City of Dubuque City Council Meeting Packet Summary
Meeting Overview
Public Body: City of Dubuque
Meeting Body: City Council
Meeting Date: August 17, 2026
Meeting Time: 6:30 PM CDT
Location: Historic Federal Building, Second-Floor Council Chambers, 350 W. 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting Type: City Council Meeting
The City Council agenda includes a work session focused on data center information and community input, followed by the regular council meeting. The packet includes agenda materials, staff memoranda, resolutions, supporting reports, public hearing materials, and related background documents.
Pre-Meeting Event
New Fire Boat Static Display
Before the council meeting, the Fire Department planned a public display of the new Lake Assault-Landing Craft Style Fire Rescue Boat.
Time: 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: In front of the Historic Federal Building on 6th Street
Purpose: Public viewing opportunity for the new fire rescue equipment
Meeting status: This event was separate from the official City Council meeting.
Work Session
The council work session included a presentation regarding data center information and community input.
The presentation was scheduled to be provided by:
- City Attorney Crenna Brumwell
- Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach
The packet includes materials related to data center discussions, community engagement information, Iowa references, other state examples, model ordinances, and research resources.
Topics included in the supporting materials include:
- Community input related to data centers
- Information resources for local decision-making
- Examples and references from Iowa and other states
- Potential planning considerations for communities evaluating data center proposals
Regular Meeting Highlights
Proclamation
Nathaniel and Charlotte Morgan Peace Week
The council agenda included recognition of Nathaniel and Charlotte Morgan Peace Week.
Dates recognized: September 1–6, 2026
Presented on behalf of: Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee
Consent Items
The consent agenda included routine approvals, reports, contracts, resolutions, and administrative actions.
Minutes and Reports
The council considered receiving and filing:
- City Council Proceedings from August 3, 2026
- Community Development Advisory Commission minutes from June 26, 2026
- Proofs of publication for prior City Council proceedings
- Expenditure reports covering May 1 through July 10, 2026, and July 11 through July 16, 2026
Claim Appeal
The agenda included a notice of appeal of claim from Austin Bodenhofer regarding vehicle damage.
Recommended action:
- Receive and file
- Refer to the City Attorney
City Expenditures
The council considered authorization for payment of city expenditures.
The related resolution would authorize the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to make required payments according to city procedures.
AmeriCorps Program Agreement
The council considered approval of the 2026–2027 City of Dubuque AmeriCorps Program: Creating Opportunities grant agreement.
The item involved:
- Notification of the grant award
- Authorization to execute the agreement
- Coordination with Volunteer Iowa through Adobe Sign and Save
FY27 REAP Five-Year Plan Update
The council considered an update to the Dubuque County Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program five-year plan.
The item included city recommendations related to the FY27 update.
Fire Headquarters Construction Contract
The council considered awarding a public improvement contract for the Fire Department bunk room remodel project.
The item included:
- Fire headquarters construction contract approval
- Resolution awarding the public improvement contract
Swiss Valley Estates Final Plat
The council considered approval of the Final Plat of Swiss Valley Estates.
The item included:
- Zoning Advisory Commission recommendation
- Resolution authorizing approval of the final plat
FY27 Fund Transfers
The council considered approval of fiscal year 2027 fund transfers for capital projects and expense reimbursements.
The resolution would authorize the Chief Financial Officer to complete appropriate interfund transfers and record transactions.
City Code Supplement
The council considered adoption of Supplement Number 2026 S-20 to the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances.
The item included a resolution adopting the updated code supplement.
Dodds and Sinclair Terminal Contaminated Soil Removal Project
The council considered awarding a public improvement contract for contaminated soil removal at the Dodds and Sinclair Terminal site.
The item included:
- Project award recommendation
- Resolution awarding the public improvement contract
Additional Consent Items
Additional consent agenda items included:
- Signed contracts
- Public improvement contracts with required bonds
- Letter of support for an Iowa Redevelopment Tax Credit application for 360 E. 16th Street
- Release of a real estate mortgage at 1199 Central Avenue
- Agreement involving sale of city property on Valeria Street as part of the Villas on Valeria subdivision
- Correction of a special warranty deed for 2527 Washington Street
- Retail alcohol license approvals
- Retail tobacco permit and device retailer permit applications
Future Public Hearings Scheduled
Easement to Holy Family Catholic Schools
The council considered setting a future public hearing regarding a proposed grant of easement to Holy Family Catholic Schools.
Dubuque Racing Association Operating Line of Credit Renewal
The council considered setting a public hearing related to renewal of an operating line of credit between the Dubuque Racing Association and the city.
Boards and Commissions
Application Review
Applicants for boards and commissions were invited to address the City Council.
Appointments
The council considered appointments to city boards and commissions, including the Community Development Advisory Commission.
Public Hearings
The meeting included several public hearing items.
Wacker Plaza Planned Unit Development Amendment
The council considered an amendment to the Wacker Plaza Planned Unit Development.
The item involved:
- Review of a proposed Unified Development Code amendment
- Consideration of ordinance changes related to the development
RG Hospitality Lease Agreement
The council considered approval of an amended and restated lease agreement between the City of Dubuque and RG Hospitality, LLC.
Downtown Plaza Lot Vacation Request
The council considered a petition involving vacation of Lot 25B of Block 11, Dubuque Downtown Plaza.
The related resolutions addressed:
- Vacation of a portion of city property
- Disposition of city interest in the property
JFK Water Tower Project
The council considered the JFK Water Tower Interior Piping and Expansion Joint Replacement Project.
The item included:
- Public hearing
- Review of project plans and specifications
- Consideration of bid approval
Action Items
The action agenda included items requiring council discussion.
The council considered a resolution amending previous council resolutions related to a vacating petition involving the Northeast Iowa Community College building entrance.
Thunder Valley Development Agreement
The council considered approval of a development agreement between the City of Dubuque and Thunder Valley, LLC.
The item included a resolution approving the agreement.
The meeting packet shows a broad range of city business, including:
- Continued discussion and community engagement regarding data center issues
- Infrastructure and public safety investments
- Capital project contracts and environmental cleanup work
- Land use, development agreements, and property matters
- Updates to city plans, ordinances, and administrative processes
- Public hearings allowing residents to provide input on proposed actions
Residents interested in specific agenda items should review the supporting materials included with the meeting packet for detailed staff analysis, maps, agreements, resolutions, and background information.
