Proof_City Council Proceedings 08.03.26Copyrighted
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
STATE OF IOWA SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
I, Kathy Goetzinger, a Billing Clerk for Woodward
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher
of the Telegraph Herald, a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the
attached notice was published in said newspaper on the
following dates:
08/12/2026
and for which the charge is 33992.69
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Publ and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 12th day of August, 2026
Notary /bl c in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
1AL JANET K. PAPE
y Commission Number 199659
Z r
_ My Commission Expires
low, 12/11/2028
Ad text :
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m.
on August 3, 2026, in the second -floor Council Chambers of the
Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker,
Resnick, Roussel], Sprank, Staver (arrived during the first
work session), 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 work sessions on Iowa Senate File 2472 and Imagine
Dubuque.
WORK SESSIONS
Iowa Senate File 2472 and Impacts on the City of Dubuque
Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson made a presentation
on Iowa Senate File 2472. Larson and Van Milligen responded to
questions on implementation timeframes. City Council Members
shared concerns about the uncertainty surrounding how the
legislation will be implemented and its outcomes.
This work session concluded at 5:56 p.m.
Imagine Dubuque Update
Planning Services Director Wally Wernimont and Assistant
Planner and Imagine Dubuque Project Manager Jason Duba
presented on Imagine Dubuque Implementation. In response to a
question, Wernimont confirmed that staff can track visits to
the Imagine Dubuque webpage and report those numbers to the
Council.
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR SESSION
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m.
on August 3, 2026, in the second -floor Council Chambers of the
Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Leyendecker,
Resnick, Roussel], 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
CONSENT ITEMS
Roussell requested Item No. 12 be held for separate
discussion. Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents, adopt the resolutions, and dispose of as indicated,
except No. 12. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
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. Upon motion
the documents were received and filed.
2. Notice of Claims and Suits: Lora David for vehicle
damage; Sheri Henschel for property damage; Kay Konrady for
vehicle damage; Patti Richey 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: Rick Ackley for property damage; Lora David for vehicle
damage; Sheri Henschel for property damage; Kay Konrardy for
vehicle damage; Patti Richey for property damage; Terry
Willenborg 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. 291-26 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. Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant Boiler Replacement
Project - Consulting Engineering Design Services Contract
Award Recommendation: City Manager recommended City Council
approval of Strand Associates, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin for
design of the Eagle Point WTP Boiler Replacement Project (CIP
Nos. 4281000054 and 4281000057) as a part of a request for
qualifications (RFQ) process and to request authorization from
City Council to enter into contract negotiations to provide
professional design services for the project. Upon motion the
documents were received, filed, and approved.
6. Kohl's Department Stores #985 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 Kohl's Department Stores
for their property located at 2995 NW Arterial, Parcel No.
1017426003. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
7. Garbage Collection Assessments: Upon motion the documents
were received and filed, and Resolution No. 292-26 Authorizing
The City To Collect Delinquent 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. Approval of 2025 City Council Proceedings: Upon motion
the documents were received, filed, and approved.
9. Approval of Plat of Survey (Vacation) of a portion of the
Main Street and West 7th Street Right of Way to be known as
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: Upon
motion the documents were received and filed, and Resolution
No. 293-26 Approving The Plat Of Survey For Proposed Vacated
Street Right Of Way In Part Of City Lot 25A, In The City Of
Dubuque, Iowa was adopted.
10. Signed Contracts: Clockwork Partners to provide and
service viewing towers at Eagle Point Park; East Central
Intergovemmental Association for the EPA FY26 Brownfield
Assessment Grant; Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, LLC for
the 9th St. Brick Removal and Pave; Eastern Iowa Excavating &
Concrete, LLC for the Greyhound Park Water Main Looping
Project; EMS Industrial, Inc - Energetics & Badger Electric
Motor for Port Ramp Compressor Repairs; F & W Service Company
for Inspections on Mechanic Shop Lift; Geograph for Crescent
Link Tier I Annual Enterprise Site Subscription; HDR
Engineering, Inc. for Task Order Nine for the EW Corridor
BUILD Grant Support; Kruser Septic Service for WRRC Primary
Clarifier Cleaning; Lange Sign Group for the Five Flags
Digital Sign Replacement; Leslein Trucking for Lime Residuals
(Lime Sludge) Removal, Hauling, Transportation, Storage and
Disposal Services 2026; Oak View Group for August 12, 2026
Event; Site Access Agreement with Holy Family Catholic
Schools; TSYS Merchant Solutions, LLC for Amended Rates. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed.
11. Public Improvement Contracts with Performance, Payment,
and Maintenance Bonds: Eastern Iowa Directional Drillers, LLC
for the Southwest Arterial/US 52 ITS Corridor Project; JQ
Construction, LLC for the Lead Service Line Replacement Phase
2 Project. Upon motion the documents were received, filed, and
approved.
12. Recommendation for net increase in Human Resources
Department of 1.0 FTE for the addition of the Workforce and
Compensation Analyst position: Motion by Roussell to receive
and file the documents and approve the creation of a Workforce
& Compensation Analyst position as part of a Human Resources
Department restructuring. Seconded by Sprank. Chief Human
Resources Officer Shelley Stickfort summarized the position
and the departments long-term organizational structure goals.
Van Milligen confirmed that while staff have identified
current fiscal savings from staff vacancies to fund the
position, funding for future fiscal years will need to be
identified. Van Milligen also summarized the City Councils
prioritization of staff recruitment and retention and the
resulting increase in Human Resources activities. City Council
Members discussed how the expanding role of artificial
intelligence (Al) might impact the position and the budget
process used to evaluate additions to staffing. Motion carried
5-2 with Wethal and Leyendecker voting nay.
ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Roussell to receive and file the documents, adopt
the resolutions, and set the public hearings for August 17,
2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Federal Building.
Seconded by Leyendecker. Motion carried 7-0.
1. JFK Water Tower Interior Piping and Expansion Joint
Replacement Project - Set a Public Hearing and Initiate Public
Bidding: Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 294-26 JFK Tower Interior Piping And Expansion
Joint Replacement 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, therefore setting a public hearing.
2. Setting a Public Hearing - Petition for Vacation and
Disposal of a portion of the Main Street and West 7th Street
Right of Way to be known as Lot 25B of Block 11, Dubuque
Downtown Plaza, in the City of Dubuque, Iowa: Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 295-26 Of
Intent For The Vacation And Disposal 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, To Be Known As Lot 25B,
Of Block 11, Dubuque Downtown Plaza, In The City Of Dubuque,
Iowa was adopted, therefore setting a public hearing.
3. Greeley Street Utility Reconstruction Project - Initiate
Public Bidding Process and Setting Date for a Public Hearing:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 296-26 Greeley Street Utility Reconstruction
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, therefore setting a public hearing.
4. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing To Consider the
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement By and Between the City
Of Dubuque and RG HOSPITALITY, LLC for the Grand Harbor Hotel:
Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 297-26 Setting A Public Hearing To Consider The
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 was adopted, therefore setting a public
hearing.
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. Community Development Advisory Commission: One, 3-Year
term through February 15, 2028 (Vacant Low/Moderate Income
Rep. 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).
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.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Communications Facility License Agreement: NCWPCS MPL 29
- Year Sites Tower Holdings LLC (Louis Murphy Park Cell
Tower): Motion by Resnick to receive and file the documents
and adopt Resolution No. 298-26 Approving 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. Seconded by
Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Dubuque Fire Headquarters Bunkroom Remodel Project:
Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 299-26 Dubuque Fire Headquarters Bunkroom
Remodel Project Approval Of Plans, Specifications, Form Of
Contract, And Estimated Cost. Seconded by Sprank. In response
to a question, Van Milligen and Fire Chief Amy Scheller
confirmed that although the department is currently conducting
a facilities evaluation, Fire Headquarters will remain at its
present location. Motion carried 7-0.
3. 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: Motion by Resnick to receive and file
the documents and adopt Resolution No. 300-26 Taking
additional action on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue
Loan and Disbursement Agreement. Seconded by Wethal. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. 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: Motion by Wethal to receive and
file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 301-26 Taking
additional action on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue
Loan and Disbursement Agreement. Seconded by Roussell. Van
Milligen clarified that the project involves replacement of
the existing control system as part of routine maintenance and
is unrelated to the previous explosion at the facility. Motion
carried 7-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Lincoln Elementary School Principal Megan Elsinger, 555
Nevada St., spoke in support of Action Item No. 2, summarizing
the need to convert the street to one-way.
Carolyn Kelley, of Dubuque Forward, 900 Jackson St., thanked
the City for its support in lighting the Town Clock and shared
that the organization is interested in engaging with the City
regarding Action Item No. 3.
Jean McDonald, 3120 Eagle Point Dr.; Jane Schmidt, 1377 Wood
St.; and Leonard Dress, 541 Groveland Pl., summarized concerns
with Eagle Point Park and requested it become a City Council
priority.
Nino Erba, 180 W. l5th St. Apt. 306, emphasized the Data
Center Information & Community Input Report Work Session be
adequately publicized as a session occurring before the
regular City Council meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
1. FY27 Dubuque Regional Humane Society Contracted Services
Agreement and Negotiations: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and approve a five-year contracted services
agreement between the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Regional
Humane Society effective July 1, 2026-June 30, 2031. Seconded
by Roussell. Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan
summarized the history of the Citys contract with the Humane
Society and outlined potential options for housing and
impounding stray, abandoned, lost, or held animals should the
City discontinue that service with the Humane Society. She
also noted that staff can review how other cities manage
similar needs. City Council members expressed the need for a
broader discussion on the issue. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Nevada St. One -Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln.
and W. 5th St. adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School: 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
Leyendecker. City Engineer Gus Psihoyos explained that the
one-way conversion had previously been implemented as a pilot
and that the proposed ordinance would make the change
permanent. He also noted that staff can install speed counters
at intersections near the school to assess whether speeding is
occurring and can review available speed -control alert
options. Principal Elsinger added that crossing guards are
stationed at the intersection of W.?5th?Street and Nevada to
enhance safety. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussel] for final consideration and passage of
Ordinance No. 31-26 Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 9 Motor Vehicles And Traffic, Chapter 7
Operation, Section 321.305 One -Way Streets. Seconded by
Leyendecker. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Downtown Master Plan Update Request for Proposals (RFP):
Motion by Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt
Resolution No. 302-26 Authorizing The Release And Posting Of
The Request For Proposals For The Downtown Master Plan Update,
City Of Dubuque, Iowa. Seconded by Sprank. Planning Services
Director Wally Wernimont summarized the purpose of the plan
along with its boundaries and proposed timeline. City Council
Members commented on the timeline, offering suggestions that
ranged from confirming with the selected consultant whether
the proposed schedule is realistic to postponing the RFP
process until several ongoing downtown projects are completed.
City Council Members also emphasized the importance of
leveraging other plans, partnering with stakeholders, and
incorporating community input. Motion carried 6-1 with Staver
voting nay.
4. Opportunity Zone 2.0 Application Submission: Motion by
Resnick to receive and file the documents and approve
submission of an application for Opportunity Zone 2.0
designation through the Opportunity Iowa program, administered
by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Seconded by
Wethal. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Work Session Request: Data Center Information & Community
Input Report: Motion by Resnick to receive and file the
documents and schedule the work session for August 17, 2026,
at 5:15 pm. Seconded by Sprank. City Council Members clarified
that the session will not include a public comment period and
is intended to review the collection of previous input
received on data centers. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Work Session Request: Parks and Recreation Aquatic
Facility Study: Motion by Roussell to receive and file the
documents and schedule the work session for September 21,
2026, at 5:30 p.m. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Auburn Street and Custer Street Infrastructure
Reconstruction Project Video: Motion by Resnick to receive and
file the documents and view the video. Seconded by
Leyendecker. City staff showed a video of the Auburn and
Custer Street Reconstruction Project, which is upgrading
century -old infrastructure and modernizing water, sanitary
sewer, and stormwater systems. The video can be seen on the
City's YouTube channel at
https://youtu.be/9_YkgSjs_EC?si = YgbTNv_oaEB98 UY. Motion
carried 7-0.
8. Public Works Sewer Maintenance Crew Video: Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents and view the video.
Seconded by Leyendecker. City staff showed a video of the
Public Works Department's sewer crew. This video can be seen
on the City's YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/OHV1w0-
xSaQ?si = gUld3cZg1NOv9T3k. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Dubuque Welcomes RAGBRAI Video: Motion by Leyendecker to
receive and file the documents and view the video. Seconded by
Resnick. City staff showed a video highlighting the 2026
edition of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa
(RAGBRAI), which ended in Dubuque on Saturday, July 25. This
video can also be viewed on the City's YouTube at
https://youtu.be/OH2_Y_2e85w, Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Roussell reported on recent and upcoming volunteer efforts
with Friends of Dubuque Parks.
Wethal reported on the Dubuque Museum of Arts annual meeting
and the point in time count.
Sprank reported on participating in a baseball event with
special needs kids in Dyersville and the Citys Data Center
Public Input Sessions.
Resnick remarked that he was glad to see an emphasis on
positive developments taking place.
Cavanagh reported on distributing soccer balls to members of
Miracle League as part of a partnership with FIFA through the
U.S. Conference of Mayors. Cavanah also reported on the
Dubuque County Fair and hosting Mayor Hiroto Fujii from
Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Wethal to convene in closed session at 8:52 p.m.
to discuss Purchase or Sale of Real Estate Chapter 21.5(1)6)
Code of Iowa. Seconded by Staver. 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 9:22 p.m.
stating that staff had been given proper direction.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the
meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC
City Clerk
It 8/12