2019 State Legislative Priorities Copyrighted
November 19, 2018
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 8.
ITEM TITLE: 2019 State Legislative Priorities
SUMMARY: City Manager providing a copy of the City of Dubuque 2019
State Legislative Priorities as adopted by the City Council
for presentation to State Legislators at the annual
Legislative Dinner to be held at 5:15 p.m. on November 28,
2018 at the Grand River Center.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
State Legislative Priorities-NNM Memo City Manager Memo
Supporting documentation Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
�
u�-�.eria Cib
UB E �III���
Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°''Z°'Z
2013 2017
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2019 State Legislative Priorities
DATE: November 15, 2018
Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann has worked with City staff and partners to
develop a recommendation on this year's State of lowa Legislative Priorities. The
priorities, as adopted by the City Council, will be presented to our legislators at the
annual Legislative Dinner on November 28, at 5:15 p.m. at the Grand River Center.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
�� � ���
Mic ael C. Van Milligen'�—�
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Dubuque
THE CITY OF �
IIFAneMe�Ciry
DuB E ;����I.I �o;
2007.2�12
Masterpiece on the Mississippi Za13.zo1,
2019
State Legislative Priorities
Table of Contents
Artsand Culture....................................................................................................................... 30
Economic Develooment........................................................................................................... 8
Emeraencv Manaaement— Homeland Securitv............................................................... 19
Historic Preservation .............................................................................................................. 25
Housina....................................................................................................................................... 17
HumanResources ................................................................................................................... 20
lowaCode Chancles................................................................................................................. 22
LibrarvServices ....................................................................................................................... 20
ParkandRecreation................................................................................................................ 26
Partne rsh i os.............................................................................................................................. 39
Plannina &Zonina ................................................................................................................... 23
PublicHealth ............................................................................................................................. 33
PublicSafetv............................................................................................................................... 2
StateMandates......................................................................................................................... 13
StateTax Policv........................................................................................................................ 12
SustainabiliN............................................................................................................................. 32
Technoloav and Innovation .................................................................................................. 17
Transoortation .......................................................................................................................... 13
1
Public Safetv
On January 24, 2017, Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing and Davenport Chief Paul
Sikorski, along with the County Attorneys from Polk and Blackhawk Counties, and the Mayor of
Des Moines, testified before the lowa Senate Judiciary Committee to request the State take a
harder look at firearms and violent crime issues across the state.
Chief Dalsinq qave a statement requestinq the followinq, and this is Dubuque's current
Requested Action:
• Requirements for high, cash-only bonds for crimes involving firearms or
violent crime
• Review of existing codes to determine if penalties are sufficient (as
compared to federal penalties)
• Exploration of new codes to address additional unauthorized persons
possessing firearms (as compared to federal codes)
• Exploration of limitations on plea bargains for cases involving firearms or
violent crime
• Review of sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, including mandatory
minimums
• Analytical research into the individuals involved in gun crime and violent
crime for commonalities and cause and effect variables so effective
treatment can take place
Chief Dalsing has provided the following information on shots fired calls:
Confirmed Shots
Fired Murders
2016 2017 2018** 2016 2017 2018**
Dubuque 26 20 3 1 1 1
Davenport 152 146 170 6 12 6
Cedar Rapids 77 103 96 4 6 3
Waterloo 99 62 85 3 6 6
lowa City 20 20 NA 0 4 0
Ames 3 3 1 1 1 1
NA = Not Available
"2018 - Year to date as of 11/13/18
As you can see from these headlines from across the state of lowa, gun violence
is becoming more prevalent and deserves some attention from the state
legislature.
2
IOWA HEADLINES
Gun violence drops in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Gazette —January 22, 2017
Despite the brutal start, Cedar Rapids in 2016 saw its first drop of shots-fired incidents in three
years. Overall, there were 86 such incidents last year, a 14 percent decrease from 2015's total of
100.
Importantly, homicides also were down in 2016: four compared with six in 2015 and eight in 2014.
Trio of Cedar Rapids shootinqs remain under investiqation
City has seen 64 shots �red incidents so far this year
Cedar Rapids Gazette —Oct. 23, 2017
Police said when the victim approached Rarey about his insult, Rarey pulled a knife and stabbed the
man twice in the abdomen. The man was hospitalized for several days due to his injuries, police
said. Rarey admitted to the stabbing.
Strinq of serious lowa Citv crimes, homicides put police, prosecutors to the test
Authorities working long hours on homicide, attempted murder investigations
Cedar Rapids Gazette —Oct. 20, 2017
There have been three homicide investigations this year. From 2010 to 2016, there were two
homicides investigated by lowa City police. The last time three homicide investigations took place in
the same year was 2008.
There also have been four attempted murder investigations this year, up from only one in 2016.
Cedar Rapids police investiqatinq suspicious death as first homicide of 2018
Cedar Rapids Gazette —Jan. 16, 2018
Cedar Rapids police are investigating their first homicide of 2018.
Public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said an autopsy was completed Tuesday on 18-year-old
AnnaElise M. Edgeton. The autopsy determined Edgeton, of Cedar Rapids, died as a result of a
gunshot wound.
Buelow said no one is in custody and police are unable to answer additional questions about the
investigation at this time.
Violent crime in Cedar Rapids drops over five vears
Concerns remain after city sees six homicides within six months
Cedar Rapids Gazette —Jan. 20, 2018
While instances of gunshots fired remained steady from 2016 to 2017 and Cedar Rapids saw a
small increase in the number of homicides, city officials are touting a nearly 11 percent decrease in
violent crime in the city over five years.
According to data submitted annually to the FBI, Cedar Rapids had 392 instances of violent crime—
defined by the FBI as murder and non-negligent manslaughter, sexual assault, robbery and
aggravated assault— in 2013. Tentative data for 2017 shows 350 acts of violent crime, a decrease
of 10.7 percent.
Uptick in Cedar Rapids shots fired, but not in cooperation with police
Cedar Rapids Gazette —May 30, 2018
The number of gunshots fired incidents in Cedar Rapids is up so far this year over the same period
last year, raising concerns from some as summer approaches and challenges for police as victims
and witnesses won't cooperate.
In a nine-day span this month, police responded to seven cases, with incidents in all four quadrants
of the city: a man with a gunshot wound to the leg Saturday, multiple homes struck by gunfire May
23 and buildings shot into May 18 and 20. Midday May 18, witnesses described a shootout between
two groups in the parking lot of Motel 6 off Southgate Court. The incidents remain under
investigation.
3
Police investigate each case regardless of cooperation and have made 12 arrests in those
investigations so far this year. Police have recorded 12 cases of gunshots fired so far in May, and
the 44 recorded so far in 2018 is up 29 percent over the 34 recorded through the end of May 2017.
UPDATE: One dead, one iniured in Cedar Falls shootinq
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier— Nov. 11, 2017
Alex Michael Bullerman, 18, of Waterloo, died of a single gunshot wound after he was found behind
an apartment building at 2303 Olive St., according to Cedar Fall police.
A short time later, 18-year-old Dylan James Gehrke, also of Waterloo, arrived at a hospital by private
vehicle with a single gunshot wound to his lower right leg.
RESIDENTS REACT TO SHOOTINGS: 'We don't feel safe anvmore'
Quad City Times—March 19, 2016
2016 Shots fired calls down sliqhtiv from 2015
Quad City Times— Dec. 27, 2016
Davenport police have responded to 150 confirmed reports of shots fired since Jan. 1, down from
168 in 2015, according to data obtained by the Quad-City Times.
Davenport police investiqate earlv morninq homicide
Quad City Times—June 9, 2018
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at approximately 2:06 a.m. Davenport Police responded to a Disturbance
call with reports being fired in the area of 800 W. 4'h Street. Officers arriving in the area located a
gunshot victim and provide first aid until medical personnel arrived on scene.
The victim was transported by MEDIC to Genesis East Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Shortly
after arrival the victim was pronounced deceased. The victim was identified as a 46-year-old male
from Davenport. Detectives are following up on the incident. No further information is available at
this time.
Davenport police investiqate shootinq incident
Quad City Times—Oct. 3, 2018
At 10:02 p.m., Saturday, Davenport Police responded to a shots fired call in the 3500 block of
Kimberly Downs Road.
Officers canvassed the area and discovered shell casings. At that time no injuries or damage was
reported.
At 10:40 p.m. dispatch received a call regarding a walk-in patient at Trinity Hospital in Moline who
had a possible gunshot injury.
The patient was identified as a 31-year-old male from Davenport who was treated and released for a
non-life threatening injury.
Preliminary information determined that these two incidents are related. Detectives are following up
on the incident.
21 Des Moines homicides most since 1990
Des Moines Register—Jan. 5, 2016
If 2015 seemed like a particularly violent and deadly year for Des Moines, iYs because it was.
Des Moines hit bv 31 drive-bvs in 6 months
Des Moines Register—July 27, 2016
Through the end of June, 31 drive-by shootings were reported in the city. ThaYs the most drive-bys
through the first six months of any year since 2011. There were 22 reported during the same period
last year, 16 in 2014 and 22 in 2013, according to the Des Moines Police Department.
4
`He was full of dreams and potential': 14-vear-old homicide victim laid to rest
Des Moines Register— Nov. 6, 2016
11 Des Moines homicides remain unsolved in past 2 vears
Des Moines Register—May 10, 2017
As Des Moines police deal with an unusually high number of homicides so far this year, 11 homicide
cases from the past two years remain unsolved.
Suspects in Des Moines' 19�'' homicide this vear have criminal qanq charqes in
their history
WHOTV.com —July 29, 2017
Des Moines ends 2017 with most homicides since 1978
Des Moines Register—Jan 1, 2018
An intense pace of killings in the city of Des Moines let up late in the year: No homicides were
recorded in November and December.
But the 25 homicides in 2017, including three on the first three days of the year, were still enough to
be the most in the city since 1978, when 27 people were killed, according to police data.
Shots fired at car in Des Moines; man hospitalized, car in ravine
Des Moines Register—Jan 15, 2018
Des Moines police are investigating a shooting that resulted in one man going to the hospital and a
car stuck in a ravine.
Around 1030 a.m., Des Moines police were called to a shooting in the 5000 block of Southwest 9th
Street, said Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesman for Des Moines police.Witnesses told police there was a
dispute between people in two separate cars, Parizek said.
Person inlured in Urbandale shootinq, police sav
Des Moines Register—Jan. 26, 2018
A person was shot Friday afternoon in Urbandale, though few other details were immediately
available, authorities said.
Police responded to the shooting at about 5 p.m. at the 3800 block of 70th Street, where officers
found a victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound, Sgt. Chad Underwood said. Detectives
planned to talk with the victim at a local hospital.
Shootinq victim shows up at hospital after shots fired near Hiatt Middle School
Des Moines Register—Jan. 30, 2018
A 21-year-old man showed up at a Des Moines hospital Tuesday afternoon after police responded to
reports of shots fired near Hiatt Middle School in the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Park neighborhood,
authorities said.
The male, who police said appeared to have been shot in the buttocks, showed up at lowa Lutheran
Hospital at about 3:55 p.m. Just prior to that, officers responded to East 15th Street and Garfield
Avenue, near the middle school, for reports of shots fired, Sgt. Paul Parizek said.
2 shot in separate incidents Saturdav in Des Moines, police sav
Des Moines Register—March 3, 2018
Two people, including a 17-year-old, were shot Saturday in separate incidents in northeast Des
Moines neighborhoods, police said.
Man shot on Des Moines' east side; police investiqatinq near scene of crash
Des Moines Register—April 6, 2018
A man was hospitalized Friday afternoon after he was shot on the east side of Des Moines, police
said.
Officers responded about 330 p.m. to a shooting in the 2600 block of Lyon Street in the city's
Fairground neighborhood, about four blocks from the lowa State Fairgrounds. Sgt. Paul Parizek, a
5
police spokesman, said when officers arrived, they found a two-vehicle car crash but no gunshot
victim.
A truck that had been described as a suspect vehicle in the shooting arrived a short time later at
Lutheran Hospital with the man who had been shot, police said.
1 killed, 3 inlured in separate Waterloo shootinqs in 5-hour span, police sav
Des Moines Register—May 20, 2018
A male was killed, and three people were injured early Saturday morning in a spate of shootings in
Waterloo, authorities said.
The male died at Allen Hospital after officers found him suffering from a serious gunshot wound
about 5:15 a.m. inside a home at 639 Gable St., police said. His name or age has not been
released.
Five hours earlier, officers responded to the first report of shots fired of the morning, at 12:13 a.m., in
the 1300 block of East 4th Street near Sullivan Memorial Park. Police determined the shooting
occurred in the area of nearby Linn and Cottage streets, where two people suffered non-life-
threatening gunshot wounds, authorities said.
Officers then responded to shots fired at about 435 a.m. in the 1600 block of Sycamore Street.
While there, investigators were notified of a shooting victim at Allen Hospital. That person's injuries,
which were sustained in the shooting, were non-life-threatening,Waterloo police said. Officials have
not said whether the shootings were related.
Man killed in Des Moines shootinq marks 9�'' homicide of 2018
Des Moines Register—September 30, 2018
A 28-year-old man died Sunday afternoon after he was shot several times on the east side of Des
Moines, authorities said.
Medics and officers were dispatched about 1:15 p.m. for several calls of gunfire in the 1200 block of
East 13th Street in the city's Capitol Park neighborhood.
The first officer on the scene was just around the corner at the time of the shooting, locating the
injured man in seconds, police spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek said. He was rushed to a hospital,
where he died about 45 minutes later.
The killing, the city's ninth of 2018, appeared to be directed. Parizek told reporters the community did
not need to be concerned other than "there's a man out there who just murdered someone."
Man arrested after shootinq at busv Ankenv intersection
Des Moines Register— Nov. 25, 2016
Police: Man in critical condition after Ames shootinq
Des Moines Register— Dec. 28, 2016
Four people arrested after drive-bv shootinq in Ames
Radio lowa— Feb. 20, 2017
One dead, two wounded in several shootinqs in Burlinqton
KWQC— Nov. 23, 2016
Dubuque police investiqatinq reports of qunshots overniqht
Telegraph Herald —Sept. 13, 2017
It marks the 15th confirmed instance of gunshots fired in Dubuque this year, according to the Police
Department. There were 26 shots-fired incidents in 2016 in Dubuque.
6
IOWA POLICE CHIEFS AIM FOR SOLUTION TO RISING GUN VIOLENCE
Meeting in Cedar Rapids shows that Dubuque's recent rise in gun violence is not unique in the
state.
Telegraph Herald —Jan. 16, 2016
The chiefs of eastern lowa's biggest police departments met this week to address across-the-
board increases in gun violence in recent years.
Dubuque, which had 33 confirmed instances of gunshots fired in 2015, is not the only community to
see a spike in shootings in recent years, according to Police Chief Mark Dalsing. During a meeting
Wednesday in Cedar Rapids, police leaders of the host city, Ames, Davenport, lowa City and
Waterloo also reported increases in recent years.
In Waterloo, police confirmed more than 120 shots-fired incidents in 2015, according to Police
Chief Daniel Trelka. The year before, officers confirmed fewer than 100.
The chiefs will continue to meet to discuss trends and ways to address concerns, Dalsing said. He
said he also will look at working with legislators to find ways for additional legal remedies to
shootings.
Full Fundinq for Judicial Branch Services
Public safety and basic tenet of judicial process depends upon a robust fully-funded judiciary
which provides for its citizen clients: access, timely processing, staffing and services. Critical
funding must be provided for all judicial services including juvenile court offices and services,
drug court, and judicial access.
Requested Action:
Support legislation which provides full-funding for the requested budget of
the State of lowa's judicial branch. To do otherwise jeopardizes work being
done with youth and is a compromise to public safety.
Hate Crime Statute
According to FBI Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes against people based on gender identity are
on the rise. The 2016 data, released in November 2017, indicates that 2% of reported hate
crimes were committed against people based on gender identity. This compares to 1.7% of
reported hate crimes in 2015, 1.8% in 2014, and .5% in 2013 (the first year that hate crimes
based on gender identity were reported). Note that not all jurisdictions report hate crime
statistics to the FBI and jurisdictions like lowa would report zero based on gender identity
because state law omits gender identity from the hate crime statute.
As of July 2017, 17 states plus the District of Columbia have hate crime laws that include
gender identity. lowa is one of 13 states whose hate crime law includes sexual orientation but
does not include gender identity. http://www.lqbtmap.orq/equalitv-maps/hate crime laws. A
2016 murder in Burlington garnered national attention when local law enforcement officials
could not charge the homicide as a hate crime based on the lack of including of gender identity
in the statute. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/us/transgender-iowa-murder-trial-kedarie-
johnson.html.
The American Psychological Association, which takes a public health approach to
violence prevention, notes that dehumanization of unfamiliar groups and targeted
aggression that is behind hate violence can result in more dramatic psychological effects
on victims as compared to crimes that are not motivated by bias. In addition, hate
crimes tend to decrease feelings of safety and security in the community for members
7
who share the victim's group status. http://vwvw.apa.orq/advocacv/interpersonal-
vio le nce/hate-cri mes.aspx
Requested Action:
Amend hate crimes statute to include gender identity.
Economic Development
The role of city government in economic development is crucial. Economic activity requires
roads, streets, airports, water and sanitation. Newjobs necessitate more and better workforce
housing. Growing businesses seek quality of life amenities for employees and families, such as
parks, recreation, bike trails, art, museums, and libraries. Protection and safety of property and
life must be assured. A community must value equity and be welcoming. This can only be
accomplished with the strong support of an effective city government in partnership with local
private sector and non-profit leaders and state and federal government officials.
Tax Increment Financinq (TIF)
The lowa Code provides that cities can use TIF for certain public and private economic
development purposes once an urban renewal plan is approved and an urban renewal district
established. The ability to use TIF to assist private economic development projects in urban
renewal districts is an essential ingredient of the City of Dubuque's nationally recognized
success, providing financing and incentive for private investment.
The City of Dubuque has prioritized the redevelopment of our urban core; cities need tools like
TIF to accomplish this. The Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF allows cities across the state
to reclaim their urban cores, restore otherwise abandoned historic properties, and create more
sustainable communities. TIF is perhaps the most important Smart Growth tool available to
cities.
Since the City of Dubuque began using TIF in earnest in the 1990's, there have been a total of
74 corporate projects which have had the benefit of $455,718,152 in direct TIF incentives to
date. These projects have leveraged $501,779,204 in additional capital investment. These
projects have resulted in the retention of more than 3,120 jobs in Dubuque and the creation of
4,950 jobs. This does not include many of the jobs added to the downtown employment base
where there was no direct TIF agreement with the employer but rather the projects were
facilitated by loan pools and other methods benefiting from the Downtown TIF district.
This has all worked because responsible elected officials, who while acting in an entrepreneurial
fashion to encourage community growth, have used TIF, the City's only meaningful local
economic incentive in a strategic fashion.
Dubuque has leveraged TIF to achieve consistent, significant job growth and maintain a strong,
diversified local economy. The Milken Institute named Dubuque its 10th Best-Performing Small
Metro for 2013, the same year that Forbes ranked Dubuque 14th in the nation in its annual
"Best Small Places for Business and Careers." Wages and income for residents have grown, as
evidenced by a 14% increase in median household income from 2009 ($48,012) to 2015
($54,605). In September 2017, lowa Workforce Development reported Dubuque County's total
non-farm employment to be 60,000, a 60% increase from 37,700 in 1983. Dubuque'
unemployment rate just 2.7% in September 2017, a tremendous rebound from 1983 when it
was 12.1%! This type of job growth and low unemployment is only possible through the
strategic use of TIF.
8
Since TIF is really the only economic development financing tool available to lowa cities,
Dubuque often uses TIF as the local match required when partnering with the lowa Economic
Development Authority. This was certainly the case with the 1,300 jobs created by I BM, the
over 200 jobs at Hormel and the 388 jobs retained and created by A.Y. McDonald. Without the
flexibility this tool provides, Dubuque would not have this kind of success in job creation and
retention.
A very important priority of the City of Dubuque, the Historic Millwork District, benefited initially
with a $105 million investment of private and public dollars, rebuilding much of the street
network, underground utilities, creating parking and renovating
the Caradco Building (Schmid Innovation Center) into 72 � ` �
apartments, and 35,000 square feet of commercial and retail �� i �
space. Two additional buildings requiring approximately $40 ,��,: it �. �
million in investment, with 92 additional apartments and � - ��'��" � ����T
0 11 �j
thousands of square feet of commercial industrial space were ` ` «k� �� � � 4�
renovated and came online in 2015. Ultimately, the entire ������.�,��, ��,�1��.�q�1
Historic Millwork District will have over $200 million in
investment leveraging new business creation and much `��
needed workforce housing for Dubuque. This Historic Millwork
District slum and blight subarea TIF was established in 2008. Legislative proposals which place
restrictions on Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF Districts would rapidly dissolve the City's
financial investment in this priority project for the City of Dubuque which will require many more
years, and likely decades, of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City's new 125-acre industrial area would not have been possible if the proposed
legislation forcing "sun-setting" of economic development TIFs would be put in place.
The City of Dubuque has successfully and responsibly used tax increment financing to create
more jobs per capita than any other city in the State of lowa.
Proposed TIF reform that would prohibit the use of TIF revenue on public buildings,
which would stop the creation of parking ramps (vital to the economic viability of
downtown businesses!) and City efforts to restore the Historic Federal Building, an
iconic anchor building in the downtown allowed to go into disrepair bythe Federal
Government, would be opposed by the City of Dubuque.
The City of Dubuque understands the need for increased transparency, fastidious data
collection and antipiracy language in TIF reform, but cannot support reform that limits or sunsets
the City's use of slum and blight and economic development TIFs.
Even in these areas, the language should be narrowly crafted so as not to stifle economic and
community development activities by cities. No language should be included that could limit or
destroyjob creation and economic development potential that exists in current TIF laws.
Repuested Action:
Support efforts to maintain Tax Increment Financing as an economic
development financing tool. Oppose restrictions on use of TIF for public
infrastructure and oppose the "sunsetting" of TIF districts.
9
Retiring TIF - New Tax Money to Taxing Bodies in
Fiscal Year 2019
$900,000
$795,174
$800,000
$700,000
$600,000 $579,086
$500,000
$400,000 $337,144
$300,000 $234,752
$200,000 $170,958
$99,532
$100,000 . $58,478
$17,264 $g,g54 $33,377
$- � — �
Tech Park South -2019 DICW-Subarea B-2019
■DCSD ■City � County ■NICC ■Other
Eminent Domain
During 2006, the Legislature approved changes to the Eminent Domain Law. Included in the
changes, and of particular concern, is the requirement that seventy-five percent or more of the
area included in the urban renewal plan must consist of property in a slum or blighted condition
at the time the plan was established in order for the entire project or acquisition plan area to be
subject to condemnation by the municipality. We believe that a 51% threshold is more
reasonable. Furthermore, the new language provides that the project or acquisition plan area
shall only include the adjacent and contiguous parcels necessary for the completion of planned
activities for a specific business or housing project. This language would be limiting for
downtown development projects that may be larger in scope than just the parcels that meet the
definition of slum and blight. Lastly, the burden for the use of eminent domain for airport project
is increased by the requirement that the Board of Supervisors must hold a public hearing and
pass a resolution unless the airport improvement is FAA-required. This creates additional
layers of burden on a municipality.
Repuested Action:
Support efforts to amend sections of the Eminent Domain Law to allow for
changes as proposed by the lowa League of Cities and noted above.
State Historic Tax Credits
The lowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in May 2000 to promote investment in
our historic resources in communities, codified in Section 404A.4. Rehabilitation of these
resources contributes to the economic viability as well as the strength of our communities. The
secondary impacts of this historic tax credit on our communities are countless. The program
provides a tax credit of 25% of the qualified rehabilitation expenses for qualified projects. Thus,
each credit represents an investment in our community of at least four times the amount of the
credit. Additional revenues are generated through increased property taxes, income taxes, and
sales taxes.
The cap for the program is currently set at $45 million per year.
10
Between the beginning of the program in 2000 and the year 2013 (the most recent year for
which we have total project costs available from the state), Dubuque completed 31 projects
using the State Historic Tax Credit program. Just over $42 million in SHTC funding leveraged
over $142 million in additional funding sources. And, between 2014 and 2016 an additional 13
projects were awarded funding by the state.
These projects have added well over 2,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 2,000 people would equate to an $80
million annual payroll.
Critical workforce housing needs in the City of Dubuque make state historic tax credits and
other financial incentives a top priority as the City works to promote redevelopment and
reinvestment in our urban core.
Recent concerns raised by the lowa Department of Revenue have resulted in a slowdown of the
State Historic Tax Credit program.
Requested Action:
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners
through membership in Smart Growth Development Coalition, work to
preserve and expand the State Historic Tax Credit program.
Qualitv of Life and Communitv Enhancements
Successful quality of life programs need continued funding, such as Enhance lowa, REAP, CAT
funds, RECAT lowa Great Places, the lowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for
historic preservation.
Requested Action:
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in lowa
to promote economic improvement throughout the state.
Land Bank Policv
In order to return blighted and abandoned properties to productive use quickly, states
have passed legislation that stream lines the tax foreclosure process by giving
ownership of these tax reverted properties to a nonprofit land bank therefore obtaining
them earlier in the tax foreclosure auction process. Further legislative reform in these
states has redirected money collected from unpaid and delinquent property taxes
toward land banks for purposes of funding the land banks and for the purchase of tax
reverted properties. The City of Dubuque in collaboration with its regional partners will
explore the formation of a land bank that would purchase tax reverted properties
through the tax foreclosure process. The land bank would maintain these properties
until purchase by a responsibility buyer, ensuring the properties return to productive
use.
Requested Action:
Support Land Bank legislation and work with State partners to approve
redirection of monies collected from unpaid and delinquent property to a
regional landbank for funding and for the purchase of additional tax
reverted properties.
11
State Tax Policv
Propertv Tax
The current tax structure for state and local governments is a mix of tax laws, rates and policies
that do not provide for a fair and consistent tax system. The lowa League of Cities and the lowa
State Association of Counties (ISAC) have identified key areas needing revision for a
comprehensive tax reform in lowa. They include: 1) changes to assessment and valuation
procedure, 2) changes to city and county budgeting processes, 3) developing an alternative to
current property tax limitations, and 4) elimination of the rollback formula and homestead
exemption.
Requested Action:
Work with the lowa League of Cities, the Metropolitan Coalition and ISAC to
approve legislation to design a tax structure that provides tax equity and
policies that are consistent with an overall direction for state and local
government taxation.
Commercial Propertv Tax Reform and Backfill
Legislation providing for commercial property tax reform passed in the lowa Assembly in 2013.
This legislation included language providing for cities in order to protect local residential
taxpayers would not bear the tax burden of this reform bill.
Requested Action:
Continue to hold lowa cities and residential property tax payers harmless
for the backfill created by the commercial property tax reform legislation.
Continue backfill payments to local governments.
Local Option Sales Tax
The State should give consideration to increasing the allowable local option sales tax from 1%
to 1.5%. This would allow local governments more flexibility to deal with any negative impacts
property tax reform may cause. In the case of Dubuque, an increase of 0.50% in local option
sales tax would generate approximately$4 million dollars, half of which is used for property tax
relief.
Requested Action:
Increase the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
Repeal Amended Administrative Rule ARC2178C
Recent actions by the State Administrative Rules committee have preempted the actions of the
Legislature in defining lowa Tax Code. Consequences of this action by the Administrative Rules
Committee will have an impact on City of Dubuque revenues and specifically have an adverse
impact on the Flood Mitigation Program of harvesting sales tax increment to pay for bonds
issued.
Requested Action:
Seek legislation to disapprove of any amended revenue rules adopted by
the lowa Department of Revenue as proposed in ARC 2178C that "expand
the number of items that qualify as exempt computers, machinery, or
12
equipmenY' in lowa Code Chapter 423, which is how the proposed rules
described what they are intended to do.
Assessor's Bill
Property tax experts or representatives are now part of the tax appeal process. A tax
representative can file an appeal for a large commercial property under a contingency basis,
receiving their pay based on a percentage of the property tax savings they can achieve for their
client. In many of these cases little or no money is expended by the taxpayer. The
representative files a protest with the Board of Review and supplies little or no information to the
Board. The Board may deny the protest, but the tax representative will file a protest to either
District Court or the Property Assessment Appeal Board. At this point the tax representative
may produce more information or they may try to negotiate a settlement. On the assessor's
side it may be very costly to hire appraisals and fight this out in Court. A single appraisal for a
large Commercial or Industrial property will easily exceed $5000.
Also, many appeals to the Board of Review are filed at the last minute with a statement such as
information to be presented at hearing. Many appellants never provide the information or
provide it very late in the Board of Review session, so the Board is unable to reach a well-
founded conclusion.
Repuested Action:
Request the lowa Legislature to limit appeals to District Court and the
Property Assessment Appeal Board to matters and information that were
presented before the local Board of Review.
State Mandates
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments
without receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
Repuested Action:
Enact legislation that exempts local government from providing any new
service or engaging in any new activities mandated by the state if the state
does not provide full funding for the mandated additional staff, equipment
and infrastructure.
Transportation
Transportation fundinq
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the lowa, Illinois and
Wisconsin tri-state area. With local international companies and
businesses such as the John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, Mc Graw Hill Publishing Company, AY ___,,,, . .._,._
McDonald Manufacturing, Flexsteel Industries, Kendall/Hunt ' ` -
Publishing and Hormel Food Corporation, a 21st century � �a '`'''
: ..�-��;:
_
13
transportation infrastructure system is essential. In order to continue the consistent and strong
economic growth and job creation in the tri state area, critical transportation infrastructure
requires increased state and federal funding.
Transportation projects and improvements in Dubuque include:
• Completion of the Southwest Arterial bike trail
• Planning, design, ROW acquisition and construction of the East West Corridor
• Improvements and enhancements of the at grade railroad crossings in Downtown
Dubuque
• Intersection enhancements at the Northwest Arterial and Highway 20 intersection
Requested Action:
In order to increase transportation revenue for these and other important
transportation projects the City requests support of the lowa Department of
Transportation Commission to maintain its current programmed funding
and increased opportunities for funding to ensure implementation of
priority transportation projects.
lowa's Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF)
Local governments recognize that local transportation systems carry great importance not only
for public safety and quality of life, but also for mobility, commerce, community vitality and
economic development. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, regardless of
its road and bridge conditions or other factors. When existing funding sources are inadequate
to address failing or deteriorating infrastructure needs, local governments are faced with aging
and limited infrastructure as well as safety concerns. While the State of lowa's gas tax increase
in 2015 increased current and near-future Road Use Tax Fund revenues, consideration needs
to be given to future road funding needs and mechanisms as lowa's drivers purchase fewer
gallons of conventional vehicle fuels.
Requested Action:
Investigate alternative funding mechanisms to increase funding for lowa's
transportation infrastructure.
Passenqer Rail
Through the Envision 2010 process, the Citizens of Dubuque have established a Passenger
Rail Committee to support and promote the return of passenger rail service from Chicago to
Dubuque.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Illinois to implement passenger rail
service between Chicago and Dubuque. Currently funding provides for connection from
Chicago to Rockford, Illinois.
Requested Action:
Support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque.
14
Airport Infrastructure Reinvestment for lowa (AIR-lowa)
According to the State Aviation System Plan (2010-2030) lowa's aviation system
need is $816M or $43M per year. From Commercial passengers, to commercial freight,
and our general aviation usage, our airports need significant upgrades if lowa is to
remain competitive in a global marketplace.
The state's current allocation for airport vertical infrastructure is $2.2M dollars a year
leaving an unfunded gap of $40.8M annually.
Requested Action:
Support the lowa Public Airports Association request that the State of lowa
make a commitment to strengthen lowa's airport system, investing in
infrastructure by making a ten-year commitment of RIIF funds in the
amount of $16.5M per year, for a total of $165M over ten years. The total
investment would be derived entirely from lowa's RIIF program.
Proqram Hiqhliqhts
1 . IPAA fully supports an aviation system investment approach.
2. All 99 counties in lowa would experience an infrastructure investment increase in
their airports.
3. As proposed, lowa's annual investment in general aviation airport vertical
infrastructure would increase to $3.OM.
4. As proposed, lowa's annual investment in commercial service airport vertical
infrastructure would increase to $13.5M.
5. All funds dispersed would require a 5 percent local match by the Airport
Owner.
Proqram Details
1. Commercial Service Airports:
A total of $13.5M allocated to Commercial Service Airports each year or $135M
over a ten (10) year period. To be eligible, a facility would have to meet the
federal definition of a Commercial Service Airport, and funds would be allocated
as follows:
• Each of the eight (8) Commercial Service Airports would receive
$300,000; and,
• Remaining funds would be dispersed and/or allocated based upon the
percent of passenger enplanements, and similar to the current FAA
entitlement funding formula for grants issued under the Airport
Improvement Program (AIP)
2. General Aviation Airports:
A total of$3.OM allocated to General Aviation Airports each year or $30M over a ten
(10) year period. The funds would be allocated according to the current project priority
rating system as administered by lowa's Department of Transportation Office of
Aviation.
15
Air Service Development Fundinq
DBQ participated in meetings with lowa Legislators and staff along with the seven other
commercial airports in developing a series of recommendations to the lowa Legislature
to promote, sustain, and grow commercial airline service in lowa. This was the result of
the 2014 lowa DOT Omnibus bill, Senate File 2355, forming the lowa Air Service
Retention and Expansion Committee to develop a plan for the retention and expansion
of passenger air service in lowa. Several specific actions were identified below:
Requested Action:
Encourage airports to conduct local passenger service
strategic/contingency planning and assist airports as appropriate (Airports
need state funding assistance in these plans and studies)
Strengthen advocacy for federal programs - Arrange meeting with lowa
DOT, air service communities, and federal delegation
Airport Improvement Program - Long-term reauthorization with increase in
funding levels — Stop diverting trust funds intended for airport projects to
FAA operations
Essential Air Service Program - Lighten restrictions of eligibility
requirements to assist existing commercial service airports in maintaining
passenger air service.
Airport Improvement Program - Stop diversion of use tax on aircraft sales
from the State Aviation Fund to the General Fund
Aviation Tax Policv
lowa airports and aviation industry have requested sales and use tax policy changes to
remain competitive with our neighboring states. Our customers are traveling to
Minnesota and elsewhere for work on their aircraft which used to be performed in IA.
Unless this trend is reversed, this will lead to loss of jobs, closed businesses, and a
weaker aviation industry.
Requested Action:
Aviation related taxes and tax policies must be kept competitive and
comparable with neighboring states which would require the elimination of
sales tax on labor.
Protect Airport Zoninq and Airspace
Protecting and preserving airport approach and departure paths is one of the main
reasons airport protections were placed in the lowa Code many years ago. The safety
and protection of the public, pilots and passengers must not be placed secondary to
tower siting considerations.
Requested Action:
DBQ opposes any efforts to eliminate, supersede, or lessen the zoning and
airspace protection abilities of local communities for their public airports.
16
Technoloqv and Innovation
Broadband Infrastructure
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband access and speeds in the state.
Like water, sewer, energy and roads, affordable access to globally relevant internet
speeds is a minimum infrastructure necessary to the quality of life of our families and
the competitiveness of our businesses. State policy should support and incent
public/private collaborations to accelerate broadband access and services. State policy
should support innovations in new technologies and flexibility in existing systems like
the lowa Communication Network (ICN). State policy should fund innovative
approaches by local communities to bring globally relevant broadband speed and
services to under-served and hard to serve populations. State policy should not hamper
local municipalities from directly addressing the issue and providing service to citizens
where appropriate. Also, while we support the concept of improved efficiency and
transparency in the regulatory process to encourage private broadband investment, we
ask that care be taken with State policy to assure there is sufficient flexibility for local
government to be able to respond to local complexities and needs with permitting,
licensing and regulatory decisions. Lastly, if the State chooses to "targeY' its broadband
efforts, those targets should not be based on artificial distinctions of"urban versus rural"
or "small versus large", but rather on key consideration of whether in a specific location
there is access to globally competitive infrastructure in terms of broadband access,
choice, speed, redundancy, safety and cost.
Requested Action:
Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal
access to broadband in the State of lowa. We continue to support
home rule around location and policy regarding broadband
resources.
Housinq
Smart Growth Workforce Housinq Grant Proqram
Creation of the Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program under the discretionary
policy of the lowa Finance Authority provides greater opportunity for the City of Dubuque and
its partners to stabilize the community and will prioritize environmentally-sustainable
development and will promote economic development. This grant program was established in
the 2010 legislative session. The program however, lacks funding.
Definition
Smart Growth practices are settlement patterns that avert urban sprawl by encouraging more
compact development, greater transit use, and enhanced environmental protection. Workforce
housing is normally defined as housing affordable to households earning between 80 percent
and 120 percent area median income (AMI). Affordable, in the housing industry, means a
household pays no more than 30 percent of its annual income on housing. Smart Growth
Workforce housing is the combination of these concepts —the development of sustainable,
transit-oriented housing that is affordable for our workforce.
17
What can our workforce households afford to pay for housing? "The National Housing Act of
1937" created the public housing program... [wherein] a tenanYs income could not exceed five
to six times the rent; and by 1940 income limits gave way to the maximum rent standard in
which rent could not exceed 20 percent of income— in practice, the same as the predecessor
income limit standard. Over the decades, that percentage has risen, so that by 1981 the
threshold was set at 30 percent of income. Households that spend over 30 percent of income
on housing are considered cost burdened. Why the increase? Was it truly deemed a more
appropriate benchmark? Or was it simply in response to an increase in housing costs and the
governmenYs inability to subsidize housing for an ever-growing number of struggling
households?
Over the past decade, rising housing costs have outpaced the _
average salary across the United States— in some areas by two- to _ _ -
five-fold. Many workers in urban areas have dealt with this �� � �� �=
discrepancy by living far from their downtown jobs or by living in , ��� � �
housing they can't afford. Unfortunately, the former solution is offset €, ` � _--� ' I �'�� , ,
by an increase in transportation costs. And what is the price we pay �1�1'���n��� �,y �I,,�,,.
for the latter solution? "Families who pay more than 30 percent of =..{�"•��� �
their income for housing are considered cost burdened and may � '"�
have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care." In
fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
Fortunately, housing costs in smaller urban and rural areas are often within closer reach for
workforce households. However, in areas where vacancy rates are low— calling for the
production of new units—development of quality housing is financially impossible, as
operational income on the properties is not enough to cover interest payments on the project
mortgage. Low local rent levels, although beneficial for tenants, preclude developers
from creating new units, despite a community's housing shortage. For this reason, many
developers have turned to the LIHTC program to make their projects�nancially feasible,
whether or not this fulfills the community's particular housing demand.
Meanwhile, the recent economic downturn and housing market woes have combined to create a
new class of workers, forced into the rental market because they do not qualify for a mortgage.
Displaced workers with homes that won't sell, families who've had their homes foreclosed,
young professionals with student loans, and households that might otherwise be able to afford
mortgage payments if only they could come up with the higher requisite down payment
demanded in a tight lending climate —all of these are moving into the rental market. This
creates a rather sudden increase in the demand for rental residential units for households that
are neither wealthy, nor are they eligible for low-income housing.
The creation of affordable housing options for our workforce allows communities to attract and
retain quality employers. If the only housing that developers can afford to produce is intended
for low-income or wealthy households, we should not be surprised to see such a disparity in our
communities' income levels. To have a healthy mix of incomes, we must have housing options
available for all income levels.
Repuested Action:
Fund the lowa Finance Authority Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant
program.
Workforce Housinq Tax Credits
The "sun-setting" of the lowa Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone program in
2014 resulted in the creation of two new tax credit opportunities under the High Quality Jobs
Program; one for economic development and the second for workforce housing. The City of
18
Dubuque supported this policy decision in the 2014 legislative session however some
refinement of the workforce housing tax credit program will be necessary in the 2018 legislative
session in order to meet the demand identified in the State's workforce housing study completed
in 2012. The legislative changes in 2014 expand access to the worthwhile housing program, but
the cap is unnecessarily limiting.
Requested Action:
The City supports moving the workforce housing tax credits out of the
aggregate lowa Economic Development Authority's Economic
Development Tax Credit Cap. The workforce housing program is a housing
program and not a direct economic development incentive and should not
be restricted as such.
Emerqencv Manaqement - Homeland Securitv
Flood Mitiqation Proqram
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for every one dollar
expended in disaster mitigation programs/projects, taxpayers save four dollars in recovery
costs. The newly established State Flood Mitigation program is designed to leverage local and
federal dollars with state financial assistance and is funded up to $600 million over the next
twenty years. This amount will most likely be insufficient in addressing the flood mitigation
infrastructure demands of lowa cities.
Requested Action:
We urge legislators to continue to appropriate funds annually to the flood
mitigation account in order to support local governments faced with high
costs of these public infrastructure flood mitigation programs in order to
protect the lives and property of lowa citizens.
Combined Emerqencv Communications and Emerqencv Operations
Center
Dubuque County has experienced eight presidential disaster declarations since 1999.
Increased frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for
expanded facilities. Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services
more effectively and efficiently to citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
Emergency Operations Centers have been in place throughout the state of lowa for decades.
The City of Dubuque's Emergency Operations Center is currently located at the Dubuque
Emergency Responder Training Facility. It had been previously located in the Dubuque Fire
Headquarters basement since the mid-twentieth century. EOCs were built during the Cold War
and with a focus on civil defense. Today, with more frequent and extreme weather events as
evidenced by Dubuque's high number of Presidential Disaster Declarations, demand for a new
combined center is evident.
The Emergency Communications Center is located in the Dubuque County Law Enforcement
Center. It is located in the middle of the building and is restricted for future growth. Currently
there are 4 console positions and with the numbers of calls and the severity of some of them,
there is a need to have additional capacity for call taking and dispatching. The Center has been
remodeled several times and future expansion is limited. Federal Mandates for P25 radio
19
systems and the expiring life expectancy of current radio system creates the need to
update Dubuque City/County's radio system within the next two years at a cost of$10.5
million. Updating at current location still creates restrictions on growth and capabilities during
high volume times and disasters.
In order to respond to the well-being and safety of the citizens of Dubuque, and to the increased
demand for services created by more frequent disasters, and in order to replace aging and
inefficient facilities, efforts are underway to explore funding opportunities that would enable the
creation of a combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
The State of lowa has partnered with many larger city/county governments to assist in funding
combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers.
Requested Action:
Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and
funding for a combined Emergency Communications and Emergency
Operations Center.
Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds
back into the local's hands to assist local 911Service Boards with
maintaining 911 systems.
Library Services
Fullv Fundinq Enrich lowa Proqram
Enrich lowa is a state aid program for lowa's libraries. Until recently, lowa was one of eight
states without direct state aid to libraries. Current state funding is at $1 million statewide versus
the recommended $3 million for full funding. If Enrich lowa were fully funded, the Carnegie-
Stout Public Library could realize a significant increase annually in state aid.
Requested Action:
Support efforts to increase funding for the Enrich lowa program.
Human Resources
Municipal Fire and Police Retirement Svstem of lowa
Police and firefighter pensions are funded through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement
System of lowa (MFPRSI). Employees contribute a fixed 9.4 percent of their salary, while their
employers contribute at a variable rate, with a statutory minimum of 17 percent.
The city contribution rate is set by the nine-member MFPRSI board to meet actuarial
requirements. The board includes four members representing police and firefighters, four
members representing cities, and one private citizen — all serving four-year terms.
The employer contribution rate was 17 percent from fiscal years 1997 through 2003. As a result
of market crashes after the September 11, 2001 attacks, it was gradually raised to 28.21
percent in Fiscal Year 2006 before again dropping to the statutory minimum in Fiscal Year 2010.
20
Since then, it increased to 19.90 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, 24.76 in Fiscal Year 2012, 26.12
percent in Fiscal Year 2013, 30.12 percent in Fiscal Year 2014, 30.41 percent in Fiscal Year
2015, 27.77 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, 25.92 percent in Fiscal year 2017, 25.68 percent in
Fiscal Year 2018 and 26.02 percent in Fiscal year 2019.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' IPERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the
current 9.44 percent— a difference of 64 percent. With MFPRSI during the same period,
however, the difference between the statutory minimum and the maximum (30.41 percent in
Fiscal Year 2015) is almost 79 percent.
Another small but contributing factor is the state's decision to phase out payments to MFPRSI.
At one time, the state contributed 3.79 percent of payroll to the system— an amount that would
be more than $9 million now. Then the contribution level became a flat $2.7 million — and iYs
dwindled since then. The state used to contribute $1.5 million a year and now they contribute
zero.
In a larger context, the public-safety-pension issues relates to local control. Cities cannot
bargain with police and firefighter unions on pensions, yet they have to fund them at state-
mandated levels.
Requested Action:
The State of lowa shall fund their obligated percentage for their share
(3.79%). Change legislation to lift the cap for the employee contribution
and consider reducing enhanced benefits for new employees coming into
the system.
411 Subroqation
Currently in Chapter 411, cities are not allowed to seek reimbursement from Third Parties for
costs incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims. As such, a Police or Fire employee
may collect against the City for an injury or illness claim and collect a second time for the same
incident against a Third Party. If the employee is successful in getting payment from the Third
Party, the City is currently not able to obtain reimbursement (subrogate) from the Third-Party
payment.
Requested Action:
Amend Chapter 411 to allow cities to seek reimbursement from third
parties for costs incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims.
Seasonal Emplovees
Currently, temporary employees that accept a job that starts on a specific date and ends on a
specific date are eligible to collect unemployment. For example, temporary employees hired for
three or four months to mow lawns during the summer are allowed at the end of the summer to
collect unemployment even though they know the job is temporary when hired. This puts a
costly burden on the employer. The annual cost to the City of Dubuque to provide
unemployment benefits to seasonal employees is approximately $80,000.
Requested Action:
Amend the unemployment law so that temporary employees are not
allowed to collect unemployment.
21
Continuation of Group Insurance
lowa Code Section 509A.13 states:
"If a governing body, a County Board of Supervisors, or a City Council has procured for its
employees accident, health, or hospitalization insurance, or a medical service plan, or has
contracted with a Health Maintenance Organization authorized to do business in the state, the
governing body, County Board of Supervisors or City Council shall allow its employees who
retired before obtaining sixty-five years of age to continue participation in the group plan or
under the group contract at the employee's own expense until the employee obtains sixty-five
years of age."
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued an Accounting Standard
Statement 75, related to other post-employment benefits. This statement requires public
employers sponsoring and subsidizing retiree health care benefit plans to recognize the cost of
such benefits on an accrual basis. This post employment benefit is provided in the form of an
implicit rate subsidy where pre-age 65 retirees receive health insurance coverage by paying a
combined retiree/active rate for the self-insured medical and prescription drug plan. This
creates a liability that must be reflected on the year-end financial statements. We are not
required to fund this obligation; however, the total obligation appears in our Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report.
Requested Action:
Repeal lowa Code 509A.13, Continuation of Group Insurance.
lowa Code Chanqes
Authoritv to Petition for Title to Abandoned Lots
A gap has been identified in lowa Code, Chapter 657A; while cities can petition for title to
abandoned residential, commercial, and industrial properties with buildings, cities have no
authority under 657A.10A to petition for title to abandoned lots. Abandoned lots can be time
consuming and expensive for cities to maintain.
Requested Action:
Include abandoned lots in lowa Code, Chapter 657A and allow cities to
petition for title to abandoned lots as well as abandoned residential,
commercial and industrial properties with buildings.
Underaqe and Binqe Drinkinq
Current legislation provides for a penalty to be placed upon the establishment that serves
minors. However, only a simple misdemeanor penalty is placed upon the underage person
attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages. This does not discourage this problem, which is
particularly prevalent in college-age students. In an effort to combat underage consumption and
"Binge Drinking" by our college age population, we would ask legislative consideration to
increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in lowa Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a
higher penalty.
Requested Action:
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in lowa
Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
22
Eliminate "Good Moral Character" lanquaqe from lowa Code
One of the criteria for the issuance of a State of lowa liquor license is determined by "Person of
Good Moral Character" as defined in State of lowa Code 123.3 (26)(d). The State takes into
consideration the local municipality's interpretation of "Person of Good Moral Character" prior to
issuing a liquor license.
Requested Action:
Urge legislators to eliminate "good moral character" language and replace
it with objective standards.
Adult Entertainment
The City supports efforts by city attorneys to create legislation that would allow the city to
regulate adult entertainment. Draft legislation would provide that cities and counties would
regulate establishments that offer, allow or permit nude or semi-nude dancing.
Requested Action:
Support legislation drafted by city attorneys of lowa giving the City
authority to regulate adult entertainment establishments.
Fantasv Gaminq
Gaming revenues in the state of lowa continue to experience negative impacts as a result of
Fantasy Gaming. Fantasy Gaming could yield increased state and local revenues if licensed
through lowa gaming facilities and authorized in the lowa Code section 99F.
Requested Action:
Support regulation of Fantasy Gaming which could yield increased state
and local revenues if licensed through lowa gaming facilities and
authorized in the lowa Code section 99F.
Planninq & Zoninq
Expand Cities' Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Cities have extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for up to two miles from their corporate limits for
subdivision review and approval only if the County has zoning for the rural areas. Extending the
cities' ETJ to include review and approval of zoning changes would facilitate planned and
managed growth. Legislation should provide incentives for governments to voluntarily plan
together and identify recommended land use impact to be considered during the planning
process. The League supports legislation that expands land management practices such as
ETJ of cities to include review and approval of zoning changes.
Requested Action:
Support legislation enabling cooperative planning and effective land
management practices.
23
New State Law: Pavdav Lenders
Payday loans are defined as small, short-term, unsecured loans, and are sometimes referred to
as cash advances. Payday loans generally require that the consumer have a previous payroll
and employment record, generally charge a much higher interest rate than a standard bank loan
and carry a substantial risk to the lender.
Payday loans are packaged as short-term loans due on a borrower's next payday, but in reality,
borrowers are indebted far longer and pay far more than advertised. The average loan requires
one-third of a borrower's biweekly paycheck, exceeding what most can afford without having to
borrow again. Opponents of payday lenders recommend that cities and states regulate the
industry by capping interest rates, requiring credit checks for patrons and by implementing
zoning regulations.
Payday lending is legal in the state of lowa according to lowa Code Ann. & 533D et seq. Loan
terms are as follows: the maximum loan amount is $500 and the maximum term is 31 days. A
lender is allowed to charge finance charges and fees up to $15 for a loan of$0-$100 as well as
$10 more on every$100 borrowed thereafter. Finance charge equals $16.67 for every$100
borrowed for 14 days. APR equals 433%for every $100 borrowed for 14 days.
In lowa, many cities have adopted separation requirements for the location of payday lenders;
however, zoning to separate payday lenders has little effect on existing businesses or on
consumers using an existing business or an on-line resource. lowa communities cannot
regulate interest rates or prohibit payday lenders.
Since 2011, Pew Charitable Trust has conducted extensive research on payday, auto title, and
similar loans, and found that these products suffer from unaffordable payments, deceptive
business practices, and excessive prices. The Pew Charitable Trust has these five policy
recommendations to minimize harm to consumers and make small-dollar loans more affordable:
1. Limit payments to an affordable percentage of a borrower's income. Monthly
payments above 5% of monthly pretax income are unaffordable for most borrowers.
Loans requiring more should be prohibited unless rigorous underwriting shows that the
borrower can pay the loan while meeting other financial obligations.
2. Spread costs evenly over the life of the loan. Front-loading of fees and interest
should be prohibited. Any fees should be paid evenly over the life of the loan, and loans
should have substantially equal payments that amortize smoothly to a zero balance.
3. Guard against harmful repayment or collections practices. Policymakers should
prevent or limit the use of postdated checks and automatic withdrawals from borrowers'
bank accounts. They should also make it easier to cancel automatic electronic
withdrawals and protect against excessively long loan terms.
4. Require concise disclosures of periodic and total costs. Loan offers should clearly
disclose, with equal weighting: the periodic payment schedule, the total repayment
amount, the total finance charge, and the effective annual percentage rate (APR)
inclusive of all fees.
5. Continue to set maximum allowable charges. Almost every state sets maximum
allowable rates on some small-dollar loans because these markets serving those with
poor credit histories are not price competitive. Policymakers may limit rates to 36% or
less if they do not want payday lenders to operate, or somewhat higher if they do.
24
Requested Action:
Pass legislation to implement the policy recommendations listed above for
payday lenders.
Historic Preservation
Restore the Historic Site Preservation Grant Proqram (HSPG)
The State of lowa needs to restore funding to the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program
(HSPG). This program was the only "brick & mortar" fund to encourage cultural growth and
development throughout the state of lowa. The Historic Site Preservation Grant provided funds
to acquire, repair, rehabilitate, and develop historic sites that preserve, interpret, or promote
lowa's cultural heritage. Projects funded by this program had to promote an understanding of
the record of human experience within lowa.
All HSPG projects were limited to work on "vertical infrastructure,"which is defined in lowa Code
Chapter 8.57 as "land acquisition for construction, major rehabilitation of buildings, all
appurtenant structures, utilities, and site developments."
The maximum allowable grant request was $100,000. The minimum allowable grant request
was $40,000. Projects required dollar-for-dollar cash match.
Requested Action:
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program
(HSPG).
Propertv Owners on Historic Preservation Commissions
Section 303.34 of the lowa Code requires that "At least one resident of each designated area of
historical significance shall be appointed to the commission." This requirement is problematic
for the City of Dubuque's Old Main Historic District, which is primarily commercial. It would be
beneficial for the City in the recruitment and retention of commissioners to be able to appoint
property owners to represent historic districts. Furthermore, since historic preservation
regulations apply to the rehabilitation, renovation and restoration of property, allowing property
owners to serve on the commission would be appropriate.
Furthermore, some lowa cities are experiencing burgeoning commissions as historic districts
are designated and representatives of each district are appointed. To avoid "over-populating" a
commission, allowing a majorityof the districts to be represented on a historic preservation
commission would be appropriate.
Requested Action:
Enact legislation allowing property owners to represent a majority of the
historic districts on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Appeal of Actions bv Historic Preservation Commission
Section 303.34 of the lowa Code states that an aggrieved party may appeal the action of a
historic preservation commission to the City Council, and then to district court. The City
Council, like the court, has to consider whether the commission exercised its powers and
followed the guidelines established by law and ordinance, and whether the commission's action
25
was "patently arbitrary and capricious." This process places the City Council in the difficult and
uncomfortable position of interpreting technical guidelines and determining their appointees
"arbitrary and capricious." The City Council would support an alternative process.
Also, there is no procedure specified in Section 303.34 for appeals to district court. The
procedure for appeals should be spelled out in that section.
Requested Action:
Consider legislation providing an alternative appeals process regarding an
action of the historic preservation commission. Also, clarify the procedure
for appeals to the district court.
Park and Recreation
Parks to People Initiative
The lowa Parks Foundation has been working tirelessly to create economic and recreational
facilities opportunities to grow all regions across the State of lowa. The Jones, Jackson and
Dubuque county region was selected for the lowa Parks Foundation's pilot project. The pilot
project - Parks to People- aims to better connect state, county and city regional park systems to
local communities. The initiative will also beautify and improve state, county and city parks to
ensure lowa will become a premier parks region in the Midwest. Parks to People is also a
quality of life program for the citizens of the State of lowa and an economic development and
tourism enhancement initiative with a focus on completion by the one hundredth anniversary of
the lowa parks system in 2020.
As a part of the first pilot region (Dubuque, Jones and Jackson counties), parks in the region
received $1.9 million in state appropriation and has been assisting in raising an additional 5:1
match which will include financial contributions and volunteer donations of time, talent and
resources. Currently the region which is now called Grant Wood Loop has projects totaling
over $50 million to build upon the state's $1.9 million appropriation. Numerous projects across
the three counties have been completed and others are near completion to meet the December
2018 deadline.
Requested Action:
The City of Dubuque supports the regional Parks to People efforts and
promotes the goals of regional collaboration: economic development,
quality of life, wellness, education, arts and culture and outdoor recreation.
In addition, the City of Dubuque, as a regional partner, serves on the
steering committee and advocates for a dedicated fund of $2 million dollars
be established for Parks to People at the State Department of Natural
Resources. The matching capability by the Grant Wood Loop shows this to
be a strong public-private partnership with state resources being leveraged
far beyond the original 5:1 match.
26
Increased/Stable Fundinq and Staffinq for Mines of Spain State
Recreation Area
The ability of 1,400 acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque to remain a focal
point for environmental and cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri-
state area of lowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin is seriously threatened by tenuous State funding.
Loca/Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain is a regional destination where visitors and residents can reconnect with the
natural, cultural and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and comprehensive
outdoor and indoor learning opportunities.
The Mines of Spain and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center currently serves over 250,000
visitors annually and provides hundreds of programs for school aged children, college students,
youth groups and families.
When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the Mines of Spain
(FOMOS) planned and coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the
original space for educational purposes, raising $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal
funds.
The award-winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center nowwelcomes visitors to one of the
region's best-conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history
and natural riches of the park.
Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the lowa Natural
Heritage Foundation have raised over $1.98 million to acquire and develop a 52-acre addition
adjacent to the Interpretive Center.
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes woodlands, prairie, and bluff lands that
overlook the Mississippi River along a 3-mile shoreline. This state park is a National Historic
Landmark and a state preserve. Trails connect visitors to a farm site, forests, prairies,
archeological sites, and wetlands.
It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological habitats ranging from bluff lands that
overlook the river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands and wetland.
This National Historic Landmark also contains thousands of years of human history dating from
the early Mississippian period through the early 20'h century. Mounds, village sites, rock
shelters, trading post sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation
Area was designated in 2005 as a Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
State Support for lnvestment and Operation
The IDNR, the City, and the Friends group have an excellent track record as partners. This
partnership success can continue with the increased and stable funding for the operation,
maintenance, and staffing of the Mines of Spain. Success, we believe, will be reached with
asset management funding from secure State funding sources to enable us to fully use the
expanded Interpretive Center and park area. With stable State funding, Park staff can maintain
the Mines of Spain as the local, regional, state and national treasure it is and should remain.
The outcome is a place for expanded education, increased experiences for the visitor and
heritage tourism to attract more visitors to the state. Without this increased/stable funding the
ability to use and appreciate these newly built and acquired facilities/land are seriously
threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
27
Repuested Action:
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the parks as
well as park staffing for the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
especially because there are active local
partners in the Friends of Mines of Spain and ' ;' �:' � ` �� `"'��� , ���_�
3:
the City. � � � ` 1�,.
�m.�.� ✓:�� �'�'`a �i
Ability for the lowa Department of Natural ��;�� � f ��� „ ��� � �°°
Resources to raise fees as appropriate for "�"` ���� � �
+„F.
recreational pursuits such as licensing. ,;� �;
: -;.
;�t
��=`�-,.",::
Increased fundinq of REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection)
REAP stands for Resource Enhancement and Protection. It is a program in the State of lowa
that invests in, as its name implies, the enhancement and protection of the state's natural and
cultural resources.
REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (lowa gaming receipts) and from the
sale of the natural resource license plate. The state legislature sets the amount of REAP
funding every year. Interest from the REAP account and receipts from the sale of natural
resource license plates add about $394,000 to this appropriation.
Last year REAP received an appropriation of$12 million although the REAP program is
authorized to receive $20 million per year.
REAP has been used extensively in Dubuque for land acquisition and trails. Most
recently it was used to acquire an adjoining property to the Mines of Spain State
Recreation Area and extension of the Northwest Arterial Trail which directly connects to
the Heritage Trail as well as environmental restoration of Eagle Point Park. Both benefit
tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active recreation. Since 1998
Dubuque County has received over $6.46 million in REAP allocations for 212 projects for
city parks and open space grants, conservation education, county conservation grants
and allocations, historic resource development grants, land management, roadside
vegetation, and soil and water enhancement.
Requested Action:
Request that the lowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of
$20 million.
Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
The lowa Legislature has a great opportunity to fulfill its promise to lowans to protect lowa's
land and water by passing a measure that funds the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation
Trust Fund, also called lowa's Water and Land Legacy.
In 2010, over 60% of lowa voters supported creation of the Fund to provide reliable and
dedicated funding for the protection of water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and
improvement of natural areas such as fish and wildlife habitat. However, no money will go into it
unless the Legislature raises the sales tax. If raised, the first three-eighths of the tax will go
28
�owa�a ma T��s F��a. u was �aponaa maun�s wowa ea�a�a�a aeow s�so m��mo� a yaa�. o��a
m�aaa, �na T��r F��a e�a�a��aas�na� mo�ay ��� �na T��r ea auo��aa assnow� ��� �na e�aPn.
REAP
Soil 6 Wa�er Conserva�ion
Local Consarva�lon PaM1ne5�1p6
HaUltelParksBPres � �
` Wa�0�5M1@EP�OIBCOOn
Tpils - �ake Resbn�ion
Our moA pmtludive soil Is being IOA a�an alarming a�e,�M1rea�ing �M1e economic engine �M1a� Is
a's lamily la�ms Pontling �M1e TmA Pontl will pmvltle pm�etlion ol�M1ese �esowces lo�NW�e
g nea�ionsby:
Pmvltling signAian�Nntling lor InveAmen�sln ��II �nserva�ion p�aCicesantl
�ecM1nology�M1a� an Impmve yieltls antl pmfils on lowa (arms.
• Fo9eringantlleveagingpatlnersM1lpsbe�weenagriculWre,�M1enoo-pmli�antlpriva�e
setlorsantl govemmen� lor Implemen�a�ion olwa�er quali�y antl soil mnserva�ion
pradice
• Alloa�ing33% o(�M1eNntling �ovolun�arysoilantlwa�erconserva�ionantlloal
conserva�ion patlnersM1lps.
TM1e TruA Pontl will also allow lor InveAmen� In naW ral appmacM1es�o llootl preven�ion �M1a� �n
Impmve wa�er quali�y wM1lle pm�etling ow larms, ci�ies antl neigM1borM1ootlshom NW re llootling.
OWtloor recrea�ion pmvltles real economlcbenelAs�o lowa'scommuni�ies, par�imlatly mral
es by contrib W ing millions In loal antl Aa�e �az revenues, pmvltlingjobsantl genea�ing
billions o(tlolla�s In lowa's economy.
Hun�ing, lisM1ing antl wiltllile wa�Ming genera�e $15A billion per year In lowa. TM1Is
tlutles$W A million In loal re�ail sales, crea�ing antl suppor�ing more �M1an 1]�BOOjobs.
�Hun�ers alone suppor� over]�OOOjobs In lowa antl spentl over $AA9 million annually on
�M1elr spotl,wM1icM1 In W m genera�es over $A]8 mllfion In Aa�e �az revenue.
• VisiLs�osta�eparks, coun�yparks, lakesantl �allsareeAima�etla�50millionvisi�sper
year, represen�ing $263 blllion In spentling levels
• Riverrecrea�ionsupporLsmore �M1an6}50jobswi�M1 $82Amillionlnsalesantl $139
million olpersonallnmme.
Recrea�ional ameni�ies antl quali�y o!lile opporW ni�ies are cri�ial �o rewui�ing antl re�aining a
M1igM1ly etlua�etl antl mo�rva�etl worlRorce.
fteausstetlAction:
Pazz legizla[ion [o increaze [M1e z[a[e zalez [ax from 6 percen[[0 6 and 318
percen[wi[M1 Me 3ft of one percen[[o be depozi[ed in [M1e NaW ral Rezourcez
29
and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund that the voters of lowa already supported
with a significant majority.
Arts and Culture
Great livable communities in lowa must support culture, arts, history, and focused community
development. Investment in cultural programs improves the quality of life in lowa and helps to
attract and retain a vibrant workforce which assists in developing and promoting lowa's
economic vitality. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and cultural segment alone produces $135
billion dollars in economic impact in the United States.
According to the National Assembly of Arts Agencies, lowa ranks 40�h 4 � � � �,� �_
of all states in per capita spending of 43 cents for arts and culture. ,��', � � �;
The National average is 97 cents. Neighboring states are ranked .
higher than lowa: Minnesota 1� ($6.36); Missouri 20�h (80 cents); ��?s� e �°'1�
Nebraska 2nd (78 cents); Illinois 21 st (79 cents). These total FY2014 <; , `'
appropriations include line-item funds designated by the legislature to :�..,t�,"`��
pass through the state arts agency to other entities. �� ��;;
�;
In 2011, Dubuque participated in the most comprehensive economic „'�� ,.-��,.,,�,`'_����
impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted
in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV. It was conducted by Americans for the
Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. The
City of Dubuque was one of 182 study regions that participated in the study.
In 2012, results showed that the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Dubuque generates $47.2
million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $5
million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household income to local
residents.
The arts mean business. Leaders who care about the community and economic development
can feel good about investing in the arts. What other industry can boast the quality of life
benefits and the economic benefits the way the arts can?
The arts have a vital role in stimulating and sustaining economic development. Contrary to
popular belief, the arts are a bustling industry that supports a plethora of diverse jobs, generates
significant revenues for local businesses, contributes to federal, state and local governments
and provides quality of life that positions communities to compete in our 21�� century creative
economy.
The Dubuque City Council has been a strong advocate for a strong advocate for a strong arts
presence, making arts and culture a top priority for the last two years in a row.
In 2004, the Council approved an Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee, $35,000 in
annual project grants and established a Downtown Cultural Corridor. A$200,000 annual
operating and special project support funding was established in 2005, and an additional
$10,000 was added to that annually beginning in 2011. Another $300,000 in capital funds was
allocated for the Art on the River public art program for ten years. Dubuque created a part time
staff position of Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator in FY2009 with partial funding from lowa
Community Cultural Grants in FY 2009, 2010 and 2011. The position is now fully funded by the
City. The coordinator works closely with the Commission to promote and increase awareness
30
and market the arts and activities and allocate budgeted funding for the arts and cultural
activities. The position has enabled the Commission to develop goals and priorities, to enhance
the public art program by creating standards of excellence using regional, state and national
models and refining the grant process to ensure the taxpayer's money is used in the best
possible manner. The recent designation of the Historic Millwork District plan brings integrated
strategies that include design guidelines, historic preservation, community gardens, central
gathering spaces, arts venues and artistic streetscapes. The City has recognized the need for
master arts planning which would include a public art plan in order to advance its' reputation as
a regional arts hub.
The City of Dubuque engaged the consulting firm Lord Cultural Resources to assist in the
creation of an Arts and Culture Master Plan. According to the 2012 Arts & Economic Prosperity
IV national economic impact study, Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture industry generates
$47.2 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs, and
generating $5 million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household
income to local residents. This document was developed as a guide for the City organization to
strategically direct resources and ensure that arts and culture remain an integral part of our
community in the future. The goal of the plan is to reflect the community's desire to utilize arts
and culture to enhance our sense of community; contribute to our economic vitality; create and
support an environment where art and culture thrive; and enrich the Dubuque community
culturally, aesthetically, educationally and economically. The Plan was adopted in October of
2016 by the Dubuque City Council.
The City of Dubuque has provided $3 million dollars in funding for the arts since the
establishment of the City's Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. The
Commission has managed the City's investment, allocated among three programs: $1.6 million
has been awarded through the Operating Support Grant Program; $345,000 has been awarded
through the Special Projects Grant Program that has leveraged a total of$814,192 in arts
projects in our community, and; $205,000 has funded the Art on the River annual temporary
public art exhibit at the Port of Dubuque.
We are pleased to see that funding programs in the last budgeting year were restored
somewhat from previously years. City funding alone is insufficient for the arts to flourish in
Dubuque. The support of grant programs through the Department of Cultural Affairs is vital to
the organizations and artists in Dubuque. The City currently has no funding programs for
individual artists, so the lowa Arts Council Project Grants help our local artists tremendously.
Transforming the former ICCG Grant into the Jobs Creation Grants will assist many small
organizations in our City to expand their capacity. On September 23, 2013, lowa Arts Council
staff presented a grant writing workshop in Dubuque which was highly attended, especially by
younger art leaders in the community. Interaction with and support of a knowledgeable staff is
integral to our state's arts and cultural initiatives.
Requested Action:
Regard arts as an lowa industry that is an economically sound investment
that attracts audiences, spurs business development, supports jobs,
generates state and local government revenue and is the cornerstone of
tourism. Support programs in the Department of Cultural Affairs (lowa Arts
Council, State Historical Society of lowa) to continue to recognize and
promote lowa's cultural heritage as key in recovery and strengthening of all
lowa communities, and increasing economic development. State funding of
these programs leverages local support for arts and cultural organizations,
historical organizations, educational programs, rehabilitation of historic
buildings, and projects involving a variety of historic resources.
31
Provide appropriate staff support within the Department of Cultural Affairs
to provide previous levels of services to communities and citizens of lowa
through all programs and departments.
Raise the ranking of lowa from 40�'' place in per capital spending for the
arts and culture as reported by the National Assembly of Arts Agencies,
lowa ranks 40�'' of all states in per capita spending of$.43 for arts and
culture.
Sustainabilitv
Enerqv Efficiencv & Renewable/Alternative Enerqv
Recently, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked lowa 24'h (down from
15'h) in the nation for its efforts to promote energy efficiency. Businesses, residents and local
governments have taken advantage of existing incentive programs, but still have much work to
do in order to make their new and existing buildings more energy efficient. As energy efficiency
is achieved, private and public organizations as well as individuals have begun to explore a
variety of alternative and renewable energy options to increase their energy independence,
reduce dependence on coal and oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the
competitiveness of local business and improve public health.
In 2016, the lowa Economic Development Authority and lowa Department of Transportation
initiated a statewide process to develop the lowa Energy Plan. The plan, which the City of
Dubuque has been engaged in developing, focuses on energy as an economic development
opportunity, lowa's energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and transportation
and infrastructure.
However, in 2018, legislation imposed a spending cap on utility demand-side investment and
now allows customers to opt out of paying for programs that fail to pass the Ratepayer Impact
Measure test. Early indications from utility filings forecast a drop-in savings of 25-50% for
electric programs and 75-80%for gas programs (Source: American Council for an Energy-
Efficient Economy). The impact of these cuts is already being felt in Dubuque, with decreased
funding for the Green lowa AmeriCorps program. We also anticipate that the decreased funding
for rebates and other efficiency programs will be felt by our residents and businesses in the
coming year.
Requested Action:
The City strongly advocates for implementation of the recommendations of
the lowa Energy Plan, specifically as they relate to energy efficiency and
opportunities to support the development of renewable energy resources
in the state. The City is represented in the newly-formed Dubuque County
Energy District and will work collaboratively with energy districts across
the state to provide leadership and technical assistance to advance
efficiency and renewables work.
Successful energy efficiency incentive programs should be continued, and
lowa should explore opportunities to remain competitive with other states
in offering incentives for the installation and utilization of renewable and
alternative energy. Specifically, the state should consider a progressive
32
energy policy that works with local governments and utilities to 1) provide
energy efficiency assistance, especially to low-income families, 2) remove
barriers to widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 3) stabilize
renewable energy incentives, and 4) support net metering and other
opportunities to make renewable energy more cost-effective and
accessible.
The City supports state legislation to permit Property Assessed Clean
Energy, or PACE, in lowa. PACE financing offers an innovative way for
property owners to pay for energy efficiency upgrades with strong ROIs
that create jobs for lowans. PACE programs can now be used in over 30
states, with over $30 million provided to improve buildings in the last 12
months according to the US Green Building Council. Long-term financing
linked to properties incent investment in energy-efficiency and renewable
energy projects with long-term ROIs and promote equitable sharing of
costs and savings among current and future owners and tenants.
Additionally, the City supports the lowa Clean Cities Coalition and is
interested in partnering with the State in any way possible to advance the
development of alternative fuel fleets and the infrastructure needed to
make those fleets possible in the public and private sector.
Repeal of the Beveraqe Containers Control Proqram
Recent years have seen the introduction of legislation that would repeal the beverage
containers control program and create a recycling enhancement program. While this legislation
has been characterized as moving in the direction of a more comprehensive statewide solution
making recycling easier and more strategically addressing litter, the real consequences of such
legislation would be to shift collection and cost burden from redemption centers to local
government. This increased cost of recycling services would fall squarely on the taxpayers of
Dubuque and other lowa cities.
Requested Action:
Oppose bottle bill legislation that would shift the burden of recycling cans
and bottles to local taxpayers.
Public Health
Brain Health
The 2017 lowa Acts, Chapter 109, Section 17 directed the Department of Human Services
(Department) to convene a stakeholder workgroup to: "...make recommendations relating to the
delivery of, access to, and coordination and continuity of brain health, disability, and substance
abuse disorder needs, particularly for individuals with complex brain health, disability, and
substance use disorder needs."
The Complex Service Needs Workgroup recommends expanding and improving lowa's brain
health and substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for individuals with the most
complex service needs by developing and implementing in strategic locations throughout lowa.
33
City of Dubuque Public Health and Safety officials recognize the positive aspects of the
recommendations that align with City Council priorities. The recommendations are very
comprehensive and address the continuum of care for behavioral and brain health issues, from
mild to serious diagnoses. The recommendations also provide the opportunity for the regions to
collaborate certain types of facilities and treatments. The recommendations address law
enforcement issues and provides tools for law-enforcement and other entities working in
community health.
Requested Action:
Support the recommendations from the report of the Complex Service
Needs Workgroup to expand and improve lowa's brain health and
substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for individuals with the
most complex service needs by developing and implementing the following
facilities and services in strategic locations throughout lowa and supports
the following legislative action:
• Require brain health and disability services (MHDS) regions to establish,
implement, and maintain services in partnership with managed care
organizations (MCOs) in strategic locations throughout lowa;
• Direct the Department to establish a single set of provider qualifications
and access standards that are used for Chapter 24 accreditation, lowa
Medicaid Enterprise for Medicaid enrollment, MHDS Region standards,
and MCO utilization review standards
• Direct the Department to establish access standards that allow and
encourage multiple MHDS Regions to strategically locate and share
intensive, specialized services among and between MHDS Regions to
best serve lowans in the most efficient manner possible
• Eliminate the lowa code that limits the number of sub-acute care facility
beds
The City also supports the Workgroup's recommendation that the Department of
Human Services and Public Health (Departments) review the interim report with
the Courts and seek their agreement and support.
Opioid Epidemic
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating,
evidence-based responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality
represents a major and preventable threat to public health. Deaths from unintentional
drug poisoning have reached crisis levels in the United States and in lowa. Last year in
Dubuque had eleven opioid-related overdose deaths, and three have occurred already
this year. Other communities in lowa are also experiencing the devastating effects of
illicit opioids.
A growing body of evidence and experience supports innovating community-level
approaches to preventing opioid overdose deaths in the broader context of efforts to
reduce the risk of overdose through primary prevention of opioid misuse. Numerous
pilot programs and evaluations have demonstrated the feasibility and viability of
providing opioid education to the community, to health care providers, including
34
Nalaxone administration, use, and education on the opioid prescription monitoring
program.
The Dubuque community has been monitoring the increasing opioid crisis and we are
very concerned about the growing impact on our community. A local, community-based
opioid response team has assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have
educated 217 community and health professionals, along with 90 law enforcement
personnel, on Nalaxone administration and promoted community-based organizations
to educate the community on the opioid misuse problem. Much of the task force work
has become a model for the state.
Requested Action:
• Direct the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to collaborate in
requiring physician, pharmacist, and eligible prescribers' participation
in the state prescription monitoring program; to enable inter-state
exchange of prescription information; to assure provider adherence to
the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain; and to limit
opioid prescriptions to 7-day supplies, enabling closer patient
supervision by pharmacist and physicians and reducing opportunities
for diversion;
• Maintain coverage for vulnerable populations and ensure immediate
health benefit coverage to Medicaid and insurance�ligible offenders
when released from incarceration, including coverage of naltrexone
prescriptions for addicted offenders;
Other Requested Action:
• Pass "good Samaritan" legislation protecting individuals from arrest
and prosecution for possession or use when they are saved from
overdose or for calling 911 to save others who overdose;
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district,
ensuring ongoing funding through standing appropriations to the
Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections;
• Advance responsible, evidence-based opioid prescribing and
counseling through pain management education, safe prescribing
training, and addiction training for all prescribers and dispensers
throughout medical schooling and beyond, including physicians,
nurses, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists;
Create a new public long-term treatment system for dual-diagnosis patients and long-
term aftercare for those addicted to opioids.
Communitv Health Centers
Medicaid Reimbursement for Same-Day Medical, Oral Health and Behavioral Health
Services
lowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 69,000 Medicaid patients,
which is 16% of the state's total Medicaid population. As unique primary health care providers
35
that conveniently offer medical, oral health and behavioral health services under one roof, CHCs
frequently see patients who have scheduled appointments for more than one type of visit on the
same day (for example, a patient will schedule a yearly medical exam and a dental cleaning on
the same day). Unfortunately, current lowa Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow
CHCs to be reimbursed for more than one visit if they occur on the same day.
As lowa moves toward providing a patient centered medical home (PCMH) for all Medicaid
recipients, changing this reimbursement policy is instrumental in achieving the PCMH goal of
providing patients the necessary care when and where they need and want it. Allowing patients
to schedule same day appointments with more than one provider can alleviate barriers to
accessing services, such as transportation to the health center. Reimbursing for each of these
visits will ensure CHCs can cover the costs of providing care and help maintain their viability.
Allowing reimbursement for same day visits will also facilitate the implementation of an
integrated primary and behavioral health model at CHCs. This model, which is clinically
effective and cost effective, utilizes close collaboration between a CHC's medical and
behavioral health staff to provide a seamless continuum of care for patients. Visits ideally occur
to both on the same day, reducing the high failure rate of referrals to behavioral health and allow
for better coordination of inedical and behavioral health problems.
Although these issues should be resolved under managed care, there remain issues connected
to Managed Care Organization (MCO) same-day billing.
Requested Action:
Allow Medicaid reimbursement for same-day medical, oral health and
behavioral health seroices.
Ensure Access to High Quality, Affordable Health Care
With continuing issues related to the sustainability of the Health Insurance Marketplace in lowa
and the proposals to replace or improve the Affordable Care Act, any changes need to ensure
vulnerable and low-income lowans can access high quality, affordable health insurance,
including lowa's Medicaid expansion program and other safeguards to maintain our historically
low insurance rates.
Requested Action:
It is imperative that any changes to Medicaid rates and coverage, or
increased flexibility at the state or federal level, include adequate services,
providers, rates and other safeguards.
Recruit and Retain a Qualified Healthcare Workforce
One of the largest factors limiting a community health center's ability to provide patients quality
care is recruiting and retaining quality providers.
Requested Action:
Support and continue investment in the National Health Service Corp, and
Teaching Health Centers to assist and promote health and dental providers
to serve in rural areas, specialty areas, and community health centers.
Hotel and Food Establishment License Fees & Food Safetv
The inadequacy of food code licensing fees has resulted in a systematic degradation of lowa's
food inspection system and jeopardizes the health of lowans and our economy. Current license
fees fail to cover program costs. Since 1979, fees were increased slightly in 1997 and 2008
36
while program costs have risen exponentially. Some counties and municipalities subsidize as
much as 50% of their food program costs.
For more than a decade, lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (IDIA) and some local
programs have not had the resources to meet the frequency of restaurant inspections
established by the FDA. In recent years, DIA has reduced the minimum food inspection
frequencies twice. In 2009, inspections were to occur once or twice a year depending on facility
risk. In 2011, inspections shifted to every six to 24 months depending on risk. The erosion of
lowa's food safety program is a direct result of inadequate food license fees. When the 2014
legislature failed to increase fees, DIA revised its rules extending frequencies to 36 months for
some facilities. Dubuque strives to inspect more frequently.
The public believes these assessments occur on a much more regular basis and therefore may
have a false sense of safety from foodborne disease. Inadequate and irregular license fee
increases are starving lowa's food safety system and have the potential to put the health and
lives of the consuming public at risk.
Requested Action:
Increase food licensing fees to fully fund food safety program activities in
compliance with lowa Code.
Authorize DIA to administer the food licensing fees through the lowa
Administrative Code.
Establish an automatic fee adjustment mechanism to annually increase
fees by the percentage increase in the consumer price index.
Create parity between license fees for retail food and food service
establishments. And reduce the burden on taxpayers
Notice of Violation
Currently, a notice of code violation must be sent via certified mail to a property owner if the City
performs the required mitigation of the problem and assesses the cost to the property owner.
We suggest that a notice be sent via regular mail to the property owner. OFtentimes, it is difficult
for people to collect or pickup certified mail, particularly if they are not home at time of delivery.
Certified also adds a significant cost ($2.87) to the mailing of each notice.
Requested Action:
lowa Code Section 364.12 (h) changed to allow mailing via regular mail.
Childhood Lead Poisoninq
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to lowa. Of lowa children born in 2004, 97.7% were tested
at least once before the age of six years, and 3.7% of these children were lead-poisoned (in
eight counties, more than 9% of the children were lead-poisoned). At the national level, the rate
of lead poisoning among children under the age of six years is so low that it is no longer
reported. Homes built prior to 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, and lead-based paint
hazards are the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning. In 2009, the lowa General
Assembly passed a law requiring all children to have proof of a blood lead test prior to entering
kindergarten.
Further complicating lowan's ability to help their children, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
eliminated a $594,000.00 grant which the lowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has
37
historically received annually. This resulted in a 25% reduction in funds going to local health
departments for lead poisoning surveillance activities, and, more importantly, essentially
eliminated the technical capacity of the state level especially for data compilation and analysis.
As IDPH keeps less than 5.0% of state funds allocated to the lead poisoning preventing
program, staff time will now be used for enforcement activities related to contractors and
inspectors, rather than the tracking and treatment of poisoned children and maintaining accurate
data.
Requested Action:
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the lowa Department of Public health
to continue its crucial role as a technical advisor and data manager to local
childhood lead poisoning prevention programs (CLPPP) and increase
funding levels for local CLPPP programs.
Healthv Local Foods
During the 2010 Legislative Session, the Legislature charged the
_ _
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture with preparing a local -��-""'�
food and farm plan containing policy and funding �=r
recommendations for supporting and expanding local food ' � �,� .- :*4
systems and for assessing and overcoming obstacles necessary to :; � t =�� ,�, �,j,,,
increase locally grown food production. The Healthy Local Foods ,�_. ` " " :,�,��,
principle of Dubuque's sustainability model aims to provide
benefits of wholesome food from local producers, distributors, `"�"' �.� -
farms, gardens and hunters to all. The City and its partners ' � ,,' `�-^'-
engaged in the Healthy Local Foods initiative have participated in `�"`"�` �Y` �
the forming of the Local Food & Farm Plan. In order for local � .�r,;;.:;
institutions and consumers to increase their purchase and
consumption of local foods, barriers must be overcome that enable more produce and meat to
be produced, processed and sold locally. Various studies have shown the value of a strong
local food system as an economic development tool.
Requested Action:
Provide policy direction, funding and other resources to implement the
recommendations of the Local Food & Farm Plan delivered to the
Legislature in January 2011.
Healthcare Coveraqe for Marshall Island Population
In 1986, the United States signed a Compact of Free Association with three Pacific Island
nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Compact was the result of a history
of nuclear weapons testing by the U.S. in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1948. The
testing consisted of 67 explosive tests which equates in total power to 7,200 Hiroshima sized
weapons. This created many serious direct and indirect health outcomes. The Compact
permits the Marshallese to migrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health care, economic
opportunities, and education. The Marshallese can legally live and work in the U.S. while
retaining their citizenship in the Marshall Islands. As non-citizens, many Marshallese are
excluded from safety net and federal benefit programs.
300-600 Marshallese reside in Dubuque and over 1,000 in the State of lowa. There were 155
Marshallese speaking students enrolled in the Dubuque Community School District in the 2015-
16 school year. The Marshallese have some of the highest rates of cancer and diabetes.
Diabetes prevalence is estimated at 25-50% of Marshallese adults. They lack access to the
resources to prevent and treat their conditions. This stems from their ineligibility for federal
38
insurance programs due to their non-citizen/immigration status. A local survey of 82
Marshallese adult residents in Dubuque revealed that 61% have diabetes, 28% have heart
disease, 5% have cancer, and 5 percent have hypertension. 73% of those interviewed lack
health insurance. 58% have not seen a doctor within the last year, 65% of those because they
lack health insurance, and 23% because of cost.
Requested Action:
Create an Islander Health Coverage Gap Assessment Office to promote
access to health care for island citizens residing in the United States
under the Compact of Free Association.
Partnerships
Dubuque Communitv School District
One Cent Sales Tax
The creation and sustenance of a strong workforce and vibrant economy in Dubuque and lowa,
depend upon a well-funded educational program, with state of the art facilities, and essential
educational tools.
The scheduled sunset of the one cent sales tax for lowa school districts restricts lowa school
districts' bonding ability. In addition, this sales tax is the sole source of funding for technology in
lowa schools. Sunsetting is scheduled in 2029.
Requested action:
We oppose the scheduled sunset in 2029 of the statewide one cent sales
tax for lowa schools. We support an extension of the one cent sales tax
past 2029 in order to provide 21st Century education for all lowa students.
We oppose placing a cap on the amount the districts can receive.
Resolve Formula and Transportation Inequities
The City of Dubuque enjoys a strong partnership with the Dubuque Community School District
and understand the imperative of supporting financially strong educational institutions and
programs.
While state funding for education is driven by per-pupil allocations, differences still exist from
district to district within the foundational funding formula in the amount of up to $175 per
student. And, as a large district serving both urban and rural students, the Dubuque Community
School District spends significantly more money to transport students than other districts. These
are dollars that, while necessary expenditures, aren't available to be spent on educational
programming.
Requested Action:
To ensure equity of funding, the City supports the passage of Senate File
455 during the 2018 legislative session. Once fully phased in, it would
mean over $4.4 million in new annual funding for the Dubuque Community
School District. This funding would put all lowa school districts on a level
playing field with their ability to provide programming for all students.
39
Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dubuque is a top tourism destination in the state of lowa and the upper Midwest region.
Dubuque hosts two million visitors annually, and it is important that the lowa Economic
Development Authority provide tools for additional growth that supports tourism and workforce
development.
The new Enhance lowa legislation provides an opportunity for the legislature to appropriate
funds that will invest in partnerships with local communities through Community Attractions and
Tourism development fund.
The Dubuque CVB also encourages an increase in the level of resources for trail development
in Northeast lowa and support funding for improved water quality.
Requested Action:
Fully fund CAT and the new Enhance lowa program.
Dubuque County
Mental Health Fundinq
Following the major re-design of the Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services
delivery system in lowa in 2012 (SF 2315), it is essential that adequate funding be provided to
allow counties to transition to the new funding system to avoid waiting lists for services. There
is a belief that regions have unreasonable fund balances, but this does not account for the new
requirements for core services and gaps in the current system that regions are expected to fill.
While we recognize that increasing budget pressures and increasing Medicaid costs challenge
state lawmakers, it would be counter-productive to shift costs with such strategies as freezing
waiver programs that force the consumers to seek assistance at the regional level instead of the
state.
Requested Action:
Ensure that Developmental Disability services are included in core services
Provide sufficient funds to ensure that counties and MH/DS regions have
the resources necessary to provide and manage services. Substance
Abuse funding needs to be pulled out of the silo.
Additional Law Enforcement Traininq in the areas of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse at the ILEA
We understand that expanded mandatory training hours of all law enforcement officers at the
lowa Law Enforcement Academy in the area of inental health issues has been increased. We
have also advocated for additional training for substance abuse issues.
Requested action:
Support additional training which benefit officers and citizens and will
assist with jail diversion programs and available services.
40
Dubuque/Delaware Countv Druq Court
Dubuque County supports the mission of the Drug Court, which is a collaborative effort between
the judiciary, county attorneys, corrections, law enforcement, and Substance Abuse Services
Center to more effectively supervise and treat non-violent substance abuse addicted offenders
who might be incarcerated. The Drug Court has served residents of Dubuque and Delaware
counties. It is estimated the Drug Court saved over $200,000 by providing an alternative to
incarceration and reduces drug related crime and positively changes lives of substance
abusers, their families and our community.
Requested action:
Continue funding to the Department of Corrections Services for this
successful and essential program.
Zoninq Violation Cleanup
Counties and cities have no authority to collect costs to cleanup zoning violations in a timely and
cost-effective manner. The costs are either entered as a personal judgment against the
defendant or assessed against the property where the violation occurred or both. Counties and
cities need to be able to use the same process as allowed in lowa Code Chapter 331.384
Abatement of Public Health and Safety Hazards-Special Assessments and 364.12
Responsibility for Public Places. In those code sections, counties and cities are allowed to
"perform the required action and assess the costs against the property for collection in the same
manner as a property tax."
Requested Action:
Amend the lowa Code to allow this remedy for cleanup of zoning violations
in both counties and cities.
41