City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Minutes

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

1.Roll Call

2.Pledge of Allegiance & a Moment of Silence

Attendee Name Title Status

Mark Reinders Present

Kirk Moriarty Present

Carol Clark Present

Andrea Johnson Assistant Mayor Pro Tem Remote

Ron Hanson Mayor Pro Tem Present

Jon Winkel Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Agenda.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the October 8, 2024 Regular Meeting

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Regular Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN’S INPUT:

Larry Niehus, 618 Coniston, stated that he was present to discuss a backyard garage at 815 Clairmont. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for their hard work in the City. He described the backyard garage at 815 Clairmont which unlike other backyard garages or sheds in the neighborhood, it doesn’t match the primary building (house) in siding materials or style, roofing materials or style, and does not match the house color. He believes it detracts from the neighborhood. The garage sits 90 inches from the sidewalk. He does not believe the building code allows this. He is concerned about metal pole buildings being allowed in neighborhoods. He said he discussed it with the Building Inspector. He is concerned about a precedence being set to allow them in the city. They decrease property values.

Carol Clark expressed concern about the appearance of the building. She believes it looks like a farm building. She has received numerous complaints about the building.

Joe Yocum, Assistant Building Inspector, said that Aaron Johnson is looking into the permit and the particular details of the building. With Aaron out of town, Joe will look into it in the meantime.

Mark Reinders said that he agrees that it looks out of place.

Kirk Moriarty said that there is no driveway, there is still a curb, grass, sidewalk, and fence. Andrea Johnson said that she spoke to Aaron Johnson about the property, he informed her it was permitted within code.

Jon Winkel said that it may be worth looking at modifying the ordinances for the future.

Rick Zarkos, 620 Coniston, expressed that the final plat approved for the subdivision requires a 15-foot side yard setback, it is set back 90 inches. The building code defines it as a front yard. The materials used will become the standard in Sergeant Bluff.

It was the consensus that City staff should review the permit and construction.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation

Tyler Tweet said that there two all day events in the gym. Thirteen hours in the Fireside Room. Nine hours of court rentals for parties. He partnered with the Library and the Police Department for a scam prevention class in the Senior Center, there were 14 people in attendance. He will work with the library to have more programs in the Senior Center. The Big Bash was hosted on Thursday. The movie “Halloween” was shown in the gym. There was a Halloween craft that had 8 participants. This coming Thursday the movie “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown. On Saturday the Spooky Fest will be held in the gym from 2-4pm, the Trick-or-Treat trail will be held from 4-5pm, 20 local business will be attending. A teacher in town is hosting a youth basketball camp on Monday evenings. We have seen more court rentals. There were some recent Audio-Video equipment issues that have been resolved. The Public Works Department installed some new concrete around the Rec Complex trail. Registration for basketball are open until December 13th. There is a leak in the roof at the Community Center, he has been gathering quotes for that and for some playground equipment.

Mark Reinders said that Kirk and himself looked at the roof and it is in very bad shape. He is worried about winter and additional damage. The concrete work at the trail does look nice.

Tyler thanked Carol for her work on the City Council.

Fire Department

Andrea Johnson reported on behalf of the Fire Chief: She said that the Fire Department open house was recently held, it had great attendance. It generated some membership applications. Fire prevention tours were hosted at the station for preschool students from throughout the community. Members also did on- site tours. The Fire Department was granted a National Fire Academy Course and had attendance from departments throughout the area, as far away as Burlington. They have been granted a second National Fire Academy course that they will be doing the second weekend in November. State Fire Training Bureau paid for a vehicle rescue course this past week, they are paying for a ventilation course for the department this Thursday. For the new warehouse along Sergeant Square Drive, final compliance action will be done so that they can get the occupancy permit this week. They have checked with the Inspections Department on rental code issues they found during EMS and Fire Responses at rental units, they are in the process of addressing those. They will be forwarding at least three applications to the Council for Fire Department, and a few coming for consideration in November. Nearly 60 students from the Highschool have been at the fire station in the past 2 weeks to experience some training that has generated interest and possible new Highschool members in the department. To date there have been 439 calls. We are still under a burn ban for Woodbury County with the exception of Hornick and Smithland. Counties that border to the north and south are also under burn bans. They have had at least 3 mutual aid responses to field fires in the past couple of weeks.

Inspections

Joe Yocum said that Aaron Johnson is out of town and will be back on Thursday. There have been 52 inspections and 32 permits since the last report. The total number of rental inspections for the year is 26, he has been shadowing Aaron to learn the protocols and procedures so that he can do them in the future. There have been 17 commercial permits YTD. There have been 288 permits issued this year, compared to 128 last year at this time. Project costs have been $8,627,100 compared to $5,250,570 at this time last year. There have been $40,186 permit fees collected this year, compared to $21,870 last year at this time. Code issues are being looked at such as grass, weeds, trailers, vehicles parked in the grass, and swimming pool fences. There are some residential properties that have Fire code issues that they will be working with the Fire Department to resolve.

Carol Clark stated that she appreciates the efforts on code enforcement.

Mark Reinders asked that they look at a property that is overgrown with plants and shrubbery.

Police

Jereme Muller said that the Fire Department meeting went very well, the work they do with the High school is amazing. He thanked the Inspections department for assisting them with items often brought to the Police Department. The DARE kids will get to the Musketeers game on November 6th. The call volume has been steadily increasing, they are receiving some issues related to the warming shelter closing. Some of their camera systems are reaching end-of-life and will need to be upgraded. He partnered with an agency to utilize the Flock camera systems in other cities to investigate crimes. He would like to see if we could get one in town.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that the library had 702 people come in during the month of September. There have been 780 people so far in October. Public Wi-Fi usage is up. There were 19 programs in September with 347 kids & adults involved. They will be reaching out once a month to the Senior Center and do various activities there. A sewing machine can be checked out of the library. They now have a monthly crochet class. They received their new computers from RTI. A lot of Halloween events are coming up including an Edgar Allen Poe speaker on Monday. In November there will be a Tales-of- the-Bluff event with Jerry Logemann. In December Jody Adams will come and do a story-time event and a seminar for college students on how to self-publish. SHIP appointments are happening at the library. One-hundred thirty kids visited as part of a kindergarten field trip. High school students come once a week to do special work in the Library. Goodwill is going to bring patrons to do assessments at the library. The Library thanked Carol Clark for everything she has done to bring the library to where it is at now.

Finance/Public Works

Jason Kvidera said that the auditors have been here, they will return for a 1/2 day tomorrow. We’re going right into budget season, he is requesting that Department Heads bring to him their CIP projects, he will then bring to Council what might need to be done. There are three reports due December 1st: AFR, TIF, and Streets Report. The street Topaz Drive has a large hole they are working on fixing. The Warrior Dr sidewalk has been completed. Two alleyways have been completed. On Highway 75 there was some painting done that to help indicate turning lates, the Police Department was helpful to controlling traffic. This week is free Compost Site week. The electric employees are putting poles down First Street. The Hydrant Flushing is now done. We were hoping that 1st Street East would be done this week, but there is some additional work was required, they’re hoping to have it done by mid next-week.

Kirk Moriarty thanked Jason and John Robinson for resolving an issue on a sidewalk.

6.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aTax Abatement Application: 512 Zach Road

6.bTax Abatement Application: 513 Jamie Lane

6.cBills: Check numbers 90133 to 90218 in the amount of $1,045,685.57

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Tax Abatement Application: 512 Zach Road

6.b)Tax Abatement Application: 513 Jamie Lane

6.c)Bills: Check numbers 90133 to 90218 in the amount of $1,045,685.57 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 190.75

APPEARA CLEAN LINENS/MATS 101.10

AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY LINE PHONES 344.10

AVAYA TELEPHONE SYSTEM 237.04

BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS 372.00

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 185.00

CARAVAN, MARY OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 160.66

CINTAS SUPPLIES 18.84

CITY OF SIOUX CITY WOODBURY CTY COMM SERVICES 119,556.00

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES STORM WATER S. RIDGE ROAD/SEPT 2024 SEWER 41,475.16

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES ADMINISTRATIVE FEE 2025/DRUG SCREEN 450.00

COFFEE KING COFFEE SUPPLIES 75.00

CORE & MAIN SUPPLIES 1,756.53

CW SUTER SERVICES FILTERS 322.68

DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP SCHOOL PROJECT 2,520.67

DGR KIWANIS PARK/LOESS HILLS SCENIC TRAIL 26,990.86

DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER YELLOW PAINT 82.50

DP SALES GROUP SHIRT PURCHASE/SAFETY BOOTS 383.50

DREW, BRIAN VOLLEYBALL REFUND 330.00

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 110.92

FAREWAY CLEANING SUPPLIES 19.97

FIRE CAT LLC HOSE TESTING 3,780.00

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

FRANK’S ASPHALT INC. SERGEANT SQUARE REPAIRS 1,841.25

GILL HAULING INC OCT-DEC 2024 LANDFILL CHARGES/SOLID WASTE 41,862.26

HANSEN, SHANNON VOLLEYBALL REFUND 330.00

HAWKEYE RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB INC 2023 MEMBERSHIP DUES/ROSENDAHL 175.00

