City Attorney's Office (Legal) FY19 Budget PresentationCopyrighted
February 7, 2018
City of Dubuque Public Hearings # 2.
IT EM T IT LE:City Attorney's Of f ice (Legal Services) FY2019 Budget
Presentation
SUM MARY:
SUGGEST ED DISPOSIT ION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
FY19 City Attorney's Offic e (Legal) Budget
Rec ommendation Supporting Documentation
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Legal
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LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Budget Highlights
FY 2017
Actual
FY 2018
Budget
FY 2019
Requested
% Change
From FY 2018
Budget
Expenses
Employee Expense 667,823 676,656 715,560 5.7%
Supplies and Services 244,909 247,208 249,943 1.1%
Machinery and Equipment 566 —500 0.0%
Total 913,298 923,864 966,003 4.6%
Resources
Administrative Overhead Recharges 345,208 428,657 456,307 6.5%
Section 8 -Legal Services 820 820 —0.0%
Cable TV -Legal Services 573 573 —0.0%
Reimbursements 27 ——0.0%
County Revenue —2,000 3,000 50.0%
Total 346,628 432,050 459,307 6.3%
Property Tax Support 566,670 491,814 506,696 14,882
Percent Increase (Decrease)3.0%
Personnel - Authorized FTE 5.00 4.62 4.62
Significant Line Items
Employee Expense
1. FY 2019 employee expense reflects a 1.5% wage package increase.
2. The Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) City contribution increased from 8.93% in
FY 2018 to 9.44% in FY 2019. This resulted in an increase of City IPERS expense of $2,694 in the
Legal Services Department. The employee contribution increased from 5.95% in FY 2018 to 6.29%
in FY 2019.
3. The City portion of health insurance expense decreased from $1,325 in FY 2018 to $1,193 in FY
2019 per month per contract which results in annual cost savings of -$6,360 or -10.00%.
4. Overtime expense is unchanged from $3,000 in FY 2018 to $3,000 in FY 2019. FY 2017 Actual was
$3,012.
5. Sick Leave Payout unchanged from $14,957 in FY 2018 to $14,957 in FY 2019.
6. During Fiscal Year 2018, the City Attorney's contract rate was increased 19.89% (increase of
$31,388).
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Supplies & Services
7. Subscriptions decreased from $19,222 in FY 2018 to $14,948 in FY 2019 based on FY 2017 Actual
actual $14,237 plus 5%.
8. Damage Claims increased from $130,501 in FY 2018 to $137,848 in FY 2019 based on a three
year average of actual claims paid. The City reimburses Iowa Communities Assurance Pool
(ICAAP) up to $20,000 per claim.
9. Education and Training unchanged from $13,500 in FY 2018 to $13,500 in FY 2019 based on actual
estimated cost of conferences.
10. Administrative Judge unchanged from $14,724 in FY 2018 to $14,724 in FY 2019. This line item
represents the cost for human rights complaint investigations including the public hearing expense
for an administrative law judge.
Machinery & Equipment
1. Purchase of equipment for FY 2019 includes:
$500 for replacement of two desk phones.
Revenue
11. Revenue received from Enterprise Funds for administrative overhead charges increased from
$428,657 in FY 2018 to $456,307 in FY 2019.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The mission of the City Attorney’s Office is to provide legal counsel to the City Council, City
Manager, and all officials and departments of the City in matters relating to their official duties so
that the City delivers excellent municipal services that support urban living and a sustainable City
plan for the community’s future and that facilitate access to critical human services which result
in financially sound City government and citizens getting services and value for their tax dollar.
SUCCESS IS ABOUT PLANNING, PARTNERSHIPS, AND PEOPLE
LEADING TO OUTCOMES
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The City Attorney’s Office is supported by 4.62 full-time equivalent employees. Overall, the department’s
expenses are expected to increase by 4.6% in FY 2019 compared to FY 2018.
Expenditures by Category by Fiscal Year
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Overview
The chief legal officer of the City of Dubuque is the City Attorney, who provides counsel and
direction to the City by attending meetings of the City Council and selected boards and
commissions. The City Attorney is assisted by two full-time Assistant City Attorneys, a Paralegal,
and a Legal Assistant. The City Attorney’s Office represents the City in all cases before the federal
and state courts and administrative agencies where the City has an interest.
The City Attorney’s Office processes all claims and suits for and against the City and provides
written opinions to the City Council, boards and commissions, the City Manager, and City
departments. The City Attorney’s Office assists in the preparation and review of legal documents,
legislation, and other matters in which there is a City interest.
The City Attorney’s Office prosecutes ordinance and traffic violations, represents City boards and
commissions, provides advice on legal opinions to officials, department managers, and City
employees, and drafts legal documents, memoranda, and opinions.
Position Summary
FY 2019
PARALEGAL 2.00
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 1.00
CITY ATTORNEY 1.00
SENIOR COUNSEL 0.62
Total FT Equivalent Employees 4.62
Highlights of the Past Year
Derby Grange LLC - Entered into an agreement for a residential development at the northwest
corner of John F. Kennedy Road and Derby Grange Road; the agreement anticipated
adjacency and identified urban renewal as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements
while stimulating private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income
housing throughout the City; attended City Development Board hearing on annexation in May
2017 which was approved; easements acquired to facilitate installation of water and sewer
service to development and approximately an additional 200 acres in the area.
Key West Drive and Twin Ridge Areas - Water and utility extensions coordinated with
purchase of water system and county road improvements. Increased water pressure and
quality to residents in these areas and expanded water service further beyond city limits south
and toward the Airport
Southwest Arterial Project Property Acquisitions - Seven condemnation appeals in District
Court.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Bee Branch Project Property Acquisitions - Continuing environmental issues for Morrison
Brothers Property and Blum Properties for the Bee Branch Project.
Bee Branch Railroad Project - Review construction documents and negotiation documents
for the railroad acquisition for the Bee Branch Project.
Flexsteel, Inc. - Development Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Redevelopment Project
Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Dubuque Initiatives.
• Property Tax Appeals - Disposed of eight property tax appeals on behalf of the Board of
Review.
• City Insurance Schedules - Complete revision of City’s standard insurance schedules for
City projects and property
Water and Other Utility Extensions - Obtained easements and properties necessary to run
utilities beyond city limits out to the airport; secure new and future utility customers outside of
city limits through the annexation process
Airport Arbitration - Arbitration award to W.C. Stewart Construction. Funds paid to W.C.
Stewart.
3000 Jackson Street - Enforcement and encouragement of sale to save the historically
significant structure located at 3000 Jackson Street. Worked with City staff and potential new
owners to establish a schedule and pathway toward demolition, stabilization, safety, and repair
of this historically significant building.
Land Exchange for Timber-Hyrst Park - Facilitated property transactions with property
owners near City owned land for future development of a park.
On-Going & Future Initiatives
South Pointe - Working with Developer for a residential development on Rockdale Road;
urban renewal identified as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements while stimulating
private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income housing through
the City.
Housing TIFs - On-going work with multiple developers to explore the use of Housing TIF to
facilitate housing development.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
English Ridge URA Amendment and North Cascade Road URA Amendment - Added
property to urban renewal area for purposes of facilitating additional public improvements
which were not contemplated at the time of original adoption to facilitate construction and
funding of CIWA water purchase.
CIWA - Settlement Agreement signed January 2017. Addition of pump station and extension
of water lines to expand service further beyond city limits and to areas in the Highway 20 and
Southwest Arterial corridors. Assist with connection of new and expanded service areas to
existing City water distribution system.
Miracle League - Negotiating an agreement that contemplates City park use for the
establishment, operation, and maintenance of a field and baseball league for people with
disabilities.
Pre-Annexation Agreements - Continue planned and managed growth and corresponding
service extensions through the execution of pre-annexation agreements with property owners
living in annexation study areas.
Abandoned Property Reclamation (Iowa Code 657A.10A) - Work with City departments to
identify abandoned/vacant properties throughout the City and successfully obtain title to the
properties; rehabilitate the properties and sell to new home owners.
Monitoring of Vulnerable Properties - Tracking of properties in foreclosure, bank-owned
property, County owned property, and property for which the County is eligible to take
ownership.
