Street Reconstruction - MSA Professional Services

Fa ll 2 0 1 1
Street Reconstruction
How street reconstruction
transforms communities (page 2)
Time to create a stormwater utility? (page 4)
MSA engineer reflects on
Peace Corps experience (page 5)
Grants available
(page 7)
More ideas. Better solutions.®
Cover Story
Street reconstruction
transforms communities
Street reconstruction projects can
be so much more than just upgrading
utilities and replacing the surface of
the main street. They often transform
downtown areas into appealing
destinations that attract visitors and
rekindle the interest of residents.
They can improve traffic flow, create a
‘sense of place’ in the community, and
encourage economic development.
“We work with communities to
do more with street reconstruction
projects,” noted Mike Statz, P.E., senior
MSA transportation engineer. “They
want a downtown that is aesthetically
pleasing, while fulfilling the needs of
the community.”
Successful projects require the
involvement and support of municipal
officials, businesses, and residents, he
said. “Our design will reflect their vision.”
Downtown improvements typically
include wide sidewalks with decorative
lighting, benches, and colored concrete.
Designs often incorporate pedestrian
and vehicular traffic safety features
and bike lanes. Planners use artwork
and signage to convey the essence
“Communities need
to reinvent their
downtowns to keep
them vibrant.”
— Bob Duffy, City of Oconomowoc
of a community. In Oconomowoc,
Wisconsin, for instance, decorative
railings and a sculpture feature the
letter “O” to reflect the spelling of the
city’s name.
“Communities with foresight
can reinvent themselves through
reconstruction projects,” Statz said.
“Businesses benefit when municipalities
upgrade their downtown. Visitors and
residents want to bike and walk in
an attractive civic center that offers
excellent amenities.”
Mike Palm, MSA community
development specialist, said that
some communities create Business
Improvements Districts (BID) to help
fund downtown amenities. These BID
districts can also overlap with Tax
Increment Districts to help finance
improvements.
Middle Road, Bettendorf, Iowa
Above: Pedestrians now have safe access
to a dense commercial area thanks to the
reconstruction of a portion of Middle Road
in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Below Left: Oconomowoc’s newly
reconstructed Wisconsin Avenue
creates an attractive gateway to the
downtown and is encouraging economic
redevelopment.
In Oconomowoc, Economic
Development Director Bob Duffy
said the reconstruction of Wisconsin
Avenue, designed by MSA, is generating
increased interest in the historic
downtown. “Communities need to
reinvent their downtowns to keep
them vibrant,” he said. Oconomowoc’s
project went beyond infrastructure and
roadway improvements. City leaders
MSA Today
Editor, Leslie Blaize, CPSM,
[email protected]
Contributing Writers, Clayton Grow, Jennifer Makovec
MSA Professional Services
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2
Oconomowoc Avenue reconstruction,
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
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Steps to a
successful street
redevelopment
• Establish a community’s vision
with upfront planning
• Explore funding alternatives:
Department of Transportation match,
grants, creation of Tax Increment
Financing District
• Encourage public participation during
the design process: bring in municipal
officials, business representatives, and
other key stakeholders
• Communicate throughout the
entire process for your community
Central Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin
Above: Marshfield’s city and business leaders supported completion of the Central Avenue
reconstruction one year ahead of schedule. MSA’s team met the deadline and salvaged the
existing storm sewer system to save money. The city enjoys their new roadway during a Hub
City Days celebration, at left.
Below: Pedestrians now enjoy a safe walkway on the reconstructed Ash Street in Elizabeth,
Illinois
Ash Street reconstruction,
Elizabeth, Illinois
wanted to slow down traffic and create
a pedestrian-friendly environment. Now
Oconomowoc’s downtown encourages
people to stroll along the wide
sidewalks, shop in a variety of stores,
and enjoy many kinds of restaurants
and cafes.
In an effort to build upon the
renewed interest in the community,
the City, with assistance from a local
community bank, established a lowinterest loan program for businesses
who move downtown or who want to
expand their business. An expanded
restaurant, upscale salon, pottery studio,
new café and coffee bar, and wine
cellar have all taken advantage of the
program that awards a maximum of
$25,000 per user.
Duffy believes municipalities
should “make public investments to
encourage people to come and be in
your community.”
For more information about
maximizing the value of a street
reconstruction project, contact Mike
Statz at [email protected] or at
800.446.0679.
3
More ideas. Better solutions.®
Is a stormwater utility right for your community?
How does your community pay for
stormwater-related projects? Many
communities need to resolve areas
of local flooding, provide secondary
drainage relief options, or satisfy
unfunded water quality standards, such
as NPDES Phase II stormwater rules. A
stormwater utility could provide the
funding your community needs.
“Communities should clearly identify
why formation of a stormwater utility is
needed,” said Eric Thompson, P.E., CFM.
“You should create a stormwater utility
to address stormwater issues, not just to
shift the tax burden from one taxpayer
group to another. The public needs to
know why utilities are being formed
and what benefit they will receive.
Otherwise, you’re not going to get public
acceptance.”
MSA’s water resources team follows
a successful step-by-step process to
guide communities through issues
related to possible formation of a
stormwater utility. (See sidebar.) “A
feasibility study is the first step. You’ll
find out how much money you could
raise and at what rates,” Thompson said.
“This study reveals what an average
homeowner and non-residential property
owner would pay.”
PROPERTY TAX
SYSTEM
STORMWATER
UTILITY
18%
46%
Village of Shorewood Hills*
Population – 1,717
Stormwater utilities create a fee
structure proportional to the volume
of stormwater generated by each
parcel. Properties with more impervious
surfaces—concrete, asphalt, or rooftop-pay more than those with mostly
pervious surfaces, such as grass. Often,
costs are shifted away from residential
properties towards non-residential
properties--including tax-exempt
properties. Sharing information about
the proposed fee structure with local
businesses is critical to the process.
Typically, a stormwater utility does not
severely impact businesses, Thompson
explained.
Many communities create a
stakeholder’s group, consisting of
business representatives, land owners,
and local leaders. They learn how
a stormwater utility operates and
recommend rates and a credit system to
the City Council or Village Board.
“Property owners can reduce
their stormwater charges by making
improvements—increasing vegetated
area or detaining runoff before it leaves
the property—to reduce the flow rate
or improve the water quality of runoff,”
Thompson said. Credit systems reward
these efforts.
82%
28%
26%
PROPERTY TAX
SYSTEM
City of Monroe*
Population – 10,959
26%
STORMWATER
UTILITY
34%
74%
22%
St. Ambrose University Stormwater Improvements,
Davenport, Iowa
Eric Thompson, P.E., CFS, and Ann
Hirekatur, P.H., CSM, will be presenting
at the Iowa Association of Municipal
Utilities Stormwater Workshop on Nov.
9. See iowastormwater.org for more
information.
For more information about
stormwater utilities, contact Thompson,
[email protected] or Hirekatur,
at [email protected] or at
800.446.0679.
How to form a
stormwater utility
44%
• Conduct a feasibility study
19%
Village of Palmyra
Population – 1,775
22%
22%
?
81%
16%
Village of Belleville*
Population – 1,889
21%
84%
15%
Village of Poynette
Population – 2,496
RESIDENTIAL
4
30%
48%
34%
45%
City of Baraboo
Population – 11,248
City of Beaver Dam
Population – 15,464
19%
40%
73%
City of Beloit*
Population – 36,106
TAXABLE NON-RESIDENTIAL
34%
26%
34%
74%
42%
45%
TAX-EXEMPT NON-RESIDENTIAL
*Data based on preliminary feasibility study results
www.msa-ps.com
• Adopt stormwater utility
ordinance
• Create credit policies for users
who improve properties
58%
13%
79%
• Organize stakeholders’ group
• Create property database
45%
9%
21%
49%
85%
21%
27%
• Provide utility customer
education and support before
and after the first billing
Reflections
Many communities in the Midwest seize opportunities to
improve their communities with impressive tenacity. At MSA,
we have the privilege of helping many of these resourceful
folks make the most of these opportunities. The Cities of
Oconomowoc and Marshfield, Wisconsin turned street
reconstruction projects into downtown transformations,
while preserving their historic districts. They enhanced their
streetscape and created attractive destinations in addition
to renovating their roadways and improving traffic flow and
safety. With shrinking grants and limited budgets, it makes
sense to make the most of every project. See pages 2-3 to
learn more.
