2 26 07 City Council Minutes Special OfficialCITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
OFFICIAL
City Council, Special Session, February 26, 2007
Council met in Special Session at 6:30 P.M. in the Library Auditorium
Present: Mayor Buol, Council Members Braig, Cline, Connors, Jones, Lynch, Michalski,
City Manager Van Milligen
Mayor Buol read the call and stated this is a special session of the City Council called for
the purpose of discussing various City departmental budgets.
The budgets for the following City Departments were discussed: Five Flags Civic Center,
Recreation Division, Park Division, Information Services Department and Cable TV
Division.
Five Flags Civic Center: Leisure Services Manager Gil Spence provided the Council with
an overview of activities and projects at the Center. A detailed budget will be submitted to
the Five Flags Commission in March and to the City Council in April for approval. Michalski
spoke of her continued concern regarding the amount of handicapped parking available
around the Five Flags Center.
Recreation Division: Recreation Division Manager Pat Prevenas provided a summary of
the past year's accomplishments and activities. Michalski suggested that partnership
opportunities be looked at for funding of the Prescott and Lincoln after-school programs.
Connors questioned why Sutton Pool was closed prior to Flora Pool in the fall. It was
explained that Flora Pool had the larger capacity and was more centrally located than
Sutton Pool.
Park Division: Park Division Manager Bob Fritsch reviewed the activities and projects of
the Division and explained the proposed overall re-organization of the maintenance staff to
improve efficiency and quality of work performed. Connors questioned whether
prospective users would have input on what would or would not work at the proposed BMX
Park. Michalski asked whether the Port of Dubuque Park could be moved up. City
Manager Van Milligen responded that the schedule is being coordinated with construction
of the parking ramp. Braig questioned whether dogs would be allowed in the Port of
Dubuque Park and whether there were any plans for construction of a second dog park.
Leisure Services Manager Gil Spence stated that a location has been selected for the
second dog park and that plans would be developed this spring with construction either
this year or next. A decision has not yet been made as to whether dogs would be allowed
in the new park at the Port of Dubuque. Charles Winterwood, Tri-State Trail Vision, spoke
in support of funding for the Catfish Creek trail study and requested that, if possible, this
be moved up from 2010 to allow earlier construction of the trail. Mike Heitz, 1085
University Avenue, expressed appreciation to the City Council for their response to the
need for updated /additional skate board facilities. Justin DeMuth, 1780 Garfield, spoke
in support of the skate board parks and requested the inclusion of water fountains and
restrooms at the parks.
Information Services Department: Information Services Manager Chris Kohlmann
expressed appreciation for the recommended funding of the Lead Applications/Network
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Information Services Department: Information Services Manager Chris Kohlmann
expressed appreciation for the recommended funding of the Lead Applications/Network
Analyst position and explained how the position would be utilized. Jones questioned
whether it would be possible to have dog and cat license information on-line to assist with
tracking owner information when City Hall is not open.
Cable TV Division: Cable N Coordinator Craig Nowack reviewed past and future
initiatives for the department, which include the televising of Zoning Advisory Commission
meetings. Buol questioned whether the City Council would be allowed to watch these
meetings in lieu of the recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling.
There being no further business, upon motion meeting adjourned at 8:05 p. m.
Isl Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC
City Clerk
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