Proof_City Council Proceedings 09.15.25Copyrighted
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
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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:
09/24/2025
and for which the charge is 520.34
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Pu is in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 25th day of September, 2025
- K -P""
Notary P bl c in and for Dubuque dounty, Iowa.
Tp4AC & JANET K. PAPE
a° F Commission Number 199659
My Commission Expires
T+ lawA t 12/11/2025
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Ad text
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m.
on September 15, 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.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a special
session of the City Council called for the purpose of
conducting work sessions on Serve Dubuque and Imagine Dubuque.
WORK SESSIONS
Serve Dubuque Update
Community Impact Director Antonio Mouzon, AmeriCoips Program
Director Sarah Berna, and Traffic Engineer Justine Hull
presented on the Serve Dubuque program. City Council Members
emphasized the program as a demonstration of the value of
service.
This work session concluded at 5:46 p.m.
Imagine Dubuque Update
Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont and Assistant
Planner Jason Duba presented an update on the implementation
of the Imagine Dubuque plan. Responding to questions,
Wernimont and Van Milligen explained that City Council
incorporates input from staff, boards, and commissions into
its goal -setting process, with tonights work session intended
to provide an update on the comprehensive plan. Wernimont
noted staff will follow up on Councils suggestion to create a
document summarizing achievements to date with the
comprehensive plan. He added that staff already provide
quarterly updates to the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission. On the downtown master plan, Wernimont said there
will be a funding request for a request for proposals (RFP)
and expressed his intention to review multiple studies as part
of that process. Van Milligen clarified the plan will only
move forward if selected as a Council priority during goal
setting. Wernimont also spoke about the Union at the Marina
workforce housing project, highlighting the factors that
influence housing location decisions. Council Members
commended past priorities and acknowledged limited staff
resources and funds.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 6:25 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 September 15, 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.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a regular
session of the City Council called for the purpose of
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conducting such business that may properly come before the
City Council.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENTATIONS
1. Barry Lindahl Savvy Over 60 Award Recognition: Brumwell
acknowledged Senior Counsel Barry Lindahl for being honored
with TH Medias Savvy Over 60 Award and recognized his 50 years
of service to the City. Mayor Cavanagh presented a
proclamation in celebration of the milestone.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. National See Tracks? Think Train Week (September 15 - 21,
2025) was accepted by Josh Sabin on behalf of CN Railroad
North America.
CONSENT ITEMS
Jones requested Item No. 10 and Farber requested Item No. 18
be held for separate discussions. Motion by Resnick to receive
and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of
as indicated, except for Item Nos. 10 and 18. Seconded by
Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: 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. Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Tim Hitzler for property
damage; Daniel Reich for vehicle damage; Alex Stein for
vehicle damage. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and referred to the City Attorney.
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: Key City Creative Center for property damage; Daniel
Reich for vehicle damage; Alex Stein 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. 293-25 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. Bunker Hill Foundation Repair Project Acceptance: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 294-25 Accepting The Bunker Hill Foundation Repair Project
And Authorizing The Payment Of The Contract Amount To The
Contractor was adopted.
6. Adoption of Supplement Number 2025 S-17 to the City of
Dubuque Code of Ordinances: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 295-25 Adopting
Supplement No. 2025 S-17 To The Code Of Ordinances Of The City
Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
7. Updated Boards and Commissions Application: City Clerk
provided an updated version of the application for boards and
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Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa
And Outfly Development, LLC And Fixing The Date For A Public
Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On
The Development Agreement Including The Proposed Issuance Of
Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Grant Obligations To
Outfly Development, LLC And Providing For The Publication Of
Notice Thereof was adopted setting a public hearing for a
meeting to continence at 6:30 p.m. on October 6, 2025 in the
Historic Federal Building.
3. Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a
Public Hearing for the 2025 Water & Resource Recovery Center
MCC Communications and PLC Upgrades Project: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 303-25 To
provide for a notice of hearing on proposed plans,
specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the
2025 Water & Resource Recovery Center MCC Communication and
PLC Upgrades Project, and the taking of bids therefor was
adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on October 6, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
4. Proceedings to Set Public Hearing on October 6, 2025 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: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed and Resolution No. 304-25 To fix a date for a public
hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and
Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a
principal amount not to exceed $2,330,000 was adopted setting
a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on
October 6, 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. Airport Commission: Onc, 4-Year term through September
14, 2029 (Expiring term of Brotherton). Applicant: Ron Vaughn,
2973 Castle Wood Ln.
2. 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. Scott
spoke in support of his application.
