ECIA Annual Report

ECIA

Annual Report F is ca l Y e ar 2 0 1 1

A message from Kelley

If you would have told me 10 years ago when I became Executive Director that I would be overseeing two transit systems and replacing an entire fleet of buses for the city of Dubuque and that the buses would be Mountain Dew Green, I would have said you were crazy! That has been my reality this past fiscal year - buses, buses and more buses. The impact goes far beyond the bright green sleek look. Over $350,000 annually will be saved in fuel and maintenance costs while lowering our carbon footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, during this past fiscal year, we again had rain and flood damage; were very busy writing federal transportation and transit grants; expanded our Buyer Supplier and Petal Project programs; successfully found 54 homebuyers and started construction on over half of the homes through the New Production 3 program; had an extremely positive year financially and in RTA ridership; saw a positive shift in the construction field with an increased number of housing inspections; and saw a change in the overall economy with increased interest in our economic development loan programs.

Thank you to our staff for being such a great team to work with and to our ECIA Council for having the vision to encourage staff to present new challenges and opportunities that pushes us to our limits, allowing us to grow and respond to our member governments’ needs.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

US Department of Commerce 3.6%

FY 11 FUNDING SOURCES

State Funds 9.5%

Membership Fees 1.4%

LT Borrowing 0.5%

US Deparment of Homeland Security (FEMA) 1.9%

Service Fees & Assessments 5.8% Business Growth 4.0%

US Department of Health & Human Services 4.9%

Special Contracts 11.1% US Department of Transportation 5.2% US Department of Labor 9.9%

US Department of Housing & Urban Development 42.3%

EIRHA The Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority assists low income families and the elderly through two main housing rental assistance programs, Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). EIRHA assisted over 1,018 households last fiscal year through the HCV program. Additionally, family self-sufficiency coordinators worked with a network of service providers and task force groups to assist 88 families to reach economic self-sufficiency.

In January 2011, EIRHA received funding to support a second Coordinator for the Section 8 HCV Program due to increased interest from participating households.

Through EIRHA’s housing development program, todate, eight lots have been purchased in Manchester and Asbury, and new single family homes were built and sold to qualified buyers.

Existing single family homes in Lost Nation and Dyersville were rehabilitated and sold through a rent to own option to qualifying families. EIRHA Housing Counseling staff in conjunction with the ECIA Community Development staff helped administer the New Production 3 program, an Iowa Department of Economic Development initiative that covered down payment costs for moderate income household to construct 54 single family houses and town homes in several locations in Dubuque. Construction began in the summer of 2011.

EIRHA staff look forward to another productive year providing decent, safe, and affordable housing for eligible households.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

The Jule

In late 2010, The Jule received two FTA grants, the State of Good Repair and Clean Fuels, totaling $3.8 million for new transit vehicles and ITS equipment (Automatic Vehicle Location system, Automatic Voice Announcement system, Mobile Data Terminals, security camera equipment, etc.).

The new fleet started to arrive at the end of the fiscal year.

The Jule continues to work with IBM and City staff on a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Study as part of Smarter Sustainable Dubuque. The goal is to determine the most efficient and effective use of the system, areas of greatest demand and potential demand, best location and route times, etc. IBM, through their Smartphone application, will help gather the real-time data and on-going information that will help in these determinations.

In addition to the Smartphone application, we have issued 500 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to current transit users, to track boarding and de-boardings as well as the buses’ GPS location. IBM will process the data and issue a report for the Jule to review and consider route improvements.

The IA DOT/Office of Public Transit recognized The Jule as the “Most Improved Transit System” (highest increase in ridership and decreased cost per ride). The Jule was also recognized by the FTA for having the ‘Highest Percentage Decrease in Cost per Ride”.

We continue to seek ways to increase the quality of transit service to the community while keeping costs down.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Region 1 The Region 1 IowaWORKS Center in Dubuque spent most of the year implementing a new Integrated Services model. This model has resulted in a large increase in the number of WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker participants.

For example, in 2008 a total of 475 Adults and Dislocated Workers were served through the WIA program. In 2009 the number was 2,052 and in 2010 the number increased to 3,199.

However, numbers alone do not tell the complete story. Services provided to job seekers at offices throughout the region have been well received and have made a real difference in helping people obtain employment and lead more prosperous lives. The following is one individual’s success story.

“John” was a dislocated worker who had been permanently laid off from his position as a welder. Initially John was interested in returning to school, but couldn’t decide on a program.

