Minutes_City Council Proceedings 01.05.26City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS
#1.
Copyrighted
January 20, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of January 5, 2026; Airport
Commission of October 28, 2025; Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission of September 30, October 28, and
November 18, 2025; Library Board of Trustees of August 28,
September 25, and November 20, 2025; Proof of Publication
for City Council Proceedings of December 15, 2025; Proof of
Publication for Expenditure Reports presented at the
December 15, 2025 City Council meeting.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 1 5 26 City Council Minutes
2. Airport Commission Minutes of October 28 2025
3. Arts Commission Minutes October
4. Arts Commission Minutes September
5. Arts Commission Minutes November
6. August-28—Library Board Minutes
7. September —Library Board Minutes
8. November-20—Library Board Minutes
9. City Council Proceedings of December 15, 2025
10. Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, in the second -
floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6t" Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker, Resnick, Roussell, Sprank, Staver,
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
SWEARING -IN
1. Swearing -In of Elected Officials and Mayor Pro Tem: Mayor -Elect Brad Cavanagh, Council
Members -Elect Chris Staver, Tyson Leyendecker, and Danny Sprank, and Mayor Pro Tern David
Resnick were sworn in.
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1. Human Trafficking and Modern -Day Slavery Prevention Month (January 2026) was accepted by
Mary Lechtenberg on behalf of the Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of as
indicated. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: 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. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Joseph Mayefski for vehicle damage; William Odefy for property
damage; Steven Palmer for property damage. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
referred to the City Attorney.
3. Disposition of Claims: City Attorney advised that the following claims have been referred to Public
Entity Risk Services of Iowa, the agent for the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool: Christian Heim for
vehicle damage; Randy Johnson for vehicle damage; Joseph Mayefski for vehicle damage; William
Odefy for property damage; Lindsey Williams 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. 1-26 Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to make certain payments of
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bills that must be paid and approved for payment in accordance with City procedures was adopted.
5. Acceptance of Public Improvements in Vintage Estates Subdivision: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed, and Resolution No. 2-26 Accepting Public Improvements In Vintage Estates In
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
6. Request of Approval CY2026 Civil Service Alternative Process for Police and Fire Hiring: City
Manager recommended City Council adopt the change to forego the Civil Service Approval process as
allowed under Iowa Code 400.12A and again authorize the creation of a police officer hiring eligibility
list of up to 40 police officer candidates and a firefighter eligibility list of up to 40 firefighter candidates
which is outside the Civil Service Commission approval. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
7. Signed Contracts: Axon for the Prepared Assist Communications Service; Cintas for Uniform
Product Rental and Workplace Services Products; Clarke University for clinical learning experiences
for BSN Nursing Students; FEH Design forthe Five Flags Civic Center Fire Escape Inspection; Manders
Quality Concrete for Paver Installation; Racom Corporation for the 5th Street Ramp Camera
Replacement; Zephyr Aluminum Products, Inc. for the ImOn Ice Arena ADA Swing Door Actuator
Installation. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
8. Mediacom Rate Change Notification Letter: Correspondence from Ryan Young, Government
Relations Director with Mediacom, informing the City of video programming changes and rate
adjustments. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
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. Setting a Public Hearing to approve the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Lease
Agreement between the City of Dubuque and Viterra USA Grain, LLC: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed and Resolution No. 3-26 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The First
Amendment To The Amended And Restated Lease Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque
And Viterra Usa Grain, LLC 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 January 20, 2026 in the Historic Federal
Building.
2. Grand Harbor Hotel - Assignment of Development Agreement: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 4-26 Fixing The Date For A Public Hearing Of The City Council
Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On An Assignment Of The Development Agreement Between The City
Of Dubuque, Iowa And Westdale Capital Investors 3, LP As Successor In Interest To Platinum
Holdings, LLC To RG Hospitality, LLC, Fixing The Date For A Public Hearing Of The City Council Of
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On The Proposed Assignment Of The Development Agreement, 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 January 20, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
3. Grand Harbor Hotel - Assignment of Lease Agreement: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed and Resolution No. 5-26 Fixing The Date For A Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City
Of Dubuque, Iowa On An Assignment Of The Lease Agreement Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa
And Westdale Capital Investors 3, LP As Successor In Interest To Platinum Holdings, LLC To RG
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Hospitality, LLC, Fixing The Date For A Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa On The Proposed Assignment Of The Lease Agreement, 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 January
20, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Tanglewood Court Storm Sewer Extension Project Public Hearing: Motion by Resnick to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 6-26 Tanglewood Court Storm Sewer Extension
Project: Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by
Sprank. In response to questions, Van Milligen and City Engineer Gus Psihoyos confirmed that the
project is fully budgeted. Psihoyos noted that the storm sewer issue was identified several years ago
and temporarily stabilized, and this project will provide a permanent solution. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Disposal of City Owned Property North of Cedar Crest Court: Motion by Wethal to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 7-26 Disposing Of An Interest In City Of Dubuque Real Estate
Located North Of Cedar Crest Court Pursuant To Agreements Between The City Of Dubuque And JJR
Investments, LLC And Between The City Of Dubuque And BNZ Properties, LLC. Seconded by Roussell.
In response to a question, Brumwell explained that a quit claim deed transfers the property as -is and
without any warranty. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Resolution Approving a Development Agreement by and Between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and
GT Novelty Condos, LLC, Including the Issuance of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue
Obligations: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 8-26
Approving A Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Gt Novelty
Condos, LLC, Including The Proposed Issuance Of Urban Renewal Tax Increment Revenue
Obligations. Seconded by Wethal. Karl Stieglitz, 533 Lowell St., spoke in opposition to using Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) for the project. Rick Dickinson, President and CEO of Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation (GDDC), 205 Hill St., spoke in support of the project. Developer Tom Kelzer,
9565 Royal Wood Dr., emphasized the need for housing and the importance of TIF support. Breitfelder
stated that written input was received from Paul Kern, 74 S. Grandview Ave., and Luis Del Toro, 901
Gilliam St. In response to questions, Economic Development Director Jill Connors summarized the
Housing Creation Grant Program and TIF. Van Milligen clarified that developers cannot collect rebated
tax increases on levies passed by referendum, such as those from the Dubuque Community School
District and Northeast Iowa Community College. Van Milligen also stated that incentive programs were
created in public meetings and, while consistent, are adaptable based on new information. Kelzer
addressed questions on condominium financing, noting many buyers are expected to pay in cash after
selling their current homes to downsize. Council members expressed support for the project, citing the
need for additional condominium housing in the community. They noted that the developer met all
requirements for city incentives and that broader housing incentive policy concerns were outside the
scope of this discussion. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Resolution Approving a Subordination Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa,
Masterpiece Properties, LLC, and Mound City Bank: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 9-26 Approving A Subordination Agreement By And Among The
City Of Dubuque, Iowa, Masterpiece Properties, LLC, And Mound City Bank For Interest In City
Properties Located At 675 W 3rd Street And 677 W 3rd Street. Seconded by Wethal. Brumwell
confirmed that state law requires a public hearing to approve subordination agreements. Van Milligen
and Brumwell acknowledged that while subordinating a loan carries some risk, they are not aware of
any instances where the city has incurred a loss as a result. They also noted that the city retains the
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option to buy out the primary lender if necessary. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Incoming President and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC) Jason White
shared his excitement about working with the City Council in his new role.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Approving the First Amendment to the Development Agreement by and Between the City of
Dubuque, Iowa and Greater Dubuque Impact Investment Fund for the Redevelopment of 1550 Elm
Street: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 10-26 Approving
The First Amendment To The Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And
Greater Dubuque Impact Investment Fund. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Annual Review of Mayor and City Council Board and Committee Appointments: Motion by Roussell
to receive and file the documents and refer to the City Council for discussion. Seconded by Resnick.
During the discussion of board and committee assignments, the City Council identified the following
changes to appointments: Dubuque Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau - Travel Dubuque Board of
Directors: Staver (replacing former Council Member Ric Jones); Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid
Waste Agency Board: Wethal (replacing Jones); Dubuque Racing Association Board of Directors:
Staver (replacing Jones); Dubuque Initiatives: Leyendecker (replacing former Council Member Susan
Farber); and Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - Travel Dubuque Sister City Committee:
Leyendecker (replacing former Council Member Farber). Motion amended by Roussell to receive and
file the documents and approve the changes made to appointments. Seconded by Resnick. Motion
carried 7-0.
3. Work Session Requests - Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Quarterly Updates: Motion
by Roussell to receive and file the documents and to reschedule the previously scheduled work session
from January 20 to February 16, 2026, at 6.00 p.m., and schedule additional work sessions for April
20, 2026, July 20, 2026, October 19, 2026, and January 19, 2027, at 6:00 p.m. Seconded by Resnick.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Work Session Request - Historic Millwork Outdoor Community Space Update: Motion by Sprank
to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Cavanagh welcomed new Council Members Leyendecker and Staver. He also reported on the
annual legislative dinner and the City's new Director of Strategic Partnerships, Anderson Sainci.
Roussell reported on the Bread of Life Presbyterian Church food distribution event, meeting with the
new council members, meeting the new HACAP CEO Matt Majeski, and her service as the HACAP
Board Treasurer.
Leyendecker thanked city staff for preparing the agenda and materials, and reported on his
department orientation meetings and his excitement for council service.
Staver expressed appreciation for assistance with his onboarding to the City Council and commented
on the meeting.
Wethal reported on the Dubuque Pride Family Holiday Dinner and commended Sprank's
involvement.
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In response to Staver's reflection on his first meeting, Resnick stated his intent to approach City
Council meetings with an open mind.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC
City Clerk
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