city of decorah igp presentation by jerry freund
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IOWA GREAT PLACES HELPING THE CITY OF DECORAH
Turning Attributes Into Assets
Presented by City Manager Jerry Freund
Presentation PurposesDemonstrate through Decorah’s Experience
Maximizing Our IGP Benefits Meeting Commitments and Responsibilities Fulfilling Expectations
Function of Cities Cities are in the quality of life business Cities must strive to make communities better/greater
places for next generation
A ‘vision’ is a realistic, credible, attractive future for our city. It articulates a destination toward which our city should aim. A future that in important ways is better, more successful, or more desirable, for our city than is the present.
Leadership facilitates the Vision
Management creates order and predictability
From March 28, 2007 Iowa Municipal Management Institute Presentation on “Challenges to Innovation”.
Our Common Challenges
Creating and Maintaining Economic Viability and Vitality Addressing Population and Demographic Issues Managing Our Resources Efficiently and Effectively Protecting and Promoting a Clean, Healthy Environment Maintaining Expected Levels of Public Safety Services Providing Desired and Meaningful Recreational,
Informational and Leisure Services Maintaining Existing and Planning New Public
Transportation Systems
Oneota River ValleyThe Upper Iowa River winding through Decorah
IGP Presentation
Setting the Stage - A Brief Introduction to Decorah and Our IGP ProjectsTrout Run TrailWater Street PlazaWelcoming Sign
Decorah, IowaAn Overview
Located in Northeast Iowa – 60 miles from LaCrosse, WI and 70 miles from Rochester, MN
Population of 8,172 Situated in the Upper Iowa River Basin Part of the larger “Driftless Region” Per Capita Retail Sales $20,032 vs. $12,962 for Peer Cities Philosophically Diverse Major Employers
Luther College, Infastech, Rockwell Collins, Mayo Clinic and Bruening Rock Products
First Impressions
The Downtown Trout Run Trail and Park System Luther College Other Positive Attributes
• Topographic Features• Public Schools• Public Library• Vesterheim Museum• Medical Facilities
The Downtown AssetEnhancement Efforts
SSMID Creation, Extension and Expansion Creation of an Urban Revitalization District Creation of Urban Renewal District Adoption of Design Standards Streetscape Project Day Spring Lane Parking Project Vesterheim Musuem NordicFest and Other Events Water Street Plaza with IGP
Streetscape Project
Reconstructed concrete streets New utilities Stamped, colored concrete sidewalks and
crosswalks New lights Planters, trees, benches Bump-outs
Streetscape Project
Community Acceptance, Planning and CoordinationHow Success Paved the Way for Future Projects
Multiple, Open Planning Sessions Consistent, Focused and Anticipatory Communications Sequential Consensus Building Setting Target Dates Anticipating Issues and Questions Defining Roles and Budgeting for Expert Advice Responding to Crisis, Semi-Crisis and Non-Crisis Situations Block Captain Arrangements Combination of Funding Sources The North Alley to Day Spring Lane Transformation
Streetscape Project
Vesterheim MuseumLargest collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the U.S.Mission is to focus on the immigrant experience of most U.S. citizensOccupies several buildings on west end of downtown
Nordicfest
The Hotel WinneshiekA restored turn-of-the-century hotel located in the middle of the
downtown.
Hotel Lobby
Click icon to add picture
The Cultural & Recreational Asset
Our Park System Trail Planning and Development Recreational Features and Challenges The Decorah Public Library
A BRIEF TOUR OF THE TROUT RUN TRAIL
View from Phelps ParkOverlooking Upper Iowa River and
Protected Prairie Area
Segment 1Built 1994 Known as the Oneota Trail
Parallel Trails
Dances With BirdsCreated by artist Doug Freeman
Segment 2Built by Skyline Construction: cost $299,246
By the Skate park
Segment 3Built by Skyline Construction: cost $124,127
Parallel with Montgomery
Segment 4Contract to Skyline Construction: cost $135,019
Segment 5Trail- Contract to J.B. Holland Construction: cost $353,022
Bridges (A-B-C) contract to J.B. Holland: cost $642,579
Bridge A complete at the Gunderson Clinic
Site of River Horizon Arch
River HorizonCreated by artist Bounnak Thammavong
Bridge B completed
Great cooperation with land owners
Site of bridge C
Bridge C completed
Siewer Springs bridge before
Frequently washed out bridge
Siewer Springs bridge with pedestrian lane
Handicap accessible fishing
Proposed interactive center and restroom at Trout Hatchery
Segment 6Contract to Dormark Construction: cost $229,054
Reclaiming abandoned rail bed
Site of bridge D
Bridge D completed
Section 7Contract to Reilly Construction Co. Inc.
cost $396,295
Carving a trail in the hills
Segment 8Contract to Skyline Construction Inc.
cost $866,054
Heading to the Middle Calmar Road box culvert
Segment 9Letting scheduled soon
Reclaiming abandoned old highway 52
Site of the highway 9 proposed bridge
Up close
Segment 11Contract to Brueing Rock Products: cost $605,319
Blasting at the cut
Newly opened artery
The cut switchback
Trail connects closely to Luther campus
The Trail & IGP
Assessing the Trail’s resonance quotient The Search for Opportunities
Iowa Great Places The Food & Fitness Initiative Kellogg Foundation Grant Other Grants
Finding Partners Respecting the Goal Celebrating Accomplishments
The Impact of IGP
The Designation – to be among the chosen The Awards – Meaningful Financial Assistance Staying on Track – Reporting Requirements Opportunities for Enhanced Recognition Additional Opportunities
Iowa Great Places
To Be Among The Chosen A Springboard for Your Project’s Development An External Validation of Your Ideas, Efforts and
Project
Iowa Great Places
The Potential For Financial Assistance The Grant Application Process Fitting Financial Pieces Together
Iowa Great Places
Staying on Track – Reporting and Compliance Narrative Reports Financial Reports Reimbursement Requirements Other Compliance Requirements
IGP
OPPORTUNITIES Recognition for Your Project Recognition for Key Volunteers and Leaders Grant Awareness Informational Assets
Trout Run Trail-Decorah“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what
direction we are moving.”
Trout Run Trail near the Upper Iowa River
“Plans are only good intentions unless they inevitably degenerate into hard work.” - Peter Drucker
Celebrate Accomplishments
Schedule celebrations Be a cheerleader on your way Be part of a cheering squad Have fun Determine a social network and bolster it Stay in love Plan a celebration right now
Kouzes & Posner The Leadership Challenge
Trout Run Trail-Decorah
“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi