an
important role in livable communities, where all people -
regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation - feel
safe and welcome on the roadways.
Expansive Trail System
Dubuque's 53-mile bike/hike trail
system offers challenging treks and
relaxed cruises, with something for
everyone. The system includes 28
miles of on -street routes and 25 miles
of paved trails for walking, hiking,
and biking. The on -street network
includes sections of the Mississippi
River Trail through the Downtown and
Historic Millwork Districts, and the
Washington and North End residential
neighborhoods. While the off -road
network includes trails at the John G.
Bergfeld Recreation Area, Eagle Point
Park, Port of Dubuque, and other
natural beauties. The City's network
is also expanding in the coming years,
with trails planned around Chaplain
Schmitt Island and the Bee Branch
16th Street detention basin.
Infrastructure That
Accommodates
"Sharrows" are painted markings on
roadways that let travelers know that
the road is meant to be shared. They
are placed on the part of the road
that is the preferred location for bike
traffic, reminding motorists to share a
portion of the road so that bike traffic
can safely and comfortably travel, and
reminding bike traffic where to ride
so they can safely and comfortably
avoid moving and parked cars on the
roadway.
Sharrows in Dubuque are located in
the Millwork District, which is more
residential than major roadways.
Cars are typically traveling slower
due to the features of the street and
the location of the roadway. The
existing roads that have had sharrows
added create an `on -street bike trail"
that connects to major off-street
trails in the city. This option is more
economical and easily accomplished
over others.
Biking Amenities
If you're out for a ride and in need
of a tune up, you can visit one of
the city's bike fix -it stations. These
stations have the tools needed to
get your ride in top shape and are
located conveniently in the Central
Ave. and Intermodal parking ramps,
Town Clock Plaza, Bee Branch
Greenway, and at other locations
around Dubuque. Bike racks are also
conveniently placed throughout the
city and next to common destinations
that allow for easy and proper storage.
Not every trip in Dubuque is possible
to be made by bike for everyone with
our city's hills, however. One way to
"beat the bluff"is utilizing the Jule's
rack and ride option. The service
allows residents to bike to a bus stop,
rack their bike on the front of the bus
and utilize public transit for part of
their trip, and finish the remainder on
their bicycle. Equipping all Jule buses
with bike racks is just another way the
City is eliminating barriers to other
forms of transportation, so you can
travel your way.
"I enjoy riding my bike in Dubuque for
transportation and recreation. I ride to go
places like work and pick up my daughter
from daycare — she likes to ride in the child
seat on the back. I enjoy the off-street trails
such as the North End Trail and those along
the Mississippi and the Bee Branch Creek. As
Dubuque grows, we hope to see our biking
infrastructure expand as well."
Jason Duba, City of Dubuque assistant planner
When the ground thaws in the spring, work is set to begin on the John F. Kennedy Road
sidewalk installation project. The project will add sidewalks where they are absent from
Asbury Road to the Northwest Arterial, improving safety and mobility for pedestrians
traveling in the area. Ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act will
be added at street intersections, improving access for residents with limited mobility,
students making their way to Eisenhower Elementary, and others.
The project is anticipated to cost $633,226. The City sought creative funding sources
and received a $190,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. As a result
of this grant, the city was able to reduce the sidewalk assessment costs to residents by
54%. The City is also working with low-income residents in the impacted area to offset
their costs through Community Development Block Grant funds. When completed, this
project will allow people to access goods, services, education and more that are housed
along the vibrant J.F.K. corridor.
City Focus 1 11
www.cityofdubuque.org
The Future is Electric
According to the EPA, 27% of all
greenhouse gas emissions in 2020
were a result of transportation, mainly
from gasoline and diesel engines.
Electric vehicles (EV) offer the
opportunity to reduce emissions and
are growing in use. Additionally, the
current White House administration
issued an executive order setting a
target for EVs to represent half of
all vehicle sales by 2030. The City of
Dubuque's current EV infrastructure
includes six charging stations in the
Intermodal Parking Ramp and five
outlets to plug into in the Central
Avenue Parking Ramp, along with
several stations maintained by private
businesses. This infrastructure alone
will not be enough, however, to meet
growing needs.
Charging stations will be added to
the Port of Dubuque Parking Ramp
and the Historic Federal Building
parking lot. Two stations for public
use will be available at both locations.
These new chargers will be level 2
chargers which have a higher voltage
than level 1 chargers. This results in
FALL 2022 1 12
_V-r7
" K
�. t• �A
ti ' <`VA�
a shorter charge time and allows for
more vehicles to connect throughout
day. These new stations are expected
to be installed in the spring of 2023.
Move DBQ, the City's smart parking and
mobility plan that's currently studying
EV needs in our community, will inform
and prioritize EV accommodations for
the future.
KEY
QCharger available Q Charger planned
QSupercharger available Q Supercharger planned
Kohl'sQ " Memoeal Park
Sam's MOP
HolldayllA-
ass & suites...
u
wahlelt cathonc 0
High school
Ervi f�
Hlble College
Pair— Braad. My
v
Stephen Hemputeetl
- OHigh
9ohool _
Phoenix Theatres
K d M II
0
The Power of Solar
In 2017, the City of Dubuque Fire
Department aimed to offset electrical
costs by installing solar technology on
the roofs of Fire Stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, as
well as fire headquarters. At the time
of installation, it was predicted that
each kilowatt-hour produced would
save approximately 30% on utility
rates. That's the equivalent of other
greenhouse gas offsets like:
• Planting 87,141 trees
• Reducing driving of 7,480,000
miles
• Recycling 11,818 tons of waste
instead of sending it to the
landfill.
At fire headquarters alone, the
electricity cost savings has been
$19,763. Year after year this
investment is paying off and saving the
City and taxpayers thousands.
The City is helping residents access
similar solar infrastructure through
its Renew DBQ program. Starting
in 2021 as a pilot program, Renew
DBQ was able to help 10 low- to
Is
Dubuque Senl orQ
Hfgh School
Flora Park
amversdy
fD buque
v'
NORTH END Ie
\\ ¢$OCusino
°'\� C !fish Cliarli e's' dr
VALLEY VIEW
ssQQ:
Pu uee ills erervin c."
Loras College � 9 VanY
vHISTOR"
OLD MAIN -
oSt CIIff
-D d Jo
Casin que e G d ,l buF Resort
a d W I murk
enne y
v
p
Kennedy Mall
Q
-
a
soneD I
s ;-
6 t West - Plus. -'-Da h - - -- =
D buque H tel 8... - - - ya e �
$P' 5
r o
East Dubuque
que
_ - _T ,
q
_
- WyndhamD
rv's. �
`o _
Wal�up cortter:'`L H
Theism's � 1�' pQ
RiverBl !f C b s
- improvement
S "
.'
Hy Vee Grorery Store
Dubuque Golf{
Tmrne
�'pp
& Country Club �+
•] 0I01 r OR
moderate -incomes (LMI) families
address energy burdens by adding
solar panels to their homes. This
project takes a three-part approach
to sustainability by reducing monthly
energy bills for residents, serves as
an economic multiplier/job creator
for local installers, and helps the City
to reach its 50% by 2030 greenhouse
gas reduction goals. The City plans to
continue the program with available
funding. For more information on
eligibility and to apply, visit www.
cityofdubuque.org/sustainability.
The Jule to See New Fuel
Taking the bus is one way to cut
your carbon footprint, but what if
that trip actually had zero emissions
in total? The Jule, Dubuque's public
transportation system, is working
to become carbon neutral by adding
electric buses to its fleet. The
Dubuque City Council has approved
the purchase of an electric bus,
with the majority of costs being
covered by a $1.07 million grant the
city received in 2020 through the
Federal Transit Administration's
Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
Current options are being explored
for the City's first electric bus based
on market availability and the needs
of riders. Ryan Knuckey, director of
transportation services for the City,
says he's hopeful that the bus will hit
the streets of Dubuque sometime in
the Spring of 2024.
_M [ •
00, ell
0 0
City Focus 1 13
www.cityofdubuque.org
From the Well to
Before you take a sip of
water, it probably doesn't
cross your mind where it
came from and how it got to
your tap. It's easy to just flip
on the faucet and let it flow.
That's because behind the scenes there are
several wells pulling water from our natural
aquifers, dozens of City staff testing and treating
for impurities, and countless miles of water
mains and infrastructure to deliver it to your
home, taking the worry out of water for you.
In Dubuque, water is supplied by natural aquifers,
or layers of permeable ground beneath our feet
that hold water.
Specifically, the aquifers from which Dubuque's
water originates are the Jordan Aquifer, the
Mt. Simon Aquifer, and the Apple -Plum Alluvial
Aquifer. Aquifers are where our water starts, in
its rawest form.
Well systems then pull untreated water from the
underground aquifers above ground for our use.
Of the nine wells Dubuque currently uses for
our city's water supply, there are four deep wells
(1,000 feet -1,800 feet deep), and five shallow
wells (200 feet deep.)
100 gallons
of City water
costs only
$0.55
compared to
100 gallons
of bottled water
(20 oz. at $1.79 each)
costs over $11100!
Lead & Copper Sampling Program
The City's well system directs untreated
source water to Dubuque's Eagle Point
Treatment Plant where it undergoes several
treatment processes:
1. The first of these treatment processes is aeration
where untreated water is cascaded through a series
of trays, aerating the water which promotes the
exchange of gases. Aeration is similar to the natural
process that occurs when a stream flows through
rapids or over falls and unwanted gases are removed.
