Minutes_City Council Proceedings 08.17.26Copyrighted
September 8, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of August 17, 18, 24, 25, and 27,
2026; Airport Commission of February 23, March 24, April 28
and May 26, 2026; Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission of March 24, April 28, May 26 and June 23,
2026; Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Art on
the River Committee of March 12 and May 21, 2026; Board of
Library Trustees of March 26, April 16 and May 28, 2026;
Board of Library Trustees Updates of May 28 and June 25,
2026; Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission of
December 1, 2025 and April 2, 2026; Civil Service
Commission of March 11, April 14, and May 13, 2026;
Historic Preservation Commission of July 16, 2026; Human
Rights Commission of May 11, 2026; Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission of May 20, 2026; Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission of March 10, April 8, May 12, and June
9, 2026; Zoning Advisory Commision of July 1, 2026; Zoning
Board of Adjustment of July 23, 2026; Proof of Publication for
City Council Proceedings of August 3, 17, and 18, 2026 and
related Expenditure Reports.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 8 17 26 City Council Minutes
2. 8 18 26 City Council Minutes
3. Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 8 3 26 and related expenditure
report
4. Airport Commission Minutes of February 23 2026
5. Airport Commission Minutes of March 24 2026
6. Airport Commission Minutes of April 28 2026
7. Airport Commission Minutes of May 26 2026
8. Arts Commission Minutes 5.26.26
9. Arts Commission Minutes 4.28.26
10. Arts Commission Minutes 3.24.26
11. Arts Commission Minutes 6.23.26
12. Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission Minutes of February 2026
13. Civil Service Minutes April
14. Civil Service Minutes March
15. Civil Service Minutes May
16. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
17. Human Rights Commission Minutes
18. Library Board of Trustees Council_Update_05_28
19. Library Board of Trustees Council_Update_06_25
20. Library Board of Trustees April 16 2026 Minutes
21. Library Board of Trustees Minutes 3-10-26
22. Library Board of Trustees May 2026 Signed Minutes
23. Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Minutes
24. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes - May
25. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes - April
26. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes - March
27. Parks and Recreating Advisory Commission Minutes - June
28. Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission Minutes of December 2025
29. 8 25 26 City Council Minutes
30. 8 27 26 City Council Minutes
31. 8 24 26 City Council Minutes
32. 8 17 26 Proceedings Proof
33. 8 18 26 Proceedings Proof
34. 8 17 26 Expenditure Report Proof
35. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
36. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on August 17, 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 data center information and community input.
WORK SESSION
Data Center Information & Community Input Report
City Attorney Brumwell and Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach provided a presentation
regarding data center information and community input. City Council Members discussed the
constraints associated with hyperscale data centers within the Dubuque city limits, including
topographical conditions and limited available land. Council Members identified priorities for a future
ordinance, including environmental and operational considerations such as electrical and water
usage, noise mitigation, stormwater management, decommissioning requirements, and size
thresholds for applicability. Brumwell noted that a formal agreement in addition to an ordinance could
provide the City with greater flexibility, options, and accountability, including through requirements for
letters of credit or bonds. Brumwell discussed potential legal limitations on regulating development on
privately owned property and indicated she would coordinate with appropriate City departments
regarding additional ordinance components. While the City may have limited authority to regulate
utilities directly, she noted that the City could require companies to report associated usage data. Van
Milligen clarified that taxes would be assessed based on property valuation. Council Members
expressed support for a hybrid ordinance structure that would use the zoning code to identify data
centers and establish size thresholds for review, with a separate section outlining detailed operational
requirements. The Council requested a six-month moratorium, with the option for extension if
necessary, and directed staff to present the moratorium at the September 8, 2026, City Council
meeting. Council Members reiterated that no data center proposal has been submitted within the City
of Dubuque and emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time to establish an appropriate
and well-informed review process.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CIVIC
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 August 17, 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. Nathaniel and Charlotte Morgan Peace Week (September 1 - 6, 2026) was accepted by Co -
Chairs Brian Hallstoos and Ernestine Moss on behalf of the Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee.
CONSENT ITEMS
Austin Bodenhofer, 119 W. 23rd St., requested Item No. 2 be held for separate discussion. Sprank
requested Item No. 5 be held. Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents, adopt the
resolutions, and dispose of as indicated, except for Item Nos. 2 and 5. Seconded by Wethal. Motion
carried 7-0.
1. Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council Proceedings of August 3, 2026; Community
Development Advisory Commission of June 26, 2026; Proof of Publication for City Council
Proceedings of July 6 and 20, 2026 and Expenditure Reports for periods of May 1 through July 10
and July 11 through July 16, 2026. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Appeal of Claim: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and refer to the
City Attorney. Seconded by Resnick. Bodenhofer requested the City Council grant his appeal and
summarized the circumstances that resulted in damage to his vehicle. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Approval of City Expenditures: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 303-26 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.
4. Notice of Award and Request to Execute Agreement for 2026-2027 City of Dubuque AmeriCorps
Program: Creating Opportunities: Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and approved.
5. FY27 Update to Dubuque County Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) 5-
Year Plan: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and approve the City of Dubuque's FY
2027 update to the Dubuque County 5-Year REAP Plan. Seconded by Wethal. At Council's request,
Van Milligen read a memo from Parks and Recreation Director Matt Kalcevich regarding updates to
Eagle Point Park. Van Milligen also provided information on the Jeffris Family Foundation Grant, for
which staff have applied and are pending confirmation on the outcome. Cavanagh noted that
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Kalcevich's memo had been requested ahead of goal -setting discussions and asked that it be
included with the goal -setting materials. Breitfelder confirmed that the memo can be posted on the
City's website until the goal -setting agendas are ready for publication. In response to a question
about whether residents could offer input on Eagle Point Park at this time, Brumwell clarified that
because the agenda item pertained specifically to REAP, any public comments should address that
topic rather than Eagle Point Park improvements. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Fire Headquarters Construction Contract Approval - HQ Bunkroom: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed, and Resolution No. 304-26 Awarding The Public Improvement Contract For
The Fire Department Bunk Room Remodel was adopted.
7. Final Plat of Swiss Valley Estates: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 305-26 Authorizing Approval Of The Final Plat Of Swiss Valley Estates, Dubuque
County, Iowa was adopted.
8. Resolution Approving Fund Transfers for Capital Projects and Other Expense Reimbursements
in Fiscal Year 2027 — Period 1: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 306-26 Authorizing The Chief Financial Officer To Make The Appropriate Interfund Transfers Of
Sums And Record The Same In The Appropriate Manner For The FY 2027 For The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa was adopted.
9. Adoption of Supplement Number 2026 S-20 to the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 307-26 Adopting Supplement No.
2026 S-20 To The Code of Ordinances Of The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
10. Resolution Approving 2026 Dodds and Sinclair Terminal Contaminated Soil Removal Project
Award: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 308-26 Awarding
Public Improvement Contract For The Dodds And Sinclair Terminal Contaminated Soil Removal
Project was adopted.
11. Signed Contracts: Bauer Built for Tire Changes/Repairs for Transportation Services
buses/vehicles; Dubuque County for enforcement of delinquent parking tickets; Dubuque Forward,
LLC for Design and Installation of Lighting on Historic Town Clock; Environmental Systems Research
Institute, Inc. for Small Government and Local Utility EA Esri Advantage Program; FIRE RECOVERY
USA, LLC for billing services; Graymont Western Lime for the City of Dubuque Water High Calcium
Quicklime Bid Documents 2026; Green Valley Landscaping for City Detention Basin Maintenance;
Hills and Dales for FY 2027 Special Services Grant Program Agreement; Holy Family Catholic
Schools for Temporary Parking License Agreement; KorTerra, Inc. for software -as -a -service;
Municipal Well & Pump for Well No. 7 Rehabilitation — Phase 3 Project; Top Grade Excavating, Inc.
for the Dodds and Sinclair Terminal Contaminated Soil Removal Project at South Terminal Street.
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
12. Public Improvement Contracts with Performance, Payment, and Maintenance Bonds: Black
Hawk Roof Company, Inc. for the Municipal Services Center Roof Replacement Project; Gansen
Excavating, Inc. for Historic Millwork Outdoor Community Space Parking; Globalcom Technologies for
City Facility Security Upgrade - City Hall Acre-Feenics Installation. Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
13. Letter of Support for Iowa Redevelopment Tax Credit Application for Property at 360 E. 16th
Street: City Manager recommended City Council approval of a letter of support to accompany the
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Iowa Redevelopment Tax Credit Application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority being
submitted by the developer for redevelopment of 360 E. 16th Street in Dubuque. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
14. 1199 Central Avenue, Release of Real Estate Mortgage: Upon motion the documents were
received, filed, and approved.
15. Agreement with Eric McFadden for the Sale of City Property on Valeria Street as Part of the
Villas on Valeria Subdivision Project: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 309-26 Approving An Agreement Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa And Eric
McFadden was adopted.
16. Correction of the 2527 Washington Street Special Warranty Deed and Request for Approval of
Revised Document: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution No. 310-26
Approving A Corrected Special Warranty Deed And Authorizing Execution And Recording Of The
Document was adopted.
17. Approval of Retail Alcohol Licenses: Upon motion the documents were received and filed, and
Resolution No. 311-26 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. 312-26 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.
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. Grant of Easement to Holy Family Catholic Schools, Dubuque, Iowa: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 313-26 Intent To Dispose Of City Interest By
Grant Of Embankment Easement To Holy Family Catholic Schools, Dubuque, Iowa, Across Part Of
Lot 1 Of Mineral Lot 383 All In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa was adopted setting a public hearing for a
meeting to commence at 6.30 p.m. on September 8, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
2. Setting Public Hearing for Consenting to the Renewal of Operating Line of Credit between the
Dubuque Racing Association LTD. and Nicolet National Bank: Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 314-26 Setting A Date For A Public Hearing To Consent To
The Renewal Of The Operating Line Of Credit Between The Dubuque Racing Association LTD. And
Nicolet National Bank was adopted setting a public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6.30 p.m.
on September 8, 2026 in the Historic Federal Building.
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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. Airport Commission: Two, 4-Year terms through September 14, 2030 (Expiring terms of Phillips
and Blocker). Applicants: Michael Finnin, 1129 Hunters Ridge; Michael Phillips, 955 Washington St.;
Molly Grover, 2245 Green St.; Matthew Mohr, 560 Sunset Ridge. Grover and Mohr spoke in support
of their applications.
2. Housing Commission: One, 3-Year term through August 17, 2029 (Expiring term of Eudaley).
Amy Eudaley, 950 Wood St.
Appointments were made to the following boards/commissions.
1. Community Development Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year term through February 15, 2028
(Vacant Low/Moderate Income Representative term of Jeter); One, 3-Year term through February 15,
2029 (Vacant At -Large term of Monzena). Applicants: Rakitta Fischer, 2409 Jackson St. (Qualifies for
At -Large term and Low/Moderate Income Rep. term); Paul Uzel, 61 North Algona St. (Qualifies for At -
Large term). Motion by Roussell to appoint Fischer to the low/moderate income representative term.
Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Sprank to appoint Uzel to the at -large term. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Transit Advisory Board: Three, 3-Year terms through July 30, 2029 (Expiring terms of Brown,
Orwoll, and Serna). Applicants: Marilyn Cole, 1321 Tomahawk Dr.; Greg Orwoll, 2635 West 32nd St.;
Dora Serna, 2160 Marion St. Motion by Roussell to appoint Cole, Orwoll, and Serna to the terms.
Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Wacker Plaza Planned Unit Development Amendment: 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. 32-26 Amending Title 16,
The Unified Development Code Of The City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances By Rescinding
Ordinance 40-89 And 50-05 Which Provides Regulations For A PUD Planned Unit Development
District With A PC Planned Commercial Designation For The Wacker Plaza PUD District At 800 And
806 Wacker Drive And Now Being Amended To Update The Conceptual Development Plan And To
Modify Parking And Signage Regulations. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Approving an Amended and Restated Lease Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque,
Iowa, and RG HOSPITALITY, LLC: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 315-26 Approving An Amended And Restated Lease Agreement By And Between The
City Of Dubuque And RG Hospitality, LLC For Real Property In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded
by Wethal. David Westergaard, Chief Financial Officer of RG HOSPITALITY, LLC, Rapid City, SD,
57701, virtually summarized the proposed updates to the Grand Harbor Hotel. Jimmy Evans of
Choice Hotels virtually summarized the company's partnership with the Riddle Group. David Downs,
1070 Main St., questioned the duration of the lease. Economic Development Director Jill Connors
stated that the Development Agreement includes a stipulation for annual reviews of the property.
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Westergaard explained that the company's financial institution requested a 50-year lease. City
Council Members shared that the City only leases riverfront property and expressed support for the
lease duration. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Petition to Vacate Lot 25B of Block 11, Dubuque Downtown Plaza, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa
For Vacating Petition - Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Building Entrance Improvements
Project: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 316-26
Vacating Of A Portion Of City Lot 25A, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, Being A Part The West 7th
Street And Main Street Right Of Way, Legally Described As Lot 25B, Of Block 11, Dubuque
Downtown Plaza, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa and No. 317-26 Disposing Of City Interest In A
Portion Of City Lot 25A, In The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, Being A Part The West 7th Street And Main
Street Right Of Way, Legally Described As Lot 25B, Of Block 11, Dubuque Downtown Plaza, In The
City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
4. JFK Water Tower Interior Piping and Expansion Joint Replacement Project - Conduct Public
Hearing and Approve Bidding Documents: Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and
adopt Resolution No. 318-26 JFK Tower Interior Piping And Expansion Joint Replacement Project:
Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Resnick.
Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
The following individuals provided input on Eagle Point Park, highlighting a variety of concerns with
its upkeep and requesting City Council prioritize it during goal setting: George Davis, 120 S.
Grandview Ave.; Karl Stieglitz, 533 Lowell St.; William Meyer, 1856 Rhomberg Ave.; Greg Freiburger,
22616 Starview Dr.; Maria McDonald, 1125 Highland PI.; Katherine Sorenson, 2613 Jackson St.;
Karen Rokusek, 12428 Augusta Ct.; Phil Levos, 980 S. Grandview; Mary Bowden, 2069 Avalon; Mike
Hoskins, 3052 Westmore Dr.; Leonard Dress, 541 Groveland PI.; Jeff Small, 13924 Surrey Ln; and
David Downs, 1070 Main St.
Nino Erba, 180 W 15' St. Apt. 306, provided comments regarding the timing of City grant
programs and recommended approaches for gathering community input related to brownfield site
cleanup.
Breitfelder announced receipt of written input from Jill Pankow, 2620 Marquette PI., regarding
concerns about Eagle Point Park.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Resolution Amending Lot Name For Vacating Petition - Northeast Iowa Community College
(NICC) Building Entrance Improvements Project: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and adopt Resolution No. 319-26 Resolution Amending City Council Resolution No. 293-
26, No. 295-26, No. 316-26 (Resolution Vacating Lot 25B Of Block 11, Dubuque Downtown Plaza, In
The City Of Dubuque Iowa), And No. 317-26 (Resolution Disposing Of Lot 25B Of Block 11, Dubuque
Downtown Plaza, In The City Of Dubuque Iowa). Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Approving a Development Agreement by and between the City of Dubuque, Iowa and Thunder
Valley, LLC: Motion by Sprank to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 320-26
Approving A Development Agreement By And Between The City Of Dubuque, Iowa, And Thunder
Valley, LLC. Seconded by Roussell. Economic Development Director Jill Connors outlined the
department's procedure for reviewing a developer's history of compliance with other City departments
prior to entering into any agreements. Van Milligen provided an overview of upcoming
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state -mandated limitations on the City's ability to capture tax -abatement -related valuation growth. He
also stated his intent to recommend that the City Council discontinue housing incentives for
market -rate projects outside the downtown district while maintaining incentives for workforce and
affordable housing both within and outside the downtown area. City Council Members discussed
which incentives remain necessary and emphasized the need for additional data regarding current
housing demand and the occupancy levels of existing apartment units. Motion carried 5-2 with Staver
and Leyendecker voting nay.
3. North American Trainer Association (NATA) Formation Flight Training at Dubuque Regional
Airport Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by
Leyendecker. City staff showed a video of the North American Trainer Association (NATA) conducting
their annual formation flight training at the Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) before EAA AirVenture in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This video can also be viewed at
httas://voutu.be/JOeP1YM1Cos?si=HFiosGDIMZTrlbsm. Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Roussell reported on an upcoming Friends of Dubuque Parks event at Eagle Point Park.
Leyendecker reported on the recent Major League Baseball (MLB) game at the Field of Dreams.
Sprank reported on the National Night Out event, Crescent Community Health Center's 20th
anniversary celebration, the Art on the River opening reception, DubuqueFest, and the Dubuque Area
Labor Harvest's food giveaway.
Resnick reported on DubuqueFest, the Art on the River reception, the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Brownfields welcome event, and service on Four Mounds Foundations' Board.
Wethal reported on an NAACP Housing Commission meeting, Crescent's anniversary, and the
MLB game.
Cavanagh welcomed all incoming college students and reported on welcoming the EPA Region 7
Administrator and the MLB game.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 8:39 p.m. to discuss Pending Litigation and
Purchase or Sale of Real Estate — Chapter 21.5(1)(c),(j) Code of Iowa. Seconded by Leyendecker.
Mayor Cavanagh stated for the record that the attorneys who will consult with City Council on the
issues to be discussed in the closed session are City Attorney Brumwell and Assistant City Attorney
Jason Lehman. Motion carried 7-0.
The City Council reconvened in open session at 10:43 p.m. stating that staff had been given
proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at 10.43 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
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