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Location: Blogs365 BlogsBuol on Dubuque - by Mayor Roy D. Buol    
Posted by: tristate 8/7/2008 3:18 PM
“City Issues & Council Actions”
by Mayor Roy D. Buol

The City Council and Staff continually strive for enhanced transparency and efficiency in government. The following encompasses a brief update on City issues and Council actions on August 4, 2008:

Keymont Drive Request to Rezone.
As noted in the last issue, a public hearing was held on July 21 on a request to rezone an undeveloped 12-acre strip of land on the City’s west end from single family residential to two family residential. The proposed project, a 40-unit townhouse community, will incorporate green building techniques that may include such things as permeable pavers, rain gardens and bioswales to help sequester storm water on the site. Other “green” sustainable features of the project include a park area and a hike/bike trail that will be dedicated to the City. The first reading passed with a vote of 5-1, and the second reading was scheduled for August 4.

Since that time, Mr. Charles Daoud, representing 4-All, LLC, the group behind the green design, responded in writing to questions raised about the project, and additionally he extended an offer to organize an educational seminar on “green designs” in partnership with Eric Schmechel (Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District) and Wayne Peterson (Iowa Department of Agriculture Land Stewardship). City Planner Laura Carstens also provided the Council with responses to earlier questions about sidewalks, access and green design techniques. Although the public hearing on the rezoning application was held, and closed, on July 21, I did permit a Keymont neighborhood representative, who indicated he had new information to present, to address the Council last night. Mr. Daoud was likewise allowed to speak.

As I said at the meeting, the mere fact that it’s an “infill development” is sustainable in itself. This project represents a situation where the developer is a little ahead of where the city is at in its evaluation of sustainable design techniques. The developer wants this to become a “best practice” development that others will choose to follow in the future.

Council members voted, 6-1, to waive the third reading of the ordinance change and voted, 6-1, to rezone the nearly 12 acres from single-family to two-family residential. The preliminary plat of the property will now be reviewed by the Zoning Commission.

Riverfront Marina Project.
The City Manager recommended approval of in the selection of JJR, from Madison, Wisconsin, as the professional design consultant for the Port of Dubuque – Riverfront Marina Project. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2009. Council members voted, 7-0, to approve the recommendation.

Dubuque Industrial Center West.
The City Manager recommended approval of the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the Dubuque Industrial Center West – North Siegert Farm Project which includes the grading of approximately 1,369,950 cubic yards of excavation on the 128 acre City-owned property. This project is necessary because the graded area is filling up due to job and business growth/expansion. Council members voted, 7-0, to approve the recommendation.

Don’t Forget!
Join us at a 175th Anniversary celebration event scheduled on August 8, 9, 10 -- “Discover Dubuque!” Citizens & tourists alike will experience an entertaining walk through Dubuque history…featuring the original music of The Unstrung Heroes Band (Lou Fautsch, Bob Dunn, Paul Benner, Keith Yoder and Peg Jones); historic photographs obtained from The Center for Dubuque History, the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and the Telegraph Herald; and “live” narratives by me, Councilwoman Karla Braig, Jerry Enzler, Katie Fischer, Randy Gehl, Paul Hemmer, Tom Reilly and David Rusk. And, of course, there will be an appearance by Lola, the “Little Old Lady of Dubuque!” Tickets are available at the Five Flags Box Office and Ticketmaster locations. I invite everyone to join us as we, perhaps a new way, Discover Dubuque…its history, the people, the music, and the fun!
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