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Watershed Management Authority Phase I GrantDubuque THE CITY OF WWI All MutaClb DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.1012.2013 Khristy Landpair Closeout Coordinator Iowa Economic Development Authority 200 E. Grand Avenue Des Moines IA 50308 SUBJECT: Contract # 08-DRIFWP-203 (Phase 2 Grant) Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan Planning Services Department City Hall - 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4805 (563) 589-4210 phone (563) 589-4221 fax (563) 690-6678 TDD planning@cityofdubuque.org Fie_6/r February 4, 2015 Dear Khristy, Enclosed please find the Ready to Close/Single Audit Form for Contract # 08-DRIFWP- 203, the Phase 2 Grant for creation of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan, signed by the City of Dubuque's Finance Director. Also enclosed is a hard copy of the City of Dubuque's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014. An electronic version of this report is available on the City of Dubuque's website at: http://www.cityofdubuque.orq/ArchiveCenterNiewFile/Item/4704. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me at 563-589-4210. Sincerely, 561°\— 09"CIA Laura Carstens Planning Services Manager Enclosures cc: Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 200 East Grand Avenue I Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA 1 Phone: 515 iowaeconomicdevelopment.com January 6, 2015 The Honorable Roy D. Buol Mayor, City of Dubuque City Hall - 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 SUBJECT: Notice to Close for Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Contract Number 08-DRIFWP-203, Contract End Date: 3/31/2015 IrtE6GUMlE JAN 2 7 2015 CITY OF DUBUQUE PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT I( )WA economic development Dear Mayor Buol: The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is informing you that on 3/31/2015 the above contract will expire and we would like to start the closeout process. As part of this process, you will need to determine the following: • Submit to the IEDA within 30 days of this letter. • Ready to Close/Single Audit Form enclosed. Informing IEDA if the project complete and ready to close or not complete and recipient needs an extension. • Are you are liable for an audit under OMB Circular A-133 as required by federal regulations that if a unit of local government or non-profit organization has expended $500,000 or more in all federal funds during a fiscal year, an A-133 audit if required. This information can be filled out on enclosed form. • Final Performance Report (Housing), or 3-D Final Accomplishments (Imminent Threat, Community Facilities). • Revise Section 3, if necessary (Opportunities for Low Income Persons) Report, original submitted with 1$' construction GAX. • Final Request for Funds, if needed. If you have questions, please contact me at (515) 725-3067, or contact your IEDA project manager. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Khristy Landphair Close -Out Coordinator cc: Grantee File - JG Governor Terry E. Branstad LL Governor Kim Reynolds 1 Director Debi V. Durham READY TO CLOSE / SINGLE AUDIT FORM Recipient Dubuque Start Date: 11/14/2011 Contract Number 08-DRIFWP-203 End Date: 3/31/2015 READY TO CLOSE 1>C Yes, contract is complete and ready to close. No, contract is not complete, need an extension (attach extension letter) or explanation of why not ready to close. SINGLE AUDIT FORM The Single Audit Act of 1996, as amended, changed the threshold of required audits from entities awarded federal funds. If a unit of local government or non-profit organization has expended $500,000 or more in federal funds from any federal sources or programs during a fiscal year, that entity is required to have these funds audited in accordance with the implementing regulations found in OMB Circular A-133. Entities that have not expended $500,000 in federal funds in a fiscal year are not required to have an A-133 audit performed. After reviewing the audit requirements described above, check one of the boxes below and have this form signed by the appropriate official of your organization, and return it to: Khristy Landphair, Closeout Coordinator Iowa Economic Development Authority 200 E. Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 I certify that, No Audit Required Audit is Required (will be available) For fiscal year 2014 Signature NOTE: IEDA must receive this form back within 30 days of receipt. Ready to Close/Single Audit Form January 6, 2015 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL INANCIAL REPORT WATER & RESOURCE RECOVERY• CENTER THE CITY OF Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014 DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi I 0 W A Dubuque Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque knerd All- America City 'I'll®, 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant for Creation of a Watershed Management Authority Board DATE: December 1, 2011 City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends City Council approval of the acceptance of a $24,500 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the purpose of creating a Watershed Management Authority Board for the Catfish Creek Watershed. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer DATE: December 1, 2011 SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for creation of a Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB) INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is request City Council approval to accept a $24,500.00 CDBG grant for the purpose of creating a Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB). BACKGROUND In June of 2011 the City Council enter into the 28E agreement with the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District and Dubuque County for the purpose of preparing and implementing a Watershed Management Plan for the Catfish Creek Watershed. In September of 2011 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced a grant opportunity to help create watershed management authority boards that would serve as an advisory board for cities and counties. The Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB) would consist of representatives from the “political subdivisions” in a specific watershed with possible representatives from other relevant organizations within the watershed. Award recipients will have six months to invite all political subdivisions in the watershed to participate, establish a board of directors and enter into a formal agreement with all interested parties. It is expected that the program will offer a second phase of funding for the purpose of developing a watershed management plan that addresses water quality and quantity issues. Phase II will also begin with a competitive request for proposal process and is expected to begin in approximately six months. The funding for this program was provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Relief allocation and is available only to the 85 counties declared federal disaster areas during the 2008 floods, or cities within those counties. DISCUSSION In October of 2011 the City of Dubuque submitted an application for $24,500.00 for the purpose of establishing a WMAB for the Catfish Creek Watershed. The funding would be used to facilitate the development of a 28E agreement between the organizations with jurisdiction within the watershed such as Dubuque County, City of Dubuque, City of Asbury, City of Peosta, and other stakeholders within the watershed such as the Dubuque County Conservation Board, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and the Farm Bureau Dubuque Chapter. While all organizations are not required to participate, all would be invited. Once a WMAB is created, the City would be able to compete for an additional $200,000 in grant funding for watershed improvements throughout the watershed. On November 14, 2011 the City received word that the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced funding for six Watershed Management Authority (WMA) applications including $24,500.00 for the City of Dubuque. IEDA has asked that an authorized City representative accept the award. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City accept the CDBG grant in the amount of $24,500.00 to be used for the creation of a WMAB for the Catfish Creek Watershed. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the CDBG grant on behalf of the City of Dubuque for the creation of a WMAB for the Catfish Creek Watershed. Attach. Prepared by Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer II cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Budget Director Ken TeKippe, Finance Director Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Todd Shoemaker, Environmental Engineer Watershed Management Authority Grant Proposal IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES — Watershed Management Authority Grant Project Title: Grant Application for Watershed Management Authority Establishment Organization Submitting Application: City of Dubuque Contact Person: Dean Mattoon Engineering Technician 50 West 13th St Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 589 -4270 dmattoon @cityofdubuque.orq Total Funding Requested for Phase I: $24,500 Eric Schmechel Urban Conservationist 210 Bierman Rd Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876 -3418 x3 eric.schmechel @dubuqueswcd.orq 1 A \ ' Contents Contents 2 Project Executive Summary: 3 Watershed Background 4 Support for the Watershed 6 Statement of Work 7 Schedule of Events 9 Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget 10 Conclusions 11 2 Project Executive Summary: The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County have grown rapidly over the past few decades, and city and county leaders have worked diligently with developers, agricultural producers, citizens, contractors, and others to address watershed concerns. However, there is still a growing demand and need for sustainable watershed management in our community. Having been an established partner in the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project, which the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District (Dubuque SWCD) recently completed, one of our main goals is to continue working on both agricultural and urban watershed challenges. The City of Dubuque and its partners recognize the needs and benefits of working within watershed limits, as opposed to corporate or political boundaries. One of the first steps in doing so is to form a watershed management authority. Recently, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD entered into a 28E agreement to sustain an urban conservation program. This was done in an effort to continue working on the Catfish Creek Watershed and work on other related watershed concerns. One of the goals from this agreement was to begin working on more of a watershed -based approach, thus continuing to partner with relevant organizations within the watershed boundaries. In the next six months, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD are planning on using the available grant dollars to establish an official 28E agreement to form a watershed management authority board for the HUC 10 watershed, Catfish Creek, and all of its relevant partners. This will be done by a collective networking approach, including members from each City involved, developers /contractors, agricultural associations, regional planning services, non - profit organizations, conservation associations, and stakeholders involved in the process. 3 Watershed Background The Catfish Creek Watershed is a 46,300 acre (HUC 10 - #0706000501) watershed consisting of The City of Dubuque, the City of Asbury, and the City of Peosta. Distinguishable features include: industrial centers, cropland, steep bluffs, sedimentary rock outcrops, and dense forests. The landscape transition from rolling agricultural land to cropped ridges and bluffs, surrounded by steep, forested slopes, encompasses nearly one half of the City of Dubuque. Catfish Creek flows eastward, beginning near the City of Peosta, and enters the Mississippi river on the south side of the City of Dubuque, in the Mines of Spain State Park. There are five sub - watersheds (or HUC 12's) within the Catfish Creek Watershed. These include: the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork, Granger Creek, and the main stem of Catfish Creek. These sub - watersheds can be seen on the map below. Along with the urban area the stream encompasses, the creek meanders through the three significant natural resources within the watershed, Swiss Valley Park, the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, and the Mines of Spain State Park. These areas are managed by both the Dubuque County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and attract over 380,000 users per year. According to DNR's 305(d) report, a portion of the creek within the park and preserve is classified as a Class B(CW) stream. This section of stream is classified as cold -water and has naturally reproducing trout (one of only 30 streams in Iowa with this capability). The recreational activities in the Catfish Creek watershed are abundant. Forming an official watershed management authority board will allow public and private stakeholders and policy leaders to effectively create sustainable watershed management policies and practices. Catfish Creek Watershed Land Usage, 2011 (Approximate Numbers) Land Use Number of Acres Percentage of Watershed Residential 12,500 Acres 27% Commercial 3,900 Acres 8% Agricultural 27,300 Acres 59% Industrial 1,200 Acres 3% Parks /Preserves 1,400 Acres 3% Total 46,300 Acres 100% This past year, the Dubuque SWCD completed a watershed project on the Upper portions of Catfish Creek. This project implemented a great deal of conservation practices, but also created a sense of awareness and raised levels of interest from both public and private sectors. While the Upper Catfish Creek project was a very successful watershed project, its main focus was the cold -water section of Catfish Creek, (located in the headwaters of Catfish Creek), which is approximately 9300 acres. With information and education that was provided to the community from this project, the City of Dubuque feels it is ready to begin working on a larger scale, and encompass the entire watershed. 4 Watershed Management Authority Grant Proposal Catfish Creek Watershed Maps Below are the five branches that make up Catfish Creek. From top to bottom they are: 1. North Fork 2. Middle Fork 3. South Fork 4. Catfish Fork 5. Granger Creek Little Maquoketa River Gra(' TE'rtlR:l:E hurt i9illiil.t 0 Tt1911R02E Catfish Creek .. DUDUQIE 1 !' 138t1ft32E 52 5 'i 'a Support for the Watershed Support for and interest to form a watershed management authority has been outstanding. The following political subdivisions and relevant organizations are those who have been identified to date to be included in the watershed management authority: • The City of Dubuque (Both Planning Services Members and Engineering Members) • Dubuque County (Both Engineering and Planning /Zoning and Board of Supervisors) • The City of Asbury • The City of Peosta • The Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District • The Dubuque County Conservation Board • Friends of the Mines of Spain • Iowa Department of Natural Resources • East Central Intergovernmental Association • Mississippi River Museum • Gronen Restoration Development Group • Farm Bureau Dubuque Chapter • Audobon Society Chapter • Green Dubuque The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD feel that a working watershed management authority will be an effective, practical board consisting of 12 -14 members from the organizations listed above. Letters of support are included from some of the political subdivisions within the watershed. 