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions,
1. Airport Commission: One, 4-Year term through September
14, 2029 (Expiring term of Kurtz -Weber). Applicant: Mariann
Kurtz -Weber, 955 Prince Phillip Dr. Motion by Jones to appoint
Kurtz -Weber to the term. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried
7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Request to Conditionally Rezone Property at West 32nd
Street: 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. Wernimont made a presentation and responded to
questions on signage restrictions. In response to a question
about protocols for commission members abstaining from votes,
Brumwell explained that a conflict of interest exists if a
commissioner has a financial stake in a project, which
typically applies to contractors, engineers, or others
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directly involved. If no financial conflict is present, her
office recommends commissioners participate in the vote.
Wernimont added that, in this situation, a commissioner
abstained because they felt they did not have enough
information. Staff provide guidance on abstentions when
commissioners join, and Wernimont confirmed staff will relay
this council discussion to the commission. City Council
Members commended the process for this rezoning and
appreciated the collaborative approach in reaching a solution.
Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 35-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At 3185 West 32nd
Street (PIN 1016227007) From R-1 Single -Family Residential
District To OR Office Residential District With Conditions As
Established In The Attached Memorandum Of Agreement. Seconded
by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Request to Rezone Property at the Northwest Corner of Key
Way Drive and Keystone Drive: 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 Sprank. Applicant Gergory
Williams, 1650 Drexel Ave., outlined his plans for the
property and addressed concerns previously raised by
neighbors. In response to a question, Williams explained that
the structure will have two floors, with two apartments on
each level. City Council Members expressed support for the
project, noting that the proposed zoning is compatible with
the surrounding area, and thanked Williams for responding to
the neighbors concerns. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 36-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At The Northwest Corner
Of The Intersection Of Keystone Drive And Key Way Drive (PIN
1016227007) From R-2 Two -Family Residential District To R-3
Moderate Density Multi -Family Residential District. Seconded
by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Request to Rezone Property at 1550 Elm Street and 411
East 15th Street: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance
be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings
prior to the meeting at which it is to be passed be suspended.
Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members expressed support for
the rezoning. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 37-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At 1550 Elm Street (PIN
1024283003) And 411 East 15th Street (PIN 1024283004) From HI
Heavy Industrial District To C-4 Downtown Commercial District.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City
of Dubuque, Iowa and Adam Vogel Building, LLC for the
Redevelopment of 1701 Central Avenue, Providing for 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
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Resolution No. 305-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And
Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And Adam Vogel Building,
LLC For The Redevelopment Of 1701 Central Avenue, Including
The Issuance Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations.
Seconded by Sprank. City Council Members noted that this
public hearing, along with the following two, involves
properties that are severely blighted and directly support the
Councils goal of revitalizing Central Avenue. Van Milligen
explained that portions of downtown are designated as an Urban
Renewal (UR) area due to slum and blight conditions, which
makes redevelopment incentives available. Given the high cost
of rehabilitating these buildings, such incentives are
essential. Van Milligen referenced Main Street as a prior
example where City Council prioritized revitalization efforts,
resulting in positive outcomes for that area. Motion carried
7-0.
5. Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City
of Dubuque, Iowa and ASJS Properties, LLC for the
Redevelopment of 1913 Jackson Street, Providing for the
Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Grant
Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Motion by
Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution
No. 306-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And Between
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And ASJS Properties, LLC For The
Redevelopment Of 1913 Jackson Street, Including The Issuance
Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by
Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City
of Dubuque, Iowa and Dubuque Initiatives 1700, LLC for the
Redevelopment of 1739-1763 Central Avenue, Providing for the
Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue Grant
Obligations Pursuant to the Development Agreement: Motion by
Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution
No. 307-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And Between
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And Dubuque Initiatives 1700, LLC
For The Redevelopment Of 1739- 1763 Central Avenue, Including
The Issuance Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Jason White, Vice President of Business Services for Greater
Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC), residing at 224 4th
Ave. SE, spoke in support of Action Item No. 2. Molly Grover,
President and CEO of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce,
attempted to provide virtual input on Action Item No. 2 but
was unable to do so due to technical difficulties. Mayor
Cavanagh stated that she would be given another opportunity to
speak when City Council reached that item.
