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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-2015 Strategic Plan Status Report0 City of Iowa City September 2014 Strategic Plan Status Report 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 17 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 18 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 19 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. 20 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. 21 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.