City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (07/28/26)

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

Remote

Kirk Moriarty Council Member Present

Ryan Panowicz Council Member

Present

Mark Reinders Council Member

Present

Andrea Johnson Council Member

Remote

Ron Hanson Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

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

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the minutes of July 14, 2026 with a correction indicating that the Mayor congratulated the girls softball team on having a good year.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

Drew Baier, 107 B Street, he is asking the City to look into doing drainage improvements in Old Town. Over the last 20 years when there is a good rain storm his yard and driveway fills with water. He understands that the City has a right to use the streets as a retention area, but the issue is getting worse each year. After rainstorms he finds trash and debris from the area in the driveway and yard. There are other issues on C Street. He described various ways it causes issues. There is also no storm drain from 5th Street going south, he described other nearby areas that have drainage. He is asking them to consider addressing this in City's FY28 budget. He understands that the City recently bought property on D Street, he would like to see the City turn that into a retention pond with greenspace.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:

Fire Department

Darren Tooley said that a written report was provided by the Fire Chief Anthony Gaul to the City Council. Darren provided a flyer for the Stryker Lifepak 35 to the City Council. In February of 2024 they applied for a FEMA grant for the Lifepak, but that was not granted. It was discovered that there was a national opioid settlement could be used for these types of monitors. In November of 2025 they met with the Woodbury County EMS to determine their interest in a countywide project. In February of 2026 they presented it to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, it was tabled until it received approval from the County Attorney. In June of 2026 they had a small group meeting with the County Attorney to answer questions followed by another small group meeting in July. In July they presented again at the Board of Supervisors where they approved 75% funding out of Opioid money and 25% out of gaming revenue which is a total of $798,803.32. There will be 14 new monitors brought into the County and two will be available in Sergeant Bluff. The benefit value of the Lifepaks to the City will be $114,114.76. The Lifepaks come with a 5 year service plan. Currently the Fire Department uses Lifepak 15s which are reaching their end-of-life, the Lifepak 35s are the best option moving forward. The added bonus will allow hospitals to do continuous monitoring so that doctors or nurses can monitor while enroute. They also provide real-time data to the Fire Responders to enhance care that is provided. He thanked Drew Baier, Michelle Tooley, and others for their work that they put in.

Police Department

Jereme Muller referred to the statistics in the written report. In the last month they had 448 calls which is substantially up this year, but that is partially contributed to how active his staff has been in enforcement. With Josh Taylor starting his department is back at full staff. Josh will leave for the academy in January. They do have an active investigation for a variety of stolen vehicles, they were able to use the Flock cameras to locate the individuals. The stolen items were recovered. He encouraged residents not to leave their vehicles unlocked. He discussed the use of the Flock cameras and how they have directed the field of view away from households.

Mark Reinders complimented Jereme and his staff for their participation in the Badges and Bobbers program and other Community Outreach they take. Jereme thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for their work at the Badges and Bobbers program.

Parks & Recreation

The Parks & Recreation Department provided a written report. Tyler Tweet was available via Zoom to answer questions.

Mark Reinders asked for on update on the playground at the Recreation Complex.

Tyler said that he talked with the company doing the work and they said that they would be on-site on Monday.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that 1,385 attended the facility in June, they are at 1,221 so far in July. Today they had Easton the Extraordinary who taught kids sleight-of-hand magic tricks. July is Disability Pride Month, they created a display for that. They submitted a grant to Pizza Hut to get some storybook bags. They will do a workshop on American sign language this fall. A Dungeons and Dragons class will be started soon. They will participate in International Observe the Moon Night on September 19th. In October they will have someone who folds books, there will be an author doing a program on Rosie the Riveter, they will have the second annual Howl-O-Ween pet parade. Jody Adams will come in November. In December they will do a Bob Ross Experience. In January they have Doug Konopasek come to talk about his grandchildren and his book. They submitted an application for a free AED cabinet. She renewed her Notary License. She has been working to get the Siouxland Orchestra to do a performance at the library. Last year they had 11k visitors to the library. Next year they are planning to have a biology professor come and do a program on insects and how they are edible.

Shari Zenor Kiple thanked Mary for all the work and programming she is doing at the library, it is an asset to the community.

Inspections

Aaron Johnson said that during this reporting period they had approximately 75 inspections and site visits. Twenty permits were issued. For YTD they issued 102 permits representing approximately 9 1/2 million in project valuations and approximately 37k in permit fees. There are currently 11 new homes under construction. Sergeant Bluff Eye Care received their certificate of occupancy on the 6th. A permit was issued to the Police Department for their rooftop drone. Construction continues on Dogwood for the Sir Lines A Lot Project. Kidsey at 108 Sgt Sq Drive has scheduled their final inspection. The hearing services office on 1st Street is moving along, they are getting ready to install a handicap accessibility ramp. They've done 120 inspections YTD. They've been primarily addressing vegetation/property maintenance issues in town. They've been working on sidewalk repair notices, they will go out soon. There are still ordinance amendments under attorney review.

Mark Reinders expressed his appreciation for addressing a property issue in town that was previously discussed.

Finance/Public Works

Jason Kvidera said that the Warrior sidewalk is going in. The smaller water tower on top of the hill was cleaned inside/outside and repainted. It was welded where needed. In November the company will come back and inspect the larger water tower. The pool has been issues with heat impacting the function of equipment. The street sweeper has been out and did Old Town and Meadowbrook I & II. The drainage ditch was mowed. Barcon was hired to dig the ditch out from Hwy 75 N up to 1st Street, they will probably do that around September. There was a power outage on Sergeant Square Drive, City Council approved the purchase of a "thumper" to find breaks, that was not purchased yet. He described the process to get the power back on and the coming repair. They recently had some cleanout of the lift stations. In the Maupin Pines/Topaz area a fence was taken out and some of the trees. Street painting has been occurring. Their new hire started recently and they are now back to full-strength. The auditors will come later this year, audit prep is occurring. They worked with Pioneer Bank regarding the GO Bond but the provisions that the City needed to make it work didn't fit so the City will be going to market, we should have the funds by late September.

6. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aLiquor License Renewal: Kwik Star

6.bApproval of transfer from Fire Department High School Program to full member Fire Volunteer: Daniel Hernandez

6.cApproval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Tanner Sands

6.dBills: Check numbers 93987 to 94040 and ACH transactions 90000009 to 9000015 in the total amount of $496,409.43

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Liquor License Renewal: Kwik Star

6.b)Approval of transfer from Fire Department High School Program to full member Fire Volunteer: Daniel Hernandez

6.c)Approval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Tanner Sands

6.d)Bills: Check numbers 93987 to 94040 and ACH Transactions 90000009 to 9000015 in the total amount of $496,409.43

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Check

Name Description Amount

BOMGAARS BROOM/CLOTHING ALLOW/POOL/SAFETY BOOTS/SUPP 475.33

CARL EDWARD UMMACH III 2013 POLARIS RANGER 9,000.00

CHESTERMAN COMPANY CONCESSION SUPPLIES 220.20

CITY OF SIOUX CITY MOTOROLLA FLEX/COMM SERVICES FY 27 134,043.12

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES DRUG SCREENING EXPENSE 15.00

COFFEE KING COFFEE 90.46

CONWAY SHIELD HELMET SHIELD 294.50

CW SUTER SERVICES A/C UNIT-INSPECTIONS 8,895.00

DGR ENGINEERING SERVICES 30,621.00

DP SALES SAFETY BOOTS KOCH 203.50

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 153.64

ECHO ELECTRIC POLICE STATION/POOL/WALKING TRAIL 558.86

FAREWAY CLEANING SUPPLIES 105.84

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

GILL HAULING INC JUN-SEPT 2026 LANDFILL CHARGES/SOLID WASTE 41,004.49

GUARANTEE ROOFING PD ROOF REPAIR 440.00

HACH COMPANY IRON 80.38

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHLORINE CYLINDER 80.00

HIRSCHFIELDS GUN HOSE KIT/PAINTER 682.95

IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY EVALUATION 150.00

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 434.85

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 43.24

MARCO INC  COPIER CONTRACT 94.04

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC COPIER CONTRACT 672.12

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY JUNE 2026 GAS UTILITY 269.32

MIDWEST WHEEL COMPANIES AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIES 360.20

MILLS AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES INC FLOOR LINERS 132.26

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBRASKA JUN 2026 POWER PURCHASED 245,076.08

NICHE ACADEMY LLC ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL 800.31

OVERDRIVE INC BRIDGES FY 2027 1,754.35

PETTY CASH PETTY CASH FUND REPLENISHMENT 300.00

PLUMBING & HEATING WHOLESALE INC POOL 103.95

POWERPLAN PARTS 16.00

QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHONE LEASE 275.00

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO BELT/REPAIRS 336.59

SAM'S CLUB MEMBERSHIP/POOL/SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP 2,204.51

SIOUX CITY WINNELSON POOL REPAIRS 108.02

SIOUXLAND MEDICAL DOCTORS OFFICE SUPPLIES 500.00

SIOUXLAND UTILITY CONTRACTOR LIFT STATION EXPENSE 3,640.00

SKARSHAUG TESTING LABORATORY CLEAN & TESTING 741.11

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC PAINTER 50.25

SUBSURFCO LLC 220TH WATER MAIN PROJECT RETAINAGE 7,597.18

THE SIGN SHOP BANNERS 900.00

THORSLAND, TORI ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

UNITY POINT HEALTH AT WORK PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING 155.00

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 958.89

VESTIS MATS/LINENS 276.14

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 1,245.90

Total: 496,409.43

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.aIntroduction of new Police Officer Josh Taylor and Swearing in by Mayor

Police Chief Jereme Muller introduced Josh Taylor as the newest officer in the department. Family and friends of Josh Taylor were present.

Mayor Ron Hanson swore in Josh Taylor. Officer Taylor's daughter, Joslyn, pinned the badge on her dad's uniform.

7.bApprove Special Liquor License for Pub 52 for the Rock the Bluff Concert on August 15th pending the submission of an agreement with Pioneer Auto and sufficiently detailed sketch of the premises

Danny Christoffers explained that this was put on the agenda for approval with conditions because the Iowa ABD and the City Council will not meet again until August 11th which may not allow adequate time to address any issues that the Iowa ABD may have in time for the concert on August 15th.

Justin Truhe submitted a parking plan to address conditions the City Council had placed on the Special Event Permit approved at the previous Council meeting. He reviewed the entrances and exits for the event, garbage plan, and after the concert he has a crew ready to take down the fence on 1st Street. He explained that he has communicated with surrounding businesses.

Ron Hanson asked if vehicles would be used to block the street. Jereme Muller said that Cardis vehicles will be used.

Ryan Panowicz asked if we would have no parking signs on Gaul Drive. Justin said that they could tell people on their postings not to park there.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the Special Liquor License for Pub 52 for the Rock the Bluff Concert on August 15th pending submission of an agreement with Pioneer Auto and a sufficiently detailed sketch of the premises.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln stated that he provided his written report. The TIF agreements for various projects will need to brought to the City Council. He is also hoping to have everything they need from Northern Natural Gas for their easement approval at the next meeting.

9. COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders thanked all the volunteers for the monthly 26on26 litter cleanup. He thanked Aggies for providing food for the volunteers.

10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS:

Ron Hanson wanted to give a shout out to all the volunteers for all the projects going on in town, these things can't happen without volunteers.

There was discussion about ways to recognize the efforts of volunteers.

Ron also said that he met with Aaron Lincoln, Jason Kvidera met to discuss a 1, 3, 5, and 10 year outlook for CIP Projects and different ways to prioritize projects.

11. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 6:22pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk