Council awards $3.4 million contract to repair Iowa Street parking garage; members flag long‑term ramp strategy

The Dubuque City Council on Monday approved a $3,405,758 construction contract to repair and maintain the Iowa Street parking garage, with alternatives totaling $605,172.50. The low bidder is Tequila Restoration Services, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri. City staff described the work as comprehensive structural repairs and life‑safety upgrades including repair of slabs, joists, ramps and beams, installation or upgrade of lighting including stairwell fixtures, and electrical upgrades with conversion to LED. Project manager Jim Bosley said existing fixtures will be updated and new fixtures added where needed. Council members praised the competitive bidding process; Council Member Sprank noted the low bid enabled the city to include more alternates. Several members said the project raised broader questions about long‑term maintenance strategy for downtown ramps. "At what point are we going to be just throwing good money away?" Council Member Sprank asked, urging a future discussion about whether to rebuild, repurpose or remove older structures. Mayor Cavanagh and other members said routine maintenance and preventing deferred maintenance is fiscally responsible. "Deferred maintenance is debt," the mayor said, recommending preventive investment to avoid greater future costs. Council directed staff to proceed with the contract award and to provide further analysis of ramp lifecycles and citywide parking strategy. The motion to award the contract was made by Council Member Sprank, seconded by Council Member Farber, and passed unanimously.