Minutes_City Council Proceedings 10.06.25Copyrighted
October 20, 2025
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of October 6, 2025; Arts and
Cultural Affairs Grants Committee of August 14, 2025; Arts
and Cultural Affairs Art on the River Committee of July 10,
2025; Human Rights Commission of September 9 and 16,
2025; Human Rights Commission Subcommittee for
Commissioner Handbook Update of September 16, 2025;
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
September 8, 15, 22, 23, and 25, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 10 6 25 City Council Minutes
2. Arts and Cultural Affairs Art on the River Committee Minutes
3. Arts and Cultural Affairs Grants Committee Minutes
4. Human Rights Commission Minutes
5. Human Rights Commission Special Meeting Minutes
6. Human Rights Commission Subcommittee Handbook Meeting Minutes
7. Proof-9 8 25 City Council Proceedings
8. Proof-9 15 25 City Council Proceedings
9. Proof_9.22.25 Proceedings
10. Proof_9.23.25 Proceedings
11. Proof 9.25.25 Proceedings
Page 48 of 817
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on October 6, 2025, in the second -
floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6t" Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones, Resnick, Roussell, Sprank, Wethal;
City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
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. Mayor of the Year Award Recognition: Iowa League of Cities Director Alan Kemp recognized
Mayor Brad Cavanagh for recently being named Mayor of the Year in the over 10,000 in population
category by the Iowa Mayors Association
2. 2025 Rising Star Award Recognition: Telegraph Herald (TH) Features Editor Megan Gloss
recognized Community Impact Director Antonia Mouzon for being selected as a 2025 TH Media Rising
Star. A video highlighting the recognition was also played.
3. Recognition of Airport Commissioner for 30 Years of Service: Airport Director Todd Dalsing
recognized former Airport Commissioner Doug Brotherton for his 30 years of service on the Airport
Commission. Brotherton retired from the commission in September of 2025.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 13, 2025) was accepted by Ann DeNicole, BVM, Suzanne
Gallagher, PVBM, Dave Heiar, Franciscan Associate, and several others in attendance, on behalf of
the Sisters of St. Francis, Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Sisters of the Presentation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
2. Trick or Treat Night (October 31, 2025) was accepted by Mayor Cavanagh on behalf of the City of
Dubuque.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Roussell 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 September 8, 15, 22, 23, and 25,
2025; Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board Minutes of March 22 and April 6, 2023; Historic
Preservation Commission of August 21, 2025; Human Rights Commission of August 12, August 29,
and September 4, 2025; Board of Library Trustees Update of August 28, 2025; Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission of August 12, 2025; Transit Advisory Board of April 10, 2025; Zoning Advisory
Commission of September 3, 2025; Zoning Board of Adjustment of August 28, 2025; Proof of
1
Page 49 of 817
publication of City Council Proceedings of August 27, September 2, and September 4, 2025. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Kelsey Bhatia for property damage; Joseph Jenkins for property
damage; Mik Kalloway for vehicle damage; Lillian and Jacob Ludlow for vehicle damage; Martin Wing
for property and vehicle 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. 311-25 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. Request to Change Human Resources Employment Specialist position status from Part -Time to
Full -Time: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
5. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Input on Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy
(DALWL) Recommendations: Resilient Community Advisory Commission providing a letter to the City
Council outlining their input on the recommendations presented by the DALWL group in the document
titled "Recommendations for Dubuque City Council, Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Envision
2030." Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
6. Proposed Conduit Facilities Agreement between the City of Dubuque and Uniti: City Manager
recommending City Council approval of a Conduit Facilities Agreement between the City and Uniti (and
its subsidiary McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services LLC) to allow the two entities to share conduit
and telecommunications equipment in order to reduce costs and improve services in the City of
Dubuque. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. Acceptance of Grant of Easement for Sanitary Sewer Utility across Molo Oil Company Property at
150 Cedar Cross Road in Dubuque: City Manager recommending City Council accept a grant of
easement for sanitary sewer utility from Molo Oil Company for a public sanitary sewer extension across
Part of Lot 1-2 of Mineral Lot 230 and Lot 1-3-3 of Mineral Lot 231, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, as
part of the adjacent Joel Callahan (CC15, LLC) apartment complex development on Cedar Cross Road.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 312-25 Accepting a Grant of
Easement for Sanitary Sewer Utility Through, Under, and Across Part of Lot 1-2 Of Mineral Lot 230 And
Lot 1-3-3 of Mineral Lot 231, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
8. Updated Handout - New Housing Creation: Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
9. November/December 2025 City News Newsletter: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
10. Approving a Second Amendment to Development Agreement by and between the City of
Dubuque, Iowa and Millwork Flats, L.L.C. for Redevelopment of Property at 1065 Jackson Street: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 313-25 Approving the Second
Amendment to Development Agreement by and Between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Millwork Flats,
L.L.C. was adopted.
