Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CHAVENELLE, Gilbert D.
CHAVENELLE, Gilbert D. (Detroit, MI, Sept. 28, 1911-Dubuque, IA, Feb. 26, 1988). City Manager. Chavenelle served as the city manager of Dubuque for nineteen years from June 14, 1960, until his retirement effective June 30, 1979.
Chavenelle's tenure as city manager saw the development of countless municipal services including the development of a twenty-year plan for solid waste and sewage disposal; construction of one of the first secondary sewage treatment plants on the upper MISSISSIPPI RIVER; twenty-year plans for water service extensions and improvements; a twenty-year transportation plan; and revision of the 1934 zoning codes. His years of service will also be remembered for the construction of a new municipal public works garage, central fire headquarters and westside fire house; establishment of a Human Rights Commission; founding of a Low Rent Housing Commission; revision of the municipal budget system from departmental or program budgets; updated municipal codes; construction of the first two city parking ramps, and start of construction on a FLOODWALL. Chavenelle's financial stewardship led to the maintenance of balanced budgets in the city while maintaining the highest rating for bonds issued by the city.
Among many awards received by Chavenelle, he was presented the FIRST CITIZEN AWARD by the TELEGRAPH HERALD for 1971.