Minutes_City Council Proceedings 06.02.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
June 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of June 2, 2025; Arts and Cultural
Affairs Advisory Commission of April 22, 2025; Arts and
Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission - Art on the River
Committee of May 15 and June 12, 2025; Community
Development Advisory Commission of April 16, 2025; Zoning
Advisory Commission of May 7, 2025; Proof of Publication for
City Council Proceedings of May 19, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 6 2 25 City Council Minutes
2. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Minutes
3. 5.15.25 Art on the River Committee Minutes
4. 6.12.25 Art on the River Committee Minutes
5. Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes
6. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
7. Proof of Publication City Council Proceedings 5 19 25
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:30 p.m. on June 2, 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, 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 to receive an update on the Poverty Reduction Plan.
WORK SESSION
Office of Shared Prosperity & Neighborhood Support Poverty Reduction Plan: Update Report
Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support Director Anderson Sainci and Data Analyst
Braden Daniels presented the accomplishments of the Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention
Plan and provide an update on community -level data on poverty reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
In response to questions, Sainci outlined the broader community benefits of addressing poverty and
emphasized the goal of aligning efforts with other organizations' strategic plans. Daniels confirmed that
the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) collects data on Asset Limited, Income
Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals and noted that staff can request access to that information.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:27 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 June 2, 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, 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
PRESENTATIONS
1. Travel Dubuque Outstanding Front Line Staff Award to Grand River Center OVG Staff Member
Joe Klecker: Travel Dubuque Sales Manager Becky Carkeek re -presented the Travel Dubuque
Outstanding Front Line Staff Award to Grand River Center OVG Staff Member Joe Klecker.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. LGBTQIA+ Pride Month (June 2025) was accepted by Chuck Harris, Ali Levasseur, Timothy
Krueger, Indigo Perry, and Danny Sprank on behalf of Dubuque Pride, Inc., The Dubuque LGBTQ+
Resource Network, and Ritual Beauty.
2. Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19, 2025) was accepted by Multicultural Family
Center Assistant Director Karla Escobar and Board Members Mary Ann Conzett and Anthony Allen on
behalf of the Multicultural Family Center.
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 May 19, 2025; Airport Commission
of March 25, 2025; Equity and Human Rights Commission of April 8, 2025; Historic Preservation
Commission of April 17, 2025; Housing Commission of January 28, 2025; Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission of March 19, 2025; Mayor and City Council Compensation Task Force Minutes
of May 21, 2025; Park and Recreation Commission of April 7, 2025; Zoning Board of Adjustment of
April 24, 2025; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of April 24, April 28, and May 5, 2025.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Brandon and Jessica Rethwisch for property damage. Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City Attorney.
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3. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 178-25 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. Resolution Supporting Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Part 2B Application for St. Elias
The Prophet Greek Orthodox Church at 419 N. Grandview Avenue: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 179-25 In Support Of Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Part 2B Application Submitted To The Iowa Economic Development Authority By St. Elias The Prophet
Greek Orthodox Church For A Historic Rehabilitation Project At 419 N. Grandview Ave. was adopted.
5. 2025 July 3rd Fireworks Permit: City Manager recommended City Council approval to issue a
Fireworks Permit to Perry Mason with Radio Dubuque for the fireworks display on July 3, 2025, at
approximately 9:45 p.m. along Volunteer Drive. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
6. Rustic Point Park Concept Plan Approval: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
7. Fiscal Year 2025 Contracted Services Agreements: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Contracted Services Agreements with Community Solutions of Eastern
Iowa in the amount of $13,000, Four Mounds Heart Program in the amount of $10,000, and Hawkeye
Area Community Action Program in the amount of $70,000. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
8. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan
and FY 2026 Annual Action Plan: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 180-25 Adopting The Fiscal Year 2026-2030 (Program Year 2025-2029) Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan And Fiscal Year 2026 (Program Year 2025) Annual Action Plan
was adopted.
9. Amended Citizen Participation Plan: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 181-25 Adopting The Amendment Of The Citizen Participation Plan For The Community
Development Block Grant Program was adopted.
10. Delegation of Authority for Environmental Certifying Officer in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 182-25 Delegating Authority
For Environmental Certifying Officer was adopted.
11. Water & Resource Recovery Center Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 183-25 Establishing The Schedule Of Rates
For The Disposal Of Private Hauled Waste To The Water & Resource Recovery Center As Provided
For In 13- 2B-8(F) Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances and No. 184-25 Establishing The
Schedule Of Rates For The Analysis Of Water Samples At The Water & Resource Recovery Center
State -Certified Environmental Lab were adopted.
