The Dubuque City Council on Sept. 2 approved 100% construction plans and specifications for Rustic Point Park with an estimated cost of $258,278.50. Parks staff said the lot was donated to the city as part of the Rustic Point subdivision and that the park’s construction obligation triggers when 50% of the subdivision’s homes are completed.Photo: WHKS and Company led a community-engagement process including online surveys, mail postcards and an in-person event; consultants Lovely City Consulting and Ritland Kuiper participated.Nut graf: The council approved design plans following community outreach; staff said the park will be funded initially from the general fund or general obligation debt and later reimbursed from the subdivision’s Rustic TIF district once legal requirements allow.Body: Interim Parks and Recreation Director Steve Fasel summarized the consultant-led outreach process and design work. He said WHKS and subcontractors ran public engagement similar to prior mini-park projects (Eagle Valley, English Ridge, Westbrook), produced concept plans and then prepared final plans that the city’s development review team approved. Fasel said Lot K was donated by the subdivision developer (Derby Grange LLC) and now belongs to the city; the development agreement requires park construction once 50% of homes are complete. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson (cited by staff) advised that state rules require the city to budget the costs from general funds and then reimburse from Rustic TIF in order to certify the debt. Fasel said the city has budgeted funds through capital projects including a Rustic Point Park line item and tree program funds to cover the immediate cost. Council members praised the community engagement used to design the park and asked about reimbursement timing; staff said the TIF district is limited in duration and that reimbursement timing is likely to be relatively short but did not provide a specific payback schedule during the meeting. Council approved the resolution 7-0. Ending: With plans approved, staff will advertise for construction and carry the cost pending certified debt and subsequent reimbursement from the Rustic Point TIF district.