Presentation_River City of the Year Award 2012Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation of 2012 River City of the Year Award
DATE: February 12, 2013
Dubuque
kital
All- America City
II 111!
2012
Iowa Rivers Revival has selected the City of Dubuque as the 2012 River City of the
Year. Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens will present the award to the City
Council.
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Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Helping Iowans
restore, protect
and enjoy our
rivers.
Board of Directors
Jerry Peckumn
Chair
Larry Gullett
Vice Chair
Mike Smith
Treasurer
Robin Fortney
Secretary
Mark Ackelson
Linda Appelgate
Bob Brammer
Susan Heathcote
Kent Newman
Mary Skopec
Mike Smith
Mimi Wagner
Advisors
Greg Beisker
Pat Boddy
Kate Garst
Mark Langgin
Rod Scott
Allen Shaffer
Steven Veysey
David Williamson
Rosalyn Lehman
Executive Director
515.724.4093
dello
Iowa Rivers Revival
February 4, 2013
Mayor Roy Buol
City of Dubuque
5o West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Mayor Buol:
Thank you for your cordial welcome to Dubuque last Wednesday, and thank you for all
you are doing to make Dubuque such an outstanding city and "River City of the Year."
We appreciate you speaking for the City and giving so much of your time to the
observance and impressive virtual tour. We also appreciate your staff doing so much
to welcome and work with us, and give us their time and talents, too.
Robin and I decided not to risk driving back to Des Moines later Wednesday, so we had
a chance to visit the lower Bee Branch project — beautiful even in snow — as well as the
Museum, Star Brewery Building and other sites.
We really admire the good leadership you give to your community. It is very clear that
your vision and hard work are crucial to Dubuque's tremendous progress.
You are sparking a remarkable renaissance and sustainable future. You lead a great
team doing so much to strengthen quality of life in your city and make Dubuque a great
place to visit and to live.
With 4'est re/g rds,
Bob Brammer
Board Member
Iowa Rivers Revival
Cc: Laura Carstens and Randy Gehl
PO Box 72, Des Moines, Iowa 50301
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation of 2012 River City of the Year Award
DATE: February 12, 2013
Dubuque
* * * **
All- America City
2012
Iowa Rivers Revival has selected the City of Dubuque as the 2012 River City of the
Year. I will present the award to the City Council at the February 18, 2013 meeting.
Iowa Rivers Revival held a reception and award presentation on January 30, 2013 at
the Grand River Center. Mayor Roy Buol accepted the award on behalf of the City. He
and City staff then presented a virtual tour of Dubuque's sustainability and river - related
improvements, programs, and projects.
Enclosed are: our summary application, the media release, the program for the event
and virtual tour, a certificate of recognition from Iowa State Senator Pam Jochum, and a
thank you letter from Iowa Rivers Revival.
Enclosures
F: \USERS \LCARSTEN \WP \Watershed Committee WMA \Memo CCWMA Bylaws to MVM.doc
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River Town of the Year Application
Deadline: November 1, 2012
Award Presented: January 2013
PURPOSE: This award celebrates the many vibrant river communities across the state that are reclaiming riverfronts as
anchors for economic development, recreation, and ecological practices, and addressing challenges and solutions
related to water quality of Iowa's rivers. Iowa Rivers Revival is the statewide river advocacy group working to engage
individuals, organizations, communities and government leaders in river awareness, responsibility and enjoyment. IRR is
committed to protecting some of our most precious natural resources — our rivers and streams.
WHO CAN APPLY: Any Iowa city or town can apply. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment and
involvement in protecting and maintaining river quality and promoting the river as an asset to the town.
AWARD: One Iowa river town will receive the River Town of the Year Award in January 2013 at a reception hosted
by Iowa Rivers Revival at a location in the award - winning town.
City of Dubuque, IA
NAME OF RIVER CITY/TOWN - PLEASE PRINT
Laura Carstens
NAME OF RIVER CITY /TOWN CONTACT- PLEASE PRINT
50 West 13th Street
ADDRESS - PLEASE PRINT
(563 )589.4210 ( )
BUSINESS PHONE CELL PHONE
www.cityofdubuque.org
CITY /TOWN WEBSITE - PLEASE PRINT
Planning Services Manager
TITLE- PLEASE PRINT
Dubuque
CITY
IA 52001
STATE ZIP
lcarsten@cityofdubuque.org
E-MAIL- PLEASE PRINT
Please describe how your town qualifies for the River Town of the Year Award (attach narrative — 2 page maximum).
Examples of Award criteria include but are not limited to these activities (please provide examples and /or pictures):
• Promoting commerce that accommodates river enthusiasts along the river (commercial establishments - - e.g., bed & breakfasts,
bait /fish shops, restaurants, canoe boat /rentals).
• Targeted river tourism efforts.
• Efforts to protect greenbelts and /or ecosystems.
• Annual or seasonal river clean -up.
• Providing walking trails along the river.
• Other river programs (please describe):
• Efforts toward dam safety.
• Education and advocacy by local river or watershed groups.
• Innovative storm water controls and river protection measures.
• Participating with Iowa Water Trails programs.
In addition to the activities listed above, the applicant town must demonstrate good stewardship of river water quality through
compliance with wastewater and storm water permits. If the applicant city /town has had violations of wastewater or storm water
permits in the last 3 years, please explain in an attached narrative what the city /town has done to address the problem.
References that are knowledgeable about your town's river stewardship:
John Walsh
NAME
563.580.5828
Driftless Area Initiative jwalsh.dai@gmail.com
BUSINESS /ORGANIZATION PHONE # AND /OR E -MAIL
Jerry Enzler National Mississippi River Museum 563.557.9545
NAME BUSINESS /ORGANIZATION PHONE N AND /OR E -MAIL
Registration deadline is November 1, 2012. Please e-mail application to rlehman @iowarivers.org or mail to:
Iowa Rivers Revival, Attn: River Town Award, PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301
For questions or additional information, please contact Rosalyn Lehman, Executive Director, at rlehman @iowarivers.org.
Visit our website to view past River Town of the year Award winning communities: www.iowarivers.org.
PO Box 72 • Des Moines, Iowa 50301 • www.iowarivers.orq
Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city and is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi
River. Dubuque takes great pride in the slogan, "Masterpiece on the Mississippi," but
such was not always the case. In the 1980s, Dubuque was a city experiencing difficult
times. One of the biggest challenges for area leaders was how to once again connect
citizens to the river that inspired the settlement of their community. The riverfront that
was once an epicenter of the city was plagued by environmental issues, undervalued
property, and a mix of heavy industrial uses and vacant sites adjacent to downtown.
America's River Project at the Port of Dubuque: In the late 1990s, the Dubuque County Historical Society envisioned a
new river museum with a goal of raising $25 million to redevelop the riverfront. Soon the $25 million project, with the
help of a $40 million Vision Iowa grant and city, county, federal and private partners, became a $188 million America's
River revitalization reality, one of the most successful in the state. The project goal was to transform 90 acres of
underutilized, industrial, brownfield property north of the historic Ice Harbor into a campus capturing the historical,
environmental, educational and recreational majesty of the Mississippi River.
Launched in December of 2002 as a partnership between city, state and private enterprises, Phase I of this unique
project along the Mississippi River continues to set state tourism attendance records. In only its second year of
operation, America's River attendance provided the impetus for an $18 million increase in Iowa tourism spending,
generating a 6.3% increase, twice the national average of 2002. The project captured the Iowa State Tourism award as
the pacesetter for a record year in Iowa tourism revenue.
Beginning in 2006, the Port of Dubuque was a busy "construction zone"
thanks to a $200 million vision for America's River Phase II, with
construction of the McGraw -Hill Higher Education office development, the
new and expanded Diamond Jo Casino complex, and a public parking ramp,
as well as renovation of the historic Star Brewery, the historic Shot Tower,
and a former foundry incorporating "green" design.
Transient boat slips have been built in the Ice Harbor and a Marina building currently under construction is expected to
be operational for the 2013 boating season. The new marina facility will include: a net total of 70 transient slips,
consisting of forty -six 30 -foot slips, twenty 40 -foot slips, and four 50 -foot slips. The facility will also include water and
electrical connections, a fuel dock, and sanitary pump -out facilities. Its two shore entry /exit locations each have an 80-
foot, ADA- compliant access gangway. The landside building will provide services and amenities such as: marina
management facilities; dockside shower suites; restrooms; a laundry facility; and a ship store. The new amenities
building will be constructed to be universally accessible. The ship store will provide services to boaters such as marine
related supplies and accessories, convenience store goods, informational kiosk and tourism destination information.
America's River Project for Flood & Stormwater Management:
Phase III of the America's River "daylights" a buried creek. The
Bee Branch Creek Restoration is a flood- mitigation project to
reduce the risk of stormwater damage to 1,155 properties in 3 of
our oldest neighborhoods along a linear parkway connecting
Dubuque's historic riverfront and urban core. The phased
construction of a one -mile open waterway from the Mississippi
River levee system to Comiskey Park will be completed in 2014.
While providing stormwater management as part of Dubuque's
Drainage Basin Master Plan, the Bee Branch Creek Restoration
Project also will create a community attraction for residents and visitors, improve the quality of life for neighborhood
residents, serve as a catalyst for economic development, positively impact property values, and improve the Mississippi
River gateway to Iowa and Dubuque from Wisconsin. The $57+ million project is funded with City, state, and federal
funds; generous contributions from local businesses, organizations, and citizens; and the City's stormwater utility fee.
Walking path connecting Lower and Upper Bee Branch
1
Bike /Hike Trails: The Heritage Trail, a 26 -mile trail from Dubuque to Dyersville,
and the City of Dubuque's trail system soon will be connected with a pedestrian
overpass over U.S. 52 that is under construction. Portions of the Heritage Trail
and the City's trail system are designated as the Mississippi River Trail (MRT)
through Iowa. The City has 45 miles of trails. Since 1996, with adoption of the
Dubuque Heritage Trail Master Plan, the City has invested millions of dollars to
create a 14 -mile riverfront system that weaves through the community's oldest
neighborhoods and the downtown, with side trips to the America's River Project,
to city parks, and the Mississippi River. The City has partnered with the non - profit
Tri -State Trails Vision to create and implement an integrated hike /bike trail plan,
complete streets, and safe routes to school.
Dubuque Water Trail: Located in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the Dubuque Water Trail
is 11 miles of shoreline along the western edge of the Mississippi River and Catfish Creek. Beginning south of Lock and
Dam #11, the trail can be enjoyed by both the novice and experienced paddler. Whether you are paddling the shoreline
of the main channel enjoying backwater excursions, the trail is an exceptional sightseeing
and recreational opportunity. It is where history, nature, commerce and recreation come
together to create an interesting experience like none other. Along the river are five (5)
access points which allow the access to the river or an opportunity to exit the river and
explore on -land recreational opportunities. This is the first Iowa Water Trail on the River.
Art on the River: The City of Dubuque's Art on the River public temporary art exhibit is
located along the Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque. Stroll the picturesque walkway near
the Mississippi and view ten pieces of public art that will have you and your family
talking, smiling and taking pictures. Pieces are selected by a jury, and remain up for one
year. New pieces are then rotated in along the Mississippi Riverwalk and around the Port.
The Catfish Creek Watershed is a beautiful and diverse 57- square mile watershed that
includes industrial centers, residential neighborhoods, rolling cropland, steep bluffs and rock outcrops, and dense
forests. About half of the City of Dubuque lies in the watershed. The five forks of Catfish Creek support a diverse set of
plants and animals and are a draw for hunters, fishers and those seeking to enjoy some of Dubuque County's most
scenic areas, but they remain threatened by large amounts of soil and nutrients entering the water from both urban and
agricultural runoff. The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA) is an organization assembled to
tackle concerns with water quality and flooding on a watershed level. This means crossing jurisdictional boundaries and
working together to solve problems within the entire watershed. CCWMA partners, the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury,
Peosta, and Centralia, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, will undertake a
Watershed Management Plan in 2013. A website, brochure
and creek -side signs encourage residents to learn their
x•5'1+ "watershed address" and become better stewards of this
shared natural resource.
The 2009 Unified Development Code (UDC) combines the
City's zoning, subdivision, site development, historic
preservation, and sign regulations. 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 river community. Subdivision and site development
standards were extensively revised to promote sustainable design, such as conservation design, solar access, and low -
impact development. Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit as well as design guidelines for historic districts,
the downtown, and older neighborhoods are now part of the UDC.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Violations: Information on NPDES violations is enclosed.
2
Iowa Rivers Revival
P.O. Box 72, Des Moines, Iowa 50301 515- 724 -4093 www.iowarivers.org
For immediate release — Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
Contact Roz Lehman, Director, Iowa Rivers Revival -- 515- 724 -4093, rlehman(aiowarivers.org
Dubuque Named
"River City of the Year"
Iowa Rivers Revival says the historic city is in the midst of a renaissance in revitalizing its
relationship to the Mississippi River — improving recreation, protecting the environment and
bolstering its economy.
Dubuque, Iowa. "Iowa Rivers Revival," a group that advocates for rivers, has_named Dubuque
"River City of the Year" in recognition of the city's visionary efforts to revitalize its connections to the
Mississippi River.
"Dubuque has accomplished a remarkable turnaround over the last couple decades," said Roz
Lehman, executive director of Iowa Rivers Revival, "and the river is right at the heart of it all."
"Dubuque has reconnected people to the river that inspired the town's settlement so long ago,"
Lehman said. "Once again, the river is making Dubuque a very special place to visit and live."
Iowa Rivers Revival pointed to several key river - related projects,-.- including:
® The Port of Dubuque. Starting with a new museum — now the superb National Mississippi
River Museum and Aquarium — the America's River project has steadily and stunningly
redeveloped the downtown riverfront, transforming 90 acres of industrial, underused brownfield
property into a bustling center of history, tourism, recreation, commerce and civic pride. The
Port of Dubuque continues to add or restore other features in recent years, including the
Mississippi Riverwalk, the historic Shot Tower, a hotel and indoor water park, a conference
center, a casino;, the Star Brewery Building, and other businesses. Dubuque has additional plans
to transform more of the Port area.
® The Bee Branch Creek Restoration and Gateway Project is "daylighting" or opening up the
historic creek that was buried in a storm sewer more than a century ago. The Bee Branch
project, under way after years of planning, will greatly increase stormwater capacity, improve
water quality, and decrease the risk of flooding damage to 1,150 properties in three of Dubuque's
oldest neighborhoods. It will make a mile -long linear park stretching from the Mississippi to the
heart of Dubuque's historic North End. And it will be a community attraction for residents and
visitors, with hike /bike trails, bridges, overlooks, gazebos, an amphitheater, benches, gardens,
lights and 1,000 new trees.
"There are several common threads that run through the strong projects Dubuque has
accomplished," Lehman said. "The projects honor the river. They are environmentally sustainable for
generations to come. They result from careful, focused planning processes involving the citizens of
Dubuque. They were done by a rich mix of public and private collaborators and financial supporters.
They involve many jurisdictions and levels of government, with Dubuque at the hub," Lehman said.
Iowa Rivers Revival cited some of the other projects earning "River City of the Year"
recognition for Dubuque:
• The Dubuque Water Trail runs 11 miles along the Mississippi River and Catfish Creek. Iowa
has a rapidly- growing system of water trails, but this is the first on the Mississippi. It offers
great sightseeing with five access points, and runs from near Lock and Dam #11 downstream
past the City and on to Massey Marina. Staff of the Iowa DNR, which collaborates on water
trails, applauded Dubuque planners of the water trail, which was dedicated June 23, 2012.
• Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA) is a multi jurisdictional
organization working on water quality, flooding and other issues in the 57- square -mile
watershed. About half of the City of Dubuque is in the watershed, which includes residential
neighborhoods, industries, rolling cropland, dense forest, steep bluffs and rock outcrops. The
watershed is threatened by large amounts of soil and nutrients from both urban and agricultural
runoff. The CCWMA is undertaking a Watershed Management Plan in 2013 and other
initiatives.
• Bike and Hiking Trails. Dubuque has 45 miles of trails, much of it on the riverfront system that
connects the Mississippi to community parks, the downtown, some of Dubuque's oldest
neighborhoods, and the America's River project at the Port of Dubuque. Portions are designated
as the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) through Iowa. The system is slated to keep growing,
including the new Bee Branch MRT section.
Lehman said: "Dubuque is in the midst of a renaissance in revitalizing its relationship to the
Mississippi River — improving recreation, protecting the environment and bolstering its economy."
"Dubuque is a great example of public officials, community leaders, civic organizations,
businesses and citizens who refocused on their river to improve quality of life," she said. "Dubuque is
thriving on teamwork and partnerships, collaboration and community involvement."
"Dubuque is living up to its motto, `Masterpiece on the Mississippi, "' Lehman said.
More background and information:
Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR) is presenting the "River City of the Year" award to Dubuque,
population 58,000, at a reception at 10:00 AM on Wednesday morning, January 301 at the Grand River
Center on the Mississippi River in Dubuque. Mayor Roy Buol is accepting the award on behalf of the
City of Dubuque. After the award presentation, Mayor Buol and other City leaders and staff will present
a virtual tour on "Sharing Dubuque's Story" about key river - related projects.
IRR presented a "River Town of the Year" award to Central City, population 1,250, on Jan. 21.
Previous "River Towns of the Year" recognized by Iowa Rivers Revival are Webster City, Elkader,
Coon Rapids, Cedar Falls, and Charles City. (For details, go to www.iowarivers.org.)
Iowa Rivers Revival was founded six years ago to be a voice for rivers. IRR is committed to
helping Iowans work on public policy to restore and protect Iowa's rivers and streams.
[END]
Dubuque -- River City of the Year
Iowa Rivers Revival Reception
Grand River Center: Meeting Room #4
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
10:00 — Convene Reception
10:15 — Welcome by Iowa Rivers Revival
Recognize identified guests, legislators
Introduction of Iowa Rivers Revival: Who is IRR? What is this award? Why Dubuque?
Presentation of the Award
10:25 — Acceptance of the Award — Mayor Roy Buol and City Council Members
10:30 — Sharing Dubuque's Story through a Virtual Tour
Presentations of Key Projects and Initiatives requested by IRR with a conversational format
Dubuque's Sustainability model
Mayor Roy Buol, City of Dubuque
Video: Water that Works
Intentional approach to celebrating the river: America's River project (River Museum,
Port of Dubuque redevelopment, Art on the River), riverfront trail system, water trail
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, and Dave Johnson, Assistant Planner
Video: Dubuque Water Trail grand opening
Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project
Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer, City of Dubuque
Stormwater management: sustainable design and low impact development
requirements, watershed management
Eric Schmechel, Urban Conservationist, Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District
Dean Mattoon, Engineering Assistant, City of Dubuque
Wastewater treatment: improvements at the new Water & Resource Recovery Center
Jonathan Brown, Manager, Water & Resource Recovery Center, City of Dubuque
Questions and Answers / Wrap -up
Additional City staff available: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager; Randy Gehl,
Public Information Officer; Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer; Jon Dienst, Civil Engineer;
Denise Ihrig, Environmental Engineer; Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager; Jan
Stoffel, Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator
12:00 — Adjourn
CertOcate o
1
State of Iowa
State Senate
At the request of the Senator from Dubuque County,
Senator Pam Jochum, the Senate hereby recognizes
and honors the City of Dubuque for being
named Iowa " R ver City of the Tear "
Witness our hands, this 30th day ofjanuary, 2013.
; / V.1)61/7n)
Senate Majority L . der
„//,--7-c</
Senate Minority Leader
Vi4/711
sicfent of the Senate
fi/(///14/\
State Senator
Helping Iowans
restore, protect
and enjoy our
rivers.
Board of Directors
Jerry Peckumn
Chair
Larry Gullett
Vice Chair
Mike Smith
Treasurer
Robin Fortney
Secretary
Mark Ackelson
Linda Appelgate
Bob Brammer
Susan Heathcote
Kent Newman
Mary Skopec
Mike Smith
Mimi Wagner
Advisors
Greg Beisker
Pat Boddy
Kate Garst
Mark Langgin
Rod Scott
Allen Shaffer
Steven Veysey
David Williamson
Rosalyn Lehman
Executive Director
515.724.4093
rlehman at7,iowarivers.orgw
ww.iowarivers.org
Iowa Rivers Reviva
February 4, 2013
Laura Carstens
Planning Services Manager
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Laura:
i
FEB -6 2013
CITY OF DUBUQUE
PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
We can't thank you enough for your excellent assistance and cooperation in the "River
City of the Year" recognition last week. You made it all work.
The written nomination you prepared last fall was a powerful story of good work being
done to reconnect to the River. The Virtual Tour was extraordinarily impressive —
what a team of excellent folks doing great work. Thank you for putting that together.
All the arrangements worked well, and we really appreciate you making them happen.
Thanks for all you do to make Dubuque such a progressive City, a wonderful place to
live and visit. You do more than your share of the work — and share all the credit.
BTW, Robin and I visited the day - lighted Bee Branch later Wednesday — since we
determined it was best not to drive 200 miles to Des Moines — and it looks super even
on a frigid, snowy day. We spent several hours at the Museum and visiting other sites.
Thanks again for your hospitality and strong work, Laura.
With lest regards,
Bob Brammer
Board Member
Iowa Rivers Revival
www.iowarivers.org PO Box 72, Des Moines, Iowa 50301