Public Hearing for Sale of City-Owned Lot at 627 Rhomberg Ave.City of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Public Hearings # 02.
Copyrighted
May 6, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing for Sale of City -Owned Lot at 627 Rhomberg Ave.
SUMMARY: Proof of publication on notice of public hearing to consider City
Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution for disposition of
City -owned real property located at 627 Rhomberg, as presented, and
City Manager recommending approval.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
RESOLUTION Disposing of city interest in real property at 627
Rhomberg, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa
Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
627 Rhomberg PH - Staff Memo
627 Rhomberg PH - Resolution
627 Rhomberg PH - Purchase Agreement
627 Rhomberg PH - Special Warranty Deed
Type
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Resolutions
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF
Dubuque
DUB TEE1.
All -America City
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Hearing for Sale of City -Owned Lot at 627 Rhomberg Ave.
DATE: April 30, 2024
Housing & Community Development Director Alexis Steger is recommending City
Council hold a public hearing and authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution for
disposition of City -owned real property located at 627 Rhomberg, as presented.
The City of Dubuque acquired the property at 627 Rhomberg Avenue by petition for title
of abandoned property in April 2019. When the property was acquired, there was a
single-family dwelling on the lot that was deemed uninhabitable and not economically
viable for rehabilitation. The structure was deconstructed shortly thereafter, and the lot
has been vacant since that time. The Housing Department maintains the grass and
snow removal for the property.
In 2023, the owner of the neighboring commercial structure located at 629 Rhomberg
Ave., Karl Williams, approached the Housing Department, requesting to purchase the
lot adjoining his building. The City of Dubuque entered a Purchase Agreement with Mr.
Williams on April 9, 2024, to purchase the lot at 627 Rhomberg for $10,768.68.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director
Maddy Haverland, Urban Development and Housing Rehabilitation Project Manager
THE CITY OF
Dubuque
D B E 1 I-hmerica .1
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Masterpiece an the Mississippi W,.Zo,Z.Z.....
To: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
From: Alexis M. Steger, Housing & Community Development Director
Subject: Public Hearing for Sale of City -Owned Lot at 627 Rhomberg Ave.
Date: April 29, 2024
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request that the City Council hold a Public
Hearing for the purpose of disposing of City -owned real property located at 627
Rhomberg Ave.
BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque acquired the property at 627 Rhomberg Avenue by petition for title
of abandoned property in April 2019. When the property was acquired, there was a
single-family dwelling on the lot that was deemed uninhabitable and not economically
viable for rehabilitation. The structure was deconstructed shortly thereafter, and the lot
has been vacant since that time. The Housing Department maintains the grass and
snow removal for the property.
In 2023, the owner of the neighboring commercial structure located at 629 Rhomberg
Ave., Karl Williams, approached the Housing Department, requesting to purchase the
lot adjoining his building. The City of Dubuque entered a Purchase Agreement with Mr.
Williams on April 9, 2024, to purchase the lot at 627 Rhomberg for $10,768.68.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
I respectfully request the City Council hold a public hearing and authorize the Mayor to
execute the Resolution for disposition of 627 Rhomberg, as presented.
Prepared by: Maddy Haverland, Urban Development and Housing Rehabilitation Project
Manager
Prepared by Maddv Haverland, Housing & Community Devei. 350 W. V, St., Suite 312 Telephone: (563) 690-6072
Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13th St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100
RESOLUTION NO. 126-24
DISPOSING OF CITY INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY AT 627 RHOMBERG, IN THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
Whereas, the City Council, by Resolution No. 96-24, dated April 15, 2024,
declared its intent to dispose of City interest in real property located at 627 Rhomberg
Avenue (the Property) legally described as:
Lot 2 of Lot 1 of Lot 35 in Cook's Addition to the City of Dubuque, Iowa,
according to the recorded plat thereof; and
Whereas, pursuant to published notice, a public hearing was held on the
proposed disposition on May 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Federal Building, 350
W. 61h Street, Dubuque, Iowa; and
Whereas, it is the determination of the City Council that approval of the purchase
agreement for the sale to Karl Williams according to the terms and conditions set out in
the purchase agreement is in the public interest of the City of Dubuque.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The purchase agreement by and between the City of Dubuque and
Karl Williams, for the sale of the Property, a copy attached hereto, is hereby approved.
Section 2. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to
execute a Special Warranty Deed, conveying the City's interest in the Property to Karl
Williams.
Section 3. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause said
Special Warranty Deed to be delivered to the City Attorney's Office, together with a
certified copy of the Resolution.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 6th day of May 2024.
Attest Brad M. vanagh, Mayor
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Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk
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OFFER TO BUY REAL ESTATE AND ACCEPTANCE
TO: City of Dubuque, Iowa, a municipal corporation (Seller)
SECTION 1. REAL ESTATE DESCRIPTION. The undersigned BUYER hereby offers
to buy and the undersigned SELLER by its acceptance agrees to sell the real estate (Real
Estate) situated in Dubuque, Iowa, locally known as 627 Rhomberg Ave, Dubuque, IA
52001 and legally described as:
Lot 2 of Lot 1 of Lot 35 in Cook's Addition to the City of Dubuque, Iowa, according
to the recorded plat thereof
legal description to be confirmed per continued abstract per Section 10, together with any
easements and appurtenant servient estates, but subject to the following:
a. any easements of record for public utilities or roads,
b. any zoning restrictions and other ordinances, and
c. any covenants of record.
SECTION 2. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price shall be ten thousand seven
hundred sixty-eight dollars and sixty-eight cents ($10,768.68).
SECTION 3. REAL ESTATE TAXES. Seller shall pay any unpaid real estate taxes
payable for fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (payable September, 2023 and
March, 2024), and real estate taxes, including any tax sale certificates, for prior years.
Seller shall also pay prorated real estate taxes for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30,
2024, prorated, however, to the date of closing. Buyer shall pay all subsequent real estate
taxes due and payable after the date of closing.
SECTION 4. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. Seller shall pay all special assessments
which are a lien on the Real Estate as of the date of acceptance of this Offer. All other
special assessments shall be paid by Buyer.
SECTION 5. RISK OF LOSS AND INSURANCE. Seller shall bear the risk of loss or
damage to the Real Estate prior to closing or possession, whichever first occurs. Seller
agrees to maintain existing insurance and Buyer may purchase additional insurance. In
the event of substantial damage or destruction prior to closing, this agreement shall be
null and void; provided, however, Buyer shall have the option to complete the closing and
receive insurance proceeds regardless of the extent of damages. The property shall be
deemed substantially damaged or destroyed if it cannot be restored to its present
condition on or before the closing date.
SECTION 6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE. The Real Estate shall be preserved in its
present condition and delivered intact at the time of possession is delivered to Buyer,
provided, however, if there is loss or destruction of all or any part of the Real Estate from
causes covered by the insurance maintained by Seller, Buyer agrees to accept such
damaged or destroyed Real Estate together with such insurance proceeds in lieu of the
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Real Estate in its present condition and Seller shall not be required to repair or replace
same.
SECTION 7. POSSESSION AND CLOSING.
7.1 If Buyer timely performs all obligations, possession of the Real Estate shall be
delivered to Buyer on or before May 30, 2024 or such earlier date as the parties may
agree in writing, with any adjustments of rent, insurance, and interest to be made as of
the date of transfer of possession.
7.2 Closing shall occur after the approval of title by Buyer and vacation of the Real
Estate by Seller, but prior to possession by Buyer. Seller agrees to permit Buyer to
inspect the Real Estate within seventy-two (72) hours prior to closing to assure that the
premises are in the condition required by this agreement. If possession is given on a day
other than closing, the parties shall make a separate agreement with adjustments as of
the date of possession.
7.3 This transaction shall be considered closed upon the delivery of the title transfer
documents to Buyer and receipt of all funds then due at closing from Buyer under the
Agreement.
SECTION 8. USE OF PURCHASE PRICE. At time of settlement, funds of the
Purchase Price may be used to pay taxes and other liens and to acquire outstanding
interests, if any, of others.
SECTION 9. FIXTURES. Included with the Real Estate shall be all fixtures that
integrally belong to, are specifically adapted to or are a part of the real estate, whether
attached or detached. Also included shall be the following: N/A. The following items shall
not be included: N/A.
SECTION 10. ABSTRACT AND TITLE. Seller, at its expense, shall promptly obtain an
abstract of title to the Real Estate and deliver it to Buyer's attorney for examination. It
shall show marketable title in Seller in conformity with this Agreement, Iowa law, and title
standards of the Iowa State Bar Association. Seller shall make every reasonable effort
to promptly perfect title. If closing is delayed due to Seller's inability to provide marketable
title, this agreement shall continue in force and effect until either party rescinds the
Agreement after giving ten (10) days written notice to the other party. The abstract shall
become the property of Buyer when the Purchase Price is paid in full. Seller shall pay
the costs of any additional abstracting and title work due to any act or omission of Seller,
including transfers by or the death of Seller or Seller's assignees. Unless stricken, the
abstract shall be obtained from an abstracter qualified by the Guaranty Division of the
Iowa Housing Finance Authority.
SECTION 11. DEED. Upon payment of the Purchase Price, Seller shall convey the Real
Estate to Buyer by Special Warranty Deed, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, and
encumbrances, except as provided in this agreement. General warranties of the title shall
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extend to the time of delivery of the deed excepting liens and encumbrances suffered or
permitted by Buyer.
SECTION 12. CONTRACT BINDING ON SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST. This contract
shall apply to and bind the successors in interest of the parties. This agreement shall
survive the closing.
SECTION 13. RIGHTS OF INSPECTION, ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING AND
REVIEW. Real Estate deeded herein is taken in "as is" condition with no guarantees or
warranties express or implied.
SECTION 14. ENCUMBRANCES. Seller warrants that the Real Estate will as of the
date of closing be free and clear of all liens, security interests, and encumbrances.
SECTION 15. TENANTS. The Real Estate is free and clear of any occupants, and no
party has a lease to or other occupancy or contract right in the Real Estate which shall in
anyway be binding upon the Real Estate. Seller shall hold harmless and indemnify the
Buyer for and against any claims, which may arise or be based upon any alleged
leasehold interest, tenancy, or other right of occupancy or use for any portion for the Real
Estate. This covenant shall survive the closing.
SECTION 16. NO REAL ESTATE AGENT OR BROKER. Neither party has used the
service of a real estate agent or broker in connection with this transaction.
SECTION 17. CERTIFICATION. Buyer and Seller each certify that they are not acting,
directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of any person, group, entity or nation named by any
Executive Order or the United States Treasury Department as a terrorist, "Specially
Designated National and Blocked Person" or any other banned or blocked person, entity,
nation or transaction pursuant to any law, order, rule or regulation that is enforced or
administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control; and are not engaged in this
transaction, directly or indirectly on behalf of, any such person, group, entity or nation.
Each party hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other party from
and against any and all claims, damages, losses, risks, liabilities and expenses (including
attorney's fees and costs) arising from or related to breach of the foregoing certification.
SECTION 18. REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES.
18.1 If Buyer fails to timely perform this contract, Seller may forfeit it as provided in the
Iowa Code, and all payments made shall be forfeited or, at Seller's option, upon thirty (30)
days written notice of intention to accelerate the payment of the entire balance because of
such failure (during which thirty (30) days such failure is not corrected) Seller may declare
the entire balance immediately due and payable. Thereafter this contract may be foreclosed
in equity and the Court may appoint a receiver.
18.2 If Seller fails to timely perform this contract, Buyer has the right to have all payments
made returned to it.
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18.3 Buyer and Seller also are entitled to utilize any and all other remedies or actions at
law or in equity available to them and shall be entitled to obtain judgment for costs and
attorney fees as permitted by law.
SECTION 19. WAIVER. Failure to promptly assert rights herein shall not, however, be
a waiver of such rights or a waiver of any existing or subsequent default.
SECTION 20. NOTICE. Any notice under this agreement shall be in writing and be
deemed served when it is delivered by personal delivery or mailed by certified mail,
addressed to the parties at the addresses given below.
Karl Williams
186 North Main Street
Potosi, WI 53820
City of Dubuque
Attn: Alexis Steger
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
SECTION 21. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. In the performance of each part of this
agreement, time shall be of the essence.
SECTION 22. TIME FOR ACCEPTANCE. When accepted, this agreement shall
become a binding contract. If this Offer is not accepted and delivered to Buyer on or before
5:00 p.m. on April 9, 2024, this agreement shall be null and void and all payments shall be
returned immediately to the Buyer.
SECTION 23. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This agreement contains the entire agreement
of the parties and shall not be amended except by a written instrument duly signed by
Seller and Buyer.
SECTION 24. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS AND CONSTRUCTION. Paragraph headings
are for convenience of reference and shall not limit or affect the meaning of this
Agreement. Words and phrases herein shall be construed as in the singular or plural
number, and as masculine, feminine or neuter gender according to the context.
SECTION 25. OTHER PROVISIONS.
25.1 This agreement is subject to the final approval of the City Council of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa in its sole discretion. If the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa does
not approve this Offer, it shall become automatically void and neither party shall be bound
by the terms and conditions set forth herein.
25.2 The terms of Section 25 shall in all respects survive the closing.
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SELLER
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
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By: 9/24 9:06 AM
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Alexis Steger, Housing Director
Dated: 04/09/2024
BUYER
KARL WILLIAMS
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By: 89PX-SK6X-UYTA-YSIN
Karl Williams
04/09/2024
Dated:
Prepared by: Crenna Brumwell, 300 Main Street, Suite 330, Dubuque IA 52001 563 589-4381
Return to: Crenna Brumwell, 300 Main Street, Suite 330, Dubuque IA 52001 563 589-4381
Tax Statement to:
Karl Williams
186 !North Main Street
Potosi, Wl 53820
SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: that the City of Dubuque, Iowa, a
municipal corporation of the State of Iowa (Grantor), in consideration of ten thousand
seven hundred sixty eight dollars and sixty eight cents ($10,768.68) and other good and
valuable consideration, and pursuant to the authority of Chapter 403, Code of Iowa,
does hereby GRANT, SELL, AND CONVEY unto KARL WILLIAMS, a single person, the
following legally described real estate situated in the County of Dubuque, State of Iowa,
to wit (the Property):
Lot 2 of Lot 1 of Lot 35 in Cook's Addition to the City of Dubuque, Iowa,
according to the recorded plat thereof
(627 Rhomberg Avenue)
This Deed is exempt from transfer tax pursuant to Iowa Code Section 428A.2(6).
There is no known private burial site, well, solid waste disposal site, underground
storage tank, hazardous waste, or private sewage disposal system on the
property as described in Iowa Code Section 558.69, and therefore the
transaction is exempt from the requirement to submit a groundwater, hazard
statement.
This Deed is given pursuant to the authority of Resolution No. 14-2-11 of the City
Council of the City of Dubuque adopted the 6th day of May, 2024, the terms and
conditions thereof, if any, having been fulfilled.
Grantor hereby covenants to warrant and defend the said premises against the
lawful claims of all persons whomsoever claiming by, through and under it.
Dated this ? day of 2024 at Dubuque, Iowa.
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
By:
Brad M. Cavan ag yor
Attest:
By: S,.e
Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk
STATE OF IOWA
SS
COUNTY OF DUBUQUE
On this `a day of i1'lckV , 2024, before me a Notary Public in and
for said County, personally appeared Brad Cavanagh and Adrienne Breitfelder to me
personally known, who being duly sworn, did say that they are the Mayor and City
Clerk, respectively of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, a Municipal Corporation, created and
existing under the laws of the State of Iowa, and that the seal affixed to the foregoing
instrument is the seal of said Municipal Corporation, and that said instrument was
signed and sealed on behalf of said Municipal Corporation by authority and resolution of
its City Council and said Mayor and City Clerk acknowledged said instrument to be the
free act and deed of said Municipal Corporation by it voluntarily executed.
ry Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa
TUSDEE LYNN BLUS
Commission Number 842478
,o My Comm. Exp. ,"
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STATE OF IOWA SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
I, Kathy Goetzinger, a Billing Clerk for Woodward
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher
of the Telegraph Herald, a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the
attached notice was published in said newspaper on the
following dates:
04/26/2024
and for which the charge is 64.58
c
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 26th day of April, 2024
Notary ub 'c in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
JAHEI' 9d . PAPS
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? My commission Expires
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Ad text :
CITY OF DUBUQE, IOWA
OFFICIAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the
City of Dubuque, Iowa, will hold a public hearing on the 6th
day of May 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Federal
Building, 350 West Sixth Street, 2nd floor, Dubuque, Iowa, at
which meeting the City Council proposes to dispose of an
interest in the following described real property by sale to
Karl Williams:
Lot 2 of Lot 1 of Lot 35 in Cook's Addition to the City of
Dubuque, Iowa, according to the recorded plat thereof
locally known as 627 Rhomberg Ave.
At the meeting, the City Council will receive oral and
written comments from any resident or property owner of said
City to the above action. The official agenda will be posted
the Friday before the meeting and will contain public input
options. The City Council agenda can be accessed at
https://cityofdubuque.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/ or by
contacting the City Clerk's Office at 563-589-4100,
ctyclerk@cityofdubuque.org.
Written comments regarding the above public hearings may be
submitted to the City Clerk's Office via email at
ctyclerk@cityofdubuque.org or by mail to City Clerk's Office,
City Hall, 50 W. 13th St., Dubuque, IA 52001, before said
time of public hearing. At said time and place of public
hearings the City Council will receive any written comments.
Copies of supporting documents for the public hearings are
on file in the City Clerk's Office and may be viewed Monday
through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Individuals with limited English proficiency, vision,
hearing, or speech impairments requiring special assistance
should contact the City Clerk's Office at (563) 589-4100, TDD
(563) 690-6678, ctyclerk@cityofdubuque.org as soon as
feasible. Deaf or hard -of -hearing individuals can use Relay
Iowa by dialing 711 or (800) 735-2942.
Published by order of the City Council given on the 15th day
of April 2024.
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 96-24
INTENT TO DISPOSE OF AN INTEREST IN CITY OF DUBUQUE REAL
ESTATE TO KARL WILLIAMS, SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING,
AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF
Whereas, the City of Dubuque, Iowa (City) owns 627 Rhomberg
Avenue (the Property) legally described as:
Lot 2 of Lot 1 of Lot 35 in Cooks Addition to the City of
Dubuque, Iowa, according to the recorded plat thereof; and
Whereas, the City acquired the property through petition for
title to abandoned property; and
Whereas, it is the recommendation of the Housing and
Community Development Department to approve the purchase
agreement for the sale to Karl Williams according to the terms
and conditions set out in the purchase agreement in the public
interest of the City of Dubuque.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the City of Dubuque, Iowa, proposes to
approve the purchase agreement of the above -described real
estate to Karl Williams.
Section 2. That the City Council shall conduct a public
hearing on the proposed purchase agreement in the City Council
Chambers at the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street,
Dubuque, Iowa on the 6th day of May 2024, beginning at 6:30
PM.
Section 2. That the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized
and directed to publish notice of the public hearing in the
form attached hereto, according to law.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 15th day of April 2024.
/s/Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
It 4/26