Proof_City Council Proceedings 12.01.25Copyrighted
January 5, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of December 15, 2025; Cable TV
Commission of November 19, 2025; Historic Preservation
Commission of October 16, 2025; Library Board of Trustees
Update of November 20, 2025; Zoning Board of Adjustment
of November 20, 2025; Proof of Publication for City Council
Proceedings of December 1, 2025; Proof of Publication for
Expenditure Reports presented at the December 1, 2025 City
Council meeting.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 12 15 25 City Council Minutes
2. Cable TV Commission Meeting Minutes
3. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
4. Library Board of Trustees Council Update
5. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
6. Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports
7. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 12 1 25
8. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 12 8 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:
12/14/2025
and for which the charge is 423.40
Subscribed to before me, a Notary is in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 15th day of December, 2025
Notary lic in and for Dubuque Cou ty, Iowa.
P%AL S JANET K. PAPE
o' 7 Commission Number 199659
My Commission Expires
l o W a 12/11 /2028
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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 December 1, 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. Grand River Center Receives National Recognition from
EXHIBITOR Magazine: Parks and Recreation Director Matthew
Kalcevich recognized the Grand River Center for being named
one of North Americas Best Convention Centers in the 2026
EXHIBITOR Magazine Centers of Excellence Awards. Grand River
Center and Five Flags Civic Center General Manager Ryan
Bonifas also offered remarks regarding the recognition. The
article can be viewed online at:
https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID = 24764.
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Eradication of Generational Poverty Month (December 2025)
was accepted by Caprice Jones on behalf of the Fountain of
Youth Program.
2. Human Rights Day (December 10, 2025) was accepted by
Human Rights Commissioners Jake Kurczek and Rick Baumhover on
behalf of the Human Rights Commission and Human Rights
Department.
CONSENT ITEMS
Breitfelder announced that written input was received from
Dean Boles regarding Action Item No. 14. 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 17, 2025; Cable TV Commission of March 5, 2025;
Community Development Advisory Commission of September 3,
2025; Human Rights Commission of October 14, 2025; Library
Board of Trustees Update of September 25, 2025; Transit
Advisory Board of September 11, 2025; Zoning Board of
Adjustment of October 23, 2025; Proof of Publication for City
Council Proceedings of November 3, 2025; Proof of Publication
for expenditure reports presented at the November 3, 2025 City
Council meeting. Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Julio Ricardo Vega Chacon for
vehicle damage. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and referred to the City Attorney.
3. Disposition of Claims: Johnny Hill for vehicle damage;
Mark Stender 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. 378-25 Authorizing
the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to make certain
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payments of bills that must be paid and approved for payment
in accordance with City procedures was adopted.
5. Fiscal Year 2025 City Street Financing Report: City
Manager transmitted the annual City Street financing report
that has been filed with the Iowa Department of
Transportation. Upon motion the documents were received and
filed.
6. Fiscal Year 2025 Iowa Urban Renewal Annual Report: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 379-25 Approving The Fiscal Year 2025 Urban Renewal Report
For The City Of Dubuque was adopted.
7. FY 2027 Annual Tax Increment Financing Report: City
Manager transmitted the Annual Tax Increment Financing Report
that has been filed with the Dubuque County Auditor. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed.
8. bizTimes.biz Article on Building Permits: City Manager
provided a copy of a bizTimes.biz article highlighting the
increase in building permits issued. Upon motion the documents
were received and filed.
9. Recommendation to Approve the Arts & Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission Grants Modification: Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
10. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY26 Annual
Action Plan Amendment #1: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 380-25 Adopting The
Fiscal Year 2026 (Program Year 2025) Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan Amendment #1 was
adopted.
11. Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Funding and
Agreement with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA): City
Manager recommended approval for a renewed agreement with the
Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association for services related to the
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and Healthy Homes
Program and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
12. Interagency Agreement between the City of Dubuque and
the Dubuque County Board of Health for Inspection of Pools,
Spas and Tattoo Parlor Facilities in Dubuque County: City
Manager recommended approval of the sub -contract between the
City of Dubuque and the Dubuque County Board of Health for the
inspection and enforcement of swimming pools and spas, and
tattoo parlors to be effective July 1, 2025, through June 30,
2028 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
13. 2026 DollarWise Innovation Grant Application: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 381-25 Retroactively Authorizing The Filing Of An
Application For The 2026 Dollarwise Innovation Grant With The
United States Conference Of Mayors was adopted.
14. Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) Grant
Application: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed, and Resolution No. 382-25 Retroactively Authorizing The
Filing Of An Application For The Catalyst Fund With Urban
Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) was adopted.
15. Intent to Apply for City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Program:
City Manager recommended City Council approval to submit the
City of Dubuques AmeriCorps grant application by the State of
Iowas deadline of December 8. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
16. Signed Contracts: 563 Design, PLLC for the Fire Station
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Headquarters Interior Remodel; A-L-L Equipment for Service
and/or repairs; Business Telephone Supply for Maintenance to
Iowa Street Parking Ramp Elevator Phone Issue; Eastern Iowa
Asphalt Maintenance Inc. for the Restripe Parking Ramps; Ellis
Appliance for the Emergency Appliance Repairs for
Transportation Services; Ehrlich Concrete & Excavating for the
June Drive Storm Sewer and Intake Improvements; Evora Energy
for the Fuel System Upgrade; Get Control for Get Control
Academy Webinars; Knights of Columbus, Dubuque Council No. 510
for display in Washington Park; Musco Corporation DBQ Musco
Sports Lighting, LLC for Services and fees for remote control
links; Oak View Group for the Legislative Dinner; OPW Fuel
Management Systems, Inc. for the Kerper Court Fuel Island EMV
Service and Subscription; Origin Design Co. for the FY2025
City of Dubuque Water System Modeling; Overhead Door Company
of Dubuque for Labor and/or installation; The Jetter Guy LLC
to Provide inspections and service Fats, oil and grease
removal of great trap; Snow Removal Agreements with Adobos
Mexican Grill, Cottingham and Butler, Department of
Corrections, Fischer Companies, Graham Brothers, Grand Opera
House, Hartig, Midwest One Bank, Miller Companies, Northeast
Iowa Community College, Premier Bank, and United Way of
Dubuque; Sunflower Enterprises, Inc. for the lease of Barge
#23, 175x32x5; Valentine Construction Co. for Concrete Work in
Port Ramp; Tschiggfrie Excavating for Terminal Street Lift
Station Bypass Pumping; WHKS & Co. for the Track Line Sanitary
Sewer Relocation Project Phase One; Wiss, Janney, Elstner
Associates, Inc. (WJE) for Proposal structural assessment and
material studies for three Caldwell -era buildings at Eagle
Point Park. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposed
Development Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa
and Staver-Muench, LLC 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, adopt Resolution No. 383-25 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 Staver-Muench, LLC, Including The
Proposed Issuance Of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue
Obligations Relating Thereto, And Providing For The
Publication Of Notice Thereof, and set the public hearing for
December 15, 2025. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
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. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission: One,
3-Year term through June 30, 2027 (Vacant At Large member who
lives or works outside the cultural and entertainment district
term of Loney-Bichell). Applicants: Ryan Arians, 1201 Madera
St.; Rodrigo Marin, 2240 Central Ave.; Erin Martin, 2860
Danlin Ct.; and Sarah Ndagire, 1536 Kehl Ct. Martin spoke in
support of her application. Breitfelder stated that written
input was received from Arians.
2. Resilient Community Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term
through July 1, 2028 (Vacant term of Evens). Applicant: Lucas
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Delaney, 1284 University Ave.
3. Zoning Board of Adjustment: One 5-Year term through March
25, 2026 (Vacant term of McCoy). Applicant: Ben Loeffelholz,
3180 Keokuk Crt. Loeffelholz spoke in support of his
application.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation
Project Public Hearing: Motion by Sprank to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 384-25 Eagle Point
Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation Project Approval Of
Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost.
Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Breitfelder announced receipt of written input from Elaine
Kray, 3095 Lindale St., regarding Action Item No. 1, and Clark
Schloz, 2925 Burlington St., regarding Action Item No. 2.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Commercial Air Service Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG):
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and place
on the December 15, 2025, agenda. Seconded by Farber. City
Council members discussed the history and current challenges
of maintaining air service in Dubuque, emphasizing the
importance of receiving this update ahead of the December 10,
2025, deadline for the business community to decide on
potential funding support. This decision will help determine
whether the City Council must direct the Dubuque Regional
Airport Commission to terminate its agreement with Denver Air
Connection due to insufficient funding for the MRG. If service
is discontinued, the Council will direct the Dubuque Regional
Airport Commission to issue Denver Air Connection the required
90-day termination notice, noting that Denver Air Connection
may decide to cease service sooner than the 90-day timeframe.
Council members also expressed concern that ending the current
commercial air service could make it more difficult to attract
future air carriers. In response to questions, Airport
Director Todd Dalsing explained that the City receives federal
funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which
is based on annual passenger enplanements. He noted that as an
FAA -certified airport, Dubuque must maintain compliance with
FAA standards, requiring ongoing upgrades. The AIP typically
covers 90% of project costs for upgrades, with the City
responsible for the remaining 10%. Without commercial air
service, the City would lose access to this funding and bear
the full cost of improvements. Dalsing added that funding is
secured through Fiscal Year 2027, with impacts expected in
Fiscal Year 2028 if service ends. He also clarified that
flights from the University of Dubuques Aviation School do not
count toward enplanement totals. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Fire Department FTE Increase and Fire Cost Recovery Fee:
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and approve
the creation of a Fire Cost Recovery Fee and the addition of
five firefighter positions. Seconded by Wethal. Fire Chief Amy
Scheller and EMS Bureau Chief Sam Janecke made a presentation.
Council members referenced the number of threats identified in
the Fire Departments Strategic Plan, highlighting the
increasing demands on firefighters. In response to a question,
Van Milligen confirmed that while the City has historically
collected fees for services, rates for co -payers and insurers
have not increased. He stated that an analysis will be
conducted every year to determine an annual cost of living
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(COLA) increase on fees. He clarified that nine additional
firefighter positions, that will be requested through the
Fiscal Year 2027 budget process, would be fully funded through
Fiscal Year 2030 contingent upon a successful Staffing for
Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, with
property tax support required thereafter. He emphasized that
only the five additional firefighter positions are being
requested at this time. Scheller summarized the previous and
current civil service hiring process and Janecke addressed
questions about reimbursement rates and cost reporting.
Council members expressed support for the recommendations,
citing the importance of cost recovery and aligning staffing
levels with national standards to better serve the community.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Award of Public Improvement Construction Contract
Comiskey Park Phase 2 Redevelopment Project: Motion by Sprank
to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No.
385-25 Awarding The Public Improvement Construction Contract
For The Comiskey Park Phase 2 Redevelopment Project. Seconded
by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Repeal of Amendments to City Code Title 2, Chaper 5 -
Housing Commission: 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 Roussell. Breitfelder explained the process
leading up to the inadvertent deletion of some required
language to Title 2, Chapter 5 of the code of ordinances.
Brumwell added that the repeal of Ordinance 33-24 was
important to restore the inadvertently deleted language and
that staff will revisit future updates to the city code
chapter upon the hiring of the new Housing and Community
Development Director. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 44-25 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 2 Boards And Commissions, Chapter 5 Housing
Agency And Community Development Commissions By Repealing
Ordinance 33-24. Seconded by Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Proposed Amendment to Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission Ordinance Regarding Membership: 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 staff were
unable to confirm the historical context behind the commission
membership special qualifications. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 45-25 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 2 Boards And Commissions, Chapter 8 Arts And
Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, Section 5 Membership.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Amending Tax Increment Ordinance 8-25 for the Dubuque
Industrial Center Economic Development District, as amended by
Version 2025.4 of the Amended and Restated Plan: 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.
Economic Development Director Jill Connors stated that the
Amended Urban Renewal Plan was adopted via public hearings
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several months ago, and that this current ordinance modifies
the plan. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 46-25 Correcting And Amending Ordinance No.
8-25, Previously Amended, Providing That General Property
Taxes Levied And Collected Each Year On All Property Located
Within The Amended And Restated Dubuque Industrial Center
Economic Development District Urban Renewal Area Of The City
Of Dubuque, County Of Dubuque, State Of Iowa, By And For The
Benefit Of The State Of Iowa, City Of Dubuque, County Of
Dubuque, Dubuque Community School District, And Other Taxing
Districts, Be Paid To A Special Fund For Payment Of Principal
And Interest On Loans, Monies Advanced To And Indebtedness,
Including Bonds Issued Or To Be Issued, Incurred By Said City
In Connection With The Amended And Restated Dubuque Industrial
Center Economic Development District Urban Renewal
Redevelopment Project By Adding Subarea T To The Division Of
Revenues. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Fire Department 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: Motion by Jones
to receive and file the documents. Seconded by Wethal. City
Council members commended the Fire Departments efforts and
noted that the threats identified in the strategic plan could
serve as opportunities to build future strengths. Motion
carried 7-0.
8. Dubuque Historic Federal Building MEP Systems
Recommendation of Selection of Professional Consultant
Services: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents
and approve the selection of Shive-Hattery, Inc. as the
consultant for the Historic Federal Building MEP Systems
Assessment and New Systems Design and authorize the City
Manager to negotiate a consultant agreement with
Shive-Hattery, Inc. Seconded by Wethal. City Council
highlighted the importance of contracting a consultant for
this project. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Housing Creation Incentives Staff Recommendations
Updated Matrix: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt the resolution Authorizing The City
Manager To Offer And Amend Housing Development Incentives For
City Of Dubuque Development Agreements. Seconded by Jones.
Connors noted that for -sale condominiums had been discussed in
earlier conversations with developers. She emphasized that the
Housing Incentives Matrix is intended as a collaborative tool
for use with developers. Brumwell added that the matrix has
been reformatted with clearer language to improve usability
from a development perspective. City Council members
referenced Section 2 of the resolution, which grants the City
Manager authority to amend the conditions and incentives in
the matrix as needed, and requested clarification on that
provision. In response, Van Milligen recommended bringing the
item back to the next City Council meeting with a clearer
explanation of the intent. Motion amended by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and place on the December 15,
2025, City Council Agenda. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried
7-0.
10. List of Iowa Economic Development Authoritys 2025
Redevelopment Tax Credit Recipients from Dubuque: Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents. Seconded by
Wethal. City Council Members commended the projects that
received the tax credits. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Updated Workforce Housing Handout: Motion by Jones to
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receive and file the documents. Seconded by Sprank. Motion
carried 7-0.
12. Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony for Dubuque County 911 Emergency
Communications Center Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and view the video. Seconded by Farber.
Communications Office staff showed a video recap of the
ribbon -cutting ceremony for the new Dubuque County Emergency
911 Communications Center, located at 7880 Chavenelle Rd.,
that was held on November 6, 2025. The video of the full
event can be viewed at
https://youtu.be/eDg1FDHj3eQ?si = 4cOctWDhU_cgJ5WK. City Council
Members acknowledged the individuals and organizations who
contributed to the new center. Motion carried 7-0.
13. Videos of Eagle Point Park Projects: Motion by Resnick
to receive and file the documents and view the videos.
Seconded by Sprank. Communications Office staff showed two
videos featuring recent improvement projects at Eagle Point
Park. The videos can be seen on the City's YouTube channel at:
https://youtu.be/InK9126tR_w?si = R9DR_EapTxOCbNOh and
https://youtu.be/5v1HIStrClk?si=gtu5ciljLRWNEHUc. City Council
Members praised Eagle Point Park and highlighted the value of
videos like these in educating the public about the vital work
of local government employees. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
City Council Members acknowledged Breitfelders birthday and
sang Happy Birthday.
Jones reported on attending a DRA board meeting, Travel
Dubuque board meeting, Field of Dreams Press Conference, a
Dubuque Forward meeting, and the recent passing of John
Liphardt.
Sprank reported on attending the DRA board meeting, Iowa
Tourism Industry meeting, the Dubuque NAACP Turkey Giveaway,
and the Holiday Train event.
Farber reported on attending a National League of Cities
(NLC) Conference, acknowledging Economic Development Director
Jill Connors for her presentation on childcare at the
conference, as well as her involvement with the ITC Technology
Committee and Al Forum.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jones to convene in closed session at 9:59 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 10:46 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 12/14
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