Dubuque City Council approves parts of Chaplain Schitt Island plans

The Dubuque City Council on Monday moved forward two key elements in the development of Chaplain Schmitt Island. The council approved the hotly debated development plan for the island and OK’d the construction contract for the outdoor concert amphitheater behind Q Casino + Resort — one of the first amenities highlighted in the plan to come to life. The council unanimously approved a contract with Conlon Construction Co., of Dubuque, for $8.2 million to construct the amphitheater, along with $1.1 million in optional amenities that were added to the project after the base bid came in $1.5 million below the engineer’s estimate of $9.7 million. The add-ons include better pathways at the facility, concrete cut walls to mark the entrance and improvements to the existing asphalt parking lot, which has been in temporary use for the Back Waters Stage. The two items left out, which could be added in at a later date — include stage rigging and art installations utilizing repurposed vintage lights from the greyhound track.