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ECIA Annual Report 2004 ~ --------........a ECIA celebrates thirty years... As I reflect back over ECIA's thirty years and my experiences with ECIA in the past twenty years, I am proud to say I have been part of an organization that has evolved with time and has strived to provide its members with services that are timely, cost effective, efficient and of highest quality. The organization and its members have adapted and grown with the changing programs and legislation at the State and Federal levels, and through the years we have become stronger and have developed new partnerships that will sustain us for years to come. As we consider the services provided by ECIA, in this year's annual report you will find a pie chart that depicts membership dues and their uses. Membership dues provide matching funds for our federal transportation and economic development programs, which require local match. Any membership dues that are remaining after the locai match is met are used to provide technical assistance to our members. Technical assistance covers any staff time used to benefit our members that is not covered by another funded program. Membership fees bring in an additional $77,500 to the region to help provide services to the ECIA members. Thank you to all of our members for your continued support! It is appreciated. Looking forward to 2005, the ECIA staff will continue to challenge ourselves to search for new funding opportunities for our members and for the agency; will build on our strengths; and will look for new methods and strategies that will enhance our overall effectiveness and efficiency. As our valued member, ECIA prides itself on being an extension of city/county staff and will continue to build on "A Regional Response to Local Needs." Kelley Hutton Deutmeyer Executive Director Funding Sources Supporting Programs and Activities State (COG A"istance) 1% ~DBG Administration 14% US Department of -- ~~mbe"hiP Fee, US ~:~:;;;;~ ~~I~- . US Department of Labor 19% US Department of Health and Human Service, 8% Olher (Bu,ine" Growth. Spedal ~erv'ce Fee.' and In5c~ Contlacls 6;,,'e"men' 8% .. .. ff ff .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. ... .. .... ... ... .. .... iii" .. lit" eo eo e- e- fT' rr fT rr rr fT fT' 0- fT' r r r r .. :j Fiscal Year '04 Membership Fees Expended DMATS/MPO ~ Re.giOnal Tra. n,portation. .4.4% (RPA) 131% Ð G.eneral Techmcal A""tance 8 3% Re'erve Fund, - 7.7%~ S . ~¡ Economic Development Debt erv<ce (EDA) paym~~~ 24.5% Administrative 9% ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 2 1980 Baum Named Executive Director Nagle New Assistant Director EDA, Problems and Proposals At Long Last-New Housing Construction Nears Completion ECIA Area Gets 26,,% of Available Iowa CDBG Funds ot CD C 'ng 1.910 fund> ana \:.6 'on 1.91 ~ ",:0\:.e:"6 1'C';oal" ncil ];C1. 'n se 'ze" \:. COli "lOu> final>6 fi':"C1.1' 1984 ];C1.1' " <lead c\:." ]; ECIA Celebrates '1:,,011\. Di,:e úia6> , 'strator ~ jAdm1n1 Gran\:.ee 1986 'ated J'1:PA 1991 ECIA Des1gn EIRHA EIRHA 1994 ECIA Forms New Regional Planning Affiliation Oneida Disincorpora tion Underway I: I: '. . I- . . . '. - . . . . . ~ ~ ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I I I I I . . I I I 10" . Ann1versary 1988 EClA Receives Revolving Loan Fund Gran\:. Awarded Public HoUsing Funds Receives Additional Rental Assistance Funding fficiency Self-Su \:.0 Promote 1995 'ves Gran\:. ElRHA Rece1 ins 2000 1996 1, 0.1 Study Beg B1'11 Now Law ECIA Opens Transition Center Arter F ods 98 t . on "O""-" " ... 0", ° " ."""~". , "H", """"""""'~"" """~ Farmland purc a TEA-21 1999 New Mapping Services Offered by EClA EClA Implements Welfare to Work Program 1974-1999, 25 Years of Serving Local Government 2001 ElRHA Moves to On-Staff Maintenance Bill Baum's Farewell Message From Account Clerk to Executive Director 2002 EClA Employees Adopt-A-Highway EClA Staff Participates in City of ECIA Launches Websi te Bob Krayer Retires Dubuque \:.0 Washington D. C. Trip 2003 Legislators Meet with EClA Council DMATS Planning Area BoUndary UPdate Community Development Summits Announced USDA Approves Regional Revolving Fund EIRHC receives LlHTC and HOME Funds for HoUsing Development 2004 Evergreen MeadowS Grand opening se\:. EClA pilo\:.s u\:.ili\:.y Billing service 3 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES .è;-t: .- CIJ SE Ec.. E.Q oCIJ uðj 0 I Mark Schneider Community Development Director ECIA assists in community development by providing management assistance in several vital areas, including grant and loan applications, grant administration, and technical assistance. In addition, ECIA is a U.S. Census Depository, maintaining and distributing census information to its mem Projects Completed The fiscal year saw the completion of a variety of constn and planning projects totaling over $5 million. Constn of municipal water system improvements was comple the cities of Andrew and Bellevue with new wells to selÌÌe their communities, while the cities of Dyersville and .- Maquoketa completed construction of new wastewater plants. supply to meet their growing needs. Dubuque County provided Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICe) Foundation to construct a childcare facility at NICC's Peosta campus to meet growing needs for childcare throughout the county. ˧ rants Awarded ECIA staff assisted communities throughout the region with r41nt writing which resulted in four communities receiving þBG awards from the Sewer and Water set-aside, two mmunities receiving CDBG awards from the Community acilities and Services set-aside, and four cities receiving Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) Housing Fund awards for housing activities in their communities. These awards total over $1.5 million and will assist in projects with budgets totaling nearly $8.5 million. "...Ætf9éwood will utilize the CDBG Sewer and Water program aiong with the SRF program for improvements to their existing water system. Maquoketa will utilize the CDBG and SRF programs for improvements to their existing water system, and Monmouth will utilize CDBG funds for improvements to their water system. New Vienna will utilize CDBG and SRF programs in the upgrade of their wastewater treatment facility. New federal legislation expanded the Hazard Mitigation planning process to identify specific projects, propertiø[~ and values, and to provide for more in-depth planning and prioritization to mitigate future damage in the event of a major disaster. Plans are now referred to as Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) plans. After November 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends tÇ) require PDM plan certification for communities to receive public assistance funds in the event of a presidentially declared disaster. ECIA received funding to assist five communiti (Dubuque, Dyersville, Manchester, Maquoketa, ' Dubuque County) with completion of their plans. drafts were submitted to the Iowa Homeland S Emergency Management DivisiolUlnd FEM With the use of FEMA fu Homeland Security and Charlotte, Dubuque, Dy, acquired properties that and/or 2002. The cities, additional properties daniäge will provide rehabilitation communities. Clinton e in targeted areas of nd will offer assistance on a Wide basi¡r DeWitt will provide home buyer assistance to six homebuyers in their community. IDED Housing Fund awards to these communities totaled over $1.3 million. In addition to providing homeown. home buyers in the city, DeWitt utilized Iowa Department of Naturai Resources' (IDNR) State Revolving Fund (SRF) to construct a new municipal well to assure adequate water 4 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES I- '. I- '. I- - I- - I- - - e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Projects in Progress The Community Development staff continued to work on a wide variety of projects throughout fiscal year '04. Thirty-eight construction-related grant programs were being administered in twenty-six communities throughout the ECIA region, with budgets totaling over $16.6 million. Work continues on improvements to existing municipal water systems in Charlotte, Delhi, Miles, and Sabula. Luxemburg continues construction of a new water system to replace individual private wells. To meet IDNR mandates, Farley, LaMotte, Mechanicsville, Springbrook, Tipton, and Wheatland are making major upgrades to their existing wastewater treatment facilities. Bellevue continues the renovation of a former restaurant into a senior center and food pantry, The City of Clinton is providing funds to the YWCA to upgrade and expand their homeless shelter and childcare center. Edgewood, Farley, and Ryan are providing housing rehabilitation assistance to homeowners in their communities. Maquoketa is providing homeownership assistance to homebuyers in their community. Manchester is nearing the completion of one homeownership assistance program and continues the administration of an expanded program that provides homeownership assistance for homebuyers on a citywide basis and rehabilitation assistance to homeow in a targeted neighborhood. The project also includes acquisition and demolition of severely deteriorated pro in the same targeted neighborhood. With the use of FEMA funds, Dyersville continues to properties that were flood-damaged in 2002. The City acquired seven properties and has one project in pre PDM plans are being prepared for Camanche and Through a technical assistance grant from IDEO, ECIA continues a lead-based paint study to show various methods of addressing lead-based paint hazards and to determine the most cost-effective manner. Over 500 inspections were made on over 100 construction projects in Asbury as ECIA provides building, electrical, and mechanical code inspections for the City of Asbury. Planning Projects Fiscal year '04 saw the completion of the Annexation Plan for the City of Cascade and an Annexation Study and Water Study for the City of Peosta. Various maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) products were created for the City of Dubuque throughout the year. Activities in progress include the City of Maquoketa Land Use Plan update, which is nearing completion. This project was initiated in fall 2002 and included the development of a Traffic Forecasting Model demonstration project. The model has been determined to be accurate and applicable for smalier communities. The Land Use Pian is leading the way to initiate a fringe area development agreement between Jackson and Clinton Counties. Also underway is the Cedar County) scheduled for completion this y' also being provided to Ja Bluff Land Protection On ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 5 Review of Dubuque Code of Ordinances In November 2003, the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation commissioned ECIA to prepare a qualitative review of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances. The review included comparing specific sections of the Dubuque Code to similar ordinances in the cities of West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. ... ... r' r' r' ... ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. ... ... ... ... With a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, ECIA developed an Accounting and Utility Billing Package Template for small cities. The template, using the state-mandated chart of accounts, helps cities generate budget and financial reports in the format required by the state, along with utility invoices. The goal of the project was to highlight sections within the ordinances that may put Dubuque a disadvantage relative to other physical development of the 9 unique in its approach; expfl providing services to the Dubuque's growth. the findings. Currently being used by Holy Cross and St. Donatus, with Colesburg coming online soon, the template costs $1,500 annual maintenance fee of only $250. evelopment in DeWitt with the City of DeWitt to secure funding Development Administration (EDA) ty's Water Pollution Control Plant. A submitted to the EDA for the project '. The City will provide matching funds 4,000. The City has been asked to n for the project. The EDA generally unless they intend to fund the project. .. ... Codification ECIA has provided codi governments since 1971 by the Iowa Legislature. Ordinances have been u Peosta, Baldwin, Maquok ... ... .. .. .. nds to expand the Water Pollution will enable the City to serve an additional Crossroads Industrial Park. The park 'tes industries that employ over 1200 eastern ltS. With the expansion of the Water Pollution Control Plant, a two-phase $40 million expansion proposed by Guardian Industries can be accommodated as well as two additional companies that have plans to expand in DeWitt in the upcoming two years. .. .. These updates include a review -. , assure its compliance with state law;"ítie outdated local ordinances with model ordinances prepared by the ECIA attorney; and the inclusion of recently adopted City ordinances. Since 1976, ECIA has updated the codes of 39 member cities, Clinton County, and Jackson County. Currently staff is working on nine additional updates. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0;. Web Site Development During the past year, websites for Holy Cross and Camanche went online with assistance from ECIA staff as part of ECIA's website. The sites incorporate historical and community information, photos, and links to other related sites, offering visitors an opportunity to "visit" their city without leaving home. You can view their sites at www.ecia.org/holycross.htmi and www.ecia.org/ Camanche.html. Accounting and Utility Billing Package A primary function of the city clerk is to account for how a city receives and spends its money. Small cities, primarily those with a population of 500 or less, have found that commercial accounting software (general ledger and utility billing) carries a pricetag of $6,000 to $10,000 with annual maintenance fees of over $1,000 per year. As a result, many small cities are still using paper and pencil accounting methods. 6 ECIA: CelEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES ECIA assists local governments and development groups provide financial assistance to expanding businesses. E.C.IA Business Growth, Inc. was established in 1983 as a non-profit Certified Development Corporation for the purpose of promoting the expansion of area businesses and the creation of new jobs. E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. operates business loan programs and several revolving loan funds. !: I I: I: I II I I 'I , I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . . I Loan Activity Fiscal year '04 saw new loan activity totaling nearly $3.9 million, almost double the amount from 2003. This represents 75 new and 56 retained jobs. The chart illustrates new loan activity over the past six years. Additional Funding In addition to the represented loan funding, ECIA staff prepared successful State of Iowa Community Economic Betterment Account (CEBA) applications for the City of Clinton (Dairy Pac, $150,000; Lamson & Sessions, $100,000); the City of Dyersvilie (RC2, $400,000); and the City of Peosta (On Point Display, LLC, $150,000). In addition, ECIA prepared a RISE application for the City of Durant for $48,787. Loan Activity by Fiscal Year 0 $925,000 MM M" -... .... $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $3,000.000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Regional Revolving Loan Fund In September 2003, E.C.IA Business Growth, Inc. was awarded a 30-year $750,000 loan from the Intermediary Relending Program of the USDA to establish a Regional Revolving Loan Fund in ECIA's five.county area. E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. contributed $100,000 in local match dollars, and each of the five counties contributed $17,500 to create a loan pool of $937,500. From these funds, the Board of Directors have approved two loans which were closed and funded in spring 2004: $187,500 to Kendrick, Inc, of Edgewood and $187,500 to Rock Hard Concrete Recycling, Inc, of West Branch. Both manufacturers will use the funds for equipment purchases. Kendrick, Inc.: Combining Funding Sources to Complete Project In April 2004, the Board of Directors approved a $357,000 SBA 504 loan to Kendrick, Inc. This additional loan is being used along with funds from the Regional Revolving Loan Fund to construct an 8,656 square foot office building with an attached 8,000 square foot maintenance facility. The office building will replace their current space, a double-wide trailer. Kendrick, Inc. is in the third phase of a five-year, five-phase expansion plan which totals $2,975,000. Additionally, ECIA assisted the company and the City of Edgewood obtain a $30,000 CDBG EDSA forgivable loan. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 7 '-,.--. om ron < 0 ro ::J -0 -83 3 n8 ro ::J ,...... - , - - . . iii' &, 'rt~ Jerry Schroeder Economic Development Director ECIA provides transportation planning services to its members and provides staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) as well as Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) 8. ECIA planning services include technical support services, regional transportation planning and programming services, and Geographic Information System (GIS) database and mapping services. ., tit ~ ~ ,., ,., ,., ,., I >j ... .. .. DMATS and RPA 8 Major Projects Update IA 32 - SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL DMATS Policy Committee, the City of Dubuque, and Dubuque County all have identified the IA 32-Southwest Arterial as their number one surface transportation priority, The proposed Southwest Arterial would connect the Dubuque Technology Park on US Highway 151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West and the existing Dubuque Industrial Center near US Highway 20. .. .. DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update ECIA staff in cooperation with the DMATS Technical and Policy Committees began updating the 2025 LRTP for the DMATS region. The Plan must be updated every five years. ECIA is currently working on the 2030 Plan update, which must be completed by 2006. As part of the fiscal year 2003 federal budget, Congress appropriated $2 million for the IA 32-Southwest Arterial project. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has an additional $21 million identified in their program and DMATS has pledged $7 million. Total cost of the project for a four-lane full-build facility is estimated at $104 million. Based on project costs, it was decided the project would to be built in stages. The initial stage will include ,f-way acquisition for the full four-lane facility but lion of only a two-lane highway initially. The will function until additional funding IS available to the project. Based on traffic projections, the interim will provide a reasonable level of traffic service ~e year 2015. The cost of the initial two-lane ;luding the right-of-way acquisition, interchanges, g costs, archeological mitigation, and construction lane highway is approximately $71 million. .. .. .. .. As part of this process, the DMA TS boundary was to reflect the increased urbanized area's popular on the 2000 census data and represents sum most likely to be urbanized within the next 20 DMATS boundary expanded from 102.69 sqü 207.27 square miles, an overall increase Expansion of the DMATS boundary inc opportunities for additional fringe-area, become eligible for federal funds. .. .. Other activities completed this year as pa Transportation Plan update include: re goals and objectives for the 2030 PI¡ DMATS Policy Committee in Novem and employment projections were appn staff is in the final stages of completin Forecast Model; staff is currently wor scenarios for the DMATS area; planning began and pedestrian component as well as the freig of the Plan; and staff participated in the Region por1""'-'- Comprehensive Plan update which will be incl in the Plan. Work will continue on the LRTP through 2005. inued on the IA 32-Southwest Arterial project with aring on the Environmental Assessment held in 2003, where over 100 people attended. The final Addendum to the 1999 Environmental Assessment pleted and submitted to the Federal Highway ration. The issuance of Environmental Concurrence Finding of No Significant Impact is anticipated by 2005. Request for proposals for preliminary highway as initiated in May 2004. The preliminary design is to take 15 to 18 months. .. .. .. 8 .. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEOAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES .. j JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE The Iowa and Illinois DOTs proceeded through the final design work for a companion bridge, making the existing two-lane bridge crossing into a four-lane facility. An additional bridge'is being designed that will be adjacent to tlu! emt;' bridge to the south which will double the capac;ity rj~rea~ th~ saf~ty_~n US,Highway. 2~ over the cooperating and planning with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Jackson and Clinton Counties, and Upper Explorer/and Regional Planning Commission in Clayton and Allamakee Counties to detennine the best route through this , -. is an ongoing project that staff will monitor it progresses. d to meet with the stakeholders of the n in Clinton County. The Coalition actively as for funding resources to alleviate the .lion to make the roadway into a four-lane :ate. The Coalition has presented their OT commission on several occasions as local congressional representatives. The 30 Coalition recently joined forces with other ngencies across the state. This is an ongoing IA staff will actively participate in and monitor. Highway20si approaches and upgraded traffic signals. The environmental assessment was published in October 2003 and was presented at a public hearing. North Cascade and Swiss Valley Roads have been recognized as a priority area. Preliminary design for this area was started in June 2004 with an anticipated completion date of early 2005. Staged implementation for the project is planned as funding resources become available. rant Awarded and Closed Out :Community Transportation Association of America AA)/Easter Seals Project Action awarded ECIA a $50,000 grant in August 2003 for the purpose of Improving Fringe Area Public Transportation Services for Persons with Disabilities in the Dubuque, Iowa, Area. MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (MRT) Development of the Mississippi River Trail, a 2000-mile on- and off-road recreational trail, is in its infancy but has been a priority for staff during this fiscal year. The trail is the brainchild of Patrick Nunnally of St. Paul, MN, who founded the Mississippi River Trail, Inc., a non-profit organization. The group has encouraged the transportation departments of each of the ten states that touch the Mississippi River to designate bicycle routes. The trail would begin at Lake !taska, MN, and roughly follow the Great River Road along both sides of the river to the Gulf of Mexico. ECIA has been 9 ECIA staff worked with local transportation service providers Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Keyline Transit, area residents, and community organizations to develop the final action plan. During the grant period, the strengths and weaknesses of the rural and City transportation service systems were identified, and a joint RTA/Keyline Pilot Project was implemented to assess how the transit services could be coordinated more efficiently to improve transit connections between the rural communities and the City of Dubuque. Staff also assessed data gathered during the grant process and designed strategies to aid in improving the transit services for persons living with disabilities in the fringe area. The strategies included projects and scenarios for potential projects that could be implemented in the short and long term. The project was a success with the stakeholder committee deciding to continue beyond the grant period to ensure strategies are implemented. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES aJ:::f ::JQJ Q.::J -ccn --0 aJe ::J;:+ ::J -.aJ ::Jd: lOe ::J cO) oc .- .- ..I-Jc CUc: -eCU 0- c..a.. (f)-o C c: CUcu F Model Updates DMATS MODEL Throughout the year ECIA staff updated the Traffic Demand Forecast model, converting from Tranplan to TransCAD as part of the Long Range Transportation Plan. Staff created base network and Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) layers using socioeconomic data. Staff began formulating trip generation and trip distribution models for the DMATS region. The model is an ongoing and evolving project and work will continue into 2005. MAQUOKETA MODEL In the fall of 2002, ECIA contracted with Reg Souleyrette and Zach Hans of Iowa State University to develop a small area planning model for Maquoketa. During the past year the consultants worked with staff to develop a network and zonal data for the model for use in the TransCAD modeling platform. The model has been calibrated to existing DOT daily count values, and ECIA staff worked with the City of Maquoketa in estimating the intensity of future land use, population, and employment. This information is used in predicting traffic for the year 2030. This model is the first small city model for populations under 10,000 in the state. Currently ECIA staff is working with the City of Maquoketa to conduct intersection analysis and specific location analysis. CITY OF CLINTON MODEL In the spring of 2004, ECIA contracted with Howard R. Green Company to develop a transportation model as part of an MiS study conducted by the DOT in Clinton County. The model incorporates the cities of Clinton and Camanche, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois. Work was initiated on this project in fiscal year '04 with staff documenting the procedures and methodologies used in gathering socioeconomic data and trip generations. Currently staff is working with cities in estimating future land use, population, and employment, to be used in predicting traffic for the year 2030. The projected completion date for the Clinton Model is late spring 2005. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture Plan Implemented In 2001, the United States Government mandated that all states complete an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture Plan for both state and regional levels in order to receive federal funding for ITS projects after April 5, 2005, 1/1 fI t' (' (' (' " II" " " " .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. In March 2004, both DMATS and RPA Policy Committees approved funding that enables ECIA staff, with the aid of URS BRW, Inc., consultants from Minneapolis, MN, to complete an ITS Regional Architecture Plan for the DMATS and RPA regions by the April 2005 deadline. In fiscal year '04, staff began working with the consultant to inventory ITS infrastructure and to identify stakeholders. The ITS Regional Architecture Plan is designed to improve safety in transportation-related problems through the sharing of information between various agencies with the use of state-of-the-art and emerging technologies. Some of these technologies include variable-message signs, closed-circuit television monitoring systems, traffic signal systems, vehicle locators, reverse 911 systems, and 911 cell phone locators. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The plan is also designed to aid in the funding process of ITS projects for agencies by encouraging these entities to combine their efforts in acquiring ITS equipment and sharing the cost among the participating agencies, allowing for smaller agencies to partake in ITS projects. The ITS Regional Architecture Plan is a 'living document' which allows for continued growth potential for sharing information between existing agencies and new agencies wishing to participate in future IT_S projects. .. .. .. 10 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES .. .. it t t I II 'I t I I I I I The purpose of ECIA's Employment and Training Department is to assist individuals who are unemployed or underemployed to secure employment at a level that allows them to be self-sufficient. In addition to the regular Workforce Investment Act and Promise Jobs programs, the department operated special grants aimed at providing employment and training services to specific populations. services such as basic computer skills, career counseling, and testing; provided training services such as classroom and on-the-job; and provided support services such as child care and transportation to and from programs. Youth Program Served 53 Provided career training services; work experiences; assistance with high school/GED completion; career testing services; job seeking skills services; and support services such as child care and transportation to and from programs. t I I t t I I t t I I . I I National Emergency Grants National emergency grants provide empioyment and training services to workers who have lost their jobs due to mass layoffs or plant closings. Primary services include job seeking skills, referrals to job openings, job training, and support services. Fiscal Year '04 Funds Expended by Program Promise Jobs Program Promise Jobs, Iowa's welfare reform program, emphasizes public assistance as an investment in families aimed at helping them become self-sufficient. Participants develop and implement a plan for reaching self-sufficiency and leaving public assistance. An average of 606 clients were served each month in fiscal year '04. Eagle Food, Rockwell C~"m' ~ $97,038 $569.730 ,. /\ AdultProgffim ~$155,878 (]~Di"ocated Worl<e' Pro9ffim $193,505 Promi,e Job, Youth Pro9ram $202,147 $203,688 Grant ended June 30, 2004 Rockwell Collins Served 93; 84% placed in new jobs Ongoing grant Eagle Foods Served 58; 100% placed in new jobs Performance Information Employment and Training programs underwent several state and local audits during the past program year, examining factors including fiscal management, client eligibility, and adherence to federal, state and local policies. There were no significant findings during any of these audits. ~ t I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t Workforce Investment Act (WIA) WIA provides employment and training services to youths and adults with low or moderately-low incomes. WIA also provides services to workers who have recently been laid off or terminated from a job, are eligible for or have exhausted unemployment insurance, and are unlikely to return to their previous occupations. Preliminary indications are that Region 1 Employment and Training met all seventeen performance goals established by the WIA program. These performance standards measure factors such as number of clients who obtained employment, retained employment, increased their earnings and obtained credentials through training. If the final data confirm these indications, Region 1 will be awarded additional funding as a result of meeting these criteria. Adult Program Served 45 Dislocated Worker Program Served 117 Provided core services such as job seeking skills, job referrals, and labor market information; provided intensive 11 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES Established in 1978, the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority (EIRHA) operates two main programs, Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance. EIRHA's goal is to provide decent, safe, affordable rental housing for eligible families and to provide opportunities and promote self-sufficiency, economic independence, and homeownership opportunities for clients. Public Housing Program EIRHA owns and manages 166 public housing units in 14 communities, with 84 units of elderly housing and 82 units of family housing. Residents are responsible for a portion of their housing costs, contributing a minimum of 30% of their adjusted income or $50, whichever is greater, toward monthly rent and utilities. The budget for fiscal year '04 was $340,536. EIRHA uses rental receipts to manage and maintain the units, Although EIRHA is a tax-exempt organization, approximately $19,535 was paid to local governments for payments in lieu of taxes. .. .. " " " '" '" '" to to to .. .. .. .. fiscal year '03. Participating households pay no more than 30% of their adjusted income toward rent and utilities. Over 1260 households benefited from this program during the fiscal year. The total amount of rental assistance provided to landlords on behalf of low-income elderly and families served by EIRHA was $2,541,792. Housing Choice Voucher Assistance by County .. .. .. .. .. .. .. '" .. '" .. D"b"q"e co_nty ~one' Coonty $592,659 $399,681 ~ Ceda, Coon,y $261,734 Delawa"counIY~ ~ $370,580 u~ Jack,onCo"nty $193,182 City of Maq"ok"a Clinton County ,inc. 1/1/04 $479,655 $244,301 .. ~ '" Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program EIRHA is authorized to assist 883 households with the Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program, which is designed to meet the needs of low-income families and elderly by providing rental assistance in their existing housing units. Through a collaborative merger with the City of Maquoketa Housing Authority (CMHA), EIRHA assumed CMHA's responsibilities under the Annual Contributions Contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in April 2004, resulting in the increase of 156 vouchers from '" Effective Property Management In cooperation with the City of Bellevue, EIRHA staff presented Effecfive Property Management. The program gave an overview of EIRHA and its programs, as well as information on tenant relations, screening potential tenants, making properties crime-free, efficient maintenance, when police assistance is necessary, nuisance enforcement, and landlord/tenant laws. Presenters included EIRHA staff, City of Bellevue staff, and the Jackson County attorney. .. '" '" '" .. .. ... ... .. .. .. ,:","",::::_~':,:_: _""'::':M.<:,.~= = .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...¡ 12 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 'I I I I I I . I I I I I . . I I I I I I I I I I I I I Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Corporation and Evergreen Meadows, Inc. The Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Corporation (EIRHC) held its Grand Opening of Evergreen Meadows in Peosta in May 2004, Evergreen Meadows is the corporation's first Low Income Housing Tax Credit project, with 24 units of low- to moderate-income family housing, Units began leasing in June 2004. The project was a collaborative effort with the City of Peosta, Northeast Iowa Community College, and the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, and was funded through the Iowa Finance Authority's Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, the Department of Economic Development's HOME program, along with private and local funds. Additionally, EIRHC owns and manages ten USDA-funded elderly housing units in Worthington and Grand Mound. Capital Fund Program HUD awards funds to housing authorities to finance capital improvements to public housing units. EIRHA was awarded $217,360 and an additional $43,319 in incentive dollars for expending funds in a timely manner this past year. Improvements were made including the replacements of kitchen cabinets, windows, concrete, floor coverings, and the upgrade of staff maintenance vehicles. Homeownership Through the Public Housing Homeownership Program, EIRHA intends to sell public housing units to first-time home buying low income households participating in one of our housing programs. Two families purchased their public housing unit in which they live this past year. Public Housing Authorities are permitted to use a portion of their Housing Choice Voucher funding for homeownership assistance. EIRHA's Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program was implemented in July 2003 and has assisted two families with the purchase of their home through the program. Performance Evaluations PUBLIC HOUSING An annual assessment of EIRHA's physical, financial, resident services, and management operations is provided to HUD, which uses the data to award an overall Public Housing Assessment System score. In January 2004, EIRHA received its second consecutive overall score of 94 and is considered a High Performer. SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER The Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) measures Public Housing Authority management performance in 14 key areas. SEMAP enables the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure program integrity and accountability by identifying PHA management capabilities and deficiencies, and by improving risk assessment to effectively target monitoring and program assistance. This year EIRHA received its second consecutive SEMAP score of 100% and is considered a High Performer, ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 13 - ~ "..". "--C. ;:r, Suite 200 3999 Pennsylvania Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52002 563,556.4166 590 Iowa Street PO Box 1595 Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1595 563,556.5800 COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF Michelle Schnier, Housing Director Carl Reimer, Homeownership/Housing Development Specialist Jenny Schrobilgen, Housing Coordinator Maria Elgin, Housing Manager Lori Joester, Housing Manager Debbie Maier, Housing Manager Linda Hilkey, Housing Manager Marge Huber, Housing Manager Holly Kueter, Housing Manager Mindy Meyers, FSS/ESS Coordinator Jim Loney, Maintenance Manager Tom Simpson, Maintenance Manager Mark Schneider, Community Development Director Darwin Polk, Project Manager Tim Crabb, Housing Rehab Speciaiist/Project Manager Matt Specht, Housing Rehab Specialist/Project Manager Dave Leary, Employment and Training Director Michelle Huseman, Employment Training Specialist Susann Voelker, Employment Training Specialist Ron Axtell, Employment Training Specialist Kathy Baker, Employment Training Specialist Marty Hefel, Employment Training Specialist Lori McKinley, Employment Training Specialist Samantha Humke, Employment Training Specialist .. .. eo eo eo ... ... ... ... .. .. .. .. eo .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. ... " .. " .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. r .. r" .. r" (" r" r" (" (" r" ... ECIA honors all who have volunteered their time to serve on the Executive Committee and/or the ECIA Council over the past thirty years. FISCAL YEAR 2005 ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT STAFF Kelley Hutton Deutmeyer, Executive Director Larry M. Nagle, Assistant Director Lisa Weinhold, Finance Director Karen Adams, Administrative Planner Marla Quinn, Project Manager Sharon Nesteby, Administrative/Financial Assistant Ami Johnson, Administrative/Financial Assistant Gail Kuhle, Administrative Assistant Regina Apel, Secretary II/Database Clerk PLANNING STAFF Jerome Schroeder, Economic Development Director Jim Gonyier, Urban/Regional Planner Chandra Ravada, Transportation Planner Debra Smith, Transportation/Land Use Planner Your dedication is greatly appreciated. Past ECIA Chairpersons: Allan 1. Thoms Rolland Greenwood Rev. Joseph Simon Kim Leinbach Tom Railsback Jim Brady Barbara Wright Donna Smith Dave Heiar Jerome Besler Marian Meyer Richard Rex Donna Sweeney Dave Kendell, current chairperson 223 West Main Street Manchester, Iowa 52057 563.927.6633 www.ecia.org Celebrating 30 years of service to Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties ECIA celebrates thirty years... As I reflect back over ECIA's thirty years and my experiences with ECIA in the past twenty years, I am proud to say I have been part of an organization that has evolved with time and has strived to provide its members with services that are timely, cost effective, efficient and of highest quality. The organization and its members have adapted and grown with the changing programs and legislation at the State and Federal levels, and through the years we have become stronger and have developed new partnerships that will sustain us for years to come. As we consider the services provided by ECIA, in this year's annual report you will find a pie chart that depicts membership dues and their uses, Membership dues provide matching funds for our federal transportation and economic development programs, which require local match. Any membership dues that are remaining after the local match is met are used to provide technical assistance to our members, Technical assistance covers any staff time used to benefit our members that is not covered by another funded program. Membership fees bring in an additional $77,500 to the region to help provide services to the ECIA members, Thank you to all of our members for your continued supportllt is appreciated. Looking forward to 2005, the ECIA staff will continue to challenge ourselves to search for new funding opportunities for our members and for the agency; will build on our strengths; and will look for new methods and strategies that will enhance our overall effectiveness and efficiency, As our valued member, ECIA prides itself on being an extension of city/county staff and will continue to build on "A Regional Response to Local Needs." Kelley Hutton Deutmeyer Executive Director Funding Sources Supporting Programs and Activities State (COG A"i>taoce) 1% .. .. ff ff .. .. .. ",. ",. .. .. ". ",. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ". .. .. .. ... .. ... ... ... .. .. .. .. .. eo .. e- fT' fT' rr fT e- rr rr r r r r r r r r :j Membership Fees 3% Fiscal Year '04 Membership Fees Expended Regional Tmn>portation (RPA) 13.1% Admini>trahve 9% ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 2 1980 Baum Named Executive Director Nagle New Assistant Director EDA, Problems and Proposals At Long Last-New Housing Construction Nears Completion EClA Area Gets 26,,% of Available lowa CDBG Funds 1984 EClA Celebrates 10'" Anniversary , Loan Fund Grant 1988 , Revolv1ng EClA Rece1ves d 1.915 ,ot CD 1.91<\ an fund,"ng jèC1.]\ jO'¡:0\:.e6\:'S ]\c\:.ion in see\<s GoalS 1310u f' nalizes council j1Cl1' > ds Fi"s\:. '1:bO11\S <lea j1C1.1' "iasi 1986 EClA Designated JTPA 1991 ElRHA Awarded Public HoUsing Funds ElR)1A Receives Additional Rental AsSistance Funding fficiency Self-Su !. i: . :. . . . . . . . . . . ~ ~ ~ . . . . . . . I . . . I . I I I I 1994 ECIA Forms New RegiOnal Planning Affiliation Oneida DiQ;~_~ Underway promote 1995 'ves Gran\:. to HA Recel 'ns ElR 2000 1996 'al Study Beg1 B'll Now Law ECIA Opens Transition Center A ten ds 8 , on 1 "',,",,",,' '" ,,' ""'~ '" '" ""'C"" ,," "'n "y ""'0.'-"""""""" "co .."" Farmland Purc as TEA-21 r 1999 New Mapping Services Offered by ECIA EClA lmplements Welfare to Work Program 1974-1999, 25 Years of Serving Local Government 2001 ElRHA Moves to On-Staff Maintenance Bill Baum's Farewell Message From Account Clerk to ExeCutive Director 2002 ECIA Employees Adopt-A-Highway ECIA Staff Participates in City of ECIA Launches Website Bob Krayer Retires Dubuque to Washington D. C. Trip 2003 Legislators Meet with EClA Council DMATS Planning Area BOUndary UPdate Community Development Summits Announced USDA Approves Regional Revol Ving Fund ElRHC receives LlHTC and HOME Funds for HoUsing Development 2004 Evergreen MeadowS Grand opening set EClA pilot.S Utility Billing service 3 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES ECIA assists in community development by providing management assistance in several vital areas, including grant and loan applications, grant administration, and technical assistance. In addition, ECIA is a U.S. Census Depository, .maillt and distributing census informationtg supply to meet their growing needs. Dubuque County provided Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Foundation to construct a childcare facility at NICe's Peosta campus to ll1eet growing needs for childcare throughout the county. With the use of FEMA fu Homeland Security and Charlotte, Dubuque, Dy, acquired properties that and/or 2002. The cities additional properties da htsAWai'ded Ns!äWâàsisteq communities throughout the region with htWriting which resulted in four communities receiving BG awards from the Sewer and Water set-aside, two nmunities receiving CDBG awards from the Community 'Fåcilities and Services set-aside, and four cities receiving Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDEO) Housing Fund awards for housing activities in their communities. These awards total over $1.5 million and will assist in projects with budgets totaling nearly $8.5 million. ~_E«gewood will utilize the CDBG Sewer and Water program along with the SRF program for improvements to their existing water system. Maquoketa will utilize the CDBG and SRF programs for improvements to their existing water system, and Monmouth will utilize CDBG funds for improvements to their water system. New Vienna will utilize CDBG and SRF programs in the upgrade of their wastewater treatment facility. New federal legislation expanded the Hazard Mitigation planning process to identify specific projects, propert¡\;!~ and values, and to provide for more in-depth planning,ànd prioritization to mitigate future damage in the event of a major disaster. Plans are now referred to as Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) plans. After November 2004, the federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends tÇ> require PDM plan certification for communities to receive puþlic assistance funds in the event of a presidentially deClared disaster. ECIA received funding to assist five comr ' (Dubuque, Dyersville, Manchester, Maquoketa, Dubuque County) with completion of their plans. drafts were submitted to the Iowa Homela Emergency Management -. . . Clinton will receive funds on behalf of New to improve client accessibility to the King House . Complex. Clinton County will provide ity Care, Inc. for construction of itt which will serve twelve Care, Inc. will renovate Ie to improve safety and onal 25 persons. In addition to providing hom homebuyers in the city, DeWitt utilized Iowa Departme Natural Resources' (IDNR) State Revolving Fund (SRF) to construct a new municipal well to assure adequate water d will provide rehabilitation communities. Clinton e in targeted areas of fer assistance on a provide homebuyer assistance to sixhoniébuyérsin their community. IDEO Housing Fund awards to these communities totaled over $1.3 million. 4 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES .. .. . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Projects in Progress The Community Development staff continued to work on a wide variety of projects throughout fiscal year '04. Thirty-eight construction-related grant programs were being administered in twenty-six communities throughout the ECIA region, with budgets totaling over $16.6 million. Work continues on improvements to existing municipal water systems in Charlotte, Delhi, Miles, and Sabula. Luxemburg continues construction of a new water system to replace individual private wells. To meet IDNR mandates, Farley, LaMotte, Mechanicsville, Springbrook, Tipton, and Wheatland are making major upgrades to their existing wastewater treatment facilities. Bellevue continues the renovation of a former restaurant into a senior center and food pantry. The City of Clinton is providing funds to the YWCA to upgrade and expand their homeless shelter and childcare center. Edgewood, Farley, and Ryan are providing housing rehabilitation assistance to homeowners in their communities. Maquoketa is providing homeownership assistance to homebuyers in their community. Manchester is nearing the completion of one homeownership assistance program and continues the administration of an expanded program that provides homeownership assistance for homebuyers on a citywide basis and rehabilitation assistance to home in a targeted neighborhood. The project also acquisition and demolition of severely in the same targeted neighborhood. With the use of FEMA funds, Dyersville properties that were flood-damaged in 2002. acquired seven properties and has one project i PDM plans are being prepared for Camanche al Through a technical assistance grant from IDED,EGI continues a lead-based paint study to show various methó of addressing lead-based paint hazards and to the most cost-effective manner. Over 500 inspections were made on over 100 construction projects in Asbury as ECIA provides building, electrical, and mechanical code inspections for the City of Asbury. Planning Projects Fiscal year '04 saw the completion of the Annexation Plan for the City of Cascade and an Annexation Study and Water Study for the City of Peosta. Various maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) products were created for the City of Dubuque throughout the year. Activities in progress include the City of Maquoketa Land Use Plan update, which is nearing completion. This project was initiated in fall 2002 and included the development of a Traffic Forecasting Model demonstration project. The model has been determined to be accurate and applicable for smaller communities. The Land Use Plan is leading the way to initiate a fringe area development agreement between Jackson and Clinton Counties. Also underway is the Cedar C9unt scheduled for completion thií; also being provided to J Bluff Land Protection ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 5 Review of Dubuque Code of Ordinances In November 2003, the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation commissioned ECIA to prepare a qualitative review of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances. The review included comparing specific sections of the Dubuque Code to similar ordinances in the cities of West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. .. '" '" '" ... '" ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... ... With a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, ECIA developed an Accounting and Utility Billing Package Template for small cities. The template, using the state-mandated chart of accounts, helps cities generate budget and financial reports in the format required by the state, along with utility invoices. Currently being used by Holy Cross and St. Donatus, with g coming online soon, the template costs $1,500 nnual maintenance fee of only $250. The goal of the project was to highlight the ordinances that may put Dubu disadvantage relative to other' physical development of th unique in its approach; e providing services to th Dubuque's growth. Th the findings. evelopment in DeWitt ~ the City of DeWitt to secure funding velopment Administration (EDA) s Water Pollution Control Plant. A bmitted to the EDA for the project The City will provide matching funds 000. The City has been asked to I for the project. The EDA generally unless they intend to fund the project. ... .. ... Codification ECIA has provided co governments since 19 by the Iowa Legislature. Ordinances have been I Peosta, Baldwin, Maquok ... .. .. nds to expand the Water Poliution will enable the City to serve an additional Crossroads Industrial Park. The park tes industries that employ over 1200 eastern ltS. With the expansion of the Water Pollution Plant, a two-phase $40 million expansion proposed by Guardian Industries can be accommodated as well as two additional companies that have plans to expand in DeWitt in the upcoming two years. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ". These updates include a revi assure its compliance with state I outdated local ordinances with model by the ECIA attorney; and the inclusion of recently City ordinances. Since 1976, ECIA has updated the codes of 39 member cities, Clinton County, and Jackson County. Currently staff is working on nine additional updates. Web Site Development During the past year, websites for Holy Cross and Camanche went online with assistance from ECIA staff as part of ECIA's website. The sites incorporate historical and community information, photos, and links to other related sites, offering visitors an opportunity to "visit" their city without leaving home. You can view their sites at www.ecia.orgiholycross.htmi and www.ecia.orgi Camanche.html. Accounting and Utility Billing Package A primary function of the city clerk is to account for how a city receives and spends its money. Small cities, primarily those with a population of 500 or less, have found that commercial accounting software (general ledger and utility billing) carries a pricetag of $6,000 to $10,000 with annual maintenance fees of over $1,000 per year. As a result, many small cities are stili using paper and pencil accounting methods. 6 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, ANO JACKSON COUNTIES .\. ECIA assists local governments and development groups provide financial assistance to expanding businesses. E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. was established in 1983 as a non-profit Certified Development Corporation for the purpose of promoting the expansion of area businesses and the creation of new jobs. E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. operates business loan programs and several revolving loan funds. Loan Activity Fiscal year '04 saw new loan activity totaling nearly $3.9 million, almost double the amount from 2003, This represents 75 new and 56 retained jobs. The chart illustrates new loan activity over the past six years. Additional Funding In addition to the represented loan funding, ECIA staff prepared successful State of Iowa Community Economic Betterment Account (CEBA) applications for the City of Clinton (Dairy Pac, $150,000; Lamson & Sessions, $100,000); the City of Dyersville (RC2, $400,000); and the City of Peosta (On Point Display, LLC, $150,000). In addition, ECIA prepared a RISE application for the City of Durant for $48,787, Loan Activity by Fiscal Year $4,000,000 $3.500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $t.OOO,OOO $500,000 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Regional Revolving Loan Fund In September 2003, E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. was awarded a 30-year $750,000 loan from the Intermediary Relending Program of the USDA to establish a Regional Revolving Loan Fund in ECIA's five-county area, E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. contributed $100,000 in local match dollars, and each of the five counties contributed $17,500 to create a loan pool of $937,500. From these funds, the Board of Directors have approved two loans which were closed and funded in spring 2004: $187,500 to Kendrick, Inc. of Edgewood and $187,500 to Rock Hard Concrete Recycling, Inc. of West Branch. Both manufacturers will use the funds for equipment purchases, Kendrick, Inc.: Combining Funding Sources to Complete Project In April 2004, the Board of Directors approved a $357,000 SBA 504 loan to Kendrick, Inc. This additional loan is being used along with funds from the Regional Revolving Loan Fund to construct an 8,656 square foot office building with an attached 8,000 square foot maintenance facility. The office building will replace their current space, a double-wide trailer. Kendrick, Inc. is in the third phase of a five-year, five-phase expansion plan which totals $2,975,000, Additionally, ECIA assisted the company and the City of Edgewood obtain a $30,000 CDBG EDSA forgivable loan. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 7 ECIA provides transportation planning services to its members and provides staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) as well as Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) 8. ECIA planning services include technical support services, regional transportation planning and programming services, and Geographic Information System (GIS) database and mapping services. If} '" 1'1 C"I ... ... ... .., '" .. '" .. .. .. DMATS and RPA 8 Major Projects Update IA 32 - SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL DMATS Policy Committee, the City of Dubuque, and Dubuque County all have identified the IA 32-Southwest Arterial as their number one surface transportation priority. The proposed Southwest Arterial would connect the Dubuque Technology Park on US Highway 151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West and the existing Dubuque Industrial Center near US Highway 20. .. .. DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update ECIA staff in cooperation with the DMATS Technical and Policy Committees began updating the 2025 LRTP for the DMATS region. The Plan must be updated every five years. ECIA is currently working on the 2030 Plan update, which must be completed by 2006. As part of the fiscal year 2003 federal budget, Congress appropriated $2 million for the IA 32-Southwest Arterial project. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has an additional $21 million identified in their program and DMATS has pledged $7 million. Total cost of the project for a four-lane full-build facility is estimated at $104 million. Based on project costs, it was decided the project would to be built in stages. The initial stage will include ,f-way acquisition for the full four-lane facility but ion of only a two-lane highway initially. The w.ill function until additional funding is available to ! project. Based on traffic projections, the interim provide a reasonable level of traffic service year 2015. The cost of the initial two-lane jing the right-of-way acquisition, interchanges, costs, archeoiogical mitigation, and construction ne highway is approximately $71 million. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. As part of this process, the DMATS boundary was to reflect the increased urbanized area's pop I , .. on the 2000 census data and represents surn most likely to be urbanized within the next 20 DMATS boundary expanded from 102.69 207.27 square miles, an overall increa Expansion of the DMA TS boundary in. opportunities for additional fringe-area become eligible for federal funds. .. ... ... Other activities completed this year as Transportation Plan update include: goals and objectives for the 2030 P DMATS Policy Committee in Nove and employment projections were a staff is in the final stages of compll Forecast Model; staff is currently wo scenarios for the DMATS area; planning and pedestrian component as well as the fr' of the Plan; and staff participated in the Regi Comprehensive Plan update which will be inclûdè8 in Plan. Work will continue on the LRTP through 2005. ed on the IA 32-Southwest Arterial project with ring on the Environmental Assessment held in 003, where over 100 people attended. The final ddendum to the 1999 Environmental Assessment leted and submitted to the Federal Highway -ation. The issuance of Environmental Concurrence inding of No Significant Impact is anticipated by 15. Request for proposals for preliminary highway initiated in May 2004. The preliminary design is take 15to 18 months. ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 .. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES j JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE The Iowa and Illinois DOTs proceeded through the final design work for a companion bridge, making the existing two-lane bridge crossing into a four-lane facility. An additional briçlgø;1s being designed that will be adjacent Þ~dge to the south which Will dpublß the cap ¡~crease the safety pn US Highway 2\1 ollßr cooperating and planning with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Jackson and Clinton Counties, and Upper Exploreriand Regional Planning Commission in Clayton and ~ jlJlamakee Counties to determine the best route through this . is an ongoing project that staff will monitor it progresses. d to meet with the stakeholders of the n in Clinton County. The Coalition actively ,s for funding resources to alleviate the ion to make the roadway into a four-lane ate. The Coalition has presented their OT commission on several occasions as local congressional representatives. The :oalition recently joined forces with other des across the state. This is an ongoing ,ff will actively participate in and monitor. approaches and upgraded traffic signals. The environmental assessment was published in October 2003 and was presented at a public hearing. North Cascade and Swiss Valley Roads have been recognized as a priority area. Preliminary design for this area was started in June 2004 with an anticipated completion date of early 2005. Staged implementation for the project is planned as funding resources become available. warded and Closed Out ansportation Association of America Is Project Action awarded ECIA a ¡gust 2003 for the purpose of Improving Fringe Area F'ubìic Transportation Services for Persons with Disabilities in the Dubuque, Iowa, Area. MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (MRT) Development of the Mississippi River Trail, a 2000-mile on- and off-road recreational trail, is in its infancy but has been a priority for staff during this fiscal year. The trail is the brainchild of Patrick Nunnally of St. Paul, MN, who founded the Mississippi River Trail, Inc., a non-profit organization. The group has encouraged the transportation departments of each of the ten states that touch the Mississippi River to designate bicycle routes. The trail would begin at Lake Itaska, MN, and roughly follow the Great River Road along both sides of the river to the Gulf of Mexico. ECIA has been 9 ECIA staff worked with local transportation service providers Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Keyline Transit, area residents, and community organizations to develop the final action plan. During the grant period, the strengths and weaknesses of the rural and City transportation selvice systems were identified, and a joint RTAlKeyline Pilot Project was implemented to assess how the transit services could be coordinated more efficiently to improve transit connections between the rural communities and the City of Dubuque. Staff also assessed data gathered during the grant process and designed strategies to aid in improving the transit services for persons living with disabilities in the fringe area. The strategies included projects and scenarios for potential projects that could be implemented in the short and long term. The project was a success with the stakeholder committee deciding to continue beyond the grant period to ensure strategies are implemented. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES Model Updates DMATS MODEL Throughout the year ECIA staff updated the Traffic Demand Forecast model, converting from Tranplan to TransCAD as part of the Long Range Transportation Plan. Staff created base network and Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) layers using socioeconomic data. Staff began formulating trip generation and trip distribution models for the DMATS region. The model is an ongoing and evolving project and work will continue into 2005. MAQUOKETA MODEL In the fall of 2002, ECIA contracted with Reg Souleyrette and Zach Hans of Iowa State University to develop a small area planning model for Maquoketa. During the past year the consultants worked with staff to develop a network and zonal data for the model for use in the TransCAD modeling platform. The model has been calibrated to existing DOT daily count values, and ECIA staff worked with the City of Maquoketa in estimating the intensity of future land use, population, and employment. This information is used in predicting traffic for the year 2030. This model is the first small city model for populations under 10,000 in the state. Currently ECIA staff is working with the City of Maquoketa to conduct intersection analysis and specific location analysis. CITY OF CLINTON MODEL In the spring of 2004, ECIA contracted with Howard R. Green Company to develop a transportation model as part of an MIS study conducted by the DOT in Clinton County. The model incorporates the cities of Clinton and Camanche, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois. Work was initiated on this project in fiscal year '04 with staff documenting the procedures and methodologies used in gathering socioeconomic data and trip generations. Currently staff is working with cities in estimating future land use, population, and employment, to be used in predicting traffic for the year 2030. The projected completion date for the Clinton Model is late spring 2005. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture Plan Implemented In 2001, the United States Government mandated that all states complete an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture Plan for both state and regional levels in order to receive federal funding for ITS projects after April 5, 2005. 11/ f/ f' f' <I" <I" <I" <I" II' .. ... ... .. .. .. .. ... ... ... " In March 2004, both DMATS and RPA Policy Committees approved funding that enables ECIA staff, with the aid of URS BRW, Inc., consultants from Minneapolis, MN, to complete an ITS Regional Architecture Plan for the DMA TS and RPA regions by the April 2005 deadline. In fiscal year '04, staff began working with the consultant to inventory ITS infrastructure and to identify stakeholders. The ITS Regional Architecture Plan is designed to improve safety in transportation-related problems through the sharing of information between various agencies with the use of state-of-the-art and emerging technologies. Some of these technologies include variable-message signs, closed-circuit television monitoring systems, traffic signal systems, vehicle locators, reverse 911 systems, and 911 cell phone locators. " .. .. .. " .. .. .. .. .. The plan is also designed to aid in ITS projects for agencies by encOL combine their efforts in acquiring ITS equipment and sharing the cost among the participating agencies, allowing for smaller agencies to partake in ITS projects. The ITS Regional Architecture Plan is a 'living document' which allows for continued growth potential for sharing information between existing agencies and new agencies participate in future ITS projects. .. .. .. ~ .. ~ .. ~ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES .. ,'"' . '. . . i. . . I . . . The purpose of ECIA's Employment and Training Department is to assist individuals who are unemployed or underemployed to secure employment at a level that allows them to be self-sufficient. In addition to the regular Workforce Investment Act and Promise Jobs programs, the department operated special grants aimed at providing employment and training services to specific populations. services such as basic computer skills, career counseling, and testing; provided training services such as classroom and on-the-job; and provided support services such as child care and transportation to and from programs. Youth Program Served 53 Provided career training services; work experiences; assistance with high school/GED completion; career testing services; job seeking skills services; and support services such as child care and transportation to and from programs. . . I I I I I I . I I I I I ~ I , , I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I National Emergency Grants National emergency grants provide employment and training services to workers who have lost their jobs due to mass layoffs or plant closings. Primary services include job seeking skills, referrals to job openings, job training, and support services. Fiscal Year '04 Funds Expended by Program Promise Jobs Program Promise Jobs, Iowa's welfare reform program, emphasizes public assistance as an investment in families aimed at helping them become self-sufficient. Participants develop and implement a plan for reaching self-sufficiency and leaving public assistance. An average of 606 clients were served each month in fiscal year '04. Ea91e Food, Ro,kwe" C~lIin' $97.038. $569.730 ,. /\ AdultPm9'am L--J$155.878 S;J tðo",oc"ed Wocker Pm9ram $193.505 PmmiseJob, - YouthPm9cam $202.147 $203.688 Grant ended June 30, 2004 Rockwell Collins Served 93; 84% placed in new jobs Ongoing grant Eagle Foods Served 58; 100% placed in new jobs Performance Information Employment and Training programs underwent several state and local audits during the past program year, examining factors including fiscal management, client eligibility, and adherence to federal, state and local policies. There were no significant findings during any of these audits. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) WIA provides employment and training services to youths and adults with low or moderately-low incomes. WIA also provides services to workers who have recently been laid off or terminated from a job, are eligible for or have exhausted unemployment insurance, and are unlikely to return to their previous occupations. Preliminary indications are that Region 1 Employment and Training met all seventeen performance goals established by the WIA program. These performance standards measure factors such as number of clients who obtained employment, retained employment, increased their earnings and obtained credentials through training. If the final data confirm these indications, Region 1 will be awarded additional funding as a result of meeting these criteria. Adult Program Served 45 Dislocated Worker Program Served 117 Provided core services such as job seeking skills, job referrals, and labor market information; provided intensive 11 ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES Established in 1978, the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority (EIRHA) operates two main programs, Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance. EIRHA's goal is to provide decent, safe, affordable rental housing for eligible families and to provide opportunities and promote self-sufficiency, economic independence, and homeownership opportunities for clients. Public Housing Program EIRHA owns and manages 166 public housing units in 14 communities, with 84 units of elderly housing and 82 units of family housing. Residents are responsible for a portion of their housing costs, contributing a minimum of 30% of their adjusted income or $50, whichever is greater, toward monthly rent and utilities. The budget for fiscal year '04 was $340,536. EIRHA uses rental receipts to manage and maintain the units. Although EIRHA is a tax-exempt organization, approximately $19,535 was paid to local governments for payments in lieu of taxes. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... '" '" '" ... ... ... ... ... ... '" '" fiscal year '03. Participating households pay no more than 30% of their adjusted income toward rent and utilities. Over 1260 households benefited from this program during the fiscal year. The total amount of rental assistance provided to landlords on behalf of low-income elderly and families served by EIRHA was $2,541,792. Housing Choice Voucher Assistance by County Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program EIRHA is authorized to assist 883 households with the Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program, which is designed to meet the needs of low-income families and elderly by providing rental assistance in their existing housing units. Through a collaborative merger with the City of Maquoketa Housing Authority (CMHA), EIRHA assumed CMHA's responsibilities under the Annual Contributions Contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in April 2004, resulting in the increase of 156 vouchers from '" '" Effective Property Management In cooperation with the City of Bellevue, EIRHA staff presented Effective Property Management. The program gave an overview of EIRHA and its programs, as well as information on tenant relations, screening potential tenants, making properties crime-free, efficient maintenance, when police assistance is necessary, nuisance enforcement, and landlord/tenant laws. Presenters included EIRHA staff, City of Bellevue staff, and the Jackson County attorney. '"' '" '"' .. '"' .. .. .. .. '" ... .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 ... ... ... ... cl ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Corporation and Evergreen Meadows, Inc. The Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Corporation (EIRHC) held its Grand Opening of Evergreen Meadows in Peosta in May 2004. Evergreen Meadows is the corporation's first Low income Housing Tax Credit project, with 24 units of low- to moderate-income family housing. Units began leasing in June 2004. The project was a collaborative effort with the City of Peosta, Northeast Iowa Community College, and the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, and was funded through the Iowa Finance Authority's Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, the Department of Economic Development's HOME program, along with private and local funds. Additionally, EIRHC owns and manages ten USDA-funded elderly housing units in Worthington and Grand Mound. Capital Fund Program HUD awards funds to housing authorities to finance capital improvements to public housing units. EIRHA was awarded $217,360 and an additional $43,319 in incentive dollars for expending funds in a timely manner this past year. Improvements were made including the replacements of kitchen cabinets, windows, concrete, floor coverings, and the upgrade of staff maintenance vehicles. Homeownership Through the Public Housing Homeownership Program, EIRHA intends to sell public housing units to first-time home buying low income households participating in one of our housing programs. Two families purchased their public housing unit in which they live this past year. Public Housing Authorities are permitted to use a portion of their Housing Choice Voucher funding for homeownership assistance. EIRHA's Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program was implemented in July 2003 and has assisted two families with the purchase of their home through the program. Performance Evaluations PUBLIC HOUSING An annual assessment of EIRHA's physical, financial, resident services, and management operations is provided to HUD, which uses the data to award an overall Public Housing Assessment System score. In January 2004, EIRHA received its second consecutive overall score of 94 and is considered a High Performer. SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER The Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) measures Public Housing Authority management performance in 14 key areas. SEMAP enables the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure program integrity and accountability by identifying PHA management capabilities and deficiencies, and by improving risk assessment to effectively target monitoring and program assistance. This year EIRHA received its second consecutive SEMAP score of 100% and is considered a High Performer. ECIA: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO CEDAR, CLINTON, DELAWARE, DUBUQUE, AND JACKSON COUNTIES 13 _k -~ ",.',",,- -- """""-""""'.",','-'¡:' Past ECIA Chairpersons: Allan T, Thoms Rolland Greenwood Rev. Joseph Simon Kim Leinbach Tom Railsback Jim Brady Barbara Wright Donna Smith Dave Heiar Jerome Besler Marian Meyer Richard Rex Donna Sweeney Dave Kendell, current chairperson PLANNING STAFF Jerome Schroeder, Economic Development Director Jim Gonyier, Urban/Regionai Planner Chandra Ravada, Transportation Planner Debra Smith, Transportation/Land Use Planner .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. t\! .. .. .. ft'! ft'! ft'! ft'! .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ECIA honors all who have volunteered their time to serve on the Executive Committee and/or the ECIA Council over the past thirty years. Your dedication is greatly RPpreciated. FISCAL YEAR 2005 ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT STAFF Kelley Hutton Deutmeyer, Executive Director Larry M. Nagle, Assistant Director Lisa Weinhold, Finance Director Karen Adams, Administrative Planner Marla Quinn. Project Manager Sharon Nesteby, Administrative/Financial Assistant Ami Johnson, Administrative/Financial Assistant Gail Kuhle, Administrative Assistant Regina Apel, Secretary II!Database Clerk Suite 200 3999 Pennsylvania Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52002 563.556.4166 590 Iowa Street PO Box 1595 Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1595 563.556.5800 COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF Michelle Schnier, Housing Director Carl Reimer, Homeownership/Housing Development Specialist Jenny Schrobilgen, Housing Coordinator Maria Elgin, Housing Manager Lori Joester, Housing Manager Debbie Maier, Housing Manager Linda Hilkey, Housing Manager Marge Huber, Housing Manager Holly Kueter, Housing Manager Mindy Meyers, FSS/ESS Coordinator Jim Loney, Maintenance Manager Tom Simpson, Maintenance Manager Mark Schneider, Community Development Director Darwin Polk, Project Manager Tim Crabb, Housing Rehab Specialist/Project Manager Matt Specht, Housing Rehab Specialist/Project Manager Dave Leary, Employment and Training Director Michelle Huseman, Employment Training Specialist Susann Voelker, Employment Training Specialist Ron Axtell, Employment Training Specialist Kathy Baker, Employment Training Speciaiist Marty Hefel, Employment Training Specialist Lori McKinley, Employment Training Specialist Samantha Humke, Employment Training Specialist 223 West Main Street Manchesteç Iowa 52057 563.927.6633 www,ecia.org Celebrating 30 years of service to Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties