Minutes_City Council Proceedings 05.05.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
May 19, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of May 5, 2025; Arts and Cultural
Affairs Commission of March 25, 2025; Library Board of
Trustees Update of April 24, 2025; Resilient Community
Advisory Commission of March 6, 2025; Zoning Advisory
Commission of April 2, 2025; Proof of Publication for City
Council Proceedings of April 8, 9, 10, 21, and 22, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 5 5 25 City Council Minutes
2. Arts and Cultural Affairs Minutes
3. Carnegie -Stout Public Library Board of Trustees April 24, 2025 Meeting Update
4. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
5. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
6. Proof —City Council Proceedings 4.8.25
7. Proof —City Council Proceedings 4.9.25
8. Proof —City Council Proceedings 4.10.25
9. Proof —City Council Proceedings 4.21.25
10. Proof City Council Proceedings 4.22.25
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. on May 5, 2025, 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 (attended virtually but experienced technical difficulties during roll call), 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 Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates (iJAG) City Life Student
Presentation.
WORK SESSION
Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates (iJAG) City Life Student Presentation to City Council
Community Engagement Coordinator Temwa Phiri introduced iJAG Program Manager Casey Smith
and iJAG Education Specialist Janie Hassong, who presented on this semester's City Life session for
students. Students Shayla Murphy, Tanner Mueller, and Jay Bermudez then presented on their
experiences in the program. In response to questions, Smith explained that the program can
accommodate 60 students in grades 9-10 and another 60 in grades 11-12. She stated that all funding
comes from the state, participating school districts, and employer partners. Murphy noted that iJAG
fosters a welcoming environment, which encourages students to enroll in the program in subsequent
years. City Council Members commended the program and encouraged the students to continue
sharing input with them.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. BreitFelder, CIVIC
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 May 5, 2025, 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 (attended virtually), 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
SWEARING IN
Mayor Cavanagh swore in Mayor Pro Tern Sprank.
PRESENTATIONS
1. LaMetra Murdock Receives Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award:
Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach recognized Multicultural Family Center Director LaMetra Murdock
for receiving the Up and Coming Leader Award from the Women's Leadership Network (WLN).
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Building Safety Month (May 2025) was accepted by Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board
Commissioner Corey Valaskey on behalf of the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board and
Inspection and Construction Services.
2. Mental Health Month (May 2025) was accepted by Brenna Burgart and Vicki Gassman on behalf
of Mental Health America of Dubuque County.
3. Preservation Month (May 2025) was accepted by Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson
Janice Esser and Assistant Planner Chris Happ-Olson on behalf of the Planning Services Department
and the Historic Preservation Commission.
4. Neighborhood Associations Recognition was accepted by Thomas Lynn of the Tomahawk
Neighborhood Association, Matthew Phelps of the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Association, and Chris
Harrison of the Fenelon Hill Neighborhood Association on behalf of the Office of Shared Prosperity and
Neighborhood Support and Dubuque's Neighborhood Associations.
5. Public Service Recognition Week (May 4-10, 2025) was accepted by Airport Administrative
Support Professional Jenny Messerich on behalf of the City of Dubuque.
6. National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2025) was accepted by Robert Wethal on behalf of MercyOne
Dubuque.
7. Kids to Parks Day (May 17, 2025) was accepted by Jared McGovern on behalf of the Parks and
Recreation Department and Dubuque Nature Everywhere.
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8. Public Works Week (May 18-24, 2025) was accepted by Public Works Director Arielle Swift on
behalf of the Public Works Department.
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 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. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. 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: Nathan and Shauna
Peterson for vehicle damage; Susan Schueller for vehicle damage. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and concurred.
3. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 148-25 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.
4. Language Access Plan: City Manager recommended City Council approval of the language access
plan in the amount of $3,600 for fiscal year 2026 to ensure all residents, regardless of their language
proficiency or ability, can access vital city services and information. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
5. Assignment of Stormwater Facilities Fee Agreement for the Northwest Arterial Detention Basin for
Lot 2 of Holliday Fourth Addition to Dubuque Hotel LLC: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 149-25 Consenting To The Assignment Of The Stormwater Facilities Fee
Agreement Between The City Of Dubuque And QHQ Properties For The Northwest Arterial Detention
Basin To Dubuque Hotel LLC was adopted.
6. Crescent Community Health Center Letter of Support for Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program Funding: City Manager provided a letter of support from
Mayor Brad Cavanagh to the Department of Health and Human Services in support of Crescent
Community Health Center's Fiscal Year 2026 Service Area Competition application for continued HRSA
Health Center Program Funding. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. City Letter of Support for William M Black Dredgeboat: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of a letter of support for the Dubuque County Historical Society's application to the State
Historical Society of Iowa's Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant program. Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
8. Housing Commissioner Removal Recommendation: Housing Commission recommended City
Council remove David Wall from the commission and declare the term vacant due to a lack of response
in executing the oath of office and in replying to other city staff communications. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
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9. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement - ZTM Sober Living: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 150-25 Authorizing Execution Of
CDBG Subrecipient Agreement With ZTM Sober Living was adopted.
10. Schmitt Island Development Corporation Fundraising and Naming Request City Manager
recommending City Council approval of the fundraising and naming recognition request made by
Schmitt Island Development Corporation for the installation of benches on Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
11. City IT Department Commercial Office Renovation Project - Acceptance of Public Improvement
Construction Contract: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 151-
25 Accepting The City IT Department Commercial Office Renovation Project And Authorizing Final
Payment To The Contractor was adopted.
12. Proposed Fiber Licensing Agreement — MVLink: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of a Fiber Licensing Agreement between the City of Dubuque and Maquoketa Valley Electric
Cooperative's internet service provider, MVLink. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
13. Proposed Revised Project Statement to Master Co -location and Shared Services Agreement
Between the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County: City Manager recommended City Council approval
of a Revised Project Statement for the collaboration between the City and Dubuque County on providing
fiber connectivity to the Emergency Operations Center and County Data Center under the Master
Colocation and Shared Services Agreement in place between the City of Dubuque and Dubuque
County. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. Approval of Retail Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Alternative Nicotine Products, Vapor Products,
and Device Permit Applications: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 152-25 Approving Applications for Retail Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Alternative Nicotine
Products, Vapor Products, and Device Permits, as Required by Iowa Code 453A.47A and Senate File
345 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 7-0.
1. Fiscal Year 2025 First Budget Amendment: Upon motion the documents were received and filed
and Resolution No. 153-25 Setting The Date For The Public Hearing On Amendment No. 1 To The
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget For The City Of Dubuque was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting
to commence at 6.30 p.m. on May 19, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Setting a Public Hearing for the Adoption of the Public Housing Authority Annual Plan for Federal
Fiscal Year 2025: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 154-25
Setting A Public Hearing To Review And Approve The Public Housing Authority Federal Fiscal Year
2025 Annual Plan was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on
July 7, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 2025 Repair and Preventative Maintenance of the Iowa Street Parking Garage Public Hearing:
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 155-25 Approval Of Plans,
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Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost For The 2025 Repair And Maintenance Of The
Iowa Street Parking Garage. Seconded by Sprank. In response to questions, Director of Transportation
Services Ryan Knuckey stated that the parking garage was constructed between 1964 and 1968. He
noted that while the goal is for the repairs to last 10 to 15 years, the actual lifespan will ultimately
depend on usage. While installing a pitch was considered, it was deemed too costly, and a new
membrane will be installed instead. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Resolution Approving a Development Agreement with FitzGerald EnterpriZes, L.L.C.: Motion by
Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 156-25 Approving A Development
Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Fitzgerald EnterpriZes, L.L.C., Including
The Proposed Issuance Of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by Wethal.
City Council Members voiced support for the project, as well as for the agreement's language restricting
short-term rentals. Motion carried 7-0.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program - Phase 1 Award Construction Contract:
Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 157-25 Awarding contract
for the Lead Service Line Replacement - Phase 1 Project. Seconded by Farber. In response to
questions, Water Department Director Chris Lester noted that, as the first program of its kind in the
state, the project estimate was challenging to determine. He added that the contract requires Phase 1
to be completed by the end of this year. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Proposed Ordinance Prohibiting the Feeding and Harassment of Bears: Motion by Jones 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 Roussell. In response to questions, Ross Ellingson of the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Brian Preston of Dubuque County Conservation explained that bears
are food -motivated, and once they become accustomed to a consistent food source, it becomes more
difficult for them to leave urban areas. Ellingson noted that the current estimate is four bears in
northeastern Iowa, all believed to be male, though that has not been confirmed. Brumwell clarified that
the proposed ordinance specifies that negligently making food available could result in citations, with
the City retaining discretion in determining whether actions are considered negligent. Brumwell
emphasized that the ordinance is intended to deter residents from interacting with or following bears,
as such behavior can alter the animals' natural patterns. Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan
advised residents to report bear sightings within city limits to the Police Department or the Health
Services Department. Ellingson and Preston confirmed that sightings outside city limits should be
reported to the IDNR or Dubuque County Conservation. City Council Members thanked staff for
modeling the ordinance from other city codes and acknowledged that public behavior toward bears in
past years was inappropriate. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 15-25 Amending City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 7 Police, Fire, And Public Safety, Chapter 6 Animal Control And
Adopting A New Article G Prohibiting The Feeding Of And Harassment Of Bears Within The Corporate
City. Seconded by Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Roussell reported on recent tree planting events and the Arbor Day celebration.
Farber reported on the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) and NAMI Dubuque recently hosting
fundraisers.
Sprank reported on the annual Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility fundraising
event, the opening of the summer farmers market, attending neighborhood association meetings, the
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City's upcoming employee recognition event, the Dubuque Labor Harvest food giveaway, and Dubuque
Main Street's Architecture Days.
Wethal reported on the Fenelon Hill neighborhood association cleanup, the Forever 17 Foundation
meeting with area high schools, and Hempstead and Wahlert High School students utilizing the
riverwalk for prom pictures.
Jones reported on attending a Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) meeting, a local emergency
management commission meeting, the workers memorial day event at the Labor Temple, the ribbon
cutting for Roses and Berries, and the annual Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility
fundraising event. Jones also reported on the City recently adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, Fire
Chief Cal Motsch's recent retirement, and the 133rd infantry division's upcoming deployment.
Resnick reported on the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Ballet's performance of Swan
Lake.
Cavanagh reported on attending Dubuque Senior High School's production of Peter and the
Starcatcher, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF), an Iowa League of Cities (ILC)
meeting, and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative Midwest Climate Summit. Cavanagh also
reported on speaking about the UAG Program at Hempstead High School, sustainability at Dubuque
Senior High School, and proposed property tax legislation in the Iowa Legislature.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 8:02 p.m. to discuss Purchase or Sale of Real
Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(j) Code of Iowa. Seconded by Roussell. Mayor Cavanagh stated for the record
that the attorney who will consult with 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 8:31 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 8.31 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. BreitFelder, CMC
City Clerk
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