Dubuque City Council Meeting | November 2, 2026 (LIVE)

The Dubuque City Council’s regular meeting on November 2, 2026, approved several capital and procurement-related actions. By 7–0, the council approved plans, specifications, the contract form, and an estimated $225,000 cost for the A.Y. McDonald Ice Arena cooling tower replacement; staff said the replacement is urgently needed and will match the existing system. The council also approved, 7–0, releasing an RFQ for space-needs analysis and concept-design services for the first floor of 1398 Central Avenue, intended to support a municipal services campus. For the JUUL transit network redesign study, staff reported that Jarrett Walker & Associates had been hired; the study is funded by a $225,000 FTA grant and a $25,000 city contribution, with public engagement and council direction planned through 2027.

The council approved the proceedings for proposed general-obligation borrowing not to exceed $22.25 million, including a planned $21.135 million bond sale on November 16, 2026, with electronic bidding through Parity. Proceeds are intended for budgeted capital projects including streets, sidewalks and ADA ramps, the 14th Street overpass, fire and solid-waste vehicles, public facilities, parks, and parking improvements; the bond sale and award were not yet completed. The council also approved urban-renewal/TIF actions for the Sky Blue Housing area and Dubuque Technology Park, including a new subarea intended to support future development and eligible reimbursements. Separately, it adopted a revised Housing Choice Voucher plan setting aside up to 12 annual direct referrals for people experiencing homelessness (5–2). Other items, including a T-Mobile cell-tower agreement and the FY2027 first budget amendment, were set for public hearing at a later meeting rather than decided.