City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (04/28/26)

501 4th Street;

Sergeant Bluff, IA

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 Mark Reinders to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting

Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Mark Reinders to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting with a correction to a clerical typo.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

Kellen Kvidera, 2604 Wilde Street, he is asking the City Council for written consent to have six chickens and no roosters in his backyard within city limits. City Ordinance states that it is unlawful to have them unless he receives written consent from the City Council. They would be placed father than 25 feet from neighboring houses and residences, they will be kept clean with no odors.

Kirk Moriarty asked if there would be any noise concerns for neighbors.

Kellen said that the only chickens that crow are roosters and he would not have any roosters. Shari Zenor Kiple asked if we've had this request before.

Aaron Lincoln described a scenario where someone had made a request in the past. Mark Reinders asked if they were going to be kept in a pen.

Kellen said that there is a coop in the backyard and there will be a privacy fence so that the neighbors don't see anything.

Aaron said that he will work on an application form for Kellen regarding his request and we will have something put on a future City Council agenda.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation

Tyler Tweet said that for April they had 2 all-day gym rentals and 33 hours rented for the court/Fireside room. The Easter Egg hunt was on March 28th, the Vintage Market was in the building on April 11th, the Western Iowa Synod had an event on April 17th and 18th, and the 26on26 clean up event was on April 27th. The Adult Volleyball tournament is occurring at the Community Center today. Hiring for Summer Adventure Camp and the Pool is complete. On Friday Danielle Thompson and himself will be going to the mall in Sioux City for a Summer Camp Registration event. They had a lot of kids apply for Pool Concessions and Camp Counselors. They ordered a new pool pump. The Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation held an opening for the lighted tunnel. Holiday Cheer Lighting installed lights on the Rec Center Concession Stand. The pool will open June 1st.

Kirk Moriarty asked about the barricades in front of the lighted tunnel. He asked if the sand volleyball courts are ready for the year.

Tyler said that it is a little slick and they are working on that. The new nets are up at the volleyball courts, it will need be tilled as we get closer to the season.

Mark Reinders said that he attended an event last weekend at the Rec Center and it was done very well. The Fireside room also looks very nice. He would like to see some artwork for the walls.

Kirk said he will talk to the Museum to see if they have something historical hung up.

Fire Department

Anthony Gaul said that they are ahead of last year's call volume. They had a record number of hours for time spent at the station. Since the last report they've had a lot of significant fires in the area, including the fire in Salix with a casualty and the fire that hit many areas in the County. MidAmerican Energy reached out regarding their wildfire mitigation plans and they had a good conversation. The County is having discussions for training topics including radio work, large water movements, water shuttles, drafting among other things. There will be a welcoming home parade in town on Thursday at 6pm for Tristen Vander Schaaf after having deployed for over a year. The Fire School had very high attendance, they want to have the event here again. The Fire School profited more this year than the last five years combined. The high school culinary kids did well and helped them with their trip to Washington D.C. The fire inspections for the Liquor License renewals on the agenda were done. He hopes to have the lighting system fully up by the end of next week, there will be an app that the Council can access it.

Kirk asked how the classes at the school are going.

Anthony said they're going well, they have registration from Sergeant Bluff and other school districts for next year already.

Police

Jereme Muller reviewed various changes to the report he provides to the City Council. Their calls are up compared to last year, a trend that is similar to the Fire Department. Lights have been installed on their building. He discussed their participation in the fire that took place in the county.

Kirk asked if anything has changed in regards to issues with e-scooters.

Jereme said that he hasn't heard any new complaints since the last meeting. He hopes the word has spread that the City is taking this issue seriously.

Inspections

Aaron Johnson said that there have been 32 inspections and 16 permits issued since the last report. There were 42 permits issued YTD representing 9.6 million compared to 5.9 million last year. There were $32k collected in permit fees. There are 10 homes under construction right now, the rough inspections for Sergeant Bluff Eye Care are complete. The Sir Lines a Lot at 869 Dogwood Trail has a building up. The Warrior Business Center has their rough inspections complete. The McRoberts Project has the concrete work on the driveway and parking lot done. There is a 28k sq ft remodel going on at 108 Sergeant Square Drive. There have been 16 project reviews, the new software continues to be use for most permit submissions. They will be doing rental inspections at Riverbend soon. They've been dealing with various code enforcement issues, he described issues from around town. They have online training scheduled for April 29th pertaining to legal issues for abandoned or dangerous buildings. He is making progress towards his Electrical Inspector certification. The ordinances for Home-Based Business and Trade Business, Wireless Communication Towers, and Sign Code revisions have been reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission, we're just waiting for the next step. He is working on a draft of changes for the Animal Protection and Control ordinance.

Kirk asked for an update on Sean Lakes property.

Aaron said that he was contacted by the HVAC company and the home was gas pressure tested. The Contractors assessment was turned in and he will be following up with Sean. We are waiting for the roof to get repaired.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that they had 1,002 visits in March. They've added a website counter which show they had 3,672 visit their website. There were 22 events in April and 511 attending those events.

They're getting ready for the Summer Reading Program. She reviewed the calendar for the summer. They will have a teen photo contest and other activities geared towards teens. They're doing a vintage candy challenge with candy from 1926, 1946, and 1986. She was asked to be on the All Iowa Reads Committee for Junior Fiction Books. A board member is needed, she encouraged people to apply. They will be getting a smart telescope. Tomorrow she will be meeting with KTIV regarding the Story Walk. Shari Zenor Kiple expressed her appreciation for the ways Mary reaches out to new people.

Finance/Public Works

Jason Kvidera said that the audit was finalized today, we will be bringing that to City Council. They have been working with Tyler regarding preparing the pool, there was some painting and patching done. The slide maintenance company will be coming next week. The Splash Pad is ready to go. The electric crew has been down at Dogwood working on burying the conduit to get power to those businesses. The next project will be tying the electric loop from Old Town to Camelot. They are going to do repairs on Embassy and Colfax Court. They will also repair an inlet on Coniston. They received applicants for summer help. The 1,000-hour-man position has been advertised and 10 applications were received. Drainage bids will be coming in to see how much of the ditch we can get cleaned out.

Kirk asked about the drainage issue on the North Side of D Street by 8th Street. He also wanted to make sure the trees on D Street that were planted are being maintained.

Jason said that during business hours they have guys who try to clean it out. A bid was received to clean it up at one time but it will need to be looked at more. The trees on D Street will be maintained. He also said that flowers are coming for the boxes at Kiwanis Pond.

6.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aLiquor License Renewal: American Legion

6.bLiquor License Renewal: Eddie's Tavern

6.cPROCLAMATION: Public Works Week (May 17-23)

6.dPROCLAMATION: EMS Week (May 17-23)

6.ePROCLAMATION: National Police Week (May 10-16)

6.fPROCLAMATION: Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9)

6.gBills: Check numbers 93428 to 93477 in the amount of $719,718.53

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Liquor License Renewal: American Legion

6.b)Liquor License Renewal: Eddie's Legion

6.c)PROCLAMATION: Public Works Week (May 17-23)

6.d)PROCLAMATION: EMS Week (May 17-23)

6.e)PROCLAMATION: National Police Week (May 10-16)

6.f)PROCLAMATION: Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9)

6.g)Bills: Check numbers 93428 to 93477 in the amount of $719,718.53 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

ABT MAILCOM CUSTOMER NOTICES 138.33

ACUNA, MARIO OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 97.03

AHLERS & COONEY PC GENERAL SERVICES 314.00

ALEX AIR APPARATUS 2 SHIPPING/VEHICLE MOUNTS/VESTS 56.39

BATTERIES PLUS 12 V BATTERIES  83.95

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL/REC CENTER 105.00

BOMGAARS BUILDING SUPP/FIRE PREVENTION/RESCUE/VEHICLE REPAIRS/WATER PLANT 10.67

CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES FLOWMETER 310.22

CINTAS SUPPLIES 6.57

CONWAY SHIELD CARINS 1836/GLOVES/SHIELD/TURNOUT GEAR 482.50

DGR ELECTRIC UPGRADES/W RIDGE ROAD/WATER 1,289.00

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JAITORIAL SUPPLIES 192.28

ECHO ELECTRIC DOGWOOD 176.80

EMC INSURANCE COMPANIES INSURANCE PREMIUMS 54,431.16

FELD FIRE PROPERTY BOX 93.35

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

GRAFFIX INC SCREENPRINTING/SHIRTS 485.00

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS/CHLORINE CYLINDERS 160.00

HEIMAN FIRE EQUIPMENT SWIVEL 108.00

IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING 25.00

ITOFO, EUGENIE MOMBI WATER DEPOSIT REFUND 199.84

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 17.90

JOHNSON, MATTHEW OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 5.01

LCC WELL PUMP DOOR 125.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 42.20

MARCO INC  COPIER CONTRACT 94.04

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC COPIER CONTRACT 142.50

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY CONTRACTOR BAGS/WATER PLANT 91.41

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY MARCH 2026 GAS UTILITY 16.95

MIDWEST ALARM ALARM MONITORING/INSPECTIONS OFFICE 151.80

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEB MARCH 2026 POWER PURCHASED 188,567.01

PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES ALARM MONITORING/ POLICE DEPARTMENT 277.32

PIONEER AUTO 2006 CHEVY/2010 FORD/2013 FORD/2022 FORD/BRUSH TRUCK 654.56

PLUMBING & HEATING WHOLESALE BREAKER REPAIR KIT 81.34

POMP'S TIRE SERVICE ATV 73.16

QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHONE LEASE/POLICE DEPT 275.00

QUINONEZ, MIGUEL ANGEL ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 21.15

RISE ABOVE FIRE TRAINING LLC HELMET BANDS/TRAINING/RESCUE SUPPLIES 45.74

SAM'S CLUB EASTER EGG HUNT/SHELF/SUPPLIES 9.98

SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL 11,016.53

SIOUX CITY WINNELSON WATER PLANT 104.27

SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYS SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 48.00

STEVE HARRIS CONSTRUCTION INC 1ST STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJ PE#8 29,782.49

SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC QTRLY GIS WEB HOSTING/TECH SUPPORT 330.00

VAN WERT COMPANY ERW 2,496.62

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 38.46

VESTIS LINENS/MATS 296.86

WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 400.00

ZIMCO SUPPLY CO ELITE MIX/FESCUE 712.50

Total: 719,718.53

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.aProposal from Warrior Snow and Potential Action

Aaron Lincoln explained that we had previously sent a termination letter for the lease. Jon Saylor came to a prior meeting and requested a 30-day extension to provide a proposal.

Nikki Saylor explained that she had ran the facility in the two summers prior to last summer. She is proposing to re-open it with a similar style as those prior years. The hours were approximately 3-8pm and closed on a weekend day. They worked with the kids at the Rec Center and the Pool and be open during those events. Her goal would be to open by approximately the first week of June.

Andrea Johnson expressed that the landscaping that had been done has deteriorated because it sat idle and occasionally the Police Department will get a call about the door at the facility being open. In addition, City Hall gets calls regarding when the business is going to be open.

Mark Reinders said that the facility needs be spruced up.

There was additional discussion about the previous lease and some preliminary details of a potential new lease agreement. City staff will draft a document and communicate the terms with Nikki. The lease will be an agenda item at a future City Council meeting.

7.bChapter 77 Amendment Discussion (E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and PEVs)

Aaron Lincoln reviewed the changes made since the prior meeting which included but not limited to:

-Removing "Motor Power" and "Design Speed" columns from the table.

-Modified language to permit access via e-scooters on the Recreation Trail with parent or legal guardian supervision or it is part of their direct route from home to a recreation complex facility.

-Added additional restrictions for reckless or improper riding on private property without permission from the owner and for riding on city owned open space or park grounds that disturbs riders and pedestrians.

-The age restriction will be 10 years old to match state code.

-Helmets for minors will be encouraged, but not required, to match state code.

-Registration was changed to allow, but not require, the City Council to institute a registration requirement.

Jereme Muller said that some cities are restricting riding them on city park grass. The Police Department will partner with the school to do some education during an assembly, implement safety information into the DARE program, and distribute information on an annual basis.

The Safe Routes to School committee will invite the Police Department to have a table with information during back-to-school registration.

There was discussion regarding the proposed changes. There will be some additional tweaks to the ordinance language before the first reading of the proposed ordinance put before the City Council.

7.cSet Public Hearing date for the FY25/26 Budget Amendment for May 12th at 5:30 pm.

Jason Kvidera reviewed the changes that required a budget amendment which included reimbursing Sioux City for software, lights on a new vehicle, ladder truck repair, a warning siren, playground equipment, and resolving sewer issues at City Hall. He explained how donations to the library are used for their expenditures.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Set the Public Hearing Date for the FY25/26 Budget Amendment for May 12th at 5:30 pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.dReview and Approval of bid for New End Loader 

Jason Kvidera said that Titan Machinery came in with the second lowest bid, but the warranty  given by Titan Machinery was preferred. The staff recommendation is to purchase the Case 621G2 from Titan Machinery with a total cost after trade-in at $172,093.00.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve the purchase of the Case 621G2 from Titan Machinery.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.eReview and Approval of bid for Warrior Road Sidewalk from Kingston Circle to South Lewis Blvd

Jason Kvidera explained KP Construction came in with the lowest bid of $57,725.00, that is also the staff recommendation. There is roughly 28k left in the Warrior Sidewalk Project fund and the remaining would come from the sidewalk budget.

Mark Reinders asked what the timeframe would be for completing this. Jason said that it would be before school starts next year.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the bid from KP Construction for $57,725.00 for the Warrior Road Sidewalk.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.fSpecial Event Permit Application - American Legion - "Thunder on the Missouri" on May 24, 2026

Jereme Muller said that the route has changed so that the vehicles go from S. Lewis Blvd north on 1st Street and east to Old Lakeport Road and then north to Lakeport. He explained that previously going east down towards the Singing Hills area created difficulties. This route is a much safer and easier route.

Andrea Johnson expressed concerns related to the Community Center parking lot being available for the people who rented the facility. She asked that staff follow up and make sure it won't cause any problems.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the Special Event Permit Application - American Legion - "Thunder on the Missouri" on May 24, 2026.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.gDiscussion of requests for Baker Prairie Bluff Phase 2 Development Agreement 

Aaron Lincoln explained that he is seeking feedback regarding what to put into the final development agreement. A letter from Jan Harman's attorney was included in the packet for further details. There has been discussion regarding which part of the road serves the interest of the development and/or the interests of the City. He reviewed a map showing the portion of the road that the City needs to do to connect our project to the development and the portion of the road that goes into the cul-de-sac road that the developer is requesting that the City also cover the cost for. An estimate for the costs was provided by the developer, which included a request for assistance covering the cost for the additional width required by the city for the road going east from the cul-de-sac road. The City has 250k budgeted for a street project in this area. The third request is for the city to waive the sewer connection fee. The fourth request is for the City to continue the residential tax abatement as an incentive for builders which expires in December of this year. A development agreement could designate this area for a tax abatement.

Kirk Moriarty left at 7:04 pm and returned at 7:06 pm.

There was discussion regarding what is normal in a development agreement and what is appropriate for the circumstances.

There was a discussion with the developer Jan Harman, and her associates Scott Gernhart (engineer)and Dan Moore (attorney) who attended remotely to discuss the topic with the City Council. Items discussed included:

-The developer stated that the road will provide the capability of main street downtown all the way to South Lakeport, it will be a second thoroughfare. It will be wider and parking

would be available on one side.

-The street will have the standard concrete depth due to the restriction of trucks.

-The Finance Director suggested the possibility of reimbursing them up to the cost of the project budget amount.

-The possibility of looping around the road north and going east rather than doing the road going to the west.

-The 250k would be used to complete the street from existing 4th Street east to Baker Drive at 31 feet.

-Half of sewer connection fee would be waived.

-The developer hopes to get approximately 8 buildings up this year.

The development agreement will be brought back for the Council to approve at a future meeting.

7.hApproval of FY 2026-27 Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance Renewal 

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the FY 2026-27 Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance Renewal.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. RESOLUTION(S):

8.aRES 26-11 Authorize Fiscal Year 2026 Transfers Jason Kvidera reviewed the proposed transfers.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve RES 26-11 Authorize Fiscal Year 2026 Transfers.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

9. ORDINANCE(S):

9.aORD 771 Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances to Decrease Parks Board Membership (Third Reading)

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve ORD 771 Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances to Decrease Parks Board Membership (Third Reading). Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

10. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that he received a request for a utility franchise come through. In reviewing the ordinances and some existing franchise ordinances need to be renewed as well. He is requesting some assistance from Mark Reinders to complete that.

11. COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders said that he liked the proposed sign sent by Kim Thacker warning people to "Slow Down: Autistic Child At Play".

Shari Zenor Kiple said that Mary Torgerson did a great job with Library Week activities and Tyler Tweet did a good job with the litter clean up event.

12.ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 7:45 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk