Minutes City Council 1 7 08
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
The Dubuque City Council met in regular session on January 7, 2008, in the Historic
Federal Building.
Present: Mayor Buol, Council Members Braig, Connors, Jones, Lynch, Resnick, Voetberg,
City Manager Van Milligen; City Attorney Lindahl
Mayor Buol read the call and stated this is a regular session called for the purpose of
discussing such matters which may properly come before the City Council.
Invocation was provided by Sr. Donard Collins, BVM
SWEARING IN
City Council Member At-Large David Resnick
City Council Member Second Ward Karla Braig
City Council Member Fourth Ward Dirk Voetberg
Mayor Pro-Tem Ric Jones
PROCLAMATION
Martin Luther King, Jr. Days (January 20 and 21, 2008) was accepted by Cammie Dean on
behalf of Faces & Voices and the NAACP Dubuque Chapter.
CONSENT ITEMS
Motion by Connors to receive and file the documents and dispose of as indicated. Seconded
by Braig. Voetberg requested (#2) Notice of Claims/Suits be held for separate discussion.
Braig requested (#16) Passenger Rail Station Study be held for separate discussion. Connors
requested (#19) Business License Refund be held for separate discussion. Motion carried 7-0.
Minutes and Reports Submitted: City Council of 12/17; Civil Service Commission of 10/31;
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission of 12/12
Library Board of Trustees Update from the Meeting of December 14, 2007
Proof of publication of City Council Proceedings of December 3, 2007
Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
Notice of Claims/Suits: Lois K. Pearce for vehicle damage; Heather Price for vehicle
damage; Dirk Voetberg for vehicle damage; Terry Dolan vs. City of Dubuque; Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. vs. City of Dubuque, et al; Robert Kress for vehicle
damage; Kurt Becker for pet injury; Steve Cook for property damage; Joyce Whelan for vehicle
damage.
City Attorney advising that the following claims have been referred to Public Entity Risk
Services of Iowa, the agent for the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool: Heather Price for
vehicle damage; Larry and Brenda Huseman for property damage; Steve Cook for property
damage; Dirk Voetberg for vehicle damage; Robert Kress for vehicle damage.Motion by Jones
to receive and file and refer to the City Attorney. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 6-0 with
Voetberg abstaining.
Alternative Service Concepts (ASC) Fee Renewal – Workers’ Compensation: City Manager
recommending approval of the renewal rates from Alternative Service Concepts (ASC) for
workers’ compensation claims administration. Upon motion the documents were received,
filed, and approved.
Civil Service Commission: Civil Service Commission submitting the certified list for the
position of Firefighter. Upon motion the document was received and filed and made a Matter of
Record.
New Market Tax Credits: City Manager communication to John Gronen and Paul Butler,
Gronen Restoration, in support of New Market Tax Credits for their restoration project in the
900 block of Main Street. Upon motion the documents were received and filed.
Purchase of Property from Interstate Power and Light Company: City Manager
recommending acceptance of the warranty deed from Interstate Power and Light Company for
property in the Port of Dubuque. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 1-08 Accepting the deed to certain real estate in Dubuque County, Iowa from
Interstate Power and Light Company was adopted.
Iowa Department of Economic Development: Communication from the Iowa Department of
Economic Development advising that Medline Industries, Inc., has been awarded a $240,000
Community Economic Betterment Account Loan and a $240,000 Forgivable Loan. Upon
motion the document was received and filed.
Purchase of Property – 506 Rhomberg Avenue: City Manager recommending approval of
the purchase of property at 506 Rhomberg Avenue as part of the acquisition program
associated with the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 2-08 Approving the acquisition of real estate located at
506 Rhomberg Avenue in the City of Dubuque was adopted.
Purchase of Property – 508 Rhomberg Avenue: City Manager recommending approval of
the purchase of property at 508 Rhomberg Avenue as part of the acquisition program
associated with the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. Upon motion the documents were
received and filed and Resolution No. 3-08 Approving the acquisition of real estate located at
508 Rhomberg Avenue in the City of Dubuque was adopted.
2007 Asphalt Paving Program: City Manager recommending acceptance of the 2007
Asphalt Paving Program as completed by River City Paving in the final contract amount of
$800,445.87. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 4-08
Accepting the 2007 Asphalt Paving Program and authorizing payment of the contract amount
was adopted.
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Dubuque Industrial Center West 3 Addition / Contract A – Mass Grading Project: City
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Manager recommending acceptance of the Dubuque Industrial Center West 3 Addition /
Contract A Mass Grading Project as completed by WC Stewart Construction Co., in the final
contract amount of $2,926,388.35. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
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Resolution No. 5-08 Accepting the Dubuque Industrial Center West 3 Addition / Contract A
Mass Grading Project and authorizing payment of the contract amount was adopted.
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Star Brewery Drive Construction Project: City Manager recommending acceptance of the
Star Brewery Drive Construction Project as completed by Portzen Construction, Inc. in the final
contract amount of $506,323.15. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 6-08 Accepting the Star Brewery Drive Construction Project and authorizing
payment of the contract amount was adopted.
Third Street Overpass Lighting Project: City Manager recommending acceptance of the
Third Street Overpass Lighting Project as completed by Giese Sheet Metal Co., Inc. in the final
contract amount of $45,223.49. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 7-08 Accepting the Third Street Overpass Lighting Project and authorizing
payment of the contract amount was adopted.
Wilmac Property Company - Downtown Rehabilitation Loan Program: City Manager
recommending approval of a Letter of Commitment for a Downtown Rehabilitation Loan of
$300,000, a Design Grant of $10,000, and a Façade Grant of $10,000 for Wilmac Property
Company to support their rehabilitation of the 1000 Jackson Street building. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 8-08 Authorizing a Letter of
Commitment and additional actions concerning a Downtown Rehabilitation Loan, Design Grant
and Façade Grant to 1000 Jackson Street was adopted.
Downtown Rehabilitation Loan Program – Plastic Center, Inc.: City Manager recommending
approval of a Letter of Commitment for a Downtown Rehabilitation Loan of $300,000, Design
Grant of $10,000, and a Façade Grant of $10,000 for Plastic Center, Inc. to support the
rehabilitation of properties located at 951, 955-957, and 965 Main Street. Upon motion the
documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 9-08 Authorizing a Letter of
Commitment and additional actions concerning a Downtown Rehabilitation Loan, Design Grant
and Façade Grant to 951, 955-957, and 965 Main Street was adopted.
Passenger Rail Station Study: City Manager recommending acceptance of the consultant’s
recommendation that the proposed Intermodal transit site in the Port of Dubuque is the best
option for a passenger rail station. Motion by Braig to receive and file the documents and
approve. Seconded by Connors. Motion carried 7-0.
Office of Energy Independence: Communication from Roya Stanley, Director of the Iowa
Office of Energy Independence, relating to the City of Dubuque’s energy efficiency initiatives.
Upon motion the document was received and filed.
State Historical Society of Iowa: Communication from the State Historical Society of Iowa
advising that the Interstate Power Company Building will be considered by the State National
Register Nomination Review Committee for nomination to the National Register of Historic
Places on February 8, 2008. Upon motion the document was received and filed.
Business License Refund: Request of Greg A. Prehm for a refund of Liquor License No.
LC0031962. Motion by Connors to receive and file and approve. Seconded by Jones. Motion
carried 7-0.
Liquor License Renewal – Bricktown Brewery: City Manager recommending that the liquor
license renewal application for Bricktown Brewery be approved for a one-year period. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 10-08 Granting the
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issuance of a Class “C” Beer/Liquor License to Bricktown Brewery was adopted.
Business Licenses: City Manager recommending approval of annual liquor license renewals
as submitted. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and Resolution No. 11-08
Granting the issuance of one new permit to sell cigarettes within the City of Dubuque;
Resolution No. 12-08 Granting the issuance of a Class “C” Beer Permit to El Paisano Grocery
Store and Dubuque Clark; and Resolution No. 13-07 Granting the issuance of a Class “C”
Beer/Liquor License to Breezers Pub and The Lounge; Special Class “C” Liquor License to The
Gym; Class “B” Wine Permit to Dubuque Religious Center; and a Class “E” Liquor License to
Dubuque Clark were adopted.
ITEMS TO BE SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Lynch to receive and file the documents, set the public hearings as indicated, and
direct the City Clerk to publish notice as prescribed by law. Seconded by Braig. Motion carried
7-0.
Sale of Property – Traut Terrace (Tabled on December 17, 2007): City Manager
recommending that a public hearing be set for January 22, 2008 to consider a request from
Gregory Laufenberg and Linda K. Laufenberg to purchase 11 feet of Traut Terrace abutting the
property at 46 Diagonal Street. Upon motion the documents were received and filed and
Resolution No. 14-08 Resolution of Intent to vacate and dispose of City interest in Lot 8A of
Dunn’s Subdivision in the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, was adopted setting a
public hearing for a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. on January 22, 2008, in the Historic
Federal Building.
Comprehensive Plan Update: City Manager recommending that a public hearing be set for
January 22, 2008 to consider approval of the update of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan. Upon
motion the documents were received and filed setting a public hearing for a meeting to
commence at 6:30 p.m. on January 22, 2008, in the Historic Federal Building.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Applicants were invited to address the City Council regarding their desire to serve on the
following Boards/Commissions; Mediacom Charitable Foundation (Two 1-year terms through
December 31, 2008 – Terms of Hall and Chavenelle). Applicant: Gail Chavenelle
Appointments to the following Boards/Commissions:
Housing Code Appeals Board (One expired three-year term through January 11, 2009).
