Last modified Thu, May 29, 2008


SICOG MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES/CONTRACT SERVICES POLICY

A basic philosophy of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments is that local units of government can be strengthened by promoting intergovern-
mental cooperation and coordination. One way that this goal is realized in Area XIV is by cities and counties working collectively through SICOG.

Through a cost-sharing approach since 1972, professional technical services have been made available and affordable for all local governments in the eight-county region.

Most SICOG services have traditionally been supported through a basic per capita charge paid by all SICOG members and by various state and federal sources of funding. Major assistance activities which benefited only local government rather than all members equally have been financially supported by the benefitting government on a contractual basis. With the recent changes in state and federal programs which used to fund local and area wide professional and technical services, the SICOG Executive Board has recognized the need to redefine its membership/contract services policy.

The primary concern of the Board was to establish a policy which is most fair to all member governments, assures that all member governments share equally in base support for SICOG, assures that all member governments have access to the same basic services, assures that a member government in need of long-term or special assistance supports that cost, and assures that non-member governments and organizations defray the costs of requested assistance.
With this philosophy in mind, the SICOG Executive Board has formally adopted a policy to continue to use per capita dues paid by member governments to cover basic operating costs and to provide basic membership services. The Board has also formally adopted a variable hourly fee schedule based on operating costs and the staff level involved in providing services. These hourly fees are applied to member governments which request specified contractual services and to non-member governments and organizations for all services and assistance requested. The hourly fee includes gross salary, fringe benefits, office rent, utilities, and miscellaneous general office expenses. In addition to the hourly fee all reimbursable expenses incurred will be charged. Total contract fees may be negotiated for long-term or large-scale projects such as comprehensive plans, ordinances, or grant administration services.

The SICOG Executive Board believes that this policy will allow member governments to continue to receive professional and technical services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Examples of specified Membership Services and Contractual Services are indicated on the following pages.

As a condition of membership in the Southern Iowa Council of Govern-ments, each local unit of government contributes or has contributed on its behalf a per capita fee to help cover basic operating costs and to provide basic membership services.


CONTRACTUAL SERVICE

In addition to the services provided to member governments at no addi-tional cost, other services are available to member governments as well as to non-member governments and organizations on a contractual basis. The charge for these services based on a variable hourly fee or a negotiated pro-ject fee. Services are provided to non-members on a time-available basis only.The following contractual services are available:

1. Provide administrative and management assistance.

2. Prepare model codes.

3. Assist local governments in preparation or revision of local
ordinances.

4. Prepare new or updated comprehensive plans or other functional
plans.

5. Provide copying services.

6. Provide mapping services.

7. Prepare local government brochures, fact sheets, or other promotional materials.

8. Prepare special studies.

9. Other specified services.

 Generally these services are at no cost and included as a privilege of membership

1. Provide a forum for addressing intergovernmental needs
and issues.

2. Maintain liaison with state and federal agencies and
organizations.

3. Coordinate intergovernmental activities.

4. Conduct or sponsor seminars on specific topics of concern.

5. Provide census and other statistical data.

6. Disseminate information concerning available programs or
assistance.

7. Prepare and distribute newsletters.

8. Maintain cooperation and coordination with other local/
area-wide organizations and agencies.

9. Conduct short-term research for local problem solving.

10. Consult with local governments on specific problems.

11. Provide short-term technical assistance to local governments.

12. Research and identify prospective funding sources for local
governments.

13. Research and prepare grant/loan applications.

14. Conduct Intergovernmental Review (A-95) activities.

15. Other specified service
ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM

Base Program Services: The basic SICOG work program is based on service to member governments. These services include; information dissemination, direct technical assistance, coordination/liaison and grantsmanship. The SICOG Board of Directors updates the annual work program each year. Each of SICOG’s “Foundation” Programs is listed below, for information on these programs select from the following options.

Other SICOG Programs: SICOG has assumed specific program responsibilities in several program areas. Planning, housing, and economic development have been established as primary SICOG programs. These programs and services are provided under contract with state and federal agencies or private sector entities. An update on individual programs is presented at each board meeting. Responsibilities and recommended priorities for each program are listed below, click program for description.


Coordination and Liaison
The Southern Iowa Council of Governments Board of Directors and professional staff interact on an on-going basis with policy officials and administrative personnel of state and federal agencies. Providing support for local and regional program and project priorities is an essential part of the annual work program.
At the request of individual members or based on directives and resolutions of the SICOG Board, the staff will assist in resolving problems or capitalizing on opportunities by keeping a clear line of communication with key policy officials and administrators at the state and federal levels.


Direct Technical Assistance
A primary service to member governments and organizations is direct technical assistance in the development and implementation of priority local programs and projects. This assistance includes help in organizing and conducting public hearings, town meetings or other meetings designed to determine community-wide or county-wide priorities. Staff will follow-up by assisting community leaders establish an implementation strategy for priority projects including the determination of funding alternatives and preparation of applications for assistance where appropriate. Particular emphasis will be placed on community development/community facilities, water systems, water system development, housing programs and project development, and transportation related projects and programs.


Economic Development
Continue eligibility as an Economic Development District for participating localities under Section 402 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended.

Update the Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by researching current needs of the Area and member local governments. The following sections of the current CEDS will be reviewed and updated:

1. Goals and Objectives
2. Economic Potentials and Constraints/Community Needs Assessments
3. Development Strategy
4. Statistical Data and Analysis based on 1990 Census
5. Develop and implement "performance measures"

Assist local governments and local development organizations promote business and industrial development which is consistent with local needs and encourage local business expansion which will provide increased employment opportunities and personal income for the unemployed and under-employed people in the SICOG area.

Coordinate efforts with the Iowa Department of Economic Development in developing regional strategies, which are consistent with local needs and priorities.


Housing
Provide contract administrative support for the administration of local and regional housing programs as approved by the SICOG Board.

Administer the HRLF First Time Home Buyers Program. Assist local communities develop housing strategies, market studies and projects as requested by local governments.

Provide management administrative and operational assistance for area Housing rehabilitation programs.

Administer the Iowa housing fund Programs, which are: Owner-occupied Rehabilitation grants and loans. Develop multi-family, elderly and single family rental projects throughout the region in cooperating with local jurisdictions with demonstrated housing needs.


Information Dissemination
Major changes are continuing to occur at all levels of government. Keeping local officials informed regarding transition of state and federal programs and administration of state and federal programs, including environmental issues. These issues include, but are not limited to welfare reform, housing programs, utility deregulation and economic development initiatives.

Newly established state programs such as the Regional Workforce Development Boards will be evaluated.

Information efforts will be enhanced through special reports which will keep members informed regarding new developments in state and federal programs as well as timely reports on existing programs.

Direct communications will continue through reports to board members at SICOG meetings and through personal contacts by staff. Major sources of information will include the Federal Register, newsletters from national organizations, the media, and personal contacts with key state and federal officials.


Legislative/Regulatory/Advocacy
As a result of policy shifts at the federal level, major new responsibilities are being thrust on states and their local governments. To assure that local needs are addressed, local governments must assume a more active role in the development of regulations and legislation which is responsive to local needs and priorities. The legislative/regulatory strategy will encourage the active involvement of local people in the statutory and rulemaking process.

SICOG will continue to work closely with the Executive Branch and individual legislators from our area, as necessary, to assure a cooperative, mutually supportive effort. Close contact and communication will be maintained with the Iowa Association of Counties, the Iowa League of Cities, and other public interest groups with compatible legislative priorities, which benefit local government, local programs, and local people.

SICOG policy officials will be encouraged to participate in the rulemaking processes and other rate setting or rulemaking bodies. When specifically authorized by the Executive Board, SICOG staff will participate in specific regulatory decisions or processes.


Policy Development
Local governments in the SICOG Region recognize that state and federal policies influence their ability to meet the needs of their constituents. Activities by staff include the following:

• National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
• IOWA Association of Regional Councils (IARC)


Review and Comment
The Southern Iowa Council of Governments will actively participate in the review of applications for state or federal funds which directly impact local or regional priorities.

In accordance with Executive Order 12372, SICOG will continue to serve as the regional clearinghouse for the area. SICOG staff will review applications for state or federal funds referred by the State Clearinghouse or submitted directly by the applicant.

General review policies include: 1) Member government program and project proposals which have primarily local impacts will be supported; 2) Applications which appear to be in conflict with local priorities, are inconsistent with established Board policy, or ignore obvious needs in the area will be referred to the affected local jurisdiction; 3) Applications which have minimal affects on the area may receive a "no comment"; or 4) Special board action or consideration based on Executive Board requests.


Special Projects
The Annual Work Program also includes a "special projects" category, which allows SICOG to be flexible and responsive in accommodating local governments' needs. Special projects are reviewed with the SICOG Board or Executive Committee and allow for a "quick response" capability on important problems, issues, or opportunities.

A. Seek additional resources to support local and regional planning including, but not limited to, comprehensive plans, strategic plans and functional plans which address local and regional priorities.

B. Design and capitalize a regional "RLF" (revolving loan fund) to support small business creation and expansion and other sub-regional initiatives.

C. Develop and maintain a Web Page. The Web site will provide links to other information sources so that cities and counties can plan, review and partner in the economic development and infrastructure projects throughout the region.

D. New Strategic Housing Initiatives:

Housing Development: SICOG will continue to provide consulting services to other entities and agencies, as directed by the Board of Directors, for the housing development assistance throughout the region.

The staff will continue to develop special needs property, which it will implement, as directed by the SICOG Board of Directors. The organization will continue to seek housing opportunities that will benefit the communities throughout the region.


Training
The sponsorship of workshops and seminars on common problems or pertinent, current programs can be an effective way for SICOG to assist its members to improve their understanding of program opportunities. At the direction of the SICOG Board, staff will conduct or arrange for relevant training sessions for its members.