Request to Change the Scope of Homeowner Assistance Programs Funded by Water Operating BudgetCity of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 6.
Copyrighted
January 6, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Request to Change the Scope of Homeowner Assistance
Programs Funded by Water Operating Budget
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval to
combine and revise the scope of the homeowner assistance
programs offered by the Water Department, and to proceed
with the implementation of the Leaking Lead Service Line
Replacement Program, as outlined in the attached document.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Leaking Lead Service Line Program Request MVM Memo 12.16.2024
3. Leaking Lead Service Line Replacement Program 01.06.2025
Page 133 of 366
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi zoo�•*o
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request to Change the Scope of Homeowner Assistance Programs
Funded by Water Operating Budget
DATE: December 19, 2024
Water Department Director Christopher Lester is recommending City Council approval
to combine and revise the scope of the homeowner assistance programs offered by the
Water Department, and to proceed with the implementation of the Leaking Lead Service
Line Replacement Program, as outlined in the attached document.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
1�,A� k�4 S��'
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Christopher Lester, Water Department Director
Jennifer Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Carl Plumley, Water Distribution Supervisor
Darrin Homb, Lead Distribution Maintenance Worker
Deb Searles, Confidential Account Clerk
Page 134 of 366
THE COF
DtUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Micheal C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Lester, Water Department Director
SUBJECT: Request to Change the Scope of Homeowner Assistance
Programs Funded by Water Operating Budget
DATE: December 16, 2024
Dubuque
JUI-PAIMU Clp
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2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum requests review and approval to combine and revise the scope of the
homeowner assistance programs offered by the Water Department for the replacement of
damaged or leaking lead service lines.
BACKGROUND
The Water Department's annual operating budget includes $35,000 allocated for homeowner
assistance programs aimed at replacing lead water service lines impacted by resiliency
infrastructure projects or improving water services, by means such as replacement. These
programs previously provided zero -interest, three-year forgivable loans and deferred payment
loans for residents earning up to 80% of the area median income, with assistance of up to
$4,999 per household. These programs were originally managed by the Housing & Community
Development Department but have since been transferred back to the Water Department for
administration.
DISCUSSION
As awareness of the City of Dubuque's Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program
increases, Water Department staff have observed a rise in requests for assistance with lead
service line replacements. In response, the Water Department has drafted a new Leaking Lead
Service Line Replacement Program. This program will provide a forgivable grant of up to
$4,999 to eligible residents who are pre -approved to replace a verified lead service line. The
grant payment will be made after Water Department staff have verified that the line has been
replaced with copper piping and confirm that the interior plumbing meets the requirements
outlined in City Ordinance 14-1 H-1. The program was reviewed by Barry Lindahl from the
Legal Department, who found no legal issues with offering a forgivable grant, recognizing it as
a legitimate public purpose. Additionally, Water Department staff received income verification
training from Madeline Haverland, Urban Development & Housing Rehabilitation Project
Manager with the Housing and Community Development Department, enabling them to
administer the program effectively within the Water Department.
BUDGET IMPACT
The Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget includes $35,000 in available funding under account 600-
42-0000-81-810-4231-00-01-64135 Leak Repair Grant. This funding can provide assistance for up
to seven (7) lead service line replacements this fiscal year and each fiscal year funding is made
available going forward.
Page 135 of 366
REQUEST
I respectfully request your review and approval to combine and revise the scope of the
homeowner assistance programs offered by the Water Department, and to proceed with the
implementation of the Leaking Lead Service Line Replacement Program, as outlined in the
attached document.
Attachment: Leaking Lead Service Line Program
cc: Jennifer Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Carl Plumley, Water Distribution Supervisor
Darrin Homb, Lead Distribution Maintenance Worker
Deb Searles, Confidential Account Clerk
Page 136 of 366
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
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2007.2012.2013
2DI7+2�19 EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Water Department — Distribution
Division
925 Kerper Ct.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Office (563) 589-4291
LEAKING LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
This program provides a forgivable grant to homeowners to assist with the replacement of a
leaking lead service line that has been confirmed by City of Dubuque Water Department staff.
This program is designed to assist income -qualified homeowners mitigate hazards to health,
safety, and violations of City Ordinance that need immediate attention.
Requirements
Location
➢ Any owner -occupied single-family or duplex home, within the City of Dubuque.
2. Income
➢ A household is eligible if total household income does not exceed 80% of area
median income,
adjusted for family size, as follows:
Household Size Income Max. Household Size Income Max.
1 $51,900 5 $80,050
2 $59,300 6 $86,000
3 $66,700 7 $91,900
4 $74,100 8 $97,850
3. Terms
➢ This is a forgivable grant.
➢ Grants are awarded based on available funding.
➢ Reimbursement must be obtained prior to replacement of lead service line.
➢ New service line material must be copper, and interior plumbing must be brought up
to code per City Ordinance 14-1 H-1.
➢ Payment is subject to in -home verification of replacement by City of Dubuque Water
Department staff.
4. Loan Amounts
➢ A maximum of $4,999 may be awarded per dwelling.
5. Eligible Costs
➢ Excavation, plumber and plumbing materials, permits and tapping fees and
restoration of are eligible costs.
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