Vision Iowa Bd Extension on 3 project
January 18, 2006
Andy Anderson, Chairman
Vision Iowa Board
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines Iowa 50309-1819
Dear Chairman Anderson,
As you may recall on October 2004 and May 2005, the Vision Iowa Board
approved amendments to the Vision Iowa Grant Award Agreement between the
Vision Iowa Board, the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque County Historical
Society to allow for additional completion time for certain projects. I am writing to
provide you an update on these projects and to request an extension for three
projects.
However, I first would like to give you a brief update on the continued success of
the Grand River Center and the National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium.
Grand River Center
Regional and National usage of the facility continues to grow. Bookings for 2006
and beyond include the Isaac Walton League, Iowa League of Cities, Midwest
Gang Investigators, World Language Association (2005 and 2006), National
Brown Swiss Association, lowallllinois Safety Council, SERTOMA Regional, Iowa
Park and Recreation, National Walnut Association, the National Electrical board
had previously booked 450 room nights in 2005. The 2-cylinder Expo was held
in 2005 and had approximately 13,000 -15,000 attendees through the facility.
They have booked again for July 2007 and 2009. Locally, in 2004/05 a total of
29 wedding receptions were booked in the facility. To date over 60 weddings
have already been booked for 2006. Due to the overwhelming success and
response to use of the Grand River Center, Platinum Hospitality, the
management company that manages the Grand River Center, did not have to
request from the city the first year subsidy payment as outlined in the Facility
Management Agreement.
National Mississiooi River Museum and Aauarium
Attendance to date (twenty-six months of operation) has exceeded 650,000 total
attendees. The William M. Black dredging boat, one of the attractions at the
Museum, has been restored and opened to the public for tours and as a "boat
and breakfast" facility. The Dubuque County Historical Society opened the Old
Jail, which is six blocks from the Port of Dubuque, as a local history museum on
August 20, 2005. Both facilities are now available for evening use and the
Museum and Aquarium facility has hosted several national conferences in
conjunction with the Grand River Center.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium has achieved its status as
a Smithsonian affiliate and was recognized as a Coastal Ecosystem Learning
Center by Coastal America, a national organization. This is the first time this
designation has been given to an inland water location. The National Mississippi
River Museum and Aquarium is now analyzing the feasibility of an expansion to
their educational facility.
PROJECTS REQUIRING NO MODIFICATION OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED
EXTENSION DATE
Project:
Environmental Clean-up
Component: Education & Conference Center
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion:
Phase I Installation of remediation system - December 31, 2005
Phase II Removal of contaminated soil - December 31, 2008
This project provides for environmental cleanup at the Port of
Dubuque. Partial funding has been received from the federal
government. Due to the federal regulations regarding clean up of
brownfields, the EPA must approve remediation prior to
implementing. In addition, remediation is anticipated to take up to
three years.
Update:
Installation of remediation system - Completed
In March 2005 the city received clearance for the method of
remediation to be used to conduct the environmental cleanup.
Approval from the EPA for the final design of the remediation was
received and installation of the remediation system was completed
on time in September 2005.
Removal of contaminated soil: Dec. 31, 2008.
The city's consultants, Terracon Environmental, have begun
treatment to assist in the removal of the petroleum by-product as
part of the remediation program. Treatments to date have been
Project:
Update:
Project:
Update:
successful and staff anticipates meeting the approved completion
date.
Waterworks Park - now AY. McDonald Park
Component: Riverwalk and Public Infrastructure
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion:
Phase I - December 31, 2005
Phase II - December 31, 2006
This project provides for the creation of AY. McDonald Park at the
Hawthorne Street Peninsula. A portion of funding for this project is
from Recreation trail funds and is subject to bidding by IDOT. In
addition, a long-standing manufacturing family who continues to
operate their business in Dubuque approached the city about
donating to the construction of this park. After several discussions,
AY. McDonald manufacturing donated $500,000 toward the
completion of this park and the city agreed to rename the park as
AY. McDonald park in recognition of this generous gift.
Phase I for AY. McDonald Park included roadway improvements,
redesign of parking lots, construction of a restroom facility,
electrical installation and upgrades including historic lighting and
construction of fishing pier and council ring. Phase II for AY.
McDonald Park Park includes construction of a hike/bike trail,
landscaping, installation of playground equipment, site furnishings
and signage.
Phase I - Completed
AY. McDonald Park Phase I was completed on time by December
2005.
Phase II - AY. McDonald Park is anticipated to be bid early 2006
(subject to IDOT review) and construction completed by the new
completion date of December 31, 2006.
Pyatigorsk Park
Component: Riverwalk and Public Infrastructure
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion: December 31, 2005.
Construction of Pyatigorsk Park includes landscaping, new
decorative sidewalks, creation of a park plaza, including location of
an art sculpture and ornamental fencing. This project was
completed on time by December 31,2005.
Completed
Project:
Update:
Project:
Update:
Gateways
Component: Riverwalk and Public Infrastructure
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised extenstion request:
Phase I Infrastructure - Dec. 31, 2005
Phase II Landscaping - June 30, 2006
This project provides for the improvements to the gateway areas
adjacent to the Port of Dubuque and lOOT right of way. lOOT
approval of design is required for this project.
Phase I - Completed
This project was designed and the city received lOOT approval to
proceed in May 2005. In August 2005 bids were issued, a contract
for construction was awarded for the infrastructure portion of this
project, which includes sidewalks, decorative masonry walls,
historic lighting and decorative railing. The project was completed
on time on December 31, 2005.
Phase II will be completed in Spring 2006 to coincide with the
planting season, meeting the June 30, 2006 deadline.
Five Flags Improvements
Component: Riverwalk and Public Infrastructure
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion:
Phase I September 30, 2005
Phase II August 31, 2006
This project provides for significant capital improvements to Five
Flags Civic Center.
Phase I - Completed
Capital improvements began in the Summer of 2005 to avoid
conflicts with significant events already scheduled at the facility
through May 2005. Replacement of HVAC system was awarded at
February 2005 City Council meeting. Phase I construction project
included replacement of bleachers, expansion of concession stand,
renovation of ADA entrance, relocation of ticket office, office and
meeting room renovation, window, light fixture and carpet
replacement, interior painting, fire exit replacement,
dehumidification system installation and expansion of ice chilling
capacity. Phase I was completed on time by September 30, 2005.
Project:
Update:
Project:
Phase II includes installation of fall protection system, replacement
of dasher boards and ice covering. Phase II is anticipated to be
complete by the deadline of August 31, 2006.
Ice Harbor Transient Boat Docks
Component: Riverwalk and Public Infrastructure
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion: May 31, 2007
This project provides for the creation of transient boat docks at the
America's River site, in the Ice Harbor. Due to the limited shoreline
in the Ice Harbor, the City is in discussions with property owners
and the Corps of Engineers with respect to how many docks will be
allowed. A federal permit is required as part of this process and
adjacent property owners must agree to the permit.
Also included in this project is the construction of a 200' long
sheetpile wall to allow for transient boats to moor next to the
Riverwalk. The City did construct the 200' long sheetpile prior to
June 20, 2005 as required in the Vision Iowa document.
The city awarded a contract to The Abonmarche Group to provide
feasibility analysis on the location of the number of transient boat
docks inside the Ice Harbor to meet the Vision Iowa requirement.
Several designs options have been provided by The Abonmarche
Group and reviewed by city staff and the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (IDNR). All options show the location of the
transient boat docks to be located adjacent to Ice Harbor Park. City
staff will be working with property owners and the Corps of
Engineers to develop a design and installation of method for these
docks that works with the built environment. The installation of boat
docks in the Ice Harbor is estimated to be complete by the deadline
of May 31,2007.
Parking Lot Reconstruction and Landscaping
Component: Visitor Amenities, Greenways and Smart Growth Initiatives
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised extension completion: June 30, 2006
This project included an extension to allow for reconstruction of Lot
#1 and landscaping of Lots 1 and 2 at the Port of Dubuque. Lot 1
reconstruction includes the installation of the environmental
remediation system, identified above, which must be installed prior
to beginning reconstruction. All other parking lots under this project
have been completed.
Update:
Due to the delay in EPA approval of the environmental remediation
system, the City will begin reconstruction of the parking lot during
the off-peak season for Port of Dubuque businesses and avoid
conflict with the high tourist traffic season. This project is estimated
to be complete by the deadline of June 30, 2006.
Proiects requesting an additional extension over oreviouslv aooroved
extension date
Project:
Update:
Project:
Shot Tower Restoration
Component: Visitor Amenities, Greenways and Smart Growth Initiatives
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved revised completion: June 30, 2006
This project provides for the restoration of the historic Shot Tower.
This Shot Tower is one of few remaining shot towers in the United
States and the only shot tower west of the Mississippi River.
The City received federal funding for this project and the grant
requires an archeological investigation prior to any construction
work on the tower. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
must also sign off on the archeological review and construction
documents prior to construction. An RFP for architectural,
engineering and archeological work was reviewed and approved by
SHPO and National Park Service. The RFP was sent out and the
city selected Hasbrouck Peterson Zimach Sirirattunrang (HPZS) as
the consultants to conduct an analysis for restoration of the Shot
Tower. HPZS has conducted several on-site inspections of the
Shot Tower and continues to work with the city of Dubuque and the
State Historic Preservation Office to develop rehabilitation plans.
Due to the delay in the SHPO review, additional time is needed for
completion of the restoration.
Additionally, the city of Dubuque is working with the Convention
and Visitors Bureau and students from Central Alternative High
School to develop a year- long celebration in 2006 for the 150th
anniversary of the Shot Tower.
Revised request for completion December 31, 2006
Third Street Overpass improvements
Component: Visitor Amenities, Greenways and Smart Growth Initiatives
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Previously Approved Extension completion: December 31, 2005
Project:
Update:
This project provides for the replacement of chain link fencing with
decorative railing similar to what is installed on the Riverwalk at the
Port of Dubuque. This project is located on an IDOT designed
bridge. The City has awarded a contract to WHKS Engineers to
design the specifications of the railing according to IDOT standards
for right of way. In September 2005, a construction contract was
awarded and custom fabrication of the decorative railing began. As
a result of a value engineering session, a design modification was
made that will allow the city to install decorative railing that will
replicated the railing design on the Riverwalk versus a traditional
wrought iron railing. This will provide additional physical and visual
links between the downtown and Port of Dubuque areas.
However, this railing design requires a specific method of
installation that requires the use of a high strength epoxy adhesive
which cannot be used below temperatures of 45 degrees or less.
Due to the early onset of winter and snowfall in the city of Dubuque,
installation of this railing had to be suspended for the winter
season. The contractor anticipates reinitiating installation in the
Spring when the temperatures meet the required threshold. As a
result, the city is asking for an extension for completion of this
project until July 30, 2006.
Revised request for completion July 30, 2006
Art Elements
Component: Visitor Amenities, Greenways and Smart Growth Initiatives
Original Completion Requirement: June 30, 2005
Approved Extension completion: June 30, 2006
This project provides for the installation of art at the Port of
Dubuque.
City staff has been researching options for the creation of
art at the Port of Dubuque and has developed a
recommendation for an "Avenue of Arts" program modeled after
successful art programs in other cities across the nation. Under
this recommendation, the city of Dubuque would work with our Arts
and Cultural Affairs Commission, local artists and educators to
implement an annual program for the installation of sculpture art at
the Port of Dubuque. City staff has identified 10 highly visible
locations at the Port of Dubuque and one at Pyatigorsk Park to
install rotating artwork. Working in conjunction with the
Commission and the Dubuque Museum of Art, the City will develop
a database of local, regional and national artists and develop an
application process for inviting artists to submit work for display at
the Port of Dubuque. A selection committee made up of art
instructors from our local colleges would review the applications
and make a recommendation to the Commission and ultimately the
City Council on the selection of each year's artwork. Artists would
be notified of the selection and given a deadline for installation of
the artwork at the Port of Dubuque. This artwork would be on
display for a period of one year and at the culmination of the year
would be available for purchase by the general public. The
proceeds from the purchase would be split (75% artisU25% city of
Dubuque). The city of Dubuque would then use the 25% to fund an
ongoing public art program at the Port of Dubuque.
The city of Dubuque has allocated $300,000 in the Vision Iowa
Agreement for the installation of public art. Our revise proposal
would be to request that these funds be spread out over a period of
1 O-years to create the Avenue of Arts program. At that time it is
anticipated that sufficient funds will be available and the program
would become self-funding based upon proceeds from the sale of
art.
Lastly, city staff will also work in conjunction with the Commission
and our local Pyatigorsk, Russia sister city committee to install
artwork from a Russian artist in Pyatigorsk park. This artwork
would also be rotated on an annual basis.
Revised request for initial installation of artwork December 30,
2006
We are excited about the completion of these few remaining projects of the entire
America's River project. We are grateful to the Vision Iowa Board for providing
the City of Dubuque the financial means to create a signature project for Iowa.
We, in turn, have implemented the project in a professional and fiscally
responsible manner. The success of our partnership can be seen in the
tremendous recognition the City of Dubuque and the State of Iowa have received
for the America's River project. We thank you for your continued support.
Please feel free to contact City Manager Michael C. Van Milligen or Dawn Lang,
Budget Director for the City of Dubuque, at 563-589-4110 with any technical
questions you may have regarding this request.
Sincerely,
Roy D. Buol
Mayor
Cc: Mark Thompson, Esq., Attorney General Office
Nichole Warren, IDEO
Dubuque City Council
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Dawn Lang, Budget Director