Proof_City Council Proceedings 08.18.25Copyrighted
September 15, 2025
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of August 27, September 2, and
September 4, 2025; Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission of July 29, 2025; Community Development
Advisory Commission of July 16, 2025; Civic Center Advisory
Commission of June 2, 2025; Housing Trust Fund Advisory
Committee of September 12, 2024 and August 28, 2025;
Investment and Cash Management Oversight Advisory
Commission of April 25, 2025; Library Board of Trustees of
July 24 and August 20, 2025; Resilient Community Advisory
Commission of August 7, 2025; Zoning Advisory Commission
of August 6, 2025; Zoning Board of Adjustment of July 24,
2025; Proof of Publication of City Council Proceedings of
August 4 and August 18, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 8 27 25 City Council Minutes
2. 9 2 25 City Council Minutes
3. 9 4 25 City Council Minutes
4. Arts and Cultural Affairs Minutes
5. Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes
6. Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee Minutes
7. Housing Trust Fund Advisory Commission Minutes Minutes 8.28.25
8. Investment and Cash Management Commission Minutes 04.24.25
9. Carnegie -Stout Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 24 2025
10. Carnegie -Stout Public Library Board of Trusrees Work Session Minutes August 20
2025
11. Civic Center Advisory Commission Minutes
12. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
13. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
14. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
15. Proof_8.4.25 City Council Proceedings
16. Proof City Council Proceedings 8.18.25
Page 88 of 1171
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:
08/27/2025
and for which the charge is 424.57
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 27th day of August, 2025
Notary P bli in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
'Q,IAL B JANET K. PAPE
o F7 Commission Number 199659
zJ. My Commission Expires
12/11/2025
row,,
Page 143 of 1171
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 August 18, 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 (attended virtually).
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 Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation.
WORK SESSION
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Quarterly Update
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC) President and
CEO Rick Dickinson and Director of Workforce Programming
Nicolas Hockenberry presented a quarterly update highlighting
goals and results, strategic initiatives, business services,
workforce solutions, and the workforce landscape. In response
to a question about how residents can support local higher
education institutions, Dickinson emphasized the importance of
helping them feel integrated into the community.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 6:30 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 August 18, 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 (attended virtually).
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
CONSENTITEMS
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 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 Commission 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.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Major Joseph Jenkins for
property damage; Alan Viertel for property damage. Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City
Attorney.
Page 144 of 1171
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: Daniel Healey for vehicle damage; Schumacher Pool and
Spa LLC for vehicle damage; Alan Viertel 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. 268-25 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. Notice of Award & Request to Execute Agreement for 25-26
City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Program: Creating Opportunities:
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
6. Improvement Contracts / Performance, Payment, and
Maintenance Bonds Giese Sheet Metal for the Fire Headquarters
HVAC Replacement Project; Jim Giese Commercial Roofing for the
Fire Station 6 Roof Replacement Project. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. Jefferson Park Retaining Wall Replacement Project
Acceptance: Upon motion the documents were received and filed,
and Resolution No. 269-25 Accepting The Jefferson Park
Retaining Wall Replacement Project And Authorizing The Payment
Of The Contract Amount To The Contractor was adopted.
8. Zoning Advisory Commission Cross Representation
Recommendation: Zoning Advisory Commission requested City
Council approval on the appointments to the
Cross -Representative terms on the Airport Zoning Commission of
Rich Russell with a term expiration date of July 1, 2027 and
Pat Norton with a term expiration date of July 1, 2028. Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
9. Zoning Board of Adjustment Cross Representation
Recommendation: Zoning Board of Adjustment requested City
Council approval on the appointments to the
Cross -Representative terms on the Airport Zoning Board of
Adjustment of Rena Stierman with a term expiration date of
March 25, 2027 and Matt Mauss with a term expiration date of
March 25, 2028. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
10. Letter of Support for Certifying the Greater Dubuque
Housing Trust Fund: A letter of support was provided from
Mayor Brad Cavanagh to the Iowa Finance Authority Board of
Directors in support of the transition of governance for the
Local Housing Trust Fund serving the City of Dubuque from the
City to the new nonprofit, Greater Dubuque Housing Trust Fund.
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
11. Request for City Council Ratification of the First
Amendment to the Dubuque Police Protective Association July 1,
2024 CBA: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
12. Civil Service Commission - Certified List for Police
Officer: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
made a Matter of Record.
13. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 270-25
Approving applications for retail alcohol licenses, as
required by City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 4
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Business and License Regulations, Chapter 2 Liquor Control,
Article B Liquor, Beer and Wine Licenses and Permits 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. Vacating a portion of a Public Utility Easement over part
of Lot 2, Block 4, of Indian Hills, in the City of Dubuque,
Iowa Emily and Scott McGuire Property at 1195 Arrowhead
Drive: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 271-25 Intent To Vacate And Dispose Of City
Interest In A Portion Of A Public Utility Easement Over And
Across Part Of Lot 2, Block 4, Of Indian Hills, In The City Of
Dubuque, Iowa 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.
2. Rustic Point Park Development Project Initiate Public
Improvement Bidding Process and Set Public Hearing: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution
No. 272-25 Rustic Point Park Development 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
September 2, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
1. Mayoral Selection of Appointments to the Civil Service
Commission Civil Service Commission: Iowa Code ?400.1 requires
publication of the name(s) of person(s) selected for
appointment by the mayor to the Civil Service Commission no
less than thirty (30) days prior to a vote by the city
council. Mayoral selection of appointments to occur at the
August 18, 2025, city council meeting with the vote on
appointments to occur at the October 6, 2025, city council
meeting. Two, 4-Year Terms through April 6, 2027 (Newly added
seats, per Senate File 311, effective 8-16-25). Applicants:
Julie Bockenstedt, 2475 Cherry St.; Otto Krueger, 2521
Wheatland Dr.; Barbara Liskey, 2763 Lamotte Dr.; Randall
Ludwitz, 867 Barbaralee Dr.; Brian Neises, 1841 Phyllrich Dr.;
and Darcy VanOstrand, 1222 Lincoln Ave. Mayor Cavanagh named
Bockenstedt and Krueger as his selections for appointment to
the commission.
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
2. Building Code Advisory and Appeal Board: One, 3-Year term
through January 1, 2027 (Vacant Multidisciplinary
Representative term of Cooley). Applicant: Nathan Wardle, 2725
Pleasant View Dr. Motion by Roussell to appoint Wardle to the
term. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Housing Commission: Two, 3-Year Terms through August 17,
2028 (Expiring terms of Baumhover and Merfeld). Applicants:
Rick Baumhover, 601 Garfield Ave. and Rick Merfeld, 2718
Andrew Ct. Motion by Sprank to appoint Baumhover and Merfeld
to the terms. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Request to Rezone Property on West 32nd Street:
Breitfelder stated that the Zoning Advisory Commission (ZAC)
recommends denying the request from Sherry Ehrlich to zone
property on West 32nd St., (PIN 1016227007), from R-1
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Single -Family Residential to OR Office Residential zoning
district, and Ehrlich has submitted correspondence asking the
request be remanded back to the ZAC for a conditional rezoning
request. Breitfelder and Brumwell verified the public hearing
would still occur, and council could amend their motion during
their deliberation if they chose to. Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and remand the request back to
the ZAC. Seconded by Farber. A point of order was raised by
Resnick, seeking clarification on whether remanding was
equivalent to tabling a request. Brumwell clarified that the
two actions are distinct, with tabling a request meaning that
no specific action will be taken, whereas remanding refers to
sending the item back to the ZAC for reconsideration. During
the staff report by Planning Services Director Wally
Wernimont, he addressed a related question, explaining that
the applicant is open to adjusting the request if it is
remanded. Joan Heitzman, 3152 West 32nd St. and Genevieve
Voss, 3160 West 32nd St., spoke in opposition to the rezoning
and requested the property remain R-1. City Council Members
voiced support for remanding the request to the ZAC, noting
that it would allow for further dialogue between the applicant
and neighboring residents. In response to a question,
Wernimont confirmed that potential signage at the proposed
site would be addressed during discussions with the ZAC.
Motion carried 7-0.
2. Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water
Main Extension Project - Public Hearing: Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 273-25
Giving final approval to, and confirmation of, plans,
specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the
North English Road Water Main Extension Project. Seconded by
Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Rick Dickinson, 205 Hill St., President and CEO of GDDC,
spoke in support of Action Item No. 7, noting his role as a
board member of Dubuque Initiatives, which has recently
concentrated efforts on revitalizing the 1700 and 1800 blocks
of Central Avenue.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Travel as Professional Development: Lessons from
Bakersville, NC and Brunei: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and hear the presentation. Seconded by
Wethal. Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach and Climate Action
Coordinator Michelle Kim presented on their respective
professional development travels to Bakersville, NC and
Brunei. City Council Members expressed enthusiasm for the
experiences, highlighting the value of gaining perspectives
beyond the city and drawing parallels to their own similar
experiences. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Award Public Improvement Contract Auburn -Custer Utility
and Roadway Reconstruction Project: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 274-25
Awarding Public Improvement Contract For The Auburn -Custer
Utility And Roadway Reconstruction Project. Seconded by
Wethal. Farber announced her intent to abstain from voting due
to owning property in the affected area. In response to a
question, Van Milligen stated that the City either performs
the project inspection itself or engages a contractor to carry
it out. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Farber.
3. North Schmitt Island Collection System Project - Contract
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#1: Award Public Improvement Contract: Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 275-25
Awarding Public Improvement Contract For The North Schmitt
Island Collection System Project Contract #1 Project.
Seconded by Sprank. In response to a question regarding the
threshold for rejecting bids, Van Milligen explained that bids
may be rejected if they significantly exceed budget estimates.
He noted that this project represents a small portion of a
larger $2.64 million project and emphasized the importance of
its timely completion. The Citys involvement stems from the
fact that the project involves the construction of a public
sanitary sewer. While City Council Members acknowledged that
the project exceeding the budget is not ideal, they also
recognized the necessity of completing it on schedule. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. Approval of Linwood Cemetery Agreement: Motion by Sprank
to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No.
276-25 Approving An Agreement By And Between The City Of
Dubuque, Iowa, And Linwood Cemetery Association. Seconded by
Farber. In response to questions, Van Milligen stated that
townships are permitted to levy a tax for cemeteries. He
explained that, if the City were to create a township, such a
levy could be used to support cemetery operations rather than
relying on the general fund. Van Milligen further noted that
the cemeterys financial challenges are partly attributable to
the increasing preference for cremation. He also stated that a
portion of the property could potentially be sold for
development, with the proceeds added to the cemeterys
endowment fund. Linwood Cemetery Board President Ken Miller
stated that the cemetery has a 501(c)(13), a designation
specific to cemeteries, and has also established a 501(c)(3).
He noted that the 501(c)(3) allows for private organization
donations, bequests, and eligibility for grants. He stated
that the association will consider the potential sale of a
portion of the land and noted partnerships with other groups
to promote the cemeterys 150-year history. Brumwell confirmed
that she will be working with the Dubuque County Supervisors
regarding the township. City Council Members expressed
appreciation for the collaboration with the association.
Motion carried 7-0.
5. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Recommendation
for Naming South Pointe Subdivision Park: Motion by Roussell
to receive and file the documents and approve the Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission recommending the name South
Pointe Park for the park in the South Pointe subdivision.
Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Letters of Support for Application to IEDA for
Redevelopment Tax Credits: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and approve the submission of the attached
letters supporting the applications for Iowa Redevelopment Tax
Credits for Wilson House (1243 Locust Street) and IOCO
Building (100 E. 1st Street), confirming the Citys recognition
that the properties are eligible for the tax credit based on
the states definition of a brownfield. Seconded by Wethal.
Motion carried 7-0.
7. Authorizing Contract 25-CTBF-06 by and between the City
of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority
for the Rehabilitation of 1701 Central Avenue: Motion by Jones
to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No.
277-25 Authorizing Contract 25-CTBF-06 By And Between The City
Page 148 of 1171
Of Dubuque, Iowa, And The Iowa Economic Development Authority
For A Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant For The
Rehabilitation Of 1701 Central Avenue In The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa. Seconded by Resnick. City Council Members expressed
enthusiasm for the project and the momentum on Central Avenue.
They referenced their participation on the Dubuque Initiatives
Board, which has worked with developers on revitalizing the
blocks, and noted the challenges associated with older
buildings. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Dubuque Selected to Join Economic Mobility and
Opportunity Special Assistant Program: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve participating in
the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Economic Mobility and Opportunity Special Assistant Program.
Seconded by Wethal. Director of the Office of Economic
Mobility and Neighborhood Support Anderson Sainci stated that
extensive community outreach will be conducted and the
department will engage community members in their own
settings. He also confirmed that the newly hired Economic
Mobility Special Assistant will enter into a contract with
ICMA. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Civil Service List and Procedure Change for Police and
Fire: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and
approve the change to forego the Civil Service Approval
process under Iowa Code ?400.12A and authorize the creation of
a police officer hiring eligibility list of up to 40 police
officer candidates and a firefighter eligibility list of up to
40 firefighter candidates which is outside the Civil Service
Commission approval. Seconded by Farber. City Council Members
expressed support for the change and emphasized their desire
to expedite the hiring process. Responding to a question,
Police Chief Jeremy Jensen stated that recent changes to Iowas
Civil Service Law permitted this change. Brumwell stated that
the City includes civil service on its legislative priorities.
Jensen and Fire Chief Amy Scheller confirmed there are no
additional changes the City can make within its control to the
civil service hiring process that would expedite hiring.
Motion carried 7-0.
10. Proceedings to Complete Action for the Issuance of
$1,941,000 Taxable Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (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. 278-25
Series Resolution authorizing and approving a Loan and
Disbursement Agreement and providing for the issuance of
$1,941,000 Taxable Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 and other
documents related to the Series 2025 Bonds, and amending
certain provisions. Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members
expressed support for the project. Van Milligen stated that
the City maintains an inventory of all lead service lines and
residents may contact the Water Department to verify
eligibility for replacement. He noted that 49 % of the
federally funded loan will be forgiven, with the remainder
repaid by 2045 from water enterprise funds. Motion carried
7-0.
11. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Proposed
Administrative Consent Order: Motion by Jones to receive and
file the documents and approve the proposed Administrative
Consent Order received from the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR) that pertains to effluent permit violations
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between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, at the Water &
Resource Recovery Center (WRRC). Seconded by Wethal. WRRC
Director Deron Muehring made a presentation. He explained that
a 2022 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspection raised
concerns about staffing levels, which led to the addition of
two positions. He clarified that the violations themselves did
not cause increased odors, but the incidents leading to the
violations resulted in higher -than -normal odor levels. He
confirmed that his department can provide updates on the
status of the digester cleanings. City Council Members thanked
Muehring and his team for their work and communication
regarding the violations. Council Members also noted that it
is uncommon for a city to have zero permit violations over a
five-year period and that some incidents were caused by
outside parties. Motion carried 7-0.
12. Old Mill Road Lift Station Project Update Video: Motion
by Resnick to receive and file the documents and view the
video. Seconded by Farber. A brief video produced by the
Communications Office following a recent City Council work
session and major concrete pour at the Old Mill Road Sanitary
Sewer Lift Station Project was shown. It can also be viewed on
the City of Dubuque YouTube channel at
https://youtu.be/pOBzFZZELOU. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on National Night Out, the congressional
staff visit, Vikings webinar on Mississippi River cruises,
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agencys (DMASWA)
upcoming award from the Iowa Association of Solid Waste for
their battery recycling program, viewing the status of the
customer convenience center at the DMASWA, and Carnegie Stout
Public Librarys upcoming event where former Iowa State Trooper
Bob Hurley will discuss a memoir he wrote about his experience
in law enforcement.
Resnick reported on the Sisters of the Presentation of the
Blessed Virgin Marys 150th anniversary.
Farber reported on attending Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and National League of Cities (NLC)
technology committee meetings.
Sprank also reported on National Night Out and the
congressional staff visit, in addition to a Dubuque Trees
Forever event at Eagle Point Park, Taste of Dubuque, Crescent
Community Health Centers opening for their new addition, and
volunteering at the Dubuque Farmers Market and the Labor
Harvest.
Roussell also reported on the Dubuque Trees Forever event,
along with the new Bread of Life Presbyterian Church and
participating in Dubuque Main Streets accreditation review.
Wethal reported on attending the Friends of Mines of Spain
board meeting.
Cavanagh also reported on National Night Out and the
congressional staff visit, along with the English Ridge Park
ribbon cutting, Envision 2030, the United Way Campaign Kick
Off Breakfast, and Centrally Rooteds fiindraising concert.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:32 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 attorneys who will
consult with City Council on the issues to be discussed in the
closed session are City Attorney Brumwell and Senior Counsel
Page 150 of 1171
Barry Lindahl. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 10:45 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 8/27
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