3 1 07 Clerk's Skeleton NotesTO: JEANNE F. SCHNEIDER
CITY CLERK
YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED TO CALL A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2007, AT 6:30 P.M. IN
THE LIBRARY AUDITORIUM FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING
VARIOUS FISCAL YEAR 2008 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS.
it
,f
~'~
MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION, MARCH 1, 2007
COUNCIL MET IN SPECI~-L SESSION AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE LIBRARY AUDITORIUM
~~ ./~ r'
PRE ENT: MAYQft~UOL, COUNCIL MEMBERS B1~2AIG, CL11~IE, CONpORS, JQ.P~S,
LY,~CH, MICE, jALSKI
CITY MANAGER I~~EL Vgp~1 MILLIGEN
ABSENT:
Mayor Buol read the call and stated this is a special session of the City Council called for the
purpose of discussing various City departmental budgets.
Discussion of Departmental Budgets
U%~"~~
Airport ~l ~ '~ / -- G~~~r,-~~T' ~~~~/
Library ~~ , y~ _ , -~~
Health Services ~ GS -- ~ %~
Purchase of Services -- ~ l~ - ~ - ~ ~~
^ America's River Corporation
^ Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce CVB
^ Iowa Workforce Development
^ Dubuque Area Labor Management Council
^ Dubuque Main Street
^ Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
^ Operation: New View
^ Project Concern: Child Care Referral
^ Project Concern: Foster Grandparent Program
^ Prjoect Concern: Information and Referral
^ Retired Senior Volunteer Program
^ Substance Abuse Servcies Cneter
^ Helping Services of NE Iowa
^ Humane Society
^ Northeast Iowa Community College: Business Accelerator Plan
^ Hills and Dales Senior Center
^ Washington Tool Library
1
Ayes Nays
/ Lynch
Michalski
~ ~~ Braig
Buol
,/line
i~Connors
Jones
Ayes Nays
Lynch
Michalski
Braig
Buol
Cline
Connors
Jones
Ayes Nays
Lynch
Michalski
Braig
Buol
Cline
Connors
Jones
Motion to adjourn at
Ayes Nays
Lynch
Michalski
Braig
Buol
Cline
Connors
Jones
2
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DUBUQUE
'< REGIONAL-
SOCIETY. ~ ~~~~~ -
s~~:~z~>>~~c ~rFiE: ~rizi-~~rA~rl-
175 North Crescent Ridge
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Dubuque, IA '
52003 '
Ph.563-582-6766
Fax 563-582-0140 _
Website www.
dbghumane.org
February 14, 2007
Mike Van Milligan, City Manager
City Hall
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Mike, Mayor Buol, and City Council Members,
I am writing in regard to our budget hearing that is scheduled for March 1. I
committed to attend a National Advisory Meeting prior to finding out our budget
hearing was scheduled for the same day. Fortunately, the Dubuque Regional
Humane Society will be represented by two of our board members. Our current
contract agreement runs until June 30, 2009.
Here is an overview of our numbers for 2006. We cared for 4,405 animals - a
record number and an increase of over 700 from the 2005. We took in 374 for
burial or cremation, we euthanized 101 at the owner's request, we adopted 1,756,
we returned 363 to owners, and we transferred 21 to other shelters for adoption
(mainly pitbulls).
Let me share some of the city animal numbers from our calendar year with you.
The Dubuque Animal Control Agents brought in 171 dogs, 175 cats, and 65
others, for a total of 411 animals. That compares to 244 in 2005. The Dubuque
Police brought in 94 dogs, 8 cats, and 1 other, for a total of 103 animals.
Dubuque finders brought in 181 dogs, 523 cats and 34 others, for a total of 738
animals. The total stray population brought to the shelter from the city of
Dubuque was 1,252. That is up from 1,018 in 2005. While animal control
brought in 76 more dogs, the police and finders brought it about the same amount
of dogs. Animal control brought in 50 more cats, the police brought in 24 less
cats and city finders brought in 76 more cats too. Animal control brought in 50
more others compared to last year too. Other animals can be possum, raccoon,
rabbits, or any other small critter. Based on what you paid for the DRHS
services, that amounts to $71 per animal. That figure comes from what you paid
us based on our fiscal year, $88,900 divided by 1,252 animals. Our cost per
animal is $122.75.
The DRHS had 118 dogs, 166 cats, and 4 others dropped at the shelter, either in
the drop boxes with no paper work, tied to the door or in cages or crates. These
animals are not included in your count. Neither are the 276 dogs, 425 cats or 68
(tota1769) other animals that were surrendered by their city owners to the DRHS.
The community's biggest animal problem is cat overpopulation. The DRHS took
in a total of 2,274 cats and kittens this past year. Many of them are sick or wild
and cause a health hazard in the community. The DRHS has spent $50,000 of
grant money over the past four years spaying and neutering other peoples' cats
that cannot afford it. We have been forced to euthanize over 1,200 cats and
kittens for illness because we cannot afford to treat them. Cat overpopulation is a
community problem and we are only a part of the solution. The community as a
whole needs to be involved in the solution.
The DRHS has been working with the city staff, Emergency Management staff,
area veterinarians and the Red Cross to develop an Animal Disaster Plan for
Dubuque that includes both the city and county. We all saw what happened in
Katrina when people could not take their pets with them and we don't want that
to happen here.
In conclusion from our standpoint, it looks like having two part-time animal
control officers was a good move. The Animal Control Officer's get more done
and respond to more calls. The DRHS would like to see more involvement from
the city with the cat overpopulation problem. We think the contract is working
well for you, and if we could get the cat overpopulation under control it would
work well for us too.
We appreciate doing business with you and look forward to next year. Thank
you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane McCall., President
Dubuque Regional Humane Society
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa
Dubuque Community Youth Assessment 2006
403 randomly selected Dubuque County residents -Only parents of youth between
0 - 20 were included in the survey.
The telephone interview questions were specifically designed to gain results about
youth issues in Dubuque County.
Severity of Issues
#1 Underage Drinking is rated as the most severe problem Dubuque County youth
currently face. One in four parents rated underage drinking as a 9 or 10 on a 10
point scale. Nearly all of the 9-10 group have experienced this problem first hand
or know someone who has. Reasons cited for these high ratings include how
common underage drinking is, the poor decisions children make when drinking, the
.ease of access to alcohol, and the poor example set by parents.
#2 Illegal Drug use among teens
#3 Substance abuse by adults
#4 Tobacco use by teens
Prevention is the key to long range success.
According to statistics from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
$1.00 spent in treatment translates into a $7.00 savings.
$1.00 spent in prevention translates into a $70.00 savings.
Addressing the Problem
In addressing these issues Helping Services for Northeast Iowa is taking a broad approach
and looking at arevention as the key to long-range success.
The prevention programs include:
Alcohol Server Training - 175 trained and certified servers
Alcohol Education Programs - 2 colleges have seen a decrease in violations related to
first year students involved in these programs
Puppet Pals Program - 1,800 second graders were encouraged to make positive decisions
regarding drug use.
Alcohol Diversion for Youth -100 + youth/ year and their parents attended this class as
an alternative to juvenile court.
Thank you for your continuing sueport of Substance Abuse Prevention.
This money is well spent and making a difference.
39,084 REGISTERED USERS December 2006
Carnegie-Stout Public Library Releases
Annual Report for FY-06
Dubuque, IA -The
Carnegie-Stout Public
Library released its
annual report today,
revealing
unprecedented use of
its resources by
Dubuquers. "Library
circulations were down
1 percent compared to
last year; however
circulations to
Dubuque residents
increased about 5.5
percent," reported Debi
Stephenson,
Circulation Supervisor.
"We are issuing, on
average, 48 new library
cards every day."
"Citizens are using
their library cards for
more than books,"
according to Deb
Fliegel, Technical
Services Manager.
"Overall electronic
access of library
resources continues to
grow. Of significance
is an increase of
What's Inside This Issue
Editorial 2
Business Section 3-5
Travel 5
Life and Leisure 6-8
123.5% in the use of
the First Search
database, an 80%
increase in Heritage
Quest, a 60% increase
in Reference USA, and
a 21% increase in
Newsbank. The most
incredible growth was
seen in the use of our
online catalog, the use
of which increased
246% over last year."
Debi Stephenson called
attention to the growth
in the circulation of
DVDs stating, "This
format continues to be
a favorite. Circulations
were up 64°/o over last
year at which time
circulations were up
71°/a from the previous
year. DVDs fly off the
shelves!"
Youth Services
Manager Jean
Gullikson offered this
reporter a tour of the
new Teen Zone.
"Space for Young
Adults has increased
four times since it was
moved. Teens have
four computers which
are also Internet
accessible. This is a
high growth area, and
we plan to continue to
reach out to
this
previously
underserved
population."
When asked
about
Children's
Services,
Gullikson
informed
this reporter
that Youth Services is
now the headquarters
for children and teens
up to the age of 18.
She reports that
14,312 people attended
programs for children
in FY06. One popular
program for people of
all ages has been the
screenings of movies.
Adult Services
Manager Michelle
Hellmer added, "The
Friends of the Library
funded a movie license
that allows the Library
to screen movies
without violation of
copyright. Adult
Services has partnered
with the Dubuque Film
Society, and Youth
Services has featured
film showings for
children and teens on
early dismissal days or
special occasions.
Nine screenings have
drawn more than 100
attendees to each."
"Last year, nearly 800
adults participated in
programs and book
discussions covering a
wide range of topics.
This is nearly double
the number of
participants over the
previous fiscal year."
Hellmer noted. "Our
greatest success was
evidenced by the
number of attendees to
our basic computer
classes that we began
offering in FY 06.
Thirty-one classes were
offered to nearly 300
people. We look
forward to continuing
and enhancing the
classes in FY07."
Teens gather in the Library's New "Teen Zone" (2006)
PAGE 2
The Carnegie-Stout Public
Library employees have much to
be proud of as they reflect on FY
06. New services were
introduced one of which is
downloadable audio books for
adults and children. Books are
now available to be played back
on an MP3 player. The
connection is available from the
Library's web site. Another new
service is the introduction of lap
top computers that can be
circulated in the Library, made
possible by a grant from John
Deere and the Library
Foundation.
West side library service was
introduced with the placement .
of two material return boxes
(funded by the Library
Foundation) at Eleanor
Roosevelt Middle School and
daily pick-up service in the
Library's new van (made
possible through a partnership
with the City of Dubuque, the
DRA and the Library
Foundation). Library Circulation
staff designed new Circulation
desks, which were installed in
June. The desks achieved the
perfect balance of expediting all
transactions that take place at
Circulation -from checking out
materials to getting a library
card and paying afine -with
The Carnegie
Confabulator
A reliable source has told the Confabulator
that the Library has completed its
Department Review. This project, often
found on a very low light on the back burner,
was targeted for completion during a
previous fiscal year.
Asked for confirmation from a source close to
the review committee, I was told a copy of the
executive summary has reportedly been
circulating among the Department Review
Committee members: Cindy Steinhauser,
Laura Carstens, Dawn Lang, Michelle
Hellmer, Deb Fliegel, Jean Gullikson, and
Susan Henricks.
Let the Confabulator be the first to say,
"It's about time!"
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
esthetic and ergonomically
friendly workstations. Anew
self-check machine was added,
and aself-check machine for
DVDs will be introduced soon.
In partnership with the
Dubuque Police Department, a
Police Substation was opened in
the summer of 2006. The office,
located on the first floor of the
Library, is a place for the
Community Oriented Policing
(C.O.P.) to do paperwork or
research without having to
travel back to the Dubuque Law
Enforcement Center and also
provides greater access for the
community to reach the C.O.P.s.
Henricks is the Director of the
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Library Wins
National
Recognition
Carnegie-Stout Public
Library has been recognized
by Berkshire Publishing in
March, 2006 as one of 80
libraries nationwide to be
included in their book
"Heart of the Community:
Libraries We Love." The two-page entry for Dubuque's
favorite place provides an overview of its history, what
the Library is like today, and includes several
photographs. This stunning 184-page book is now
available for sale for a cost of $49.95 and can be
purchased from Berkshire Publishing Group,
Amazon.com, and bookstores nationwide. The Library
will have several copies available for circulation.
FY2006 -The Year of the Library by Susan Henricks
One of two new Circulation Desks (2006)
The Library now has a von. (1006)
Patron enjoys using one of the laptops donated by
John Deere and the Library Foundation (2006)
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
The Carnegie-Stout Public
Library is turning another page
with the development of a new
long-range plan of service. At
their February, 2006 meeting,
the Library's Board of Trustees
voted on the priorities that will
become part of this new plan. A
community planning committee
recommended that priorities of
the long range plan should be
"Current Topics and Titles" and
"General Information." The
Board agreed with the
recommendation of the
committee that the need for
cultural awareness be
recognized. Library programs
and services will present an
increased focus on cultural
awareness.
A library that is identified as
one with a priority of "Current
Topics and Titles" helps to fulfill
community residents' appetite
for information about popular
cultural and social trends and
their desire for satisfying
recreational experiences. The
library will provide increased
copies of titles in high demand,
in materials and formats people
want. A library that offers
"General Information" helps
meet the need for information
and answers to questions on a
broad array of topics related to
PAGE 3
work, school, and personal life.
The library will offer print,
nonprint, and electronic
reference resources covering a
wide range of topics.
The community planning
committee members who
presented recommendations to
the Library Board of Trustees
met in January and February
and included: Michael Berg,
Karla Braig, Brian Cooper,
Cammie Dean, Ed Everts, Diann
Guns, Michelle Hellmer, Doug
Henry, Sandy Hirstein, Mary
Anne Knefel, Gabby Nessler,
Geri Shafer, and Tom Stovall.
Mission Statement of Carnegie-Stout Public Library
approved May, 2006
. is to improve the quality of life by providing resources that enhance and
contribute to individual enjoyment, enlightenment, and knowledge.
Dewey Daily Circulations
FY 2006 Circulations by Format
Other
5%
Audio-visu~
23%
Magazii
22%
Books 341,963
Magazines 144,787
Audio-visual 154,880
Other 30,743
BOOkS ^ Books
50% ^ Magazines
^Audio-visual
^ Other
Library Completes Long-Range Plan
PAGE 4
Library Plans Renovation
?fl /" l !~ ~fl f `t
~.
Plans to renovate the Carnegie-
Stout Public Library gained
momentum in FY 06 with
approval of the conceptual
designs and the hiring of
fundraising consultants,
Saterbak and Associates. A
feasibility study was completed
in August with assurances that
a public and private partnership
will be successful in raising the
required $5.3 million.
The renovation calls for
returning the historic library
wing to public service. Visitors
will have an option to enter the
library through the historic
doors that have been closed for
25 years. This area of the
library will be home to
Reference, newspapers and
magazines, Iowa history, and
genealogy. Two
reading rooms will
open: one under a
(now hidden) skylight
and the other
surrounded by
windows (also hidden
presently).
The second floor will
be conducive to
study, research, and
reading. The original
curved staircase will
be rebuilt and lead to
Dewey Daily Expenditures
Operations
17%
Electronic
1%
Audio-Visu
2%
Print
12%
FY 2006 Expenditures
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
a lively first floor, which will be
the home to popular materials,
fiction, and Children's and Teen
areas.
The majority of the fundraising
is expected to be completed by
fall of 2007 when construction
will begin. The renovated
Library is targeted for
completion by October 2008.
Cut-away conceptual side view of
historic section of Library.
Salaries $1,435,172
Print $ 244,825
Audio-Visual $ 45,144
Electronic $ 25,040
pries
68%
^Salaries
^ Print
^Audio-Visual
^ Electronic
^Operations
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
Dewey Daily Revenue
Fly 200 Revenue
City $2,132,750
State $43,171
Agency $17,539
Grants $63,325
Gifts $52,616
FineslFees $57,150
City
^ State
^ Agency
^ Grants
^ Gifts
FineslFees
State of Iowa
stare library of Iawa
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCREDITATION
AwAAnea ro:
C~p/rS/ouf PuONe I.Mruy
ne ra wr or.rr,~, iea
~r rK gun ~rrtARr OFgWA. OEE YOWl4 rowA
AOGIlOfrATgM VAIp /NIOUON JUME b, !00/
~. `~r
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
participated in the American-
Bulgarian Library Exchange
(ABLE) project during F'Y06,
forming a partnership with the
Shumen Public Library in
PAGE 5
The State Library of Iowa awarded the Library
accreditation! Accreditation is a process of meeting
standards, and Carnegie-Stout has achieved 70 out
of 75 standards. The minimum for accreditation is
meeting 56 standards.
Shumen, Bulgaria. Shumen, a
town of 95,000, is located in
Northeast Bulgaria near the Black
Sea. Librarian Irina Koleva visited
the United States for six weeks
during March and April, much of
which was spent in Dubuque as
an intern at Carnegie-Stout.
Before returning to Bulgaria,
Koleva said, "I love Dubuque.
Very, very beautiful place. I like
the river. I like the architecture. I
like the people. Very kind people
here."
Library Director Susan Henricks
visited Bulgaria in May of 2006.
"A highlight of the visit was May
"I love Dubuque. Very, very beautiful
place. 1 like the river. l like the
architecture. I like the people. Very
kind people here."
24, which is known as Bulgarian
Education, Culture, and Slavonic
Literature Day. This national
holiday celebrates literacy and
education. The President placed
roses on the steps of the National
Library in Sofia in recognition and
celebration of this day of letters.
It was a day long celebration with
parades, music, and educational
awards."
Dubuque Mayor Roy Boul presents Bulgarian
Librarian Irina Koleva with the City flag.
PAGE 6
John from Maintenance arrives to work
The work day begins as Rachel in Circulation
checks in items returned by patrons.
8:00 a.m.
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
Tom from Maintenance arrives to work.
The doors officially open to the public.
Colleen in Adult Services helps a Parents bring their youngsters to a
patron access the Internet to read morning Children's program.
today s news.
10:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Circulation Staff assists patron
picking up reserved materials.
Morning Highlights
4:30 a.m.
6:00 a.m.
9:48 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
39,084 REGISTERED USERS
Afternoon Highlights
Dale from Maintenance prepares for outreach
to nursing homes.
1:20 p.m.
Dale from Maintenance emptying book drops at
Eleanor Roosevelt School.
2:45 p.m.
~. MM
_~
-®
School's out children's program. Library meeting (one of 945 One of Dubuque's Community
meetings held a year.) Oriented Policing (C.O.P.) Officers
stops in their office at Library.
PAGE 7
Librarian Betty answers questions from a
patron by telephone.
2:30 p.m.
Patricia, AAIiP employee, processes new
materials for tomorrow's shelves.
4:30 p.m.
3:12 p.m.
5:34 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
PAGE 8 39,084 REGISTERED USERS
Evening and A fter Hours Highlights
Librarian Jean provides assistance to a young Patrons enjoy an evening book discussion
patron with homework research. program for adults.
6:10 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
The Library building closes for the day.
Student crams to finish an
assignment and gets homework help
through the Library's web site.
Businessman renews books that are
due and reserves an audio-book
through the Library's on-line catalog.
1~;Q(J is_t:;.
'~"
,~
Patron cannot sleep and accesses
information on insomnia through the
Library's online databases.
Two patrons enjoy shopping for
used books at the Library.
8:25 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
3:00 a.m.
10:30 p.m.
t TM ~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~ ~,a"
In order to keep City Council & staff, as well as Dubuque
Initiatives informed of the activities of Dubuque Main Street, as it
relates to our Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of
Dubuque, in effect July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, we submit
,..~ the following report on our progress:
Main Street continues to administer, help administer or act as a
liaison for the following assistance programs:
• The Dubuque Mam Street Private Loan Pool (Current program
having over $1.8 million in outstandings -and re-funded by
~-. five downtown banks for $2.5 million to run Apri12006 -
'~"' December 2007. Four pending applicationslinquiries, two
~` --_.
~, , closed this period.)
,' ;~; • The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant ($25,000 grant to the
x' f- ~ ~ ~
~
~ Gronen Restoration project in 1000 block of Main -
~ H. I, ~~
`' ~~ °i,~a,
' apartments completed - 80 percent of storefronts filled;
$43,000 grant to the Old German Bank/Silver Dollar getting
underway; and on behalf of the Fischer Cos., another $25,000
awarded January 2006, with part 1 of tax credit app now being
'~""~~ ~~~~' t ~.~
I s Q"
~i'~~I 'r~~ Prepared; $80,000 in Feb. 2007 to Entrepreneurial
e
~
~ Neighborhood project in Wihnac Warehouse.
• Main Street Design Assistance Program (four fagade drawings
produced -Nov. -Dec. `06; three more appointments
r, ~
~ completed, Jan. '07; 1 project completed this period; 16
_ ~ ' projects have drawings complete and pending completions.)
u ". ~K_"
,:=... ~,
t~ ~ • The 20 percent (or 10 percent) Federal Rehab Tax CREDIT
~ for the National Register of Historic Places. (Six entities in
~
~ °"
~, Dubuque are in some phase of obtaining these credits.)
` °~ ' ° • A 25 percent State Rehab Tax CREDIT Additional funding
"° did not make fiscal 2007 state budget, but advocacy work to
~; ~,~ ~ , ~ ~4 expand this program is underway and thru senate
~~` ~ . ~~
.~ subcommittee to date.
f ~,3. • Another 50 percent potential Federal Tax Credit for work in
~~ making an historic property ADA compliant.
~
_ ~~ ~~
• Enterprise zone incentives
• City property tax rebate for SHiPO-approved historic
~ , ~ ~ ~~` ~ preservation projects.
~ • The Historic Site Preservation, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund
'" & Johann. Favrot Fund Grants, with pending application for
ir: ""- Step-by-Step atNat'1 Trust.
• Working with City & ECIA to gather information to help as
clearinghouse for New Markets Tax Credits, especially as it
relates to the Warehouse District.
• Working with Iowa Department of Ctiultural Affairs to become
y. „ the local clearinghouse/liaison for state cultural grants & event
~`.
enhancements. Leveraging more state dollars.