11. Project Based Voucher Contract Renewal with The Rose of Dubuque: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 314-25 Approving a Renewal Contract
2
Page 50 of 817
Agreement Between the city of Dubuque and the Rose of Dubuque L.P. For The Project Based Voucher
Program was adopted.
12. Approval of Five Flags Civic Center Management Agreement Second Amendment: Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and approved.
13. Improvement Contracts / Performance, Payment, and Maintenance Bonds: Eastern Iowa
Excavating and Concrete, LLC for the Rustic Point Park Development Project. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. Signed Contract(s): Ahmann's Lawn Care, Inc. for Lawn Care; All Seasons Heating & Cooling
for Various Heating & Cooling at 6 fire stations; Biechler Electric Inc. for Various electrical maintenance
at 6 fire stations; Bohr Custom Curbing for the Bunker Hill Clubhouse Landscaping Project; Brecke
Mechanical Contractors for General heating and plumbing maintenance work; Dave Hinz Construction,
Inc. for the 3rd & Main St. Chamber Patio Exterior Patio Railing Repairs; Dinges Fire Company for
Various maintenance to turn out gear and other fire equipment; Lease Agreement with Dubuque County
for certain rooms in the Federal Building; Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association for the Healthy Homes
Grant Program; Elevated Landwrx for Mowing Contract — NW Arterial Right -A -Way; Floor Show
Corporation for Carpet removal & installation of new carpet at Fire Headquarters; Gansen Excavating
for the 12704 John F. Kennedy Slope Stabilization; Geisler Brothers Co. for the 3rd & Main St. Chamber
Patio Exterior Patio Waterproofing Membrane; Giese Sheet Metal Co Inc. for General heating & cooling
maintenance at 6 fire stations; Green Valley Landscaping, LLC for Brush Mowing — Site Restoration
Work Related to Storm Water and Detention; Hillcrest Family Services for use of Louis Murphy Park;
Vaccination Agreement with Hy-Vee; Lovely City, LLC for Playground Replacement and Engagement —
Murphy Park, Madison Park, Jefferson Park and Gay Park; Manders Quality Concrete for the 3rd &
Main St. Chamber Patio Exterior Patio Concrete Replacement; Midwest Injection, Inc for the Terminal
Street Lift Station Bypass Pumping; Lease Agreement with Neztrop, LLC; Overhead Door Company for
Various maintenance on overhead doors at various 6 fire stations; Paulson Electric for Electrical Work;
Schadl Inc. DBA: Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Various plumbing maintenance at 6 fire stations; Tri-State
Porta Potty Inc. for Port- A Potties; Westphal & Company, Inc. DBA: Globalcom Technologies for
Maintenance on door access card readers at 6 fire stations. Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
15. Iowa Department of Transportation Bridge Repairs Project Notification: Correspondence from
Jesse Tibodeau, Assistant District Engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, notifying the
City Council of bridge repairs on US-20 over the Mississippi River in Dubuque. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
16. Request-ImOn Arena Used Generator Equipment Purchase: City Manager recommending City
Council approval to purchase a used 1.5 megawatt (MW) generator for the ImOn Arena, disconnection,
moving, and reinstallation of the generator for a total of $225,000. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
17. 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. 315-25 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.
3
Page 51 of 817
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. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Development Agreement by and between the
City of Dubuque, Iowa and Hitzler Rental, LLC Providing for the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Grant Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 316-25 Fixing the Date for a Public Hearing of
the City Council of the city of Dubuque, Iowa on a Development Agreement by and between the city of
Dubuque, Iowa and Hitzler Rental, LLC, Including the Proposed Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Obligations Relating Thereto, And Providing for the Publication of Notice Thereof
was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025 in
the Historic Federal Building.
2. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Development Agreement by and between the
City of Dubuque, Iowa and Ned Oberbroeckling Providing for the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Grant Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 317-25 Fixing the Date for a Public Hearing of
the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa on a Development Agreement by and Between the city
of Dubuque, Iowa and Ned Oberbroeckling, Including the Proposed Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Obligations Relating Thereto, And Providing For The Publication Of Notice Thereof
was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025 in
the Historic Federal Building.
3. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Development Agreement by and between the
City of Dubuque, Iowa and 1248 Iowa St, LLC Providing for the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Grant Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 318-25 Fixing the Date for a Public Hearing of
the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa on a Development Agreement by and between the city of
Dubuque, Iowa and 1248 Iowa St, LLC, Including the Proposed Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax
Increment Revenue Obligations Relating Thereto, and Providing for the Publication of Notice Thereof
was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025 in
the Historic Federal Building.
4. Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation Project - Initiate Public Bidding and Set
the Public Hearing Date: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 319-
25 Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation 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 October 20, 2025 in the
Historic Federal Building.
5. Setting a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 First Budget Amendment: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 320-25 Setting the Date for the Public Hearing
on Amendment No. 1 To The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for the City of Dubuque was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025 in the Historic Federal
Building.
0
Page 52 of 817
6. Setting a Public Hearing on the Comiskey Park Environmental Covenant: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 321-25 Setting a Public Hearing on the Iowa
Land Recycling Program Environmental Covenant Between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
1. Airport Commission: One, 4-Year term through September 14, 2029 (Expiring term of Brotherton).
Applicant: Ron Vaughn, 2973 Castle Wood Ln. Motion by Jones to appoint Vaughn to the term.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Civil Service Commission: Two, 4-Year Terms through April 6, 2027 (Newly added seats, per
Senate File 311, effective 8-16-25). Applicants Selected for Appointment by the Mayor: Julie
Bockenstedt, 2475 Cherry St.; Otto Krueger, 2521 Wheatland Dr. Remaining Applicants: Barbara
Liskey, 2763 Lamotte Dr.; Randall Ludwitz, 867 Barbaralee; Brian Neises, 1841 Phyllrich Dr.; Darcy
VanOstrand, 1222 Lincoln Ave. Motion by Jones to appoint Bockenstedt to the term. Seconded by
Resnick. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Jones to appoint Krueger to the term. Seconded by Roussell.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Investment and Cash Management Oversight Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through
July 1, 2028 (Vacant term of Merritt). Applicant: Daniel Scott, 2435 Kaufmann Ave. Motion by Sprank
to appoint Scott to the term. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water Main Extension Project — Public
Hearing: State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan — Environmental Review: Motion by Roussell to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 322-25 State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan -
Environmental Review — Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water Main Extension
Project: Approval of an Environmental Review as Provided by SRF's Department of Natural Resources
for the Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water Main Extension Project. Seconded
by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Proceedings for Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $2,330,000 Water Revenue
Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) North English Road Water Main: Motion by
Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 323-25 Taking additional action on
proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement. Seconded by Wethal.
Council Members reiterated that this is an ongoing project and has therefore been the subject of prior
discussions. In response to a question regarding the need to increase the water supply for the
Southwest Arterial area, Van Milligen explained that the community is positioned to extend southwest.
When the Southwest Arterial was constructed, the City developed plans, now being implemented, to
extend water and sanitary sewer infrastructure to support future development in that area. Regarding
financing, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson noted that the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan
carries a variable interest rate, currently estimated at 3.12% for the quarter. This rate is lower than that
of general obligation bonds and involves reduced issuance fees, minimal bond counsel involvement,
and no requirement to publish an official statement. Van Milligen stated that the planning and design
461
Page 53 of 817
portion of the SRF loan is interest -free for three years and offers a significantly longer repayment term.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Resolution Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and
Outfly Development, LLC providing for the Sale of City -owned Real Estate to Outfly Development, LLC
and the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Grant Obligations Pursuant to the
Development Agreement: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution
No. 324-25 Approving the Disposal of an Interest in City of Dubuque Real Estate by Sale to Outfly
Development, LLC Pursuant to a Development Agreement by and Between the City of Dubuque, Iowa
and Outfly Development, LLC Including the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Grant
Obligations to Outfly Development, LLC. Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members expressed
appreciation to the Hodge Company for their investment in the industrial park and voiced support for
holding the developer accountable as outlined in specific provisions of the Development Agreement. In
response to a question regarding the City's obligation to complete sewer improvements necessary for
accommodating more than 14 employees at the site, Van Milligen confirmed that the deadline aligns
with the City's existing plans. He also clarified that the Developer's requirement to maintain 24 full-time
employees on -site does not take effect until October 1, 2029, allowing for some flexibility. In response
to a separate question, Van Milligen noted that the City supports industrial development and is willing
to offer land discounts and tax increment financing (TIF) assistance when a developer invests in a
project and creates at least 10 new jobs. He added that the current project involves the construction of
a speculative (spec) building. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Resolution Adopting a Lake Ridge Urban Revitalization Plan: Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 325-25 Approving the Urban Revitalization Plan for the Lake
Ridge Urban Revitalization Area. Seconded by Wethal. Joey Callahan, of Callahan Construction, who
purchased the property subject to the urban revitalization area, stated he was available to answer any
questions. Council Members expressed appreciation to the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
for providing input and extended their thanks to the developer. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Public Hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the 2025
Water & Resource Recovery Center MCC Communications and PLC Upgrades Project: Motion by
Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 326-25 Giving final approval to, and
confirmation of, plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the 2025 Water &
Resource Recovery Center MCC Communication and PLC Upgrades Project. Seconded by Jones. In
response to a question, Van Milligen summarized the funding sources for the project. When asked
whether the City would seek replacement damages related to the work, Brumwell explained that certain
details are protected by attorney -client privilege and cannot be disclosed but confirmed that the City is
exploring all available legal remedies. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Regarding Action Item No. 1, Clark Schloz, 2925 Burlington St.; Leonard Dress; and Matt Osterhaus,
2139 Wedgewood Dr., spoke in opposition to a taxpayer funded subsidy for Denver Air commercial air
service. Rob McDonald, 3399 Eagle Point Dr., spoke in opposition to the process for the minimum
revenue guarantee, citing that it was not part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget deliberations. Rick
Dickinson, 205 Hill St., President and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC),
expressed support for Action Item No. 1, emphasizing the critical role of air service in meeting the
business needs of the community. Speaking in a personal capacity, Dickinson also expressed concern
about the politicization of the issue and noted the competitive challenges Dubuque faces from Cedar
Page 54 of 817
Rapids in attracting and retaining customers to its local airport. Anne Williams, 559 Chestnut St., also
spoke in favor of Action Item No. 1, highlighting the benefits of using the Dubuque Regional Airport.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Commercial Air Service Minimum Revenue Guarantee: Motion by Jones to receive and file the
documents and refer to City Council for discussion. Seconded by Farber. Airport Director Todd Dalsing
made a presentation. City Council discussed the goal of making air service sustainable, emphasizing
the need for additional time to work toward a sustainable model, and noted that if those efforts are
unsuccessful, the City would have strong evidence to pursue inclusion in the Federal Essential Air
Service (EAS) program. Dalsing confirmed that Dubuque is currently ineligible for the EAS program
because it was not participating during the timeframe established under the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, having been self-sufficient at that time.
Dalsing also shared that he recently gave a presentation to the Dubuque County Supervisors, who plan
to hold further discussions to determine potential next steps. It was noted that the Mayors and City
Managers of Dyersville and Platteville are supportive of Dubuque's air service efforts and intend to
publicly express that support, though no financial commitments have been indicated. Council
emphasized the necessity of maintaining local air service for community and economic growth, noting
that once lost, such service would likely not return. It was mentioned that the best course of action is to
focus on regaining eligibility and securing EAS support in the future. Motion amended by Jones to
receive and file the documents and adopt the City Manager's recommendation to dedicate $2.4 million
to a Minimum Revenue Guarantee for Denver Air Commercial Air Service for the current fiscal year
through June 30, 2026, and an additional $100,000 to the marketing of that service. Seconded by
Farber. Motion carried 6-1 with Sprank voting nay.
2. International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Amendment Update: 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. City Council expressed
appreciation for the expertise and input provided by the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board.
Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 38-25 Amending City of
Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 14 Building and Development, Chapter 1 Building Codes, Article J
Property Maintenance Code, Section 14-1J-2 International Property Maintenance Code Amendments.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Request for City Council Ratification of the Second Amendment to the Dubuque Police Protective
Association (DPPA) July 1, 2024, CBA: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and approve
the Second Amendment to the Dubuque Police Protective Association (DPPA) July 1, 2024, CBA.
Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Award of Construction Contract Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water
Main Extension Project: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution
No. 327-25 Awarding contract for the North English Road Water Main Extension Project. Seconded by
Wethal. When asked whether the resolution was included with the agenda item, Brumwell verified that
the resolution, prepared by bond counsel Dorsey and Whitney, was included within the materials. Water
Department Director Chris Lester confirmed the timeframe for the bid award. It was noted that the
resolution lacked both the assigned resolution number and the contractor information for the lowest
responsible bid. Motion amended by Roussell to move this item to the last action item on the agenda.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
7
Page 55 of 817
5. Madison, Gay, and Jefferson Park Playground Replacements: Motion by Sprank to receive and
file the documents and approve the Madison, Gay, and Jefferson Park Playground Replacements
Projects that are not currently included or do not have enough funding to complete the projects in the
Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Seconded by Jones. City Council Members expressed appreciation to the
Park and Recreation and Finance Departments for their efforts in identifying funding to support local
parks. In response to a question regarding alignment with the budget process, City Manager Van
Milligen explained that the City utilizes budget carryovers from one fiscal year to the next for incomplete
projects or unpurchased equipment, as well as budget amendments for newly introduced items. He
emphasized that, under state law, the City is prohibited from having a deficit budget. Surplus funds
often result from staff vacancies, equipment savings, and similar factors, and the Council now has the
opportunity to reallocate those funds to other initiatives. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson
confirmed that the size of the budget surplus varies by fiscal year, noting that the most recent surplus
falls on the higher end of the typical range. Council Members also noted that they received substantial
public feedback regarding parks during the last budget cycle, particularly in support of the parks
included in the current funding recommendations. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Murphy Park Tennis Court Resurfacing and Playground Replacement: Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and approve Murphy Park Tennis Court Resurfacing and Playground
Replacement Projects that are not currently included or do not have enough funding to complete the
projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Seconded by Farber. City Council Members expressed support
for the projects. Van Milligen clarified that the forthcoming Parks Master Plan will not include detailed
recommendations regarding specific areas to be resurfaced. He noted that no public input to date has
suggested the elimination of tennis courts or play units from the park system. The primary focus remains
on maintaining existing amenities at a serviceable standard for public use, which is considered a
maintenance responsibility rather than a function of the master planning process. Van Milligen further
explained that the Parks Master Plan will include recommendations for sports amenities based on user
demand. He added that City staff will schedule a work session with the City Council to review and
discuss the plan. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Flora Park Tennis Court Resurfacing: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and
approve Flora Park Tennis Court Resurfacing Projects that are not currently included in the Fiscal Year
2026 budget. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Eagle Point Park Projects: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and approve Eagle
Point Park Projects that are not currently included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Seconded by Farber.
City Council Members expressed support for the proposed projects, noting that they represent a
responsive approach to addressing residents' concerns related to the park. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Police Space and Feasibility Study: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and
approve a Police Department Space and Feasibility Study project that is not currently included in the
Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Seconded by Wethal. Police Chief Jeremy Jensen emphasized the
importance of expediting the study, with a target completion timeline of three to four months. He noted
that his cost estimate was informed by budget figures from comparable studies conducted by other
police departments and that multiple consultants typically undertake this type of work. Motion carried
7-0.
10. Public Works Building Improvements and Asphalt Paver Replacement: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and approve Public Works Building Improvements at the Municipal
Services Center and an Asphalt Paver Replacement project that are not currently included or do not
Page 56 of 817
have enough funding to complete the projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Seconded by Wethal.
Acting Public Works Director Brian Wulfekhule confirmed that staff do not believe the rooftop solar
panels contributed to the need for roof replacement; however, their removal will incur additional
costs. Van Milligen stated that the City intends to reinstall the panels following the roof work and noted
they have an estimated useful life of 20 years. Both Van Milligen and Wulfekhule confirmed that the
current roof is original to the building, which was constructed 20 years ago. City Council Members also
commented on the various installation methods available for solar panels. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Award of Construction Contract Water System Improvements 2024 North English Road Water
Main Extension Project (moved from Action Item No. 4): Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 327-25 Awarding contract for the North English Road Water Main
Extension Project. Seconded by Wethal. Brumwell confirmed the resolution number and the contractor
information for the lowest responsible bidder. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Farber reported on the University of Dubuque (UD) Board Meeting, UD's recent announcement of
their Innovation Center, the inauguration of UD President Travis Frampton, and the Bluff Strokes arts
exhibition.
Sprank reported on City Council's annual goal setting, the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) board
meeting, the Dubuque Federation of Labor meeting, the Bluff Strokes art exhibit, and the Holy Spirit
Parish Chilli Cookoff.
Roussell reported on engaging with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque's regarding their
Data Walk initiative, her church's hunger outreach event, a meeting with leaders from the Hawkeye
Community Action Agency (HACAP), and the Dubuque Trees Forever booth at Lincoln Elementary's
School Carnival.
Jones reported on attending a Travel Dubuque meeting, the Rising Stars Breakfast, the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) meeting, the Cleveland Park neighborhood
gathering, the Multicultural Family Center's BBQ in DBQ event, the Sisters of the Presentation
Lightbearers' Dinner, the DRA board meeting, the Dubuque Forward presentation, the State of the City
presentation, the ribbon cutting for Northeast Iowa Community College's (NICC) athletic center, a
performance with the Dubuque Drum Corps at the Dubuque Farmer's Market, the Eagle Valley Park
ribbon cutting, and the City of Dyersville's endorsement of a resolution supporting Dubuque's continued
commercial air service.
Wethal also reported on Lightbearers' Dinner and a ride -along with the Police Critical Incident Team.
Resnick reported on the Four Mounds volunteer luncheon and the City Council's annual goal setting.
Cavanagh reported on the Fox Hills Apartments groundbreaking, the Iowa League of Cities (ILC)
Conference, the inauguration of UD's President Frampton, and the upcoming inauguration of President
Mike Doyle of Loras College.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:47 p.m. to discuss Pending Litigation and
Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(c),(j) 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 City Attorney Brumwell. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 11:05 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
7
Page 57 of 817
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
/s/Trish L Gleason, MMC, Assistant City Clerk
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC, City Clerk
10
Page 58 of 817