Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 08.26.25City 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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THE C
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All -America City
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2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
Regular Meeting
Commissioners Present: David BARBA; Mary LONEY BICHELL; Gail CHAVENELLE;
Nick HALDER (chair); Jessica OCHOA; Shirley DAVIS-ORWOLL
Commissioners Absent: Doug DONALD
Staff Present: Bonnie SPURLING (Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager)
Public Present: Ali LEVASSEUR and Ryan ARIANS
1. Call to Order / Assurance of Iowa Open Meeting Compliance
HALDER called the meeting to order following staff assurance of Iowa Open
Meeting compliance at 3:37 PM.
2. Roll Call
Roll call of those present took place.
3. Officer and Committee Appointments
CHAVENELLE agreed to serve on the Art on the River Committee
4. Review and Approve Minutes from July 29, 2025.
DAVIS-ORWOLL motions to accept minutes, OCHOA seconds. No further
discussion. Vote unanimously passed.
5. Status Reports from Staff for Review and Acceptance
SPURLING reported that the proposed Commission ordinance changes are still
with the City's legal department for review.
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SPURLING shared a recap of the opening reception for Art on the River that
took place on August 1, 2025. Additionally, the third alternate sculpture, Mineral
Point Spinner, was selected to take the place of Findicator Species, which was
unable to be a part of this year's exhibition. Brochures have been ordered now
that all of the pieces are in place.
The Creative's Cafe took place August 14 at the Dubuque Arboretum &
Botanical Gardens, with 43 people in attendance. Urban Sketchers, Planted,
and Centrally Rooted provided hands on activities for those in attendance. The
next Creative's Cafe is scheduled to take place on November 13 at The Lift.
SPURLING provided an update on the Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative grant
and the refinishing of the original sidewalk murals. Additionally, updated
contracts for the FY'26 Operating Support and Special Projects Grants have
been sent and received back to SPURLING. Payments will be processed in the
coming weeks to all grant awardees.
SPURLING also shared that the Annual Boards & Commission Picnic will take
place from 6-8pm on September 9 at Eagle Point Park.
6. Updates from Master Plan Working Groups
Nothing new to report currently.
7. Old Business
a. Commission Strategic Plan Goals- Reporting and Discussion
Nothing new to report currently.
8. New Business
Nothing new to report currently.
9. Events and Engagement Reporting from Commissioners
Nothing new to report currently.
10. Public Comment
LEVASSEUR shared that Julien Dubuque International Film Festival Halloween
parade will take place Saturday, October 18 at 7pm.
11.Adjourn
Adjournment motioned by CHAVENELLE seconded by DAVIS-ORWOLL at
4:17PM.
Next meeting(s): Regular Meeting — September 30, 2025.
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Respectfully submitted:
Bonnie Spurling
Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager, City of Dubuque
These minutes were passed and approved on , 2025
Witnessed By (signature)
Nick Halder (printed)
Char (officer position)
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