Proof_City Council Proceedings 11.17.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
December 15, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of December 1 and 8, 2025; Airport
Commission of September 23 and October 9, 2025; Five
Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission of September 8,
2025; Human Rights Commission of November 18, 2025;
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission of October 21,
2025; Zoning Advisory Commission of November 5, 2025;
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
November 17, 2025; Proof of Publication for Expenditure
Reports presented at the November 17, 2025, City Council
meeting.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Airport Commission Minutes of October 9 2025
2. Airport Commission Minutes of September 23 2025
3. Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission Minutes
4. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
5. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
6. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings
7. Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports
8. 12 1 25 City Council Minutes
9. 12 8 25 City Council Minutes
10. Human Rights Commission Minutes
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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:
11/26/2025
and for which the charge is 439.75
Subscribed to before me, a tary Public in an or
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 26th day of November, 2025
Notary ub is in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
El
JAi�ET K. PAPECommission Number 199659My Commission Expires
121111 025--------
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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 November 17, 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
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner Day (November 27,
2025) was accepted by Tom Stovall, Tabitha Kircher, Bobbie
Jost, Paula Paider Licht, Danielle Leibfried, Jason Neises,
and Clarissa Klostermann on behalf of Bread of Life
Presbyterian Church, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque,
Dubuque Rescue Mission, ReVosWel Truss & Lumber, United Way of
Dubuque Area Tri-States, and University of Dubuque.
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 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. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Johnny Hill for vehicle
damage; Mark Stender for 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. 363-25 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. Banking Services Agreement First Amendment: City Manager
recommended City Council approve the updated terms of the
banking services agreement with UMB Bank, n.a. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
5. Fiscal Year 2025 State of Iowa Annual Financial Report:
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
6. Recommendation to Move Accounting, Payroll, and Budget
Functions of Finance Department to 7800 Chavenelle Unit 6:
City Manager recommended approval of relocating the
accounting, payroll, and budget functions of the Finance
Department to 7800 Chavenelle Drive, negotiating an amended
lease with Dubuque Childcare Collaborative, LLC, and
initiating public bidding for necessary construction. Upon
motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. Commercial Air Service and Dubuque Initiatives $100
Airfare Rebate Flyer: City Manager provided a copy of a flyer
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promoting commercial air service at the Dubuque Regional
Airport and the $100 airfare rebate funded by Dubuque
Initiatives. Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
8. 2025-2027 City Council Goals and Priorities Brochure:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
9. Acceptance of Public Sanitary Sewer Main Improvements
Serving Lots 1, 1-2, and 2-2 of Pizza Ranch Place on Radford
Road associated with the EMRI Apartment Development: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 364-25 Accepting Public Sanitary Sewer Improvements Across
Parts Of Lots 1-2 And 2-2 Of Pizza Ranch Place, In The City Of
Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
10. Tamarack Sanitary Sewer Extension Project - Acceptance
of Public Improvement Construction Contract: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 365-25
Accepting The Tamarack Sanitary Sewer Extension Project was
adopted.
11. Twin Ridge Sanitary Sewer Extension and Lagoon
Abandonment Project - Acceptance of Public Improvement
Construction Contract: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 366-25 Accepting The Twin Ridge
Sanitary Sewer Extension And Lagoon Abandonment Project was
adopted.
12. Grandview Avenue Streetlight Replacement Project
Recommendation to Fund Completion Using Available Road Use Tax
(RUT) Funds: Upon motion the documents were received, filed,
and approved.
13. Sustainable Dubuque Grant Award Recommendation: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 367-25 Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To The Dubuque
Rescue Mission; Resolution No. 368-25 Awarding Sustainable
Dubuque Grant To The National Mississippi River Museum And
Aquarium; Resolution No. 369-25 Awarding Sustainable Dubuque
Grant To Prescott Elementary School; Resolution No. 370-25
Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To The Dubuque Area Library
Info Consortium; and Resolution No. 371-25 Awarding
Sustainable Dubuque Grant To Dubuque Colleges Sustainability
Coalition were adopted.
14. Signed Contracts: 563 Design, PLLC for Taks Order No. 04
Finance Department 7800 Chavenelle Road; Dubuque County E911
Board for the Health Services Animal Control 911 Radio Access
Fee; Dubuque Regional Humane Society for City of Dubuque
Veterinary Services; Environmental Management Services of
Iowa, Inc. for the Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof
Rehabilitation Asbestos Abatement Project; Hills and Dales
for the FY 2026 Special Services Grant Program Agreement; ImOn
Communications, LLC MSA Addendum for Changes and Letter of
Agency; Kramer Pest Control for Pest Control at 6 fire
stations; Midwest Injection, Inc for the Terminal Street Lift
Station Bypass Pumping Project; Outfly Development LLC for
Site Access Agreement; Racom for City Hall Video Decoder: City
Manager; RSM US , LLP for Statement of Work Finance
Organizational Assessment and Design; The EMS Training School,
LLC Clinical Affiliation Agreement; Top Grade Excavating for
the Catfish Creek Sanitary Utility Easement Stream Crossings
Restoration; WHKS & Co. for Task Order #25-Brunskill Road
Sanitary Sewer and Streambank Restoration. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
15. Abstract of Votes - 2025 City Election: Upon motion the
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documents were received and filed.
16. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 372-25
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.
17. Approval of Retail/Device Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine,
and Vapor Product Permit Applications: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 373-25
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 Sprank to receive and file the documents, adopt
the resolution, and set the public hearing as indicated.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation
Project Phase 1 Reset the Public Hearing Date: Upon motion
the documents were received and filed and Resolution No.
374-25 Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation
Project Phase 1: Setting Date Of Public Hearing On Plans,
Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost was
adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on December 1, 2025 in the Historic Federal
Building.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Planned Unit Development Amendment - Wood 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.
Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont gave a
presentation. In response to questions, Wernimont explained
that green spaces are included on the property, some of which
may be developed into what are known as pocket parks, which
are privately maintained and not City -owned. City Council
Members expressed support for the amendment. Motion carried
7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 39-25 Amending Title 16 Of The Unified
Development Code Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances By
Rescinding Ordinance No. 18-24 Which Established Regulations
For A PUD Planned Unit Development With A PR Planned
Residential District Designation And Adopting An Amended PUD
Ordinance With A Revised Conceptual Development Plan And Lot
And Bulk Regulations In The PUD Planned Unit Development With
PR Planned Residential District Designation. Seconded by
Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Institutional District Amendment University of Dubuque:
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 Farber.
Wernimont gave a presentation. City Council Members noted that
no negative feedback was received by neighbors, illustrating
that the citys local colleges and universities continue to be
good neighbors. Motion carried 7-0.
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Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 40-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Providing For
The Approval Of An Amended Campus Development Plan For The
University Of Dubuque Id Institutional District To Allow
Construction Of An Academic And Administrative Building.
Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Planned Unit Development Amendment - Dubuque Industrial
Center West: 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 confirmed that the proposed
change would only impact the Dubuque Industrial Center West
Planned Unit Development (PUD) District, and that signage
requirements in all areas of the city are being considered as
part of the Unified Development Code (UDC) update. City
Council Members expressed support for the PUD amendment.
Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 41-25 Amending Title 16, Unified Development
Code Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances, By Rescinding
Ordinance No. 43-23 Which Established Regulations For A PUD
Planned Unit Development District With A PI Planned Industrial
Designation And Adopting An Amended PUD Ordinance To Allow
Directional Signs To Be 24 Square Feet In Area In All Zones Of
The Dubuque Industrial Center West Planned Unit Development
District. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Comiskey Park Phase 2 Redevelopment Project Public
Hearing: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents
and adopt Resolution No. 375-25 Comiskey Park Phase 2
Redevelopment Project: Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form
Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Jones. In
response to questions, Parks and Recreation Director Matt
Kalcevich and Acting Project and Facilities Manager Marie Ware
explained that grant funding often determines the scope of
work. They noted that security cameras are already installed
in the park, and additional pedestrian lighting, conduit, and
cameras will be added, along with new pavilions and trees.
Ware also confirmed that the proposed redevelopment plan
includes the removal of the tennis courts. City Council
Members expressed appreciation for the park improvements.
Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Peter Arling, Legal Counsel for DuTrac Community Credit
Union (DuTrac), 1000 Main St., stated that he and DuTrac
Senior Vice President of Operations and Facilities Kim Adams
were available to answer any questions regarding Action Item
No. 2.
Rick Dickinson, President and CEO of Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation (GDDC), residing at 205 Hill St.,
spoke in support of Action Item No. 2.
Joe Callahan of Callahan Construction, 7269 Commerce Park,
spoke in support of Action Item No. 6, requesting that the
updated permit fee structure be reviewed after one year to
ensure it remains effective.
Breitfelder announced that written input regarding Action Item
No. 2 was received from James Yager, Andrew Hawkingson, and
Terry Mozena, 196 Bluff St.
ACTION ITEMS
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1. Dubuque Nature Everywhere Request for Approval of
Childrens Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR): Motion by Sprank to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 376-25
Dubuque Children Outdoor Bill Of Rights Approval And Adoption
By City Council. Seconded by Farber. Colleen McKenna of
Dubuque Nature Everywhere gave a presentation. In response to
questions, she noted once the current funding for the Dubuque
Nature Everywhere cohort is exhausted, the group will pursue
additional grant opportunities. McKenna also shared that
Dubuques COBOR will be the first in Iowa. Jared McGovern, also
a member of the organization, confirmed that Dubuque Nature
Everywhere is currently operating under Dubuque Forwards
fiscal agency agreement and utilizing its 501(c)(3) status.
City Council Members commended the groups enthusiasm and
recognized the timely alignment of their efforts with the
upcoming release of the Citys Parks and Recreation Master Plan
and ongoing initiatives on Chaplain Schmitt Island. Motion
carried 7-0.
2. DuTrac Community Credit Union Request to Alter
Washington Street Neighborhood Conservation District
Boundaries: 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 Resnick. Brumwell stepped out for the action item
and Assistant City Attorney Jason Lehman served as legal
counsel in her absence. Planning Services Director Wally
Wernimont gave a presentation. In response to questions, Peter
Arling confirmed that DuTrac is scheduled to close on the 1305
Elm Street property in early December. DuTrac intends to
demolish the building, and no tenants will reside in the
property at the time of closing. Arling also noted that City
staff have represented the Building Bridges to Elevate
Employment (B2E2) Project to DuTrac as forthcoming and will
impact access to DuTracs building. He emphasized DuTracs
commitment to remaining in the downtown area. Wernimont stated
that he could not confirm the final access points for DuTrac
following the completion of the B2E2 Project, as the project
remains in its preliminary stages. City Council Members
discussed the Historic Preservation Commissions limited scope
for considering demolition permits of structures in historic
districts and acknowledged that 1305 Elm Street lacks
historical significance. While some Council Members recognized
DuTracs proactive approach in anticipation of the B2E2
Project, one Council Member expressed that having finalized
project plans would be helpful before moving forward with the
request. Council Members also reflected on the challenges of
approving demolition requests within historic districts and
affirmed that such decisions are made with careful
consideration. Motion carried 6-1 with Wethal voting nay.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 42-25 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque
Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Amending
Article 10-8-A-4 Pertaining To Alteration Of The Washington
Street Neighborhood Conservation District To Remove The Block
Bounded By Washington Street, E. 14th Street, Elm Street And
E. 13th Street. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 6-1 with
Wethal voting nay. After the vote, Brumwell returned to
Council Chambers to serve as legal counsel for the remainder
of the meeting.
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3. Central Avenue and White Street Corridor Design Phase 1
Recommendation for Selection of Professional Consultant
Services: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents
and approve the selection of Bolton & Menk, Inc. as the
first -ranked Consultant and that the City be authorized to
negotiate a Professional Consultant Services Agreement to
complete a corridor design for Phase 1 for Central Avenue and
White Street between 14th Street and 22nd Street and the
feasibility of corridor solutions, including first steps with
parking needs and then pavement marking restriping, while
incorporating feedback from continued public engagement and a
holistic approach. Seconded by Farber. Traffic Engineer
Justine Hull gave a presentation. In response to a question
about next steps, Hull stated that the City will begin
contract scope negotiations, with the finalized contract
expected to be presented to the City Council for approval by
January. Future updates will be provided during the
Engineering Departments budget presentation. When asked about
the value of hiring consultants for such initiatives, Van
Milligen emphasized that consultants bring specialized
technical expertise not typically available within City staff,
an important asset for complex and rare projects like this
one. City Council Members acknowledged the value of consultant
expertise and noted that the corridor design will play a key
role in supporting the areas economic development. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. Ambassador Court Storm Sewer Replacement Project - Award
Public Improvement Contract: Motion by Wethal to receive and
file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 377-25 Awarding
Public Improvement Contract For The Ambassador Court Storm
Sewer Replacement Project. Seconded by Sprank. City Council
Members thanked Ambassador Court residents for their advocacy
for this project. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Request for Ordinance Modification -City Code 7-7-6
Bicycle Lighting Requirements: 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. When asked about the
classification of a -bikes and scooters, Police Chief Jeremy
Jensen stated that a -bikes are considered bicycles per state
code definition. He also confirmed that the Police Departments
School Resource Officers (SROs) are exploring the possibility
of offering bike safety training in local schools. Jensen
stated that the department plans to communicate the change in
city code directly to the public and through social media
channels. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 43-25 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 7 Police, Fire, And Public Safety, Chapter 7
Bicycles, Section 6 Equipment. Seconded by Wethal. Motion
carried 7-0.
6. Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation Practices:
Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and approve
the revised permit valuation model for new construction and
fee proposal change to the permitting fee structure for
residential alterations, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
permits, and solar and swimming pool permits. Seconded by
Farber. Assistant Housing and Community Development Director
Michael Belmont gave a presentation. In response to questions,
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Belmont clarified that the valuation model does not change the
permit process and is already in use by other cities. He noted
that building permit data is public, allowing contractors to
provide feedback, and cautioned that the number of permits
issued annually can fluctuate. To account for this, the
department will compare similarly sized projects and expects
to have relevant data available for inclusion in its upcoming
budget presentation. City Council Members expressed support
for the valuation model and the effort to collect data to
evaluate its effectiveness. They also supported its inclusion
in the Housing and Community Development Departments annual
budget presentation. Council Members also encouraged
contractors to continue sharing feedback with City staff and
Council, and they thanked the Building Code Advisory and
Appeals Board for its contributions. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Fire Station Building Condition Assessment and Station
Location Study: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents and approve issuing the Request for Proposals (RFP)
for Consultation Services: Fire Station Building Condition
Assessment and Station Location Study, and to authorize the
reallocation of funds from CIP Project #1315000028 to support
the consulting contract. Seconded by Jones. In response to
questions, Fire Chief Amy Scheller stated that the cost of
consultation services is not expected to exceed $100,000. She
noted that hiring a consultant will help streamline the fire
station projects and intends to set the RFP submission
deadline for January or February 2026. City Council Members
expressed support for issuing the RFP, emphasizing the
importance of approaching fire station upgrades in a
thoughtful and strategic manner. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Work Session Request for Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Master Plan Draft: Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and schedule the work session for
December 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Seconded by Farber. Resnick
noted a potential scheduling conflict that might cause a late
arrival but declined to adjust the work session start time,
stating he would make every effort to arrive on time. Motion
carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reported on his recent loss for re-election in the
general city election, the Dubuque County E911 Emergency
Communications Center ribbon cutting, the Envision 2030 event,
a Sons of American Legion event, a Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) meeting, the HEART Partnership
open house, and J&J Pool, Spa, & Billiards ribbon cutting for
their recent expansion.
Sprank reported on being re-elected in the general city
election and attending North End and Point Neighborhood
Association meetings.
Farber reported on the recent passing of Tami Ryan.
Wethal reported on the HEART Partnership open house and the
Attitude of Gratitude event for Opening Doors.
Resnick reported on performing with the Loras Jazz Group in
the Dupaco Voices Building.
Cavanagh referenced the higher -than -usual voter turnout in
the general city election, along with the strong attendance at
the meeting, as a reflection of the communitys current
momentum and expressed hope that this energy continues.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:49 p.m. to
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discuss Confidential Records, Pending Litigation, and Purchase
or Sale of Real Estate Chapter 21.5(1)(a),(c),O) Code of
Iowa. Seconded by Resnick. 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 11:02 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 11:02 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 11/26
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