Minutes_City Council Proceedings 02.16.26City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
March 2, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of February 16, 2026; Airport
Commission of December 2, 2025; Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission of December 16, 2025; Cable TV
Commission of December 17, 2025; Civil Service
Commission of January 14 and February 11, 2026; Historic
Preservation Commission of January 15, 2026; Human
Rights Commission of January 13, 2026; Library Board of
Trustees Minutes and Update of December 18, 2025 and
Update of and January 22, 2026; Parks and Recreation
Commission of Janaury 21, 2026.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2 16 26 City Council Minutes
2. 26 01 14 Civil Service Minutes
3. 26 02 11 Civil Service Minutes
4. Library Board Council_Update_12-18
5. Library Board Council_Update_01-22
6. Historic Preservation Commission 01-15-26
7. January 13, 2026 Human Rights Commission Minutes
8. Parks and Recreation Minutes 1.21.26
9. Airport Commission Minutes of December 2 2025
10. Cable TV Commission Meeting Minutes
11. Arts Commission Minutes 12.16.25
12. Library Board of Trustees December Meeting Minutes
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. on February 16, 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 (attended
virtually), Staver, 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 work session on Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.
WORK SESSION
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Quarterly Update
President and CEO Jason White presented a quarterly update on Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation (GDDC), addressed questions about the differences between GDDC and the Dubuque
Area Chamber of Commerce, and confirmed that the questionnaire GDDC uses with area businesses
can be shared with Council.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at
6:26 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
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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 February 16, 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 (attended
virtually), 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
PRESENTATIONS
1. 2025 AACE Rising Star Award Recognition: Housing and Community Development Director
Maddy Haverland and Deputy Code Official Ben Pothoff recognized Housing Inspector Lucas Gonyier
for receiving the 2025 Rising Star Award from the American Association of Code Enforcement
(RACE).
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of as
indicated. Seconded by Wethal. During the vote, Staver asked if items could be pulled for discussion.
Brumwell clarified that once a motion and second have been made, the vote must proceed. She also
outlined the process for pulling consent items, noting that the public is given the first opportunity to
pull items, followed by the City Council, prior to a motion and vote occurring. Motion carried 6-1 with
Staver voting nay.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council Proceedings of February 2 and 9, 2026; Resilient
Community Advisory Commission of October 30 and December 4, 2025; Zoning Advisory
Commission of December 3, 2025; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of January 20,
2026; Proof of Publication for Expenditure Reports submitted at the January 20, 2026 City Council
meeting. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Thomas Davis for property damage; Joselma Fautsch for vehicle
damage; Deon Lawrence for vehicle damage; Kim Schmelzer 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: Joselma
Fautsch for vehicle damage; Selena Fischer for vehicle damage; Kim Schmelzer 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. 35-26 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.
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5. Final Plat of Genesis Subdivision: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 36-26 Approving The Final Plat Of Genesis Subdivision, Dubuque County, Iowa was
adopted.
6. Plat of Survey of Adair Place: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 37-26 Approving The Plat Of Survey Of Adair Place, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa
was adopted.
7. Final Plat of Hirsch Place 2nd Addition: Upon motion the documents were received and filed,
and Resolution No. 38-26 Approving The Final Plat Of Hirsch Place 2nd Addition, Dubuque County,
Iowa was adopted.
8. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report for
2024 and HPC Annual Work Plan for 2025: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
9. 2024 Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project - Canceling the Public Improvement Contract: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 39-26 Rescinding Resolution No.
137-24 Which Awarded The Public Improvement Contract For The 2024 Catherine Street Storm
Sewer Project To Temperley Excavating Co. Cancelling The Project And Contract was adopted.
10. Iowa Department of Transportation Five -Year (2026-2031) 28E Agreement Maintenance and
Repair of Primary Roads in Municipalities: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
11. Temporary Agreement Between the City of Dubuque and ITC Midwest, LLC to Operate an
Electric Transmission System in the City of Dubuque: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed, and Resolution No. 40-26 Approving An Agreement Between The City Of Dubuque And ITC
Midwest, LLC To Operate An Electric Transmission System In The City Of Dubuque was adopted.
12. Accepting the Deed to Certain Real Estate in Dubuque County, Iowa from Merge, LLC: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 41-26 Accepting The Deed To
Certain Real Estate In Dubuque County, Iowa From Merge, LLC was adopted.
13. Signed Contracts: Access Systems for printer installation, repair and/or parts; All Star
Environmental LLC for Asbestos Services 6505 Pennsylvania Ave.; Automation Technical Services to
Provide Materials, Inspection, and/or Repairs; Dubuque Fire Equipment for Annual Equipment
Inspections; Dubuque Plumbing & Heating Co. for the City Hall Annex — Misc Plumbing
Improvements; Heiar Fencing Inc. for Install Fence And Railing For Purposes of Safety; Hoyne Power
& Landscaping Co. for Trucking and Construction Services; J&R Supply Co, Inc for providing access
point ring and lids for maintenance projects and asphalt overlay project; Kafer Lawn Care LLC for
Snow and Ice Control Silver Oaks Dr.; State of Iowa for the Fiscal Year 2022 State and Local
Cybersecurity Grant Program; Top Grade Excavating, Inc for the Pennsylvania Culvert Undermine
Repair; Tri-City Electric Company to Provide & Install Technology Equipment in Classroom at Fire
Headquarters; Valentine Construction Co for Julien Dubuque Bridge Sidewalk Snow & Ice Control.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
14. Wildhorse Productions LLC Pyrotechnics Permit: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of a pyrotechnic permit to Wildhorse Productions LLC for an upcoming show at the Five
Flags Center on Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21 st, 2026. Upon motion the
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documents were received, filed, and approved.
15. Civil Service Recertified List - Police Captain: Civil Service Commission submitted the
recertified list for the position of Police Captain due to an inadvertent omission of a candidate's name
from the previously certified list. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and made a Matter
of Record.
16. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 42-26 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.
17. 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. 43-26 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. 2026 Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project: Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for
a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 44-26
2026 Catherine Street Storm Sewer 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 March 2, 2026 in the Historic Federal
Building.
2. 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project Bid Package 1 -
Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed and Resolution No. 45-26 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program
Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 1: 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 March 2, 2026 in the Historic Federal
Building.
3. 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project Bid Package 2 -
Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed and Resolution No. 46-26 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program
Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 2: 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 March 2, 2026 in the Historic Federal
Building.
4. Setting a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Public Housing Authority Annual Plan for Federal
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Fiscal Year 2026: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 47-26
Setting A Public Hearing To Review And Approve The Public Housing Authority Federal Fiscal Year
2026 Annual Plan was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on
April 6, 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. Human Rights Commission: Two, 3-Year terms through January 1, 2029 (Vacant terms of
Kurczek and Zanger). Applicants: Courtney Engevold, 2756 Jackson St.; Juan Montogomery, 36 West
4th St.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Request to Rezone 1090 Radford Road: 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
Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 5-26 Amending Title 16
Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying
Hereinafter Described Property Located At 1090 Radford Road From CS Commercial Service And
Wholesale District To AG Agriculture District. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Request to Rezone Rustic Point #2: 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 Sprank.
Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont made a presentation. Developer Brian Riniker, 2300
Stone Brook Lane, Eldridge, IA, shared that the city is currently experiencing a shortage of R-2 lots.
City Council members discussed feedback from some neighbors who believed the lots would remain
R-1 and expressed sympathy for their concerns, while others emphasized the demand for R-2 zoning.
In response to questions, Riniker explained that he sells lots directly to builders, so it's possible a
builder or realtor told neighbors the lots would be R-1. Wernimont addressed questions regarding the
dissenting vote from the Zoning Advisory Commission (ZAC), stating the commissioner was
concerned that neighbors were told the lots would remain R-1 and about the potential for increased
density. Wernimont also noted the existing housing demand and shared that the Unified Development
Code (UDC) update is reviewing zoning types. Motion failed 5-2 with Leyendecker and Staver voting
nay.
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the communications and approve first reading of an
ordinance Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development
Code, By Reclassifying Hereinafter Described Property Located Along Wagon Wheel Lane And
Rustic Point Lane Within The Rustic Point Estates Subdivision From R-1 Single -Family Residential To
R-2 Two- Family Residential Zoning District. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 5-2 with
Leyendecker and Staver voting nay.
3. Planned Unit Development Amendment - 555 John F. Kennedy Road: 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. Wernimont made a presentation. Justin Somerville, of Cafaro
Company, 5577 Youngstown Warren Rd, Niles, OH, spoke about the recent momentum at the John
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F. Kennedy (JFK) mall. Wernimont, Somerville, and Traffic Engineer Justine Hull addressed
questions regarding access points and loading docks for the planned amenities, ADA accessibility,
and the reviews by the Development Review Team (DRT) and the ZAC for this amendment and the
additional amenities. Motion carried 6-1 with Staver voting nay.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 7-26 Amending Title 16,
The Unified Development Code Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances By Rescinding
Ordinance 19-24 Which Provides Regulations For A PUD Planned Unit Development District With A
PC Planned Commercial Designation At 555 John F Kennedy Road And Adopting An Amended PUD
Ordinance To Amend The Conceptual Development Plan And Signage Regulations. Seconded by
Wethal. Motion carried 6-1 with Staver voting nay.
4. Resolution Approving the Amended and Restated Urban Renewal Plan for the Greater
Downtown Urban Renewal Area Version 2026.1: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 48-26 Approving The Amended And Restated Urban Renewal
Plan For The Greater Downtown Urban Renewal Area, Version 2026.1. Seconded by Wethal. Motion
carried 7-0.
5. Resolution Approving a Collateral Assignment of Development Agreement by and between the
City of Dubuque, Iowa and Hitzler Rental, LLC to Bellevue State Bank: Motion by Sprank to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 49-26 Approving A Collateral Assignment Of
Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Hitzler Rental, LLC To
Bellevue State Bank For Property At 2541 Central. Seconded by Wethal. Brumwell and Economic
Development Director Jill Connors addressed questions about the purpose of the collateral
assignment, explaining that it provides the developer with upfront cash. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Levi & Sullivan Storm Sewer Extension Project Public Hearing: Motion by Wethal to receive and
file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 50-26 Levi & Sullivan Storm Sewer Extension Project:
Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Resnick. City
Engineer Gus Psihoyos responded to questions about sump pump discharges and the budget
planning for this project. Motion carried 7-0.
01311[02IN01111
Colleen McKenna, 1360 Mt. Pleasant St.; and Jared McGovern, 12451 Oak Brook PI., spoke in
support of Action Item No. 1. John Schroeder, 889 Cottage PI., also spoke on Action Item No. 1,
offering input on specific areas that should receive greater emphasis in the plan.
Tim Moothart, 3650 Seville Dr.; Sister Richelle Friedman, 1006 Boyer St.; and Sister Kathleen
Grace, 3390 Windsor Ave., spoke as members of Building Bridges Dubuque, providing a list of bills
introduced by the state legislature related to immigration.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Request for Approval and Adoption of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan:
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and approve the Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Master Plan and to allocate $50,000 towards a study of the existing aquatic facilities.
Seconded by Wethal. Parks and Recreation Director Matt Kalcevich and Marissa Pellegrini of Kimley-
Horn presented the plan. In response to questions about the previous aquatics facility study,
Pellegrini and Kalcevich confirmed that the study was completed in 2016 and focused on existing
conditions rather than future planning, though its information remains valuable for upcoming research.
Recreation Manager Dan Kroeger added that the study was primarily a physical assessment of the
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two pools, emphasizing structural conditions rather than community engagement. It was noted that a
new aquatic facilities study could take up to six months. City Council members commended the plan
as a strong starting point for guiding future decisions on parks and highlighted the community's desire
for these amenities. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Presentation on Impact of Proposed Iowa Property Tax Bills: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and hear the presentation. Seconded by Wethal. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer
Larson made a presentation on the impact of the proposed Iowa property tax bills, which include
Senate Study Bill 3001, the Governor's bill Senate Study Bill 3004, and House Study Bill 596. Motion
carried 7-0.
3. Central Avenue and White Street Corridor Phase 1 - Parking Mitigation Strategy (14th - 22nd
Street) - Approve Professional Consultant Services Agreement: Motion by Sprank to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 51-26 Approving Professional Services Consultant
Agreement With Bolton & Menk, Inc. To Complete The Phase 1 - Parking Mitigation Strategy For The
Central Avenue And White Street Corridor. Seconded by Wethal. Hull addressed questions about the
number of project phases, the budgeted amount, and the parking locations slated for removal as part
of the corridor revitalization. Van Milligen reiterated the council's previous direction to staff to assess
parking needs in the area. City Council members emphasized the importance of parking for local
businesses and discussed perspectives on hiring additional staff to replace the work of consultants.
Van Milligen outlined recent staffing additions, and Psihoyos confirmed recent hires in the
Engineering Department. Motion carried 5-2 with Leyendecker and Staver voting nay.
4. Open Container Ordinances: 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. Motion
carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 8-26 Amending City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 9 Motor Vehicles And Traffic Chapter 7 Operation Division 4
Criminal Offenses, Section 9- 7-321.284: Open Containers In Motor Vehicles; Drivers And Section 9-
7-321.284A: Open Containers In Motor Vehicles; Passengers. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-
0.
5. Off -Premises Sign Regulations Moratorium Extension: Motion by Resnick 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 summarized the reason for the moratorium and shared that no
concerns have been shared by the billboard industry regarding it. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Resnick for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 9-26 Amending City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 14 Building And Development, Chapter 2 Building Construction,
Demolition And Moving, Section 14-2-4 Moratorium For Construction Or Other Work On Certain
Streets, Areas, Or Facilities By Extending The Off -Premises Sign Moratorium Effective Date To July
1, 2026. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Tax Increment Ordinance for the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District: 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. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 10-26 Amending
Ordinance No. 53-24, As Amended, Providing That General Property Taxes Levied And Collected
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Each Year On All Property Located Within The Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District 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 Urban Renewal Plan For The Greater Downtown Urban
Renewal District, By Adding The Old Mercy Subarea To The Division Of Revenues. Seconded by
Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Work Session Request: Dubuque Main Street: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents and schedule the work session for March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Seconded by Wethal.
Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Leyendecker reported on continuing his department orientations.
Wethal reported on attending an Early Childhood Iowa Division 7 gathering.
Resnick reported on meeting with the CEO of the Dubuque Regional Humane Society.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 10:44 p.m. to discuss Confidential Records,
Pending Litigation and Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(a),(c),(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 11:55 p.m. stating that staff had been given
proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 11.55 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC
City Clerk
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