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS/CHLORINE CYLINDERS 80.00

HINES, ARIANNA ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

HITCHES TRAILERS & MORE 2024 LOAD TRAILER 6,195.00

HYDRAULIC SALES AND SERVICE CO VEHICLE REPAIRS 148.72

IA DEPT OF INSPECTIONS APPEALS & LICENSE PERMIT AND INSPECTION FEE 165.00

ICMA RETIREMENT CORPORATION MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 674.10

IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 137.70

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE/PATCHES 167.95

JACKSON PUMPING SERVICE CORP LIFT STATION PUMPING 1,027.00

JOHNSON, AARON GYM RENTAL REFUND 125.00

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 400.00

LITTLE RED EMBROIDERY CO  CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 350.50

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 77.70

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 72.89

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY SIDEWALK EXPENSE 158.50

METERING & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS METER/EQUIPMENT 10,890.30

MOTION PICTURE LICENSING CORPORATION LICENSE RENEWAL/FAMILY C 675.51

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBRASKA SEPT 2024 POWER PURCHASED 209,784.04

OLORUNDAMI HUGHES, NATALIE VOLLEYBALL REFUND 330.00

PENWORTHY COMPANY CITY LIBRARY BOOKS 491.44

PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES ALARM MONITORING 472.95

PETERBILT OF SIOUX CITY FILTER 31.42

PIONEER AUTO 2010 FORD PICKUP/REPAIRS 1,081.10

PIONEER WOOLDRIDGE INS AGENCY INSURANCE PREMIUMS 39.38

QUALITY BACKHOE SERVICE LLC BORE D STREET/FRONTIER 10,250.00

REDSHAW, BRIAN OVERPAYMENT ON ACCOUNT 234.58

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC CHROMEBOOK PURCHASE/NETWORK SUPPORT/ SERVER WARRANTY/SUBSCRIPTION 7,518.39

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO 96 MOWER PARTS” 1,908.34

ROSENDAHL, BRENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 16.05

SAM’S CLUB BUILDING SUPPLIES/FIRE PREVENTION 439.90

SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE ADVERTISING 440.00

SIOUXLAND CONCRETE COMPANY SIDEWALKS 848.18

SIOUXLAND HUMANE SOCIETY SEPT 24 SERVICES 19.00

SPI STREET REPAIRS 576.30

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC SAFETY SUPPLIES 310.64

STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS

 WASTEWATER PROGRAM 491.13

STEVE HARRIS CONSTRUCTION INC 1ST STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJ PE#5 511,964.09

STRYKER SALES CORPORATION AED MAINTENANCE 2,280.00

SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC QTRLY GIS WEB HOSTING 1,200.00

TOOLEY, DARREN FIRE PREVENTION SUPPLIES 251.85

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 251.41

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 1,207.87

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 2,874.00

WILLIAMS & COMPANY ACCOUNTING SERVICES 13,550.00

WOODBURY COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC COOP 2 DUCT” 11,556.00

Total: 1,045,685.57

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.aOpen Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the 1st Street Corridor Urban Renewal Area

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Open the Public Hearing at 6:20 pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.bPublic Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the 1st Street Corridor Urban Renewal Area 

Danny Christoffers said that he received no public comments. The hearing notice was posted and published as required.

7.cClose Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the 1st Street Corridor Urban Renewal Area

Motion by Carl Clark, seconded by Ron Hanson to Close the Public Hearing at 6:22 pm.  Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.dRES 24-24 Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the 1st Street Corridor Urban Renewal Area

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Carol Clark to Approve RES 24-24 Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the 1st Street Corridor Urban Renewal Area.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.eRES 24-25 Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development 

Jon Winkel said that he has a meeting with Mike & Lori Selig, on October 28th there will be a company with machinery at Mike’s Mini Mart taking out their old tanks.

Jason said that Mike’s Mini Mart will be open until November 5th. The public hearing date will be November 12th.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve RES 24-25 Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Kwik Trip, Inc., Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.fApproval of Pay Estimate #5 to Steve Harris Construction for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail

Project (IDOT# TAP-U-6890(611)--8I-97)

Aaron Lincoln said that there will be a final quantity adjustment to bring back.