D U B U Q U E
11/~AIN STREET
Dubuque Main Street, as an affiliate of Main Street Iowa -Iowa Department of Economic
Development, reports the following statistics, as it relates to downtown Dubuque:
2nd Quarter - Fisca12007
DESIGN
• Facade Renovations $99,800
• Building Rehabilitations $293,082
• New Construction Projects 0
• Real Estate Sales $774,002
• Public Improvement Projects $76,828
Total Reported Investments $1,243,712
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
• New Businesses g
• Relocation to Main Street Districts 3
• Space Expansion 4
• Moved Out of Main Street District _ 1
• Businesses Closed _3
Net Business Space to Districts +8
Net Gain (Loss) in Employees to District +10
Calendar 2006
DESIGN 2006 2005
• Facade Renovations $584,197 $433,579
• Building Rehabilitations $3,527,081 $6,595,324
• New Construction Projects $6,097,500 $0
• Real Estate Sales $4,824,712 $6,736,600
• Public Improvement Projects 4 046 009 7 378 066
Total Reported Investments $19,079,499 $21,143,569
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
• New Businesses 33 24
• Relocation to Main Street Districts 7 4
• Space Expansion g 3
• Moved Out of Main Street District -12 -18
• Businesses Closed _g _q
Net Business Space to Districts +28 +4
Net Gain (Loss) in Employees to District +150 +102
Cumulative Totals since 1985:
Facade
renovation $ Building
rehabilitation $ New
construction $ Real Estate
sales $ Public
im rovement $ Net new
Jobs
$6,381,481 $79,303 85 $124 615,163 $94,431,508 $38,228 689 +1 999
Dan LoBianco has attended and/or presented at the following meetings at least once this quarter:
• the Downtown Master Plan Oversight Committee
• City Housing Initiative RFP Committee
• City's Economic Development Stakeholder Team
• GDDC's Economic Development/Mazketing Coordination Group
• Dubuque Enterprise Zone Commission
• the Warehouse District Planning Committees, Iowa Graduate Students Study
• Main Street Iowa Community Initiated Development Feasibility Training
• the America's River Board, Marketing Committee, Recognition Wall Dedication, & Phase II
Media Conference
• Prescott Charter School Advisory Committee
• Community Leadership Group
• City CounciUCity of Dubuque
• KDTH Birthday Broadcast
• the Dubuque Cultural Alliance
• Great Places Application Committee
• Prudential Quarterly Employee Training Session
• Downtown Pedestrian Way-fmding Task Force
• Kiwanis Board
• Main Street Iowa Volunteer Empowerment Training
• Loras College PR Student Interview
• MediaCom/Dubuque Foundation Cultural Grant Award Luncheon
• St. Luke's United Methodist Finance Committee
• Chamber Ambassadors Meeting
• Community Beautification Meeting
• Chamber Quarterly Meeting/Pandemic Flu Seminaz
• Senator Hazkin/Candidate Braley Building Tour
• New Markets Tax Credit Training
• Chamber Workforce Development Meeting
• New Chamber President News Conference
• 2006 Philanthropy Awards
• Chamber's Gov't Relations Committee
• Keokuk Main Street Promotion Committee Presentation
• Joint Main Street WisconsinJIowa Tour of DBQ Properties
• Presentation to AIAILeague of Cities Conf, in Ames
• Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Dubuque Main Street staff workedlis working on the following initiatives:
• Our New Office Build-outlEconomic Development New Image Logo Campaign
• Cultural Corridor
• Farmers' Market
• Dubuque & All That Jazz
• The Y's Halloween Parade
• Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant Planning
• Wireless Downtown
• Architectural Days
• The Downtown Business PM
• Cable Car Square Candle Walk -Cable Car Square & May Regional Chili Cook-offs
Existing Business/Retention & Recruitment Calls made by DMS last quarter included:
• A & W/Oky Doky, The Alzheimer Assn., American Trust, Badger Brothers' Coffee/Jitterz, Bell
Tower Theater, Bill's Antiques on White, Brannon Monument, Brian Mihalakis, The Busted
Lift, Butts Florists, The Business Accelerator, Carla's Barber Shop, Central High School, Chuck
N Jo's, the Crescent Community Health Center, The Dark Side, Day & Hellmer Law Firm,
Dougherty's, Diamond Jo, Dubuque 365, Dubuque Bank & Trust, Dubuque Coin, Dubuque
Food Pantry, The Eagle's Club, ECIA, Faley Construction, The Fischer Companies, Gavin
Accounting, Giggles, The Grand Harbor Resort, the Grand Opera House, Gronen Restoration,
Happy Mower Service, hardin-phelps, Herbst Upholstery, Honkamp-Krueger, Jamie's Wines,
Jetsetters, Joey Wallis Photography, Klauer Law Offices, Latin American Bakery (Yet to be
named), Loras College, Main Street Platteville, the Mandolin Inn, McDonald's, MediaCom,
Miner Plumbing, Morrison Brothers, The Multicultural Family Center, Music Conservatory of
Dubuque, Naughty Dog Coffee Shop, Nesler Center/Roshek Building Ownership Group, NICC,
On the Square, O'Toole Office Supply, Pepper Sprout, Pfeiler (et. al.) Law Offices, Pickerman's
of Dubuque, Platinum Services, Poopsies, Prudential Financial, R. J. Realty, Refinery Design,
Rhomberg Furriers, The Richards House, Roy's Furniture, St. Luke's United Methodist Church,
St. Mark Community Center, St. Vincent DePaul, The Second-Home Rose, SGO Designer Glass,
Sherman-Associates, The Shot Tower Inn, SMGIFive Flags, The Spectrum Building-Zaber,
Step-by-Step Housing, TFM Co., The Town Clock Inn, United Way, Upstart Crow,
Voggenthaler Co., The Vue Washington Park Place, Waterloo Tent Co., Wilmac Properties, and
Yen Ching Restaurant.
In relation to the comprehensive Downtown Master Plan, Dubuque Main Street is involved in
implementing the following initiatives, with most recent quarter's information detailed after the
bullets:
Element la: Commerce -Business
Investigate and pursue grant applications (i.e. EDA) which administer dollars for economic diversity and
sustainability
• Dubuque Main Street received eight applications for the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant 2006. DMS
was awarded $80,000 for the Business Accelerator Entrepreneurial Neighborhood project in the Wilmac
CRA Warehouse. City, DMS, ECIA & others continue to explore three potential sources to bring New
Market Tax Credits to one or more downtown Dubuque projects. We are advocating for fairer use and
distribution of the credits outside the urban coastal areas, with Senator Grassley's office very interested in
our tribulations.
Ensure City's enterprise zone boundaries to include key employment areas Downtown in an effort to "level
the playing field" for business growth
• New Enterprise zone application for the rehabilitation of the Adams Company building by the Durrant
Group was approved by the local commission and forwarded to the state in December.
Establish an organization, or expand an existing one, to market downtown for business location and
expansion
Work with Dubuque Main Street Ltd. And Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce to identify key target
industries, which could be accommodated Downtown -develop marketing materials and implement a
program for business attraction
• New development marketing materials being completed by Refinery Design by fourth quarter, fiscal 2007
Support (regulations, fmancial incentives, marketing assistance) signature development and redevelopment
projects, which would promote the attraction of primary and targeted business to Downtown
• Dubuque Main Street is vigorously advocating for an increase in the state cap in historic tax credits. The
recommended fisca12008 City budget includes an increase in the TIF financed downtown loan pool. Also,
as stated above, DMS, the City ECIA & others continue to explore three potential sources to bring New
Market Tax Credits to one or more downtown Dubuque projects. We are advocating for fairer use and
distribution of the credits outside the urban coastal areas, with Senator Grassley's office very interested in
our tribulations.
Promote creation of a Business Accelerator downtown
• Accelerator close to full speed at this point. First tenants for the Entrepreneurial Neighborhood close to
signing a lease ...Grant listed above secured and two other fledgling businesses exploring use of the
space, as well. Working with the Accelerator and Wilmac properties to begin building-out of an up-to-
five-business Entrepreneurial Neighborhood on one floor of one of the former Caradco warehouses, with
potential occupancy of two of these spaces by spring 2007 ... Exploring Fischer Building space, as well.
Work with local lenders to develop revolving loan funds and various grant programs to strategic downtown
development and redevelopment projects
• DMS still tweaking a hybrid program to target specific areas of development with two local lenders.
Special neighborhood-specific programs already in place -financed by the private sector.
Element lb: Commerce -Retail
Accesslexpand facade maintenance program from local, state and federal sources, which offers low-interest
loans, grants, and matching funds for building enhancement
• See Element 1 a -item #8 of Plan, &DMS conducted three design assistance drawing visitations in
January & delivered completed drawings and recommendation/information packets on visitations
conducted in November 2006 (three in the Upper Main District and one in the Warehouse District) with
MSI. Sixteen property owners now have plans, one plan implemented this quarter and task force members
are encouraging property owners to implement these plans.
Retain the services of a national retail broker/developer representative to solicit the interest of commercial
businesses, which are consistent with the community's vision for Downtown. Have the individual work with a
local "recruitment team" to fill vacancies and manage retail concentrations
• GDDC is working on this initiative, and DMS is working on three targeted projects, having made prospect
calls to Galena, Waterloo and Platteville. Build-out as a result of one of these targeted calls is underway,
and another previously targeted restaurant is opening in the near future at the Port of Dubuque.
Maintain flexibility in City regulations to accommodate commercial businesses -building set-backs; zoning;
landscaping; etc. -ensure quality through design guidelines
• DMS director is a member of the UDC Citizens' Advisory Committee, just beginning its work on a unified
code.
Attract and subsidize unique anchor(s) to downtown to draw resident and visitor spending and diversify the
exiting retail base
• See Element 1 b -item #2 & 3 of Plan
Work with Dubuque Main St. and Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce to expand programs for small
commercial businesses Downtown -providing funding, training, and marketing support
• New development marketing materials being completed by Refinery Design by fourth quarter, fisca12007
Maintain flexibility in strategies to encourage development in specific locations -trade properties (land swap)
either currently in public ownership, or which could be acquired; write-down land; assemble strategic
parcels; develop property promotion material; work with local brokers.
• Study of the feasibility of certain properties currently underway with the CLUE group hired through the
Housing Department RIaP.
Work with Dubuque Main Street Ltd. to finance preparation of a tenanting strategy by district in Downtown
- develop supportive policies, which restrict street level service office/incept second floor offices in key
locations
• With the development planning underway in the Warehouse District, a tenanting strategy and targeting
focus is being developed for all eight Main Street districts.
Appoint a team of local designers to establish design guidelines for commercial properties Downtown, which
are sensitive to the historic and physical environment, yet, which promote quality and sustainability
Analyze the feasibility of developing a turnkey facility for amid-size commercial "box" Downtown -
developed publicly and transferred to a private entity
• Possible opportunities for chains emerging in the Port and tangentially on the former Pack property.
Establish a diverse "tool box" of financial and regulatory incentives for mixed-use projects. Among those
resources to be researched are funds available through the New Markets Tax Credit program
` • As referenced above, DMS progressing with Refinery Design & Wallis Photography to develop a digital
' collateral piece for this purpose, with publishing scheduled for early 2007.
Element 2: Culture, Education, and Entertainment
Work with Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, merchants, Leisure Services Department and other
groups coordinating community events planning -institute streamlined permitting processes
• Processed implemented and tweaked annually.
Identify and formally designate a cultural/artisan district -growing on the current concentration of art
venues in central Downtown
• Second DMS intern completed work now and report, measuring specific sales at "brick and mortar"
businesses downtown measuring how special cultural events impact 365-day-a-year businesses downtown,
is attached and presented to Arts Commission.
Coordinate efforts of arts groups and leisure services organizations to make cultural arts activities part of a
comprehensive package for tourism
• (As encouraged by Cultural Commission) Chamber, DMS, Dubuque Cultural Alliance, SMG & Dubuque
365 close to completing an enhanced long-range calendar coordination between arts organizations.
Encourage creation of an arts program (support designation as a magnet art school) within the Downtown
schools -strengthening their appeal to a larger market and supporting art training at a young age
• Wide ranging, extra-curricular and school time programs have been introduced at the new Prescott ARTs
"charter school." DMS assisting school faculty on ARTS and non-ARTS expeditionary learning
opportunities and serving on the Advisory Board for the Charter school. Keyboard lab for all Prescott
students opened, January 2007.
Establish Dubuque Arts and Culture Advisory Commission; during the interim work with one of several
existing organizations (Dubuque Cultural Alliance, Dubuque Arts Council, Chamber Festivals Committee,
Dubuque Fine Arts Society)
• Commission in place and work outlined in other areas of this element.
Support (subsidize) the residential portion of live/work signature project to control sale prices and
appreciation
• Exploring the Warehouse district for this purpose ...CLUE group report will help determine buildings to
target for this initiative.
Solicit the interest of national and local experts in the development and redevelopment of a demonstration
live/work project Downtown
• See above in Wazehouse District, with CLUE group.
Develop a strategy to maintain an inventory of attainable artisan housing -involving corporate partners and
local developers where feasible
• See above with a feasibility numbers being generated now, and national consultant to analyze in late May
2007.
Adjust landscaping requirements (under current regulations) to include green space and public art
• Annual Port of Dubuque public art project well underway.
Element 3: Historical Features
Expand the dollar amount and number of existing fagade improvement grants and low-interest loans to
promote redevelopment preservation (keep this money separate from larger sources)
• DMS pleased to see TIF funding expansion being recommended in City budget process for fisca12008,
and see element 1 of Plan for other programs.
Encourage the reuse of historically significant buildings for residential use -lofts, condominium, row house;
streamline the process and create fmancial incentives for restoration where feasible
• Plans being finalized for the grant-funded annual Architectural Days, Apri19-13, 2007. Expansion of
"celebration/educational" opportunities for this annual event includes seminar, 4's grade student
architectural contest, all-ages architectural scavenger hunt, and brown-bag appreciation luncheons in
conjunction with the Dubuque Museum of Art.
Complete the formal designation of properties identified as part of the City's historic inventory
• List and mapping continues, as we head toward a national historic MillworklWazehouse District. Input
from almost all property owners received. No design review will be required, unless building developer is
looking for historic tax credits. Entities, such as Jeld-Wen, are being allowed to opt-out of the district even
though there is no apparent drawback to this designation and all but one of the other building owners aze
strongly in favor of the district.
Initiate a lobbying effort (at the state level) to increase state historic tax credit pool
• As stated previously, tax credits may be in jeopazdy in the state budget fight. Aone-page information sheet
with strong statistics, both local and regional is almost completed by city and DMS staff. This issue could
dramatically impact development of major projects in downtown Dubuque ...Two projects (German
Bank/Silver Dollar & Star Brewery) are "in line," but others, such as the Fischer Companies 900 Main
Street buildings and some Warehouse District projects seem to be on hold. Chamber Alliance also
endorses immediate advocacy for the legislature to raise the credits to $20 million per yeaz, and have also
produced an advocacy brochure.
Identify/designate specialist (either within the City or as consultants to the City) who can assist applicants
with state and federal tax credit applications
• DMS moving to fill this expertise and time GAP through additional personnel funding set for fisca12008.
Establish a Downtown Design Guidelines Task Force of local design, development and business owner
professionals (including representatives of DMSL) to prepare design guidelines for Downtown character
districts
• [No action taken by Planning Services yet, due to long-range time frame.
Element 4: Public Space and Open Areas
Continue to encourage and support areas for outdoor dining
• More opportunities being explored for Old Main, as well as the Town Clock and event the Warehouse
district, beginning in the spring of 2007.
Work with property owners, DMS and neighborhood organizations to create/expand the formal district
designation (S5MID) to address maintenance of Downtown streetscape and other public space improvements.
(This could include sidewalk snow removal, litter removal, repairs to streetscape furnishings, and seasonal
flower plantings and maintenance)
• Analysis of SSMID opportunity explored, but not being pursued. Alternative long-term funding being
explored.
Work with Downtown advocacy entity to develop/coordinate a loan pool for higher risk and public good
projects (pledges can be loans, letters of commitment and stock purchases)
• [See info under economic development element of Plan.
Enhance Downtown surface parking lots with internal and perimeter shade trees, low hedges, seasonal
flowers, security lighting and decorative metal fencing
• Plans for an overhaul of the "City Hall Parking lot" between Iowa & Central - 12`~ & 13s' Street are
progressing, with DMS's Farmers' Market Committee endorsing the concept of the renovation and
pledging to shift market booths to this area to enhance safety and the market's ability to expand products
with the availability of electricity in 2008.
Enhance Iowa Street between 14th and 3rd Streets as a heavily landscaped greenway with wide grass
boulevards, sidewalks, striped bike lanes and pedestrian lighting and specialty banners
Continue the implementation of Downtown gateway enhancements and wayfmding projects
• Work with and by Mission Creative for the pedestrian wayfinding sign system design is nearing
completion, with implementation in 2007.
Complete the implementation of the Downtown streetscape improvements along the remainder of Main
Street from 1st to 14th Streets
• City staff working with DMS and property owners as the construction in Old Main will occur in Spring of
Calendar 2007.
Element 5: Residential Living
Actively maintain the critical elements of the Downtown neighborhood -schools (Prescott School), churches -
through advocacy, education and financing
• Advocacy work with the new Prescott school well underway, with a new housing project likely to occur
directly across White Street from the school ...School reaching capacity, with education performance
improving for neighborhood children.
Pass an ordinance enabling the Housing Trust Fund Committee to make decisions related to housing policy in
order to qualify for state funding
• Gronen Restoration use of IFA LIHTC award of $2.6 million for the historic restoration of the former
Dubuque Casket Factory is completed, with 35 apartments and a 16,000 square foot first floor for office
uses, including the new Community Health Care Center opened for business. Project Concern soon will
also occupy its space, as well.
Pre-negotiate lender participation including subordination
• On-going: With cooperative nature of this effort, Master Plan task force still questioning need for a formal
procedure here, until a specific project/need is evident.
Encourage the reuse of historically significant buildings for residential use -lofts, condominiums, row
houses; stream line the process and create financial incentives for restoration where feasible
• Gronen affordable housing (moderate income) project in Upper Main speazheading a number of other,
smaller projects. Storefronts are completed, with a majority occupied now.
Provide education for property owners who don't know there is a residential market, or how to access funds
and redevelop projects
• See Element 3 -item #2 of Plan, and further education opportunities being offered during architectural
days, 2007.
Provide predevelopment assistance -manpower, financial, legal, and organizational resources in order to
streamline and reduce costs
• Resource center now opened, with major assistance program to be introduced July 2007.
Complete initiatives under Green space Evolution catalyst concept and continually improve the livability of
Downtown
• See information on the CLUE group recommendations and the work of the SDAT group.
Work with property owners to establish appropriate improvements district mechanisms (SSMID) to assist in
the cost of delivering a livable environment downtown
• See Element 4 -item #3 of Plan
Promote the advantages of living Downtown to the local market.
• See various previous items in Plan, and DMS collateral materials being introduced 4'~ quarter, fisca12007.
Establish a diverse "tool boa" of financial and regulatory incentives for Downtown housing projects. Among
those resources to be researched are funds available through the New Markets Tax Credit Program
• See Element 1 a and New Markets being explored through three different funding sources, with advice
from Kennedy Smith of the CLUE Group being made by May 2007.
Element 6: Transportation
Work with merchants and City to coordinate transit operations and levels of service on roads, promoting
mobility and connectivity
Consider a range of methods to promote the pedestrian environment -linking parking lots; coordinating
traffic signals; widening sidewalks; adding street furniture and lighting; and, coordinating future transit
stops
• See various items in element #4 of Plan.
Commit to participation by merchants in all downtown transit planning projects
• DMS is to be made aware of all going on and coordinates appropriate meetings, such as the street overlay
and streetscape plan for Old Main in spring 2007. DMS also serving on new parking structure committee
for Port of Dubuque.
Strengthen the connectivity between the Port of Dubuque and the Central Business District including the
Cable Car Square shopping area
• See element 4 for details on Pedestrian wayfinding system implementation. Cable Car Square merchants
also planning for more concerted effort to take advantage of the increased conference "traffic" in
Dubuque.
Improve vehicular accessibility to the Port of Dubuque
Complete a parking management strategy and establish parking districts downtown wherein parking design,
development and management issued among multiple facilities are controlled by a single entity
• Town Clock area commercial managers joined Upper Main district stakeholders and City Parking
Department personnel in a meeting on future expanded parking needs due to expanded employment in the
area. Employers will be getting longer term employment projections to Mike Steele, who will formulate a
report for the City, with ongoing cooperation being displayed on smaller, individual projects.
Improve pedestrian accessibility to the Port of Dubuque
• See Element 6.3 & 6.7 of Plan
We value the opportunity to support the efforts of the City of Dubuque in downtown and
river&ont development through our four points of emphasis (Economic Development, Design,
Promotion & Organization). If you have questions, please give me a call at (563) 588-4400.
Sinc ly,
Dan LoBianco
Executive Director
Dubuque Main Street reports the following data from our September -December 2006 study of culture and entertainment
special events and their economic impact on "brick & mortar," 365-days-a year-operations in downtown Dubuque:
It should be first noted that participation was not as easy a sell to the retail operations as anticipated ...From time
commitment, to questioning the reason for needing this information, to reluctance to reveal private data & what
government body would use the numbers for what purpose? Made recruitment and follow-up much more work than
anticipated, but the following is an overview of percentage of increased (or decreased) sales from average of "non-ev ent"
Saturdays (9!16/06 & 11/11/06) this past fall, from three different types of related "retail" entities:
FASTFOOD (McDONALDS)
• Event (genre) % increase or (decrease)
• John Michael Talbot Concert (music) +2%
• Chili Cook-off (regional food-serving event with music) +15%
• Thunderbirds hockey game (Junior League Sports) +31%
• Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Concert (classical music) +5%
• Gallagher (comedy) +18%
• Johnny Cash Tribute Concert (country music) +40%
• Annual Lighted Halloween Parade (parade) -weeknight event beating weekend numbers by over 300% +312%
SIT-DOWN RESTAURANT (BRICKTOWN)
• Event (genre) % increase or (decrease)
• Dierks Bentley Concert (country music) +39%
• Chili Cook-off (regional food serving event with music) +57%
• Pauley Shore (Comedy - - In-house) +50%
• Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Concert (classical music) +30%
• Gallagher (comedy) -11%
• Johnny Cash Tribute Concert (country music) +34%
• Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever (Grand Theater) -16%
We believe weather was a factor in this only December event covered and only live theater event in the
period, due to the Grand Opera House's remodeling project.
GAS STATIONJCONVENIENCE STORE (OKY DOKY)
• Event (genre) % increase or (decrease)
• John Michael Talbot Concert (music) +7%
• Chili Cook-off (regional food serving event with music) +18%
• WWE Wrestling (Choreographed Sports Event) +21%
• Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Concert (classical music) +15%
• Gallagher (comedy) +8%
• Johnny Cash Tribute Concert (country music) +11%
• Dierks Bentley concert (country music) -5%
• Jim McDonough Concert (piano music) -4%
• Sesame Street Live Concert (weeknight kid's music & character performance) +8%
(above event here compared to an eventless weekday figure) +27%
• Lipizzaner Stallions (High-end animal performance) -1%
(above event here compared to an eventless weekday figure) +17°/~
As expected, the above data does show a significant positive impact on our 24/7 merchants when a special event occurs at
a downtown venue, almost across the board.
Interestingly, a majority of the impact numbers exceeded the 10 % increased business estimates the business owners gave
to us in the spring 2006 general survey of opened ended questions. Cooperation was easier to come by in these general
interrogatories, as well.
This study cannot be considered "scientific" ... A large enough samples with controlled variables would have given us a
higher level of official confidence, but we do believe the information above is accurate and impressive ... It should be
noted some of the factors that could have effected attendance and thus, money spent downtown (not recorded) include
weather & other area events.
-Dan LoBianco
Executive Director, Dubuque Main Street