Proof_City Council Proceedings 01.20.26STATE 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:
01/28/2026
and for which the charge is 386.61
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public--i and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 28th day of January, 2026
pn6
Notary P blic n and for Dubuque Counly, Iowa.
a�AL s JANET K. PAPE
0 7 Commission Number 199659
• My Commission Expires
,OWN 12/11/2028
Page 49 of 1214
Ad text
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:30 p.m.
on January 20, 2026, in the second -floor Council Chambers of
the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker,
Resnick, Roussell, Sprank, Staver (attended virtually),
Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, City Attorney Brumwell.
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a special
session of the City Council called for the purpose of
conducting a closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5
and a work session on the Historic Millwork District Outdoor
Community Space.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 5:32 p.m.
to discuss Confidential Records - Chapter 21.5(1)(a) Code of
Iowa. Seconded by Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 6:01 p.m.
WORK SESSION
Historic Millwork District Outdoor Community Space
Planning Services Director Wally Wemimont, Assistant
Planner Chris Happ Olson, and Brenda Nelson, Principal at
Confluence, presented on the Historic Millwork District (HMD)
Outdoor Community Space. In response to a question about next
steps, Wernimont noted that public feedback favors Concept No.
1 for the planned community space. This concept will be
presented as an action item to the City Council within the
next month. Van Milligen clarified that the action item will
include all the proposed concepts with the council voting on
their preferred choice. Wernimont also confirmed that staff
from the adjacent Alamo Building have been actively engaged in
the process. Due to time constraints, Mayor Cavanagh requested
that any remaining questions be emailed to the City Manager
and emphasized that the council will have additional time to
discuss the matter when it comes forward as an action item
next month.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m.
on January 20, 2026, in the second -floor Council Chambers of
the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker,
Resnick, Roussell, Sprank, Staver (attended virtually),
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. Recognize Grand River Center for 2026 EXHIBITOR Magazine
Centers of Excellence Award: Parks and Recreation Director
Page 50 of 1214
Matthew Kalcevich recognized the Grand River Center and Oak
View Group (OVG 360) staff for their recent Special Award in
EXHIBITOR Magazines 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards. Grand
River Center and Five Flags Civic Center General Manager Ryan
Bonifas also offered remarks regarding the recognition.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt
the resolutions, and dispose of as indicated. Seconded by
Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: 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. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Peter Dotterweich for vehicle
damage; Richard Herrig for vehicle damage; Alyson Nelson for
vehicle damage; Ryan Scherrman for property damage; Daniel
Schleter 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: Steven Palmer for property damage; Ryan Scherrman for
property 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. 11-26 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. Resolution Approving a First Amendment to Development
Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Hitzler
Rental, LLC for the Redevelopment of 2541 Central Avenue: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 12-26 Approving The First Amendment To Development
Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Hitzler
Rental, LLC was adopted.
6. Iowa Department of Transportation HMA Sealing Project:
Correspondence from Jesse Tibodeau, District Engineer with the
Iowa Department of Transportation, notifying the City Council
of HMA joint and crack sealing on US-61 from Dubuque Airport
to Lake Eleanor Road. Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
7. Request for City Council Ratification of the First
Amendment to the International Union of Operating Engineers
(IUOE), Local #234 July 1, 2024 CBA: Upon motion the documents
were received, filed, and approved.
8. Request for City Council Ratification of the Second
Amendment to the Dubuque Professional Firefighters Association
(DPFA) July 1, 2024 CBA (Specifically, FLSA OT at 204 Hours, a
five (5) year CBA Duration, Wage Re- opener in Years 4 and 5
of the CBA): Upon motion the documents were received, filed,
and approved.
9. Acceptance of Grants of Permanent Easement for Storm
Sewer Utility across parts of Lots 11 and 12 in Block 3 in
Birch Acres, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa from James F.
Page 51 of 1214
Breitbach and Kelly K. Breitbach, and from Benjamin T. Graham
and Cindy J. Graham: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed, and Resolution No. 13-26 Accepting A Grants Of
Permanent Easement For Storm Sewer Utility Through, Under And
Across Parts Of Lots 11 And 12 In Block 3 In Birch Acres, In
The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
10. City Council Contact Information and Ward Map Flyer:
City Manager provided a copy of the City Council Contact
Information and Ward Map Flyer, which is being mailed with
City utility bills from January 13 through February 3, 2026.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
11. Winter Reminders Flyer: City Manager provided a copy of
the Winter Reminders Flyer, which is being mailed with City
utility bills from January 13 through February 3, 2026. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed.
12. Signed Contracts: A&G Electric for FY26 Electrical
Installation and Repair Service Contract; CrossFit Dubuque for
Physical Training For The New Hire Academy; Department of the
Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District and Union at the
Marina for Flowage Easement Disposal; Elevated Landwrx for
City Property Maintenance of Tree Clearing, Brush Mowing, and
Site Restoration Work; Leadership Shapers PTY Limited for the
Complete Mentoring Program Facilitator Pack; Modus Engineering
for the Eagle Point WTP Boiler Replacement Project - Study
Phase; Neiland Refrigeration for the Grand River Center
Walk -In Cooler Compressor Replacement; Northwest Mechanical,
Inc for Boiler Replacement at 950 Elm Street Intermodal
Facility; Oak View Group for hosting the City of Dubuque
Recognition Day at the Grand River Center; Racom Corporation
for 5th Street Ramp Camera Replacement; The Painter Lady, LLC
to Paint walls in Room 208B and Base Cabinet Faces in Room
208; ViDL Solutions for Amendment #3 to organizational
cultural work; Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa for
the Administrative Services Agreement. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed.
13. Improvement Contracts with Performance, Payment, and
Maintenance Bonds: Offset Construction LLC for the Rockwood
Court Storm and Sanitary Sewer Repairs. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. Request for Qualifications for a fundraising campaign
consultant for restoration at Eagle Point Park: City Manager
recommended City Council approval to distribute the enclosed
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with the purpose of engaging
a fundraising consultant for the restoration of the Alfred
Caldwell -designed buildings at Eagle Point Park, a
collaboration under the Parks and Recreation and Planning
Services Departments. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
15. Tanglewood Court Storm Sewer Extension Project: Award
Public Improvement Contract: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 14-26 Awarding Public
Improvement Contract For The Tanglewood Court Storm Sewer
Extension Project was adopted.
16. Civil Service Commission - Certified Lists for Fire and
Police Promotional Positions: Civil Service Commission
submitted the recertified list for the positions of Fire
Lieutenant, Division/Bureau Chief, Assistant Fire Marshall,
EMS Supervisor, and Fire Captain. The Fire Equipment Operator
segment of the Fire Promotionals List was previously
exhausted. Therefore, a new list of qualified Fire Equipment
Page 52 of 1214
Operator candidates has been certified. Additionally, the
commission is submitting the certified lists for the positions
of Police Lieutenant, Police Corporal, Police Captain, and
Assistant Chief of Police. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and made a Matter of Record.
17. Request to Apply for an Environmental Protection Agency
Community -wide Assessment Grant in the Amount of $500,000:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 15-26 Authorizing The Filing Of A Grant
Application With The Environmental Protection Agency To Assist
With Funding Community -Wide Brownfield Assessments was
adopted.
18. Tobacco Acknowledgement/Settlement Agreement between the
City of Dubuque and Pink Cloud at 4835 Asbury Rd.: Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and approved.
19. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 16-26
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.
20. 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. 17-26 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 Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
1. 7800 Chavenelle Building Remodel Project: Initiate Public
Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution
No. 18-26 7800 Chavenelle Building Remodel 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 February 2, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Setting a Public Hearing to Approve First Amendment to
the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City of
Dubuque and Bunge USA Grain, LLC: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed and Resolution No. 19-26 Setting A
Public Hearing To Consider The First Amendment To The Amended
And Restated Lease Agreement By And Between The City Of
Dubuque And Bunge 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 February 2, 2026 in the
Historic Federal Building.
3. Resolution of Necessity for the Proposed Amended and
Restated Urban Renewal Plan for the Greater Downtown Urban
Renewal Area, Version 2026.1: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 20-26 Authorizing And
Directing The City Manager To Prepare An Amended And Restated
Urban Renewal Plan, Version 2026.1, For The Greater Downtown
Urban Renewal Area And Setting The Date For A Public Hearing
Page 53 of 1214
And Consultation On The Proposed Amended And Restated Urban
Renewal Plan, Version 2026. 1, For Said Area was adopted
setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30
p.m. on February 16, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
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. Civil Service Commission: Iowa Code ?400.1 requires
publication of the name(s) of person(s) selected for
appointment by the mayor to the Civil Service Commission no
less than thirty (30) days prior to a vote by the city
council. Mayoral selection of appointments to occur at the
February 2, 2026, city council meeting with the vote on
appointments to occur at the March 16, 2026, city council
meeting. One, 4-Year Term through April 6, 2030 (Expiring term
of Crabill). Applicants: Randall Ludowitz, 867 Barbaralee Dr.;
Colleen McKenna, 1360 Mount Pleasant St.; Brian Neises, 1841
Phyllrich Dr.; Tom Parker, 2743 Mineral St.; Darcy VanOstrand,
1222 Lincoln Ave. Neises and Parker spoke in support of their
applications. Breitfelder noted that Ludowitz and Mckenna
submitted written input in support of their applications.
2. Community Development Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year
Term through February 15, 2029 (Expiring Low to Moderate
Income Area Representative term of Brown). Applicant: Talma
Brown, 2004 Windsor Ave. Breitfelder noted that Brown
submitted written input in support of the application.
3. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term
through July 1, 2028 (Vacant term of Conrad). Applicant:
Rebecca Bruce, 7926 N. Westbrook Dr. Breitfelder noted that
Bruce submitted input in support of the application.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Grand Harbor Hotel - Assignment of Development Agreement:
Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 21-26 Approving The 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. Seconded by
Wethal. David Westergaard, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of
Riddle's Group, Inc., the company that acquired the property,
spoke virtually about the companys vision, which includes
branding the property as a Radisson Hotel. Brumwell confirmed
that the Development Agreement remains unchanged; the original
terms are simply being assigned to the new developer. Brumwell
also noted that both the development agreement and lease
include language addressing maintenance and upkeep
responsibilities. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Grand Harbor Hotel - Assignment of Lease Agreement:
Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 22-26 Approving The Assignment Of The Lease
Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Westdale Capital
Investors 3, LP As Successor In Interest To Platinum Holding
LLC To RG Hospitality, LLC. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried
7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Breitfelder noted that written input was received regarding
Action Item No. 1 from Mike Wright, 385 Burch St.; Ric Jones,
1270 Dunleith Ct.; and S.A. Sutton, 1700 N. Algona.
ACTION ITEMS
Page 54 of 1214
1. Request for New Ordinance - Medians 9-8-321.330: Motion
by Roussell 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.
Police Chief Jeremy Jensen and Brumwell made a presentation.
In response to questions, Jensen explained that the ordinance
intentionally does not list specific locations; instead, it
refers to them in general terms, with the exact locations
documented separately outside of the ordinance, since they may
change over time. City Council members emphasized that the
ordinance does not prohibit panhandling and is intended to
address safety concerns rather than impose fines. Brumwell
noted that city staff have discretion when issuing municipal
infractions, which may include no fine or a minimal fine,
tailored to the circumstances. When asked about citations
under the Citys camping ordinance, Captain Steve Radloff, head
of the Community Policing Division, reported that no citations
have been issued to date, with most interactions resulting in
referrals to community resources. Regarding the Citys role in
coordinating services for those in need, Assistant City
Manager Cori Burbach highlighted efforts such as expanding
affordable housing options and funding initiatives like the
Community Solutions of Eastern Iowa (CSEI) hotline. Motion
carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 1-26 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances
Title 9 Motor Vehicles And Traffic, Chapter 8 Pedestrians
Rights And Duties And Adopting A New Section 321.330
Pedestrian Safety; Use Of Certain Medians Prohibited. Seconded
by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. 2026 Federal Legislative Priorities: Motion by Sprank to
receive and file the documents and approve the 2026 Federal
Legislative Priorities. Seconded by Wethal. City Council
members noted that not all initiatives can be included in the
federal priorities, even though significant work is being done
on items outside those priorities. The listed priorities
primarily reflect the Councils established goals and
objectives. Motion carried 7-0.
3. New Ladder Truck - Static Display: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and schedule the Fire
Departments display of the new 2025 E-One Cyclone ladder truck
before the February 2, 2026, City Council meeting starting at
5:30 p.m. in front of the Historic Federal Building on 6th
Street. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Work Session Request: Travel Dubuque Annual Update:
Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and
schedule the work session for February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Seconded by Roussell. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Work Session Request: City Budget Resources and Online
Transparency Tools: Motion by Wethal to receive and file the
documents and schedule the work session for March 2, 2026, at
5:15 p.m. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Wethal reported on her recent tutorial and tour of the
landfill as part of her orientation after joining the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Board.
Sprank reported on attending the ribbon cutting for the Key
Hotel and the Table Mound Neighborhood Associations plans to
travel to the state capital.
Page 55 of 1214
Roussell reported on attending the Key Hotel ribbon cutting
and meeting with the new CEO of the Dubuque Regional Humane
Society.
Leyendecker reported on continuing his city department
orientations, attending his first meeting as a board member
for Dubuque Initiatives, and meeting with Table Mound.
Cavanagh reported on attending the Key hotel ribbon cutting
and attending the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerces young
professionals local leaders day, legislative kickoff, and
forecast luncheon. He also reported on meetings with
Presentation Lantern Center and Building Bridges.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 7:38 p.m.
to discuss Purchase or Sale of Real Estate Chapter 21.5(1)(j)
Code of Iowa. Seconded by Leyendecker. 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 9:35 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 1/28
Page 56 of 1214