Dan Day Communication about Iowa DOT
Dan Day
5500 Old Highway Road
Dubuque, Iowa 52002
(319) 583-3094
CITY HALL
ATTENTION TERRY DUGGAN
50 WEST 13th STREET
DUBUQUE, IOWA 52001
Dear Mr. Mayor:
I own Boogie Nites Bar and Grill located in Dubuque, Iowa. I'm having a tenible experience with the Iowa DOT.
Enclosed is a chronological assessment of what has transpired so far. I don't understand how a representative from
the DOT can mislead me on three separate occasions with no repercussions unto himself However, the
repercussions to myself have been detrimental personally, financially, and emotionally. I once had a thriving business,
making it through the first year on my feet and the second year was looking promising. Unfortunately, on Mr.
Krause's misguided advice on several different occasions, my business is now finished.
I would greatly appreciate any advisement or suggestions on any satisfaction I can get on this situation
Sincerely,
Dan Day
March 30, 2000
Dan was contacted by Kyle Kritz, (Planning Services Department Iowa DOT) Kyle told
Dan the Iowa DOT would not approve his recent building permit due to the Highway 20
Corridor Preservation Zone.
March 31, 2000
Dan contacted Bob Krause as instructed by Kyle Kritz. Bob informed him Iowa DOT
would be purchasing Boogie Nites property and business due to "Damaged Parcel." Bob
told Dan a negotiator would contact him within 2 weeks, he also stated" once the ball
starts rolling the wheels move very fast." "You will be compensated for not being able to
put up garages." "Make sure you have all of your figures ready"
April 14, 2000
Dan contacted Bob Krause and asked about the hold-up. Bob stated "the Iowa DOT did
not anticipate having to buy 7 properties and that they only had I million dollars in their
budget they had to get another I million dollars approved at the end of April." He
assured Dan the purchase would still take place. He said probably in May he also shared
that he discovered that the septic tank of Boogie Nites was also located in Corridor area.
At the end of the conversation Bob told Dan to call him on May I, 2000. Because of a
meeting at the end of April he would then be able to give him a better idea of when the
Buy-out would take place.
May 1-3,2000
Several messages were left for Bob Krause by Dan. No return phone call.
May 4, 2000
Dan contacted Bob he stated the Iowa DOT changed their mind on buying the property
due to their financial situation it would be more beneficial to them to wait several years
to purchase Boogie Nites. Dan stated that this was unacceptable due to cut-backs in
preparation for the sale. Bob said they would consider buying Boogie Nites due to
"Hardship. "
May 8, 2000
Dan contacted Dick Kautz,(District Engineer), Bob Krause's Supervisor, Dick stated he
was aware of Dan's situation Dan asked to explain his side. After he was through
explaining Dick Stated, "that was not what he was told." He apologized for Bob
misleading him. He stated he would take into consideration Dan's financial Hardships
due to Bobs incorrect statements during previous conversations with Dan. Dick also
stated he didn't understand why Bob would have told Dan that reconsideration for
hardship would take place when this situation did not fit criteria for hardship. Dick told
Dan he would contact him after he spoke to Bob and had a conference call on the
situation.
May 11,2000
Bob Krause left message saying the Senior Staff had discussed and reversed their
decision on not purchasing the property. He stated that Dick Kautz took what Dan said to
heart and someone should be contacting him from negotiations office with-in 10 days.
May 12, 2000
Dan called Bob to acknowledge message left. Bob stated, " your lucky they changed
their decision." "I was horrified to hear how you changed your business on a few
maybes. " "You obviously don't know how the Iowa DOT works."
May 26, 2000
Dan contacted Cathy Cutler at Dick Kautz's office. Dan asked when a negotiator would
be calling. Cathy replied, "according to the file negotiations started May 17, 2000."
Cathy agreed to look into it and contact Dan on or before May 30, 2000.
May 30, 2000
Cathy Cutler called and apologized for Bob Krause for telling Dan that someone would
contact him with-in 10 days. She stated that was "very unrealistic." She said she would
get the ball rolling for Dan that 10 days from May 30, 2000 someone "By Law" had to
contact Dan from the negotiation office. She then apologized again for Bob misleading
Dan.
May 31, 2000
Dan contacted..................The Chief Acquisitions Person. He stated compensation is
never given for a business.
June 6, 2000
Dan consulted with Attorney Steve Juergens on the situation with the DOT.
June 15,2000
Steve contacted Cathy Cutler of the DOT.
.
June 28, 2000
Steve had a conference with Jim Olson ofthe DOT. Steve then contacted Dan and stated
to him that the DOT advised him that he should hear from acquisitions in "a good two
weeks. "
July 24, 2000
Dan received a package and letter from the acquisition department from the DOT.
July 31, 2000
Dan called Larry Phipps of the DOT and set up an appointment for August I.