Proof_City Council Minutes 08.04.25Copyrighted
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
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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:
08/13/2025
and for which the charge is 433.33
t
Subscribed to before me, a Notary P`u lic in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 18th day of August, 2025
K C (Da
Notary u lic in and for DubuquJ County, Iowa.
p1AL o JANET K. PAPE
o� R+ Commission Number 199659
x My Commission Expires
rpw�
12/1112025
Page 133 of 1171
Ad text
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m.
on August 4, 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; Assistant City Attorney
Lehman.
Absent: City Manager Van Milligen
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
Breitfelder clarified the role call order for the meeting
due to an error on the agenda.
CONSENT ITEMS
Jones requested Item No. 9 and Cavanagh requested Item No.
14 be held for separate discussion. Motion by Resnick to
receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and
dispose of as indicated, except Item Nos. 9 and 14. Seconded
by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council Proceedings
of July 21, 2025; Community Development Advisory Commission of
June 25, 2025; Historic Preservation Commission of June 17,
2025; Housing Commission of April 1, 2025; Zoning Board of
Adjustment of June 26, 2025. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Toni Eckstein for property
damage; Daniel Healy for vehicle damage; Harrison Runde for
property damage; Schumacher Pool and Spa LLC for vehicle
damage; Frank Washington for vehicle damage. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and referred to the City
Attorney.
3. Disposition of Claims: City Attorney advised the
following claims have been referred to Public Entity Risk
Services of Iowa, the agent for the Iowa Communities Assurance
Pool: Toni Eckstein for property damage, Carol Oberfoell for
vehicle damage, Harrison Runde for property damage; Frank
Washington for vehicle 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. 251-25 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. Approval of 2024 City Council Official Proceedings: Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
6. Fiscal Year 2026 Contracted Services Agreements: City
Manager recommended City Council approve the Fiscal Year 2026
Contracted Services Agreements with Community Solutions of
Eastern Iowa, Four Mounds HEART, and Hawkeye Area Community
Action Program. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
7. Fiscal Year 2026 Purchase of Services Grant
Recommendations & Agreements: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 252-25 Authorizing
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Execution Of FY26 Purchase Of Services Grant Agreement To
United Way Of Dubuque Area Tri-States; Resolution No. 253-25
Authorizing Execution Of FY26 Purchase Of Services Grant
Agreement To Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Dubuque;
Resolution No. 254-25 Authorizing Execution Of FY26 Purchase
Of Services Grant Agreement To Fountain Of Youth; Resolution
No. 255-25 Authorizing Execution Of FY26 Purchase Of Services
Grant Agreement To Presentation Lantern Center; Resolution No.
256-25 Authorizing Execution Of FY26 Purchase Of Services
Grant Agreement To Dubuque And Jackson County Habitat For
Humanity; and Resolution No. 257-25 Authorizing Execution Of
FY26 Purchase Of Services Grant Agreement To St. Mark Youth
Enrichment were adopted.
8. Request approval to hire a Lead Paint Healthy Homes
Inspector (Limited Term) for the 2024 Healthy Homes Production
Grant: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
9. Dubuque Police Auxiliary Contract: Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and approve a one-year contract
with the Dubuque Police Auxiliary. Seconded by Sprank. City
Council expressed enthusiasm for the return of the auxiliary
police and the important service they provide in the
community. Motion carried 7-0.
10. Grant of Public Utility Easement from McGuire Property
Acceptance: Upon motion the documents were received and filed,
and Resolution No. 258-25 Accepting a Grant of Easement for
Public Utilities Through, Over and Across Part of Lot
2-2-1-2-2-1 Of Faldorf's Place, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa
was adopted.
11. Broadway Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project Acceptance:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 259-25 Accepting the Broadway Sanitary
Improvements Project and Authorizing Final Payment to the
Contractor was adopted.
12. 2025 Maintenance Dredging Project - Award Public
Improvement Contract: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 260-25 Awarding Public
Improvement Construction Contract for the 2025 Maintenance
Dredging Project was adopted.
13. Signed Contract(s): Graymont Western Lime for the Eagle
Point Water Plant High Calcium Quicklime. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
14. Contracted Services Agreement Crescent Community Health
Center: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and
approve the Contracted Services Agreement with Crescent
Community Health Center for Fiscal Year 2026. Seconded by
Wethal. Cavanagh announced his intent to abstain from voting
on the item due to his wifes employment at Crescent. Although
he does not stand to gain financially from the agreement, he
opted to recuse himself. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention
from Cavanagh.
15. FY26 Update to Dubuque County Resource Enhancement and
Protection Program (REAP) 5-Year Plan: Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
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 Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water
Main Extension Project - Adjusted Public Hearing Date: Upon
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motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution
No. 261-25 To provide for a notice of hearing on proposed
plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost
for the North English Road Water Main Extension Project, and
the taking of bids therefor was adopted setting a public
hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 18,
2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Resolution of Necessity for the Amendment of the Dubuque
Industrial Center Economic Development District Urban Renewal
Plan, Version 2025.3: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed and Resolution No. 262-25 Authorizing And Directing
The City Manager To Prepare An Amended And Restated Urban
Renewal Plan Version 2025.3 For The Dubuque Industrial Center
Economic Development District, Setting A Date For The Public
Hearing, And Directing The Consultation Process On The
Proposed Amended And Restated Urban Renewal Plan Version
2025.3 For Said District 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.
3. Resolution of Necessity for the Amendment of the Dubuque
Industrial Center Economic Development District Urban Renewal
Plan, Version 2025.4: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed and Resolution No. 263-25 Authorizing And Directing
The City Manager To Prepare An Amended And Restated Urban
Renewal Plan Version 2025.4 For The Dubuque Industrial Center
Economic Development District, Setting A Date For The Public
Hearing, And Directing The Consultation Process On The
Proposed Amended And Restated Urban Renewal Plan Version
2025.4 For Said District 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. 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. Wardle spoke in support of his application.
2. 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.; Barbara Liskey, 2763
Lamotte Dr.; Randall Ludwitz, 867 Barbaralee; Brian Neises,
1841 Phyllrich Dr.; and Darcy VanOstrand, 1222 Lincoln Ave.
Krueger and Ludwitz spoke in support of their applications.
Breitfelder stated that written input was received from
Bockenstedt.
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. Breitfelder stated that written input was received
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from Baumhover.
Appointments were made to 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. Motion by Roussell to appoint Bailey to the term.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Auburn -Custer Utility and Roadway Reconstruction Project:
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 264-25 Auburn -Custer Utility and Roadway
Reconstruction Project - Approval of Plans, Specifications,
Form of Contract, and Estimated Cost. Seconded by Wethal.
Farber announced her intent to abstain from voting due to
owning property in the affected area. Motion carried 6-0 with
abstention from Farber.
2. North Schmitt Island Collection System Project Contract
#1 Contracting Services Public Hearing: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 265-25
North Schmitt Island Collection System Project Contract #1:
Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And
Estimated Cost. Seconded by Sprank. City Council highlighted
the projects significance to the islands future development.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Approving the Lease Agreement Between The City of Dubuque
and The LAMAR Companies: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 266-25 Approving The
Lease Agreement by and Between the City of Dubuque and the
LAMAR Companies for Real Property Located on White Street.
Seconded by Wethal. In response to questions, City Engineer
Gus Psihoyos explained that the gross revenue from billboard
advertising refers to the income generated from renting the
sign. Psihoyos and Lehman confirmed that the agreement is
comparable to the lease the company previously held with
Dubuque County and appears consistent with past agreements.
Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Clark Schloz, 2925 Burlington St., spoke regarding Action
Item No. 2, expressing concerns about he timing of the
proposed increases and questioning if a public hearing was
required since its a budget related action.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Rebid 2025 Repair and Maintenance of the Iowa Street
Parking Garage - Recommendation of Award to Keeley Restoration
Services, LLC.: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 267-25 Awarding Public
Improvement Construction Contract For The 2025 Repair And
Maintenance Of The Iowa Street Parking Garage. Seconded by
Farber. In response to questions, Project Manager Jim Bousley
stated that maintaining the Citys existing parking lots is
more cost-effective than rebuilding them and noted that the
City has data on their current condition from previous
studies. City Council Members thanked staff for their work on
the project, emphasized the importance of the repairs needed,
and suggested that future discussions about parking would be
beneficial. Motion carried 7-0.
2. FY2026 Police Supervisor Wage Compression: Motion by
Jones to receive and file the documents and approve a pay
increase for non -bargaining Police Command Staff to avoid wage
compression between bargaining unit positions and
non -bargaining Command Staff. Seconded by Wethal. City Manager
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Van Milligen joined virtually to respond to questions. He
acknowledged that the adjustment should have been addressed
during the budget process but was inadvertently overlooked.
Funding for the change was identified through the departments
15 current vacancies. Lehman clarified that the funds for the
wage increases had already been allocated, so they do not
impact the tax rate or involve transferring resources from
another department, and therefore a public hearing is not
required. Chief of Police Jeremy Jensen confirmed that the
Police Department will monitor for potential compression
issues going forward. Van Milligen elaborated that the City is
using insights from its recently completed compensation and
classification study to help ensure fair employee
compensation. City Council Members emphasized public safety as
a top priority and recognized the need to support staff
advancement through wage increases, though there were
differing views on the appropriate timing for implementing
them. Some felt that not making the changes outside the budget
cycle could negatively impact the City, while another
perspective raised concerns about the potential for additional
unforeseen changes and how best to manage them. Motion carried
6-1 with Resnick voting nay.
3. 2027 and 2028 Engine Contracts: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve the pre -payment
purchase for the two fire department engines in FY2026 for an
estimated delivery of August- December 2027 (FY 2028).
Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members praised the
department for identifying this cost -saving option and
stressed the importance of continued pre -planning for future
purchases. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Central Avenue and White Street Corridor Design Phase 1;
Consulting Engineering Services RFQ Authorization: Motion by
Sprank to receive and file the documents and approve releasing
a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant to
assist with the design of Central Avenue and White Street
Corridor Design Phase 1. Seconded by Farber. In response to
questions about consultant fees, Psihoyos explained that the
selected consultant will submit a proposed scope of services
that includes associated costs. If the City is unable to
negotiate a fair price, it will proceed with the second -choice
consultant. Funding for the service has already been budgeted
by the department. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 3 Sanitary Interceptor
Project (Catfish Creek Middle Fork) Consulting Engineering
Services RFQ Award: Motion by Jones to receive and file the
documents and approve negotiating and executing a contract
with HDR Engineering for engineering services for the design
of the Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 3 Sanitary Interceptor
Project (Catfish Creek Middle Fork). Seconded by Wethal. In
response to questions, Psihoyos stated that detailed
discussions on the project scope are forthcoming and noted
that staff have no concerns about using different consultants
for Phases 3 and 4. City Council Members expressed support for
the project and referenced examples where HDR Engineering and
Foth Infrastructure & Environment successfully collaborated on
different phases of past projects. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 4 Sanitary Interceptor
Project (Catfish Creek South Fork) Consulting Engineering
Services RFQ Award: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the
documents and approve negotiating and executing a contract
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with Foth Infrastructure & Environment for engineering
services for the design of the Old Mill Road Lift Station
Phase 4 Sanitary Interceptor Project (Catfish Creek South
Fork). Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Track Line Sanitary Sewer Reconstruction Project
Consulting Engineering Services RFQ Authorization: Motion by
Sprank to receive and file the documents and approve releasing
an RFQ to hire a consultant to assist with the development of
the Track Line Sanitary Sewer Reconstruction Project. Seconded
by Wethal. Responding to questions, Psihoyos stated that if
the ground near the railroad cannot be utilized for the
project, then staff may consider a force main system. He
confirmed that the project is currently on schedule. Motion
carried 7-0.
8. Request Additional FTE for Field Engineering Technician I
or H (Engineering Water Resources Team): Motion by Roussell
to receive and file the documents and approve an additional
full time employee (FTE) for a Field Engineering Technician I
(NB 10) or H (NB 11) for the Engineering Water Resource Team
within the Engineering Department using budgeted CIP funds
from several significant, multi -year projects: Old Mill Road
Lift Station Projects: Phase I Lift Station Site; Phase II
Fore Main; and Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer Interceptor
Projects: South Fork Phase 4; and Middle Fork Phase 3.
Seconded by Wethal. Psihoyos explained that the Engineering
Department is currently understaffed to effectively oversee
multiple major projects and that adding a staff member would
reduce the departments reliance on consultants, resulting in
cost savings. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Approval of Five Flags Civic Center Management Agreement
Amendment #1: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and approve the Five Flags Civic Center Management
Agreement Amendment #1. Seconded by Wethal. In response to a
question about the legality of including this item with less
than 24 hours notice, Lehman explained that Iowa Code Chapter
21 allows it when, for good cause, it is impossible or
impractical to provide at least 24 hours notice. Lehman
explained he was contacted by OVG late in the afternoon on
August 1 regarding an issue with the retail alcohol license
application for Five Flags. Under the current management
agreement, event revenue, which is defined to include alcohol
revenue, grants the City more than a 10 % interest. This level
of interest classifies the City as an owner under State of
Iowa regulations, requiring its inclusion on the retail
alcohol license application. If OVG were to submit a new
application listing the City as an owner, it could take one to
three months for approval. However, due to a scheduled event
this week, timely license approval is necessary. To avoid
classification as an owner, the City has proposed an amendment
to limit its share of alcohol revenue to 9.9%. The revenue
will be held in escrow while a long-term solution is
determined. When asked why this issue was not identified
earlier, Lehman stated that the State may now be reviewing
applications more closely or that the wording in the current
agreement differs from previous ones. He noted that the
original agreement did not specify a percentage of revenue and
clarified that retail alcohol licenses are tied to specific
premises. Any future changes to the management agreement will
be brought to City Council for approval. OVGs Ryan Bonifas
stated that they were previously unaware of the States
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interpretation that the Citys revenue share made it an owner
under the retail alcohol license requirements, and noted they
had been working on the application for two months. Regarding
potential implications for the Citys agreement with the
Dubuque Racing Association (DRA), it was clarified that the
DRA leases property from the City and is therefore considered
the owner for licensing purposes. City Council Members
expressed support for the amendment and noted that further
clarification from the State would be helpful. Motion carried
7-0.
10. Work Session Request: Unified Development Code Update:
Technical Review Report: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and schedule the work session for August 27,
2025, at 6:30 p.m. Seconded by Roussell. It was mentioned that
the work session was being requested on a non -Council meeting
night. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Work Session Request: Report on Development and Outcomes
of Serve Dubuque Program: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and schedule the work session for September
15, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
12. Work Session Request: Imagine Dubuque Update: Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents and schedule the
work session for September 15, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. Seconded by
Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
13. City of Dubuque Data Center and Information Technology
Department Ribbon -Cutting. Video: Motion by Farber to receive
and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by Sprank.
A highlight video of the ribbon -cutting to celebrate the
completion the City of Dubuque Data Center and IT Department
offices at the Bright Minds campus at 7850 Chavenelle Dr. was
shown. It can also be viewed on the City's YouTube channel at
https://youtu.be/7lXcNkg5gwI. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on attending the New Horizon Academy ribbon
cutting, Community Impact Director Antonio Mouzon being named
a Telegraph Herlad Rising Star, a walk he took with former
State Representative Chuck Isenhart along Kaufmann Ave. to
discuss stormwater management, the Art on the River opening
reception, and the upcoming congressional staff visit.
Sprank reported on attending a DRA board meeting, the
Dubuque Miracle League Battle of the All-stars game, Centrally
Rooteds open house, DubuqueFest, and speaking at the Art on
the River reception.
Farber reported on the Miracle League game and attending a
Federal Communications Committee (FCC) committee meeting.
Roussell reported on volunteering at the ticket booth at the
Dubuque Farmers Market.
Wethal reported on the Miracle League game, the Dubuque
Museum of Arts recent meeting in their temporary location in
the Dupaco Voices building, and participating in Community
Solutions of Eastern lowas (CSEI) and East Central
Intergovernmental Associations (ECIA) point in time (PIT)
count and the housing inventory count (HIC).
Resnick reported on attending the Art on the River
reception.
Cavanagh reported on attending the Dubuque County Fair, the
ribbon cutting for Westbrook Park, the Miracle League game, a
recent visit from a Federal Housing and Urban Development
official, and the upcoming National Night Out Event.
Page 140 of 1171
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 8:19 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 9:09 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 8/13
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