2. A flocculant aid is added to force small particles to
clump together and settle out, improving the clarity
of the water.
3. Lime (or calcium oxide) is then added to soften
or reduce the minerals that typically make water
hard. Excessive hardness in water creates residue,
increases deposits in water heaters and boilers,
interferes with some industrial processes, and
sometimes gives water an unappealing taste and
odor.
4. The addition of lime increases the pH, or acidity
of the water. Next, to stabilize the water's acidity,
carbon dioxide must be added to lower the pH.
5. The water is then passed through a sand and gravel
filter, removing any remaining matter.
6. Next, chlorine is added to disinfect the water
and ensures safety by destroying disease -causing
organisms.
7. Fluoride is then added at a miniscule level to help
prevent tooth decay.
8. Finally, phosphate is added to chemically stabilize
the water and decrease the possibility that lead and
copper will leach out of pipes and into tap water.
Lead and copper can enter drinking water primarily from materials used in service lines and
home plumbing. The City of Dubuque Water Department is responsible for providing high
quality drinking water, but cannot control the materials used in home plumbing. That's why
the City adds protective phosphate to our water and conducts an annual lead and copper
sampling program to monitor drinking water at customer taps.
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you can participate in the City's Lead &
Copper Sampling Program. Learn more about participating in the program at
www.cityofdubuque.org/water or by calling 563-589-4291.
Where You Dwell
Creating safe drinking water doesn't stop with the
treatment process. Our city's water is tested frequently
and at various points in the distribution system to
ensure it's safe for consumption. Over 200 tests a day
are performed at the Eagle Point Water Treatment
Facility to make sure the City's treatment and delivery
process produces safe water. Additionally, 70 bacterial
samples are collected throughout the distribution
system monthly and tested. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulates drinking water
quality in public water systems and the tests Dubuque
performs assure our water meets all state and federal
drinking water quality requirements.
After being treated, tested, and made ready for use,
our city's water is distributed to homes, businesses,
schools, and more through a system of 330 miles of
water mains. Water mains are large pipes that run
under our roads and connect to smaller water service
lines that bring water into individual buildings. Over 6
million gallons are treated per day and distributed for
customer use in Dubuque.
Roosevelt Street Water Tower
Completed in 2020, the 1.25-million gallon elevated
tower, along with distribution improvements,
increased water pressure to customers in and around
the Roosevelt Street and Peru Road area.
Excess treated water is stored in tanks and water
towers to be used at peak demand times, like mornings
when everyone in the city is brushing their teeth,
taking a shower, and making a pot of coffee. Water
towers also provide improved water pressure without
the need for pumps by elevating the water high above
the pipes that lead to your home and letting gravity do
the work of pushing it there.
The next time you turn on the faucet, you'll know exactly where your
water comes from and the infrastructure needed to supply your home
with every satisfying sip of water.
City Focus 1 15
www.cityofdubuque.org
Miles Et Miles of Mains
Water distribution
goes the distance
Beneath your feet lies a vast network of infrastructure. In
the United States, pipelines that distribute drinking water
span almost one million miles. Here in Dubuque, there are
over 330 miles of pipeline used in our water distribution
system.
Most water mains run under
our roads and connect to
smaller water service lines.
Water service lines are smaller
pipes that transport the water
from water mains to individual
properties. While water mains
are maintained by the City,
water service lines are the
responsibility of the property
owner. Over six million gallons
of water are distributed daily.
Water also makes its way to
fire hydrants for use in case of
an emergency. Knowing that
water distribution adds safety
to our community, Dubuque
has prioritized implementing
state -of -the -line control valves
and other infrastructure that
increases our water pressure, giving us more peace of
mind. That's not the only pay off. Dubuque Fire has earned
a class 2 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for
our high quality fire department and the capacity and
quality of water supply of our community. A class 2 rating
is the second highest possible rating for fire protection
services and lowers the insurance costs of property
owners in Dubuque.
Access to high quality
water is critical for safety
and comfort. That's why
recent City projects have
expanded our current water
infrastructure to connect
more of our community.
Take the J.F.K. Road water
main extension project,
for example. Completed in
the summer 2022, it added
an additional 4,250 feet of
water main pipeline to our
existing infrastructure. The
expansion brought City
water to the Wildflower
Ridge Subdivision, which was
previously on a private well.
Not only was water quality
and pressure improved in
this neighborhood, but fire
protection was also enhanced. Putting infrastructure
in place allows for the potential connection of other
developments and subdivisions in the future.
Some of Dubuque's water mains have been supplying homes with water for decades. While
these pipes are extremely reliable for the most part, main breaks can occur. Main breaks are
more likely to occur during cold weather and freeze/thaw cycles, due to shifting ground and
related stress on underground pipes. City crews work diligently and around the clock to fix
main breaks quickly without disrupting service. However, if the break results in a significant
pressure drop in service lines, a boil water advisory may be required. These incidents are not
common, but when they do happen, it's important to stay in the know.
The City contacts affected customers through Alert Iowa, the Dubuque's official emergency
,A ,//►► notification system. Residents can sign up to be notified by voice call, text message, or
ALERT��YY/'-'l email during emergencies like a boil water advisory, extreme weather, and other events
like odd/even snow route policy implementation. Sign up for Alert Iowa today by visiting
www.cityofdubuque.org/alertiowa or texting "DubuquelA" to 67283.
FALL 2022 1 16
The Difference in Drains
Storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and what they do for you
The City of Dubuque has two separate underground collection systems: a stormwater
management system for rainwater runoff and snow and ice melt, and a sanitary sewer system
for wastewater. The two systems are not connected and serve different purposes, but both
help maintain a safe and sanitary environment for residents.
The stormwater management system carries rainwater
runoff and melting snow and ice from roofs, driveways,
parking lots, and streets and channels it directly into
streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.
Here's how it works...
When it rains, water that flows over driveways, parking
lots, roofs, compacted lawns, and other impervious
surfaces is called "runoff." Runoff flows along streets
and across surfaces until it enters into "storm drain
inlets." Storm drain inlets are connected to "storm
sewers" constructed under city streets. The water
travels through the underground storm sewers until
it eventually flows into streams and rivers without
having been treated. The point at which the water
leaves the storm sewer and enters the waterway is
called an "outlet."
The City currently manages 6,535 stormwater
intakes,153 miles of storm sewers, 473 stormwater
outlets, and 1,974 stormwater manholes. The
manholes provide access to the underground storm
sewers for maintenance activities including routine
inspections, removal of sediment and debris, and the
reconstruction or repair of pipes and structures.
Dubuque's stormwater management system also
includes detention areas, permeable pavement, the
restored Bee Branch Creek Greenway, flood gates, and
pumping stations. This system is vital to preventing
flooding, erosion, and stream channel degradation.
Stormwater management also aims to prevent water
pollution. Runoff picks up pollution, such as chemicals,
bacteria, sediment, and trash, and is carried untreated
by gutters, open drainage ways, and storm sewers
directly into local streams and rivers and, ultimately, the
Mississippi River. This is why you should never put any
kind of trash or hazardous waste down a storm inlet.
For more information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/
stormwater.
Dubuque's storm drain mural project
aims to educate the community on the
importance of keeping our waterways
free of litter and debris.
Sanitary sewers are separate from storm sewers.
They carry wastewater from homes and businesses to
wastewater treatment plants.
Here's how it works...
When you flush the toilet, the water is carried away
from your home through small pipes called "sewer
laterals" to larger, City -owned pipes called "sewer
mains:' Sewer laterals usually run below your home,
under your yard, and under the street where they
connect to sewer mains. From there, it travels through
an intricate maze of underground pipes until it reaches
the Water & Resource Recovery Center on Julien
Dubuque Drive for processing before it returns to the
environment.
Some pipes transport wastewater by way of gravity.
Other pipes in low-lying areas use pumps to move
wastewater to a higher elevation. These are called
"force mains." Sanitary sewers are accessed via
manholes for maintenance and repair. Clean -outs
are located on private properties to provide access
to sewer laterals. If there is a blockage in the lateral
between your home and the sewer main, it may be
accessible via the clean -out.
The City currently manages 103 pump stations, and
approximately 331 miles of sanitary sewer pipes
ranging in size from 4 to 49 inches, which serve over
20,000 properties. This infrastructure is critical for the
protection of public health and environment.
Most people prefer not to think about what happens to the stuff they flush down the toilet. A 'flush
it and forget it" mentality is fine, but a lot actually happens when wastewater goes down the drain
in Dubuque and ends up at the Water & Resource Recovery Center (WRRC). The facility processes
an average of 7 million gallons of wastewater per day. This includes water from toilets, showers,
sinks, dishwashers, car washes, and the many businesses and industries that produce wastewater.
t
To handle all that wastewater, the WRRC
underwent a nearly $70 million facility
upgrade that was completed in 2013.
At the time, it was the largest capital
improvement project in the city's history.
The new treatment system has been in
operation for nearly a decade now and is
showing major return on investment.
The WRRC converts the energy in waste into readily
usable forms using anaerobic digestion. This process
produces biogas, which is roughly 70% methane. The
biogas is captured, cleaned, and injected into the natural
gas distribution system as renewable natural gas. Some of
the natural gas is returned to the WRRC where it is used
to produce electricity and heat.
FALL 2022 1 18
A combination of energy efficiency
improvements and on -site power
production reduce annual electricity
consumption by approximately
2,190,000 kilowatt hours per year.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Water & Resource Recovery Center
795 Julien Dubuque Dr.
Dubuque, IA 52003-7996
•-----------------------------------
Electricty Costs (FY2011) $579,205
Electricity Costs (FY2022) $356,782
------------------------------------
Annual Electricity Cost Savings $222,423
Fuel Oil Costs (FY2011) $300,000
Fuel Oil Costs After Upgrade $0
------------------------------------
Annual Fuel Oil Cost Savings $300,000
Annual Employee Cost Savings
(due to automation)
$85,000
TOTAL ANNUAL
OPERATING COST SAVINGS
$6071423
Making Methane Means More Savings
The WRRC produces more methane than can be used
at the facility. The City entered into an agreement
with BioResource Development, LLC in 2016 for the
co -location of equipment at the WRRC which further
processes all biogas produced at the facility. Renewable
natural gas is delivered to the Black Hills Energy
pipeline, qualifying for payments for environmental
attributes due to its use as a renewable fuel. The City
also receives lease payments and a portion of gross
revenues from the sale of the gas.
Supporting Local Business and Jobs
Thanks to the facility upgrades, the WRRC now has
the capacity to process high -strength waste, which
contains higher concentrations of chemicals generated
through production or manufacturing processes. Local
companies like Hormel, Rousselot, Simmons Pet Food,
and Western Dubuque Biodiesel can bring their waste
products to the WRRC to be processed. This saves local
businesses from incurring the transportation costs to
other locations for disposal. In fact, Hormel's cost per
gallon for treatment/disposal was reduced by 60%, no
longer having to transport their high -strength waste
over 90 miles to Madison, Wis., every day. This disposal
option makes Dubuque a more attractive location for
businesses, plus produces revenue for the City. This
fiscal year alone, the revenue generated for the City's
sanitary sewer fund is expected to be $305,000 - a great
outcome considering the input.
The Water & Resource Recovery Center currently
operates at 70-75% of its average capacity, which means
there is considerable capacity to meet future residential
and industrial growth.
If all this newfound knowledge has sparked
interest in how our city works, consider
attending City Life, Dubuque's fun, free, and
interactive course on local government.
Supporting
Dubuque's Traffic £z
Security Camera Network
How do you solve a crime without a witness, little evidence, and no leads? In some
cities, that's where the case goes cold. In Dubuque, however, our police department
has another tool they can use: the City's traffic and security camera network.
The City of Dubuque maintains a system of over 1,300
on -street cameras. The cameras are a part of Dubuque's
STREETS Project (Smart Traffic Routing with Efficient
and Effective Traffic System) and provide real-time
traffic data that is processed by artificial intelligence to
improve mobility, flow, and safety in the city.
This results in:
• Quicker commutes: Data and artificial intelligence
inform traffic lights to reduce congestion, improving
travel in real time. Information is also shared with
GIS mapping systems to reroute commuters, balance
delays, and reduce congestion.
• Safer trips: Video footage is investigated after an
incident to determine the cause of an accident and
identify potential traffic rerouting solutions.
• Reducing emissions: Efficiently routing traffic cuts
down on traffic delays and time spent at red lights,
reducing emissions
from motor vehicles.
Another added benefit is that after an accident or
crime, the Dubuque Police Department can review the
City of Dubuque Engineering Department's recorded
camera footage of the scene. The footage sheds new
light on cases, adding unbiased information to the
investigation. "When traffic accidents occur, we're
able to go back and
watch exactly how it
played out. We then
have the full picture,
and our investigation
isn't subject to any
`he said/she said'
situation," said
Lieutenant Brendan
Welsh, public information officer for the Dubuque
Police Department.
When crimes occur and the suspect is unknown, the
police department combines highly skilled police work
with using the camera system to effectively identify,
track, and find the culprit. Take the example of hit
and run to a parked car. Instead of being left clueless,
police can access the recording and see exactly
what happened.
Sometime the The national clearance rate for
license plate is crimes against persons is 46%
visible, and officials but the Dubuque clearance
know exactly who rate is 85%1
they're looking for.
Other times, they're
able to follow the car that fled the scene by tracking
them through the network of cameras - which provides
them with a view of the license plate or leads them to
the culprit.
"The cameras don't catch things like speeding or
drivers who run red lights. That's not what they're there
for, and they're not capable of doing that," said Welsh.
"Our engineering department uses them to time -up
traffic lights and monitor traffic flow. The fact that we
have access to the recordings and can follow up with
them in an investigation is just another tool that helps
keep our city safe"
In 2021, the city installed 30 new cameras and 53
cameras were replaced. The Dubuque City Council
has also allotted funding for additional cameras in
the next fiscal year for continued investment in this
infrastructure that serves our community in more way
than one.
Public baiieu,
Dubuque Fire
Department Response
The EMS and fire response services that the Dubuque Fire Department provides are
not services that most residents use frequently. We're ok with that. While you might
not encounter an emergency and need our services, it's still important to understand
the critical components of response time in case you ever do need our help.
Having standards set allows us to
identify shortcomings and continually
improve services. That's where
infrastructure comes into play.
Potential improvements may involve
moving response resources, adding
resources, or an evaluation of the
station locations and numbers. Station
location studies incorporate all the
discussed elements of response time
as well as secondary factors including
When 911 dispatchers take your call, the appropriate response units are notified as
quickly as possible. They collect critical information to determine the type of incident so
the appropriate staff and equipment needed for assistance are deployed. The dispatcher
also continues to collect information from you to provide to responders even after units are
dispatched and en route.
Crews dress in all the appropriate safety gear, board the vehicle, and put the wheels in
motion. The time between units being deployed and arriving on scene can be different for
each fire station and include many factors such as distance from the incident, topography,
traffic, time of day, and weather.
These factors play a role in the total time it takes from a call being received
to arrival on scene. The Dubuque Fire Department's goal is to respond within
six minutes total time for emergency medical services, and six minutes and 20
seconds for emergency fire responses. These times are determined from national
standards, strategic planning, community input, and an international accreditation
process which validates our processes and protocols.
trending call volume, resource
location and resiliency, or the ability
of the department to handle multiple
events at the same time. Future
planning and community development
predictions are also considered.
As our city grows, Dubuque Fire
is evaluating the location of each
fire station, as well as the potential
for future locations. We're keeping
in mind these parameters that are
included into response time while
starting the discussion and evaluation
of current and future station locations.
Also top of mind is the pride staff take
in responding to emergency events
quickly and providing quality service.
While change is on the horizon for our
growing department, one thing won't
change; our commitment to being
there when you need us most.
City Focus 1 21
www.cityofdubuciue.org
Broadband Expansion and More:
Using GIS to make data -driven decisions
What do fire hydrants, rental licenses,
and stop signs all have in common?
While that question sounds like the
beginning of a bad joke, it's not, and
the answer is simpler than you would
think: all three have a location. In
fact, all of the infrastructure the City
maintains is located somewhere, and
having a location allows any asset to
be mapped in geographic information
system (GIS) software.
The City utilizes GIS technology for
all data with a geographic component,
from manholes to potholes. "Our goal
is to provide a solid asset management
system that can be used to manage
day-to-day work, but also provide
data for solutions to our community's
needs," said City of Dubuque GIS
Coordinator/Analyst Nikki Rosemeyer.
As the GIS coordinator/analyst,
Rosemeyer leads and assists over 300
GIS users within the City organization
in making data -driven decisions
using GIS intelligence. GIS can be
used to inform something as simple
as locating a streetlight to perform
yearly maintenance, to a more
complex project like analyzing what
neighborhoods in the city see the
most improper setouts of curbside
trash and recycling collection to
advise outreach campaigns.
Determining Broadband Needs
Recently, GIS was used to inform
stages of the Broadband Expansion
Initiative, which used location
intelligence to better understand
the community's internet use and
coverage, identify gaps in service,
and prioritize where to invest in
broadband infrastructure.
In 2021, the City surveyed residents
regarding their internet and cellphone
provider, pricing, and speed to see
where in the city lacked adequate
coverage. Additional questions were
asked to better understand who was
impacted by limited or nonexistent
broadband availability, and where in
Dubuque they lived.
Survey results were analyzed and
mapped using GIS, and clearly showed
certain areas of the city where people
are disproportionately disadvantaged
when it comes to affordable and
reliable internet access. For example,
30% of survey respondents said they
requested faster internet speed from
Successful requests Unsuccessful requests
for improvement for improvement
"Our goal is to provide a solid asset
management system that can be
used to manage day-to-day work,
but also provide data for solutions
to our community's needs"
Nikki Rosemeyer, City of Dubuque GIS Coordinator/Analyst
their provider and were told it wasn't
available. Using this information, the City
determined priority areas and developed
a long-term plan to bring broadband
connectivity to areas of Dubuque that
needed it most.
Creating a Plan
Having identified areas of greatest demand
for expanding broadband infrastructure,
the City approached private sector
providers willing to invest resources in the
community. The GIS analysis enabled the
City to present a project that would result
in service provider profit via increased
customers and coverage, and would
address community concerns about speed,
access, cost, and equity. This public -
private collaboration reduced the cost and
time required for broadband expansion.
The areas of greatest need for expanding
broadband infrastructure also overlapped
with census block groups where the City
already targets improvements through
Community Development Block Grants,
allowing Dubuque to utilize and apply for
additional federal grant funding.
"When we went to city council to execute
a plan, we had the data, analysis, and maps
clearly showing opportunities and areas
for real impact and success," said City of
Dubuque Information Services Manager
Chris Kohlmann. She oversaw early stages
of the Broadband Expansion Initiative
fostering broadband provider partnerships
resulting in over $2.6 million of value to
the city and a leverageable investment
of over $19 million in infrastructure. She
also knew the potential this new targeted
investment had using the private -public
partnership as an efficient way of sharing
infrastructure and services that allows for
a reduction in broadband deployment and
provisioning costs.
"When we went to city
council to execute a plan,
we had the data, analysis,
and maps clearly showing
opportunities and areas for
real impact and success:'
Chris Kohlmann, City of Dubuque Information
Services Manager
It's stories like this that show infrastructure as so much more than pipes and
roads. Having infrastructure like fiber optic conduit and cable to provide
Dubuque with high-speed internet at an affordable rate means that
residents are now connected to jobs, education, telehealth and everything
you can now do online. Infrastructure makes an impact, and the City of
Dubuque is making sure every infrastructure asset is being tracked in GIS
and leveraged for the betterment of our city.
City Focus 1 23
s
41
•
When you hear the word infrastructure, pictures of long
stretches of roadways or massive metal pipes probably pop
into your head. But when you think about what counts as
infrastructure, have you ever thought about recreational
structures and facilities?
Pools, parks, libraries, and more can be considered infrastructure as they, too,
are structures that add benefit to our community. Recreational infrastructure
promotes better physical and mental health; serves as meeting places that bring
family, friends, and neighbors together; and contribute to our community's
environmental resiliency.
Sutton Pool has always been a summer staple to many in Dubuque; that was until the staffing shortages that have been
occurring across our nation also impacted the City's recreation division. In the summer of 2022, the City of Dubuque
Leisure Services Department only had enough lifeguards to safely and effectively open one of Dubuque's two pools. Flora
Pool is the larger of the two pools, with a 33% larger body of water and significantly larger lawn space. Making the difficult
choice to open only Flora Pool allowed Dubuque to serve the greatest number of residents last summer. The temporary
closing of Sutton Pool left many residents to question, "What does it actually take to run our pools?"
_ V% V% - -
Q�
Janna Beau
Recreation Supervisor
What does it take to open a pool?
It takes three to four weeks to physically open a pool. The process includes:
• Cleaning the entire facility
• Preparing the infrastructure for operations
• Ordering the needed supplies/chemicals
• Filling the pool over several days
• Circulating the water and repairing any necessary functions not working properly
• Balancing the pool with chemicals
• Training the new staff with the different elements of the facility
This process is lengthy and costly, so confirming staff availability ahead of time is important
before knowing if it will be worth it to complete this process.
How many staff are required to
operate the pools?
A typical day at the pool provides programs
nvironment for bqt nsI
ifts (with multi�e off on needed throughout the day. Hwould have approximately 70regular season. In only
hired, not ough to open both pools
Why not do an alternating schedule where both
pools are open at different times, sharing staff?
In 2021 the City opened both pools on an alternating schedule. The duties
JPoble 'Tith a recru
a safe, valued, a d e*yable work exp
choice to open onlenefool in C2. Flor poo M largest andthemost centrally located pooh makh re a°°ftsible option of the+two pools the greatest numbeUltimafely, an alternating
schedu time periods whewonly Sutton Pool is open reduces ther-
i
M4
10
Staff are planning free certifications classes to begin in
January and run until summer starts. This season, the changes
such as the wage increase to $15 for new lifeguards and $17
for returning lifeguards and lowering the minimum hiring age
to 15 years old will be in place the entire recruitment season.
Again this year, posters will be distributed, print and digital
ads will be ran, meetings will take place with the school
district and community organizations and the City will do
everything possible to recruit lifeguards.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you know someone looking for a
summer job with flexible hours, a fun work environment, the
opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, and competitive pay, visit
www.cityofdubuque.org/lifeguarding.
DUBUQUE
ICE f «NA
The Dubuque Ice Arena (formerly Mystique Community
Ice Center) re -opened its doors Nov. 1, 2022. Hockey
and figure skating fans filled the arena bringing the
same energy they bring every year, but they were met
with something new this year: a reconstructed rink
ready for action on the ice.
The City completed a full interior building scan in 2020
of the Dubuque Ice Arena which indicated subsurface
settling of the facility was taking place.
In June 2022, work began to fix the settling issues. The
first phase was to remove the existing rink, ice system,
and a portion of the arena bleachers to allow for the
installation of a deep foundation system under the rink
area and throughout the entire arena facility corridors.
The new deep foundation system was built with 480
in -ground structural columns that are engineered to
provide support and stabilization to the ice rink and
main floor. With the settlement remediation foundation
work completed, crews then built a new concrete
refrigerated ice rink floor, installed new dasher boards
and glass, reinstalled the arena bleachers, and installed
new rubber sport flooring, all completed just in time for
the winter season.
www.cityofdubuque.org
Comiskey Park is one p
of Dubuque's busiest R E -IMAGINE ��
and most beloved C O M I S K E Y
parks. The Re -Imagine
Comiskey Park project
started in 2019 with a goal of engaging the community
to dream of what they wanted to see in the park.
Through surveys, workshops, and public input meetings,
our community shared what they loved about the park,
and new things they wanted to see. The result of the
community engagement indicated that residents felt
the playground and basketball courts were important
amenities to keep, and that adding a splash pad, picnic
area, more seating and pavilions would improve the
park.
Having gathered input, selected improvements, and
secured funding, The Re -Imagine Comiskey Park
project broke ground this fall. Phase 1 is expected to be
completed by Memorial Day weekend of 2023. For more
information and to view the Comiskey Park Master Plan,
visit www.cityofdubuque.org/comiskeypark.
AAfflaics EGaca IONS
marii
Foundatoundatnn
t.
o
Crews preparing for a new rink and ice system at the recently re -opened Dubuque
Ice Arena. For Information and events, visit www.schmittisland.com/ice-arena
City Focus 1 25
Throughout this issue of City Focus, you've read how Dubuque's infrastructure is built for you: how it's connecting workers
to their jobs, providing utilities that power business and promote trade, and creating safer neighborhoods and travel
between them. The City's goal in creating high -quality infrastructure in Dubuque is to directly have a positive impact on our
residents. By strategically stewarding public dollars, and leveraging other available resources, Dubuque is doing more than
just laying pavement. Our community is building and improving infrastructure that adds value and vibrancy.
Dubuque's North End, Poin
neighborhoods Nvere home
roots to this day. As Dubuque's
the railroad track with jobs and recreational opportunities to
the east, without delay.
Reconstructing the 16th Street and Elm Street corridors as
complete streets with new pedestrian/bike shared -use paths
to the Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park and Chaplain Schmitt
Island, improving access to jobs and recreation. This will also
connect residents to the Historic Millwork District, as well as
the downtown Intermodal Transportation Center for transit
connectivity.
• Five roundabouts along 16th Street and Elm Street to improve
vehicle flow and reduce crashes.
FALL 2022 1 26
Cut costs by prioritizing investment in existing
infrastructure.
Improve safety by providing a separated rail crossing,
adding roundabouts to reduce accidents, and creating
off-street pedestrian and biking accommodations.
Promote shared prosperity in disadvantaged
neighborhoods where more than 20% of households
have no access to a vehicle by building infrastructure
that expands opportunities for public transportation,
biking, and other forms of commuting.
The City secured $2.28 million Rebuilding
America's Infrastructure with Sustainability
and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) to match
the $2.1 million budgeted. With a clear path
forward, initial efforts are underway, and
design and engineering are expected to be
complete by mid-2025.
www.cityofdubuque.org
Enhancing the Island
Chaplain Schmitt Island was carved from a channel
of the Mississippi's backwaters in the 1930s to allow
river access for an industrial district. The island began
life as an airport during WWII and was then used
as a landfill through the 1970s. Today, the island has
shifted and is the city's catch-all for a great variety of
uses and activities, including recreation, gaming, and
remembrance.
The island is home to the Q Casino, the Dubuque Ice
Arena, McAleece Park & Recreation Complex, Veterans
Memorial Plaza, Miller Riverview Park & Campground,
and more - with several additions coming.
Plans are in development to transform Q Casino's
Backwater Stage into an amphitheater than can hold
up to 10,000 people. The project will combine the
current parking lot and the current greyhound kennel
area into an amphitheater to host paid concerts as
well as community events for nonprofit entities,
schools, and local charities.
An over $1.8 million dollar overhaul of trailheads
and bike paths to increase access to and across the
island is also planned for the future of the island. The
project would create new trails and increase width
and lighting for existing trails so they would all be
ADA accessible. The trails will connect to the recently
completed Veteran's Memorial Plaza.
Within the next five years, Schmitt Island is set to
become a recreational landmark for Dubuque and the
State of Iowa.
City Focus 1 27
THE CITY OF
DUS E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
50 W.13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
1
4
I00�
STAY IN THE KNOW!
Engaged residents are empowered residents.
The City of Dubuque uses many communication methods to keep residents informed.
1 I Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Linkedln, and Nextdoor
0 0 (D M nextdoor
2 ` Watch CityChannel Dubuque on cable channel 8 or 117.2 or stream
I live on our website at www.cityofdubuque.org/video
3 Sign up for newsletters, calendar events, and bid notifications at
www.cityofdubuque.org/notifyme
Dubuque City Council www.cityofdubuque.org/citycouncil
BRAD M. CAVANAGH RIC W. JONES DAVID T. RESNICK
MAYOR AT -LARGE AT -LARGE
I TV
SUSAN R. FARBER
1ST WARD
LAURA J. ROUSSELL DANNY C. SPRANK KATY A. WETHAL
2ND WARD 3RD WARD 4TH WARD