Council backs town-clock lighting and seeks Jeffris challenge grant for Eagle Point Park buildings

The Dubuque City Council on April 6 authorized staff to proceed with a lighting partnership with Debuke Forward that would install dynamic white lighting on the downtown town clock and accepted Debuke Forward’s offer to fund installation and spare parts.

Debuke Forward volunteer Andy Butler described the lighting as "dynamic white" fixtures that can be tuned for color temperature and dimmed overnight; staff advised the council the installation would be reversible and would not materially alter the structure. Parks staff said anticipated annual electrical costs are minimal (staff cited under $300/year for power) and that Debuke Forward will supply replacement parts for city inventory.

"It's emblematic of the city," Butler said of the clock. Staff confirmed parks staff will oversee maintenance and that fixtures would be integrated into existing stewardship arrangements.

Eagle Point Park: Jeffris challenge grant intent

Planning and parks staff recommended the council authorize the city to submit a notice of intent to the Jeffris Family Foundation for a challenge grant to support restoration of Alfred Caldwell–designed buildings in Eagle Point Park. Staff described a recent historic-structures report identifying roughly $2 million in recommended rehabilitation work and said Jeffris is asking for notice of intent and a plan that shows fundraising capacity (the grant requires a $2 local match for each $1 from Jeffris).

The council authorized staff to pursue the Jeffris challenge grant and to retain a fundraising consultant as needed to prepare the application and match strategy.