Minutes_City Council Proceedings 07.06.26Copyrighted
July 20, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of July 6, 2026; Zoning Advisory
Commission of June 3, 2026; Proof of Publication for City
Council Proceedings of June 1 and 15, 2026.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 7 6 26 City Council Minutes
2. Proof-6 1 26 Proceedings
3. Proof-6 15 26 Proceedings
4. Minutes ZAC 6-3-26 Approved
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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 July 6, 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
PROCLAMATIONS
1. Wahlert Catholic Girl's Golf Team was accepted by Coach Eric Mueller on behalf of the 2026 Class
3A State Champions Wahlert Catholic Girls' Golf Team.
2. Park and Recreation Professionals Day (July 17) was accepted by Parks and Recreation Director
Matt Kalcevich on behalf of the City of Dubuque Park and Recreation Professionals.
3. Park and Recreation Month (July) was accepted by Kalcevich on behalf of the City of Dubuque
Park and Recreation Department.
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 June 15; Community Development
Advisory Commission of May 20; Historic Preservation Commission of May 27; Human Rights
Commission of April 14; Resilient Community Advisory Commission of May 7; Zoning Advisory
Commission of May 6; Zoning Board of Adjustment for May 28. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Corinna Lawler for vehicle damage; Dan and Beth Kennedy for
property damage; Delora Belanger for property damage; Jon Roth for property damage; Kolton
Nadermann for vehicle damage; Michael Knopf for vehicle damage; Michael Meyer for property
damage; Patricia Haigh for property damage; Patricia James for vehicle damage; Robert and Elizabeth
Leibfried for property damage; Devin Ragan for vehicle 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: Patricia Haigh for
property damage; Michael Knopf for vehicle damage; Corinna Lawler for vehicle damage; Michael
Meyer for property damage; Kolton Nadermann for vehicle damage. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and concurred.
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4. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 258-26 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. Signed Contracts: A-1 Storage Service LLC for Vendor Service Agreement - Parks & Recreation
- Storage Containers; Air Cleaning Technologies for Vendor Service Agreement -Fire Dept; American
Cruise Lines for 2026 Docking Agreement; Arensdorf Construction for Public Improvement Contract -
Engineering Dept - 14th Street Storm and Street Repairs; Cahoy Pump Service for Public Improvement
Contract; Centrisys CNP for Vendor Service Agreement -North Centrifuge Repair WRRC;
Communications Engineering Company for IT Firewall Replacement; Cornerstone Government Affairs,
Inc. for Memorandum of Agreement; Dubuque County, Iowa for Lease Agreement; Dubuque Racing
Association, Ltd. for Third Amendment to Lease; Eagle Point Solar, LLC for Contract - MSC Roof and
HVAC Replacement Eagle Point Solar Panel Consent Letter; Eagle Point Solar, LLC for MSC Roof and
HVAC Replacement Eagle Point Solar Panel Signed Form; Eagle Point Solar, LLC for Sole Source
Procurement Justification Form - MSC Roof and HVAC Replacement Eagle Point Solar Panel Tear Off
and Reinstall; Ehrlich Excavating Inc. for Public Improvement Contract - Engineering Dept - Kane Street
Curb and Sidewalk Improvements; Five Bugles Design for GIS Site Location Analysis Agreement; HDR
Engineering, Inc. for Task Order Ten - Sanitary Sewer Asset Management Plan (SSAMP) Consent
Decree Assistance; Hillcrest Family Services for Lease Agreement; IMWCA (Iowa Municipalities
Workers' Compensation Association for Administrative Agreement - TPA Agreement; Johnson Controls
Fire Protection LP for Vendor Service Agreement - Replacement of Fire Alarm Panel at the Port of
Dubuque Ramp; Legat Architects for Proposal to Provide Professional Architectural Services - Police
Headquarters Space Needs Analysis and Conceptual Design Study; McDermott Excavating for Public
Improvement Contract - Engineering Dept- Street Light Jackson & 11fh; Origin Design Co. for Task
Order 26 - FEMA BRIC Grant BCA Assistance; Origin Design Co. for Task Order 26-04 2026 FEMA
BRIC Grant Design Assistance; Pigott, Inc. for Vendor Service Agreement - Sustainability Dept Office
Furniture; Planet Technologies for Renewal Quote 0365 SLG Subscription; Polimorphic for Order form
- Subscription for Connect Platform- Communication Automation; Portzen Construction, Inc. for Public
Improvement Contract - Engineering Dept - Asbury, Carter Chaney Traffic Signal Project; Runde
Electric LLC for Vendor Service Agreement -Parks & Recreation - Five Flags Theater Fire Escape Light
Fixture Replacement; Strand Associates for Task Order 26-07 2026 FEMA BRIC Grant BCA
Assistance; Strand Associates for Task Order 26-08 2026 FEMA BRIC Grant Design Assistance;
Temperley Excavating Inc. for Public Improvement Contract - Engineering Dept - Levi & Sullivan Storm
Sewer Extension Project; Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. for Public Improvement Contract - Engineering
Dept North Schmitt Island Collection system Project Contract #2; WHKS & Co. for Task Order 30 -
17th/Locust FEMA BRIC Grant BCA Assistance WHKS; WHKS & Co. for Task Order 31 - 17th/Locust
FEMA BRIC Grant Design Assistance WHKS Task Order. Upon motion the documents were received
and filed.
6. 2026 Hairball Productions LLC Pyrotechnics Permit: City Manager recommended approval to
issue a pyrotechnic permit to Hairball Productions LLC for the pyrotechnics display on July 10, 2026, at
Q Casino at the Back Waters Amp. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
7. FY 2027 Arts & Culture Operating Support Grant Funding Recommendation: City Manager
recommended concurrence with the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission (Arts Commission)
for the recommended recipients Bell Tower Theater, Bluff Strokes Art Center, Colts Youth Organization,
Creative Adventure Lab, Inc., Dubuque Arts Council, Dubuque Chapter of SPEBSQSA / Music Men
Barbershop Chorus, Dubuque Chorale, Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, Dubuque County Historical
Society, Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Fly -By -Night Productions, Julien
Dubuque International Film Festival, Key City Creative Center, Northeast Iowa School of Music, Rising
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Star Theatre Company, The Grand Opera House, and Voices Productions along with the funding levels
of the FY2026 Arts & Culture Operating Support grant applicants. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
8. FY 2027 Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Funding Recommendation: City Manager
recommended concurrence with Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission granting the
recommended recipients and funding levels listed for the FY2027 Arts & Culture Capacity Building grant
applicants: Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, Bluff Strokes Art Center,
Dubuque Arts Council, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Northeast Iowa School of Music. Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and approved.
9. Road Salt Deicer Purchase for the Winter Season 2026-2027: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed, and Resolution No. 259-26 Awarding Road Deicer Salt Contract for the City of
Dubuque was adopted.
10. Eagle Point Park Water Tower Deconstruction Project Acceptance: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed, and Resolution No. 260-26 Accepting the Eagle Point Park Water Tower
Deconstruction Project and Authorizing Final Payment to the Contractor was adopted.
11. Radford Road Water Main Creek Crossing Improvement Project Acceptance: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 261-26 Accepting the Radford Road Water
Main Creek Crossing Improvement Project and Authorizing Final Payment to the Contractor was
adopted.
12. FY26 Citizen Participation Plan Amendment: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed, and Resolution No. 262-26 Adopting the Amendment of the Citizen Participation Plan For The
Community Development Block Grant Program was adopted.
13. Community Development Block Grant FY2026 Annual Action Plan Non- Substantial Amendment
#3: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 263-26 Adopting the Fiscal
Year 2026 (Program Year 2025) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan
Non -Substantial Amendment #3 was adopted.
14. Approval of Retail Tobacco Permit and Device Retailer Permit Applications: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 264-26 Approving Applications For Retail
Tobacco And Device Retailer Permits, As Applicable And 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 Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
1. Sale of City -Owned Property at 2527 Washington St.: Upon motion the documents were received
and filed and Resolution No. 265-26 Intent to Dispose of an Interest in City of Dubuque Real Estate to
Jacob F. Bedtka, Setting a Time and Place for Hearing 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 July 20, 2026, in
the Historic Federal Building.
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2. Sale of City -Owned Property at 821 Garfield Ave.: Upon motion the documents were received and
filed and Resolution No. 266-26 was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at
6:30 p.m. on July 20, 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. Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through June 30, 2029 (Vacant
Arts Representative term of Barba); One, 3-Year term through June 30, 2027 (Vacant At -Large term of
Chavenelle). Applicants: David Barba, 208 Bluff St. - Qualifies as Arts Rep. and At -Large; Jenna
Jensen, 726 West 11 th St. — Qualifies as Arts Rep. and At -Large; Sara Steuer, 2140 Elm St. — Qualifies
as At -Large; Nicky Verdia, 1135 Solon St. — Qualifies as Arts Rep. and At -Large; Elizabeth Wright, 408
Hill St. — Qualifies as Arts Rep. and At -Large. Jensen spoke in support of her application. Breitfelder
noted that Steuer submitted written input in support of her application.
2. Human Rights Commission: One, 3-Year term through January 1, 2027 (Vacant term of Cain -
Watson). Applicant: Anthony Allen, 687 Alpine St.
3. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through June 30, 2029 (Vacant term
of Ochoa). Applicant: Carly Hermann, 641 Kane St. Breitfelder noted that Hermann submitted written
input in support of her application.
4. Resilient Community Advisory Commission: Two, 3-Year terms through July 1, 2029 (Expiring At -
Large terms of Jayawickrama and McDermott); One, Cross Representative term (Expiring term of
Kennicker) whose term will coincide with the term on the original appointed board or commission.
Applicants: Lalith Jayawickrama, 2360 Cherry St. - Qualifies as At -Large; Robin Kennicker, 2929 Elm
St. - Current member of Park and Recreation Advisory Commission — Term Expires 6-30-29; Traci
Phillipson, 2120 Rhomberg Ave. - Qualifies as At -Large. Kennicker spoke in support of her application.
5. Zoning Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2029 (Vacant term of Lohrmann).
Applicant: Kaitlyn Neises-Mocanu, 1846 North Main St.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Approving the Consent to the Assignment of the Development Agreement with Gronen
Development, Inc. to 5th & Main, LLC: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 267-26 Approving the Consent to an Assignment of Development Agreement by and
between the City of Dubuque and Gronen Development, Inc. to 5th & Main, LLC. Seconded by Sprank.
Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Leyendecker.
2. Well No. 7 Rehabilitation - Phase 3 Project: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents
and adopt Resolution No. 268-26 Well No. 7 Rehabilitation - Phase 3 Project - Approval of Plans,
Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimated Cost. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Kinseth Hospitality Company, Inc. Development Agreement Second Amendment: Motion by
Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 269-26 Approving the Second
Amendment to Development Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Kinseth
Hospitality Company, Inc. Seconded by Roussell. Ben Kinseth, Executive Vice President of Kinseth
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Hospitality Company, Inc., spoke about the factors resulting in the proposed development agreement
amendment. Breitfelder stated that written input was received from Jason White, Greater Dubuque
Development President and CEO; Dan Walsh, 1219 Arrowhead Dr., and Kinseth. Economic
Development Director Jill Connors, Kinseth, and Van Milligen responded to questions about geotech
reports, the necessity of additional hotels in the Port of Dubuque, the hotel/motel tax, and the Port of
Dubuque Review Committee. City Council Members emphasized the need for additional hotels,
especially in the Port of Dubuque. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Issuance of Not to Exceed $50,000 Water Revenue Capital Loan Notes Planning and Design Loan
(State Revolving Loan Fund Program) Lead Water Main Replacement Project: Motion by Roussell to
receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 270-26 Taking Additional Action with Respect
to a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and Authorizing, Approving and Securing the
Payment of a $50,000 Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement Anticipation Project Note
(IFA Interim Loan and Disbursement Agreement). Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
Sister Nancy Mueller, 2290 Windsor; Sister Richelle Friedman, 1006 Boyer St., and Dave Heiar, 805
Carriage Hill Dr., all spoke in reference to a letter sent to the City Council from the Building Bridges
Coalition that advocated for the City to abstain from using its automatic license plate reader system to
target and disclose immigrant enforcement actions to other agencies.
Trish Moore, HACAP County Coordinator, provided an overview of HACAP's services.
Brooklyn Williams, 250 W. 6t" St. Apt. 501, provided input regarding the community.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Financial Assistance Programs Eligibility Form for Improving Access to Financial Assistance
Programs: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and hear the presentation. Seconded
by Resnick. Community Diversion and Prevention Coordinator Miranda Redmon made a presentation.
In response to questions, Redmon and Van Milligen explained how residents can find department
contacts for inquiries about specific financial assistance programs. City Council Members praised the
form. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Private Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program - Phase 2 - Award Construction Contract:
Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 271-26 Awarding
Contract for the Lead Service Line Replacement - Phase 2 Project. Seconded by Roussell. Water
Project Supervisor Eldon Schneider responded to a question regarding the project loan and its
carryover restrictions. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Fiscal Year 2027 Dollars and Cents Brochure: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents. Seconded by Wethal. Van Milligen summarized the budget process. City Council Members
praised the publication and suggested that future versions include a link to the Financial Assistance
Programs Eligibility Form. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Dubuque Severe Weather Response and Recovery Efforts Video: Motion by Resnick to receive
and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by Roussell. Staff showed a video of the City's
response to serve weather on June 10, 2026, which can be seen at
https://Voutu.be/besBfdh3ltc?si=7rDVKnl7Wm 9vpGH. Motion carried 7-0.
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5. 2026 Free Playground Explorations Program Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents and view the video. Seconded by Sprank. Staff showed a video of the City's free Playground
Explorations Program. The video can be seen at
https://youtu.be/v plOgTpuKs?si=ov1 urHHsUrsmXa5E. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Wethal reported on touring the Dubuque YMCA Childcare Center's Bright Minds Campus and the
City's 911 Center.
Roussell reported on the Friends of Dubuque Parks clean up event at Eagle Point Park, the
groundbreaking event for the 5t" and Main project, the Wanderwood Gardens Ribbon Cutting, the
Juneteenth event, board meetings for Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Dubuque Main
Street, HACAP, and Friends of Dubuque Parks, and volunteering at Hill Street Orchard.
Resnick reported on the Juneteenth event, the groundbreaking event at the Dubuque Industrial
Center, a Dubuque Forward meeting, the upcoming event for the lighting of the Town Clock, and a
recent trip to Boston.
Cavanagh reported on the ribbon cutting for the Back Waters Amphitheater, the upcoming camping
weekend for RAGBRAI, and the Youth National Pool Championships at the Grand River Center.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 8:21 p.m. to discuss Pending Litigation and
Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(c),(j) Code of Iowa. Seconded by Roussell. 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 10:14 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper
direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC
City Clerk
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