Bee Branch Crk Restorat Proj
June 30, 2004
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The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
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Subject:
Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project
Bee Branch Citizens Advisory Committee Recommendations
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
Over the course of the past ten months the Bee Branch Citizens Advisory Committee (BBCAC) has
met six times with City staff and the City's consultant to discuss the Bee Branch watershed drainage
problems and evaluate alternatives and alignment options. The objectives of the BBCAC were to:
Establish the optimum alignment;
Provide input on what the waterway will look like and how it will function; and
Select an acceptable solution which reflects the overall desire of the community
AIi!!ßment Recommendation
By unanimous vote, the BBCAC has established the preferred alignment (see attachment) as starting
just north of the intersection of 24th Street and Elm Street and proceeding southeasterly along Elm
Street to 22"d Street, where the alignment runs parallel to and on the north side ofKniest Street The
alignment continues southeasterly until it crosses the IC&E railroad. Downstream of the railroad, there
are two alignment options: Alternative alignment 2 (west and south of the meat packing facility); and
an alternative alignment suggested by a Council member (north and east of the old Dubuque Packing
Company IFDL buildings).
The BBCAC is comfortable with City staff evaluating and selecting the optimum alignment between
the railroad and the 16th Street Detention Basin. The BBCAC's preferred alignment is to the north and
east of the "Pack" unless cost, environmental, or future development considerations make this
alignment less advantageous as the previously selected alignment to the south. The BBCAC preferred
alignment would have less impact on residences and existing local services. The BBCAC deferred the
alignment decision to City staff City staff and the Consultant anticipate being able to make a
recommendation on this portion of the alignment within 2 months.
Honorable Mayor and City Council Mernbers
June 30, 2004
Page 2
Moratorium Recommendation
While City staff and the Consultant are evaluating this alignment alternative, the BBCAC recommends
that a moratorium be established for both alignments until July I, 2005. Once the evaluation of the
lower alignment has been completed, the moratorium should be revised to reflect the final preferred
alignment
Drainal!e Improvement Recommendation
The BBCAC met on June 24, 2004 to review and evaluate the preliminary recommendations presented
to the City Council at the May 17, 2004 Work Session. There was considerable discussion about the
impacts of the open channel solution compared to the high costs of the pipe solution. The BBCAC
voted 8-6 to make the previous recommendation "final". Note that the previous vote, prior to the City
Council work session, was 12-3. The recommendation is as follows:
"The BBCAC recommends the Council identify funding to construct the Pipe
Alternative as the preferred alternative. The BBCAC prefers the Pipe Alternative
because it preserves neighborhood accessibility, presents fewer health and safety
risks, and enhances the quality of life."
Minority Drainal!e Improvement Recommendation
The minority recommendation was made given the understanding that the pipe solution is preferred but
may not be affordable for the City. Something must be done to address this problem and the open
channel alternative is a better option than doing nothing. The minority recommendation from the
BBCAC is as follows:
"The pipe alternative was preferred but the open channel alternative should be constructed if
the pipe alternative is deemed too expensive."
Construction Timetable Recommendation
The preferred Bee Branch drainage improvement should be constructed as soon as possible.
Erosion Control Recommendation
The BBCAC recommends that the City Council enact an Erosion Control Ordinance.
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
June 30, 2004
Page 3
Multi-iurisdictional Watershed Manal!ement Recommendation
The BBCAC recommends that the City pursue comprehensive multi-jurisdictional watershed
management planning for the drainage basins that across jurisdictional boundaries.
Runoff Reduction Best Manal!ement Practices Recommendation
The BBCAC recommends that the City encourage Best Management Practices for runoff reduction for
development and redevelopment within the City.
In general, the BBCAC agreed that there is a pressing need for something to be done with the Bee
Branch and that the City must give it a high priority. The BBCAC recognizes that the final decision on
the Bee Branch rests with the City Council, but feels that it is in the best interest of the community to
resolve the ongoing health and safety risks that exist with the current flooding situation.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist the Council in resolving this major issue that affects the City of
Dubuque.
Very truly yours,
L. J +--
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Charlie Winterwood
Chairman
Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee
Ene:
Preferred Alignment Site Plan- 6/24/2004
ce: BBCAC Members
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Gus Psihoyos, City Engineering