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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jim Prochaska; Commissioners Alan Vincent,
Richard Van Iten, Chad Darter and Charles Winterwood.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners John Pregler and Karla Braig.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens, Aaron DeJong, David Heiar, Aggie Tauke
and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Prochaska at 5:32
p.m.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Vincent, seconded by Van !ten, to approve the minutes of March 16,
2011, as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Vincent, Prochaska, Van
Iten, and Darter; Nay — None.
The Commission questioned Council Member Braig's liaison position on the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. Staff Member Carstens explained Council Member Braig
is continuing to appeal to the City Council regarding the appropriateness of having a liaison
position on the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission. Staff Member Carstens
explained Council Member Braig will resign from the Commission if City Council upholds
the liaison position.
Commissioner Winterwood entered the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District Expansion: David Heiar, Economic
Development Director, presented the proposed expansion to the Greater Downtown Urban
Renewal District. He explained the expansion would add the Washington Neighborhood,
Chaplain Schmitt Island and the Industrial Harbor areas and merge the existing East 7th
Street Economic Development District and the Kerper Boulevard Economic Development
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April 20, 2011
Page 2
District into the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District. He noted several
developments have brought about the proposal to amend the district. He explained
including the Washington Neighborhood in the district is a result of the Safe Community
Task Force's recommendation to promote reinvestment in the downtown neighborhood.
He explained expanding the Urban Renewal District would make available additional
incentives to help with that investment. He noted the Kerper Boulevard Economic
Development District is being merged into the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District
because the former district is scheduled to expire in a few years, and incorporating it into
the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District will help market the former Dubuque Pack
site. He explained the community is in the early stages of developing a master plan to
improve Chaplain Schmitt Island. He explained having the island in the Greater Downtown
Urban Renewal area will help assist in funding projects and accomplish goals that will be
identified in the Master Plan. He reviewed the benefits of being located in an Urban
Renewal District. He explained Tax Increment Financing and various other housing
incentives that benefit properties.
The Commission discussed nuisance properties. Staff Member Heiar explained the
financial incentives extended as a result of the Urban Renewal District will assist in some of
those property maintenance issues. He explained the incentives will hopefully make a
difference before enforcement is needed. Staff Member Carstens explained the financial
incentives also serve as an important resource for a number of property owners that are
required to make improvements.
The Commission and staff discussed enforcement issues and the benefits of the financial
incentives, noting the Washington Neighborhood.
Chairperson Prochaska questioned if the expansion of the district will affect TIF funding in
other areas of the City. Staff Member Heiar explained the existing tax base is not impacted
and will not affect any other areas.
Commissioner Van !ten supported the request, noting it is a proactive and creative
opportunity to promote investment.
The Commission questioned why the Urban Renewal District was not extended north of
25 Street along Central Avenue. The Commission noted how important this corridor is to
the City of Dubuque, and explained it is a gateway for many people entering the city from
the north. The Commission noted the corridor is in need of investment. Staff Member
Heiar noted some of Central Avenue is in, and agreed the Central Avenue corridor could
benefit from investment opportunities and is worthy of consideration in the future.
The Commission questioned why Blum Salvage was left out of the district expansion. Staff
Member Heiar noted there are current negotiations as part of the Bee Branch Project for
acquisition of the property, and it would be beneficial to leave the property out of the
expansion at this point in time.
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April 20, 2011
Page 3
Chairperson Prochaska asked whether the district could be expanded to 32 "d Street. Staff
Member Heiar explained it is important to use Tax Increment Financing responsibly. He
noted there will always be some who disagree with how the Tax Increment is established
and used or not used. Assistant Economic Development Director Aaron DeJong reviewed
the boundary justifications. He explained it is important to be judicious in selecting where
the Urban Renewal Districts are established and expanded, and where incentives are
available. He emphasized the importance of focusing financial resources in areas of
greatest need.