Applicant: Ryan Killburg (Ineligible because of County residency)
Human Rights Commission (Three 3-year terms expiring January 1, 2011 – Terms of
Rubinstien, Foster and Ross). Applicants: Colin Scott, Dan Chatfield, Marcos Rubinstien.
Motion by Connors to appoint Colin Scott, Dan Chatfield, and Marcos Rubinstien to 3-year
terms expiring January 1, 2011. Seconded by Braig. Motion carried 7-0.
Transit Board of Trustees (One vacant 3-year term through July 30, 2009 – Term of Kies).
Applicants: Don Stedman, Harry Bemis. Upon 6-1 vote, Don Steadman was appointed to a 3-
year term through July 30, 2009, with Voetberg voting for Bemis.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
Upon motion the rules were suspended allowing anyone to address the City Council.
Dubuque Industrial Center Economic Development District: Proof of publication on notice of
public hearing to consider the removal of the North Siegert Farm and the Rail Site from the
Dubuque Industrial Center Economic Development District and City Manager recommending
approval.
Communication from the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission in support of the
amendment to the Dubuque Industrial Center Economic Development District
Motion by Jones to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 15-08
Amending the Amended and Restated Urban Renewal Plan for the Dubuque Industrial Center
Economic Development District. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 7-0
Upon motion the rules were reinstated limiting discussion to the City Council.
ACTION ITEMS
Tobacco Free Coalition: Communication from Angie Brandel, Anti-Tobacco Coordinator –
Hillcrest Family Services, requesting City Council support for local control over tobacco-free
environments. Motion by Connors to receive and file the documents and refer to the City
Manager. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
Downtown Neighborhood Council Streetscape Project: Historic Preservation Commission
recommending approval of $8,520 in Historic District Public Improvement Program (HDPIP)
funding to install two “black strap” benches in Jackson Park and approximately 45 planters
throughout the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Motion by Jones to receive and file
the documents and approve. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 7-0.
Shot Tower Rehabilitation Project: Historic Preservation Commission recommending
approval of the reallocation of $100,000 in Historic District Public Improvement Program
(HDPIP) funding from the Four Mounds Estate to the Shot Tower Rehabilitation Project. Motion
by Lynch to receive and file the documents and approve. Seconded by Connors. Motion
carried 7-0.
February 19, 2008 City Council Meeting: City Manager recommending that the City Council
meeting scheduled for Tuesday. February 19, 2008 (due to President’s Day) be changed to
Monday, February 18, 2008. Motion by Connors 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 Lynch.
Motion carried 7-0
Motion by Connors for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 1-08 Changing the
date for the second regular City Council meeting in February 2008 from February 19, 2008, to
February 18, 2008. Seconded by Braig. Motion carried 7-0.
City Council Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions: Motion by Connors to
receive and file the documents. Seconded by Jones. Motion carried 7-0.
Communication from M. Thomas Stovall, Executive Director of Operation: New View
Community Action Agency, requesting that the City make appointments to the Board of
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Directors at the first meeting in January 2008 (currently City Council Members Ric Jones and
Karla Braig, and a representative appointed by the City Manager). Motion by Braig to appoint
Jones and Resnick to the Board of Directors for Operation: New View Community Action
Agency. Seconded by Connors. Motion carried 7-0.
Communication from the Dubuque Racing Association Board of Directors requesting
appointment of representatives to the DRA Board of Directors for 2008 (currently Mayor Roy
D. Buol, Council Members Kevin Lynch and Ric Jones, and City Manager Michael C. Van
Milligen). Motion by Braig to appoint Buol, Lynch, Jones, and Van Milligen to the Dubuque
Racing Association Board of Directors. Seconded by Connors. Motion carried 7-0
City Manager requesting appointment of a City Council liaison to the Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission. Motion by Connors to appoint Voetberg as liaison to the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. Seconded by Braig. Motion carried 7-0.
Dubuque Initiatives requesting appointment of a City Council liaison to the Board of
Directors. Motion by Connors to appoint Voetberg as liaison to the Dubuque Initiatives Board
of Directors. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 7-0.
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency: Motion by Connors to appoint Resnick to the
Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency Board. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 7-0.
Dubuque Main Street: Motion by Lynch to appoint Resnick to the Dubuque Main Street
Board. Seconded by Braig. Motion carried 7-0.
Four Mounds Foundation: Motion by Connors to appoint Braig to the Four Mounds
Foundation Board. Seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 7-0
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation: Motion by Voetberg to appoint Lynch and
Connors to the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Board. Seconded by Jones.
Motion carried 7-0.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jones reminded everyone that Special Olympics begins Monday, January 14, 2008.
Connors publicly thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work during the recent
snow storms.
There being no further business, upon motion the City Council adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
/s/ Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC
City Clerk
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