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Minutes_City Council Proceedings 03.02.26City of Dubuque City Council CONSENT ITEMS # 1. Copyrighted March 16, 2026 ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of March 2, 2026; Zoning Advisory Commission of February 4, 2026; Zoning Board of Adjustment of January 22, 2026; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of February 2, 9, and 16, 2026; Proof of Publication for City Council Expenditure Reports presented at the February 2 and 16, 2026 City Council meetings. SUGGUESTED Receive and File DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. 3 2 26 City Council Minutes 2. Proof of Publication for 2.2 Proceedings 3. Proof of Publication for 2.2 Expenditures 4. Proof of Publication for 2.9 Proceedings 5. Proof of Publication for 2.16 Proceedings 6. Proof of Publication for 2.16 Expenditures 7. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 8. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes Page 48 of 811 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL SESSION The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on March 2, 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, 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 Budget Process Resources and Online Transparency Tools. WORK SESSION Budget Process Resources and Online Transparency Tools Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jennifer Larson and Budget Manager Laura Bendorf made a presentation on City Budget Resources and Online Transparency Tools. Brumwell noted that increasing the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) rate would likely require a referendum and would confirm. Van Milligen stated that proposed state property tax reform legislation would not take effect until Fiscal Year 2028. Larson shared that questions about the online budget tools may be directed to the Finance Department and confirmed that all online budget input is reviewed by the City Manager, considered by relevant departments during budget development, and forwarded to the City Clerk for inclusion in the budget hearing record. There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m. /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC City Clerk Page 49 of 811 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR SESSION The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on March 2, 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, 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 PROCLAMATIONS 1. Irish American Heritage Month (March 2026) was accepted by Jerry Feeny and Dave Kane on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Dubuque County Divisions #1 and #2. 2. AmeriCorps Week (March 8 - 14, 2026) was accepted by Lizzie Sulla and Zoe Heiar on behalf of the City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Program and Green Iowa AmeriCorps. CONSENT ITEMS Roussell requested Item Nos. 9 and 10 be held for separate discussion. Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of as indicated, except for Item Nos. 9 and 10. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: 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 January 21, 2026. Upon motion the documents were received and filed. 2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Alizabeth Chapman for vehicle damage; Nicholas Fuller for property damage; Hendrik Van Pelt vs. City of Dubuque for Petition Pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22 for Writ of Injunction or Writ of Mandamus. 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: Alizabeth Chapman for vehicle damage; Thomas Davis for property damage; Nicholas Fuller for property damage; Deon Lawrence 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. 52-26 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. Page 50 of 811 5. First Amendments to Development Agreements Regarding Builder's Risk Insurance: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 53-26 Approving The First Amendment To Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Plastic Center, Inc. and Resolution No. 54-26 Approving The First Amendment To Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Ned Oberbroeckling were adopted. 6. First Amendment to Contracted Services Agreement — Travel Dubuque/Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 55-26 Approving The First Amendment To Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Dubuque Area Convention And Visitors Bureau (A.K.A. Travel Dubuque) was adopted. 7. Grass and weed cutting and garbage collection assessments: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 56-26 Authorizing The City To Collect Delinquent Grass And Weed Cutting And Garbage Collection Charges In Accordance With Title 6-4-3A And Title 6-8-2 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted. 8. Acceptance of Grant of Easement for Sanitary Sewer Utility across Luedtke and McElmeel Properties along Lake Eleanor Road: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 57-26 Accepting A Grants Of Sanitary Easement For Sanitary Sewer Utility Through, Under And Across Parts Of Lot 1 Of "Meta Luedtke Place" In Section 12 And Section 13, Table Mound Township, Dubuque County, Iowa And Parts Of Lot 1 Of The Subdivision Of Lot 2 Of Lot 3 Of The Southeast Quarter Of Section 12, Township 88 North, Range 2 East Of The 5th P.M. In Dubuque County, Iowa was adopted. 9. Agreements with Dubuque Museum of Art and Cottingham & Butler Day Care for the Redevelopment of the City Block bounded by Locust Street, West 8th Street, Bluff Street, and West 7th Street: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 58-26 Approving Agreements Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Dubuque Museum Of Art And The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And CBDC, LLC For Construction Of Certain Off -Site Public Improvements And Vacation And Sale Of Portions The West 7th Street And Bluff Street Right Of Way And A Portion Of The Alley Right Of Way In The Block Bounded By Locust Street, West 8th Street, Bluff Street, And West 7th Street, And Between City Lots 648 Thru 652 And City Lots 623 Thru 627, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Resnick. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos summarized the parking changes resulting from the project. Motion carried 7-0 10. Plat of Survey for Right of Way Dedication - Portions of West 8th Street, West 7th Street, Locust Street, and Bluff Street as Part of the Dubuque Museum of Art and Cottingham and Butler Daycare Projects: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 59- 26 Approving The Plat Of Survey For Right Of Way Dedication Of City Lots 623A, 623B, 648A, 648B, And Lot 1A Of Woodward Place, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Resnick. Roussell confirmed that her questions were addressed during Item No. 9's discussion. Motion carried 7-0 11. Usage Agreement with Loras College for Petrakis Field: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. 12. Letter of Support: REAP Conservation Education Grant: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. 13. Signed Contracts): Biechler Electric Inc. for Grandview Streetlights — Phase 3 Dunning St. to Southern Ave; Central Petroleum Equipment Company to Provide Inspections, Parts, and Repairs; CivicPlus Statements of Work for DocAccess and Ultimate Department Header Implementation; Dubuque Glass & Aluminum for Glass Repairs to the Port Ramp; FEH Design for the Eagle Point Page 51 of 811 WTP Third Floor Conference Room Project; Independent Contractor Agreement with Laura Merrick; Neztrop, LLC for the First Amendment to Lease Agreement; Opening Specialists Inc. for Federal Building —Council Conference Door; Origin Design Co. Amendment No. 2 to City -Wide Water Distribution System, Storage & Pumping Improvements Project; Origin Design Co. for the Municipal Service Center Roof Replacement; Pigott, Inc for Install sit/stand desk on office 3rd Floor of City Hall; SELCO Traffic Control for FY2026 Traffic Control; Weber Capital Restoration, Inc for Water/Glycol extraction, carpet drying, disinfectant, and labor; Welu Painting for Painting and Repairs. Upon motion the documents were received and filed. 14. Improvement Contracts with Performance, Payment, and Maintenance Bonds: Temperley Excavating, Inc. for the Ambassador Ct. Storm Sewer Replacement Project. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. 15. Community Support and Empowerment Grant Recommendation: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 60-26 Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Opening Doors; No. 61-26 Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens; No. 62-26 Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Centrally Rooted; and No. 63-26 Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Oh Happy Play were adopted. 16. Recommended Sculptures for 2026-27 Art on the River Rotating Public Art Exhibition: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. 17. FY26 Budget Amendment No. 2 Request, Reallocation of Sanitary Construction Funds to support Various Sanitary Sewer Fund Projects Identified as High Priority: City Manager recommended approval to reallocate sanitary sewer funding from Schmitt Island Sanitary Improvements (Project CIP # 5581500049) to the following sanitary sewer fund projects that have been identified as high priority due to prioritization of sewer system needs or to meet anticipated development schedules: $700,000 to Brunskill Rd Collector Sewer Recon (Project CIP #5581500045) and $900,000 to Greeley St Sewer Recon (Project CIP # to be determined). Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING Breitfelder noted that Item No. 5 included a presentation and discussion, so the City Council would vote on the first four items together and then take a separate vote on Item No. 5. Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt the resolutions, and set the public hearings for Items No. 1 through 4 as indicated. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. 1. Setting a Public Hearing to Dispose of City Owned Property North of Cedar Crest Court in Dubuque, Iowa: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 64-26 Intent To Dispose Of An Interest In City Of Dubuque Real Estate Located North Of Cedar Crest Court Pursuant To An Agreement Between The City Of Dubuque And Jeremy L. And Andrea E. Biedermann was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on March 16, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 2. 