6 rar 1' • Statement of Work Following the RFP in the grant application process, the City of Dubuque has identified and addressed the following: 1. Add value to watershed management For the past few years, the City of Dubuque and its partners have been discussing ways to prioritize and analyze sustainable watershed management. In 2008, the City of Dubuque mailed out approximately 18,000 watershed surveys to City of Dubuque residents to get a better understanding of how citizens view watersheds. One of the most returned comments indicated ways that other individuals, organizations, and communities impacted the view of their favorite waterway. One of these comments read: "It doesn't really matter what the City of Dubuque does to clean up their water until Dubuque County and its other small cities begin to do something." As we started analyzing these comments, a question started to become more and more recurrent, "How can we (the City of Dubuque) start working on watershed goals in a more regional scale ?" In working with the Dubuque SWCD and the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed coalition, several discussions took place that centered on this theme. By creating a watershed management authority, the City of Dubuque and its partners strongly feel we can successfully begin working and communicating effectively in dealing with watershed concerns. In doing so, water quality will be improved, flooding concerns will be better addressed, and people's perception of Catfish Creek will improve, thus increasing the value of the stream and the quality of life in Dubuque. 2. Encourage comprehensive, multi- objective planning By having twelve different entities /organizations involved in a watershed management authority, it will create and establish several different goals and objectives for the watershed. When researching the Catfish Creek watershed, one of our priorities was in establishing a multi- faceted board, thus covering a broad range of watershed concerns and topics. Catfish Creek is always in a constant stage of change. Its land use ranges from agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial, thus creating land use changes that impact our watershed on a yearly, monthly, and even daily basis. The City of Dubuque and its partners feel it would get the most comprehensive, balanced approach by creating a board that looks at watershed concerns from several different angles. We don't want to just include political subdivisions in the watershed, but rather go beyond that, and create a board that has several important stakeholders in the watershed. 3. Demonstrate long term sustainability (20 years +) Currently, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County and several smaller communities are working on a regional comprehensive smart plan for Dubuque County. This consortium meets twice a month to discuss relevant topics pertaining to smart, sustainable, growth for the area. The goal of this new regional smart plan is to work on more of a community -wide basis in dealing with sustainable land use in the area. While there are 13 planning elements (ranging from community facilities and transportation to land use and natural resource protection), watershed management was created as its own chapter, thus highlighting the importance of creating and establishing sustainable watershed management principles from a regional, comprehensive approach. By creating a watershed management authority and having a working consortium of planners and political subdivisions that implement new smart plan strategies across the community; sustainable, long -term goals will be met. The City of Dubuque and its partners feel that the Catfish Creek Watershed management 7 authority will set a new standard, and serve as an excellent example to other communities both locally and statewide in dealing with long -term sustainable watershed management. A long term goal for the City of Dubuque would be to increase watershed management principles and practices to an even a larger watershed scale, going to a HUC -8 level. The City of Dubuque also plans on continuing to work and partner with additional watersheds in the community once the board is established. 4. Establish new or expanded watershed entities As mentioned before, Catfish Creek is a HUC -10 watershed consisting of several different land uses. It was chosen for many reasons. However, one of the main goals was working in a watershed which the community valued both recreationally and industrially. We also felt its size was practical and feasible for a watershed management authority to tackle its problems. Currently, the City of Dubuque has a 28E agreement with the Dubuque SWCD to work on watershed improvements and develop a local urban conservation program. While this is a great start, the City of Dubuque realizes there are other important political subdivisions and relevant entities that must be included to create a completely balanced watershed management authority board. These would include other important local political subdivisions such as: the City of Peosta, the City of Asbury, and the East Central Inter- governmental Association. The City also feels by including other relevant entities that have a stake in the watershed, it will help to strengthen a formal watershed management authority board and create a more dynamic range of watershed related topics to be addressed. 5. Encourage inclusivity among Political Subdivisions The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD will clearly invite all political subdivisions within the Catfish Creek watershed. As stated earlier, the City of Dubuque will be inviting 12 -14 entities to be included on the watershed management authority. 6. Leverage funding, in -kind services, leadership, and networks See page 10 — Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget 7. Address a watershed at least HUC -12 in size See Watershed Background (Page 4) 8 G -< Schedule of Events Task Projected Completion Date Organize and plan a meeting with selected political subdivisions and relevant organizations to discuss the watershed management authority. 12 -31 -11 Present watershed management authority information to city councils, associations, and /or relevant boards. Communication is essential to the success of this board, thus making sure all board members and their supporting teams are fully aware is a priority. 1 -31 -11 Begin to create an effective informational and educational component for various markets. 1 -31 -11 Draft 28E agreement for all political subdivisions and relevant organizations. 2 -28 -11 Facilitate /Coordinate a 28E agreement between all board members and their political subdivisions /organizations to be signed. On -Going Finalize 28E agreement, receive all signatures, and make sure all board members are appointed from each organization. 4 -30 -11 Record 28E agreement, set meeting times /dates, and begin work on watershed management plan. 5 -31 -11 9 \Air Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget Budget Item Cost In -Kind Match Grant Dollars Requested Facilitation /Administration $20,000 $2,000 $18,000 Information and Educational Outreach $6,500 $0 $6,500 Legal Fees (City of Dubuque attorney) $2,500 $2,500 $0 Totals $29,000 $4,500 $24,500 10 1V ' fyia.nage +r.. nt (rz Conclusions The City of Dubuque strongly feels that this would be an excellent opportunity to continue addressing watershed challenges throughout the Catfish Creek Basin. By including all political subdivisions in the watershed and relevant organizations to commit to a watershed authority board, water quantity and quality issues will be more effectively prioritized and focused on throughout the entire watershed. Already having a great deal of support, we recognize the importance of completing a 28e agreement to form this board, and look forward to working on a watershed management plan for Catfish Creek in the near future. 