Proof_City Council Proceedings 01.05.26Copyrighted
February 2, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of January 20, 2026; Civil Service
Commission of August 13 and October 8, 2025; Community
Development Advisory Commission of November 19, 2025;
Historic Preservation Commission of December 18, 2025;
Housing Commission of July 22, 2025; Human Rights
Commission of December 9, 2025; Park and Recreation
Commission of November 18 and December 10, 2025;
Zoning Board of Adjustment of December 18, 2025; Proof of
Publication on City Council Proceedings of January 5, 2026;
Proof of Publication For Expenditure Reports presented at
the January 5, 2026 City Council meeting.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 1 20 26 City Council Minutes
2. Civil Service Minutes 8/13/25
3. Civil Service Minutes 10/8/25
4. Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes
5. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
6. Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
7. Human Rights Commission Minutes
8. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes —November
9. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes —December
10. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
11. Proof —City Council Proceedings 1.5.26
12. Proof Expenditure Reports from 1.5.26 Meeting
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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:
01/14/2026
and for which the charge is 254.62
u �
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Pu is in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 14th day of January, 2026
L
Notary P b c in and for Dubuque ounty, Iowa.
=kALJ�ANET K. PAPEion Numher i99659mmission Expires
12/11 /202B
Page 76 of 865
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 January 5, 2026, in the second -floor Council Chambers of
the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker,
Resnick, Roussel], 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 Tem David
Resnick were sworn in.
PROCLAMATIONS
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 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.
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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 for
the 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 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
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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
Page 79 of 865
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 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 of Dubuque, Iowao the andGreater
Agreement by and Between the City q
Fund for the Redevelopment of 1550
Dubuque Impact Investment
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 Board:Jones); Wethal (replacing
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency
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 receiveandfile the
documents and approve the changes made to appointments.
ppo
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 previousli 2026,
scheduled work session from January 20 to February
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 Citys 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. Page 80 of 865
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 Spranks involvement.
In response to Stavers 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, CMC
City Clerk
It 1/14
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