Breitfelder reported that written input regarding Action
Item No. 2 had been received from the following organizations
and one individual: Travel Dubuque, GDDC, Dubuque Area Chamber
of Commerce, Loras College, University of Dubuque (UD), and
Jim Prochaska, 2478 Beacon Hill Dr.
The City's new Parks and Recreation Director, Matt
Kalcevich, introduced himself to the City Council.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Notice of Award and Request to Execute Reimagine Comiskey
Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy
(ORLP) Grant: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the
documents and approve execution of the grant agreement for the
$1,980,698.75 Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park
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Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant. Seconded by Resnick.
City Council Members commended city staff for securing grants
for Comiskey Park and expressed their enthusiasm for building
on the momentum from Phase 1 of the project. Motion carried
7-0.
2. Commercial Air Service Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG):
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents, engage in
discussion by City Council, and continue the discussion at the
October 6, 2025, meeting for final action. Seconded by
Roussell. Grover was still unable to provide virtual input.
Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach read comments that Grover
submitted in writing. Airport Director Todd Dalsing made a
presentation. In response to a question, Dalsing confirmed
that Denver Air Connection has been a strong partner
throughout the process and clarified that the MRG is an
agreement between the airline and the community partner, not
subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Dalsing added that he could follow up with the Citys
consultant to provide more information on the Citys
discussions with the airline. He also noted that the airport
is working to connect UD aviation students with airline job
opportunities through Denver Air Connection. City Council
Members engaged in an extensive discussion covering the
challenges Dubuque faces in sustaining air service, the
importance of maintaining service, and the various options
that have been considered. Council Members generally supported
the MRG, stressing its necessity to maintain air service until
it becomes self-sustaining or another viable option is
identified, but also expressed support for delaying further
discussion until October 6 to allow additional time for public
input and to determine how air service is reflected in the
outcome of the upcoming goal -setting process. Motion carried
7-0.
3. Award of Public Improvement Construction Contract for
Rustic Point Park Development Project: Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 308-25
Awarding The Public Improvement Construction Contract For The
Rustic Point Park Development Project. Seconded by WethaI.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Update of the Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant
Program: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents
and approve the changes to the guidelines and application
process for Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant program to
comply with Iowa State Law (House File 856). Seconded by
Resnick. City Council Members expressed support for the
guideline changes. Sustainability Director Gina Bell stated
that program guidelines have always included the eligibility
requirement of being located within Dubuque city limits. In
the past, projects were sometimes allowed if they primarily
served Dubuque residents, but the current focus is on projects
with a Dubuque address that directly serve City residents.
Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Resnick reported on attending a pancake breakfast at the
Dubuque Regional Airport.
Farber reported on attending the annual boards and
commissions picnic, the September I I commemoration at the
Dubuque fire stations, the Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuques annual data walk event, the Millwork Night Market,
and Dubuque Farmers Market.
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Sprank reported on attending the Dubuque Dragon Boat Races,
the Holy Ghost Church Festival, the boards and commissions
picnic, the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest Food Giveaway, Dubuque
Oktoberfest, and an event at Steeple Square.
Roussel] reported on her church hosting an upcoming food
distribution event, the Precision Policing Center (PPC) work
session, a Pilgrimage of Trees event at the Sisters of St.
Francis campus, a Dubuque Trees Forever board meeting, and a
performance she recently saw at the Grand Opera House.
Jones reported on a Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency (DMASWA) board meeting, a City Assessors Conference
Committee meeting, the grand opening of St. Marks Early
Childhood Center, professional staff evaluations, the ribbon
cutting for Cedar Valley ASCENT, the boards and commissions
picnic, the data walk event, the September 11 commemoration, a
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS)
committee meeting, a barbeque event for women in law
enforcement, Key City Creative Center dedications, and 365inks
celebration.
Cavanagh reported on the September 11 commemoration,
speaking at the Dubuque Area Youth Council, and Dubuque
Oktoberfest.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:30 p.m. to
discuss Pending Litigation and Purchase or Sale of Real Estate
Chapter 21.5(1)(c),d) Code of Iowa. Seconded by Roussel].
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 10:29 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
1 t 9/24
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