Minutes Long Range Plann C. 11 15 06
MINUTES
LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 D FT
7:00 P.M.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library .
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT: Chairperson Charles Winterwood; Commissioners Jim Prochaska, Lou
Oswald, Otto Krueger, Rick Stein, Mary Lynn Neumeister and Patricia Cline;
Staff Members Laura Carstens, Gil Spence and David Johnson.
PUBLIC: Jim Giesen.
ABSENT: None.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPUANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Oswald, seconded by Prochaska, to approve the minutes of October
18, 2006, as submitted Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Oswald, Prochaska,
Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and Winterwood; Nay - None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Review Qoals and obiectives for Recreation Element: Chairperson Winterwood opened the
public hearing and asked for comments on the Recreation Element. Jim Giesen, 1600 Lori
Street, stated he is a member of the Community Development Advisory Commission and
Tri-State Trail Vision Board of Directors. The following discussion/changes to the
Recreation Element were made:
Goal 1:
Objective 1.6: Jim Giesen questioned Objective 1.6. He suggested the words,
"neighborhood level" be deleted. Staff Members Carstens and Spence explained
neighborhood level is a classification of parks. The Commission felt that the objective is
appropriate as written.
Objective 1.7: Jim Giesen suggested adding "hike/bike trails" after open/green space in
this objective. He felt that it is important for developers to incorporate hike/bike trails into
the design of new developments. The Commissjon felt that it would improve neighborhood
connectivity and transportation alternatives, and also save the taxpayers money.
Objective 1.9: The Commission felt that due to certain topographical limitations inherent to
Dubuque, objective 1.9 should be changed to add, "where feasible" to the end of Objective
1.9.
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November 15, 2006
Page 2
Goal 2: No suggestions or changes were made.
Goal 3:
Obiective 3.2: Commissioner Krueger suggested the language, "softball and other" be
removed. The Commission agreed and the new objective 3.2 will read: "Continue to
identify sponsors to host sports tournaments at the McAleece Park and Recreation
Complex and other recreation facilities."
Goal 4:
Obiective 4.4: Chairperson Winterwood felt it was important to promote adaptive re-use in
objective 4.4. The Commission discussed the suggestion and agreed Objective 4.4 should
be amended to read, "Assess the facility needs of the community, including the need for a
recreation center, in a new or existing building and outdoor facilities for other sports so as
to meet the recreational needs of the community:
Goal 5: There were no suggestions or changes made.
Goal 6:
Obiective 6.1: Staff Member Carstens suggested and the Commission agreed that the
word "disabled" should be changed to read, "persons with disabilities" in goal 6 and
objective 6.1.
Goal 7: Jim Giesen suggested that this goal include an objective that encourages green
building and design principles, which would enhance the visual attractiveness of the
community as well as health of the community. The Commission discussed this
suggestion and felt that it was addressed in the Environmental Quality Element. No
changes were made to this goal.
Goal 8: Jim Giesen suggested the Commission consider adding a new objective which
would promote a clean swimming beach along the Mississippi Riverfront. Commissioner
Cline explained that the City does not allow swimming in the river because it is too great a
liability and insurance companies will not cover it. The Commission discussed various
options that would grant public access to the Mississippi River so people could enjoy the
river. The Commission discussed a new objective 8.4, which would promote a clean and
accessible riverfront. Commissioners again expressed hesitation towards the word
"accessible" because of liability issues. The Commission agreed that a new objective 8.4
should read, "Promote a clean riverfront."
The public hearing was closed.
.
Minutes - Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
November 15,2006
Page 3
Review qoals and obiectives for Cultural Arts Element: Chairperson Winterwood opened
the public hearing and asked for comments on the Cultural Arts Element. He noted
comments had been submitted in writing by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission and
the Historic Preservation Commission. The following discussion/changes to the Cultural
Arts Element were made:
Goal 1:
Goal 1.2: The Commission discussed replacing the word "encourage" with the word
"provide" under Objective 1.2 as suggested by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission. The Commission was hesitant to do so since the word "provide" implies a
financial responsibility on behalf of the City, which may not be able to be fulfilled should
budget constraints occur.
No changes were made to Goal 1.
Goal 2:
Obiective 2.1: Chairperson Winterwood expressed concern over the wording. The
Commission felt this objective should not limit cultural and recreational opportunities to
youths, seniors or Dubuque citizens only. The Commission agreed this objective should
read, "Expand cultural and recreational opportunities for all ages."
Goal 3:
Obiective 3.3: Commissioners noted a typographical error and agreed the word ''to'' should
be deleted.
Goal 4: There were no suggestions or changes.
GoalS: There were no suggestions or changes.
Goal 6:
Obiective 6.5: The Commission felt this objective should be amended to read, "Develop
marketing plan for the cultural and historic resources in the community," as suggested by
the Historic Preservation Commission.
Goal 7:
Obiective 7.3: The Commission felt the word "encourage" should replace the words
"advocate for" as originally proposed.
No other changes were made.
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November 15, 2006
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The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Oswald expressed appreciation for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Community Development Advisory
Commission for their input throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update process.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Prochaska, to send a letter to the Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Community Development
Advisory Commission thanking them for their insight and comments. Aye - Oswald,
Prochaska, Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and Winterwood; Nay - None.
LIAISON/SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Enterorise Zone Commission: Commissioner Stein reported he had no additional
comments from what was previously distributed to the Commission at the October 1 S, 2006
meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
Review aoals and obiectives for Human Services Element: Motion by Oswald, seconded
by Prochaska, to approve as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye-
Oswald, Prochaska, Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and Winterwood; Nay - None.
Review aoals and obiectives for Education Element: Motion by Prochaska, seconded by
Cline, to approve as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Oswald,
Prochaska, Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and Winterwood; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
E.8. Lvons Interpretive Center Expansion - presentation bv the Friends of the Mines of
Spain: Rich Henderson, Mines of Spain Board Member, presented the Friends of the
Mines of Spain's efforts to expand the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of
Spain State Recreation Area so as to have more space for educational purposes. He
explained the Interpretive Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and managed by the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He explained the Friends of the Mines of Spain is
a non-profit group, which assists park staff with administration of the Mines of Spain and
the Interpretive Center. He explained the Friends of the Mines of Spain is currently
seeking funding of $1.4 million for the expansion. He explained the expansion would
include a multi-purpose room for programs, special events and meetings; a biology lab and
classroom for school programs ranging from kindergarten through college level courses;
creation of new exhibits and displays for visitors to explore the science and history of the
region, and a library reference room to house identification books, documents, and
reference materials. He discussed the many partners involved in the expansion project.
He stated the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission is a key community group that
they are seeking support in the form of a letter and in recommending that this project be
added to the City's legislative priorities.
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November 15, 2006
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Motion by Oswald, seconded by Neumeister, to approve a letter of support for the Friends
of the Mines of Spain for the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center expansion. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye - Oswald, Prochaska, Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and
Winterwood; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
AlA Sustainable Desion Assessment Team (SDAT) Grant Application: Staff Member
Carstens explained that the AlA SDA T grant application is a City Council priority. If
selected, the SDAT would provide Dubuque with a team of professionals from the AlA
Center for Design. The professionals would consist of architects and other related
disciplines that would assist the City on working towards sustainable design and
development efforts. She explained the City Council desires Dubuque to be designated as
a green city and the SDA T would assist with that. She explained the Iowa AlA chapter and
City are requesting the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to provide a letter of
support for the SDA T grant application and identify a Commission representative who can
serve on the local steering committee. The Commission discussed the merits of the
initiative. Chairperson Winterwood and Commissioner Neumeister both expressed interest
in serving on the local steering committee.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Prochaska, to provide a letter of support for the AlA SDA T
grant application. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Oswald, Prochaska,
Krueger, Stein, Cline, Neumeister and Winterwood; Nay - None.
October 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update Report: Staff Member Carstens explained that
the report is for information only.
Attendance Report: Chairperson Winterwood noted that two Commissioners had
contacted him about their attendance records. He expressed appreciation for full
Commission attendance at this meeting.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Chairperson Winterwood questioned staff on the progress
of the Unified Development Code and the Bluffland Development Ordinance. Staff
Member Carstens explained that Committees have been selected for the Bluffland
Development Ordinance and a consultant has been hired for the preparation of the Unified
Development Code.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Adopted