HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-2015 Strategic Plan Status Report0
City of Iowa City
September 2014
Strategic Plan Status Report
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Contents
City of Iowa City Organizational Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Strategic Plan Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2014-2015 Strategic Planning Calendar .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Core Values for City Employees* .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Strategic Plan Priorities ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Strategic Economic Development Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 5
A Strong Urban Core .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Healthy Neighborhoods ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
A Solid Financial Foundation ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Enhanced Communication and Marketing ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values ..................................................................... 19
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives ........................................................................................................................................ 21
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City of Iowa City Organizational Profile
Iowa City is governed by an elected city council of seven members: four council members at-large and three district members. The council is responsible for appointing the city manager, city
attorney, and city clerk. The city manager serves as the chief administrative officer for the organization. The city manager implements the policy decisions of the city council, enforces city
ordinances, and appoints city officials, as well as supervises the directors of the city’s operating departments.
Iowa City employs approximately 600 full-time staff members to execute the city council’s policies and provide public services to over 70,000 citizens. The City provides numerous utilities to its
citizens including water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage and recycling services. In addition, the city provides many other services including public safety, building and housing inspections,
parks and recreation, street maintenance, engineering, development services, transportation, and senior services.
In 2008, Iowa City was designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO becoming the third city recognized internationally and the first and only U.S. city to date. Since 2012, the city has been
recognized in over twenty “Best Of” publications including as “One of America’s Best Small Cities,” by Money Magazine, the “4th Best U.S. College Destination,” by the American Institute for
Economic Research, 8th “Best Performing Small City,” by the Milken Institute, “A Top Literary City,” by Highbrow Magazine and the 13th “Best Small City for Business and Careers,” by Forbes.
City Council Members
Matt Hayek, Mayor
Susan Mims, Mayor Pro Tem
Rick Dobyns, District A
Terry Dickens, District B
Jim Throgmorton, District C
Michelle Payne, At-large
Kingsley Botchway II, At-large
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Strategic Plan Process
The strategic planning process involves multiple steps, including gathering input from the general public, City staff, and the City Council. The planning process focused on 1) Issues, Concerns,
Trends and Opportunities 2) On-Going or Committed Projects 3) Significant and New Projects, Programs, Policies and Initiatives and 4) Organizational Effectiveness.
The 2014-2015 Strategic Plan outlines the primary areas of focus for the community. Numerous additional projects, initiatives and policy matters that are not specifically mentioned in this
document have been carried out or will also be addressed as appropriate.
The City staff continues to coordinate various actions that contribute to successful outcomes in each of the identified focus areas. This Status Report notes each of the focus areas, explains the
major accomplishments to date, and presents a sample of future plans to further these goals.
2014-2015 Strategic Planning Calendar
Fall 2013 Public and City staff input presented to the City Council
Strategic planning work session with the City Council
Winter 2013 Adoption of the Strategic Plan
2014-2015 Implementation of action items
Periodic status updates
Fall 2015 Final action steps completed
Creation of a new 2016-17 Strategic Plan
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Core Values for City Employees*
Strategic Plan Priorities
Fostering a more INCLUSIVE and SUSTAINABLE Iowa City through
a commitment to:
Strategic Economic Development Activities
A Strong Urban Core
Healthy Neighborhoods
A Solid Financial Foundation
Enhanced Communication and Marketing
Note: The City Council has expressed that inclusivity and sustainability are guiding
principles that should be considered when working within each of the stated
priorities
Integrity
Mean what you say
Do as you say
Be honest
Be ethical
Be consistent
Be committed
Communication
Be expressive
Provide feedback
Be friendly/open
Be clear
Be authentic
Be reflective
Listen
Leadership
See the whole picture
Take risks
Show passion
Be respectful
Be tactful
Engage
Empower others
Celebrate others
Be collaborative
Be supportive
Inspiration
Encourage others
Help set the pace
Be excited about the future
Show faith in your team
Be visionary
Embrace new concepts
Don’t quit before you start
Life-Long Learning
Be self-directed
Show creativity
Find solutions from multiple sources
Seek to learn
Evaluate and adjust when needed
Share knowledge
Practice what you learn
*Core values were developed by Iowa City staff
during the 2012-13 strategic plan year
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Strategic Economic Development Activities
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas
that have established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Towncrest
Completed the Williams Street streetscape improvements in conjunction
with the new commercial buildings on Muscatine and Williams
Awarded the second façade grant in the district to Iowa City Hospice
(completed)
Supported multiple state grant applications for new senior housing
redevelopment on Williams Street
Improved appearance of the Kerr-McGee property
Approved plans for a new apartment building to replace a blighted
parcel immediately west of Memory Gardens Cemetery
Continue to market the Kerr-McGee property for
redevelopment
Identify further redevelopment options in the district
Continue to offer façade improvement opportunities
to existing businesses
Expand streetscape enhancements as redevelopment
occurs
Work with the private sector on redevelopment
strategies for the Town and Campus apartments
Iowa City Marketplace
and First Avenue
Retail Corridor
Completed significant public improvement projects on Lower Muscatine,
Sycamore and First Avenue to improve storm water management, traffic
flow, bicycle/pedestrian accommodations and aesthetic appeal of the
corridor
Launched a farmers market at the Iowa City Marketplace
Mall ownership announced Lucky’s Market as new anchor tenant (to
open in 2015)
Initiate the First Avenue grade separation project
(2015-2016)
Continue to work with the Iowa City Marketplace
ownership group to revitalize the property and fill
vacant spaces
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Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Highway 6 /
Highway 1
Completed environmental assessments on city owned land at Riverside and
Highway 6
Began relocating public facilities from the Riverside and Highway 6 property
Facilitated the sale of multiple airport properties in Aviation Commerce Park
for private redevelopment
Completed work on the Highway 1 pedestrian trail project
USPS announced relocation to Pepperwood Plaza with Tuesday Morning
taking the vacated former Goodwill property
Continue to relocate public facilities and market the property at
Riverside and Highway 6 for redevelopment
Continue to market the remaining airport parcels for redevelopment
Facilitate redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties along
the corridor
Work with the Airport Commission on the development of unused
south airport property
420th Street
Industrial Park
Completed the public infrastructure improvements and achieved shovel
ready status from ICAD and the State of Iowa
Engaged Binswanger for real estate brokerage services
Continue to market the property in coordination with Binswanger
and ICAD
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Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Moss Ridge Campus
and Northgate
Worked with Moss Ridge Campus and Pearson to negotiate an access road to
the property and secured a secured a $1.9 million RISE grant for the project
Completed property acquisition and accepted bids for the new Moss Ridge
Road
Complete the platting of Moss Ridge Campus development
lots
Assist with private development issues as needed
Complete construction of Moss Ridge Road
Other Economic
Development Efforts
Finalized a land trade with Hy-Vee to facilitate their relocation and expansion
on the former Robert’s Dairy property on North Dodge Street.
Executed an agreement with ALPLA to expand their Iowa City operations and
bring high quality jobs into the community
Cooperation with significant UI projects including the School of Music, Art
Building West, Hancher, and the Children’s Hospital
Awarded CDBG small business assistance to Butter and included an additional
$75,000 for expanded micro-enterprise assistance in FY 2015
Achieved a 6.3% reduction in the City property tax rate over the last three
years
Sponsored Mission Creek and the 2014 Entre Fest, a three-day educational
conference for entrepreneurs & innovators, in downtown Iowa City
Revised the City’s economic development policies to better match strategic
plan objectives
Continue to explore a ‘Corridor Compact’ with neighboring
communities
Expand city presence at the ICAD Co-Lab and encourage
young entrepreneurs to grow their business in the local
community
Evaluate expanded Co-Lab facilities
Work to retain Entre Fest in Iowa City
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A Strong Urban Core
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Downtown
Iowa City and
Northside
Marketplace
Notable continued partnerships with the ICDD including BenchMarks, TreeHuggers, advertising, power
washing, expanded WiFi, coffee with a cop, support of their ‘friends’ fundraising effort, retail
assessment, Northside Marketplace lighting and a dedicated police officer position in the district
Successfully completed the first full year of the “first hour free” parking initiative and expanded
parking for automobiles and mopeds on Washington and Dubuque streets.
New and expanded special events including One Book Two Book, Soul Fest, Oktoberfest, and
Hometown Huddle
Executed an agreement with Meta Communications to expand their business to the Park at 201 and
added high quality jobs in the community
Facilitated significant private redevelopment efforts including the MidwestOne historic building,
Grossix building, and the Northside Commons project
Completed the first round Building Change façade grant projects and expanded the program with local
banks for a second round, which is currently underway
Adopted the Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan and commenced work on phase one
design
Continue to work with the private sector to
strengthen and diversify the economic base
Implementation of the downtown streetscape plan
Consider additional policy changes that can assist in
meeting the shared goals of the City and ICDD
(signage, dumpster/alleys, café regulations)
Work with the ICDD on targeted business
recruitment
Continue to strengthen the Downtown Ambassador
and coffee with a cop programs
Consider a development agreement for the
Chauncey project at Gilbert and College
Evaluate multi-use building with New Pioneer Co-
op on the Recreation Center parking lot
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A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Downtown
Iowa City and
Northside
Marketplace
(continued)
Resurfaced the playground area as one of many master plan quickstart projects
Contracted with Shelter House for supplemental cleaning efforts before, during and after home
football games
Started “#ThankYouIowaCity”, which is a card that Officer Schwindt, or other officers working in the
downtown area, can hand out to someone for doing something to make downtown a great place. A
number of downtown businesses have signed on to sponsor the project and offer thank you rewards
Explore more partnerships with the Shelter House
to expand maintenance operations
Create a multi-modal traffic model to better
evaluate street designs
Evaluate Jefferson Hotel repurposing with the UI
Launch a mobile payment application for parking
The Library will develop a multi-faceted program
for all ages centered around the theme of music
and utilizing a variety of downtown venues
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A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the
region, serves persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Riverfront Crossings
Working to finalize the Burlington Street Dam and
Iowa River Restoration study, as well as initial park
planning for the north waste water plant site
Developed the form based code and introduced
changes to parking regulations in the RFC and
downtown areas
Partnered with MidwestOne Bank on their new
facility that is under construction
Secured an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant to
demolish the North Wastewater Plant, stabilize some
creek and river banks, and establish an urban wetland
Received 6 proposals for the City’s Court and Linn
property
City has initiated rezoning of several properties in the
South Downtown sub-district
Enter into a development agreement for the Court
and Linn property
Continue to develop plans for a 640 space parking
facility and 28 unit townhouse project near the
MidwestOne office building
Finalize the riverfront park master plan process
Consider land acquisition strategies to return
properties in the 100 year flood plain to open space
and secure ROW needed for road reconfigurations
Demolish the North Wastewater Plant
Plan public improvements for Riverside Drive
Continue to work with the private sector on multiple
redevelopment projects, including the Kinseth Hotel
on Clinton and Burlington and a multi-family building
on Riverside (Hartwig Motors site)
Work with the University of Iowa on the School of
Music and Art Museum projects
Implement the Clinton / Burlington intersection
improvements
Consider affordable housing policies
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Healthy Neighborhoods
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Land Use Regulations
Completed annexations for two new elementary
schools in Iowa City
Created a new Horace Mann Conservation District
Amended the City Code to allow for Outdoor Service
Areas in residential and mixed-use zones associated
with restaurants
Initiated the South District planning effort
Consider recommendations from the South District
Plan update
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Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Public Infrastructure
Enhanced CIP funding for neighborhood parks
Installed the Sycamore Greenway trail head public
artwork in the Grant Wood neighborhood
Selected a consultant to complete park planning
services for Willow Creek and Kiwanis parks
Negotiated an agreement for the Chadek property,
which will be converted to infill parkland
Secured future infill parkland through the Palisades
development on North Dubuque Road
Working with the ICCSD to create a community
center partnership at the new south elementary
Developed new park signage at multiple locations
Began planning for neighborhood park
improvements at Court Hill Park, Tower Court and
Highland Park
Converted South Governor Street (Bowery to
Burlington) from one-way to two-way traffic
Ensure that future CIP funding is sufficiently provided
for core neighborhood improvements
Continue to promote the Neighborhood Traffic
Calming Program
Continue the Program for Improving Neighborhoods
(PIN) grant program
Install a new playground feature at Mercer Park
Implement plan for improvements to Willow Creek
and Kiwanis parks
Continue to rollout the new park signage
Developing an RFP for planning services related to
City Park
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Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Actions
Accomplishments Future Plans
Private
Building Stock
Completed phases one (26 homes) and two (4 homes) of the UniverCity program.
Completed 10 of 17 homes in phase three and commenced work on phase four (10 homes)
Continued the GRIP rehab program and assisted 19 existing homeowners over the last two
years with 5 more pending
Used CDBG and HOME funds to rehab 24 homes with 5 more pending
The new Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program assisted 18 homes over the last
year with 6 more pending
Implementing a Green Building pilot program
Continue to obtain funding resources to continue the
UniverCity, GRIP and Targeted Neighborhood Improvement
programs
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Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Actions
Accomplishments Future Plans
Nuisance
Mitigation
Updated the rental disclosure forms to better inform tenants of local ordinances and increased the
fine for non-compliance with the form requirement
Increasingly used existing code provisions to require annual property inspections when nuisance or
criminal complaints are received
Added more City departments to ICgovXpress to be more responsive to neighbor issues, including
the Police Department, which is able to respond 24/7.
Continue to utilize the new neighborhood liaison position in the ICPD to work with Neighborhood
Services, Housing & Inspection Services, Landlords, Tenants, and Associations on nuisance related
matters
Restructured staff in Neighborhood and Development Services to better be able to respond to
nuisance issues
Provided training to local Board of Realtors on issues related to property management, specifically
relating to occupancy and tenant behavior.
Continue outreach to neighborhoods to promote
ICgovXpress and the Neighborhood Liaison Police
Officer program
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Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Open Stakeholder
Communication
Assisted neighborhood associations in reestablishing a more active
Neighborhood Council and provided necessary resources to respond
to the interests as determined by the membership.
Formed new neighborhood associations in the Mercer Park / Dover
Street neighborhood and in the Mark Twain neighborhood (Lucas
Farms)
Helped establish a business association in the Gilbert Court area to
address growing public safety concerns
Consolidated the HIS and Planning Departments to streamline
communication with residents and businesses
Initiated a “Coffee with a Cop” program with the Iowa City Downtown
District
Continued staff outreach to various neighborhood associations and
assisted with communications as appropriate
Weekly visits by Library staff to Neighborhood Centers established
relationships with children who participated in the Summer Reading
Program.
Continue to expand ICgovXpress to other parts of the organization
Continue to work with the ICCSD on facility issues, including exploring
partnerships to enhance facilities and offer before and after school
programming, and increasing participation in the Library Summer
Reading Program
Continue to work with the Neighborhood Council to provide resources
and guidance to address their interests.
Updated Planning
Documents
Initiated a new south district planning effort anticipating the new
Alexander Elementary School opening in 2015.
Complete South District Plan update
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A Solid Financial Foundation
Goal: The City aim to create a strong and sustainable financial foundation that will provide needed stability and flexibility while utilizing taxpayer dollars in the most
efficient and responsible manner.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Financial Policies
Adopted economic development policies to help guide the use of
public incentives
Reduced the municipal property tax rate in each of the last three
years (6.3% decline)
Reduced debt service payments by nearly 28% since 2013
Created an emergency reserve fund to protect against rapid revenue
loss or assist with disaster mitigation needs
Evaluated fee structures of various services and established new
revenue benchmarks to reduce property tax dependency
Participated in the LOST Exploratory Committee
Take steps to deal with the impacts projected from the State
of Iowa’s property tax relief legislation
Continue to reduce the property tax rate and explore options
for diversification of our revenue sources
Continue to review service charges to ensure that rates are
sustainable and sufficiently recover costs
Present informational materials on LOST to various
organizations and the general public. LOST will be considered
on the November 2014 ballot.
Financial Analysis and
Communication to the Public
Maintained the City’s AAA bond rating from Moody’s
Received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation award for the
first time in over twenty years in 2012 and received a second award
again in 2013
Received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting for the 28th consecutive year
Continue to enhance the budget document and associated
financial reporting
Incorporate performance measures that are linked to the
City Council’s strategic plan
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Enhanced Communication and Marketing
Goal: The City strives to be a high-functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through
clear, open and innovative communication methods.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Coordinated
Communications
Established a growing social media
presence through multiple platforms
Initiated a website redesign process in
partnership with the University of
Iowa
Began to participate in new student
orientations at the University of Iowa
Received a top score from the
Sunshine Review for excellence in
website transparency
Library card registration and Summer
Reading Program materials available
in Spanish. Door to door solicitation
and school visits increased number of
Spanish speaking families with library
cards.
Continue efforts to better coordinate messages coming from various city
departments
Continue to implement the Munis centralized computer software program
Further integrate the use of social media into the organization and introduce more
interactive efforts that engage key staff and elected officials in social media
Explore a refined city brand to help marketing and communication efforts
Develop select materials in multiple languages including library registration and
summer reading program materials
Plan for electronic newsletter options for Library users
Senior Center to explore shift to more electronic communications
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Enhanced Communication and Marketing (continued)
Goal: The City strives to be a high-functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through clear, open and
innovative communication methods.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Customer Service
Orientation
Finalizing design on a City Hall front lobby remodel and way finding upgrade to provide a
more welcoming environment for the public.
Expanding the electronic development plan submission process that was initiated in
2013
Initiated an instantaneous email alert to contractors after building inspections have been
completed
In coordination with the University of Iowa and Coralville, launched a transit trip planner
application http://planner.ebongo.org
Launched ParkMe smart phone application
Installed accessible door openers on second floor restroom doors of the Library
Library circulation policies reviewed from customer point of view; fine structure
simplified, number of holds increased.
Continue to examine ways to streamline
interactions between the city and public
Expand instantaneous email alert to housing
inspections
Install Iowa DOT self-serve kiosk at the Library
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Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values
Category Project Status
Inclusive
City Park Pool ADA
Improvements The project was substantially completed prior to the 2014 summer swimming season.
Curb Ramp Program An inventory has been completed and a work plan is being developed. The City Council doubled the funding for repairs in FY 2015.
1105 Challenge Grant The 1105 Project continues has been completed.
Fast Trac Funding Work continues through the Diversity Focus organization.
Ad Hoc Diversity
Recommendations
The recommendations have been received and staff is actively working on implementation. The “DIF” report provides significant detail on
actions the Police Department has taken related to these recommendations. There are numerous outreach initiatives that have been
started or expanded in the last two years.
Welcoming City Initiative The City has officially signed up for this program and has joined a network of other cities aiming to create a more welcoming, immigrant-
friendly community.
Mayors for the Freedom
to Mary Coalition Mayor Hayek has joined nearly 400 other Mayors in this effort to support equal marriage rights for all people.
Municipal Equality Index Received the top score in the State of Iowa on the Municipal Equality Index rating from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Downtown Banners
The City partnered with ICAD, CVB, ICDD and the University of Iowa to install new banners that feature a diverse mix of local residents
and several languages. The banners are meant to extend a welcome to new students and all residents and express the City’s inclusive
values.
Fair Lending Training The Human Rights Commission and staff are coordinating this training for area realtors and lenders. The program will be administered by
staff from the John Marshall Law School and stems from a recommendation in the recently released Impediments to Fair Housing report.
Court Hill ADA
Improvements
This sidewalk infill project creates an accessible path from Court Street to Friendship Street through Court Hill Park. Currently, no
accessible route exists at this location.
Staff Training
In 2014, staff responsible for frequent interactions with the public undertook cultural competency training from Culture Friendly
Consulting. Transportation Services staff participated in a training session titled “Building Diversity Skills in the Transit Workplace”, which
was offered by the National Transit Institute.
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Category Project Status
Inclusive
(cont.)
International Student
Orientation
Staff worked with the University of Iowa and now participates in the international student orientations and other related events
throughout the year. This gives the City a chance to welcome new international students and break down communication barriers for
these new residents of our community.
Senior Center Training Promoted multiculturalism and inclusiveness by hosting a professionally facilitated diversity training session during the Senior Center’s
annual members meeting.
Police Department
Community Outreach
The Police Department has initiated several new outreach programs including a basketball program at South East Junior High, a youth
police academy and participation in events such as national Night Out, Juneteenth and others.
Fire Department Cadet
Program
Working with the school district, the FD developed and held its first “Fire Cadet” program. The department also continued involvement
with promoting fire safety with UI Housing through the annual RA Academy.
Sustainable
University of Iowa IISC
Partnership
Iowa City was selected as a partner and the City Council has executed the agreement. Work will commence in the spring of 2014.
New Sustainability Office Shifted the focus of the Environmental Coordinator in Public Works to a Sustainability Coordinator in Neighborhood and Development
Services.
Edible Forest Project The City partnered with Backyard Abundance to receive a $23k grant for public orchard project that expands the Edible Forest Maze in
Weatherby Park.
Heartland Network
Climate Adaptation
Initiative
Iowa City has joined with several other Midwestern communities and received a grant to work with climatologists to better understand
and prepare for challenges associated with climate changes.
Animal Shelter Committed to adding a geo-thermal component to the Animal Shelter project.
LED Streetlight
Conversions
Staff is actively converting city owned streetlights to LED. Similarly, we are attempting to work with Mid-American Energy on a plan to
convert their lights to LED over the next few years.
Prescription Drug
Program
The Police Department sought and was awarded a grant from CVS to install a prescription drug container in their lobby. This program
provides the public a 24/7 option to keep old prescriptions out of the waste stream and our waterways.
Awareness and Discount
Programs
Staff continues to work with local retailers to offer discounted rain barrels and compost bins to the community. As part of Earth Day
events staff also hosted educational programs on gardening, composting, bike maintenance and other topics at the East Side Recycling
Center.
Electric Vehicle Purchase Purchased the City’s first electric vehicle for use at the South Wastewater Plant
Earthbox Project The Senior Center started this program which saw members plant and maintain vegetable gardens at senior assisted living and day-care
facilities targeting low-income and frail seniors.
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Other Significant Projects and Initiatives
Category Project Status
Public
Facilities
Animal Shelter Construction is underway
City Hall Lobby Upgrade Design documents are being completed with work planned for early 2015.
South Wastewater Plant
Expansion The project has been awarded to J.J. Henderson. Construction is nearly complete.
Police Storage and Fire
Training The departments are evaluating options anticipating the loss of storage and training facilities at the North Wastewater Plant.
Riverfront Crossings
Parking Facility Working with Midwest One Bank on a new facility to be located on Harrison Street in the Riverfront Crossings district.
22
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Flood
Recovery
Gateway Project National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Process has been completed. Design and engineering has commenced.
West Side Levee Construction is underway with final completion expected in 2015.
Rocky Shore Flood
Gate/Lift Station The project has been awarded and construction is underway.
North Wastewater Plant
Demolition
The plant has been decommissioned and an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant has been secured. Work is expected to commence
in winter of 2014-2015.
Peninsula Secondary
Access The City is coordinating with a private property owner on the extension of Laura Drive to the Mackinaw subdivision.
23
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Public
Infrastructure
Burlington/Clinton
Intersection This project is being designed. Construction is planned for 2015.
Burlington/Madison
Intersection Staff is currently pursuing additional funding opportunities. Plans will be completed after final funding is secured.
Downtown Streetscape The plan has been adopted and implementation activities have commenced. Ped Mall improvements are being designed in 2014.
Dubuque Street
Pedestrian Bridge I-80 Preliminary concept has been developed. Planned for construction in 2015.
24
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Public
Infrastructure
(cont.)
First Avenue Railroad
Grade Separation Final design is near completion. Property acquisition is currently underway. Construction to begin in 2015.
First Avenue Storm Sewer
Phase 2 The project has been completed.
Moss Ridge Road Property acquisition and design are completed. Construction is underway.
Lower Muscatine Road
Reconstruction Construction is complete.
Park Road 3rd Lane The design is being done as part of the Gateway Project and will be constructed with that project.
Harrison Street
Reconstruction The project is currently under design and is being coordinated with the MidwestOne office building.
25
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Parkland
Development
Kiwanis / Willow Park
Improvements Master planning and design is underway. Construction expected in 2014-2015.
Ned Ashton House The facility is open for rentals and final grounds improvements are nearly complete.
Lower City Park
Emergency Access
Project will create an emergency access to only be used for emergencies and access to City Park if the Park Road access becomes
unusable during construction associated with the Gateway project
Mercer Park Playground The project will be pursued in 2015.
Normandy Drive
Restoration Phase one has been completed. Phase two is pending design and award.
26
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Other
Utility Billing and ERP
Software Staff is currently implementing the software. Completion is expected in early 2015.