Motion by Van Iten, seconded by Vincent, to recommend approval of the proposed
expansion of the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District as presented. Motion carried
by the following vote: Aye: Vincent, Prochaska, Van Iten, Darter and Winterwood; Nay —
None.
Paragon Square Urban Revitalization Plan (former Holy Ghost School at 2887 -2921
Central Avenue): Community Development Specialist Aggie Tauke presented the Paragon
Square Urban Revitalization area plan. Staff Member Tauke reviewed the plan and noted
the plan will provide incentives for the rehabilitation of the former Holy Ghost Convent
Building and the former Holy Ghost Assisi School Building. She explained both buildings
are currently vacant and the buildings will be rehabilitated into market -rate residential units.
She explained the request is consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. She
explained the plan meets the Housing, Land Use and Urban Design, and Economic
Development Elements.
The Commission questioned whether the development is dependent on Historic Tax
Credits and the likelihood of qualifying for them. Staff Member Carstens explained that is
not a determination made by City staff; however, based on this property's as well as other
church properties architectural significance and associations with the City of Dubuque, a
strong argument could be made for listing on the National Register and tax credits. The
Commission noted the establishment of the urban revitalization area and rehabilitation of
the Holy Ghost buildings are great examples of the investment that the Central Avenue
corridor will benefit from. Staff Member Johnson noted the Urban Revitalization areas are
a significant financial incentive, and noted they abate tax increases that usually accompany
property improvements. Staff Member Carstens noted the possibility of designating the
structures as individually historic properties, which would also provide additional incentives.
The Commission discussed parking requirements.
Motion by Van Iten, seconded by Darter, to recommend approval of the Paragon Square
Urban Revitalization Area Plan as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye:
Vincent, Prochaska, Van Iten, Darter and Winterwood; Nay — None.
ACTION ITEMS
Smart Planning Consortium: Staff Member Carstens updated the Commission on the
Smart Planning Consortium meetings as well as the public participation training. She
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April 20, 2011
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reviewed the training session, noting the presenter's recommendation that public
participation efforts need to be 50% on -line and 50% off -line in order to reach the greatest
number of people. She noted the Commission is asked to review and comment on the
draft of the Community Facilities chapter of the Regional Plan.
The Commission discussed the Community Facilities chapter of the Regional Plan. The
Commission recommended an additional objective under Health Care Goal #2 to
encourage infrastructure that promotes wellness and reduces obesity. The Commission
discussed the importance of involving health care providers in health care issues facing the
community. The Commission recommended that Health Care Goal #1 be amended to
read, "The Dubuque County Board of Health will work with healthcare providers to achieve
the goals included in the County Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement
Plan." The Commission recommended Objective #1 under Health Care Goal #4 be
amended to read, "Develop programs to improve and monitor air and water quality."
The Commission suggested Education be an element in the Regional Plan. The
Commission noted the critical role quality education plays in attracting and retaining
professionals and businesses in the community. The Commission noted a goal of the
Educational Element could be: "To involve the full spectrum of educational institutions,
private and non - profit, in meeting the educational needs of K -12 students through senior
citizens." The Commission suggested an objective to reach out to the educational
community for their input and their participation in community planning efforts. The
Commission discussed another Education objective: "To get all sectors of the educational
community, public and private, working together to identify and meet current educational
needs."
The Commission discussed joint facilities planning efforts with the City and Dubuque
Community School District, noting opportunities for shared recreational facilities. The
Commission and staff noted the regional plan does not have a Recreation element. The
Commission suggested considering a recreation element and a goal: "To form partnerships
for joint ventures with school districts, cities, non - profits and colleges to develop
recreational facilities and programs."
Update of Dubuque's 2008 Comprehensive Plan: Staff Member Carstens explained
Planning Services staff is gearing up for the next update of the City's 2008 Comprehensive
Plan. She explained that with 2010 Census data being released and the Dubuque
Regional Smart Planning Project underway, this is an ideal time to begin. She also noted
the 2010 I -Jobs funding for the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project requires the
City to review and amend its Comprehensive Plan utilizing Iowa's Smart Planning
Principles. Staff Member Carstens reviewed the goals and objectives of the 2008
Dubuque Comprehensive Plan against the elements found in the Iowa Smart Planning
Law. Staff Member Carstens noted gaps in the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan, such as
Hazard Element, Intergovernmental Collaboration Element, and Public Participation Plan.
The Commission noted the City is in a good position because many of the Smart Planning
Principles are already addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission noted the
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April 20, 2011
Page 5
Hazard Element, Intergovernmental Element, and Community Character Element may
need to be considered in the plan. The Commission discussed development of a strong
policy statement which outlines the community's approach to the plan. Staff Member
Carstens noted the Hazard Element is the only element mandated by the state to be
added. The Commission discussed the best approach to accomplish this, whether adding
a new element or referencing the existing Hazard Mitigation Plan in the Public Safety
Element of the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan.
The Commission discussed the best approach incorporate the Smart Planning Principles
into Dubuque's planning efforts. The Commission discussed an approach that would blend
the Smart Planning Principles into the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan and an approach that
would use the Smart Planning Principles as the model for the Dubuque Comprehensive
Plan.
The Commission discussed Smart Planning Principles that may not need to be in the plan.
The Commission discussed the public participation element and questioned its relevancy.
The Commission noted some of these issues can be addressed as an overview document
or section of the plan that discusses how the City of Dubuque, its citizens and leadership
approaches the development of a flexible open -ended Comprehensive Plan that takes into
account a number of considerations that are dynamic in their character and brings the
Comprehensive Plan into compliance with the relevant Smart Planning Principles.
Commission Van Iten suggested an introduction that describes the City's history,
characteristics and direction.
The Commission and staff discussed Smart Planning Principles that should be considered
in the update of the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. The Commission agreed the Hazard
Mitigation element needs to be included in the new plan. The Commission again
discussed the approach to blending the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan with the Smart
Planning Principles. The Commission requested staff's opinion. Staff Member Carstens
explained blending the documents would be a good approach, and noted the
Comprehensive Plan may be stronger in a number of elements. Staff Member Johnson
suggested blending the Smart Planning Principles into the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan
because there is 20 years of public input invested in this document. He noted in the end,
the Comprehensive Plan is a City of Dubuque document and it should reflect this. The
Commission agreed and noted the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan already has much of the
Smart Planning Principles. The Commission discussed the format of the plan, noting an
overly specific document would not be beneficial. The Commission requested the Planning
Services Department conduct a more in -depth analysis, and develop suggestions based on
the Commission's discussion. Staff Member Carstens noted it may be a couple of months
before the information can be put together.
LIAISON /SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Enterprise Zone Commission: Commission Van Iten reviewed the project at 1132 &1136
Locust Street as well as Flexsteel's move into port of Dubuque. He noted there are $12
million in funds involved in the Flexsteel project and a potential 15 new jobs.
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April 20, 2011
Page 6
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Presentation on Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Planning: Eric Schmechel, Local Project
Coordinator with the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, presented the Upper
Catfish Creek Watershed Plan. Mr. Schmechel reviewed watershed management
principles, noting the upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project, hydrology, site design
concepts, urban conservation, and the Dubuque County Erosion Sediment Control
Ordinance. He presented the issues and best management practices for the Upper Catfish
Creek Watershed Project. He noted the professional standards and implementation of the
Dubuque County Erosion Sediment Control Ordinance. He reviewed hydrology issues and
hydrologic conditions in Iowa. He noted the importance of improving not only water quality
but also reducing the volume of water runoff. He noted the volume of water is part of water
quality.
Mr. Schmechel reviewed conservation designed subdivisions and Best Management
Practices for site development. He discussed the importance of incorporating urban
conservation into communities and noted the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County Urban
Conservation Program.
The Commission questioned how budget cuts may impact water quality issues. Mr.
Schmechel reviewed state and federal funding, and noted it will have a significant impact
on the ability to fund water quality programs and improvements.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted