Loading...
Minutes_City Council Proceedings 07.20.26City of Dubuque City Council ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: SUGGUESTED DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: Copyrighted August 3, 2026 CONSENT ITEMS # 1. Minutes and Reports Submitted City Council Proceedings of July 20, 2026; Historic Preservation Commission of June 18, 2026; Zoning Board of Adjustment of June 25, 2026. Receive and File 1. 7 20 26 City Council Minutes 2. Minutes ZBA 06-25-26 Approved 3. Minutes 06-18-26 - Approved Page 81 of 1281 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL SESSION The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. on July 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, Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, Assistant City Attorney Lehman. 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 and Director of Regional Development Nic Hockenberry presented a quarterly update on Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. In response to a question, Hockenberry some of the ways that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was impacting the job market. There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m. /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC City Clerk 1 Page 82 of 1281 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR SESSION The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on July 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, Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen, Assistant City Attorney Lehman. 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 Police Chief Joe Messerich: City Manager Michael Van Milligen swore in Police Chief Joe Messerich. PRESENTATIONS 1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards Recognition: Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan introduced Michael Nordos, Retail Food Specialist, Branch II of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), who recognized Environmental Sanitarian Tim Link for overseeing the City's completion of the FDA's Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards. PROCLAMATIONS 1. Dubuque County Fair Week (July 28 - August 2, 2026) was accepted by Dubuque County Fair General Manager John Bries on behalf of the Dubuque County Fair Association. 2. Community of Colleges Week (August 3 - 7, 2026) was accepted by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation's (GDDC) Director of Regional Development Nic Hockenberry on behalf of GDDC and area colleges and universities. CONSENT ITEMS Cavanagh requested Item No. 14 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 No. 14. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: 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. Upon motion the documents were received and filed. 2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Rick Ackley for property damage; Terry Willenborg for property damage. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and referred to the City Attorney. 2 Page 83 of 1281 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: Delora Belanger for property damage; Dan and Beth Kennedy for property damage; Patricia James for personal injury and vehicle damage; Robert and Elizabeth Leibfried for property damage; Jon Roth 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. 272-26 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. Pre -annexation Agreement — LRS Development, LLC: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 273-26 Approving a Pre -Annexation Agreement between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and LRS Development, LLC was adopted. 6. Final Plat of Voncarlowitz Place No. 2: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 274-26 Authorizing Approval Of The Plat Of Survey Of Voncarlowitz Place No. 2, Dubuque County, Iowa was adopted. 7. Acceptance of Grant of Easement for Public Sidewalk from Kennedy Mall, Ltd.: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 275-26 Accepting A Grant Of Easement For Public Sidewalk Over And Across A Part Of Lot 1-1-1-1-1 Of Hawkeye Stock Farm In Sections 27 And 28, Dubuque Township, In The City Of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa was adopted. 8. Plat of Survey for Right of Way Dedication — Portions of Main Street, West 7th Street, and a 30' Wide Alley as Part of the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Building Entrance Improvements Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 276- 26 Approving The Plat Of Survey For Right Of Way Dedication Of City Lot 25A, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted. 9. Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) Catalyst Fund Grant Award Acceptance: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved. 10. Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement with Limestone Legacy, LLC for the Facade Rehabilitation of 243 W 10th Street: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 277-26 Approving A Grant Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Limestone Legacy, LLC For The Redevelopment Of 243 W 10th Street was adopted. 11. Signed Contracts: American Marine for Spring maintenance on fire boat; Big River Sign Company for Wrap and Graphics — Technical Rescue TRT 4; Contract Authority Reports for Mary Rose Corrigan, Deron Muehring and Amy Scheller; Dubuque County Board of Health for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program; East Central Intergovernmental Association for a workplan for the EPA FY26 Brownfield Assessment Grant; Engine 18 Solutions for enrichment opportunities; Fehr Graham for Professional Engineering Services for Madison Park Equipment Replacement and Murphy Park Equipment Replacement; Fred Jackson Tuckpointing for the City Hall North Basement Wall - City Hall Wall and Tuckpointing; Geisler Brothers Co for Building 75 Roofing Repair; Geisler Brothers Co for WRRC As -Needed HVAC Services; Giese Sheet Metal Co Inc for equipment maintenance; Giese Sheet Metal Co Inc for Low Ambient kits with Motor Master; HACH for Field Service Repair of Analytical instruments; Hulscher Fencing, Inc. for the Veterans Memorial Park Pickleball Fence Project; Hupp Electric Motors for Centrifuge Hoist Repair; Kruser Septic 3 Page 84 of 1281 Service for Vacuuming & Jetting Services; Landmark Turf Services, LLC for Weed Control Flood Control System Spraying Annually; Midwest Injection, INC for the WRRC Digester #4 Cleaning; MMC Mechanical Contractors for HVAC Replacement Headquarters; Modern Companies for Demo Natural Gas Piping and Cap Heating Hot Water Piping; SERVPRO for Water Remediation Services for Fire Station 2; Swift Landscaping and Lawn Care for FY2026 WRRC Landscaping; Top Grade Excavating, Inc for Emergency Stormwater Repair Near W 5th Street and Hill Street; Top Grade Excavating, Inc for the WRRC Rock Roadway; Tricon General Construction, Inc. for the 2026 Terminal Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation; Tschiggfrie Excavating for WRRC Building 90 Shop Floor Replacement; Valentine Construction Company for the Fire Station 5 and 6 Concrete Sidewalk, Driveway, and Truck Bay Improvements; Vrban Fire Protection for Sprinkler Head Testing; Westphal & Company for Cedar St. Pumping Station P1 Motor Feeder Replacement; Westphal & Company for Centrifuge Room Lighting Replacement; Westphal & Company for Desk Relocation Power and Data. Upon motion the documents were received and filed. 12. Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation Project - Project Acceptance: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 278-26 Accepting The Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Roof Rehabilitation Project And Authorizing Final Payment To The Contractor was adopted. 13. Well No. 7 Rehabilitation - Phase 3 Project Award Construction Contract: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 279-26 Awarding The Public Improvement Contract For The Well No. 7 Rehabilitation - Phase 3 Project was adopted. 14. Contracted Services Agreement — Crescent Community Health Center: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and approve the agreement. Seconded by Sprank. Cavanagh announced he would abstain from this item due to his wife's employment at Crescent Community Health Center. Motion carried 6-0 with abstention from Cavanagh. 15. STP Holdings LLC 2025 and 2026 Property Tax Appeal Stipulation of Settlement Notice: Senior Counsel transmitted notice of a Stipulation of Settlement for a 2025 and 2026 property tax appeal filed by STP Holdings LLC for their property located at Parcel No. 1027406012. Upon motion the documents were received and filed. 16. Ratification of Second Amendment to Economic Development Assistance Contract 22-HQJP- 018 by and among Hormel Foods Corporation and Progressive Processing, LLC, the City of Dubuque, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 280-26 Ratifying The Second Amendment To The Economic Development Assistance Contract 22-HQJP-018 By And Among Hormel Foods Corporation And Progressive Processing, LLC, The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And The Iowa Economic Development Authority was adopted. 17. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 281-26 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. 18. Approval of Retail Tobacco Permit and Device Retailer Permit Applications: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 282-26 Approving Applications for Retail Tobacco Permits and Device Retailer Permits, As Applicable and as Required by Iowa Code 453A.47A and 453E.3 was adopted. 0 Page 85 of 1281 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. Communications Facility License Agreement: NCWPCS MPL 29 — Year Sites Tower Holdings LLC (Louis Murphy Park Cell Tower): Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 283-26 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The Communications Facility License Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque And NCWPCS MPL 29 — Year Sites Tower Holdings LLC For Real Property Located In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 3, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 2. Dubuque Fire Headquarters Bunkroom Remodel Project - Initiate Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 284-26 Dubuque Fire Headquarters Bunkroom 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 August 3, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 3. Setting a Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $2,542,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) — Terminal Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 285-26 To fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $2,542,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 3, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. 4. Setting a Public Hearing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $2,663,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes (State Revolving Loan Fund Program) — Water & Resource Recovery Center Industrial Controls Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 286-26 To fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $2,663,000 was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on August 3, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building. BOARDS/COMMISSIONS Appointments were made to 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. Upon roll call vote, Barba was appointed to the arts representative term and Steuer was appointed to the at -large term. For the Arts Representative term, Jensen received one vote (Resnick) and Barba received the remaining six votes. For the at -large term, Jensen received three votes (Resnick, Leyendecker, and Staver) and Steuer received the remaining four votes. 5 Page 86 of 1281 2. Human Rights Commission: One, 3-Year term through January 1, 2027 (Vacant term of Cain - Watson). Applicant: Anthony Allen, 687 Alpine St. Motion by Sprank to appoint Allen to the term. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 3. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through June 30, 2029 (Vacant term of Ochoa). Applicant: Carly Hermann, 641 Kane St. Motion by Roussell to appoint Hermann to the term. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 4. Resilient Community Advisory Commission: Two, 3-Year terms through July 1, 2029 (Expiring At - Large terms of Jayawickrama and McDermott); One, Cross Representative whose term will coincide with the term on the original appointed board or commission (Expiring Cross Representative Member term of Kennicker). 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. Motion by Wethal to appoint Jayawickrama and Phillipson to the at -large terms. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Wethal to appoint Kennicker to the cross -representative term. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. 5. Zoning Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through July 1, 2029 (Vacant term of Lohrmann). Applicant: Kaitlyn Neises-Mocanu, 1846 North Main St. Motion by Roussell to appoint Neises-Mocanu to the term. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Request to Rezone Property on Valeria Street: 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 Sprank. Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont responded to questions on park proximity to the property, setback requirements and how density is defined. City Council Members expressed support for the rezoning. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Resnick for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 28-26 Amending Title 16 Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances, Unified Development Code, By Reclassifying Hereinafter Described Property Located Along Valeria Street From R-1 Single -Family Residential To R-2A Alternate Two -Family Residential Zoning District. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0. 2. Public Hearing for Sale of City -Owned Property at 2527 Washington: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 287-26 Disposing Of City Interest In Real Property At 2527 Washington, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members praised the renovated property and were pleased to see it go to a first-time homebuyer. Motion carried 7-0. 3. Public Hearing for Sale of City -Owned Property at 821 Garfield: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 288-26 Disposing Of City Interest In Real Property At 821 Garfield, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Wethal. City Council Members commended the work of Four Mounds' HEART Program in renovating the property. Motion carried 7-0. X Page 87 of 1281 PUBLIC INPUT Nick Fisch, 2040 Bunker Hill Rd., spoke as a member of NICC's Board of Trustees, thanking the City Council for their approval of Consent Item No. 8 and summarized NICC's current and upcoming renovations. Rob McDonald, 3399 Eagle Point Dr., spoke about the City's greenhouse project, expressing concerns about the process to fund the project. ACTION ITEMS 1. Stormwater Commencement of Charge Ordinance Update: 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. Van Milligen and Civil Engineer Alex Stein explained that the current process for establishing stormwater utility charges for non -single-family residential properties has long been standard practice and will now be formally codified through this ordinance. City Council members expressed appreciation for the added clarity in the process. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 29-26 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 4 Stormwater Management, Sections 13-4-7 Nonsingle-Family Residential Property And 13-4-8 Nonresidential Property. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 2. Fire Cost Recovery Ordinance: 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. Lehman explained that subsection D was added following the City Council's May 18 discussion and clarified the circumstances in which the City would collect costs. Fire Chief Amy Scheller answered questions regarding how the proposed rates compare with other Iowa cities and the annual review of city code related to ambulances. Van Milligen clarified that funding for additional firefighter positions included the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, if awarded, and noted that while the City will receive fire cost -recovery fee revenue, expenses for the additional personnel will eventually surpass the expected revenues. Lehman also stated that the Council may direct staff to make changes to the ordinance at any time, and it was suggested that the ordinance could be reviewed during the annual budget process. City Council Members acknowledged the complexity of insurance reimbursements and expressed appreciation for the updates. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 30-26 Amending The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances, Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 2, By Repealing Said Section And Enacting A New Section In Lieu Thereof Relating To The Recovery Of Fire Department Mitigation Costs. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 3. 2026 Federal Emergency Management Agency Building Resilience Infrastructure And Communities Grant Application: Bee Branch Creek Flood Mitigation Project - 17th & W Locust Corridors - Approve Grant Application Submission: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 289-26 Authorizing The Filing Of A Grant Application With The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilience Infrastructure And Communities (BRIC) Grant To Assist With Funding For The Proposed Bee Branch Creek Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. Seconded by Wethal. Assistant City Engineer Bob Schiesl explained that the grant would help fund stormwater improvements at 17th Street and West Locust Street, an area that frequently experiences urban flooding. Schiesl noted that Kaufmann Avenue was also considered due 7 Page 88 of 1281 to its significant flooding issues, but the location did not score competitively based on the grant's criteria. Van Milligen added that City Council has already budgeted for stormwater improvements at 17th and West Locust Street. If the City receives the grant, those previously allocated funds would be freed up, and the Council could choose how to redirect them, including potentially applying them to Kaufmann Avenue. City Council Members expressed appreciation for staff's thorough work on the application and emphasized the importance of improvements given the repeated flooding at both locations. Motion carried 7-0. 4. Municipal Services Center Roof and HVAC Replacement Project Award Public Improvement Contract: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 290-26 Awarding Public Improvement Contract For The Municipal Services Center Roof And HVAC Replacement Project. Seconded by Leyendecker. Assistant Public Works Director — Project Manager Max O'Brien responded to questions about the rooftop solar panels, noting that they were not the cause of the roof's leak and will be upgraded as part of this project. Motion carried 7-0. 5. Work Session Request: Iowa Senate File 2472 and Impacts on the City of Dubuque: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for August 3, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0. 6. Work Session Request: Imagine Dubuque Update: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for August 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0. 7. Work Session Request: Central Avenue and White Street Corridor Traffic Study: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and schedule the work session for September 8, 2026, beginning at 5:15 p.m. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0. 8. Dementia Simulation Experience at Carnegie -Stout Public Library Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by Wethal. City staff showed a video of the recent Dementia Simulation Experience at the Carnegie -Stout Public Library. This video can also be seen on the City's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/YhgksvzO Hg?si=E64ub6B-fSRUYtKj. Motion carried 7-0. 9. Iowa Amphitheater (Back Waters Amp) Project Completion Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by Sprank. City staff showed a video on the completion of the Iowa Amphitheater project on Chaplain Schmitt Island. The video can also be seen on the City's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/-BTtIVOtPmw. City Council confirmed that anyone interested in reserving the amphitheater should contact Q Casino. Motion carried 7-0. [Kell]►Is] In►Yi14JiW4:A04101:4&' Resnick reported on a recent music concert focused on Dubuque History. Wethal reported on the recent lighting of the Town Clock and serving on a panel at the Horizons Conference. Roussell reported on recent efforts of the Friends of Dubuque Parks Board and the organization's upcoming cleanup event following RAGBRAI. Cavanagh reported on the Miracle League All Starts game and RAGBRAI. Page 89 of 1281 CLOSED SESSION Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 8:31 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 Assistant City Attorney Lehman. Motion carried 7-0. The City Council reconvened in open session at 9:31 p.m. stating that staff had been given proper direction. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m. /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC City Clerk 7 Page 90 of 1281