12. Acceptance of Grant of Easement for Sanitary Sewer Utility and Sanitary Sewer Access across
Switch Development at JFK, LLC and Atera 194, 3339 JFK Rd, Dubuque, LLC Property at JFK Rd. and
West 32nd Street in Dubuque: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 185-25 Accepting A Grant Of Easement For Sanitary Sewer Utility And Sanitary Sewer Access
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Through, Under And Across Parts Of Lot 1 And Lot 2 Of Switch Development @ JFK No. 4, And Lot 2
Of Switch Development @ JFK No. 2, And Lot 1 Of Switch Development @ JFK No. 3, In The City Of
Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
13. 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 Project
Statement for the collaboration between the City and County on providing fiber connectivity that will
allow the County to connect multiple County facilities in a redundant "loop", increasing capacity, safety
and security of the County IT system. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report 2025: City Manager provided notification of the City
of Dubuque Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report 2025 which will be published documenting
the 2024 water quality results. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
15. 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. 186-25 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 Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Setting a Public Hearing for the Granting of a Storm Sewer Utility Easement to Switch
Development at JFK, LLC: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No.
187-25 Intent To Dispose Of City Interest By Grant Of Storm Sewer Utility Easement To Switch
Development At JFK, LLC Across Part Of The Northwest Arterial Right Of Way Adjacent To Lot 1 Of
Switch Development @ JFK No. 4, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted setting a public hearing
for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Setting a Public Hearing on the Proposed Amended and Restated Lease between the City of
Dubuque and Viterra USA Grain, LLC: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 188-25 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The Amended And Restated Lease
Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And Viterra USA Grain, LLC For Commercial Street
Property was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6.30 p.m. on June 16,
2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
3. Proceedings to Set Public Hearing on June 16, 2025 for the Issuance of Not to Exceed
$15,000,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) Old Mill Rd.
Lift Station Project — Phase 2: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No.
189-25 To fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and
Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed
$15,000,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 16,
2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
4. Proceedings to Set Public Hearing on June 16, 2025 for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $3,600,000
Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes Planning and Design Loan (State Revolving Loan Fund Program)
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Old Mill Phase III Project —Catfish Creek Sanitary Interceptor Sewer System Middle Fork: Upon motion
the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 190-25 To fix a date for a public hearing on
proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money
thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $3,600,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a
meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
5. Proceedings to Set Public Hearing on June 16, 2025 for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $3,400,000
Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes Planning and Design Loan (State Revolving Loan Fund Program)
Old Mill Phase IV Project — Catfish Creek Sewershed Improvement - South Fork: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 191-25 To fix a date for a public hearing on
proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money
thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $3,400,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a
meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
6. Proceedings to Set Public Hearing on June 16, 2025 for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $500,000
Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes Planning and Design Loan (State Revolving Loan Fund Program)
Track Line Sanitary Sewer Reconstruction Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed
and Resolution No. 192-25 To fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue
Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to
exceed $500,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on
June 16, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
7. Resolution Setting Public Hearing on a Proposed Development Agreement with Plastic Center,
Inc.: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 193-25 Fixing The Date
For A Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On A Development Agreement
By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Plastic Center, Inc., Including The Proposed Issuance
Of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Obligations Relating Thereto, And Providing For The
Publication Of Notice Thereof was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30
p.m. on June 16, 2025 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. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year At -Large term through June 30, 2027
(Vacant At -Large - lives or works outside the cultural and entertainment district term of Menchaca); One,
3-Year Business Professional term through June 30, 2028 (Expiring Business Professional - lives or
works in the cultural and entertainment district term of Hefel); Two, 3-Year Public Member terms through
June 30, 2028 (Expiring Public Member — knowledge and demonstrated interest in the arts terms of
Davis-Orwoll and Harder). Applicants: Jim Albee, 535 West 5th St. (qualifies for at -large and public
member); Shirley Davis-Orwoll, 2635 West 32nd St. (qualifies for at -large and public member) Nick
Halder, 876 S. Grandview Ave. (qualifies for at -large, business professional, and public member);
Aaron Hefel, 515 1/2 West 8th St. (qualifies for business professional and public member); Bree
Hernandez, 1298 Locust St. (qualifies for at -large and public member); Mary Loney-Bichell, 595 West
11 th St. (qualifies for at -large and public member); Rodrigo Marin, 2240 Central Ave. (qualifies for at -large
and public member); Sarah Ndagire, 1536 Kehl Ct. (qualifies for at -large, business professional, and
public member); Jessica Ochoa, 1970 Hale St. (qualifies for at -large and public member). Albee and
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Ochoa spoke in support of their applications. Breitfelder stated that Davis-Orwoll, Halder, and Ndagire
submitted written input in support of their applications.
2. Board of Library Trustees: One, 4-Year term through July 1, 2029 (Expiring term of Gorton).
Applicants: Tom Brennan, 3275 Cider Rdg.; Jessica Connery, 4612 Camelot Dr.; Nicole O'Brien, 2691
Ravens Oaks Dr. Connery spoke in support of her application.
3. Civic Center Advisory Commission: Three, 3-Year terms through June 29, 2028 (Expiring terms of
Blau, Meyers, and Tandy). Applicants: McKenzie Blau, 1548 Pego Ct.; Colleen Myers, 65 North Booth
St.; Ashley Regan, 1100 N Booth St.; Sara Tandy, 2307 Martin Dr.
4. Historic Preservation Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2028 (Expiring West 11th
District term of Stuter). Applicant: Charles (Rick) Stuter, 1296 Prairie St.
5. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission: Three, 3-Year terms through June 30, 2028 (Expiring
terms of Henkel, Jorgenson, and 011endick). Applicants: Jason Henkel, 1888 Saint Joseph St.; Josh
Jorgenson, 3030 Judson Ct.; Lori 011endick, 1390 Oak Park PI.; Mya Schaefer, 1720 Plymouth Ct.;
Greg Swift, 2150 Fairway Dr. Breitfelder stated that 011endick submitted written input in support of her
application.
6. Resilient Community Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2028 (Expiring term
of Kohlhaas). Applicant: Jacob Kohlhaas, 1125 Richards Rd.
7. Transit Advisory Board: One, 3-Year term through July 30, 2027 (Vacant term of Esser). Applicant:
Gary Wernimont, 736 University Ave.
8. Zoning Advisory Commission: Two, 3-Year terms through July 1, 2028 (Expiring terms of Mulligan
and Norton). Applicants: Matthew Mulligan, 1167 Hunters Rdg.; Patrick Norton, 920 Valentine Dr.; Dylan
Schwering, 1741 Dexter St.; Casey Stoyke, 3960 Oneida Ave. Schwering virtually spoke in support of
his application.
Appointment was made to the following commission.
1. Civil Service Commission: One, 4-Year term through April 6, 2029. (Expired term of White).
Applicant Selected by Mayor Cavanagh for Appointment on April 21, 2025: Miquel Jackson, 2827
Pennsylvania Ave. The other applicant who applied was Dan White, 3580 Pennsylvania Ave. Motion by
Farber to approve Mayor Cavanagh's selection of Jackson to the term. Seconded by Jones. Motion
carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution Adopting the Cedar Cross Road Urban Revitalization Plan: Motion by Sprank to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 194-25 Approving The Urban Revitalization Plan For
The Cedar Cross Road Urban Revitalization Area. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Resolution Approving a Development Agreement with 1301 Central, LLC: Motion by Resnick to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 195-25 Approving A Development Agreement
By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And 1301 Central, LLC, Including The Issuance Of Urban
Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by Wethal. Economic Development Director
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Jill Connors summarized the history of the property. Van Milligen stated that the City is partnering with
the local nonprofit Dubuque Initiatives to redevelop properties along the Central Avenue corridor, which
Connors confirmed spans from 11 t" to 22nd St. Motion carried 7-0.
3. 2025 Pavement Marking Project Public Hearing: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 196-25 Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And
Estimated Cost For The 2025 Pavement Marking Project. Seconded by Wethal. In response to a
question, Van Milligen stated that remarking Central and White Streets are planned for next year's
pavement marking process. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Fire Headquarters HVAC Replacement Project Public Hearing: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 197-25 Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract,
And Estimated Cost For The Fire Headquarters HVAC Replacement Project. Seconded by Sprank.
Motion carried 7-0.
5. Proceedings to Hold Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $761,000 Stormwater
Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement — Sponsorship Project Amendment 2024 Green Alley
Project: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 198-25 Taking
additional action on proposal to enter into a Stormwater Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement.
Seconded by Wethal. Van Milligen clarified that the State Revolving Fund (SRF) low -interest loan
program will continue. However, the City is no longer permitted to use interest earned from SRF loans
to fund other projects, which was a practice that was previously allowed. He also confirmed that the
SRF program is federally funded and indicated that there is no sign it will be discontinued. If the SRF
program were to end, the City would instead issue General Obligation (GO) debt, which carries a higher
interest rate. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson noted that SRF loans have variable interest rates,
with the most recent quarter's rate at 2.84%. In contrast, the City's most recent GO bond sale had an
interest rate between 4.5% to 4.7%. Unlike GO bonds, which require a Moody's rating prior to issuance,
SRF loans do not require a credit rating. Additionally, because SRF loans are issued as revenue bonds,
they do not count against the City's statutory debt limit. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Proceedings for Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $1,600,000 Stormwater
Revenue Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) Bee Branch Gate and Pump
Project: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 199-25 Taking
additional action on proposal to enter into a Stormwater Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement.
Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Proceedings for Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $2,000,000 Water Revenue
Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot
Program — Phase I: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 200-
25 Taking additional action on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement
Agreement. Seconded by Jones. Van Milligen stated that the program affects only residential properties
and, due to their distribution across the pilot area, the impact to each homeowner should be limited to
about 2-3 days. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Mary Klaas, 1405 Lincoln Ave.; Executive Director of the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Jenna Hirtz, 3800 Arboretum Dr.; Art Gilloon, 535 Heritage Dr.; Joan Dahlquist, 790 Caledonia; and
William Meyer, 1856 Rhomberg Ave. all spoke regarding Action Item No. 1, requesting the City Council
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uphold the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission's recommendation to retain City Code Section
10-5B-4, which prohibits dogs and cats in specific parks —including Eagle Point Park, Murphy Park,
Marshall Park, and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Their concerns with allowing pets
in these parks included animal waste, noise, potential disruption to events held at these locations, and
the negative impact on the unique character of the parks. Breitfelder stated that written input was
received for Action Item No. 1 by Nicole Gantz; Luann LeConte, 9698 Route 52 S.; John and Nancy
Ferry, 3235 Baldwin Dr.; and Art Gilloon, 535 Heritage Dr.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Recommendation on City Code 10-513-4; Dogs and
Cats: Motion by Jones to sustain the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission. Seconded by Roussell. When asked to clarify the motion, Brumwell explained that it was
to uphold and accept the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission's recommendation not to amend
City Code Section 10-513-4. City Council Members expressed their appreciation to the Commission for
its work and acknowledged the significant public input received on the issue. They stated that
maintaining the current code struck an appropriate balance between parks that allow pets and those
that do not. Council Members recognized the concerns expressed by individuals who prefer not to have
dogs in certain parks. While many Council Members noted they are dog owners themselves, they
emphasized that the decision reflects the consideration of varying community needs, rather than a
matter of choosing sides. They also acknowledged that, although Dubuque is the only major city in
Iowa that does not allow pets in all parks, being an outlier in this case is acceptable. It was further
suggested that the City could consider adding another dog park. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Resolutions of Support for Workforce Housing Tax Credit Applications for Housing Developments:
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 201-25 Supporting The
Submission Of An Iowa Economic Development Authority Application To The Workforce Housing Tax
Credit Program By 440 W 3rd St, LLC and Resolution No. 202-25 Supporting The Submission Of An
Iowa Economic Development Authority Application To The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program By
CC15, LLC. Seconded by Wethal. In response to a question, Connors explained that the Iowa Economic
Development Authority (IEDA) relies on local municipalities to provide input on how each project aligns
with the municipality's housing goals. To be considered a priority project, the City requires that
proposals support between one to three City Council priorities. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Pet Licensing System Selection: Motion by Farber to receive and file the documents and approve
proceeding with contract discussions and contract execution with Docupet for the Pet Licensing
System. Seconded by Sprank. Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan explained that the new
system features more advanced technology and is expected to cost approximately 62% less than the
current software. Customers will be able to add pets instantly, and renewal reminders can be sent via
email, with text reminders also in development. Pet licensing fees will remain unchanged. The improved
user experience is intended to boost pet license registrations, which support animal control operations.
Corrigan noted she was not aware of any Artificial Intelligence (AI) features in the platform, though it
may be possible. What should increase efficiency is reducing the volume of phone calls from residents
with questions about license payments and decreasing the number of late license renewals. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. Old Mill Road Lift Station and Force Main Project - Phase II Award Construction Contract: Motion
by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 203-25 Awarding contract for
the Old Mill Lift Station and Force Main Project - Phase II. Seconded by Jones. City Council Members
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commented that it was encouraging to see the City receive six bids for the project. Motion carried 6-0,
with Jones absent from the dais at the time of the vote.
5. Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 3 Sanitary Interceptor Project (Catfish Creek Middle Fork);
Consulting Engineering Services RFQ Authorization: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the
documents and approve releasing a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant to assist
with the development of the Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 3 Sanitary Interceptor Project (Catfish
Creek Middle Fork). Seconded by Wethal. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos explained that although City
staff are capable of completing the work, the goal is to accelerate the timeline. The City aims to begin
construction on Phases 3 and 4 immediately following the completion of the lift station. Motion carried
7-0.
6. Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 4 Sanitary Interceptor Project (Catfish Creek South Fork);
Consulting Engineering Services RFQ Authorization: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents
and approve releasing a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant to assist with the
development of the Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 4 Sanitary Interceptor Project (Catfish Creek South
Fork). Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
7. 2025 Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Award: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and hear the presentation. Seconded by Wethal. Chief of Police Jeremy Jensen gave
a presentation on the 2025 Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Award. City Council
Members congratulated the Police Department on the accreditation. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Mayor and City Council Compensation Task Force Recommendation: Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and proceed with City Council discussion. Seconded by Wethal. City Council
Members agreed that the Mayor's salary should remain higher than that of City Council Members. City
Council Members supported City staff's recommendation to convene future task forces one year earlier,
while maintaining the requirement that any changes take effect at the beginning of the terms following an
election, in accordance with Iowa Code. This adjustment would allow future recommendations to be
incorporated into the annual budget process. They discussed the importance of offering future task force
members clearer guidance and sharing information that helps them better understand the roles and
responsibilities of the Mayor and City Council. It was recommended that this topic be addressed in a
future governance session to gain insight into how other City Councils manage compensation. Although
some Council Members expressed interest in setting the Mayor's salary higher than the amount
recommended by the task force, they ultimately agreed to support the task force's recommendation.
Motion amended by Jones to adopt the Task Force's recommendation of a 6.3% increase in
compensation, which would set the annual salary at $15,732 for the Mayor and $11,799 for City Council
members, effective January 1, 2026. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on recently welcoming participants back from the honor flight, engaging in a
preliminary discussion with the City's consultant in advance of goal setting. Jones also shared that he
attended Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) and Dubuque Racing
Association (DRA) board meetings and an open house hosted by Hills and Dales.
Roussell also reported on meeting with the consultant in advance of goal setting, as well as the
Dubuque Area Congregations United event on food security issues. Additionally, Roussell mentioned
attending Dubuque Main Street Board and Executive Committee meetings and shared that Dubuque
Main Street's Dubuque and All that Jazz event is this upcoming Friday.
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Sprank also reported on meeting with the consultant in advance of goal setting and attending the
DRA board meeting. Additionally, Sprank mentioned his upcoming attendance at two neighborhood
association meetings and Fly by Night's upcoming performances of "The Glass Menagerie".
Farber reported on the Dubuque Museum of Art's (DUMA) upcoming closing celebration before its
temporary relocation to the Dupaco Voices Building, that her food truck will be serving at Dubuque and
All that Jazz, and her work with the National League of Cities (NLC) on a technology presentation that
she will deliver at an upcoming Amazon Conference in Washington, D.C.
Wethal also reported on meeting with the consultant ahead of the upcoming goal setting sessions
and noted that many residents have been reaching out to share input on priorities. She also attended
the Dubuque Area Congregations United event, participated in a Dubuque County Early Childhood
Board meeting, and extended congratulations to the area's high school graduates.
Resnick reported that his recent international travel highlighted the importance of wayfinding and
prompted reflections on how navigating Dubuque can be confusing for many people.
Cavanagh reported on representing the Iowa League of Cities (ILC) in Washington, D.C., where
presidents of various city leagues met with federal agencies. He also reported on the Marshallese
Independence Day celebration, the Bluff Strokes ribbon cutting, and his remarks at the send-off for
members of the Alpha Company National Guard Unit.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:41 p.m. to discuss Confidential Records, Pending
Litigation, and Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(a),(c),(j) Code of Iowa. Seconded by
Wethal. 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 10:19 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 10:19 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. BreitFelder, CMC
City Clerk
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