Bee Branch Watershed Project Communications SpecialistMasterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
band
AI- America City
11111r
2007 • 2012 • 2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request for Additional Position for Bee Branch Watershed Project
DATE: January 30, 2014
Public Information Officer Randy Gehl requesting the creation of a full -time
Communications Specialist position to assist with the communication work related to the
Bee Branch Creek Watershed project, which has been put on an accelerated schedule.
The funding for the position will come from a charge -back to the capital project and was
delineated in the State Sales Tax Grant Application.
This will be the subject to a future budget amendment
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
DATE: Jan.27,2014
SUBJECT: Request for Additional Position for Bee Branch Watershed Project
Dubuque
trati
M- America City
'111'
2007 • 2012 • 2013
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request the addition of a full -time Communications Specialist position to the Public
Information Office for the planning and implementation of a communications and engagement plan for the Bee Branch
Watershed Project.
BACKGROUND
The recent decision of the Iowa Flood Mitigation Board to award $98.5 million to the City for the Bee Branch Creek
Watershed has enabled the City to proceed with implementation of this $179 million project. Several phases of the project
will significantly impact a large portion of the community and many residents and businesses. The timeline on the project has
been reduced from over 50 years to about 20 years, with most of the work occurring within the next six years.
DISCUSSION
I am requesting the addition of a full -time Communications Specialist to the Public Information Office to focus on
communication and engagement projects related to the Bee Branch Watershed Project.
Working under the direction of the Public Information Officer and departmental staff coordinating the project, this position
would develop and implement communication plans to inform and engage residents and stakeholders impacted by the
various phases of the project as they are planned, implemented, and completed. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• coordination of outreach to property owners and residents,
• coordination of outreach to neighborhood associations and other groups,
• implementation of a project brand /identity,
• expansion and maintenance of project website,
• development and distribution of project publications,
• development and utilization of social media ,
• coordination of public meetings related to the project,
• coordination of public presentations, and
• development of information distribution plan for project information.
PROJECT COST - BUDGET IMPACT
City staff involved in planning the project have identified funds within the project budget that would cover the costs
associated with a full -time staff person and other expenses (printing, postage, advertising, etc.) that may be associated with
an ongoing communication campaign related to the Bee Branch Watershed Project. Estimated recurring costs for the
position would be $62,172 ($41724 salary plus benefits for GE -29, Step A pay grade) per year with non - recurring costs of
$4,114 (laptop computer and software). Additionally, $10 000 per year for the first three years of the project has been
budgeted
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
I am requesting your approval to immediately begin recruitment for this full -time position. Outreach to property owners
related to alley reconstruction scheduled to begin this spring has already begun. as has some initial public information efforts
related to the project.
Prepared by:
cc:
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Jennifer Larson, Budget Director
Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer
Alexis Steger, Engineering Accounts Clerk
Good Day Mayor and City Council members,
I had read the agenda for tonight's meeting. I was especially energized to hear about the
request for a fulltime Communications Specialist under the supervision of Randy Gehl the Public
Information Officer.
I know this position is vital for the City of the Dubuque Bee Branch Watershed Project.
Communication and Engagement is the most significant part for the bee branch watershed project to
succeed. Citizens crave the information about what is happening with the Bee Branch at all times. I
agree this information can be achieved by sending letters, emails, group meetings, and social media
websites.
As a current Commissioner for the Park and Recreation department, I am engaged to learn all
the new aspects of the Bee Branch. I do share all the information about the Bee Branch with friends,
neighbors, and relatives on the remarkable success and what is to come in the future.
As a current resident in the North End, and the Secretary for the Point North End Association, it
is my job to take accurate notes and supply the details to all members and guests who attend our
monthly meetings. I believe in constant communication, so we inform the citizens in our neighborhood
on every detail about the Bee Branch and other items.
I am also the current President of Toastmaster Speakeasy club in Dubuque. Our group's goal is
to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop
communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self- confidence and personal growth.
In this position, I coordinate and set up all the meetings, discuss all old and new business, lay out
the goals for every member, and our club. I keep our team informed on a regular basis by meetings,
email or social media websites. My goal is always to be engaged and communicate effectively, in what
we are doing in our Toastmaster group. I also present to other social groups throughout Dubuque to
explain what Toastmaster can do for any individual.
As a former City life participant, I felt engaged as a citizen of Dubuque and have spread the word
on how to join City Life. It is another vital link of engagement and communication.
I ask that you approve the request to hire a Communications Specialist for the Bee Branch
Watershed Project. If you do approve the request, I plan to apply for the position as soon as it is posted.
I know I can be a vital link to communicate and engage the citizens of Dubuque on the Bee Branch
Watershed Project.
Please let me know if I may add your name to my job references for this position. If you wald
like to recommend me to Randy Gehl or Randy Peck for this position, it would be appreciate.
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Respectfully a` n rn
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C Robin M. Kennicker o? m D
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