City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (02/10/26)

1. MAYOR/MAYOR PRO-TEM TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER: 5:30 pm

1.Roll Call

2.Pledge of Allegiance & a Moment of Silence

Attendee Name Title Status

Shari Zenor Kiple Council Member Present

Kirk Moriarty Council Member

Present

Ryan Panowicz Council Member

Present

Mark Reinders Council Member

Present

Andrea Johnson Council Member

Present

Ron Hanson Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Shari Zenor Kiple, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the January 26, 2026 Budget Meeting

3.bApprove the minutes of the January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting

3.cApprove the minutes of the January 29, 2026 Budget Meeting

Motion by Shari Zenor Kiple, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the following meeting minutes:

3.a)Minutes of the January 26, 2026 Budget Meeting

3.b)Minutes of the January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting

3.c)Minutes of the January 29, 2026 Budget Meeting Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

There was no citizen input.

5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

5.aRe-Appoint Laurie Beardsley to Planning & Zoning Commission Position #4 (Term end: 1/31/31)

5.bAppoint Jerry Shaffer to Board of Adjustment Position #4 (Term end: 1/31/30)

Anthony Lamb was continuing to serve in position #4 as a courtesy until we could fill it with a replacement. This would fill that position. There is one opening remaining on the Board of Adjustment.

5.cAppoint John Leigh to Parks Board Position #2 (Term end: 2/28/28)

At the last meeting Bill Dalke was appointed to Position #2, however he has since declined that position. This would fill Position #2.

5.dBills: Check numbers 93004 to 93086 in the amount of $178,422.13 and ACH Transactions in the amount of $27,474.08

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

5.a)Re-Appoint Laurie Beardsley to Planning & Zoning Commission Position #4 (Term end: 1/31/31)

5.b)Appoint Jerry Shaffer to Board of Adjustment Position #4 (Term end: 1/31/30)

5.c)Appoint John Leigh to Parks Board Position #2 (Term end: 2/28/28)

5.d)Bills: Check numbers 93004 to 93086 in the amount of $178,422.13 and ACH Transactions in the amount of $27,474.08

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

NameAmount Amount

ABT MAILCOM CUSTOMER NOTICES/FEB 2026 BILL PROCESSING 2,620.04

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 180.00

AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY LINE PHONES 501.76

AVERY BROTHERS SIGN CO PD SIGN 3,983.00

BATTERIES PLUS BATTERIES/BULBS 60.90

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL/FIRE DEPT 45.00

BRIAN ABBOTT TRAINING PROPS 1,725.00

CARRIER CONTAINER COMPANY SOLID WASTE 23,514.50

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  INSPECTIONS WATER 10.00

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  CITY HALL DRINKING WATER 63.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 18.58

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES JAN 2026 SEWER USAGE 40,228.41

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES DRUG SCREEN EXPENSE 110.00

CONWAY SHIELD BOOTS/SUSPENDERS 651.10

CULLIGAN RENTAL FEE AND SALT DELIVERY 98.75

DANKO EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CO BUILDING SUPPLIES/TRAINING/EQUIPMENT 495.16

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 296.04

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES/INSPECTIONS 400.79

GAUL, ANTHONY TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT 291.96

GILL HAULING INC JAN-MAR 2026 LANDFILL CHARGES/SOLID WASTE 36,308.33

HUNDERTMARK INC EQUIPMENT 60.58

IA DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PERMIT RENEWAL #9774001 1,250.00

IMFOA 2026 DUES CHRISTOFFERS 50.00

IA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES IAMU WORKSHOP 860.00

IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES 25-26 GRANT FINDER 100.00

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 561.80

JOHNSTON AUTOSTORE CREDIT/FILTERS/FLOOR DRY/GLOVES/OIL 711.91

JOLIN, ALEC COURT DEPOSIT 100.00

KWIK TRIP INC DEC 2025/JAN 2026 USAGE 3,273.51

LECHNER LUMBER COMPANY TRAINING 107.28

LEXIPOL LLC 9 ANNUAL USER RATES 845.46

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 190.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 68.57

LOWE'S INSPECTIONS OFFICE 2,695.96

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 88.99

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY INSPECTIONS OFFICE/TRAINING SUPPLIES 332.36

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY JAN 2026 GAS UTILITY 1,128.77

MIDSTEP SERVICES DEC 2025 JANITORIAL SERVICES 845.00

MIDWEST ALARM ALARM INSPECTION/CITY HALL/REPAIRS 351.95

PIONEER AUTO 2007 CHEVY/2013 FORD/2014 FORD/2020 FORD 2,236.50

POMP'S TIRE SERVICE 2020 CHEVY SILVERADO 34.24

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC NETWORK SUPPORT/FEB 2026/SERVER/VEEM 3,951.91

SE MUNICIPAL IOWA LLC SOLAR ENERGY 1,802.40

SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE LEGALS/BACK PAGE 2,234.06

SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY MARCH 2026 FOOD PANTRY EXPENSE 800.00

SIGNS BY TOMORROW DECALS 20.10

SIOUX SALES COMPANY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE/HANSEN 99.95

SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER 79.00

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC INSPECTIONS OFFICE 45.45

STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS WASTEWATER PROGRAM 506.60

STOPSTICK LTD STOPSTICK REEL 113.00

THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP ANNUAL MONITORING AGREEMENT/FIRE 350.00

TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DOOR ACCESS REPAIR/KEY FOBS 333.00

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY EXPANSION JOINT/LIFT STATION REPAIRS 296.80

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES/INSPECTIONS 387.16

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 1ST STREET EAST/ENGINEERING 4,967.30

VESTIS MATS/LINENS 230.24

VISA CARD - FINANCE HDMI CABLE/INSPECTIONS/RECORDING FEES 1,308.81

VISA CARD - FIRE DEPT BUILDING EXPENSES/CABLES/OFFICE SUPPLIES TRAINING/VEHCILE REPAIRS 1,807.30

VISA CARD - LIBRARY BOOK/CREDIT/GOOGLE/OFFICE SUPPLIES/SUMMER READING 836.02

VISA CARD - PARKS & REC COFFEE POT/DANCE SUPPLIES/LIGHTS/CONFERENCE/WHISTLES 1,497.23

VISA CARD - PD BATTERY CHARGER/CAR WASH/KEY STORAGE BOX POSTAGE/EAR PIECE/KITS/REPAIRS 655.08

VISA CARD - PUBLIC WORKS SAFETY MANUAL 49.23

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 1 INSPECTIONS CREDIT/INSPECTIONS TRAVEL VEHICLE REPAIRS/ZOHO/ZOOM 644.97

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 2 AQUATIC CEU/CLR/EFILE 1095/OFFICE SUPPLIES 2,662.70

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 330.00

WILLIAMS & COMPANY ACCOUNTING SERVICES 23,705.00

WOODBURY COUNTY CITY ELECTION EXPENSE 1,123.62

WOODBURY COUNTY EXTENSION ORNAMENTAL & TURFGRASS  90.00

Total 178,422.13

ACH TRANSFERS SUMMARY  

VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTON

AMOUNT

IA Economic Development Author. Energy Loan $4,343.68 

Western Area Power Administration January 2025 Power $23,130.40 

TOTAL: $27,474.08 

6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

6.aApproval of Drainage Ditch Study Update by McClure Engineering

Jeff Hanson and Megan Lehman with McClure Engineering attended the meeting to present the proposal for the Drainage Ditch Study. Jeff explained that he has been working on reviewing previous studies that occurred. There was a request from Aaron Lincoln to update the study to reflect rainfall events and produce a new model for existing conditions and future build conditions. They have worked extensively with Paul Stensland who provided helpful information. They will also do some spot-check of elevations.

Megan Lehman said that she will be doing a model that will pull terrain data which will allow them to simulate rain to help identify flood locations. She would model the 100-year storm. Aaron Lincoln explained that there are some areas that they will need to look at for future development including Dogwood and the area across the interstate near Saber.

Items discussed included:

  They would include in the study rainfall events of less than the 100-year rain.

  The model would include potential recommendations where improvements need to be made.

  The 2016 study included 2009 data, an updated study would include 2020 data.

  After the last study, the ditch was dredged.

  Mark Reinders expressed concern about the cost of the study if it only needs to be

dredged again.

  Elevation may be the biggest challenge.

Paul Stensland, 616 Coniston Circle, explained that this has been a ditch he has monitored for many years. It's a farmers drainage ditch that was designed for a four-year storm, it's very flat. The subdivisions that exist north and east have a four-to-one slope on the ditch, the city widened the ditch to four-to-one slopes as well. The remainder of the ditch from Old Hwy 75 to the City's ditch does not have widened slopes. The ditch that was built in the 80's is a 100-year designed ditch. He believes that the 7 or 8 inch rain will make a difference. It could flood the sewer system if you don't have waterproof mantles because of how long it takes to drain away. He discussed prior flooding of Windsor Way. He is in favor of doing the study.

There was additional discussion which included:

  The new study would provide future development area recommendations.

  Aaron would like to see an overflow area.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve the Drainage Ditch Study Update by McClure Engineering.

There was further discussion regarding the type of information that the study would provide and the second by Shari Zenor Kiple was withdrawn. The motion died due to a lack of a second.

Jeff described the ditch that runs along 225th Street, Sioux City hired DGR to perform a design for extending that ditch southwest that will help with Saber drainage.

There was discussion about coordinating with Saber or DGR.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders table Approval of the Drainage Ditch Study Update by McClure Engineering to the City Council Meeting on February 24th.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Larry expressed concerns about not doing anything if we know that there is a problem. The big rains could catch up with us.

6.bCouncil Discussion and Approval of 2026 Little League Baseball Lease Agreement

Tyler Tweet explained that discussions have been taking place over the past month regarding the use of the fields in the summer during the Little League Seasons. The City and Little League previously operated on MOU's (Memorandum of Understanding), this would formalize the agreement.

Matt Krohn, President of Sergeant Bluff Little League and Jeff Gacke, Vice President of Sergeant Bluff Little League were present.

Matt discussed the variety of improvements and labor made to the fields over the years. Items reviewed include the yellow toppers that go across the fencing, new bases and safety bags, and portable mounts that can be used for tournaments They had been exploring the possibility of getting new sponsor paid scoreboards which resulted in their exploration of the City's goals for the fields.

Jeff outlined some additional improvements they made or are intending to make. They are applying for a grant through the Minnesota Twins for $15k that has to be matched through other sources. The Warrior Baseball Club is making a $5k donation. The bases are breakaway bags that improve safety. They are in talks with Cardis about the possibility of getting new chain link fencing at the Little League Complex which would $10,400 per field. They are getting a quote for new posts and galvanized fencing to see if that is cheaper. They are putting in awning or shade covers that would go over all eight sets of bleachers to protect fans and players from foul balls. They will be fixing the end posts of the dugouts of the northwest field. They believe that would cover the entire $30k amount.

Additional items discussed included:

  The Royals organization does a similar grant program that Little League may look into applying for.

  Little League might be able to apply for a grant through MRHD.

  Upgrading the scoreboards is a goal of the organization, they are seeking out sponsors.

  The possibility of reducing the $2k annual lease cost in the draft agreement was considered.

  The proposed improvements would benefit other entities and community members who use the fields.

  Little League would handle the renting/scheduling of the fields and vet the entities.

  Little League would hold a Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City listed as the certificate holder.

Motion by Mark Reinders to Approve the 2026 Little League Baseball Lease Agreement with a modification to Section 1.A to reduce the annual lease agreement cost to $1,000.00

The motion died due to a lack of a second. Further discussion was had about the lease cost.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the 2026 Little League Baseball Lease Agreement with a modification to Section 1.A to reduce the annual lease agreement cost to $1.00.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Andrea Johnson suggested that we also modify the rental cost for the Softball League to $1.00

6.cMayor to Appoint Council Committees

Ron Hanson made the following appointments to Council Committees:

  Public Works & Utilities: Ryan Panowicz

  Parks & Recreation/Fire Dept: Andrea Johnson

  Safe Routes & Library: Shari Zenor Kiple

  Streets & Public Buildings: Kirk Moriarty

  SIMPCO, Ordinances, Police, Finance: Ron Hanson

  Planning & Zoning, Inspections: Mark Reinders

  Personnel: Andrea Johnson & Mark Reinders

7. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that Jason Kvidera and himself met with Jereme Muller, Mary Torgerson, Anthony Gaul, and Tyler Tweet to talk about their budgets. The Federal Rail Administration reviews our Quiet Zones occasionally, they met with Jason and John Robinson. They provided some items for us to address. The Quiet Zone will need to be reaffirmed in 2027. Aaron said that he will attend an IGHCP meeting which is the group that handles our Health Insurance, the first year we joined IGHCP our premiums went down significantly. The projected increase this year is 2.9%.

8. COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders attended the Planning & Zoning Commission last Tuesday, Aaron Johnson did a great job putting together a home based business draft ordinance document. He asked about two categories of businesses: guns and ammunition and fertilizer.

Jereme Muller said that they have to be Federally licensed to sell guns and ammunition, it's pretty difficult to get and maintain. People make the order through licensed individual and it's shipped to the licensed individual. He said that regarding fertilizer, the Fire Chief would probably have input.

Mark mentioned that he received a comment from a citizen whose electricity was shut off while they were in Arizona, when they paid online there may have been a missed step to complete the payment, their mail was stopped while they were away so they didn't get the yellow disconnect notice and they were not able to see the red notice that was on their door which also blew away.

Danny Christoffers said that he did attempt to call the customer but it was an old number that was disconnected. His department doesn't typically call but he saw that this was unusual because the customer had never been late before during their many years of having a utility account. When he later spoke to the customer their belief was that we could have carried that balance for an extra month. He explained that he understands it was a tough scenario for the customer. Fees were waived for them.

Shari Zenor Kiple expressed that she was impressed with the City Inspection Department handled the situation at the last meeting. She also said that the Library's Holocaust Program was great and brought people into town.

Kirk Moriarty said that he has seen junk piling up around town, he provided an example of a truck on a nearby street that is up on blocks. He gets calls from residents to address that issue.

9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS:

Ron Hanson said that Aaron Lincoln and himself met with Chad Janzen on Monday and discussed various issues with the School and City. Ballfield parking was discussed. CommCon (Community Conversation) events may have some alterations in style and practice.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Adjourn at 7:20 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk