Inflow and Inflitration (I&I) Reduction Program_Financial AssistanceMasterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
trail
AII- America City
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Inflow and Infiltration (I &I) Reduction Program - Financial Assistance
DATE: July 26, 2011
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 & Resource Recovery Center. l&I is also one of the issues that
was the subject of the recent EPA Consent Decree.
Beginning the week of May 30, 2011, two- person teams began inspecting properties in
the Rosedale Avenue neighborhood. Inspectors enter the yard and basement of each
home to observe and record the property's drainage facilities. If an improper connection
is found during the inspection, a violation notification letter is sent to the property owner
to explain the necessary correction that needs to be completed within 30 days. A re-
inspection is then conducted to verify that the correction has been made. As of
June 17, 2011, approximately 430 inspections have been conducted, with 176
properties remaining to be done. Of the 430 inspections, approximately 36 properties
(8 %) were determined to be in violation of City Code of Ordinances.
Many violations are relatively simple and inexpensive (less than $100) to correct:
replacing a flexible hose with rigid pipe; disconnecting a roof drain from a sanitary sewer
stand -pipe; or installing a sump pump in a sump pit.
However, some violations require more extensive plumbing and reconstruction work.
For example, a property owner on Green Street requires extensive work to correct the
violation. A plumber has provided an estimate of $2,500 to separate the exterior drain
tile from her interior floor drain, sink and laundry wash water.
The Engineering Department proposes to establish a cost - sharing financial assistance
program for owner - occupied properties that require corrections greater than $500. The
applicant will be required to obtain three cost estimates. If any of the estimates are
$500 or less, financial assistance will not be available. If all three estimates are $500 or
greater, the City will reimburse the property owners at the following levels based on
income guidelines: $1,500 maximum for 75% assistance; $1,000 maximum for 50%
assistance; and $500 maximum for 25% assistance. For instance, if the lowest cost
estimate was $2,500 and the person's income level qualified them for 75% assistance,
the City would pay $1,500 of the cost.
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends establishing a cost - sharing financial
assistance program to qualified property owners for the City's Inflow and Infiltration
Reduction Program.
The Engineering Department has a capital improvement project, Lateral Replacement
Assistance to Low /Moderate Income for I &I Reduction (CIP 7101320), with a balance of
$15,000. Since this assistance program is rarely used, it is recommended that this
yearly allocation be redirected toward providing financial assistance to those qualified
property owners who need to make the necessary corrections. As this inspection
program continues, Engineering will track I &I financial assistance requests and adjust
the yearly allocation accordingly.
This program is similar to the Sidewalk Assistance Program and Sanitary Sewer Lateral
Assistance Program.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mich el C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Inflow and Infiltration (I &I) Reduction Program - Financial Assistance
DATE: July 26, 2011
Dubuque
kital
All - America City
2007
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum is to seek authorization to provide a cost - sharing financial
assistance program to qualified property owners for the City's Inflow and Infiltration (I &I)
Reduction Program.
BACKGROUND
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 & Resource Recovery Center.
Beginning the week of May 30, 2011, two- person teams began inspecting properties in
the Rosedale Avenue neighborhood. Inspectors enter the yard and basement of each
home to observe and record the property's drainage facilities. If an improper connection
is found during the inspection, a violation notification letter is sent to the property owner
to explain the necessary correction that needs to be completed within 30 days. A re-
inspection is then conducted to verify that the correction has been made.
DISCUSSION
As of June 17, 2011, approximately 430 inspections have been conducted, with 176
properties remaining to be done. Of the 430 inspections, approximately 36 properties
(8 %) were determined to be in violation of City Code of Ordinances. Many such
violations are relatively simple and inexpensive (less than $100) to correct: replacing a
flexible hose with rigid pipe; disconnecting a roof drain from a sanitary sewer stand-
pipe; or installing a sump pump in a sump pit.
However, some violations require more extensive plumbing and reconstruction work.
For example, a property owner on Green Street requires extensive work to correct the
violation. A plumber has provided an estimate of $2,500 to separate the exterior drain
tile from her interior floor drain, sink and laundry wash water.
In these cases, the property owner has appealed to Engineering staff for financial
assistance. Staff has explained that assistance is currently not available, which has
frustrated some property owners since compliance is required by the City of Code
Ordinances.
For such situations, the Engineering Department proposes to establish a cost - sharing
financial assistance program for owner - occupied properties that require corrections
greater than $500. The applicant will be required to obtain three cost estimates. If any
of the estimates are $500 or less, financial assistance will not be available. If all three
estimates are $500 or greater, the City will reimburse the property owners at the
following levels based on income guidelines: $1,500 maximum for 75% assistance;
$1,000 maximum for 50% assistance; and $500 maximum for 25% assistance. (Note:
The sidewalk and lateral replacement programs are similar; however, the programs do
not have any minimum monetary requirement.)
RECOMMENDATION
The Engineering Department recommends the establishment of a cost - sharing financial
assistance program to qualified property owners for the City's Inflow and Infiltration (I &I)
Reduction Program.
BUDGET IMPACT
The Engineering Department has a capital improvement project, Lateral Replacement
Assistance to Low /Moderate Income for I &I Reduction (CIP 7101320), with a balance of
$15,000. Since this assistance program is rarely used, it is recommended that this
yearly allocation be redirected toward providing financial assistance to those qualified
property owners who need to make the necessary corrections. As this inspection
program continues, Engineering will track` l &I financial assistance requests and adjust
the yearly allocation accordingly.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
I request authorization to provide a financial assistance program to qualified property
owners for the City's Inflow and Infiltration (I &I) Reduction Program.
Prepared by Todd Shoemaker, Environmental Engineer
cc: Jennifer Larson, Budget Director
Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II
2
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Engineering Department, I &I Program
City Hall
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563.690.6113
www.cityofdubuque.org/ i &i
APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Inflow and Infiltration (1 &I) Reduction Program
Program Eligibility and Requirements:
1. Applicant must satisfy annual income requirements to be eligible for assistance. See attached "Participant
Income Verification Form."
2. Applicant must be the owner and resident of the property where code violation occurred.
3. Applicant must obtain cost estimates from three licensed plumbers, and all three estimates must be
greater than $500. (Applicant is responsible for paying the first $500.)
4. The City retains the right to solicit additional cost estimates if it deems the cost estimates obtained by the
property owner excessive.
5. The three cost estimates must be itemized and accompany this application form. Work not related to the
code violation is not applicable toward the $500 amount.
6. Applicant may choose any of the three contractors but will be reimbursed based on the lowest of the three
cost estimates.
7. Reimbursement will occur after:
a. Work is completed per City Code,
b. Work is re- inspected and deemed satisfactory by the City of Dubuque. (We suggest having the
re- inspection done by the City prior to final payment to the contractor.)
c. A paid -in -full invoice from the selected contractor is presented to the City. If property owner
completes the work by him- or herself, all receipts must be provided to receive full
reimbursement.
8. Assistance percentage (75 %, 50 %, or 25 %) will apply to the amount of the cost estimate above $500.
9. The maximum dollar amount available for 75% assistance is $1,500; the maximum is $1,000 for 50%
assistance; and the maximum is $500 for 25% assistance.
10. Funding examples:
Assistance
Percentage
Lowest Cost
Estimate
Amount Not Subject
to Cost Share
Amount Subject
to Cost Share
City Amount
of Cost Share
Total Cost to
Applicant
75%
$1,000
$500
$500
$375
$500 +$125 =
$625
50%
$1,000
$500
$500
$250
$500+$20 $75 =
25%
$1,000
$500
$500
$125
$500 +$375 =
$875
75%
$2,500
$500
$2,000
'$1,500
$500 + $500 =
$1,000
50%
$2,500
$500
$2,000
$1,000
$500 +$1,000 =
$1,500
25%
$2,500
$500
$2,000
$500
$500 +$1,500 =
$2,000
11. If the City finds the work was not done correctly and a violation remains, the City of Dubuque assumes no
responsibility.
12. The City retains the right to review each application thoroughly. Improper connections or connections to
the sanitary sewer system made without a City permit may not be eligible for financial assistance.
13. The City retains the right to rescind this assistance at any time for good cause.
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PARTICIPANT INCOME VERIFICATION FORM
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
The U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) requires the above information
be collected for using this service. This information is confidential and for reporting purposes only. If
you have any questions regarding this form, please contact the Housing and Community Development
Department at (563) 589 -4239.
1. Please CIRCLE BELOW THE NUMBER OF RELATED PEOPLE LIVING IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, UNDER
FAMILY SIZE. On that same line, to the right of the number you circled, CIRCLE ONE of the four ranges that
includes the AMOUNT OF YOUR COMBINED GROSS HOUSEHOLD INCOME (including yourself), as of the
date signed below.
Family Size
Extremely Low
Income -
75% Assistance
Very Low Income -
50% Assistance
Low Income -
25% Assistance
Over Income
1
$0 - $13,400
$13,401- $22,300
$22,301 - $35,700
Above $35,700
2
$0 - $15,300
$15,301 - $25,500
$25,501- $40,800
Above $40,800
3
$0 - $17,200
$17,201 - $28,700
$28,701- $45,900
Above $45,900
4
$0 - $19,100
$19,101 - $31,850
$31,851- $50,950
Above $50,950
5
$0 - $20,650
$20,651 - $34,400
$34,401- $55,050
Above $55,050
6
$0 - $22,200
$22,201 - $36,950
$36,951- $59,150
Above $59,150
7
$0 - $23,700
$23,701 - $39,500
$39,501- $63,200
Above $63,200
8 or more
$0 - $25,250
$25,250 - $42,050
$42,050- $67,300
Above $67,300
2. Are you Hispanic ? Yes ❑ No ❑
3. What is the race of the person you are applying for (please check one)?
White Asian & White
❑ Black/African American 1 Black/African American & White
E. American Indian/Alaskan Native & Black/African American
Asian
1 American Indian/Alaskan native C Other Multi - Racial
1 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander -2 Asian/Pacific Islander
1 American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 1 Hispanic
4. Is the participant from a home where there is a female head of household?
Yes i No
1 certify that the information above is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, correct and complete as stated herein. 1
am aware that the information being provided is subject to verification by the local or Federal government.
Print Name Signature
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number Date
Warning: Whoever knowingly and willingly makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious or
fraudulent statement or entry may be subject to federal prosecution.
6/1/2011
Page 2 of 4
Please complete fully and accurately, attach a copies of all income verification information and cost estimates and
submit to:
Office of City Engineering
ATTN: Todd Shoemaker
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001 -4864
Phone (563) 589 -4270.
Applicant — Please Complete This Page
Page 3 of 4
Today's Date:
Name:
Property Address:
City: State: Zip:
Residence Description (check one): Single Family
Rental: (# of units)
_ _
Number in Household:
Total:
Under Age 18 Between 18 & 65 Over 65
If unemployed, state source
of income:
Cost Estimates to Correct Violation:
Amount ($)
Plumber or Company
License Number
Cost Estimate #1
Cost Estimate #2
Cost Estimate #3
ATTACH COMPLETE COPY OF LATEST
FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATEMENT AS
W -2 FORMS.
note stating so and show all sources of
SECURITY, PENSION, INTEREST, CHILD
from the source of income for verification.
Security the attached release form must be
SUBMITTED TO IRS. INCLUDE COPY OF
If no income tax filing is required, please attach
income you receive such as SOCIAL
SUPPORT, etc. attaching a copy of a statement
If any of your income is through Social
completed and submitted along with this application OR a copy of the SSA -1099.
I authorize the City of Dubuque to contact my employer, or source of income, in order to verify my income for
purposes of my qualifying for the financial assistance for the Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program.
hereby certify that the above information is true and correct, and that I reside at the location indicated, and
understand that false statements or information are grounds for denial of the assistance.
I
Signature of Property Owner Home Phone Social Security # Work Phone
Signature of Property Owner Home Phone Social Security # Work Phone
Unusual circumstance
information:
Page 3 of 4
This Page For City Use Only
Date of Inspection:
Date of Notification Letter:
Date by which to Correct Violation:
Reason for Violation:
❑ Roof drain discharges to sanitary sewer.
• Yard / area drain discharges to sanitary sewer.
❑ Exterior stairway or driveway drain discharges to sanitary sewer.
❑ Sump pit without pump,
❑ Sump pump discharges to sanitary sewer.
• Sump pump discharges to floor drain.
❑ Sump pump discharges through flexible hose to exterior.
❑ Seepage collection system (foundation drain) discharges to sanitary sewer.
❑ Seepage collection system discharges to floor drain.
Application Approved: Yes No Amount Approved: $
Page 4 of 4