Council approves city participation in patent filing for employee‑built wastewater cabinet

The council unanimously approved a consent‑agenda item authorizing the City of Dubuque to participate in a patent filing for wastewater management equipment built by a city employee, Todd Irwin, with help from local companies.

Councilmember Jones pulled the consent item for discussion and highlighted that the employee’s design — a cabinet to house wastewater management equipment — is an uncommon innovation emerging from city operations. Council voted to receive and file the documentation and approve the city’s participation in the patent process (motion by Jones, second by Resnick); the roll call recorded a 7‑0 vote.

Staff will complete the documentation required for the city's participation in the patent application process. The vote was procedural and did not award any contract or grant funds; it authorizes staff action to support the patent filing.