5 20 24 City Council Minutes1
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on May 20, 2024, in the
second-floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jones; Council Members Farber, Resnick (joined virtually by 5:45
p.m.), Roussell, Sprank, Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
Absent: Mayor Cavanagh.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones read the call and stated this is a special session of the City Council
called for the purpose of conducting work sessions on the Historic Millwork District Master Plan
and Inclusive Dubuque.
WORK SESSIONS
1. Historic Millwork District Master Plan Update
Bolton & Menk, Inc. Senior Urban Designer Andrew Dresdner presented the final draft of the
Historic Millwork District Master Plan Update and responded to questions from the City Council
regarding stakeholder engagement, parking availability, and potential uses of specific buildings.
This work session concluded at 5:52 p.m. The City Council recessed until 6:00 p.m.
2. Inclusive Dubuque
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Equity Officer Clara Lopez Ortiz and Vice
President of Impact Mary Jo Jean Francois presented an update on Inclusive Dubuque
activities. A suggestion was made by the City Council to collect data on digital literacy.
Additionally, the City Council provided feedback on the implementation process for a translator
program.
There being no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Jones 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 Ma y 20, 2024, in the
second-floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jones; Council Members Farber, Resnick (attended virtually),
Roussell, Sprank, Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
Absent: Mayor Cavanagh.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones 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 Public Hearing No. 4 was removed from the meeting.
PROCLAMATION(S)
1. Apples for Students Months (May - July 2024) was accepted by Beth McGorry on behalf
of St. Mark Youth Enrichment.
2. Summer Learning Week (July 15 - 19, 2024) was accepted by Beth McGorry on behalf of
the Summer Learning Cooperative.
3. Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2024) was accepted by Council Member Farber on
behalf of Temple Beth El.
4. LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June 2024) was accepted by Chuck Harris on behalf of the
Multicultural Family Center's Pride Festival 2024 Committee.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of
as indicated. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 6-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: Airport Commission of March 26, 2024; Arts & Cultural
Affairs of March 26, 2024; City Council Proceedings of May 6 and 13, 2024; Civil Service
Commission of April 10, 2024; Community Development Advisory Commission of March 20,
2024; Zoning Advisory Commission Unapproved Minutes of May 1, 2024; Proof of Publication
for City Council Amended Proceedings of April 15 and 22, 2024; Proof of Publication for City
Council Amended Proceedings of April 4 and 15, 2024. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Paul and Paula Herrig for vehicle damage; Southend Tap LLC
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for property damage; Stacey Humke for vehicle 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:
Paul Herrig for vehicle damage; Southend Tap LLC for property damage; Stacey Humke for
vehicle 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. 128-24 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. Resolution of Support for Workforce Housing Tax Credit Application by 799 Main, LLC :
Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 129-24 Supporting the
submission of an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) application to the Workforce
Housing Tax Credit Program by 799 Main, LLC was adopted.
6. Resolution of Support for Workforce Housing Tax Credit Application by Farley & Loetscher,
LLC: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 130-24
Supporting the submission of an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) application to
the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program by Farley & Loetscher, LLC was adopted.
7. Fiscal Year 2025 Detailed Budget for Grand River Center: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed.
8. Fourth Amendment to Management Agreement Between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and
ASM Global: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 131-24
Approving the Fourth Amendment to the Management Agreement between the City of Dubuque,
Iowa and ASM Global was adopted.
9. Fully Executed Agreement - USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forest Program
Grant: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
10. Final Plat of The Farm: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 132-24 Authorizing approval of the Final Plat of The Farm, in the City of
Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
11. Maus Park Lake Pump Station Culvert Repair Project Acceptance of Public Improvements
and Contract - Project Number: 558650003: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed, and Resolution No. 133-24 Accepting the Maus Park Lake Pump Station Culvert Repair
Project and authorizing final payment to the contractor was adopted.
12. Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Railroad Sanitary Interceptor Crossing Project (part
of Phase IV of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project) - Project #5581500003:
Acceptance of Public Improvements and Contract: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 134-24 Accepting the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration
Railroad Sanitary Interceptor Crossing Project and authorizing final payment to the contractor
was adopted.
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13. Award Recording Memo 2024 ADA Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project One : Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 135-24 Awarding Public Improvement
Contract for the 2024 ADA Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project One was adopted.
14. Award Recording Memo 2024 ADA Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project Two: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 136-24 Awarding Public Improvement
Contract for the 2024 ADA Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project Two was adopted.
15. Award Recording Memo Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 137-24 Awarding Public Improvement
Contract for the Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project was adopted.
16. Schmitt Island Amphitheater Consultant Service Agreement Amendment - Project
Number: 3049900010: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No.
138-24 Approving Consultant Professional Services – Agreement Amendment No. 1 between
the City of Dubuque and RDG Planning and Design for the Destination Iowa Schmitt Island
Amphitheater Project was adopted.
17. Irrevocable License – 902 Main St.: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
18. US Highway 20 / Swiss Valley Road Interchange Project City Water Main Relocation and
Storm Sewer Improvements Recommend Approval of Iowa DOT Preconstruction Funding
Agreement - Iowa DOT Agreement No. 2020-6-036 Iowa DOT Project No. NHSX-020-9 (183)--
3H-3: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 139-24
Approving the Preconstruction Funding Agreement (Agreement No. 2020 -6-036) between the
City of Dubuque and Iowa Department of Transportation for City Water Main Relocation and
Storm Sewer Improvements associated with the completed US Highway 20 / Swiss Valley Road
Interchange Project was adopted.
19. FY 2025 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan : Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 140-24 Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025
(Program Year 2024) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for
Approval was adopted.
20. 3000 Jackson, Dubuque Brewing and Malting Building Update: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
21. Contract for Citizenserve Software: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
22. Improvement Contracts / Performance, Payment and Maintenance Bonds: Dubuque
Barge and Fleeting Service Company for the 2024 Maintenance Dredging Project #1. Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
23. Signed Contract(s): Lease Agreement with the Dubuque Water Sports Club; Release and
Consent Form with the Jeffris Family Foundation Ltd. for funding a consultant to prepare a
Historic Structure Report for masonry buildings within Eagle Point Park. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
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24. Water Resource & Recovery Center Signed Contracts for Excess Flow Tank Waste
Removal and Hauling: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
25. Fiscal Year 2025 Dollars & Cents Brochure: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
26. Annual Budget Process Handout: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
27. Approved Annual Development by Total Square Footage Handout: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
28. Annual Building Permits Handout: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
29. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the documents were received and filed,
and Resolution No. 141-24 Approving applications for retail alcohol licenses, as required by City
of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 4 Business and License Regulations, Chapter 2 Liquor
Control, Article B Liquor, Beer and Wine Licenses and Permits was adopted.
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 6-0.
1. First Amendment to Grant Agreement with Forward Investments Group LLC for the
Rehabilitation of 1047 Bluff Street: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 142-24 Fixing the date for a public hearing of the City Council of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa on a First Amendment to Grant Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque,
Iowa and Forward Investments Group LLC, including the proposed issuance of urban renewal
tax increment revenue obligations relating thereto, and providing for the publication of notice
was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 3, 2024
in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Subordination Agreement for DRLP
Loan #2-23 - 1199 Central Avenue: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 143-24 Setting a public hearing for a Subordination Agreement by and among
Virtual Velocity, LLC, Dubuque Initiatives, Michael and Denise Erschen, and the City of
Dubuque, Iowa for interest in property located at 1199 Central Avenue was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 3, 2024 in the Historic Federal
Building.
3. Resolution of Necessity for the Proposed Amended and Restated Urban Renewal Plan for
the South Pointe Housing Urban Renewal Area: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed and Resolution No. 144-24 A resolution of necessity finding that certain areas to be included
within the South Pointe Housing Urban Renewal Area meet the definition of an Economic
Development Area under the Urban Renewal Law, and that development of said areas are
necessary in the interest of the residents of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and setting dates of
hearing and consultation on a proposed Amended and Restated Urban Renewal Plan for said
area was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 17,
2024 in the Historic Federal Building.
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BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
1. Zoning Board of Adjustment: One, 5-Year term through March 25, 2029 (Expired term of
Kosel). Applicant: Gwen Kosel, 1130 Arrowhead Dr. Motion by Farber to appoint Ms. Kosel to
the five-year term through March 25, 2029. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Rezoning Request: 1100 Lincoln Avenue: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance be considered and voted on for
passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be passed be suspended.
Seconded by Wethal. Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont provided a staff report.
Motion carried 6-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 15-24 Amending
Title 16 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, by reclassifying
hereinafter described property located at 1100 Lincoln Avenue from R-2A Alternate Two-Family
Residential District and C-1 Neighborhood Shopping Center District To R-3 Moderate Density
Multi-Family Residential District. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 6-0.
2. Rezoning Request: 5501 Old Highway Road: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance be considered and voted on for
passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be passed be suspended.
Seconded by Sprank. Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont provided a staff report.
Motion carried 6-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 16-24 Amending
Title 16 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, by reclassifying
hereinafter described property from Planned Unit Development with PR-Planned Residential
Designation to C 3 General Commercial District. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 6-0.
3. Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and
Wilson House Apts, LLC Providing for the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue
Grant Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Motion by Farber to receive and
file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 145-24 Approving a Development Agreement by
and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and Wilson House Apts, LLC including the issuance of
urban tax increment revenue obligations. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 6-0.
4. Public Hearing - 2024 Pavement Marking Project (Project Code 5521000013): This item
was removed from the meeting.
5. Public Hearing - Tamarack Sanitary Sewer Extension Project (Project ID: 5581500001):
Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 147-24 Approval
of plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the Tamarack Sanitary Sewer
Extension Project. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 6-0.
6. Public Hearing - Twin Ridge Sanitary Sewer Extension and Lagoon Abandonment Project
(Project ID: 5581500024): Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 148-24 Approval of plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost
for the Twin Ridge Sanitary Sewer Extension and Lagoon Abandonment Project. Seconded by
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Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Public Hearing - Granger Creek Lift Station Improvements (Project ID: 5581500009):
Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 149-24 Approval
of plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the Granger Creek Lift Station
Improvement Project. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 6-0.
8. Public Hearing - North Grandview Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project : Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 150-24 Approval of plans,
specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the North Grandview Avenue Pavement
Rehabilitation Project. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 6-0.
9. Public Hearing Eagle Valley, Westbrook, and English Ridge Subdivision Parks
Development Project: Motion by Farber to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution
No. 151-24 Approval of plans, specifications, and estimated cost for the Eagle Valley,
Westbrook, and English Ridge Subdivision Parks Development Project . Seconded by Sprank.
The City Council shared receipt of input by residents of the Eagle Valley area who did not
support the proposed project but did not elaborate on their concerns. Motion carried 6-0.
10. Public Hearing for Sale of City-Owned Property at 2601 Jackson: Motion by Wethal to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 152-24 Disposing of City interest in
real property at 2601 Jackson, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa . Seconded by Sprank. City Clerk
Breitfelder stated that Catherine Sorenson, 2613 Jackson St., provided comments during the
public input portion of the May 6, 2024, City Council meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
11. Fiscal Year 2024 Second Budget Amendment: Motion by Farber to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 153-24 Amending the current budget for Fiscal Year
Ending June 2024 (as last certified or amended on 10/16/2023). Seconded by Sprank. The City
Council commended the Budget Department for their work. Motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Nino Erba, 180 W. 15th St., spoke in opposition to Action Item No. 1, stating concerns with
directing public funds to developers.
Kyle FitzGerald, 13750 Nolan Ln., Peosta, IA, also spoke regarding Action Item No. 1, stating
that Stephen Emerson’s letter referenced his company, FitzGerald Deconstruction & Reuse. Mr.
FitzGerlad stated that he is not under contract with Mr. Emerson. Mr. FitzGerald recommended
the City Council vote against the funding request.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Funding Request for 3000 Jackson Street, Dubuque Brewing and Malting Building: Motion
by Roussell to receive and file the correspondence from Stephen Emerson requesting $250,000
to salvage the masonry materials from the demolition of 3000 Jackson Street in order to donate
the materials to local non-profits and refer to the City Council. Seconded by Wethal. City Council
Members expressed their opposition to the request, stating it was an inappropriate use of public
funds. Motion amended by Roussell to receive and file and deny the request. Seconded by
Wethal. Motion carried 6-0.
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2. Ratification of Dubuque Professional Firefighters' Association (DPFA) Collective
Bargaining Agreement: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and approve the
City of Dubuque/Dubuque Professional Firefighters’ Association (DPFA) Collective Bargaining
Agreement to become effective on July 1, 2024 . Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 6-0.
3. Railroad Quiet Zone Study Recommendations and Request for Approval to Submit a
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant to the Federal Railroad
Administration: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No.
154-24 Authorizing the filing of a grant application with the U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements
(CRISI) Grant to assist with funding for proposed safety, efficiency, and reliability improvements
to at-grade railroad crossings in the City of Dubuque. Seconded by Wethal. The City Council
expressed support for the project. Motion carried 6-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Council Member Farber reported on the Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Awards and
meeting with the State of Iowa Chief Information Officer with Chief Information Officer Chris
Kohlmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships Teri Goodmann, and Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation’s Dave Lyons.
Council Member Wethal reported on attending the Peace Officers Memorial Day event and
speaking to a first-grade class at Irving Elementary.
Council Member Jones reported on the city’s employee appreciation celebration and Travel
Dubuque’s hospitality breakfast.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Jones declared the meeting adjourned at
7:54 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk