Bi Lingual Bike Hike Trail Signage ProjectTHE CITY OF
DUB UE
Masterpiece vn the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
June 20, 2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: IDOT State Recreational Trails Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike
Trail Signage Project
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval to
submit an Iowa Department of Transportation State Recreational Trails grant application
in the amount of $91,000 for the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. The City
match would be $34,000, which is budgeted.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
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Michael C. Van Milligen
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Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
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MEMORANDUM
i/~td~~i't'~t"FLL' i)31 ~~'tL 1~?C,~,t~Si~I~i
June 19, 2007
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager ~~'~
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager S~Y~
SUBJECT: IDOT State Recreational Trails Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike
Trail Signage Project
Introduction
This memorandum presents for City Council review and approval, an application to the
Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a State Recreational Trails grant for the
Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project.
Background
This project is a component of the Iowa Great Places grant application. The project
addresses two of the Envision 2010 "Ten Big Ideas": Bilingual Education Curriculum
and Integrated Walking/Biking/Hiking Trail System.
This project also is being considered for an earmark of federal trail funds submitted by
Congressman Bruce Braley. IDOT officials recommended that the City also submit a
grant application for state trails funds, in case the federal earmark is not approved.
Discussion
The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Signage Trail project will create an integrated bike/hike trail
system throughout Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. On-street routes
will be marked with trailblazer signs in English and Spanish as well as striped bike lanes
where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to off-road
trails, transit stops, schools, and parks where restrooms, benches and bike racks will be
available. The project will include kiosk-style system maps at trailheads and interpretive
signs at points of interest.
The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage project will connect all of the trail systems to the
Mississippi Riverwalk at the Port of Dubuque, the Dubuque County Heritage Trail, the
City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension, and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at
the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area.
Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project
Page 2 of 2
The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will allow bicyclists and pedestrians
opportunities to safely access a variety of recreational uses, including hiking, biking,
jogging, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational facilities at City and County parks and
recreational facilities.
The project is an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The
project creates a network for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as
alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce pollution and highway
congestion.
This project is part of a phased extension of the Dubuque Heritage Trail to the west side
of Dubuque. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage
Trail Extension are accessible to the rural areas north of Dubuque, to Dubuque's north
end neighborhood and central business district, and to the south end of town. The
existing County/City Heritage Trail network, however, does not connect with Dubuque's
growing west and south sides or with the City of Asbury. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail
Signage Project provides an important link for bicyclists and pedestrians to access
passive and active recreational facilities at the City's parks and public and parochial
schools throughout the Dubuque community.
The grant application includes a partnership with Tri-State Trail Vision. Tri-State Trail
Vision is anon-profit group that is working to develop an Integrated Walking/ Biking/
Hiking Trail System for the Dubuque metro area. A letter of support is being sought from
the group.
Budget Impact
The City budgeted $34,000 in the General Fund for the local match as part of the Iowa
Great Places grant application. The State Recreational Trails requires at least a 25%
local match. The estimated project cost of $125,000 puts the local match at 27%.
Recommendation
I recommend that the City Council approve submittal of the IDOT State Recreational
Trails grant application for the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project.
The grant application deadline is July 1, 2007, so the application will be submitted prior
to City Council consideration. If the City Council declines to approve the application's
submittal, it will be withdrawn.
Enclosures
cc Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Jenny Larson, Budget Director
- ,~.
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210
Retum to: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210
RESOLUTION NO. 3 5 8 -07
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR STATE
RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM FUNDING TO THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE BI-LINGUAL BIKE/HIKE TRAIL SIGNAGE PROJECT.
Whereas, the Iowa Department of Transportation has announced the availability of State
Recreational Trails Program Funding; and
Whereas, design, engineering and construction costs for pedestrian and bicycle facilities
are eligible activities for this funding; and
Whereas, the City has adopted a Comprehensive Plan that identifies acommunity-wide
bikelpedestrian network.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The Planning Services is authorized to sign and submit this grant application
to the Iowa Department of Transportation for State Recreational Trails Program Funding for the
Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project.
Section 2. That in the event said application is approved, the City Council hereby provides its
written assurance that the completed project will be adequately maintained for its intended use in
accordance with state requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 2nd day of ~ u 2007.
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Roy ~. B I, Mayor
Attest:
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Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Form 240002wd
01-06
PROJECT APPLICATION
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
General Information
Applicant Agency: City of Dubuque a-Mail: ]carstennacityofdubuque.org
Contact Person (Name & Title): Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Complete Mailing Address: 50 W. 13a' Street
Street Address and/or Box No.
Dubuque IA
City State
52001
Zip
563-589-4210
Daytime Phone
If more than one agency or organization is involved in this project, please state the name, contact person, mailing
address, and telephone number of the second agency. (Attach an additional page if more than two agencies are
involved.)
Applicant Agency: Tri-State Trail Vision
e-Mail: nturpin(n~ecia.org
Contact Person (Name & Title): Nicole Turpin, Planner
Complete Mailing Address: 3999 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200
Street Address and/or Box No.
Dubuque IA
City State
Proiect Information
52001
Zip
563-556-4166 ext. 256
Daytime Phone
Project Title: Bi-lingual Bike/I-like Trail Signage Project
Project Description (including length): The Bi-li~ual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will create an integrated bike/hike
trail system throughout Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. On-street routes will be marked with trailblazer signs in
En lish and Spanish as well as striped bike lanes where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to off-
road trails, transit stops, schools, and parks where restrooms, benches and bike racks will be available. The project will include
kiosk-style system maps at trailheads and interpretive signs at points of interest.
Economic Impact Information
Type of Project:
^ Acquisition - Number of Acres
® Development
^ Combination - Number of Acres
Exhibit A-1
Type of Proposal: ® Grant ^ Loan ^ Combination
If this application is for a loan or a combination loan/grant, please state the proposed repayment terms. Include
amount of principal to be repaid, proposed interest rate, length of repayment, etc.
Project Costs (An itemized breakdown must be included on an attached sheet):
Total Cost
Trails Fund
Applicant Match (25~ Minimum)
1.
2.
3.
$ 125,000
$ 91,000
$ 34,000
Match Source Amount Assured or Anticipated
Date Antici ated
Ci of Dubu ue General Fund $34,000.00 Assured
Are any other state funds involved in this project?
If yes, please explain the source and conditions
^ Yes ®No
Are any federal funds involved in this project?
If yes, please explain the source and conditions
^ Yes ® No
Estimated Project Development Schedule:
Design Start Date September 1, 2007 Completion Date January 2008
Land Acquisition Start Date Completion Date
Construction Start Date May 1, 2008 Completion Date October 1, 2008
Has any part of this trail project been started? ^ Yes ®No
If yes, explain
Do you intend to charge a fee to trail users?
If yes, how much? $
What will it be used for?
^ Yes ® No
Exhibit A-2
Required Documentation and Narrative Information
The following documents and narratives must be attached to this application. In the upper right-hand corner of each
document or narrative write the corresponding letter shown below.
^ A. A NARRATIVE assessing existing conditions, outlining the concept of the proposed project, and providing
adequate project justification. The narrative must show that the concept is reasonable from a transportation
engineering and/or recreational standpoint and is part of an area-wide, local, regional, or statewide plan.
^ B. A MAP identifying the location of the project - An optional mapping application tool is available for your use
at the following website address: www.sysplan.dot.state.ia.us/fedstate_rectrails.htm
^ C. ACROSS-SECTION of the proposed trail project.
^ D. A SKETCH-PLAN of the trail project.
^ E. An ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of the total project costs.
^ F. A TIME SCHEDULE for the total project development.
^ G. An OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT of the trail proposal from the authority to be responsible for the
maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance that it will adequately maintain
the trail for its intended use and maintain the total trail used to justify the project in public use for a minimum
of 20 years following project completion.
^ H. A NARRATIVE discussing the extent to which adjacent property owners have been informed of the
proposed project and an assessment of their acceptance.
The award of State Recreational Trails funds; any subsequent funding or letting of contracts for design, construction,
reconstruction, improvement, or maintenance; and the furnishing of materials for this project shall not involve direct or
indirect interest of any state, county, or city official, elective or appointive. All of the above are prohibited by Iowa
Code Sections 314.2, 362.5, or 331.342. Any award of funding or any letting of a contract in violation of the foregoing
provisions shall invalidate the award of State Recreational Trails funding and authorize a complete recovery of any
funds previously disbursed.
Certification
To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information included in this application is true and accurate, including the
commitment of all physical and financial resources. This application has been duly authorized by the participating
local authority. I understand the attached OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT(S) binds the participating local governments to
assume responsibility for adequate maintenance of any new or improved trails.
