Minutes_City Council Proceedings 07.07.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
July 21, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of July 7 and 14, 2025; Equity and
Human Rights Commission of May 13, 2025; Equity and
Human Rights Commisions Goals Subcommittee of May 27,
2025; Library Board of Trustees Update of June 23, 2025;
Park and Recreation Commission of June 10, 2025; Proof of
Publication for City Council Proceedings of June 16, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 7 7 25 City Council Minutes
2. 7 14 25 City Council Minutes
3. May 27, 2025 EHRC Subcommittee Minutes
4. May 13, 2025 EHRC Minutes
5. Library Board of Trustees Update
6. 6.10.2025 Park and Rec Meeting Minutes
7. Proof of Publication for 6.16.25 Proceedings
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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 July 7, 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, Assistant City Attorney Lehman.
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 Four Mounds Foundation.
WORK SESSION
Four Mounds Foundation
Consultant Ellen Goodmann Miller presented on the work of Four Mounds Foundation. Four
Mounds Foundation Program Manager Becky Bodish and Lori Appel, whose child Arica participated in
Four Mounds programming, also spoke. In response to questions, Bodish shared the benefits of the
programs, the foundation's partnership with the City, and the facility's options for hosting events.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh 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 July 7, 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, Assistant City Attorney Lehman.
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. Governor's Volunteer Award Recognition: Director of Sustainability Gina Bell recognized Jessica
Anderschau, Green Iowa AmeriCorps member in the Office of Sustainability, for receiving the
Governor's Volunteer Award.
2. Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Chair Award Recognition: Dubuque Area
Chamber of Commerce's President and CEO Molly Grover recognized Airport Director Todd Dalsing
for receiving the Chamber Chair Award.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Dubuque County Fair Week (July 22 - 27, 2025) was accepted by John Bries and Kevin Kotz on
behalf of the Dubuque County Fair Association.
CONSENT ITEMS
Rousell requested Item No. 9 be held for separate discussion. Wethal requested Item No. 5 be
held for separate discussion. Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the
resolutions, and dispose of as indicated, except for Item Nos. 5 and 9. Seconded by Farber. Motion
carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council Proceedings of June 16, 2025; Arts and Cultural
Affairs Commission of May 27, 2025; Civil Service Commission of January 17, February 12, March 3,
March 12, March 20, and April 9, 2025; Community Development Advisory Commission of May 21,
2025; Historic Preservation Commission of May 15, 2025; Library Board of Trustees Update from
May 22, 2025; Park and Recreation Commission of May 21, 2025; Resilient Community Advisory
Commission of April 23, 2025; Zoning Advisory Commission of June 4, 2025; Zoning Board of
Adjustment from May 22, 2025; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of June 2, 2025.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Cathleen Avenarius for vehicle damage, Craig Demoss for property
damage; Samantha Giglio for vehicle damage; Edward and Carol Marinko for property damage. Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City Attorney.
3. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 231-25 Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to make certain
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payments of bills that must be paid and approved for payment in accordance with City procedures
was adopted.
4. Acceptance of the Southgate Drive Sanitary Project: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 232-25 Accepting The Southgate Drive Sanitary Improvements Project
And Authorizing Final Payment To The Contractor was adopted.
5. Contracted Services Agreements for Fiscal Year 2026: Wethal announced her intent to abstain
from voting on Greater Dubuque Development Corporation's (GDDC) Contracted Service Agreement due
to her father serving as President and CEO of GDDC. Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents
and approve all Contracted Services Agreements except GDDC's. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-
0. Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and approve GDDC's Contracted Service
Agreement. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Wethal.
6. Contracted Services Agreements Fiscal Year 2026 for Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque Programs: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. Iowa Department of Transportation PCC Pavement Grade Project Notification Correspondence
from Jesse Tibodeau, Assistant District Engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT)
notifying the City Council of PCC Pavement grade on US-20 over the Middle Branch Catfish Creek
and Chicago, Central and Pacific Railroad. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
8. 2025 Repair and Maintenance of the Iowa Street Parking Garage Amended Resolution 220-25,
Establish New Bid Letting Date: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 233-25 Amending Resolution No. 220-25: 2025 Repair And Maintenance Of The Iowa Street
Parking Garage - Preliminary Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated
Cost; Setting Date Of Public Hearing On Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated
Cost; And Ordering The Advertisement For Bids was adopted.
9. Signed Contract(s): Roussell announced her intent to abstain voting on the Dubuque Trees
Forever Memorandum of Agreement due to her serving on the Dubuque Trees Forever board. Motion
by Jones to receive and file the documents and approve the Memorandum of Agreement with
Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and approve the Memorandum of Agreement with Dubuque Trees
Forever. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Roussell.
10. Adoption of Supplement Number 2025 S-16 to the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 234-25 Adopting Supplement No.
2025 S-16 To The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
11. 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. 235-25 was adopted.
ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolution, and set the public
hearing for July 21, 2025. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. 2025 Maintenance Dredging Project - Initiate Public Improvement Bidding Process: Upon motion
the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 236-25 2025 Maintenance Dredging
Project: Preliminary Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost;
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Setting Date Of Public Hearing On Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost; And
Ordering The Advertisement For Bids was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to
commence at 6:30 p.m. on July 21, 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. Transit Advisory Board: One, 3-Year term through July 30, 2028 (Vacant term of Gerdemann).
Applicant: Alex Kruse, 3578 Keymont Dr.
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
1. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through June 30, 2028.
(Expiring Business Professional - lives or works in the cultural and entertainment district term of
Hefel). Applicants: Nick Halder, 876 S. Grandview Ave.; Aaron Hefel, 515 1/2 West 8th St.; Sarah
Ndagire, 1536 Kehl Ct. Upon roll call vote, Halder was appointed to the term. Hefel received 2 votes
(Wethal and Cavanagh), and Halder received the remaining votes.
2. Historic Preservation Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2028 (Expiring Jackson
Park District term of Esser). Applicant: Janice Esser, 1072 Locust St. Motion by Jones to appoint
Esser to the term. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Transit Advisory Board: One, 3-Year term through July 30, 2027 (Vacant term of Esser).
Applicant: Gary Wernimont, 736 University Ave. Wernimont was not appointed because no motion was
made.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Hold a Public Hearing for Adopting the Public Housing Authority (PHA) Annual Plan: Motion by
Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 237-25 Authorizing The Mayor
To Execute The Certification By State Or Local Office Of Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan's
Consistency With The Consolidated Plan And Approval Of The PHA Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Annual
Plan. Seconded by Wethal. In response to questions, Assistant City Manager and Interim Housing
Director Cori Burbach summarized the purpose of the plan. While the plan is presented to the City
Council through the annual budget process, its budget shifts each federal fiscal year. The budget can
be verified at a later date. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Petition to Vacate Certain Street and Alley Right of Way Easements in Julien Addition, in the City
of Dubuque, Iowa For Vacating Petition from Elaine Reiss and Doug Blong: Motion by Sprank to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 238-25 Vacating Certain Street And Alley
Easements In Julien Addition, City Of Dubuque, Iowa and No. 239-25 Disposing Of City Interest In
Certain Street And Alley Easements In Julien Addition, City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Wethal.
After a point of order was made by Jones on whether the motion included adopting both resolutions,
Cavanagh confirmed the motion covered both. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Rebid 2025 Repair and Maintenance of the Iowa Street Parking Garage Public Hearing: Motion
by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 240-25 Approval Of Plans,
Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost For The 2025 Repair And Maintenance Of The
Iowa Street Parking Garage. Seconded by Jones. Project Manager Jim Bousley summarized the
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project timeline. City Council Members thanked city staff for rebidding the project quickly. Motion
carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Paul Uzel, 61 N. Algona, spoke about his desire for the City Council to take action in support of
Dubuque's immigrant community.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Parks and Recreation Title 10 Chapter 5 Ordinance Amendment Recommendation: 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. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 28-25 Amending City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 10 Public Ways And Property, Chapter 5 Parks And Recreation,
Article B. Use Regulations, Section 13 Climbing On Fences, Roofs, Section 22 Open Season And
Hours Generally, And Article C Section 1 Specific Park Areas, Open Spaces, And Trails Described.
Seconded by Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Recommendation to Update Human Rights Ordinance, Title 8: 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. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 29-25 Amending City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 8 Equity And Human Rights By Repealing Title 8 Equity And
Human Rights And Adopting In Lieu Thereof A New Title 8 Human Rights. Seconded by Wethal.
Motion carried 5-2 with Jones and Sprank voting nay.
3. Proceedings to Complete Action on the Issuance of $761,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan
Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) Green Alley Sponsorship Project: Motion by Farber to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 241-25 Authorizing and approving a Loan
and Disbursement Agreement, providing for the issuance and securing the payment of $761,000
Storm Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 and authorizing the related reduction of the interest rate on
the Stormwater Management Utility Revenue Capital Loan Note No. R-1, Series 2019, dated April 12,
2019. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
4. FY 2026 Arts & Culture Operating Support Grant Funding Recommendation: Motion by Resnick
to receive and file the documents and approve the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission's
funding recommendations for the FY2026 Arts & Culture Operating Support grant applicants.
Seconded by Jones. City Council Members highlighted the importance of citizen input on these
applications by the commission and how the grants exemplify the benefits of government partnership.
Motion carried 7-0.
5. FY 2026 Arts & Culture Special Projects Grant Funding Recommendation: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission's
funding recommendations for the FY2026 Arts & Culture Special Projects grant applicants. Seconded
by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
6. 2025 — 2026 AmeriCorps Funding Awarded: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents
on the funding for the City of Dubuque AmeriCorps program being approved for the third year of
Dubuque's competitive grant cycle (September 1, 2025 — August 31, 2026). Seconded by Farber.
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Community Impact Director Antonio Mouzon discussed the consequences of losing AmeriCorps
funding this program year, including the cancellation of this summer's teen empowerment program.
Mouzon highlighted the creation of the Serve Dubuque initiative, which aims to support a limited
number of teenagers over the summer. Mouzon noted that other cities have faced the same situation
of their AmeriCorps funding being cut for the current program year but reinstated for the upcoming
year. City Council Members expressed enthusiasm that funding will be reinstated. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Funding Agreement between City of Dubuque and Dubuque Marina, Inc. - 2024 Boating
Infrastructure Tier 1 Grant Dredge Dubuque Marina: Motion by Jones to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 242-25 Approving The Funding Agreement Between The City
Of Dubuque And Dubuque Marina, Inc. For The 2024 Boating Infrastructure Tier 1 Grant Agreement
For Maintenance Dredging At Dubuque Marina. Seconded by Wethal. Assistant City Engineer Bob
Schiesl stated that the City and the Marina work together to determine dredging locations,
considering their target depths and available funding. The City holds a dredging permit from the US
Army Corps of Engineers, which mandates that dredged materials be deposited at the 16th St.
Bridge. Schiesl confirmed that dredging will occur in the same area as the previous year. City Council
Members highlighted the necessity of dredging so recreational boats can access the river. Motion
carried 7-0.
8. 2025 Dubuque City Services Guide: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents.
Seconded by Farber. Public Information Officer Randy Gehl stated that the guide, which has been
available for over 15 years and is updated every few years, was recently mailed to all postal
addresses within the city limits. The Communications Office's budget covers printing and mailing the
publication. City Council Members shared positive feedback and expressed their enthusiasm that
council contact information was included. Motion carried 7-0.
9. July Utility Bill Insert: Ways to Get Involved: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents.
Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members highlighted the variety of ways people can get involved
with the City. Motion carried 7-0.
10. Reschedule Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Work Session: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for July 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Seconded by Jones. Point of Order by Breitfelder that the recommendation was to reschedule the
work session from July 21 to August 18, 2025. Motion amended by Roussel to schedule the work
session for August 18, 2025. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Roussell reported on volunteering at the Presbyterian Hunger Outreach, touring St. Mark Youth
Enrichment's new childcare center, attending the groundbreaking for the Habitat for Humanity Pocket
Neighborhood, and meeting with HACAP.
Jones reported on attending a Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) board meeting, a Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMATS) work session, a North End Neighborhood
Association meeting, and the recent passing of former Iowa State Trooper Dick Bakey.
Farber reported on representing Dubuque in Washington, D.C., on conversations on Artificial
Intelligence (AI), participating in an IBM podcast, attending a Sister City Committee meeting, and the
upcoming open house for the City's new data center.
Sprank also reported on attending the DRA board meeting, the Mathias Ham House 41" of July
event, and attending various neighborhood get-togethers.
Resnick reported on attending the Grand Opera House's production of "Footloose" and the Tri-
State Wind Symphony's performance.
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Cavanagh also reported on the Mathias Ham House event, along with the air service virtual town
hall, the US Conference of Mayors meeting, and the successful 3rd of July fireworks and airshow.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 7.55 p.m. to discuss Pending Litigation and
Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(c),(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 Assistant City Attorney Lehman. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 9:31 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
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