Budget cuts citizen lettersPage 1 of 2
Jeanne Schneider
F~om:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<mtedader@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 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 f~om our state funding. Cutting fire department personnel should
be the absolute last reso~ 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 flee to
cmail 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:
Cc:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
"Ruth Ellis" <REllis~dubuque.k12.ia.us>
<rbu~~1"@mchsi~c~m;aem1~@mchsi~c~m;danie~enich~~s~n@mchsi.c~m;jmarkham@c~rnerenergy~~
"Wadding, Kim" <kwadding@cityofdubuque.org>
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 4:56 PM
REIlis.vcf
SRO Officers
City Council and City Manager,
I wanted to express to you the importance of the SRO positions in
the schools as you make funding decisions. First, let me say that I
understand the very difficult task you have before you. Cutting budgets
and making priorities is always a challenging task (the not so fun part
of the job).
I have worked with the SRO program since we received the funding
from the COPS grant. DCSD has been willing to fund part of the salaries
because we know that the collaboration with law enforcement enhances the
school's ability to provide a safe environment. Their work in schools
spills over into the community to ensure safety. SRO officers work in
both public and parochial schools which have a total enrollment of
approximately 14,000 students. Iowa is no different than the nation,
students have become more challen~ng and we are seeing violence at
younger ages. Principals are very supportive of the work of the SRO's
and are hoping we can somehow continue this valuable and necessary
program.
Ruth Ellis
6/9/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Su~e~:
"Jennifer Buse" <quincybuse@mchsi.com>
<jschneid@cityofd ubuque.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 fo
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 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/I0 time). I cannot imagine functioning
at either of these schools without the use of the School Resource
Officer, Brian Jobgen. 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. Loewen. 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
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 ~ck-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 comm.urdty 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>;
<Patdciacline@mchsi.com>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>; <danielenicholson@mchsi.com>;
<aeml0@mchsi.com>; <jconnors63@mchsLcom>
Friday, 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 cuffing 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 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 disb'essed 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 seams city dollars are routinely being spent moving businesses fi-om the Rive~ont, as in
the recent purchase 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 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 workforoes 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,
Michelle Conry
8603 Old Davenport Rd
Dubuque, IA 52003
6/2/2003
Silsby Steam Fire Engine circa 1867
ttlilliam iX. 2tammel
35 2 rnntenar lgmtrt
E-mil cfdsquad~aol, com
Telephone (630) 978-9153
June 2, 2003
The Honorable Mayor Terry Duggan
City of Dubuque
City Halt
50 West 13t~ Street
Dubuque, Iowa 520014120
Re: Public Safety
Top Priority
Dear Mayor,
IfI 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 1981 to 1985. It was a somewhat bleak t/me
in Dubuque,s history. Some may recall the slogan; "Will the last one to leave Dubuque please turn 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.
Itwas a time w/th much controversy and change in our employment base in Dubuque.
We grappled with tough decisions when it came to funding services provided bythe 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 suet a Policy. This 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 Deparmaent 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 privafized, 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 quesfion~ 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?
~t very important feature in municipal government is the means adopted.for securing the protection o.f
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 breaks out, and is speedily
suppressed without much disaster, w e a llf eel t hat rather than d o a way with t he fire department, w e
would go on short rations 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 provided 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 furnish the best possible protection.
The Dubuque Daily Times February 26th, 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 thing.
If you force the layoff of 12 firefightcrs 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 worlch~g
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 remain .....
Former Dubuque Firefighter 1968- 1976
Author "The Complete History of the Dubuque Fire Department 1837 -Present"
File C:XMy Office\Winword~Correspondence\City of Dubuque~Vlayor Duggan 6 2 2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<Ssrswee@aol.com>
<jschneid@cityofd ubuque.org>
Monday, June 02, 2003 5:52 PM
Budget Cuts
To VVhom 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 Chiefs 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
Rivertront. 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 eariy 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' beck 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. I hope when these cuts have been mede we don't lose lives from rites, 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 faxes?
Sincerely,
Sharon Sweeney
963 Patricia Ann Dr
Dubuque, la 52003
6/3/2003
Page 1 of 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
"Susan Meehan" <smeehan@dubuque.k12.ia.us>
<ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org >; <jmarkham@comerenergy.cOm>;
<"rbuoll"@mchsi.com"~rnta.everyone.net>; <aeml0@mchsLcom>;
<danielenicholson@mchsi.com>; <jmarkham@comerenergy.com>;
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Tuesday, June 03, 2003 12:44 PM
smeehan.vcf
Samantha Drive
Dear City Council,
I want to thank you again for the opportunity to share about our
concerns. We really appreciated the open forum. I do want to remind
you of a few things that are very relevant to this case. When we all
purchased our homes/lots we knew it would be rezoned- but the facts
were it was to go from agricultural to residential. We were not opposed
to rezoning, or the clause in our covemant that prevented us from
opposing, because it was only to be rezoned to residential according to
the City's Comprehensive Plan for Development. This is what we had
based our decisions upon. Also, just prior to these purchases, the City
Counc'fl had unanimously voted down the earlier request to change the
land to commercial, so we felt pretty confident in the City's
Comprehensive plan as the guiding force for the vision of the city, in
addition to what our realtors had told us. We would not have purchased
these lots if we knew that all along that Tim's only intention for this
land was commereial. We personally had never even heard that commercial
was a remote possibility until this past April. So, just some more
things to think about. We will see you again!
Respectfully,
Susan and Patrick Meehan, 2465 Samautha Drive
6/3/2003