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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2009
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jim Prochaska; Commissioners Richard Van
Iten, Alan Vincent, Dirk Voetberg and Chad Darter.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners Charles Winterwood and Richard Stein.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Prochaska at 5:34
p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Van Iten, seconded by Voetberg, to approve the minutes of February
18, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Vincent, Prochaska,
Van Iten, Voetberg and Darter; Nay -None.
LIAISON/SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Enterprise Zone Commission: No report.
Sustainability Task Force: Chairperson Prochaska reported that the Sustainability Task
Force has been meeting regularly to work on the 11 principles of sustainability. He stated
the Sustainability booth was well attended at City Expo.
Staff Member Carstens reminded Commissioners of the Earth Day Breakfast on April 22"d
at the Grand River Center and the Sustainability Symposium on April 23~d at Loras College.
She encouraged Commissioners to attend.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Hike/Bike Trails Presentation by Dr. Winterwood: Commissioner Winterwood was unable
to attend and therefore Staff Member Carstens reviewed the hike/bike trails presentation.
She explained the Tri-State Area Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Network Plan was part
of the Envision 2010 process and named one of the top ten projects. The plan
encompasses the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) area. She
explained the purpose of the plan is to maximize funding sources, improve safety, provide
needed facilities and services, enhance the quality of life and set new priorities. She
Minutes -Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
April 16, 2009
Page 2
reviewed goals of the plan and the implementation strategies of the plan. The Commission
and staff reviewed the maps and corresponding information for the tri-state existing trails,
tri-state regional trails, Dubuque national trails, and the planned and proposed trails.
Chairperson Prochaska questioned whether any recent efforts have been made to
incorporate bicycle racks on buses. Staff Member Carstens explained a grant application
was recently submitted to the organization Bikes Belong for bike racks to be located on
Keyline buses. The Commission noted the provision of bicycle racks on buses will help
connect people from downtown trails to west end trails.
Commissioner Van Iten asked whether any senior "trike" facilities are planned. He noted
many do not consider three-wheel bicycle modes of transportation. Staff Member Carstens
explained it did not come up during any discussions by committee members.
Chairperson Prochaska asked whether the City is moving towards the "Complete Streets"
concept with bike lanes. He asked whether the plan addresses bike lanes. Staff Member
Carstens reported the City is looking at a number of other communities as examples that
could potentially apply to the City of Dubuque. She stated the City is looking at various
bike lane options.
The Commission discussed street widths and required AASHTO standards as well as on-
street to off-street trail transitions.
Commissioner Van Iten asked whether the City has considered converting existing
sidewalks or incorporating new sidewalks that are 10 feet in width to meet AASHTO trail
standards in new developments. Staff Member Carstens said this concept was considered
but not recommended.
Commissioner Voetberg reviewed the potential for pervious concrete and pavers to replace
standard concrete sidewalk surfaces. He explained that it's effective in new street and
sidewalk installations where less area is available to absorb water. He stated the
permeable pavers are being looked at with regard to ADA regulations.
Commissioner Vincent discussed incorporating separate hike/bike trails and sustainable
building principles into clustered conservation design subdivisions.
Commissioner Van Iten discussed how to present the concept of sustainability to the
average citizen. Commissioner Voetberg explained sustainability encompasses many
things and is the very reason why a plan which sets forth steps and priorities is critical to
Dubuque's sustainability.
Chairperson Prochaska discussed the importance of transitioning from the planning stage
to the action and implementation stage with regard to the network plan and Sustainable
Dubuque. He suggested perhaps the City has to lead the way.
Minutes -Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
April 16, 2009
Page 3
Commissioner Vincent questioned what issues the City faces with bike lanes on public
roads. Staff Member Carstens explained the major issue is educating the public on safety
with regard to marked bike lanes. She explained that education outreach needs to be for
bicyclists and motorists alike.
Chairperson Prochaska asked whether the Bee Branch Project incorporates a bike path.
Commissioner Voetberg explained the Bee Branch Project includes an off-road hike and
bike trail.
Bottled Water Use: Chairperson Prochaska discussed how to advocate for a City policy to
not have bottled water at City events. The Commission discussed recent city events with
respect to creating a more sustainable Dubuque. Chairperson Prochaska felt the
Environmental Stewardship Commission is the appropriate board to lead this reduction in
bottled water use.
Motion by Van Iten, seconded by Vincent, to write a letter to the Environmental
Stewardship Commission to respectfully request they work with City officials to encourage
not having bottled water provided by the City at City-sponsored events and facilities with
the hope that it will inspire others in the community. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye -Vincent, Prochaska, Van Iten, Voetberg, and Darter; Nay -None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Adopted