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