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Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Report June 2011Masterpiece 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 30, 2011 Dubuque kraal All- America City 1 1 1 2007 Enclosed is the June 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. ael C. Van Mic Milligen 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 —June 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. The University of Iowa 1 has provided all regional colleges /universities with an opportunity and process for their local students to be considered for Sustainable Dubuque internships with these five projects. 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 fora 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, 2 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. In May a sustainability educational knowledge survey was distributed to all city staff. The purpose of the survey was to gauge 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. Directions coming from initial analysis indicate that understanding and awareness of sustainability vary from department to department and person to person. Educational needs that surfaced are around recycling and signage needed to help remind people to do what they WANT to do (turn off lights, etc.). A few employees feel they need education on the basics of sustainability, what the 11 principles mean, and how they relate to their work situation. Educational flyers, posters and prompts are in production. 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 189 homeowners who have filed for assistance in the combined total amount of $7,840.79 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. 19,984 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 20,494 water meters have been installed. A total of 17,031 Unmeasured Flow Reducer (UFR) have been installed where applicable. Northern Water Works Supply is currently installing approximately 300 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 3 0 J J 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1-1 o Leak Reported 3 0 1 2 1 4 1 0 1 1 3 1 1 0 • SSD called 37 66 62 3 2 0 0 0 5 19 8 o SSD talked to 15 28 29 3 3 0 0 0 4 12 8 o Drop -in attendees 20 0 4 5 10 1 0 1 • SSD sent report 11 15 20 2S 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. O 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: 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 • SSD called Cl SSD talked to ❑ Drop-in attendees • SSD sent report Week © 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. 4 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 August 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 215 households have logged on and completed their profiles. End of 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 conducted. • 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.] • City staff have reviewed concepts and screenshots of new proposed electric portal (which will be designed to be more interactive with user). • IBM, City and 2.0 are reviewing capacity to implement a facebook and twitter functionality for the electric portal. 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) o Invite Postcard to 250 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0) o Invite letter to 400 additional eligible residents (Dubuque 2.0) 5 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 are being installed on fixed route buses that service the Red Line. IBM has completed the Smart Phone application, which is being distributed for use initially to City and ECIA staff, and soon to volunteer participants that are being recruited. • 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 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. What we also hope to see, especially in the volunteers who use the Smartphone application, is an increased awareness of how much they rely on vehicle transportation to move throughout their day and a change in what form of transportation they choose, e.g. instead of driving a car to the store ride their bike or take a bus, etc. • Volunteer Outreach: Limited volunteer recruitment has begun for Verizon and Smartphone participants. At the end of June we will begin RFID effort with 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 coin purse that will act like a proximity card, allowing to track the bearer's boarding and de- boarding on the different bus routes. • Initially we considered asking participants for their demographic information (e.g. income level, ethnicity, etc.), and instead decided that this information, when compared to the 2000 and 2010 Census information, can be inferred based on point of origin (e.g. north end of town) and destination information (e.g. west end of town). The trip purpose(s) can also be inferred based on point of origin (e.g. residential area) and destination (e.g. a school or business site). The RFID and Smartphone data will provide the number of trips per day and time of trips.), this information can then be compared to data gathered from the travel patterns of the buses themselves, which will be tracked using GPS. Program participants will be allowed to ride the buses for free, provided 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) 6 • 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 /early July 2011. • Climate Showcase Grant: (see section about 150 volunteers) • First of A Kind (FOAK) City in Motion IBM continues to perfect and expand 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 is beginning and the planning process of Climate showcase has begun. 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 LEAN - principled process improvement training was conducted June 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the NICC Town Clock Centre. The process is being developed for an integrated GHH approach for the first pilot home (which has been identified). 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 ". 8 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. $15,000 received from the Dubuque Racing Association for the Petal Project. 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 %. Greater Dubuque Development's spring marketing campaign entitled "Post It!" is off to a successful start with 689 new resumes uploaded to the AccessDubuqueJobs.com website and 890 jobs posted in the first two months of the campaign. The goal of the spring campaign is to connect the local 2011 graduates to entry-level job opportunities in the Greater Dubuque area after graduation. 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 42 individuals throughout the United States during the month of May, while local businesses requested 5 for recruitment of potential employees. A total of 947 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. A new workforce DVD will be released in July 2011, replacing the current DVD that is distributed in both print and online relocation guides that are utilized by local employers for recruitment. In the spirit of sustainable practices, human resource leaders are being encouraged to take advantage of the online version of the relocation guide. 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 10 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. 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 11 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 IowaWORKS, 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 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 12 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. 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 13 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: For the 2010/2011 School Year, the Buildings and Grounds Department's "Dubuque Sustainable Smart Schools" Process will surpass the energy management achievements of the 2009/10 school year. During the 10 month period of July through April, 2010/11, the District reduced energy consumption over 13.214 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), an 11.51% reduction from the established baseline, with $207,314 in avoided costs and $110,778 in energy costs. These saving were realized despite overall energy costs increasing by 5.66% for this 10 -month time period compared to the baseline year and 4.07% from last year. The District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for Pre K -12 is 10,516 students. People & Neighborhoods: 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. 