Budget amendment infoPage 1 of 2
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To.'
Sent:
Subject:
<raledader@mchsi.com>
<jconnors63@mchsi.com>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>; <jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 2:42 PM
City Budget Cuts
First, I would like to say that I can't imagine how hard it must be to make
these upcoming decisions regarding the city budget cuts. This letter is by
no means meant to be controversial in any way. I simply want to state a
few points and ask that you give them some serious thought and respect.
Yes, these cuts will affect me personally, I am a firefighter with the city and
my head is on the chopping block. If these cuts happen, I am out of a job.
A job that I am extremely proud to be apart of, working for a city that I am
also extremely proud of and respect. A city that every chance I get, brag
about to people I meet outside the city of Dubuque.
This is why I find it so hard to figure out why it seems like the city is
against finding alternative measures to solving the short fall we are
getting from our state funding. Cutting fire department personnel should
be the absolute last resort. And it seems that this is the only resort that is
floating around the media these days.
I know you don't want to tap into the reserve fund, I know you don't want to
use CIP funds, but I have to ask, why not? So, it buys us a year; that is
huge, alot can be accomplished in a year's time. The money that was
used will be there again next year. You just might be saving the jobs of
people who have dedicated their lives to protecting this great city.
My last point is this, a shortage of firefighters does affect each of you
directly. What makes our department great is that we get there fast and
put the fire out, save lives and minimize property damage, if these cuts
happen, that all changes. Closed engine houses, slower response times
and less manpower means the fire grows, critical moments in a medical
emergency now become lethal, and that small one room fire just
consumed your entire house.
Again, I can't imagine being in your positions. I just ask that you keep
these points in mind when you are making your upcoming decisions.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Please feel fiaee to
email regarding any questions or comments you have.
Sincerely,
Dale A. Rader
1745 Plymouth Ct
(563) 5834201
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From.'
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<Ssrswee@aol.com>
<jschneid@d[tyofdubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 5:52 PM
Budget Cuts
To Whom It May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situation in the City of Dubuque. I am disappointed to hear the most popular
solution to the City's budget woes includes cutting jobs from the Fire and Police Departments. I believe this
hinders the ability to ensure the safety of our citizens. I am distressed to find that the City Manager has made a
proposed budget cut for Dubuque which includes dropping significant amounts from the Fire Department and
Police Department's budgets, foming the Department Chief's into some tough decisions and having to cut jobs. I
find it hard to imagine, with the multi-million dollar River Front Project in full swing, that there are not other areas
from which cuts can be made as it seems city dollars are routinely being spent moving businesses from the
RiveffTont. All City departments are very important to the town, however public safety departments should be the
last touched. The citizens of Dubuque should not be punished for poor city management and planning.
In the current plan if budget cuts are required; part of the solution is the elimination of up to 11 Firefighter jobs and
14 Police Officer jobs. A consideration, met with some opposition would be early pension payouts to Firefighters
near retirement, however the decision appears to lean towards dropping younger, less-tenured employees. It is
distressing to hear that a city that desperately seeks growth, is willing to turn its' back on young families that could
have taken the city into the future, but instead will be forced to leave town to find other jobs. It is also unfortunate
that with this cutback the current Fire and Police Dept workforces will be spread thin, causing protection issues.
As well, with the elimination of several younger members of the staff we lose our future leaders.
As a final point, I'll note that the H.R. 2000 SOS act of 2003 Bill has recently passed, which would provide the
state with funds to pass on to the cities of Iowa. If the SF-453 Bill is passed, and cuts are necessary, the SOS bill
should be able to offset some the cuts.
My son chose to come back to Dubuque to work in the fire department, taking a cut in pay, now he will have to
leave if you make this cut. 1 hope when these cuts have been made we don't lose lives from fires, etc. I believe
that the city has an emergency fund that could take care of this situation. The 1.5 mil the city paid for main street
could have helped make our city safe. Why are we paying taxes?
Sincerely,
Sharon Sweeney
963 Patricla Ann Dr
Dubuque, la 52003
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Subject:
"Jennifer Buse" <quincybuse@mchsi.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 11:48 PM
City Budget
To Whom tt May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situa~on in the City of Dubuque, one of the reasons given for the budget deficit
is
an increase in the health insurance premiums for drty employees. I wonder if there's been any thought given to
having
city employees pay for half (or a portion) of the premium?
Jennifer Buse
2833 Burden Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001-8118
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To.'
Sent:
Subject:
"Peggy Kennedy" <PKennedy@dubuque.k12.ia.us>
<rbuoll@mchsi.com>; <patriciacline@mchsi.com>; <jconnors63@mchsi.com>;
<jschneid@cityofd ubuque.org>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>;
<aem10Amchsi.com@dubuque.k12.ia.us>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>; "Brian Jobgen"
<bjobgen@cityofd ubuq ue.org>
Tuesday, June 03, 2003 12:02 PM
SRO stability
Dear Members of the City Council:
I am writing you regarding the need for schools to maintain our School
Resource Officers. I am the strategist at Lincoln Elementary (9/10
time) and Kennedy Elementary (1/10 time). I cannot imagine flmctioning
at either of these schools without the use of the School Resource
Officer, Brian Jobgem I would like to give some brief examples.
This year, when the Walker children were murdered, students at both
schools were scared. School Resource Officers were available and
provided a feeling of safety for not only students, but for staff as
well. It made all the difference in the world having them in our
sights, answering questions, and calming fears.
At Lincoln, the at-risk population poses many challenges. My position
at Lincoln is that of dealing with office referrals. Confidentially I
would like to share that we have had students who are repeatedly
physically aggressive despite our best efforts. We have volatile
parents who yell, swear, belittle, are sarcastic, and uncooperative
regardless of the needs of their child. We even had a parent last year
who assaulted our principal, Dr. Loewan. I personally have had to file
assault charges on students who have injured me. I do not take pressing
charges lightly, but there are times when it is necessary and or only
remsining opfiom We also have had stealing issues, drug issues,
inappropriate sexual conduct, weapons, and safety issues (within the
school and after school crossing streets). Due to a lack of respect by
parents and students, using Officer Jobgen and/or the law is the only
thing we have sometimes to help our school and our kids. This does not
even include the talks that Brian gives in classrooms on numerous topics
such as safety when students are trick-or-treating.
Officer Jobgen has perfected his interactions with students. He is
intuitive to what is best for each child and what is the best approach
to take, he is firm, yet respectful, he can talk to students on any
level about any topic, and he is an essential part of how we deal with
some discipline issues. Although my interactions with the other SRO's
has been minimal, I have been equally impressed with their skills.
Please understand that removing the use of the School Resource Officers
from our schools would have community wide, long-range effects. It is
imperative that they remain part of our team in working with kids.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Peggy Kennedy
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Michelle Conry" <Michelle. Conry@mci.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>; <ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org>; <rbuoll@mchsi.com>;
<Patriciacline@mchsi.com>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>;
<aeml0@mchsi.com>; <jcon nors63@mchsi.com>
Fdday, May 30, 2003 9:34 PM
City of Dubuque Budget Concerns
To Whom It May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situation in the City of Dubuque. AS the wife of a Dubuque Firefighter, with the
Dubuque Department just shy of 1 year, I am disappointed to hear the most popular solution to the City's budget
woes includes cutting jobs from the Fire and Police Departments. Not only do I believe this hinders the ability to
ensure the safety of our citizens, I am also affected on a personal level. My husband and I, both from the
Dubuque area, recently returned when my husband (an expedenoed Firefighter) was offered a job with Dubuque
Fire Dept. We took the opportunity to return to our hometown, where our families reside, and had hoped to make
this our permanent homo. However, I am disbessed to find that the City Manager has made a proposed budget
cut for Dubuque which includes dropping significant amounts from the Fire Department and Police Department's
budgets, forcing the Department Chief's into some tough decisions and having to cut jobs. I find it hard to
imagine, with the multi-million dollar River Front Project in full swing, that there are not other areas from which
cuts can be made. It seems city dollars are routinely being spent moving businesses from the Riverfront, as in
the recent pumhase of the Adams Co property for $1.735 million - 19% more than the $1.5 million the city is
already being asked to cut. All City departments are very important to the town, however public safety
departments should be the last touched. The citizens of Dubuque should not be punished for poor city
management and planning.
In the current plan if budget cuts are required; part of the solution is the elimination of up to 11 Firefighter jobs and
14 Police Officer jobs. A consideration, met with some opposition would be eady pension payouts to Firefighters
near retirement, however the decision appears to lean towards dropping younger, leSs-tenured employees. It is
distressing to hear that a city that desperately seeks growth, is willing to turn its' back on young families that could
have taken the city into the future, but instead will be forced to leave town to find other jobs. It is also unfortunate
that with this cutback the current Fire and Police Dept workforces will be spread thin, causing protection iSsues.
As well, with the elimination of several younger members of the staff we lose our future leaders.
As a final point, I'll note that the H.R. 2000 SOS act of 2003 Bill has recently passed, which would provide the
state with funds to pass on to the cities of Iowa. If the SF-453 Bill is passed, and cuts are necessary, the SOS bill
should be able to offset some the cuts.
Sincerely,
Mich~te Conry
8603 Old Davenport Rd
Dubuque, lA 52003
6/2/2003
Page 1 of 2
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<ratedader@mchsi.com>
<jconnors63@mchsi.com>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>; <jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 2:42 PM
City Budget Cuts
First, I would like to say that I can't imagine how hard it must be to make
these upcoming decisions regarding the city budget cuts. This letter is by
no means meant to be conlxoversial in any way. I simply want to state a
few points and ask that you give them some serious thought and respect.
Yes, these cuts will affect me personally, I am a firefighter with the city and
my head is on the chopping block. If these cuts happen, I am out of a job.
A job that I am extremely proud to be a part of, working for a city that I am
also extremely proud of and respect. A city that every chance I get, brag
about to people I meet outside the city of Dubuque.
This is why I find it so hard to figure out why it seems like the city is
against finding alternative measures to solving the short fall we are
getting fi'om our state funding. Cutting fire department personnel should
be the absolute last resort. And it seems that this is the only resort that is
floating around the media these days.
I know you don't want to tap into the reserve fund, I know you don't want to
use CIP funds, but I have to ask, why not? So, it buys us a year;, that is
huge, alot can be accomplished in a year's time. The money that was
used will be there again next year. You just might be saving the jobs of
people who have dedicated their lives to protecting this great city.
My last point is this, a shortage of firefighters does affect each of you
directly. What makes our department great is that we get there fast and
put the fire out, save lives and minimize property damage. If these cuts
happen, that all changes. Closed engine houses, slower response times
and less manpower means the fire grows, critical moments in a medical
emergency now become lethal, and that small one room fire just
consumed your entire house.
Again, I can't imagine being in your positions. I just ask that you keep
these points in mind when you are making your upcoming decisions.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Please feel free to
email regarding any questions or comments you have.
Sincerely,
Dale A. Rader
1745 Plymouth Ct
(563) 5834201
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<Ssrswee@aol.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 5:52 PM
Budget Cuts
To Whom It May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situation in the City of Dubuque. I am disappointed to hear the most popular
solution to the City's budget woes includes cuffing jobs from the Fire and Police Departments. I believe this
hindere the ability to ensure the safety of our citizens. I am distressed to find that the City Manager has made a
proposed budget cut for Dubuque which includes dropping significant amounts from the Fire Department and
Police Department's budgets, foming the Department Chief's into some tough decisions and having to cut jobs. I
find it hard to imagine, with the multi-million dollar River Front Project in tull swing, that there are not other areas
from which cuts can be made as it seems city dollars are routinely being spent moving businesses from the
Riverfront. Ail City departments are very important to the town, however public safety departments should be the
last touched. The citizens of Dubuque should not be punished for poor city management and planning.
In the current plan if budget cuts are required; part of the solution is the elimination of up to 11 Firefighter jobs and
14 Police Officer jobs. A censideretion, met with some oppOsition would be eady pension payouts to Firefighters
near retirement, however the decision appears to lean towards dropping younger, less-tenured employees. Itis
distressing to hear that a city that desperetely seeks growth, is willing to turn its' back on young families that could
have taken the city into the future, but instead will be forced to leave town to find other jobs. It is also unfortunate
that with this cutback the current Fire and Police Dept workforces will be spread thin, causing prot~,,-'tion issues.
As well, with the elimination of severel younger members of the staff we lose our future leaders.
As a final point, I'll note that the H.R. 2000 SOS act of 2003 Bill has recently passed, which would provide the
state with funds to pass on to the cities of Iowa. If the SF-453 Bill is passed, and cuts are necessary, the SOS bill
should be able to offset some the cuts.
My son chose to come back to Dubuque to work in the fire department, taking a cut in pay, now he will have to
leave if you make this cut. I hope when these cuts have been made we don't lose lives from fires, etc. I believe
that the city has an emergency fund thal could take care of this situation. The 1.5 mil the city paid for main street
could have helped make our city safe. Why are we paying taxes?
Sincerely,
Sharon Sweeney
963 Patricia Ann Dr
Dubuque, la 52003
6/3/2003
Page 1 of t
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subjeot:
"Jennifer Buse" <quincybuse@mchsi.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuq ue.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 11:48 PM
City Budget
To Whom It May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situation in the City of Dubuque, one of the reasons given for the budget deficit
is
an increase in the health insurance premiums for city employees. I wonder if there's been any thought given to
having
city employees pay for half (or a portion) of the premium?
Jennifer Buse
2833 Burden Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001-8118
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Peggy Kennedy" <PKennedy@dubuque.k12.ia.us>
<rbuoll@mchsi.com>; <patriciacline@mchsi.com>; <jconnors63@mchsi,com>;
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>;
<aem10Amchsi.com@dubuque.k12.ia.us>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>; "Brian Jobgen"
<bjobgen@cityofdubuque,org>
Tuesday, June 03, 2003 12:02 PM
SRO stability
Dear Membem of the City Council:
I am writing you regarding the need for schools to maintain our School
Resource Officers. I am the strategist at Lincoln Elementary (9/10
time) and Kennedy Elementary (1/10 time). I cannot imagine functioning
at either of these schools without the use of the School Resource
Officer, Brian Jobgen. I would like m give some brief examples.
This year, when the Walker children were murdered, students at both
schools were scared. School Resource Officers were available and
provided a feeling of safety for not only students, but for staff as
well. It made all the difference in the world having them in our
sights, answerin~g questions, and calming fears.
At Lincoln, the at-risk population poses many challenges. My position
at Lincoln is that of dealing with office referrals. Confidentially I
would like to share that we have had students who are repeatedly
physically aggressive despite our best efforts. We have volatile
parents who yell, swear, belittle, are sarcastic, and uncooperative
regardless of the needs of their child. We even had a parent last year
who assaulted our principal, Dr. Loewem I pemonally have had to file
assault charges on students who have injured me. I do not take pressing
charges lightly, but there are times when it is necessary and or only
remaining option. We also have had stealing issues, drug issues,
inappropriate sexual conduct, weapons, and safety issues (within the
school and after school crossing streets). Due to a lack of respect by
parents and students, using Officer Jobgen and/or the law is the only
thing we have sometimes to help our school and our kids. This does not
even include the talks that Brian gives in classrooms on numerous topics
such as safety when students are trick-or-treating.
Officer Jobgen bas perfected his interactions with students. He is
intuitive to what is best for each child and what is the best approach
to take, he is firm, yet respectful, he can talk to students on any
level about any topic, and he is an essential part of how we deal with
some discipline issues. Although my interactions with the other SRO's
has been minimal, I have been equally impressed with their skills,
Please understand that removing the use of the School Resource Officers
from our schools would have community wide, long-range effects. It is
imperative that they remain part of our team in working with kids.
Thank yom
Sincerely,
Peggy Kennedy
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Michelle Conry" <Michelle. Conry@mci.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>; <ctymgr@cltyofdubuque.org>; <rbuoll@mchsi.com>;
<Patriciacline@rnchsi.com>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>; <danielenichoison@mchsLcom>;
<aeml0@mchsi.com>; <jconnors63@mchsi.com>
Friday, May 30, 2003 9:34 PM
City of Dubuque Budget Concems
To Whom It May Concern:
In reference to the current budget situation in the City of Dubuque. As the wife of a Dubuque Firefighter, with the
Dubuque Department just shy of 1 year, I am disappointed to hear the most popular solution to the City's budget
woes includes cutting jobs from the Fire and Police Departments. Not only do I believe this hinders the ability to
ensure the safety of our citizens, I am also affected on a personal level. My husband and I, both from the
Dubuque area, recently retumed when my husband (an experienced Firefighter) was offered a job with Dubuque
Fire Dept. We took the opportunity to return to our hometown, where our families reside, and had hoped to make
this our permanent home. However, I am distressed to find that the City Manager has made a proposed budget
cut for Dubuque which includes dropping significant amounts from the Fire Department and Police Department's
budgets, forcing the Department Chief's into some tough decisions and having to cut jobs. I find it hard to
imagine, with the multi-million dollar River Front Project in full swing, that there are not other areas fi`om which
cuts can be made. It seems city dollars are routinely being spent moving businesses from the Riverfront, as in
the recent pumhase of the Adams Co property for $1.735 million - 19% more than the $1.5 million the city is
already being asked to cut. All City depertments are very important to the town, however public safety
departments should be the last touched. The citizens of Dubuque should not be punished for poor city
management and planning.
In the current plan if budget cuts are required; part of the solution is the elimination of up to 11 Firefighter jobs and
t4 Police Officer jobs. A consideration, met with some opposition would be early pension payouts to Firefighters
near retirement, however the decision appears to lean towards dropping younger, less-tenured employees. It is
distressing to hear that a city that desperately seeks growth, is willing to turn its' back on young families that could
have taken the city into the future, but instead will be forced to leave town to find other jobs. It is also unfortunate
that with this cutback the current Fire and Police Dept workforces will be spread thin, causing protection issues.
As well, with the elimination of several younger members of the staff we lose our futura leaders.
As a final point, I'll note that the H.R. 2000 SOS act of 2003 Bill has recently passed, which would provide the
state with funds to pass on to the cities of Iowa. If the SF-453 Bill is passed, and cuts are necessary, the SOS bill
should be able to offset some the cuts.
Sincerely,
Michelle Conry
8603 Old Davenport Rd
Dubuque, lA 52003
6/2/2003
Silsby Steam Fire Engine circa 1867
r nt nar (g urt
Aurora, llinoi 605114
E-mail cfdsquad~aol.com
Telephone (630) 978-9153
June 2, 2003
The Honorable Mayor Terry Duggan
City of Dubuque
City Hall
50 West 13t~ Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4120
Re: Public Safety
Top Priority
Dear Mayor,
[fi may; as a former member of the Dubuque City Council; I would like to offer unsolicited advice to
the present Council Members. I served on the Council from t981 to 1985. It was a somewhat bleak time
in Dubuque,s history. Some may [ecall the slogan; "Will the last one to leave Dubuque please mm out
the lights:'? : ~
Dubuque did undergo much change; however, turning out the lights was never an option. We were
strong on community development and fiscal responsibility.
We were faced with drastic cut backs at both John Deere and the Dubuque Packing Plant. It was still
known as the "Dubuque Packing Company" at that time.
We did what we could to retain our industrial base and deal with tough Budget decisions. I am proud
to have been a major player in the founding and implementation of the Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation.
We were seven strong when it came to supporting the drive to obtain a racing license and the
development of the City Island property; formerly the "City Dump."
We developed a strong bond with the Private sector in the pursuit of retaining and creating new jobs.
It was a time with much controversy b~nd change ku o~ emp!o~,?~ent base in Dubuque.
We grappled with tough decisions when it came to fimding services provided by the City.
Some of us who served favored the Zero Base approach to the City Budget. We did not however
attain the four votes necessary to implement such a Policy. ~lhis is the crux of my letter to you. Faced
with what I believe will be death knell of a noble organization the City of Dubuque Fire Department I
implore the Council to accept its role as Policy Makers.
Look at the essential services the City must provide to the Citizens; those that the Citizens cannot
provide themselves. Determine what are the essential services; what services that can be privatized, those
that can be out-sourced.
Begin with the Life/Public Safety Departments first. Establish a priority among yourselves without
outside influence.:
Ask yourselves the hard questions such as:
Do we really need the City in the refuse collection business?
Are our recreational facilities under utilized?
Do we need the number of parks; ball fields, etc., that we presently have and support?
Should the Private sector provide for development?
Do we need a Department of Public Works?
A very important feature in municipal government is the means adopted for securing theprotection of
property against the ravages of fire. Dubuque has a very efficient fire department, and while it is rather
an expensive portion of the city's machinery, still, when a large fire break~ out, and is speedily
suppressed without much disaster, w e a ll feel t hat rather t hah d o a way with t he fire department, w e
would go on short rulions in order to meet its necessary expenses.
Every city takes more or less pride in its fire department--that is in the efficiency and successful work
of its members. Dubuque has a good fire department. Afire has no chance to get any start if it is within
access by the "boys" who "run" with the "machines."
The paid department is a valuable institution, and until some other means are pravided for furnishing
protection from fire, it should be well sustained. A little less extravagance in street work, and more
money expended on the fire department, would be a sensible move. Fires will break out when least
expected, and the only way to do is to furuish the best possible protection.
The Dubuque Daily Times February 26~, 1882
The foregoing was written two years before Dubuque instituted the "Paid Department." It is no less
important today. Dubuque can not afford to be without an efficient fire department. It's citizens will pay
in increased fire losses and increased insurance costs.
You the Council must decide that essential services must come first. Those essential services are first
and foremost Public Safety; Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
I for one hope and pray you have the strength of your convictions and the courage to do the right th/ng.
If you force the layoff of 12 firefighters and the closing of two fire stations you will do a grave injustice
to the Citizens of Dubuque.
As an Historian I can assure you that Dubuque from 1837 to the present has weathered more severe
economic times than you face today; things such as City Script being worthless; city employees working
without pay, seemingly insurmountable debt.
Use a portion of the reserves; that's what they're there for; whatever means is necessary to keep the
Public Safety Departments in tact.
In closing I rmuain .....
~Yours truly . , ~ r~
William K. l:l~ammel ('81 -'85)
Former Dubuque Firefighter 1968 - 1976
Author "The Complete History of the Dubuque Fire Department 1837 -Present"
File C:Wiy Office\Winword\Correspondence\City of DubuqueWiayor Duggan 6 2 2003
H&CD
Housing and Community Developrnent Department
1805 Central Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3656
(563) 5894239 office
(563) 5894244 fax
May 30 2003
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
The Community Development Advisory Commission has been advised of the
budget reductions under consideration for the City's Fiscal Year 2004 operations
as they potentially will impact the community development program. We are
writing to express our concern with proposals for reduction of public safety
personnel, particularly with reference to the community oriented policing (COP)
Program.
The positive impacts of the COP officers on the health and vitality of the
downtown neighborhoods have been well documented. The partnership that has
been developed between the COP and the Housing and Community
Development Department has resulted in a level of responsive service that is the
envy of other Iowa cities. That relationship has also resulted in a high level of
accountability required of participants in the City's Section 8 rental assistance
programs, further insuring responsible tenant behaviors, good relationships with
landlords and maintenance of the appearance and safety of our neighborhoods.
The Commission, at its May 28th meeting, passed a resolution encouraging the
City Council to consider all possible alternative ways of addressing the budget
short-fall in the interest of keeping our current complement of fire and police
personnel. In particular, it was suggested that the Council consider one-time use
of available reserve funds to address the projected FY04 deficit.
Sincerely
Walt Pregler, Chairperson
Set.ce People Integrity ReaponsibflJty hmovafion Teamwork