Proof_City Council Proceedings 10.06.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
November 17, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of November 3, 2025; Resilient
Community Advisory Commission of September 4, 2025;
Zoning Advisory Commission of October 1, 2025; Proof of
publication for City Council Proceedings of October 6 and 20,
2025; Proof of publication for expenditure reports presented
at the October 6 and 20, 2025 City Council meetings.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 11 3 25 City Council Minutes
2. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
3. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
4. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 10.6.25
5. Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports Presented 10.6.25
6. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 10.20.25
7. Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports Presented 10.20.25
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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:
10/15/2025
and for which the charge is 602.10
Subscribed to efore me, a Notary P is in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 20th day of October, 2025
(:)&, -I- eavv ,
Notary ub is in and for Dubuq County, Iowa.
E.�7
JP.NET K.PAPEommission Number 199659ly Commission Expires
1211112025
Page 26 of 750
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 October 6, 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. 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 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
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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 (CCI5, 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
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
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for the Rustic Point Park Development Project. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. Signed Contract(s): Ahmanns 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.
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.
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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.
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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 SRFs 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
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fees, minimal bond counsel involvement, and no requirement to
publish an official statement. Van Milligen stated that the
planning and design 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
Citys obligation to complete sewer improvements necessary for
accommodating more than 14 employees at the site, Van Milligen
confirmed that the deadline aligns with the Citys existing
plans. He also clarified that the Developers 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.
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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
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 Dubuques 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 Managers 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
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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.
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
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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 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, UDs recent announcement of their Innovation Center,
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the inauguration of UD President Travis Frampton, and the
Bluff Strokes arts exhibition.
Sprank reported on City Councils 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.
Roussel] reported on engaging with the Community Foundation
of Greater Dubuques regarding their Data Walk initiative, her
churchs hunger outreach event, a meeting with leaders from the
Hawkeye Community Action Agency (HACAP), and the Dubuque Trees
Forever booth at Lincoln Elementarys 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 Centers 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 Colleges (NICC) athletic center, a performance with
the Dubuque Drum Corps at the Dubuque Farmers Market, the
Eagle Valley Park ribbon cutting, and the City of Dyersvilles
endorsement of a resolution supporting Dubuques 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 Councils annual goal setting.
Cavanagh reported on the Fox Hills Apartments
groundbreaking, the Iowa League of Cities (ILC) Conference,
the inauguration of UDs 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),O) 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.
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,
CMC, City Clerk
It 10/15
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