Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 03.11.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
May 5, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of April 21, 22, 24, and 28 2025;
Historic Preservation Commission of February 20, 2025;
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission of March 11,
2025; Transit Advisory Board of March 20, 2024; Zoning
Board of Adjustment from February 27, 2025; Proof of
Publication for City Council Proceedings of March 31 and
April 2, 3, and 7, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 4 21 25 City Council Minutes
2. 4 22 25 City Council Minutes
3. 4 24 25 City Council Minutes
4. 4 28 25 City Council Minutes
5. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
6. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
7. Transit Advisory Board Minutes
8. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
9. Proof_3.31.25
10. Proof_4.3.25
11. Proof_4.7.25
12. Proof_4.2.25
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
City Council Chambers on the second floor of the
Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth Street,
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
PRESENT: Jennifer Tigges, Robin Kennicker, Ron Axtell, Jessica Ochoa,
Jason Henkel, Lori 011endick, Josh Jorgenson.
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Fehsal, Dan Kroger, Jared Charland, Marie Ware and
Angie Metcalf.
CALL TO ORDER: Jennifer called meeting to order at 5:01 pm.
MINUTES APPROVED; VOTE:
It was moved by Axtel, seconded by Kennicker, to approve the minutes of
the February 11 th, 2025, meeting. Unanimous.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Arthur Gilloon: 535 Heritage Drive, Dubuque Iowa — Opposed to changing the
ordinance, provided multiple examples of parks with no dogs in larger cities.
Also expressed concern regarding parks staff if dogs we allowed in additional
parks.
Lisa Johnson: 206 Southgate Drive, Dubuque Iowa — Supports changing the
ordinance to allow dogs into Murphy and Eagle Point Park. Provided detail
regarding data showing it is not dangerous.
Deb Evan: 2535 Hillcrest Road, Dubuque Iowa - Opposed to changing
ordinance specifically due to Eagle Point Park, Murphy and Arboretum due to
people not picking up after them.
Joan Dahlguist: 790 Caledonia Place, Dubuque Iowa - Opposed to changing
ordinance due to the nature in Eagle Point Park.
Mariaum Kirkendell: 1215 Valentine Drive, Dubuque Iowa - Supports changing
the ordinance to open up for Murphy and Eagle Point Park due to supporting
health and social activities.
Craig Reber: 2854 White Street, Dubuque Iowa - Opposed to changing the
ordinance due to Eagle Point Park being the jewel of Dubuque and we need to
keep it clean and keep it a human only park.
Terry Leibold: 2530 Millstone Drive, Dubuque Iowa — Opposed to changing the
ordinance as he believes we need to leave the couple parks that do not allow
dogs.
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Victoria Vail: 10809 Davis Street, Dubuque Iowa — Supports changing the
ordinance as she would love to see Dubuque become more dog friendly.
Tom Green: 980 Davis Street, Dubuque Iowa — Opposed to changing the
ordinance because of people who are not responsible pet owners.
Jenna Hirtz 3800 Arboretum Drive, Dubuque Iowa - Opposed to changing the
ordinance specifically in regard to the Arboretum. This is a quiet space to relax
and a memorial space.
Closed public input at 5:36
PETS IN PARKS DISCUSSION:
Tigges suggested allowing time for all members of the commission to review the
information and time to think more about the public input. All agreed.
MILLER RIVERVIEW CAMPGROUND FEE INCREASE RECOMMENDATION:
Park Division Manager Fehsal explained the campsite fees at the Miller
River Campground have not been increased since 2022. He proposed a $5
increase for an electrical site and a $3 increase for a primitive site. This
increase would bring the pricing for an electrical site to $25. This increase
would bring the pricing for a primitive site to $18. Jason Henkel asked to see
budget documents to see what the financial impact would be. Fehsal said
he will send those documents to the commission members. Axtel made a
motion to recommend Commission approve the fee increase noted above.
Kennicker seconded. Unanimous.
DIVISION MANAGER REPORTS:
Recreation Division Manager Kroger provided an update on hiring temporary
employees. The recreation department has received 70 lifeguard applications.
Henkel asked about the Miracle League program. Dan explained the program
and the gym space being used. Golf course is opening 3/12/2025, walking only.
The golf pro -shop renovation looks really nice and is almost finished. Park
Division Manager Fehsal provided an update on the parks division and hiring
temporary employees. He informed the commission of the budget hearing and
presentation for Parks and Recreation is scheduled for April, 9. Campground will
open on 4/15.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN UPDATE:
Recreation Division Manager Kroger advised public engagement will kick off in
April and go through August. Engagement will include public workshops, staff
workshops and community events throughout the summer. The website will be
live in a few weeks, and it will provide useful information, dates of events as well
as a public survey. Lori asked if the stakeholder list could be shared. Angie
Metcalf will email the draft list to the commission members the following day.
COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS/QUESTIONS:
Kennicker went over the Envision 2030 project and urged people to get
engaged. Tigges requested the April meeting be moved as she was not
available on the second Tuesday of April. It was decided to move the April
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commission meeting date to April 7, location will be determined once date gets
closer.
ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Kennicker, seconded by Henkel, to adjourn the meeting 6.02
p.m. Unanimous.
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