Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Report_May 2011IV
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o 77 percent said that the water portal increased their understanding of their
water use,
o 70 percent felt it helped them assess the impacts of the changes they had
made,
o 48 percent felt that it helped them conserve water,
o 61 percent reported that — during the study — they had made a change to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both) — e.g., they
took shorter showers; fixed leaks; purchased water efficient appliances,
altered watering system in the yard
o 48 percent reported that — in the future — they plan to make changes to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both).
• The results of the study have been widely recognized and multiple local, national
and international contacts are occurring.
Community Engagement Activities
Week
❑ Leak Reported
• SSD called
❑ SSD talked to
❑ Drop -in attendees
• SSD sent report
4
Leak
Reported
SSD called volunteers
SSD talked to
volunteers
9/5
3
37
15
9/12
0
66
28
9/19
1 62
29
9/26
2 3
11 12
3
3
10/3
o 77 percent said that the water portal increased their understanding of their
water use,
o 70 percent felt it helped them assess the impacts of the changes they had
made,
o 48 percent felt that it helped them conserve water,
o 61 percent reported that — during the study — they had made a change to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both) — e.g., they
took shorter showers; fixed leaks; purchased water efficient appliances,
altered watering system in the yard
o 48 percent reported that — in the future — they plan to make changes to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both).
• The results of the study have been widely recognized and multiple local, national
and international contacts are occurring.
Community Engagement Activities
Week
❑ Leak Reported
• SSD called
❑ SSD talked to
❑ Drop -in attendees
• SSD sent report
4
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Report
DATE: June 14, 2011
Enclosed is the May 2011 Sustainable Dubuque Progress Report. The City Council
asked for a monthly report with a quarterly work session. The last work session was
held on March 7, 2011, and the next work session will be held on July 18.
e l C. Van
Milligen
ligen
Dubuque
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A l- AmencaCily
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MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Sustainable Community Coordinator
David Lyons, Smarter Sustainable Dubuque Project Manager
Paul Schultz, Resource Management Coordinator
Eric Dregne, Vice President of Programs, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque
Molly Grover, President and CEO, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
Rick Dickinson, Executive Director and COO, Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation
Nancy Van Milligen, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, East Central Intergovernmental
Association
City of Dubuque
Sustainable Dubuque
Project Status Report —May 2011
*Please note: in order to manage the length of this report, some historical, non - timely
information has been removed from the current report.
COMPREHENSIVE PROJECTS
Government:
Sustainable Dubuque Performance Metrics (Top Priority):
The City and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee will work over the next year to analyze
sustainability metric best practices from across the country, including the ICLEI STAR
Community Index which City of Dubuque staff have been involved in creating. The City
and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee members will work with additional partners and the
community to define key measurable outcomes and metrics for each of the sustainability
principles, and to establish a reporting system that allows City staff and partners to submit
data on a regular basis to update the Council and community on progress to meet their
sustainability goals.
City Council approved a partnership with the University of Iowa Initiative for Sustainable
Communities. During the 2011 -12 and 2012 -13 academic years, graduate students from
the University's Masters in Urban Planning program will assist Dubuque leaders in
sustainability planning and analysis for several different areas. The University's desire is to
be able to have five projects for the 2011 -2012 academic year and a similar number in
2012 -2013, with coordination through the City and Dubuque 2.0. The first defined project
will be the establishment of performance metrics for the Sustainable Dubuque vision; these
metrics will be defined through a review of best practices and community engagement.
Additionally, City and Dubuque 2.0 staff held a series of meetings with community leaders
to define other projects for the students to complete that will tie back to the Sustainable
Dubuque plan.
City and Dubuque 2.0 staff met with stakeholders from the economic
development/business, neighborhood, school (K -12 and college), non - profit, and resource
management sectors and Historic Millwork District property owners to brainstorm potential
projects to be completed through the partnership. Projects identified for 2011 -2012
completion include the following:
• Sustainable Dubuque performance measures
• Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
• Local foods purchase at local colleges
• Asset mapping of renewable energy resources (geothermal, solar, wind) and policy
implications
• Portrait of poverty: define dimensions of poverty in Dubuque and potential models
for addressing poverty.
The next step for these projects will be definition of project scope and need for local
undergraduate interns. Projects will begin with an on -site Dubuque "boot camp" for all
students involved in the projects this August.
Throughout May, individual projects meetings have been held with University of Iowa
representatives, SSD project coordinator David Lyons, Sustainability Coordinator Cori
Burbach and respective participating partners to further define project scope. The date for
"boot camp" for the students has been sent for August 15 -18, 2011.
1
Municipal Climate Action Plan: In July 2010, the Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory
was presented to City Council. A baseline for all municipal operations was established for
2003 and 2007 as part of the ICLEI Five Milestone Process. The Milestone Process is as
follows:
1. Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts.
2. Adopt an emissions reduction target.
3. Develop a local climate action plan.
4. Implement policies and measures.
5. Monitor and verify results.
A second Council work session was held in November 2010 to present to Council potential
emission reduction targets. Council was presented initial information on what 65%
emission reduction targets by 2015, 85% reductions by 2030, and 95% target reductions by
2050 might look like; additional analysis will be done by staff to determine what actions will
be needed to meet those targets. $5,000 has been proposed in the FY 2012 budget to
allow City staff to complete a 2010 update of municipal emissions and work with the City
Green Team to identify opportunities for emission reduction. Staff will continue to work
with ICLEI staff and other experts to analyze the implications of various targets in 2011 and
seek additional input from Council before recommending a Climate Action Plan.
Green Team — Department Resource Savings Plans: Conversations and laying the
groundwork for a Green Team began in 2009. The Green Team, comprised of close to 30
representatives from a cross section of City departments met for the first time on August 5,
2010 and has had a total of four meetings, meeting every other month. The (draft) Mission
Statement developed by the team is:
"The mission of the City of Dubuque Green Team is to lead in educating, communicating
and implementing practices and technologies to achieve the Sustainable Dubuque vision,
to work in each of the 11 areas of sustainability identified in that vision, to promote these
practices among staff and departments; and to serve as an example for other
organizations, groups, businesses and the broader community."
In these initial meetings the discussions have covered such things as background
information on the Sustainable Dubuque vision and the role of a Green Team, the
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and metrics. Subcommittees are being formed to work across
departments especially in the areas of education, environmentally preferred purchasing,
and developing a survey to obtain baseline information from departments and input into a
departmental action plan template. This baseline information will be used to track
measureable outcomes in the 11 sustainability principles.
A Green Team subcommittee developed an employee survey to be sent to all City staff
regarding sustainability habits. The results of this survey will be used to develop
department- specific plans to save resources in the coming months. The Green Team is
subdividing into groups that will become experts in the areas of water, purchasing,
resource /materials, and energy (heating, cooling, and lighting); these teams will then
act as mentors for other departments to implement changes.
Green Team members have developed signage to use at City Expo advertising their
participation in the Team and educating the public on their efforts to act more sustainably.
2
In May a sustainability educational knowledge survey was distributed to all city staff. The
purpose of the survey was to guage city employee knowledge on sustainability issues. A
total of 26 departments or divisions participated in the survey with a total of 337 employees
completing the survey. This information will be used to drive individual education needs on
sustainability for employees.
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque Partnership w/ IBM (Top Priority)
Smarter Water
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers):
The city has created a grant program for financial assistance on costs of
repairs of leaks identified through the project. To date there have been 173
homeowners who have filed for assistance in the combined total amount of
$7,543.11 being paid out.
Participants in the Smarter Water pilot have access to new technology that
provides data and insights into how water can be utilized more efficiently in
their home. The following is a breakdown of the program on where we are
today.
311 - Neptune R -900 Series water meters have been installed as part of the
City's Sustainability Initiative Pilot Program in part with IBM.
17,941 Neptune R -450 Series water meters have been installed as part of
the City's Water Meter Change Out Program. The first 1,000 water meter
sets of this series were part of the pilot study for this project to make sure all
devices, transmitters and its software is properly working.
A total of 18,252 water meters have been installed. A total of 15,324
Unmeasured Flow Reducer (UFR) have been installed where applicable.
Northern Water Works Supply is currently installing approximately 375
meters weekly. The project is on schedule for completion in August 2011.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Final Report Issues for Pilot study. Results
include:
• 89,090 gallons were saved among 151 households over nine weeks, and if
extrapolated to a full year, this would be a savings of 514,742 gallons in total, or
3,409 gallons per household annually.
• Assuming that the 151 households are a fair sample of the City of Dubuque, the
aggregate annual community wide water savings across 23,000 households with
smart meters in the city would be 64,944,218 gallons. This would translate into
an aggregate water bill saving of $190,936 a year in total.
• Pilot participants reported leaks at a rate of 8 percent compared to 0.98 percent
of city -wide (i.e. 12 of the 151 pilot households, versus 226 out of 23,000 smart
meter households). It is estimated that 30 percent of households on average
have leaks.
• 56 households that used the portal multiple times reported the most benefits and
they include:
3
o 77 percent said that the water portal increased their understanding of their
water use,
o 70 percent felt it helped them assess the impacts of the changes they had
made,
o 48 percent felt that it helped them conserve water,
o 61 percent reported that — during the study — they had made a change to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both) — e.g., they
took shorter showers; fixed leaks; purchased water efficient appliances,
altered watering system in the yard
o 48 percent reported that — in the future — they plan to make changes to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both).
• The results of the study have been widely recognized and multiple local, national
and international contacts are occurring.
Community Engagement Activities
® Leak Reported
3
• SSD called
37
❑ SSD talked to
15
❑ Drap -in attendees 20
• SSD sent report
66 62
28 29
0 4
2
3
3
5
2
4 1
O 0
O 0
10 11 12 13 14
1 1 3 1 1 0
5 19 8
4 12 8
10 1 0 1
11 15 20 25
Week
® Leak Reported
• SSD called
❑ SSD talked to
❑ Drop -in attendees
• SSD sent report
4
Leak
Reported
SSD called volunteers
SSD talked to
volunteers
9/5
3
37
15
9/12 0
66 28
9/19
1
62
29
9/26
2
11
3
2
3
3
10/3
o 77 percent said that the water portal increased their understanding of their
water use,
o 70 percent felt it helped them assess the impacts of the changes they had
made,
o 48 percent felt that it helped them conserve water,
o 61 percent reported that — during the study — they had made a change to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both) — e.g., they
took shorter showers; fixed leaks; purchased water efficient appliances,
altered watering system in the yard
o 48 percent reported that — in the future — they plan to make changes to
their water equipment or in the ways they used water (or both).
• The results of the study have been widely recognized and multiple local, national
and international contacts are occurring.
Community Engagement Activities
® Leak Reported
3
• SSD called
37
❑ SSD talked to
15
❑ Drap -in attendees 20
• SSD sent report
66 62
28 29
0 4
2
3
3
5
2
4 1
O 0
O 0
10 11 12 13 14
1 1 3 1 1 0
5 19 8
4 12 8
10 1 0 1
11 15 20 25
Week
® Leak Reported
• SSD called
❑ SSD talked to
❑ Drop -in attendees
• SSD sent report
4
10/10
4
10/17 1
0
io
0
0
• Expansion proposal underway. Activities completed:
Proposal for first expansion of Smarter Water portal access to 4,000 additional
homes negotiated with IBM. Source of existing funds identified for expansion.
Proposal will be presented to City Council shortly.
• Daily feed information process for R450's finally completed and testing underway
following an interruption to cloud based services with IBM. Based on progress,
expansion access should occur on or before June 1St
Smarter Electricity
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Technology
installed and tested.
• Meter Installation Update: 900+ homes now equipped and data flowing
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: IBM has provided the "beta" version of the
pre -portal profiling system (provides ability for households to develop customized
analysis of their electricity usage). City staff has tested the Profiler and it has been
released to pilot households. To date 165 households have logged on and
completed their profiles. June is target date for release of full portal system to all
participating electric households.
• Email update sent to 400+ households and snail -mail update sent to remainder
(with strong request for email information in order to maintain "sustainability" of
effort.
• Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: Many electric pilot households
successfully recruited to participate in Smarter Natural Gas pilot. Active effort
underway to collect email addresses for as many households as possible, and to
design outreach campaign that could be successful wit homes lacking internet
access. Work is underway to develop access via the Public Library. Training of
library staff has occurred and "drop -in" sessions for volunteer households without
internet access have been planned and promoted.
• Community Engagement and Education: Dubuque 2.0 and City are developing
informational release on historical /aggregate electricity usage in average Dubuque
households, including beginning data for "calls to action" such as noting that
average household's "phantom power" percentage is @ 26% [reducing that by 50%
would save the average Dubuque household $9.61 a month.]
Smarter Natural Gas
• Meter Installation Update: City agreements completed and signed. Black Hills
collector technology installed and operating. MIUs for the pilot households installed
and activated for the final 250 volunteer households that have been supplied by City
to Black Hills. Historical data for these households has been loaded into the
system.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Black Hills has historical data ready to be
loaded into system as soon as final 250 volunteer households selected. Work on
dashboard planned for late summer /fall, but no "live" date yet. Activities completed:
o Invite letter to 500 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0)
o Press release (City of Dubuque)
o Phone campaign to 900 invites to recruit 250 Pilot Households (Dubuque 2.0)
5
o Invite Postcard to 250 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0)
o Invite letter to 400 additional eligible residents (Dubuque 2.0)
o Personal call follow -ups to 30 households
• Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: Recruitment of volunteer households
has been successfully completed.
o In partnership with recruiting efforts led by Dubuque 2.0 SSD helpdesk has
processed @ 250 volunteers. SSD helpdesk scans each agreement and
forwards unique id and volunteer information to BHE. Summary of
recruitment efforts are:
• # of mailings sent out by Dubuque2.0: 1300
• # of follow -up calls made by Americorps /Greencorps volunteers: 397
• # of agreements sent out by City as a result of callings: 17
• # of calls made to participants w/ questions from City of Dubuque: 5
Smarter Travel
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) readers will be installed in fixed route buses within the next
several weeks. IBM continues to work on perfecting the Smart Phone application,
which when ready will be distributed for use initially be (e.g.) City and ECIA staff and
soon thereafter to participants in the VMT project.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Under development. (Given nature of this
data, may require different approach to "dashboard" than originally contemplated).
The intent and goal of the Smarter Travel VMT project is to provide Transit with
information that can help guide changes in the transit system. At present there is not
additional funding available that would allow changes, especially those that would
include increases in service: this should probably be a priority to address.
• Volunteer Outreach: Volunteer recruitment has not yet begun. When it does, the
initial push for volunteers will focus on recruiting 150 current transit users or
employees of transit supporting employers (Transit, ECIA and Dubuque 2.0 will
coordinate). Participants will use either RFID technology or the GPS- activated Smart
Phone application to collect data for the project. Participants using RFID will be
issued (e.g.) a key fob that will act like a proximity card, allowing to track the bearer's
boarding and de- boarding on the different bus routes. During the application process
participants will asked for demographic information (e.g. age, gender, ethnicity, home
address, etc.) and information about their current use of the transit system (e.g. trip
origins and destinations, purposes of trips such as work, school, shopping,
recreational, etc., approximate number of trips per day and time of trips, etc.), This
information can then be compared to data gathered by the proximity fobs. As an
incentive, participants will be allowed to ride the buses for free as long as they stay
active in the program (what constituted "active" to be determined).
• Community Engagement & Education: Developing incentive for participation in pilot
that would include a "free pass" to use the bus during the period of the pilot. (see
above)
• State of Good Repair Grant: Buses will begin arriving mid -May with the last buses
arriving early September. We anticipate the have all the new buses in service by
mid - October (at the latest). "Request For Proposals" (RFPs) for electronic equipment
(e.g. Automatic Vehicle Location, or AVL) are being prepared, and will be present to
the City Council for approval by the end of June 2011.
• Climate Showcase Grant: (see section about 150 volunteers)
6
• First of A Kind (FOAK) City in Motion IBM continues to work on the Smartphone
application. Discussions continue with Verizon and other cell phone providers to see
if they can /will share user data and allow access to the Smarter Travel application.
Volunteer recruitment should begin within the next several weeks, and the planning
process of Climate showcase has begun. Recruitment for FOAK will begin as soon
as the Smarter Travel application is available for download.
Additional Updates:
Examining opportunity to link the SSD effort to the Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative
being developed. If possible, this would allow us to begin to activate an additional "silo of
activity" within the integrated system (Health/Wellness). The initial meeting of the Green
and Healthy Homes Collaborative was held March 31 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hotel
Julien. Over 40 program experts attended and developed the initial workplan for the
Collaborative. The next training, LEAN - principled process improvement, will be conducted
June 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the NICC Town Clock Centre.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Community Climate Action Plan:
The Plan: The GHG Reduction Plan was written to provide a realistic path to achieving
50% GHG reduction by 2030 in Dubuque. The recommendations discussed in the plan are
tailored to Dubuque's specific needs and capabilities. The costs, benefits, and GHG
reductions are then calculated for each action, which allows us to prioritize
recommendations based on GHG reductions achieved, effort required, and the side
benefits each action brings to Dubuque (notably, those "side benefits" often far outweigh
the GHG impact). Every recommendation in this plan is designed to benefit Dubuque's
health, transportation, and economic prosperity, reaching well beyond GHG reduction.
The Initiative: In March of 2010, the Dubuque Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Task Force was assembled by Green Dubuque in response to the completion of the 2003
and 2007 community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. The GHG Reduction Task Force
is a partnership of local environmental nonprofits, faith based organizations, private sector
green business, and individual activists with the designated purpose of recommending a
GHG reduction target and feasible implementation strategy to the Dubuque City Council.
Members of the Task Force include:
• Chad Oberdoester - Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
• Pat Hayes, President - Dubuque County Conservation Society
• Charles Winterwood M.D. - Chairman, White Pine Group, Sierra Club
• Jason Schatz - President, Green Dubuque Inc.
• Theothoros Giannakouros - Vice President, Green Dubuque Inc.
• Will Hoyer - Green Dubuque Inc.
• Mark Henning - 7th Power Sustainable LLC.
• Sr. Joy Peterson - Sisters of the PBVM
• Paul Schultz - Sustainable Dubuque
The work of the Task Force will be followed up by the GHG Reduction Plan, community
engagement initiative, facilitated by Green Dubuque. The GHG Reduction Plan initiative,
which will launch in late March will include an informational website (dubuqueghgplan.org)
where citizens and business owners can download the plan and demonstrate their support,
a series of interactive speaker events, television advertisements and other media releases,
a $1,000 scholarship from the Virgil J. and Norma M. Denlinger Family Foundation for
college student participation, a public input meeting, and an envision style community
workshop. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate and build community support for the
recommended GHG reduction target of 50% by 2030.
In March, Green Dubuque launched its "50% by 2030" greenhouse gas reduction
campaign. "50% by 2030" is a grassroots effort for a community wide greenhouse gas
reduction target of 50% by the year 2030 below 2003 levels based on the recommendation
of the Dubuque Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Task Force. Green Dubuque
launched this campaign with the presentation, "Preventing Climate Disasters: It's Time for
Action," by State Senator Rob Hogg.
With a letter of support from the City, Green Dubuque submitted an EPA Environmental
Justice Small Grant application to assist in the next steps of the community GHG reduction
plan. If secured, funding would assist with public education and engagement as well as
further analysis of the reduction goals and recommended actions.
As a wrap up to the 50 by 2030 campaign, Green Dubuque is hosting the Dubuque
Community GHG Reduction Workshop on Thursday, June 2 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the
Multicultural Family Center. Participants at the workshop will be presented with the
Draft Dubuque Community GHG Reduction Plan and then break up into subgroups to
give feedback and make additional recommendations. The Plan will be presented and
discussed the Dubuque City Council in a work session on July 5, 2011. The goal is to
work toward establishing community targets within the frame work of a Dubuque
Community GHG Reduction Plan. For more information visit:
www.dubuqueGHGplan.org
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
REGIONAL ECONOMY
Government:
Petal Project: The Petal Project is a green business certification that provides a framework
for businesses and organizations dedicated to reducing their natural resource use to
benefit the environment and their bottom line. The Petal Project provides businesses a
clear sustainability framework and technical assistance from ECIA staff while creating a
universally understood definition of a green business for consumers wishing to shop based
on their values. This project was initially funded by an Iowa Department of Economic
Development regional marketing grant. Since the project's inception in Fall of 2009, 10
businesses have begun to work through the criteria after developing internal "green teams ".
Many of the businesses taking part have already begun to see utility savings with these
achievements being featured by local news sources. The Petal Project has been awarded
a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2010 Innovation Award.
Partners: ECIA, Prosperity Eastern Iowa, Iowa Waste Exchange, DNR Pollution Prevention
Services. Funding was received from DRA to help market the Petal Project program in the
region and facilitate green business roundtables.
8
Buyer Supplier Network: Buyer - Supplier is a web based program for businesses that
connects both buyers and sellers in Eastern Iowa to promote and facilitate regional
purchasing. Over $6.5 billion are being spent on goods and services from vendors located
outside of eastern Iowa that could be spent in the region. The goal of Buyer Supplier is to
encourage businesses to purchase from regional providers, shifting dollars back into the
regional economy. Businesses of all types and sizes are encouraged to take part in the
program; from small organic produce farmers, to large corporations. There are currently
over 1100 businesses with profiles on the system. Partners: ECIA, Prosperity Eastern
Iowa, Northeast Iowa Business Network, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning
Commission
Waste Diversion Options Study: The Resource Management program facilitated the
2009 Waste Diversion Options Study for DMASWA. The scope of work for this study was
to identify options and impacts if the tonnage disposed in the DMASWA landfill were to be
reduced by 50% from current tonnage within 5 to 10 years. This study identified economic
opportunities in a developing local materials economy from the estimated market value of
the $4M in landfilled materials. This also translated to creating a significant number of
long -term green jobs.
Library: Hosted "Value of Money" public event February 2011.
City Local Purchasing Policy: The City implements a Local Purchasing Policy (AP 3.10)
that allows for a 5 -10% preference for businesses located within City limits, excluding
purchases made through the formal bidding process. Studies show that a greater
percentage of each dollar spent at a local business stays in the local economy. Purchasing
locally supports local jobs, in addition to cutting down on transportation costs and
emissions to ship goods from outside the community. City staff are currently researching a
Sustainable Purchasing Policy that would expand the parameters of the purchasing policy
to include considerations such as recyclable content, lifetime of product, and chemical
makeup of all products purchased by the City.
Business:
Dubuque Works (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): "Dubuque Live" was scheduled for
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the University of Dubuque. This event was open to all area
college students as a tool to connect to the business community and become more
educated on the skills needed to secure a job after graduation.
AccessDubuqueJobs.com investors continue to increase, with a current investor base of
103, a 14% increase over 2009. In the past three months, 35 existing investors have
renewed their contract in the Workforce Initiative for 2011. AccessDubuqueJobs.com has
current investor retention rate of 98 %.
Fifty -three (53) businesses in our region (30 from Dubuque County) have signed a letter of
commitment supporting Iowa's National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and standing
up for a skilled workforce. As of 12/31/10, 1,854 individuals have completed NCRC
assessments in Region 1 with 1,673 individuals (90 %) achieving their NCRC credential.
200 students are funded annually by Dubuque Works to take the NCRC assessment.
Relocation Guides were sent to 43 individuals throughout the United States during the
month of April, while local businesses requested 43 for recruitment of potential
9
employees. A total of 900 Relocation Guides have been distributed year -to -date (since
7/1/10).
The Relocation Guide contains community resources including information on employment,
housing, education, and entertainment, as well as a DVD presentation that highlights the
great things that are happening in our community. A personal postcard is sent to the
individual two weeks later, and a follow -up email is sent two weeks after that to answer any
questions they may have, regardless of whether they have received the guide in the mail or
viewed it online.
Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium: Formed in late 2009, the Dubuque
Sustainability Innovation Consortium is an informal, beta organization comprised of
manufacturing, technology, service, wholesale and other industry sectors. Although the
consortium is still a work in progress, members of the group have already identified
new /actual sales leads and introductions to key industry players. The consortium includes
Dubuque area companies that represent 1,126 employees and are currently engaged in
both the sales and production of "green" related services /products:
1,126 - Employment total of the companies serving on the consortium;
42 - Percentage of companies that operate in tech services /wholesale /consulting;
33 - Percentage of companies that operate in traditional manufacturing;
25 - Percentage of companies that produce a tangible, technical /IT related product;
154 - Age of oldest company in the group;
1 - Age of youngest company in the group;
27 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ outside of Dubuque;
73 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ in Dubuque;
8 - Percentage of total jobs from consortium members (create /retained) due to green
movement.
The Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium is staff - supported, in part, by Greater
Dubuque Development in partnership with the City of Dubuque. Overseeing the strategic
efforts is David Lyons. David is also spearheading local efforts related to the Dubuque /IBM
Smart City initiative.
2011: Feeling the need to facilitate cost - saving /sustainable goals for area businesses,
Greater Dubuque Development hosted a consortium event in February. The event focused
on an easy, low -cost, and immediate ways to save money through lighting. With some 50
people in attendance, Crescent Electric provided case studies of Dubuque area businesses
that have recently changed lighting and saved significant amounts of money. Going
forward, Greater Dubuque hosted a second reception /dinner to provide the same
information to yet another group of bankers, accountants, and electrical contractors who
have direct access to businesses and hold an opportunity to educate their clients. The
idea is for these various professionals to share the information with their customers,
especially small /medium sized businesses in Dubuque.
GDDC facilitated a presentation by Crescent Electric to city departments and city partners
on the savings from lighting conversions. In addition, GDDC is providing information to
members of the Innovation Consortium on target marketing recruitment of smart energy
systems to help local businesses grow their market.
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Non - Profit:
Project HOPE (High Priority): Project HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) is an
employment initiative of the City of Dubuque and is designed to serve as a catalyst within
the community helping service providers, education /training providers, employers and job
seekers build bridges to establish rewarding, long -term employment opportunities.
Project HOPE will work to improve inter - agency collaboration systems and reduce
policy /program barriers to service- or simply, make the system easier to access and
navigate. Program /activity goals are:
Goal: Improve information availability, sharing and use among providers - coordinate
system improvements, sharing mechanisms and a collaborative approach to better
understand who and what the needs are in this community.
Action: Project HOPE Steering Committee meets monthly to ensure collaboration.
Goal: Connect unemployed to assessments and education /skills training - ensure an
easy to follow process to get from unemployed to education /skills training as needed by
the individual. Current activities are focused on developing a universal application,
collateral and service model for key providers to improve access to services.
Action: Project HOPE is continuing to identify the best path from assessment to training
available in Dubuque. Currently, service delivery between agencies is not standardized,
and each service is its own hard to navigate system. Some simple steps to increase
use of available services will be to create some standardization of the marketing of
available agencies. Project HOPE has reviewed examples for a collaborative (uniform
application, shared data, coordinated marketing) from Rockford, IL, Cheyenne, WY,
Minneapolis, MN, and Galveston, TX. We have identified a model to explore further
with key providers.
Goal: Create a pipeline to employment —match available jobs to education and skill
level of the individual to improve success rate of placement into workforce. Current
activities include development of an employment support specialist position in
partnership with lowaWORKS, Housing and other key providers.
Action: Project HOPE has been researching best practices employment assistance
from around the country. We've identified a particularly successful program in
Cincinnati and are establishing plans to educate key community stakeholders about the
program, including presenting materials, establishing a call with Cincinnati leaders and
planning visits to and from Cincinnati. Advocating for the creation of an employment
support specialist position to help mitigate business's risk in employing the traditionally
hard -to- employ, but also to add the intensive support that a person transitioning into the
workforce needs to increase retention of jobs obtained is a part of this process.
Goal: Support working families needs — improve child care opportunities within the
community to ensure this is not a road block to employment. Current activities include
a childcare service mapping project to improve understanding of resources available,
needs in the community and improve access to working parents as well as businesses.
Action: Project HOPE continues to partner with Every Child 1 Every Promise and The
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Children's Trust in the creation of a childcare map. The goal is to be able to assist
working families in finding quality childcare in Dubuque, and more easily identify gaps in
both quality, and quantity. The Project is ongoing.
Goal: Help families build financial assets — connect families to EITC, BankOn, and other
financial support/literacy programs. Current activities include direct support of EITC
efforts in the community and facilitating the implementation of BankON. A program
involving all community financial institutions to reduce use of pay -day lenders and
increase use of traditional banking methods.
Action: The Bank ON Steering Committee has worked with all of the financial
institutions in Dubuque to develop a free checking product to reduce the barriers of
unbanked households to opening bank accounts. The program will launch in June
2011. Their goal is to open 500 Bank On accounts in our first year with 80% of these
still open at the end of the year.
Bank ON's Financial Education Committee has partnered with the Iowa State Extension
to develop a series of classes designed to improve financial literacy. These classes
(Financial Accounts, Developing a Spending Plan, and Using Credit) will be offered free
of charge to all new Bank On clients. Our member banks and credit unions may also
require the classes before opening an account in some cases.
In partnership with Operation: New View Community Action Agency, the sites preparing
returns for free in Dubuque this year are registered Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) sites through the IRS. As part of the preparation, clients at the sites are
encouraged to use direct deposit to receive the quickest possible return, leading the un-
banked to set up bank accounts. Paired with the upcoming BankOn product, and
financial literacy education, Dubuque families are being given new tools to help them
get out of generational poverty.
Since opening in January of 2011, 77 Federal returns have been filed, the total Earned
Income Credit (EIC) claimed is $82,700. The average EIC return is $1,654. Total
amount of refunds returned through the VITA sites is $206,962 with an average refund
of $2,070.
Currently the Project HOPE Steering Committee is focused on three priorities:
1. Development of an Employment Support Specialist position to ensure more Getting
Ahead graduates enter the workforce, utilizing a model developed by
CincinatiWORKS.
2. Implementing a uniform application and collateral package for key service providers,
in collaboration with those providers.
3. BankON- an initiative that includes all local financial institutions which develops
products, marketing, and education to move unbanked or underbanked individuals
and families into traditional banking relationships.
Community Partners: Project HOPE has partnered with several organizations and agencies
throughout the city in order to gain a better understanding and of the needs in the
community and to better serve those who are unemployed and underemployed. The City
contracts with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to carry out this initiative.
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Schools:
NICC Green Jobs Program: The Northeast Iowa Community College Green Jobs program
is funded through an ARRA grant administered in partnership by ECIA and NICC. The
program is providing unemployed and incumbent workers with skills training in energy
auditing, deconstruction, wind turbine maintenance, and green residential and commercial
construction.
Total students to train: 392
Students to date: 263 (67% complete)
Training Programs /Industry Enrollment:
• Green Industry Sector: Energy Efficient Building , Construction
o Sustainable Deconstruction, COSC, HEART Youthbuild, HVAC NCI
o 97/120 =81%
• Green Industry Sector: Energy Efficient Assessment, Professional, Scientific,
and Technical Services
o RESNET HERS, BPI Building Analyst, Envelope — Shell, Heating, AC,
Heat Pump
o 84/120 = 70%
• Green Industry Sector: Renewable Electric Power, Utilities
o Wind Turbine Repair Technician
o Solar, Wind, Hydro, Geothermal
o Intro to Wind Technology
o Solar Thermal Installation
o Intro to Solar Thermal
o 82/152 =54%
Employment/Placement Success:
Completion rate: 257/263 = 98%
Sustainability of Programs: NICC will continue to offer Green Industry training courses
after the grant period is up, specifically in the solar and wind alternative energy fields. A
couple courses are being submitted for credit approval so students have transferrable
credits upon completion of the course.
NICC is also exploring state approval for wind and solar courses for both plumbing and
electrical update classes that can be applied to licensing. HVAC NCI curriculum is also
being incorporated into the HVAC program at NICC. As the "green" industries continue to
grow so will the programs at NICC, Geothermal and Solar PV will also be offered in the
future.
Dubuque Community School District: 2010/2011 8 -month progress - During the 8
month period of July 2010 through February 2011 for the 2010/11 school year, the
District saved over $166,555 in avoided costs compared to the same period of the
baseline year. Compared to the same 2009/10 time period, over $ 58,167 in avoided
costs were realized, despite overall energy prices increasing by 8.11% for this
comparative time period. The District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for Pre K -12 is
10,516 students.
People & Neighborhoods:
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SMART ENERGY USE
Government:
EECBG: The City of Dubuque was the recipient of $574,700 in ARRA funding through the
Energy Efficiency Conservation & Block Grant program. The following funds have been
spent or obligated to date:
$75,000.00 Sustainability Coordinator Salary. Grant administration and
community engagement.
$100,000.00 First of a Kind (FOAK) agreement with IBM Watson Research Center
to fund part of the Smarter Travel pilot in the Smarter Sustainable
Dubuque project.
$31,447.00 Residential certified energy audits and energy efficient retrofits. To
date, this program has funded 30 certified energy audits and assisted
73 Dubuque residents in installing high- efficiency furnaces, insulation,
new windows, and completing basic retrofits including caulking around
windows, weatherstripping, etc.
$43,000.00 Replacement of City Hall HVAC system.
$225, 000.00 Total funds spent or made available to the public (39.2% of total grant
amount).
Additional funds remain in the categories of community education, commercial building
retrofits, and municipal retrofits. It is anticipated that the largest remaining category,
$200,000 for commercial retrofits, will be obligated soon through a partnership with the
private sector to encourage lighting and other energy- efficient, cost - saving retrofits. The
City is in the process of establishing a commercial energy efficiency revolving loan fund in
partnership with ECIA, targeting Petal Project and Innovation Consortium members and
non - profits. The City is also in discussion with the Iowa Office of Energy Independence
about available state funding to expand this program.
City Hall Lighting Retrofit: Building Services staff have conducted a lighting audit of City
Hall and are now in the process of removing lamps and retrofitting fixtures to more
appropriately meet the lighting demands of the employees and customers that use the
building. To date, 66 fixtures have been re- ballasted, 102 lamps removed and 147 lamps
replaced by smaller wattage lamps in the efforts to reduce electrical usage. This project is
on- going, and energy use trends are being tracked in EPA Portfolio Manager. A final report
on electrical savings will be presented when complete.
Power Down Settings for City Computers: In 2009, Information Services implemented
software that centrally manages the power setting on your computer, implementing power
conservation settings after no activity for defined periods of time. Before implementing
these settings each computer was using approximately 460kWh resulting in the release of
about 626Ibs of CO2. After applying the settings we reduced each computer's power usage
to 373kWh or reducing CO2 to 508 lbs - therefore about an 18% reduction in greenhouse
gases.
In March 2011, Information Services applied a new setting to the existing power settings
that will automatically shut down computers that are still powered up after 10:OOpm every
night, excluding computers that need remote access capabilities overnight. This setting will
result in significant additional energy savings to the City. In addition, Information Services
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continues to work to educate staff on the importance of "phantom" energy use and other
opportunities to save energy and money through the use of technology.
Parking Ramp Lighting Project: The 5th Street and Locust Street Parking Ramps have
recently been updated with new fluorescent lighting. The system has been provided by a
firm from Holland, MI, TwistHDM. The system is fully programmable, providing the
maximum in daylight harvesting, occupancy sensing and provides a safety factor in that e-
mails are sent to maintenance staff any time a Tight is burned out or not functioning for any
reason. Each fixture has its own IP address allowing for state of the industry programming
to reduce energy usage. In the first months of operation, this system has led to a 68%
reduction in lighting costs, or 35% reduction in total electricity consumption in the ramp.
We are currently planning on retro fitting the Iowa Street to this system in the very near
future and this system is also being installed on the new parking ramp at 10th and Central.
Public Works Department:
Kill -A -Watt Meters: The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating
staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E
partnership of the County and City of Dubuque. In calendar 2010, the DMASWA initiated
its Kill -A -Watt Program. The DMASWA purchased wattage meters, which were provided to
five Dubuque County Library branches in Asbury, Epworth, Farley, Holy Cross, and
Dyersville.
Hybrid- Powered Vehicle: A second DMASWA Smart Energy Use initiative was its purchase
of a hybrid - powered vehicle in the Summer of 2005. This purchase was made not only to
reduce the amount of fuel used by Agency - employed staff and reduce the DMASWA's
vehicle - related carbon footprint, but also as an education tool by the Agency's Education
and Communication Coordinator. Now five and a half years old and with over 72,000 miles
on its odometer, the vehicle has performed faultlessly and has averaged 28 miles per
gallon in the city. The DMASWA intends to retain it until calendar 2015, when it should
have well over 125,000 miles on its odometer.
Biomass Energy Development: The Resource Management program has been an
internal partner in researching sustainable new energy sources from discarded materials
processed or which could be processed at the WWTP and the DMASWA landfill. The
methane produced at both facilities could be developed as a renewable energy source and
net revenue producer with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications.
Library Kill -A -Watt Meter Checkout Program: In partnership with ISU Extension and the
City's Office of Sustainability, Kill -A -Watt Meters are available for resident check out.
These meters allow residents to measure the energy demand of appliances in their homes,
and is particularly helpful in identifying "phantom energy loads" that occur when appliances
and chargers are plugged in but not in use. 27 checkouts since the program began in June
2010. Four check outs of the meters took place in March and April, 2011.
Library: Lights in public areas now turned off when staff is present but the facility isn't
open to the public.
Fire Department:
• CIP upgrades for doors and windows for fire stations for energy efficiency
• Appliance replacement to be energy star compliant units
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• Light bulb and fixture replacement in fire stations as part of capital improvements
are energy efficient type
• Staff researched and budgeted green roof for Fire Headquarters. Project was
deleted due to budget shortfall and construction of new parking structure.
• Energy study for Fire Headquarters researched by staff and budgeted.
Extra refrigerators and freezers have been removed and replacement plan is being
developed to replace appliances with Energy Star rated units.
• Inventory/survey done for light fixtures throughout all six fire stations to determine
type and researching cost involved for changing inefficient light fixtures to energy
saving type for next fiscal year budget purposes.
Leisure Services Department:
• Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11
• Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED fixtures
2010
Water Department:
• Ongoing participation in the Alliant Energy Interrupt Program during peak energy
usage times.
• Replaced aged /inefficient windows with new ones at Pump Station #6 for more
efficiency and safety.
• Water Treatment Process change to biological filtration which has allowed a 45%
reduction of chlorine use.
• Installation of solar powered mixing units in the West Third reservoir, which has
eliminated the need to boost chlorine in the distribution system, reducing costs
associated with chemicals and employee time needed to perform maintenance on
associated equipment and has improved water quality.
• Recycling of filter backwash water.
• Agricultural land application of lime sludge.
• Elimination of paper forms used to track daily operations. Operational data is
inputted into a tablet and uploaded into a database. Data is inputted once and
lessens errors in transcription.
• Replacement of Circular Chart Recorders on 17 filters. Data from filters is now
inputted into SCADA system directly, eliminating the need for circular chart paper
(which was replaced daily) and also reduces the need for the chart recorder pens.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Four Mounds Energy Center:
Education: The Energy Center has been working hard to educate Dubuque about energy
efficiency. Plans have begun for another Residential Energy Efficiency Workshop to come
this spring. The Energy Center website is continually being updated with information for
residents of Dubuque and served as a resource for news, education, and certified
professionals.
Assistance to Green Career Training Initiative: The Energy Center has been a key
assistance to the training initiative. By posting the information about upcoming classes and
starting the online application for the programs the center was able to get the word out
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about the programs. After successful completion of a program, graduates were listed on
energydbq.org for free under the certified professional's page. This gives these new
graduates opportunities to expand and grow their business. To date we have four
graduates listed on our site as well as other certified professionals in the area.
Assistance to the HEART Program: The Energy Center has supported the HEART program
in many ways. The Green Construction Training Program has been completed. All of the
students have passed the course and gained valuable skills and knowledge to carry with
them in the future. Some of the students have already begun pursuing work relating to
areas discussed in the class.
Leadership of Green Iowa Americorps: Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to make huge
strides in Dubuque. The program has completed near 30 weatherization of homes thus far
and have many more scheduled. Green Olympics was a success in teaching students in all
three local high schools about energy, sustainability and their impacts on the environment.
There are weatherization workshops, educational programs, and other outreach
opportunities coming up in the next month.
Schools:
Dubuque Community School Districts: 2009/10 school DCSD is financially and
environmentally healthier as a result of the energy management (efficiency and
conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10 with over $212,603 in avoided costs
and $151,576 in direct energy costs savings. Overall energy prices increased by over 3%
from the baseline year. These results directly impact the District's 12,330+ PreK -12
students, administrators, teachers, and staff in the 1,694,250 square feet of DCSD schools
and support facilities.
2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the energy
management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10,
reducing energy use within the District by 13.4 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), a
reduction of 11% from the baseline year; this reduction is about equal to all the energy
used throughout the year by Washington Middle School, Irving Elementary School, and
Sageville Elementary School combined.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average school building in the U.S. used
83,100 BTU per square foot last year. During the 2009/10 year the Dubuque Community
School District's building average was 66,833 BTU per square foot, 19.6 percent better
than the national average. In energy intensity, (BTUs per SF) DCSD Elementary Schools
performed 30.3% better than the average Iowa Elementary School *, DCSD Middle Schools
outperformed the average Iowa Middle School* by 9.5 %, and DCSD High Schools were
11.8% better performing than the average Iowa High School.
2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the energy
management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10 with
3,946,135 lbs. (1,790 metric tonnes) of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions avoided; the
equivalent of removing 343 passenger vehicles from our streets and roads for one year.
2010/11 6 -month progress - During the 6 month period of July through December for the
2010/11 school year, the District surpassed its previous progress by reducing its energy
consumption over 5.53 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), a reduction of 15.52% for the
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same period from established baseline. Compared to the 2009/10 time period, over 1.05
billion BTUs (7.51%) in further reductions were realized.
From July through December 2010, the District surpassed its previous progress with over
$103,487 in avoided costs compared to the same period of the baseline year. Compared to
the same 2009/10 time period, over $26,358 in additional avoided costs were realized,
despite overall energy prices increasing by 12.79% for this comparative time period. The
District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for PreK -12 is 10,516 students.
2010/2011 8 -month progress - During the 8 month period of July 2010 through
February 2011 for the 2010/11 school year, the District saved over $166,555 in avoided
costs compared to the same period of the baseline year. Compared to the same
2009/10 time period, over $ 58,167 in avoided costs were realized, despite overall
energy prices increasing by 8.11% for this comparative time period. The District's
2010/2011 certified enrollment for Pre K -12 is 10,516 students.
People & Neighborhoods:
SMART RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Government:
The Green Vision Building Materials Management and Waste Minimization Program
is a high priority of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency. The Iowa
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has designated C &D waste as a targeted
material for diverting from Iowa landfills. Building and demolition professionals can play an
important role in assisting the Agency and IDNR in meeting their goals of diverting reusable
and recyclable materials from land filling. Rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling -the
"Four R's" - focus on resource efficiency. Typically, these practices can save money and
control costs by decreasing the amount of new materials needed for building; and, reducing
waste disposal costs. Equally important, you'll be helping reduce the amount of materials
being buried at the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Landfill.
Your efforts should also prove to be of value to the owner of your project. For C &D
materials management to be most effective, one must be committed to good planning,
coordination of effort, and always looking for ways to rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle.
Fire Department:
• Smaller vehicles purchased for Fire Marshals and EMS Supervisor that use flex
fuel, E -85
• All diesel vehicles use biodiesel blend fuel
• Improvement package for video conferencing for training of firefighters. Allows
crews to remain in stations instead of traveling to central location conserves fuel
reduces emissions.
• All fire stations recycle household items
• Intersection preemption project reduces fuel consumption and reduces emissions
by allowing emergency vehicles to proceed through without stopping and starting
and holding green light for snow removal equipment.
• Windows budgeted in FY12 for Fire Station 3, Tuck pointing budgeted in FY12 for
Fire Station 6, Energy study for Fire Headquarters researched by staff and
budgeted.
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Leisure Services Department:
• Bunker Hill Golf Course irrigation system upgrade electrical & water 2010 -11
Public Information Office /GIS:
• City News publications all printed on 30% recycled paper.
• Most, if not all, publications sent to print are printed on 30% recycled paper.
• Assisted in making City Expo and Annual Boards and Commissions Picnic near
zero -waste events since 2009.
• Encourage all departments to purchase sustainable giveaways for City Expo.
• Use Notify Me to send press releases (instead of faxing or mailing)
• All GIS maps are converted to jpg or pdf, and all data acquisition and transfers are
completed via the Sharefile FTP site.
Public Works Department:
Tire Recycling Program: Initiated by the DMASWA in the 1990's as a result of regulations
prohibiting the burial of whole tires in landfills, the DMASWA took the extra step of banning
the burial of tires in any shape or form in its landfill. Current federal and State regulations
still allow the burial of shredded, chopped or halved tires. Tires brought to the DMASWA
Landfill are set aside for subsequent collection and processing by a tire recycling firm. The
cost of the tire recycling service is passed along to the DMASWA's customers. The tires
are currently being processed into fuel pellets, playground equipment fall protection pads,
pads protecting concrete floors from heavy equipment tracks, and sundry items such as
park benches and parking lot tire stops. Community impacts of the DMASWA's Tire
Recycling Program have included saved landfill space /life and reuse of a valuable fossil
fuel- derived product.
Appliance and Metals Recycling Program. Similar to the DMASWA's Tire Recycling
Program, and also initiated in the 1990's, its Appliance and Metals Recycling Program also
exceeds federal and State standards. While the USEPA and Iowa regulations allow the
landfill burial of metal household appliances that do not contain Freon or mercury, the
DMASWA bans the landfilling of any appliances at its facility. They are accepted, however,
for a fee to cover the cost of subsequent recycling by a local firm. Also, the DMASWA
provides a free drop -off container just inside its gate where clean metal items may be
dropped off without charge for subsequent recycling. Finally, DMASWA - employed staff
recover any metal items encountered in the landfill cells and take them to the metals drop -
off container. The main community impact derived from this program is saved landfill
space /life. A secondary community impact would be the recovery and reuse of recyclable
metal.
Recycling Dropoff Stations Program. Beginning with a sole recyclables dropoff facility on
Dubuque's west side in the 1990's, the program has expanded to seven (7) at the current
time. In addition to the noted original facility on Radford Road, there now are facilities in
Cascade, unincorporated Key West, Farley, Epworth, in the Flexsteel industries parking lot
at East 32 Street and Peru Road in Dubuque, and at the DMASWA Landfill. The Agency
plans to add additional facilities in the northern, southern and northwestern areas of
Dubuque County in the near future. At these facilities, residents are allowed to drop off
unlimited quantities of clean metal, aluminum beverage containers, tin cans, paper,
cardboard, and #1 - #5 plastics. Glass containers are allowed only at the Radford Road
drop -off facility. The materials are collected by Agency workers and transported to the
Dittmer Recycling facility in Dubuque for processing and subsequent shipment to regional
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recycling mills. The most relevant measurable outcomes for this program would be pounds
of materials received and recycled annually through the noted dropoff facilities.
Coal Combustion Fly Ash: A fourth DMASWA program that can be associated with the City
of Dubuque's Smart Resource Management sustainability principle is its use of coal
combustion fly ash as a soil supplement. Federal regulations heavily restrict the reuse and
disposal of coal combustion fly ash due to the likelihood of the presence of heavy metals.
In the 1990's, the DMASWA applied for and received permission from the State to mix fly
ash it receives from the local Alliant power plant, John Deere, and the City of Dubuque
Water Pollution Control plant with soil it uses to cover waste materials in its landfill cells. In
this way, the DMASWA spends less labor, fuel, and equipment time excavating the daily
landfill cell cover soil mandated by federal regulations. Community impacts includes
monetary savings to the three noted entities, monetary savings to the DMASWA in the
form of less fuel, labor and equipment time used, and the smaller carbon footprint
associated with the soil excavation activity. Also, since the fly ash would otherwise have to
be buried in the landfill cells due to its metals content, landfill airspace /life has been saved
by this practice.
Pay As You Throw: PAYT is a sustainable model for the City's Refuse Collection and
Large Item Collection programs. It places an added cost to extra trash generation which
encourages source reduction, reuse through donations, recycling and composting. The
average customer only sends 20 pounds per week to the landfill which is among the lowest
of the ten largest cities in Iowa. Appropriately -sized City -owned tipper carts have been
supplied to many alley - collection customers to improve sanitation and aesthetics in areas
of high rental density.
Curbside Food Scrap Collection and Composting: The Public Works Department
provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid
Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E partnership of the County and City of Dubuque. In
1990, the DMASWA constructed its first yard waste composting facility at its Landfill site on
Dubuque's west side along U.S. Highway 20. The facility and yard waste composting
program were mandated by a then -new Iowa law banning yard waste from being landfilled
as of the beginning of FY91. The yard waste composting facility was later displaced by the
construction of landfill cells #5 and #6 and was replaced by the current facility in 1998. The
second - generation composting facility originally consisted of a large asphalt -paved area
where yard waste was stored and shredded. The shredded yard waste was then
windrowed in an adjoining area lined with shale where the actual composting process took
place.
The City initiated a pilot program for the curbside co- collection (with yard waste) of food
scraps in April of 2006. The City program has reached its maximum allowed diversion
under the two ton per week cap under IDNR regulations. This project is in partnership with
the DMASWA and involves 250 subscribers, who for a very small fee, diverted
approximately 80 tons of food scraps last year from regular refuse collection and
processed them into 40 tons of compost. This also reduced potential fugitive green house
gas emissions from the DMASWA Landfill by approximately 500,000 pounds per year.
In 2009 and again in 2010, the DMASWA applied to the State for permission to expand its
food scrap composting program. The State has denied the requests, insisting that further
infrastructure improvements be made. Those improvements have been estimated to cost
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more than $250,000. As a result of those prohibitive additional costs, the DMASWA has
tabled expansion of its food scrap composting program until the State of Iowa adopts
guidelines similar to those allowed by the US -EPA and already implemented in surrounding
states. Community impacts of the DMASWA's Composting Program to date include saving
an estimated half year of landfill life /capacity over the last twenty years, plus the generation
and reuse of a valued byproduct — high quality compost.
Curbside Recycling: The Recycling Collection Activity has maintained over the last five
years the lowest average curbside collection fees in the state while having some of the
highest diverted tonnage to recycling at 4,500 tons per year (approximately 40 %).
Recycling tonnage has been declining in Dubuque and nationally recently due partially to
the shift from print media and advertising (newspaper / magazine pages and junk mail) to
electronic media. The participation rate of customers setting out recycling bins at least
once a month is estimated to be over 90 %. The partnership of the DMASWA in a
processing contract with Dittmer Recycling has brought shared revenue to the City even
during the current economic recession. Additional curbside acceptable materials have
been approved: empty aerosol cans, new, clean empty latex paint cans, obsolete hardback
books, and crosscut shredded paper in clear plastic bags. The Resource Management
Coordinator facilitated the Sustainable 2010 Glass Management Options Study and
researched local costs and impacts. This research indicated that the curbside collection of
glass for recycling was no longer a sustainable activity and should be terminated; thereby
cutting significant costs and generating increased revenue. The City Council on April 18,
2011 supported the recommendation to end the curbside collection of glass food and
beverage containers on July 2, 2011. More energy is expended in the process in recycling
the glass from curbside collection thru bottle manufacturing than is conserved in using the
recycled cullet. The small net environmental benefits, if any, are not worth the $325.00 per
ton to collect this glass that has a —minus $16.00 per ton value delivered to the nearest and
best market. No longer separating 300 tons per year of glass at curbside with its hand
sorting will reduce future repetitive motion arm work comp injuries. This decision was
perceived by the community as a re- education and challenge to change old recycling
habits. Non - curbside beneficial -use options for glass are being developed and promoted.
Diversion Facility Development: The Resource Management program has provided
staff support to the DMASWA by conducting a 2010 Visual Assessment Report of all
landfill vehicle unloads (1.100) for a full week. This assessment provided the needed
data to identify the most easily diverted materials for improved community and
commercial diversion to recycling and reuse.
Electronics Banned from Landfill Disposal: In the Fall of 2006, the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) began its Electronics Recycling
Program at the Dubuque Metro Landfill. Since then, Dubuque and Delaware county
residents and businesses have been able to have their unwanted electronics recycled
instead of buried in the Landfill. The costs charged to the Agency by its recycling
contractor will be passed back to the Agency's customers. However, a onetime
amnesty for recycling electronics will be offered from June 11th through June 25th
(except Sundays) at the Dubuque Metro Landfill. Electronics can be dropped off at no
charge from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on these dates. The Agency's Electronics Recycling
Program provides an environmentally -sound and economically - feasible disposal option
for old, unwanted electronics. Electronics are defined as anything containing a circuit
board and /or cathode ray tube (CRT or "picture tube "). Examples include: computer
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monitors and CPUs, cell phones, televisions, printers, DVD players and VCRs. All
recycled electronics are broken down into salvageable components at a secure
demanufacturing facility in Davenport. To ensure data security, computers are not
refurbished or reused. The DMASWA changed its electronics disposal program
because it is not only concerned about the space used electronics take up in the
Dubuque Metro Landfill, but also because of the hazardous materials contained in the
electronics - lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, chromium, lithium, and PCBs, among
others. Electronics also contain many materials made from natural resources, some of
which are not renewable and will be depleted over time. By recycling electronics, those
valuable natural resources are used again to make new products, water pollution is
prevented, and energy is saved in the extraction and manufacturing processes.
Electronics Recycling Fees (Starting July 1, 2011): $5.00 each Monitors and small
televisions (screen size under 27 "), laptop computers $10.00 each. Larger televisions
and monitors (screen size 27" or greater) $15.00. No Charge for all other electronics
and accessories.
Dubuque Area Task Force Addressing Illegal Dumping & Illegal Littering: The
Resource Management program has provided staff support to the Dubuque Area Task
Force On Illegal Dumping and Illegal Littering (DATFOIDIL) which was initiated in 2010 by
the DMASWA. The City Resource Management office has hosted an Illegal Dumping
Hotline (589 -4345) since 2000, averaging approximately ten illegal dumping report
investigations per month - cleaning up as appropriate and sending warning letters to
identified households.
Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs: The Resource
Management program first initiated and since 2006 has provided staff and logistic
support to Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs in partnership
with the DMASWA. Since 2006, 257 civic and social events have utilized the Clear
Stream event recycling units with 4,363 unit usages. Recycling is required by the City
at stationary events requiring a City permit. Recyclable cups numbered 1 through 5 are
required to increase recycling. Events now typically divert over 50% by volume to
recycling and also significantly reduce litter. There have been a growing number of
zero waste events where event food discards and compostable paper products get
processed for beneficial use. This program provides appropriate containers, signage
and removes the captured materials to be composted. Further information and
instructional flyers are available on managing zero waste events. There is normally no
charge for specialized container usage, signage and collection of the event recyclables
and clean source - separated compostables when scheduled.
Library: Hosted six public events since 2006 focused on Smart Resource Management,
reaching over 100 attendees. Hosted the Recycle Art Show from 2008 -2010 (2011 date
TBD), with 150 attendees.
Requested a waste stream audit be done as a baseline to measure progress in waste
management/recycling efforts.
Introduced scanning services to the public to reduce the need for paper copies.
Annual Report for FY 10 published on handmade paper with seeds imbedded so that after
reading the report it can be planted and will yield basil.
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Annual Recycled Art Show is being planned for April and will last for the entire month.
Smart Money Week is April 2 — 9. The week will end with a large truck outside the Library
to accept up to two large bags of documents to be shredded and later recycled. Forty -one
bags were shredded at this event.
Met with a representative of Iowa Waste Exchange and placed unwanted items on this web
site which is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources. This has resulted in
items being diverted from the landfill.
Finance:
1. The Utility Billing area serves as a collection for CFL light bulbs for employees and
citizens. This process began approximately one year ago. The City provides multiple
collection sites. Public Works employees pick up the recycled CFL light bulbs.
2. Laserfiche was implemented for storing supporting documentation for accounts payable
and accounts receivable activities such as purchase orders /direct pays, purchase order
adjustments, journal entries and receipts. This procedure eliminates the need for
departments to make a copy of documents for their files as documents are viewed through
Laserfiche.
3. Accepting electronic payments for Utility Billing, parking tickets, (Leisure Services).
Customer initiates EFT via website and City ACH initiated. Utility Billing saves paper by not
including a return payment envelope for customers who have their payment automatically
deducted from their bank account (currently 21.4 %). Citizens save postage and post office
saves labor /energy.
4. Accounts payable direct deposit of employee expense reimbursement and vendor
payments. Full implementation will be available. Saves City cost of printing and mailing
checks. Saves paper and energy.
5. Future initiative: Working toward electronic billing for utility bills.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Keep Dubuque County Clean & Green — serves as the local affiliate for Keep Iowa
Beautiful. Members include representatives from DMASWA, the Dubuque County
Conservation Board, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and interested
individuals. The group works with the Illegal Dumping and Littering task force and other
community groups to educate the public on the effects of littering and illegal dumping.
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
Lenten Plastic Bag Fast: In September 2010 the City Council voted to look into possible
policies to reduce single -use plastic bags in the city.
Given the strong faith heritage of Dubuque, Lenten reflection and study materials on the
interconnected issues of single -use plastic bags were prepared and made available to
communities of faith to adapt for use in their congregations. A newly formed group, the
Intercongregational Ecological Working Group (IEWG) comprised of representatives from
women's religious congregations in the area, took on the coordination of this project in
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December 2010. The IEWG is distributing these study materials to a variety of church and
faith groups to further raise awareness and foster conversation on these issues. The
Lenten materials have been presented to the Dubuque Ministerial Association and DACU
for their consideration. Several groups will be utilizing these materials during Lent
(churches of various denominations, one high school, a religious education program, a
university and several women's religious congregations).
In an effort to further engage these participants as well as the broader community in the
discussion, the IEWG partnered with Wahlert's SAVE Club (Students Against Violating the
Earth), several local environmental groups and Mindframe Theater to co- sponsor two
showings of the documentary "BAG IT: Is Your Life too Plastic ?" free to the public (March
26 and April 2). Over 320 residents attended. This movie event was one of the activities
for Dubuque 2.0's Community Sustainability Challenge Game.
COMMUNITY DESIGN
Government:
Sustainable Design Assessment Team: In 2009, the Dubuque SDAT Report was
incorporated into the Sustainable Dubuque Plan as well as the City's UDC.
Unified Development Code: In 2009, the City of Dubuque's new Unified Development
Code went into effect. The UDC updates and consolidates zoning, subdivision, site
development, historic preservation, and sign regulations into a single city code. The UDC
incorporates text, photographs, drawings, charts and diagrams for ease of use in an online
illustrated version.
The four -year process for developing the Dubuque UDC incorporated three citizen advisory
committees and an interdisciplinary task force of City staff working with JEO Consulting.
The last 12 months of the process were devoted to seeking and responding to input on the
draft UDC from developers, engineers, architects, neighborhood and business
associations, sign contractors, City Boards and Commissions, and the general public prior
to City Council work sessions and public hearings.
The UDC incorporates sustainable design while meeting smart growth objectives.
Sustainable design is the expectation. While traditional development is still allowed, it is
now the exception. The UDC received strong support from City officials and citizens alike.
This acceptance of sustainable design has continued through implementation.
Subdivision and site development regulations were extensively revised to promote
sustainable design, such as conservation design, solar access, and low- impact
development measures. Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit as well as
design guidelines for historic districts, the downtown, and older neighborhoods also are
now part of the UDC.
The intent of the UDC is to guide the physical, economic and social development,
redevelopment and conservation of the community. The UDC protects and enhances the
historic, cultural and aesthetic resources that make Dubuque a unique, identifiable and vital
community.
Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines: Adopted as part of the UDC, the Old
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Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines for development in Dubuque's older
neighborhoods provide form -based site design guidelines 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. They are intended to encourage new development that is compatible with
historic districts, downtown, and older neighborhoods in conservation planning areas.
Complete Streets Policy: Adopted in 2011, the City of Dubuque's Complete Streets
Policy was created with input from a variety of community stakeholders. The Complete
Streets Policy provides an integrated multimodal approach to roadway planning and
design. The Policy establishes that development of as many street projects as possible
will be done in an affordable, balanced, responsible, and equitable way that
accommodates and encourages travel by motorists, bicyclists, public transit vehicles
and their passengers, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The Complete Streets
Policy also ensures that future demand and context sensitivity is integrated into new
facilities, recognizing that topography, cost, and right -of -way constraints are among the
limiting factors and that not every project is a candidate for this desired outcome. The
Policy also includes language regarding the review of street projects for consistency
with the Tri -State Trail Plan, posting annual street projects for public input, and
documentation of project- specific exemptions. The Complete Streets policy allows for
project- specific exemptions to be approved by the City Council, or the City Manager
where a project does not come before the City Council.
