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