2 5 24 City Council Minutes1
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. on February 5, 2024, in the
second-floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones, Resnick, Roussell, Sprank,
Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a special session of the City Council called
for the purpose of conducting a work session on Travel Dubuque’s Annual Update.
WORK SESSION
Travel Dubuque Annual Update
Travel Dubuque President and CEO Keith Rahe provide d the organization's annual
presentation. Responding to a question from the City Council regarding the increase in the
Growing Sustainable Communities Conference budget from Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year
2025, Mr. Rahe stated that the conference did not occur in Fiscal Year 2024.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:28
p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on February 5, 2024, in the
second-floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones, Resnick, Roussell, Sprank,
Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a regular session of the City Council called
for the purpose of conducting such business that may properly come before the City Council.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Clerk Breitfelder announced that Action Item No. 8 was removed from the meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of
as indicated. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council Proceedings of January 16, 2024; Historic
Preservation Commission of December 14, 2023 and January 18, 2024; Housing Commission
of April 25, 2023; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of December 29, 2023 and
January 3, 2024. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Conner Maiden for vehicle damage; Dalton Schoen for vehicle
damage; Adam Smith for vehicle damage; Katherine Smith for vehicle damage; John Wagner
for property damage. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City
Attorney.
3. Disposition of Claims: City Attorney advised that the following claims have been referred
to Public Entity Risk Services of Iowa, the agent for the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool:
Connor Maiden for vehicle damage; Dalton Schoen for vehicle damage; Adam Smith for vehicle
damage; Katherine Smith for vehicle damage; John Wagner for property damage. Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and concurred.
4. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 17-24 Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to make certain
payments of bills that must be paid and approved for payment in accordance with City
procedures was adopted.
5. Settlement Authority for City Manager and City Attorney: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 18-24 Authorizing the City Manager and the City Attorney
to settle claims by and against the City was adopted.
6. Neighborhood Association Toolkit: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
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7. Carbon Disclosure Project – 2023 Scorecard: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
8. Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Fund Expenditures for City of Dubuque, Glass
House LLC, and Art For Us: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
9. Acceptance of Public Water Distribution System Improvements in Wildflower Ridge
Subdivision # 4, in the City of Sageville and in Dubuque County, Iowa : Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 19-24 Accepting Public Water
Distribution System Improvements in Wildflower Ridge Subdivision # 4, in the City of Sageville
and in Dubuque County, Iowa was adopted.
10. Offer to Buy Real Estate from Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church Owned Parcel
P.I.N.#1119358005: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No.
20-24 Approving the Offer to Buy Real Estate and Acceptance for the Acquisition of Real
Property owned by Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church by the City of Dubuque was
adopted.
11. Iowa Amphitheater on Schmitt Island Project Geotechnical Engineer Request to
Distribute RFQ and Create an RFQ Review Committee - Project Number: 3049900010: Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
12. Iowa Amphitheater on Schmitt Island Project Environmental Engineer Request to
Distribute RFQ and Create an RFQ Review Committee - Project Number: 3049900010: Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
13. Bee Branch Blum Site Brownfield Clean Up & On-Call Environmental Engineering RFQ -
Request to Distribute RFQ and Create an RFQ Review Committee - Project Code 5586500013-
303: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant: Approve Professional Consultant Services
Agreement - Engineering Design and NEPA / Environmental Project Development - Iowa DOT
Project No. EDP-2100 (705) --7Y-31: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 21-24 Approving Professional Services Consultant Contract with AECOM
Technical Services, Inc. to complete the Phase I (Concept Design / Preliminary Design / NEPA
/ Public Involvement) to advance development for the Rebuilding America’s I nfrastructure with
Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Infrastructure Planning Grant for the project entitled “Building
Bridges to Employment and Equity (B2E2)” was adopted.
15. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Brownfields Multipurpose
Grant Project: Request to Distribute RFQ and Create an RFQ Review Committee: Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and approved.
16. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual
Report for 2023 and HPC Annual Work Plan for 2024 : Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
17. Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Operating Support Grant Application
Modification: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
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18. 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Acceptance of Grant Award: Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
19. Automated Speed Enforcement Handout: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
20. Updated Population Change Handout: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
21. Park and Recreation Commission Correspondence: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
22. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY2024 Annual Action Plan Amendment
#2 Non-Substantial Amendment: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 22-24 Adopting the Fiscal Year 2024 (Program Year 2023) Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 Non -Substantial
Amendment was adopted.
23. Community Development Advisory Commission Cross-Representative Appointment:
Housing Commission requested City Council approval on the appointment of Renee Kehoe,
1209 Lincoln Ave., to the Cross-Representative term on the Community Development Advisory
Commission that will expire on August 17, 2024. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
24. Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee Cross-Representative Appointment: Housing
Commission requested City Council concurrence on the appointment of Amy Eudaley, 950
Wood St., to the Cross-Representative term on the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee
that will expire on August 17, 2026. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
concurred.
25. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Cross-Representative Appointment:
Housing Commission requested City Council concurrence on the appointment of Rick Merfeld,
2718 Andrew Ct., to the Cross-Representative term on the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission that will expire on August 17, 2025. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and concurred.
26. ImOn Arena Activation Plan: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
27. Proposed 16th Amendment to Master Co-location and Shared Services Agreement
between the City of Dubuque and ImOn Communications LLC : Upon motion the documents
were received, filed, and approved.
28. Dubuque County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 23-24 Adopting the Dubuque County
Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted.
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ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and set the
public hearings as indicated. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Radford Road Urban Revitalization Plan
Amendment 3: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 24-24
Setting a public hearing to amend the Radford Road Urban Revitalization Area Plan was
adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024,
in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Alta Vista Urban Revitalization Plan Amendment
1: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 25-24 Setting a
public hearing to amend the Alta Vista Urban Revitalization Area Plan was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024 in the Historic
Federal Building.
3. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Bies Drive Urban Revitalization Plan Amendment
1: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 26-24 Setting a
public hearing to amend the Bies Drive Urban Revitalization Area Plan was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024 in the Historic
Federal Building.
4. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Plaza Drive Urban Revitalization Plan Amendment
1: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 27-24 Setting a
public hearing to amend the Plaza Drive Urban Revitalization Area Plan was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024 in the Historic
Federal Building.
5. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Dubuque Urban Revitalization Plan Amendment
1: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 28-24 Setting a
public hearing to amend the Dubuque Urban Revitalization Area Plan was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024 in the Historic
Federal Building.
6. Setting a Public Hearing for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law State Revolving Fund (SRF)
- Environmental Review - Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program : Upon motion
the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 29-24 State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Loan - Environmental Review Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program:
Preliminary Approval of an Environmental Review as provided by SRF’s Department of Natural
Resources for the Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program and ordering the
advertisement for public notice was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence
at 6:30 p.m. on March 18, 2024 in the Historic Federal Building.
7. Setting a Public Hearing to adopt the Public Housing Authority Annual Plan for Federal
Fiscal Year 2024: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 30-
24 Setting a Public Hearing to review and approve the Public Housing Authority Federal Fiscal
Year 2024 Annual Plan was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on April 1, 2024 in the Historic Federal Building.
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8. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the Revised Administrative Plan for the Housing
Choice Voucher Program: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution
No. 31-24 Setting a Public Hearing to review and approve the Public Housing Authority’s
Administrative Plan was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30
p.m. on April 1, 2024 in the Historic Federal Building.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Applications were reviewed for the following Boards and Commissions. Applicants were
invited to address the City Council regarding their desire to serve on the following
Boards/Commissions.
1. Community Development Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year Term through February 15,
2027 (Expiring low/moderate income representative term of Hammel Jr.). Applicant: Gerald
Hammel Jr., 1225 1/2 Rhomberg Ave. Qualifies as low/moderate income representative
2. Transit Advisory Board: One, 3-Year Term through July 30, 2026 (Vacant term of
Daughters). Applicant: Dora Serna, 2160 Marion Street.
PUBLIC INPUT
Veronica Mcavoy, 125 W. 9th St.; Nino Erba, 180 W. 15th St.; Joesph Lewis, 90 Main St.,
President of the Bishop Block Tenants Association; Jaime Izaguirre, 1394 Locust St., with Iowa
Citizens for Community Improvement; Zoie Fortson, 299 Main St.; and Becky Sisco, 1205
Pamela Ct., respectively provided input regarding Action Item No. 1, sharing concerns about
communication issues with area landlords, unsafe housing conditions for renters, and a need
for more housing inspectors.
Laurana Snyder, 899 Cottage Pl., spoke in support of Action Item No. 4, speaking about the
potential benefits of the proposed community orchard.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Proposed Rental License Fee Increases for February 2024 : Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 32-24 Approving the increase in fees for the
rental license and inspection program. Seconded by Wethal. Housing and Community
Development Director Alexis Steger responded to multiple questions from the City Council. Ms.
Steger cautioned against hiring an additional Housing Inspector , stating that a significant
amount of time and money is necessary to train inspectors. Since staff intend to reduce
inspections to a three-year cycle, an additional inspector may not be needed by the time that
individual is fully trained. Ms. Steger stated that city staff would inspect a unit if they received a
tenant concern and did not receive a response from the landlord. City Manager Van Milligen
stated that the city’s goal is to fund 90% of the housing inspector roles through rental inspection
fees and the remaining 10% through general funds based on inspectors having some duties
outside of rental inspections. City Manager Van Milligen also summarized the city’s previous
and current rental unit inspection processes. Per the current process, landlords are not charged
for their first inspection but are charged for their first re-inspection. City Attorney Brumwell
summarized the options for legal action on abandoned units. City Council Members engaged in
discussion regarding the recommended timeframe for inspections and encouraged tenants to
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report concerns regarding their rental units or landlords. Mayor Cavanagh emphasized the
agenda item was to approve fee increases and requested the City Council discuss aspects
outside the scope of the agenda item during the upcoming budget process. City Attorney
Brumwell stated that the City Council would receive a memo from her prior to the budget
hearings that will outline the process for discussing budget items. City Manager Van Milligen
confirmed that the Housing Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget hearing is scheduled for
March 28, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried 6-1 with Wethal voting nay.
2. Progress Update: 3000 Jackson Street Dubuque Brewing and Malting Building: Motion by
Resnick to receive and file the documents and listen to the presentation. Seconded by Farber.
Housing and Community Development Director Alexis Steger provided a status update on the
Dubuque Brewing and Malting project at 3000 Jackson Street, sharing that asbestos work is
currently underway and will be extensive. Responding to questions from the City Council, Ms.
Steger stated that the building owner provides a daily update and that no municipal infractions
have been issued thus far. While the owner has not communicated a timeline, Ms. Steger stated
that the owner is seeking a third-party loan, which requires reassessment of the property and
will therefore take time to complete. Mayor Cavanagh requested that the City Council continue
to receive progress updates on the consent agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Approval of Westbrook Park and Eagle Valley Park Concept Plans: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve the Westbrook Park and Eagle Valley Park concept
plans. Seconded by Sprank. Responding to questions from the City Council, Project and
Facilities Manager Jared Charland stated that the Park and Recreation Commission
unanimously approved the concept plans, that the concepts could be slightly modified based on
supply chain issues, and outlined the options for potential trail connections in the future. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. Dubuque Trees Forever Community Orchard Proposal for Caledonia Park : Motion by
Jones to receive and file the documents and approve the concept plan for Caledonia Park and
allow staff to continue to work with Dubuque Trees Forever to create a community orchard and
pollinator garden at that park. Seconded by Wethal. Council Member Roussell announced that
she would abstain from the vote due to serving as the Executive Director of Dubuque Trees
Forever. Responding to a question from the City Council, City Manager Van Milligen stated that
the property will be city-owned and will be maintained by Dubuque Trees Forever. Council
Member Roussell stated that Dubuque Trees Forever will be hosting a public input meeting on
February 21st at the ImOn Arena to discuss any resident concerns and receive other feedback
on the plan. City Council Members provided input on notifying area residents about the plan.
Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Roussell.
5. Dubuque Police Department 2024 Awards and Recognition Program : Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and listen to the presentation. Seconded by Sprank. Police
Captain Brendan Welsh summarized the Dubuque Police Department's 2024 Awards and
Recognition Program. City Council Members thanked the Police Department for hosting the
program and commended the guest speaker’s speech on emotional intelligence. Motion carried
7-0.
6. Agenda and Meeting Management System Request for Proposals : Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an
Agenda and Meeting Management System for City Council meeting agendas, replacing
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NovusAgenda. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Recreation Fee Increase Recommendation and Estimated Revenue Summary: Motion by
Jones to receive and file the documents and approve the recreation fee increases starting spring
of 2024 to assist in offsetting the impact of the recent wage increases and other operational cost
increases. Seconded by Resnick. City Council Members emphasized the need to increase fees
to fund operations and maintain quality staff. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Smart Parking & Mobility Management Plan: Parking Access Revenue Control System
Request to Distribute RFP and Create an RFP Review Committee - CIP 360-2936: This item
was removed from the meeting.
9. Request to Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) to Reprogram
Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Funds : Motion by Sprank to receive and
file the documents and approve requesting reallocation of Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds. Seconded
by Wethal. City Council Members commended the partnerships leveraged to make the
reallocation successful and emphasized the significance of installing a railroad overpass . City
Manager Van Milligen acknowledged Dubuque Racing Association President and CEO Alex
Dixon’s and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation President and CEO Rick Dickinson’s
efforts toward the proposal. Motion carried 7-0.
10. Work Session Request: Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment Plan : Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for February 12,
2024, at 6:00 p.m. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Work Session Request: City Prevention and Response to an Active Aggressor Situation:
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for April 15,
2024, at 5:15 p.m. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
12. Work Session Request: Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) City Life Student
Presentation to City Council: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and schedule
the work session for May 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
13. Curbside Collections - Battling the Elements Video: Motion by Farber to receive and file
the documents and view the video. Seconded by Wethal. Media Services showed a video
produced following the January 9 through 12, 2024, snow events on curbside collections during
winter conditions. The video can be viewed at
https://youtu.be/BeGKgLbReBM?si=1clIMXRqAZ0UrXf3. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Council Member Sprank reported on advocating for the residents of the Table Mound Mobile
Home Park at the Iowa State Capital during the current legislative session.
Council Member Jones reported on recently traveling via Route 66 and commended
Dubuque’s cleanliness compared to some of his travel destinations.
Council Member Farber reported on the Female Student-Athletes Golden Jubilee Celebration
at Dubuque Senior High School, her service on the National League of Cities (NLC) Information
Technology Committee and Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee, presenting to Alternative
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Learning Center students at Magoo’s Pizza, and Simmons Pet Food’s recent ribbon cutting at
their new facility.
Council Member Wethal reported on attending the Dubuque Police Department’s Awards
and Recognition Program and Simmons Pet Food’s recent ribbon cutting.
Mayor Cavanagh reported on attending the United States Conference of Mayors annual
meeting in Washington D.C., becoming President-Elect of the Iowa League of Cities (ILC), and
chairing ILC’s Legislative Policy Committee. Mayor Cavanagh additionally mention ed two
upcoming Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce events: Dubuque Night in Des Moines and
the D.C. Fly-In.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 8:57 p.m. to discuss Confidential Records
and Purchase or Sale of Real Estate – Chapter 21.5(1)(a),(j) Code of Iowa. Seconded by
Sprank. Mayor Cavanagh stated for the record that the attorney who will consult with the City
Council on the issues to be discussed in the closed session is City Attorney Brumwell. Motion
carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 9:59 p.m. stating that staff had been given
proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 9:59
p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk