2 13 08 City Council Proceedings Official
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
OFFICIAL
City Council, Special Session, February 13, 2008
Council met in Special Session at 6:30 P.M. in the Historic Federal Building
Present: Mayor Buol, Council Members Braig, Connors, Jones, Lynch, Resnick, Voetberg,
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: Purchase of Services, Five
Flags Civic Center, Recreation Division, Park Division, and Information Services Department.
Purchase of Services:
Dan LoBianco, Dubuque Main Street Ltd., thanked the Council for their past and continued
support, and reviewed the second quarterly report for Fiscal Year 2008.
Molly Grover, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of funding for the
America’s River Corporation and provided an overview of upcoming events.
Molly Grover, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced Sue Czeshinski, of the
Convention and Visitors Bureau, who provided an update on the activities of the CVB.
Iowa Workforce Development (no representative present)
Richard Running, Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, introduced Board members
Rick Haubel and Todd Huntington, who spoke in support of the work of DALMC.
Rick Dickinson, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, expressed appreciation to the
City for past and future funding and thanked the GDDC staff for their support.
Dean Nelson and Dave Runyon, Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, thanked the City
Council for their continued support and spoke of the various programs offered.
Jane McCall, Dubuque Humane Society, reviewed statistics of the past year and noted that
the number of animals handled continues to increase on a steady basis. Upon inquiry by
Connors, she confirmed that numbers would probably continue to increase.
Operation New View – Council reviewed materials provided by Tom Stovall, Executive
Director of Operation: New View.
Nancy Lewis, Project Concern, spoke in support of funding for Child Care Program, the
Foster Grandparent Program and Information and Referral.
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) – Council reviewed submitted correspondence.
Substance Abuse Services Center, Hills and Dales, Washington Tool Library, Northeast
Iowa Community College: Business Accelerator Plan; and Every Child/Every Promise (no
representatives present).
Sandi Helgerson and Samantha Richardson, St. Mark Community Center, spoke in support
of the requested funding in the amount of $15,000. She reviewed the five points of the Every
Child/Every Promise program and how St. Mark Community Center is responding to each.
Braig requested that this be set aside for discussion at public hearing and questioned the
reason for not funding as the Every Child/Every Promise initiative is a City Council priority.
Van Milligen said that Every Child/Every Promise was recommended for $25,000 in
anticipation of forming a partnership with the City. Voetberg agreed with setting aside to
discuss funding for at least one year while funding is sought. Lynch agreed with setting aside.
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This program can’t reach every child, but there are many good organizations and groups that
could by working together. Jones concurred with setting aside for separate consideration.
Buol concurred to set aside but agreed with the City Manager. Connors questioned how
organizations come to be added to the Purchase of Services list. Consensus was reached to
hold until the final budget public hearing.
Michelle Brown, Opening Doors, addressed the Council regarding the funding request in the
amount of $15,000 for Maria House and Teresa Shelter which was not included for funding in
the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. Brooke Gassman, Opening Doors, spoke in support of the
requested funding. Connors requested consensus to hold this item for separate discussion.
Resnick stated that the City needs to find assistance for those who need it. Ann Michalski,
1520 Altura, addressed Council stating the City should be careful about expanding its role in
supporting Human Services. She believes the City is not obligated, and by doing so
establishes a yearly expectation and opens a door to all agencies. Braig stated that here is a
need to take care of our own, and that the City should look at revising the Purchase of
Services policy. Jones said that he had requested a work session last fall, and the Purchase
of Services budget is tax payer money and not a grant application. Lynch questioned what
other cities are doing. Van Milligen said that he would look into it. Consensus was reached to
hold until the final budget public hearing.
Five Flags Civic Center: Leisure Services Manager Gil Spence noted that 2009 will be the
fifth year of the contract with SMG and 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. Connors requested that a green design be
looked at for the arena roof replacement project. Voetberg questioned the expenses. Resnick
questioned the average cost of the chair replacement at $164 per chair. Van Milligen said that
was an estimate and the City will bid replacement of chairs to obtain the best cost.
Conference Center: Leisure Services Manager Gil Spence stated that he oversees
maintenance and capital projects at the Grand River Center. Connors stated that the carpeting
in the Exhibit Hall is holding up very well.
Recreation Division: Recreation Division Manager Pat Prevenas provided a summary of the
past year’s accomplishments and activities. Buol commended the Recreation Division for the
free lunch program offered during the summer months.
Park Division: Park Division Manager Bob Fritsch reviewed the activities and projects of the
Division. Lynch questioned improvements to the skateboard park, the requests to add parks,
and if the department is looking at working with groups on designs, etc. Voetberg questioned
the budget expense for pet parks as he considers this a luxury item for the City. He
recommended holding this item for separate discussion. He stated the City is looking for
$15,000 to help the poorest in Dubuque, but recommending money for additional pet parks.
Braig agreed with Voetberg, but felt City should retain one pet park. Jones stated he doesn’t
advocate taking CIP money and putting it into the operating budget. Van Milligen said that his
would be a one-time expense from CIP monies. If it was put into operating, there wouldn’t be
funding for recurring expenses. Lynch questioned if the land on Terminal Street was
developable. It is designed for future development and a pet park would be temporary. Braig
questioned if Maria House or St. Mark’s would be a recurring expense when the City could
dictate one time only. Upon inquiry, she was told that the Miller-Riverview Park pavement
would hold up despite continual flooding. Connors asked about chemically treated grass areas
conflicting with sustainability issues. Parks uses these chemicals in high-profile areas and will
look at better products. Discussion was given to the Eagle Point Park bluff selective tree
thinning CIP and installation of drinking fountains. A fountain will not be placed at the skate
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park because it is too difficult to get water there. Consensus was reached to hold the Pet Park
item until the final budget public hearing.
Cable TV Division: Cable TV Coordinator Craig Nowack reviewed past and future initiatives
for the department, including the remodeling project of the Historic Federal Building. He also
spoke of the redesign of the City’s web page and the enhancements it would provide.
Information Services Department: Information Services Manager Chris Kohlmann reviewed
the past year’s activities and proposed activities for Fiscal Year 2009.
There being no further business, upon motion meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
/s/ Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC
City Clerk
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