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Minutes_Long Range Planning Commission 2 17 10THE CITY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque It Ettal '111 I' 2007 Brogl MINUTES CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jim Prochaska; Commissioners Alan Vincent, John Pregler, and Charles Winterwood. Commissioners Excused: Commissioners Richard Van Iten, Dirk Voetberg, and Chad Darter. Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Prochaska at 5:33 p.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Commissioner Winterwood questioned the status of the Rebuild Iowa Office Smart Growth Green Paper. Staff Member Carstens explained the status of the proposed bills being considered as a result. Motion by Winterwood, seconded by Prochaska, to approve the minutes of September 16, 2009, as submitted, Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler and Winterwood; Nay — None. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER: Staff Member Carstens introduced Commissioner John Pregler. Commissioner Pregler thanked the Commission and City Council for the opportunity to serve. ACTION ITEMS Consolidated Plan for FY2011 -2015 and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing: Housing and Community Development Department Staff Member Aggie Tauke presented the draft FY2011 -2015 Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the purpose of the plan and programs that require it. She reviewed how the Consolidated Plan is consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. She reviewed the priorities, objectives and outcomes of the plan and why they are required for compliance with the Community Development Block Grant Program. Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission February 17, 2010 Page 2 Commissioner Vincent questioned the plans emphasis on the redevelopment of buildings. He noted the rehabilitation of buildings can be a very expensive undertaking. Staff Member Carstens reviewed the Sustainable Design Assessment Team process. She noted that the most sustainable building is the building that is already built. She reviewed the cost savings gained from the embodied energy and existing materials used in rehabilitation projects. She stated that rehabilitation projects do tend to cost more, but more money is invested in labor for rehabilitation projects. She explained that the labor and materials used in rehabilitation projects are more often local and therefore benefit the local economy. Staff Member Tauke explained how rehabilitating buildings in older neighborhoods also has a social benefit. Commissioner Vincent explained the program also places an emphasis on getting people into homes, but does not provide enough support for the maintenance of homes. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the homeownership and maintenance programs offered by the Housing and Community Development Department. She stated those individuals that have taken advantage of Housing programs have experienced low turnover rates. Staff Member Carstens explained the Housing and Community Development Department also offers financial and maintenance counseling to help new homeowners. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the Community Development Block Grant Program. Chairperson Prochaska asked whether the Millwork District will be influenced by the impediments to fair housing. Staff Member Carstens explained Fair Housing rules will apply to the Millwork District; however, the Millwork District will most likely be market rate. Commissioner Winterwood questioned how the Housing and Community Development Department will accomplish the Consolidated Plan's inspection enforcement, neighborhood revitalization and job goals. Staff Members Carstens and Tauke reviewed the existing and planned measures for compliance. Commissioner Winterwood noted the Consolidated Plan is inconsistent with the City Council's decision to decrease the number of housing vouchers. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the Section 8 voucher reduction and how Community Development Block Grant dollars are spent. She explained the decision will improve the City's ability to provide service. Staff Member Carstens stated the reduction will still provide assistance to those families in need of housing. She explained by reducing the caseload, the program can be better managed and Section 8 participants will receive better service. Commissioner Vincent questioned the transient school population, which he believed to be strongly influenced by the Section 8 program. Staff Member Carstens explained the decrease in vouchers will allow more focus on the administrative and enforcement aspects of the program and make sure the rules are being followed properly. She explained those people in poverty will have a better chance of getting out of poverty as a result. Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission February 17, 2010 Page 3 Commissioners discussed the portability of housing vouchers. The Commissioner questioned how long people wait in Dubuque for housing vouchers versus other cities. Staff Member Tauke stated the waiting list in Dubuque is often shorter than surrounding large cities. Staff Member Carstens noted the amount of time a person waits for vouchers in Dubuque often times depends on a person's circumstances. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the priority list for Section 8. The Commission discussed the current multi - family housing shortage in Dubuque, and noted that should be taken into consideration at the next Comprehensive Plan update. Motion by Winterwood, seconded by Vincent, to recommend to the Community Development Advisory Commission and City Council that the Consolidated Plan is consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler and Winterwood; Nay — None. Motion by Winterwood, seconded by Pregler, to recommend to the Community Development Advisory Commission and City Council that the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing is consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler and Winterwood; Nay — None. Review and discussion of proposed FY 2011 -2015 Capital Improvement Budget: Staff Member Carstens reviewed the role of the Commission and staff in the Capital Improvement Program budget. The Commission was appreciative that the Sustainable Dubuque principles incorporated into the projects. Chairperson Prochaska discussed the implications of decreasing gaming revenues on the budget. Commissioner Winterwood asked about trail projects. He commended the Street Tree Program and prairie burning at Heron Pond. He questioned if the removal of trees in Eagle Point Park and riprap at Miller Riverview Park meets Sustainable Dubuque principle of native plants and animals. Chairperson Prochaska asked about the new fire station and timeframe. Motion by Vincent, seconded by Winterwood, to recommend to City Council that the FY 2011 -2015 Capital Improvement Program budget is consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler and Winterwood; Nay — None. LIAISON /SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Enterprise Zone Commission: Chairperson Prochaska explained that Enterprise Zone Commission Liaison Richard Van !ten is not able to attend the February 24, 2010 Enterprise Zone Commission meeting and has asked for a substitute. Commissioner Vincent offered to be the alternate liaison and attend in Commissioner Van (ten's place. Motion by Winterwood, seconded by Pregler, to appoint Commissioner Vincent to serve as the alternate liaison on the Enterprise Zone Commission. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler and Winterwood; Nay — None. Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission February 17, 2010 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted f:\ users \kmunson \wp\ boards - commissions \Irpac \minutes \Irpac minutes 2010 \Irac minutes feb 17 2010.doc