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 September 15, 2008:

Loras College Planned Unit Development Amendment.  A first reading of the request to amend the Loras ID Institutional District to allow for a 32 unit Oaks Housing Project south of Byrne Oaks housing complex and north of Rohlman Hall was held.  Loras will resurface its tennis courts to provide over 100 new parking spots in addition to the 32 spots that will be adjacent to the housing complex.  The second reading will be held at the next Council meeting at which time it is anticipated to be approved.  The City’s higher education institutions are community assets, and as such, must have the ability to expand and grow.

Carnegie Stout Public Library Renovation Project. Plans and specifications, form of contract, and the estimated cost of just over $5 million for the Carnegie Stout Public Library renovation project were presented. The Durrant Group will be the architects for the project that will result in the first LEED existing building certified in the State of Iowa. Action:  5-0 to approve.

Development of Speculative Building – Development Agreement.  The Council considered approval of a Resolution to accept the proposal from the Spiegel Family Realty of Iowa LLC for the purchase of 11.26 acres of property in the Dubuque Industrial Center Urban Renewal District and to approve the Development Agreement for the construction of a 200,000 square foot speculative industrial building costing approximately $7.7million.  Action:  5-0 to approve.

Bee Branch Project - General Obligation Bonds. The recommendation of an issuance of not to exceed $4,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds for the Bee Branch Project to pay the costs of storm water management and improvements, including the acquisition of properties, was presented.  Repayment will be through storm water utility fees.  Action:  5-0 to approve.

Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District – General Obligation Bonds. The recommendation of an issuance of not to exceed $3,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds to provide funds for the Library Renovation Project and the Kephart Building renovations was presented.  Repayment will be through the tax increment revenue of the downtown urban renewal district.  Action: 5-0 to approve.

Dubuque Industrial Center West Urban Renewal District – General Obligation Bonds. The recommendation of an issuance of not to exceed $3,100,000 in General Obligation Bonds to pay the costs associated with the North Siegert Farm demolition and grading project at the Dubuque Industrial Center West was presented. Action: 5-0 to approve.

“Blueprint for Local Climate Action”
As of this writing, I am participating in an historic climate action meeting with 50 of the nation’s government leaders to develop a “Blueprint for Local Climate Action” for the next President.  We were invited to identify opportunities to enhance local-federal climate change collaboration.  The retreat is organized by Climate Communities, a coalition of local governments that is advocating for federal support for local climate action, and ICLEI USA, an association of local governments that is helping communities measure their carbon footprint and implement local climate action plans.

As a founding member of Climate Communities, the City of Dubuque is proud to be a part of the growing national movement leading our nation to energy independence, a prosperous new economy based on clean energy and green jobs, and preservation of our planet for our children and grandchildren. 

I will be facilitating a “Green Jobs & Green Businesses” breakout session at this retreat.  Dubuque’s Council has sustainability as a key policy priority.  Our sustainability model includes economic prosperity, and “green collar jobs” play an important role in that model. 

The blueprint we are working on will focus on federal policies needed to empower local communities to make progress in reducing vehicle miles traveled, implementing green buildings, creating green energy, promoting green jobs, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
We also will determine a strategy to implement the blueprint which includes meeting with the new President’s transition team in December, educating key members of Congress and communicating the message of the critical role local governments play in addressing climate change.

More to come!