Jon Winkel said that we have to keep the final retainage amount until the DOT inspects it.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Pay Estimate #5 to Steve Harris Construction for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail Project (IDOT# TAP-U-6890(611)--8I-97).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.gRES 24-26 PROPOSING TO FILL BY APPOINTMENT THE VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL DUE TO CAROL CLARK’S RESIGNATION, DIRECTING A SELECTION PROCESS AND SCHEDULING A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING FOR SUCH PURPOSE ON NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Jon Winkel explained that there were two possible options, one option was to have a special election that can cost anywhere from $3,500 and higher or complete an appointment. Aaron Lincoln sought opinions from other City Administrators who recommended going through the appointment process. Jon said that as part of the process he would like to form a committee with Ron Hanson, Andrea Johnson, himself, and city staff to take applications and vet people who are interested. He discussed the need for people with financial talents due to the fact that we’re entering budget season which also means we need to fill it quickly. The Special Meeting to fill the position would occur on November 1st.

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 24-26 PROPOSING TO FILL BY APPOINTMENT THE VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL DUE TO CAROL CLARKÂ’S RESIGNATION, DIRECTING A SELECTION PROCESS AND SCHEDULING A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING FOR SUCH PURPOSE ON NOVEMBER 1, 2024.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. ORDINANCE(S):

8.aORD 756 Amending Chapter 35 of the Code of Ordinances Relating to the Fire Department (First Reading)

Jon Winkel explained that he had a meeting with the Fire Department and told them that the recent economic development which will result in 100 jobs in the area will put an additional load on the Fire Department. He has been working with Fire Chief Anthony Gaul to make steps into the future which require modifications to the code.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Carol Clark to Approve ORD 756 Amending Chapter 35 of the Code of Ordinances Relating to the Fire Department (First Reading).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

9. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that he will be with the Selection Committee for the Wastewater Treatment plant manager to negotiate the fees and contract for the project. Jason Kvidera, Danny Christoffers, and himself will be having a meeting regarding our Health Insurance renewal, we will have a reduction of 2.6% in premium rates. They are also looking at different types of governmental plans in the future that should bring down rates further.

The Safe Routes to School meeting date was moved to Monday, they will be talking about ramps. The Serenity Estates groundbreaking went well, the turnout was good.

10. COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Carol Clark expressed her sympathy to Andrea Johnson and her family on the unexpected loss of her uncle. It was with mixed emotions that Garry and herself undertook building a home outside of Sergeant Bluff. Her husband served on the Library Board and the Board of Adjustment and she has served on City Council for 9 years, Sergeant Bluff will always remain a “home” for her. She will continue to come to Sergeant Bluff for many activities and groups that she is involved with. When she came on Council one of her dreams was to establish a free-standing library, she is very proud of our library. She thanked Michael Aguirre for his efforts in that process. She is also proud of the creation of the Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation. The Parks & Recreation Department has also been near and dear to her. It was a privilege to be able to work with the Mayor, Council, boards, and staff.

Kirk Moriarty expressed his condolences to Andrea on the loss of her uncle. He said that he has worked with Carol for a long time on the Parks Board, he expressed appreciation for her leadership, she will be missed. He thanked the Public Works Department for fixing the issue on 1st & E St. With trick-or- treating coming up, please be careful of people walking in the community. Kirk proposed an idea to consider the possibility of getting a new Community Center building, possibly over at Dogwood. He believes this would help the department to expand and grow.

Mark Reinders said that there was discussion about setting up a 501c3 entity through the Parks & Recreation Department, he would like to explore that idea with the City Attorney. He thanked Carol for her service to the Council and the Community, she will be missed.

Andrea Johnson said that work has started on the east campus of the school for the ballfield. If you have questions related to the bond issue please contact the school. She thanked Kirk for coming up with a new idea related to the Community Center. She expressed that the impact of Carol on the City Council has been formidable, there are many things in the community that are directly attributable to Carol’s efforts, we are in debt to her and she will be missed.

Ron Hanson thanked Carol for everything she has done, regarding the library that was established, she took the bull by the horns and got it done.

Ron -sorry to hear about loss. Thanked carol for everything she has done. 09 didn’t have a library when he joined. Carol took bull by horns, good job. It was good to work with her, she will be missed. He said that he went to the Siouxland Initiative luncheon which featured a political analyst, some great information was provided. Regarding the bond election, there is a good calculator on the website showing the impact on taxes that can be utilized. He said the bond is good for future generations of kids, it incorporates many solutions in how it’s designed. He discussed how the school is working with WIT for trade schooling for kids.

11. MAYOR’S REPORT:

Jon Winkel expressed his thoughts and prayers for Andrea Johnson’s family. He discussed how he has always been a supporter of the school, we continue to grow in our community. He discussed how he would like to see the modifications and improvements proposed in the bond than to see temporary classrooms, the kids deserve it. He said that he has worked with Carol for close to 40 years, she was an instrumental person at PTI, the community is a better place because of her. He also discussed safety in the area with kids running and biking around town, watch out for them.

12. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Mark Reinders to Adjourn.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk