January, 2014 - City of Asbury

IOWA CITY OF ASBURY

ISSUE 13 A NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES THAT CALL ASBURY, IOWA

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WINTER

2014

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CITY OF ASBURY

PUBLIC SAFETY TOP PRIORITY WHEN BUILDING

Building Permits Protect People and Property Find out if the home improvement project you’re planning requires a permit, please call City Hall at 556-7106.

Yes, building permits and other permits are required by the City of Asbury for construction projects to improve your home and quality of life. Public safety is the main reason the City of Asbury adopted Building Codes back in 2002. Permits and required inspections are the only way the city can ensure that new structures as well as modifications made to existing structures meet the minimum standard of the building codes which are national standards and established with health and safety in mind. In addition, establishing the safety and integrity of the original structure, permits and inspections are required for improvements to your home. Permits not only protect the safety of your home, but they also provide a trail of information documenting the building structure and all subsequent improvements made to your house. This information is important to you to have the knowledge you have a quality built structure and for the future when you sell your home.

More than you imagined!

Imagine that you are looking to buy a new home for your family to live in. You have found two identical houses with the same price tag. Both of them have a finished basement that was completed after the original construction of the house. One house comes with copies of the permits issued for the work done to finish the basement as well as copies of the inspections proving that the work done met established codes, while the other house has no documentation about the project or inspections. Which house would you rather call home? Yes, making improvements to your property will add value to your property. Yes, permits are forwarded to the county assessor who utilizes the information to calculate the value of your property. If you have any questions about building codes or to find out if the home improvement project you’re planning requires a permit, please call City Hall at 556-7106.

CITY COUNCIL IN ACTION 2

Capital Projects UPDATE Asbury Road Reconstruction Phase One (Radford to Heacock) of the Asbury Road Reconstruction project was delayed for the 2013 construction season to allow the City to further investigate alignment and funding options for safety improvements to the Hales Mill intersection. This one year delay led the City to successfully secure nearly $180,000 in state funding. Design of Phase Two (Heacock to Briarwood) has progressed over the summer with easement acquisitions necessary for construction nearly complete and a resolution of necessity approved by the City Council in November. Bid documents are expected to be completed for Phase One shortly after the new year. Construction is still planned to occur in two independent phases to minimize, as much as possible, disruption to residents. This phased approach will likely cause work to occur over two summers to fully reconstruct the corridor.

Meadows Parking Lot Rehabilitation The Meadows parking lot was due for significant rehabilitation to maintain a safe parking and drop-off area for golf course and Clubhouse patrons. Existing asphalt pavement had extensive cracking, differential settlement and full-depth failure. River City Paving completed an asphalt overlay to the lot earlier this fall and also made substantial improvements to the proshop entrance and cart path to this community asset.

Meadows Lift Station This spring, the Meadows unexpectedly experienced a complete failure of the sand filter which was original to the facility and treated sanitary waste from the clubhouse. In order to permanently resolve this issue, a lift station became an immediate priority. Design and construction was fast-tracked to ensure this situation was eliminated as efficiently as possible. Portzen Construction completed the $120,000 lift station and sanitary sewer extension to the existing gravity sewer on Wedgewood Drive this summer.

West Sanitary Sewer Extension In order to meet a 2010 annexation agreement, the City extended its sanitary sewer collection system to the west to serve Tuscany Ridge, Legacy Heights and other future residential developments. McClain Excavating of Peosta, IA was awarded this $970,000 project and work began in early winter of 2012. During the course of the project the City was able to make the best of the equipment that was already disrupting conditions and play on the Meadows and take the opportunity to address a number of issues. An existing pond that was located along No. 15 fairway was in need of significant maintenance and was causing safety concerns for golfers teeing off on No. 13 was eliminated. Drainage improvements were made east of No. 15 fairway. Significant lengths of cart path were replaced with higher quality concrete pavement. Most importantly, water and sanitary services were extended to the course Maintenance Building and two new restrooms located between No. 12 and No. 13 and the other on the west side of No. 6 fairway. McClain Excavating completed the last of the sanitary sewer installation and site restoration late this fall.

Clay Ridge Third and Fourth Addition Growth has continued at a brisk rate in Asbury in 2013. The developer of Clay Ridge extended JoAnn Drive (Third Addition) and Jill Drive to its intersection with JoAnn Drive (Fourth Addition). The extension of JoAnn Drive and Jill Drive has created 42 lots suited for single family homes and have been filling quickly since July. Infrastructure for the Third Addition was installed by the developer early this past spring and the road paved in early summer. Clay Ridge Fourth Addition sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main were placed in mid-summer and the roadway poured early this fall.

Elevated Drinking Water Storage Tank In the late 1990’s, under pressure from of the Iowa DNR, the City of Asbury tackled the difficult task of consolidating and upgrading the multitude of private water systems that, up to that point in time, provided water to the residents. To improve quality, reliability and provide fire protection a water tower, deep wells and transmission mains were constructed. As the City has grown, the demands on this system have increased exponentially, water use in 2012 exceeded 130 MILLION gallons! This level of use results in the need for Asbury to begin planning for a second water tower. The proposed tower will likely be located in the east part of the community and is in the very preliminary design stages with construction likely to occur in 2015.

IOWA CITY OF ASBURY

ISSUE 13 WINTER

2014 Water Main Looping The backbone of Asbury’s water system that provides both drinking water and fire protection for the community is a 12” diameter water main that runs parallel with Asbury Road from the water tower to the east limits. A project is in design that provides better flexibility and reliability for this single link to the tower. This project will utilize two segments of water main to connect the respective internal water systems in Arrowhead Subdivision to the Wedgewood Subdivision and link the large main on Seippel Road, around the west and north side of Forest Hills to connect to the main in Mill Creek, which was oversized to allow a connection to the large diameter main on Hales Mill Road. There are several benefits of a looped main. It allows water service to continue even if there is damage or a break in the transmission main along Asbury Road. Looping will also improve flow rates available to firefighting crews during the unfortunate event of a fire. Depending on the speed of easement acquisition, construction is expected in early 2014.

Well #4 and North Park Well House Related to the increased water demand, Asbury is also considering the addition of a deep well to provide a fourth tap to the groundwater aquifers that supply clean water to the City. The proposed well and associated well house that will contain treatment, testing and control equipment is expected to be placed in the new North Park, located south of the Mill Creek Subdivision. MSA is currently compiling the initial plan and permit documents to gain Iowa DNR approval for the proposed well site. Construction is expected to begin in late 2014 or 2015.


City Hall will be closed, January 20, 2014 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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Reminders & Notes 4

GOAL

$1.6 MILLION

City Council Goal Setting Sessions The Asbury City Council held a series of three meetings where they discussed and reviewed City accomplishments and prioritized capital projects.

$808,000 PLEDGES & DONATIONS TO DATE

ASBURY LIBRARY BUILDING

Fund Raising Kicks Off Author Helen Exley is known for her books on dogs as well as for her wonderful quote, “Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled, ‘This could change your life.’” In Asbury, our goal is not only to have a good book change your life, but also to have our new library change our community! Fundraising remains strong as we strive toward our goal of $1.6 million. The Friends of the Asbury Library have planned several events to raise funds for the new library – (see schedule below). Meanwhile the Asbury Library Campaign Committee continues to work to secure the necessary leadership gifts. Important leadership pledges already secured are from Premier Bank, Dubuque Bank & Trust, Dupaco, American Trust, Jeff Nagle and A.Y. McDonald. Soon a letter from Campaign Chair Jamie Splinter will be in the mail to all Asbury residents asking for your help in making the library and this campaign an enormous success. Look for it in your mailbox and check out our progress on Facebook. If you have any questions, call us at City Hall.

Skate Night – January 19, 2014 Burger Night – February 27, 2014 Trivia Night – April 12, 2014

The city continues to have robust residential growth and the future challenge will be to balance the demands of growth with city infrastructure, maintaining a safe community and environment for residents and providing family friendly amenities for residents. The council is looking to focus on future economic development, examining city staffing levels and organizational structure, housing expansion and annexations. Capital projects identified as continuing priorities at the goal setting session include: Asbury Road Improvements – Radford Road to Heacock Road and Heacock to Briarwood Drive; Hales Mill Road – North City Limits to Brick Mason Lane; Water Looping Project; New Water Tower and Well House; Community Services Campus; Meadows Golf Course – update maintenance equipment. The City Council has also identified the following projects as high priorities; Hales Mill Lift Station Pump Replacement; development of the new park which would include a splash pad, restrooms, and additional parking lot improvements; and storm water improvements along the Althaus Pond Trail. The projects and initiatives identified from the Goal Setting and Strategic Planning session will be the guide in prioritizing initiatives and funding capital projects for the fiscal year 2015 budget. The final 2013 Goal Setting Report will be reviewed at the January 14, 2014, City Council meeting.

IOWA CITY OF ASBURY


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WELCOME NEW COUNCIL MEMBER

Dale “Andy” Krueger Andy was raised in Dubuque, joined the Marine Corps in 1990, and then reenlisted into the Army in 1996. After the Army, Andy stayed in the Iowa National Guard with the 194th LRS-D in Des Moines and deployed to Iraq in 2004. Andy then came back to Dubuque where he was employed as a diver with Lambourne Diving. In 2008, Andy worked with the State Department returning to Iraq and Afghanistan until 2012. Upon returning, Andy married Carrie Soppe and opened Signal 88 Security, a physical security company. He now resides in Asbury with his wife and son, Ehren.

MEET NEW POLICE CHIEF

Tom Henneberry Congratulations to Tom Henneberry, our Asst. Police Chief that will be promoted to our Police Chief in January, 2014. Tom has been employed with the City of Asbury since 1998. Tom served in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

CONGRATULATIONS FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Corey Lugrain Corey and his wife Jenny live on Springreen Drive with their four children. Corey is an energetic firefighter. He has been with the department for nearly four years. Corey is a certified firefighter and paramedic.

Snow Reminders Snow Emergency: During snow events, the snowfall may require the city to issue a Snow Emergency. When a Snow Emergency is issued, residents are required to park on the odd numbered side of the street during odd numbered days and the even numbered side on even numbered days. If your vehicle is found parked on the wrong side of the street during a snow emergency, you will be issued a citation for a $10 fine. If the vehicle is not moved during the emergency, it will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Snow Emergencies are issued in order to give snow removal crews a chance to clear the streets. Please assist the city crew, in snow removal by removing all vehicles and trailers from city streets.

Shoveling Sidewalks: It is the responsibility of the property owner to shovel their sidewalk and keep it clean of snow and ice. The property owner has up to 24 hours to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk. Failure to do so could result in the city assessing the property owner for the cost to have the snow and/or ice removed from their sidewalk. It is also unlawful for anyone to throw, push or place any ice or snow from a private property, sidewalks or driveways onto the street.


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RECREATION 6

LAZY DAY OLYMPICS March 15 – May 24

SleddingDay January 18 | Maple Hills Park | 1-4pm The City of Asbury is hosting its fourth annual sledding day on Saturday, January 18 from 1 pm until 4 pm. Join us at Maple Hills Park (located at the end of Burr Oak Drive) and sled down the hill into the park. This is a “sled at your own risk” event. Asbury Plaza Hy-Vee will be providing free hot chocolate that day to warm you up.

Live Healthy ASBURY 2014 The City of Asbury is looking for residents to represent the city in the 2014 Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge taking place January 27–April 4. During the 10-week challenge, teams of 2 to 10 people track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. Residents who are interested in becoming a member of TEAM ASBURY need to sign-up at Asbury City Hall. Deadline is January 17. Cost is $20 and members will receive a Challenge t-shirt, weekly motivational emails containing healthy tips and recipes, and chances to win amazing prizes such as bicycles, shoes, gift cards, and a tropical cruise for two.

We will be forming teams this Spring to join our Lazy Day Olympics competition for all local residents. Challenging both mind and body, teams will compete in events such as, crochet, bocce ball, pickle ball, basketball, and card games over 11 weeks. Gather your friends and family to make your 4-member team or register individually at City Hall before the deadline March 7. For more information, contact Jason at City Hall (563-556-7106).

Asbury Residents - $30

Non-Residents - $35

Library 2014 LEGO My Library & Games too! Asbury Branch, Tuesday, January 14 & February 18, 3:15-4:45pm** Join us to build, build, build! Then enjoy playing some of our favorite new & classic games. This open house style program allows children to come and leave when they finish. Program is open to everyone currently in first grade and older. Space is limited so pre-register by calling your local branch. * 5 must be registered or the program will be cancelled. **If school is cancelled due to weather, these programs will also be cancelled.

Preschool Story Time Asbury Branch, starting Thursdays, January 9-February 27, 11:00-11:45am Join us as we embark on adventures through stories, crafts, songs & games. Stop into your local branch and pick up a list of themes for

Asbury Baseball, Softball & T-Ball Signup Sign-up will be held on February 6, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the Asbury Fire Station. Check them out at asburyathleticassoc.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AsburyAA

the month. Program designed for preschool age children. Please call your local branch to register. * 5 must register, or program will be cancelled.

American Girl Book Club Asbury Branch, Saturday, February 15, 10:30am-noon Explore the world of Kaya this month at the Dubuque County Library. We will be reading, Meet Mia. We will learn about the life and time period in which she lived. Then join us for discussion, fun activities, and more. Registration is needed so we have enough supplies for everyone attending. Space is limited. Program is for all children currently in second grade and older. * 5 must be registered or the program will be cancelled. **If school is cancelled due to weather, these programs will also be cancelled.

IOWA CITY OF ASBURY


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2014 CITY OF ASBURY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS LISTING Below is a listing of the current members of the City of Asbury Boards and Commissions. If you see one of these individuals be sure to thank them for their time and talent they donate to our City. MAYOR James Adams CITY COUNCIL Craig Miller Dale Krueger Robert Reisch John Richey Curt Kiessling PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Larry Nagle Mark Fassbinder Dave Kubik Sue Davison Ron Brass Dave Burggren Pat Johnson ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Steven W. Ready* James Fleck Gene Blum James Steil J.C. Weber PARK AND RECREATION BOARD Matt Riesberg* Dave Willging Freddy Coba Vonda Skipper Ken Resch Ryan Fennel Linda Bennett BUILDING CODE COMMISSION Daryl Biechler Michael P. Kelly* Lisa Kemp James Steil Larry Kaufmann Tim Crabb * = Chairperson


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A NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES THAT CALL ASBURY, IOWA

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IOWA CITY OF ASBURY

ISSUE 13 WINTER

2014 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage

City of Asbury 5080 Asbury Road Asbury, Iowa 52002 563.556.7106 Phone 563.556.2001 Fax [email protected] Email www.cityofasbury.com Web

PAID Dubuque, IA Permit No. 477

Sara Burke Editor Tom Culbertson, RALLY Collective Design Support your community. For advertising rates and availability, please contact Sara at 563.556.7106


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