I understand that, although this information is sufficient to secure a commitment of funds, an executed contract
between the applicant and the Department is required prior to the authorization of funds.
Representing the Ci of
Signature
June 19, 2007
Date
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager June 19, 2007
Typed Name and Title Date
Exhibit A-3
PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
A. NARRATIVE:
Add sheets as needed.
The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will create an integrated bike/hike trail systan throughout the city of
Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. Funds will be spent on trailblazer signs in English and Spanish as well as
bike lanes or paved shoulders where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to paved, off-road
trails, transit stops, schools, and parks. The project will provide links to the existing bike/hike trails in Asbury, Dubuque,
and Dubuque County. It will connect all of the trail systems to the Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail at the Port of
Dubuque, the Dubuque County Heritage Trail, the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension, and the E.B. Lyons
Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail is a 26-mile
bicycling/hiking path linking the communities of Dubuque, Dyersville, Farley, Epworth, Graf, Durango and Sageville in
Dubuque County. The City of Dubuque's 18-mile Heritage Trail Extension connects the north end of the city with the
riverfront, the downtown area, and the Mines of Spain State Recreational Area, south of Dubuque.
PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
Evaluation and A~oroval
The Department shall evaluate each complete application primarily on the basis of whether the predicted use of the
trail justifies the construction and maintenance costs including, but not limited to, the following criteria:
1. Define need, in terms of the population to be served and existing trails in the area (25 points).
The Bi-lingual Bike/I-like Trail Signage Project will form a bicycle and pedestrian network that will be used by both tourists and
local residents. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension are part of the backbone
system of the State Recreational Trail Plan. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail is a National Recreation Trail. Portions of both
the County and City Heritage Trail systems aze part of the designated route for the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) through Iowa.
The MRT is a 2,000-mile bike trail system being developed through the river cities and river landscapes in the 10 states along the
Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. This project will provide connections to regional, state and national
trail systems, including the MRT. Construction of the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project as a side trip off the MRT will
add to Dubuque's reputation as a tourist destination for both the State of Iowa and the community. Annual use on the Dubuque
County Heritage Trail exceeds 60,000 people with an estimated 30% from out-of--town.
2. Describe the compatibility with local, area-wide, regional, or statewide plans (15 points).
The Dubuque County 5-Yeaz REAP Plan states that "it is the goal of the City of Dubuque's Leisure Services Department to
develop... a safe, clean, functional and attractive system of pazks and recreational facilities to meet the passive and active leisure
needs of all residents and visitors". The Bi-lingual Bike/I-like Trail Signage Project will help to achieve these goals by providing
a community bike/hike network.
The Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP comments that the three most important values for quality trail
experience aze: health and fitness, aesthetic beauty, and natural area preservation of open space. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail
Signage Project will provide ready opportunities for health and fitness.
According to the Statewide Trails Vision, the ultimate goal is to "connect communities, parks, natural resources, shopping,
employment and other amenities with a comprehensive, multi-modal, easily accessible trails system". The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike
Trail Signage Project will connect with other attractions in the community as well as offer ready access to the City of Dubuque's
Heritage Trail Riverfront System.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan includes the
comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Network as an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The DMATS
Plan calls for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce
pollution and highway congestion. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will help to achieve these goals.
PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
3. Define the benefits of multiple uses and recreational opportunities (20 points).
The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will allow bicyclists and pedestrians opportunities to safely access a vaziety of
recreational uses, including hiking, biking, jogging, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational facilities at City and County pazks
and recreational facilities. The project is an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The project creates a
network for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce
pollution and highway congestion.
The City has leveraged neazly $2.6 million in federal and state grants to plan, design, and construct over 21 miles of on-street and
off-road trails along the riverfront and through the City since 1995. These trails connect to Dubuque County's 26-mile long
Heritage Trail; Bergfeld Recreation azea, a pazk, fishing pond and trail located in Dubuque Industrial Center West; a hiking trail
at Dubuque Technology Pazk and the Jaycees trail along the river at Kerper Boulevard Industrial Pazk.The trail network also will
provide access to other recreational facilities at City parks and recreational facilities. Direct access will be provided to Marshall
Park and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Here trail users can enjoy play equipment, picnic areas, a band shell
for outdoor concerts, rest rooms, a visitor's center, drinking fountains, benches, gazebos, and walking trails leading to water,
herb, and shade gardens. Trail users also will be able to reach the Dubuque Soccer Complex, where rest rooms, drinking
fountains, play equipment, concessions and, of course, soccer fields, aze provided.
4. Define the quality of the site (25 points).
The City of Dubuque is an active participant in long range planning for a comprehensive bike/hike trail system that will provide
multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque metro azea. The plan calls for abike/hike network to encourage recreation and
wellness, provide safe routes to school, and promote alternative modes of transportation to help reduce air pollution and roadway
congestion. The intent is to develop safe, paved trails, with a corresponding website and maps, plus restrooms, benches and bike
racks. Completion of the bike/hike trail system will add to the region's reputation as a tourist destination for both the State of
Iowa and the tri-state area.
The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension are accessible to the rural areas north of
Dubuque, to Dubuque's north end neighborhood and central business district, and to the south end of town. The existing
County/City Heritage Trail network, however, does not connect with Dubuque's growing west and south sides or with the City of
Asbury. The Bi-lingual BikeMike Trail Signage Project provides an important link for bicyclists and pedestrians to access
passive and active recreational facilities at the City's parks and public and pazochial schools throughout the Dubuque community.
PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
5. Describe the economic benefits to the local area (10 points).
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities like the Bi-lingual Bike/I-like Trail Signage Project attract and revitalize businesses, create jobs,
and increase public revenue. These facilites have a positive impact on nearby properties because homeowners and business
people realize the value these facilities bring to their neighborhoods and the community. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities also
stimulate the local economy by attracting tourists who like to bike and hike.
Bicycle and pedestrian faciliteis like the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project are acost-effective use of public funds and
provide additional revenue in the form of sales and property taxes. The project will allow more residents to replace automobile
trips with non-motorized trips. The most common forms of non-motorized transportation are biking and walking, and the Bi-
lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage project will provide a major resource for these trips.
6. Describe special facilities for disabled users (5 points).
The City of Dubuque gives full consideration to minorities, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in all its bike/hike trail
projects. The City has along-standing commitment to a citywide bike/hike network that is accessible to all segments of the
general population, including minorities, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. All City bike/hike trail projects comply with
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) guidelines and American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) guidelines for recreational trail facilities. All City bike/hike trails are open to the public free of charge.
The City's initial investment in the citywide bike/hike network has created a 10.5-mile on-street Heritage Trail Riverfront System
through many of the community's targeted neighborhoods and the central business district. These areas have a higher than
average concentration of racial and ethnic minorities, low and moderate income households, rental units, single-parent
households, and elderly persons than the city at large.
With its link to the City's Heritage Trail Riverfront System, the Bi-Lingual Bike/I-like Trail Signage Project will provide access
to the significant population of low to moderate income, racially and ethnically diverse, and older households that reside in the
north end of Dubuque. The project will be open to all users without a fee, which also facilitates its use by economically
disadvantaged persons.
BUDGET: Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project (all costs are estimates)
Duplicate (Spanish) Trailblazer Signs
Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost
Sign fabrication $65.00 each 200 $13,000
Posts $10.00 each 200 $2,000
Labor to install $80.00 3 signs/hour 67 $5,333
Subtotal $20,333
Bi-lingual Interpretive Signs
Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost
Sign fabrication $2,500.00 each 12 $30,000
Labor to install $80.00 1 sign/hour 12 $960
Subtotal $30,960
Trail System Map Kiosks (Bi-lingual)
Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost
Sign fabrication $2,500.00 each 10 $25,000
Labor to install $80.00 1 sign/hour 10 $800
Subtotal $25,800
New Trailblazer Signs (Bi-lingual)
Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost
Sign fabrication $65.00 each 100 $6,500
Posts $10.00 each 100 $1,000
Labor to install $80.00 3 signs/hour 33 $2,667
Subtotal $10,167
Bike Lanes
Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost
Pavement Markings - Text/Symbols $100 each 24 $2,400
Pavement Markings -Linear $0.30 linear feet 8,600 $2,580
Safety/Traffic Control $5,000 lump sum 1 $5,000
Subtotal $9,980
Construction Estimate $97,240
Consultant Services
Type of Consultant Basis for Fees Percent Total Cost
Engineering Construction Estimate 12% $11,669
Graphic Design Construction Estimate 10% $9,724
Bilingual Translation Construction Estimate 5% $4,862
Subtotal $26,255
Estimated Project Total $113,515
Contingency - 10% $11,351
GRAND TOTAL $124,866