Minutes Long Range Plan 7 19 06
MINUTES
LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, July 19, 2()06
7:00 P.M.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11 th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
DRAFT
PRESENT: Chairperson Charles Winterwood, Commissioners Jim Prochaska, Lou
Oswald, Otto Krueger, Mary Lynn Neumeister and Patricia Cline; Planning
Staff Members David Johnson and Wally Wernimont, Public Works Director
Don Vogt, Solid Waste Management Supervisor Paul Schultz. Public:
Wayne Klostermann, Environmental Stewardship Commission and Todd
Lange.
ABSENT: Commissioner Rick Stein.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Winterwood at 7:04
p.m.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Cline, seconded by Prochaska, to approve the minutes of June 21,
2006, as submitted passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Chairperson Winterwood stated since everyone in attendance for the public hearing had
copies of the Elements' Goals and Objectives to be reviewed, he would forego reading the
Policy Statement for each of the elements.
Review ooals and obiectives for Environmental Quality Element:
Staff Member Johnson noted that all comments received from the stakeholder workshop
and public hearings on the draft Element are represented in black italics. He explained
that any comments from City staff or the City Manager are depicted in red italics.
Goal #1. Solid Waste Manager Paul Schultz addressed the Commission and explained
many of the changes to Goal #1 under the Environmental Quality element. He explained
the importance of adding retention basins and on-site infiltrations systems to control
flooding and increase infiltration in an effort to create a more sustainable environment and
balance urban growth. He added that it is important for the City to encourage its citizens to
use practices and technologies which reduce the impacts of global climate change. The
Commission agreed with the public and City staff comments for Goal #1 and did not have
any changes.
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July 19, 2006
Goal #2: Todd Lange, 2936 Van Buren, commented on the objectives under Goal #2. He
said he would like to see the City of Dubuque lead by example by purchasing energy and
fuel efficient vehicles in the future. The Commission agreed. The Commission discussed
the use of alternative fuels and implementation by the City of Dubuque. The Commission
discussed establishing a committee to look at these issues.
Wayne Klostermann, Environmental Stewardship Commission member, suggested rather
than establishing a new committee to look at these issues, the Environmental Stewardship
Commission should be given that responsibility. He estimated at least 80% of the issues
outlined in the Environmental Quality Element are looked at by the Environmental
Stewardship Commission. He also suggested that the City look into Green Communities, a
private organization in Des Moines which promotes energy efficient communities which
utilizes green building codes. He requested direction from the Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission.
Motion by Cline, seconded by Prochaska, to share the ideas and concerns outlined in the
Environmental Quality Element with the Environmental Stewardship Commission so they
may provide education and implementation strategies for the public and City government.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Winterwood, Prochaska, Oswald, Krueger,
Neumeister and Cline; Nay - None.
Mr. Schultz discussed staff's recommended changes to Goal #2 with the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. The Commission recommended the following changes:
~ Add objective 2.8 which will read, "Encourage public organizations to lead by example
by purchasing and using energy and fuel efficient vehicles."
~ Delete objective 2.2.
~ Objective 2.4 should remain under Goal #2 rather than be moved to Goal #3 as
suggested.
~ Objective 2.7 should be changed to read, "Promote walking, mass transit use and
cycling through infrastructure development to reduce energy consumption."
The Commissioners discussed the number of high school students who serve on the
Environmental Stewardship Commission. Mr. Klostermann explained that because of the
way the by-laws are written, they are allowed to have one student who serves on the
Environmental Stewardship Commission. The Commission discussed the importance of
involving a student from each of the Dubuque high schools in the Environmental
Stewardship Commission as they are the generation that will be most impacted and
involved in environmental issues. Mr. Klostermann requested that the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission provide direction to the Environmental Stewardship
Commission.
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July 19, 2006
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Cline, to recommend the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission write correspondence to the Environmental Stewardship Commission
requesting staff to the Environmental Stewardship Commission amend the by-laws of the
Environmental Stewardship Commission to allow one representative from each of the
Dubuque high schools, including Central Alternative High School, on the Environmental
Stewardship Commission and be forwarded to the City Council. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye - Winterwood, Prochaska, Oswald, Krueger, Neumeister and Cline;
Nay - None.
Goal #3: Mr. Schultz discussed the objectives. The Commission recommended the
following changes:
~ Objective 3.2 should be changed to read, "Encourage the use of environmental
projects and ongoing environmental education programs for citizens of all ages,
including the human health effects of environmental issues and problems, e. g., radon
and lead hazard reduction.
~ Delete objective 3.3 and new objective 3.3 read, "Remove barriers, explore incentives
and encourage green building principles."
~ Objective 3.1 should read, "Partner with educational institutions and media to report
environmental indicator status and trends to the community concurrent with updates of
the Comprehensive Long Range Plan."
The Commission agreed with all other recommendations made by the public and City staff
for Goal #3.
Goal #4: The Commission reviewed Goal #4. In response to questions from the
Commission, Mr. Schultz addressed the objectives. The Commission had no changes to
Goal #4 as proposed.
Goal #5: The Commission recommended the following changes:
~ Objectives 5.1 and 5.2 are all right as written; however, those objectives should not be
combined.
~ Objective 5.6 should be changed to read, "Prevent toxic waste discharge into the
waste water treatment system and/or the environment through education, monitoring
and enforcement."
Goal #6: Mr. Lange commented on Objective 6.1. He emphasized the importance of
continued recycling efforts for electronic materials. Public Works DirectorVogt stated that
the City is currently working on a regional electronic recycling effort that should be
implemented by the end of the calendar year. The Commission and Mr. Schultz discussed
composting in the City. The Commission recommended the following changes:
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July 19, 2006
~ Objective 6.2 should be changed to read, "Promote use of recycled content products-
e.g., compost, and environmentally preferable purchasing."
~ Objective 6.3 should be changed to read, "Expand the food scrap and backyard
composting options and awareness."
Goal #7: Chairperson Winterwood stated he would like Goal #7 to read, "To promote the
protection, preservation and enhancement of the biodiversity of the City's bluffs and
prairies, wetlands, waterways, and all natural areas, including partnerships:" The
Commission agreed.
The Commission discussed establishing an educational source for wildlrfe found outside of
the Mississippi River and the National Mississippi River Museum. Mr. Schultz explained
that much of what the National Mississippi River Museum deals with is wildlife found in the
entire watershed.
Based on the discussion, the Commission requested that an additional objective be added
to Goal #3. Objective 3.4 should read, "Encourage coordination of community
organizations concerned with environmental issues and local ecosystems."
Goal #8: Mr. Schultz explained the importance of having an appropriate balance of natural
species as well as reducing not native or invasive plant and animal species. The
Commission agreed, and recommended that objective 8.5 should be changed to read,
"Encourage reduction of non-native, invasive plant and animal species and maintain an
appropriate balance of native species."
Goal #9: The Commission agreed with the Goals and Objectives proposed and
recommended no changes.
Review aoals and obiectives for Infrastructure Element: Staff Member Johnson explained
that the Planning Department received comments from the Engineering Department for the
Comprehensive Plan's Infrastructure Element the morning of the meeting. He explained
those comments provided by the Engineering Department are depicted as a comment on
the right margin of the page. He distributed the updated public and City staff comments to
the Commissioners and public for their review as part of the public hearing.
The Commission reviewed the policy statement for the Infrastructure Element and agreed
with the language as proposed.
Goal #1: The Commission had no comments.
Goal #2: The Commission agreed with the Engineering Department's recommendation
that Objective 2.5 be changed to read, "Minimize infiltration and inflow into the collection
system."
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July 19, 2006
Goal #3: Commissioner Cline commented that much of the language found under Goal #3
is from the Storm Water Plan. The Commission agreed with the changes as proposed.
Goal #4: The Commission discussed proposed Objective 4.4. Commissioner Cline
recommended that Objective 4.4 read, "Maintain and improve city alleys, guardrails, street
lights, traffic control lights, street pavement markings, traffic signs, street name signs, walls
and other related facilities: She emphasized the importance of incorporating the word
"improve" to address safety concerns. Mr. Vogt explained barriers for funding for
improvements to alleys. In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Vogt
explained the maintenance of streets is funded by road use tax money, which is state gas
tax money, which is a fixed set of funds. He explained road use tax funds are split
between the state, counties and cities, and the City's share of gas tax monies has dropped
over the last few years. Mr. Vogt stated the improvement of alleys are a concern; however,
funding for such improvements is very limited. The Commission maintained that the
language "and improve" should remain incorporated into Objective 4.4. The Commission
agreed with the remainder of Goal #4.
Goal #5: The Commission had no comments.
Goal #6: The Commission discussed objective 6.6. Commissioner Oswald was concerned
that there is a lack of parking for the City's underserved population. The Commission
discussed the cost of providing additional parking in the downtown area. The Commission
was concerned that in order to provide additional parking in the downtown area, open
space opportunities and buildings may have to be removed. Some Commissioners felt
there was adequate parking in and around the public library as well as the downtown area.
The Commission agreed to delete Objective 6.6.
Goals 7.8.9 and 10: No comments or suggested changes were made.
Goal #11: Commissioner Oswald was concerned over the amount of public input that was
being deleted. The Commission felt a great deal of the public comment has been
incorporated into the draft document to be recommended to the City Council. Chairperson
Winterwood stated much of the public comment that has been deleted was done so
because it was redundant. Staff Member Johnson explained just because public comment
may have been proposed to be deleted does not necessarily mean that City staff found the
issue to not be important. He stated that ultimately the Commission needs to determine
what should and should not be included in the draft document. He reminded the
Commission it is their recommendation that goes to City Council. The Commission
recommended no changes for Goal #11.
Goal #12: No additional comments or changes were made.
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July 19, 2006
ACTION ITEMS: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Finalize review of aoals and obiectives for Land Use and Urban Desion Element: Staff
Member Johnson stated that the memorandum distributed to the Commission transmits the
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission's recommendations from the June 21, 2006
meeting for the Goals and Objectives of the Land Use and Urban Design Element. He
noted that the Commission's recommended new language is shown in italics and
recommended deletions are shown crossed out, and staff comments for grammatical
changes are shown in bold italics. He requested the Commission provide a final
recommendation to the City Council regarding the Goals and Objectives for the Land Use
and Urban Design Element.
The Commission, having reviewed the document prior to the meeting, agreed with the
Goals and Objectives.
Motion by Prochaska, seconded by Oswald, to recommend approval of the Goals and
Objectives for the Land Use and Urban Design Element. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye - Winterwood, Prochaska, Oswald, Krueger, Neumeister and Cline;
Nay - None.
Finalize review of aoals and obiectives for TransDortation Element: Staff Member
Johnson explained that the same action is being requested as with the Land Use and
Urban Design Element: The Commission should provide a final recommendation to the
City Council regarding the Goals and Objectives of the Transportation Element.
The Commission, having reviewed the document prior to the meeting, agreed with the
Goals and Objectives.
Motion by Cline, seconded by Prochaska, to recommend approval of the goals and
objectives for the Transportation Element. Motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye - Winterwood, Prochaska, Oswald, Krueger, Neumeister and Cline; Nay - None.
LIAISON/SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Enterorise Zone Commission: No report.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Inventorv of Parks: Staff Member Johnson explained that at the June 21st meeting, the
Commission requested an inventory of parks by size and service area, and the percentage
of open space in the city of Dubuque. He explained the guidelines provided to the
Commission and used for analysis are based on recommendations by the National
Recreation and Park Association. He explained the statistics and supporting maps have
,
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July 19, 2006
been provided for their review only and no action is required. The Commission discussed
the service areas provided for each of the park classifications.
Inventorv of Brick Streets & Allevs: Staff Member Johnson explained that the Commission
requested an inventory and cost comparison of brick streets and alleys at the June 21.
2006 meeting. He explained the memo distributed to the Commission is an inventory of
brick streets and alleys in the downtown area with a cost comparison for patching brick
streets with asphalt and concrete versus repairing those streets with brick. He stated the
information is provided for the Commission's consideration and no action is required.
The Commission discussed the number of brick streets, brick streets with asphalt overlay,
as welf as brick and asphalt alleys in the downtown area. The Commission also discussed
the cost comparison between patching brick streets with asphalt and concrete versus brick.
Staff Member Wernimont explained the Historic Preservation Commission is currently
working on initiatives where the Historic Preservation Commission reviews the five-year
road improvement plan to identify funding opportunities to off-set some of the cost of
repairing brick streets. He stated it is a proactive initiative which could allow the Historic
Preservation Commission to provide incentives and facilitate brick street repairs in the
downtown area.
Definition of Mixed Use Develooment: Staff Member Johnson explained at the June 21 st
meeting, the Commission requested that Planning staff provide a definition of mixed use
development with respect to goals and objectives in the Land Use and Urban Design
Element of the Comprehensive Plan. He explained that Staff researched definitions for
mixed use development, compiled a definition, distributed it for department review, and
then submitted it for the Commission consideration. He stated no action is required.
Ooen Soace and Critical Habitat in the Iowa 32 (Southwest Arterial) Corridor: Staff
Member Johnson stated this was also a request made by the Commission at the June 21 st
meeting. He directed the Commission's attention to the information from the Iowa 32
(Southwest Arterial) Corridor Environmental Assessment regarding open space and critical
habitat. Chairperson Winterwood noted the Indiana Bat Habitat east of the Catfish Creek
and asked that this area be depicted as open space on the Draft Future Land Use Plan
Map. The Commission agreed by consensus.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Draft 2030 Future Land Use MaD Uodate: Staff Member Johnson stated at the May 17,
2006 meeting, the Commission requested an updated draft 2030 Future Land Use Map be
provided on a monthly basis throughout the remainder of the Comprehensive Plan Update
process. He stated the map that has been provided to the Commission depicts the most
recent updates.
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July 19, 2006
Aaricultural Uses in and around the City of Dubuaue: Staff Member Johnson explained at
the May 17 meeting, the Commission discussed whether to designate agricultural land
uses on the draft 2030 Future Land Use Map. He stated the Commission asked Planning
Services staff to meet with City Legal staff to get a legal opinion on the impacts agricultural
land use designations may have on the establishment of hog confinements within the City
limits.
He explained that Iowa Code allows specific provisions which exempt agricultural land
uses from County zoning control; however, Iowa Code does not exempt agricultural land
uses from zoning within cities, unless the City elects to exercise zoning control over a two-
mile area. He noted that the City of Dubuque does not exercise zoning control outside of
its city limits. He explained that those properties located within the City limits and already
zoned agricultural are subject to those uses allowed by right in the City's AG Agricultural
District. He further explained that the City's Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use
Map are policy documents and serve as a guide for growth and development. He noted
that designating agricultural land uses can be viewed as a policy, which when adopted by
the City Council, may encourage the establishment of agricultural uses or continuance of
agricultural uses. He stated it is the recommendation of City staff not to incorporate
agricultural land use designations on the draft 2030 Future Land Use Plan Map.
The Commission discussed the merits of whether to incorporate agricultural land use
designations on the map. By consensus, the Commission agreed it will not be necessary
to incorporate agricultural land use designations on the Draft 2030 Future Land Use Map.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted
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