Police Department_Tenant Background Check Service ProviderMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Criminal Background Check Service Provider for the City of Dubuque
DATE: April 12, 2011
Based on a recommendation from the Safe Community Task Force, the City Council
approved a free service for landlords which would allow them to obtain a background
check on prospective tenants for their rental properties. The service would be provided
by the police department through the records division and a part-time employee has
been hired. As part of the process to begin providing criminal background check
service for landlords, it was necessary to solicit proposals from firms providing such
services on a nationwide criminal background check basis.
Acting Police Chief Terry Tobin recommends City Council approval of the selection of
Rental Services, Inc. of Arvada, Colorado, to provide criminal history background
checks as part of the City of Dubuque service to local landlords. Rental Services, Inc.
submitted a pricing proposal in which they would charge an upfront fee of $3,682.25
annually and then charge $8.00 per background check report requested. Sufficient
funds are available to provide 789 criminal background checks through June 30, 2012.
During this time period, the City will continue to evaluate the service provider and the
appropriate amount to budget in future years.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Mark Dalsing, Chief of Police
Terry Tobin, Acting Police Chief
7
Michael C. Van Milligen
Dubuque
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111- AnericaCity
1
2007
THE CITY OF
DUB 7E MEMORANDUM
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
DATE: April 5, 2011
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Terry Tobin, Acting Police Chief
RE: Criminal background check service provider for the City of Dubuque
INTRODUCTION:
This memo will discuss background check service providers for use in the City's
free service for landlords that will allow the landlord to get criminal background
checks on potential tenants.
BACKGROUND:
In 2010 the City of Dubuque decided to begin a free service for landlords which
would allow them to obtain a background check on prospective tenants for their
rental properties. The service would be provided by the police department
through the records division. A part-time employee, Mary Derby, was hired to
staff the position created by the initiative, and Ms. Derby has been researching
background check service providers for use in the program. It is anticipated that
the program will be ready to begin providing prospective tenant background
check services for landlords by July 1, 2011.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the process to begin providing criminal background check service for
landlords, it has been necessary to solicit proposals from firms providing such
services on a nationwide criminal background check basis. Mary Derby has
been negotiating with several firms regarding service charges and has also done
trial background checks with the firms to evaluate the thoroughness and end
product of the service provided by the firms. The service firms evaluated by Ms.
Derby were Lexis Nexis through their Atlanta, GA. office, Talent Wise out of
Bothell, WA., and Rental Services, Inc. of Arvada, CO.
Lexis Nexis, the largest provider of such services, proposed a plan with two
options for the City to consider. Lexis Nexis has submitted a proposal in which
the City could 1) pay $3.00 per report with an annual commitment of $30,000. In
this option the city would pay the difference if we did not run enough reports to
reach that $30,000 amount, or 2) pay a $19.95 fee per background check report
requested.
Talent Wise proposed a plan in which they would charge $16.00 per background
check report for less than 2500 reports ordered per year. If we ordered between
2500 and 4999 reports a year the cost would be $10.00 per report. During the
testing phase with Talent Wise, some concerns arose regarding the background
check entries on the test subject.
Rental Services, Inc. submitted a pricing proposal in which they would charge an
upfront fee of $3,682.25 annually. They state that the purpose of this upfront fee
is to pay the liability insurance premium necessary to fulfill the insurance
requirements of the City of Dubuque. They then would charge $8.00 per
background check report requested.
$5,000.00 was budgeted for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012 to cover
expenses related to background check fees. None of the 2011 funds have been
used and it is hoped that those funds can be carried over to fiscal year 2012 to
supplement the amount available to pay for background check service fees. If
we are allowed to carry over the 2011 funds into FY12, it will provide a budget of
$10,000. Future fiscal year funding of the fees paid to the service provider will be
budgeted based on the use experience as the program matures and the fee
structure of the service provider at that time.
Using the $10,000 amount as the amount available to provide background
checks during fiscal year 2012, the following conclusions can be made regarding
the background check service providers and their proposed fee structure:
Lexis Nexis: Option one with the $30,000.00 yearly fee is not a viable option. 1
Option two, at $19.95 per background check, allows us to obtain 501 background
checks per year from Lexis Nexis with the $10,000.00 available.
Talent Wise: At $16.00 per background check, our $10,000.00 budget would
provide for 625 background checks per year. As reported above, we have
concerns regarding the background check report provided and opted to eliminate
this firm from contention for use in the service we want to provide to local
landlords.
Rental Services, Inc.: With an upfront annual cost of $3,682.25 coupled with the
$8.00 per report fee, we can obtain 789 reports per year for our $10,000.00
budgeted amount.
The level of use by local landlords of the service as it gets off the ground is
unknown at this time and whether we will have to request 300, 500, 700, or more
background checks from the service we choose is hard to predict. Based on
Housing Dept. statistics, there are roughly 1700 landlords and 7500 rental
properties in the city. If one -fifth of the rental units in the city would turn over in a
year, this would be 1500 units. Whether a landlord would use the City's service
or one of their own choosing to conduct a background check is also a variable
that is unknown at this time.
Lexis Nexis provides the most thorough check and the best quality end product
but it is felt that the Rental Services, Inc. end product is also a quality product
and will meet the needs of our criminal background check service. Because of
the miss on our test subject of Iowa criminal history entries by Talent Wise, it is
felt that their end product does not meet the standards we want to provide to the
landlords using the City of Dubuque service.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the above analysis of criminal history background check services, we
believe that at this time we should enter into a contract with Rental Services, Inc.
of Arvada, CO. to provide criminal history background checks as part of the City
of Dubuque service to local landlords. Assistant City Attorney Crenna Brumwell
has reviewed the proposed contract with Rental Services, Inc. and finds it to
meet the City's legal requirements.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review of this memo and consideration of submission to the City Council the
recommendation for approval to enter into a contract with Rental Services Inc. to
provide criminal background checks as part of the City of Dubuque's tenant
background check service for local landlords.
cc: Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City Attorney
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
PURPOSE
Michael C. Van Milligen
To:
City Manager
MEMORANDUM
FROM: Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City Attorne
Mark Dalsing, Chief of Police
David Harris, Director of Housing & Community Development
DATE: August 6, 2010
RE: Safe Community Task Force Recommendation for City Council Work
Session - Current Status of Projects Related to the Recommendations and
On -Going Projects
The intent of this memorandum is to provide an outline of the on -going and proposed
efforts within the City of Dubuque organization to address the recommendations of the
Safe Community Task Force. The format addresses the first set of Task Force
recommendations which were presented to the City Council in February 2010, followed
by the most recent recommendations. The Safe Community Task Force
recommendation is followed by an informational response.
As this information is reviewed it is important to remember that several important
initiatives and partnerships exist to impact these issues such as:
• Sustainable Dubuque,
• Dubuque 2.0,
• Every Child Every Promise,
• Dubuque Works: Destination for Opportunity,
• Washington Neighborhood Reinvestment Strategy,
• Newly formed Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation,
• Multicultural Family Center,
• Future Talk, and others.
It is recognized by organizations like the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque,
the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, the Dubuque Area Chamber of
Commerce, the Dubuque Area Landlords Association, the East Central
Intergovernmental Association, Every Child Every Promise, Dubuque Main Street, the
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, Dubuque Empowerment,
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Dubuque Initiatives, United Way, and the many social service agencies that maintaining
a safe community is not just a City issue, but it is a community issue.
A significant number of memorandums from department and division managers as well
as a few community organizations are attached to further expand upon the material
which we have summarized.
FEBRUARY 2010 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Reduce the time between rental inspections for problem properties.
RESPONSE: Legal staff is researching the efforts of other municipalities' use of this
approach. We intend to develop a "habitual violator" ordinance for City Council
consideration which would qualify designated properties for more frequent inspections.
2. Do not allow property owners to receive city, state, or federal funding
unless their properties are in compliance or the owner is actively working
towards compliance.
RESPONSE: The Economic Development Department has several financial assistance
programs available to property owners. These programs would be a logical first place to
begin implementation of this recommendation.
The first program to be placed under this recommendation was the second round of the
Downtown Housing Incentive Program. This Program received nine applications for
assistance. As a follow up to each application, every property owner was required to
complete a certification form. This form was then distributed to each department that
oversees compliance with City Codes. The various departments informed Economic
Development if any properties identified had any Code issues and whether the property
owner was actively working to get the property back into compliance.
The implementation of this recommendation helps to advance the City's sustainability
initiative. Encouraging compliance of City Codes improves the Social /Cultural Vibrancy
component in two ways. First, helping to ensure safe buildings in the community
improves the livability for residents. Second, buildings with Code deficiencies are
encouraged to be improved, making more quality options for housing and business.
This improves the equitability within the City.
Additionally, the rehabilitation staff in the Housing & Community Development
Department adopted this as a policy and now will require any rental property owner to
comply with this policy directive.
3. Conduct an expanded crime study to include:
a. Comparisons with like communities.
b. Longitudinal study of changes in crime rates.
c. Multivariate study of arrest records.
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d. Comparison of actual crime profile in Dubuque with public
perception.
e. Contextualizing research findings within current criminology and
policy literature.
f. Evidence -based recommendations for effective policy and
programming related to crime prevention and community safety
within the discussion section of the research report.
RESPONSE: Northern Illinois University (NIU) has been commissioned to complete a
comprehensive crime study. The study is well underway includes a review of incident
data, housing data, arrest data, a literature review, and a perception survey. The data
provided to NIU was gathered from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Police
Department, and the Housing Department. The perception study information will include
the results of a survey of five - hundred (500) community members. The results of the
study are expected this fall and will be revisited by the Safe Community Task Force for
the addition of recommendations.
4. Allow the Task Force to act as conduit for accurate information to public,
specifically by:
a. Conveying crime statistics compiled by Captain Russ Stecklein to
the general public; and
b. Documenting and investigating the effectiveness of existing and new
efforts to curtail criminal activity in Dubuque, such as Community
Oriented Policing, Territory Accountability Design, and the
designation of a dedicated police officer for Section 8 housing
investigations.
RESPONSE: The Police Department and City have provided the Safe Community Task
Force with any and all crime, Community Oriented Policing (COP), territory
accountability design (TAD), and Section 8 data that was requested. The COPs are
tasked with establishing relationships in neighborhoods.
The budget of the Police Department from FY'08 through FY'12 included a plan for the
additional of fifteen (15) sworn officers. Five of the fifteen officers will be assigned to the
COP Unit. Three officers have been added to date; two specialize in traffic enforcement
and the third is assigned to the Housing & Community Development Department for
Section 8 investigations. The two positions to be filled will add an additional traffic
enforcement specialist and a school- resource officer. The additional staff and
relationships developed result in open channels of communication. This allows for the
accurate sharing of information in the community and provides a direct link between
citizens and the police.
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5. Create ways to encourage people to light up their own property and
surrounding public property.
RESPONSE: New street lights at all 38 possible alley- street locations from 12 to 20
Streets in the Washington Neighborhood have now been installed. An incentive
program was developed to encourage the installation of lighting in the Washington
Neighborhood at alleys and in front yards. An expansion of this program into other
neighborhoods could be evaluated for implementation.
The Engineering Department has researched the costs to install mid -block lights in
neighborhoods. Alliant Energy will provide the pole and light fixture at mid -block
locations for a monthly fee. This fee includes the rental of the pole and fixture, energy
cost, and maintenance cost. Below is a summary of the current monthly costs per light.
Lamp Size Luminaire Rate New Pole Rate Total
100 Watt $6.70 /month $7.38 /month $14.08 /month
If another pole is required, there will be an additional cost of $7.38 /month
For a year the average cost would be $168.90 per light. If there is an existing pole to
mount the street light, the pole cost is $2.57 /month. These rates are based on a
secondary wire being installed to a maximum distance of 150 feet. Any distance in
excess of 150 feet would have additional monthly wire costs.
It should be noted that some abutting property owners may not want the light in front of
their residences. Engineering has received some residents concerns to placement of
mid -block lights due to light potentially shining into bedrooms at night.
The Parking Department is currently evaluating parking ramps to determine where
upgrades are possible as a way to increase visibility at these public facilities.
6. Install surveillance cameras in high crime areas in public places.
RESPONSE: The Dubuque Police Department, 911 Center, and Informational Services
have met to discuss the cameras. The Police Department and 911 Center have
evaluated target areas for cameras and Informational Services is looking into the
infrastructure and costs related to such systems.
Cameras: Based on calls for service and supervisory input, the following areas have
been identified as potential locations for cameras:
Entrances and exits to and from the City - Both Highways 151/61 and Highway
20 bridges, Highway 52 North and South, Highway 20 West, and Highways
151/61 South; as well as the NW Arterial, and other "main" downtown
intersections. This would most likely be accomplished through expansion of the
City's existing traffic camera system. Law Enforcement would most likely use
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these systems in post -crime investigation to document offender arrival,
departures, and timeline activities, as has been done in a variety of cases.
Parks - Comiskey has been identified as a primary park of concern. Additional
parks would include Jackson and Orange as primary areas with Allison -
Henderson, Flora, and AY McDonald as secondary.
Streets - The 1200 to 1600 blocks of Bluff and Locust (which would also
encompass the Boys and Girls Club area), including the area of 17th and West
Locust, have consistently been high call areas and would be primary "street"
locations. Other areas might include the 20th Street area from Central to and
including 5 Points, lower Loras Blvd., the Town Clock Plaza area, lower Main,
and Central Ave. business district.
One facet that would take additional review is staffing for real -time monitoring versus
"as needed" and /or using recorded images only for later review as needed. Another
concern could be raised about privacy issues and government rights.
7. Install 911 emergency kiosks.
RESPONSE: The 911 kiosks are undergoing a simultaneous review.
911 Kiosks: The above camera areas would also fall under areas where a 911 kiosk
could be considered. 911 Center Director Mark Murphy ran calls for service for the
existing 911 kiosks between 01/01/06 to 12/31/09 and found there were 122 calls made
from the kiosks. The majority of these were categorized as "911 Hangups" that were
"Handled by Officer" as a response and most could probably be attributed to people
pushing the help button out of curiosity or play. Those that were requests for police
service included cold vandalism, a pedestrian injury, spills, disruptive kids, and other
similar low impact crimes. Only a handful would be categorized as "emergency calls"
had they gone through a regular call into the 911 Center. Costs, feasibility, and
effectiveness of the kiosks would probably need additional review.
8. Reduce the time allotted for correcting property violations from the current
two years.
RESPONSE: In April, amendments to the Housing Code were approved by the City
Council to reduce time allowed by the housing inspector and the Housing Code Appeals
Board to no more than nine months.
9. Encourage development of planned communities through mixed -use
zoning.
RESPONSE: In addition to residential zoning mixes, the Unified Development Code
allows upper story housing in office, commercial, and industrial districts. These zoning
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regulations promote both a mixed -use and a mixed - income approach to neighborhood
development. The City's Building Codes accommodate mixed development as well.
JULY 2010 RECOMMENDATIONS
Enforcement:
1. Develop and implement a juvenile curfew ordinance to use as a tool to help
reduce crime. Research utility, efficacy, and enforcement issues, taking the
following suggestions into consideration:
• The Police Department would not conduct curfew sweeps of the
community.
• There would be a designated and staffed location to hold juveniles
who violate the curfew. Contact with parents or a responsible adult
would not be handled by Police. (It is critical to keep the officers on
the street and not deploy them as babysitters). Penalties for curfew
violations could include fines, community service requirements, and
parenting classes.
RESPONSE: The adoption of a juvenile curfew is being reviewed by the Dubuque
Police Department and will take continued review for legislative changes and
implementation issues. One area of particular impact is resources necessary to enforce
a curfew. If juvenile offenders are taken into custody they would need to be released to
a parent or responsible adult. This can prove to be a time consuming endeavor which
could tie up Police resources. It has also been suggested that the Police Department
implement a curfew in an "as needed" type of enforcement. This would benefit the
Police Department's available resources but could also create claims of selective
enforcement as well as result in legal challenges as to the constitutionality of such laws
on one side, and complaints of not enough enforcement by another side. The Police
Department has begun looking into community resources available to assist in
enforcement of a curfew ordinance.
The City Attorney's Office has a significant amount of research related to curfews which
was gathered in the past. Updated information is being gathered and the sum of the
information will be reviewed with the Police Department, other organizations, and the
City Council as necessary to determine the possibility and logistics of a curfew
ordinance in Dubuque.
2. Provide additional resources for the Community Policing Program.
RESPONSE: The unit is currently staffed by a Captain and four corporals for the day -to-
day COP unit. Additionally, the COP Division is staffed by two traffic officers with a third
planned; and three School Resource Officers (one corporal and two officers) with an
additional officer planned. Expansion of COP philosophy is a constant work in progress.
Through attrition, promotion, and other movement, to date nearly 40% of the
supervisory staff has served in the COP Division and are allies in spreading the COP
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philosophy. In addition, the use of TAD has made all supervisors more accountable to
find solutions to problems in their assigned territories. The unit has expanded several
times since its inception. Once we are able to fill the vacant positions we will have a
better understanding of the division's needs.
3. Direct Police Department to enforce noise ordinances more aggressively.
RESPONSE: Beginning with Chief Dalsing's promotion on February 2, 2010, staff
meetings have been held with the majority of the Police Department personnel to
discuss department goals and expectations. Traffic and noise enforcement are
discussed as part of these expectations. The additional resource of traffic officers and
TAD projects will help increase enforcement efforts. 30% of all TAD special projects in
2009 were geared towards citizen requests for extra traffic enforcement and this trend is
expected to continue, if not increase. In the first six months of 2010, noise enforcement
for traffic is up 28% in the department.
Additional research is being done by the City Attorney's Office on strategies used in
other communities for combating noise issues and complaints. An informational
brochure may be one way to share information with the community on noise related
complaints.
4. Direct Police Department to enforce traffic ordinances more aggressively.
RESPONSE: Beginning with Chief Dalsing's promotion, staff meetings have been held
with the majority of the department personnel to discuss department goals and
expectations. Traffic and noise enforcement are discussed as part of these
expectations. The additional resource of traffic officers and TAD projects will help
increase enforcement efforts. 30% of all TAD special projects in 2009 were geared
towards citizen requests for extra traffic enforcement and this trend is expected to
continue if not increase. In the first six months of 2010, noise enforcement for traffic is
up 28% in the department.
5. Give the Safe Community Task Force and Police Department the
opportunity to respond to the Northern Illinois University crime study
report and recommendations due at the end of September, which may
result in additional recommendations.
RESPONSE: As mentioned in the response to the first set of recommendations, the
Police Department has actively cooperated with the crime study and provided
information as requested. Once the final report is in and the SCTF and Police
Department have had a chance to review the material, more action might be taken
towards this recommendation.
6. The Safe Community Task Force recommends its continued existence to
monitor the implementation and progress of its recommendations through
quarterly progress reports from City staff and special meetings as
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necessary. The SCTF further recommends that the City Council consider
creation of a Safe Community Commission.
RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office has created a template for boards and
commissions during an ongoing project to establish consistency amongst boards and
commissions. Input from the Safe Community Task Force will used in conjunction with
City Council input to develop the mission, terms, powers, and duties of a crime - related
commission. The Police Department will cooperate with City Council direction that
comes from this recommendation to assist and staff a crime related commission.
A proposed timeline for establishing a commission is as follows:
September 7, 2010 - Ordinance establish the Safe Community Task Force
presented to the City Council for consideration and
adoption.
September 10, 2010 - Press release issued regarding the application process
for membership on the Commission and applications sent
to current Safe Community Task Force members.
October 1, 2010 - Application deadline.
October 18, 2010 - Safe Community Advisory Commission
presented to City Council for review /
applicants.
November 2, 2010 - City Council appointments of applicants
Community Advisory Commission.
December 1, 2010 - Staggered terms of Commission begin.
First meeting - To be determined
Housing Code Enforcement
applications
interview of
to the Safe
As discussion of the task force recommendations relates to rental property it is
necessary to be aware of the Dubuque Area Landlord Association (DALA). A few years
ago, Brendan Houlihan, then Director of Governmental Affairs for the Dubuque Area
Chamber of Commerce, initiated monthly meetings between the DALA and City of
Dubuque staff, including the City Manager. The on -going meetings have led to a very
constructive dialogue which continues to this day.
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7. Support landlords in evicting problem tenants for cause.
RESPONSE: The Housing & Community Development Department currently
cooperates and shares information with landlords and their attorneys. All files are public
information except medical and financial information of Section 8 participants.
Inspectors testify in court when subpoenaed. Inspections are performed when
requested by landlords, in order to verify complaints against tenants.
The on -going meeting with the DALA resulted in an expanded effort by the Dubuque
Police Department to notify landlords of issues with tenants. Previously the Dubuque
Police Department sent notifications to landlords in limited situations. This notification
process has been expanded to include approximately thirty (30) to forty (40) types of
police calls which affect quality of life in neighborhoods. This information can be used
by landlords in making a case for an eviction.
8. Mandate that landlords conduct renter background checks, using the City's
free service.
RESPONSE: The Police Department offers this service free to landlords. A new part-
time position will be filled soon which will be dedicated to this process. Should the
Council adopt such a policy change, the Department will conduct the background
checks as necessary.
The City Attorney's Office created the form which landlords will submit to the Police
Department to process the free background checks. The City Attorney's Office will also
be working with the newly hired employee in the Records Division and COPs to
evaluate background check services and determine which company offers the best
information.
9. Establish threshold number of complaint calls that will place a problem
property in priority category. Establish policies and processes for
immediate response and resolution of problems involving those properties.
RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office will revisit and reevaluate the previously
proposed Property-in- Need -of- Assistance Ordinance and work with the Dubuque Area
Landlord Association and Neighborhood Associations to determine if any elements of
the proposed ordinance can be salvaged and what additional elements they would like
to see be included. Other communities will be researched for different models to draw
from for a best practices approach.
10. Tie frequency of property inspections to landlord's history of cooperation
with Code compliance. Establish a threshold number of problem
complaints that will trigger a meeting among the landlord, the tenant, and
representatives of the Housing and Police Departments.
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RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office is researching tiered inspection models used by
other communities for evaluation of the Housing Commission, Housing & Community
Development Department Staff, and the City Council.
11. Intensify exterior code enforcement efforts. Encourage City employees
across departments to identify and report property code enforcement
problems and establish ways to reward employees.
RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office recently met with both Housing and Building
Inspectors for the purposes of reviewing some inspection models used by other
communities. Specifically, staff reviewed a stoplight type system used by Rock Island,
Illinois. Rock Island performed a comprehensive inspection cycle of all property in the
community. The inspections included reference sheets for both exterior and interior
inspections. The inspection sheets contain black, red, yellow, and green sections. Any
violations falling into a red or black section result in a building being immediately posted
as not habitable until the violations are corrected. Violations falling under the yellow or
green sections are provided with certain periods of time for correction. As Rock Island is
a much smaller community, Dubuque may not have the resources to use this system in
exactly the same way. However, we believe it can be modified to become an effective
tool for staff. Specifically, inspectors can identify the most serious concerns they would
have from an exterior and interior perspective related to their field of expertise
(plumbing, electrical, structural, etc.) The most serious issues can then be put into a
format for other City staff, who may occasionally be at or in properties throughout the
community in the course of their duties, such as Police Officers, Fire Department staff,
Transit, and Public Works employees. This will allow for referral of the most serious
issues on a pro- active basis to the correct department. Further discussion on this will
occur and the City Attorney's Office may explore providing a training session for
employees.
The Housing & Community Development Department has a designated neighborhood
inspector who began in the Washington Neighborhood in 2008. He has completed more
than 800 inspections to -date, resulting in 760 units brought into Code compliance. He is
now performing comprehensive rental inspections in the north end and point
neighborhoods and including all areas east of Central Avenue. The inspector goes
block -by- block, inspecting every rental property which is not involved in the Section 8
program. To duplicate the intensity of this coverage in the rest of the downtown,
however, is more labor- intensive than Housing currently has staff capacity for. The rest
of the downtown (west of Central Avenue) is much more densely populated with rental
units.
With the addition of this inspector and implementation of an automated inspections
management system (Permits Plus), the previous seven -year cycle for completion of the
City's 7,600 rental units has been reduced to five years. We expect further improvement
in performance as the system is continually enhanced.
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Council- approved Code amendments in April of this year now allow a maximum of nine
months for extensions of time to complete required repairs. Previously, up to two years
was allowed, through time granted by the inspector and the Housing Code Appeals
Board. In addition, we are researching an "administrative court" model which may
further streamline and professionalize the appeals process.
Increased enforcement in vacant and abandoned buildings has resulted in removal of
29 long -term, chronic problem properties from the VAB list, since 2007. All VAB
properties are licensed and inspected annually. Currently, only 25 residential buildings
remain listed.
The Housing Department has also proposed a program of intensified enforcement, with
a trial implementation in the Washington Neighborhood. This would include homeowner
properties which would receive an exterior inspection with a voluntary compliance
check -list of observed Code violations. Additionally, owners would be offered an interior
"healthy home assessment ", which would check for safety and health - related problems
in the home. Compliance with violations would again be voluntary. This proposal will be
considered by the City Council on the August 16, 2010 Agenda.
12. Create a data clearing house limited to verifiable and factual information
that landlords and tenants can share and reference when making their
rental decisions.
RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office created a form for the Records Division to use
on collection of data. The Police Department will continue to work with the newly hired
staff person to evaluate this system and determine whether modifications are
necessary.
The City is exploring this through Crenna Brumwell in the City Attorney's Office. The
Police Department would be a partner in developing any such project and this would
most likely be a duty of the part-time records clerk assigned to landlord background
checks.
13. Develop and offer frequently a training program on code enforcement and
property management for all landlords. Require all landlords to attend the
program; issue only temporary occupancy permits /licenses until training
has been completed.
RESPONSE: The City Attorney's Office and Police Department are working with other
City departments to evaluate the addition of programming for landlords and property
managers in the community. The annual Crime Free Multi- Housing Program offered by
the Police Department would continue, but an expansion involving quarterly evening
sessions is being explored to cover topics requested by landlords or emerging
community issues related to landlords, tenants, citizens, and the city.
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Section 8 Program
The City Council has addressed community concerns about the real or perceived
impact of the Section 8 program on the community by:
1. Decreasing the desired number of Section 8 vouchers in the program
to 900
2. Limiting voucher eligibility to Dubuque residents
3. Increasing the staff capacity of the Family Self Sufficiency Program
4. Adding a Police corporal position working within the Housing &
Community Development Department to investigate Section 8
violations
Additional recommendations include supporting and providing resources to:
• Increase public understanding of the Section 8 Program
• Increase participation of Section 8 residents in effective self -
sufficiency programs
• Provide training to housing commissioners to increase their
leadership, public relations and community building skills
• Implement an Exception Rent Program to avoid concentrated
pockets of poverty
• Develop a stronger role for the Resident Advisory Board to
encourage residents of subsidized housing to give feedback on
proposed new policies and procedures and to cultivate leadership
within the low income residential community
• Provide community service credits for participation in effective
programs that foster self sufficiency
• Continue to provide resources to FSS program based upon evidence
of success
RESPONSE: First, public education and information are important parts of
understanding the role of the Section 8 assisted housing program in the community.
The Public Information Office proposes a CityChannel 8 program on Section 8 to better
explain the program and address myths and misperceptions. A representative from the
Housing Department would be interviewed on camera. An article with the same
information could be in a future City newsletter.
In the Housing Department, all of the recommendations from the SCTF are being
considered as part of the "Section 8 Management Plan" now in development. Housing is
working on this internally as a priority and reviewing that work monthly with staff and
with the Housing Commission. For the last several months, the City Manager, Housing
Department, City Attorney's Office, and the Police Department have met weekly to
evaluate and develop Housing policies.
Exception Rents: Housing will be able to make determinations about our financial ability
to establish an exception rent program when the year -end Section 8 reconciliations are
completed. The Period 13 report is being released this week by the Finance
12
Department. Housing staff is working closely with Finance to develop these numbers as
quickly as possible. When the remaining calendar year (voucher program year)
numbers are known, a budget for exception rents can be formulated.
Commissioner Training: Housing has proposed a program of trainings for Housing
Commissioners to gain more understanding of the Section 8 Program and be better
able to advocate and educate the public.
Resident Advisory Board: The Board meets quarterly throughout the year. This is an
advisory group of Section 8 Program participants. Several initiatives will be
implemented in the coming months, including recruiting for an expanded Board,
leadership training, and holding meetings more frequently. Housing will also attempt to
use the Board to hold monthly informational sessions with other Section 8 tenants, to
exchange ideas in an informal setting, obtain feedback, and gain suggestions for
program initiatives to support participants to prepare for employment and move from
welfare dependence.
Self- Sufficiency Training: The Council approved funding for a second Family Self -
Sufficiency Program coordinator, which will enable Housing to double the number of
participating families. The new coordinator begins employment with the City on August
9, 2010.
This additional staff will also allow us to continue and expand the Getting Ahead in a
Just Gettin' by World training to more Section 8 participants. To date, 99 people have
graduated from this 20 week curriculum.
Currently in development is a business plan for a new "Circles" program to be supported
in part with City Council approved funding to contract with the national "Move the
Mountain" network. The Circles model involves pairing Getting Ahead Program
graduates with community mentors, who provide long -term support and assistance with
access to resources and employment. This initiative will be co- sponsored by the
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and includes funding to hire a Circles
Coach to coordinate program activities.
Neighborhood Engagement and Social Capital
1. Human Relations - The SCTF believes that in order to achieve its goals
there will need to be a major City -wide human relations effort. The human
relations effort will have these objectives:
aj Increase tolerance and mutual understanding among the diverse
segments of the population. The adoption of educational initiatives
that foster community solidarity and global citizenship should be
among the first practical steps taken by our City.
13
b) Implement appropriate measures that safeguard the rights and
opportunities of all.
RESPONSE: In March of 2009, the Training and Workforce Development Coordinator
was hired. The Coordinator is involved in implementing the components of the
Intercultural Competency Strategic Plan which include reviewing and modifying the
City's recruitment efforts in order to attract a larger number of women and people of
color to apply for City positions and in developing training programs for City employees
that focus on increasing our ability to interact with the public and co- workers as our
community workforce continues to change.
A reorganization of the Human Rights Department will be proposed at the August 16,
2010 City Council Meeting. The proposal suggests shifting the enforcement of the
Human Rights Ordinance to the City Attorney's Office. Complaint investigations would
be handled by the City Attorney's Office. The Human Rights Department goal would be
early intervention and mediation opportunities for parties who seek assistance. If
mediation fails and /or a party chooses to pursue a formal investigation instead of
mediation, the Human Rights Department would assist them with filing that complaint
but would not make legal determinations.
The Human Rights Commission would remain intact to perform their existing duties,
including handling public hearings, and the City Attorney's Office would take those
cases forward as they do now.
The reorganization provides the current Human Rights Department Staff and Workforce
and Training Coordinator Andre Lessears to focus on:
Conflict engagement through performing equal employment opportunity
counseling; adding /expanding mediation opportunities both internally for City
employees and externally for the community; further building the capacity of the
Dubuque Dispute Resolution Center for neighborhood disputes.
Intercultural competence /systemic change through coordination of intercultural
conflict efforts, including steering, training, and employee engagement teams;
working with local organizations and businesses to assist them in developing
their own intercultural competence programs.
Community engagement through leverage and increase of partnership efforts in
the community to improve the ability to build unity through diversity and prevent
fractures. This would include capacity building with the Multicultural Family
Center and faces and voices, and with other organizations that choose to
improve their intercultural competence in Tong -term, strategic ways.
Workforce development through continued work with Personnel Director Randy
Peck on employee recruitment and retention issues and expansion of work with
employee involvement teams. These teams are designed to address sources of
14
conflict and service delivery concerns within departments by engaging
employees directly in decision- making and resolution.
The Leisure Services Department is also reorganizing some staffing to focus on
directing and coordinating programs for youth and a few adult programs with an
emphasis on providing programs and services to targeted neighborhood community
members. This will be accomplished through not only programs Leisure Services offers
but also partnering with community organizations of Dubuque. Emphasis will be given
on coordinating efforts with the Multicultural Family Center. The staff reorganization will
allow for concentrated efforts to evolve ideas, impact neighborhood engagement, and
increase social capital.
Over the past year, the Multicultural Family Center has been working to increase
neighborhood engagement and social capital. Programs have sought to increase tolerance
and mutual understanding, foster community solidarity, and increase community
involvement. A sample of programming includes:
• Taste of the World
• Future Talk (summer education and employment program)
• Community and Police Dialogue on Race offered by Human Rights
• Housing Townhall Meeting offered by Human Rights Commission
2. Develop a Neighborhood Watch program.
RESPONSE: Neighborhood Watch is a copyrighted program. The Police Department
will need to review the current program and requirements with the City Attorney's Office,
neighborhood associations, and citizen's groups to determine if the program meets
Dubuque's needs at the present time. Neighborhood Watch is not the only program
which involves the community to create safe neighborhoods. Other programs can be
evaluated to find the right fit for Dubuque.
Whether Dubuque reinstitutes a Neighborhood Watch program or not, the Public Works
Department proposes that it remove all current Neighborhood Watch signs and erect
new, redesigned units in the neighborhoods where the residents have newly - affirmed
their support of the program or developed or adopted program. At the current time, it is
unknown how many of the current Neighborhood Watch signs have active support and
may be ineffective as a deterrent to criminal behavior.
One aspect of a neighborhood watch program to be considered is the installation of
security cameras and 911 kiosks to deter crime and improve the feeling of security in
neighborhoods and parks. The camera and kiosk information has been previously
provided.
3. Increase resident participation using such vehicles as clean -up campaigns,
neighborhood picnics, new neighbor welcome events, and other strategies
developed by residents.
15
RESPONSE: The development of a comprehensive brochure for new residents to help
them be more informed of Dubuque policies is a suggestion that has come up on
numerous occasions to welcome individuals. A brochure could cover basic policies like
City utilities; refuse and recycling; quality of life ordinances the City has related to loud
music, loud vehicles, pet waste and other issues that have been discussed by the
SCTF. The brochure could also include information on civic engagement opportunities
provided by the City. The publication could reach every new utility customer at City Hall
and also be made available to new and existing employers to provide for their
employees. Kiosks at the Historic Federal Building and community organizations would
facilitate this information sharing as well. The City website does currently provide a
"New Residents Guide" at http:// www. cityofdubuque .org /index.aspx ?NID =1204, but it is
basically a listing of referrals. A project of this nature would involve multiple
departments and involve printing costs.
Over the past year, the Multicultural Family Center has been working to increase
neighborhood engagement and social capital. Programs have sought to increase tolerance
and mutual understanding, foster community solidarity, and increase community
involvement.
Additionally, the Multicultural Family Center has the following programs to welcome new
families to the community:
• Welcoming Program
• English Language Learner Classes (NICC)
• Spanish Choir
• Marshallese Dancing
This year the Center plans to expand its programs to focus more on family programs,
cultural programs, and welcoming programs. The welcoming programs will include a
welcome dinner hosted every other month by the Center. If grant funding is received, the
dinner will be open to families that have joined the community within the last two years. The
event will include dinner, guest speakers, an overview of programs and services in the
community, transit and community maps, question and answer session, and time for
networking.
Through encouragement and support of neighborhood organizations and neighborhood
based non - profit organizations; the City has actively promoted resident participation.
The City has provided both technical assistance and grant funding (in low and moderate
income neighborhoods) through the Community Development Block Grant funded
Neighborhood Grant Program and the Community Building Grant Program.
Following is a listing of some of the neighborhood -based events of the past few months.
Events that are new this year are indicated with an asterisk.
August 2010
*Street Jam, August 6
*National Night Out Event at Comiskey Park
*Movie at Comiskey Park, August 18
16
Music in Jackson Park, August 8
North End Neighborhood /garage sale & fund raiser, Comiskey Park
Langworthy Neighborhood Annual Block Party
Crescent Community Health Fair, Aug 14
*Bike Safety Rodeo, Jackson Park, August 21
*Neighborhood Ice Cream Social, Comiskey, sponsored by Holy Spirit
Pastorate
July 2010
*Point Neighborhood - Fireworks gathering
Music in Jackson Park (event postponed due to rain)
*Movie in Comiskey Park
Hilltop -Ivy League Neighborhood Picnic
June 2010
*Eat N Greet Event- Orange Park, Washington Street
Music in Jackson Park June 13
Hilltop Ivy League Neighborhood Clean -up
May 2010
Valley View Neighborhood (clean -up Pot Luck)
Marshall Islands Constitutional Day Anniversary @ Prescott School
*Point Neighborhood "junque in the trunk" fundraiser
Langworthy Neighborhood Clean -up (and coffee /juice)
April 2010
Downtown Neighborhood Clean -up /cookout at Boys and Girls Club
4. Cultural Competency Training should be offered periodically to businesses
and the community at- large. It should be mandatory for City board and
commission members as well as for City staff.
RESPONSE: Reorganization of the Human Rights Department will be proposed at the
August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting. The proposal suggests shifting the enforcement
of the Human Rights Ordinance to the City Attorney's Office. This provides the current
Human Rights Department Staff and Workforce and Training Coordinator Andre
Lessears to focus on:
Conflict engagement through performing equal employment opportunity
counseling; adding /expanding mediation opportunities both internally for City own
employees and externally for the community; further building the capacity of the
Dubuque Dispute Resolution Center for neighborhood disputes.
Intercultural competence /systemic change through coordination of intercultural
conflict efforts, including steering, training, and employee engagement teams;
17
working with local organizations and businesses to assist them in developing
their own intercultural competence programs.
Community engagement through leverage and increase of partnership efforts in
the community to improve the ability to build unity through diversity and prevent
fractures; this would include capacity building with the Multicultural Family Center
and faces and voices, and with other organizations who choose to improve their
intercultural competence in long -term, strategic ways.
Another way to spread intercultural competency information is via CityChannel 8. Short
vignettes featuring cultural competency stories from City employees or citizen
volunteers could be utilized to share information.
5. The Human Rights Department should receive continued support. In
addition the City should devote resources to a human relations initiative
that could include programs in the arts, cultural programs, and other
strategies that promote respect and understanding among residents.
RESPONSE: Over the course of the upcoming year the Multicultural Family Center plans to
offer at least one cultural event a month. The goal will be to allow individuals to share their
culture, traditions, and norms in a safe and respectful environment while fostering
understanding and awareness of the diversity in this community. Cultural programs for this
fall, winter, and spring may include Dia de la Raza, Independence Day celebrations, Native
American heritage month celebration, Las Posadas, Chinese New Year, Taste of the World,
Juneteenth, and GLBT awareness month event.
6. Support a welcoming program for all new renters through community
based organizations (such as GDDC provides for new families coming to
Dubuque).
RESPONSE: The Multicultural Family Center has the following programs to welcome new
families to the community:
• Welcoming Program
• English Language Learner Classes (NICC)
• Spanish Choir
• Marshallese Dancing
The welcoming programs will not be limited to renters, but will include all new residents of
the community. This year the Center plans to expand its programs to focus more on family
programs, cultural programs, and welcoming programs. The welcoming programs will
include a welcome dinner hosted every other month by the Center. If grant- funding is
received, the dinner will be open to families that have joined the community within the last
two years. The event will include dinner, guest speakers, an overview of programs and
services in the community, transit and community maps, question and answer session, and
time for networking.
18
A CityChannel 8 program may also be a way to share information with citizens new to
the community.
Management of Physical Environment:
1. Install Street lights in the middle of the block to brighten up the streets at
night and increase visibility for residents.
RESPONSE: New street lights at all 38 possible alley- street locations from 12 to 20
Streets in the Washington Neighborhood have now been installed. Existing street lights
in the Washington Neighborhood have been upgraded to use brighter bulbs.
The Engineering Department has researched the costs to install mid -block lights in
neighborhoods. Alliant Energy will provide the pole and light fixture at mid -block
locations for a monthly fee. This fee includes the rental of the pole and fixture, energy
cost, and maintenance cost. Below is a summary of the current monthly costs per light.
Lamp Size Luminaire Rate New Pole Rate Total
100 Watt $6.70 /month $7.38 /month $14.08 /month
If another pole is required, there will be an additional cost of $7.38 /month
For a year the average cost would be $168.90 per light. If there is an existing pole to
mount the street light, the pole cost is $2.57 /month. These rates are based on a
secondary wire being installed to a maximum distance of 150 feet. Any distance in
excess of 150 feet would have additional monthly wire costs.
It should be noted that some abutting property owners may not want the light in front of
their residences. Engineering has received some residents concerns to placement of
mid -block lights due to light potentially shining into bedrooms at night.
2. Improve Dubuque neighborhoods by:
a) Encouraging home ownership,
b) Encouraging a mixed income approach to neighborhood
development,
c) Creating (or re- creating) a sense of place through good design. All
buildings using city, state, or federal dollars should be required to
meet these objectives and all projects should be required to meet the
City's sustainability goals.
RESPONSE: The Economic Development Department has several financial assistance
programs available to property owners. These programs would be a logical first place to
begin implementation of this recommendation.
19
The first program to be placed under this recommendation was the second round of the
Downtown Housing Incentive Program. This Program received nine applications for
assistance. As a follow up to each application, every property owner was required to
complete a certification form. This form was distributed to each department that
oversees compliance with City Codes. The various departments then let Economic
Development know if any properties identified had any Code issues and whether the
property owner was actively working to get the property back into compliance.
The implementation of this recommendation helps to advance the City's sustainability
initiative. Encouraging compliance of City Codes improves the social /cultural vibrancy
component in two ways. First, helping to ensure safe buildings in the community
improves the livability for residents. Second, buildings with Code deficiencies are
encouraged to be improved, making more quality options for housing and business.
This improves the equitability within the City.
The SCTF suggestions for improving neighborhoods are all cornerstones of the Housing
Department's approach to housing and community development. All buildings using
public funds are required to meet the objectives and meet the City's sustainability goals.
The City has zoned the vast majority of the community for residential development, from
single- and two- family to multi - family. With the adoption of the Unified Development
Code in 2009, single- and two- family homes now are permitted in the R -3 and R-4 multi-
family districts. This Code change encourages home ownership city -wide. The City's
Building Codes accommodate a variety of home ownership, from detached single - family
to attached townhouses to condominiums.
The Code retains the zoning provisions adopted in 1993 that allow non - conforming
residential structures, such as homes in a commercial or industrial zone, to be rebuilt
and renovated. This Code provision has enabled people to remain in their homes and
make home improvements that also improve their neighborhoods.
The Historic Preservation Housing Grant Program and a low interest Historic
Preservation Revolving Loan Fund provides grant funding for low and moderate income
qualifying homeowners, while homeowners at any income level can qualify for the loan
program. Both programs have been extended to Conservation Districts, Individually
Designated Historic Properties, and City Landmarks.
In addition to the residential zoning mix described above, the Code allows upper story
housing in office, commercial, and industrial districts. These zoning regulations promote
both a mixed -use and a mixed - income approach to neighborhood development. The
City's Building Codes accommodate mixed development as well.
Creating a sense of place through good design can be broken down into four separate
areas of analysis, which involve the Building Services Department as well as Planning &
Zoning Department, buildings, Section 106, streetscapes, and sustainability.
20
BUILDINGS: The City Council mandates the design review for exterior
renovations of buildings in Historic Districts as well as City Landmarks and
Individually- Designated Historic Properties regardless of the funding source.
Design review applications are handled by Planning Services staff, with Historic
Preservation Commission review for material changes in appearance. Code
compliance, site inspections, and enforcement of these design reviews is
handled by Building Services staff with assistance as needed from Planning
Services staff.
The City Council also mandates design review of exterior building alterations in
the Port of Dubuque and the Historic Millwork District regardless of funding
source. These design reviews are handled by Planning Services staff.
As of June 2009, the City Council mandated design review of exterior building
alterations and public works projects, such as streetscapes, in the Downtown.
The Downtown Design Guidelines must be followed, unless a waiver is granted
by the Commission, for all projects using city, state, or federal dollars. Design
review applications are handled by Planning Services staff, with Commission
review for material changes in appearance. Code compliance, site inspections,
and enforcement of these design reviews is handled by Building Services staff
with assistance as needed from Planning Services staff.
SECTION 106: For projects receiving federal funds outside the Historic Districts
and the Downtown, a "Section 106" review is required. Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act mandates a review of the potential impact to
historic resources from the expenditure of federal funds. The Planning Services
staff is able to conduct Section 106 design reviews in -house for the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development funded programs. These
programs include the City's Community Development Block Grant funded
housing rehabilitation program and the lead -based paint programs. For projects
using other federal funding sources, Planning Services staff prepares reports for
the State Historic Preservation Office to conduct the Section 106 reviews.
Design Guidelines used for HUD - funded and other federally- funded projects are
less defined than the design guideline manuals used in the Historic Districts and
the Downtown. Compliance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards guides
these design reviews.
STREETSCAPES: The City Council mandates design review of public works
projects in the Historic Districts and the Downtown, regardless of the funding
source. The Planning Services staff signs off on simple projects that comply with
the applicable design guidelines, and the Commission advises the City Council
on significant projects.
Historic District Public Improvement Program funds are a matching grant
program for neighborhoods to retain and re- create their sense of place. HDPIP
21
funds have been used for streetscape improvements in all five historic districts
such as historic street lights, benches, trash receptacles, planters, and signs.
A similar design review process was adopted in 2009, for public works projects in
the Downtown, using the Downtown Design Guidelines Manual.
Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines were established in the 2009
Code for new development in Conservation Districts and Conservation Planning
Areas. They provide form -based guidelines in Dubuque's older neighborhoods,
where strict application of "suburban style" site design standards for new
commercial, industrial, and residential development are difficult to apply due to
the dense development patterns of these older urban areas.
SUSTAINABILITY: Historic preservation can be considered the "poster child" of
sustainability. While the design review process and Code provisions described
above foster historic preservation, the City's Building Code options also foster
sustainability goals. The adoption of preservation minded codes gives owners,
contractors, architects, and the Building Services staff alternatives when dealing
with existing buildings. It also reduces the barrier (real and /or perceived) of codes
when owners are contemplating renovation of their downtown buildings.
3. Create an ordinance prohibiting the boarding of windows and doors facing
streets.
RESPONSE: Through a Commission initiative and the City Manager's direction, staff in
the Planning Services, Building Services, Housing and Community Development, and
City Attorney's Office have discussed, researched, and drafted an ordinance addressing
boarded -up windows and doors in Historic Districts and Conservation Districts. The
Commission advocated for this ordinance to reduce blighting conditions in these
districts. The Commission encountered resistance to this proposed ordinance from
impacted property owners and the Dubuque Main Street Board of Directors. Learning of
the SCTF's interest in this type of ordinance, the Commission directed Planning
Services staff to share their efforts with the Task Force.
Related to properties outside of historic and conservation districts, the Housing
Department and Building Services Department codes and policies provide some basis
for preventing boarded up windows and are used regularly by inspectors. The City
Attorney's Office is able to expand the ordinance to include all property in the City.
Additional models can be gathered for evaluation.
4. Develop and enforce policies consistent with the "preservation briefs" to
maintain historic properties.
RESPONSE: The Technical Preservation Services (TPS) of the National Park Service
(NPS) provides information and guidance on the care of historic buildings. TPS helps
home owners, preservation professionals, organizations, and government agencies
22
preserve and protect this nation's heritage by providing readily available materials --
guidance pamphlets and books, videos, and NPS web home page -- on preserving,
restoring, and rehabilitating historic buildings. Preservation briefs are just one of the
publications provided by the TPS.
The TPS is one of a number of resources the Commission and City staff use when
advising or reviewing a project. Other standards for review include the Architectural
Guidelines Manual and the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines Manual for the
Historic Districts, and the Downtown Design Guidelines Manual. All documents,
including those published by the TPS, are founded on principles outlined in the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic
Properties. The City website currently offers links to all the resources listed above,
including the TPS.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards are not technical or prescriptive, but are
intended to promote responsible preservation practices that help protect cultural
resources. For example, they cannot, in and of themselves, be used to make essential
decisions about which features of the historic building should be saved and which can
be changed. But once a treatment approach is selected, the Standards provide
philosophical consistency to the work. The four treatment approaches are Preservation,
Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction. The Architectural Guidelines,
Landscape Guidelines, and Downtown Design Guidelines Manuals expand on these
basic rehabilitation principles as they apply in Dubuque. The TPS publications are, as
one might expect more technical in nature, offering more in depth and detailed
information and guidance on the care of historic buildings.
The City Attorney's Office requested Planning & Zoning staff to research the
preservation briefs related to the proper "mothballing" of historic structures. The
attached preservation brief outlines the process. Assistant City Attorney Crenna
Brumwell met with Planning & Zoning staff on August 5, 2010 to review the preservation
brief for possible implementation. The TPS preservation brief on "mothballing" is
inconsistent with the SCTF recommendation to prohibit boarded up windows and doors.
The "mothballing" preservation brief lists boarding up windows and doors as a proper
way to seal and preserve a building. The brief is also inconsistent with the City's vacant
or abandoned building ordinance which is used to ensure the maintenance of and
encourage the re -use, rehabilitation and renovation of structures.
5. Increase the number of trash receptacles on the street.
RESPONSE: The Public Works Department proposes that a significant portion of the
$30,000 budgeted for FY'11 for the purchase and installation of litter and recyclables
receptacles in the downtown area go toward the placement of receptacles in the
residential areas abutting the downtown.
The Health Services Department responds to complaints on a regular basis and
enforces regulations regarding garbage, weeds, and environmental nuisances.
23
Additionally, Health Services works closely with Police, Housing, Planning, and Public
Works to address physical environment and Health Department enforcement issues.
6. Increase the number of neighborhood clean -ups and educate the
community on city waste disposal policies in an effort to clarify the
purpose of neighborhood clean -up programs.
RESPONSE: The Public Information Office and Cable TV division are currently working
with Paul Schultz, Resource Management Coordinator, to create a CityChannel 8
program on proper solid waste and recycling methods for curbside collection.
The Public Works Department is evaluating a budget request to fund additional support
for neighborhood cleanup campaigns, using the resources of its solid waste collection
and DMASWA solid waste management activities. These resources would include solid
waste collection trucks, dump trucks, recyclables drop -off receptacles, access to solid
waste disposal and recycling facilities, its partnership with the local chapter of Keep
Iowa Beautiful — Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green, and its many related front-
line workers and management support personnel.
The Public Works Department would recommend continuation of the annual asphalt
overlay program for street improvements and expansion of the alley cart program which
can have a dramatic impact on neighborhood aesthetics.
Providing an incentive for neighborhoods to act may be as simple as a contest to select
the most improved landscape in a neighborhood or at private homes. This could
improve neighborhood aesthetics, bolster relationships, and reduce enforcement.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency offers free use of litter cleanup
equipment to community organizations .in Dubuque County. The litter cleanup
equipment includes gloves, safety vests, litter tongs, and disposal bags. Volunteers are
asked to complete a liability waiver form and cleanup information form. Free pickup and
disposal of the collected materials can be arranged ahead of tirr\e through the Public
Works Department and the Dubuque County Road Department.
Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green citizens group is the local affiliate of Keep
Iowa Beautiful. Its focus is on litter and illegal dumping prevention, waste reduction, and
community beautification in the rural and urban areas of Dubuque County. KDCCG is
made up of representatives from several city and county agencies and civic groups, as
well as individuals interested in community improvement and environmental
stewardship.
The City has also funded a number of neighborhood beautification efforts initiated by
neighborhood groups including landscaping improvements in the Washington Street
traffic diverters, flower planting /landscaping at Grant Park, Jackson Park, Avon Park,
11th Street gateway, and the 2nd Street Island across from Cathedral.
24
The Community Development Advisory Commission could review the Neighborhood
Grant Program. One possibility for the Commission to consider would be to prioritize
funding for proposed projects which address one of the recommendations of the Safe
Community Task Force.
Research and Facts
The crime study previously recommended by the SCTF and approved by the City
Council is in progress and will be completed by Northern Illinois University in late
September. The study authors will analyze crime and survey data which will:
1) Clarify crime data and crime trends in Dubuque;
2) Identify demographic and other characteristics most strongly related
to the sorts of crimes that have increased significantly in the past
few years, and
3) Compare these data with the public's perception of the nature of
crime and criminals in Dubuque.
The study asks these questions:
• Does the perception of criminal activity and its causes in Dubuque
match what is actually happening?
• What policies or strategies are effective in decreasing crime,
especially within categories of crime with significant recent
increases in arrests?
• If there are community perceptions of increased criminal activity but
no evidence to support the perception, what policies or strategies
can effectively address the concerns?
RESPONSE: The Police Department has actively cooperated with the NIU crime study
and provided information as requested. NIU staff has contacted Assistant Chief of
Police Terry Tobin and the PO's technology staff numerous times for data, and Chief
Dalsing met with one of the people doing the study, George Graves, on July 15, 2010 to
discuss crime trends and response as well as giving him a tour of the City's
development areas and target areas of concern.
The Police Department has provided the SCTF with any and all crime, COP, TAD, and
Section 8 data that was requested and will do as requested and needed in the future.
CONCLUSION
City staff looks forward to reviewing the above information and related attachments with
the City Council to answer questions and received direction. Thank you.
cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager (without enclosures)
Phyllis Russell, Management Fellow (without enclosures)
Department and Division Managers (without enclosures)
25
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force Recommendations to City Council
DATE: July 15, 2010
Dubuque
a,Aeedcacu►
1
m
2007
Management Fellow Phyllis Russell is transmitting the second set of recommendations
from the Safe Community Task Force.
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Phyllis E. Russell, Management Fellow
Michael C. Van Milligen
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Phyllis E. Russell, Management Fellow
SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force Recommendations to City Council
DATE: July 15, 2010
Dubuque
kilighl
rr
2007
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to forward to you the second set of
recommendations from the Safe Community Task Force to present to the City Council.
Along with this current series of recommendations I am also including the first set of
recommendations that were adopted by the Council February 2010 and an update on
the Crime Study being conducted by Northern Illinois University.
BACKGROUND
On September 17, 2009, Mayor Roy Buol and the City Council hosted a community
forum that was attended by more than 130 residents. The purpose of this forum was to
initiate an open dialogue on crime issues in our community and how, as a community,
we could address them. After such a high response to the open dialogue, the Mayor
and City Council appointed 25 citizen volunteers to a "Safe Community Task Force" in
October.
This group of diverse volunteers was asked to holistically look at both the causes of,
and solutions to, crime in Dubuque. The group was tasked with gathering facts about
the scope of the crime problems, focus on identifying efforts that are already underway
to improve and prevent future problems, review and analyze how other communities
have addressed this issue and recommend goals and objectives for the leadership of
Dubuque. Beyond the 25 appointed members, the Safe Community Task Force utilized
sub - committees and work groups to get all interested parties involved, and submit
recommendations to the City Council for further action.
The sub - committees were:
• Neighborhood engagement/social capital,
• Enforcement,
• Management of physical environment, and
• Research and facts.
In February 2010, Urban Strategies from St. Louis, MO was hired to facilitate the Safe
Community Task Force meetings and aid in guiding the appointed group through the
recommendation process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Each of the sub - committees produced several recommendations for the Task Force to
consider and come to consensus on. The following are the recommendations (identified
by category) the Task Force is submitting to Council:
Enforcement
1. Develop and implement a juvenile curfew ordinance to use as a tool to help
reduce crime. Research utility, efficacy and enforcement issues, taking the
following suggestions into consideration:
• The police department would not conduct curfew sweeps of the
community.
• There would be a designated and staffed location to hold juveniles who
violate the curfew. Contact with parents or a responsible adult would not
be handled by police. (It is critical to keep the officers on the street and not
deploy them as babysitters). Penalties for curfew violations could include
fines, community service requirements and parenting classes.
2. Provide additional resources for the Community Policing Program
3. Direct Police Department to enforce noise ordinances more aggressively.
4. Direct Police Department to enforce traffic ordinances more aggressively.
5. Give the Safe Community Task Force and Police Department the opportunity to
respond to the Northern Illinois University crime study report and
recommendations due at the end of September, which may result in additional
recommendations.
6. The Safe Community Task Force recommends its continued existence to monitor
the implementation and progress of its recommendations through quarterly
progress reports from city staff, and special meetings as necessary. The SCTF
further recommends that the City Council consider creation of a Safe Community
Commission.
Housing Code Enforcement
7. Support landlords in evicting problem tenants for cause.
8. Mandate that landlords conduct renter background checks, using the city's free
service.
9. Establish threshold number of complaint calls that will place a problem property
in priority category. Establish policies and processes for immediate response and
resolution of problems involving those properties,
10. Tie frequency of property inspections to landlord's history of cooperation with
code compliance. Establish a threshold number of problem complaints that will
trigger a meeting among the landlord, the tenant, and representatives of the
Housing and Police Departments.
11. Intensify exterior code enforcement efforts. Encourage city employees across
departments to identify and report property code enforcement problems and
establish ways to reward employees.
12. Create a data clearing house limited to verifiable and factual information that
landlords and tenants can share and reference when making their rental
decisions.
13. Develop and offer frequently a training program on code enforcement and
property management for all landlords. Require all landlords to attend the
program; issue only temporary occupancy permits /licenses until training has
been completed
Section 8 Program
The City Council has addressed community concerns about the real or perceived
impact of the Section 8 program on the community by:
1. Decreasing the desired number of Section 8 vouchers in the program to 900
2. Limiting voucher eligibility to Dubuque residents
3. Increasing the staff capacity of the Family Self Sufficiency Program
Additional recommendations include supporting and providing resources to:
• Increase public understanding of the Section 8 Program
• Increase participation of Section 8 residents in effective self - sufficiency programs
• Provide training to housing commissioners to increase their leadership, public
relations and community building skills
• Implement an Exception Rent Program to avoid concentrated pockets of poverty
• Develop a stronger role for the Resident Advisory Board to encourage residents
of subsidized housing to give feedback on proposed new policies and procedures
and to cultivate leadership within the low income residential community.
• Provide community service credits for participation in effective programs that
foster self sufficiency
• Continue to provide resources to FSS program based upon evidence of success
Neighborhood Engagement and Social Capital
1. Human Relations (A Task Force Priority) - The SCTF believes that in order to
achieve its goals there will need to be a major citywide human relations effort
.The human relations effort will have these objectives:
a) Increase tolerance and mutual understanding among the diverse
segments of the population. The adoption of educational initiatives
that foster community solidarity and global citizenship should be among
the first practical steps taken by our City.
b) Implement appropriate measures that safeguard the rights and opportunities of
all.
2. Develop a Neighborhood Watch program.
3. Increase resident participation using such vehicles as clean up campaigns,
neighborhood picnics, new neighbor welcome events and other strategies
developed by residents
4. Cultural Competency Training should be offered periodically to businesses and
the community at large. It should be mandatory for city board and commission
members as well as for city staff.
5. The Human Rights Department should receive continued support. In addition the
city should devote resources to a human relations initiative that could include
programs in the arts, cultural programs and other strategies that promote respect
and understanding among residents.
6. Support a welcoming program for all new renters through community based
organizations (such as GDDC provides for new families coming to Dubuque).
Management of Physical Environment
1. Install street lights in the middle of the block to brighten up the streets at night
and increase visibility for residents.
2. Improve Dubuque neighborhoods by: a) encouraging home ownership, b)
encouraging a mixed income approach to neighborhood development, c)
creating (or re- creating) a sense of place through good design. All buildings
using city, state or federal dollars should be required to meet these objectives
and all projects should be required to meet the City's sustainability goals.
3. Create an ordinance prohibiting the boarding of windows and doors facing
streets.
4. Develop and enforce policies consistent with the "preservation briefs" to
maintain historic properties.
5. Increase the number of trash receptacles on the street.
6. Increase the number of neighborhood clean- ups and educate the community
on city waste disposal policies in an effort to clarify the purpose of
neighborhood clean- up programs.
Research and Facts
The crime study previously recommended by the SCTF and approved by the City
Council is in progress and will be completed by Northern Illinois University in late
September. The study authors will analyze crime and survey data which will: 1) clarify
crime data and crime trends in Dubuque; 2) identify demographic and other
characteristics most strongly related to the sorts of crimes that have increased
significantly in the past few years, and 3) compare these data with the public's
perception of the nature of crime and criminals in Dubuque.
The study asks these questions:
• Does the perception of criminal activity and its causes in Dubuque match what is
actually happening?
• What policies or strategies are effective in decreasing crime, especially within
categories of crime with significant recent increases in arrests?
• If there are community perceptions of increased criminal activity but no evidence
to support the perception, what policies or strategies can effectively address the
concerns?
Dubuque 2010 Quantitative Research Study on Crime & Poverty
Project Status Report
As of 3uly 9, 2010
Provided by:
Greg Kuhn, Project Director
Shannon Sohl, Project Manager
NIU Center for Governmental Studies
General Project
Info
• The contract and confidentiality agreement were formally executed
on May 27th when all required signatures were in place.
• On May 25 Carol Spinoso forwarded 26 documents related to the
study. The team has been reviewing the documents and CGS has
assembled a timeline that reflects our understanding of key events
that have led up to the current study in place. The timeline is
appended to this Project Status Report for your review and feedback.
• City staff and study team members have been in regular and ongoing
conversation on a variety of project elements, research questions,
logistical matters and data sharing transfers.
• The project is estimated to be completed by mid to late October but is
highly contingent upon timely turnarounds for missing data or
clarification of data issues.
• Optimally, if data scrubbing and matching can be completed within
the next two weeks, CGS plans to have a preliminary set of findings
available for Dubuque's review by mid to late September. This
projection is highly variable and is subject to change depending on
data conversion/ data scrubbing processes.
Comparative ❖ CGS researchers confirmed the list of cohort members with Dubuque
Data in May for the comparative analysis of crime rates.
• Contacted and collected all crime data necessary from Iowa's
Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the City of Dubuque to
complete the comparative analysis. Final set of Dubuque's data,
including year 2009, was received from Dubuque on June 18, 2010.
CGS currently has compiled crime incident count data for all cohort
members (as well as university data where applicable) for years 2004 -
2009.
• Received confirmation on June 25, 2010 from the lead project staff
member, Kelly Larson, to include an analysis that combines university
crimes with city crimes for Ames and Iowa City and to apply total city
population (as annually estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau). Plans
are to also present the data by separate categories of crimes.
• Began formatting charts /graphs for presenting the comparative data.
• Uploaded, reviewed and entered data into files for analysis; Excel (for
presentation purposes) & SPSS (for statistical analysis).
Page 1 of 4
Incident Data
❖ An updated incident data file for the period under study was
forwarded by Dubuque to the secure ftp site on July 7th
• Data interpretation, cleaning and conversion to an analytical format
that removes confidential information is underway.
❖ Analysts are working to create a "Master" file with the Incident file
serving as the base set of data and consolidating Housing data &
Arrest data into this file by running matching routines.
❖ The key issues surrounding the Incident data that CGS is currently
working on include the following items:
> Within the Incident file, there are approximately 200,000
records of which not all data is necessary for the scope of this
project (e.g., witness information). Thus, CGS is working to
identify the variables that could be eliminated to make the file
more manageable from an analytical standpoint.
➢ Within this new "Master" file, data must be manually
scrubbed in a confidential environment for inconsistencies in
identifier fields (e.g., SSN and NameNo fields). Early reviews
indicate some of this data is missing, invalid or inconsistently
reported within the file. CGS will pursue obtaining the
necessary data, if available, from Stacey Moore.
Housing Data
❖ Awaiting suggestions from City staff for groupings /consolidation of
crimes to reduce the number of charts and to present data in a format
that the City is accustomed to reviewing when analyzing crime data.
❖ A CGS team member will schedule a time to review (with Stacey
Moore) reporting standards for the various degrees of crimes to clarify
how the City collects various incidents and applies definitions for
reporting purposes.
• The findings of this analysis will be included in the preliminary
feedback report (projected to be ready mid to late September).
Housing data was received (via the secure ftp site) from Dubuque's
database vendor on June 18 but a significant level of follow -up
clarification was needed. Janet Walker assisted with the clarification
and confirmed various classifications of fields. This clarification was
completed on June 28`
• The housing data received is not in as "readily useable" format as
expected (e.g., the data includes several fields /categories that require
clarification, sorting and interpretation). CGS staff has been in
conversation with City staff on this issue and clarification is ongoing at
this writing.
❖ Data interpretation, cleaning and conversion to an analytical format
that removes confidential information is now underway using the
clarified file.
❖ CGS is also working to consolidate /cross compare the Housing data
with Arrest and Incident data to create a "Master" data file for use in
the analytical operations to be undertaken.
Page 2 of 4
Arrest Data
❖ Arrest data was received directly from the City via the secure ftp site
the on June 7th
• Data interpretation, cleaning and conversion of the arrest data to an
analytical format that removes confidential information is underway.
• As referenced above, CGS is matching up the Arrest data with Incident
and Housing data to create the "Master" data file.
• CGS has begun geo- coding the arrest data. Thus far, "EventLocations"
is approximately 75% complete in the geo- coding process. Once this
field is geo- coded, CGS will geo -code "ArresteeAddress" data.
Literature • CGS has undertaken a broad literature search as identified in the
Review project tasks and scope of services.
• Researchers have identified over 900 articles /books /writings covering
the eight topics specified in our proposal.
❖ Researchers have identified and obtained the bulk of the sources
necessary for the literature review and have begun the
reading /annotation /review process.
• The majority of the literature review is expected to be completed by
late July and made available to the entire CGS team for their review
and comments prior to submitting it to Dubuque for their feedback.
• The literature review summary should be available for inclusion in the
preliminary report projected to be ready mid to late September.
Perception • NIU's POL is carrying out the community survey component of the
Survey project.
❖ POL worked with staff to develop a set of recommended questions for
the survey. The survey used to interview community members was
reviewed by Dubuque and returned by City staff with some
recommendation for changes on June 7th •
• The final set of questions was approved by the second week of June.
❖ The Public Opinion Lab (POL) has conducted 385 phone interviews as
of July 8.
• Their plan is to complete a total of 500 interviews and provide a final
tabulated report to the CGS team by mid July.
Additional Site
Visit
• A contingent of the research team anticipate another visit in the next
few weeks from members who were not able to attend the first set of
meetings and to gain additional insights from the preliminary analysis
of the data.
• Members expected to visit include (tentative) Greg Kuhn, George
Graves, Charles Cappell, David Mitchell, Roger Dahlstrom and Rima
Roy.
Page 3 of 4
Every Child, Every Promise founded 1
Washington Neighborhood: Revitalize Initiative
Multicultural Family Center Opened
Pregnant teen Fatally Stabbed
Intercultural Competency Initiative
Washington Neighborhood Association Began to Curtail Participation
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation Formed
Man Fatally Stabbed Outside of Downtown Bar on Central Avenue
Photo of Lynching Posted On Website
Problem Property Task Force Organized
Man Fatally Stabbed on North -end Street
Man Fatally Stabbed on Downtown Street
Alta Vista Research Study
Officer and Suspect Shot During Armed Robbery
Man Shot At Pawn Shop
Safe Community Task Force Formed
Urban Strategies Retained as Facilitator For the Safe Community Task Force
NIU's CGS hired to conduct a Crime & Poverty Study
"Circles" Program formed
1 Founded in 2004, "Every Child, Every Promise" grew out of the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in 1997. At that gathering, Presidents Clinton, Bush,
Carter and Ford, with Nancy Reagan representing President Reagan, challenged America to make children and youth a national priority. America's Promise
uses the Five Promises framework to shape their efforts and improve the odds for youth: 1) Caring Adults, 2) Safe Places, 3) Healthy Start, 4) Effective
Education, and 5) Opportunities to Help Others. Every Child, Every Promise is introducing the concept of "Building a Culture of Promise."
2 In 2005, a partnership with the "Washington Initiative" and the "Washington Neighborhood Association." city departments, private lenders and neighborhood
businesses was introduced. This partnership addresses both physical improvements to create a better environment for economic investment, and programs
necessary to provide less- advantaged citizens with the capacity to "access the ladder of economic opportunity that leads out of poverty."
3 In July 2005, the "Multicultural Family Center" officially opened and they envision a welcoming Dubuque built on a foundation of understanding and
collaboration across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups committed to producing engaged families and community members. Serve as an inviting and safe
place for community members, stimulate connections and provide programs to foster civic engagement and social and economic success. Build unity out of
diversity.
' In September 2005, pregnant teen fatally stabbed and fetus died, too, during an altercation on Bluff Street.
5 In 2006, the City embarked on a three -year contract with One Ummah Consulting as part of its efforts to achieve diversity goals that include promoting
community understanding and education, encouraging a more diverse workforce, identifying tools residents can use to resolve conflict, and supporting a
community that values all residents.
8 In 2007, the "Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation" was formed. Their visioning effort in defining a neighborhood was one that promotes pride,
diversity, homeownership, civic responsibility and opportunity.
In August 2007, following the fatal stabbing of man outside of a downtown bar, racial tensions stirred following the identification of an African - American
suspect.
8 In 2009, a Problem Property Task Force was organized through the Housing Department to address the chronic complaints regarding vacant and poorly -
managed properties.
9 1n November 2009, Alta Vista Research conducted a multiple component study for the City of Dubuque.
10 In February 2010, following an incident of violence which resulted in the death of a community member, the City Council held a community forum to address
public safety issues. From this meeting, a Safe Community Task Force was formed.
11 In May 2010, the Human Rights Director, the Assisted Housing Specialist, and the AmeriCorps Volunteer met with the Board of Director of the Dubuque Area
Churches United (DACU) for their consideration to engage the churches in town by soliciting their members to become involved in the "Circles" program. This
program is an extension of Getting Ahead in a Just - Gettin' -By World.
Note: The violent crimes listed on the timeline in no way represent all the crimes that occurred.
Page 4 of 4
Safe Community Task Force:
An Overview
Recommendations for the
Dubuque City Council
July 19, 2010
URBAN
STRATEGIES
FACILITATORS
• Creating a participatory process that provides the
SCTF with a specific and thorough presentation of
the facts, assumptions, interests, principles and
objections associated with the issue;
• Focusing the SCTF on its charge through clear, open
communication and outreach methods that build
trust in the process;
• Focusing the SCTF sub - committees on development
of recommendations within timeframe and in format
that the SCTF would find informative and helpful in
developing final recommendations; URBAN
STRATEGIES
THE ROLE OF THE U
FACILITATORS •••• Continued
• Working in good faith to offer accurate information
and education;
• Presenting and encouraging discussion of realistic
expectations of opportunities, risks and trade -offs in
the development of recommendations for the
Council;
• Ensuring meaningful opportunities for all members of
the group to be involved in all aspects of the
process; and
• Facilitating open dialogue and providing a culturally
competent, well - documented engagement process.
CITY OF DUBUQUE -
SAFE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE (SCTF)
Their mission: "This group of diverse volunteers is being
asked to holistically look at both the causes of, and
solutions to, crime in Dubuque. The group will:
• Gather facts about the scope of the crime problems,
• Focus on identifying efforts that are already
underway to improve and prevent future problems,
• Review and analyze how other communities have
addressed this issue
• Recommend goals and objectives for the leadership
of Dubuque"
CITY OF DUBUQUE -
SAFE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE
(SCTF)
The SCTF determined collectively that the core
problem is:
The Perception and /or Reality that
people feel less safe and there is
increased fear and awareness of
crime. URBAN
STRATEGIES
CITY OF DUBUQUE -
SAFE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE (SCTF)
Subcommittees
RECOMMENDATIONS
URBAN
STRATEGIES
Facilitators note:
As the SCTF members go through the presentation of
recommendations this evening, it will be noted that
the SCTF paid a great deal of attention to property
conditions and property maintenance.
For most people it is evident that there is a
connection between poor property conditions and
the perception and possibly the reality that a
neighborhood is unsafe. The question is, is the
connection one of correlation or cause and effect?
Facilitators Note:
Based upon recent research, most social scientists and
and policy makers now believe that there is causation
in addition to correlation.
When people observe disorder they are themselves
likely to contribute to the disorder in similar or in
additional ways
URBAN
STRATEGIES
RESEARCH AND FACTS
The Crime Study Report is being conducted by
Northern Illinois University (NIU).
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY IS TO:
1.Clarify crime data and crime trends in the city of
Dubuque.
2. Identify demographic and other characteristics most
strongly related to crimes that have increased
significantly within the past few years.
3. Compare these data with the public's perception of
the nature of crime and criminals in Dubuque.
RESEARCH AND FACTS.... Continued
The Crime Study Report is to be conducted by Northern
Illinois University (NIU).
THE STUDY ASKS THESE QUESTIONS:
1. Does the perception of criminal activity and its causes in
Dubuque match what is actually happening?
2. What policies or strategies are effective in decreasing
crime, especially within categories of crime with significant
recent increases in arrests?
3. If there are community perceptions of increased criminal
activity but no evidence to support the perception, what
policies or strategies can effectively address the concerns?
RESEARCH AND FACTS - UPDATE
Crime Study Report - Status Report
General Project Information
Preliminary Feedback Report is projected to be ready
mid to late September.
The contract and confidentiality agreement were
formally executed on May 27th when all required
signatures were in place.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
RESEARCH AND FACTS - UPDATE
Crime Study Report - Status Report
General Project Information Continued
City staff and study team members have been in regular and
ongoing conversation on a variety of project elements,
research questions, logistical matters and data sharing
transfers.
The project is estimated to be completed by mid to late
October but this date is highly contingent upon timely
turnarounds for missing data or clarification of data issues.
RESEARCH AND FACTS - UPDATE
Crime Study Report - Status Report
Literature Review
Researchers have identified and obtained the bulk of the
sources necessary for the literature review and have
begun the reading /annotation /review process. The
literature review summary should be available for
inclusion in the preliminary report projected to be ready
late September early October.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
RESEARCH AND FACTS - UPDATE
Crime Study Report - Status Report
Perception Survey
The Public Opinion Lab (POL) has conducted 385 phone
interviews as of July 8. The plan is to complete a total of
500 interviews and provide a final tabulated report by mid
July.
Data Analysis (comparative, incident data and housing data)
The findings of this analysis will be included in the
preliminary feedback report.
ENFORCEMENT - POLICING
Additional Resources
• Provide additional resources for the Community
Policing Program.
Ordinances
• Develop and implement a juvenile curfew ordinance
as a tool to help reduce crime. Research utility,
efficacy and enforcement issues, taking the following
suggestions into consideration:
continued next slide
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ENFORCEMENT — POLICING...continued
Ordinances
• Direct Police Department to enforce noise
ordinances more aggressively.
• Direct Police Department to enforce traffic
ordinances more aggressively.
Allow time for SCTF to respond to the Crime Study
Report
The report by NIU is scheduled to complete a
preliminary feedback report by mid to late September
and could provide additional recommendations for
the council.
Monitor and Reporting
• SCTF's continued existence to monitor the
implementation and progress of its
recommendations through:
- Quarterly reports
- Special meetings as necessary
• Consideration by the city council to create a Safe
Community Commission
• Consideration by the City Council to create a Safe
Community Commission
ENFORCEMENT - HOUSING CODES
Establish Thresholds
• Number of complaint calls that will place a problem
property in a priority category. Then, establish
policies and processes for immediate response and
resolution of the particular problems.
• Number of problem complaints wilt also trigger a
meeting among the landlord, the tenant, and
representatives of the Housing and Police
Departments.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
CODES...continued
Background checks
Evictions
• Mandate landlords conduct background checks,
using the city's free service
• Support landlords in evicting problem tenants for
proper cause.
Data Clearing House
• Limit to verifiable and factual information that
landlords and tenants can share and reference
when making rental decisions
EN ORCEMENT - H
CODES...continued
Property Inspections and codes.
• Link frequency of property inspections to landlord's
history of cooperation with code compliance
• Intensify exterior code enforcement efforts.
- Encourage city employees across departments to
identify and report property code enforcement
problems and establish ways of rewarding
employees.
ENFORCEMENT — HOUSIN
CODES...continueci
Training Programs
• Develop and offer a training program in code
enforcement and property management for all
landlords.
- Require ALL landlords to attend the program;
issue only temporary occupancy permits until
training has been completed.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT AND
SOCIAL CAPITAL
Human Relations is a SCTF Priority
The Task Force believes that in order to achieve its
goals there will need to be a major citywide human
relations effort.
Neighborhood Engagement and Socia
Capital ...continued
The c itywide human relations effort wild have
thsmse ob)lectves:
I. Increase tolerance and mutual understanding
among the diverse segments of the
population. The adoption of educational
initiatives that foster community
solidarity and global citizenship should be
among the first practical steps taken by
the city.
II. Implement appropriate measures that
safeguard the rights and opportunities of all.
Neighborhood Engagement and
Social Capital...continued
Human Relations is a SCTF Priority (Continued)
• Develop a Neighborhood Watch Program,
• Support a welcome program for all new renters
through community based organizations (i.e., GDDC)
URBAN
STRATEGIES
Neighborhood Engager
Social Capitol...continued
• Cultural Competency Training
- Offer it periodically to businesses and the
community at large.
- Require it for city board and commission members as
well as for city staff.
• Increase opportunities to engage with each other
- Clean up campaigns
▪ Neighborhood picnics
- New neighbor welcome events
▪ Other strategies developed by residents
Neighborhood Engagement and
Social Capitol...continued
• City needs to devote resources to cultural
resources.
- Arts
- Cultural events and programs
- Other strategies that promote respect and
understanding among residents
Environment
Improve Dubuque Neighborhoods By:
• Encouraging Home Ownership
Management of Physic
• Encouraging a mixed income approach to neighborhood
development
• Creating, and /or recreating, a sense of place through
good design.
- ALL Buildings using city, state, or federal dollars
should be required to meet these objectives and all
projects should be required to meet the city's
sustainability goals.
anagemen �f ysi
Envi ron ment...continued
Infrastructure and Maintenance
• Install street lights in the middle of the block to
brighten up the streets at night and to increase
visibility for residents.
• Increase the number of trash receptacles in the street
and promote neighborhood clean -ups.
• Create ordinance prohibiting the boarding of windows
and doors facing streets
URBAN
STRATEGIES
Management of P ysi
Environment...continued
Policies and Education
• Educate the community on city waste disposal
policies in an effort to clarify the purpose of
neighborhood clean -up programs
• Develop and enforce policies consistent with the
"preservation briefs" to maintain historic properties.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
CE VO
PROGRAM (Section 8)
The Council has addressed community concerns about
the real and perceived impact of the Housing Choice
Voucher (HCV) Program on the community by:
1. Decreasing the desired number of HVC vouchers in
the program to 900
2. Limiting voucher eligibility to Dubuque residents
3. Increasing the staff capacity of the Family Self
Sufficiency (FSS) Program
1
P ROG RAM ...continued
The SCTF recommends the council support and provide
resources to:
• Increase participation of HCV residents in effective self-
sufficiency programs
• Provide training to housing commissioners to increase their
leadership, public relations and community building skills.
• Develop a stronger role for the Resident Advisory Board to
encourage residents of subsidized housing to give feedback
on proposed new policies and procedures and to cultivate
leadership within the low income residential community.
Continued on next slide
HOUSING CHOICE VO
PROGRAM...continued
The SCTF recommends the council support and provide
.
resources to:
• Provide community service credits for participation in
effective programs that foster self sufficiency.
• Continue to provide resources to FSS program based
upon evidence of success.
URBAN
STRATEGIES
We have greatly appreciated the
opportunity to work with the City of
Dubuque Safe Community Task Force.
Thank you.
Susan Glassman
Carlotta Paige
URBAN
STRATEGIES