Green AIIey Pilot Project: This project involved the reconstruction of existing asphalt
alleys from 11 Street to 13 Street between White Street and Jackson Street and the
alley from 15 and 16 between Elm and Washington Streets. The project reconstructed
the alleys with pervious pavement surfaces to assist in evaluating suitable pavement types
for future alley reconstruction projects. The pavement surfaces allow rainfall from low-
intensity storms to pass through the pavement structure. This, in turn, will recharge the
water table and minimize storm water runoff. Completed in summer 2010
Engineering staff are now working on the design of the alley between Jackson and
Washington from 17 to 18 Street. The project is expected to be initiated in June 2011
and completed by September 2011.
Engineering staff will also begin design of the following alleys to be completed in FY 2012:
Alley between Jackson and Washington from 16 to 17
Alley between Washington & Elm from 25 to 26
AIIey between White & Jackson from 17 to 18
Alley between Arlington & Loras from Dell to Prairie
Additionally, Jon Dienst presented at the Illinois Growing Green communities conference
on the topic of Permeable Pavement April 21, 2011. This was a great opportunity to share
the lessons that Dubuque has learned from the first several Green AIIey projects.
The City of Des Moines has been requesting information on Dubuque's Green Alley
Projects. The City of Des Moines will be sending a group to look at our alleys in the next
few months.
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Washington Neighborhood Initiative (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): Comprehensive effort
designed to address many housing and social challenges in this 55 square block
neighborhood. An ambitious "visioning" project for the Washington Neighborhood was
concluded in 2008 and the Washington Neighborhood Strategic Plan was presented to the
City Council in April 2009. Homes have now been purchased and rehabbed by 37 first -time
owner families throughout the neighborhood. Previous rental dwellings and vacant
structures have been historically restored for owner occupancy. Since late 2005, the
Housing Department has loaned $3.9 million and a total of $7 million has been reinvested
in housing in the Washington Neighborhood.
With receipt of a $240 000 I -JOBS grant from IFA, the Historic Washington Row Houses
project commenced construction in November 2010. New individual sanitary sewer and
water services have been installed, lead paint removed from the interior of the buildings,
asbestos removed from the roofing structure and all new membrane roofs installed, and
installation of all new wooden windows and doors completed. A June completion date is
projected. All units will be sold as owner - occupied town homes to low- moderate income
households. The City will be reconstructing the alley behind the row houses as a "Green
Alley" in the summer of 2011.
Several other houses acquired by the Housing Department, using our Neighborhood
Stabilization Program (NSP) grant, continue under rehab. The HEART Program crews are
performing the bulk of the rehab work. As the completed homes are re -sold, NSP funds
are used to buy other foreclosed or vacated houses.
An exterior inspection program providing 'advisory inspections' for all Washington
Neighborhood homeowners commenced in November. About 90% of the 200 homes have
been inspected. Housing staff are now prioritizing needed exterior repairs and working with
church and volunteer groups to line up crews to perform this work this summer. We are
coordinating these efforts with the WNDC and hope to organize 10 work crews for the April
Community Days of Caring event.
We are working with the Four Mounds Energy Center in preparation to utilize the
AmeriCorps GreenCorps team to perform energy audits and weatherization work on
selected homes in the neighborhood.
Planning continues for a major rehab project in the 2200 -2400 block of Washington Street.
Houses acquired for the Bee Branch Project and no longer needed for the right -of -way will
be rehabbed and re -sold to owner occupant families. Two city- acquired homes will be
moved to this block. The HEART crews will be continuously utilized for rehab work, on as
many as nine homes.
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation (WNDC): a new non - profit
corporation was formed to promote revitalization efforts in the Washington Neighborhood.
The WNDC is staffed by a fulltime executive director, initially funded by the City of
Dubuque. A board of directors has been recruited to represent the interests of
stakeholders, including residents, landlords, businesses and lenders, and city government.
The corporation promotes activities to improve the neighborhood in a variety of ways. Key
objectives include increasing homeowner occupancies, refurbishing older buildings,
improving the appearance of the area and greater resident involvement.
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Partnering with the following neighborhood initiatives: Harkin Wellness Grant, Community
Garden, Energy Center staff, Small Business Works, Community Days of Caring( Central
Ave focus), Iowa 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, Crime Study Report,
Dubuque Board of Realtors, Gateway to Homes.
o 1 0 referrals made for Energy Center weatherization assistance.
o Startup of a business association.
o Updated the WNDC directory — 171 businesses.
o Inventorying empty retail space available.
o Assisting with relocation of North End Businesses to the Washington Neighborhood.
o Partnering with Housing and Community Development to create a neighbor to
neighbor work program rehabilitating the exterior of residences
o Project leader for Community Days of Caring April 29 & 30 providing facade
improvement to businesses and homes.
o Collaborate and assist with the Small Business Works initiative
o Building relationships with Dubuque Board of Realtors to promote the community
o Volunteer and partner with the following events; Taste of the World (Multicultural
Family Center), Young Professionals Food Drive, Bowling on the River ( River
Museum and Aquarium raising money for Everybody's Museum program that will
give memberships to families in our neighborhood) Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability
Challenge, Hope House Volunteers (cleanup and weatherization of the
neighborhood). Small Business Works Initiative, Green Healthy Homes Initiative.
Here are some of the activities of WNDC this past month of May:
1) Subcommittee's of WNDC met to strategize goals for this year and next year.
2) Inventory of vacant business fronts.
3) Partnership with McGraw Hill for the giveaway of 250+ potted plants.
4) 6 Referrals made to the Four Mounds Energy Center.
5) Received DRA grant for ($4868) the Dr. Viner /Manasseh House Garden located
465 Lincoln Ave.
6) Partner with the Small Business Works Initiative.
Orange Park: Creation of a park in the Washington Neighborhood as a result of
neighborhood input.
Historic Millwork District (Top Priority):
The Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project will involve the reconstruction and
streetscaping of streets into complete streets. These streets include the following:
Street
10 Street
Washington Street
Jackson Street
Jackson Street Trail
10 Street
11 Street
Limits
Jackson to Elm Street
9 to 10 Street
7 to 11 Street
5 to 7 Street
Main to Jackson Street
Jackson to Elm Street
Additionally, 3 alternates were selected and they include:
Alternate Street Limits
1 Washington Street 10 to 11 Street
2 9 Street Washington to White Street
Construction Type
Reconstruction
Reconstruction
Reconstruction
Hike /Bike Trail
Streetscaping
Water Reconstruction
Construction Type
Reconstruction
Streetscaping
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3 9 Street Main to White Street Streetscaping
Sealed bids were received on the project on January 25, 2011. Portzen Construction, Inc.
of Dubuque, IA submitted the low bid in the amount of $5,575,005.92. This amount is
20.06% under the estimate of probable cost for the base bid + alternates 1, 2, and 3. A
summary of the bid proposals received is as follows:
CONTRACTOR
Portzen Construction,
Inc.
Horsfield
Construction, Inc.
BID
(Base + Alternates 1, 2, 3)
$5,575,005.92
$5,814,598.29
A bid was received from W.C. Stewart, Inc but was deemed non - responsive since the
required Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) form and expected sub - contractor
listing was not submitted with the bid.
The list of bid results was submitted to the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) for
their concurrence. FHWA concurs with the award of the construction contract to Portzen
Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder. Construction is expected to start in
early March 2011.
City staff is continuing to work on development of plans and specifications for the Historic
Millwork District. Originally the project was to include the complete reconstruction of
Jackson Street from 7th to 11th Streets, Washington Street from 9th to 11th Streets and
10th Street from Jackson to Elm Streets.
The USDOT announced Dubuque was awarded a $5.6 million grant to fund Complete
Streets within the Millwork District.
A site in the district is being reviewed as a potential for the location of a future intermodal
facility.
The Alamo Block purchase agreement was approved by the City Council on October 4,
2010. Deconstruction of the non - historic buildings is completed which is ahead of the
March 31, 2011 schedule. City staff closed on the purchase of the Alamo real estate on
April 26, 2011.
Staff prepared a Development Agreement for the CARADCO project with Gronen
Properties and a public hearing was held on March 21, 2011. The City Council approved
the Development Agreement following the public hearing.
The CARADCO building received two awards of $3 million and $5.9 million in CDBG
disaster assistance funds to develop income - restricted (80% of Median Income)
apartments.
The Council approved a $4.5 million loan agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority to
provide low- interest financing for Millwork District projects.
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Construction of the Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project began on March 14,
2011. A ground breaking occurred on for March 23, 2011. Assistant Director of FHWA
Gary Nadeau attended from Washington, DC and along with Mayor Buol had some nice
remarks about the project and the City.
Jackson Street between 9th and 11th has street pavement in place. The contractor has
installed the sidewalks between 10th and 11th on Jackson. The contractor is pouring
sidewalks between 9th and 10th on Jackson Street. The utilities have been installed on
9th street between Washington and White Streets. Mainline paving of 9th Street will
occur next week (June 13) between Washington and White Streets. Utilities are getting
installed on Washington Street between 10th and 11th. Asphalt paving of 10th Street
between Jackson Street and White Street will occur June 9th & 10th. In the next few
weeks construction will start on Jackson Street between 8th and 9th streets. The
contractor is on schedule.
Smart Planning Grant: In late 2010, Dubuque County and the cities of Dubuque, Asbury,
Cascade, Dyersville, Epworth, Farley, and Peosta came together to form the Dubuque
Smart Planning Consortium. The consortium's goals are to develop a regional
sustainability plan that includes the State of Iowa's Smart Planning principles, the City of
Dubuque's sustainability principles, and watershed planning, and then incorporates the
smart planning elements of the regional plan into local comprehensive plans. This
consortium is a two -year process. The consortium is meeting monthly. The Consortium has
developed a public participation plan and a 2011 meeting schedule. Consortium members
and local elected and appointed officials attended public participation workshops
sponsored by the Iowa Department of Economic Development on April 6, 2011 in
Dubuque.
Public Works Department: The Public Works Department provides administrative and
operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA
or "Agency "). Since 1995, the Agency has employed an Education and Communication
Coordinator. This person is charged with educating the general public in Dubuque and
Delaware counties regarding best solid waste management practices. The Coordinator
develops public education programs, publicizes Agency services, manages its website,
presents programs to school and community groups, hosts facility tours, provides
education curriculum resources and assistance, coordinates the efforts and initiatives of
the Dubuque chapter of Keep Iowa Beautiful - Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green,
manages the Agency's Green Vision Education Program, and provides staff support to the
Dubuque County Illegal Dumping Task Force. The Coordinator also prepares and updates
the Agency's biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, which is inserted in all Dubuque and
Delaware county daily and weekly newspapers. The most measurable outcome for this
program would be the number of citizens the Coordinator presented to and /or provided
facility tours in any given year.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
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GREEN BUILDINGS
Government:
Building Services Department:
Solar Thermal
The Solar Thermal Licensing and Solar Thermal Permits and Inspections ordinances were
created in 2011 after a local solar thermal contractor met with City staff to determine what
licenses and permits they would need to install solar thermal systems within the corporate
limits of Dubuque. The current regulations would require multiple licenses and permits.
The adoption of the ordinances will allow for streamlined licensing and permitting
processes and support the development of green jobs in Dubuque. Information Services
has updated the Permits Plus system to have solar thermal licensing and permits
capability. A solar thermal license has been issued.
City Building Efficiency Improvements
The 18th St project will significantly upgrade the energy efficiency of that building with new
HVAC, lighting (with the grant), etc.
On March 21, 2010, the City Council approved an upgrade to the HVAC system at City
Hall. Water cooled units will have their piping adjusted so that they are no longer dumping
the water into the sanitary sewer system, but into a cooling tower /tank, instead.
An RFP for design has been issued. Responses are due June 3, 2011.
The City of Dubuque, Iowa is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from qualified
professional consulting firms to complete a design of smart electric meter
improvements to the Grand River Center to incorporate smart electric meters in the
Grand River Center. The smart metering of some circuits and equipment at the Grand
River Center will allow for the management and staff to track electrical usage. The cost
of electrical usage of special events can also be tracked. The efficiency of HVAC
equipment can be analyzed as well.
Responses to the design RFP are due June 24, 2011, with design expected to be
completed by August 5, 2011. Installation would be complete by the end of 2011.
2009 International Energy Conservation Code
We have adopted the 2009 Intl Energy Conservation Code and will continue to adopt the
most - recent version.
Workforce Housing (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): City staff has been working diligently
with local developers to find new revenue sources to fund the financial gaps in the
rehabilitation of older buildings in the downtown /millwork districts. In 2009, the Iowa
Finance Authority conducted a study and based on current market conditions and
projected employment growth in Dubuque, their study indicated a significant demand exists
for additional rental housing in the local area. Given the relatively low HUD Median Income
and the estimated salary range of jobs, market rate rental housing appears to have the
most demand. Income restricted rental units, such as those with Low Income Housing Tax
Credits, would not alleviate future demands from household growth. While some workers
would prefer homeownership, affordable single family detached homes are readily
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available in the market area with several new subdivisions under construction. The lack of
significant vacancies coupled with the lack of modern multi - family rental communities
indicates pent up demand for high quality market rate rental units. Based on the IFA
demand estimates, the Dubuque market area is in need of 300 to 400 additional rental
units over the next two to three years. The City Council approved a Loan Agreement with
the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for $4,500,000 with 3% interest. The funding is available
for creation of workforce housing unit creation in the Historic Millwork District. Income
guidelines exist for the units totaling 120% of Area Median Income. At the same time, staff
is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the national level, to assist in
rehabilitation of historic structures.
The City Council approved a Loan Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for
$4,500,000 with 3% interest. The funding is available for creation of workforce housing
unit creation in the Historic Millwork District. Income guidelines exist for the units totaling
120% of Area Median Income. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax
credit programs on the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures.
City staff has been working diligently with local developers to find new revenue sources to
fund the financial gaps in the rehabilitation of older buildings in the downtown /millwork
districts.
At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the national
level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures. A proposal which initiated the process
to expand the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District was authorized by the City
Council on March 21, 2011 which would provide additional tools to encourage reinvestment
and redevelopment activities throughout the expanded District to support the revitalization
of the area.
Housing Incentives: The City Council created a $2.5 million pool of funds to encourage
downtown market -rate apartments. The City provides a CIP for the Downtown
Rehabilitation Loan, Planning and Design Grant, Facade Grant, and Financial Consultant
Grant Programs which are designed to further the goals and objectives of the Greater
Downtown Urban Renewal Plan by creating the financial incentives needed to eliminate
conditions of blight, encourage revitalization efforts and to retain or create employment
opportunities and /or new housing units within the district.
To date, the Council has approved 199 units for the Downtown Housing Program. Of
those, 59 units have been completed and 39 are currently under construction. Once
Gronen starts Caradco, the under construction number will go to 111.
Green Healthy Homes Initiative: Working collaboratively across jurisdictions and silos of
funding to identify and remove barriers to holistic, household centric approaches to
improving health, safety, livability and affordability of housing in Dubuque. The Initiative
"will identify the help citizens need, help them get that help and help them maintain and
sustain the improvements." Initial meetings were held on January 26 February 1 1 th and
18 to establish a working committee to set up kick off meeting of the Learning Network
activity. Key partners are the Housing and Community Development Department,
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Health Department, Operation New View,
Visiting Nurse Association, Northeast Iowa Community College, Lead Hazard Control
Grant, Healthy Homes Production Grant, Smarter City Project Manager.
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The Dubuque GHH Collaborative continues forward positively. On June 9th the next step
in the strategy, LEAN - principled training for all partners, will be taken. It will be supported
by two professional LEAN trainers provided through NICC. Process mapping of the first
phase of coordinated activity (identification, qualification, intake, assessment, funding,
planning) will occur and an approach to testing the new process with volunteer Pilot GHH
Homes will be developed. Introduction to the first Pilot Home will be made, as well as an
introduction to the Home Advocate concept being pioneered in Dubuque. The partners will
come back together again in July to undertake a similar process on the second phase of
coordinated activity (actual in -home remediation coordination /collaboration) and to de -brief
the results of the first Pilot home effort. Dubuque has been contacted by several state and
federal agencies /entities expressing interest in the innovative effort, and seeking to discuss
additional potential partnerships. City and Community Foundation staff will represent
Dubuque at the National Healthy Homes Conference in Denver later this month.
Multicultural Family Center: Completed in FY 2010 to empower diverse neighbors,
families and individuals through personal growth and participation in community activities in
the $ 1.2 million rehabilitation of a City building to expand the Center. The Center's
programs include cross - cultural educational and family activities. The City hired a full -time
director to staff the Center.
Bee Branch Realignment: Relocated 65 families as part of the City's Bee Branch
Drainage Basin Master Plan activities. 70 houses were purchased, families relocated and
the structures deconstructed to make way for a floodwater relief project designed to
remove more than 1000 homes from chronic storm water flooding.
Roshek Building: The restoration and rehabilitation of the Roshek Building Core and
Shell project is on track to receive LEED Gold certification. Gronen Restoration is working
with Evolve, the project LEED consultant, on behalf of Dubuque Initiatives, with the LEED
review and clarification process which is anticipated to be completed by July 2011. At that
time, the final LEED certification level will be determined and awarded to Roshek.
Step by Step: A Bluff Street building was renovated to create a residence for persons with
disabilities or special needs. The Hills and Dales agency completed occupancy with eight
persons with disabilities in 2010.
Washington Row Houses - City and Dubuque Bank and Trust purchased 'row houses' on
Washington Street from six private owners. The units are currently being renovated and
upon completion, will be re -sold to owner occupants as town homes.
White Street Condos- 9 unit apartment building on White Street was purchased by the
City from the Dubuque Community School District, then sold to a developer and converted
into 5 condominiums. All units have been sold
Urban Revitalization Program: The purpose of the program is to attract development to
specific areas, which might otherwise continue to deteriorate, thereby stabilizing and
eventually increasing the tax base within those areas. The abatements are intended to
stimulate private investment by reducing the tax increases that would normally result from
making improvements to residential property.
The program focuses on revitalization of properties in the community's older
32
neighborhoods and offers a property tax exemption for new improvements made to
qualified residential properties and limited commercial properties. Owners who upgrade
their residential properties located within a designated urban revitalization area are eligible
to apply for a ten -year property tax exemption. Owners of commercial property in the
Washington Neighborhood UR district are eligible for a three -year exemption. To qualify,
improvements must increase the assessed value of the building by at least ten percent or
greater depending on the specific district, and applies to those neighborhoods which have
been designated as urban revitalization areas by the City Council. $8,484,650 is the
current value of properties in tax abatement as of the 2010.
Council reviewed establishment of the Paragon Square Urban Revitalization district for the
former Holy Ghost Assisi School and convent at 2887 and 2901 Central Avenue to allow
property tax exemption for rehabilitation of the historic structures into market rate rental
housing. A public hearing was set for June 6, 2011.
Housing Code Inspections: Inspection and Licensing Division assures all residents of
rental properties in the City of Dubuque of decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions by
requiring all dwelling units to meet minimum livability standards through a comprehensive
Housing Code inspection program.
Lead Hazard Reduction Program: To reduce lead paint poisoning in Dubuque's young
children, begun in 1997 and refunded in FY2008 with a $2.9 million grant. 417 applications
were received with 325 inspections and risk assessments of housing units being completed
since the grant activities began in January 2008. 232 units have been completed. 61
training and certification classes were held providing training to 342 contractors, workers,
and property owners, totaling 1,168 hours of both classroom and on -site training by
Department inspection staff.
Lead Hazard Control grant: $ 3 million grant awarded in January 2011 to fund several
lead control initiatives including inspection and lead -based paint hazard reduction in 185
Dubuque housing units. It will provide a comprehensive public education campaign aimed
at teaching property owners, tenants, and maintenance and remodeling contractors how to
provide and maintain lead -safe dwellings. Additionally, area contractors will be certified,
trained and provided economic incentives to grow their businesses and improve skills in
lead hazard reduction
Healthy Homes Production Program: $1 million grant awarded in January 2011.
Provides funds to identify and remediate housing - related health and safety hazards in 100
housing units throughout Dubuque.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $444,328 from the Iowa Department of Economic
Development received in April 2009. The grant provides funding to purchase foreclosed or
abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize
neighborhoods and deter decline in valuation of neighboring homes. Four foreclosed
homes have been purchased, of which two have been rehabbed and sold. Two are
currently being rehabbed.
Washington Court project: Acquisition and adaptive reuse of a blighted historic building
into 35 affordable rental housing units and the Crescent Community Health Center.
http: / /www.hud.gov/ offices /cpd/ systems/ census /ia /lowmod /blockgroup.xis
33
Agreement
Date
Development
Jobs
Created/
Retained
Project Cost
LEED Status
2007
Durrant Architects
60
$3 mil
Platinum
2007
Medline Industries
300
$6.5 mil
Silver
2008
Hormel Foods
200
$89 mil
Gold
2009
IBM /Roshek Bldg
1,300
$39 mil
Gold*
Housing Rehabilitation: Housing and Community Development Department administers
housing rehabilitation programs, for both owner - occupied housing and rental units.
Rental Assistance Program: The City's primary means of directly providing affordable
rental housing is through the federal HUD Section 8 Program. This program offers rental
assistance to Tower- income families for approximately $4 million annually with HUD funds
paid to area landlords. This program has been operational in Dubuque since 1976.
Carnegie -Stout Public Library Renovation: We set a goal of diverting deconstruction
materials from the landfill; though final numbers are not available, we have reached at least
50 %. Our carpeting was sent to be recycled and the carpet we installed was made from
recycled carpeting. Our insulation is blue jeans - reduced to the kind of fluff you see in a
dryer basket. We have several counter tops made of sunflowers. Our lights are designed
so that they do not contribute to "light pollution;" the fixtures inside the building are not
directed so that they can shine out. Materials used, including paint, varnish, and adhesives
were LEED certified. The plantings around the library will require very little maintenance.
The greatest impact of LEED, however, will come in the many policies we will be adopting
that will regulate the percentage of "Green" cleaning products we use, measure our trash
to reduce it and increase recycling, etc., etc.
Studies show improved air quality will result in increased work productivity, fewer sick days,
and fewer health bills as compared to prior to the renovation.
Individual recycling baskets placed at every work station to facilitate ease of use to
increase the materials recycled in an effort to divert waste going to the landfill.
A meeting was held with the Library Maintenance Department to discuss current inventory
of cleaning agents and to plan for replacements of various types of cleansers to be green.
Our goal is to have the majority of cleaning agents purchased by green.
Leisure Services Department:
• Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11
• Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED fixtures
• Bunker Hill boiler replacement - "right sized" smaller high efficiency fuel efficient
2011. The existing boiler is over 30 years old and has experienced issues with poor
distribution of heat in various segments of the building. It was sized for the Bunker
Hill building when it also heated the Bunker Hill Golf Course clubhouse. The 2001
clubhouse remodeling included new HVAC units and therefore the current boiler is
oversized for the office area.
Business:
The following are private and public LEED- certified buildings in Dubuque:
34
2009
Carnegie Stout Public Library
35
$6.8 mil
Silver*
2010
National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium
110
$25 mil
expansion
creating $100
mil facility
Certified*
* Application pending; anticipated status.
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
Government:
Dubuque Eats Well: Dubuque Eats Well (DEW) is a strategic partnership within the
Dubuque tri -state community that values sustainable Healthy Local Food (HLF) systems for
the benefit of all. DEW is a participant in our regional food system network as it relates to
the comprehensive social policy, economics and legislative issues. DEW values systematic
resilience within the six local food chain interlinks: production, distribution /marketing,
processing, purchasing /consumption, preparation and waste minimization. DEW works to
influence the Dubuque community's evolving food culture and foodshed to support "well-
being" related to: healthy eaters, access to HLF, food safety and security, thriving local
economies, rejuvenated neighborhoods, local and ethnic cuisine, profitable producers,
farmer laborers receiving a living wage, "fair trade" support, vibrant biodiversity, lighter
carbon and water footprints, eco- literate food tourism and zero waste composting.
DEW is currently working to identify local food producers and potential buyers as well as
other necessary components and links in order to facilitate and build the local foods
infrastructure in our region. The group is also endeavoring to identify potential partners for
processing and distribution. Aside from working with businesses, restaurants and grocery
stores, DEW is also working with area school districts to increase the amount of local foods
offered in school lunches. In order to facilitate these goals, DEW is currently compiling a
centralized directory of producers, buyers, and local foods groups. To that end, DEW has
partnered with the River Bend Buy Fresh, Buy Local which is facilitated by the Limestone
Bluffs RC &D and ECIA which hosts a Buyer - Supplier website. In addition, DEW will be
launching a website so that this information will be hosted in one central location.
DEW also exists to support existing local foods projects and activities. Dubuque has a
steady and growing local food system including the oldest seasonal farmers market in
Iowa, which has existed since the 1850s. With the addition of the Winter Farmers Market
three years ago and four weekday farmers markets, producers and consumers now have
year round and multiple locations to access local food using this market venue. There are
currently five CSA's operating in Dubuque County, two community gardens and a strong
newly incorporated food coop. In addition, The Garden Organic, a bi- weekly program on
the Dubuque Community Schools cable channel, uses a reality show concept of middle
school youth learning to grow food cooperatively and exploring the local food system. The
Kids in the Kitchen program, winner of the national 2009 Beacon Award for the best public
awareness series on cable TV, is another program of the Dubuque Community Schools in
35
partnership with Hy -Vee. It covers a local chef mentoring kids in preparing healthy food
from scratch. Dubuque has options for donating surplus food to homeless and needy
families. A number of restaurants list local food options on their menus. There are several
producers and businesses that have engaged in local produce contracting. The City of
Dubuque offers curbside food scrap collection, food scrap co- composting, zero waste
programming and event support options.
In partnership with Dubuque Main Street, Dubuque Eats Well recently hosted a Farmers
Market Vendors conference on January 22 at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque. Market
managers from Dane County, Wisconsin; Iowa City; and the Quad Cities markets
participated in the event, which was designed to share best practice and, as a group,
confront issues that plague many farmers markets. The event also featured a question -
and- answer session as well as break -out sessions with individual market managers. More
than 60 people attended and were served a variety of refreshments from local producers
and merchants.
Dubuque Eats Well is also currently partnering with members of the Downtown Dubuque
Christian Outreach in a container garden project. The group is specifically targeting the
Dubuque downtown area although all interested parties are encouraged to apply. The
project will be advertised through a brochure distributed through area churches, DDCO
members, and other organizations. The group has funding for 25 -30 gardens and will
provide all of the necessary materials to participants free of charge. Each participating
individual or family will be paired with a "garden guide" who will serve as a source of
information and encouragement throughout the growing season. The container gardens
are easier to maintain than in- ground gardens and can provide an abundance of healthy
local food in a small space. The group hopes to partner with Dubuque's Days of Caring for
the installation of these gardens.
As of April 25, 2011, over 60 people have signed up to participate in the garden container
project and many more have called with inquiries. The Wading Pool Task Force met on
April 12 to select its 30 participants. The task force plans on delivering garden materials on
April 29 and installing the gardens the next day. During this time, participants will also be
paired with their garden guides and will meet with them to discuss their garden set -up.
As of May 24, 2011, all gardens and materials have been distributed and gardeners have
been paired with their "garden guides." Gardeners have received vouchers for seeds and
seedlings and many have already planted their gardens for the season.
Dubuque Eats Well recently created a facebook page as the first step in its outreach
campaign. While DEW's ultimate goal is to create a website, the facebook page will be
used in the meantime to keep people informed about group developments and local foods
news. DEW has also been working with the River Bend Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter in an
effort to increase chapter membership, particularly in the Dubuque metro area. Although a
final directory list is not yet available, several Dubuque -area food producers or supporters
have joined the campaign for the first time. The directories were printed in May with 60
local producers and supporters listed an increase from 37 in 2010. The directories are
currently being distributed throughout the region at local businesses and farmers markets.
Extra copies can be obtained at the Dubuque Eats Well office or online at
www.riverbendbfbl.org or www.dubuqueeatswell.org /resource- center.
On Saturday, March 19 Dubuque Eats Well co- sponsored a legislative forum with Rep.
36
Chuck Isenhart entitled "Local Foods on the Menu for Discussion." Over thirty people
attended the forum, which featured Rich Pirog from ISU's Leopold Center. He discussed
the Center's recently - released "Local Food and Farm Plan." Representatives from Hy -Vee
were also on hand to discuss how the supermarket chain hopes to expand its selection of
locally - produced foods.
Community Garden Collaboration: Representatives from six organizations working on
community gardens met in March to share their progress and explore opportunities for
collaboration to increase access to healthy local foods for all Dubuque residents. City
Sustainability and Leisure Services staff attended to assist in the development and
marketing of these garden activities. These gardens include the Dubuque Jaycees
Community Gardens at Veterans Memorial Park, 2700 Northview Dr, St. Luke's United
Methodist Wading Pool gardens, the Mercy Gardens at the Holy Ghost field. The Four
Mounds community garden located at 4392 Peru Road, the Crescent Health
Community Garden at 21st Street between Elm and Kniest Streets and the Garden
Organic program which is filmed at Barrington Lakes garden (private property) and
Steve's Ace Hardware. More information about these gardens can be found at
www. cityofdubuque .org /communitygardens.
The City of Dubuque has partnered with the Dubuque Jaycees to create a community
garden at Veterans Memorial Park. These plots will be available to all area residents for a
fee of $30 for an in- ground bend and $40 for a raised bed, plus a $25 deposit which will be
returned after harvest if the plot is cleared. Income -based fee waivers are also available to
those who qualify. Under this agreement, the City will provide the land for the garden plots
and the Jaycees will maintain responsibility for all aspects of managing the garden.
Municipal Services Center Garden Share Project: The Public Works Department has
also developed a small garden produce share project that provides the opportunity for
workers to bring in surplus garden produce and place these items in a share -box in one of
the Municipal Services Center's Common areas.
Leisure Services Department:
• Growing in Garden & Outdoor Fun 2009
• From Garden to your Table class 2010
• From your Garden to your Tummy class 2010
• Organic Garden 101 class 2011
Public Information Office: More healthy food options available at City Expo beginning in
2010.
Library: Held three public events focused on healthy local foods from 2008 -2010; 79
attendees.
Business:
Non - Profit:
In Partnership with the Crescent Community Health Center and Operation New
View's Head Start Program, the former Housing and Community Development
Department Building at 18 Street is being converted to a Health Promotion site
and Headstart classrooms. CCHC will utilize primarily the second floor for
37
diabetics /obesity education classes, stress reduction, fitness and other health
promotion and disease prevention activities and classes for their patients. The
mulit- purpose space will also provide a venue for staff education and
development. Headstart will house two classrooms on the first floor. A kitchen
will be shared by both organizations.
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
Government:
• Public Information Office: CityChannel 8 programming
o Growing Sustainable Communities conference telecasts from 2009 & 2010
o City Journal interview programs
• Dubuque & Sustainability
• Smarter Sustainable Dubuque
• Green Alley Pilot Project
■ Pay As You Throw
■ Dubuque Recycling
■ Waste to Wealth
• Bee Branch Project (three separate shows)
• Sustainable Design Assessment
• Winter Farmers Market
• Sustainable Landscaping (2011)
• Southwest Arterial (2011)
• Every Child 1 Every Promise
■ Water Meter Replacement Project
• Landfill Diversion
• Water Pollution Control Plant Project
• Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project
o IBM /Dubuque Smarter Cities project
o Sustainable Communities Tour
o Sustainability 101
o Keyline Rack & Ride promotional spot
o Winter Yard Waste /Food Scrap Pickup
o City Expo live telecasts
o City Council work sessions on Sustainable Dubuque
o Reinforcement of Sustainable Dubuque initiative by station identification
spots, placing appropriate Green Pledge icons on programming, CityChannel
8 graphics
City Expo 2011: Staff continue to strive to make Expo a more sustainable event. In the
past two years, the meal served to the public as well as the day -after employee luncheon
have become healthier. Both also use compostable tableware so that the event is almost
zero waste. Departments were provided with recommendations on how to make their
tables more sustainable (e.g. giving away products that don't come individually wrapped,
purchasing from local vendors). Green Team members developed signage to educate the
public about how their departments now operate more sustainably.
38
Growing Sustainable Communities Conference: In early 2008, Dubuque hosted its first
Growing Sustainable Communities Conference entitled Leading the Way to Global Climate
Solutions" at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque. It was a regional event that
was attended by over 600 elected officials, business and community leaders, and college
students from the tri -state area. This inaugural event was designed to provide community
leaders with the knowledge of experts about the science of climate and how to incorporate
sustainability into their own communities. The conference has grown to a full day regional
attraction, attracting approximately 350 attendees from seven states in 2010. This year's
conference will be held on October 12.
The City has established a partnership with Sustainable City Network Inc. to host this
year's conference in an effort to market to a larger audience and establish the Growing
Sustainable Communities Conference as a premiere sustainability conference in the
Midwest. The theme of this year's conference will be "Economy, Engagement, Eco-
Efficiencies," and the workshop tracks will focus on the Sustainable Dubuque principles of
Resource Management, Smart Energy Use, Reasonable Mobility and Community
Knowledge. A sustainable foods luncheon is planned with food items produced by local
agriculturalists.
Library: Hosted the Green Earth Magic Show and author Margaret Read MacDonald in
2010, attracting approximately 425 attendees. Created recycling displays in honor of Earth
Day in 2010. A recycled art display, in honor of Earth Day, has been ongoing for the month
of April, 2011. Two dozen unique works of art created by children are currently on exhibit
and the Library will accept additional exhibits through out the month. The art works are
created with items that might otherwise have gone to the landfill.
Safe Community Task Force (Top Priority): In September 2009, more than 130
residents attended a forum to begin an open dialogue on crime and safety in the
community. In response to this high level of community engagement, the Mayor and City
Council appointed a diverse group of 25 resident volunteers to a "Safe Community Task
Force" to evaluate causes and solutions to crime and make recommendations to the
leadership of Dubuque. In order to expand resident engagement, the Task Force invited
people to participate in the following sub - committees: 1) neighborhood engagement/social
capital, 2) enforcement, 3) management of physical environment, and 4) research and
facts. 75 residents participated in the 35 meetings over 17 months and formulated 60
recommendations that they then submitted to the City Council for further action.
The Task Force has achieved the following since its inception. First, this diverse group
with very different opinions and perspectives, had open and difficult conversations so that
they could begin to reach some common understanding of the breadth of issues that
needed to be addressed and the difficulty of the task. Second, they agreed on two primary
goals:
1. Identifying and acting upon things that most effectively reduce crime and that most
effectively reduce the perception of crime.
2. Recognizing that people want to feel safe and identifying ways to provide that feeling of
safety for people.
Third, they gathered ideas from subcommittee members, brought those ideas to a series of
Task Force meetings, discussed them and ultimately forwarded 9 recommendations to
Council on 2/1/10 and 33 additional recommendations to Council on 7/19/10.
39
Impact: This type of resident engagement, while challenging and Tess than perfect, is a
fundamental necessity in order for a democratic community to be sustainable.
On October 4, 2010, the City Council approved, upon recommendation from the Task
Force, the creation of a Safe Community Advisory Committee whose role is to oversee the
implementation progress of the Task Force recommendations for a one year period. The
members were appointed in December and they held their first meeting on March 2, 2011
and their second meeting on April 13, 2011. They have decided to meet on the second
Wednesday of every month at alternate meeting locations throughout the community to
encourage broader community participation.
Impact: Having residents engaged in implementation oversight educates, empowers, and
engages residents by building resident awareness of the scope of the issues, by supporting
government accountability, and by building public trust.
Based on a Task Force recommendation, the City Council approved a contract with
Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies to conduct a detailed study on
crime and poverty in Dubuque. NIU delivered the final study results to the Task Force in
January 2011, the Task Force met on February 5 and February 8 and formulated 18
recommendations in response to the study, which were presented to the City Council at a
worksession on February 28, 2011 and later accepted by the Council.
Impact: The study provides detailed factual information, as well as information on what
scientific studies indicate are more or Tess effective in the areas of reducing crime and the
perception of crime and creating safety. The study results will assist with educating and
empowering both City staff and the general public in making wise decisions.
The Task Force recommended that its members be allowed to act as a conduit for
accurate information to the public. Task Force members were provided a broad range of
information as a result of participating on the Task Force and they have since participated
in a variety of speaking engagements.
Impact: Having community members hold discussions with the general public takes
advantage of their experiences as a member of the public reviewing information and
participating on a resident advisory group, and also allows for more effective distribution of
information so staff can focus on handling those aspects of daily governmental operations
that require staff expertise.
The Task Force recommended that property owners not be provided government funding
unless their properties are in compliance or they are working towards compliance. In
August, the Economic Development Department began using a certification form and
cross - checking compliance with code enforcement departments. The Housing Department
also began requiring code compliance for all rental property owners seeking Rehab funds.
Inspections and code compliance already are required for property owners seeking to rent
to those receiving Section 8 rental assistance.
Impact: These steps will result in safe buildings and will improve livability and equity for
residents in rental units.
40
The Task Force recommended encouraging people to improve lighting around their
properties. The City has expanded the Washington Neighborhood Yard Lighting initiative
to include neighborhoods east of the Bluffs and all low- moderate income neighborhoods.
Property owners are eligible for a rebate of up to $250 for front yard lighting that meets
certain requirements, and up to $100 for back yard lighting.
Impact: Extra lighting will enhance neighborhood safety.
The Task Force recommended reducing the time allotted for correcting property violations
from the current two years. In April 2010, the City Council amended the Housing Code to
reduce inspections and the appeals board process to be completed in no more than 9
months.
Impact: This change will result in property violations being corrected more quickly.
The Task Force recommended that the Police Department enforce noise and traffic
ordinances more aggressively. Since February 2010, Chief Dalsing has instituted this as
part of Department goals and expectations. During 2010, loud exhaust tickets increased
from 202 in 2009 to 278 in 2010, a 38% increase; loud music tickets for vehicles increased
from 10 in 2009 to 31 in 2010, a 210% increase; warning tickets increased from 90 in 2009
to 277 in 2010, a 208% increase. In addition, 30% of Territory Accountability Design
special enforcement efforts in 2009 were geared towards traffic. In 2010, 44% of Territory
Accountability Design special enforcement efforts were geared towards traffic.
The Task Force also recommended that the City require landlords to conduct mandatory
background checks. Beginning July 1, 2011, mandatory checks of felonies and criminal
misdemeanors of adult tenants will go into effect, with landlords retaining the option to use
the City's free service to conduct those checks. The City will have a part-time staff person
dedicated to implementing this service. In addition, landlords are required to attend Crime
Free Multihousing Training, the first session of which was held on March 12, 2011, with
113 attendees.
Impact: Landlords will be aware of the criminal histories of their tenants when making
rental decisions, and also will be aware of the legal standards surrounding the operation of
rental housing.
The Task Force recommended that the City establish a threshold number of police
complaints that will result in the property being designated for City assistance to resolve
problems at the property. In January 2011, the Council adopted an ordinance change
describing the types and numbers of calls that will place the property in a priority category.
As of May 19, 2011, 2,119 letters have been mailed notifying landlords of police calls to
their properties since the inception of the notification program in December 2009.
Notifications are sent to registered landlords or property managers for police calls to
licensed rental properties that involve one or more of 72 different types of police call
natures. The Police Department is averaging 40 notification letters per week so far in 2011.
The Police Department also has hired two interns who are working to insure accuracy of
addresses in the database being used to send notification letters and to assist with
community policing efforts.
The Task Force recommended that the City intensify exterior code enforcement efforts. In
41
August 2010, the Housing Department implemented a homeowner exterior inspection
process in the Washington Neighborhood, which involves a compliance checklist and
information on financial assistance available. By December 2010, inspections of more
than half of the 200 homes have been completed.
Impact: These efforts should significantly affect appearance of downtown properties.
The Task Force recommended efforts to increase public understanding of the Section 8
program. As a result, the Housing Department have had a variety of speaking
engagements, been interviewed on radio and television, and created a City Cable Channel
8 presentation. They also began circulating a monthly newsletter and updated and
expanded their website with new links for the Family Self- Sufficiency and Circles Programs.
Impact: The public will be educated about the facts surrounding Section 8 rental
assistance.
The Task Force recommended increasing participation of Section 8 participants in self -
sufficiency programs. As of December 2010, the Getting Ahead program has graduated its
112 participant. In addition, the Circles initiative has begun and the Circles coach has
been hired. The Resident Advisory Board also has become more engaged with regular
meetings with Housing Department staff.
Impact: Participants in self- sufficiency programs and their allies will be empowered to
make responsible choices and to address systemic problems that interfere with success.
The Task Force recommended increased human relations efforts as a priority in the
community, as well as mandatory intercultural training for City staff and City Board and
Commission members. In August 2010, the Human Rights Department reorganized to
permit additional staff time focused on conflict management, mediation, facilitated
dialogue, training on cultural differences and intercultural communication, and systemic
change initiatives. A pilot Board and Commission training was offered in the fall of 2010,
and the first training open to all Board and Commission members, plus the general public,
is scheduled for April 2011. In addition, the Human Rights Department partners with the
Multicultural Family Center and faces & voices to offer a variety of cultural events in the
community. The Multicultural Family Center is designed to provide a welcoming
environment and build unity across differences. The Department submits quarterly reports
to the City Council on the ongoing strategic approach to improving human relations. See
the 2011 -12 Council Goals Reports for details.
Impact: Staff will have time to engage in preventative efforts that focus on education to
insure that people are able to better communicate across cultural differences and systemic
changes that increase the likelihood that people of all backgrounds will be able to reach
their potential and contribute to the community.
The Task Force recommended a parental responsibility ordinance modeled after a
successful program that includes engaging parents and teens in prevention. On March
22, 2011, the City Council passed an ordinance.
Impact: The ordinance will hold parents accountable for the criminal behavior of their
children and includes referrals for parenting classes.
42
The Task Force recommended engagement of volunteers across race and income levels
as part of a monthly Community Days of Caring and also recommended use of volunteers
to address exterior code violations. The annual city -wide Community Days of Caring
occurred April 29 and 30, 2011. The Human Rights Department, Neighborhood
Development Specialist, Housing Department, and Washington Neighborhood
Development Corporation collaborated to bring a mixed group of more than 50 volunteers
together to work on improving the exterior appearance of a few small businesses along the
Central Avenue corridor and homes that were identified as having exterior code violations
through the City's inspection program. In addition, the City's Department Managers and
Management Team members are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding how best to
support and bring community resources to bear on projects designed to build bridging
social capital in the community.
Impact: These initiatives will lead to an improved ability to create an inclusive environment,
to build bridging social capital, and to negotiate conflict across cultural differences.
The Task Force recommended that parents and youth be encouraged and engaged in out -
of- school -time programs and parenting classes designed to matter to the participants. In
response to a discussion with the Safe Community Advisory Committee at its first meeting,
the City submitted a letter to the Dubuque Community School District expressing support
for the District's Iowa 21 Century Community Learning Center Grant Application. On April
7, 2011, the District was notified that the community will receive $850,000 in state funding
to increase out of school time activities for junior high school students.
Impact: This collaborative effort will provide funding expanded after school program
options, including components to assist parents with literacy and adolescent development.
Research has indicated that engagement in after school programming improves motivation
and student achievement.
The Task Force recommended additional neighborhood clean -ups. The following
clean -ups are scheduled, and each of them includes a social /get to know your neighbor
component:
Downtown Neighborhood Clean -up April 30
Orange Park /Washington Clean up May 7
Historic Bluffs Neighborhood May 7
Hilltop -Ivy League Neighborhood May 13
Langworthy Neighborhood May ?
Valley View Neighborhood May 21
North End Neighborhood fall -- date to be determined
Impact: These clean -ups both improve neighborhood appearance and provide an
opportunity to engage neighbors in meeting one another and working together to care for
their neighborhood.
Family Self- Sufficiency (FSS) Program: A HUD grant funds a staff person who provides
homeownership and financial counseling for 45 FSS participants, who are Section 8
recipients. In Fiscal Year 2011 another FSS staff position was approved by the City
Council. The additional staff will allow an expansion of the program to include 75 -90
families being served. The FSS Program prepares participants for financial
43
independence and possible homeownership. Ten new participants joined the program in
April, for a total of 53 participants.
Bridges Initiative: Our FSS coordinator also coordinates "Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin'-
By World," a program for people in poverty to help them understand the hidden rules of the
middle class as well as communication skills, value systems, and expectations used in
order to bridge the gap from poverty. Participants are exposed to the `Bridges out of
Poverty' concept based on Philip DeVol and Dr. Ruby Payne's research on poverty, which
offers a framework for understanding the culture of poverty. Two sessions were completed
in FY 2010. There were 80 participants enrolled and 56 graduates. "Getting Ahead"
graduates can now become leaders in the "Circles" initiative, begun in September 2010,
that matches them with community members known as allies, who support them in their
journey to self- sufficiency. With the help and friendship of these allies, each Circle leader
sets and achieves goals unique to their own needs. Circles meetings are held weekly. This
program received an Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and
Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Two classes in process for Getting Ahead for forty -five participants plus five facilitators who
are Getting Ahead graduates. Graduation scheduled for June 10th.
There is also a Spanish speaking Getting Ahead class (9 people) that will graduate June
10 also. The teen Getting Ahead group graduated March 23, 2011.
Circles — Four matched Circles now created; Four Big View meetings and three Guiding
Coalition meetings have been held.
FSS Coordinator met with John Deere Human Resources to explore doing a Bridges
training for supervisors. As well as to discuss ways to recruit more low income families to
apply at John Deere.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re- Housing Program (HPRP): $502,294 ARRA Grant
received in 2009 provides financial and other assistance to prevent individuals and families
from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be
quickly re- housed and stabilized. The funds target individuals and families who would be
homeless if not for this assistance.
The HPRP grant has assisted 162 families (403 persons) since the inception of the program
in September 2009. Homelessness prevention, which assisted families and individuals at risk
of becoming homeless, provided financial services to 110 households (305 persons) in the
form of rental assistance, security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost
assistance and motel /hotel vouchers. Case management and outreach were provided to 110
households (300 persons). Homeless assistance provided financial assistance, case
management and outreach, to 54 households (99 persons). As of the end of April 2011, a
total of $340,083 has been expended.
Road to Success jobs fair for Family Self- Sufficiency Program participants, "Getting
Ahead" participants and residents of our community shelters as well as many of our
community agency partners. At this event, 62 participants took part in mock job interviews,
received critical feedback and also "shopped" for good business clothing donated by the
Housing Department and other City staff as well as from community volunteers. This
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prepares Section 8 renters and other low income families for entry into the job market and
eventual graduation from welfare assistance. This program also received a NAHRO
National Award of Merit.
Shelter Plus Care Program: The $536 000 grant commenced in FY 2008 for the five -year
program to provide rental assistance to homeless persons with disabilities. The Housing
and Community Development Department administers the funds and provides them to
Project Concern, who contracts with private landlords to provide needed housing.
Arts and Culture: The City of Dubuque is participating in national studies of arts,
culture, heritage and preservation. Two highly acclaimed studies are underway
pertaining to the art, cultural, heritage and historical preservation aspects of the
Dubuque area. Both studies have been developed by Americans for the Arts, the
nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts. The Arts and Economic
Prosperity IV, an economic impact study conducted with the non - profit sector in the city
of Dubuque, will evaluate the impact spending by nonprofit arts organizations and their
audiences have on their local economies. The City of Dubuque will collaborate with the
community's arts organizations to collect surveys from at least 800 Dubuque arts and
culture event attendees during 2011.
The Local Arts Index (LAI) will be conducted with both the non - profit and for - profit
sectors throughout Dubuque County. Dubuque has been selected to be one of only 100
communities that will participate in the inaugural LAI. Dubuque is the only county in
Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota participating in the study, an 18 -month research
initiative that serves as a complement to the National Arts Index. The findings from the
LAI will be reported in Fall 2011 with a customized report for the county. The index
provides an evidence- based look at key issues such as the growing number of artists
and art organizations, changing audience demands, the impact of technology, personal
participation, and the relationship to the arts and economy.
This information will provide the possibility for greater partnerships, cooperation,
improved access, and increased funding for the arts. The entire community can use this
broad and detailed hard data in grant making, advocacy, economic development,
tourism and attracting people and business to Dubuque, important elements in
contributing to our social and cultural vibrancy. This knowledge about arts, culture and
heritage in Dubuque County has never before been collected in one source.
Specifically, the Arts and Economic Prosperity study's results will include:
• The total dollars spent by Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture organizations
• The total dollars spent by audiences as a direct result of their attendance at arts and
culture events in Dubuque
• The number of full -time equivalent jobs supported by arts spending
• The amount of resident, household income — including salaries and wages —
generated by arts spending
• The amount of local and state government tax revenues generated by arts spending
The Local Arts Index is the first county -level study ever designed to measure the health
and vitality of the arts industries throughout the United States. It will use a single
methodology with information gathered from research produced by the federal
government and private research organizations and covering multiple industries,
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including non - profit groups, for - profit arts businesses, employment figures, and more.
When these quantitative measures are taken together, the Local Arts Index will provide
a year -by -year and community -by- community comparison of the nation's arts sector.
The Index is being developed so that it can be replicated in communities across the
country. Through the Local Arts Index, the character of Dubuque County's art culture
will be explored to determine: what makes the county unique from other areas in the
nation; the vitality of the arts and how much exists, and; how we compare to other
counties. The main areas of study are:
• Performing arts venues
• Local ownership of cultural resources
• The local literary scene
• Festivals
• K -12 arts education
• Performance and presentation opportunities for young artists
• Coverage of local arts and culture in print media
• Reputation and artistic reach
• Tourism draw of local arts and culture
• Nightlife and the arts
• Tourism marketing of the arts
• Ethnic groups in the cultural life of the community
Arts Funding: The City of Dubuque has provided over $1.5 million dollars in funding
for the arts since 2005.The City has invested $1,560,000 through three programs:
$1,200,000 has been awarded to area arts and cultural organizations through the
Operating Support Grant Program and $240,000 through the Special Projects Grant
Program, with an additional $120,000 to fund Art on the River, a temporary sculpture
exhibition along the Mississippi RiverWalk in the Port of Dubuque.
Operating support is provided to established 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations
located in the City of Dubuque that primarily serve Dubuque residents with year -round
arts and culture events, programs and services, and that can demonstrate a record of
programmatic and administrative stability. The Special Projects Arts and Culture Grant
program provided funding to 34 separate projects which have expanded arts and
cultural opportunities in our community, significantly contributing to our community's
social and cultural vibrancy.
In May 2011 City received funding requests from fourteen different Dubuque Arts and
Culture organizations —the largest number of applicants ever. The funding requests
totaled $260,836. The maximum funding levels initially established for the program are
6% of organization's previous year's operating expenses or $50,000, whichever is less.
Total funding available in the FY 2012 budget is $200,000. The Arts Commission is
requesting City Council approval of fourteen FY 2012 Arts and Culture Operating
Support funding requests
Intercultural Competency Initiative: The Human Rights Department offered 40
sessions of intercultural competence training to City staff and the community in FY
2010. This included a 3.5 hour training on Intercultural Conflict Styles for all City staff.
In addition, the Human Rights Department offers two 3.5 hour introductory trainings for
City staff each summer, which is required training for all new employees (longer term
employees have already attended these sessions). Staff also has planned four
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intercultural mini - trainings for City staff during 2011, the first of which was held in
February. In the fall of 2010, the Human Rights Department offered a pilot program
consisting of two, 2.5 hour sessions for the SCTF members and Human Rights
Commissioners, and these same training sessions will now be offered to all Board and
Commission members twice a year in April and September, beginning in April 2011.
These sessions will be open to the general public as well. Staff is in the process of
developing partnerships with three non - profit organizations and with the Chamber of
Commerce in hopes of expanding opportunities for Intercultural training to the general
public. In addition, staff has offered various sessions for local college students over the
past several months, including for a class of future teachers.
CARADCO Training Center: ECIA, in partnership with NICC, Iowa Workforce
Development, the City of Dubuque, Americorps and Four Mounds HEART Program, are
working collaboratively to expanding the award - winning HEART Program by developing a
downtown community training center in the heart of the Historic Millwork District. The
Mission of the program is:
To educate and enhance the employability of youth and adults through progressive
education and community engagement.
The Goals and objectives of the initiative are to:
1. Inspire diverse learners through individualized goals and an urban learning
environment.
2. Develop relevant educational outcomes in partnership with business and industry.
3. Form partnerships and leverage community resources to grow creative capital and
promote entrepreneurism.
4. Foster connections with the community through mentoring opportunities.
5. Provide a multitude of counseling and support services to ensure individual
success.
6. Educate the whole person for success as people, workers and citizens.
ECIA is helping to coordinate monthly meetings of the partners. Work to date includes the
development of a capital and operating budget, identification of curriculum for the Training
Center as well as development of a future capital and operating campaign.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Dubuque 2.0 (Mgt Agenda, High Priority):
• Dubuque 2.0 is a key partner in developing (SDI) Sustainable Dubuque Indicators.
Dubuque 2.0 is assisting the City with development of the concept, working closely
with the technology provider to develop the beta and coordinating the development
of a governing body through the Dubuque 2.0 steering Committee.
• Dubuque 2.0 is partnering with the City and the University of Iowa to coordinate an
opportunity where U of I Graduate Students will work on projects related to the 11
Sustainability Principles over the next 2 years. This work will also be supported by
the Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee. One key project will be to develop metrics for
each of the 11 Sustainability Principles.
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• The Dubuque 2.0 Dashboard is live. Modeled after www.parkcitygreen.org, it
enables users to document, visualize, and make more informed decisions based on
their resource use (water, natural gas, electricity, travel, food, and waste). This tool
personalizes a users "footprint ", be it in terms of carbon, consumption, or dollars.
The dashboard suggests specific activities one can do to better manage their use
and create efficiencies of their choosing. The aggregate data collected through this
process allows us to obtain measurable results of our community engagement with
participants and create comparisons to baseline survey results collected throughout
the community
• The Dubuque 2.0 Challenge is underway. A community -wide game that everyone
can play and win. The game engages the community in the 11 Sustainability
Principles, as well as teaches community members 7 easy ways to be more
sustainable each week. In addition 5 -7 sustainability events are featured each
week. Weekly prizes worth $500 and grand prizes worth over $11,000 make it
interesting for everyone to play.
The Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Challenge wrapped -up late last month, and it
was nothing short of a great success. Over 1,000 Dubuque Community members
participated in this 11 -week game. After participating in over 40 sustainability-
related events and activities, players walked away with a greater sense of living
sustainably. And don't forget, over $15,000 in cash and prizes were given away.
May 25th was the Grand Finale of Dubuque 2.0's Sustainability Challenge. Over
50 people came to play Sustainability Trivia. And while only some walked away
with prizes, everyone walked away with a smile on. The positive energy that
came from such a fun night was all anybody needed.
• Dubuque 2.0 continues to inspire the community each month with the Dubuque 2.0
eNewsletter. This electronic newsletter focuses on one of the 11 Sustainability
Principles each month, highlights the definition, and features a guest column written
by an expert in the respective field.
• Thanks to support from our partners at the City of Dubuque, we have launched our
interactive and mobile Green Map. The Green Map is a tool for visitors to locate
and share sustainable assets with others in the community. The map identifies
businesses, schools, landmarks, and amenities throughout the community that
exemplify sustainable practices, behaviors, products, and services. The map allows
users to not only locate these resources in the community, but allows for
participation by adding sites, commenting on sites, sharing how a site has changed
one's behavior, and sharing personal experiences about sites.
• An off -line game board is supported by information and activities provided in the
Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Toolkit. 1000 tool kits are being distributed now in the
Washington Neighborhood, Library, Multi- cultural Family Center, and other places
aimed at reaching underserved communities in Dubuque.
• Dubuque 2.0 and Loras College are collaborating on a project to meter dorms and
provide that information to students and school officials to create a more
sustainable campus. Loras received a grant to support the metering process and
Dubuque 2.0 is providing a web portal on Dubuque2.org for viewing the information
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as well as eco- literacy support to inspire students to reduce use of water, heat,
electricity and to increase recycling efforts.
• Dubuque 2.0 continues to provide convenient access to the Smarter Sustainable
Dubuque (IBM + City of Dubuque + Utility Providers) web portals. Each group of
pilot study participants can access a unique and secure web portal developed by
IBM Researchers as part of the IBM Smarter Planet initiative. More information on
our work with Smarter Sustainable Dubuque can be found below under Dubuque
2.0 Partnerships.
• Dubuque 2.0 will continue its partnership in the Smarter City project by supporting
recruiting and engagement in the Natural Gas, Electric, and Travel studies.
• Since September of 2010, we have been hosting monthly "Dubuque 2.0 Community
Cafes ". These community gatherings encourage dialogue, learning, and community
participation around sustainability. The Dubuque 2.0 Community Cafes are events
open to the public, but are hosted in a variety of venues to reach a variety of
interested participants.
• We have launched our online discussion forum, called Share It on our website.
After listening to community members and learning from the Knight Foundation's
Media Learning Seminar and Digital Boot camp, we aimed to create a "one -stop
shop" for sustainability information. We are currently posting and sharing
information on the forum and are gathering regular "contributors" who will populate
the forum with a variety of topical and local information for our audience.
Every Child, Every Promise (High Priority): Current priorities include:
• Out of School time- Through a collaboration of ECIEP, the Dubuque Community
School District and key OST providers the community has received an $850,000
grant in April 2011 to start a coordinated, collaborative OST program for Middle
School Students at Jefferson and Washington schools.
• Data- A committee of business and provider leaders is developing a web -based
Youth Indicators Report to provide key indicator data to the community regarding
our young people age 0 -20. This will be available to the community in June 2011.
• Transportation- A committee of stakeholders is implementing a Walking School Bus
program at Fulton School. Additionally, in collaboration with the Jule and a group of
providers, we will be promoting free transportation for young - people all summer,
starting in May 2011. We are also exploring an opportunity to implement an
electronic pass for students using public transportation.
America's Promise Alliance 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
5) Opportunities to Help Others
Continuum of Care: A working network of homeless shelter and service providers created
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in 2001 to respond to the needs of the City's homeless population. The successful
development of the Maria House, the four Davis Place SROs and Hillcrest's transitional
housing facility has provided significant new shelter opportunities. The Teresa Shelter for
homeless women and children was opened during FY 2006. Manasseh House, a 19 room
single room occupancy (SRO) facility for 19 single women was completed in FY 2007. The
Salvia House SRO opened in 2010.
The City partners with Project Concern, Maria House, Hillcrest Family Services, and
Manasseh House for the annual allocation of Continuum of Care funds. This grant, under
the "Supported Housing Program" category, provides funding for support services for
homeless persons and families. These activities include outreach services, counseling, a
"homeless hotline," and staffing for transitional housing and the Manasseh House SRO for
women.
HEART:
The Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training Program, or HEART, with its broad
partnership and deep community impact, is re- engaging disconnected youth and
building strong connections to community through education, service and job training.
Transforming the Washington and downtown neighborhoods, students in our program
have participated in almost 40 community projects since 2004, including turning over 20
substandard rentals into 12 owner occupied homes. Since 2003, the HEART program
has met the needs of 55 individual young people on a full -time basis, as they work to
attain their high school diploma. Our students come to us at -risk of dropping out, but
they make a commitment to hard work until they graduate, splitting their days on the
worksite and classroom. To date, they are achieving a 92% graduation rate. This year,
we integrated a 9 -week green construction training course into the HEART Program,
taken by program staff and students alike, with a 93% pass and completion rate.
Sustainability Career Exploration Program. The Boy Scout Career Exploring Program
added a new field to curriculum this year. The program focuses on careers in green
technology, engineering, environmental science, and city development. Through this
program students have the opportunity to have fun while gaining experiences in green
careers, hybrid technology, recycling, and renewable energy. Presenters include the City
Sustainability Coordinator, Durrant staff, and representatives of Black Hills Energy, the City
Water Treatment Plant, DMASWA, and Dittmer Recycling.
Schools:
Dubuque Community School District: The Dubuque Community School District
exceeded energy and resource management goals through the "Dubuque Sustainably
Smart Schools" process during the 2009/10 school year. Many people and actions
contributed to the success the District achieved, resulting in an 11% reduction from the
baseline year with 13.4 billion BTUs of energy reductions and over $212,600.00 saved.
Additionally, 3.9 million lbs. of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions were avoided; the
equivalent of 343 passenger vehicles for one year.
For their support and participation in the District's energy and resource management
efforts; special recognition is merited and "Red Carpet" awards were presented by the
School Board at 7:00 pm, Monday, November 8, 2010 to the following schools and staff
for their outstanding performance and actions to dramatically impact improvements in
energy management. The recipients are;
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• Fulton Elementary School — 13.41%,
• Jones (Hand -in -Hand) Pre - school — 27.49 %,
• Irving Elementary School — 31.20 %,
• Kennedy Elementary School — 10.69 %,
• Lincoln Elementary School — 7.83 %,
• Marshall Elementary School — 9.48 %,
• Prescott Elementary School — attaining the lowest energy intensity,
• Sageville Elementary School — 10.91%,
• Table Mound Elementary School — 7.03 %,
• Jefferson Middle School — 10.81%,
• Roosevelt Middle School — 6 %,
• Washington Middle School — 23.56 %,
• Hempstead High School — 10.29 %, and
• Senior High School — 9.46%
For outstanding efforts to implement District -wide energy initiatives and practices;
• Operations & Maintenance Staff,
• Custodial Staff, and
The District Energy & Resource Management Office will also present Special
Recognition to;
• The Dubuque Community School District, Board of Education.
Energy & Sustainable Management is now District policy and encourages everyone to
"Turn -off ", "Shut -off ", "Power- down ", and "Save ".
Since July 2009 — February 2011, DCSD through the Dubuque Sustainably Smart
Schools process has achieved:
• Total Energy Consumption (BTU) reductions = 23,751,900,834 BTUs
• Total Energy Costs Avoided = $379,158
• Total GHG Emissions Avoided = 6,448,753 lbs. / 2,925 metric tones
(Equivalent to 129 semi - trailer loads)
Green Vision Education Program: The list of Green Vision Education Schools is growing!
Since the beginning of the program in 2005, eleven schools have received the award and
several more are working towards achieving it during this school year.
Current Green Vision Education schools are:
• John Marshall Elementary School
• Resurrection Catholic Elementary School
• Table Mound Elementary School
• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
• St. Columbkille's Catholic Elementary School
• Dubuque Montessori School
• Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School
• Prescott Elementary School
• Holy Ghost Catholic Elementary School
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• St. Anthony's /Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Elementary School
• Sageville Elementary School
• Wahlert Catholic High School
Through these schools, over 600 staff members, 3800 students, and 2600 families are
participating in the Green Vision Education Program. The program recognizes student and
staff efforts to reduce waste in their schools, as well as the schools' recently implemented
energy- saving practices. Green Vision schools receive flags to hang outside their buildings
and banners to display in their hallways or gyms. Some of the practices that have been
implemented by the schools include food scrap composting, worm bin composting,
increased paper and container recycling, and reduction in the use of disposable products.
Green Vision evaluation and support partners include the DMASWA, the Dubuque
Community School District, the Holy Family Catholic Schools, Durrant Inc., the Dubuque
County Conservation Board, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Mines of Spain,
the Catfish Creek Watershed Project - Dubuque County Soil and Water District, the
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, Keep Dubuque County Clean & Green, the City of
Dubuque, and Green Dubuque.
Schools continue to work on additional patches for the 2010 -11 school year. Award
presentations continue ongoing for all levels of schools.
Sustainable Loras: Many organizations and individuals are working hard to be green.
Loras College's efforts are ongoing, but its commitment to the cause goes one step further.
In 2008, President James E. Collins signed the American College & University Presidents
Climate Commitment, joining the leaders of more than 500 other institutions across the
country to accelerate the research and educational efforts to equip society to re- stabilize
the climate.
Loras has signed on to take an active approach to sharply reduce and eventually eliminate
all of the College's global warming emissions. A Sustainability Committee has formed to
evaluate ways in which the College can conserve, preserve and protect Earth's resources.
Many initiatives have already been implemented, demonstrating Loras' commitment:
• Loras participates year -round in the food scrap recycling program with the City of
Dubuque.
• A print - release system requires students to enter an ID number at printers on
campus before their documents are actually printed. This has reduced unnecessary
printing and the number of printed documents not retrieved.
• The student senate has purchased recycling bins for each individual residence hall
room, classroom and outdoor space across campus.
• The cafeteria at Loras has eliminated trays, thus conserving water and energy from
the cleaning of the trays. It has also increased social awareness of food waste.
• Alliant Energy presented Loras College with $327,000 in energy efficiency
rebates for the green building practices used in the construction of the Athletic
and Wellness Center.
• Faculty and students use eLearn as a way to electronically share documents and
take tests, cutting back on the amount of paper handouts in the classroom.
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• Loras participates in RecycleMania which last year collected 13 pounds of
recyclables per person.
"These efforts build on Loras' ongoing commitment to sustainability, which as a natural
outgrowth of its Catholic identity will bear witness to careful, thorough, lasting and
sustainable stewardship of all creation for the sake of present and future generations and
for the common good," notes Collins.
Loras College has taken great strides toward becoming a sustainable campus. Loras is
also proud to have signed on as a partner with the City of Dubuque in support of the
economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability, which are the cornerstones
of the City's 11 -point plan to address sustainability issues long term.
Loras College hosted a presentation on campus sustainability efforts at Luther College.
About 50 people were in attendance including students, staff, and faculty from Loras,
Clarke, and the University of Dubuque, as well as community members.
As part of the Loras College commitment to sustainability, the College received a grant
from the State of Iowa Office of Energy Independence to place water, electricity, and
steam meters on the four residence halls previously without them. This semester all
seven residence halls will compete in the "Use Less — Win More" sustainability
challenge with each other to reduce energy consumption on campus. In addition,
the College is also participating in Recyclemania, a national competition that pits
colleges across the nation against each other to see who can recycle the most.
Residents of halls that most lower their consumption of water, steam, and electricity,
and that recycle the largest amount can win prizes.
To stimulate campus interest in the "Use Less — Win More" challenge and sustainability
in general, Loras hosted a Sustainability Expo on March 23, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. —
12:50 p.m., in Alumni Campus Center Ballroom (corner of Cox Street and Loras
Boulevard). Local businesses and organizations that focus on sustainability and
environmental efforts were invited to participate in this interactive educational event. In
addition, Eric Schmechel spoke about the impacts of improper storm water runoff
practices and the effects they have on flooding.
People & Neighborhoods:
Green Dubuque: Green Dubuque is a registered 501(c) 3 non - profit organization
committed to improving and beautifying Dubuque by reducing the city's greenhouse gas
emissions, promoting smart development and urban green space, and protecting the
health and integrity of local ecosystems.
The group works to unite local organizations and individuals who are already doing so
much to make our city a healthy and pleasant place to live. They provide resources for
those who wish to stay informed about global environmental issues as well as opportunities
for responsible citizens to get involved in local environmental and city improvement
projects.
Since 2006, Green Dubuque has led or been involved in numerous projects to support the
Sustainable Dubuque vision, including organizing grassroots events, research and
reporting on a variety of sustainability and climate change - related topics, lobbying for local
and state government activity, community education and supporting local foods initiatives
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in a variety of ways. Specific projects of significance that they have been key partners in
include the following:
2012 by 2012: The 2,012 by 2012 program is an effort to reduce Dubuque's greenhouse
gas emissions by the amount that 2,012 cars would produce annually by 2012. Green
Dubuque is working with partners to distribute free CFLs and sign residents up forAlliant's
Second Nature renewable energy purchasing program to achieve these goals.
CARE Bombs: CARE stands for Citizens Applauding Responsible Enterprise. Green
Dubuque organizes CARE Bombs, where members and other community members make
an effort to get a large group of people to shop at a local store on the same day,
purchasing as much as possible from a locally -owned business.
Green Drinks: The local chapter of an international movement meets monthly to network
and discuss sustainability topics.
Complete Streets: Green Dubuque members have taken a leadership role in advocating
for both a local and state policy on complete streets, providing analysis on economic
impact, education to staff and elected officials, and advocacy support.
Dubuque Community GHG Reduction Task Force: See page 9 for additional detail and
update.
Dubuque Community Days of Caring: The 4 annual Community Days of Caring was
held on April 29 -30. Over 540 volunteers provided assistance to 28 non - profits throughout
the community. Significantly, the Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation
coordinated over 50 volunteers painting and providing property maintenance to eight
properties in the Washington Neighborhood.
Earth Day: On April 22 and throughout the week, the Dubuque community celebrated
Earth Day. A variety of schools and businesses hosted their own events and /or provided
education and incentives to their customers related to sustainability.
REASONABLE MOBILITY
Government:
SW Arterial (Top Priority):
The Southwest Arterial project is the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque
area and will provide for a 6.1 -mile four -lane divided freeway with priority 1- access control
between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20.
Mobility Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will connect two growing sections of the
community together and will support future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest
of the City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial will also provide
an efficient bypass around the City thereby reducing travel times and minimizing delay by
reducing traffic volumes and congestion on the local street system.
Environmental Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct and
efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque, which will provide significant travel
time savings by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on Highway 61/151,
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Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque, thereby providing fuel
energy savings, reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality. The Southwest
Arterial project will be designed and constructed with forward thinking sustainability
initiative incorporated, which will include an environmentally and resource sensitive
highway corridor, an integrated bike / pedestrian trail with amenities, and Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technology.
Passenger Rail (Mgt Agenda, High Priority): The proposed project, which was identified
as an Envision 2010 goal, will reestablish passenger rail transportation to the Chicago —
Dubuque Corridor and improve freight rail transportation by upgrading the railroad
infrastructure. The overall project area lies along the 300 - kilometer (180 -mile) Chicago —
Dubuque rail corridor, which extends in a northwest direction across the state of Illinois
between Chicago, Illinois, and Dubuque, Iowa. The improvements proposed lie primarily
within existing railroad rights -of -way with minimal work adjacent to the track. The Chicago -
Rockford- Dubuque corridor project will rehabilitate existing rail infrastructure to current
maximum operating speeds of up to 60 mph to restore previous intercity passenger rail
service. This project is the first step in achieving a more balanced modal use of the
transportation network by leveraging the existing railroad infrastructure to restore intercity
passenger train service that was discontinued in 1981. The need for the project stems from
the lack of modal options in the corridor. Highway -based modes, including automobiles and
bus service, face growing traffic congestion that cause travel delays and unreliable
schedules, inherent safety risks, and air quality impacts. This project is the first step in
achieving modal balance in the transportation system between these two cities with an
environmentally friendly, reliable and convenient travel option.
Highway -based modes, including automobiles and bus service, face growing traffic
congestion that cause travel delays and unreliable schedules, inherent safety risks, and air
quality impacts. This project is the first step in achieving modal balance in the
transportation system between these two cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable
and convenient travel option.
The State of Illinois has budgeted $60 million to rebuild the railroad tracks. To move
ahead with this project, the State of Iowa must commit to providing $550,000, a share
of the annual operating subsidy, beginning in Fiscal Year 2014. The State of Iowa has
challenged local governments to provide 50% of the annual subsidy. On March 9, 2011,
the City Council approved to commit 25% of the subsidy ($137,500) beginning in Fiscal
Year 2014. Dubuque County and other area cities are considering the other portion of
the local match that is required.
Intermodal Facility (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): The City of Dubuque has been planning
for the construction of an Intermodal Transportation Center in Dubuque for several years.
The center is envisioned to provide passenger train access from an elevated platform for
passenger rail service running between Dubuque and Chicago. Other components of the
project will include: construction of an elevated parking structure with a capacity for
approximately 500 vehicles, a IP addressable video camera system, ticket booths at
vehicle access points supporting the operation of a paid parking structure with the potential
inclusion an automated traffic counter system, a hub for local transit and long distance bus
service, aspects that are pedestrian friendly and accessible which includes access to the
center via bike lanes, public restrooms and provide for approximately 10,000 square feet of
retail or commercial office space and /or childcare area. The center must contain
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architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the site and further contribute to
the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the success of the project will be the
resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility including convenient driveway
connections to roadways that access other adjacent areas.
The Phase I feasibility study and site selection process of the Intermodal Center is
complete. The recommendation to pursue the Historic Millwork District site was approved
by City Council on March 7, 2011. Phase II design work will begin once the final decision is
made regarding the RFP for architect design and engineering services which was due
March 30, 2011. The City received 8 proposals and the interview committee narrowed it
down to 4 firms. The interview committee interviewed 4 firms and made a recommendation
to negotiate a contract with Neumann Monson. The City Council approved on May 16,
2011 to award Phase II (Engineering Design) to Neumann Monson Architects.
The center must contain architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the site
and further contribute to the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the
success of the project will be the resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility
including convenient driveway connections to roadways that access other adjacent areas.
The vision for the ITC is that it will support transit connections, rail connections, vehicular
parking, electric vehicle charging, bicycle parking, intercity bus, a passenger waiting area,
taxicab stands, public restrooms (including lockers and showers /changing areas), a
ticketing office along with the potential for retail space, a daycare facility, and possibly
commercial office space.
The consultants identified 11 potential sites for consideration. The review committee
narrowed these options down to 2 sites through a ranking system established in
conjunction with the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA). One site is in the Port of
Dubuque and one in the Historic Millwork District.
Medical Loop: The new Medical Loop, which was funded by a state grant and began in
December 2010, replaced the old Orange Line. The Medical Loop proves increased
service to the medical centers and clinics in Dubuque (e.g. Mercy and Finley Hospitals,
Dubuque Internal Medicine, Medical Associates East, etc.), the colleges and universities,
and regular service to S. Locust Hy -Vee and the S. Grandview area, this fixed route also
proves deviated route ( "upon demand ") service to the KeyWest area (e.g. Dept. of Motor
Vehicles and businesses in the immediate area), Mount Carmel, the YMCA, Mystique
Casino, etc.
ARC Transfer Center: A state grant was awarded for the Phase 1 building of a Transfer
Center at Area Residential Care's (ARC) new facility. Phase I will be a canopy large
enough for three fixed route buses to pull underneath. If funded (application will be filed in
May 2011) Phase II will allow for the building of an enclosed waiting area with public
bathroom facilities at the JFK Circle (the old Econo Foods store). A lease agreement
between ARC and the City will be drawn up for approval by City Council, and an RFP for
the actual canopy design will be released.
Shopping Circulator: The Shopping Circulator, which will start October 2011, is also a
state grant. The Shopping Circulator route will link the major shopping centers located on
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the west end of Dubuque and will operate on an hourly basis. Transfers between the
Shopping Circulator and the Red, Green and /or Grey Lines will occur at the JFK Circle.
Smarter Travel: The partnership between IBM and The Jule on the Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) study and "First Of A Kind" (FOAK) is beginning to move forward. It is anticipated
that the volunteer recruitment and subsequent first phase of the study will be underway by
March or April of 2011.
Annual Asphalt Overlay Paving Program: The Public Works Department's annual
Asphalt Overlay Program, which began in 1993, has paved 159 centerline miles of
Dubuque's streets over the subsequent years. While asphalt is an oil -based paving
material, since 2007 the program has been reclaiming and reusing old asphalt milled from
the streets to be paved. With up to 20% of the "new" asphalt actually containing old,
reclaimed asphalt from the City's streets, this program now has a significantly smaller
resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprint. Community impacts include reduced program
cost, along with the noted reduced resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprints.
Bicycle /Pedestrian Network:
Most recently, the City partnered with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs to create
bilingual trail signs, map kiosks, and a bilingual trail map brochure that identifies trailheads,
which include map kiosks, parking and other amenities, and trail map kiosk locations. The
major ongoing new trail project in Dubuque is the continued extension of the Iowa 32
Bike /Hike Trail along the Northwest Arterial. This trail provides an important and safe
connection for bike and pedestrian traffic between the Heritage Trail and the City's trail
system, and the west side of Dubuque -- the city's fastest growing shopping, employment
and residential area. Approximately 2 miles are built with another 2 -mile segment
expected to be completed in 2011.
In May the city partnered with the Tri -State Trail vision committee to submit a Bicycle
Friendly Community application to the League of American Bicyclists.
Leisure Services Department:
• Trail projects -NW Arterial Ph 1 2008, Ph 11 2010, Bergfeld Rec Trail 2010
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
CLEAN WATER
Government:
Low Impact Development Conference: This year the City of Dubuque held its 4 annual
"Put a LID on it" stormwater conference in partnership with Durrant, The International
Erosion Control Association's Great Rivers Chapter, and the Dubuque Soil and Water
Conservation District. The 2 day conference focused not only on low impact development
topics such as rain gardens and native plantings, but also erosion and sediment control
57
topics as they relate to the construction industry. Nearly 120 people were in attendance
both days, which included students from the local colleges, professors, engineers, private
consultants, construction companies, and other regulatory agencies.
Permeable Pavement/Green Alley: The City of Dubuque began in fiscal year 2011 an
annual program for reconstructing Dubuque alleys using permeable pavement. The City
currently has three green alleys that utilize either porous asphalt pavement or interlocking
concrete pavers which allow stormwater to pass through the pavement. These alleys help
reduce stormwater runoff by infiltrating and cleaning the water before it reaches the City's
aquifers. In the spring of 2011 another alley will be reconstructed using interlocking
concrete pavers. This alley is located between Washington and Elm from 17th to 18th
Streets. The alley abuts the historic row houses recently rehabilitated by the Housing
Department. Construction of the alley is expected to be complete by September 1, 2011.
Bee Branch (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): Project involves the daylighing of 4,500 feet of
the buried Bee Branch storm sewer. Episodic damage to public and private property due to
flooding results in recurring expenditures related to repairing damages. Moreover, it leads
to a reluctance to improve property or even maintain property.
• Update on Property Acquisitions:
o All sixty -five of the original residential properties identified for purchase have
been acquired. Three additional properties near Audubon School were
identified for additional usable green space on Kniest Street have been
acquired.
o Eleven non - residential properties have been acquired and the City has
purchase agreements with four others. Only one of the original properties
identified for acquisition remains. It is scheduled to be acquired by July 1,
2011.
• Update on Design:
o Design of the first phase of the project, the Lower Bee Branch Creek
Restoration Project is complete.
o Design of the second and last phase of the project, the Upper Bee Branch
Creek Restoration project is on schedule to be complete by July 1, 2011.
• Update on Construction:
o Construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project started in
the fall of 2010 and is on schedule to be completed by the September 2011
deadline.
o Construction of the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is on
schedule to start in the fall of 2011.
Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrade: At the very outset of the project sustainability
has been in the forefront of the process, from the selection of the design professionals to
the selection of the anaerobic digestion process for bio- solids management. In addition to
these the following items have a significant sustainability component;
1. The use of low mow and native grasses for landscaping
2. Incorporation of rain gardens for storm -water management
3. Using plant effluent as a heating /cooling source for the Admin /Lab building
4. Energy Star rating for the Admin /Lab building
5. Combined Heat and Power utilizing digester gas
6. Possible Energy Star Rating for the entire plant
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7. Elimination of the use of Chlorine gas for disinfection
8. Reuse of existing structures for new purposes
9. Researching utilizing available digester space for high strength organics and food
residuals for addition energy production.
Progress continues on the WPCP upgrade project. #1 and #3 digesters bases are being
formed, reinforced and poured. #2 and #4 are being dug and shaped to proceed after #1
and #3 bases are completed. The UV system is moving forward and scheduled to be ready
for training and start-up by the last week in March and be ready for use in April. The new
water line is complete and storm water piping continues as weather and conditions allow.
One of the areas for a rain garden is being prepared. The South incinerator has been
removed and the floor is being prepared for the main heat exchangers for the digesters.
Electrical work continues in all areas of the plant installing conduit prior to pouring floors in
major areas. The laboratory addition is schedule to begin in April. Strand Associates
submitted the cogeneration report for the combined heat and power system. RFP's for the
Bio- Solids management program was released and the proposals are due March 14. Once
the proposals are reviewed an interview process will take place to select the firm for Bio -
Solids Management.
The return date for the Bio Solids RFP has been extended to March 31, 2011 to allow more
time for the interested firms to prepare their proposals. This extra time will not interview
with plans for starting the digesters or using the bio- solids produced. The current schedule
has the digesters online by the end of March 2012. In addition to the digesters being online
the solids processing facilities will also need to be in operation. The schedule for this
process is early summer of 2012. The cleanup of the flow equalization structures is nearing
completion with as scheduled date of March 28, 2011. The UV system has been completed
to the point where its operation has been taken over by WPCP staff. The staff will being
testing the UV system the last two weeks in March with it fully operational by April 1, 2011.
Work continues on the digesters with the bases completed for #1 and #3. #2 and #4 are
being prepared for pouring of the bases the first full week of April. The forms for the walls
for #1 and #3 are being set and will be ready to pour the first part of April. Electrical work
continues in all areas of the plant specifically for the new transformer pad and the pads for
the standby generators. The incinerator fuel storage tank has been successfully removed
and provisions are being made for the installation of three one thousand gallon tanks to be
used for the incinerator until this unit is ready to be shutdown in the spring of 2012. Strand
Associates, WPCP staff, and City of Dubuque staff continue to work on strategies for the
installation of two and possibly three microturbines for the generation of combined heat
and power for the operation of the plant. With successful operation of this type of system
we will be able to dramatically reduce the need to purchase electrical energy.
Work continues on the construction of the anaerobic digesters. All bases have now been
poured and rebar work on the walls of digester #4 is in process. When rebar work is
completed forms will be installed and the process of pouring the walls will take place. All
digester walls are scheduled to be poured by this summer. The Administration /Laboratory
building has begun with the foundation being dug and preparations made for the forming of
the foundation and then walls of the structure. The Admin /Lab building is scheduled to be
complete by December 2011 with the remodeling of the existing building to take place
following. The UV system has been turned over to plant staff and is fully operational. Some
startup issues remain to be cleared up but the system is doing what it is designed to due
which is to disinfect the discharge of the plant. Other work continues in all aspects of plant
59
reconstruction including new storm sewer piping, New DEW (Disinfected Effluent Water)
piping, flow equalization tanks, flow equalization piping and preparation of the solids
handing building. Mercury cleanup in the flow equalization tanks has been completed and
the mercury spill incident has been closed by IDNR. Bio Solids RFP's have been received
and are in review by the Bio - Solids team. Interview will be held within the next few weeks to
select a Bio - Solids Management partner. Plant staff are continually being challenged by the
construction process trying to find new ways to keep the plant operating during construction
with major portions of the plant being removed from service. City council approved the
name update of the facility from Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) to Water &
Resource Recovery Center (W &RRC). The new name will hopefully reinforce the concept
that we are moving away from waste disposal to resource recovery.
Work continues on all aspects of W &RRC upgrades. The foundation for the Laboratory
addition have been poured and the walls are being formed in preparation of pouring
concrete. Issues with the UV system have been mainly resolved and the unit is working as
designed. We are successfully disinfecting the effluent without using Chlorine gas. The
area for the South incinerator has been completely reworked and the heat exchangers for
the digestion process have been installed. Digester wall work continues and is anticipated
that the walls will begin to be poured early in June. The UV control building exterior work is
90% complete with the exterior brickwork done and the permanent roof has been installed.
Conduit is being installed throughout the plant and this work should be complete in early
June. Digestor construction and the support structures are on schedule and should be
ready for operation spring 2013.
Leisure Services Department:
• Bunker Hill Golf Course tree donation program 2006 -2010
• Flora & Sutton pools paper recycling 2006
• Flora Park Bioswale Project 2009
• Eagle Point Park Stormwater control Project
• Bergfeld Recreation Area Prairie Installation
Public Works Department:
Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection Center (HHMRCC): The Public
Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). An Agency program
dating back to the mid- 1990's is its Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection
Center (HHMRCC). Initially a once - per -year special event staged at the Dubuque
County fairgrounds, the program is focused on keeping hazardous materials out of the
DMASWA Landfill. Based on the premise that landfills are not perfect and that they all
eventually leak, the intent of the program is to ensure that hazardous chemicals are not
contained in that leachate. By 1998, the Agency funded and established a permanent
year -round collection and storage facility at its Landfill. Citizens are encouraged to take
their paint, solvents, automotive chemicals, cleaning fluids, etc. to the Agency's RCC for
reuse or incineration at no cost to them. A small fee is charged small businesses and
governmental entities to cover the cost of the service provider. The HHMRCC Program
also provides staff and equipment support for special, one day collection events at
locations throughout the Agency's two- county service area. The measureable
outcomes would include pounds /tons of hazardous materials collected and managed
annually. The DMASWA RCC recently partnered with the Dubuque County Drug Task
Force and others to collect materials from household medicine cabinets on April 29
60
and 30th. Total weight collected including packaging was 635 pounds and total number
of households participating was 400.
E -Scrap Recycling Program. Established in 2006, the Agency's E -Scrap Recycling
Program educated and encouraged its customers to recycle, versus landfill, their old
television sets, VCRs, cell phones, computers, and other electronic entertainment and
communication devices. While such household items are allowed to be landfilled by
federal and Iowa regulations, the Agency provided a recycling alternative for a fee. The
fee, while more than what was charged for landfilling, is needed to cover the cost charged
by the Agency's recycling service provider. Given the recent drop in the number and
weight of the a -scrap brought to the Agency for recycling, and the generally - acknowledged
toxicity of some e-scrap components, the Agency has adopted an e-scrap landfilling ban,
effective July 1, 2011. The most significant measurable outcomes for this program are the
number and /or weight of e-scrap items recycled. DMASWA will no longer be burying
electronics in its landfill as of July 1, 2011. A two week free drop off period will be offered
for recycling these items in June, with fees subsequently charged for monitors and
televisions only beginning on July 1St
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Recycling Program. Begun in 2009 due to the
increasing national concern regarding the mercury contained in CFLs and the increasing
number of old CFLs being sent to landfills for disposal, the DMASWA established a free
dropoff program for Dubuque and Delaware county residents. Through the Agency's
website, its biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, its advertisements, and presentations by
its Education and Communication Coordinator, the Agency makes its customers aware of
the twenty -one (21) locations throughout Dubuque and Delaware counties where the CFLs
can be dropped off for recycling. The most significant measurable outcome is the number
of pounds of CFLs diverted and recycled by this program annually. The primary
community impact in future years is cleaner leachate and groundwater at the DMASWA
Landfill.
Sustainable Dubuque Watershed Network. The University of Iowa College of Engineering
and Environmental Science, in collaboration with the City, will provide funding and support
for the Sustainable Dubuque Watershed Network. The research would be intended to
coordinate with existing University watershed research, but take it a step further by
incorporating advanced measuring devices and analysis into an urban watershed, the
North Fork — Catfish Creek. It is intended that the outcome help inform and analyze future
infrastructure design and renovation and low- impact development options for the
community and its stakeholders. Specific research will be sought for analysis of
infrastructure design and renovation and low- impact development options for stakeholders
such as rain gardens, bioswales, bioretention areas, green roofs and other policy options
within a watershed. Handling watershed issues before they become Water and Resource
Recovery Center issues will be an economic and environmental benefit to the community.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
61
HEALTHY AIR
Government:
Air Quality Task Force: In November 2009, the DMATS Board facilitated a meeting with
the Iowa DNR to discuss air quality data in Dubuque and the surrounding area. From this
meeting, city and ECIA staff recommended forming a public /private partnership to study
the data and work on improving air quality. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
was approached and agreed to facilitate an Air Quality Task Force, which would consist of
local government and business representatives. GDDC engaged businesses who had a
stake in local air quality. After several meetings, the Task Force agreed that further study
of our air quality was needed to: 1) determine if there are local factors contributing to poor
air quality outcomes; and 2) how can we improve air quality regardless of local factors.
The results of UNI's analysis may show a need for a more detailed study to determine an
action plan. GDDC continues to facilitate local business and government working together
on air quality.
Public Information Office:
• Implementation of online bill pay on the City's website saves citizens a trip to City
Hall and from mailing the payment.
• Online service requests make contacting the City easy to do from home or work,
saving a trip to a City facility.
Transit Fleet Replacement: In 2010 two large federal grants were awarded to The Jule
(formally known as Keyline Transit): State of Good Repairs at $2.3 million dollars and
Clean Fuels at $1.5 million dollars. These two grants, coupled with vehicle replacement
money from the State, will allow for the replacement of the entire transit fleet (both fixed
route and mini bus). All new buses will use Clean Diesel engines, a proven technology that
will allow for increased fuel efficiency and lower engine emissions. The State of Good
Repairs grant also allows for the purchase of ITS equipment for both fixed route and mini
bus service. This equipment is expected to help increase efficiency and effectiveness of
the transit service. This equipment will include, but is not limited to: an Automatic Vehicle
Location (AVL) system along with web -based software that will allow passengers to see
when the next bus will arrive to a particular bus stop; LED display boards that will be placed
a key transfer points to display pending arrival time(s) of the next bus, as well as (e.g.)
public service announcements; an Automatic Voice Announcement (AVA) system that will
announce the approach of (e.g.) major intersections and points of interest for passengers
that have a visual impairment (or who are otherwise not familiar with the area); an
electronic fare collection system that will broaden the choice and type of bus passes, as
well as allow for better ridership data collection; Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) that will
allow for real -time dispatching in mini bus service; new scheduling software for mini bus
service to work in conjunction with the MDTs; camera (security) systems on both fixed
route and mini bus; etc.
The first delivery of clean diesel transit fleet is anticipated in July 2011.
Sprinter Bus Replacement: In late December /early January 2011 The Jule accepted the
delivery of three new Sprinter buses, one of which is owned by the City and the other two
by the RTA. The two RTA buses were purchased through a RTA capital (vehicle) grand,
with the local match paid by the City. A four -year lease agreement was signed, with the
local match to be used as payment on the lease agreement. Some of the electronic
62
equipment will come in during FY2011, and the rest in FY2012.
Public Works Department:
Landfill Methane Collection System Project: The Public Works Department provides
administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). One of the Agency's recent initiatives relevant to the
Healthy Air principle is its Landfill Methane Collection System Project. Begun in FY10 and
completed in FY11, the methane collection system was installed in the Agency's oldest
"closed" landfill cells. Since project completion in September of 2010, the methane is
being measured as it is flared off. By flaring the methane, the Agency is significantly
reducing a very potent greenhouse gas previously emitted by its landfill facility. The
Agency's Board of Directors is currently evaluating how its methane will eventually be
used. The Agency is considering hiring an industry expert to counsel it regarding the best
end -use of the Agency's landfill methane. Anticipated future measurable outcomes include
amount of usable methane produced annually and revenue garnered and /or costs avoided.
Clean Diesel & Biofuels Technology: The Public Works Department is spearheading the
City's conversion of its diesel - engined truck and heavy equipment fleet to the use of "clean
diesel" technology. To date, sixteen (16) heavy trucks and six (6) heavy equipment
machines have been replaced with units equipped with clean diesel engines. Clean diesel
engines produce fewer airborne particulates and harmful emissions. The most measurable
outcome for this conversion program is the number of "dirty diesel" versus "clean diesel"
units in the department's fleet at any given time.
The Public Works Department has also spearheaded the City's use of biofuels in its many
trucks and heavy equipment. Its diesel - engined trucks and heavy equipment use 20%
biodiesel during warm weather months and 5% biodiesel during the coldest months. The
department's light vehicles use 85% ethanol in their gasoline engines year- round. The
most likely measurable outcome is total departmental fuel usage by type annually.
Fire Department:
• Pumper replacement schedule provides for diesel engines that meet lower emission
standards
• Hazmat — prevents and mitigates chemical spills and protects environment
• Fire suppression — reduces air contamination
• Fire prevention — reduces number of fires and emissions to atmosphere
• Turnout gear cleaning project controls the spread of contaminants after fire or
incident into community
Leisure Services Department:
• Trail projects- NW Arterial Ph 1 2008, Ph 11 2010, Bergfeld Rec Trail 2010
• Bunker Hill Golf Course tree donation program 2006 -2010
• Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11
• Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED fixtures
2010
Business:
Non - Profit:
63
Schools:
Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools: 2010/11 6 -month progress - During the 6 month
period of July through December for the 2010/11 school year, the District surpassed its
previous progress with 1,398,301 lbs. (634 metric tonnes) of greenhouse gas / CO2
emissions avoided; the equivalent of removing 122 passenger vehicles* from our streets
and roads for one year.
Also during this period of the 2010/2011 school year, the District avoided 2,502,618
lbs. (1,135 Metric tones) of greenhouse gas (GHG / CO2) emissions; the equivalent of
removing 287 passenger vehicles* from our streets and roads for one year.
People & Neighborhoods:
NATIVE PLANTS & ANIMALS
Government:
Sustainable Development Tools: The City's 2009 UDC requires that new subdivisions
achieve a minimum score of 40 points by utilizing approved sustainable subdivision
development tools. These tools include Conservation Subdivision design, in which
development is clustered to optimize open space, preserve natural features, protect
environmentally sensitive areas, and minimize infrastructure demands. These tools also
include the provision that native and regionally appropriate trees and vegetation are
preserved or planted, which limits turf grass, limits water demand, improves infiltration or
filtration, and enhances the natural environment. Such vegetation is to be phased so
denuded areas are quickly vegetated. Turf grass should not exceed 30% of the
landscaped area.
Mines of Spain: The 1,387 -acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque has
served as a focal point for environmental and cultural educational programs and
interpretive activities for the tri -state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for many years.
Burgeoning interest in the rich history of the tri -state area and growing awareness of the
significance of the Mississippi River and its watershed created greater demands for
exhibits and educational programming. Demand for more programs and services increased
over time. Continued success and growth in visitation, interpretation and education were
inhibited by space limitations.
More space was needed at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the State Recreation
Area. In response, the Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS) planned and coordinated
an expansion that updated and more than doubled the original space for educational
purposes. The FOMOS raised private, local, state and federal funds for the expansion and
education project. They raised $1,575,569 -- $98,575 over the cost estimate of $1,476,994
for the expansion. Construction began in September 2009, and was completed a year
later.
The Friends also raised an additional $325,000 for enhanced exhibits and educational
programming. Thanks to excellence in interpretive support by the FOMOS, the Interpretive
Center now welcomes visitors to one of the region's best - conserved natural and cultural
resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the park. The
updated exhibits at the Interpretive Center invite visitors to discover the history, geology,
and ecology of the park and region, and prepare the visitor for forays onto the many trails
64
and interpretive sites throughout the Mines of Spain. The Interpretive Center has displays
on the park's historic farm site, archeology, prairies, woodlands, wetlands, lead mining,
Native Americans, and wildlife of the park on both the upper and lower levels.
Leisure Services Department:
• Organic Gardening 101 class 2011
GIS assisted Parks Division in GPSing and identifying locations of native plantings near
Bergfeld Recreation Area and new recreational trail, as well as Eagle Point Park.
Library: Hosted seven Nature Days and one Flower Power public event from 2006 -
present. Hosted a "Garden" story time in April, 2011 with 20 attendees.
Bee Branch: The City, in partnership with Black Hills Energy and other community
partners, has obtained a Trees Forever grant to plant 1,000 trees in Phase 1 of the Bee
Branch project, valued at over $6,000. Volunteers from the neighborhood will be engaged
in the planting of the trees.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
65
iCo recycle
A SUSTAINABLE
DUBUQUE
www.sustainabledubuque.org
Please have your yellow bin(s) set out at curbside by 6 a.m. The bins and any bundled materials may not weigh over
40 lbs. each. No plastic bags accepted -- please recycle them at many local cooperating retailers. To request an
additional bin, one with wheels for special needs, a basket for apartment recycling, or further information
on what can and cannot be recycled, please call the Public Works Department at 563.589.4250 or visit the
website at www.cityofdubuque.org. For local drop off recycling opportunities, visit www.DMASWA.org.
PAPER
• Newspapers, magazines, catalogs
• Clean pizza boxes, pop and beer boxes
• Envelopes, junk mail, paper bags
• White, colored and fax paper
• Corrugated cardboard - flattened, less than 40 lbs. if bundled, less than 3 ft. long, staples okay
ONLY
PLASTIC e
• Milk, juice, and cooking oil jugs
• Pop and water bottles, plastic cups
• Bleach and detergent containers
• Household cleaning containers
• Tissue roll cores
• Shredded paper strips
• Paperback and hardback books
METAL
• Pop, juice and beer aluminum cans
• Rinsed tin /steel food cans (labels ok)
• Aluminum foil, pie pans and trays
• Metal jar lids in flattened cans
• Pots and pans, stainless steel
• Copper, brass, and aluminum
• Empty aerosol cans
• Newly emptied, dean latex paint cans
All items for recycling must weigh
less than 40 lbs., be flattened and be
less than 3 feet in length.
ilk and juice paperboard cartons
Food- encrusted pizza boxes
real box liners, feed /seed bags
hotographs, foil greeting cards
pp ossue paper, foil gift wrap
Slick coated frozen food boxes
Tyvek envelopes
Soiled paper plates, cups and napkins
lO y esticide and chemical containers
ringes, needles, sharps and knives
Plastic without a recycling symbol
Plastic with a #6 or #7 symbol
• Shoe boxes
• Gray chipboard
• Phone books
• Cereal boxes
• Carbonless forms
• Paper egg cartons
• Shampoo, lotion, and soap bottles
• Margarine and ice cream tubs
• Yogurt cups and clean plastic flower pots
Glass
Disposable diapers
Plastic egg cartons
Oil filters and batteries
Anti - freeze and motor oil containers
Pesticide and chemical conttainers
Plastic bags and film wrap
Orange prescription pill bottles
Styrofoam, toys, laundry baskets
Unsanitary containers
Microwave containers
REFUSE COLLECTION
How much trash can I set out each week?
Your monthly solid waste base fee pays for one weekly 35- gallon bag or can. Green single -use stickers are required on extra 35- gallon cans, bags or smaller items.
Weight of a standard individual container and contents must not exceed 40 pounds. Non - complying containers and set outs will be tagged by crews and left uncollected.
What are the costs?
Green stickers ($1.30 each) are available on sheets of five at area grocery, discount, and hardware stores. Call Utility Billing at (563) 589 -4144 to subscribe to an additional
35- gallon can for $5.60 per month or to "upgrade "to an oversize can (36 to 50 gallon), replacing your base container, for an additional $2.30 per month. Monthly tipper
cart subscription charges: 64 gallon (224 pounds max) at $21.00, 96 gallon (324 pounds max) at $30.00.
How am 1 to set out my trash?
Trash must be set out to the curb or alley line by 6:00 A.M. on the scheduled collection day. Containers must not be set out more than 24 hours prior to the collection
day or left out more than 24 hours after the collection day. Containers at a group /common setout point shared with neighbors must be marked with the address and
apartment number. Cans must be heavy- duty, waterproof, with a lid, and manufactured for trash. Heavy -duty plastic bags manufactured for garbage are acceptable if
tied and not torn open. Medical sharps will not be collected unless placed in a small, hard, lidded, plastic or metal container marked "SHARPS." Electronics have been
banned from landfill disposal and will no longer be collected as refuse; they must now be recycled (not at curbside) or donated. Electronics are such items
as televisions, monitors, computers, DVD /VCR players and cell phones. For information on recycling your electronics, visit www.DMASWA.org.
YARD WASTE
What is yard waste?
Yard waste, or more appropriately called yard debris, includes grass clippings, leaves, pinecones, pine needles, fallen fruit, brush, garden plants
and culls, tree trimmings, bark, sod, flowers, potted plants (no pots), pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, and Christmas trees. Yard waste/
debris is NOT nuts, animal waste, rocks, or building materials.
Am I required to use paper yard waste bags for my yard waste /debris?
No. You may set your yard waste out in a rigid solid waste container (up to 35 gallons) and either attach an annual decal or loop a yellow
single -use yard waste sticker through the handle. Plastic bags are not accepted.
Do I need a yard waste sticker on my 35- gallon can or paper yard waste bag?
Yes. A yard waste can, without an annual decal (currently $30.00), requires an attached yellow yard waste sticker looped through the handle.
Paper yard waste bags also require attached yellow stickers. Containers over 40 pounds will not be serviced.
LARGE ITEM COLLECTION
How can I dispose of bulky and excessive miscellaneous items?
Call the Public Works Department at (563) 589 -4250 to schedule a large item collection. Collections are normally done on your regular solid
waste collection day, except for appliances which are usually done on Mondays. All items must be set out to the curb or alley line by
6:00 A.M. on the day of collection, but not more than 24 hours prior to collection.
What are the charges?
The minimum fee is $8.00 and allows you to set out bulky items or an excessive volume of miscellaneous items equal to approximately 10 -12 bags or cans.
Additional volume is charged in $8.00 increments. If you would like a collection on an off -route day, there will be an additional charge of $10.00. Appliance
disposal costs $12.50 each. Automobile tires cost $2.50 off rim, and $6.00 on rim. Pick -up and light truck tires cost $6.00 off rim. Fees are charged to the
customer's utility billing account. In situations where the landlord pays the utilities, tenants may pre -pay at City Hall- Utility Billing.
What is prohibited in Large Item Collection?
Prohibited items include: stockpiled daily garbage, yard waste, rocks, bricks, concrete, building and construction materials, lumber, ceiling
tiles, shingles, fencing, explosives, propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, batteries, asbestos, liquids, paint, motor oil, chemicals, televisions,
computers equipment, DVD /VCR players and miscellaneous electronics.
UPDATED JULY 2011
What are considered appliances?
Appliances include: Microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters, trash compactors, washers, dryers, dehumidifiers, ovens, dishwashers, air
conditioners, garbage disposals, trash compactors, water softeners, furnaces, and miscellaneous refrigeration and electrical equipment with specialized switches.
THE CITY OF
DUB TE
Masterpiece an the Mississippi
563.589.4250
www.cityofdubuque.org