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 3 - Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 65-26 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 3: 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 Page 52 of 811 public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on March 16, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 3. Setting a Public Hearing - Ham House Lease Third Amendment: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 66-26 Fixing The Date For A Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa On The Third Amendment To The Lease Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And Dubuque County Historical Society 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 March 16, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 4. Setting a Public Hearing for The Jule's Iowa Department of Transportation's Consolidated Funding Application: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 67-26 Setting The Date For A Public Hearing On Iowa DOT Consolidated Funding Application 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. 5. Set Public Hearing for Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Rate and Dollars and Taxpayer Statements: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt Resolution No. 68-26 Setting A Public Hearing On The Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Rate And Dollars And Taxpayer Statements, and set the public hearing for March 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Seconded by Wethal. Van Milligen made a presentation. City Council Members discussed the state -mandated format and mailing requirements for taxpayer statements and shared views on the appropriate tax rate, debating whether to adopt the recommended rate or reduce it. Brumwell confirmed the rate may still be lowered after the set for public hearing but cannot be raised. Larson noted the maximum rate the Council could set is a tax rate of $14.22543, or $44.7 million. Van Milligen clarified that Dubuque County mails the taxpayer statements, but the State determines the required format. When asked whether the motion should include the maximum rate, Brumwell explained that the resolution itself does not list the rate and recommended amending the motion to direct the CFO to publish the required public hearing notice, which reflects the recommended rate of $31,941,065 (tax rate of 10.0637). Roussell moved, and Wethal seconded, to amend the motion accordingly. The amendment passed 5-2 with Leyendecker and Resnick voting nay. The amended main motion then passed 5-2, with Leyendecker and Resnick voting nay. 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. Housing Commission: One, 3-Year term through August 17, 2028 (Vacant term of Dickens). Applicant: Wyatt Pierce, 696 University Ave. 2. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2028 (Vacant term of Davis). Applicant: Parker Scott, 2455 Woodlawn St. 3. Zoning Board of Adjustment: One, 5-Year term through March 25, 2031 (Expiring term of Loeffelholz). Applicant: Ben Loeffelholz, 3180 Keokuk Ct. Loeffelholz spoke in support of his application. Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions. 1. Human Rights Commission: Three, 3-Year terms through January 1, 2029 (Vacant terms of Kurczek, Luzelena, and Zanger). Applicants: Erin Beatty, 1631 Jackson St. (Additional Applicant); Page 53 of 811 Courtney Engevold, 2756 Jackson St.; and Juan Montogomery, 36 West 4th St. Motion by Roussell to appoint Beatty, Engevold, and Montgomery to the terms. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 2026 Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project Public Hearing: Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 69-26 2026 Catherine Street Storm Sewer Project: Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. 2. 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project — Bid Package 1 Public Hearing: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 70-26 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 1: Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Wethal. Assistant City Engineer Bob Schiesl explained that there will be four total bid packages for the project in coordination with the Public Works asphalt overlay program. Motion carried 7-0. 3. 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 2 Public Hearing: Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 71-26 2026 Public Works Asphalt Overlay Program Sidewalk Curb Ramp Project - Bid Package 2: Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Resnick. Schiesl confirmed that the section of University Ave. included in this project is in poor shape and therefore must be addressed. If the City is successful in receiving the 2026 BUILD Capital Grant for the East- West Corridor Capacity Improvements Project, it will be several years before construction occurs. Motion carried 7-0. PUBLIC INPUT Clark Schloz, 2925 Burlington St., spoke regarding Item Set for Public Hearing No. 5, sharing input about the City Council's discussion on the item. Blake Molo, 1995 Creekwood Dr.; Roger Arensdorf, 3935 Creston; and Ketih Lucy, 3065 Huntington Dr., spoke regarding Action Item No. 7, advocating for the city to maintain the primary provision for elections. Arensdorf also provided input on Item Set for Public Hearing No. 5. Breitfelder stated that written input was received for Action Item No. 7 from the following: Shirley Ramstedt, 1824 Keymont Ct.; Debbie, Dave, and Nick Krug, 2215 Rhomberg Ave; Rob McDonald, 3399 Eagle Point Dr.; Ketih Wolff, 210 Cedar Cross Rd.; Jean McDonald, 3120 Eagle Point Dr.; John Wilson; John and Jodi Riedl, 4220 Tanzanite Ct.; Ali Fuller; Cath Goodman, 440 Burch St.; and Dan Simon. ACTION ITEMS 1. Request to Rezone Rustic Point #2 - Second Reading: 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 Roussell. City Council Members shared their perspectives on whether the rezoning should be approved. Wernimont noted that there are currently 11 town homes on the market, 9 of which are located within Dubuque city limits. Motion failed 5-2 with Leyendecker and Staver voting nay. Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and approve second 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 - Page 54 of 811 Family Residential Zoning District. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 5-2 with Leyendecker and Staver voting nay. 2. 2026 BUILD Capital Grant Application: East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements Project - Approve Grant Application Submission: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 72-26 Retroactively Authorizing The Filing Of A Grant Application With The U.S. Department Of Transportation (USDOT) For A Build Capital Grant To Assist With Funding For The Proposed East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements Project. Seconded by Wethal. City Council emphasized the importance of these types of grants to complete projects. Motion carried 7-0. 3. Levi & Sullivan Storm Sewer Extension Project - Award Public Improvement Contract: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 73-26 Awarding Public Improvement Contract For The Levi & Sullivan Storm Sewer Extension Project. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 4. 7800 Chavenelle Building Remodel Project - Award Public Improvement Contract: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 74-26 Awarding Public Improvement Contract For The 7800 Chavenelle Building Remodel Project. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. 5. Smart Parking & Mobility Management Plan: Pay by Plate Multi -Space Meter System Request to Distribute RFP: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and approve distributing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find a vendor to replace the City's outdated on -street meters in the downtown area and install equipment for the City's surface lots as part of the Smart Parking & Mobility Management Plan Development and Implementation Project. Seconded by Resnick. Director of Transportation Services Ryan Knuckey explained that the RFP intends to gather vendor capabilities for on -street parking technology. Van Milligen noted that parking revenue does not generate profit for the City due to the high cost of building and maintaining parking facilities. Operations Supervisor Russ Stecklein described how parking enforcement was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in residents parking long-term in front of businesses and prompted complaints and requests to resume enforcement. When asked about how to revisit the item in the future if Council chose to table it, Brumwell advised that the proper procedural action would be to postpone the item to a specific date or meeting. City Council members referenced the previously completed mobility study and noted that the RFP deadline falls in April, aligning with budget meetings and making the topic timely for further discussion. Motion carried 7-0. 6. Smart Parking & Mobility Management Plan: Mobile License Plate Recognition System Request to Distribute RFP: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and approve distributing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure a vendor for Mobile License Plate Recognition Enforcement (Mobile LPR) System for Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) as part of the Smart Parking & Mobility Management Plan Development and Implementation Project. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 7. Consideration of Changes to the City's Election Nomination Process: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and to discuss. Seconded by Resnick. City Council Members discussed the input received on the nomination process, clarified the purpose of considering a potential process change, and provided insights on whether to adopt a run-off provision. It was determined that no formal action would be taken at this time and that the topic would be revisited after the budget process, allowing additional opportunities for community feedback. Motion carried 7-0. 8. "Where Do Property Taxes Go?" Utility Bill Insert: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. Page 55 of 811 8. "Tax Increment Financing in Dubuque: 2010-2025" Utility Bill Insert: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Resnick reported on the Dubuque 365ink Impact Awards. Leyendecker reported on attending city department orientation meetings and holding meetings with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society and ECIA. Staver reported on completing his city department orientations and meeting with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society. Wethal reported on a Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) board meeting, a Dubuque Forward meeting, Conference Board meeting, and a Q Casino meeting, along with the Dubuque 365ink Impact Awards. Cavanagh reported on meetings with Travel Dubuque and Dubuque Initiatives and traveling to Des Moines and Washington, D.C. for the legislative season. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Leyendecker to convene in closed session at 9:24 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 Resnick. 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 11:06 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper direction. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 11.06 p.m. /s/Adrienne N. BreitFelder, CIVIC City Clerk Page 56 of 811