Proof_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
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:
08/26/2026
and for which the charge is 418.14
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Pu is in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 26th day of August, 2026
�'� P A
QB2� 012
Notary b c in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
ore'^� sF JANET K. PAPE
Z Commission Number 199659
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 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, 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 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.
CONSENTITEMS
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 Councils 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 Kalcevichs 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 Citys 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 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.
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
companys 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. Westergaard explained that the companys 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
Pl.; 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 Pl.; Jeff Small, 13924 Surrey Ln; and David
Downs, 1070 Main St.
Nino Erba, 180 W 15th 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 Pl., 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
departments procedure for reviewing a developers history of
compliance with other City departments prior to entering into
any agreements. Van Milligen provided an overview of upcoming
state -mandated limitations on the Citys 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
https://youtu.be/JOePIYMICos?si=HFiosGDIMZTrlbsm. Motion
carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Roussel] 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 Centers 20th anniversary celebration, the Art
on the River opening reception, DubuqueFest, and the Dubuque
Area Labor Harvests food giveaway.
Resnick reported on DubuqueFest, the Art on the River
reception, the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA)
Brownfields welcome event, and service on Four Mounds
Foundations Board.
Wethal reported on an NAACP Housing Commission meeting,
Crescents 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),O) 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
It 8/26