Voluntary Compliance Agreement - On-going compliance with the Housing and Urban
Development’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement. Forty hours of training provided to City staff
as well as required Board/Commission members and City Council.
Enhanced Neighborhood Support - Collaborate with departments to enforce City Code
violations and to ensure compliance with judgments and court orders.
Source of Income - On-going committee work and research as part of the two-year process
to provide further direction to City Council.
Departmental and Legal Code Enforcement - Collaboration with departments to develop
work flow processes and procedures resulting in more consistent, uniform code enforcement
and data gathering and tracking for properties throughout the City.
Rent to Own - Meeting with State representative to discuss data gathering and evaluate
whether state regulation is necessary.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Performance Measures
City Attorney's Office - Activity Statement
Provide legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, and all officials and departments of the City in matters
relating to their official duties.
Goal: Financially Responsible, High Performance City Organization
Outcome #1: Provide timely, cost-efficient, quality services, and advice to support the
City Council, City Manager, and all City departments in fulfilling their missions and
goals.
By providing general counsel, the City Attorney’s Office reduces the City’s cost from having to consult with
outside counsel and provides timely and effective legal advice to departments and partner agencies. This
also ensures City staff complies with all laws and regulations and allows the City to respond to citizens,
City staff, and community needs and projects in an expedited and effective manner.
• GENERAL COUNSEL - Provide day-to-day legal advice to City Council, the City
Manager, administration, and boards and commissions of the City; attend meetings,
conferences, and City Council meetings/work sessions to ensure City staff is complying
with all laws and regulations.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
• LEGAL OPINIONS - Research and draft opinions on legal matters in response to
requests of City Council and other City officials.
• CONTRACTS AND OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENTS - Draft and/or review contracts and
other legal documents to which the City is a party such as development agreements,
which bring jobs and growth to the City.
• CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY - Prepare deeds, examine titles, and conduct
closings necessary for acquisition and disposition of real property.
• ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - Research relevant law and prepare measures to
implement policy decisions of City staff.
Goal: Partnering for a Better Dubuque
Outcome #2: Provide excellent customer service and promote workplace diversity.
The City Attorney’s Office acquires information that is useful to the City Attorney’s Office in performing
its services and cooperates with local organizations to provide timely and effective services, and also
allows the City Attorney’s Office to operate more effectively.
• TRAINING – Provide training such as landlord, fair housing, and leadership training and
advice to assist in implementation of City policies.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE - Provide courteous and timely referrals and response to citizen
inquiries.
Staff of the City Attorney’s Office attend annual conferences which provide advances and
developments to the law so that staff can effectively communicate the changes to other City staff.
• CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION - City Attorney Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City
Attorney Maureen Quann, and Senior Counsel Barry Lindahl attended a total of 146
hours of continuing legal education during 2016.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
CITY STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY
Barry Lindahl Crenna Brumwell Maureen Quann
Adjunct Lecturer at the
University of Iowa College of
Law
Board Member, Foster
Grandparent Program, part of
Operation New View
Serves on the Dubuque
Museum of Art Special Events
Committee
Board member for Mentor
Dubuque
Member of the Riverview
Center Board of Directors
City’s Prescott School
Partnership
Trustee on the Clarke
University Board of Trustees
Every Child/Every Promise
Wonder Women Planning
Committee for Girl Scouts
Goal: Great Place to Live
Outcome #3: Advance, advocate, and safeguard the interests of the City within the
bounds of the law and sustain City operations by assuring the City operates in
accordance with municipal law.
The City Attorney’s Office provides timely and effective legal advice on all legal issues and disputes.
This helps reduce the costs of services by preventing future lawsuits and claims.
• LITIGATION / LAWSUITS - Handle civil cases initiated by the City or brought against
the City and provide a defense from lawsuits for the City and City employees and
protects public taxpayers from lawsuits and assures the City operates according to law.
• HUMAN RIGHTS – Administration, screening, review, and investigation of third party
complaints of discrimination filed under Title 8 of the City Code; Review of Action Plan
and Voluntary Compliance Agreement with HUD for complying with terms and
conditions.
• SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR COURT – Responsible for the prosecution of all violations of
City criminal and civil codes before the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County.
• CLAIMS – Process and investigate all claims filed against the City of Dubuque and
collaborate with Public Entity Risk Services for those in excess of the deductible.
• GRIEVANCE ARBITRATIONS AND CIVIL SERVICE APPEALS – Represent the City in
grievance arbitrations and hearings before the Civil Service Commission.
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Recommended Operating Revenue Budget - Department Total
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
Fund Account Account Title
FY16 Actual
Revenue
FY17 Actual
Revenue
FY18 Adopted
Budget
FY19 Recomm'd
Budget
100 46205 COUNTY SHARE 0 6,942 2,000 3,000
46 - LOCAL GRANT AND REIMBURSE 0 6,942 2,000 3,000
100 53620 REIMBURSEMENTS-GENERAL 27 699 0 0
53 - MISCELLANEOUS 27 699 0 0
100 59280 FR SECTION 8 HOUSING 820 820 820 0
100 59290 FR CABLE TV 573 573 573 0
100 59610 FR WPC OPERATING 44,670 104,743 157,415 159,985
100 59620 FR STORMWATER OPERATING 31,178 33,368 36,268 37,468
100 59630 FR PARKING OPERATING 16,085 17,215 18,111 18,318
100 59640 FR WATER UTILITY 0 0 9,627 28,797
100 59670 FR REFUSE COLLECTION 121,161 129,671 128,529 131,747
100 59810 FR GARAGE SERVICE FUND 4,134 0 0 0
100 59940 FR DMASWA 49,773 53,269 78,707 79,992
59 - TRANSFER IN AND INTERNAL 268,394 339,659 430,050 456,307
76 - LEGAL SERVICES TOTAL 268,421 347,300 432,050 459,307
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Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
Fund Account Account Title
FY16 Actual
Expense
FY17 Actual
Expense
FY18 Adopted
Budget
FY 19 Recomm'd
Budget
100 61010 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES 500,666 418,730 393,074 430,905
100 61020 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES —74,511 108,106 109,734
100 61050 OVERTIME PAY 2,933 3,012 3,000 3,000
100 61091 SICK LEAVE PAYOFF —10,938 14,957 14,957
100 61092 VACATION PAYOFF —8,565 ——
100 61310 IPERS 44,971 44,315 45,558 51,893
100 61320 SOCIAL SECURITY 34,537 35,969 39,616 39,856
100 61410 HEALTH INSURANCE 72,617 63,600 63,600 57,240
100 61415 WORKMENS' COMPENSATION 1,826 1,910 1,974 1,627
100 61416 LIFE INSURANCE 330 269 787 275
100 61655 CAR ALLOWANCE 5,767 6,004 5,984 6,073
61 - WAGES AND BENEFITS 663,647 667,823 676,656 715,560
100 62010 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,830 1,565 1,866 1,565
100 62030 POSTAGE AND SHIPPING 607 977 607 977
100 62031 PROCESSING MATERIALS 484 380 540 300
100 62050 OFFICE EQUIPMENT MAINT 294 225 300 232
100 62061 DP EQUIP. MAINT CONTRACTS 4,202 4,308 4,399 4,326
100 62110 COPYING/REPRODUCTION 2,148 3,418 2,148 3,418
100 62130 LEGAL NOTICES & ADS —22 ——
100 62170 SUBSCRIPTIONS-BOOKS-MAPS 16,753 14,237 19,222 14,948
100 62190 DUES & MEMBERSHIPS 2,775 3,080 2,831 3,080
100 62206 PROPERTY INSURANCE 167 141 145 —
100 62208 GENERAL LIABILITY INSURAN 2,684 2,775 2,913 1,951
100 62211 PROPERTY TAX 4,503 6,668 8,960 6,668
100 62221 DAMAGE CLAIMS 130,501 35,409 130,501 137,848
100 62230 COURT COSTS & RECORD FEES 94 1,491 96 1,491
100 62310 TRAVEL-CONFERENCES 6,942 5,943 8,950 8,950
100 62320 TRAVEL-CITY BUSINESS 66 898 1,000 1,000
100 62340 MILEAGE/LOCAL TRANSP 294 246 300 300
100 62360 EDUCATION & TRAINING 11,300 13,987 13,500 13,500
100 62411 UTILITY EXP-ELECTRICITY 1,547 1,608 1,609 1,809
100 62412 UTILITY EXP-GAS 463 456 509 479
100 62421 TELEPHONE 3,699 3,587 3,444 3,587
100 62424 RADIO/PAGER FEE 287 293 295 309
100 62433 CUSTODIAL SERVICES 3,996 3,975 4,604 4,082
100 62436 RENTAL OF SPACE 21,685 22,338 23,044 23,737
100 62663 SOFTWARE LICENSE EXP 42 51 43 51
100 62667 INTERNET SERVICES 408 361 408 361
100 62713 LEGAL SERVICES 166,492 87,758 ——
100 62714 ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE 9,640 28,711 14,724 14,724
100 62756 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION ——250 250
62 - SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 393,903 244,908 247,208 249,943
100 71120 PERIPHERALS, COMPUTER 79 ———
100 71129 SCANNER 652 ———
100 72418 TELEPHONE RELATED 197 566 1,125 500
71 - EQUIPMENT 928 566 1,125 500
76 - LEGAL SERVICES TOTAL 1,058,478 913,297 924,989 966,003
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Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
LEGAL SERVICES - 76100
FUNDING SOURCE: GENERAL
Account FY17 Actual Expense FY18 Adopted Budget FY19 Recomm'd Budget
EQUIPMENT 566 1,125 500
SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 244,909 247,208 249,943
WAGES AND BENEFITS 667,823 676,656 715,560
LEGAL SERVICES 913,298 924,989 966,003
LEGAL SERVICES TOTAL $913,298.45 $924,989.00 $966,003.00
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C I T Y O F D U B U Q U E , I O W A
DEPARTMENT DETAIL - PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
76 LEGAL DEPARTMENT
FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
FD JC WP-GR JOB CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
61010 Full Time Employee Expense
100 430 GE-29 PARALEGAL 1.00 $59,130 2.00 $117,686 2.00 $120,201
100 600 GE-42 ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 2.00 $229,486 1.00 $135,919 1.00 $139,787
100 625 Contract CITY ATTORNEY 1.00 $170,791 1.00 $139,469 1.00 $170,917
100 225 GE-25 LEGAL ASSISTANT II 1.00 $51,689 0.00 $—0.00 $—
TOTAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 5.00 $511,096 4.00 $393,074 4.00 $430,905
61020 Part Time Employee Expense
100 4477 Contract SENIOR COUNSEL 0.00 $—0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734
TOTAL PART TIME EMPLOYEES 0.00 $—0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734
TOTAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT 5.00 $511,096 4.62 $501,180 4.62 $540,639
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ACTIVITY PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT SUMMARY
FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
ACCT FD JC WP-GR POSITION CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
Legal Services-FT
10076100 61010 100 625 CONT CITY ATTORNEY 1.00 $170,791 1.00 $139,469 1.00 $170,917
10076100 61010 100 600 GE-42
ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY 2.00 $229,486 1.00 $135,919 1.00 $139,787
10076100 61010 100 3600 GE-29 PARALEGAL 1.00 $59,130 2.00 $117,686 2.00 $120,201
10076100 61010 100 4440 GE-25 LEGAL ASSISTANT 1.00 $51,689 0.00 $—0.00 $—
Total 5.00 $511,096 4.00 $393,074 4.00 $430,905
Legal Services - PT
10076100 61020 100 4477 CONT SENIOR COUNSEL 0.00 $—0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734
Total 0.00 $—0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734
TOTAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT 5.00 $511,096 4.62 $501,180 4.62 $540,639
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CITY
ATTORNEY’S
OFFICE
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Barry Lindahl, Senior Counsel
Maureen Quann, Assistant City Attorney
Tracey Stecklein, Paralegal
Jenny Messerich, Paralegal
CRENNA
o Voluntary Compliance Agreement –On-going compliance with the Housing and Urban
Development’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement. Forty hours of training provided to City
staff as well as required Board/Commission members and City Council.
o Airport Arbitration –Arbitration award to W.C. Stewart Construction. Funds paid to W.C.
Stewart.
o Land Exchange for Timber-Hyrst Park –Facilitated property transactions with property
owners near City owned land for future development of a park.
o Rent to Own –Meeting with State representative to discuss data gathering and evaluate
whether state regulation is necessary.
o Fats, Oils, and Grease –On-going work with City staff to streamline process and develop
template forms.
CRENNA
o Housing TIF Projects –On-going work with multiple developers to explore the use of Housing
TIF to facilitate housing development.
o Derby Grange LLC –Entered into an agreement for a residential development at the northwest
corner of John F. Kennedy Road and Derby Grange Road; the agreement anticipated adjacency
and identified urban renewal as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements while
stimulating private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income
housing throughout the City; attended City Development Board hearing on annexation in May
2017 which was approved; easements acquired to facilitate installation of water and sewer
service to development and approximately an additional 200 acres in the area.
o South Pointe –Working with Developer for a residential development on Rockdale Road; urban
renewal identified as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements while stimulating
private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income housing through
the City.
o Human Rights Cases -Closed 11 cases, including investigation and interviews, resulting
in 3 administrative closures, 1 mediation, 2 no probable cause, 2 right-to-sue, and 3
referrals to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission
o ICRC/HUD –Defense of complaints filed against the City
•1 Department of Housing and Urban Development
•6 Iowa Civil Rights Commission
o Monthly meetings on enforcement of new nuisance ordinance standards -Since August
of 2014, 48,043 calls, complaints, or otherwise have been evaluated. The evaluation
resulted in 195 properties identified with three (3) or more calls for service. The
properties have received follow-up with either the residents, property owners, or both.
o Source of Income –On-going committee work and research as part of the two-year
process to provide further direction to City Council.
CRENNA
o Inventory of Marginal Properties –Tracking of properties in foreclosure, bank-owned
property, enforcement properties, County owned property, and property for which the
County is eligible to take ownership.
o Acquiring Title to Properties –Work with City departments to identify abandoned/vacant
properties throughout the City and successfully obtain title to the properties; rehabilitate
the properties and sell to new home owners.
•11 properties awarded to City
•2 properties -owners resolved issues after petition filed
•8 petitions pending
•14 properties under evaluation
•English Ridge and North Cascade Road URA Amendments –Added property to urban
renewal area for purposes of facilitating additional public improvements which were not
contemplated at the time of original adoption to facilitate construction and funding of
CIWA water purchase.
CRENNA
BARRY
o Southwest Arterial Project Property Acquisitions –Seven condemnation appeals in
District Court.
o Bee Branch Project Property Acquisitions –Continuing environmental issues for
Morrison Brothers Property and Blum Properties for Bee Branch Project.
o Bee Branch Railroad Project –Review construction documents for the railroad
acquisition for the Bee Branch Project.
o Flexsteel, Inc.–Development Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Redevelopment
Project Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Dubuque Initiatives.
BARRY
o Property Tax Appeals –Disposed of eight property tax appeals on behalf of the Board of Review.
o City Insurance Schedules –Complete revision of City’s standard insurance schedules for City
projects and property.
o Workers Compensation Claims –The Personnel Office and the City Attorney’s Office contract
the services of Attorney Les Reddick of Kane, Norby & Reddick, P.C. for the handling of City of
Dubuque Workers Compensation Claims. Throughout the claims process, the Personnel Office
and the City Attorney’s Office work closely with Mr. Reddick while he negotiates or litigates the
claims. The City Manager and the Personnel Manager must approve any proposed settlement.
Also, before a claim is settled, the proposed settlement is presented to the City Council for its
approval.
In 2017, 10 Workers Compensation Claims were received by the City of Dubuque, of which five
are pending and five have been settled.
MAUREEN
o Annexation/Extension of Utilities
•Obtained easements and properties necessary to run utilities beyond City limits out to
the Airport; secure new and future utility customers outside of City limits through the
pre-annexation process.
•Continue planned and managed growth and corresponding service extensions through
the execution of pre-annexation agreements with property owners living in annexation
study areas.
o Key West Drive and Twin Ridge Areas –Water and utility extensions coordinated with
purchase of water system and county road improvements. Increased water pressure and
quality to residents in these areas and expanded water service further beyond City limits
south and toward the Airport.
o IFA SRF Funding –Approved for funding in June 2017. Improvements include water line
extensions and a pump station that will enhance water service to people living in the 3rd
and 4th water pressure zones in Dubuque and the nearby surrounding area.
MAUREEN
o CIWA –Settlement Agreement signed December 2016. Implementation of
Settlement Agreement terms and conditions are ongoing. Addition of pump station
and extension of water lines to expand service further beyond City limits and to areas
in the Highway 20 and Southwest Arterial corridors. Assist with connection of new
and expanded service areas to existing City water distribution system.
o Enhanced Neighborhood Support –Collaborate with departments to enforce City
Code violations and to ensure compliance with judgments and court orders.
o Departmental and Legal Code Enforcement –Collaboration with departments to
develop work flow processes and procedures resulting in more consistent, uniform
code enforcement and data gathering and tracking for properties throughout the City.
MAUREEN
o Litigation, Arbitration, and Civil Service Hearings
•Represented the City of Dubuque in the prosecution of approximately 1,300 simple
misdemeanors and municipal infractions.
•Represented the City in workforce arbitration proceedings.
•Represented the City in civil service hearings.
o Miracle League –Negotiating an agreement that contemplates City park use for the
establishment, operation, and maintenance of a field and baseball league for people
with disabilities.
o 3000 Jackson Street –Enforcement and encouragement of sale to save the historically
significant structure. Worked with City staff and potential new owners to establish a
schedule and pathway toward demolition, stabilization, safety, and repair of this
building.
•Construction and bidding
•Right of way management
•Affordable Care Act Compliance
•Federal and state case law updates
•Transportation network companies
(Uber) regulation
•Drone regulation
•Supreme Court EEOC decisions
•Voting Rights Act
•Federal Endangered Species Act
•Land use regulations
•Telecommunications and broadband
legislation
•Legislative prayer limitations
•Body cameras
•Handling police shootings
•Stormwater regulation
•Outdoor lighting
•Disaster preparedness
•Nuisance properties
•Securities law for municipalities
•Civil rights liability of municipalities
•Environmental law
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
126 TOTAL HOURS OF CLE ATTENDED DURING 2017
BARRY, CRENNA, & MAUREEN
TRACEY
Claims
o Prepare Report to Council
o Investigate and correspond with Public Entity Risk Services Claim Representative,
Department Manager, and Claimant through claim resolution
•The Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) was established in 1986 as a group self-
insurance program for Iowa public entities under Iowa Code Section 670.7.
•ICAP’s primary goal is to provide for the joint and cooperative action of its members
(relative to their financial and administrative resources) for two purposes: to provide
risk management services and risk-sharing facilities to members and their employees
and to protect each member of the pool against liability.
•ICAP claims are handled by Public Entity Risk Services of Iowa (PERSI), a specialty
claims and loss control service firm.
TRACEY
o Property Tax Appeals -Assist City Attorney and City Assessor with correspondence,
court proceedings, and preparation and filing of settlement documents
o Process garnishments documents
o Prepare Real Estate Documents for Property Acquisitions/Sales
o Prepare appeals, briefs, and other court documents
o Maintain/Monitor budget
o Manage Accounts Payables / Purchase Orders
o Manage payroll
JENNY
Simple Misdemeanor Court
o Prepare/file documents for court appearances
o Correspond with outside counsel, police officers, judges, and court administration, and
with citizens regarding their court cases
o File municipal infractions
o Issue subpoenas
o Follow-up on court orders
o Assist Maureen in preparing for trials
JENNY
o Human Rights Investigations –Draft correspondence, schedule interviews, and monitor files
o Bankruptcies and Foreclosures –Notify City staff and monitor files
o Nuisance Ordinance/Standards –Compile monthly information
o Property Lists and Transactions –Track monthly information, prepare correspondence and closing
documents
o Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance –Work with Police Department to enforce violations of
compliance checks
o Boards and Commissions –Continue to update all ordinances for consistency
Questions?
Thank you!