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Inside This Issue September/October 2023 —
1 2 I Join a Neighborhood Association!
Small
LiteOBusiness
redinSpanishProgram Moody's Upgrades City of Dubuque's
City Life Offered in Spanish
Age in Place Grant Program Bond Ratings
Sustainable Dubuque Grants
Moody's Investors Service has upgraded economic center and its regional economic
3 City Manager's Message the City of Dubuque's issuer rating and growth rate has outpaced the nation over the
outstanding general obligation unlimited tax past five years.The city's local economy is
2023 Water Quality Report bonds from Aa3 to Aa2,the third-highest likely to remain strong because of its mix of
Leisure Services Family rating possible. The improved rating will commercial and industrial industries,stable
Scholarship Program assist the City in securing the best terms population,and steady tax base growth."
for financial products like loans,which can
4 New Faces&Retirements provide substantial savings for the City and Moody's subsequent credit analysis of the
taxpayers. City of Dubuque states,"The City's healthy
Events Calendar financial operations,with strong reserves,
Park(ing)Day "The city serves as a regional have resulted in steady improvement in
City Implements New economic center and its regional available fund balance and cash ratios:'
Utility Billing System economic growth rate has outpaced Moody's ratings range on a scale from Aaa
the nation over the past five years:' (highest)to C(lowest),with 19 different
-Moody's Investors Service designations in between.
LET'S BE SOCIAL!
According to Moody's,the issuer rating Moody's also upgraded the City's outstanding
f was upgraded to Aa2 because"the City moral obligation Sales Tax Increment
tr 0 in II ® has strong financial operations and ample Revenue Bonds(Annual Appropriation
revenue-raising flexibility,which has resulted Property Tax-Supported),Senior Bond Series
www.cityofdubuque.org in steadily improved available fund balance 2015A,from A2 to Al,the fifth-highest rating.
and cash.The city serves as a regional
Get news and info by email or text:
Check out all the options at Avelo Air Announces Direct Flights
www.cityofdubuque.org/notifyme g avelo
from Dubuque to Las Vegas
Avelo Airlines is expanding its service Wednesdays and Saturdays utilizing Boeing
ATTENTION MONDAY from Dubuque Regional Airport(DBQ)with Next Generation(NG)737 aircraft.
CUSTOMERS nonstop flights to Las Vegas.The new flight
is in addition to the nonstop Avelo flight According to Avelo Airlines Chairman and
Due to Labor Day,yourbetween DBQ and Orlando International CEO Andrew Levy,"We have been very
Airport(MCO)that began in March 2023. encouraged by the initial response to Avelo's
trash and recycling will 11
arrival at DBQ and believe Las Vegas will be
be collected onAvelo's twice-weekly nonstop service an equally popular addition."
,111
between DBQ and Harry Reid International
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2Airport(LAS)in Las Vegas begins on BOOK A FLIGHT
September 13.As with the Orlando flight,
-,,,..„.4'
' Avelo will operate the Las Vegas flight on www.aveloair.com
In
-.. JOIN A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION! '.
",„ Neighborhood associations are formed by people
4 ."4,/ --- ! • 4." ' who live near each other and want to come
�;a1 �_,_-.,, ' „' r=� . together to improve neighborhood amenities,
•
` ` '
,.r ' organize activities, and take action to make their
�i' neighborhood an even better place to live.
-.__ i • - Find out if your neighborhood already has an
N., 4',, :' 1 association or start your own!
r" M .'i r� - www.cityofdubuque.org/neighborhoodsupport
`� _ 563-564-5644
Low & Moderate Income Owned Fall 2023 City Life Offered in Spanish
Business Grant Program The Fall 2023 session of City Life will
be offered in Spanish to better serve
The City's low and moderate income grant program is designed
Dubuque residents whose primary
to assist eligible business owners with qualifying expenses whileiliPitria
language is Spanish. •
also helping the business owner develop strategies for continued
success. Business owners can qualify for up to$5,000 for eligible City Life is held twice per year and DISCOVER+INTER,,CT+SHARE
expenses,including but not limited to:rent,utilities,signage, is a program to give residents an
marketing,and employee salaries(not the owner). opportunity to learn more about
City operations and services through presentations,tours,and
Community Development Block Grant funds are used to support conversations with City staff.
the program.The City partners with Fountain of Youth to
administer the grant and conduct an eight-week personal and City Life consists of six in-person sessions on Tuesday and
professional development program,which is a requirement for Thursday evenings(Sept.26,28,Oct.3,5,10,12)from 6-9 p.m.
the business owner. Dinner is provided and accommodations can be made. Apply by
Sept.15 at www.cityofdubuque.org/citylife or call 563-564-5644.
Applications will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m.on Aug. 15,
closing on Sept.15 at 4 p.m.,and will be reviewed for eligibility in -
order of submittal of a complete application.
CITY OF DUBUQUE
LEARN MORE AND APPLY
www.cityofdubuque.org/LMlgrant orft ' , .
call 563-564-5686 with questions.
q(ge'in p(ace :
Sustainable Dubuque Grant GRANT PROGRAM ,. '....,',,,..,,...A..fi =
Applications Due September 15 `' `¢.
Grants are available for residents age 62 and older to
Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant applications are being modify their homes so they can age at home safety.
accepted until September 15.Grants for up to$2,500 are
available to assist non-profits,businesses,clubs,organizations, Examples of these home modifications include
and groups of passionate residents in implementing their ideas
to make Dubuque a more sustainable place and to support installing grab bars, replacing doorknobs with lever
community leadership in the Sustainable Dubuque initiative. style handles, installing handrails, repaying flooring
and transitions to remove trip hazards,tub cut-out
Grants may be awarded to any group or individuals to implement conversions, and more. Participants must be
a project that helps to achieve the Sustainable Dubuque vision income qualified. CI V
and includes a component of community education and/or Scan the QR code to fill out an , •y 1511:1
engagement. interest form and City staff will
1 .
follow up with you! ' , ti - r
We encourage new groups or individuals to use this funding! F�'l
Review the grant guidelines,application form,and scoring rubric n■ -tip 0,
"'F
at www.cityofdubuque.org/sustainability or call 563.690.6038.
DuBT E www.cityofdubuque.org/ageinplace
or 563-589-1724
September/October 2023 www.cityofdubuque.org
r__,-„---14174
,,,,,c „ A MESSAGE FROM THE 2023 Water Quality
ew . ) CITY MANAGER Reports Available
The City of Dubuque Water
Michael C. Van Milligen Department has published the I
annual water quality reports Q11i,-
for the Dubuque water supply. 2023 `jIli
The City of Dubuque mission statement,set by the Mayor The drinkingwater met all WATER QUilk ITY app41
'i and City Council,states,"Dubuque city government is state and federal water
progressive and financially sound with residents receiving e ,.. -'
quality requirements and had
value for their tax dollars and achieving goals through partnerships."
- .
Several recent accomplishments and acknowledgments have affirmed the no drinking water violations ] -.
Mayor and City Council's commitment to sound fiscal management.As a in 2022.
community,we are all fortunate to have Jennifer Larson as the City's Chief The complete report is available online at www.
Financial Officer. cityofdubuque.org/2023waterquality and printed
copies are available by request.
As detailed on the cover of this newsletter,Moody's Investors Service
upgraded the City of Dubuque's issuer rating and outstanding general FOR MORE INFORMATION
obligation unlimited tax bonds in July from Aa3 to Aa2,the third-highest
rating possible. Getting an upgrade of the bond rating puts the City of www.cityofdubuque.org/water or
Dubuque in exclusive company. This is a significant achievement and will call 563 589 4291
be extremely beneficial in securing low interest rates and other favorable
terms should the City need to bond or borrow funds for future projects. Leisure Services Family
Also in July,the results of the City's Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Statement Scholarship Program
Audit were received. This is an annual process required by Iowa State Code
and is conducted by auditors who are in no way affiliated with the City in The Leisure Services Family Scholarship Program
order to ensure complete objectivity and professionalism. The auditors' offers up to 200 low-income Dubuque families(two
opinion on the City's FY2022 financial statements was"unmodified," or more related people residing at the same address
which is the highest level of assurance auditors can provide over financial within city limits)a$125 scholarship with credits to
statements and is sometimes referred to as a"clean"audit. be used for:
• full price recreation classes
In late June,the City of Dubuque was awarded the Association of Public
Treasurers of the United States&Canada's 2023 Investment Policy • swim fees:lessons,registrations,etc.(not valid
Certificate of Excellence Award for the City's comprehensive investment for daily admissions)
policy. This is the second time the City received this recognition. • pavilion rental or swimming pool rental
The Certificate of Excellence demonstrates the City's commitment • Eagle Point Park season pass(purchased at
to maintaining professional standards established to ensure prudent Leisure Services)
management of public funds based on 16 policy components including:
delegation of authority,ethics and conflict of interest,authorized financial • Pet Park season pass
institutions,safekeeping/custody,diversification,internal controls, Those who qualify for a Leisure Services Family
performance standards,and much more. Many thanks to the members Scholarship will automatically qualify for the Creative
of the City Council-appointed City of Dubuque Investment Oversight Adventure Lab scholarship program which includes
Committee.
a complimentary one-year Family Play Membership
For additional context,Dubuque has the lowest city property tax rate of ($180 value).With a Family Play Membership,you
the 11 cities in Iowa with populations over 50,000 and the City is currently receive complimentary admission to their Play Labs
utilizing 41%of its statutory debt limit,the fifth lowest among those 11 and the ability to borrow toys from The Toy Box.
other cities. It is also important to understand that the City maintains a LEARN MORE AND APPLY
general fund reserve,or working balance,to allow for unforeseen expenses
that may occur.The goal is to have at least a 20%reserve and in this year www.cityofdubuque.org/recreation or
the City will have nearly 42%($29.7 million).Through last year's five-year call 563 589 42b3
capital improvement budget,the City Council chose to bring the level of
general fund reserves down to 25%over the next five-year period to meet --, I
federal expenditure requirements and to implement high-priority projects . ; `` `
across the community.
The Mayor and City Council's fiscal management has the City of DubuqueIiik F �►.. ,7i�' - -c_
in an excellent position to support continued investment in the people, t p ,t
businesses,and organizations that are making a difference in our i 116 `' {
community,and continued investment in the infrastructure that must exist - ---
for Dubuque to continue to thrive. -_ - n`- may`CI.-_ •'
n- - '
New Faces & Retirements Calendar
September
New City Employees 4 City offices closed for Labor Day(Trash and recycling
Dustin Allen Police collection on Saturday,Sept.2)
Laura Bendorf Finance 5 City Council Meeting,6:30 p.m.
Coral Dannatt Emergency Communications 15-16 Park(ing) Day,10 a.m.-7 p.m.Details at
Brian Demoss Finance www.sustainabledubuque.org/parking-day
Haley Francke Recreation 18 City Council Meeting,6:30 p.m.
Brian Gross Transit October
Ashley Hahnbaum Police
Brenda Holmes Transit 2 City Council Meeting,6:30 p.m.
Gail Huston Transit 16 City Council Meeting,6:30 p.m.
0
Kyle McCombs Water Unless otherwise noted,all meetings are held at City Council
Antonio Mouzon Multicultural Family Center Chambers, Historic Federal Building,350 W. 6th St.
Vickie Owens City Manager's Office The public has the option to view and participate in City Council
Colleen Shabunas Information Services meetings in person at City Council Chambers or virtually(see
Bonnie Spurling Arts and Culture agenda for details.) Meetings are aired live on CityChannel Dubuque
Robert Wegmann Parks fMediacom cable channels 8 and 177.2 and ImOn channel 5),streamed
9 live and archived on the City's website at www.cityofdubuque.org/
Stacy Zimmerman Library media,and streamed live on the City's Facebooh page at www.facebooh.
com/cityofdubuque.
This calendar does not include all events and is subject to change.
Recent City Retirees
Sign up for Dubuque's"Notify Me"e-mail/text alert system at www.
Gary Blosch Housing&Community Development cityofdubuque.org/notifyme to receive agendas, news releases, event
Karin Spisak Airport notifications, and other timely news.
Brant Schueller Water
City Implements New Utility Billing System
The City has transitioned to a new utility billing system,and beginning
Residents and Businesses Invited to Transform with the August billing cycle,customers will notice a new look to their
Parking Spaces into Miniature Parks utility bills,whether they receive them in the mail or electronically.
The City of Dubuque Sustainability Office is partnering with Customers who pay online through the WaterSmart system
Dubuque Main Street to hold the first Park(ing)Day in Dubuque. must now pay through the new online customer portal. Current
WaterSmart customers must create a new login for the new customer
Residents and businesses are invited to participate by portal. Customers currently on autopay will need to stop autopay in
transforming designated parking spaces into temporary"parklets" WaterSmart and set it up again in the new system.An account number
and by visiting the parks during the event.The event will be held AND a new customer ID are needed to create a login in the new
on Friday,Sept.15,and Saturday,Sept. 16,from 10 a.m. —7 p.m. system. Both numbers are present on the customer's August/September
in the following locations:Main St.from Fifth St.to 11th St, utility bill.
Central Ave.from 14th St.to 19th St.,and Washington St.from
Ninth St.to 11th St. Customers may wish to set up ACH(Automatic Clearing House)
payments for monthly utility bills and can do so by visiting www.
Park(ing)Day is an event held annually on the third weekend in cityofdubuque.org/utilitybilling. ACH payments automatically withdraw
September in cities around the world to encourage people to from the customer's bank account each month and don't require logging
reimagine streets and greenspace in their communities. into the customer portal.
REGISTER FOR A PARK(ING)DAY MINIATURE PARK CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND PAY ONLINE
www.sustainabledubuque.org/parking-day or call www.cityofdubuque.org/utilitybilling or call 563-589-4144
563-690-6051 with questions.
AmeriCorps Members areO
CHECK OUT JUST A FEW OF OUR 2023-2024
p SCHOOL YEAR OPPORTUNITIES!
CHANGING .Teen Creativity Specialist "Social Emotional Learning
°Teen Education Specialist Intervention Specialist
the °Youth Literacy Specialist "Youth Services&Resources Specialist
W T"",°` LEARN MORE+APPLY
® DUB E
Americorps hGlslrryirteWll7le,bfississippi citynfdubuque.org/americorps