11 THE CITY OF DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi Jeff Berckes, Issuing Officer Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA. 50319 Re: Request for Proposal Number WMA- PH1 -JB PROPOSAL CERTIFICATIONS Dear Jeff Berckes: Engineering Department City Hall 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (fax) www.cityofdubuque.org October 11, 2011 I certify that the contents of the Proposal submitted on behalf of The City of Dubuque (Applicant) in response to the Department of Natural Resources Request for Proposal Number WMA- PH1 -JB for the formation of a Watershed Management Authority are true and accurate. I also certify that Applicant has not knowingly made any false statements in its Proposal. Certification of Independence I certify that I am a representative of Applicant expressly authorized to make the following certifications on behalf of Applicant. By submitting a Proposal in response to the RFP, I certify on behalf of the Applicant the following: 1. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication or agreement with any employee or consultant to the IDNR or the IEDA or with any person serving as a member of the evaluation committee. 2. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication or agreement with any other Applicant or parties for the purpose of restricting competition. 3. Unless otherwise required by law, the information found in the Proposal has not been and will not be knowingly disclosed, directly or indirectly prior to IEDA's issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award the contract. 4. No attempt has been made or will be made by Applicant to induce any other Applicant to submit or not to submit a Proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. 5. No relationship exists or will exist during the contract period between Applicant and the IDNR or the IEDA or any other State agency that interferes with fair competition or constitutes a conflict of interest. Certification Regarding Debarment 6. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, neither Applicant nor any of its principals: (a) are presently or have been debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by a Federal IEDA or State Agency; (b) have within a three year period preceding this Proposal been convicted of, or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud, a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction, violation of antitrust statutes; commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; (c) are presently indicted for or criminally or civilly charged by a government entity (federal, state, or local) with the commission of any of the offenses enumerated in (b) of this certification; and (d) have not within a three year period preceding this Proposal had one or more public transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated for cause. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which the IEDA has relied upon when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that Applicant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available, the IEDA may pursue available remedies including suspension, debarment, or termination of the contract. Certification Regarding Registration, Collection, and Remission of Sales and Use Tax 7. Pursuant to Iowa Code sections 423.2(10) and 423.5(8) (2009) a retailer in Iowa or a retailer maintaining a business in Iowa that enters into a contract with a state agency must register, collect, and remit Iowa sales tax and Iowa use tax levied under Iowa Code chapter 423 on all sales of tangible personal property and enumerated services. The Act also requires Applicants to certify their compliance with sales tax registration, collection, and remission requirements and provides potential consequences if the certification is false or fraudulent. By submitting a Proposal in response to the (RFP), the Applicant certifies the following: (check the applicable box) ❑ Applicant is registered with the Iowa Department of Revenue, collects, and remits Iowa sales and use taxes as required by Iowa Code Chapter 432; or ❑ Applicant is not a "retailer" or a "retailer maintaining a place of business in this state" as those terms are defined in Iowa Code subsections 423.1(42) and (43). Applicant also acknowledges that the IEDA may declare the Applicant's Proposal or resulting contract void if the above certification is false. The Applicant also understands that fraudulent certification may result in the IEDA or its representative filing for damages for breach of contract in additional to other remedies available to IEDA. Sincerely, Dean Mattoon CESSWI City of Dubuque Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 dmattoon(a cityofdubuque.org 563 - 589 -4202 Phone 563- 589 -4205 Fax CITY OF ASBURY 5080 Asbury Road Asbury, IA 52002 -2522 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Office of Watershed Improvement Plans Re: Watershed Management Authority Board October 17`h, 2011 Dear Mr. Berckes City Hall 563/556 -7106 Public Works 563/556 -6410 Fax 563/556 -2001 This letter is to inform you of our commitment to support the proposed Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB). We feel that working together to tackle water quality issues on a watershed level will be the most effective way to move forward and create lasting solutions. We look forward to working with The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and other agencies to create and manage our watershed. incer:ly, Jam_. gams, Mayor City of Asbury Erie Manternach emanternaob @dbqco.org Wayne Demurer wdemmer @dbq.org Daryl Klein dklein @dbeco.org October 17, 2011 2141ae County e04zd o StperVii0rJ COURTHOUSE - 720 CENTRAL AVENUE DUBUQUE, IOWA 52001 -7079 www.dubuquecounty.org Iowa Department of Natural Resources Office of Watershed Improvement Plans — Jeff Berckes Re: Letter of Support for Watershed Management Authority Greetings: Phone: 563 -589 -4441 Fax: 563-587-3836 On behalf of the Dubuque County, we would like to express our firm support for the creation of a watershed management authority board. Dubuque County strongly feels that establishing a watershed management authority board will help enable city and county leaders to better protect and sustainably manage watersheds in Dubuque County. We believe that working together on more of a watershed based approach and creating a watershed management plan for all of Catfish Creek will enhance our water quality and quantity challenges. The County will designate at least one person to join the watershed management authority board, and will continue working together with other communities in Dubuque to better protect our watersheds. Sincerely, /,.fJGLG//I'IR.i- Wayne Demmer, Chairperson Dubuque County Board of Supervisors Lobuque Soil 84 ` e ';:Ater Conservation istrict 210 Bierman Epworth IA 52045 -9529 Phone: (563)876 -3418, #3 Fax: (563)876 -3653 www. dubuqueswcd. ora To protect, conserve and restore the natural resources of Dubuque County for present and future generations by actively seeking resources and partnerships to promote Soil Conservation and improve Water Quality. October 20, 2011 To: Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Division of Watershed Management Re: Letter of Support for Watershed Management Authority To the Watershed Management Authority Grant Review Committee: On behalf of the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, we would like to offer our full support for the creation of a watershed management authority board. This past year, the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County to create a local urban conservation program. This was done to better address watershed concerns in Catfish Creek and help with technical support for many new urban Best Management Practices (BMPs). The district feels that creating a watershed management authority board fits well with our current urban conservation program and help bring additional stakeholders and community leaders together to address water quality and quantity issues. The district realizes the importance of working on more of a watershed based approach, thus creating a formal watershed management authority board and working towards a watershed management plan for Catfish Creek will significantly help manage watersheds in Dubuque County. The district will participate in this process by contributing our urban conservationist time and will serve as a watershed authority board member(s). Sincerely, Mel Wilgenbush, Chairperson Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 200 East Grand Avenue I Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA I Phone: 515.725.3000 iowaeconomicdevelopment.com November 14, 2011 The Honorable Roy D. Buol, Mayor City of Dubuque City Hall - 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 SUBJECT: Contract Recipient: Dubuque Contract Number: 08- DRIFWP -203 Dear Mayor Buol: I am pleased to inform you that the Iowa Economic Development Authority ( "IEDA ") has awarded the City of Dubuque a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG ") in an amount not to exceed $24,500 for Watershed Management Authority Phase I Grant. IEDA has received these funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ( "HUD ") under the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110 -252) and under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 (Pub. L.110- 329) under the CDBG Program in order to assist in the recovery from the 2008 floods. This award is conditioned on the receipt of funds from HUD for the approved project in the previous paragraph. Your contract with respect to this award (the "Contract ") will have an effective date of the later of November 14, 2011 or the date it is fully signed. The Contract between Dubuque and IEDA will be following shortly. Upon its receipt, please review the document thoroughly, and sign and return it to IEDA. With the Contract's return we will execute and return a copy for your files. The receipt of this award is conditioned on compliance with the provisions of the CDBG program for the activity described above and with the Contract. The applicant must follow all regulations pertaining to Environmental Review per 24 CFR Part 58. For assistance in this regard, please contact Benton Quade @ 515 - 725 -3073. Benton.Quade a.iowa.gov IF ANY CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THIS LETTER ARE NOT SATISFIED IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF IEDA, OR THE CONTRACT IS NOT FULLY EXECUTED BY DECEMBER 31, 2011, THIS AWARD OF FUNDS SHALL BE RESCINDED, AND NULL AND VOID, AND NO REIMBURSEMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR ANY COSTS INCURRED BY THE CONTRACT RECIPIENT WITH RESPECT TO THIS AWARD. If you have any questions, please contact your project manager, Joseph Bohlke at (515) 725 -3011 or Joseph.Bohlke@iowa.gov. IEDA looks forward to working with Dubuque on this Watershed Management Authority Phase I Grant once all conditions to the award have been met and the contract is fully executed. Sincere) Debra V. Durham Director cc: Dean Mattoon CESSWI File Governor Terry E. Branstad ( Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds Director Debi V. Durham Please have an authorized representative sign this page and return it to the attention of: Project Manager: Joseph Bohlke at IEDA. Retain the Award Letter for your files. Dubuque, acting by and through its duly authorized officers, hereby accepts the award described in this letter (the "Award "), acknowledges that receipt of this Award is contingent upon the satisfaction of all conditions of the CDBG Program and the execution of the Contract, and agrees to be bound by all program requirements of the CDBG Program for disaster recovery, IEDA guidelines and the Contract with respect to this Award. Dubuqu Contra; t Numb r: 08- DRIFWP -203 By: Name: Roy D. Buol Title Mayor RESOLUTION NO. 406 -11 AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,500 FOR THE CREATION OF A WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY BOARD FOR THE CATFISH CREEK WATERSHED Whereas, the City of Dubuque's MS4 permit requires the preparation and implementation of a watershed management plan for the Catfish Creek Watershed; and Whereas, the Catfish Creek Watershed Basin extends beyond the City limits and the health of the watershed is impacted by what occurs both inside and outside the City limits; and Whereas, a Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB) would help to meet the above requirements; and Whereas, a (WMAB) will allow the City to compete for a future grant to create a watershed management plan; and Whereas, the City of Dubuque submitted an application (the "Application ") to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requesting assistance in financing for the creation of a WMAB; and Whereas, the IDNR reviewed the Application and the IEDA made a determination to award the City of Dubuque a grant; and Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque to accept the grant award. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: The City Manager is hereby recognized as the City's authorized representative and thereby authorized to accept the award on behalf of the City as required for the City's receipt of $24,500 for the purpose of creating a WMAB for the Catfish Creek Watershed. Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of December 20, 1. Attest Kev in �• y . Firnstahl, Ci Cle o/o Roy D. Buol, Mayor Masterpiece on the Mississippi MEMORANDUM Dubuque All-America City 2007 TO: Michael C. Van Milligan, City Manager FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer SUBJECT: Grant Opportunity - Watershed Management Authority Board DATE: October 20, 2011 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to inform you of the City's application for grant funds to form a Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Board which would include The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, The Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, and other local relevant organizations. BACKGROUND Last month, the IDNR announced a grant opportunity to form watershed management authority boards that would serve as an advisory board for cities and counties. This would be done through a 28E agreement between interested and /or relevant organizations. The boards would consist of representatives from all "political subdivisions" in a select watershed, and possibly other representatives from other relevant organizations within the watershed. While we have already established a 28E agreement for the purposes of an Urban Conservation position, the proposed 28E agreement would be to establish a Watershed Management Authority Board. This board would serve in an advisory capacity to establish best management practices and promote awareness within the watershed. DISCUSSION The Grant would secure up to $30,000 for the purpose of establishing a 28E agreement between the watershed authorities. In the event that a 28E agreement is established, another grant opportunity will be presented which would secure up to $200,000 for the purpose of establishing a watershed management plan. This would be added to our existing budget for developing a watershed plan and would produce a greater impact on the watershed. BUDGET IMPACT The grant money will cover most of the costs to form the watershed management authority board. In kind funds provided by the City of $4,500 would be used for partial administration costs and for legal fees for the City Attorney to review the 28E agreement. ACTION TO BE TAKEN This memo is for informational purposes only. In the event that the grant application is successful, the City Council, and City staff would then evaluate whether or not the City would enter into a 28E agreement with the various organizations and would be subject to City Council approval. Prepared by Dean Mattoon attachments cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Todd Shoemaker, Environmental Engineer iVa ersh » hviariartii iriea'k: Authority l3 ant "r po hd IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES — Watershed Management Authority Grant Project Title: Grant Application for Watershed Management Authority Establishment Organization Submitting Application: City of Dubuque Contact Person: Dean Mattoon Engineering Technician 50 West 13th St Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 589 -4270 dmattoon[a)cityofdubuque.orq Total Funding Requested for Phase I: $24,500 Eric Schmechel Urban Conservationist 210 Bierman Rd Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876 -3418 x3 eric.schmechel(@,dubuqueswcd.org 1 Contents Contents 2 Project Executive Summary: 3 Watershed Background 4 Support for the Watershed 6 Statement of Work 7 Schedule of Events 9 Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget 10 Conclusions 11 2 Project Executive Summary: The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County have grown rapidly over the past few decades, and city and county leaders have worked diligently with developers, agricultural producers, citizens, contractors, and others to address watershed concerns. However, there is still a growing demand and need for sustainable watershed management in our community. Having been an established partner in the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project, which the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District (Dubuque SWCD) recently completed, one of our main goals is to continue working on both agricultural and urban watershed challenges. The City of Dubuque and its partners recognize the needs and benefits of working within watershed limits, as opposed to corporate or political boundaries. One of the first steps in doing so is to form a watershed management authority. Recently, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD entered into a 28E agreement to sustain an urban conservation program. This was done in an effort to continue working on the Catfish Creek Watershed and work on other related watershed concerns. One of the goals from this agreement was to begin working on more of a watershed -based approach, thus continuing to partner with relevant organizations within the watershed boundaries. In the next six months, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD are planning on using the available grant dollars to establish an official 28E agreement to form a watershed management authority board for the HUC 10 watershed, Catfish Creek, and all of its relevant partners. This will be done by a collective networking approach, including members from each City involved, developers /contractors, agricultural associations, regional planning services, non - profit organizations, conservation associations, and stakeholders involved in the process. 3 Watershed Background The Catfish Creek Watershed is a 46,300 acre (HUC 10 - #0706000501) watershed consisting of The City of Dubuque, the City of Asbury, and the City of Peosta. Distinguishable features include: industrial centers, cropland, steep bluffs, sedimentary rock outcrops, and dense forests. The landscape transition from rolling agricultural land to cropped ridges and bluffs, surrounded by steep, forested slopes, encompasses nearly one half of the City of Dubuque. Catfish Creek flows eastward, beginning near the City of Peosta, and enters the Mississippi river on the south side of the City of Dubuque, in the Mines of Spain State Park. There are five sub - watersheds (or HUC 12's) within the Catfish Creek Watershed. These include: the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork, Granger Creek, and the main stem of Catfish Creek. These sub - watersheds can be seen on the map below. Along with the urban area the stream encompasses, the creek meanders through the three significant natural resources within the watershed, Swiss Valley Park, the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, and the Mines of Spain State Park. These areas are managed by both the Dubuque County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and attract over 380,000 users per year. According to DNR's 305(d) report, a portion of the creek within the park and preserve is classified as a Class B(CW) stream. This section of stream is classified as cold -water and has naturally reproducing trout (one of only 30 streams in Iowa with this capability). The recreational activities in the Catfish Creek watershed are abundant. Forming an official watershed management authority board will allow public and private stakeholders and policy leaders to effectively create sustainable watershed management policies and practices. Catfish Creek Watershed Land Usage, 2011 (Approximate Numbers) Land Use Number of Acres Percentage of Watershed Residential 12,500 Acres 27% Commercial 3,900 Acres 8% Agricultural 27,300 Acres 59% Industrial 1,200 Acres 3% Parks /Preserves 1,400 Acres 3% Total 46,300 Acres 100% This past year, the Dubuque SWCD completed a watershed project on the Upper portions of Catfish Creek. This project implemented a great deal of conservation practices, but also created a sense of awareness and raised levels of interest from both public and private sectors. While the Upper Catfish Creek project was a very successful watershed project, its main focus was the cold -water section of Catfish Creek, (located in the headwaters of Catfish Creek), which is approximately 9300 acres. With information and education that was provided to the community from this project, the City of Dubuque feels it is ready to begin working on a larger scale, and encompass the entire watershed. 4 watershed l.illarn ,life t plfil r, r,i Pair., Proposal Catfish Creek Watershed Maps Below are the five branches that make up Catfish Creek. From top to bottom they are: 1. North Fork 2. Middle Fork 3. South Fork 4. Catfish Fork 5. Granger Creek Little Maquoketa River i(Xianget GteekBasin / 5 Support for the Watershed Support for and interest to form a watershed management authority has been outstanding. The following political subdivisions and relevant organizations are those who have been identified to date to be included in the watershed management authority: • The City of Dubuque (Both Planning Services Members and Engineering Members) • Dubuque County (Both Engineering and Planning /Zoning and Board of Supervisors) • The City of Asbury • The City of Peosta • The Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District • The Dubuque County Conservation Board • Friends of the Mines of Spain • Iowa Department of Natural Resources • East Central Intergovernmental Association • Mississippi River Museum • Gronen Restoration Development Group • Farm Bureau Dubuque Chapter • Audobon Society Chapter • Green Dubuque The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD feel that a working watershed management authority will be an effective, practical board consisting of 12 -14 members from the organizations listed above. Letters of support are included from some of the political subdivisions within the watershed. 6 Statement of Work Following the RFP in the grant application process, the City of Dubuque has identified and addressed the following: 1. Add value to watershed management For the past few years, the City of Dubuque and its partners have been discussing ways to prioritize and analyze sustainable watershed management. In 2008, the City of Dubuque mailed out approximately 18,000 watershed surveys to City of Dubuque residents to get a better understanding of how citizens view watersheds. One of the most returned comments indicated ways that other individuals, organizations, and communities impacted the view of their favorite waterway. One of these comments read: "It doesn't really matter what the City of Dubuque does to clean up their water until Dubuque County and its other small cities begin to do something." As we started analyzing these comments, a question started to become more and more recurrent, "How can we (the City of Dubuque) start working on watershed goals in a more regional scale ?" In working with the Dubuque SWCD and the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed coalition, several discussions took place that centered on this theme. By creating a watershed management authority, the City of Dubuque and its partners strongly feel we can successfully begin working and communicating effectively in dealing with watershed concerns. In doing so, water quality will be improved, flooding concerns will be better addressed, and people's perception of Catfish Creek will improve, thus increasing the value of the stream and the quality of life in Dubuque. 2. Encourage comprehensive, multi- objective planning By having twelve different entities /organizations involved in a watershed management authority, it will create and establish several different goals and objectives for the watershed. When researching the Catfish Creek watershed, one of our priorities was in establishing a multi- faceted board, thus covering a broad range of watershed concerns and topics. Catfish Creek is always in a constant stage of change. Its land use ranges from agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial, thus creating land use changes that impact our watershed on a yearly, monthly, and even daily basis. The City of Dubuque and its partners feel it would get the most comprehensive, balanced approach by creating a board that looks at watershed concerns from several different angles. We don't want to just include political subdivisions in the watershed, but rather go beyond that, and create a board that has several important stakeholders in the watershed. 3. Demonstrate long term sustainability (20 years +) Currently, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County and several smaller communities are working on a regional comprehensive smart plan for Dubuque County. This consortium meets twice a month to discuss relevant topics pertaining to smart, sustainable, growth for the area. The goal of this new regional smart plan is to work on more of a community -wide basis in dealing with sustainable land use in the area. While there are 13 planning elements (ranging from community facilities and transportation to land use and natural resource protection), watershed management was created as its own chapter, thus highlighting the importance of creating and establishing sustainable watershed management principles from a regional, comprehensive approach. By creating a watershed management authority and having a working consortium of planners and political subdivisions that implement new smart plan strategies across the community; sustainable, long -term goals will be met. The City of Dubuque and its partners feel that the Catfish Creek Watershed management 7 authority will set a new standard, and serve as an excellent example to other communities both locally and statewide in dealing with long -term sustainable watershed management. A long term goal for the City of Dubuque would be to increase watershed management principles and practices to an even a larger watershed scale, going to a HUC -8 level. The City of Dubuque also plans on continuing to work and partner with additional watersheds in the community once the board is established. 4. Establish new or expanded watershed entities As mentioned before, Catfish Creek is a HUC -10 watershed consisting of several different land uses. It was chosen for many reasons. However, one of the main goals was working in a watershed which the community valued both recreationally and industrially. We also felt its size was practical and feasible for a watershed management authority to tackle its problems. Currently, the City of Dubuque has a 28E agreement with the Dubuque SWCD to work on watershed improvements and develop a local urban conservation program. While this is a great start, the City of Dubuque realizes there are other important political subdivisions and relevant entities that must be included to create a completely balanced watershed management authority board. These would include other important local political subdivisions such as: the City of Peosta, the City of Asbury, and the East Central Inter- governmental Association. The City also feels by including other relevant entities that have a stake in the watershed, it will help to strengthen a formal watershed management authority board and create a more dynamic range of watershed related topics to be addressed. 5. Encourage inclusivity among Political Subdivisions The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque SWCD will clearly invite all political subdivisions within the Catfish Creek watershed. As stated earlier, the City of Dubuque will be inviting 12 -14 entities to be included on the watershed management authority. 6. Leverage funding, in -kind services, leadership, and networks See page 10 — Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget 7. Address a watershed at least HUC -12 in size See Watershed Background (Page 4) 8 Schedule of Events Task Projected Completion Date Organize and plan a meeting with selected political subdivisions and relevant organizations to discuss the watershed management authority. 12 -31 -11 Present watershed management authority information to city councils, associations, and /or relevant boards. Communication is essential to the success of this board, thus making sure all board members and their supporting teams are fully aware is a priority. 1 -31 -11 Begin to create an effective informational and educational component for various markets. 1 -31 -11 Draft 28E agreement for all political subdivisions and relevant organizations. 2 -28 -11 Facilitate /Coordinate a 28E agreement between all board members and their political subdivisions /organizations to be signed. On -Going Finalize 28E agreement, receive all signatures, and make sure all board members are appointed from each organization. 4 -30 -11 Record 28E agreement, set meeting times /dates, and begin work on watershed management plan. 5 -31 -11 9 Project Costs, In -Kind, and Projected Budget Budget Item Cost In -Kind Match Grant Dollars Requested Facilitation /Administration $20,000 $2,000 $18,000 Information and Educational Outreach $6,500 $0 $6,500 Legal Fees (City of Dubuque attorney) $2,500 $2,500 $0 Totals $29,000 $4,500 $24,500 10 Conclusions The City of Dubuque strongly feels that this would be an excellent opportunity to continue addressing watershed challenges throughout the Catfish Creek Basin. By including all political subdivisions in the watershed and relevant organizations to commit to a watershed authority board, water quantity and quality issues will be more effectively prioritized and focused on throughout the entire watershed. Already having a great deal of support, we recognize the importance of completing a 28e agreement to form this board, and look forward to working on a watershed management plan for Catfish Creek in the near future. 11 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Jeff Berckes, Issuing Officer Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA. 50319 Re: Request for Proposal Number WMA- PH1 -JB PROPOSAL CERTIFICATIONS Dear Jeff Berckes: Engineering Department City Hall 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (fax) www.cityofdubuque.org October 11, 2011 I certify that the contents of the Proposal submitted on behalf of The City of Dubuque (Applicant) in response to the Department of Natural Resources Request for Proposal Number WMA - PHI -JB for the formation of a Watershed Management Authority are true and accurate. I also certify that Applicant has not knowingly made any false statements in its Proposal. Certification of Independence I certify that I am a representative of Applicant expressly authorized to make the following certifications on behalf of Applicant. By submitting a Proposal in response to the RFP, I certify on behalf of the Applicant the following: 1. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication or agreement with any employee or consultant to the IDNR or the IEDA or with any person serving as a member of the evaluation committee. 2. The Proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication or agreement with any other Applicant or parties for the purpose of restricting competition. 3. Unless otherwise required by law, the information found in the Proposal has not been and will not be knowingly disclosed, directly or indirectly prior to IEDA's issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award the contract. 4. No attempt has been made or will be made by Applicant to induce any other Applicant to submit or not to submit a Proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. 5. No relationship exists or will exist during the contract period between Applicant and the IDNR or the IEDA or any other State agency that interferes with fair competition or constitutes a conflict of interest. Certification Regarding Debarment 6. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, neither Applicant nor any of its principals: (a) are presently or have been debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by a Federal IEDA or State Agency; (b) have within a three year period preceding this Proposal been convicted of, or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud, a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction, violation of antitrust statutes; commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; (c) are presently indicted for or criminally or civilly charged by a government entity (federal, state, or local) with the commission of any of the offenses enumerated in (b) of this certification; and (d) have not within a three year period preceding this Proposal had one or more public transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated for cause. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which the IEDA has relied upon when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that Applicant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available, the IEDA may pursue available remedies including suspension, debarment, or termination of the contract. Certification Regarding Registration, Collection, and Remission of Sales and Use Tax 7. Pursuant to Iowa Code sections 423.2(10) and 423.5(8) (2009) a retailer in Iowa or a retailer maintaining a business in Iowa that enters into a contract with a state agency must register, collect, and remit Iowa sales tax and Iowa use tax levied under Iowa Code chapter 423 on all sales of tangible personal property and enumerated services. The Act also requires Applicants to certify their compliance with sales tax registration, collection, and remission requirements and provides potential consequences if the certification is false or fraudulent. By submitting a Proposal in response to the (RFP), the Applicant certifies the following: (check the applicable box) ❑ Applicant is registered with the Iowa Department of Revenue, collects, and remits Iowa sales and use taxes as required by Iowa Code Chapter 432; or ❑ Applicant is not a "retailer" or a "retailer maintaining a place of business in this state" as those terms are defined in Iowa Code subsections 423.1(42) and (43). Applicant also acknowledges that the IEDA may declare the Applicant's Proposal or resulting contract void if the above certification is false. The Applicant also understands that fraudulent certification may result in the IEDA or its representative filing for damages for breach of contract in additional to other remedies available to IEDA. Sincerely, Dean Mattoon CESSWI City of Dubuque Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 dmattoon(@cityofdubu ue.or 563 - 589 -4202 Phone 563- 589 -4205 Fax 1' I'Y OF ASHY 5080 Asbury Road Asbury, IA 52002 -2522 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Office of Watershed Improvement Plans Re: Watershed Management Authority Board October 17`h, 2011 Dear Mr. Berckes City Hall 563/556 -7106 Public Works 563/556 -6410 Fax 563/556 -2001 This letter is to inform you of our commitment to support the proposed Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB). We feel that working together to tackle water quality issues on a watershed level will be the most effective way to move forward and create lasting solutions. We look forward to working with The City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and other agencies to create and manage our watershed. incer:ly, Jam ams, Mayor City of Asbury Eric Manternach emanternach @dbeco.org Wayne Demmer wdernrner @dbq.org Daryl Klein dklein @dbeco.org October 17, 2011 .1udx Cunt eOWdd' o SuperviorJ COURTHOUSE - 720 CENTRAL AVENUE DUBUQUE, IOWA 52001 -7079 w ww, dubuquec ou nty. org Iowa Department of Natural Resources Office of Watershed Improvement Plans —Jeff Berckes Re: Letter of Support for Watershed Management Authority Greetings: Phone: 563 -589 -4441 Fax: 563 -587 -3836 On behalf of the Dubuque County, we would like to express our firm support for the creation of a watershed management authority board. Dubuque County strongly feels that establishing a watershed management authority board will help enable city and county leaders to better protect and sustainably manage watersheds in Dubuque County. We believe that working together on more of a watershed based approach and creating a watershed management plan for all of Catfish Creek will enhance our water quality and quantity challenges. The County will designate at least one person to join the watershed management authority board, and will continue working together with other communities in Dubuque to better protect our watersheds. Sincerely, (Z9JYWPWI. Wayne Demmer, Chairperson Dubuque County Board of Supervisors u Soil & er Co is rvatio bistrik.t 210 Bierman Epworth IA 52045 -9529 Phone: (563)876 -3418, #3 Fax: (563)876 -3653 www. dubuqueswcd. orq To protect, conserve and restore the natural resources of Dubuque County for present and future generations by actively seeking resources and partnerships to promote Soil Conservation and improve Water Quality. October 20, 2011 To: Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Division of Watershed Management Re: Letter of Support for Watershed Management Authority To the Watershed Management Authority Grant Review Committee: On behalf of the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, we would like to offer our full support for the creation of a watershed management authority board. This past year, the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County to create a local urban conservation program. This was done to better address watershed concerns in Catfish Creek and help with technical support for many new urban Best Management Practices (BMPs). The district feels that creating a watershed management authority board fits well with our current urban conservation program and help bring additional stakeholders and community leaders together to address water quality and quantity issues. The district realizes the importance of working on more of a watershed based approach, thus creating a formal watershed management authority board and working towards a watershed management plan for Catfish Creek will significantly help manage watersheds in Dubuque County. The district will participate in this process by contributing our urban conservationist time and will serve as a watershed authority board member(s). Sincerely, Mel Wilgenbush, Chairperson Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider