(SB) SERGEANT BLUFF, IOWA City Council Minutes Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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 Present

Ron Hanson Mayor Pro Tem Present

Jon Winkel Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the April 23, 2024 Regular Meeting

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve the Minutes of the April 23, 2024 Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

There was no citizen input.

5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

5.aTax Abatement: 602 Jace Road

5.bCigarette License Renewal: Circle S Bluff Stop

5.cLiquor License Renewal: American Legion

5.dApprove Annual Agreement with Connections Area Agency on Aging

5.eSpecial Event Permit Application - Tri-State Cruisers

5.fApproval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Chris Polzin

5.gBills: Check Numbers 89151 thru 89239 in the amount of $137,894.05

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Consent Agenda Items:

5.a)Tax Abatement: 602 Jace Road

5.b)Cigarette License

5.c)Liquor License Renewal: American Legion

5.d)Approve Annual Agreement with Connections Area Agency on Aging

5.e)Special Event Permit Application - Tri-State Cruisers

5.f)Approval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Chris Polzin

5.g)Bills: Check Numbers 89151 thru 89239 in the amount of $137,894.05

Motion Carried. [Hanson abstained from item 5.c due to being a member of the American Legion]

Check Name Description Amount

3E ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING WATER PLANT 2,107.48

ABT MAILCOM CUSTOMER NOTICES/MAY 24 BILLS 2,276.07

AGRIVISION EQUIPMENT GROUP FILTER 66.39

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SVCS SAMPLE ANALYSIS 163.50

APPEARA CLEAN LINENS/MATS 385.74

AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY LINE PHONES 343.97

BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS 248.40

BATTERIES PLUS BATTERY/ FOB KIT 134.98

BEKINS FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES FIRST AID KIT SUPPLIES 108.90

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 185.00

BOMGAARS CLEANING SUPPLIES 161.91

CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES SUMMER WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 2,862.50

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 9.00

CHOQUETTE, PAUL ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 32.28

CINTAS SUPPLIES 71.72

CIRCLE S BLUFF STOP DRIP TORCH FUEL 6.93

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES APR 2024 SEWER USAGE 28,918.42

COFFEE KING COFFEE 75.00

CULLIGAN RENTAL FEE AND SALT DELIVERY 64.50

DAY'S DOOR COMPANY DOOR REPAIR 155.00

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 108.72

EDLUND, JEFFREY & ERIN 2024 SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP REFUND 500.00

ELLINGTON, ALICIA OVERPAYMENT 291.30

FAREWAY COMM CON WATER/CLEANING SUPPLIES 68.83

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

GILL HAULING INC SOLID WASTE 23,280.26

HACH COMPANY CHEMICALS 616.72

HAWKEYE RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB 2024 MEMBERSHIP DUES 175.00

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PCORI QUARTER END 6/30/24 102.00

IA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FUEL METER LICENSE 13.50

IA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP VEHICLE INSPECTIONS REFUND 40.00

IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 47.70

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 153.80

JAYMAR LASER CHECKS 807.96

JOHNSTON AUTOSTORE AIR FILTER/BATTERY/OIL FILTERS 365.66

LAUTERS, DEAN FLIGHT REIMBURSEMENT 843.42

LEGORE, TONYA OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 632.36

LINC UNDERGROUND & FIBER SVCS HARRINGTON LOOP 5,038.00

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 700.00

LOHRMAN, STEFANI OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 235.60

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 2,019.51

LOWE'S BUILDING/POOL/WATERPLANT REPAIRS 278.18

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 65.09

MCINTIRE MANAGEMENT GROUP COMBINATION AIR VALVE 1,646.10

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY SUPPLIES 3.02

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY APR 2024 GAS UTILITY 1,548.27

MIDWEST ALARM ALARM MONITORING 445.16

MIKES MINI MART FIRE DEPT FUEL 54.42

MPIRE HEATING & COOLING LLC SEMIANNUAL MAINTENANCE 4,952.50

ONE OFFICE SOLUTION  OFFICE SUPPLIES 64.45

ONE SOURCE SUPPLY LLC SUPPLIES 29.33

PIONEER AUTO 2014 FORD/2020 FORD/2022 EXPLORER 1,712.84

POMP'S TIRE SERVICE SUPPLIES 72.00

POSTMASTER/SERGEANT BLUFF PO BOX RENEWAL/FIRE DEPT 194.00

PROFESSIONAL POOL & SPA CHEMICALS 112.67

QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTER 2020 FORD/2022 FORD/REPAIRS 693.53

RADERS, EMMA ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 58.83

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL SVCS FURNACE REPAIR 1,679.00

RESCO RED SPRAY PAINT 317.70

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC ADOBE ACROBAT LICENSES/NETWORK SUPPORT 2,164.98

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES/TRIM LINE/VEHICLE REPAIR 871.43

ROSENDAHL, BRENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 106.99

SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE BACK PAGE/LEGALS 3,489.58

SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY JUNE 2024 FOOD PANTRY EXPENSE 800.00

SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL 11,796.34

SIOUX CITY TRUCK/TRAILER CHEVY SILVERADO REPAIRS 3,487.20

SIOUX CITY WINNELSON POOL/REC CENTER/SPLASH PAD/POOL REPAIRS 486.58

SIOUXLAND CONCRETE COMPANY 1322 VANDENBURG/209 RUBY CT CONCRETE 2,433.47

SIOUXLAND HUMANE SOCIETY APRIL 2024 SERVICES 55.00

SOOLAND BOBCAT STUMP GRINDER RENTAL 245.00

SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER 79.00

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC PAINT 69.00

STAPLES BUSINESS ACCOUNT OFFICE SUPPLIES 105.11

STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY-AR LAB FEES 21.00

SUMMERS, BRADY ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 3.84

SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC QTRLY GIS WEB HOSTING 1,200.00

THE SIGN SHOP SIGN 48.00

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY RISER/SEWER SUPPLIES 272.85

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC POLICE STATION 169.60

VISA CARD - CITY ADMIN INDEED AD/TRAINING FUEL/LODGING/MEAL 537.46

VISA CARD - FINANCE PERMIT/SHIPPING 806.46

VISA CARD - LIBRARY BOOK/DVDS/MBRSHPS/SUMMER READING PROG 661.69

VISA CARD - PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE SUPPLIES 72.97

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 1 INSPECTIONS OFFICE SUPPLIES/ZOOM SUBSCRIP 275.24

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 2 CAT LUNCH/CORD/OFFICE SUPPLIES 352.14

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINI APRIL 2024  POWER PURCHASED 18,090.44

WESTERN IA TECH COMM COLLEGE FIRE SCHOOL 24 690.00

YANG, SAMUEL ELECTRIC DEP REIMB 7.71

TOTAL: 137,894.05

6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

6.aDiscussion on Short-Term Rentals Ordinance Presenters:

  Colin Tague

  Levi Thelander

Colin Tague, 119 Golden Drive, explained that he was here to discuss the need to adopt ordinances pertaining to Short-Term Rentals. He is hoping to get commitment from the City Council to enact an ordinance to preserve property values and keep families safe. His suggestions were as follows:

1.Limit the adult occupation of a unit, based upon the number of bedrooms. This should not limit rentals by families.

2.Parking limits based upon available parking on the rental property.

3.Rental owners should require that pets have necessary vaccinations and that the animal is not a banned breed.

4.Require a license or permit from the City to operate. This would inform the city of how many exist and their locations. This would also allow the city to remove rentals that violate the ordinances.

He described maximum occupancy limits imposed by other cities, he provided Ames as an example. Children are not counted. He hopes to work with the City Council to formulate an acceptable ordinance.

Carol Clark asked about how parking would be limited? Colin suggested two cars per house or in the street. Ron Hanson didn't think we can limit the number of cars parked on a public street.

Levi Thelander, a co-owner of Thelander Properties, said that he would like to be involved in the conversation pertaining to any proposed ordinance. The company's rental units are inspected. He explained how he had previously shown how property values are not negatively impacted; Assessed property values have gone up.

Carol asked how many short term rentals he currently has? Levi said they have 7. Ron expressed concern regarding keeping affordable homes available in the community.

Levi said that some that they have purchased were red tagged and some are not livable. They fix them up. Kirk Moriarty asked if they are full most nights? Levi said that they are at capacity right now.

Carol asked what type of individuals rent these units? Levi said that they are families, contractors, construction workers. Carol asked if individuals rent them, or does the company rent it? Levi explained that both individuals rent them out and the company will usually reach out them. Jon Winkel described how Iowa has passed a law that any regulation we put on short term rentals has to be applied to every rental unit in the city. He described difficulties with regular rental units in town pertaining to write-offs as a result of unpaid utility bills. He stressed that from an economic development perspective, we want to take care of existing businesses and then see what can be done to take care of issues brought up.

Carol explained that there isn't a clear cut answer. She understands what it might feel like if it impacted her neighborhood. If our existing ordinances are being followed, then there isn't an issue.

Andrea said that it is a complex issue, we would should avoid making a gut reaction. We want to be thoughtful, we need to look at it.

Ron also explained a personal situation how a change of ownership in his neighborhood caused a lot of problems, however it did not impact his property value. Perhaps the ordinances already in place could be tweaked.

Kirk understands that it's a complex issue. He has some of these short term rentals not far from his home. Both sides make good points, we'll have to look at it.

Jon described how the Inspector has come up with a system to track bedrooms and occupancy. He has looked at Ames which has a lot of short term rentals, but they're hamstrung by his previously mentioned difficulty regarding requirements applying to other rentals.

There was discussion with audience members regarding concerns for emergency vehicle access and large vehicle access when a number of trucks are parked in the street. Potential solutions mentioned including limiting parking on certain side of the street and requesting the individuals to park at another location provided by the owner.

6.bConsideration of Request from Bellino Fireworks to Rent the Farmer's Market space for Fireworks Sales (Potential motion to direct staff to prepare rental agreement)

Danny Christoffers explained that the Farmers Market area is not currently occupied, the person who was interested in doing a Farmers Market does not want to utilize that location. He received a call from Brandon Cummings with Bellino Fireworks requesting the use of the location for selling fireworks as a result of his usual location at Fareway being unavailable due to renovations to their parking spaces.

Brandon Cummings explained that due to Fareway redoing their parking lot he was limited in locations he could go. He would like to rent the Farmers Market lot from approximately June 15th through July 15th. Sales date would be June 21st through July 5th. A third party would bring in port-a-pots and dumpsters. The proposed rent amount would be $5,000. Last year they also generated around $3,500 in sales tax. They try to look for non-profit groups in town who could earn money operating the stand. He would carry additional liability insurance which would cover the city. His intention would be to return to Fareway next year if possible. He would pay for the cost of electrical hookup and usage. He would like to install an inflatable gorilla on the south side of south sidewalk.

Jon Winkel asked that we reflect in the agreement that this would be a 1-year term as we are not intending to compete with Fareway.

Sarah Kleber discussed additional modifications that would need to be changed from the proposed lease agreement.

Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty accept the request from Bellino Fireworks to Rent the Farmer's Market location, known as 903 E Topaz Drive, for fireworks sales and direct staff to prepare a rental agreement for a 1-year term.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.cOpen Public Hearing On Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the Construction of the S. Lewis Blvd Storm Crossing for the City of Sergeant Bluff Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty Open the Public Hearing at 6:25 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.dPublic Hearing

Danny Christoffers stated that we received one comment on our social media page from Ronie Carlson which stated: "I hope the city doesn't direct them down 220 St. Enough traffic down this way already."

Jon Winkel asked if had been staked out.

Jason Kvidera said it had been staked out for about a month. The utilities had been notified.

6.eClose Public Hearing

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty Close the Public Hearing at 6:27 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.fCouncil Approval to Adopt Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the S. Lewis Blvd. Storm Crossing Project

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Adopt Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the S. Lewis Blvd. Storm Crossing Project.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.gDiscussion and Potential Action on the 2024-2029 Residential Solid Waste Hauling Bids 

Aaron Lincoln said that we received five bids which were from Gill Hauling, Carrier Container of Onawa, Van's Sanitation of LeMars, OC Sanitation of Orange City, and CHN Garbage of Mapleton. He discussed the bids, the communication plans requested from the bidders, and how each proposal would affect our garbage pickup rates. Gill Hauling was the low bidder, or lowest impact to garbage rates, based upon anticipated CPI ranges. If we don’t award tonight, we need to award by May 28th.

There was discussion regarding Gill Hauling being the low bidder, but concerns regarding service quality and communication were expressed. The possibility of including service and communication benchmarks in the contract that would need to be met by Gill Hauling were considered. Mike Keeran, District Manager with Gill Hauling, acknowledged that there have been problems. They believe that service has improved but they’re working on communication changes. They want to provide great service. He was willing to negotiate benchmarks being established in the contract. There was discussion about how the benchmarks would work if they weren’t satisfied. The City Attorney explained that would become a breach of contract and they could reach out to the next low bidder.

Aaron reviewed the costs associated with single cart rates and what residents would pay over five years. Depending on what bid is accepted, that would impact how frequently rates would need to increase.

The City Council discussed with Chad Carrier with Carrier and Ryan Clark with CHN how their customer service would be different in regards to pickup schedule, follow-up for unresolved problems, equipment changes, and personal communication,

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Ron Hanson to accept the low bid from Gill Hauling subject to successful completion of contract negotiations to assure the public that we will have better service going forward.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.hApproval of Contracts with Certified Testing Services, Inc. for Construction Testing for First Street and Loess Hills Trail Projects

Aaron Lincoln said that this is for construction testing according to DOT standards. Jon Winkel expressed a concern regarding some subcontract work being done. He is asking to have Veenstra & Kimm do additional review of that work.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve Contracts with Certified Testing Services, Inc. for Construction Testing for First Street and Loess Hills Trail Projects. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7. ORDINANCE(S):

7.aORD 750 Amending Chapter 156 Building Codes [to 2021] (First Reading)

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Carol Clark to Approve ORD 750 Amending Chapter 156 Building Codes [to 2021] (First Reading).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln reviewed with the City Council a viaduct plan on Gordon Drive in Sioux City. Information pertaining to First Street and the Loess Hill Connector Trail are on both our website and shared on our social media page. He will participate in the Sister City luncheon on Thursday. The pre- construction meeting for the First Street project will be tomorrow. He has a meeting in Ames on Wednesday next week.

9.COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Ron Hanson said that there is a flyer showing the accomplishments of the Safe Routes to School/Complete Streets Coalition that he would like to see distributed in various ways. He encouraged everyone to attend Memorial Day services. He has also seen people blowing their grass into the streets Aaron Lincoln said that the Stormwater Coordinator can make contact with individuals who do that.

Andrea Johnson congratulated all the athletes who participated in spring sports. She will be attending the MEAN board of directors meeting in Kearney Nebraska. She is also hopeful that we can get better garbage service.

Carol Clark said that she attended her first SIMPCO NPO meeting. She updated them on our First Street Project and Trail project. She gave a shout out to Elevate Church for being great community partners.

At the last Saturday Soccer game they handed out 500 donuts and provided juice and coffee. Jason Kvidera and herself participate in a school "Shark Tank" event. She expressed her appreciation to our police officers during National Police Week. She congratulated all the High School graduates.

Kirk Moriarty said that he will be attending the Parks Board meeting tomorrow night. He congratulated the graduates. High school baseball and softball are starting. He gave a shout out to the Youth Softball Program at B Street, they've made a lot of improvements to those fields. He reminded everyone to trim their weeds up. He asked about what the next step is for the Kiwanis Park Pond.

Jason Kvidera said that with the recent rain it needs to dry out and the company has to get their order together and come.

10. MAYOR'S REPORT:

Jon Winkel congratulated the track team. Nine kids are going to State in 7 events congratulate our track team, 9 kids going to state in 7 events. They put in a lot of work. He congratulated the graduates. He asked for time to staff to work on the short-term rentals issue. He is also said that the ordinance for requiring 24+ rental locations to put utilities in their name will be coming to Council in two weeks.

11. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to adjourn at 7:34 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk