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Watershed Management Authority Progress Report No. 2Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Watershed Management Authority (VVMA) Progress Report #2 DATE: May 3, 2012 Dubuque bierd All-America City 1 2007 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is transmitting the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Progress Report #2. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: Watershed Management Authority (WMA) Progress Report #2 DATE: April 30, 2012 Dubuque All AmedcaClly 2007 Introduction This memo provides a second progress report on the future 28E agreement for the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA). Background material is attached. We are tentatively scheduled to submit the draft 28E Agreement to the City Council on May 7, 2012. Background You asked me to lead an internal work group to develop the 28E agreement and formation of the WMA, to monitor the grant agreement, and to keep you posted. This process is to be done in consultation with and facilitated by Eric Schmechel from Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). The internal work group, or CCWMA Committee, includes: Todd Shoemaker, Environmental Engineer; Dean Mattoon, Engineering Technician; David Johnson, Assistant Planner; Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager; Paul Schultz, Resource Management Coordinator, and Eric Schmechel, SWCD. Discussion In November 2011, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded grants to the City of Dubuque and five other jurisdictions form WMAs to reduce future flood risks and improve water quality in their respective watersheds. In December 2011, the City signed a $24,500 grant contract with the Iowa Economic Development Authority to create a 28E agreement with all the political subdivisions in the Catfish Creek Watershed. In January 2012, the CCWMA Committee held a conference call with water resource engineers that have worked on similar WMAs in Minnesota, collected examples of WMA agreements from other jurisdictions, researched land area and assessed valuation of 1 the jurisdictions with territory in the Catfish Creek Watershed: Dubuque County and the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, and Centralia. In January and February 2012, the CCWMA Committee met with City Attorney Barry Lindahl to discuss recommendations for creating the 28E agreement for the CCWMA. The CCWMA Committee met with you in February for further direction. In March 2012, Eric made initial contacts with the Mayors, the Dubuque County Board, and the Dubuque SWCD Commissioners about the CCWMA and the 28E agreement. In April 2012, the CCWMA Committee developed and issued the attached RFP for public education and outreach services. On April 27, the CCWMA Committee held a Kick -off Meeting with elected officials and staff to discuss CCWMA and the 28E agreement. Representatives of all four cities, the County Board and the SWCD were present. An agenda and handouts from the meeting are attached. Recommendation The State contract gives us until May 14, 2012 to invite all political subdivisions in the watershed to participate, establish a board of directors, and enter into a formal 28E agreement with all interested parties. The CCWMA believes a contract extension to June 30, 2012 is necessary to accomplish the creation of the CCWMA. Requested Action Please sign and return the enclosed letter requesting a contract extension to June 30, 2012 for the creation of the CCWMA. Thank you. ' Attachments cc: CCWMA Committee 2 Masterpiece on the Mississ Dubuque Ys�S4ikuaCil Alkilmenuany 2007 M. Joseph Bohlke, ASLA Infrastructure: Senior Project Manager Iowa Economic Development Authority 200 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50309 SUBJECT: Contract Number 08- DRIFWP -203 Dear Mr. Bohlke, City Manager's Office City Hall 50 West 13'" Street Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864 563 - 589.4110 www.cityofdubuque.org April 30, 2012 The City of Dubuque respectfully requests an extension of Contract Number 08- DRIFWP -203 for creation of a 28E Agreement for the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority. The City of Dubuque believes a contract extension to June 30, 2012 is necessary to establish a board of directors, and enter into a formal 28E agreement with all interested parties. Thank you for your assistance with this request. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, at 563 - 589 -4210 or Icarsten(a cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, 7) Michael C. Van Milligen City Manager cc: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Kickoff Meeting April 26th - Swiss Valley Nature Center 6:30pm — .7:30pm Agenda I. Introductions II. WMA Overview Presentation (Eric and Todd) a. WMA Legislation b. Minnesota JPA c. Advisory vs. Regulatory d. Development Comments e. Grant Opportunities f. Administrative Duties g. Working outside the Catfish Creek Watershed III. Current Draft - 28e Agreement IV. Educational Outreach a. Website b. Logo c. Marketing Items V. Comments /Concerns /Discussion Dubuque SOi_ & Water Conservation District 210 Bierman Epworth IA 52045 -9529 Phone: (563) 876 -3418, #3Fax: (563) 876-3653 What is the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority? •r t�- • ■ Communities in Catfish Creek watershed - City of Centralia All other land area - Unincorporated Dubuque County Watershed What is the Catfish Creek Watershed? The Catfish Creek Watershed is a 46,269 acres that includes the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, and Centralia as well as unincorporated Dubuque County. The watershed includes residential, commercial and industrial centers, cropland, steep bluffs, sedimentary rock outcrops, and dense forest. Recreational activities are abundant. Catfish Creek flows eastward, beginning near Peosta, and enters the Mississippi River on the south side of Dubuque, in the Mines of Spain State Park. Catfish Creek meanders through three significant natural resources within the watershed, Swiss Valley Park, Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, and the Mines of Spain State Park. These areas, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Dubuque County Conservation Board, attract over 380,000 users a year. Part of Catfish Creek is classified as a cold water stream and has naturally reproducing trout (one of only 30 streams in Iowa). What is a Watershed Management Authority (WMA)? Under Iowa law, a Watershed Management Authority is a formal Chapter 28E agreement, or partnership, created by two or more political subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, Soil and Water Conservation Districts) to accomplish the following: • Assess and reduce flood risk; • Assess and improve water quality; • Monitor federal flood risk planning and activities; • Educate residents of the watershed regarding flood risks and water quality; and • Allocate moneys made available for purposes of water quality and flood mitigation. • Cannot acquire property by eminent domain. 1 Why participate in a Watershed Management Authority? • Water management problems are greater than one community or city can handle. • Local citizens, county boards or cities request them. • They allow for uniform, effective actions or controls, to correct and prevent problems. • State and federal money is available for work in WMAs. • The Iowa Legislature passed legislation to encourage the formation of WMAs. • Catfish Creek Watershed is one of 6 watersheds selected as WMA pilots for Iowa. How we can set up a Watershed Management Authority? • All cities, counties, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) within a watershed must be invited. Not all political subdivisions have to participate, however. • A WMA must be created pursuant to a Chapter 28E agreement between a minimum of two political subdivisions from the same watershed. • The WMA must be governed by a board of directors made up of appointed representatives of the participating political subdivisions. The board shall adopt bylaws, elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, and appoint a secretary. What is the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA)? • The concept of the CCWMA was initiated by the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque SWCD on behalf of the Catfish Creek Watershed. • The political subdivisions in the Catfish Creek Watershed are: Cities of Asbury, Dubuque, Peosta, and Centralia, Dubuque County, and Dubuque SWCD. • The City of Dubuque has received a State WMA Grant for establishment of the CCWMA to be used to facilitate the 28E Agreement. ® The CCWMA will allow public and private stakeholders and policy makers to create effective sustainable watershed management policies and practices. • The CCWMA complements efforts of the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed pilot project. • There is no upfront cost to join the CCWMA. o Once CCWMA is formed, it can apply for State funding to develop a Watershed Management Plan to improve water quality and mitigate flooding in the watershed. • Once the CCWMA has a plan, it can apply for State funding to implement the plan. Who serves on the Board for the Catfish Creek WMA? • Members of the CCWMA Board will be divided among the political subdivisions. • Each CCWMA Board member must be appointed by their respective political subdivision. • One representative from each participating political subdivision unless agreed otherwise. o The proposal for CCWMA Board membership is based on population, area, and value: ➢ City of Dubuque: 3 Directors ➢ Dubuque County: 2 Directors ➢ City of Asbury: 1 Director ➢ City of Peosta: 1 Director ➢ City of Centralia: 1 Director ➢ Dubuque SWCD: 1 Director What may the Catfish Creek WMA do by law? • Assess and reduce flood risk; assess and improve water quality; monitor federal flood risk planning and activities; educate residents regarding flood risks and water quality; and allocate moneys made available to it for purposes of water quality and flood mitigation. • Enter into and execute contracts and agreements necessary to carry out its duties. • Coordinate activities with other agencies, such as. the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Councils of Governments, public drinking water utilities, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts. What other proposed actions may the CCWMA undertake? o Employ staff on a full -time, part -time, or consulting basis. ® Contract for space, material and supplies to carry on its activities. • Cooperate or contract with local, state or federal agencies or private organizations. o In cooperation with the Dubuque SWCD, develop and complete a Watershed Management Plan for all of Catfish Creek Watershed. • Act as an advisory development review committee, for all political subdivisions, for all or any land disturbing and /or hydrologic alternations to the Catfish Creek Watershed. © Provide technical data to assist any community in preparing land use classifications, urban Best Management Practices (BMPs), or Watershed management plans. ® Record hydrological and water quality data within the Catfish Creek Watershed. ® Establish a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to assist with grant applications, review of development approvals or procedures, or technical evaluations of capital projects. • Function in an advisory capacity to communities outside of the watershed. What is the timeline for establishment of the Catfish Creek WMA? March: Initial contacts with Mayors, Dubuque County Board, and Dubuque SWCD. April: Kick -off Meeting with elected officials and staff to discuss CCWMA. May: County Board, City Councils, and SWCD Commissioners review draft 28E Agreement, agree on any changes, and appoint representatives. June: County Board, City Councils, and SWCD Commissioners approve final 28E Agreement and file with the Iowa Secretary of State. For more information, contact: Eric Schmechel, Urban Conservationist Dubuque SWCD Office -- 210 Bierman Road Epworth IA 52045 -9529 Phone: (563) 876 -3418, #3 Email: eschmechel @dubuqueswcd.org Prepared by and Return to: Eric Schmechel, Urban Conservationist, Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District 210 Bierman Rd, Epworth, IA 52045 Phone: 563 - 876 -3418, #3 Fax: 563 -876 -3653 28E AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, DUBUQUE COUNTY, THE CITY OF ASBURY, THE CITY OF PEOSTA, THE CITY OF CENTRALIA, AND THE DUBUQUE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR THE CATFISH CREEK WATERSHED AUTHORITY This Agreement, dated for reference purposes the day of , 2012, is made and entered into by and between the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, the City of Asbury, the City of Peosta, the City of Centralia and Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District. Whereas, the parties of this agreement are governmental units of the State of Iowa, all of which have lands which drain surface water within the Catfish Creek Watershed and all of which have power and responsibility to construct, reconstruct, extend and maintain storm drainage facilities to improve water quality, reduce water quantity, promote groundwater recharge, and to protect, promote, and preserve water resources within the Watershed; and Whereas, the parties desire to enter into a joint and cooperative agreement for the establishment of a Catfish Creek Watershed Authority to effectively plan, communicate, educate, and provide guidance for the Catfish Creek Watershed. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED BY AND AMONG THE PARTIES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. NAME. The parties hereto create and establish the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms used herein shall have the meanings as defined in this Section. Catfish 28E 042412LBC.doc 2.1 "Authority" means the Watershed Management Authority created by this Agreement pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E and Section 466B.21. 2.2 "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Authority. 2.3 "Political subdivision" means cities, towns, counties, and soil and water conservation districts. .2.4 "Member" means the political subdivisions which enter into this Agreement. 2.5 "Catfish Creek Watershed" or "Watershed" means the area contained within a line drawn around the extremities of all terrain whose surface drainage is tributary to Catfish Creek and within the mapped areas delineated on the map shown in Section 3. SECTION 3. CATFISH CREEK WATERSHED MAP Communities In Catfish Creek Watershed _ City of Centralia All other land area - Unincorporated Dubuque County Watershed 2 SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP. The Authority shall consist of all the following political subdivisions: (1) The City of Dubuque; (2) Dubuque County; (3) The City of Asbury; (4) The City of Peosta; (5) The City of Centralia; (6) Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District. SECTION 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 5.1 The governing body of the Authority shall be the Board. 5.2 Directors of the Board shall be divided among the political subdivisions comprising the Authority and shall be appointed by the respective political subdivision's elected legislative body. 5.3 Based upon Watershed demographics (area, population, and value) the Directors of the Board shall be appointed in the following manner: (1) The City of Dubuque: 3 Directors (2) Dubuque County: 2 Directors (3) The City of Asbury: 1 Director (4) The City of Peosta: 1 Director (5) The City of Centralia: 1 Director (6) Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District: 1 Director 5.4 The Directors shall serve staggered terms of four years. The initial Board shall determine, by lot, the initial terms to be shortened and lengthened, as necessary, to achieve staggered terms. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment for the duration of the unexpired term. A Director is eligible for reappointment. 5.5 The Board may provide procedures for the removal of a Director who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the board. If a Director is so removed, a successor shall be appointed for the duration of the unexpired term of the removed Director in the same manner as the original appointment. The appointing body may at any time remove a Director appointed by it for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office. 5.6 The Board shall adopt bylaws and shall elect one Director as chairperson and one Director as vice chairperson, each for a term of two years, and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a Director. It shall be the duty of the 3 chairperson to appoint a Director to keep minutes at all meetings. 5.7 The Board shall comply with Open Meeting Law. 5.8 A majority of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of holding a meeting of the Board. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by an Authority unless the Authority's bylaws specify those particular actions of the Authority requiring a greater number of affirmative votes. A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the rights of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Authority. 5.9 Directors shall serve without compensation from the Board, but this shall not prevent a governmental unit from providing compensation for its Director for serving on the board, if such compensation is authorized by such governmental unit and by law. Board funds may be used to reimburse a Director for expenses incurred in Board business and authorized by the Board. 5.10 The Board shall meet quarterly and /or as deemed necessary to set goals, and to review current and potential developments, grant opportunities, past accomplishments and future challenges. 5.11 The Board shall hold an Annual Review meeting each December to review accomplishments, challenges, and the associated fee schedule. 5.12 A political jurisdiction which has chosen not to join the Authority, join in the future upon approval of the Board. SECTION 6. POWERS OF THE BOARD. The Board may: 6.1 Assess the flood risks in the watershed. 6.2 Assess the water quality in the watershed. 6.3 Assess options for reducing flood risk and improving water quality in the watershed. 6.4 Monitor federal flood risk planning and activities. 6.5 risks. Educate residents of the watershed area regarding water quality and flood 6.6 Allocate moneys made available to the authority for purposes of water quality and flood mitigation. 4 6.7 Make and enter into contracts and agreements and execute all instruments necessary or incidental to the performance of the duties of the authority. A watershed management authority shall not acquire property by eminent domain. 6.8 Employ such persons as it deems necessary to accomplish its duties and powers. Any employee may be on a full -time, part -time, or consulting basis as the Board determines and shall be considered Board staff. 6.9 Contract for space and for material and supplies to carry on its activities. 6.10 Cooperate or contract with the State of Iowa or any subdivision thereof or federal agency or private or public organization to accomplish the purposes for which it is organized. 6.11 In cooperation with the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, appoint or administer a procedure to develop and complete a Watershed management plan for all of Catfish Creek. 6.12 Act as an advisory development review committee, for all political subdivisions, for all or any land disturbing and /or hydrologic alternations to the Watershed. 6.13 Provide any member with technical data or any other information of which the board has knowledge; which will assist the political subdivision in preparing land use classifications, urban Best Management Practices (BMPs), or Watershed management plans. 6.14 Establish and maintain devices for acquiring and recording hydrological and water quality data within the Watershed. 6.15 Establish a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of staff from each Member. The TAC may be used to assist with grant applications, review of development approvals or procedures, or technical evaluations of capital projects. SECTION 7. ADMINISTRATION. Administration of the Authority will be co- coordinated by the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District's Urban Conservationist and a member of the City of Dubuque's Engineering staff as appointed by the City Manager until the Board determines under Section _ that another method is more appropriate or viable. SECTION 8. COMMUNICATIONS. Each party shall designate an individual as the primary contact. Such designation shall be in writing, and any change in designation shall also be in writing. SECTION 9. DURATION; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBER 9.1 This Agreement shall take effect upon execution by the parties as required by law, filing with the secretary of state and recording with the county recorder. This Agreement shall be in effect perpetually until terminated by agreement of all of the parties. 9.2 A party may withdraw from the Authority at any time by providing the other parties sixty (60) days notice of intent to withdraw. 9.3 A governmental subdivision which has withdrawn from the Authority may re -join upon written request to the Board. SECTION 10. PARTNERSHIP OR JOINT VENTURE. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that this is an independent venture of the parties and that none of the parties is a partner or joint venturer with any other party. The parties have no duties or responsibilities to each other, financial or otherwise, except as described herein. SECTION 11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. 11.1 This Agreement contains the entire agreement and integrates all of the terms and conditions contained in and incidental to such agreement and supersedes all prior negotiations and communications concerning this agreement, oral or written, between the parties, their agents, employees and representatives. No modifications or waiver of any provision in this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by all of the parties. If, for any reason, any provisions of this Agreement shall be inoperative, the validity and affect of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby. 11.2 If any provisions of this Agreement is found to be invalid by any court, administrative agency, or tribunal of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of any such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. 11.3 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. The parties agree that none of the parties shall have the right to assign their rights and obligations hereunder to any party without prior written consent of the other parties. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Iowa. SECTION 13. PROHIBITION ON TAXATION. The Authority shall have no authority to levy any tax. 6 SECTION 14. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties. All amendments shall be in writing, signed by all of the parties, and filed in an electronic format with the Iowa Secretary of State as required by Iowa Code section 28E.8 (2011). SECTION 15. FILING AND RECORDING. It is agreed that the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District's Urban Conservationist will file this Agreement in an electronic format with the Iowa Secretary of State as required by Iowa Code section 28E.8 (2011). (Signature Pages To Follow) 7 APPROVED BY: DUBUQUE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Wayne Demmer, Chair ATTEST: Date: , 2012 Mona Manternach Dubuque County Auditor STATE OF IOWA ) COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: This instrument was acknowledged before me on the day of , 2012 by Wayne Demmer and Mona Manternach, as Chair of the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors and Dubuque County Auditor, respectively. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA APPROVED BY: DUBUQUE SOIL and WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Melvin Wilgenbusch, Chairman STATE OF IOWA ) COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: Date: , 2012 This instrument was acknowledged before me on the day of , 2012 by Melvin Wilgenbusch as Chairperson of the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA 8 APPROVED BY: CITY OF DUBUQUE Roy D. Buol, Mayor ATTEST: Date: , 2012 Kevin S. Firnstahl City Clerk STATE OF IOWA ) COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: This instrument was acknowledged before me on the day of 2012 by Roy D. Buol and Kevin Firnstahl, as Mayor of the City of Dubuque and City Clerk of Dubuque, respectively. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA APPROVED BY: ASBURY CITY COUNCIL James Adams, Mayor ATTEST: Date: , 2012 Sara Burke City Clerk STATE OF IOWA ) COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: This instrument was acknowledged before me on the day of , 2012 by James Adams and Sara Burke, as Mayor of the City of Asbury and City Clerk of Asbury, respectively. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA 9 APPROVED BY: PEOSTA CITY COUNCIL Dick Avenarius, Mayor ATTEST: Date: , 2012 Karen Snyder City Clerk STATE OF IOWA COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: This instrument was acknowledged before me on , 2012 by Dick Avenarius and Karen Snyder, as Mayor of the City of Peosta and City Clerk of Peosta, respectively. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA APPROVED BY: CENTRALIA CITY COUNCIL Jean Wuertzer, Mayor ATTEST: Date: , 2012 David Schueller City Clerk STATE OF IOWA COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) ss: This instrument was acknowledged before me on , 2012 by Jean Wuertzer and David Schueller, as Mayor of the City of Centralia and City Clerk of Centralia, respectively. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF IOWA 10 Request for Proposals Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Educational and Outreach Program The City of Dubuque, Iowa has received a Watershed Management Authority (WMA) Grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for the Catfish Creek Watershed. The Catfish Creek Watershed is a 46,269 acre watershed which includes the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, and Centralia as well as unincorporated Dubuque County. A map of the watershed and corporate boundaries is enclosed. Distinguishable features of the watershed include residential, commercial and industrial centers, cropland, steep bluffs,. sedimentary rock outcrops, and dense forest. Catfish Creek flows eastward, beginning near the City of Peosta, and enters the Mississippi River on the south side of the City of Dubuque, in the Mines of Spain State Park. Catfish Creek meanders through three significant natural resources within the watershed, Swiss Valley Park, Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, and the Mines of Spain State Park. These areas are managed by the IDNR and Dubuque County Conservation Board and attract over 380,000 users per year. A portion of Catfish Creek is classified as a cold water stream and has naturally reproducing trout (one of only 30 streams in Iowa that has this capability). Recreational activities in the Catfish Creek Watershed are abundant. The WMA will allow public and private stakeholders and policy makers to create effective sustainable watershed management policies and practices. The City of Dubuque is soliciting bids from qualified consultants to lead an information and education outreach campaign to provide support and promote the establishment of the Catfish Creek WMA. The campaign will require extensive facilitation and coordination within established timeframes. The selected consultant will be responsible for creating and designing a website, as well as other educational and outreach opportunities beneficial to the promotion of the Catfish Creek WMA. The budget for the project is $15,000. Minimum Scope of Services: The proposal should include a brief description of the consultant's scope of services. The responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to the following: 1. The consultant must lead an educational and outreach program for the promotion and establishment of the Catfish Creek Watershed and Catfish Creek WMA. The content and copy will be provided by the Catfish Creek WMA Committee. 2. The consultant will develop a retractable banner to include the Catfish Creek logo. The logo will be provided to the consultant by the City of Dubuque. 3. The consultant will develop and coordinate all public service announcements and other media opportunities. 4. The consultant will be responsible for designing and fabricating approximately forty gateway and stream crossing road signs. The logo and copy will be provided by the City of Dubuque. 5. The consultant will design, produce and print marketing materials to include brochures and other print materials. 6. The Consultant will be responsible for developing a host website which promotes the Catfish Creek Watershed and the WMA. Necessary copy for the website will be provided by the Catfish Creek WMA Committee. The website must be designed to allow future updates by WMA Staff and /or volunteers and must also accommodate a mobile platform. 7. The selected consultant will manage the project with any subcontractor(s). Proposals will be judged by the Catfish Creek WMA Committee. Proposals will be judged on the quality and range of services proposed by the consultant. Marketing and public relations experience is preferred. Past experience in the development of similar marketing materials and educational and outreach programming will be strongly considered. The City of Dubuque reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to negotiate changes with any firms. The City of Dubuque is not liable for any costs incurred by any firms prior to the execution of an agreement or contract. Nor shall the City of Dubuque be liable for any costs incurred by the firm that are not specified in the contract. The City of Dubuque retains the right to use, modify, and distribute products and materials, both tangible and intellectual, under the contract for services. Any and all materials and their design will be owned by the City of Dubuque. All materials produced must be provided to the City of Dubuque in its original Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop format. Consultants interested in submitting a proposal must agree to these terms. The City of Dubuque is an equal opportunity employer. Proiect Schedule: The consultant will be responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and producing materials for all public engagement and outreach efforts as needed throughout the duration of the schedule. April 26 2012 April 27 2012 Catfish Creek WMA informational meeting for elected officials and staff (optional). No questions specific to this RFP will be solicited or answered. The meeting will be from 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Valley Nature Center, 13606 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta, IA 52068. A pre - proposal meeting will be held between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room B at City Hall, 50 W. -13tn Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. The meeting is an opportunity for consultants interested in bidding the Catfish Creek WMA project to ask questions. May 4, 2012 Proposals are due. May 15, 2012 Consultant is selected and contracts are signed. May 18, 2012 Kick -off meeting to discuss the Catfish Creek WMA information and education outreach campaign. May 21, 2012 Design /layout work begins for marketing materials and website. June 1. 2012 Progress meeting June 15, 2012 Meeting to discuss draft marketing materials and website layout/content. June 22, 2012 Meeting to discuss revised marketing materials and website layout /content. June 26, 2012 Catfish Creek Watershed website launches and final proofs of marketing materials are approved. July 13, 2012 All marketing products and materials are delivered. Proposal Submittal Deadline: Seven copies of the proposal must be delivered no later than May 4, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. to: David Johnson, Assistant Planner, Planning Services Department, City of Dubuque, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. The proposal shall be clearly labeled: Catfish Creek WMA Education & Outreach Campaign and should include the name, address, telephone number and email address for the firms primary contact person for the project. Each firm assumes full responsibility for delivery and deposit of the proposal on or before the deadline. The City of Dubuque is not responsible for the loss or delay with respect to the delivery of the proposal. Questions: Questions should be directed to Engineering Assistant Dean Mattoon by telephone at (563) 589 -4270 or by email at dmattoona,cityofdubuque.org. C rosh G r° W a`i rr'S Utz d Communities in Watershed r City of Dubuque City of Asbury City of Peosta City of Centralia All other and area - Unincorporated Dubuque County Watershed A