During our first visit, he was very interested in participating in the 2008 EPJ program while he contemplated an educational program. As he met with his WIA staff member throughout the summer, at the worksite where he was placed, he decided he wanted to become a computer analyst. In the fall of 2009, he was enrolled in the computer analyst program at a local community college and received financial assistance through the local dislocated worker formula program, and also through the EPJ program. John graduated in May 2011 and obtained full time employment as a QA Analyst at a large company.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Prosperity Eastern Iowa

Prosperity unveiled a new logo and improved website in conjunction with a direct mail campaign that targeted 100 audiences every two weeks for three months. The mail piece contained information about transportation networks, population and education levels in the region and one featured site or building in each participating county.

In 2010 an interactive career exploration game, entrepreneur resources, and 13 on-thejob videos of young professionals in the region were added to AccessMyFuture.com. There are currently plans to add a Career-Test-Drive component that will connect young people with job shadow opportunities.

The goal of Buyer Supplier is to shift 5% of outof-region purchasing back into the region, which will expand our local economy by $6.5 billion.

We now have over 1,100 registered companies participating in the regional purchasing program. Upgrades to the Buyer Supplier website will make connecting with businesses and posting RFPs easier for those in the network.

There are currently 15 businesses participating in the Petal Project green business certification program. Organizations vary from small retail stores to financial and educational institutions and manufacturing operations. On December 5, 2010 Finley Hospital became the first Petal Certified business.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Region 8 Regional Transit Authority On June 22, 2011 the Federal Transit Administration recognized the Region 8 Regional Transit Authority for their “notable increase in passenger ridership (9.83%) and decrease in cost per ride (12.84%)”. This accomplishment was made possible through diligent efforts to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality of quantity of service. The RTA also secured capital replacement grants that reduced the age of the fleet from an average age of 7 years to 5 years, thus reducing the maintenance and fuel consumption.

Also in June, Mobility Coordinator Bridget Bartlett and Transit Director Mark Munson were guest speakers in Indianapolis, IN at the national Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) 25th annual meeting. Bridget and Mark presented on the topic of engaging public participation in the development of public transit services. CTAA the RTA public engagement process was a model that should be shared with the members of the national organization.

One of the innovations shared at the CTAA conference was the RTA’s fundraising efforts that include a Black Tie Bowling event and an RTA Cookbook. As traditional federal funds are poised to be reduced, the RTA has proactively developed a more diverse approach to raising transit revenue in addition to increased productivity and efficiencies.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Community Development

When it rains, it pours. Flood grant administration because of 2008 and 2010 floods has kept staff busy. Rains caused flooding along the Maquoketa River, affecting Manchester and Hopkinton, plus destruction of the Lake Delhi dam. Staff assisted Hopkinton and Manchester with FEMA applications to acquire 14 flood-damaged properties. Also, 33 households were assisted through the Iowans Helping Iowans program to repair their homes.

Other activities included CDBG administration for sewer/water plant renovations, affecting 11,781 individuals in seven cities; one community facility project, that will serve 3,315 people annually; two homeownership assistance programs; and three owner-occupied housing rehabilitation programs.

Eastern Iowa Rural Utility Services System (EIRUSS) activities included design and preliminary administrative work on the Leisure Lake wastewater system. The project will serve 340 households in Jackson County. Construction on a $1 million wastewater system for the Fairview community began in FY11. The system will serve approximately 60 users.

Nearly 1,000 inspections were completed for Asbury and Peosta. Four counties were assisted with hazard mitigation planning. Staff also worked with the city of Dubuque to administer historic funding grant for improvements to the Shot Tower and assist the City with the acquisition of properties for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Transportation

The city of Dubuque Millwork District complete streets project, funded by the TIGER program, broke ground with the Transportation Department administering the grant during the fiscal year. The Department received the Iowa Smart Planning grant through the Rebuild Iowa Office for Dubuque County. A Smart Planning Consortium began the visioning process for a regional plan for sustainable development. The planning will be built on sustainability, smart planning, corridor preservation, air quality and green initiatives principles identified by the State.

Other activities during the fiscal year included, and not limited to: • Completed the DMATS and RPA Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) • Completed the RPA 2031 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) • Completed the Safe Routes to School plan for Western Dubuque and Jackson County • Assisted in completing Phase I of the Intermodal Facility Study • Assisted local citizen groups in creating air quality task force, returning Amtrak Passenger Rail service to the region and creating videos to encourage walking and biking in the region

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc.

Animal Health Clinic opened its doors in Dyersville, Iowa in March 2002, providing service for both small and large animals. The business is owned and operated by Dr. Virgil Bourek, a Nebraska native.

Dr. Bourek graduated as a doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1982.

He began his career as a veterinarian with Tri-Vet Associates in Dyersville, then moved to Nebraska, and worked for other veterinarians.

Dr. Bourek decided to return to eastern Iowa to open his own practice in Dyersville. He rented space until 2009, when he approached his lender and E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. about building his own facility.

The Board of Directors of E.C.I.A. Business Growth, Inc. approved a $176,000 SBA 504 loan to Bourek Properties, LLC in August of 2009 for the purchase of two acres of land and equipment and the construction of 5,600 sq. ft. building. Dupaco Community Credit Union is the participating lender on the 504 project and provided 50% of the financing. Total project costs are $430,000. The business anticipates creating three new jobs.

The Board has also approved several other loans to Professional Practices in the last five years: Prairieland Eye Clinic in Hiawatha, DeWitt Dental Associates, Waterford Family Practice in Davenport, Clinton T. Berryman, DDS in Oelwein, Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids and Wagner Pharmacy in Clinton.

ECIA

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

Administration and Support Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director Candace Eudaley, Assistant Executive Director Lisa Weinhold, Director of Finance/Human Resources Marla Quinn, Grants and Development Coordinator Sharon Nesteby, Executive Assistant Gail Kuhle, Supportive Services Manager Stacey Carpenter, Administrative Assistant Sarah Berning, Administrative Assistant Christine Mergen, Finance Assistant Denise Hefel, Finance Assistant Jenna Ernst, Finance Coordinator Bob Krayer, Special Projects

Employment and Training

Dave Leary, Regional Area Coordinator/Director of Employment and Training Ron Axtell, Assistant Director of Employment and Training Lori McKinley, Promise Jobs Supervisor Michelle Huseman, Employment and Training Specialist Susann Voelker, Employment and Training Specialist Kathy Baker, Employment and Training Specialist Joanne Kipper, Employment and Training Specialist Ken Voorhees, Promise Jobs Administrative Assistant Ami Johnson, Administrative/Financial Assistant Lisa Bischoff, Employment and Training Specialist Michael Murray, Employment and Training Specialist

Community Development; Transportation and Planning

Mark Schneider, Director of Community Development/Public Works

Larry Nagle, Manager of Government Relations Nicole Turpin, Regional Planning Coordinator Tim Crabb, Housing Rehab Specialist/Building Code Inspector Darwin Polk, Grants & Public Works/Project Manager Ryan Walter, Project Manager Jennifer Walker, Project Manager Chandra Ravada, Transportation Director Jake Ironside, GIS Specialist Dan Fox, Transportation Planner Ben Milum, 3D and Web Designer

Housing Services

Michelle Schnier, Director of Housing & Support Services Jenny Schrobilgen, Housing Coordinator Carl Reimer, Homeownership/Housing Development Specialist Maria Elgin, Housing Manager Lori Joester, Housing Manager Debbie Maier, Housing Manager Holly Specht, Housing Manager Mindy Meyers, Family Support Coordinator/Site Manager Mindy Wiley, Family Support Coordinator/Site Manager Tom Simpson, Maintenance Manager Leonard O’Connell, Maintenance Manager Sean O’Malley, Maintenance Manager

Transit

Mark Munson, Director of Transit Operations Stacie Scott, Dispatcher/Scheduler Gary Wagner, Dispatcher/Scheduler Debra Brandel, Dispatcher Bridgett Bartlett, Mobility Coordinator Barbara Morck, Director of Jule Transit Jodi Johnson, Transit Operations Supervisor

Economic Development

Jerome Schroeder, Economic Development Director Kelsey McElroy-Anderson, Regional Economic Development/Sustainability Coordinator Matt Specht, Business Development Coordinator

ECIA Staff

ECIA Council and Executive Committee Elise Bergan Doug Boldt Donna Boss Roy Buol * Judy Carr ** Wayne Deerberg ** Wayne Demmer ** Stacy Driscoll Betty Ellerhoff Steve Flynn ** Linda Gaul David Gaylor Dave Heiar ** Mike Hein ** Shirley Helmrichs Rodger Holm Peggy Kedley ** Shirley Kepford Daryl Klein

* Exec only ** Alternate

Paul Konrardy Larry (Buck) Koos Milt Kramer Steve Lindner ** Jeff Madlom Neil Morehead Matt Muckler Mike Reynolds Merrill Smock John Staszewski Ray Stephan Roger T. Stewart Donna Sweeney Donald J. Thiltgen Rod Tokheim Michael Van Milligen Jim Vermazen * Timothy Vick ** Brian Wagner

ECIA East Central Intergovernmental Association 7600 Commerce Park Dubuque, Iowa 52002 www.ecia.org 800.942.4648