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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Chad Darter; Commissioners Alan Vincent,
Jim Prochaska, John Pregler, Charles Winterwood, and Joshua Clements.
Commissioners Excused: None.
Staff Members Present: David Johnson and Laura Carstens.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Darter at 5:30
p.m.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance
verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings
Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Prochaska, seconded by Vincent, to approve the minutes of May
20, 2015 as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —Vincent,
Prochaska, Pregler, Darter, Winterwood and Clements; Nay — None.
ACTION ITEMS
Amendment of the Dubuque Industrial Center Economic Development District Urban
Renewal Plan: Economic Development Director Maurice Jones reviewed the request.
He explained the amendment will expand the district to include the McFadden Farm,
which is 161 acres. He noted the amendment is consistent with the City of Dubuque
Comprehensive Plan which calls for sufficient opportunities for industrial development
sites within the community; promotes retention and expansion of existing, and attraction
of new, industrial development opportunities in suitable locations; and encourages
annexation of land suitable for industrial use if necessary. He explained the
Comprehensive Plan also calls for reducing unemployment, achieving economic
stability, and increasing the standard of living for all citizens.
The Commission questioned why this property is significant. Staff Member Jones
explained the property is adjacent to the current industrial park and developing the
property is a logical progression of industrial use. He noted the property owners were
also willing sellers. Staff Member Carstens added the land is identified for potential
growth in the City's Annexation Plan. She stated streets can be extended to the
property and the property can be served by City services.
Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Page 2
The Commission and staff discussed which roads might be extended to access the
property. The Commission noted the price of land and ability to attract business and
industry for this particular property is beneficial. The Commission and staff discussed
whether the industrial park would have trails and parks similar to the Bergfeld
Recreation area. Staff Member Jones stated the City will be looking into recreational
opportunities so the area is more than just a work place.
The Commission questioned how much land owned by the City is currently being used
for industrial purposes. Staff Member Jones noted at one-time the City had 900 acres
of land for industrial use and only 150 acres remain.
The Commission and staff discussed the types of industrial uses planned within the
park. Staff Member Jones replied the anticipated uses are similar to what is currently in
the Dubuque Industrial Center.
Motion by Pregler, seconded by Winterwood, to recommend approval of the
amendment of the Dubuque Industrial Center Economic Development District Urban
Renewal Plan, noting it is consistent with the 2012 City of Dubuque Comprehensive
Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler, Darter,
Winterwood and Clements; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Commission agendas: Barbara Scholl, 2855 Burlington Street, explained she is a
recent participant of the City Life Program. She discussed the importance of getting
citizens more involved in the community and budget process. She noted she
understands the Planning Commission reviews the annual budget. She noted recent
agendas and minutes of the Planning Commission do not appear to be available on the
City of Dubuque website making it difficult to know when the Commission is meeting
and what will be discussed. The Commission clarified they do not meet every month.
Staff Member Carstens explained the process for advertising meetings, and stated she
would look into Ms. Scholl's concerns.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Source of Income Ordinance: Commissioner Pregler updated the Commission on
recent progress with regard to the Source of Income Ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Vincent, seconded by Pregler, to adjourn the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Vincent, Prochaska, Pregler, Darter, Winterwood and Clements; Nay— None. The
meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted