Ordinance Amendment: Civil Service CommissionCity of Dubuque
City Council
ACTION ITEMS # 8.
Copyrighted
June 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance Amendment: Civil Service Commission
Membership
SUMMARY: City Clerk recommending City Council adopt an ordinance
changing the number of Civil Service Commissioners from
three to five, effective August 16, 2025.
ORDINANCE Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 2 Boards And Commissions, Chapter 2 Civil
Service Commission, Sections 2-2-5 Membership And 2-2-7
Terms For The Expansion Of The Commission Pursuant To
State Law
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Motion B; Motion A
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Memo
2. Ordinance
Page 965 of 1053
Dubuque
City Clerk's Office
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City Hall
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All-A.a;a City
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50 W. 1 Th Street
(563) 5 9-41 52001-4864
(563)589-4100office
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(563) 589-0890 fax
ctyclerk@cityofdubuque.org
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
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2017*2019
www.cityofdubuque.org
TO: Mayor Brad M. Cavanagh
and Members of the City Council
FROM: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amendment: Civil Service Commission Membership
DATE: June 11, 2025
On May 19, 2025, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa Senate File 311 into law, which
takes effect on August 16, 2025. A key provision of the law amends Iowa Code Section
400.1(1), requiring cities with a population over 50,000 to set the number of civil service
commissioners at no fewer than five and no more than seven. Previously, only cities with
a population over 70,000 were required to have a minimum of three commissioners. The
submitted ordinance brings the City of Dubuque into compliance with this new
requirement by increasing the number of Civil Service Commission members from three
to five, effective August 16, 2025.
Cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Shelley Stickfort, Chief Human Resources Officer
Jeremy Jensen, Police Chief
Amy Scheller, Fire Chief
Page 966 of 1053
Prepared by Crenna Brumwell. Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13th St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100
ORDINANCE NO. 26-25
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 2 BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, CHAPTER 2 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, SECTIONS 2-2-5
MEMBERSHIP AND 2-2-7 TERMS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE COMMISSION
PURSUANT TO STATE LAW
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission is currently composed of three (3)
residents; and
WHEREAS, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa Senate File 311 into law on May
19, 2025 which takes effect on August 16, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the change in law requires a minimum of five (5) residents to be
appointed to the Civil Service Commission.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 2-2-5 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2-2-5: MEMBERSHIP:
A. Composition: The commission comprises five (5) residents of the city,
appointed by the mayor with approval of the city council.
B. Special Qualifications:
1. Commissioners must be citizens of Iowa, eligible electors as defined in
the Iowa Code, and may not hold or be a candidate for any office of public
trust.
2. The human rights director shall, ex officio, be a member, without vote.
3. Commissioners may not do any of the following:
a. Sell, or in any manner become parties, directly or indirectly, to
any contract to furnish supplies, material, or labor to the city unless
the sale is made or the contract is awarded by competitive bid in
writing, publicly invited and opened.
b. Have an interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or job of work
or material or the profits thereof or services to be furnished or
performed for the city unless the contract or job is awarded by
competitive bid in writing, publicly invited and opened.
Section 2. Section 2-2-7 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2-2-7: TERMS:
1) Pursuant to state law the Commission is expanded from three (3) residents
to five (5) residents effective August 16, 2025. The terms of the existing
commissioners shall remain the same. The initial terms for the additional
commissioners shall be through April 6, 2027.
2) Following the initial terms for the additional commissioners, any future terms
shall be at the standard term length for the commission. The term of office for
commissioners is four (4) years or until such commissioner's successor is
appointed and qualified.
Section 3. Section 2-2-10 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2-2-10: MEETINGS:
A. Regular Meetings: The commission meets monthly. When there is no
business, there is no obligation to meet.
B. Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or at the
written request of a majority of the commissioners.
C. Open Meetings: All meetings must be called and held in conformance with the
Iowa open meetings law.
D. Attendance:
1. In the event a commissioner has been absent for three (3) or more
consecutive meetings of the commission, without being excused by the
chairperson, such absence will be grounds for the commission to
recommend to the city council that the position be declared vacant and a
replacement appointed.
2. Attendance must be entered upon the minutes of all meetings.
E. Minutes: A copy of the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the
commission must be filed with the city council within ten (10) working days after
approval by the commission, or by the next regularly scheduled city council
meeting, whichever is later.
F. Quorum: Three (3) commissioners constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the commissioners present and
voting is necessary for the adoption of any motion or resolution.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect on August 16, 2025.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 16th day of June, 2025.
Brad M. .v. -agh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. -25
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 2 BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, CHAPTER 2 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, SECTIONS 2-2-5
MEMBERSHIP AND 2-2-7 TERMS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE COMMISSION
PURSUANT TO STATE LAW
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission is currently composed of three (3)
residents; and
WHEREAS, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa Senate File 311 into law on May
19, 2025 which takes effect on August 16, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the change in law requires a minimum of five (5) residents to be
appointed to the Civil Service Commission.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 2-2-5 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
f�b�iJI�J1:3�:Z•9al�l
A. Composition: The commission comprises five (5) residents of the city,
appointed by the mayor with approval of the city council.
B. Special Qualifications:
1. Commissioners must be citizens of Iowa, eligible electors as defined in
the Iowa Code, and may not hold or be a candidate for any office of public
trust.
2. The human rights director shall, ex officio, be a member, without vote.
3. Commissioners may not do any of the following:
a. Sell, or in any manner become parties, directly or indirectly, to
any contract to furnish supplies, material, or labor to the city unless
the sale is made or the contract is awarded by competitive bid in
writing, publicly invited and opened.
b. Have an interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or job of work
or material or the profits thereof or services to be furnished or
performed for the city unless the contract or job is awarded by
competitive bid in writing, publicly invited and opened.
Section 2. Section 2-2-7 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Page 967 of 1053
2-2-7: TERMS:
1) Pursuant to state law the Commission is expanded from three (3) residents
to five (5) residents effective August 16, 2025. The terms of the existing
commissioners shall remain the same. The initial terms for the additional
commissioners shall be through April 6, 2027.
2) Following the initial terms for the additional commissioners, any future terms
shall be at the standard term length for the commission. The term of office for
commissioners is four (4) years or until such commissioner's successor is
appointed and qualified.
Section 3. Section 2-2-10 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2-2-10: MEETINGS:
A. Regular Meetings: The commission meets monthly. When there is no
business, there is no obligation to meet.
B. Special Meetings: Special meetings maybe called by the chairperson or at the
written request of a majority of the commissioners.
C. Open Meetings: All meetings must be called and held in conformance with the
Iowa open meetings law.
D. Attendance:
1. In the event a commissioner has been absent for three (3) or more
consecutive meetings of the commission, without being excused by the
chairperson, such absence will be grounds for the commission to
recommend to the city council that the position be declared vacant and a
replacement appointed.
2. Attendance must be entered upon the minutes of all meetings.
E. Minutes: A copy of the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the
commission must be filed with the city council within ten (10) working days after
approval by the commission, or by the next regularly scheduled city council
meeting, whichever is later.
F. Quorum: Three (3) commissioners constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the commissioners present and
voting is necessary for the adoption of any motion or resolution.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect on August 16, 2025.
Passed, approved, and adopted this day of , 2025.
Page 968 of 1053
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
Page 969 of 1053
EFFECT OF AMENDMENT
2-2-5: MEMBERSHIP:
A. Composition: The commission comprises five (5)three residents of the city,
appointed by the mayor with approval of the city council.
B. Special Qualifications:
1. Commissioners must be citizens of Iowa, eligible electors as defined in
the Iowa Code, and may not hold or be a candidate for any office of public
trust.
2. The equity and human rights director shall, ex officio, be a member,
without vote.
3. Commissioners may not do any of the following:
a. Sell, or in any manner become parties, directly or indirectly, to
any contract to furnish supplies, material, or labor to the city unless
the sale is made or the contract is awarded by competitive bid in
writing, publicly invited and opened.
b. Have an interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or job of work
or material or the profits thereof or services to be furnished or
performed for the city unless the contract or job is awarded by
competitive bid in writing, publicly invited and opened.
2-2-7: TERMS:
1) (Ord.-1 F�6=204-S)Pursuant to state law the Commission is expanded
from three (3) residents to five (5) residents effective August 16, 2025. The terms
of the existing commissioners shall remain the same. The initial terms for the
additional ommissioners shall be through April 6, 2027.
2) Following the initial terms for the additional commissioners, any future terms
shall be at the standard term length for the commission. T,ht term
^n�v�i{�R e- rs S Blur—� ea-rs n—e r until s 1 1 �h ^ncvmmi�-. �i0rre�s� �a cc s nvr�s
appointed and qualifie4-. The term of office for commissioners is four (4) years or
until such commissioner's successor is appointed and qualified.
2-2-10: MEETINGS:
A. Regular Meetings: The commission meets monthly. When there is no
business, there is no obligation to meet.
B. Special Meetings: Special meetings maybe called by the chairperson or at the
written request of a majority of the commissioners.
Page 970 of 1053
C. Open Meetings: All meetings must be called and held in conformance with the
Iowa open meetings law.
D. Attendance:
1. In the event a commissioner has been absent for three (3) or more
consecutive meetings of the commission, without being excused by the
chairperson, such absence will be grounds for the commission to
recommend to the city council that the position be declared vacant and a
replacement appointed.
2. Attendance must be entered upon the minutes of all meetings.
E. Minutes: A copy of the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the
commission must be filed with the city council within ten (10) working days after
approval by the commission, or by the next regularly scheduled city council
meeting, whichever is later.
F. Quorum: Three (3)we (2) commissioners constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the commissioners
present and voting is necessary for the adoption of any motion or resolution.
Page 971 of 1053
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:
06/20/2025
and for which the charge is 27.82
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 23rd day of June, 2025
Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
AL
A.%-• s� JANET K. PAPE
Commission Number 199659
• My Commission Expires
12/11/2025
lOwa
Ad text:
CITY OF DUBUQUE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
ORDINANCE NO. 26-25
SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF THE ORDINANCE IS A SUMMARY. THE
ORDINANCE IN ITS ENTIRETY IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK, 50 W. 13TH STREET, DUBUQUE AND MAY BE VIEWED DURING
NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS OF 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 2 BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS, CHAPTER 2 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, SECTIONS
2-2-5 MEMBERSHIP AND 2-2-7 TERMS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE
COMMISSION PURSUANT TO STATE LAW
The ordinance amends the following sections of City Code:
2-2-5: MEMBERSHIP:
Changes the composition of commission members from three to
five.
Removes ?equity? from the title of the human rights
director.
2-2-7: TERMS:
Pursuant to state law the Commission is expanded from three
(3) residents to five (5) residents effective August 16, 2025.
The terms of the existing commissioners shall remain the same.
The initial terms for the additional commissioners shall be
through April 6, 2027.
Following the initial terms for the additional
commissioners, any future terms shall be at the standard term
length for the commission. The term of office for
commissioners is four (4) years or until such commissioners
successor is appointed and qualified.
2-2-10: MEETINGS:
Changes quorum from two to three commissioners for the
transaction of business.
This Ordinance shall take effect on August 16, 2025.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 16th day of June, 2025.
/s/Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
Published officially in the Telegraph Herald newspaper on
the 20th day of June, 2025.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
It 6/20