City of Dubuque City Council Meeting Summary
Regular City Council Meeting — August 3, 2026
Public Body: City of Dubuque City Council
Meeting Location: Historic Federal Building, Second-Floor Council Chambers, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting Type: Regular Session
Overview
The Dubuque City Council met for its regular session on August 3, 2026. The council addressed consent agenda items, a staffing request related to the Human Resources Department, public hearings, board and commission appointments, infrastructure and facility projects, downtown planning, public input, and council reports.
Attendance and Opening
The meeting was called to order as a regular session of the Dubuque City Council. Attendance was recorded for the mayor, council members, city manager, city attorney, and city clerk.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Key Actions and Decisions
Human Resources Workforce and Compensation Analyst Position
The council discussed a request to add a new Human Resources Workforce and Compensation Analyst position.
Staff explained that a recent resignation of the Benefits and Compensation Manager created an opportunity to restructure responsibilities into two separate areas. The proposed Workforce and Compensation Analyst role would focus on compensation-related work, reporting, and data responsibilities.
Council discussion focused on balancing the need to support employee recruitment and retention efforts with budget pressures and opportunities to use technology and artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency.
Staff highlighted several recent investments and programs intended to support employees, including:
- Employee resource groups.
- Employee mentoring programs with mentor training requirements.
- Job shadowing opportunities.
- Expanded employee orientation programs.
- Employee education and training programs.
Staff also noted that recruiting qualified employees has become more challenging across many departments and that maintaining current compensation and classification information is important following the city’s previous compensation study.
The council approved the request.
Vote: Passed 5-2.
Public Hearing Dates and Future Actions
The council approved setting future public hearings for several projects and agreements scheduled for August 17, 2026.
Items included:
- JFK Water Tower Interior Piping and Expansion Joint project.
- Vacation and disposal of a portion of Main Street and West 7th Street right-of-way related to the NICC entrance project.
- Greeley Street Utility Reconstruction Project.
- Consideration of an amended and restated lease agreement between the City of Dubuque and RG Hospitality LLC for the Grand Harbor Hotel.
Vote: Passed 7-0.
Infrastructure and Facility Projects
Lewis Murphy Park Cell Tower Communications Facility Agreement
The council considered a communications facility license agreement involving NCWPCS MPL 29 Year Sites Tower Holdings LLC for the Lewis Murphy Park cell tower.
Staff presented proposed agreement terms, including:
- Updated license agreement format.
- Proposed rent of $40,000 plus CPI-based annual increases, not exceeding 5%.
- A five-year initial term beginning October 10, 2026, with four possible five-year extensions.
- Updated co-location revenue provisions.
- Updated bond and insurance requirements.
No public comments were received.
The council approved the resolution.
Vote: Passed 7-0.
Fire Headquarters Bunk Room Remodel Project
The council held a public hearing regarding the Dubuque Fire Headquarters bunk room remodel project.
Staff presented a recommendation to approve project plans, specifications, contract documents, and estimated construction costs of $532,440.
During discussion, council members asked about the relationship between the project and a broader facilities assessment for police and fire operations.
Staff explained:
- Fire headquarters is expected to remain in its current downtown location.
- A broader station and facilities assessment is underway.
- The assessment will help establish a longer-term facilities plan for fire stations.
- The bunk room project is considered a priority improvement at the existing headquarters facility.
The council approved the resolution.
Vote: Passed 7-0.
Terminal Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation Project
The council held a public hearing related to financing for the Terminal Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation Project.
Staff presented a proposed State Revolving Loan Fund financing request:
- Amount: Not to exceed $2,542,000.
- Purpose: Sewer revenue capital loan notes for rehabilitation work.
- Financing source: State Revolving Loan Fund program.
The council approved the resolution.
Water Resource Recovery Center Industrial Controls Upgrade
The council discussed an industrial controls project at the Water and Resource Recovery Center.
Council members asked whether the project was connected to a previous explosion incident and whether it represented repair work or a larger upgrade.
Staff explained:
- The project is not related to the previous explosion.
- The work involves replacing existing industrial control systems.
- Existing systems are outdated and no longer supported by the manufacturer.
- The upgraded controls will provide a more advanced system for operating the facility.
Staff described the project as more than routine maintenance and part of broader sewer system improvement efforts.
The council approved the resolution.
Vote: Passed 7-0.
Boards and Commissions
The council reviewed applications for several advisory boards and commissions.
The council reviewed applicants for two available terms:
- One term through 2028.
- One term through 2029.
Applicants reviewed included:
- Rakita Fisher.
- Paul Yuzel.
Transit Advisory Commission
The council reviewed applicants for three available three-year terms through 2029:
- Marilyn Cole.
- Greg Orwall.
- Dora Cernan.
No public comments were received regarding the applicants.
Downtown Master Plan Discussion
The council discussed a proposed Downtown Master Plan process.
Staff explained that the Downtown Master Plan would serve as a long-range guiding document for downtown development over a 10- to 20-year timeframe.
Discussion topics included:
- Coordinating the plan with other city planning efforts.
- Incorporating information from Dubuque Forward studies.
- Timing of community engagement.
- Relationship with the Unified Development Code update.
- Opportunities for downtown housing, redevelopment, and policy changes.
Staff explained that the plan would focus on gathering community input and identifying policies and strategies to guide future council decisions.
Council members discussed the importance of balancing timely action with meaningful public engagement.
Staff indicated that the request for proposals process would move forward, with proposals expected after the planned release and review timeline.
Nevada Street One-Way Conversion Near Lincoln Elementary School
The council received public input from Megan Alsinger, principal of Lincoln Elementary, regarding consideration of converting Nevada Street to a permanent one-way traffic pattern.
She spoke on behalf of Lincoln Elementary and the Dubuque Community School District.
Points raised included:
- Current temporary one-way traffic patterns during arrival and dismissal periods.
- Safety and traffic flow concerns around the school.
- Confusion caused by temporary traffic changes, including issues affecting navigation and first responders.
Potential benefits of a permanent one-way configuration included:
- More predictable traffic patterns.
- Improved student arrival and dismissal operations.
- Potential creation of a car line option for students with mobility-related needs.
She thanked city staff for working with the school community on possible solutions.
Community Highlights and Council Reports
RAGBRAI Visit
The council recognized the recent RAGBRAI event in Dubuque.
A video presentation highlighted rider experiences and community involvement.
Discussion recognized:
- The large number of visitors who came through Dubuque.
- Volunteer efforts supporting the event.
- The community atmosphere created along the route.
- The significance of ending the ride at the Mississippi River in Dubuque.
The council expressed appreciation for residents, volunteers, and staff involved in welcoming participants.
Council Member Reports
Council members shared updates from recent community activities, including:
- Friends of Dubuque Parks cleanup efforts following RAGBRAI.
- Upcoming National Night Out participation.
- Planned volunteer activities at Eagle Point Park.
- Participation in community events and organizations.
- Work related to homelessness data collection efforts and community services.
Closed Session
The council entered closed session under Iowa Code provisions to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate.
Vote to enter closed session: Passed 7-0.
