Council approves Hebe Street reconstruction plan, $677,849 estimated cost; assessments set

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council unanimously approved plans and an estimated cost of $677,849 for the Hebe Street reconstruction project and later adopted a schedule of special assessments for the work.

City Engineer Gus Sahoias presented the project scope to council: reconstruction with 7‑inch HMA pavement, new curb and gutter, a new sidewalk on the west side, a modified cul‑de‑sac, and full replacement of water main, sanitary sewer main and associated services. Staff said historic brick pavers under the current asphalt will be salvaged and stockpiled for future city use.

Council asked about resident access and schedule. Civil Engineer John Dean said contractors were informed at the pre‑bid meeting to provide temporary access accommodations during construction for roughly seven or eight homes on the narrow, 22‑foot street, and to backfill trenches nightly so residents can reach properties on foot. Staff said the city intends to complete the work before the school year starts and emphasized outreach with letters, phone calls and door‑to‑door contact for residents.

After the plan adoption, the council held a separate public hearing and adopted the assessment schedule for the project. Both measures passed on unanimous roll‑call votes.

The project manager told the council there are numerous lead service lines and aged utilities on Hebe Street dating back to the early 1900s and that the reconstruction is intended to bring the street utilities up to current standards.

Councilmember Wethal moved to receive and file and adopt the resolution; the motion passed 7–0.