Grant Application for Heritage Trail Interpretive Signs
,
.. .'
~
....:,.._.~
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
January 13, 1999
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Grant Application for Heritage Trail Interpretive Signs
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending that the City submit a
grant application to the State Historical Society for Historic Resource Development
program funds for five interpretive signs along Heritage Trail and the Mississippi
Riverwalk.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
1k4uJ ~~,;1;(;1
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/j
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
;;.
~M.O\ 'j(\C)(\<d\\G
)\Bjl'J >--1.\'J
S\!\'tG '''1 >--B'1~1
G"t O"t IJ\l \,"t \lllr GG.
G _.>~. i\ '.'" (') -~. 0\
, .' . ..
_, /.\' ,'1
.:J \.. .'~
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
January 11, 1999
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ~
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Heritage Trail Interpretive Signs
This memo transmits a copy of a resolution and an application to the State
Historical Society for Historic Resource Development Program funds for five
interpretive signs along Heritage Trail and the Mississippi Riverwalk.
In 1998, the State Historical Society awarded the City half of the HRDP grant
requested for interpretive signs along Heritage Trail. The 1998 grant will fund five
interpretive signs along the Heritage Trail extension. The attached application is for
the other half of the funding requested in 1998. This second grant request is for
five interpretive signs along the Mississippi Riverwalk. This grant will be matched
with funds bugeted for the Mississippi Riverwalk and Amenities project.
Since the City Council approved the original submittal for ten interpretive signs in
1998, no further Council action is requested at this time. This memo is provided
for informational purposes only.
Attachments
cc Jerry Enzler, Mississippi River Museum
Teri Goodmann, Mississippi River Museum
Sue Czeshinski, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jim Burke, Community and Economic Development Director
Cindy Steinhauser, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
LC/dd
Prepared by: Laura Carstens. City Planner Address: City Hall. 50 W. 13th Street Telephone: 589-4210
RESOLUTION NO. 162 -98
APPLICATION FOR HISTORICAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR
INTERPRETIVE SIGNS ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL EXTENSION
Whereas, the State Historical Society of Iowa has funds available for the interpretation of
Iowa's historical resources, and
Whereas, the City has an adopted a Comprehensive Plan with goals for hike/bike trail
development and interpretation of the history of Dubuque and the Mississippi River, and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has adopted a Heritage Trail Master Plan and begun
implementation of the Heritage Trail extension through Dubuque.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE,
IOWA:
Section 1. That the Planning Services Manager is hereby authorized to sign the contract
with and submit requests for reimbursements to the State Historical Society of Iowa for Historical
Resource Development Program Funds for interpretive signs along the Heritage Trail extension.
Section 2. That the City Council authorizes the City Manager to utilize budgeted Capital
Improvement Program funds to provide the financial match required by this program should the
application be approved by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Section 3. That the City of Dubuque agrees to abide by all local, state, and federal
requirements applicable to the proposed project.
Passed, approved and adopted this 20ttiay of April ,1998.
Attest:
PL\COUNCIL\hrdp.res
"JMO\ '3\\D\\B\\G
'A'cl3l~ Al.\~
S\,,"JG.\j fJ\"1Vi
61 01 w'd \, 1 ~B\ 66.
G3!\ ... . 'it!
For Staff Use only: Application #
Date Received
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
REAP/HISTORICAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A PART OF THE RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION PROGRAM
GRANT APPLICATION FOR JANUARY 15,1999 (FY2000 GRANTS)
Read all instrucrions in the Grants Manual before completing this application.
SECTION I
Applicant
City of Dubuque
( 319 ) 589-4210
Daytime Phone Number
Mailing address Planninq Services Department
50 W. 13th Street
City
Dubuque
State
Iowa
Zip Code
52001
Project Manager Laura Carstens
( 319) 589-4210
Daytime Phone Number
E-Mail Address of project manager if available
FAX number of project manager if available (319) 589-4149
Project Title
H eritaqe Trail Interpretive Siqns
Project Location 50 W. 13th St
Street Address
Dubuque
City
Dubuque
County
Iowa House District #
111
Iowa Senate District # 1 8
U.S. Congressional #
2
Grant Amount Requested (same as item a from budget page)
$95'00
Cash Match Amount (same as item b from budget page)
$4,950
In-Kind Amount (same as item c from budget page)
$ 644
Total Project Cost (same as item d from budget page)
$15,094
Check the appropriate category for your application:
Historic Preservation
...xL. Museum
_ Documentary Collections
1 Application
January 15, 1999
In order for the S.tate of Iowa to reimburse you for the amount that is granted, and to comply with the IRS
regulations on reporting these payments, we must have the following information:
Are you/your business an individual or sole proprietor? 0 YES ;Q9 NO
If the answer is YES, please provide your Social Security #
If your answer is NO, please check the appropriate status:
o Business and for-profit corporations
o Partnership
o Estate or trust
o Not-for-profit corporation
o State government
n Local government (county, city, town, school district, library, hospital, other)
o Native American tribe
Please provide your Federal Employer Identification #
42-6004596
This form is being used as a substitute for Department of Treasury Form W -9 Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number and Certification.
Does the applicant own the historic resource?
Yes
No
x
If one or more co-applicants are involved in the project, provide the name of each of the co-applicants, their
mailing address, telephone number, and a contact person.
Co-applicant
Street address
City
County
Zip
Telephone number ( )
Contact Person
Telephone Number ( )
Co-applicant's status (check one):
o Governmental unit or Not-for-profit
o Individual
o Business or For-profit corporation
2 Application
January 15, 1999
Review Criteria: .
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ACCEPTED PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AS THEY RELATE TO THE PROPOSED
PROJECT
3. Identify the professional standards, or best practices you will follow and explain how you will
apply them in your project.
This project will follow professional standards of historic interpretation and curation. The panels
will interpret themes that have been developed in consultation with scholars funded through the
National Endowment for the Humanities and through numerous community meetings. Text and
selection of images will accurately depict the history and themes of the Dubuque area and will
follow professional standards of research and scholarship.
The selection of historic photographs and images will be made in consultation with historians
familiar with the history of Dubuque and the Mississippi River. These persons will include the
Director and Curator of the Mississippi River Museum and Dubuque County Historical Society
and the Director of the Center for Dubuque History.
All historic images will be handled according to professional archival practices. This will include
the use of acid-free folders and sleeves and proper care while handling fragile prints and
negatives.
According to sources at the Iowa Department of Transportation's Trails Program, there are no
professional standards for interpretive signs along Iowa state trails. Consequently, this project
will utilize professional standards for the design, construction, and placement of the signs that
are similar to the "Wayside Exhibits" used by the National Park Service (NPS) in many of their
areas. These standards include a highly vandal resistant sign. Text, graphics, and photos are
screen printed, embedded in fiberglass and then mounted in a solid annodized aluminum frame.
The embedded screenprint can be replaced if need be. Extra copies of the screenprints will be
ordered and kept on file for replacements. The signs will be supported by a solid metal base
which will can be viewed by adults, youth and persons in wheelchairs alike. The signs will
measure 24 by 36 inches and will have a cohesive appearance throughout the sites.
A firm in Maryland, which fabricates many of the wayside exhibits for the NPS, has been
contacted for budgeting purposes. This firm specializes in fiberglass embedding of the screen
prints and is highly recommended by the NPS. A metal fabricator capable of constructing the
aluminum bases and frames also has been contacted. These two firms were mentioned in the
final report for the HRDP-approved, DNR project entitled "Interpretive Signage on Iowa's Sites
on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail".
Installation and maintenance of all interpretive signs will be carried out by the City of Dubuque
Leisure Services Department once they are installed.
5 Application
January 15, 1999
SECTION II
Review Criteria:
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ~STORlCAL RESOURCE AS IT RELATES TO TIlE PROPOSED PROJECT
1. Identify the historical resource in the proposed project. Why is the resource important to state
regional or local history? '
The heritage of Dubuque's historical riverfront is one of the most important resources this city has
to offer its residents and visitors. Yet there are very few interpretive signs anywhere in the city to
explain the significance of these places and sites. The existing 26 mile Heritage Trail, which extends
through Dubuque County, will be augmented by 18 miles of new trail and enhancements through
the city of Dubuque and along the Mississippi River and its floodwall. The Heritage Trail Extension
will link three National Register historic districts containing over 500 19th century residential and
commercial structures. Also along the trail are three of Iowa's 22 National Register Landmarks
including the sidewheel steamboat William M. Black, the Mines of Spain, a 1380 acre natural and
historic preserve, and the Old Jail (now Art Museum) designed in the Egyptian Revival style.
Founded in 1833, Dubuque is the oldest city in Iowa and has one of the most significant histories
of any town on the river. In the 1830's and 1840's, Dubuque was the center of the federal lead
mine district which produced 90% of the nation's lead and 10% of the world supply. The lumber
from the Mississippi River rafting trade allowed Dubuque to become the world center for
woodworking and sash and door manufacturing. This stretch of the Mississippi River was famous
as the home of the Diamond Jo Steamboat Line, one of the most prominent steamboat lines on the
Upper Mississippi.
The Mississippi River shaped Dubuque's history. On the Fourth Street Peninsula, the Heritage Trail
will follow the main channel of the Mississippi River atop the flood wall. In just over a mile, one
can see the Shot Tower monument, one of only five still believed to exist in the U.S., and the
William M. Black steam dredge, both on the National Register of Historic Places. There is the
historic Dubuque Star Brewery and one of the first railroad bridges ever built to span the Mississippi
River. On the banks of the Ice Harbor, the Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works built The Sprague, the
largest steamboat ever to sail on the Mississippi River. The Ice Harbor was so named because ships
traveling up and down the Mississippi River could take safe harbor from the impending ice blockades
in the winter. An interpretive sign also will discuss the significance of the floodwall and levee
system which protected the city during the 1993 flood.
3 Application
January 15, 1999
Review Criteria: .
SI(jNIFICANCE OR CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROJECT TO ENHANCE THE PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION OR
INTERPRETATION OF IOWA'S HISTORICAL RESOURCES
2. Describe your proposed project and how it relates to the historical resource identified in question
I? Explain how the proposed project will enhance the preservation, conservation, and/or
interpretation of your historical resources.
This project involves the installation of interpretive signs on the Fourth Street Peninsula. The
project is part of a larger signage project for the Heritage Trail Riverfront System, an 1 8 mile
extension of the 26 mile Dubuque County Heritage Trail. Five signs are requested for this
section of the trail. Along the Mississippi Riverwalk, a three-panel display will interpret the
railroad swing bridge, Shot Tower, and the Dubuque Star Brewery. The two remaining signs will
be located at the Ice Harbor.
Mississippi Riverwalk
1 . Railroad Swing Bridge
2. Shot Tower Monument
3. Dubuque Star Brewery Building
Ice Harbor
4. Floodwall and Levee System
5. Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works Site
The Mississippi Riverwalk will be one of the most heavily used sections of the Heritage Trail
Riverfront System due to its proximity to downtown Dubuque and the cultural and educational
attractions on the Fourth Street Peninsula. These attractions include the Mississippi River
Discovery Center, to be built in 2000, the Iowa Welcome Center and the Diamond Jo Casino
Boat.
These interpretive signs for the Heritage Trail Riverfront System will tell the story of Dubuque's
vibrant river city tradition, the people who made history and the testaments they left behind.
Visitors and residents alike finally will be able to visualize these great stories and understand the
significance of Dubuque's cultural legacy.
4 Application
January 15, 1999
Review Criteria.:
DEGREE OF THREAT TO THE RESOURCE
4. What will happen to your identified resource if this project is not funded?
The heritage of Dubuque's riverfront is a valuable asset to all of Iowa. Interpretive signs along
the banks of the Mississippi River will ensure that there is always an historical focus along the
river's edge, even while new development occurs. The Fourth Street Peninsula is primed to
become a major national tourist destination in the next five years. The Mississippi River
Discovery Center, a multi-million dollar wetlands area and interpretive center for the Upper
Mississippi Wildlife Refuge, is sure to become one of the nation's leading aquariums. There are
plans for a new hotel and possible convention center in the area as well. Dubuque County's
history includes stories that reflect a common American theme, of creating a home in a wild
frontier town and of building industry by utilizing North America's greatest natural transportation
route, the Mississippi River.
If these interpretive signs are not funded, these historic buildings, places and monuments may
be forgotten by residents and visitors as some have been in the past. Their less than sleek and
shiny appearance may been seen as a detraction from the new developments without proper
interpretation. There is a slim chance that these monuments will be torn down or destroyed
without the signs. But without these signs, the true appreciation of these historical resources,
so integral to the success of the Heritage Trail Riverfront System, will be substantially
compromised.
Review Criteria:
DEGREE TO WIllCH THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ENHANCE THE APPLICANT'S LONG-RANGE PLAN
5. What are your long-range goals and objectives for your historical resource? How will this
project help you meet your goals and objectives?
The Riverfront Plan, adopted in March, 1994, was a true collaborative effort among City
government, riverfront property owners and businesses, special interest groups and the public a:-
large. It set an action agenda for riverfront revitalization with high priority given to publiC
accessibility to the river, creation of bike/hike trails and interpretation opportunities for trail users.
Long-range goals and objectives in the Dubuque Comprehensive. Plan, a~~pted in 1995,. inclu~e:
"To safeguard the cultural and historic resources of the community as critical to the quality of life
and the attractiveness of Dubuque," and "Explore, preserve and interpret for present and future
generations, the history of Dubuque and the Mississippi River." The Comprehensive Plan also
contains goals for hike/bike trails, riverfront enhancement and increased accessibility within the
community. This project will encourage exploration, preservation and interpretation of Dubuque and
the Mississippi River.
The most specific request for interpretive signs is identified in The Heritage Trail Master Plan,
adopted in October, 1996 after numerous public meetings and public hearings. Interpretive displays
and opportunities for natural and historic appreciation are outlined as key components to a
successful Heritage Trail.
6 Application
January 15, 1999
Review Criteria;
DEGREE TO WHICH THE PROJECT SUPPORTS THE ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND CULTURAL HEALTH OF THE LOCAL
AREA, REGION, OR STATE
6. How will your proposed project affect the economy in your area, attract tourism, and lead to
more education and/or appreciation of history?
Dubuque is already a popular tourist destination. Peter Greenberg, travel editor for the Today
Show, recommended Moab, Utah; Vail, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa as
great small town destinations. His recommendations were featured on the Oprah Winfrey show
late last year. The Heritage Trail Project, the Mississippi River Discovery Center and Mississippi
Riverwalk are projected to draw 200,000 visitors annually, according to a study conducted by
the Office of Thomas J. Martin, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The planned Mississippi River
Discovery Center, alone, could be the magnet project that makes Northeast Iowa a national
tourist destination. These projects will boost the tourism industry of the entire tri-state area.
Interpretive signs located in the vicinity of the River Discovery Center will be viewed by over 1.5
million people annually. The signs will lead to a greater appreciation of Iowa's history, as told in
the stories of it's oldest city.
The Heritage Trail Riverfront System also will add to Dubuque's reputation as a tourist
destination. Tourists have proven to be active hikers and bicyclists in the area. Annual use on
the Dubuque County Heritage Trail exceeds 60,000 people, with an estimated 30% from out of
town. The percentage of out-of-town season pass holders on the Heritage Trail also has
increased dramatically in recent years. These interpretive signs are essential to maintaining the
historical focus which is a proven tourist attraction for Dubuque.
Review Criteria:
DEGREE OF COOPERATION BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS WITHIN A LOCAL AREA, REGION, OR THE STATE
AS EVIDENCED BY BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS, CASH MATCH, AND IN-KIND MATCH
7.
Ex~lain how other groups and individuals in your community or area will be involved with your
proJect.
The Mississippi River Museum/Dubuque County Historical Society is the leading interpretive
center for the five-state Upper Mississippi River. The Museum Director will oversee the efforts
of volunteer historical experts. These volunteers will retrieve old documents and photographs
and assist with script writing for each panel. The graphic designer will create a title and logo for
each panel. This person will work with the Museum volunteers to compile all the necessary
materials for the sign panels.
Script writing will be accomplished by a group of community volunteer historians and writers
who have already expressed interest in the project. These citizens volunteer their time at the
Dubuque County Historical Society. The Director of the Center for Dubuque History, affiliated
with Loras College, has consulted with the Planning Department and will be actively involved
with the project as well.
The City of Dubuque Planning Services Department will coordinate all aspects of the project with
outside agencies and other City Departments. The Leisure Services Department will install and
maintain the interpretive signs.
7 Application
January 15, 1999
Review Criteria:.
DEGREE TO WHICH THE BUDGET IS REASONABLE, APPROPRIATE TO THE PROJECT, COMPLETE AND MATHEMATICALLY
CORRECT
8. Explain to us the workplan and budget for your project. Include each step, the order of each
step and the cost.
Preparatory Work
This work has already been accomplished by the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department
and volunteers from the Dubuque County Historical Society.
A. Research and select sites for interpretive signs
B. Coordinate with Mississippi River Museum/Dubuque County Historical Society and
the Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.
Proiected Work
1. Prepare scope of work for each procedure and have contractors submit bids.
A. Panel layout (including scanning photographs and documents)
B. Fiberglass embedding/screenprinting
C. Metal frames and bases
2. Advise coordinating agencies of project status.
3. Contract an artist to prepare a logo, title, maps and line drawings as needed for
each of the 5 interpretive signs.
4. Coordinate with volunteer group for site-specific script for each sign.
5. Examine bid proposals and notify winning bidders to start work on project.
6. Send work completed by graphic artist to design company to produce draft layout
of each art panel.
7. Review and modify, if necessary, draft layout proofs of each panel, assess quality
of screen print and double-check text.
8. Consult original artist and active participants from Dubuque County Historical
Society.
9. Resubmit layout proofs to design company.
10. Arrange for payment of artist.
11. Send final panel design to screenprinting/fiberglass embedding company on disk.
12. Complete embedding processutwo copies of each sign into a fiberglass vandal
resistant panel and 5 additional screen prints.
13. Advise Leisure Services Department to ready sites.
14. Receive metal frames and base standards.
15. Receive fiberglass embedded panels from contractor.
16. Arrange for payment of contractors.
17. Assemble panels in metal frames.
18. Install signs by placing in concrete with at least a 4' by 4' staging area of brick or
concrete for viewing the sign.
19. Submit all statements and invoices for materials to Project Manager.
20. City of Dubuque requests reimbursement from grant funds for approved costs.
8 Application
January 15, 1999
USE WHOLE DOLLAR AM:OUNTS FOR ALL FIGURES. DO NOT USE PENNIES!!!!
BUDGET
1. Consultant Services
Graohic Artist
Grant Request
Cash Match
In-Kind Match
Sub-Total
500.00
500.00
1000.00
2. Personnel Use
Museu m volunteers
(At $5.15 per hour)
644.00
644.00
3. Contract for Services
o esign/L a yout
Fiberqlass Em beddinq
(Includes extra prints)
Metal Frames (5 at $600 ea)
500.00
450.00
950.00
6000.00
2000.00
3000.00
1000.00
9000.00
3000.00
4. Supply Expense
5. Equipment Expense
6. Travel Expense
7 . TAN Services
500.00
500.00
8. Other Expense
COLUMN TOTALS (a)J.9.500.00
(b) $4950.00 (c) $644.00
(d) $15.094.00
The total of the first three columns must equal the project total figure.
USE WHOLE DOLLAR AMOUNTS FOR ALL FIGURES. DO NOT USE PENNIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 Application
January 15, 1999
SECTION III
9. If this is a facUity open to the public, give the schedule of hours open and total number of hours
per year. (page 4 in the manual)
Schedule of hours open to the public The interpretive signs along the He~~tage Trail will be
accessible to the public fro m sunrise to sunset all year long.
Hours open per year D a vlight hours all year long.
10. If the facility is not open to the public as required (see page 4 of manual), describe the plans for
increasing accessibility to the public during the next three years, (unless restricted by specific Federal or
State Code).
11. If funded, how will you use the Technical Advisory Network services in helping you complete your
grant project?
Much of the technical advice for the installation of the interpretive signs already has
been gathered fro m businesses and individuals fa miliar with si milar projects. If the TAN is
needed during implementation and installation of the project, the City of Dubuque would
contact the m.
10 Application
January 15, 1999
..
CITY OF DUBUQUE1 IOWA
MEMORANDUM
January 11, 1 999
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager -Y~
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Heritage Trail Interpretive Signs
This memo transmits a copy of a resolution and an application to the State
Historical Society for Historic Resource Development Program funds for five
interpretive signs along Heritage Trail and the Mississippi Riverwalk.
In 1998, the State Historical Society awarded the City half of the HRDP grant
requested for interpretive signs along Heritage Trail. The 1998 grant will fund five
interpretive signs along the Heritage Trail extension. The attached application is for
the other half of the funding requested in 1998. This second grant request is for
five interpretive signs along the Mississippi Riverwalk. This grant will be matched
with funds bugeted for the Mississippi Riverwalk and Amenities project.
Since the City Council approved the original submittal for ten interpretive signs in
1998, no further Council action is requested at this time. This memo is provided
for informational purposes only.
Attachments
cc Jerry Enzler, Mississippi River Museum
Teri Goodmann, Mississippi River Museum
Sue Czeshinski, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jim Burke, Community and Economic Development Director
Cindy Steinhauser, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Gil Spence, leisure Services Manager
Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
LC/dd