Proof_City Council Proceedings 07.07.25Copyrighted
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
Page 95 of 579
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:
07/16/2025
and for which the charge is 354.49
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 21st day of July, 2025
Notary Pu lic in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
E
JANET K. PAPE
; Commission Number 199859
My Commission Expires
12/11/2025
Page 122 of 579
Ad text
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
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
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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
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
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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 Roussel].
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; 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 Hefei). Applicants: Nick
Haider, 876 S. Grandview Ave.; Aaron Hefei, 515 1/2 West 8th
St.; Sarah Ndagire, 1536 Kehl Ct. Upon roll call vote, Haider
was appointed to the term. Hefei received 2 votes (Wethal and
Cavanagh), and Haider 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
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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 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 l 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
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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. 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
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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 4th 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.
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),O) 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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It 7/16
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