Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Update_February 2012Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: February Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Update
DATE: March 12, 2012
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
Attached please find the monthly Sustainable Dubuque project status update for
February. No action is requested; this document is provided for your information only.
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator
SUBJECT: February Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Update
DATE: February 28, 2012
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
Attached please find the monthly Sustainable Dubuque project status update for
February. No action is requested; this document is provided for your information only.
City of Dubuque
Sustainable Dubuque
Project Status Report — February 2012
*Please note: in order to manage the length of this report, some historical, non - timely
information has been removed from the current report.
COMPREHENSIVE PROJECTS
University of Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (Management Agenda):
City Council approved a partnership with the University of Iowa Initiative for Sustainable
Communities. During the 2011 -12 and 2012 -13 academic years, graduate students
from the University's Masters in Urban Planning program will assist Dubuque leaders in
sustainability planning and analysis for several different areas. The University's desire
is to be able to have five projects for the 2011 -2012 academic year and a similar
number in 2012 -2013, with coordination through the City and Dubuque 2.0.
City and Dubuque 2.0 staff met with stakeholders from the economic
development /business, neighborhood, school (K -12 and college), non - profit, and
resource management sectors and Historic Millwork District property owners to
brainstorm potential projects to be completed through the partnership. Projects
identified for 2011 -2012 completion include the following:
• Sustainable Dubuque performance measures (Project lead: Cori Burbach, City of
Dubuque)
• Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (Project lead: Lindsey Harms, David Lyons,
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque)
• Local foods purchase at local colleges (Project lead: Bill Petsche, ISU Extension)
• Asset mapping of renewable energy resources (geothermal, solar, wind) and
policy implications (Project lead: Dan McDonald, GDDC, and David Lyons,
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque)
• Portrait of poverty: define dimensions of poverty in Dubuque and potential
models for addressing poverty. (Project lead: Eric Dregne, Community
Foundation of Greater Dubuque)
The next step for these projects will be definition of project scope and need for local
undergraduate interns.
In July, local project leaders (listed above) met to discuss desired outcomes of the
projects and plan for the students' work. A recruitment campaign for local
undergraduate interns was also conducted, with 25 applications being submitted by
students representing Loras College, Clarke University, University of Dubuque,
University of Wisconsin - Platteville, and Northeast Iowa Community College.
Ul students presented their end -of- semester progress reports to their peers and
Dubuque partners. The Renewable Energy group has been invited to present their
work at the national American Planning Association conference, while the Sustainable
Dubuque Indicators group has shared their analysis of over 1,200 indicators from other
communities and their framework for identifying "good" indicators with the Urban
Sustainability Directors Network, who will use this research to inform projects completed
by the Network in 2012.
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Sustainable Dubuque Performance Metrics (UI IISC project):
The City and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee will work over the next year to analyze
sustainability metric best practices from across the country, including the ICLEI STAR
Community Index which City of Dubuque staff have been involved in creating. The City
and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee members, in addition to UI graduate students and
local interns, will work with additional partners and the community to define key
measurable outcomes and metrics for each of the sustainability principles, and to
establish a reporting system that allows City staff and partners to submit data on a
regular basis to update the Council and community on progress to meet their
sustainability goals.
UI students have completed a review of best practices from communities across the
country. They met with a small focus group in October to review the relationship of the
best practices they are finding to the community engagement process that has already
taken place. Students and local partners are currently developing a plan to present
draft metrics and benchmarks to the community for input.
Students presented their plan for the spring academic semester. The team has
identified approximately 55 indicators that span all 11 sustainability principles and also
include metrics to measure health and safety. An open house will be held Tuesday,
March 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Roshek Building for the public to learn about the proposed
indicators and provide feedback. Those unable to attend will be able to provide
feedback on the indicators via www.sustainabledubuque.org.
Municipal Climate Action Plan: In July 2010, the Municipal Greenhouse Gas
Inventory was presented to City Council. A baseline for all municipal operations was
established for 2003 and 2007 as part of the ICLEI Five Milestone Process. The
Milestone Process is as follows:
1. Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts.
2. Adopt an emissions reduction target.
3. Develop a local climate action plan.
4. Implement policies and measures.
5. Monitor and verify results.
A second Council work session was held in November 2010 to present to Council
potential emission reduction targets. Council was presented initial information on what
65% emission reduction targets by 2015, 85% reductions by 2030, and 95% target
reductions by 2050 might look like; additional analysis will be done by staff to determine
what actions will be needed to meet those targets. $5,000 has been proposed in the FY
2012 budget to allow City staff to complete a 2010 update of municipal emissions and
work with the City Green Team to identify opportunities for emission reduction. Staff will
continue to work with ICLEI staff and other experts to analyze the implications of various
targets in 2011 and seek additional input from Council before recommending a Climate
Reduction targets and an Action Plan.
Green Team — Department Resource Savings Plans: The Green Team comprised of
close to 30 representatives from a cross section of City departments met for the first
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time in August 2010 and meets regularly. The (draft) Mission Statement developed by
the team is:
"The mission of the City of Dubuque Green Team is to Lead in educating,
communicating and implementing practices and technologies to achieve the
Sustainable Dubuque vision, to work in each of the 11 areas of sustainability identified
in that vision, to promote these practices among staff and departments; and to serve as
an example for other organizations, groups, businesses and the broader community"
Subcommittees are being formed to work across departments especially in the areas of
education, environmentally preferred purchasing, building energy management, and
developing a survey to obtain baseline information from departments and input into a
departmental action plan template. This baseline information will be used to track
measureable outcomes in the 11 sustainability principles.
A Green Team subcommittee developed an employee survey to be sent to all City staff
regarding sustainability habits. The results of this survey will be used to develop
department- specific plans to save resources in the coming months. The Green Team is
subdividing into groups that will become experts in the areas of water, purchasing,
resource /materials, and energy (heating, cooling, and lighting); these teams will then act
as mentors for other departments to implement changes.
Green Team members have developed signage to use at City Expo advertising their
participation in the Team and educating the public on their efforts to act more
sustainably.
In May a sustainability educational knowledge survey was distributed to all city staff.
The purpose of the survey was to gauge city employee knowledge on sustainability
issues. A total of 26 departments or divisions participated in the survey with a total of
337 employees completing the survey. This information will be used to drive individual
education needs on sustainability for employees. Directions coming from initial analysis
indicate that understanding and awareness of sustainability vary from department to
department and person to person. Educational needs that surfaced are around
recycling and signage needed to help remind people to do what they WANT to do (turn
off lights, etc.). A few employees feel they need education on the basics of
sustainability, what the 11 principles mean, and how they relate to their work situation.
Educational flyers, posters and prompts are in production. Signage and messaging
regarding deskside recycling and using natural light instead of electricity at optimal
times of day have been implemented.
The Police Department has donated a bicycle to City Hall. City Hall, Annex, and
Multicultural Family Center staff can check out the bike to travel to appointments.
Green Team members also supported a Girl Scout troop from Carver Elementary
School that was participating in the Nike Reuse -A -Shoe Campaign. City staff donated
used tennis shoes to help the troop meet their goal of collection 1,000 pairs of shoes
which will be ground and turned into athletic field and playground turf.
The Sustainable Purchasing Policy, Employee Education, and Buildings & Energy
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Management subcommittees met to identify priorities for 2012. The Education
subcommittee has developed a plan to provide all employees with regular sustainability
information via Spirit Times and other media.
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque Partnership w/ IBM
Smarter Water
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers):
Participants in the Smarter Water pilot have access to new technology that
provides data and insights into how water can be utilized more efficiently in their
home. The following is a breakdown of the program on where we are today.
509- Neptune R -900 Series water meters were installed as part of the City's
Sustainability Initiative Pilot Program in part with IBM. Now that the study has
been completed and the system is capable of operating with data from the
R450s, these R900s have been changed -out to the R450s in order to simplify
data collection and reduce maintenance costs.
The first 1,000 water meter sets of the R450s series were part of the pilot study
for this project to make sure all devices, transmitters and its software is properly
working.
A total of 22,619 water meters have been installed. A total of 18,315
Unmeasured Flow Reducer (UFR) have been installed where applicable.
All water meters have been installed and staff is currently working on the final
radio transmitter collector sites. In addition, approximately 51 — 5/8" water
meters will need to be installed at a later time due to homeowners' foreclosures
or where citizens are on their own private well where a meter is required for
billing sewer usage.
Northern Water Works Supply has completed the installation of water meters.
Currently, the system was evaluated in its transfer of data. Two collectors will be
required to be installed for this project. Northern Water Works and staff are in
the process of finalizing the project by completing a detailed inventory of
materials. Acceptance of this project should be recommended by the end of
March, 2012.
The city has created a grant program for financial assistance on costs of repairs
of Teaks identified through the project. To date there have been 339
homeowners who have filed for assistance in the combined total amount of
$14,756.70 being paid out.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Final Report Issues for Pilot study.
Results included: 6.6% decrease in water utilization; 8 -fold increase in leak
detection and remediation; 77% of users responding it increased their knowledge
of water utilization and 60% confirming that they had taken at least one specific
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action to reduce their personal water utilization.
• Assuming that the 151 households are a fair sample of the City of Dubuque, the
aggregate annual community wide water savings across 23,000 households with
smart meters in the city would be 64,944,218 gallons. This would translate into
an aggregate water bill saving of $190,936 a year in total.
• The results of the study have been widely recognized and multiple local, national
and international contacts are occurring.
• Expansion to 4,000 units (3,000 households /1,000 businesses or multi -unit
facilities) underway. The 4,000 expansion slots will be prioritized as follows: 300
to existing volunteer households; 1,000 to small businesses and landlords to
participate; 2,000 to use with households targeted for recruitment due to R450
leak data; remainder available on a first come first served basis.
• Final R450 unit data testing complete, awaiting IBM confirmation for follow -out of
expansion.
Smarter Electricity
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Technology
installed and tested; @900 meters now equipped and data flowing; utilization
profiling system in place; 270 households are actively logged on the system;
significant outreach, education and community engagement continues.
• Significant press and media attention to the launch of the Smarter Water Portal
and the system going "live."
• Results include an average monthly reduction in energy utilization from 4% to
11%. IBM and Alliant researchers are jointly analyzing these early results.
• City and IBM have identified a DOE (Department of Energy) grant that appears to
be a particularly good candidate for extending and expanding Smarter Electricity
but barriers have arisen that could make this difficult.
Smarter Natural Gas
• Meter Installation Update: City agreements completed and signed. Black Hills
collector technology installed and operating. MIUs for the pilot households
installed and activated for the final 250 volunteer households that have been
supplied by City to Black Hills. Historical data for these households has been
loaded into the system.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Black Hills has historical data ready to
be loaded into system as soon as final 250 volunteer households selected. Work
on dashboard planned for late summer /fall, but no "live" date yet. Activities
completed:
L i Invite letter to 500 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0)
L i Press release (City of Dubuque)
- Phone campaign to 900 invites to recruit 250 Pilot Households (Dubuque 2.0)
L i Invite Postcard to 250 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0)
L i Invite letter to 400 additional eligible residents (Dubuque 2.0)
L i Personal call follow -ups to 30 households
• Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: Recruitment of volunteer
households has been successfully completed.
Li In partnership with recruiting efforts led by Dubuque 2.0 SSD helpdesk
has processed @ 250 volunteers. SSD helpdesk scans each agreement
and forwards unique id and volunteer information to BHE. Summary of
recruitment efforts are:
• # of mailings sent out by Dubuque2.0: 1300
• # of follow -up calls made by AmeriCorps /Greencorps volunteers: 397
• # of agreements sent out by City as a result of callings: 17
• # of calls made to participants w/ questions from City of Dubuque: 5
• Smarter Natural Gas data is now being transferred and uploaded for initial
assessment, although project is now behind schedule due to Smarter
Electricity and Smarter Travel taking significantly more IBM Research staff
time than originally anticipated. City has requested that IBM prioritize Natural
Gas so that the consumer portal will be available during the peak winter
heating season.
Smarter Travel (Management Agenda)
• Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) readers have been installed on all of the new Medium Duty
buses, The RFIDs tags used by the volunteers act like a proximity card which
allows us to track the bearer's boarding and de- boarding along the different bus
routes (once installed on all the buses). Approximately 500 RFID have been
distributed, and of those approximately 360 are in regular use. The data from the
RFID readers is flowing (anonymously) to IBM for processing and number
crunching. In addition to tracking the boarding and de- boarding's of passenger on
The Jule's fixed route buses, the RFID tags and reader also function as GPS
units on the buses which allow for the tracking of the various bus's on -time
performance.
• IBM has informed us that the Smart Phone applications for Blackberry Android
phones is ready for use, and is looking towards implementation on iPhones. The
smartphone applications have been distributed for use by City and ECIA staff, and
the big push for city -wide volunteer participants, with help from GDDC will begin in
early February 2012.
• Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Originally we had hoped that there
would be, like that available to participants in the Smarter Water and Electricity
programs, a dashboard for Smarter Travel participants so they could see how
their choices impact their environment and their lives. However, Smarter Travel
has proven itself to be a "moving target" in that there are many more challenges in
bringing this information into the smart phone application that was anticipated. So
instead we will be appealing to altruistic side(s) of the project volunteers, and
reminding them that their participation will help improve transportation for all
Dubuquers and not just those riding public transit. Eventually we anticipate that
the dashboard feature will be made available. The intent and goal of the Smarter
Travel project is to provide Transit with information that can help guide changes in
the transit system. What we also hope to see, especially in the volunteers who
use the Smartphone application, is an increased awareness of how much they
rely on vehicle transportation to move throughout their day and a change in what
form of transportation they choose, e.g. instead of driving a car to the store they
ride their bike, take public transit, etc. And towards this end the City has been
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awarded an Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) grant that will help pay
for the cost of the project, which includes a design that will make the fixed route
transit system more efficient and more effective. During the first year of the grant,
two (new) pilot routes will be initiated and will run along with, the current routes
(Red, Green and Grey Lines, the Medical Loop and the Shopping Circulator).
This will allow IBM to continue to gather and process the data received from RFID
and the Smartphone application users, data that will be used in the second year (if
funded) in helping to determine what changes need to be made to the transit
system in order to improve its overall function. During and immediately after the
second year major changes will be enacted in the entire structure of the fixed
route system, with the goal of increasing service and the overall efficiency and
effectiveness of the transit system.
• Volunteer Outreach: Active recruitment of volunteer for the Smartphone
applications is on -going (Android and Blackberry with iPhone option to be
developed next). ECIA and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is
leading expanded efforts for SmartPhone recruitment through the targeting
member colleges /universities, major employers, Petal Project members, smart -
phone sales and service outlets, major community events and other opportunities.
A new comprehensive recruitment plan will kick -off in the beginning of February
2012 and with goal of recruiting the bulk of the necessary program participants by
late spring.
• Participant's demographic information, when compared to the 2000 and 2010
Census information, can be inferred based on point of origin (e.g. north end of
town) and destination information (e.g. west end of town). The trip purpose(s) can
also be inferred based on point of origin (e.g. residential area) and destination
(e.g. a school or business site). The RFID and Smartphone data will provide the
number of trips per day and time of trips, as well as points of origin and
destination). This information will be compared to data gathered from the travel
patterns of the buses themselves, which are tracked using GPS (through the
RFIDs). Program participants continue to ride the buses for free during the
project. We continue to look for data from a large cellular provider to be included
in the mix by October 2012, which would bring an additional 20,000 plus cell
phone users transportation data (GPS — location only) into the project.
• Community Engagement & Education: Volunteers in the RFID portion of the VMT
project are allowed to ride the bus (all routes) for free for the duration of the
project. To do so, participant must show the RFID in its holder to the bus driver
(for tracking purposes these free rides will be counted as a "monthly pass "). As of
the beginning of February 2012 approximately 35,790 free rides have been given
to passengers using RFID tags.
• State of Good Repair Grant: As of September 5, 2011 all of the new buses have
arrived. A "Request For Proposal" (RFP) for the ITS technology /electronic
equipment, e.g. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Security Camera System,
Electronic Fare Collection, etc., was released to the public, and we anticipate
awarding a contract by mid -to -late February, with the goal of having the new ITS
equipment purchased and installed on the buses by mid -late 2012.
• Climate Showcase Grant: (see section about 150 volunteers)
• First of A Kind (FOAK) City in Motion IBM continues to attempt to perfect and
expand the Smartphone application. Volunteer recruitment for the RFID portion
has been completed, and the recruitment of the Smartphone application
continues. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IA DOT) and several federal
entities have expressed interested in the Smartphone applications for possible
use in their transportation planning processes (e.g. road use, vehicle travel
patterns, etc.). The City has been awarded an ICAAP grant for year -one and will
apply for year -two funding when it becomes available.
• ECIA and IBM have also met with IDOT management to discuss a potential
expansion of the Iowa opportunity to include a major IA DOT "cloud" service for
transportation data in Iowa.
• ECIA and City have met with the FTA to open discussions on linking the Smarter
Travel and ICAAP activity with a Federal research effort.
Additional Updates:
The Green and Healthy Homes initiative is being linked now with the SSD efforts. The
plan is to allow us to begin to activate an additional "silo of activity" within the integrated
system (Health/Wellness). The initial meetings of the Green and Healthy Homes
Collaborative were held in 2011 and the workplan was developed and approved.
LEAN - principled process improvement training was conducted and completed. The
process is being developed for an integrated GHH approach and was tested on the first
pilot home last July, the second pilot home late July, and the 3rd and 4th pilots in
September and October. The team also added a "control home" that was completed
without GHHI programming, in order to see the extent of savings possible between the
existing systems and GHHI systems. The GHHI protocols are now being applied to all
Healthy Home /Lead Abatement homes (est. 285) Dubuque has now been accepted as
the 16h GHHI community in the country and the only one with a population below
100,000. The Dubuque GHHI Team has met with HUD and DOE to discuss additional
opportunities for improvement and barriers to efficiency. HUD and DOE have agreed to
consider and pursue the recommendations brought forward by Dubuque GHHI.
Community Climate Action Plan:
The Plan: The GHG Reduction Plan was written to provide a realistic path to achieving
50% GHG reduction by 2030 in Dubuque. The recommendations discussed in the plan
are tailored to Dubuque's specific needs and capabilities. The costs, benefits, and GHG
reductions are then calculated for each action, which allows us to prioritize
recommendations based on GHG reductions achieved, effort required, and the side
benefits each action brings to Dubuque (notably, those "side benefits" often far outweigh
the GHG impact). Every recommendation in this plan is designed to benefit Dubuque's
health, transportation, and economic prosperity, reaching well beyond GHG reduction.
The Initiative: In March of 2010, the Dubuque Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Task Force was assembled by Green Dubuque in response to the completion of the
2003 and 2007 community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. The GHG Reduction
Task Force is a partnership of local environmental nonprofits, faith based organizations,
private sector green business, and individual activists with the designated purpose of
recommending a GHG reduction target and feasible implementation strategy to the
Dubuque City Council. Members of the Task Force include:
• Chad Oberdoester - Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
• Pat Hayes, President - Dubuque County Conservation Society
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• Charles Winterwood M.D. - Chairman, White Pine Group, Sierra Club
• Jason Schatz - President, Green Dubuque Inc.
• Theothoros Giannakouros - Vice President, Green Dubuque Inc.
• Will Hoyer - Green Dubuque Inc.
• Mark Henning - 7th Power Sustainable LLC.
• Sr. Joy Peterson - Sisters of the PBVM
• Paul Schultz - Sustainable Dubuque
The work of the Task Force will be followed up by the GHG Reduction Plan, community
engagement initiative, facilitated by Green Dubuque. The GHG Reduction Plan
initiative, which will launch in late March will include an informational website
(dubuqueghgplan.org) where citizens and business owners can download the plan and
demonstrate their support, a series of interactive speaker events, television
advertisements and other media releases, a $1,000 scholarship from the Virgil J. and
Norma M. Denlinger Family Foundation for college student participation, a public input
meeting, and an envision style community workshop. The ultimate goal is to
demonstrate and build community support for the recommended GHG reduction target
of 50% by 2030.
In March, Green Dubuque launched its "50% by 2030" greenhouse gas reduction
campaign. "50% by 2030" is a grassroots effort for a community wide greenhouse gas
reduction target of 50% by the year 2030 below 2003 levels based on the
recommendation of the Dubuque Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Task Force.
Green Dubuque launched this campaign with the presentation, "Preventing Climate
Disasters: It's Time for Action," by State Senator Rob Hogg.
With a letter of support from the City, Green Dubuque submitted an EPA Environmental
Justice Small Grant application to assist in the next steps of the community GHG
reduction plan. If secured, funding would assist with public education and engagement
as well as further analysis of the reduction goals and recommended actions. Though
Green Dubuque was a finalist for this grant, funding was not received. The City and
Dubuque 2.0 continue to partner with Green Dubuque to conduct a community
education and engagement campaign focused on greenhouse gas reduction.
As a wrap up to the 50 by 2030 campaign, Green Dubuque hosted the Dubuque
Community GHG Reduction Workshop on Thursday, June 2 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the
Multicultural Family Center. Participants at the workshop will be presented with the
Draft Dubuque Community GHG Reduction Plan and then break up into subgroups to
give feedback and make additional recommendations. The Plan will be presented and
discussed the Dubuque City Council in a work session on July 5, 2011. The goal is to
work toward establishing community targets within the frame work of a Dubuque
Community GHG Reduction Plan. For more information visit:
www.dubuqueGHGplan.org
Green Dubuque held a City Council work session on July 5 to present the 50% by 2030
plan. The Council approved the 50 %Reduction Target by 2030 at its August 15, 2011
meeting.
At their February 6 meeting, City Council approved a partnership with Green Dubuque
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to develop a community Climate Action & Resiliency Plan by September 2012.
Sustainable Dubuque Collaboration: In fall 2011, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque staff informed the City and other Dubuque 2.0 steering committee members
that they would refocus their community engagement efforts around issues other than
sustainability. Since that time, we have met with Foundation staff, 2.0 steering
committee members, and other key stakeholders to determine a path forward to
accomplish community engagement and education around sustainability. The ultimate
goals are that these activities continue, and that the entire community feels that
Sustainable Dubuque is an initiative that was created by, and continues to be led by, the
community.
The Sustainable Dubuque Collaboration (SDC) concept has evolved after discussion
with partners as a way to continue community awareness and education efforts, foster
collaboration from all sectors to meet the Sustainable Dubuque goals, and measure our
progress towards our goals. SDC, modeled after DubuqueWorks, is structured in a way
that requires commitments to action from its core members and invites all Dubuque
residents, businesses and organizations to participate.
All members of the Sustainable Dubuque Core and Advisory Networks will be asked to
actively support the goals of community engagement and education. They will continue
to operate their own programs (e.g. Petal Project, Green Vision Schools) and will
collaborate as necessary to achieve these goals. The group will work to assist each
other, identify gaps, avoid duplication, and attract additional funding and resources.
The Core and Advisory Networks will meet in the coming months to solidify
responsibilities, goals, objectives, and a working plan for 2012.
REGIONAL ECONOMY
Government:
Petal Project: The Petal Project is a regional green business certification program
designed to encourage organizations in the Dubuque area to adopt more
environmentally friendly business practices. Businesses receive Petal Project staff
assistance and a simple framework for saving money and resources. The program also
establishes a community -wide definition of a green business for consumers wishing to
shop based on their values.
The Petal Project is divided into five categories. Within each category a business must
complete all of the mandatory and a specified number of option criteria to earn that
petal. Once a business has earned all five petals, it is "Petal Certified ".
This project was initially funded by an Iowa Economic Development Authority regional
marketing grant. For the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years, the program is funded by grants
from the Dubuque Racing Association and Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency. Since the project's inception in Fall of 2009, 21 businesses have begun to
work through the criteria after developing internal "green teams ".
Many of the businesses taking part have already begun to see cost savings by reducing
resource use. For example, Finley Hospital — the first Petal Certified business — has
reduced water usage by 16,329,000 per year for the last five years. This has amounted
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to nearly $150,000 in savings. In December, Loras College was recognized as the
second fully - certified Petal Project organization, completing all five petals for over one
million square feet of infrastructure.
Buyer Supplier Network: Buyer - Supplier is a web based program for businesses that
connects both buyers and sellers in Eastern Iowa to promote and facilitate regional
purchasing. Over $6.5 billion are being spent on goods and services from vendors
located outside of eastern Iowa that could be spent in the region. The goal of Buyer
Supplier is to encourage businesses to purchase from regional providers, shifting
dollars back into the regional economy. Businesses of all types and sizes are
encouraged to take part in the program; from small organic produce farmers, to large
corporations. There are currently over 1300 businesses with profiles on the system.
Partners: ECIA, Prosperity Eastern Iowa, Northeast Iowa Business Network, and Upper
Explorerland Regional Planning Commission
Waste Diversion Options Study: The Resource Management program facilitated the
2009 Waste Diversion Options Study for DMASWA. The scope of work for this study
was to identify options and impacts if the tonnage disposed in the DMASWA landfill
were to be reduced by 50% from current tonnage within 5 to 10 years. This study
identified economic opportunities in a developing local materials economy from the
estimated market value of the $4M in landfilled materials. This also translated to
creating a significant number of long -term green jobs.
Public Works Department:
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), its support staff from
the Public Works Department, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the
expert firm of Foth Infrastructure and Environment conducted a waste composition
analysis of materials brought to the DMASWA Landfill and eleven other Iowa landfills in
June of 2011. The purpose of the study was to identify the various solid waste streams
currently being landfilled in Iowa by type, volume and weight. In turn, when the Agency
receives proposals in the future for diverting and reusing said materials, it will be able to
provide proposers and advisors up -to -date and accurate information from the noted
study regarding Iowa's currently - landfilled waste stream. Market values for those
materials can then be compared with proposed recovery and reuse programs to
determine whether said programs are economically viable.
Library: Hosted "Value of Money" public event February 2011.
City Local Purchasing Policy: The City implements a Local Purchasing Policy (AP
3.10) that allows for a 5 -10% preference for businesses located within City limits,
excluding purchases made through the formal bidding process. Studies show that a
greater percentage of each dollar spent at a local business stays in the local economy.
Purchasing locally supports local jobs, in addition to cutting down on transportation
costs and emissions to ship goods from outside the community. City staff are currently
researching a Sustainable Purchasing Policy that would expand the parameters of the
purchasing policy to include considerations such as recyclable content, lifetime of
product, and chemical makeup of all products purchased by the City.
Business:
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Dubuque Works: AccessDubuqueJobs.com investors continue to increase. Currently
the workforce investors hold steady at 111. In the past three months, 35 existing
investors have renewed their contract in the Workforce Initiative for 2011.
AccessDubuqueJobs.com has current investor retention rate of 96 %.
The Relocation Guide, Greater Dubuque Development's staple community recruiting
package, is sent nationally and internationally to individuals considering relocation to
Dubuque. A total of 1,401 Relocation Guides were sent around the world in 2010.
Relocation guides were sent to 42 individuals throughout the United Stated during
January, while local businesses requested 85 for recruitment for potential employees. A
total of 440 Relocation Guides have been distributed year -to -date since July 1, 2011.
The Relocation Guide contains community resources including information on
employment, housing, education, and entertainment, as well as a DVD presentation that
highlights the great things that are happening in our community. A personal postcard is
sent to the individual two weeks later, and a follow -up email is sent two weeks after that
to answer any questions they may have, regardless of whether they have received the
guide in the mail or viewed it online.
Greater Dubuque Development has released a new workforce recruitment and retention
DVD to be distributed in relocation guides, shared in social media outlets, and viewed at
recruitment events. The DVD highlights the AccessDubuqueJobs.com website as the
primary job - search resource for individuals considering employment in the Greater
Dubuque area. Greater Dubuque's Newcomer Services are also featured as the one -
stop resource for relocation needs. The DVD will be officially released at the Workforce
Breakfast Update in April.
Since the inception of the Newcomer Relations program in the spring of 2009, Greater
Dubuque Development has worked with local businesses to help recruit, relocate and
retain potential and existing employees. Current results include:
The last Distinctively Dubuque class of 2011 began on September 14 with a sold out
session of 35 participants. Four new Distinctively Dubuque sessions are scheduled for
2012. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation will be offering the classes for free in
2012.
All classes meet 6 consecutive Wednesdays for three hours:
January 18, 2012 3:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. Wednesdays
March 7, 2012 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
April 18, 2012 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
September 19, 2012 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
420 newcomers to the community were assisted in 2011 from 81 companies. 128 tours
of the community have been conducted since January 2011 (24 different businesses).
A group of local manufacturers have begun to meet to discuss their workforce needs and
how the Dubuque Community Schools can help to fill their skill shortage. Discussions
have begun with the local manufacturers and the school administrators to address these
issues. Teachers from Hempstead and Senior will be able to access training from local
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manufacturers, a marketing campaign will begin in the 2011 -2012 school year, more
manufacturers will be present at the schools to give presentations to the students and
curriculum is being reviewed to make sure it aligns with the workforce needs and creates
a pathways to programs at NICC or other education opportunities. This all stemmed from
a High School Teacher and Counselor Day that was held at NICC and Bodine Electric on
April 7, 2011.
A display case has been given to AccessMyFuture to use throughout the school year to
market the website and local companies. Posters using alumni of Hempstead graduates
that are working in advanced manufacturing have been created and are on display
throughout the school. Pieces for other area schools are in the works.
An Advanced Manufacturing Exploring Program has also been a result of this partnership.
Eight area high school students are currently exploring careers as CNC Operators.
The Middle School After School Program for girls in skilled- trades was held on April 5, 7,
12, and 14, 2011. We had 15 students attend workshops in manufacturing, construction,
welding, and electricity. This program will be funded by a grant that the Dubuque
Community Schools has received for the next five years.
The AccessMyFuture.com site has been updated with additional videos and more
resources for students. The website continues to be promoted through face -to -face
contact with students, print, billboards, busses, giveaways, and other targeted marketing
to the middle school and high school audience. The Exploring Program will be added to
the site later this year so students will be able to access those programs through the
website. The website is in collaboration with ECIA.
The Intern Leadership Academy is set for spring 2012 (Feb 20 -April 30). (Note: there
will be a 2 week break on March 5 & 12 due to spring break). 25 student leaders from
area colleges will be chosen to attend the academy for a 9 week series, focused on
cultivating student leaders by building necessary skills for workforce success, and
providing invaluable professional networking opportunities for participating students.
Business mentors from Dubuque area businesses will provide the group with real -world
advice in correlation with curriculum from The Adventures of Johnny Bunko, The Last
Career Guide You Will Ever Need & other resources.
Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium (support of GDDC: Top Priority):
Formed in late 2009, the Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium is an informal,
beta organization comprised of manufacturing, technology, service, wholesale and other
industry sectors. Although the consortium is still a work in progress, members of the
group have already identified new /actual sales leads and introductions to key industry
players. The consortium includes Dubuque area companies that represent 1,126
employees and are currently engaged in both the sales and production of "green"
related services /products:
1,126 - Employment total of the companies serving on the consortium;
42 - Percentage of companies that operate in tech services /wholesale /consulting;
33 - Percentage of companies that operate in traditional manufacturing;
25 - Percentage of companies that produce a tangible, technical /IT related product;
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154 - Age of oldest company in the group;
1 - Age of youngest company in the group;
27 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ outside of Dubuque;
73 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ in Dubuque;
8 - Percentage of total jobs from consortium members (create /retained) due to green
movement.
The Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium is staff - supported, in part, by
Greater Dubuque Development in partnership with the City of Dubuque. Overseeing
the strategic efforts is David Lyons. David is also spearheading local efforts related to
the Dubuque /IBM Smart City initiative.
2011: Feeling the need to facilitate cost - saving /sustainable goals for area businesses,
Greater Dubuque Development hosted a consortium event in February. The event
focused on an easy, low -cost, and immediate ways to save money through lighting.
With some 50 people in attendance, Crescent Electric provided case studies of
Dubuque area businesses that have recently changed lighting and saved significant
amounts of money. Going forward, Greater Dubuque hosted a second reception /dinner
to provide the same information to yet another group of bankers, accountants, and
electrical contractors who have direct access to businesses and hold an opportunity to
educate their clients. The idea is for these various professionals to share the
information with their customers, especially small /medium sized businesses in
Dubuque.
GDDC facilitated a presentation by Crescent Electric to city departments and city
partners on the savings from lighting conversions. In addition, GDDC is providing
information to members of the Innovation Consortium on target marketing recruitment of
smart energy systems to help local businesses grow their market.
Crescent Electric has offered to conduct free lighting /energy audits to Dubuque
businesses interested in the City's Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. Six
departments have offered to coordinate audits for multiple City facilities.
In October the Consortium turned its focus and efforts to renewable energy
opportunities in Dubuque, partnering with the U of I Team on renewable energy asset
mapping and implementing industry outreach efforts on renewable energy options for
local business.
Non - Profit:
Project HOPE:
History
In 2008, growing out of successful grant program called Youth Shared Vision, local
government, and human service providers identified the need to address economic
security of under - resourced community members. To address this issue, the City of
Dubuque partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to create
Project Help Our People Excel (HOPE).
Project HOPE is an economic development initiative contracted through the City of
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Dubuque. Project HOPE is responsible for convening community organizations and
stakeholders around issues that relate to disengaged people (those in poverty,
unemployed and disengaged youth), researching and developing best practices to
share among local providers and ensuring action steps are being taken to address
identified strategies for improvement and hosting meetings to encourage
communication, data sharing, and improved outcomes.
Project HOPE Coalition is implementing a Results Based Accountability Framework to
ensure the Coalition has agreed upon Common Indicators, Strategies, Action Plans and
Outcomes to ensure our work is accountable and results are measurable.
Project HOPE has identified 3 unique population groups to address impact.
1. Situationally Unemployed. These are currently unemployed, and under employed
people, age 21 -62, who have had full -time, living wage employment sometime in
the last 12 months and are willing and able to work. This type of poverty is often
caused by layoffs and cutbacks, lack of opportunity, underemployment, and
relocation. It also may be caused by lack of financial literacy which leads to an
inadequate personal safety net during a temporary emergency.
Project HOPE Coalition facilitates Bank On Dubuque moving unbanked and
underbanked individuals into traditional banking relationships and pairs the new
accounts with free financial literacy options. Project HOPE also facilitates Opportunity
Passport, a financial literacy program paired with an individual development account
(IDA for at -risk youth.
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Summary of Accomplishments
Q3
Kicked off to Bank On Dubuque was held July 19, 2011. Bank on DBQ is
July 1-
a partnership of participating banks, credit unions, non - profit
Sep 30
organizations and the City of Dubuque that helps people, who do not
have a checking or savings account, learn to manage their money and
save for the future.
The Road to Success was held on Aug 9, 2011 at Prescott elementary.
The 55 attendees are now more ready to get and retain employment.
Project HOPE solicited $105 worth of donations for Road to Success
door - prizes, recruited 6 volunteers, and was represented by Bank On
Dubuque at the event in addition to assisting with staffing for the event.
As part of the new process model introduced to Project HOPE, the
chronically unemployed will be a focus and a task force is being made to
continue advocacy for a case manager for Getting Ahead graduates who
are seeking self- sufficiency.
Q4
Project HOPE's core steering team created and implemented a pilot
Oct 1 —
program in partnership with NICC, ECIA, Dubuque Works, City of
Dec 31
Dubuque and Iowa Works. The pilot identified 20 candidates to take part
in training at NICC to receive 3 certificates in CNC and Advanced Mfg.
Upon completion of the classes, employer partners will interview the
candidates for open positions in their businesses.
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2. People from Generational Poverty. These are people who have lived in poverty
for 2 or more generations but who are currently willing and able to work. This
includes ex- offenders although they may not be "able" due to their history. It is
caused by historical oppression, natural disaster (dislocation), under - education,
social isolation, lack of job skills, and missing role models.
To support this goal, Project HOPE is coordinating a committee to identify a model,
identify funding needs and solutions and initiate a program in FY2012 that will build on
the success of the Getting Ahead in a Just - Getting' -By World program and compliment
the Circles Initiative by increasing connections to unemployment and education for
Getting Ahead alumni and Circles members. Project HOPE also provides administrative
and staff support for the Bridges Initiative.
3. Disengaged Youth. These are community members who are 16- 24- years -old and
are not connected to education or living -wage employment. This is caused by
students not completing high - school, not having employable skills, or having
barriers to staying engaged in school.
Project HOPE in partnership with ECIA is leading a committee to implement a Re-
engagement Program for Disengaged Youth. The committee is researching models,
identify funding needs and solutions and plan on initiating a program by January 1,
2012.
Summary of Accomplishments
Q3
Through assistance from Project HOPE, the Bridges Initiative was
July 1-
honored with a $100 grant from the Women's Giving Circle, and $400 for
Sep 30
food and supplies for the Circles Program. Met with the director of
Dubuque Legal Aid and got their approval to be a partner in our creation
of an employment support specialist. Met with Express Employment
Services about their partnership in giving GA program participants priority
placement.
Q4 1-
The Bridges Initiative is investigating applications and funding for a full -
-Oct
Dec 31
time AmeriCorps member to keep communication and contact with
Getting Ahead Graduates. The member would also be responsible for
helping to schedule childcare volunteers, food service for the weekly
meetings, and grant writing for the organization.
The Project HOPE core strategy team has set a goal to pilot the a case
management employment program with 10 people and will council them
through GEDs or Certificate Programs leading to employment. NICC will
provide the scholarships.
The Project HOPE core steering team has set a goal to fund 75 GEDs for
those seeking them removing any educational cost financial barriers to
GED achievement. The funding will be through NICC.
3. Disengaged Youth. These are community members who are 16- 24- years -old and
are not connected to education or living -wage employment. This is caused by
students not completing high - school, not having employable skills, or having
barriers to staying engaged in school.
Project HOPE in partnership with ECIA is leading a committee to implement a Re-
engagement Program for Disengaged Youth. The committee is researching models,
identify funding needs and solutions and plan on initiating a program by January 1,
2012.
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Summary of Accomplishments
Q3
Project HOPE is convening a group to discuss how to strengthen and
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July 1-
resource the newly hired residency check coordinator funded by the
Sep 30
Dubuque Community School District. They continue to convene a group
about youth engagement programs.
Created a new partnership with AMP (formerly known as Elevate) to
share trainings for foster -care youth with Opportunity Passport. This will
mean more than the few who qualify for Opportunity Passport will be
involved in the financial literacy education available.
Project HOPE identified some assistance needed for the School District's
residency check coordinator. These include assessment tools for
identifying disabilities and emotional disorders, and charted out options to
graduation currently available in Dubuque and who qualifies for the
programs.
Q4 Oct1-
Project HOPE's core strategy team identified ways to connect at -risk
Dec 31
students and parents of students to trade programs that pay a living
wage. This will be done by presentations to the parents and families
involved in the LEAP program. Dates and content are being decided
through NICC /IowaWORKS, and the Dubuque Community School
District.
A class new class of Opportunity Passport to teach financial literacy to
youth aging out of foster care began Oct 28. Students were referred to
the program through Four Oaks aftercare program, and the Department
of Human Services. This class will focus on incorporating job attainment
skills to help the kids have more concrete knowledge of how to make
money. It then connects kids to and individual development account
toward purchasing an approved asset, like education, housing, and
transportation.
Project HOPE's core steering team has set a goal to pilot an youth
employment program for 10 kids to get GED in conjunction with a trade
certificate leading to employment.
Schools:
NICC Green Jobs Program: The Northeast Iowa Community College Green Jobs
program is funded through an ARRA grant administered in partnership by ECIA and
NICC. The program is providing unemployed and incumbent workers with skills training
in energy auditing, deconstruction, wind turbine maintenance, and green residential and
commercial construction. New courses recently added are: Solar PV, Worm
Composting and Biodiesel. The Wind Turbine Repair Technician Program has
purchased a Wind Turbine Climb Tower and students will all be trained by December
2011.
Total students to train: 392
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Students to date: 338 (85% Complete)
Training Programs /Industry Enrollment:
• Green Industry Sector: Energy Efficient Building , Construction
L i Sustainable Deconstruction, COSC, HEARTYouthbuild, HVAC NCI
• Green Industry Sector: Energy Efficient Assessment, Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services
- RESNET HERS, BPI Building Analyst, Envelope — Shell, Heating, AC,
Heat Pump
• Green Industry Sector: Renewable Electric Power, Utilities
L i Wind Turbine Repair Technician
L i Solar, Wind, Hydro, Geothermal
L i Intro to Wind Technology
L i Solar Thermal Installation
L i Intro to Solar Thermal
Sustainability of Programs: NICC will continue to offer Green Industry training courses
after the grant period is up, specifically in the solar and wind alternative energy fields. A
couple courses are being submitted for credit approval so students have transferrable
credits upon completion of the course.
NICC is also exploring state approval for wind and solar courses for both plumbing and
electrical update classes that can be applied to licensing. HVAC NCI curriculum is also
being incorporated into the HVAC program at NICC. As the "green" industries continue
to grow so will the programs at NICC, Geothermal and Solar PV will also be offered in
the future.
Dubuque Community School District: For the 2010/2011 School Year, the Buildings
and Grounds Department's "Dubuque Sustainable Smart Schools" Process will surpass
the energy management achievements of the 2009/10 school year. During the 10 month
period of July through April, 2010/11, the District reduced energy consumption over
13.214 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), an 11.51% reduction from the established
baseline, with $207,314 in avoided costs and $110,778 in energy costs. These saving
were realized despite overall energy costs increasing by 5.66% for this 10 -month time
period compared to the baseline year and 4.07% from last year. The District's
2010/2011 certified enrollment for Pre K -12 is 10,516 students.
People & Neighborhoods:
SMART ENERGY USE
Government:
EECBG: The City of Dubuque was the recipient of $574,700 in ARRA funding through
the Energy Efficiency Conservation & Block Grant program. The following funds have
been spent or obligated to date:
$75,000.00 Sustainability Coordinator Salary. Grant
administration and community engagement.
$100,000.00 First of a Kind (FOAK) agreement with IBM Watson
Research Center to fund part of the Smarter Travel pilot in the
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque project.
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$44,997.00 Residential certified energy audits and energy
efficient retrofits. To date, this program has funded 54 certified
energy audits and assisted 123 Dubuque residents in installing
high- efficiency furnaces, insulation, new windows, and completing
basic retrofits including caulking around windows, weather-
stripping, etc. The program has been closed.
$43,000.00 Replacement of City Hall HVAC system. Tricon
Construction has been selected as the general contractor for the
HVAC system upgrade.
$200,000.00 Commercial /Non - profit Energy Efficiency Revolving
Loan Fund (Management Agenda) The first RLF was issued to
Miracle Car Wash in November to finance a lighting retrofit project.
$500.00 weatherization & outreach supplies purchased for Green
Iowa Americorps members.
Additional funds remain in the categories of community education, commercial building
retrofits, and municipal retrofits.
City Facilties Lighting Retrofits: Building Services staff have conducted a lighting
audit of City Hall and are now in the process of removing lamps and retrofitting fixtures
to more appropriately meet the lighting demands of the employees and customers that
use the building. To date, 66 fixtures have been re- ballasted, 102 lamps removed and
147 lamps replaced by smaller wattage lamps in the efforts to reduce electrical usage.
This project is on- going, and energy use trends are being tracked in EPA Portfolio
Manager. The project has been completed. A final report on electrical savings will be
presented shortly.
Approximately 20 City facilities, including City Hall, City Hall Annex, the Municipal
Services Center, Historic Federal Building, fire stations, and several parks and
recreation facilities will have lighting audits completed by Crescent Electric. Crescent
will make energy- saving recommendations that will be included in existing operating
budgets and future CIP requests.
Parking Ramp Lighting Project: The 5th Street and Locust Street Parking Ramps
have recently been updated with new fluorescent lighting. The system has been
provided by a firm from Holland, MI, TwistHDM. The system is fully programmable,
providing the maximum in daylight harvesting, occupancy sensing and provides a safety
factor in that e-mails are sent to maintenance staff any time a light is burned out or not
functioning for any reason. Each fixture has its own IP address allowing for state of the
industry programming to reduce energy usage. In the first months of operation, this
system has led to a 68% reduction in lighting costs, or 35% reduction in total electricity
consumption in the ramp. We are currently planning on retro fitting the Iowa Street to
this system in the very near future and this system is also being installed on the new
parking ramp at 10th and Central.
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Public Works Department:
Hybrid- Powered Vehicle: One of the very first DMASWA Smart Energy Use initiatives
was its purchase of a hybrid - powered vehicle in the summer of 2005. This purchase
was made not only to reduce the amount of fuel used by Agency - employed staff and
reduce the DMASWA's vehicle - related carbon footprint, but also as an education tool by
the Agency's Education and Communication Coordinator. Now well over six years old
and with over 80,000 miles on its odometer, the vehicle has performed faultlessly and
has averaged 28 miles per gallon in the city. The DMASWA intends to retain it until
calendar 2015, when it should have well over 125,000 miles on its odometer.
CNG- Powered Vehicle: Just as the DMASWA was the first local governmental entity to
purchase and use a hybrid - powered vehicle, it was also the first local governmental
entity to purchase and use a vehicle using compressed natural gas (CNG) as its primary
fuel. This Smart Energy Use initiative not only further reduces the Agency's vehicle -
related carbon footprint, but is also an indicator of the Agency's commitment to
expanding the usage of domestically - produced /sourced fuels in all of its equipment in
future years.
Landfill Methane Reuse: A third DMASWA Smart Energy Use initiative is its current
initiative to reuse the methane it currently collects and flares from its closed landfill cells.
To that end, it retained the services of an expert and highly- regarded environmental
engineering firm in September of 2011 to evaluate proposals from local industries and
utilities. The DMASWA Board of Directors now anticipates making a decision regarding
the methane's future reuse by mid - calendar 2012.
Biomass Energy Development: The Resource Management program has been an
internal partner in researching sustainable new energy sources from discarded
materials processed or which could be processed at the VWVTP and the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency landfill. The methane produced at both facilities
could be developed as a renewable energy source and net revenue producer with
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications. Recovered clean untreated wood is
also a local energy fuel option.
Library KiII -A -Watt Meter Checkout Program: In partnership with ISU Extension and
the City's Office of Sustainability, Kill -A -Watt Meters are available for resident check out.
These meters allow residents to measure the energy demand of appliances in their
homes, and is particularly helpful in identifying "phantom energy loads" that occur when
appliances and chargers are plugged in but not in use.
Leisure Services Department:
• Signed up with Crescent Electric for lighting study to review all facilities
throughout Leisure Services Department.
• Requested an Alliant Energy sponsored energy audit for Grand River Center.
• Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11
• Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED
fixtures 2010
• Ongoing participation in the Alliant Energy Interrupt Program during peak energy
usage times
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Water Department:
Business:
Non - Profit:
Driftless Area Initiative Midwest Biomass Conference: The Third Annual Midwest
Biomass Conference was held at the Grand River Center November 2nd and 3rd in
partnership with the US Department of Energy, John Deere, Jo- Carroll Energy and
others. Three keynotes and twenty four breakout sessions were held in three tracks:
Economics /Utilization, Production /Processing and Technology /Case Studies. The
topics covered a full spectrum from combined heat and power, pollution prevention
technologies, district energy systems, cooling technologies, energy crops and feedstock
supply chains.
Schools:
Dubuque Community School Districts: 2009/10 school DCSD is financially and
environmentally healthier as a result of the energy management (efficiency and
conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10 with over $212,603 in avoided
costs and $151,576 in direct energy costs savings. Overall energy prices increased by
over 3% from the baseline year. These results directly impact the District's 12,330+
PreK -12 students, administrators, teachers, and staff in the 1,694,250 square feet of
DCSD schools and support facilities.
2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the
energy management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during
2009/10, reducing energy use within the District by 13.4 billion BTUs (British Thermal
Units), a reduction of 11% from the baseline year; this reduction is about equal to all the
energy used throughout the year by Washington Middle School, Irving Elementary
School, and Sageville Elementary School combined.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average school building in the U.S.
used 83,100 BTU per square foot last year. During the 2009/10 year the Dubuque
Community School District's building average was 66,833 BTU per square foot, 19.6
percent better than the national average. In energy intensity, (BTUs per SF) DCSD
Elementary Schools performed 30.3% better than the average Iowa Elementary
School *, DCSD Middle Schools outperformed the average Iowa Middle School* by
9.5 %, and DCSD High Schools were 11.8% better performing than the average Iowa
High School.
2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the
energy management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during
2009/10 with 3,946,135 lbs. (1,790 metric tonnes) of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions
avoided; the equivalent of removing 343 passenger vehicles from our streets and roads
for one year.
2010/11 6 -month progress - During the 6 month period of July through December for the
2010/11 school year, the District surpassed its previous progress by reducing its energy
consumption over 5.53 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), a reduction of 15.52% for
21
the same period from established baseline. Compared to the 2009/10 time period, over
1.05 billion BTUs (7.51 %) in further reductions were realized.
From July through December 2010, the District surpassed its previous progress with
over $103,487 in avoided costs compared to the same period of the baseline year.
Compared to the same 2009/10 time period, over $26,358 in additional avoided costs
were realized, despite overall energy prices increasing by 12.79% for this comparative
time period. The District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for PreK -12 is 10,516
students.
During the 10 month period of July through April, 2010/11, the District reduced energy
consumption over 13.214 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), an 11.51% reduction
from the established baseline, with $207,314 in avoided costs and $110,778 in energy
costs. Overall energy costs increased 5.66% for this 10 -month time period compared to
the baseline year and 4.07% from last year. The District's 2010/2011 certified
enrollment for PreK -12 is 10,516 students.
People & Neighborhoods:
SMART RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Government:
Public Works Department:
The Green Vision Building Materials Management and Waste Minimization
Program is a high priority of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency. The
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has designated construction and
demolition materials (C &D) as targeted materials for diverting from Iowa landfills, noting
that they accounted for 13.5% of all materials landfilled in Iowa in calendar 2011.
Building and demolition professionals can play an important role in assisting the Agency
and IDNR in meeting their goals of diverting reusable and recyclable materials from land
filling. Rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling - the "Four R's" - focus on resource
efficiency. Typically, these practices can save money and control costs by decreasing
the amount of new materials needed for building and reducing waste disposal costs.
Equally important, the program helps reduce the amount of materials being buried at the
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Landfill.
Retail Plastic Bag Reduction Strategy: The City Council approved a strategy to
reduce the use of plastic bags in retail stores 90% by 2017. The approved plan begins
by targeting retailers over 40,000 square feet and focuses on tracking reduction and
recycling of checkout plastic bags, incentives and education, not enforcement or a
"ban." Staff will be working with retailers and other partners to implement the plan,
including creating reporting system and time table, an implementation toolkit for local
retailers as well as a City consumer education campaign. The DMASWA Education
Office has sponsored the following showings of the "Bag It" movie:
Jan. 11, 2012 — Roosevelt Middle School (6 -8th grades) —1400 participants
Feb. 14, 2012 — Divine Word College — 75 participants
More showings are being scheduled. This film reviews the effects of plastics on human
22
and environmental health and supports the City of Dubuque's plastic bag reduction
strategy.
Airport:
• Operations and Jet Center staff now use bicycles for routine transportation tasks not
involving fuel or airfield operations.
Arts and Culture:
Beginning in 2010:
• All grant applications and supporting materials are sent and received electronically,
reducing paper usage, copying and postage to minimal amounts.
• All media releases and other communications are sent electronically.
• All applications and supporting materials for Art on the River are sent and received
electronically. All applications and materials are uploaded to a FTP site where three
jury members review all the applications, reducing copying by 75% and eliminating
delivery of materials by car or mail to jury members.
• Invitations to art related events are all sent electronically, reducing printing costs,
paper use and postage.
City Clerk's Office:
• City Council agendas are now delivered to Council members electronically. At
one time we were copying about 500 sheets per agenda packet per council
member, CMO, and City Attorney (4500) per meeting. These reams of paper
were then delivered via vehicle. Installation and deployment of NovuSolutions
agenda management software took place for the November 21 2011 City Council
meeting and further reduces the need for paper versions of the agenda and
increases electronic access as well as easier access for citizens and staff.
• Office staff is exploring and making use of online databases that replace paper
ledgers and utilizing electronic distribution.
• Whenever possible, Freedom of Information request are handled via e-mail
attachments from the City's Laserfiche repository decreasing research time and
the need for large quantities of hard copies.
Leisure Services Department:
• Bunker Hill Golf Course irrigation system upgrade electrical & water 2010 -11.
Computerized controllers include a weather station that detects precipitation and
shuts off system if it meets the preset threshold of moisture. Variable speed
pump also reduces electrical consumption of pump motor. Anticipate a 25%
reduction in electrical demand with new motor. Anticipate 20% reduction in water
use when complete.
Public Works Department:
Tire Recycling Program: Initiated by the DMASWA in the 1990's as a result of
regulations prohibiting the burial of whole tires in landfills, the DMASWA took the extra
step of banning the burial of tires in any shape or form in its landfill. Current federal and
State regulations still allow the burial of shredded, chopped or halved tires. Tires
brought to the DMASWA Landfill are set aside for subsequent collection and processing
23
by a tire recycling firm. The cost of the tire recycling service is passed along to the
DMASWA's customers. The tires are currently being processed into fuel pellets,
playground equipment fall protection pads, pads protecting concrete floors from heavy
equipment tracks, and sundry items such as park benches and parking lot tire stops.
Community impacts of the DMASWA's Tire Recycling Program have included saved
landfill space /life and reuse of a valuable fossil fuel- derived product.
Appliance and Metals Recycling Program. Similar to the DMASWA's Tire Recycling
Program, and also initiated in the 1990's, the Agency's Appliance and Metals Recycling
Program also exceeds federal and State standards. While the USEPA and Iowa
regulations allow the landfill burial of metal household appliances that do not contain
freon or mercury, the DMASWA bans the landfilling of any appliances at its facility.
Appliances are accepted, however, for a fee to cover the cost of subsequent recycling
by a local firm. Also, the DMASWA provides a free drop -off container just inside its gate
where clean metal items may be dropped off without charge for subsequent recycling.
Finally, DMASWA - employed workers recover any metal items encountered in the landfill
cells and take them to the metals drop -off container. A main community impact derived
from this program is saved landfill space /life. A secondary community impact is the
recovery and reuse of recyclable metal. A third community impact is the reduction of
"upstream" pollution and GHG emissions.
Recycling Dropoff Stations Program. Beginning with a sole recyclables dropoff facility
on Dubuque's west side in the 1990's, the program has expanded to seven (7) such
facilities at the current time. In addition to the noted original facility on Radford Road,
there now are facilities in Cascade, unincorporated Key West, Farley, Epworth, in the
Flexsteel Industries parking lot at East 32nd Street and Peru Road in Dubuque, and at
the DMASWA Landfill. The Agency plans to add additional facilities in the northern,
southern and northwestern areas of Dubuque County in the near future. At these
facilities, residents are allowed to drop off unlimited quantities of clean metal, aluminum
beverage containers, tin cans, paper, cardboard, and #1 - #5 plastics. Glass containers
are accepted only at the Radford Road and DMASWA Landfill drop -off facilities. The
materials are collected by Agency workers and transported to the Dittmer Recycling
facility in Dubuque for processing and subsequent shipment to regional manufacturers
or exporters. The most relevant measurable outcomes for this program would be
pounds of materials received and recycled annually through the noted dropoff facilities.
Pay As You Throw: PAYT is a sustainable model for the City's Refuse Collection and
Large Item Collection programs. It places an added cost to extra trash generation
which encourages source reduction, reuse through donations, recycling and
composting. The average customer only sends 20 pounds per week to the landfill
which is among the lowest of the ten largest cities in Iowa. Appropriately -sized City -
owned tipper carts have been supplied to many alley - collection customers to improve
sanitation and aesthetics in areas of high rental density.
Curbside Food Scrap Collection and Composting: The Public Works Department
provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E partnership of the County and City of Dubuque.
In 1990, the DMASWA constructed its first yard waste composting facility at its Landfill
site on Dubuque's west side along U.S. Highway 20. The facility and yard waste
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composting program were mandated by a then -new Iowa law banning yard waste from
being landfilled as of the beginning of FY91. The yard waste composting facility was
later displaced by the construction of landfill cells #5 and #6 and was replaced by the
current facility in 1998. The second - generation composting facility originally consisted
of a large asphalt -paved area where yard waste was stored and shredded. The
shredded yard waste was then windrowed in an adjoining area lined with shale where
the actual composting process took place.
The City initiated a pilot program for the curbside co- collection (with yard waste) of food
scraps in April of 2006. The City program has reached its maximum allowed diversion
under the two ton per week cap under IDNR regulations. This project is in partnership
with the DMASWA and involves 230 subscribers and some schools, institutions and
commercial subscribers, who for a very small fee, diverted approximately 80 tons of
food scraps last year from regular refuse collection and processed them into 40 tons of
compost. This also reduced potential fugitive green house gas emissions from the
DMASWA Landfill by approximately 500,000 pounds per year.
In 2009 and again in 2010, the DMASWA applied to the State for permission to expand
its food scrap composting program. The State has denied the requests, insisting that
further infrastructure improvements be made. Those improvements have been
estimated to cost more than $300,000. As a result of those prohibitive additional costs,
the DMASWA has tabled expansion of its food scrap composting program until the
State of Iowa adopts guidelines similar to those allowed by the USEPA and already
implemented in surrounding states. Community impacts of the DMASWA's Composting
Program to date include saving an estimated half year of landfill life /capacity over the
last twenty years, plus the generation and reuse of a valued byproduct — high quality
compost.
Curbside Recycling: The Recycling Collection Activity has maintained over the last
five years the lowest average curbside collection fees in the state while having some of
the highest diverted tonnage to recycling at 4,300 tons per year (approximately 40 %).
Recycling tonnage has been declining in Dubuque and nationally recently due partially
to the shift from print media and advertising (newspaper / magazine pages and junk
mail) to electronic media. The participation rate of customers setting out recycling bins
at least once a month is estimated to be over 90 %. The partnership of the DMASWA in
a processing contract with Dittmer Recycling has brought shared revenue to the City
even during the current economic recession. Additional curbside acceptable materials
have been approved: empty aerosol cans, new, clean empty latex paint cans, obsolete
hardback books, and crosscut shredded paper. The Resource Management
Coordinator facilitated the Sustainable 2010 Glass Management Options Study and
researched local costs and impacts. This research indicated that the curbside collection
of glass for recycling was no longer a sustainable activity and should be terminated;
thereby cutting significant costs and generating increased revenue. The City Council on
April 18, 2011 supported the recommendation to end the curbside collection of glass
food and beverage containers on July 2, 2011. More energy had been expended
recycling glass from curbside collection through bottle manufacturing than was
conserved by using recycled cutlet. The small net environmental benefits were not
worth the $325.00 per ton it cost to collect glass curbside for recycling, which had
yielded a —minus $16.00 per ton value after it had been delivered to the nearest and
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best market. No longer separating 300 tons per year of glass at curbside by hand
sorting will reduce future repetitive motion workers compensation claims . This decision
was perceived by the community as a re- education challenge to change an obsolete
recycling habit. Beneficial -use options for glass still collected at the DMASWA /Dittmer
Recycling dropoff in the city are being developed and promoted. Approximately 99% of
the glass previously set out for recycling has been seamlessly diverted through other
programs. The City Council approved a $0.37 reduction in the FY12 solid waste
collection monthly fee due to the savings resulting from eliminating glass from curbside
recycling collection.
Electronics Banned from Landfill Disposal: All electronics brought to the DMASWA
facility are recycled — landfill burial is not an option. The Agency's Electronics Recycling
Program provides an environmentally -sound and economically - feasible disposal option
for old, unwanted electronics. Electronics are defined as anything containing a circuit
board and /or cathode ray tube (CRT or "picture tube "). Examples include: computer
monitors and CPUs, cell phones, televisions, printers, DVD players and VCRs. All
recycled electronics are broken down into salvageable components at a secure de-
manufacturing facility in Davenport. To ensure data security, computers are not
refurbished or reused. The DMASWA's electronics disposal program not only saves
space that used electronics would take up if buried in the Dubuque Metro Landfill, but
also keeps the hazardous materials contained in the electronics - lead, mercury,
cadmium, nickel, chromium, lithium, and PCBs, among others, out of the landfill.
Electronics also contain many materials made from natural resources, some of which
are not renewable and will be depleted over time. By recycling electronics, those
valuable natural resources are used again to make new products, water pollution is
prevented, and energy is saved in the extraction and manufacturing processes.
Dubuque Area Task Force Addressing Illegal Dumping & Illegal Littering: The
Resource Management program has provided staff support to the Dubuque Area Task
Force On Illegal Dumping and Illegal Littering (DATFOIDIL) which was initiated in 2010
by the DMASWA. The City Resource Management office has hosted an Illegal Dumping
Hotline (589 -4345) since 2000, averaging approximately ten illegal dumping report
investigations per month - cleaning up as appropriate and sending warning letters to
identified households. DMASWA is working with the Dubuque County Conservation
Board to support an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Officer that monitors problem areas in
urban and rural Dubuque County. Citations have been issued and monitoring
continues. Some investigations have led to information and citations related to
burglaries and drug arrests.
Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs: The Resource
Management program first initiated and since 2006 has provided staff and logistic
support to Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs in partnership
with the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA). Since 2006, 257
civic and social events have utilized the DMASWA's Clear Stream event recycling units
with 4,363 unit usages. Recycling is required by the City at stationary events requiring
a City permit. Recyclable cups numbered 1 through 5 are required to increase
recycling. Events now typically divert over 50% by volume to recycling and also
significantly reduce litter. There have been a growing number of zero waste events
where event food discards and compostable paper products get processed for
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beneficial use. This program provides appropriate containers, signage and removes the
captured materials to be composted. Further information and instructional flyers are
available on managing zero waste events. There is normally no charge for specialized
container usage, signage and collection of the event recyclables and clean source -
separated compostables when scheduled.
Green Iowa AmeriCorps: To date, Green Iowa has performed 74 weatherizations. In
February, they also managed a "Green Olympics" at St. Anthony's Catholic School,
where they led students through a series of sustainability - related relay races and
games. During their 10 month term in Dubuque, they will weatherize at least 100
homes, resulting in over $23,000 in energy savings annually. Additionally, members are
conducting 50 educational programs in the community.
Leisure Services:
• Five Flags had carpet rolls that had not been used in over fifteen years. Match
program found an American Legion in another community that took carpet and
reused.
• Rock removed from roof of Fire Department during re -roof project (68 tons of rock) is
being stored and will be recycled in future landscaping projects for the City.
Library:
Waste stream audit conducted in June, 2011. One week in the study showed and 80%
landfill diversion and the second week showed a 91 % landfill diversion. Since this time
food scrap recycling has been introduced and increased employee awareness about
recycling. The waste stream audit will be conducted again in the second quarter of
FY2012 to measure improvement.
Children's program in July, 2011 included a craft where youth made musical
instruments from toilet paper rolls.
Damaged CD disks and DVD disks are cleaned and polished to extend life rather than
replacing them. The library restores an average of 175 disks each week. (Jan. 2012)
When a local bookstore went out of business (Blue Cat Books) the inventory was going
to be discarded. The library took the inventory of approximately 2,200 titles and they
went to the Friends of the Library that will sell them, or donate them to Better World
Books for emerging literacy programs in third world countries.
The gathering of daily statistics at public service desks has now moved online and this
saves 3.5 reams of paper a month; 42 reams of paper each year.
Finance:
1. The Utility Billing area serves as a collection for CFL light bulbs for employees and
citizens. This process began approximately one year ago. The City provides multiple
collection sites. Public Works employees pick up the recycled CFL light bulbs.
2. Laserfiche was implemented for storing supporting documentation for accounts
payable and accounts receivable activities such as purchase orders /direct pays,
purchase order adjustments, journal entries and receipts. This procedure eliminates the
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need for departments to make a copy of documents for their files as documents are
viewed through Laserfiche.
3. Accepting electronic payments for Utility Billing, parking tickets, (Leisure Services).
Customer initiates EFT via website and City ACH initiated. Utility Billing saves paper by
not including a return payment envelope for customers who have their payment
automatically deducted from their bank account (currently 21.4 %). Citizens save
postage and post office saves labor /energy.
4. Accounts payable direct deposit of employee expense reimbursement and vendor
payments. Full implementation will be available. Saves City cost of printing and mailing
checks. Saves paper and energy.
5. Future initiative: Working toward electronic billing for utility bills.
Police:
GoTo Meetings: Shane O'Brien (DARE coordinator) held a statewide DARE meeting via
GoTo meetings instead of having everyone drive to Ankeny, Iowa. It saved the City of
Dubuque alone over 300 miles in travel expenses, fuel and waste. It was positively
received by the members in attendance and will be expanded for future meetings.
Idleright Fuel Management System: The DPD installed a new "fuel management
system" to test called Idleright in vehicle 1843. This system enables an officer to turn
the ignition off and leave all emergency lighting on. The system monitors the voltage in
the battery system and when it reaches a certain level, restarts the car - charging the
system. When fully charged the system shuts off the car again saving fuel. Without this
system a police car could idle for hours at an accident scene where lighting is needed.
Business:
Electronics Product Stewardship: Some local vendors have adopted progressive
policies in taking responsibility for proper "end -of- useful -life" disposal in taking back
consumer electronics for recycling at no charge.
Non - Profit:
Keep Dubuque County Clean & Green — serves as the local affiliate for Keep Iowa
Beautiful. Members include representatives from Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid
Waste Agency, the Dubuque County Conservation Board, the National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium, and interested individuals. The group works with the Illegal
Dumping and Littering task force and other community groups to educate the public on
the effects of littering and illegal dumping.
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
COMMUNITY DESIGN
Government:
Sustainable Design Assessment Team: In 2009, the Dubuque SDAT Report was
incorporated into the Sustainable Dubuque Plan as well as the City's UDC.
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Unified Development Code (Management Agenda): In 2009, the City of Dubuque's
new Unified Development Code went into effect. The UDC updates and consolidates
zoning, subdivision, site development, historic preservation, and sign regulations into a
single city code. The UDC incorporates text, photographs, drawings, charts and
diagrams for ease of use in an online illustrated version.
The four -year process for developing the Dubuque UDC incorporated three citizen
advisory committees and an interdisciplinary task force of City staff working with JEO
Consulting. The last 12 months of the process were devoted to seeking and responding
to input on the draft UDC from developers, engineers, architects, neighborhood and
business associations, sign contractors, City Boards and Commissions, and the general
public prior to City Council work sessions and public hearings.
The UDC incorporates sustainable design while meeting smart growth objectives.
Sustainable design is the expectation. While traditional development is still allowed, it is
now the exception. The UDC received strong support from City officials and citizens
alike. This acceptance of sustainable design has continued through implementation.
Subdivision and site development regulations were extensively revised to promote
sustainable design, such as conservation design, solar access, and low- impact
development measures. Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit as well as
design guidelines for historic districts, the downtown, and older neighborhoods also are
now part of the UDC.
The intent of the UDC is to guide the physical, economic and social development,
redevelopment and conservation of the community. The UDC protects and enhances
the historic, cultural and aesthetic resources that make Dubuque a unique, identifiable
and vital community.
Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines: Adopted as part of the UDC, the
Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines for development in Dubuque's older
neighborhoods provide form -based site design guidelines where strict application of
"suburban- style" site design standards for new commercial, industrial and residential
development are difficult to apply due to the dense development patterns of these older
urban areas. They are intended to encourage new development that is compatible with
historic districts, downtown, and older neighborhoods in conservation planning areas.
Complete Streets Policy: Adopted in 2011, the City of Dubuque's Complete Streets
Policy was created with input from a variety of community stakeholders. The Complete
Streets Policy provides an integrated multimodal approach to roadway planning and
design. The Policy establishes that development of as many street projects as possible
will be done in an affordable, balanced, responsible, and equitable way that
accommodates and encourages travel by motorists, bicyclists, public transit vehicles
and their passengers, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The Complete Streets
Policy also ensures that future demand and context sensitivity is integrated into new
facilities, recognizing that topography, cost, and right -of -way constraints are among the
limiting factors and that not every project is a candidate for this desired outcome. The
Policy also includes language regarding the review of street projects for consistency
with the Tri -State Trail Plan, posting annual street projects for public input, and
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documentation of project- specific exemptions. The Complete Streets policy allows for
project- specific exemptions to be approved by the City Council, or the City Manager
where a project does not come before the City Council.
Green AIIey Pilot Project: This project involved the reconstruction of existing asphalt
alleys from 11th Street to 13th Street between White Street and Jackson Street and the
alley from 15th and 16th between Elm and Washington Streets. The project
reconstructed the alleys with pervious pavement surfaces to assist in evaluating suitable
pavement types for future alley reconstruction projects. The pavement surfaces allow
rainfall from low- intensity storms to pass through the pavement structure. This, in turn,
will recharge the water table and minimize storm water runoff. Completed in summer
2010
Engineering staff are now working on the design of the alley between Jackson and
Washington from 17th to 18th Street. The project is expected to be initiated in December
2011 and completed by June 2012.
Engineering staff will also begin design of the following alleys to be completed in FY
2013:
AIIey between Jackson and Washington from 16th to 17th
AIIey between Jackson and White from 9th to 10th
AIIey between White & Jackson from 17th to 18th
AIIey between Arlington & Loras from Dell to Prairie
The alleys above are part of the SEP (Supplemental Engineering Project) required by
EPA as part of the consent decree issued to the City. Originally the Alley between
Washington and Elm from 25th to 26th was part of the SEP list proposed. Due to the size
of that alley, it was determined a better approach is to use City Green Alley funds in the
next couple of years to address that alley.
Washington Neighborhood Initiative (Top Priority): Comprehensive effort designed
to address many housing and social challenges in this 55 square block neighborhood.
An ambitious "visioning" project for the Washington Neighborhood was concluded in
2008 and the Washington Neighborhood Strategic Plan was presented to the City
Council in April 2009. Homes have now been purchased and rehabbed by 40 first -time
owner families throughout the neighborhood. Previous rental dwellings and vacant
structures have been historically restored for owner occupancy. Since late 2005, the
Housing Department has loaned $5 million and a total of $7.5 million has been
reinvested in housing in the Washington Neighborhood.
With receipt of a $240 000 I -JOBS grant from IFA, the Historic Washington Row Houses
project commenced construction in November 2010. New individual sanitary sewer and
water services have been installed, lead paint removed from the interior of the buildings,
asbestos removed from the roofing structure and all new membrane roofs installed, and
installation of all new wooden windows and doors completed. Finalization is being
completed on all units to prepare for sale. A September completion date is projected.
All units will be sold as owner - occupied town homes to low- moderate income
households. The City will be reconstructing the alley behind the row houses as a "Green
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Alley" in the summer of 2011.
Several other houses acquired by the Housing Department, using our Neighborhood
Stabilization Program (NSP) grant, continue under rehab. The HEART Program crews
is performing the bulk of the rehab work. As the completed homes are re -sold, NSP
funds are used to buy other foreclosed or vacated houses.
An exterior inspection program providing 'advisory inspections' for all Washington
Neighborhood homeowners commenced in November. All of the 200 homes have been
inspected with70 having exterior violations. Housing staff coordinated with church
volunteer groups and WNDC during the April Community Days of Caring event to
provide 11 homes with needed repairs. 7 interior healthy home assessments requested
by homeowners were completed to check for safety, energy and code violations.
Planning continues for a major rehab project in the 2200 -2400 block of Washington
Street. Houses acquired for the Bee Branch Project and no longer needed for the right -
of -way will be rehabbed and re -sold to owner occupant families. Two city- acquired
homes were moved to this block in June and will be sold to Habitat for Humanity. The
HEART crews have begun work on one house. The City acquired a tenth home in
August. All will be under contract for rehab by the end of September.
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation (WNDC): a new non - profit
corporation was formed to promote revitalization efforts in the Washington
Neighborhood. The WNDC is staffed by a fulltime executive director, initially funded by
the City of Dubuque. A board of directors was recruited to represent the interests of
stakeholders, including residents, landlords, businesses and lenders, and city
government. The corporation promotes activities to improve the neighborhood in a
variety of ways. Key objectives include increasing homeowner occupancies,
refurbishing older buildings, improving the appearance of the area and greater resident
involvement.
Partnering with the following neighborhood initiatives: Harkin Wellness Grant,
Community Garden, Energy Center staff, Small Business Works, Community Days of
Caring( Central Ave focus), Iowa 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant,
Crime Study Report, Dubuque Board of Realtors, Gateway to Homes.
Additional activities of WNDC:
L i Referrals made for Energy Center weatherization assistance.
L i Updated the WNDC directory — 171 businesses.
L i Inventorying empty retail space available.
L i Partnering with Housing and Community Development to create a neighbor to
neighbor work program rehabilitating the exterior of residences
Project leader for Community Days of Caring April 29th & 30th, providing facade
improvement to businesses and homes.
Hosted the 2nd annual "Meet your Neighbor, Eat N Greet" on June 25th, with 800
in attendance,
L i Collaborate and assist with the Small Business Works initiative
L i Building relationships with Dubuque Board of Realtors to promote the community
L i Volunteer and partner with the following events; Taste of the World (Multicultural
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Family Center), Young Professionals Food Drive, Bowling on the River ( River
Museum and Aquarium raising money for Everybody's Museum program that will
give memberships to families in our neighborhood) Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability
Challenge, Hope House Volunteers (cleanup and weatherization of the
neighborhood). Small Business Works Initiative, Green Healthy Homes Initiative.
Gave 3 tours (walking and bus tours) of the neighborhood in collaboration with
the 4th Annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference, Green
AmeriCorps members and the University of Iowa Urban Planning students for the
Green and Healthy Homes Initiative.
Board approved strategic goals for 2011 -2012 year beginning July 1, 2011.
Inventory of vacant business fronts.
Partnership with McGraw Hill for the giveaway of 250+ potted plants.
Received DRA grant for ($4868) the Dr. Viner /Manasseh House Garden located
465 Lincoln Ave.
Continued collaboration with Dubuque Downtown Christian Outreach,
Multicultural Family Center, Four Mounds, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque, Crescent Community Health Center, Project Concern and Orange
Park residents.
Orange Park: Creation of a park in the Washington Neighborhood as a result of
neighborhood input.
Historic Millwork District (Top Priority):
The Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project will involve the reconstruction
and streetscaping of streets into complete streets. These streets include the following:
Street
10th Street
Washington Street
Jackson Street
Jackson Street Trail
10th Street
11th Street
Limits
Jackson to Elm Street
9th to 10th Street
7th to 11th Street
5th to 7th Street
Main to Jackson Street
Jackson to Elm Street
Additionally, 3 alternates were selected and they include:
Alternate Street Limits
1 Washington Street 10th to 11th Street
2 9th Street Washington to White Street
3 9th Street Main to White Street
Construction Type
Reconstruction
Reconstruction
Reconstruction
Hike /Bike Trail
Streetscaping
Water Reconstruction
Construction Type
Reconstruction
Streetscaping
Streetscaping
The project is approximately 90% complete. The only remaining work yet to be
completed is the paving of Washington Street between 9th and 11th streets. The abutting
sidewalks in this same area also need to be completed. All remaining work will be
completed in the spring of 2012.
A site in the district is being reviewed as a potential for the location of a future
intermodal facility.
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The Alamo Block purchase agreement was approved by the City Council on October 4,
2010. Deconstruction of the non - historic buildings is completed which is ahead of the
March 31, 2011 schedule. City staff closed on the purchase of the Alamo real estate on
April 26, 2011.
Financing for the $28 million Caradco project is being finalized. Construction bids were
received in late May, and Gronen Properties has begun rehabilitation work at the
Caradco building. City staff worked with Gronen to determine collateral for the $4.5
million IFA loan. The recommended collateral was presented and approved by the City
Council at their July 18th, 2011 meeting. Closing on the financial package took place on
August 26, 2011. The City has received a release of funds and environmental clearance
for the $8.9 CDBG funding.
Staff prepared a Development Agreement for the CARADCO project with Gronen
Properties and a public hearing was held on March 21, 2011. The City Council
approved the Development Agreement following the public hearing.
The CARADCO building received two awards of $3 million and $5.9 million in CDBG
disaster assistance funds to develop income - restricted (80% of Median Income)
apartments. As of February 21, 2012, the City has drawn down $3,365,966 in grant
funds for the project.
The Council approved a $4.5 million loan agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority to
provide low- interest financing for Millwork District projects. As of December 14, 2011,
the City has drawn down the $4.5 million of the $4.5 million loan.
Construction of the Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project began on March
14, 2011. A ground breaking occurred on for March 23, 2011. Assistant Director of
FHWA Gary Nadeau attended from Washington, DC and along with Mayor Buol had
some nice remarks about the project and the City.
Currently the street pavement is in place on 9th street between Washington and White,
Jackson Street between 8th and 11th, and on 10th street between Jackson and White
Street. The contactor is installing the curb on 10th street between Iowa and Central.
Additionally the curb is getting formed on 10th street between Jackson and Elm. The
street lights on Jackson Street will start to get installed in early August. The contractor is
on schedule.
Smart Planning Grant (Management Agenda): In late 2010, Dubuque County and the
cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Cascade, Dyersville, Epworth, Farley, and Peosta came
together to form the Dubuque Smart Planning Consortium. The consortium's goals are
to develop a regional sustainability plan that includes the State of Iowa's Smart Planning
principles, the City of Dubuque's sustainability principles, and watershed planning, and
then incorporates the smart planning elements of the regional plan into local
comprehensive plans. This consortium is a two -year process. The consortium is
meeting monthly. The Consortium has developed a public participation plan and a 2011
meeting schedule. Consortium members and local elected and appointed officials
attended public participation workshops sponsored by the Iowa Department of
Economic Development on April 6, 2011 in Dubuque.
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Public Works Department: The Public Works Department provides administrative and
operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency
(DMASWA or "Agency "). Since 1995, the Agency has employed a Loras College
employee as its Education and Communication Coordinator. This person is charged
with educating the general public in Dubuque and Delaware counties regarding best
solid waste management practices. The Coordinator develops public education
programs, publicizes Agency services, manages its website, presents programs to
school and community groups, hosts facility tours, provides education curriculum
resources and assistance, coordinates the efforts and initiatives of the Dubuque chapter
of Keep Iowa Beautiful - Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green, manages the
Agency's Green Vision Education Program, and provides staff support to the Dubuque
County Illegal Dumping Task Force. The Coordinator also prepares and updates the
Agency's biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, which is inserted in all Dubuque and
Delaware county daily and weekly newspapers. The most measurable outcome for this
program is the number of citizens the Coordinator presented to and /or provided facility
tours in any given year.
Leisure Services Department: In accepting two new parks, Westbrook and Creek
Ridge, the proposed park layouts included native open spaces, wetlands and woodland
areas. Highly maintained areas were limited in size. This limits the acreage of mowed,
manicured spaces with allowing preservation of open space — a much more sustainable
practice.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
HEART: Four Mounds Foundation leads the HEART program's work redeveloping 2234
Washington Street in partnership with the City of Dubuque. The property is marks the
30th unit of housing that HEART has converted or helped rehabilitate and will result in
the 21 st home made available for ownership to a first -time homeowner.
400 E. Four Mounds Foundation has formed a partnership with the City of Dubuque,
Manasseh House and Liberty bank to develop a relevant and viable feasibility and reuse
plan for 400 E. 22nd Street in Dubuque's Washington Neighborhood (the Property).
Funding would support the stabilization and planning process for the reuse of this
threatened but significant community structure. The planning process seeks to
incorporate the HEART students in the Property's redevelopment plan, as a way to
reduce costs in the development phase and provide the students with an important role
in the continued redevelopment of the Washington Neighborhood. The process also
seeks a viable end use for the project, likely as owned and operated by Manasseh
House /Project Empower (501 c3), to house, employ, educate and offer supportive
services to the needy women of the tri- states in a sustainable manner. The property
34
owner died in the Spring of 2011 and when officials entered the building they removed
over 60 cats. The condition of the building, combined with its location in a historic district
and the flood plain, make redevelopment improbable. The coalition is working to find a
viable reuse.
GREEN BUILDINGS
Government:
Building Services Department:
Solar Thermal
The Solar Thermal Licensing and Solar Thermal Permits and Inspections ordinances
were created in 2011 after a local solar thermal contractor met with City staff to
determine what licenses and permits they would need to install solar thermal systems
within the corporate limits of Dubuque. The current regulations would require multiple
licenses and permits.
The adoption of the ordinances will allow for streamlined licensing and permitting
processes and support the development of green jobs in Dubuque. Information Services
has updated the Permits Plus system to have solar thermal licensing and permits
capability. A solar thermal license has been issued.
City Building Efficiency Improvements
The 18th St project will significantly upgrade the energy efficiency of that building with
new HVAC, lighting (with the grant), etc.
On March 21, 2010, the City Council approved an upgrade to the HVAC system at City
Hall. Water cooled units will have their piping adjusted so that they are no longer
dumping the water into the sanitary sewer system, but into a cooling tower /tank,
instead.
An RFP for design has been issued. Responses were due June 3, 2011. Shive - Hattery
was selected to complete this work. Shive - Hattery has submitted a preliminary design
and review of alternatives. City staff reviewed the submittal and agreed that a fluid
cooler system would be used. Staff also requested that quantitative information on
expected savings of water, electricity, etc be provided by Shive - Hattery.
The HVAC improvements have begun. The fluid cooler has been placed in the parking
lot and ceilings, duct work and air handlers have been removed. Piping from the fluid
cooler has been run to the boiler room in the basement of City Hall.
Grand River Center Smart Electric Meters (Management Agenda)
An RFP has been issued for design of a smart electric metering of the Grand River
Center. Responses are due June 4, 2011.
The City of Dubuque, Iowa is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from qualified
professional consulting firms to complete a design of smart electric meter improvements
to the Grand River Center to incorporate smart electric meters in the Grand River
Center. The smart metering of some circuits and equipment at the Grand River Center
will allow for the management and staff to track electrical usage. The cost of electrical
usage of special events can also be tracked. The efficiency of HVAC equipment can be
analyzed as well.
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Responses to the design RFP are due June 24, 2011, with design expected to be
completed by August 5, 2011. Installation would be complete by the end of 2011. One
response was received from KJWW of Rock Island. KJWW was hired and is working on
a design.
2009 International Energy Conservation Code
We have adopted the 2009 Int'I Energy Conservation Code and will continue to adopt
the most - recent version.
Public Works and Water Departments:
Solar Energy
The City of Dubuque signed a contract with a
August of 2011 providing for the installation of
Municipal Services Center. The panels were
connected to the local grid on November 22, 201
electrical power during optimum conditions.
Dubuque firm, Eagle Point Solar, in
425 solar panels on the roof of the
installed over the ensuing months,
1, and are now generating 200 kW of
Workforce Housing (Mgt Agenda): City staff has been working diligently with local
developers to find new revenue sources to fund the financial gaps in the rehabilitation of
older buildings in the downtown /millwork districts. In 2009, the Iowa Finance Authority
conducted a study and based on current market conditions and projected employment
growth in Dubuque, their study indicated a significant demand exists for additional rental
housing in the local area. Given the relatively low HUD Median Income and the
estimated salary range of jobs, market rate rental housing appears to have the most
demand. Income restricted rental units, such as those with Low Income Housing Tax
Credits, would not alleviate future demands from household growth. While some
workers would prefer homeownership, affordable single family detached homes are
readily available in the market area with several new subdivisions under construction.
The lack of significant vacancies coupled with the lack of modern multi - family rental
communities indicates pent up demand for high quality market rate rental units. Based
on the IFA demand estimates, the Dubuque market area is in need of 300 to 400
additional rental units over the next two to three years. The City Council approved a
Loan Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for $4,500,000 with 3% interest.
The funding is available for creation of workforce housing unit creation in the Historic
Millwork District. Income guidelines exist for the units totaling 120% of Area Median
Income. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on
the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures.
On September 7, 2011, the City's Economic Development Director was part of a panel
presentation at the Housing Conference sponsored by IFA. The presentation focused
on the local need for workforce housing.
The City Council approved a Loan Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for
$4,500,000 with 3% interest. The funding is available for creation of workforce housing
unit creation in the Historic Millwork District. Income guidelines exist for the units
totaling 120% of Area Median Income. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to
various tax credit programs on the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic
structures.
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The loan with Caradco Landlord, LLC was closed on August 26, and the total loan of
$4.5 million has been drawn down. Caradco has also drawn down $3,365,966 of CDBG
funds for this project. City staff has been working diligently with local developers to find
new revenue sources to fund the financial gaps in the rehabilitation of older buildings in
the downtown /millwork districts.
At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the
national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures. The Greater Downtown
Urban Renewal District was expanded by the City Council on May 2, 2011 which
provides additional tools to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment activities
throughout the expanded District to support the revitalization of the area.
Housing Incentives: The City Council created a $2.5 million pool of funds to
encourage downtown market -rate apartments. The City provides a CIP for the
Downtown Rehabilitation Loan, Planning and Design Grant, Facade Grant, and
Financial Consultant Grant Programs which are designed to further the goals and
objectives of the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal Plan by creating the financial
incentives needed to eliminate conditions of blight, encourage revitalization efforts and
to retain or create employment opportunities and/or new housing units within the district.
To date, the Council has approved 199 units for the Downtown Housing Program. Of
those, 191 units will be developed. 75 units have been completed and 116 are currently
under construction.
To meet the demand of this program, a recommendation is being made to the City
Council to recapitalize this pool of funds. This program has done a tremendous job of
helping promote and redevelop the downtown housing options.
Green Healthy Homes Initiative (Management Agenda): Working collaboratively
across jurisdictions and silos of funding to identify and remove barriers to holistic,
household centric approaches to improving health, safety, livability and affordability of
housing in Dubuque. The Initiative will identify the hazards in the participating client
residences, identify funding sources to maximize services to the clients to remediate
these hazards, and follow up with the clients to assist them in maintaining and
sustaining the improvements." Key partners are the Housing and Community
Development Department, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Health
Department, Operation New View, Visiting Nurse Association, Northeast Iowa
Community College, Lead Hazard Control Grant, Healthy Homes Production Grant
Smarter City Project Manager
The Dubuque GHH Collaborative continues forward positively. In June 2011 all
partners received LEAN - principled training. It was supported by two professional LEAN
trainers provided through NICC. Process mapping of the first phase of coordinated
activity (identification, qualification, intake, assessment, funding, planning) occurred and
an approach to testing the new process with volunteer Pilot GHH Homes will
be developed. The Home Advocate concept being pioneered in Dubuque was
introduced and six Pilot Homes have now been identified. Meetings are held weekly to
consolidate activities and reduce duplication.
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Dubuque has been contacted by several state and federal agencies /entities expressing
interest in the innovative effort, and seeking to discuss additional potential partnerships.
City and Community Foundation staff represented Dubuque at the National Healthy
Homes Conference in Denver in June. They gave a presentation to Congressional staff
during their visit to Dubuque in August and presented at the local Sustainability
Conference in October. City Staff also represented Dubuque at the Department of
Energy Regional Weatherization Plus Health Initiative in October.
The State of Iowa held an Advisory Meeting in Des Moines on November 15, 2011 with
participants coming from various agencies and programs statewide to discuss a
common collaborative similar to the GHHI model happening on the state level. This
pioneer meeting was the first step to common ground being formed at a level higher
than our City initiative. Staff from the Lead Hazard Control Program and the Healthy
Homes Production Program represented the City of Dubuque in the statewide initiative.
Multicultural Family Center (High Priority): The MFC hosted Native Spirit Dancer to a
capacity crowd (700 +) at the Five Flags Theater.
Completed in FY 2010 to empower diverse neighbors, families and individuals through
personal growth and participation in community activities in the $ 1.2 million
rehabilitation of a City building to expand the Center. The Center's programs include
cross - cultural educational and family activities. The City hired a full -time director, half
time assistant director and twenty hours of site coordinators per week to staff the
Center.
The MFC hosted Dia De Las Americas on Saturday, October 8th from 4:30- 11:OOpm.
Over 400 people attended this cultural celebration for Hispanic Heritage month. Event
included cultural displays representing 12 countries, dance performances, two live
bands and an authentic meal with foods from throughout the Americas.
The MFC also offered a one -man show about the life of Satchel Paige on Tuesday,
October 25th at Five Flags. Around 175 community members attended this 90 minute
performance.
Zorana Wortham -White has been named the new director of the Multicultural Family
Center. Wortham -White will begin March 19 and replaces Tara Velez who recently
began as the executive director of St. Mark's Community Center.
Bee Branch Realignment: Relocated 65 families as part of the City's Bee Branch
Drainage Basin Master Plan activities. 70 houses were purchased, families relocated
and the structures deconstructed to make way for a floodwater relief project designed to
remove more than 1000 homes from chronic storm water flooding. Seven properties
that the City bought as part of the Bee Branch Realignment are being made lead safe
and in the process of being rehabbed. They will then be sold as owner occupied
properties.
Roshek Building: The restoration and rehabilitation of the Roshek Building Core and
Shell project has achieved LEED Platinum.
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Step by Step: A Bluff Street building was renovated to create a residence for persons
with disabilities or special needs. The Hills and Dales agency completed occupancy
with eight persons with disabilities in 2010.
Washington Row Houses - City and Dubuque Bank and Trust purchased 'row houses'
on Washington Street from six private owners. The units are currently being renovated
and upon completion, will be re -sold to owner occupants as town homes. Recycled city
street pavers were used to create a courtyard in the back.
White Street Condos- 9 unit apartment building on White Street was purchased by the
City from the Dubuque Community School District, then sold to a developer and
converted into 5 condominiums. All units have been sold
Urban Revitalization Program: The purpose of the program is to attract development
to specific areas, which might otherwise continue to deteriorate, thereby stabilizing and
eventually increasing the tax base within those areas. The abatements are intended to
stimulate private investment by reducing the tax increases that would normally result
from making improvements to residential property.
The program focuses on revitalization of properties in the community's older
neighborhoods and offers a property tax exemption for new improvements made to
qualified residential properties and limited commercial properties. Owners who upgrade
their residential properties located within a designated urban revitalization area are
eligible to apply for a ten -year property tax exemption. Owners of commercial property
in the Washington Neighborhood UR district are eligible for a three -year exemption. To
qualify, improvements must increase the assessed value of the building by at least ten
percent or greater depending on the specific district, and applies to those
neighborhoods which have been designated as urban revitalization areas by the City
Council. $10,954,900 is the current value of properties in tax abatement as of the 2011.
Housing Code Inspections: Inspection and Licensing Division assures all residents of
rental properties in the City of Dubuque of decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions by
requiring all dwelling units to meet minimum livability standards through a
comprehensive Housing Code inspection program.
Lead Hazard Reduction Program: To reduce lead paint poisoning in Dubuque's
young children, begun in 1997 and refunded in FY2008 with a $2.9 million grant.
417 applications were received with 325 inspections and risk assessments of housing
units being completed since the grant activities began in January 2008. 232 units have
been completed. 61 training and certification classes were held providing training to
342 contractors, workers, and property owners, totaling 1,168 hours of both classroom
and on -site training by Department inspection staff. The grant was completed in FY
2011.
Lead Hazard Control grant: $3.1 million grant awarded in January 2011 to fund
several lead control initiatives including inspection and lead -based paint hazard
reduction in 185 Dubuque housing units. One hundred of those units will receive $740 in
additional funding for a more comprehensive Healthy Homes approach. It will provide a
39
comprehensive public education campaign aimed at teaching property owners, tenants,
and maintenance and remodeling contractors how to provide and maintain lead -safe
dwellings. Additionally, area contractors will be certified, trained and provided economic
incentives to grow their businesses and improve skills in lead hazard reduction. During
the first nine months of the grant, 243 applicants enrolled, 61 units received a lead
hazard evaluation, and 21 units were completed. Eighteen projects are currently signed
and in progress for the quarter ending 3/31/2012. The Program achieved a 100% rating
from the quarterly report review from the Housing and Urban Development Department
(HUD).
Healthy Homes Production Program: $1 million grant awarded in January 2011.
Provides funds to identify and remediate housing - related health and safety hazards in
100 housing units throughout Dubuque. This program will be used in conjunction with
the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative to address the conditions in the physical
environment in the home as well as issues in the lives of the dwelling's occupants.
During the first nine months of the grant, 84 applicants enrolled, 29 units received a
comprehensive healthy home assessment, and 5 units have been completed. Twelve
projects are signed and in progress for the quarter ending 3/31/2012. The Program
achieved a 100% rating from the quarterly report review from HUD.
The Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program working together performed a
significant amount of outreach and education to the community and city and state
government leaders. A power point presentation was presented to City Council
members as wells as Iowa Congressional staff members to educate them on the
individual program goals and objectives as well as their involvement and commitment to
the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative. In addition, neighborhood groups were
contacted and presented the same information increasing awareness in the community.
Also, an educational segment was filmed by Mediacom for television viewing throughout
the month of October highlighting the City programs and the GHHI initiative. It has been
a focus to increase awareness and promote the concept City and Statewide of
partnerships working together to maximize services and resources to our citizens.
The Lead and Healthy Homes Program managers participated in the Green and Healthy
Homes Workshop session of the annual Growing Sustainable Communities
Conference. This helped educate and increase awareness for local industry and
business officials, leadership groups, and other organizations about the collaborative
efforts of GHHI process.
In addition, the managers gave a presentation at the Advisory Committee meeting held
by the Iowa Department of Public Health Advisory, who has received Healthy Homes
grant funding to create a statewide Healthy Homes program, to assist in these efforts.
Members of the Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program staff attended and
became certified as Healthy Homes Specialists through a Healthy Homes Practitioner
Course held in the City Housing Department. Also included in the training were the
City's general housing supervisor and inspectors, Section 8 inspectors, and members of
the City's Health Department, and the local Operation: New View Community Action
Agency Weatherization inspectors. This is continuing the goal of having City
departments and related outside partner's cross - trained and sharing job duties
40
whenever possible, as well as contributing to the GHHI goal to streamline and reduce
duplication in the assessment process.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $444,328 from the Iowa Department of
Economic Development received in April 2009. The grant provides funding to purchase
foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell or redevelop these homes in
order to stabilize neighborhoods and deter decline in valuation of neighboring homes.
Four foreclosed homes have been purchased, of which two have been rehabbed and
sold. Four are currently being rehabbed.
Washington Court project: Acquisition and adaptive reuse of a blighted historic
building into 35 affordable rental housing units and the Crescent Community Health
Center.
Housing Rehabilitation: Housing and Community Development Department
administers housing rehabilitation programs, for both owner - occupied housing and
rental units.
Rental Assistance Program: The City's primary means of directly providing affordable
rental housing is through the federal HUD Section 8 Program. This program offers rental
assistance to lower- income families for approximately $4 million annually with HUD
funds paid to area landlords. This program has been operational in Dubuque since
1976.
Carnegie -Stout Public Library Renovation: We set a goal of diverting deconstruction
materials from the landfill; though final numbers are not available, we have reached
63 %. Our carpeting was sent to be recycled and the carpet we installed was made from
recycled carpeting. Our insulation is blue jeans - reduced to the kind of fluff you see in
a dryer basket. We have several counter tops made of sunflowers. Our lights are
designed so that they do not contribute to "light pollution;" the fixtures inside the building
are not directed so that they can shine out. Materials used, including paint, varnish, and
adhesives were LEED certified. The plantings around the library will require very little
maintenance. The greatest impact of LEED, however, will come in the many policies
we will be adopting that will regulate the percentage of "Green" cleaning products we
use, measure our trash to reduce it and increase recycling, etc., etc.
Studies show improved air quality will result in increased work productivity, fewer sick
days, and fewer health bills as compared to prior to the renovation.
Individual recycling baskets placed at every work station to facilitate ease of use to
increase the materials recycled in an effort to divert waste going to the landfill.
A meeting was held with the Library Maintenance Department to discuss current
inventory of cleaning agents and to plan for replacements of various types of cleansers
to be green. Our goal is to have the majority of cleaning agents purchased by green.
The performance period for the LEED certification has ended. Submissions will be
made until February 15, 2012 in the application for certification.
Leisure Services Department:
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• Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11
• Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED
fixtures
• Bunker Hill boiler replacement-"right sized" smaller high efficiency fuel efficient
completed in 2011. The existing boiler was over 30 years old and has
experienced issues with poor distribution of heat in various segments of the
building. It was sized for the Bunker Hill building when it also heated the Bunker
Hill Golf Course clubhouse. The 2001 clubhouse remodeling included new
HVAC units and therefore the current boiler was oversized for the office area.
Business:
The following are private and public LEED - certified buildings in Dubuque:
Agreement
Date
Development
Jobs
Created/
Retained
Project Cost
LEED Status
2007
Durrant Architects
60
$3 mil
Platinum
2007
Medline Industries
300
$6.5 mil
Silver
2008
Hormel Foods
200
$89 mil
Gold
2009
IBM /Roshek Bldg
1,300
$39 mil
Gold
2009
Carnegie Stout Public
Library
35
$6.8 mil
Silver*
2010
National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium
110
$25 mil
expansion
creating $100
mil facility
Certified*
Application pending; anticipated status.
Achieving 38 points, four points over the minimum required, the Roshek Building was
recognized as a LEED -Gold Building by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
Government:
Dubuque Eats Well: Dubuque Eats Well (DEW) is a strategic partnership within the
Dubuque tri -state community that values sustainable Healthy Local Food (HLF) systems
for the benefit of all. DEW is a participant in our regional food system network as it
relates to the comprehensive social policy, economics and legislative issues. DEW
values systematic resilience within the six local food chain interlinks: production,
distribution /marketing, processing, purchasing /consumption, preparation and waste
minimization. DEW works to influence the Dubuque community's evolving food culture
and food shed to support "well- being" related to: healthy eaters, access to HLF, food
safety and security, thriving local economies, rejuvenated neighborhoods, local and
ethnic cuisine, profitable producers, farmer laborers receiving a living wage, "fair trade"
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support, vibrant biodiversity, lighter carbon and water footprints, eco- literate food
tourism and zero waste composting.
Community Garden Collaboration: Representatives from six organizations working on
community gardens met in March to share their progress and explore opportunities for
collaboration to increase access to healthy local foods for all Dubuque residents. City
Sustainability and Leisure Services staff attended to assist in the development and
marketing of these garden activities. These gardens include the Dubuque Jaycees
Community Gardens at Veterans Memorial Park, 2700 Northview Dr, St. Luke's United
Methodist Wading Pool gardens, the Mercy Gardens at the Holy Ghost field. The Four
Mounds community garden located at 4392 Peru Road, the Crescent Health Community
Garden at 21st Street between Elm and Kniest Streets and the Garden Organic
program which is filmed at Barrington Lakes garden (private property) and Steve's Ace
Hardware. More information about these gardens can be found at
www. cityofdubuque .org /communitygardens.
The City of Dubuque has partnered with the Dubuque Jaycees to create a community
garden at Veterans Memorial Park. These plots will be available to all area residents for
a fee of $30 for an in- ground bend and $40 for a raised bed, plus a $25 deposit which
will be returned after harvest if the plot is cleared. Income -based fee waivers are also
available to those who qualify. Under this agreement, the City will provide the land for
the garden plots and the Jaycees will maintain responsibility for all aspects of managing
the garden.
A Channel 8 program has been taped that highlights the Dubuque Jaycees garden at
Veterans Memorial Park, the Dubuque Rescue Mission garden, and one of the wading
pool gardens at a private residence. This program will air soon and will be helpful in
recruiting participants for next year's gardens.
For the second year, the St. Luke's Wading Pool Garden project will provide free
gardens to individuals who do not have the ability to plant a garden in their own yard or
have access to a larger community garden. Each participating individual or family will
be paired with a "garden guide" who will serve as a source of information and
encouragement throughout the growing season. The container gardens are easier to
maintain than in- ground gardens and can provide an abundance of healthy local food in
a small space. Funding for this project is provided by the Community Foundation of
Greater Dubuque and the Norma Denlinger Fund.
Leisure Services Department:
• Growing in Garden & Outdoor Fun 2009
• From Garden to your Table class 2010
• From your Garden to your Tummy class 2010
• Organic Garden 101 class 2011
• Fall Landscaping Workshop 2011
Business:
Dubuque Food Co -op: The Dubuque Food Co -op has announced its Board of
43
Directors and is currently completing a nation -wide search for a store manager and a
marketing campaign to secure 1,000 members. The Co -op is slated to open in October
2012 in the Historic Millwork District.
Non - Profit:
In Partnership with the Crescent Community Health Center and Operation New View's
Head Start Program, the former Housing and Community Development Department
Building at 18th Street is being converted to a Health Promotion site and Headstart
classrooms. CCHC will utilize primarily the second floor for diabetics /obesity education
classes, stress reduction, fitness and other health promotion and disease prevention
activities and classes for their patients. The multi - purpose space will also provide a
venue for staff education and development. Headstart will house two classrooms on the
first floor. A kitchen will be shared by both organizations.
Dubuque Farmers' Market: In this 166th year of market, there are 103 seasonal
vendors that rent a total of 118 stalls. This represents 21 first -year vendors. There have
also been several occasional vendors who attend on a limited basis. Vendors offer a
huge variety of home -grown and made -made products and services that fall into one or
more of these broad categories: Produce (35), Baked goods (16), Meats (5), Plants
(17), Wines (3), Crafts (28), Food prepared on -site (4), and Others (10). The Dubuque
Farmers' Market is administered by Dubuque Main Street on behalf of the City of
Dubuque.
Dubuque Farmers' Market has been involved with the Farmers' Market Nutrition
Program for Seniors and for Women, Infants, & Children for numerous years. Vendors
(26) who meet the criteria for selling produce apply through the Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship to be a certified vendor. Customers redeem their
benefits in the form of a check or voucher. Vendors deposit the checks and /or vouchers
at area financial institutions for reimbursement. There are no fees involved for vendors.
In addition, vendors are encouraged to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps), which is administered
through USDA's Food and Nutrition Services. Dubuque Farmers' Market vendors are
challenged to participate in SNAP due to limited access to electricity for land -line based
technology. The vendors (6) who do accept SNAP's electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
cards have to purchase or lease wireless equipment to accept the cards, as well as pay
transaction fees on each purchase.
New 'smart' phone technology allows vendors (crafts and food) to accept debit and
credit cards at market without the use of separate equipment, but there is a $2.75
transaction fee on each purchase.
On July 2, 2011, volunteers conducted a customer count at market. To count
customers, the volunteers distributed one sticker to each customer and asked the
customer to display it while at market. The amount of stickers distributed that day is
subtracted from the beginning balance. This year 3,682 customers were counted (this
date was selected because it fell before the availability of sweet corn). Dubuque Main
Street last counted approximately 3,800 customers on July 10, 2010, which was the first
day sweet corn was available at the market. Two more customer counts are being
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organized for August 13 and October 1.
2011 -12 Winter Farmers' Market: From November to April, the market opens every
Saturday morning from 9 am — 12 noon at the downtown Colts building. This volunteer
run market extends Dubuque's focus on local healthy foods sold year- round.
Approximately 40 regular vendors participate. Approximately 400 customers per week
visit the market, which is run under the umbrella of Four Mounds Foundation
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
Government:
• Mayor & Council Sustainability Pledge: The original Mayor's sustainability
pledge was launched in 2007, and thousands of copies have been distributed to
schools, businesses, and residents in Dubuque, giving them concrete ways they
can implement each of the 11 Sustainable Dubuque principles. In October, a
new Mayor & City Council pledge was created to challenge residents to consider
new actions. For each principle three actions are suggested -a "beginner,
intermediate, and advanced" approach to implementing each principle in daily
life.
• CityChannel 8 programming
o EPA Programs that deal with stormwater infiltration and stormwater
pollution
o City Journal & Sustainability Today interview programs
• Sustainable Dubuque Initiative
• Smarter Sustainable Dubuque
• Green Alley Pilot Project
• Pay As You Throw
• Dubuque Recycling
• Waste to Wealth
• Bee Branch Project (three separate shows)
• Sustainable Design Assessment
• Winter Farmers Market
• Southwest Arterial (2011)
• Every Child 1 Every Promise
• Water Meter Replacement Project
• Landfill Diversion
• Water Pollution Control Plant Project
• Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project
• University of Iowa, Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities
partnership
• Community gardens
• Sustainability Down Under
• Sustainability in China
o IBM /Dubuque Smarter Cities project
o EPA educational videos focusing on stormwater and infiltration
• Reduce Runoff: Slow it Down, Spread it Out, Soak it In!
45
• After the Storm
o Sustainable Communities Tour
o Sustainability 101
o Keyline Rack & Ride promotional spot
o Winter Yard Waste /Food Scrap Pickup
o City Expo live telecasts
o City Council work sessions on Sustainable Dubuque
o Reinforcement of Sustainable Dubuque initiative by station identification
spots, placing appropriate Green Pledge icons on programming,
CityChannel 8 graphics
Growing Sustainable Communities Conference: In early 2008, Dubuque hosted its
first Growing Sustainable Communities Conference entitled Leading the Way to Global
Climate Solutions" at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque. It was a regional
event that was attended by over 600 elected officials, business and community leaders,
and college students from the tri -state area. This inaugural event was designed to
provide community leaders with the knowledge of experts about the science of climate
and how to incorporate sustainability into their own communities. The conference has
grown to a full day regional attraction, attracting approximately 350 attendees from
seven states in 2010. This year's conference will be held on October 12.
The City has established a partnership with Sustainable City Network Inc. to host this
year's conference in an effort to market to a larger audience and establish the Growing
Sustainable Communities Conference as a premiere sustainability conference in the
Midwest. The theme of this year's conference will be "Economy, Engagement, Eco-
Efficiencies," and the workshop tracks will focus on the Sustainable Dubuque principles
of Resource Management, Smart Energy Use, Reasonable Mobility and Community
Knowledge. A sustainable foods luncheon is planned with food items produced by local
agriculturalists.
The 4th Annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference hosted 350 attendees
from across the country. The event included a networking reception at the National
Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, three pre- conference half -day workshops, 21
workshops, and three nationally- recognized keynote speakers. The audience
demographics expanded to reach a larger geographic area and included a more diverse
mix of municipal representatives, business leaders, and local students.
The 5th Annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference will be held on October
2 -3, 2012.
Leisure Services: Volunteer Development
• AmeriCorps VISTA position hired as Volunteer Coordinator.
• Networking completed with city departments and non - profit organizations about
volunteer needs and issues.
• High Impact Service Plan developed.
• Engaged in Make A Difference Day, MLK Jr. Service Day, Multicultural Family
Center Taste of the World, Earth Week, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Individual Projects,
Days of Caring, Big Day of Service — all volunteer engagement efforts.
46
Library: Hosted the Green Earth Magic Show and author Margaret Read MacDonald in
2010, attracting approximately 425 attendees. Created recycling displays in honor of
Earth Day in 2010. A recycled art display, in honor of Earth Day, was created for the
month of April, 2011 and included 48 exhibits. Two dozen unique works of art created
by children are currently on exhibit and the Library will accept additional exhibits
throughout the month. The art works are created with items that might otherwise have
gone to the landfill.
Safe Community Initiative (High Priority):
The Task Force has achieved the following since its inception. First, this diverse group
with very different opinions and perspectives, had open and difficult conversations so
that they could begin to reach some common understanding of the breadth of issues
that needed to be addressed and the difficulty of the task. Second, they agreed on two
primary goals:
1. Identifying and acting upon things that most effectively reduce crime and that most
effectively reduce the perception of crime.
2. Recognizing that people want to feel safe and identifying ways to provide that feeling
of safety for people.
Third, they gathered ideas from subcommittee members, brought those ideas to a
series of Task Force meetings, discussed them and ultimately forwarded 9
recommendations to Council on 2/1/10 and 33 additional recommendations to Council
on 7/19/10.
Impact: This type of resident engagement, while challenging and less than perfect, is a
fundamental necessity in order for a democratic community to be sustainable.
On October 4, 2010, the City Council approved, upon recommendation from the Task
Force, the creation of a Safe Community Advisory Committee whose role is to oversee
the implementation progress of the Task Force recommendations for a one year period.
The members were appointed in December and they held their first meeting on March
2, 2011 and their second meeting on April 13, 2011. They have decided to meet on the
second Wednesday of every month at alternate meeting locations throughout the
community to encourage broader community participation.
Impact: Having residents engaged in implementation oversight educates, empowers,
and engages residents by building resident awareness of the scope of the issues, by
supporting government accountability, and by building public trust.
Based on a Task Force recommendation, the City Council approved a contract with
Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies to conduct a detailed study
on crime and poverty in Dubuque. NIU delivered the final study results to the Task
Force in January 2011, the Task Force met on February 5 and February 8 and
formulated 18 recommendations in response to the study, which were presented to the
City Council at a worksession on February 28, 2011 and later accepted by the Council.
Impact: The study provides detailed factual information, as well as information on what
scientific studies indicate are more or less effective in the areas of reducing crime and
the perception of crime and creating safety. The study results will assist with educating
and empowering both City staff and the general public in making wise decisions.
47
The Task Force recommended that its members be allowed to act as a conduit for
accurate information to the public. Task Force members were provided a broad range
of information as a result of participating on the Task Force and they have since
participated in a variety of speaking engagements.
Impact: Having community members hold discussions with the general public takes
advantage of their experiences as a member of the public reviewing information and
participating on a resident advisory group, and also allows for more effective distribution
of information so staff can focus on handling those aspects of daily governmental
operations that require staff expertise.
The Task Force recommended that property owners not be provided government
funding unless their properties are in compliance or they are working towards
compliance. In August, the Economic Development Department began using a
certification form and cross - checking compliance with code enforcement departments.
The Housing Department also began requiring code compliance for all rental property
owners seeking Rehab funds. Inspections and code compliance already are required
for property owners seeking to rent to those receiving Section 8 rental assistance.
Impact: These steps will result in safe buildings and will improve livability and equity for
residents in rental units.
The Task Force recommended encouraging people to improve lighting around their
properties. The City has expanded the Washington Neighborhood Yard Lighting
initiative to include neighborhoods east of the Bluffs and all low- moderate income
neighborhoods. Property owners are eligible for a rebate of up to $250 for front yard
lighting that meets certain requirements, and up to $100 for back yard lighting.
Impact: Extra lighting will enhance neighborhood safety.
The Task Force recommended reducing the time allotted for correcting property
violations from the current two years. In April 2010, the City Council amended the
Housing Code to reduce inspections and the appeals board process to be completed in
no more than 9 months.
Impact: This change will result in property violations being corrected more quickly.
The Task Force recommended that the Police Department enforce noise and traffic
ordinances more aggressively. Since February 2010, Chief Da!sing has instituted this
as part of Department goals and expectations. During 2010, loud exhaust tickets
increased from 202 in 2009 to 278 in 2010, a 38% increase; loud music tickets for
vehicles increased from 10 in 2009 to 31 in 2010, a 210% increase; warning tickets
increased from 90 in 2009 to 277 in 2010, a 208% increase. In addition, 30% of
Territory Accountability Design special enforcement efforts in 2009 were geared
towards traffic. In 2010, 44% of Territory Accountability Design special enforcement
efforts were geared towards traffic. Between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011, 220
traffic citations (plus 103 written warnings) have been issued for muffler /improper
exhaust violations. 161 citations (73 %) were issued for cars and trucks while 59 (27 %)
48
were issued to motorcycles. Enforcement of the ordinance will continue, along with
efforts to educate the public on legal equipment and acceptable noise levels.
The Task Force also recommended that the City require landlords to conduct
mandatory background checks. Beginning July 1, 2011, mandatory checks of felonies
and criminal misdemeanors of adult tenants went into effect, with landlords retaining the
option to use the City's free service to conduct those checks. The City has
recommended, and the City Council selected, a service provider to perform these
background checks. The City has a part -time staff person dedicated to implementing
this service. In addition, landlords are required to attend Crime Free Multihousing
Training, the first session of which was held on March 12, 2011, with 113 attendees.
The next two sessions are scheduled for October and November 2011.
Impact: Landlords will be aware of the criminal histories of their tenants when making
rental decisions, and also will be aware of the legal standards surrounding the operation
of rental housing.
The Task Force recommended that the City establish a threshold number of police
complaints that will result in the property being designated for City assistance to resolve
problems at the property. In January 2011, the Council adopted an ordinance change
describing the types and numbers of calls that will place the property in a priority
category. As of May 19, 2011, 2,119 letters have been mailed notifying landlords of
police calls to their properties since the inception of the notification program in
December 2009. Notifications are sent to registered landlords or property managers for
police calls to licensed rental properties that involve one or more of 72 different types of
police call natures. The Police Department is averaging 40 notification letters per week
so far in 2011. The Police Department also has hired two interns who are working to
insure accuracy of addresses in the database being used to send notification letters and
to assist with community policing efforts.
The Task Force recommended that the City intensify exterior code enforcement efforts.
In August 2010, the Housing Department implemented a homeowner exterior inspection
process in the Washington Neighborhood, which involves a compliance checklist and
information on financial assistance available. By June 2011, all 200 owner - occupied
housing had been inspected. The Department also is performing exterior -only code
enforcement inspections of all rental buildings in all downtown neighborhoods. By
delaying the normal comprehensive five -year cycles inspection and concentrating only
on exterior enforcement, all 2,130 rental buildings in the downtown carn be inspected in
12 months. This will directly respond to the Task Force recommendation and should
significantly impact the appearance and condition of downtown rental housing. As of
July 2011, all buildings have been inspected.
Impact: These efforts should significantly affect appearance of downtown properties.
The Task Force recommended efforts to increase public understanding of the Section 8
program. As a result, the Housing Department have had a variety of speaking
engagements, been interviewed on radio and television, and created a City Cable
Channel 8 presentation. They also began circulating a monthly newsletter and updated
and expanded their website with new links for the Family Self- Sufficiency and Circles
49
Programs.
Impact: The public will be educated about the facts surrounding Section 8 rental
assistance.
The Task Force recommended that the City address community concerns about the real
or perceived impact of the Section 8 program on the community by decreasing the
number of Section 8 vouchers in the program to 900, limiting voucher eligibility to
Dubuque residents, and increasing the staff capacity of the Family Self- Sufficiency
(FSS) Program. The target for a reduction to 900 housing vouchers was established in
November 2009; the program had been funded for 1063 vouchers since 1995. As of
November the City ceased issuing new turn -over vouchers and closed the waiting list to
new applications not qualifying for local preference points. To qualify for these points,
applicants had to have a Dubuque, Dubuque County, or Iowa address, or be elderly or
disabled. The program size reached the 900 threshold in October 2010, at which time
we began issuing vouchers again, only to persons qualifying for local preference points.
As of July 2011, all applications on the waiting list had been processed and either
issued or denied. For this reason, the waiting list was again opened to all applicants,
including those without local preference points.
Impact: There will be fewer families receiving Section 8 rental assistance, with those
living in Dubuque and/or elderly or disabled receiving highest priority. There will be a
corresponding reduction in federal funding received for the program.
The Task Force recommended increasing participation of Section 8 participants in self -
sufficiency programs. As of December 2010, the Getting Ahead program has graduated
its 112th participant. In addition, the Circles initiative has begun and the Circles coach
has been hired. The Resident Advisory Board also has become more engaged with
regular meetings with Housing Department staff. The Task Force also recommended
encouraging community wide support for initiatives that support self - sufficiency. The
City has obtained an Urban Youth Corps grant that will provide three youth who face
barriers to employment with paid employment and job skills training for the summer.
Impact: Participants in self - sufficiency programs and their allies will be empowered to
make responsible choices and to address systemic problems that interfere with
success.
The Task Force recommended increased human relations efforts as a priority in the
community, as well as mandatory intercultural training for City staff and City Board and
Commission members. In August 2010, the Human Rights Department reorganized to
permit additional staff time focused on conflict management, mediation, facilitated
dialogue, training on cultural differences and intercultural communication, and systemic
change initiatives. The Department is working to develop intercultural skills across
agencies and groups with an end goal of improving the ability to communicate more
effectively across cultural differences so that we may work together to reach common
goals for the good of the community as a whole. The Department has established
annual Board and Commission training on intercultural competence skills that is offered
in the Spring and the Fall of each year and is also made available to the general public
free of charge. In partnership with NICC, the department also is offering four courses
50
as part of an intercultural competence certificate program. The Department has entered
into contracts with Riverview Center, Hillcrest Family Services, Goodwill Industries,
Capri College, and Body and Soul Wellness Center to conduct training and strategic
planning with intercultural teams being formed in each of those organizations. In
addition, the Human Rights Department partners with the Multicultural Family Center
and faces & voices to offer a variety of cultural events in the community. The
Multicultural Family Center is designed to provide a welcoming environment and build
unity across differences. The Department submits quarterly reports to the City Council
on the ongoing strategic approach to improving human relations. See the 2011 -12
Council Goals Reports for details. The Department has set forth a proposal to add a
Community Relations Coordinator and VISTA member to the Department in the 2013
budget, with the goal of encouraging broader citizen engagement in critical community
issues, including sustainability activities and items related to Council goals and
priorities, with a particular focus on engaging residents as volunteers and supporting
resident initiated activities in neighborhoods.
The Human Rights Department is engaged in community outreach to increase bridging
social capital among residents and to provide support for traditionally marginalized
members of the community. Included in this activity is the development of affinity
groups, opportunities for interaction and dialogue, partnerships on cultural celebrations,
and volunteer and community events that have a particular focus on bringing people
together across differences.
Impact: Residents will be better able to better communicate across cultural differences
and work together toward common goals that are impacting the community and
neighborhoods. Systems will be changed in ways that increase the likelihood that
people of all backgrounds will be able to reach their potential and contribute to the
community. Two -way communication between residents and government, and across
cultural differences, will be improved so that there is greater understanding of
government's role and activities, overall needs in the community, and collaborative
actions that need to be taken to effectively address those needs.
The Task Force recommended a parental responsibility ordinance modeled after a
successful program that includes engaging parents and teens in prevention. On March
22, 2011, the City Council passed an ordinance.
Impact: The ordinance will hold parents accountable for the criminal behavior of their
children and includes referrals for parenting classes.
The Task Force recommended engagement of volunteers across race and income
levels as part of a monthly Community Days of Caring and also recommended use of
volunteers to address exterior code violations. The annual city -wide Community Days
of Caring occurred April 29 and 30, 2011. The Human Rights Department,
Neighborhood Development Specialist, Housing Department, and Washington
Neighborhood Development Corporation collaborated to bring a mixed group of more
than 50 volunteers together to work on improving the exterior appearance of a few small
businesses along the Central Avenue corridor and homes that were identified as having
exterior code violations through the City's inspection program. In addition, the City's
Department Managers and Management Team members are engaged in ongoing
51
discussions regarding how best to support and bring community resources to bear on
projects designed to build bridging social capital in the community.
Impact: These initiatives will lead to an improved ability to create an inclusive
environment, to build bridging social capital, and to negotiate conflict across cultural
differences.
The Task Force recommended that parents and youth be encouraged and engaged in
out -of- school -time programs and parenting classes designed to matter to the
participants. In response to a discussion with the Safe Community Advisory Committee
at its first meeting, the City submitted a letter to the Dubuque Community School District
expressing support for the District's Iowa 21st Century Community Learning Center
Grant Application. On April 7, 2011, the District was notified that the community will
receive $850,000 in state funding to increase out of school time activities for junior high
school students.
Impact: This collaborative effort will provide funding expanded after school program
options, including components to assist parents with literacy and adolescent
development. Research has indicated that engagement in after school programming
improves motivation and student achievement.
The Task Force recommended additional neighborhood clean -ups and educating the
community on City waste disposal policies in an effort to clarify the purpose of the
clean -up programs. The following clean -ups occurred in 2011, and each of them
included a social /get to know your neighbor component:
Downtown Neighborhood Clean -up
Orange Park/Washington Clean up
Historic Bluffs Neighborhood
Hilltop -Ivy League Neighborhood
Langworthy Neighborhood
Valley View Neighborhood
North End Neighborhood
April 30
May 7
May 7
May 13
May ?
May 21
fall -- date to be determined
In addition, the Public Works Department completed the expansion of its Alley Cart
Program in 2010. Nine residential alleys and 475 additional residences were added to
the program. Initiated in the Washington Neighborhood in 2009, the Alley Cart
Program has not only significantly improved residential alley aesthetics and sanitation,
but visibly demonstrated the City's commitment to improving the livability of its
neighborhoods.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency continues to offer free use of litter
cleanup equipment to community organizations in Dubuque County. The litter cleanup
equipment includes gloves, safety vests, litter tongs, and disposal bags. Volunteers are
asked to complete a liability waiver form and cleanup information form. Free pickup
and disposal of the collected materials can be arranged ahead of time through the
Public Works Department or the Dubuque County Road Department.
Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green (KDCC &G) is the local affiliate of Keep Iowa
Beautiful. Its focus is on litter and illegal dumping prevention, waste reduction, and
community beautification in the rural and urban areas of Dubuque County. KDCC &G is
made up of representatives from several city and county agencies and civic groups, as
well as individuals interested in community improvement and environmental
stewardship.
The City has also funded a number of neighborhood beautification efforts initiated by
neighborhood groups including landscaping improvements in the Washington Street
traffic diverters, flower planting /landscaping at Grant Park, Jackson Park, Avon Park,
11th Street gateway and the 2nd Street Island across from the Cathedral.
Impact: These clean -ups both improve neighborhood appearance and provide an
opportunity to engage neighbors in meeting one another and working together to care
for their neighborhood.
The Task Force encouraged community -wide support of initiatives that support self -
sufficiency, with a particular focus on existing programs: Circles, Project HOPE,
Intercultural Competency Training, Every Child /Every Promise. In May 2011, the City
Council approved a grant agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for the
Urban Youth Corps Program which allowed the City to create a three person work crew
to use with maintenance projects from May through September this year. The Iowa
DOT Urban Youth Corps Program objective is to provide transportation- related
employment and training opportunities to youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who
face barriers to employment. The crew is assisting Leisure Services Department in
maintaining and improving the aesthetics of our community by working on two major
projects plus a number of high profile areas throughout the city.
Impact: Although temporary in nature, these three summer positions are new hires that
could lead to newly created opportunities for each of the three crew members who face
barriers to employment.
The Task Force recommended that all departments in the City be challenged to develop
and maintain a model Section 8 program for a city of this size, meeting the needs of the
elderly and disabled and also developing self - sufficiency for families. In addition to
tripling the number of FSS Program enrollees, graduating more than 140 Getting Ahead
Program participants and implementing the Circles Program, the Housing Department
has continued to improve Section 8 in other ways. The COP corporal assigned to the
Program has opened more than 1500 investigations, resulting in termination of benefits
for 306 households. The National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials
(NAHRO) recognized the Bridges Initiative with an Award of Merit for the Bridges
Initiative. The Bridges out of Poverty Workshops have now been conducted for more
than 2500 persons. Our most recent Section Eight Management Assessment Program
(SEMAP) score, a HUD assessment conducted annually, was 100 %. A new tenant and
financial management software system has been approved, to be purchased from the
national Emphasis firm, and will be installed at Housing. This will allow enhanced
communication between all activities at the Department, including code enforcement
and the Finance Department, as well as getting us closer to the goal of a paperless
Section 8 program. The Resident Advisory Board is helping to revise and streamline
53
the application process by developing new application materials. An on -line survey for
Section 8 landlords has been posted and has generated a constructive discussion.
Now in planning is a series of 2 -3 dialogues with landlords to gain more ideas for
improving Program administration and the inspections process.
The Task Force recommended the creation of an ordinance prohibiting the boarding of
windows and doors facing streets. An ordinance is in place that applies to any windows
or doors boarded up after March 1, 2011.
The Task Force recommended implementation of an exception rent program to avoid
concentrated pockets of poverty. The exception rend program was implemented in
October 2010. Currently, approximately 17% of voucher holders are residing in the
west side census tract exception areas.
Impact: Greater housing choice for voucher holders and deconcentration of poverty.
The Task Force recommended the installation of street lights in the middle of the block
to brighten up the streets at night and increase visibility for residents. New street lights
at all possible alley- street locations from 12th to 20th in the Washington Neighborhood
have been installed. Existing street lights in the Washington Neighborhood have been
upgraded to use brighter bulbs.
Impact: Improved nighttime visibility in the neighborhood.
The Task Force recommended an increase in the number of trash receptacles in the
street. In October 2010, the Public Works Department submitted a budget request for
$30,000 for FYI2 for the purchase and installation of litter and recyclables receptacles
in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. The Council approved this
budget request in March 2011. The Public Works Department is now making
recommendations to the City Manager regarding receptacle placements.
Impact: Residents can easily assist in keeping neighborhoods clean and clear of trash.
The Task Force recommended that the City develop and enforce policies that are
consistent with the "preservation briefs" to maintain historic properties. City staff has
indicated to the City Council that the City has used the preservation briefs as a matter of
City policy in local Historic Districts and federally- funded rehabilitation projects for many
years. Staff recommended that the City should continue to utilize these technical
publications as a reference and guide, with the exception of preservation brief #31,
which is contrary to another Task Force recommendation regarding boarded doors and
windows.
Family Self- Sufficiency (FSS) Program: A HUD grant funds a staff person who
provides homeownership and financial counseling for 45 FSS participants, who are
Section 8 recipients. In Fiscal Year 2011 another FSS staff position was approved by
the City Council. The additional staff will allow an expansion of the program to include
75 -90 families being served. The FSS Program prepares participants for financial
independence and possible homeownership. Participation has increased from 2% in
2009 to 11% in 2011. As of January 1, 2012 we had 121 total participants.
54
Bridges Initiative (Management Agenda): Our FSS coordinators also coordinates
"Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin'- By World," a program for people in poverty to help
them understand the hidden rules of the middle class as well as communication skills,
value systems, and expectations used in order to bridge the gap from poverty.
Participants are exposed to the `Bridges out of Poverty' concept based on Philip DeVol
and Dr. Ruby Payne's research on poverty, which offers a framework for understanding
the culture of poverty. In FY 2011 we held 4 classes for adults (one was a Spanish
speaking class) for a total of 144 graduates since Getting Ahead began. In addition we
held our first teen getting Ahead group. This group graduated in March 2011. 63
applicants were selected to participate in three separate classes from August 16th
through December 16th. Thirty two graduated on December 16th The total number of
graduates as of 1 -31 -12 is 174. We will be starting another round of Getting Ahead on
February 21, 2012, with an expected total of 11 participants.
One year after Getting Ahead, nearly 81 % of participants were employed. There also
was an increase in the number of participants who moved from part time to full time
employment. For education, there was an increase in the number of people working
towards post- secondary degrees. Homelessness greatly decreased. Additionally,
although Getting Ahead graduates comprise about a quarter of the participants enrolled
in the Family Self- Sufficiency program, the accounted for 36% of the employed clients
and 40% that earned degrees.
"Getting Ahead" graduates can now become leaders in the "Circles" initiative, begun in
September 2010, that matches them with community members known as allies, who
support them in their journey to self- sufficiency. With the help and friendship of these
allies, each Circle leader sets and achieves goals unique to their own needs.
Another Circle will be matched in November for a total of 5 matched Circles. This
means 5 Getting Ahead graduates became Circle Leaders. Each set of graduates was
paired with 3 -4 community Allies who will continue to support them for the next 18
months. Circles meetings are held weekly. This program received an Award of Merit
from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). We
are now more intentionally recruiting participants for the Getting Ahead program who
desire to follow through with Circles after graduation.
Five matched Circles now created; Eleven Big View meetings and eleven Guiding
Coalition meetings have been held. A new Community Chair for the Guiding Coalition
has been chosen and is actively working on recruitment for Circles. In addition, a
professor at Loras College, Nancy Zachar Fett has taken a sabbatical from Loras and
joined our team as an additional part time Circles Coach.
Bridges Out of Poverty Workshops are being done on both a large community level and
smaller workshops for specific businesses and organizations. To date, we have trained
over 2500 people in Dubuque and the surrounding area. On average, we train over 800
people each calendar year. The next training is March 2, 2012.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re- Housing Program (HPRP): $502,294 ARRA
Grant received in 2009 provides financial and other assistance to prevent individuals
and families from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing
55
homelessness to be quickly re- housed and stabilized. The funds target individuals and
families who would be homeless if not for this assistance.
The HPRP grant has assisted 186 families (460 persons) since the inception of the
program in September 2009. Homelessness prevention, which assisted families and
individuals at risk of becoming homeless, provided financial services to 120 households
(341 persons) in the form of rental assistance, security and utility deposits, utility
payments, moving cost assistance and motel /hotel vouchers. Case management and
outreach were provided to 127 households (355 persons). Homeless assistance
provided financial assistance, to 59 households (103 persons) and case management
and outreach to 61 households (106 persons). As of the end of January 2012, a total of
$ 462,538 has been expended, with a balance of $39,756. The grant will end on July
14, 2012.
Road to Success jobs fair for Family Self- Sufficiency Program participants, "Getting
Ahead" participants and residents of our community shelters as well as many of our
community agency partners. At this event, 62 participants took part in mock job
interviews, received critical feedback and also "shopped" for good business clothing
donated by the Housing Department and other City staff as well as from community
volunteers. This prepares Section 8 renters and other low income families for entry into
the job market and eventual graduation from welfare assistance. This program also
received a NAHRO National Award of Merit. The 2011 Road to Success will be held on
August 10. This year in addition to eh clothing and mock interviews we will be offering a
variety of learning tracks including: How to Apply for a Job; How to Maintain
Employment; How to Prepare for a Job Interview; How to Look for a Job When You Are
Already Employed; Cover Letters and Resumes; What To Do After The Job Interview
and a hands on demo by the staff of AccessDubuaue.com on how to use the website.
Shelter Plus Care Program: The $536 000 grant commenced in FY 2008 for the five -
year program to provide rental assistance to homeless persons with disabilities. The
Housing and Community Development Department administers the funds and provides
them to Project Concern, who contracts with private landlords to provide needed
housing.
Arts and Culture (Top Priority): The City of Dubuque is participating in national
studies of arts, culture, heritage and preservation. Two highly acclaimed studies are
underway pertaining to the art, cultural, heritage and historical preservation aspects of
the Dubuque area. Both studies have been developed by Americans for the Arts, the
nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts. The Arts and Economic
Prosperity IV, an economic impact study conducted with the non - profit sector in the city
of Dubuque, will evaluate the impact spending by nonprofit arts organizations and their
audiences have on their local economies. During 2011, the City of Dubuque collected
surveys from over 800 Dubuque arts and culture event attendees and organization
expenditure surveys from 44 arts non profits.
Specifically, the Arts and Economic Prosperity study's results will include:
• The total dollars spent by Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture organizations
• The total dollars spent by audiences as a direct result of their attendance at arts and
culture events in Dubuque
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• The number of full -time equivalent jobs supported by arts spending
• The amount of resident, household income — including salaries and wages — generated
by arts spending
• The amount of local and state government tax revenues generated by arts spending
The results of the Arts and Economic Prosperity IV will be released nationally and in
Dubuque after July 9, 2012.
The Local Arts Index (LAI) was conducted with both the non - profit and for - profit sectors
throughout Dubuque County. Dubuque was selected to be one of only 100
communities to participate in the inaugural LAI. Dubuque was the only county in Iowa,
Wisconsin and Minnesota that participated in the study, a 24 -month research initiative
that serves as a complement to the National Arts Index. The findings from the LAI will
be reported in spring 2012 with a customized report for the county. The index provides
an evidence- based look at key issues such as the growing number of artists and art
organizations, changing audience demands, the impact of technology, personal
participation, and the relationship to the arts and economy.
This information will provide the possibility for greater partnerships, cooperation,
improved access, and increased funding for the arts. The entire community can use this
broad and detailed hard data in grant making, advocacy, economic development,
tourism and attracting people and business to Dubuque, important elements in
contributing to our social and cultural vibrancy. This knowledge about arts, culture and
heritage in Dubuque County has never before been collected in one source.
The Local Arts Index is the first county -level study ever designed to measure the health
and vitality of the arts industries throughout the United States. It will use a single
methodology with information gathered from research produced by the federal
government and private research organizations and covering multiple industries,
including non - profit groups, for - profit arts businesses, employment figures, and more.
When these quantitative measures are taken together, the Local Arts Index will provide
a year -by -year and community -by- community comparison of the nation's arts sector.
The Index is being developed so that it can be replicated in communities across the
country. Through the Local Arts Index, the character of Dubuque County's art culture
will be explored to determine: what makes the county unique from other areas in the
nation; the vitality of the arts and how much exists, and; how we compare to other
counties. The main areas of study are:
• Performing arts venues
• Local ownership of cultural resources
• The local literary scene
• Festivals
• K -12 arts education
• Performance and presentation opportunities for young artists
• Tourism draw of local arts and culture
• Nightlife and the arts
• Tourism marketing of the arts
• Ethnic groups in the cultural life of the community
• Public Art
• Exhibition Spaces
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In gathering information for these two studies, contact was made with new arts
organizations, artists and art advocates who had not previously been in the City's
communication loop. Better cooperation among groups and individuals has begun and
awareness has been built to establish a better network for art planning and advocacy.
In November 2010, this network was used to attract participation from the arts
community in a visit from National Endowment for the Arts chair Rocco Landesman for
a site visit to Dubuque for the Our Town grant received by the City of Dubuque and
Dubuque Main Street. It was also very successively used in master arts planning for the
Historic Millwork District in February 2012.
Arts Funding: The City of Dubuque has provided over $1.8 million dollars in funding
for the arts since 2005.The City has invested $1,825,000 through three programs:
$1,400,000 has been awarded to area arts and cultural organizations through the
Operating Support Grant Program and $275,000 through the Special Projects Grant
Program, with an additional $150,000 to fund Art on the River, a temporary sculpture
exhibit along the Mississippi RiverWalk in the Port of Dubuque.
Operating support is provided to established 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations
located in the City of Dubuque that primarily serve Dubuque residents with year -round
arts and culture events, programs and services, and that can demonstrate a record of
programmatic and administrative stability. In May 2011 the City received operating
funding requests from fourteen different Dubuque Arts and Culture organizations —the
largest number of applicants ever, up from 12 in the inaugural FY06. The funding
requests totaled $260,836, with a budget of $200,000. The maximum funding levels
initially established for the program are 6% of organization's previous year's operating
expenses or $50,000, whichever is less. Total funding available in the FY 2013 budget
is $200,000, with a pending budget package increase of $10,000. Fiscal year 2013
Operating Support funding requests are due March 12, 2012.
The Special Projects Arts and Culture Grant program has provided funding to 44
separate projects which have expanded arts and cultural opportunities in our
community, significantly contributing to our community's social and cultural vibrancy.
These grants have also leveraged another $656,216 for arts projects in the City. The FY
Special Program grants funded six grants, including a production of Crowns with a
newly developed all-black local cast, and new Hispanic and Native American festivals.
The FY 2013 budget for Special Project Grants is $35,000 with applications due on May
7, 2012.
The City Council approved the creation of the Art on the River outdoor sculpture project
in November 2005, and approved a budget of $300,000 over the next 10 years for this
innovative initiative. Working in conjunction with the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission, the Dubuque Museum of Art and a volunteer committee made up of
artists, educators and city staff, the City has identified highly visible locations at the Port
of Dubuque to display selected artwork. The Port of Dubuque is a 90 -acre riverfront
campus which features the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquariums, Grand
River Center conference center, Grand Harbor Resort and WaterPark, Diamond Jo
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Casino, historic Dubuque Star Brewery, and Dubuque Shot Tower. In 2011, the exhibit
drew 70 entries from 39 artists in 12 different states and one foreign country. For the
first time ever, a foreign entry was included in the ten finalists. The application period for
the 2012 exhibit is still open, with the deadline set for February 27, 2012.
Intercultural Competency Initiative (Management Agenda): The Human Rights
Department offered 40 sessions of intercultural competence training to City staff and the
community in FY 2010. This included a 3.5 hour training on Intercultural Conflict Styles
for all City staff. In addition, the Human Rights Department offers two 3.5 hour
introductory trainings for City staff each summer, which is required training for all new
employees (longer term employees have already attended these sessions). Staff also
has planned four intercultural mini - trainings for City staff during 2011, the first of which
was held in February. The Department offers five hours of intercultural competence
training to all Board and Commission members twice a year in April and September and
also makes this available to the general public free of charge. Staff has developed
partnerships with three non - profit organizations, one educational institution, and one for -
profit business, and has begun offering courses for businesses through the NICC
Business Consortium as part of a certificate program. In addition, staff has offered
various sessions for local college students over the past several months, including for a
class of future teachers.
This intercultural competence initiative inside the City organization includes training,
organizational development, and strategic planning to increase Intercultural
Competency within the City of Dubuque organization and to work towards
organizational changes that will foster inclusion. During FY2012 we:
• Conducted Foundations of Intercultural Competence I, II, and III sessions for new
employees who joined the organization in the past year.
• Facilitated management team input for our five year report.
• Drafted a five year report for steering committee review.
• Invited new members to the employee teams from various departments
conducted an orientation session for October, and gathered input for strategic
planning in November.
• Developed a plan for department specific training and development and
scheduled a meeting with our first proposed pilot department.
• Continued to facilitate the work of the tips, media, training and steering teams.
• Met with front -line staff in each department to make sure they are aware of how
to use the Language Line for people who speak English as a second language.
• Developed a strategy and project plan for employee engagement, beginning with
management team in January.
• Attended a college recruitment fair with recruiters from the Engineering
Department.
• Finalized recommendations for adjustments to the police recruitment process
• Engaged in pilot coaching sessions to assist two hiring managers through the
hiring process— the goal of these sessions is to assist managers in thinking more
broadly about qualifications, diversity, and intercultural skills.
• Began the firefighter recruitment process.
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CARADCO Training Center: ECIA, in partnership with NICC, Iowa Workforce
Development, the City of Dubuque, AmeriCorps and Four Mounds HEART Program,
are working collaboratively to expanding the award - winning HEART Program by
developing a downtown community training center in the heart of the Historic Millwork
District. The Mission of the program is:
To educate and enhance the employability of youth and adults through progressive
education and community engagement.
The Goals and objectives of the initiative are to:
1. Inspire diverse learners through individualized goals and an urban learning
environment.
2. Develop relevant educational outcomes in partnership with business and
industry.
3. Form partnerships and leverage community resources to grow creative capital
and promote entrepreneurism.
4. Foster connections with the community through mentoring opportunities.
5. Provide a multitude of counseling and support services to ensure individual
success.
6. Educate the whole person for success as people, workers and citizens.
ECIA is helping to coordinate monthly meetings of the partners. Work to date includes
the development of a capital and operating budget, identification of curriculum for the
Training Center as well as development of a future capital and operating campaign.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Dubuque 2.0:
• Founded in 2009, Dubuque 2.0 set out to engage people in creating a more
sustainable Dubuque. The initiative connected people to 11 sustainability
principles using local information and data through community forums, gaming,
newsletters, events, and a website. Together with Sustainable Dubuque and the
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque partnership with IBM, Dubuque 2.0 engaged
thousands of Dubuque's citizens in sustainability initiatives, conversations, and
policy development. (details follow).
• The creation of Dubuque 2.0, by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
and the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, ensured that, along with the
City's coordination and outreach efforts, the community- created Sustainable
Dubuque vision, which includes the Smarter Sustainable Dubuque research,
would continue to be community- driven and participatory. This outreach program
in support of sustainability ensured that the community wouldn't see sustainability
as solely the responsibility of local government.
• Dubuque 2.0 is a key partner in developing (SDI) Sustainable Dubuque
Indicators. Dubuque 2.0 is assisting the City with development of the concept,
working closely with the technology provider to develop the beta and coordinating
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the development of a governing body through the Dubuque 2.0 Steering
Committee.
• The Dubuque 2.0 Website shares information in an interactive format that
includes a sustainability Dashboard. Modeled after www.parkcitygreen.org, it
enables users to document, visualize, and make more informed decisions based
on their resource use (water, natural gas, electricity, travel, food, and waste).
The Green Map is a tool for visitors to locate and share sustainable assets
with others in the community. The map identifies businesses, schools,
landmarks, and amenities throughout the community that exemplify
sustainable practices, behaviors, products, and services.
- Loras College dashboard- a project to meter dorms and provide that
information to students and school officials to create a more sustainable
campus
L i Access to the Smarter Sustainable Dubuque (IBM + City of Dubuque +
Utility Providers) web portals. Each group of pilot study participants can
access a unique and secure web portal developed by IBM Researchers as
part of the IBM Smarter Planet initiative.
Online discussion forum, called Share It on our website. After listening to
community members we created a "one-stop shop" for sustainability
information. We are currently posting and sharing information on the
forum and are gathering regular "contributors" who will populate the forum
with a variety of topical and local information for our audience.
• The Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Challenge took place in Spring of 2011, and it
was nothing short of a great success. Over 1,000 Dubuque Community members
participated in this 11 -week game. After participating in over 40 sustainability-
related events and activities, players walked away with a greater sense of living
sustainably.
Dubuque 2.0 continues to inspire the community each month with the Dubuque
2.0 eNewsletter. This electronic newsletter focuses on one of the 11
Sustainability Principles each month, highlights the definition, and features a
guest column written by an expert in the respective field.
An off -line game board is supported by information and activities provided in the
Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Toolkit. 1000 tool kits are being distributed now in
the Washington Neighborhood, Library, Multi- cultural Family Center, and other
places aimed at reaching underserved communities in Dubuque.
Since September of 2010, we have been hosting monthly "Dubuque 2.0
Community Cafes ". These community gatherings encourage dialogue, learning,
and community participation around sustainability. The Dubuque 2.0 Community
Cafes are events open to the public, but are hosted in a variety of venues to
reach a variety of interested participants.
• Dubuque 2.0 has concluded its work with Smarter City project where it supported
recruiting and engagement in the Water, Natural Gas, Electric and Travel
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Studies.
• February 2012, Dubuque 2.0 has successfully established an engagement
platform around sustainability, including a steering committee, website, social
media strategy, tool kits, marketing materials, and face -to -face engagement
strategies. Today, we are partnering to hand off this platform to the Sustainable
Dubuque Collaboration. Details are being developed, but we are excited about
this strategy to ensure a sustainable community engagement effort around the
issue of sustainability in our community.
Every Child, Every Promise (High Priority): Current priorities include:
• Out of School time (Management Agenda) - Through a collaboration of ECIEP,
the Dubuque Community School District and key OST providers the community
has received an $850,000 grant in April 2011 to start a coordinated, collaborative
OST program for Middle School Students at Jefferson and Washington schools.
There has been an overwhelming response of 300 students per school who have
signed up for activities, a huge increase in involvement in after school programs.
The program is getting ready for the second semester registration with over 20
programs to offer students.
• 3rd Grade Reading- an effort to build a coordinated approach between City,
Schools, CBO's, parents, students and others, to improve 3rd Grade Reading
Achievement has been identified as an important strategy. ECEP will facilitate
an initiative to increase achievement by improving outcomes in school
attendance, school readiness and summer learning. A coalition has been formed
made up of leaders from the City, Schools (public /private), CBO's, parents, and
the Community Foundation to write a Community Solutions Action Plan which will
be implemented and submitted to the AII- America City Awards on March 12th
• Data- A committee of business and provider leaders is developing a web -based
Youth Indicators Report to provide key indicator data to the community regarding
our young people age 0 -20. The Data committee has identified 36 key indicators
with 5 years of supporting data to identify our community's strengths and
opportunities for providing the five promises to our young people. The Dubuque's
Promise: 2011 Youth Indicator report was released at an event on November 9th
at The Hotel Julien, program starts at 8am.
• Transportation- A committee of stakeholders is implementing a Walking School
Bus program at Fulton School. Additionally, in collaboration with the Jule and a
group of providers, we have been promoting free transportation for young - people
all summer, since May 2011. Free Way to Fun City a summer program, offered
free rides on the Jule to all school age children helped over 2000 kids get to
summer activities at parks, pools, and libraries in Dubuque.
• Dubuque has been named to the 100 Best Communities for Young People for
the 4th time in 5 years by Americas Promise Alliance. A recognition event was
held on November 9th at the Hotel Julien to celebrate the award.
• One October 14th a letter of intent was submitted for the AII- American city award.
The 2012 AII- American City Awards will go to communities that have developed
the most comprehensive, realistic and sustainable plan to increase 3rd grade -
level reading proficiency. Community partners are meeting now to build a
winning application
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• Every Child /Every Promise and the Children's Trust continue to partner to create
a childcare map. The goal is to be able to assist working families in finding
quality childcare in Dubuque, and more easily identify gaps in both quality and
quantity. The Project is ongoing and more updates will be given when available.
America's Promise Alliance uses the Five Promises framework to shape their efforts
and improve the odds for youth:
1) Caring Adults
2) Safe Places
3) Healthy Start
4) Effective Education
5) Opportunities to Help Others
Continuum of Care: A working network of homeless shelter and service providers
created in 2001 to respond to the needs of the City's homeless population. The
successful development of the Maria House, the four Davis Place SROs and Hillcrest's
transitional housing facility has provided significant new shelter opportunities. The
Teresa Shelter for homeless women and children was opened during FY 2006.
Manasseh House, a 19 room single room occupancy (SRO) facility for 19 single women
was completed in FY 2007. The Salvia House SRO opened in 2010.
The City partners with Project Concern, Maria House, Hillcrest Family Services, and
Manasseh House for the annual allocation of Continuum of Care funds. This grant,
under the "Supported Housing Program" category, provides funding for support services
for homeless persons and families. These activities include outreach services,
counseling, a "homeless hotline," and staffing for transitional housing and the Manasseh
House SRO for women.
Green Dubuque: Green Dubuque is a registered 501(c) 3 non - profit organization
committed to improving and beautifying Dubuque by reducing the city's greenhouse gas
emissions, promoting smart development and urban green space, and protecting the
health and integrity of local ecosystems.
The group works to unite local organizations and individuals who are already doing so
much to make our city a healthy and pleasant place to live. They provide resources for
those who wish to stay informed about global environmental issues as well as
opportunities for responsible citizens to get involved in local environmental and city
improvement projects.
Since 2006, Green Dubuque has led or been involved in numerous projects to support
the Sustainable Dubuque vision, including organizing grassroots events, research and
reporting on a variety of sustainability and climate change - related topics, lobbying for
local and state government activity, community education and supporting local foods
initiatives in a variety of ways. Specific projects of significance that they have been key
partners in include the following:
2012 by 2012: The 2,012 by 2012 program is an effort to reduce Dubuque's greenhouse
gas emissions by the amount that 2,012 cars would produce annually by 2012. Green
Dubuque is working with partners to distribute free CFLs and sign residents up for
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Alliant's Second Nature renewable energy purchasing program to achieve these goals.
CARE Bombs: CARE stands for Citizens Applauding Responsible Enterprise. Green
Dubuque organizes CARE Bombs, where members and other community members
make an effort to get a large group of people to shop at a local store on the same day,
purchasing as much as possible from a locally-owned business.
Green Drinks: The local chapter of an international movement meets monthly to network
and discuss sustainability topics.
Complete Streets: Green Dubuque members have taken a leadership role in
advocating for both a local and state policy on complete streets, providing analysis on
economic impact, education to staff and elected officials, and advocacy support.
Dubuque Community GHG Reduction Task Force: See "Community Climate Action
Plan" for additional detail and update.
HEART:
The Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training Program, or HEART, with its broad
partnership and deep community impact, is re- engaging disconnected youth and
building strong connections to community through education, service and job training.
Transforming the Washington and downtown neighborhoods, students in our program
have participated in almost 40 community projects since 2004, including turning over 20
substandard rentals into 12 owner occupied homes. Since 2003, the HEART program
has met the needs of 55 individual young people on a full -time basis, as they work to
attain their high school diploma. Our students come to us at -risk of dropping out, but
they make a commitment to hard work until they graduate, splitting their days on the
worksite and classroom. Since 2003, HEART students are achieving a 92°/0 high school
graduation rate, with 100% of this year's senior students graduating. This year, we
integrated a 9 -week green construction training course into the HEART Program, taken
by program staff and students alike, with a 93°/0 pass and completion rate.
Four Mounds mission of preservation, service and education aligns with the three focus
areas of the Sustainable Dubuque model. We reclaim threatened, historic structures
and find new relevant uses for the community, using the opportunity to train youth and
prepare them for healthy adulthood. The illustration below shows how the HEART
program is helping to meet the principles set forth in the Sustainable Dubuque model.
Environmental /Ecological
Integrity
Economic Equitable Social /Cultural
Prosperity Vibrancy
Connection to
green collar jobs
Arming young
people with skills
& education
Youth connected to
history & community
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Sustainability Career Exploration Program. The Boy Scout Career Exploring
Program added a new field to curriculum in 2011. The program focuses on careers in
green technology, engineering, environmental science, and city development. Through
this program students have the opportunity to have fun while gaining experiences in
green careers, hybrid technology, recycling, and renewable energy. Presenters include
the City Sustainability Coordinator, Durrant staff, and representatives of Black Hills
Energy, the City Water Treatment Plant, DMASWA, and Dittmer Recycling.
Schools:
Dubuque Community School District: The Dubuque Community School District
exceeded energy and resource management goals through the "Dubuque Sustainably
Smart Schools" process during the 2009/10 school year. Many people and actions
contributed to the success the District achieved, resulting in an 11% reduction from the
baseline year with 13.4 billion BTUs of energy reductions and over $212,600.00 saved.
Additionally, 3.9 million lbs. of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions were avoided; the
equivalent of 343 passenger vehicles for one year.
For their support and participation in the District's energy and resource management
efforts; special recognition is merited and "Red Carpet" awards were presented by the
School Board at 7:00 pm, Monday, November 8, 2010 to the following schools and staff
for their outstanding performance and actions to dramatically impact improvements in
energy management. The recipients are;
• Fulton Elementary School — 13.41 %,
• Jones (Hand -in -Hand) Pre - school — 27.49 %,
• Irving Elementary School — 31.20 %,
• Kennedy Elementary School — 10.69 %,
• Lincoln Elementary School — 7.83 %,
• Marshall Elementary School — 9.48 %,
• Prescott Elementary School — attaining the lowest energy intensity,
• Sageville Elementary School — 10.91%,
• Table Mound Elementary School — 7.03 %,
• Jefferson Middle School — 10.81%,
• Roosevelt Middle School — 6 %,
• Washington Middle School — 23.56 %,
• Hempstead High School — 10.29 %, and
• Senior High School — 9.46%
For outstanding efforts to implement District -wide energy initiatives and practices;
• Operations & Maintenance Staff,
• Custodial Staff, and
The District Energy & Resource Management Office will also present Special
Recognition to:
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• The Dubuque Community School District, Board of Education.
Energy & Sustainable Management is now District policy and encourages everyone to
"Turn -off', "Shut -off', "Power- down ", and "Save ".
Since July 2009 — April 2011, DCSD through the Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools
process has achieved:
Total Energy Consumption (BTU) reductions = 26.612 billion BTUs (Equivalent to the
annual energy use of over 133 average U.S. homes)
Total Energy Costs Avoided = $419,417
Total GHG Emissions Avoided = 7,210,487 lbs. / 3,271 metric tones
(Equivalent to 144 semi - trailer loads @ 50,000 Ibs each)
Green Vision Education Program (Management Agenda): This program is
sponsored by the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency and began in 2005.
Since that date, eleven schools have earned the award and several more are working
towards achieving it during this school year.
Current Green Vision Education schools are:
• Resurrection Catholic Elementary School
• Table Mound Elementary School
• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
• St. Columbkille's Catholic Elementary School
• Dubuque Montessori School
• Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School
• Prescott Elementary School
• Holy Ghost Catholic Elementary School
• St. Anthony's /Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Elementary School
• Sageville Elementary School
• Wahlert Catholic High School
Through these schools, over 600 staff members, 3800 students, and 2600 families are
participating in the Green Vision Education Program. The program recognizes student
and staff efforts to reduce waste in their schools, as well as the schools' recently
implemented energy- saving practices. Green Vision schools receive flags to hang
outside their buildings and banners to display in their hallways or gyms. Some of the
practices that have been implemented by the schools include food scrap composting,
worm bin composting, increased paper and container recycling, and reduction in the use
of disposable products.
Green Vision evaluation and support partners include the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Solid Waste Agency, the Dubuque Community School District, the Holy Family Catholic
Schools, Durrant Inc., the Dubuque County Conservation Board, the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources - Mines of Spain, the Catfish Creek Watershed Project - Dubuque
County Soil and Water District, the Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, Keep
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Dubuque County Clean & Green, the City of Dubuque, and Green Dubuque.
Schools continue to work on additional patches for the 2011 -2012 school year.
A Green Vision Schools City Council work session was held in September 2011. City
staff is also developing a Sustainable Dubuque program /patch that focuses on
social /cultural vibrancy and community knowledge concepts.
Sustainable Loras: Many organizations and individuals are working hard to be green.
Loras College's efforts are ongoing, but its commitment to the cause goes one step
further. In 2008, President James E. Collins signed the American College & University
Presidents Climate Commitment, joining the leaders of more than 500 other institutions
across the country to accelerate the research and educational efforts to equip society to
re- stabilize the climate.
Loras has signed on to take an active approach to sharply reduce and eventually
eliminate all of the College's global warming emissions. A Sustainability Committee has
formed to evaluate ways in which the College can conserve, preserve and protect
Earth's resources. Many initiatives have already been implemented, demonstrating
Loras' commitment:
• Loras participates year -round in the food scrap recycling program with the City of
Dubuque.
• A print - release system requires students to enter an ID number at printers on
campus before their documents are actually printed. This has reduced
unnecessary printing and the number of printed documents not retrieved.
• The student senate has purchased recycling bins for each individual residence
hall room, classroom and outdoor space across campus.
• The cafeteria at Loras has eliminated trays, thus conserving water and energy
from the cleaning of the trays. It has also increased social awareness of food
waste.
• Alliant Energy presented Loras College with $327,000 in energy efficiency
rebates for the green building practices used in the construction of the Athletic
and Wellness Center.
• Faculty and students use eLearn as a way to electronically share documents
and take tests, cutting back on the amount of paper handouts in the classroom.
• Loras participates in RecycleMania which last year collected 13 pounds of
recyclables per person.
"These efforts build on Loras' ongoing commitment to sustainability, which as a natural
outgrowth of its Catholic identity will bear witness to careful, thorough, lasting and
sustainable stewardship of all creation for the sake of present and future generations
and for the common good," notes Collins.
Loras College has taken great strides toward becoming a sustainable campus. Loras is
also proud to have signed on as a partner with the City of Dubuque in support of the
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economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability, which are the
cornerstones of the City's 11 -point plan to address sustainability issues long term.
Loras College hosted a presentation on campus sustainability efforts at Luther College.
About 50 people were in attendance including students, staff, and faculty from Loras,
Clarke, and the University of Dubuque, as well as community members.
As part of the Loras College commitment to sustainability, the College received a grant
from the State of Iowa Office of Energy Independence to place water, electricity, and
steam meters on the four residence halls previously without them. This semester all
seven residence halls will compete in the "Use Less — Win More" sustainability
challenge with each other to reduce energy consumption on campus. In addition,
the College is also participating in Recyclemania, a national competition that pits
colleges across the nation against each other to see who can recycle the most.
Residents of halls that most lower their consumption of water, steam, and electricity,
and that recycle the largest amount can win prizes.
To stimulate campus interest in the "Use Less — Win More" challenge and sustainability
in general, Loras hosted a Sustainability Expo on March 23, 2011. Local businesses
and organizations that focus on sustainability and environmental efforts participated in
this interactive educational event. In addition, Eric Schmechel spoke about the impacts
of improper storm water runoff practices and the effects they have on flooding. On
December 7, 2011, Loras College became Petal Certified with the ECIA Petal Project,
achieving all five categories.
People & Neighborhoods:
Make A Difference Day: Thanks to everyone for a very successful Make A Difference
Day. We were able to reach 65 homes and had around 300 volunteers.
Dubuque Community Days of Caring: The 4th annual Community Days of Caring
was held on April 29 -30. Over 540 volunteers provided assistance to 28 non - profits
throughout the community. Significantly, the Washington Neighborhood Development
Corporation coordinated over 50 volunteers painting and providing property
maintenance to eight properties in the Washington Neighborhood. The 5th annual Days
of Caring will be held April 27 and 28, growing in partnership with the Dubuque Area
Chamber's Young Professionals group this year.
Earth Day: On April 22 and throughout the week, the Dubuque community celebrated
Earth Day. A variety of schools and businesses hosted their own events and /or
provided education and incentives to their customers related to sustainability.
REASONABLE MOBILITY
Government:
SW Arterial (Top Priority):
The Southwest Arterial project is the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the
Dubuque area and will provide for a 6.1 -mile four -lane divided freeway with priority 1-
access control between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20.
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Mobility Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will connect two growing sections of
the community together and will support future anticipated expansion growth to the
southwest of the City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial will
also provide an efficient bypass around the City thereby reducing travel times and
minimizing delay by reducing traffic volumes and congestion on the local street system.
Environmental Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct
and efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque, which will provide
significant travel time savings by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on
Highway 61/151, Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque,
thereby providing fuel energy savings, reducing vehicle emissions and improving air
quality. The Southwest Arterial project will be designed and constructed with forward
thinking sustainability initiative incorporated, which will include an environmentally and
resource sensitive highway corridor, an integrated bike / pedestrian trail with amenities,
and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology.
Passenger Rail: The proposed project, which was identified as an Envision 2010 goal,
will reestablish passenger rail transportation to the Chicago — Dubuque Corridor and
improve freight rail transportation by upgrading the railroad infrastructure. The overall
project area lies along the 300 - kilometer (180 -mile) Chicago — Dubuque rail corridor,
which extends in a northwest direction across the state of Illinois between Chicago,
Illinois, and Dubuque, Iowa. The improvements proposed lie primarily within existing
railroad rights -of -way with minimal work adjacent to the track. The Chicago- Rockford-
Dubuque corridor project will rehabilitate existing rail infrastructure to current maximum
operating speeds of up to 60 mph to restore previous intercity passenger rail service.
This project is the first step in achieving a more balanced modal use of the
transportation network by leveraging the existing railroad infrastructure to restore
intercity passenger train service that was discontinued in 1981. The need for the project
stems from the lack of modal options in the corridor. Highway -based modes, including
automobiles and bus service, face growing traffic congestion that cause travel delays
and unreliable schedules, inherent safety risks, and air quality impacts. This project is
the first step in achieving modal balance in the transportation system between these two
cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable and convenient travel option.
Highway -based modes, including automobiles and bus service, face growing traffic
congestion that cause travel delays and unreliable schedules, inherent safety risks, and
air quality impacts. This project is the first step in achieving modal balance in the
transportation system between these two cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable
and convenient travel option.
The State of Illinois has budgeted $60 million to rebuild the railroad tracks. To move
ahead with this project, the State of Iowa must commit to providing $550,000, a share of
the annual operating subsidy, beginning in Fiscal Year 2014. The State of Iowa has
challenged local governments to provide 50% of the annual subsidy. On March 9, 2011,
the City Council approved to commit 25% of the subsidy ($137,500) beginning in Fiscal
Year 2014. Dubuque County and other area cities are considering the other portion of
the local match that is required.
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On August 23 and 24, 2011, T.Y. Lin was in Dubuque to meet with CN, CP, and Amtrak
and IDOT officials about passenger rail options.
On September 20, 2011, T.Y. Lin met with Amtrak representatives to discuss the
platform needs in Dubuque.
City staff along with ECIA staff are searching for funding opportunities. The IDOT is not
willing to pursue Federal funding for rail improvements along this corridor based on
recent decisions made by the State Legislature.
Intermodal Center: The City of Dubuque has been planning for the construction of an
Intermodal Transportation Center in Dubuque for several years. The center is
envisioned to provide passenger train access from an elevated platform for passenger
rail service running between Dubuque and Chicago. Other components of the project
will include: construction of an elevated parking structure with a capacity for
approximately 500 vehicles, a IP addressable video camera system, ticket booths at
vehicle access points supporting the operation of a paid parking structure with the
potential inclusion an automated traffic counter system, a hub for local transit and long
distance bus service, aspects that are pedestrian friendly and accessible which includes
access to the center via bike lanes, public restrooms and provide for approximately
10,000 square feet of retail or commercial office space and /or childcare area. The
center must contain architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the site
and further contribute to the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the
success of the project will be the resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility
including convenient driveway connections to roadways that access other adjacent
areas.
The consultants identified 11 potential sites for consideration. The review committee
narrowed these options down to 2 sites through a ranking system established in
conjunction with the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA). One site is in the Port of
Dubuque and one in the Historic Millwork District. After weighing the pros and cons of
each site, the review committee unanimously recommended the Historic Millwork
District for the Intermodal Transportation Facility. On March 7, 2011, the City Council
concurred with the recommendation to pursue the Historic Millwork District for a future
Intermodal Transit Facility.
The Phase I feasibility study and site selection process of the Intermodal Center is
complete. The recommendation to pursue the Historic Millwork District site was
approved by City Council on March 7, 2011. Phase II design work will begin once the
final decision is made regarding the RFP for architect design and engineering services
which was due March 30, 2011. The City received 8 proposals and the interview
committee narrowed it down to 4 firms. The interview committee interviewed 4 firms
and made a recommendation to negotiate a contract with Neumann Monson. The City
Council approved on May 16, 2011 to award Phase II (Engineering Design) to Neumann
Monson Architects.
City staff worked with Neumann Monson and finalized a contract for services. Staff also
has worked with ECIA to submit applications for grants to fund construction of an
Intermodal facility. On August 15, 2011, the City Council acknowledged and approved
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the submittal of two grant applications (Bus Livability and State of Good Repair) to the
Federal Transit Authority. The City committed to a 30% match in both grants. On
October 12, 2011, an $8 million State of Good Repair grant was awarded to the City.
On August 31, 2011, City staff along with Neumann Monson Architects held multiple
input sessions with special interest groups and a public session to get input on what the
specific needs of the facility should be for the City of Dubuque. A work session with the
City Council was held on November 21. The Council provided input which the
consultants incorporated into the design of the Center. Neumann Monson Architects
has completed the schematic design phase of the Intermodal Center. An RFP is being
prepared to hire a consultant to do Design Development, Construction Documents, and
Construction oversight for the first phase of the Intermodal Center.
Staff continues to work with the FTA to finalize a contract and release of funds for the
State of Good Repair Grant. On February 16, 2012, several City staff and ECIA
representatives traveled to Kansas City to review the project timing and confirm what
types of information are still needed to obtain environmental clearance.
The center must contain architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the
site and further contribute to the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the
success of the project will be the resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility
including convenient driveway connections to roadways that access other adjacent
areas.
The vision for the Intermodal Transit Center is that it will support transit connections, rail
connections, vehicular parking, electric vehicle charging, bicycle parking, intercity bus, a
passenger waiting area, taxicab stands, public restrooms (including lockers and
showers /changing areas), a ticketing office along with the potential for retail space, a
daycare facility, and possibly commercial office space. The consultants were in
Dubuque on October 24 to meet with Millwork property owners and City staff to review
alternative site layout proposals. A work session has been set for December 5, to
present the site plan and building proposals for the center.
The City is working with ECIA in preparing grant applications for 4 funding sources in
the next two months to fund Phase II of the Intermodal Transit Center.
Medical Loop: The new Medical Loop, which was funded by a state grant and began in
December 2010, replaced the old Orange Line. The Medical Loop proves increased
service to the medical centers and clinics in Dubuque (e.g. Mercy and Finley Hospitals,
Dubuque Internal Medicine, Medical Associates East, etc.), the colleges and
universities, and regular service to S. Locust Hy -Vee and the S. Grandview area, this
fixed route also proves deviated route ( "upon demand ") service to the KeyWest area
(e.g. Dept. of Motor Vehicles and businesses in the immediate area), Mount Carmel, the
YMCA, Mystique Casino, etc.
ARC Transfer Center: A state grant was awarded for the Phase I building of a Transfer
Center at Area Residential Care's (ARC) new facility. Phase I will be a canopy large
enough for three fixed route buses to pull underneath. If funded (application will be filed
in May 2011) Phase II will allow for the building of an enclosed waiting area with public
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bathroom facilities at the JFK Circle (the old Econo Foods store). A lease agreement
between ARC and the City will be drawn up for approval by City Council, and an RFP
for the actual canopy design will be released.
Shopping Circulator: The Shopping Circulator, which began November 21, 2011 is
also a state grant. The Shopping Circulator route will link the major shopping centers
located on the west end of Dubuque and will operate on an hourly basis. Transfers
between the Shopping Circulator and the Red, Green and /or Grey Lines will occur at the
JFK Circle.
Annual Asphalt Overlay Paving Program: The Public Works Department's annual
Asphalt Overlay Program, which began in 1993, has paved 169.69 centerline miles of
city streets over the subsequent years. While asphalt is an oil -based paving material,
since 2007 the program has been reclaiming and reusing old asphalt milled from the
streets to be paved. With up to 20% of the "new" asphalt actually containing old,
reclaimed asphalt from the city's streets, this program now has a significantly smaller
resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprint. Community impacts include reduced
program cost, along with the noted reduced resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprints.
Bicycle /Pedestrian Network:
Most recently, the City partnered with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs to create
bilingual trail signs, map kiosks, and a bilingual trail map brochure that identifies
trailheads, which include map kiosks, parking and other amenities, and trail map kiosk
locations. The major ongoing new trail project in Dubuque is the continued extension of
the Iowa 32 Bike /Hike Trail along the Northwest Arterial. This trail provides an
important and safe connection for bike and pedestrian traffic between the Heritage Trail
and the City's trail system, and the west side of Dubuque -- the city's fastest growing
shopping, employment and residential area. Approximately 2 miles are built with
another 2 -mile segment expected to be completed in 2011.
In May the city partnered with the Tri -State Trail vision committee to submit a Bicycle
Friendly Community application to the League of American Bicyclists.
Leisure Services Department:
• Trail projects completed -NW Arterial Ph 1 2008, Ph II 2010, Phase III 2011,
Bergfeld Rec Trail 2010
• Middle Fork Catfish Creek Trail Feasibility Study in process.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
CLEAN WATER
Government:
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Low Impact Development Conference: This year the City of Dubuque held its Stn
annual "Put a LID on it" storm water conference in partnership with the Dubuque Soil
and Water Conservation District, The Iowa DNR, and the National Mississippi River
Museum. The 2 day conference focused not only on low impact development topics
such as rain gardens and native plantings, but also on the IOWATER program created
by the Iowa DNR, which focus on volunteer water quality monitoring. Nearly 90 people
were in attendance both days, which included students from the local colleges,
professors, engineers, private consultants, construction companies, and other
regulatory agencies.
The 6th annual LID conference will be held tentatively on February 12 and 13, 2013.
Construction Workshop: This year the City of Dubuque held its 5th annual
Construction site workshop. Normally held in conjunction with the Low Impact
Development conference, this year the workshop was separated in order to focus more
upon construction site regulations and to focus upon local construction contractors.
Over 100 were in attendance at this one day workshop. The event was co- sponsored
by Stetson Building Products. Speakers included representatives from Stetson who
spoke about erosion and sediment control products, Wayne Petersen from IDALS, Clark
Ott from the Manchester office of the DNR, Eric Schmechel from the DSWCD, and
Dean Mattoon from the City of Dubuque Engineering Department who conducted an
inspector certification training program.
Permeable Pavement /Green Alley: The City of Dubuque began in fiscal year 2011 an
annual program for reconstructing Dubuque alleys using permeable pavement. The City
currently has three green alleys that utilize either porous asphalt pavement or
interlocking concrete pavers which allow storm water to pass through the pavement.
These alleys help reduce storm water runoff by infiltrating and cleaning the water before
it reaches the City's aquifers. In the fall of 2011 another alley will be reconstructed using
interlocking concrete pavers. This alley is located between Jackson and White Streets
from 9th to 10th street. This alley is being reconstructed as part of the EPA consent
decree. This supplemental engineering project (SEP) alley will be reconstructed using
interlocking concrete pavers that match those used in the Historic Millwork District
Complete Streets project.
Additionally, another alley will be reconstructed in the Washington Neighborhood. This
alley is located between Washington and Elm from 17th to 18th Streets. The alley abuts
the historic row houses recently rehabilitated by the Housing Department. Construction
of the alley is expected to be complete by June 30, 2012.
Bee Branch (Major Project): Project involves the daylighing of 4,500 feet of the buried
Bee Branch storm sewer. Episodic damage to public and private property due to
flooding results in recurring expenditures related to repairing damages. Moreover, it
leads to a reluctance to improve property or even maintain property.
• Update on Property Acquisitions:
o All sixty -five of the original residential properties identified for purchase
have been acquired. Three additional properties near Audubon School
were identified for additional usable green space on Kniest Street have
been acquired.
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Thirteen (13) non - residential properties have been acquired. Only one of
L i the original properties identified for acquisition remains. It is scheduled to
be acquired by June 1, 2012.
• Update on Design:
L i Design of the first phase of the project, the Lower Bee Branch Creek
Restoration Project is complete.
L i Design of the second and last phase of the project, the Upper Bee Branch
Creek Restoration project is on schedule to be complete and ready for
bidding in June, 2012.
• Update on Construction:
L i Construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project started
in the fall of 2010 and was completed in November of 2011.
L i Construction of the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is
scheduled to start in the summer of 2012.
Water & Resource Recovery Center Upgrade (Major Project): At the very outset of
the project sustainability has been in the forefront of the process, from the selection of
the design professionals to the selection of the anaerobic digestion process for bio-
solids management. In addition to these the following items have a significant
sustainability component;
1. The use of low mow and native grasses for landscaping
2. Incorporation of rain gardens for storm -water management
3. Using plant effluent as a heating /cooling source for the Admin /Lab building
4. Pursue Energy Star Rating for the entire plant
5. Combined Heat and Power utilizing digester gas
6. Elimination of the use of Chlorine gas for disinfection
7. Reuse of existing structures for new purposes
8. Researching utilizing available digester space for high strength organics and food
residuals for addition energy production.
9. 99.8% Construction materials diversion rate from the landfill
The W &RRC construction project has caught up with the damage caused by the July
11, 2001 wind storm and the July 27/28, 2011 major rain event. Digesters #1 and #3 tall
walls are completed and work progresses on the short walls for all digesters and
concrete work on all aspects of the digester complex. Clarifier #1 (an existing clarifier) is
80% complete and should be able to be returned to service within two months. The start
up of clarifier #1 will allow the contractor to move on to the reconstruction of #2. The
base work for the additional primary clarifier is ongoing with a pour scheduled for the
week of September 26, 2011. After the base is completed the walls of the clarifier will be
constructed at which point the mechanisms will be installed.
The City of Dubuque Builders Risk provider has agreed that the complete replacement
of all of the flooded modules in the UV Disinfection System is warranted. These
modules have been ordered and will be installed upon arrival in approximately six to
eight weeks. The UV system is however functioning as required to provide disinfection
for the plant effluent.
Work continues on all aspects of the project and plant staff and contractor personnel are
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beginning the preparation for operations and construction to continue as the winter
approaches.
Negotiations are taking place with the W &RRC neighbor Inland Protein for the use of
part of their property to facilitate construction of the digester covers. The availability of
this land will provide for much needed storage space and an area any from construction
traffic for the assembly of the covers.
Please refer to the Water & Resource Recovery Center for detailed information on the
Sustainable ROI of this project.
Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program (Management Agenda):
The City of Dubuque is conducting an Inflow and Infiltration (I &I) Reduction Program to
eliminate storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration into Dubuque's sanitary sewer
collector system. Excessive I &I can cause sanitary sewer back -ups into basements,
overflows into creeks and wetlands, and increased operating costs to process the water
at the Dubuque Water Pollution Control Plant.
Five neighborhoods have been identified as sources of high sanitary sewer flows during
rainfall events, which indicates excessive I &I. To address this issue, the City will
conduct private property inspections, smoke testing, and dye testing, and televise
sanitary sewer pipes to determine the major defects in the five areas with excessive I &I
between 2011 and 2016.
Through January 31, 2012, the City has notified 2,943 property owners that their
neighborhood has been identified as a source of high sanitary sewer flows during
rainfall events, which indicates excessive l&l. The property owners were asked
to schedule an appointment for City inspectors to enter the yard and basement of
each home to observe and record the property's drainage facilities.
• Of the 2,943 properties, City staff has inspected 2,376. This is a response rate of
approximately 81 %.
> One - hundred and forty one of the 2,376 inspections (approximately 6 %) found
improper connections to the sanitary system.
• Smoke testing has been conducted within nearly 25 miles of the City's sanitary
sewer collection system. This has identified over 100 defects beyond the 141
identified in the private property inspections.
➢ City staff evaluated all manholes and sanitary sewers within one area of the City.
This type of asset management program allows City staff to efficiently identify
which manholes and pipes require rehabilitation.
> City staff completed a "corrective action plan" for Sewershed 11 as required by
the EPA Consent Decree. The plan identifies all defects found among the private
property inspections, smoke testing, and asset management program into one
document that describes how and when the defects will be repaired.
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City staff is preparing plans and specifications to improve the deficient manholes
and sanitary sewer pipes within Sewershed 11.
Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority
In December 2011, the City of Dubuque submitted a grant application for the creation of
a Watershed Management Authority Board (WMAB). The City was subsequently
awarded a grant in the amount of $24,500 to develop a 28E agreement among
stakeholders within the watershed (Dubuque County, City of Asbury, City of Peosta,
Dubuque County Conservation Board, and City of Centralia) to establish a Watershed
Management Authority Board. Upon establishment of the Board, the City will be able to
compete for an additional $200,000 in grant funding for watershed improvements.
Rain Garden Program
The City of Dubuque continually offers a cost share program for the construction of rain
gardens for citizens. The City will pay for up to $500 of materials provided that an equal
or greater amount be spent on equipment rental / labor by the citizen.
Streambank Stabilization Program
The City of Dubuque continually offers a cost share program for the stabilization of
ditches and creek on private property (residential only). The City will pay for up to $500
of materials provided that an equal or greater amount be spent on equipment rental /
labor by the citizen.
Public Works Department:
Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection Center (HHMRCC): The Public
Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). An Agency program
dating back to the mid- 1990's is its Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection
Center (HHMRCC). Initially a once - per -year special event staged at the Dubuque
County fairgrounds, the program is focused on keeping hazardous materials out of the
DMASWA Landfill. Based on the premise that landfills are not perfect and that they all
eventually leak, the intent of the program is to reduce hazardous chemicals in that
leachate. By 1998, the Agency funded and established a permanent year -round
collection and storage facility at its Landfill. Citizens are encouraged to take their paint,
solvents, automotive chemicals, cleaning fluids, etc. to the Agency's RCC for reuse or
incineration at no cost to them. A small fee is charged small businesses and
governmental entities to cover the cost of the service provider. The HHMRCC Program
also provides staff and equipment support for special, one day collection events at
locations throughout the Agency's two - county service area. The measureable
outcomes include pounds /tons of hazardous materials collected and managed annually.
E -Scrap Recycling Program. Established in 2006, the Agency's E -Scrap Recycling
Program initially educated and encouraged its customers to recycle, versus landfill, their
old television sets, VCRs, cell phones, computers, and other electronic entertainment
and communication devices. While such household items are allowed to be landfilled
by federal and Iowa regulations, the Agency provided a recycling alternative for a fee.
The fee, while more than what was charged for landfilling, is needed to cover the cost
charged by the Agency's recycling service provider. Given the declining quantity and
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weight of the e-scrap brought to the Agency for recycling in recent years, and the
generally - acknowledged toxicity of some e-scrap components, the Agency adopted an
e -scrap landfill ban, which went into effect July 1, 2011. As a result, the DMASWA no
longer buries electronics in its landfill. The most significant measurable outcomes for
this program are the number and /or weight of e-scrap items recycled.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Recycling Program. Begun in 2009 due to the
national perception regarding the mercury contained in CFLs and the increasing number
of old CFLs being sent to landfills for disposal, the DMASWA established a free dropoff
program for Dubuque and Delaware county residents. Through the Agency's website,
its biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, its advertisements, and presentations by its
Education and Communication Coordinator, the Agency makes its customers aware of
the twenty -one (21) locations throughout Dubuque and Delaware counties where the
CFLs can be dropped off for recycling. The most significant measurable outcome is the
number of pounds of CFLs diverted and recycled by this program annually. The primary
community impact in future years is cleaner leachate and groundwater at the DMASWA
Landfill.
Sustainable Dubuque Watershed Network. The University of Iowa College of
Engineering and Environmental Science, in collaboration with the City, will provide
funding and support for the Sustainable Dubuque Watershed Network. The research
would be intended to coordinate with existing University watershed research, but take it
a step further by incorporating advanced measuring devices and analysis into an urban
watershed, the North Fork — Catfish Creek. It is intended that the outcome help inform
and analyze future infrastructure design and renovation and low- impact development
options for the community and its stakeholders. Specific research will be sought for
analysis of infrastructure design and renovation and low- impact development options for
stakeholders such as rain gardens, bioswales, bioretention areas, green roofs and other
policy options within a watershed. Handling watershed issues before they become
Water and Resource Recovery Center issues will be an economic and environmental
benefit to the community.
Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority
A planning grant has been received from IDNR to develop a Catfish Creek Watershed
Plan to help watershed municipalities in the watershed and Dubuque County to assess
stormwater and water quality impacts and advise on future pollution prevention
strategies and best management practices.
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
HEALTHY AIR
Government:
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Clean Air Attainment Strategy /Air Quality Task Force (Top Priority): In November
2009, the DMATS Board facilitated a meeting with the Iowa DNR to discuss air quality
data in Dubuque and the surrounding area. From this meeting, city and ECIA staff
recommended forming a public /private partnership to study the data and work on
improving air quality. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation was approached and
agreed to facilitate an Air Quality Task Force, which would consist of local government
and business representatives. GDDC engaged businesses who had a stake in local air
quality. After several meetings, the Task Force agreed that further study of our air
quality was needed to: 1) determine if there are local factors contributing to poor air
quality outcomes; and 2) how can we improve air quality regardless of local factors.
The results of UNI's analysis may show a need for a more detailed study to determine
an action plan. GDDC continues to facilitate local business and government working
together on air quality.
Transit Fleet Replacement (Major Project): In 2010 two large federal grants were
awarded to The Jule (formally known as Keyline Transit): State of Good Repairs at $2.3
million dollars and Clean Fuels at $1.5 million dollars. These two grants, coupled with
vehicle replacement money from the State, allowed for the replacement of the entire
transit fleet (both fixed route and mini bus). All new buses are equipped with Clean
Diesel engines, a proven technology that allows for increased fuel efficiency and lower
engine emissions. The State of Good Repairs grant also allowed for the purchase of ITS
equipment for both fixed route and mini bus service. This equipment will help increase
the efficiency and effectiveness of the transit service. This equipment includes, but is
not limited to: an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system along with web -based
software will allow passengers to see when the next bus will arrive to a particular bus
stop; LED display boards that will be placed a key transfer points to display pending
arrival time(s) of the next bus, as well as (e.g.) public service announcements; an
Automatic Voice Announcement (AVA) system that will announce the approach of (e.g.)
major intersections and points of interest for passengers that have a visual impairment
(or who are otherwise not familiar with the area); an electronic fare collection system
that will broaden the choice and type of bus passes, as well as allow for better ridership
data collection; Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) that will allow for real -time dispatching in
mini bus service; new scheduling software for mini bus service to work in conjunction
with the MDTs; camera (security) systems on both fixed route and mini bus; etc.
The clean diesel transit fleet was in place and in use as of August 1st
Sprinter Bus Replacement: In late December /early January 2011 The Jule accepted
delivery of three new Sprinter buses, one of which is owned by the City and the other
two by the RTA. The two RTA buses were purchased through a RTA capital (vehicle)
grand, with the local match paid by the City. A four -year lease agreement was signed,
with the local match to be used as payment on the lease agreement. Some of the
electronic equipment will come in during FY2011, and the rest in FY2012.
Public Works Department:
Landfill Methane Collection System Project (Management Agenda): The Public Works
Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). One of the Agency's
recent initiatives relevant to the Healthy Air principle is its Landfill Methane Collection
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System Project. Initiated in FY10 and completed in FY11, the methane collection
system was installed in the Agency's oldest "closed" landfill cells. Since project
completion in September of 2010, the methane is being measured as it is flared off. By
flaring the methane, the Agency is significantly reducing a very potent greenhouse gas
previously emitted by its landfill facility. The Agency's Board of Directors is currently
evaluating how its methane will eventually be used and has hired an industry expert to
counsel it regarding the best end -use of the Agency's landfill methane. The Directors
have indicated that they anticipate making a decision regarding the future use of the
Agency's methane by mid 2012. Anticipated future measurable outcomes include
amount of usable methane produced annually and revenue garnered and/or costs
avoided.
Clean Diesel & Biofuels Technology: The Public Works Department is spearheading the
City's conversion of its diesel- engine truck and heavy equipment fleet to the use of
"clean diesel" technology. To date, nineteen (19) heavy trucks and six (6) heavy
equipment machines have been replaced with units equipped with clean diesel engines.
Clean diesel engines produce fewer airborne particulates and harmful emissions. The
most measurable outcome for this conversion program is the number of "dirty diesel"
versus "clean diesel" units in the department's fleet at any given time.
The Public Works Department has also spearheaded the City's use of biofuels in its
many trucks and heavy equipment. Its diesel- engine trucks and heavy equipment use
20% biodiesel during warm weather months and 5% biodiesel during the coldest
months. The department's Tight vehicles use 85% ethanol in their gasoline engines
year- round. The most likely measurable outcome is total departmental fuel usage by
type annually.
Climate Disruption, Mitigation and Adaptation: The Resource Management program has
provided staff support and intern supervision as part of the city's commitment to the
ICLEI Climate Change 5 Milestone Process related to assessment, draft targets and
potential action steps in government operations community practices for GHG
reduction. The RMC has also acted as the liaison with the community group drafting
the "Dubuque Community GHG "50 by 2030" Initiative ".
Business:
Non - Profit:
Schools:
Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools From July 2009 through April 2011 the
Dubuque Community School District has avoided 7,210,487 lbs. (3,271 Metric tones) of
greenhouse gas (GHG / CO2) emissions; the equivalent of 144 Semi dump trucks. (At
50,000 Ib. Capacity each)
People & Neighborhoods:
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NATIVE PLANTS & ANIMALS
Government:
Planning Services Department:
Sustainable Development Tools: The City's 2009 Unified Development Code (UDC)
requires that new major subdivisions achieve a minimum score of 40 points by utilizing
approved sustainable subdivision development tools. Subdivision and site development
regulations were extensively revised to promote sustainable design and low- impact
development (LID) measures. These tools include Conservation Subdivision design, in
which development is clustered to optimize open space, preserve natural features,
protect environmentally sensitive areas, and minimize infrastructure demands. The UDC
has a residential density bonus for conservation subdivisions. These tools also include
the provision that native and regionally appropriate trees and vegetation are preserved
or planted, which limits turf grass, limits water demand, improves infiltration or filtration,
and enhances the natural environment. Such vegetation is to be phased so denuded
areas are quickly vegetated. Turf grass should not exceed 30% of the landscaped area.
As noted above, new major residential subdivisions currently must score a minimum of
40 points by utilizing sustainable subdivision tools approved by the City Council. A
major subdivision involves public improvements (street, water, sanitary sewer, etc.) In
March 2011, the City Council adopted a standard for sustainable development
incentives for residential subdivisions. The City Council established an 80 -point
standard be used for a new residential subdivision to qualify for sustainable
development incentives from the City of Dubuque.
Mines of Spain /E.B. Lyons (Management Agenda): The 1,387 -acre Mines of Spain
State Recreation Area near Dubuque has served as a focal point for environmental and
cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri -state area of Iowa,
Illinois, and Wisconsin for many years. Burgeoning interest in the rich history of the tri-
state area and growing awareness of the significance of the Mississippi River and its
watershed created greater demands for exhibits and educational programming.
Demand for more programs and services increased over time. Continued success and
growth in visitation, interpretation and education were inhibited by space limitations.
More space was needed at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the State Recreation
Area. In response, the Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS) planned and
coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the original space for
educational purposes. The FOMOS raised private, local, state and federal funds for the
expansion and education project. They raised $1,575,569 -- $98,575 over the cost
estimate of $1,476,994 for the expansion. Construction began in September 2009, and
was completed a year later.
The Friends also raised an additional $325,000 for enhanced exhibits and educational
programming. Thanks to excellence in interpretive support by the FOMOS, the
Interpretive Center now welcomes visitors to one of the region's best - conserved natural
and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the
park. The updated exhibits at the Interpretive Center invite visitors to discover the
history, geology, and ecology of the park and region, and prepare the visitor for forays
onto the many trails and interpretive sites throughout the Mines of Spain. The
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Interpretive Center has displays on the park's historic farm site, archeology, prairies,
woodlands, wetlands, lead mining, Native Americans, and wildlife of the park on both
the upper and lower levels.
Land Acquisition for Mines of Spain: The City of Dubuque, in conjunction with the
Friends of the Mines of Spain, has been working with the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation (INHF) on the acquisition of the Bottoms Farm, 9097 Bellevue Heights
Road, Dubuque, Iowa to expand the land area of the Mines of Spain State Recreation
Area and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. The 52.19 acre property abuts the Mines
of Spain on the north, and the 30 -acre Interpretive Center site on the east. The INHF
acquired the land at auction in August 2011. The City of Dubuque has a purchase
agreement with the INHF for the property. Cost estimates are being finalized for
removal of the farmstead, barns and other structures, and capping the well on site.
There will be a future amendment to the original agreement to add these costs and
some carrying costs.
The Iowa DNR's Natural Resources Commission approved the City of Dubuque's 2011
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Grant of $200,000 toward the
acquisition of the Bottoms Farm in October 2011. The City Council approved the REAP
grant agreement with the IDNR in November 2011. The City will apply for additional
grants to cover the acquisition costs, plus whatever the FOMOS and IDNR would
contribute.
The acquisition of this land is extremely important to the Mines of Spain and the
Interpretive Center. The land acquisition would allow: the creation of a buffer for the
State Park and the Interpretive Center from encroaching development; protection of the
historical, archeological, cultural, and natural resources we anticipate are on the
property; restoration of native landscape to improve and expand wildlife habitat and
storm water management; and opportunities to expand parking, interpretive signage,
and other park amenities that will improve the visitor experience.
The plan for future management of the project area is to leave the archeological sites
undisturbed, unless the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) authorizes
development for the additional parking. The objectives of reestablishing vegetation on
the farm's cropland are to reduce erosion, create wildlife habitat and reconstruct
examples of original native vegetation. The current management plan for the Mines of
Spain has been to replace most of the current croplands and restore them to native
prairie to create a landscape that dates back to the 1700's.
The IDNR will be undertaking the Mines of Spain master plan process for the Bottoms
property in February and March, 2012 with a multi - disciplinary planning task force
IDNR, City, INHF, and FOMOS representatives. The goal is to develop a plan for the
future management and appropriate development of this additional land, to preserve its
natural and cultural resources, as well as expand and enhance the programs and
recreational offerings of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center and the Mines of Spain.
Leisure Services Department:
• Organic Gardening 101 class 2011
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• Fall Landscaping Workshop
GIS assisted Parks Division in GPSing and identifying locations of native plantings near
Bergfeld Recreation Area and new recreational trail, as well as Eagle Point Park.
Library: Hosted seven Nature Days and one Flower Power public event from 2006 -
present. Hosted a "Garden" story time in April, 2011 with 20 attendees.
Bee Branch: The City, in partnership with Black Hills Energy and other community
partners, has obtained a Trees Forever grant to plant 1,000 trees in Phase I of the Bee
Branch project, valued at over $6,000. Volunteers from the neighborhood will be
engaged in the planting of the trees.
Business:
Non - Profit:
See Land Acquisition for Mines of Spain above.
Schools:
People & Neighborhoods:
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