14 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 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 light 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 almost six years old and with over 75,000 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 15 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, KilI -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 and 10 were checked out in May, 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 • 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 Tight fixtures throughout all six fire stations to determine type and researching cost involved for changing inefficient Tight fixtures to energy saving type for next fiscal year budget purposes. Leisure Services Department: • Department incandescent Tight 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. 16 • 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. 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. The fall class schedule is now available and registrations are being taken. After successful completion of a program, graduates are 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 five 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. The materials used to teach the course are being compiled and submitted to NICC for possible college credit to be awarded to those who completed the course. Leadership of Green Iowa Americorps: Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to make huge strides in Dubuque. The program has completed over 30 weatherization of homes thus far and have many more scheduled. Four Volunteer Generating Programs have been conducted and they included, community days of caring work at the HEART home, Catfish creek clean -up, Green Olympics, and most recently the Eagle Point Park Workday. There are two more schedule in the next month, an environmental mural painting with the YMCA and a bat house building workshop. They are still accepting referrals for weatherizations as well as presentations within the community. Contact the Energy Center for more information or to make a referral. 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 17 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 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. During the 10 month period of July through April, 2010/11, the District reduced energy consumption over 13.214 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), an 11.51% reduction from the established baseline, with $207,314 in avoided costs and $110,778 in energy costs. Overall energy costs increased 5.66% for this 10 -month time period compared to the baseline year and 4.07% from last year. The District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for PreK -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 18 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, the program helps reduce the amount of materials being buried at the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Landfill. Contractor and developer efforts have frequently proven to be of value to owners. Airport: • Monthly invoices /statements are sent by e-mail instead of printing and mailing them Customers are encouraged to use the online feature on the updated Airport website to pay for parking • FIyDBQ Rewards members are able to download coupons from the Airport website. Saves the Airport the cost of printing and mailing them. • Laserfiche is used for scanning supporting documentation for accounts payable activities such as purchase orders /direct pays, purchase order adjustments, journal entries and receipts. This procedure eliminates the need for copying and filing them. • Press releases are e- mailed or sent by Notify Me • Bid notices are sent by Notify Me • Accept electronic payments for Airport accounts receivables. • All checks received are deposited through a check scanner. Saves time and gas to drive to bank. • All buildings use recycling bins. • Used oil from vehicles and equipment is returned for reuse and Airport receives reimbursement for oil • Currently doing Pilot Study for conversion of Airport Layout Plan to electronic version • Tenants can report safety and maintenance issues through website • All fuel quality assurance samples are sent through a reclaimer and reused • Large documents are placed on the Sharefile for distribution 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. 19 Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill Golf Course irrigation system upgrade electrical & water 2010 -11. Computerized controllers include a weather station that detects precipitation and shuts off system if it meets the preset threshold of moisture. Variable speed pump also reduces electrical consumption of pump motor. 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 is 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, 20 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 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. 21 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 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 had the option of having their unwanted electronics recycled instead of buried in the Landfill. The costs charged to the Agency by its recycling contractor are passed back to the Agency's customers. Effective July 1, 2011, all electronics brought to the DMASWA facility must be recycled — landfill burial will no longer be an option. However, a onetime amnesty for recycling electronics was offered from June 11th through June 25th (except Sundays) at the Dubuque Metro Landfill. 22 Electronics were dropped off at no charge from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on those 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 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 with 150 attendees. Requested a waste stream audit be done as a baseline to measure progress in waste management/recycling efforts. 23 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. 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. The Circulation Department has begun using receipt printer paper that is recycled and is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council. The Youth Services Department is using paper sacks to hold the Summer Reading Program materials instead of plastic. Purchase of floor mats in Library were from 100 percent recycled materials. Finance: 1. The Utility Billing area serves as a collection for CFL Tight 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 Tight 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 Tabor /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. 24 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 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. 25 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 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 Alley 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 26 Alley between Washington & Elm from 25 to 26 Alley 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 Alley 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. 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 July 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 27 moved to this block in June. 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. 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 10 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: 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: 28 Street 10 Street Washington Street Jackson Street Jackson Street Trail 1 0 th Street 1 1 th Street Limits Jackson to Elm Street 9 to 10 Street 7 to 11 Street 5 to 7 Street Main to Jackson Street Jackson to EIm 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 3 9 Street Main to White Street CONTRACTOR Portzen Construction, Inc. Horsfield Construction, Inc. BID (Base + Alternates 1, 2, 3) $5,575,005.92 $5,814,598.29 Construction Type Reconstruction Reconstruction Reconstruction Hike /Bike Trail Streetscaping Water Reconstruction Construction Type Reconstruction Streetscaping 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: 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 EIm 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. 29 Financing for the $28 million Caradco project is being finalized. Construction bids were received in late May, and construction is anticipated to begin in July of 2011. City staff continues to work with Gronen to determine collateral for the $4.5 million IFA loan. The City has received a release of funds and environmental clearance for the $8.9 CDBG funding. 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. 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. 10 Street between White and Jackson has been paved. 9 Street between Washington Street and White Street has been paved. The sidewalks are installed along Jackson Street from 9 to 1 1 th streets. Utilities are installed on Jackson Street from 8 to 1 1 th street. Utilities are installed in Washington Street from 9 to 10 The contractor is on schedule. 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, 30 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 is the number of citizens the Coordinator presented to and /or provided facility tours in any given year. Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: 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 were due June 3, 2011. Shive - Hattery was selected to complete this work. Smart Electric Meters An RFP has been issued for design of a smart electric metering of the Grand River Center. Responses are due June 4, 2011. 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 31 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 Int'I 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 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 32 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 11 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. The Dubuque GHH Collaborative continues forward positively. On June 9th the next step in the strategy, LEAN - principled training for all partners, was taken. It was supported by two professional LEAN trainers provided through NICC. Process mapping of the first phase of coordinated activity (identification, qualification, intake, assessment, funding, planning) occurred and an approach to testing the new process with volunteer Pilot GHH Homes will be developed. Introduction to the first Pilot Home was 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. 33 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 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. 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 34 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.xls 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 lower- 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 63 %. 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. 35 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* 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* 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 completed in 2011. The existing boiler was 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 was oversized for the office area. Business: The following are private and public LEED- certified buildings in Dubuque: * 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 36 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 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 37 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. 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. On May 19th, the Dubuque Eats Well steering committee held a visioning and strategic planning session at the Dubuque County Extension office to discuss priorities and to re- examine the group's mission statement and vision. DEW members will also be investigating other models that facilitate greater public awareness and involvement. 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. 38 Municipal Services Center Garden Share Project: The Public Works Department has 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 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 39 • 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. 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, was created for the month of April, 2011 and included 48 exhibits. Two dozen unique works of art created by children are currently on exhibit and the Library will accept additional exhibits through out the 40 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. Impact: This type of resident engagement, while challenging and less 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 less effective in the areas of reducing crime and the 41 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. 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 42 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 has recommended, and the City Council selected, a service provider to perform these background 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 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. The Task Force also recommended encouraging community wide support for initiatives that support self- sufficiency. The City has obtained an Urban Youth Corps grant that will provide three youth who face barriers to employment with paid employment and job skills training for the summer. 43 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. 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 44 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 independence and possible homeownership. As of June 1, 2011 we had 79 total 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. In FY 2011 we held 4 classes for adults (one was a Spanish speaking class) for a total of 108 graduates since Getting Ahead began. In addition we held our first teen getting Ahead group. This group graduated in March 2011. "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. As of June 1, we had 6 matched Circles. This means 6 Getting Ahead graduates became Circle Leaders. Each set of graduates was paired with 3 community Allies who will continue to support them for the next 18 months. Circles meetings are held weekly. This program received an Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). 45 Circles — Six matched Circles now created; Six Big View meetings and four Guiding Coalition meetings have been held. 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 May 2011, a total of $347,958 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 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. The 2011 Road to Success will be held on August 10. This year in addition to eh clothing and mock interviews we will be offering a variety of learning tracks including: How to Apply for a Job; How to Maintain Employment; How to Prepare for a Job Interview; How to Look for a Job When You Are Already Employed; Cover Letters and Resumes; What To Do After The Job Interview and a hands on demo by the staff of AccessDubuaue.com on how to use the website. 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 46 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, 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: 47 $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 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 one for - profit business, and has had discussion about offering courses for businesses through the NICC Business Consortium and 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. See City Council Goals and Priorities Report for 2011 -12 for more information on our reorganization. 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. 48 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. • 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- 49 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 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. 50 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. • The Library is a partner with the Dubuque Community School District in the 21 Century grant to provide after school programming to students in Jefferson and Washington schools in a five -year commitment. • 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 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 51 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. Since 2003, HEART students are achieving a 92% high school graduation rate, with 100% of this year's senior students graduating. 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; • 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, 52 • 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 — April 2011, DCSD through the Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools process has achieved: Total Energy Consumption (BTU) reductions = 26.612 billion BTUs (Equivalent to the annual energy use of over 133 average U.S. homes) Total Energy Costs Avoided = $419,417 Total GHG Emissions Avoided = 7,210,487 lbs. / 3,271 metric tones (Equivalent to 144 semi - trailer loads @ 50,000 Ibs each) 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 • 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 53 Dubuque, and Green Dubuque. Schools continued to work on additional patches for the 2010 -11 school year. 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. • 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. 54 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 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 55 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, 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 56 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 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 1 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 57 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. After weighing the pros and cons of each site, the review committee unanimously recommended the Historic Millwork District for the Intermodal Transportation Facility. On March 7, 2011, the City Council concurred with the recommendation to pursue the Historic Millwork District for a future Intermodal Transit Facility. 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 I 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 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 58 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 II 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 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 October 1, 2011. 59 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 Thirteen (13) non - residential properties have been acquired and the City is scheduled to close on another on June 30, 2011. 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 with the possible exception of some final landscape elements it 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. Pursue Energy Star Rating for the entire plant 5. Combined Heat and Power utilizing digester gas 6. Elimination of the use of Chlorine gas for disinfection 7. Reuse of existing structures for new purposes 8. Researching utilizing available digester space for high strength organics and food residuals for addition energy production. 9. 99.8% Construction materials diversion rate from the landfill 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 60 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 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 61 addition has 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. Interviews for the Bio- Solids handling contract will take place June 23, 2011 with the goal of having a firm under contract within a month. The digester construction is on scheduled and will be started up late March early April of 2012.The digesters will operate for 40 to 60 days prior to needing to have Bio - Solids removed and land applied. It will be necessary to have the Bio - Solids handling system fully on line by that point. Work continues on all portions of the project. Major portions of the underground work has been completed with some storm sewer work and some ductbank work remaining. At this point it is estimated that we are at 25% completion of the project. The construction of the fourth primary clarifier has begun and the demolition of the primary clarifier domes is underway. In addition to the digester structures work is progressing on the piping associated with the digester operation with the installation beginning of the many pumps and motors required for the process. Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program: The City of Dubuque is conducting an Inflow and Infiltration (I &I) Reduction Program to eliminate storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration into Dubuque's sanitary sewer collector system. Excessive I &I can cause sanitary sewer back -ups into basements, overflows into creeks and wetlands, and increased operating costs to process the water at the Dubuque Water Pollution Control Plant. Five neighborhoods have been identified as sources of high sanitary sewer flows during rainfall events, which indicates excessive I &I. To address this issue, the City will conduct mandatory inspections of private property connections to the City system in areas with excessive I &I over the next five years. City inspectors enter the yard and basement of each home to observe and record the property's drainage facilities. A typical inspection is completed in less than 15 minutes. > Through June 17, 2011, the City has requested 1,091 property owners schedule an appointment for City inspectors to observe and record the property's drainage facilities. Of the 1,091 properties, City staff have inspected 430 with an additional 176 inspections scheduled. This is a response rate of approximately 56 %. > Thirty -six of the 430 inspections (approximately 8 %) found improper connections to the sanitary system. Inspectors were not able to confirm the discharge location for 24 additional inspections, so the number of improper connections could be as high as 60 (14 %). Follow -up inspections are being scheduled for July to further investigate the "unknown" discharge locations. 62 r When properly disconnected, the 36 improper connections could result in a decrease of approximately 690,000 gallons of water per day to the Water & Resource Recovery Center. City staff is holding weekly meetings to ensure compliance with the Consent Decree when it becomes effective. 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 include pounds /tons of hazardous materials collected and managed annually. The DMASWA RCC partnered with the Dubuque County Drug Task Force and others earlier this year to collect materials from household medicine cabinets on April 29 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 e-scrap brought to the Agency for recycling, and the generally - acknowledged toxicity of some e-scrap components, the Agency 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. The DMASWA no longer buries electronics in its landfill as of July 1, 2011. A two week free drop off period was offered for recycling these items in June, with fees subsequently charged for monitors and televisions only beginning on July 1St 63 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: 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: 64 • 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 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 has recently begun a process to hire 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. 65 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: Schools: Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools: From July 2009 thorough April 2011 the Dubuque Community School District has avoided 7,210,487 lbs. (3,271 Metric tones) of greenhouse gas (GHG / CO2) emissions; the equivalent of 144 Semi dumptrucks. (At 50,000 Ib. Capacity each) 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 66 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 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 I of the Bee Branch project, valued at over $6,000. Volunteers from the neighborhood will be engaged in the planting of the trees. 67