“If a window of opportunity appears,
don’t pull down the shade.” –Thomas J. Peters
A stormwater utility to help fund stormwater projects is
another useful community tool. Eric Thompson, P.E., CFM, our
water resources expert, says a stormwater utility feasibility
study will answer many questions about fees. Check out our
step-by-step process on page 4.
The citizens of Mattoon, Illinois
went to great lengths to maintain and
renovate their Cross County Mall to
ensure that it remains a vital part of the
community. Mattoon’s Tax Increment
District helped finance exterior and
interior renovations. It’s an unusual
solution, but it worked. Kudos to
Mattoon.
City Clerk Angelique Berry, our
Iowa Community Star, worked with
MSA to obtain a variety of grants to assist Dakota City. These
grants will help fund everything from a wastewater treatment
plant upgrade to housing rehabilitation. That community is
not simply making do, it is moving forward.
These are challenging times, but many shrewd
communities are still finding ways to get things done.
Please share your community’s solutions with me at
[email protected] or by phone at 800.362.4505.
Best regards,
Jim Owen, CEO
MSA engineer brings lessons learned from
Panama Peace Corps experience back to the US
When Brandon Braithwaite was
Brandon Braithwaite, center, celebrates with two
Water committee members from Quebrada Cacao,
Panama, who completed the training.
hiking into the jungle village of
Quebrada Cacao he would eventually
call home, he had no idea what to
expect. He had a little cultural training
from the U.S. Peace Corps about the
indigenous tribe that lived in this part
of Panama, but he couldn’t speak their
language, had no idea what his living
conditions would be like, and knew
he’d be several hours from the nearest
medical facility. As he walked into the
village center, the head chieftain (also
the local medicine man) blew a conch
shell to call a meeting of the village.
After several hours of speeches and
welcoming that he didn’t understand,
Brandon was informed of his new
name, Unima Kwäribo. Then he learned
he would live with the chieftain’s family.
Thus began Brandon’s Peace Corps
service working with the Ngäbe people
of Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Brandon’s first task was to conduct
community assessments and establish
community committees. Then he
worked with the village to focus on the
design and construction of a gravity-fed
water system which ultimately provided
fresh, potable water to every inhabitant
for the first time in their lives. Building
the water system was a tremendous
feat. All labor was voluntary and all
materials were transported by hand!
(The village is a 45-minute hike from
the nearest road and the water tank is
another 30-minute hike high up on a
ridge).
Although the newly dedicated
water system was the largest
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More ideas. Better solutions.®
development project the village
had ever undertaken, Brandon was
cautious. He knew of numerous
examples of other rural water projects
that ultimately failed because villagers
lacked specific technical training to
effectively manage their systems on
a long-term basis. The newly founded
Community Water Committee needed
specific Operations & Maintenance (O
& M) training, as did numerous other
villages in the area. To address this
need, Peace Corps Volunteers serving
in the area decided to organize a series
of rural water system O & M training
seminars.
Most pitfalls that crippled many
current rural water systems – either
mechanically or managerially – could
be avoided with some basic training,
planning, and budgeting. Brandon’s
first goal was to make sure the O & M
training seminars were effective.
Then he wanted to see if villagers
were putting what they learned into
practice. He documented continuous
feedback from the attendees so the
Peace Corps could tailor future trainings
to better address their needs.
Brandon published his findings
through Michigan Tech in a paper
entitled, “Training Water Committees
in Bocas del Toro, Panama: A Case
Study of Peace Corps Volunteers’
Initiative to Improve Rural Water System
Management.” His report followed the
progress of 58 trained community water
committee members who lived in 16
villages. Immediate behavioral change
was not obvious, but simple solutions
and improved techniques learned in
the training were put into practice
in many of the systems. The most
influential outcomes of the training
concerned personal development of the
participants. The results of the seminars,
including the effectiveness, short-falls,
and lessons learned, will prove to be
valuable in the development of future
rural water management certification
programs.
Brandon’s passion for improving
communities led him to MSA
Professional Services in Madison where
he sees an obvious overlap in the work
he did in Panama. He affirms, “Every
community aims to better itself and
strive for public health and safety. I
feel very honored to have helped the
community of Quebrada Cacao and I
have that same feeling of honor and
privilege when I can contribute to the
well-being of a local community.” He
chuckles, “I guess local can be relative.”
For more information about the
U.S. Peace Corps, Brandon’s other
projects in Panama, or to learn about
supporting rural community water
committees in developing countries like
Panama, contact Brandon Braithwaite
at [email protected] or at
800.446.0679.
Above left: Villagers from Quebrada Cacao dig the milelong mainline trench in order to bury the PVC water line.
Above: Brandon explains the concept of air release valves
to a seminar participant using a model.
Left: Brandon and a local mason are tying rebar for the
3,000 gallon water tank.
6
www.msa-ps.com
Grants
National
Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development
Program: Rural Economic Development Loans
and Grants
Deadline: Varies, contact local MSA
representative
Illinois
Iowa
Organization: Iowa Economic Development
Authority (IEDA)
Program: Community Facilities and Services
Deadline: December 2011
Program: Owner-Occupied
Housing Rehabilitation
Deadline: December 2011
Organization: Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (IEPA)
Program: Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant
Program for Stormwater Management
Deadline: 12/15/11
Program: CDBG Residential Sustainability
Deadline: December 2011
Organization: USDA Rural Development
Program: Pre-application for water and
wastewater disposal loan programs
Deadline: 12/31/11
Organization: Vision Iowa – IDED
Program: Community Attraction and
Tourism Program (CAT)
Deadline: Quarterly
Organization: Illinois Dept. of Commerce &
Economic Opportunity
Program: Housing Rehabilitation Program
Deadline: January 2012
Organization: Iowa DNR
Program: Clean Water SRF Loans
Deadline: Quarterly
Program: Downtown Revitalization Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Program: Derelict Building Program
Program: CDAP Public Infrastructure Program Deadline: Quarterly
Deadline: February 2012
For Iowa grant information, contact:
Program: CDAP Planning Design
James Holz, AICP, Vice President
Engineering Program
888.869.1214
Deadline: May 2012
[email protected]
Program: Community Facilities Loans & Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
For Illinois grant information, contact:
Steve Haring, Client Service Manager
888.672.0003
[email protected]
Wisconsin
Organization: Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation, Community
Development Block Grants
Programs: Municipal Public Facilities,
Planning/Special Studies, Public Facilities
for Economic Development
Deadline: Ongoing Programs
Organization: Wisconsin DNR
Program: Clean Water Fund (inc. Hardship
Funding Assistance and Small Loans)
Deadline: ITA and PERFs for projects wanting
program eligibility are due 12/29/2011.
Hardship, 6/30/2012; Principal
Forgiveness (10%, 30%, 50% with CAP)
deadline TBD;
Standard & Small Loan Applications,
Ongoing
Program: Safe Drinking Water Loan Program
Deadline: ITA and PERFs for projects wanting
program eligibility are due 12/29/2011
All applications incl. Principal Forgiveness
(10%, 30%, 50% with CAP) 6/30/2012
Program: Wisconsin Stewardship Grants
Deadline: May 1, 2012
Program: Ready for Reuse Grants and Loans
Deadline: Ongoing
Program: Recreational Boating Facilities
Deadline: Quarterly
Minnesota
Organization: Conservation Minnesota
Program: Clean Water Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
Program: Parks and Trails Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
Program: Innovative Business Development
Public Infrastructure Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Organization: US Department of
Agriculture - Rural Utilities
Program: Special Evaluation Assistance for
Rural Communities and
Households Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Organization: Wisconsin DOT
Program: Transportation Economic Assistance
(TEA) Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
For Wisconsin grant information, contact:
Dave Rasmussen, Senior Planner
888.869.1215
[email protected]
Chuck Sulik, AICP, Senior Planner
800.362.4505
[email protected]
For a complete grants listing
see www.msa-ps.com
For Minnesota grant information, contact:
Pete Weidman, Community
Development Specialist
800.777.7380
[email protected]
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When is a pond more than a pond?
Willow River enjoys a unique treatment solution
It’s a homeowner’s dream—a backyard
view of a natural landscape accented
by picturesque pond. The wild, scenic
area enjoyed by some residents of
Willow River, Minnesota is actually a
well-crafted element of the City’s newly
upgraded wastewater treatment facility.
Small communities like Willow
River often require more than technical
assistance. They need complete project
support—from aesthetic considerations
to grant assistance to community
participation. MSA helped Willow
River develop and implement a plan
to upgrade the treatment facility to
meet regulatory requirements, while
addressing the community’s needs and
without breaking the bank.
Willow River used a shallow,
man-made pond to hold and treat the
community’s wastewater. The pond had
developed leaks and would not be able
to meet regulatory requirements and
support future growth. “The treatment
facility had not been functioning
correctly for decades and the City was
unclear on the steps required to fix the
issues,” said Carl Scharfe, P.E., the project
manager. “It’s a small community, so the
upgrade had to be cost efficient and
require little manpower to operate and
maintain.”
MSA developed an upgrade plan
for the treatment facility through
a collaborative effort with the City
Council and with input solicited during
Council meetings. The upgrade included
installing a new primary pond and
expanding and repairing the existing
second pond. Now, the improved facility
has double the treatment capacity,
allowing the community ample
opportunity for future growth.
In addition to providing for future
population growth, the upgrade plan
also needed to address aesthetic
concerns of nearby residents. The
recently completed upgrade had
to blend in with and protect the
surrounding environment. The new
ponds are a unique shape that looks
natural and are surrounded by a mix
of native plants and trees. The pond
system blends in with a Minnesota
Department of Natural Resource scenic
easement adjacent to the Kettle River.
The updated system also includes
elements to treat phosphorus before
the water flows into the Kettle River.
With only 300 residents, Willow
River has limited financial resources to
cover infrastructure costs. MSA helped
the community apply for and then
administer a $750,000 grant from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which
covered almost half of the project
cost. The project team completed the
upgrade this fall—on time and within
the project budget.
Below: Willow River’s expanded wastewater treatment facility blends in with the environment.
8
www.msa-ps.com
Minnesota
Mayor takes hands-on approach to
improve city’s operations
With only 166 residents, the City
has limited resources. St. Germain took
an unconventional approach. He started
by personally going around the City
and opening up every manhole for
inspection, even during heavy rains.
St. Germain prioritized the repairs and
the City began to address the failing
manholes one by one. “Rebuilding the
sewer system is a necessity and has
been a huge project,” said St. Germain.
In addition to repairs, St. Germain
also wanted to keep a record of the
City’s infrastructure, including what’s in
the City and how it works. He started
documenting repair work and setting
up a regular maintenance schedule. St.
Germain’s efforts made it easy for the
City to comply with recent changes in
regulatory reporting requirements.
The City of Thomson, like virtually
every small community, faces significant
reductions in state funds. St. Germain
is determined to protect Thompson
residents from increased fees and taxes.
He is exploring options to work with a
nearby community to help increase the
tax base and share services and utilities.
“I’ve lived here all my life. It’s a great
community—quiet and the people are
friendly,” he said. “I want to see the
City grow.”
Sometimes progress requires
someone who’s willing to take the
first step. Life-long resident Larry St.
Germain has embraced his role as the
mayor of Thomson, Minnesota, helping
the small City rise to meet modern
challenges. MSA recognizes St. Germain
as a Community Star for motivating this
quiet community to improve behindthe-scenes operations.
When St. Germain was appointed
as mayor nine years ago, one of the
first steps was to ensure that the City
had adequate technology. St. Germain
recalls the ancient computer and the
typewriter that the City Clerk used when
he started. “My main priority was to
bring the City of Thomson into the 21st
century,” he said. “We started small—by
just getting a new computer—and
we’ve come a long way.”
As he took office, St. Germain also
wanted to get up to speed on the status
of the City’s infrastructure. He found that
the City had almost no records. Having
lived in the community for his entire life,
St. Germain didn’t need records to
know that the City’s infrastructure
needed work.
St. Germain investigates a damaged sanitary sewer pipe near a home in Thompson.
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Kilbourn Public Library expands, adds amenities
Above: Dynamic exterior of the Kilbourn Public Library Addition
Bottom right: A timber trellis creates a sun control device.
Kilbourn Public Library is a
Top: The popular Bookmobile now has more storage room.
Middle: A ceiling feature enhances the central reading area.
Bottom: Many library patrons enjoy a reading area near a
fireplace.
jewel of a building that serves the
Wisconsin communities of Lake
Delton and Wisconsin Dells. Now,
with a 13,815-square-foot addition
and 7,405-square-foot remodeled
area, this modern information center
offers residents and visitors even more
amenities. An attractive reading area
below the cupola is illuminated with
daylighting and nestled next to a cozy
fireplace. Children, teens, and adults
now have designated reading areas.
A separate technology room features
computers, Wi-Fi connections, and a
language lab.
MSA architect Carter Arndt said
he designed the two-level addition to
complement the existing 15-year-old
building. A new sub-dividable study and
program room will allow for permanent
library programming. A new garage
space and support area will help
the bookmobile serve many local
residents at housing complexes and
nursing homes.
The library now features sustainable
elements, such as a ground-source
heating and cooling system with radiant
floor heating. Ample natural daylight
from daylighting tubes and windows
brightens indoor spaces, regulated by
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sunshade devices. The library features
high-efficiency fixtures, including many
with LED lamping, to brighten the rest
of the building. A rain garden and bioretention pond with native vegetation
sustainably addresses the stormwater
quality needs of the site.
The structural engineer designed
special micro-piles to overcome the
challenges of the rocky Wisconsin Dells
subsurface. This resourceful solution
allowed for a seamless expansion of the
existing facility.
Arndt noted that a long-term
partnership with the City of Wisconsin
Dells and the Village of Lake Delton
made this $2.9 million project possible.
Designed to accommodate future
growth, this facility will serve future
needs of both communities.
For more information about library
design, contact Carter Arndt, AIA, at
[email protected] or at 800.362.4505.
Wisconsin
Holmen progressively
planning for the future
It’s no secret that Holmen, Wisconsin is a
great place to live. In the past 15 years, this
village has doubled in size and is currently
improving its infrastructure and services.
Village President Nancy Proctor has put
her “heart and soul” into the Village and
has no intention of lessening her efforts
to improve the community.
MSA recognizes Proctor as a
“Community Star” for her enduring
service to Holmen. She was a board
trustee for nine years and is now in
her second term as Village President.
She supports the creation of a robust
downtown village that would include
a new library near a scenic park and
trail area. She believes a distinctive
community center would encourage
economic development.
Proctor has also facilitated the
following village projects:
• North side Tax Increment District
(TID)
• STH 35 South southern entrance
redevelopment study
• Safe Routes to School $290,000
grant, which added pedestrian
crossings and traffic lights for
students crossing STH 35
• “Concert in the Park” series funded
by donations from local businesses
Holmen will mark the 50th
anniversary of its famous Kornfest
celebration in 2012. Founded in 1862,
Holmen also will celebrate its 150th
anniversary next year.
Proctor noted that the Village
hired MSA to assist with its wastewater
treatment plant facility study. MSA
also helped the Village with the new
administrator hiring process.
Despite the community’s
substantial growth, the number of
Village staff members has remained
steady, except the addition of a
stormwater utility manager. “The people
here have continued to pick up the ball
and run with it and do a great job,”
she said.
Proctor describes Holmen as a
Top: Children participate at a Concert
in the Park.
Above: A young girl enjoys corn on the
cob at the popular Kornfest. (Courier-Life/
Coulee News photo by Randy Erickson)
“family-friendly Midwestern community”
located five miles north of La Crosse. This
“Community Star” is pleased with the
village’s progress during her many years
of public service and is excited about
future downtown redevelopment.
11
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Mattoon uses TIF funds to renovate
Cross County Mall
Thriving communities support
popular retail centers. But as retail
centers age and the paint starts to fade,
so does their appeal. The Cross County
Mall in Mattoon, Illinois is a case in point.
Mattoon city leaders took action to
maintain the mall as a vital component
of the community.
The city teamed up with the
developer to craft an innovative
solution to fund the updates to this
retail center. Tax Increment District (TIF)
funds were earmarked for both exterior
and interior renovation of the mall.
Owners contributed $500,000 and $4
million came from the TIF for a total of
$4.5 million of renovation funds.
“The community really pulled
together to preserve the mall,” said
Brett Stillwell, MSA architect. “Residents
followed the project all the way
through. Everyone knew they were part
of the project and had a vested interest
in the outcome.”
As Mattoon’s main commercial
centerpiece, the Cross County Mall adds
to the tax base, employs local residents,
and encourages related development
outside of the mall property.
Stillwell said the main entries and
facades for the Penny’s and Sears stores
were the focus of the exterior building
improvements. The parking lot was also
renovated and new signage, lights, and
landscaping were installed.
Shoppers are now greeted with an
attractive skylight, fountain, remodeled
restrooms and a food court in the
mall’s interior. Approximately 340,000
square feet of interior finishes were also
renovated. MSA provided architectural
design and construction related services
for this successful revitalization effort.
For more information about
bringing new life to aging retail centers,
contact Brett Stillwell, AIA, LEED®
AP at [email protected] or at
877.352.0081.
12
www.msa-ps.com
BEFORE
AFTER
Illinois
Scenic Port Byron is ready for growth
Port Byron, located on the scenic
Mississippi River, is known for its Great
River Tug Fest and spectacular fireworks
display. The city can now welcome
additional development, thanks to a new,
state-of-the-art wastewater treatment
facility, the first of its kind in Illinois.“Our
AeroMod activated sludge facility gives
Port Byron an opportunity for growth
that it didn’t have before,” said Mayor
Bob Wilson.
Wilson’s efforts to improve Port
Byron have earned him recognition as
an MSA Community Star. The retired
school teacher and coach is serving his
first four-year term as mayor. Besides
the famous Tug Fest, the community is
known for its convenient location near
the Quad Cities, a charming riverside
park, and extensive bike paths.
The City has recently extended
sewer and water lines in the northern
portion of the community, Wilson said.
The utility improvements will open
up a large area of undeveloped land.
“When you grow, you increase your tax
base, allowingyour community to do
more,” he noted. “It’s more attractive for
people to move to Port Byron when the
infrastructure is new and you have lots
of capacity.”
The mayor also noted that
population growth reduces per capita
utility costs for existing residents
because these expenses are shared by
more people.
Although Wilson pointed out
that he did not initiate the wastewater
treatment facility project designed
by MSA, he facilitated its recent
construction. Now on-line, the new
AeroMod activated sludge facility
has increased the City’s user capacity
by nearly 600%. The new facility can
accommodate 3,000 potential users,
while the Illinois EPA had limited the
former facility to 432 users.
Port Byron will be in the spotlight
next year for the 25th anniversary of
the Great River Tug Fest August 9-11,
2012. Thanks to the efforts of Wilson and
many others, it is a thriving community
poised for new growth.
Port Byron celebrates during the Great River Tug Fest. (Jennifer Thompson photos)
13
More ideas. Better solutions.®
La Porte City water
system gets a boost
When the Utilities Board of La Porte
City, Iowa learned that their water
system did not meet state requirements,
they needed help determining which
water system improvements were
needed to return to compliance with
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) regulations.
“The DNR letter told us that
our water system needed 24 hours’
worth of water storage for the city in
case of emergency or interruption in
service,” said Phil Norris, La Porte City
Utilities Chairperson. “We’ve had a lot
of residential development since our
standpipe was built in the early 1970’s,
so our old system didn’t have this
backup capacity.”
That’s when the Utilities Board
contacted Steve Thompson, P.E., from
MSA’s Dubuque office. “Steve had
previously met with our Utilities Board
and had talked with us about nearby
communities that MSA has worked
with,” said Norris. “We checked with a
few of these communities and they all
had positive experiences with MSA, so
that made our decision pretty easy.”
MSA performed a study
to determine the water system
improvements needed to comply
with IDNR requirements. The
study recommended options for
improvements to the drinking water
system storage, pumping, distribution,
and treatment facility.
After meeting with the Utilities
Board to choose a course of action, MSA
designed the following improvements:
• New 400,000-gallon reinforced
concrete composite water tower
• New 1,400-foot-deep, 400-gallonper-minute well and well house
• New water main distribution piping
• Water treatment plant radium
removal process upgrades
The city’s elevated water storage tank, now under construction, provides a bird’s eye view
of the community.
revenues generated by the additional
The Utility again turned to MSA to
taxpayers would spur further economic
help secure financing for the project.
The I-JOBS grant that MSA helped secure development in the city, improving the
quality of life of current residents and
garnered $775,000 for the project. MSA
also helped secure the remainder of the future generations.
funding through State Revolving Fund
Loan and is assisting with the grant and
loan administration process.
MSA incorporated sustainable
features into the project: the variable
frequency drive (VFD) on the new pump
uses energy more efficiently and reduces
wear and tear on the pump, and the
new water main was directionally bored.
Directional boring greatly reduced
the amount of disturbed area at the
project site.
All of the water mains have already
been bored, the well has been drilled,
and the water tower will be on line in
November. The water treatment facility
upgrades and final completion of the
project are expected next year.
Because of these water system
improvements, La Porte City is not
only returning to compliance with the
Crews lift concrete with a crane to
Iowa DNR, but is now more attractive
construct the sections of the pedestal that
will support the steel water storage tank.
to new residents and businesses. The
14
www.msa-ps.com
Iowa
What’s next for progressive
Dakota City?
Dakota City is a family-friendly community on the move.
Angelique Berry takes more than
a casual interest in what is happening in
her community. As city clerk, she jumps
right into an issue, learns all she can, and
continues to look for new opportunities
to help the residents of Dakota City, Iowa.
MSA has awarded her a Community Star
to recognize this enthusiasm.
Berry said her community prefers
proaction over reaction. In 2009, MSA
began working with the community
to study its sewer collection system
to check for sources of infiltration
and inflow (commonly known as “I &
I”) and studied the city’s wastewater
treatment facility. MSA also used Global
Positioning System (GPS) equipment to
map the water, sewer and stormwater
utilities. Berry said MSA presented
the enlightening results of a similar
Stormwater System Study to Humboldt
County officials, which prompted the
city’s decision to address stormwater
issues to help alleviate flooding concerns
that have been ongoing since 2007.
Dakota City is currently working
to renovate its wastewater treatment
plant with a $2.1 million upgrade. The
improvements will allow the mechanical
treatment plant to meet Department
of Natural Resources permitting
requirements for years to come.
MSA procured a $630,000
I-JOBS grant to help fund the
upgrades and a $300,000 Community
Development Block Grant to assist
with existing Infiltration & Inflow
issues and wastewater treatment plant
improvements. Berry noted there was a
need for a slight sewer rate increase, but
“you must have a good working
sewer system.”
Berry also facilitates a housing
rehabilitation program for residents
throughout the community. The city won
another $230,884 in grant monies for a
CDBG Housing Rehabilitation program,
which will provide a $24,999 grant/
forgivable loan for six to eight home
owners to help rehabilitate their homes.
This program will improve average
property values in the community and
increase the tax base, she explained.
There is a lot happening in this
community of over 800 residents. Berry
uses her enthusiasm to help Dakota
City maximize all available resources to
improve the infrastructure and quality of
life in their community.
15
More ideas. Better solutions.®
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Baraboo, WI 53913
Fifteen offices.
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The
go-to team
is how our clients
describe us. They turn to us for help for all
stages of project development, from funding
through design and construction related
services. We’re ready to address the many
municipal infrastructure needs of all our
clients. We may be in many locations, but we
all work together under “one MSA roof.”
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