Minutes_City Council Proceedings 10.20.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
November 3, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of October 20, 2025; Airport
Commission of August 12, 2025; Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission of August 26, 2025; Building Code
Advisory and Appeals Board of September 11, 2025; Historic
Preservation Commission of September 18, 2025; Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission of September 9, 2025;
Zoning Board of Adjustment of September 25, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 10 20 25 City Council Minutes
2. Airport Commission Minutes
3. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Minutes
4. Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board Minutes
5. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
6. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes
7. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. on October 20, 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 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 President and CEO Rick Dickinson presented a quarterly
update. In response to questions, he noted that some housing units reported as "in development" may
not be constructed and emphasized that, together with population growth in Dubuque County, this
underscores the continued need for additional housing. Regarding the Union at the Marina Apartment
Project, Dickinson stated that the lot had remained vacant for 12 years, during which local developers
had ample opportunity to acquire and develop the property. He recommended that the City continue to
prioritize project timing —specifically, accelerating development processes while maintaining safety and
regulatory compliance. Mayor Cavanagh summarized key takeaways from the session as considering
incentives for specific types of housing, identifying ways the City can expedite development without
compromising safety, and examining successful practices in other communities.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:32 p.m. on October 20, 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 conducting such business that may properly come before the City Council.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognize Grand River Center for Consecutive Stella Awards: Parks and Recreation Director
Matthew Kalcevich recognized the Grand River Center and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff for the
recent Northstar Stella award for a second consecutive year. Grand River Center and Five Flags Civic
Center General Manager Ryan Bonifas also offered remarks regarding the recognition.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2025) was accepted by Angela Heister on behalf
of Waypoint.
2. Extra Mile Day (November 1, 2025) was accepted by City of Dubuque Community Service &
Outreach Coordinator Brittney Hayes on behalf of Extra Mile America.
CONSENT ITEMS
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 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. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Leonardo Campbell Sr. for property damage; Julie Ross for vehicle
damage. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City Attorney.
3. Disposition of Claims: City Attorney advising that the following claims have been referred to Public
Entity Risk Services of Iowa, the agent for the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool: Leonardo Campbell
Sr. for vehicle damage; Mik Kalloway for vehicle damage; Julie Ross for vehicle damage. Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and concurred.
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4. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 328-25 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. Ratification of Approval of a First Amendment to Economic Development Assistance Contract 23-
HQJP-011 by and among McCoy Group, Inc., the City of Dubuque, and the Iowa Economic
Development Authority: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 329-
25 Ratifying The Approval Of A First Amendment To The Economic Development Assistance Contract
23-HQJP-011 By And Among McCoy Group, Inc., The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And The Iowa Economic
Development Authority was adopted.
6. Ratification of Approval of a First Amendment to Economic Development Assistance Contract 22-
HQJP-018 by and among Hormel Foods Corporation and Progressive Processing, LLC, the City of
Dubuque, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 330-25 Ratifying The Approval Of A First Amendment To The Economic
Development Assistance Contract 22-HQJP-018 By And Among Hormel Foods Corporation And
Progressive Processing, LLC, The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And The Iowa Economic Development
Authority was adopted.
7. Final Plat of Rosalynn Carter Place: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 331-25 Approving The Final Plat Of Rosalynn Carter Place, In The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa was adopted.
8. Grass and weed cutting and garbage collection assessments: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 332-25 Authorizing The City To Collect Delinquent Grass And
Weed Cutting And Garbage Collection Charges In Accordance With Title 6-4-3A And Title 6-8-2 Of The
Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
9. Request for Consent to Additional Equipment and Modifications for Flag Pole Cell Tower at
Madison Park: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 333-25
Approving A Request For Additional Equipment And Modifications To The Flag Pole Cell Tower Located
At Madison Park was adopted.
10. Approving and Establishing Authorized City Representatives to submit a draw of funds on Iowa
Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Grant for the Bee Branch Pumping
Station Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 334-25
Approving And Establishing Authorized City Representatives As Required To Submit The Grant
Reimbursement Draw On The Federal And State Of Iowa Department Of Homeland Security And
Emergency Management FEMA Grant Of The Dubuque Bee Branch Gate & Pumping Station Project
was adopted.
11. 2024 SRF Green Alley Project - Voluntary Assessment Petition and Waiver Agreements: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 335-25 Approving Voluntary
Assessment Petition And Waiver Agreements For The 2024 SRF Green Alley Project and Resolution
No. 336-25 Resolution Of Necessity For Voluntary Assessment Petition And Waiver Agreements For
The 2024 SRF Green Alley Project were adopted.
12. Trackline Sanitary Sewer Reconstruction Project - Consulting Engineering Services RFQ Award:
City Manager recommended WHKS & Co for engineering services for the design of the Track Line
Sanitary Sewer Reconstruction Project and authorize the City Manager to negotiate an agreement and
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execute a contract not to exceed $500,000 with WHKS & Co for said services. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
13. Signed Contracts: Continental Fire Sprinkler Company for Fire Protection System Repair,
Replace, and Test Fire Sprinkler Heads -Acceptance of Quote and Contract; Dubuque Community
School District for School Resources Officers for School Year 2025- 2026; Dubuque Fire Equipment
for Various maintenance on fire extinguishers and other fire equipment; Dubuque Initiatives for
professional services; Duke's for Root Roaming Sewer Pipe; Eide Bailly LLP Master Services
Agreement; Green Iowa AmeriCorps for the AmeriCorps Host Site; LBC Framing and Electrical for
Various electrical & framing work at 6 fire stations; Resilient Mind Psychology, LLC for Psychological
Services provided to City of Dubuque Police Department; Shane Steffen for mowing, bailing, and
removal of hay services at Dubuque Technology Park; Strand Associates for the Water and Resource
Recovery Center Phase 1 2024 Motor Control Center Communication and Programmable Logic
Controller Upgrades — Bidding -and -Construction -Related Services; Terracon for Geotechnical
Engineering Services for Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 3; Terracon for Geotechnical Engineering
Services for Old Mill Road Lift Station Phase 4; Top Grade Excavating for Storm Sewer Pipe
Replacement at Fire Station 2 (2180 JFK Road). Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
14. Abstract of Votes - 2025 Primary Election: City Clerk transmitted the Abstract of Votes for the
October 7, 2025, Primary Election as certified by the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed.
15. Tobacco Compliance Settlement Agreements: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of the following Tobacco Compliance Acknowledgment/Settlement Agreements and authorize
the mayor to sign the agreements: Fas Mart #5159, 2175 Central Ave; Caseys, 4003 Peru Rd; EZ Stop
I, 1101 Rhomberg Ave (two separate violations); BP Fuel, 1450 Loras Blvd; EZ Stop II, 700 Rhomberg
Ave. Establishments that choose to participate in the I -PLEDGE Retailer Training program are granted
an affirmative defense, which may be exercised once within a four-year period. Kwik Stop has elected
to invoke this defense in response to its three violations at the following locations: Kwik Stop, 4039
Pennsylvania Ave; Kwik Stop, 2320 Gateway Dr.; Kwik Stop, 3201 Central Ave. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
16. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 337-25 Approving applications for retail alcohol licenses, as required by City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances Title 4 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. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Assignment and Assumption Agreement by
and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Franklin Investments, LLC to Franklin Apartments, LLC:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 338-25 Fixing The Date For A
Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On An Assignment And Assumption
Agreement Of The Downtown Rehabilitation Loan Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa And Franklin Investments, LLC To Franklin Apartments, LLC For Property At 39 Bluff Street was
adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6.30 p.m. on November 3, 2025 in the
Historic Federal Building.
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2. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Subordination Agreement by and among the City of
Dubuque, Iowa, Franklin Apartments, LLC, and Premier Bank: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 339-25 Setting A Public Hearing For A Subordination Agreement
By And Among The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, Franklin Apartments, LLC, And Premier Bank For Interest
In City Property Located At 39 Bluff Street was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to
commence at 6:30 p.m. on November 3, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
3. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed Assignment of Development Agreement by
and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Franklin Investments, LLC to Franklin Apartments, LLC:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 340-25 Fixing The Date For A
Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On An Assignment Of The
Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And Franklin Investments, LLC To
Franklin Apartments, LLC was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30
p.m. on November 3, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
4. Ambassador Court Storm Sewer Replacement Project - Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting
Date for a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No.
341-25 Ambassador Court Storm Sewer Replacement 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 November 3, 2025 in the
Historic Federal Building.
5. Setting a Public Hearing to Approve a Proposed Amended and Restated Lease Agreement by and
between the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and Pier Pressure Marine IA, Inc.: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed and Resolution No. 342-25 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The Amended
And Restated Lease Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And Pier Pressure Marine IA,
Inc. For Real Property In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting
to commence at 6:30 p.m. on November 3, 2025 in the Historic Federal Building.
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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. Investment and Cash Management Oversight Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through
July 1, 2028 (Expired term of Ruden). Applicant: Gary Ruden, PO Box 835 — Physical Address Verified.
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1. Resolution Approving a 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: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 343-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And Between
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Hitzler Rental, LLC For The Redevelopment Of The Property At 2541
Central Avenue, Including The Issuance Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by
Wethal. Van Milligen noted that the Downtown Housing Incentive Grant allows the city to use tax
revenue generated by the increased property value from the development to provide incentives. The
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City Council commended the project for revitalizing Central Avenue and supporting small-scale
development. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Resolution Approving a 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: Motion by Jones to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 344-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And Between
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And 1248 Iowa St, LLC For The Redevelopment Of The Property At 1236-
1248 Iowa Street, Including The Issuance Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by
Wethal. Brumwell noted that it's not unusual for the primary lender to hold the first secured position for
repayment of a loan. Economic Development Director Jill Connors added that the city typically
subordinates its loans in this manner, and that City Council -approved housing incentives are applied
consistently. City Council commended the project. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Resolution Approving a 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: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 345-25 Approving A Development Agreement By And Between
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And Ned Oberbroeckling For The Redevelopment Of The Property At 372
Main Street, Including The Issuance Of Urban Tax Increment Revenue Obligations. Seconded by
Wethal. City Council members recognized and commended the project's use of multiple grants,
emphasizing that they impose no cost on the city. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Comiskey Park Environmental Covenant: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and
adopt Resolution No. 346-25 Approving The Iowa Land Recycling Program Environmental Covenant
Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And The Iowa Department Of Natural Resources. Seconded by
Wethal. Brumwell explained that the covenant is part of the Iowa Land Recycling Program and is a
common step to clarify the city's obligations. Van Milligen noted that dozens of properties citywide have
similar covenants, most not city -owned, and that the contamination at the subject property originated
from a neighboring private party. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Fiscal Year 2026 First Budget Amendment: Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents
and adopt Resolution No. 347-25 Amending The Current Budget For Fiscal Year Ending June 2026 (As
Last Certified Or Amended On 04/28/2025). Seconded by Wethal. In response to questions, Van
Milligen explained that several projects will begin this year and be completed next year due to the late
season and the need for community input on park equipment replacements. He noted that the 14th
Street overpass project requires a time-consuming environmental review as part of the federal funding
process. He added that while the city maintains park equipment well, it eventually needs replacement
and community preferences change over time. City Council members noted that the city's parks are
unique and that several projects were approved at the previous meeting after funding was identified.
Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
David Barba, 208 Bluff St., Executive Director of Dubuque Main Street, summarized the
organization's successful event attendance, improvements in identifying expenditure savings, and
shared information on the upcoming State of Main event.
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ACTION ITEMS
1. Grand River Center Presentation of Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report: Motion by Roussell to receive
and file the documents and hear the presentation. Seconded by Resnick. Grand River Center and Five
Flags Civic Center General Manager Ryan Bonifas presented on the Grand River Center's Fiscal Year
2025 Annual Report. In response to questions, Bonifas noted that additional hotel rooms would benefit
the Grand River Center and that construction of the Grand River Center on a former landfill has caused
shifting that requires some costly out-of-town repairs. City Council Members commended Grand River
Center's efforts and emphasized the need for more hotels. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Approving a Contract with Dubuque Main Street Providing Funds for its SWAP Grant Program:
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 348-25 Approving A Grant
Administration Agreement With Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. To Administer The Swap Grant Program,
Including City Funding. Seconded by Wethal. Connors outlined the city's support for small-scale
development and noted that Dubuque Main Street's existing program avoids duplication of efforts.
Dubuque Main Street Executive Director David Barba explained that while Dubuque County created
the SWAP Grant Program name, Dubuque Main Street developed the program title `Space and
Workplace Activation Program' to match the acronym. City Council Members commended the program
and the city's collaboration. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Quarterly Update on New Housing Projects Video: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and view the video. Seconded by Farber. Communications Office staff showed a quarterly
update video on new housing projects within the city. The video can also be viewed on the City of
Dubuque YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ZOkxJy78lYq?si=AX-SW9feMix wgdX. Motion carried
7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on a Dubuque Area Retired School Personnel Association meeting, the League of
Women Voters of Dubuque Candidate Forum, the ribbon cutting for Crescent Community Health
Center's expanded dental clinic, the Envision 2030 event, and the recent passings of Dave Bidler and
Dave Roberts.
Roussell reported on a Dubuque Trees Forever tree planting event with Branching Out Dubuque,
the University of Dubuque volleyball team volunteering at the community orchard, and Dubuque Main
Street's upcoming State of Main awards.
Farber reported on the Telegraph Herald's Salute to Women Awards, for which she delivered the
keynote address. Farber also reported on the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra's first chamber music
concert and on technology committee meetings with the National League of Cities (NLC).
Sprank reported on the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest's food giveaway event, the Latinx Fiesta, the
League of Women Voters of Dubuque Candidate Forum, the ribbon cutting for Crescent Community
Health Center's expanded dental clinic, the Envision 2030 event, and the Women in Law Enforcement
fundraiser.
Wethal reported that the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra invited visiting musicians to local schools,
the Latinx Fiesta, and the Dubuque Museum of Art's opening at its temporary location in the Dupaco
Voices building.
Resnick reported on dining at Breitbach's Country Dining in Balltown.
Cavanagh reported on the Latinx Fiesta.
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CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 8:10 p.m. to discuss Pending Litigation and
Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(c),(j) 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 City Attorney Brumwell. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 9:21 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 9.21 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC
City Clerk
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