Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) Resolution & Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)City of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 05.
Copyrighted
July 5, 2023
ITEM TITLE: Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) Resolution &
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council adoption of a resolution
authorizing a formal partnership with the University of Iowa's Iowa
Initiative for Sustainable Communities program in the 2023-2024
academic year.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
Staff Memo
Resolution - UI - IISC 2023
MOU - UI - IISC 2023
RESOLUTION Authorizing a partnership with the Iowa Initiative for
Sustainable Communities, a program of the University of Iowa
Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
Partnership Guide - UI - IISC 2023
Type
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) Resolution &
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
DATE: June 28, 2023
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Sustainable Community Coordinator Gina Bell is recommending City Council adoption
of a resolution authorizing a formal partnership with the University of Iowa's Iowa
Initiative for Sustainable Communities program in the 2023-2024 academic year.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator
THE C
DUUB-.'*-FEI
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator
SUBJECT: Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) Resolution &
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
DATE: June 21, 2023
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
All-Amartca City
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memo is to request City Manager approval to move forward with the
IISC opportunity including the memorandum of understanding and a resolution if
necessary.
BACKGROUND
In March 2023, the Office of Sustainability applied to participate in the Iowa Initiative for
Sustainable Communities (IISC), a program of the University of Iowa (UI). The program
creates mutually beneficial partnerships with communities across the state to advance
shared goals. Full partnerships bring numerous multi -disciplinary teams of UI faculty
and students into communities over the course of an academic year, collaborating on up
to 15 projects. The project ideas were generated after discussion with various
departments, reviewing our Climate Action Plan and outside local partners.
DISCUSSION
We believe this is a great opportunity for our community and the program has proven
results obtained by listening to partners' needs and matching these with the capacities
of the university faculty and departments. Together, we will co -develop up to 15 diverse
projects that address complex problems which tap the assets of both our community
and their students. The goal is to bring high -quality work to Dubuque, while providing
learning opportunities for the next generation of community leaders. This MOU serves
as the formal agreement to move forward with this partnership.
BUDGETIMPACT
The cost to participate is $50,000. The Office of Sustainability has identified funding
sources as explained in a prior memo.
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully request the City Council's adoption of the resolution and signing of the
MOU.
Attachments:
MOU
Resolution
IISC Partnership Guide (as referenced in MOU)
Prepared by Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coor--dinator, 50 W. 13th St, Dubuque IA 52001, (563)-690-6038
Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 1V St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100
RESOLUTION NO. 207-23
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IOWA INITIATIVE
FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, A PROGRAM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque continually aspires to improve quality of life for
all residents; and
WHEREAS, mutually -beneficial partnerships with public institutions advance
the City of Dubuque's community goals; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities is a University of
Iowa year -long engagement program built around community -based projects; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque submitted a Letter of Interest in becoming a
community partner and was selected by the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities
for the 2023-24 academic year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque can expect up to 15 project collaborations with
University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff from a variety of disciplines, as outlined
in the IISC partnership model, for which the City's total financial contribution would be
not more than $50,000; and
WHEREAS, other local community -based organizations can participate
in the partnership and provide financial support.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Dubuque authorizes a formal partnership with the University of Iowa's Iowa Initiative for
Sustainable Communities program in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 51h day of July, 2023.
Attest:
4,1; Aeg�&
Adrienne N. Breitfe der, City Clerk
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
AND
THE CITY OF DUBUQUE
THIS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (Agreement), dated for reference
purposes the 21st day of June, 2023, is made and entered into by and between The
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (University) and the City of Dubuque (City).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, it is the desire of University to enter into an Agreement with City to
provide services as outlined in this Agreement, and
WHEREAS, City desires to collaborate with University on the Iowa Initiative for
Sustainable Communities (IISC) program in accordance with the terms and conditions as
outlined in the IISC Community Partnership Guide documentation, included as
supplemental materials.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants
contained therein, the Parties agree as follows:
Unless specifically altered herein, all specifications, requirements, and terms and
conditions of the IISC Community Partnership Guide documentation form the basis for
and are hereby incorporated into this agreement.
A*01If] `5M9=10 41
This Agreement shall begin on or about June 1, 2023 and remain in effect through and
including June 1, 2024 unless earlier terminated.
The University may terminate the Agreement any time within the first ninety (90) days of
the initial Term or any and all extension periods, should University determine City's
performance is or becomes unsatisfactory in the sole opinion of University, then the
Agreement may be terminated.
City may terminate the Agreement any time within the first ninety (90) days of the initial
Term or any and all extension periods should City determine, in its sole discretion, that
University is not acting in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
SECTION 2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OR PRODUCTS.
University agrees to complete about fifteen (15) projects proposed by City and in
accordance with the project guidance in the IISC Community Partnership Guide
documentation, with the exact number of projects determined through a project
development process in the Summer and Fall of 2023.
SECTION 3. CITY AGREES TO:
Provide a single point managerial -level contact for University to coordinate all
requirements; to be the point of contact for any problems/questions that may arise;
meet periodically with University personnel; research information; and deliver
special reports as needed or directed by University related to the IISC program.
City's Single Point Contact Person:
Name: Gina Bell
Title: Sustainability Coordinator
Address: 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Email: gbellCcDcityofdubugue.org
Phone: 563.845.8591
2. Comply with all applicable federal and state laws.
3. Possess and maintain all applicable licenses necessary to conduct business in the
State of Iowa.
SECTION 4. FEE STRUCTURE OR PRODUCT PRICING.
City agrees to pay Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) throughout the Term. Payment is due
according to the following schedule unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties:
25% ($12,500) due July 1, 2023
25% ($12,500) due January 1, 2024
50% ($25,000) due June 1, 2024
This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and shall
supersede all previous agreements, written or oral. No modification or waiver of any
provision shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the Parties.
In the event any portion of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain intact. That portion deemed invalid
shall be amended in writing to the minimum extent necessary to be considered valid and
enforceable.
City may not assign this Agreement without prior written consent of University. The Parties
agree that the term assigned includes acquisition of City by another party. City agrees to
provide University with written notice of any assignment a minimum of thirty (30) business
days prior to date of such event.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Iowa and applicable federal
law.
University's failure to enforce provisions of this Agreement in whole or in part will not
negate the Agreement or the enforcement of provisions at a future time.
The Parties are acting herein as independent. Nothing herein contained shall create or
be construed as creating an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture or other
relationship between the Parties, including University's students, faculty and staff, and
neither Party shall have the authority to bind the other Party in any respect.
University shall provide adequate insurance coverage at all times during the performance
of this Agreement for its students, faculty and staff and City shall have no obligation of
any kind for such insurance coverage. City acknowledges that University is an entity of
the State of Iowa and is self -insured
To the extent permitted under Iowa Code Chapter 669 and the State's limitations on
indemnifying 31d parties, University, as a State entity, shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless City, its officers and employees, from and against any and all claims of any kind
arising out of or related to University's performance of this Agreement or the
performance of University's students, faculty or staff.
With respect to the IISC Community Partner documentation, University agrees only to
those exceptions identified below and only those exceptions are binding on the parties. If
not addressed below, all other exceptions taken by City are rejected by University and the
original IISC Community Partner documentation language is incorporated herein.
Having read and understood this Agreement in witness thereof, the Parties have hereunto
signed this Agreement.
The University of Iowa
Business Manager's Office
105 JH
Iowa City, IA 52242-2500
Signature
David W. Kieft
Business Manager
University of IOW&
Printed Name
City of Dubuque
50 West 13rh Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Brad M. Cavanagh
Printed Name
Mayor
Title Title
Date
06 / Z,( (Li 07/05/2023
Date
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Community Partnership Resource
Guide for Identifying Projects
IISC Partnerships are built around the challenges and opportunities identified by our
partnering communities. We connect those local needs to University of Iowa faculty and
students, typically as community -based projects incorporated into coursework.
The results are powerful. Partners advance big ideas and feasible recommendations
aimed toward a more sustainable, livable, and resilient future, while students benefit
from real -world experiences that enhance their learning and shape their future careers.
Each year, one or two Iowa communities are selected for "full partnerships" that include
15+ projects across a variety of disciplines and topic areas.
This resource guide is intended to help communities identify local projects that could be
matched with University of Iowa resources through the IISC program.
For communities interested in a "full partnership" year, the responses are important to
the community partner selection process.
Contents
> What does an IISC Community
Partnership Look Like?
