Minutes_Long Range Planning Advisory Commission 11.20.24City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
December 16, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of December 2, 2024; Five Flags
Civic Center Advisory Commission of September 9, 2024;
Historic Preservation Commission of October 17, 2024; Long
Range Planning Advisory Commission Draft Minutes of
November 20, 2024; Park and Recreation Commission of
November 12, 2024; Resilient Community Advisory
Commission of October 3, 2024; Proof of Publication for City
Council Proceedings of November 4, 2024.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 12 2 24 City Council Minutes
2. Five Flags Civic Center Commission Minutes
3. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
4. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Draft Minutes
5. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
6. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
7. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 11.4.24
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Dubuque
THE CITY OF
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019
MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5.30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
City Council Chambers, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Michael Rabagia, Vice Chairperson Beth
McGrath; Commissioners Cliff Conrad, Aaron Miller, and Mark Ward.
Commissioners Excused: Rick Merfeld.
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Wally Wernimont and Jason Duba.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Rabagia at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Rabagia, seconded by Conrad, to approve the minutes of the
September 18, 2024 Long Range Planning Advisory Commission meeting as submitted.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Conrad, McGrath, Miller, Ward, and Rabagia;
Nay — None.
ACTION ITEM
• Chaplain Schmitt Island Development Plan — Review and Recommendation
Alex Dixon, CEO of Q Casino and DRA, presented to the commission on the Chaplain
Schmitt Island Development Plan. He stated that this represents an advancement of the
2014 master plan, that it provides a business strategy for realizing some of the
recommendations from that plan. This plan looks at costs, budgets, and constraints to
propose an economic analysis for investment. He talked about the proposed change to
provide 75-year leases on the island, which would allow developers more assurance
when making investments.
He said the goal is to enhance the amenities on the island following stated preferences
that the community has expressed. He noted the unique opportunity to provide increased
access to the riverfront, including with residential apartments. He also discussed
enhancements to the natural environment of the island and the opportunities for outdoor
recreation and trails.
He noted that the plan has included multiple departments working with a consultant and
reaching out to developers. He stated that City Council will need to adopt the plan
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Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Page 2
November 20, 2024
following public engagement and review by this commission and the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
The commission responded with several questions. Ward asked if any zoning changes
would be necessary before this plan could be implemented. Wernimont stated that an
amendment allowing residential use would need to be made to the PUD ordinance, but
before 2017, it had been an allowed use.
Miller asked if the floodplain was a concern for potential development on the island.
Wernimont showed a floodplain map and explained the different flood designations on
the island. He also explained how analysis of recent flooding has given a better picture of
realities on the ground. He noted that they collaborate with the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources and the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers. He said that action
can be taken to make development more flood resilient, such as raising the base level or
putting parking on the ground floor with apartments above.
McGrath asked if residents at the proposed location would be able to travel to and from
their homes during a flood. Dixon stated that improvements would need to be made to
the road. Wernimont said that there are various approvals to get before development
could proceed. Conrad noted that this is a preliminary plan that would get much more
detail before implementation.
Miller asked about the RAISE grant that is designed for the area. Wernimont noted that
the City has received both planning/design and implementation grants to make street
improvements in this area, most significantly an overpass above the railroad on 14t"
Street.
Ward asked about the baseball fields on the island and whether development was
considered for them. Dixon explained that the requirements of the grant funding that was
used to build them would require comparable facilities to be built elsewhere, but that
possibility is under consideration because it's valuable land. He said that it's a matter of
community priorities, of which another possibility is a second sheet of ice. As the property
owner, the City needs to state how they want the island to develop. He reminded the
commission that one-third of DRA profits go back into improvements to the island.
McGrath asked about commercial space on the island for potential future residents.
Wernimont noted that there are possibilities for retail nearby such as along Kerper
Boulevard or at the Pack site. Conrad noted that stores could be placed in locations on
the island that don't have beautiful views.
Wernimont concluded by stating the 2014 Master Plan is still in effect, and this
Development Plan gives additional details.
Motion by Conrad, seconded by Miller, to recommend approval of the Chaplain Schmitt
Island Development Plan as it is in substantial alignment with the Imagine Dubuque
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November 20, 2024
Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Conrad, McGrath, Miller,
Ward, and Rabagia; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
• Imagine Dubuque Update
Duba presented a select update from each of the seven categories, following the most
recent quarterly updates from Imagine Dubuque coordinators:
Economic Prosperity: Business, 1.3.2: Kennedy Mall
Sustainable Environment: Neighborhoods, 2.3.2: Tree grant
Social + Cultural Vibrancy: Recreation, 3.7.1: Parks & Recreation Plan
Livable Neighborhoods + Housing: Livable Neighborhoods, 4.1.1: Ordinance review
Community Facilities: Infrastructure, 5.1.1: Sanitary sewer expansion
Transportation + Mobility: Complete Streets, 6.1.3: Bike lanes and trails
Land Use: Parks, 7.7.1: 897 Central and Millwork District Parks
• Unified Development Code Update
Wernimont explained the status of the Unified Development Code update and let the
commission know that there will be opportunities for input.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Rabagia, seconded by Miller, to adjourn the November 20,
2024 Long Range Planning Advisory Commission meeting. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye — Conrad, McGrath, Miller, Ward, and Rabagia; Nay — None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Manager Adopted
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