Minutes_Long Range Planning Advisory Commission 05.21.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
September 2, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings for August 18, 2025; Historic
Preservation Commission of July 17, 2025; Human Rights
Commission of July 8, 2025; Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of June 23, 2025; Library Board of Trustees Update
of July 24, 2025; Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
of May 21, 2025; Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
of July 8, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 8 18 25 City Council Minutes
2. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
3. Human Rights Commission Minutes
4. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Minutes
5. Library Board of Trustees Update
6. Carnegie -Stout Board of Trustees June 2025 Minutes
7. Park and Recreation Commission 7.8.2025 Meeting Minutes
Page 20 of 629
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
DUB E ,II 11I
2007.2012.2013
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019
MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE LONG RANGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
City Council Chambers, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Michael Rabagia, Commissioners Jason Davis,
Aaron Miller, Julietta Scott, and Mark Ward.
Commissioners Excused: Beth McGrath, Cliff Conrad
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Wally Wernimont and Jason Duba.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Rabagia at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Rabagia, seconded by Miller, to approve the minutes of the March
19, 2025 Long Range Planning Advisory Commission meeting as submitted. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Davis, Miller, Scott, Ward, and Rabagia; Nay — None.
Planning Services Director Wernimont reviewed a memo prepared to respond to
questions that arose at the prior meeting related to the Cedar Cross Road Urban
Revitalization District that the commission reviewed. He noted the estimate of the
amount of property taxes that would be abated for the developer, which would be
approximately $2.2 million over 10 years. He explained the total depends on factors
such as the timing of construction and noted that the school district's portion of the
property tax is not abated. He shared an estimate on the cost of public improvements
from the last time the property was proposed to be developed, which was about
$400,000.
Commissioner Miller described how his opinion on this matter has changed as he's
learned more about the definition of Urban Revitalization and how it's common to use
for new construction, not just renovating old properties. Wernimont responded that
creation of housing is one of the four uses of Urban Revitalization. He noted that once
the City Council passed an ordinance to start using these incentives, the city started
seeing more development, which is needed to meet the demand for housing. He
explained that the school district is consulted on these districts, and they support the
creation of new housing to grow the number of students in the district. He clarified the
difference between Urban Revitalization where property taxes are abated and Urban
Renewal where property taxes are rebated.
Page 36 of 629
Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Page 2
May 21, 2025
Commissioner Ward asked if some properties starting to come off their tax abatement
period. Wernimont noted that some are, such as Timber Hyrst.
Commissioner Davis asked about the property tax portion for the school district.
Assistant Planner Duba displayed the "Dollars & Cents" budget document from the City
of Dubuque, which shows the school district collects 43% of property taxes from
Dubuque residents.
Wernimont spoke to the role of the commission in reviewing these applications and
explained that they are asked to consider whether they are in alignment with the
comprehensive plan. He said that it is City Council's role to consider the finances of
these agreements but that he would like to have that information ahead of time, but that
can be difficult. Miller acknowledged they review with respect to the comprehensive
plan, but it is good to see the financial side.
Wernimont said that these incentives help develop housing in places where it's needed,
including along Radford Road, which is close to the industrial center. He noted a recent
tour of Opening Doors, where transportation was cited as a barrier to self-sufficiency.
Commissioners noted that it is a yearslong effort to develop more housing and that
previous estimates for housing need were made before the announcement of the UD
medical school being developed. Wernimont agreed and said that downtown Dubuque
is changing, and the City is seeking to allow more density to promote vibrancy. A
downtown master plan is in the works in the next few years.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Imagine Dubuque Update
Assistant Planner Duba and Planning Services Director Wernimont led a review of
selected progress updates about Imagine Dubuque recommendations. One selection
was made from each of the plan's seven categories.
Economic Prosperity: Employment, 1.1.4: Efforts of the Community Foundation, such as
Inclusive Dubuque, were noted for their work to promote economic resiliency and
mitigate the impact of economic disruptions locally.
Miller noted that a Council update on Project HOPE cited a study that showed Dubuque
is #1 in the country for economic mobility.
Page 37 of 629
Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Page 3
May 21, 2025
Sustainable Environment: Neighborhoods, 2.3.2: Arbor Day Celebration coordinated
with Dubuque Trees Forever and Dubuque Arboretum. Branching Out Initiative is
planning spring plantings.
Chairperson Rabagia asked if the city is planting back with diverse species of trees, and
Wernimont replied yes, that is the goal. He cities examples of Dutch Elm Disease and
the impact to the Cathedral of Elms that was on Rhomberg Avenue.
Social + Cultural Vibrancy: Parks & Recreation, 3.7.1: The Parks & Recreation Master
Plan is being developed now. Wernimont mentioned there is also a community sports
facility study that was recently completed.
Livable Neighborhoods + Housing: Housing, 4.2.2: The Housing and Community
Development Department recently went through the CDBG Consolidated Plan (5-year)
and Annual Action Plan processes to plan for the future and remain compliant with
HUD.
Community Facilities: Public Safety, 5.2.3: A strategic plan around response times,
officer placement, and geographic coverage will be developed. Rabagia noted the fire
department survey.
Transportation + Mobility: Complete Streets, 6.1.3: Plans for Complete Streets
Considering new bike lanes on South Grandview and West Locust.
Land Use: Industrial, 7.6.3: Industrial development opportunities limited, such as at
Crossroads site.
Unified Development Code update
Commissioner Davis asked about the Unified Development Code status. He referred to
the recent rezoning of the landfill property. Wernimont replied that we're in the process
of the UDC update, and the technical report will be released soon. He said the comp
plan and other city plans will factor into the process. He noted some of the potential
changes to increase flexibility, reduce parking requirements, and allow more density. He
noted the consultant is Camiros, who is providing national experience that will be
balanced with local needs. He said the existing 2009 UDC is a good starting point. He
said there will be presentations to the Zoning Advisory Commission and City Council
about the technical report.
City Council Goal Setting for Fiscal Year 2026
Wernimont explained the City Council Goal Setting process and how the commission
could contribute ideas. Commissioners suggested:
• Develop more 3- and 4-bedroom units that are affordable
• Continue developing single-family homes
• Develop a multi -sport complex
Page 38 of 629
Minutes — Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Page 4
May 21, 2025
• Reduce tax burden
• Have more pet -friendly businesses
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Rabagia, seconded by Miller, to adjourn the May 21, 2025
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following
vote: Aye —Davis, Miller, Scott, Ward, and Rabagia; Nay — None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ily War mo ,,`Planning Services Director
August 20, 2025
Adopted
Page 39 of 629