> Common Topic Areas and IISC
Capabilities
> Worksheet: Your Community
Story
> Worksheet: Brainstorming
Your Project Ideas
> IISC's University of Iowa
Campus Partners
> Examples of past IISC Projects
> Resource: Letter template for
reaching out to other
community organizations
What does an 11SC
Community Partnership
,.00k Like?
A partnership year includes 15+ projects
across a variety of University of Iowa
departments and disciplines. Use the
worksheets to identify community needs
and goals and to brainstorm ideas that
connect with UI courses typically involved
with IISC. The pages following the
worksheets describe some of IISC's
capabilities and past work.
1 Planning Project
1 Public Policy Project
1 Graphic Design Project
1 Mural Installation
1 Marketing Project
1 Digital Archiving Project
1 Law Project
2 GIS Projects
2 Film Projects
4 Engineering Projects
15 Total Projects
COMMUNITY PARTNER
WORKSHEETS
Please use the worksheets on the following pages to
generate preliminary ideas for potential IISC projects.
You may first want to review the information provided after the
worksheets to learn more about campus departments and
past IISC projects.
Additionally, a letter template is provided if you choose to
reach out to other organizations that serve your community
(optional).
Projects you list now will not necessarily be the final options
for a partnership, but rather give us a sense of local needs and
opportunities.
Please send your responses to the following prompts to
iisc@uiowa.edu. You can complete and return the worksheets
provided or type responses into a new document or email.
Alternatively, you can click this link or scan the QR code below
to enter your responses into an online form.
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07
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Te mmunity! Use the text boxes
below to write 1-2 paragraphs or a list of bullet
points in response to each prompt.
What makes your
community special?
What do you want
us to understand
most or know
about your
community?
What do you
consider to be the
greatest needs or
challenges in your
community?
What big or
aspirational ideas
are on your
community wish
list?
Your Ideas use the spaces below to list out project ideas for the
various disciplines. Please try to make them clear
for us to understand the general idea.
If you don't have a project idea for a specific
discipline, leave it blank.
What are ideas for
Xj PLANNING projects
in your community?
Recommended:
List 3-4 project ideas
What are ideas for
ENGINEERING
projects in your
community?
Recommended:
List 5-6 project ideas
What are ideas for
�1 �1 LAW projects in your
community?
Recommended:
List 1-2 project ideas
Your Ideas use the spaces below to list out project ideas for the
various disciplines. Please try to make them clear
for us to understand the general idea.
If you don't have a project idea for a specific
discipline, leave it blank.
What are ideas for
LIBRARY &
INFORMATION
SCIENCE projects in
your community?
Recommended:
List 1-2 project ideas
What are ideas for
MARKETING &
BRANDING projects
in your community?
Recommended:
List 3-4 project ideas
What are ideas for
• GIS projects in your
community?
Recommended:
List 1-2 project ideas
Your Ideas Use the spaces below to list out project ideas for the
various disciplines. Please try to make them clear
for us to understand the general idea.
If you don't have a project idea for a specific
discipline, leave it blank.
What are ideas for
PUBLIC ART projects
in your community?
Recommended:
List 1-2 project ideas
What are ideas for
FILM projects in
your community?
Recommended:
List 2-3 project ideas
What are ideas for
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
projects in your
community?
Recommended:
List 2-3 project ideas
Your Ideas Use the spaces below to list out project ideas for the
various disciplines. Please try to make them clear
for us to understand the general idea.
If you don't have a project idea for a specific
discipline, leave it blank.
What are ideas for
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY AND
RESILIENCE projects
in your community?
Recommended:
List 1-2 project ideas
What other ideas
do have for
projects that
might not fit into
any of those
disciplines?
You might
consider projects
in criminology,
museum studies,
public health,
education,
translation
services and
social work (all
examples of
additional IISC
campus partners).
Recommended:
Up to you!
IISC'S UNIVERSITY OF
IOWA CAMPUS PARTNERS
The following pages provide short
descriptions of many IISC campus
partners- the departments and units that
typically incorporate IISC community
engagement into their work each year.
We expect to work with this group of
campus partners each year. We can also
connect with many more campus partners
not listed here, based on the needs and
opportunities of our partnering
communities.
I - 11�. - M�
From Public Engagement to
Goals, Strategies and Action
IISC got its start in 2009 by matching
Urban & Regional Planning masters degree
capstone projects with community needs.
Planning continues to be a cornerstone of
IISC partnerships- graduate teams work
closely with community partners to create
roadmaps for the future. Public
engagement is an essential component of
the capstone project.
Planning students choose concentrations
in economic development, housing and
community development, transportation,
and environmental planning.
Engineering Designs for
^gar Built Pnvironmp~11
Engineering teams complete capstone
projects during both the fall and spring
semesters. Each project includes design
alternatives, final design renderings, and
cost estimates.
Ideal projects include multiple elements
from the four departmental focus areas:
hydrology, transportation, environment,
and structures.
Engineering projects are often used in
grant applications and as preliminary
engineering reports to aid in decision -
making.
A Legal Lens for Serving
the Public Good
The Community Empowerment Law
Project, a program in the College of Law,
works to strengthen communities, create
economic opportunity, and advance
social justice.
Teams of 3 or 4 law students, under the
guidance of a licensed attorney on the
faculty, undertake matters ranging from
entity formation and strategic planning
to coalition building and the design of
advocacy plans. Projects are typically
one semester, with the option to extend
as needed.
M
Tools for Bringing Archives
and Information to Lif-
Graduate students in the School of
Library and Information Science work
with materials that record our stories,
memory, history, and knowledge.
Groups can help design databases,
content management systems, and
visualizations for local archives,
collections, and records. Past projects
have included the design of web -based
resources to make information more
accessible online. Public libraries and
city archiving departments are often
involved with project collaborations.
GIS Maps for Understanding
and Visualizing our World
Geography students study the
interactions of people with each other
and their environment. Focus areas
include environmental monitoring and
policy, climate change, ecosystem
processes, sustainability, public health,
geographic information systems, and
more.
IISC works with a Geography -based
student organization, ICIGO, on the
development of GIS applications,
StoryMaps, map -making, and other data
visualizations that help inform decision -
making and our understanding of the
world.
Creative Placemaking to Build
and Strengthen Community
Graduate students in the School of Art &
Art History design and install public art
works that reflect the community's values
and identity.
Murals are the most common type of
public art project through IISC. Other past
public art examples include large- and
small-scale sculptures, as well as
restoration of existing murals.
The public art process, guided by local
voices, is built around creating designs
that reflect the community's character,
identity, and/or values.
Resilience and Sustainability
for Future Generatior-
Sustainability means meeting our needs
today without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own
needs.
Graduate students in the Sustainable
Development Program, launched in 2022,
study the globally -recognized
Sustainable Development Goals and
consider how to conserve and protect
natural resources, support a healthy
community, and maintain a strong and
equitable workforce and economy.
Graduate capstone projects apply skills
learned in Engineering, Geography, and
Urban & Regional Planning.
to
Films that tell Powerful
L/�AAI I�AV�AA
Students in the Department of Cinema
Arts create short films that tell the story
of communities and local heroes.
Past projects have included community
promotional videos, spotlights of local
events, and personal profiles of
individuals who work to make a
difference in their community.
The creative talents of the filmmakers
plus professional -grade equipment
produce powerful and high -quality
results.
Brand Development & Marketing
Strategy to Tell Your Story
The Marketing Institute in the Tippie
College of Business attracts the UI's top
marketing students to work with real -
world "clients". Two options are available,
depending on the clients' needs.
One option spans the full academic year,
and groups of 4 — 5 seniors use a data
and analytical approach to develop a
strategic marketing and branding plan.
The other option lasts one semester, with
typically four groups of juniors competing
against one another and "pitching" their
creative marketing and branding concepts
to clients.
Public Administration, Nonprofit
Leadership, and Policy 1-1•1tions
Graduate students in the Masters of
Public Affairs program, launched in 2020,
prepare for careers in city and government
administration, non-profit management,
and public policy.
Policy -track students can specialize in
various areas: environment, economic
development, education, health, criminal
justice, housing, transportation, and more.
Graduate capstone projects can focus on
local governance, public finance, strategic
management and communication, HR,
organizational structures, or other needs
of agencies that serve the public good.
PAST PROJECT
EXAMPLES
The following pages list many of
the past IISC projects.
You can find final deliverables for
most projects on our website:
https://iisc.uiowa.edu/projects.
Past Project Examples
PLANNING
> City Comprehensive Plan >
Housing Policy and Neighborhood School Study
> Downtown Strategic Plan >
SSMID Districting Study
> Economic Development Plan >
Housing Needs Assessment
> Brownfields Inventory/Prioritization >
Solid Waste Study and Management
> Greenspace Plan
Recommendations
> Fiber Optics Economic Impact Study and >
Climate Adaptation Plan
Development Plan >
Hazard Mitigation Plan
> Workforce Attraction and Development Plan >
Pathways (Trails) & Greenways Plan
> Connectivity and Wayfinding Plan >
Downtown Redevelopment Plan
> Sustainability Indicators Study >
Plan for Attracting Young Families
> Anti -Poverty Study and Recommendations >
Neighborhood Plan
> Active Transportation Plan >
Sustainability Plan
> Livable Neighborhoods Study >
Trails Master Plan
> Recovery & Resilience Plan >
Stormwater Management & Utility Plan
> Automated Vehicle Adaptation Study >
Green & Healthy Homes Program Development
> County Comprehensive Plan >
Riverfront Redevelopment Plan
> Parks & Recreation Plan >
Local Foods Action Plan
> Iowa Great Places Vision Plan >
Plan for Greening and Activating Downtown
> Commercial Corridor Study
Alleyways
> Housing & Equity Study >
Public Art Planning Recommendations
> Green Business Program Evaluation and >
Windfarm Suitability Study
Development >
Watershed Management Plan
CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
> Adaptive Reuse of Underutilized Buildings >
Fitness Trail Design
> Safe Routes to School Trails >
Pocket Neighborhood
> Park Shelter and Site Development >
Rooftop Garden
> Amphitheater Design >
Wellness Park Design
> Stormwater Management >
Pedestrian Infrastructure
> Dog Park Design >
Old School Building Reuse and Repurposing
> Complete Street Redesign >
Pedestrian Bridge Design
> Firehouse Restoration >
Fish Barrier Design
> Traffic Calming >
Building Design
> Rails to Trails >
Boat Ramps and Site Development
> Structural Analysis and Building Restoration >
Campground Improvements
> Bridge Relocation >
Waterways Access and Development
> Nature Center Design >
Recreational Trail Design
> River Channeling >
Airport Improvements
> Wetlands Design >
Transportation Infrastructure
Past Project Examples
Xftylyj
> Creating a local advocacy strategy to increase > Exploring local options to protect against
system transparency for addressing child negative consequences of mineral mining
neglect > Strengthening organizational structure for
> Exploring community investment strategies Watershed Management Authority / onboarding
> Creating a hate crime ordinance new board members
> Building a strategy to decrease blighted > Fair Chance Initiative (aka "Ban the Box")
properties and increase affordable housing implementation and impact study
> Drafting language of land bank legislation
CINEMA ARTS
> Scan this QR ■ �■ > Scan this QR Code �■ f �■
Code for an for an example of
example of a ' profiles of people ti
community who make a
promotional difference in their
video community ❑�
MARKETING / GRAPHIC DESIGN
> Marketing Plan > Social Media Content
> Logo Design > Taglines
> Social Media Plan > Website Design
> Analytics > Mobile App Design
> Marketing & Promotional Materials
GIS MAPPING & ANALYSIS, GEOGRAPHY
> Utility Mapping > Wayfinding
> Site Suitability > Urban Ecology
> Radon Mapping > Flood Risk Assessment for Hazard Mitigation
> ESRI StoryMaps > Fire Rescue Community Risk Assessment
> Urban Agriculture > Mapping Neighborhoods, Urban Renewal, and
> Tree Inventory and Management other Districts
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
> City Council Goal -Setting > Farmers Market Organizational Effectiveness and
> Local Strategies to Combat the Opioid Epidemic Local Food Connections
> Youth Drug and Alcohol Deterrence > Closing Transportation Gaps for Individuals with
> Decarbonization and Zero Waste Policy Brain Health Disabilities
TEMPLATE:
LETTER TO COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS
You might consider extending IISC
partnership opportunities to other local
organizations (this is not a requirement
or expectation, however).
The following letter template may be
helpful for soliciting project ideas from
other organizations that can be
included on the worksheets.