City Council Meeting | May 4, 2026

The City Council meeting of Dubuque, Iowa, held on May 4, 2026, included several procurement-related discussions primarily focused on public works and infrastructure projects. The council set public hearings for multiple capital improvement projects, including the Asbury, Cheney, and Carter traffic signal improvement project with an estimated cost of approximately $297,822, the Loris Boulevard and Locust Street storm sewer reconstruction project estimated at $474,640, the Loris Boulevard reconstruction and repair project estimated at $383,388, the 2026 public works asphalt milling profile project estimated at $145,869, and the Terminal Street Pumping Station rehabilitation project estimated at $161,000. The council also awarded a public improvement contract for concrete banding and cracking to Eastern Iowa Asphalt Maintenance for $178,120, which was 22% below the engineer's estimate. Additionally, the council approved a lease agreement with the Tri-State Modelers for use of FDR Park. A significant policy discussion involved approving a street mural project by Hills and Dales, including directing staff to develop a long-term mural policy addressing safety, maintenance, and liability. The council also deliberated on historic preservation matters, specifically the removal of two properties from the Broadway Street Neighborhood Conservation District, ultimately approving removal of one property (2311 Central Avenue) while referring the other (2327 Central Avenue) back to the Historic Preservation Commission for further review, particularly regarding economic viability. The meeting included presentations on housing needs and incentives, with staff discussing recent legislative changes affecting tax increment financing (TIF) for housing development, highlighting increased flexibility but also new limitations related to school levies. Overall, the meeting combined routine procurement approvals with policy considerations impacting future development and community projects.