The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District<\/p>\n
Board of Trustees Work Session<\/p>\n
Thursday, February 28, 2013 \u2013 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
Delaware County Courthouse<\/p>\n
301 E. Main Street, Room 203<\/p>\n
Manchester, IA<\/p>\n
The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met in work session this date at 2:00 pm with all members present.\u00a0 Also present were Ed Schmidt, Garlyn Glanz, Dave Larson, Eve Peter, Mike Steuck, Jim Locke, Ken Ziegenfuss, Bob Galiher, Marcheta Cooey Lux, Bill Lux, Don Dede, Pat Dede, Norman Wellman, Lamont Davidson, Larry Peter, Bill Decker, Laurie Kramer, Steve Leonard, Anthony Bardgett, and Carla Becker.\u00a0 Larry Murphy, Gary Grant and Mary Kray joined the meeting via conference call.\u00a0 Jeff Madlom, Chairperson, called the meeting to order.\u00a0 This was a joint work session with the Delaware County Board of Supervisors and the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Chairperson Madlom addressed those present to set the parameters for the meeting.\u00a0 The only item on the agenda for today\u2019s meeting is the enhancement of public access at Lake Delhi.\u00a0 No public comment period will be allowed for this meeting.<\/p>\n
Steve Leonard, President of the Board of Trustees, was given the floor.\u00a0 He began by reassuring the Board of Supervisors that the Trustees are still committed to providing additional public access to Lake Delhi.\u00a0 He stated that in 2011, Stanley Consultants estimated the cost of reconstruction at roughly $11.9 million.\u00a0 Since then, there have been design development changes, DNR requirements, archeological studies, regulatory and design constraints, and proposed land acquisitions.\u00a0 With all the requirements being placed on reconstruction, the estimated cost has risen over $2.9 million to $14.8 million.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that does not leave any additional funding for the public access or lake bed restoration (dredging).<\/p>\n
The Trustees have communicated with the DNR and State Legislators regarding the public access requirements and the lack of funding to implement them.\u00a0 According to Mr. Leonard, the Trustees have been told verbally that the DNR intends to waive its day one1 requirement of additional public access due to this lack of funding.\u00a0 However, the Trustees are still committed to providing additional public access.<\/p>\n
He continued by thanking County Services Director Norm Wellman, the County Services Department, Conservation Director Garlyn Glanz, the County Conservation Board and County Engineer Anthony Bardgett for all the work they have done on the proposed plan at Turtle Creek Park.\u00a0 Without them, there would be no plan.\u00a0 When asked what time frame the DNR is looking at for completion of the public access, Mr. Leonard replied that he did not think they were attaching a deadline for completion.\u00a0 However, this has only been verbally presented to them.\u00a0 The Trustees currently have nothing in writing from the DNR waiving this requirement.<\/p>\n
The Board members reminded those present that at a previous work session regarding county funding for this project, the Board was very clear that the land must be transferred from LDRA to the trustees and that additional public access must be created before any county monies could be used.\u00a0 Since the addition of public access is very high on the Board\u2019s list, they feel it needs to be a high priority if the Trustees wish to use county money.<\/p>\n
Mr. Leonard stated that the Trustees agree with this.\u00a0 That is why they are continuing to search for additional funding sources to make it happen.<\/p>\n
Anthony Bardgett, Delaware County Engineer, stated that it would cost roughly $600,000 to move the roadway and install a new bridge.\u00a0 However, if they wait until the water is back to begin construction, you can add at least $200,000 to this estimate.\u00a0 He stated it would be ideal to complete the road and bridge construction prior to the dam being put back.\u00a0 One positive thing is that the Corps of Engineers does not feel the area qualifies as a wetland and will be waiving the requirement for wetland mitigation.\u00a0 He feels we could have a permit for the project soon.<\/p>\n
Larry Murphy, Trustee Lobbyist, stated that they have met with Senator McCoy and Representative Huseman.\u00a0 They would be willing to review a funding request but feel that the request should come from the county rather than the district.\u00a0 The funding is through the RIIF Funds (gambling monies).\u00a0 There is more latitude in the spending of these funds rather than with road use money.\u00a0 Since this is considered a grant, there would be a 50\/50 match.\u00a0 However, the engineer\u2019s services, land donation and on-going maintenance costs for the area would qualify for the 50% match.\u00a0 Any request for dollars this year should be submitted no later than Tuesday of next week to Senator McCoy.<\/p>\n
When asked about what form the request should be in, Mr. Leonard stated that a one or two page document would suffice.\u00a0 Perhaps one page could explain the project, cost estimates and request of funds while the second page could show a picture of the project.<\/p>\n
Chairperson Madlom asked how the county could apply for funding when they do not own all the property needed for the project.<\/p>\n
Mr. Leonard stated that the District has a written agreement with the LDRA for the transfer of the land to the District.\u00a0 He feels the Trustees would be willing to approve a resolution stating that their intent is to transfer the property in the Turtle Creek Park area over to the county for this project once the county\u2019s plan is approved for funding.<\/p>\n
The Board is concerned with being able to explain why they are replacing a bridge that is not posted when there are so many others in the county that are posted.\u00a0 Even though this bridge has been listed and removed from the five year plan before, there are bridges in much worse shape than this one.\u00a0 Mr. Leonard responded that it would have to be a business decision by the Board.\u00a0 There are additional monies which may be available for this project that would not be available for a normal bridge replacement somewhere else in the county.<\/p>\n
Even if they receive funding for this project, Mr. Bardgett pointed out that there would still be a cash shortfall that would need to be picked up by the county or the district.\u00a0 Even though it would not have to be outlined in the request, this is an issue that needs addressing at some point.\u00a0 Mr. Leonard felt it could possibly be a percentage cost share between the two entities.\u00a0 That way as additional funds became available each entity\u2019s responsibility would be reduced on a percentage basis.\u00a0 They would just have to sit down and negotiate the percentages.<\/p>\n
Supervisor Helmrichs felt it would be foolish to not request funding if it is available.\u00a0 However, any request that is submitted by the county needs to be credible and realistic both short term and long term.\u00a0 She stated that the county could also look at other funding streams to help fund any shortfalls.<\/p>\n
Both Chairperson Madlom and Supervisor Ries were concerned with the fact that the transfer between the LDRA and the District has not taken place yet.<\/p>\n
It was suggested that the County and the District form a committee to put together a draft request that could be considered by the Board at Monday\u2019s meeting.\u00a0 Mr. Leonard suggested one Board of Supervisor member, one or two Trustees and Mr. Bardgett could work up a draft for the two entities to consider.\u00a0 Supervisor Helmrichs volunteered on behalf of the Board.<\/p>\n
Larry Murphy and Gary Grant stated that the important things to put in the request were as follows:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The group agreed to meet at 8:00 am on Friday to work on the draft.<\/p>\n
Chairperson Madlom adjourned the meeting at 3:15 pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District Board of Trustees Work Session Thursday, February 28, 2013 \u2013 2:00 p.m. Delaware County Courthouse 301 E. Main Street, Room 203 Manchester, IA The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met … Continue reading