Proof_City Council Proceedings 07.21.25Copyrighted
August 18, 2025
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of August 4, 2025; Airport
Commission of April 22, May 27, and June 24, 2025; Arts and
Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission of June 24, 2025; Civil
Service Commisison of June 11, 2025; Housing Commission
of April 1, 2025; Resilient Community Advisory Commission
of June 5, 2025; Zoning Advisory Commission of July 2,
2025; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
July 7, July 14, and July 21, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 8 4 25 City Council Minutes
2. Airport Commission Minutes of April 22 2025 (1)
3. Airport Commission Minutes of May 27 2025
4. Airport Commission Minutes of June 24 2025 (1)
5. Arts and Cultural Affairs Minutes
6. Civil Service Minutes
7. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
8. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
9. Proof of Publication for 7.14.25 City Council Meeting
10. Proof of Publication for 7.7.25 City Council Meeting
11. Proof of Publication for 7.21.25 City Council Meeting
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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:
07/30/2025
and for which the charge is 322.37
Subscribed to before me, a 4tary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 30th day of July, 2025
c"'. 1� 2.0t
Notary ub is in and for Dubuque ounty, Iowa.
JANET K. PAPE
or�r 9
Commission Number 199659
My Commission Expires
12111 /2025
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Ad text
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:00 p.m.
on July 21, 2025, at the Old Mill Lift Station, 1580 Old Mill
Rd.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones,
Roussell (arrived at 5:01 p.m.), Sprank, Wethal; City Manager
Van Milligen, Assistant City Attorney Lehman.
Absent: Council Member Resnick was absent from the first
work session.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a special
session of the City Council called for the purpose of
conducting work sessions on the Old Mill Lift Station
Construction Project and Dubuque Nature Everywhere.
WORK SESSIONS
1. Old Mill Lift Station Construction Project Update: City
Engineer Gus Psihoyos, Water Project Supervisor Todd Irwin,
Civil Engineer Max OBrien, and Water and Resource Recovery
Center Director Deron Muehring provided a brief presentation
and viewing of the Old Mill Lift Station Construction Project
and responded to questions.
A recess occurred at 5:12 p.m. for the City Council to
travel to the Historic Federal Building for the next work
session. The City Council reconvened at 6:00 p.m. for the work
session, with Resnick attending virtually.
2. Dubuque Nature Everywhere: Dubuque Nature Everywhere
members Deanne Althoff and Danielle Willis provided an update
on their progress in establishing a community -wide Nature
Everywhere vision and developing an implementation plan that
focuses on strategies for connecting young children (ages 0-6)
with nature. In response to questions, Dubuque Nature
Everywhere member Colleen McKenna explained that the group is
seeking the City Councils support in adopting and promoting
Dubuques Childrens Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR). McKenna
noted that other cities have implemented similar initiatives
and emphasized that Dubuques COBOR should highlight elements
unique to the community. McKenna also described the concept of
stormwater play bowls and shared that the group is
collaborating with City Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
staff to map where children in Dubuque live in relation to
natural areas. City Council Members expressed interest in
formally adopting the COBOR and discussed ways they could
support and promote the initiative.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m.
on July 21, 2025, in the second -floor Council Chambers of the
Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones,
Resnick (attended virtually), Roussell, Sprank, Wethal; City
Manager Van Milligen, Assistant City Attorney Lehman.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a regular
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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. Service Member Patriot Award: Assistant City Manager Cori
Burbach recognized Acting Project and Facilities Manager Marie
Ware for receiving the Service Member Patriot Award.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Community of Colleges Week (July 28 through August 1,
2025) was accepted by Greater Dubuque Development Corporations
(GDDC) Director of Workforce Programming Nic Hockenberry on
behalf of GDDC and area colleges and universities.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Jones 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 July 7 and 14, 2025; Equity and Human Rights Commission of
May 13, 2025; Equity and Human Rights Commissions 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. Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Carol Oberfoell for vehicle
damage. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
referred to the City Attorney.
3. 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: Cathleen Avenarius for vehicle damage; Craig DeMoss for
property damage; Samantha Giglio for vehicle damage; Edward
Marinko for property damage. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and concurred.
4. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed, and Resolution No. 243-25 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.
5. CLG Grant Report for 20th Century Neighborhood Surveys:
City Manager transmitted the Certified Local Government (CLG)
grant reports and project products for the 20th century
neighborhood surveys for the Deereville neighborhood and
Voelker Highlands neighborhood and recommended City Council
approve the submitted grant reporting documents and have the
mayor sign the Request for Reimbursement and the Certificates
for each grant. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
6. Dubuque City Assessor Letter on 2025 Assessment Appeals:
Correspondence from Dubuque City Assessor Troy Patzner
regarding appeals of the Dubuque City Board of Review
decisions on 2025 assessments. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
7. Signed Contract(s): Independent Contractor Agreement with
Fowler Public Sector Consulting LLC; Vendor Service Agreement
with Wenzel Towing. Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
8. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 244-25
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Approving applications for retail alcohol licenses, as
required by City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 4
Business and License Regulations, Chapter 2 Liquor Control,
Article B Liquor, Beer and Wine Licenses and Permits was
adopted.
9. Approval of Retail/Device Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine,
and Vapor Product Permit Applications: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 245-25
Approving Applications for Retail Tobacco, Tobacco Products,
Alternative Nicotine Products, Vapor Products, and Device
Permits, as Required by Iowa Code 453A.47A and 453E.3 was
adopted.
ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt
the resolution for Item Set for Public Hearing No. 1, and set
the public hearing for August 4, 2025. Seconded by Jones.
Farber announced she will abstain from voting on the set for
public hearing and future public hearing due to owning
property on Auburn St. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from
Farber.
1. Auburn -Custer Utility and Roadway Reconstruction Project
- Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a
Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed and Resolution No. 246-25 Auburn -Custer Utility And
Roadway Reconstruction Project: 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 setting a public hearing for a meeting to
commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 4, 2025 in the Historic
Federal Building.
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt
the resolutions, and set the public hearings as indicated for
Items Set for Public Hearing No. 2-4. Seconded by Wethal.
Motion carried 7-0.
2. Setting A Public Hearing On The Proposed Lease Agreement
Between The City Of Dubuque And The LAMAR Companies: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution
No. 247-25 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The Lease
Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And The Lamar
Companies For Real Property Located On White Street was
adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on August 4, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
3. North Schmitt Island Collection System Contract #1
Contracting Services: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed and Resolution No. 248-25 North Schmitt Island
Collection System Project Contract #1: 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 setting a public hearing
for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 4, 2025 in
the Historic Federal Building.
4. Setting Public Hearing for a Proposed Development
Agreement between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Greater
Dubuque Impact Investment Fund: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 249-25 Resolution 1)
Approving The Minimum Requirements, Competitive Criteria, And
Offering Procedures For The Development And The Sale Of
Certain Real Property And Improvements In The Greater Downtown
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Urban Renewal District; (2) Determining That The Offer To
Purchase Submitted By Greater Dubuque Impact Investment Fund
Satisfies The Offering Requirements With Respect To The Real
Property And Improvements And Declaring The Intent Of The City
Council To Approve The Sale To Greater Dubuque Impact
Investment Fund In The Event That No Competing Proposals Are
Submitted; And (3) Soliciting Competing Proposals was adopted
setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30
p.m. on September 2, 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,
2027 (Vacant term of Esser). Applicant: Katie Bailey, 1085
West 5th St. Bailey spoke virtually in support of her
application.
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
2. Transit Advisory Board: One, 3-Year term through July 30,
2028 (Vacant term of Gerdemann). Applicant: Alex Kruse, 3578
Keymont Dr. Motion by Sprank to appoint Kruse to the term.
Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Request to Rezone 2167 Jackson Street: 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 Sprank. Applicant Michelle
Mihalakis, 2541 Broadway St., spoke in support of the
rezoning, highlighting her intention to open a detoxification
facility at the site. She stated that she plans to
rehabilitate the existing structure and does not intend to
expand the property. In response to a question, Planning
Services Director Wally Wernimont stated that 24-hour
facilities were allowed in C-4 zoning districts. City Council
members expressed support for the rezoning. Motion carried
7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 31-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At 2167 Jackson Street
From R-2A Alternate Two -Family Residential District To C-4
Downtown Commercial District. Seconded by Sprank. Motion
carried 7-0.
2. Request to Rezone Property at Bluff Street: 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 Wethal.
Responding to a question, Wernimont noted that off-street
parking requirements for historic districts had previously
been eliminated and stated that the property offers sufficient
parking both onsite and along the street. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 32-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property From R-2 Two -Family Residential
To OR Office Residential Zoning District. Seconded by Wethal.
Motion carried 7-0.
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3. Request to Rezone 4178 Peru Road: 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 Sprank. Dan Miller, 1013
Patricia Ann Dr., summarized the need for the rezoning,
stating that his brother wants to purchase the house on the
property but sell the farmland separately. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 33-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At 4178 Peru Road From
AG Agriculture District To R-1 Single -Family Residential
District. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Unified Development Code (UDC) Amendment for Wall and
Free Standing Signs: 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. Wernimont stated that
the amendment had not been presented to the Historic
Preservation Commission. He noted that feedback received
during the Planning Departments UDC amendment process
indicated that the Citys current sign regulations are overly
restrictive. He also provided an overview of the proposed
changes and responded to questions regarding specific
examples. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 34-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Amending
Section 16-15-11.10 C-5 Central Business Zoning District Sign
Regulations. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
5. 2025 Maintenance Dredging Project Public Hearing: Motion
by Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 250-25 Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form
Of Contract, And Estimated Cost For The 2025 Maintenance
Dredging Project. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Quarterly Update Video on New Housing Development
Projects: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents
and view the video. Seconded by Wethal. A brief video
highlighting progress on new housing projects under
construction in the community was shown. The video can also be
seen on the City's YouTube channel at
https://youtu.be/SO-EjMM92R4. Additionally, the updated
publication on new housing units approved, under review, under
construction, or completed was provided. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on attending a Travel Dubuque Board meeting,
ribbon cuttings at the National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium and the Citys new data center, meeting the dean of
the University of Dubuques (UD) new medical school Dr. Jeanne
Rupert, Dubuque Senior High Schools Class of 1970 reunion, the
special City Council meeting on July 14, attending a Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) meeting, and
GDDC's annual meeting.
Farber also reported on meeting Dr. Rupert and the Citys new
data center ribbon cutting, along with attending UDs golf
outing, the Mississippi Valley Youth Tennis Tournament, and
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National League of Cities (NLC) summer conference.
Resnick reported on the upcoming Art on the River opening
reception.
Cavanagh reported on attending the data center ribbon
cutting, welcoming DARE officers from across the state who
convened in Dubuque, and attending a recent event hosted by
Dubuque Marshallese Youths for Climate Change.
Van Milligen shared that this weekend is the Mircale League
of Dubuques Battle of the All -Stars event, which Dubuque
Police, Fire and the City Council will participate in.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 7:37 p.m. to
discuss Pending Litigation and Purchase or Sale of Real Estate
Chapter 21.5(1)(c),O) 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 Assistant City Attorney Lehman. Motion
carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 7:56 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
1 t 7/30
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