City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (01/27/26)

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

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the January 12, 2026 Budget Meeting

3.bApprove the minutes of the January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting

3.cApprove the minutes of the January 19, 2026 Budget Meeting

Motion by Andrea Johnson seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the following meeting minutes:

3.a)Minutes of the January 12, 2026 Budget Meeting

3.b)Minutes of the January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting

3.c)Minutes of the January 19, 2026 Budget Meeting Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

Dennis Jensen, Pioneer Woolridge Insurance Agency, explained that he represents the insurance agency for the City. The City's plan has a dividend feature for the insured group as a whole which includes other communities and school districts. If the whole group does well, the entities get a dividend back.

The total premiums for those in the group was $38 million dollars, the program is paying back $7 1/2 million dollars to the members in the program. The insurance program has a target profit goal of 5% and subtract claims, and pay the remainder to those in the program. The Sergeant Bluff share this year is $37,694.00. Dennis presented the check to the Mayor.

Todd Lindsey, 501 C Street, said that 5-7 years ago that the City told him they would come back to his area and take down the power lines and poles. The reason they didn't finish up was because the city prioritized another area. He was hoping the City would complete his area.

Aaron Lincoln explained that the city can reach out to him regarding the details, there are homeowner costs associated with upgrading the service.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:

Fire Department

Anthony Gaul said that the call volume was more reasonable this month, they're at 42. Sergeant Bluff is hosting the Regional Fire School in March, he has spoken to the Mayor about doing a welcoming statement. There will be about 300 extra people here each day. They have a couple people attending the State Fire School this weekend. There will be a big red trailer behind the fire station for about three weeks, that is a driving simulator that the State is dropping off. A plane went down south of the airport this weekend, there were some dispatch issues that will be discussed. He will be out of town for some days next week to sit on an interview committee to field candidates for North Sioux's Fire Chief position. Next month they will be helping Sioux City with their academy. The High School Fire Science Program is underway. There continue to be issues with the text paging from dispatch. He is looking at communities that have business permitting, we have been having businesses starting that are not code compliant. A complaint was received at the Rodeway Inn regarding the heating methods used, that was reviewed and they corrected all the immediate concerns. Information was relayed to other entities.

There are 3 in an EMT class, and 2 will start in a month, and 2 are starting paramedic school next month.

Shari Zenor Kiple asked when the Fire School will be in March? Was it a competitive process to get that event here?

Anthony said that it will be all day on the 7th and 8th. It was at WIT for about 20 years and we asked. Kirk Moriarty said that it was nice to see the Sergeant Bluff Fire & Police Departments represented at the Musketeers game.

Police

Jereme Muller said that there were 366 calls last month with 241 written reports, We ended the year with 5,500+ dispatched calls. He is working on making sure dispatched calls get reports. Traffic stop numbers are up. He is on the interview board for a Comm Center position. He explained that he is actively working on getting the text dispatches working correctly. Hopefully the issue is resolved now.

Parks & Rec

Tyler Tweet said that there were 0 all day gym rentals, 8hrs for Fireside Rentals, 24hrs for Court rentals. Basketball season started on Jan 3rd. Spring and Soccer & Volleyball registration opened. They hosted the Middle School in the gym for their "reward day", They ended the year with 111 pickleball members. They held Parks & Rec events/activities every day except for 11 days in 2025. There were 948 kids registered for activities in 2025. They held 26 all-day gym events and 88 parties in fireside room or gym. The Daddy-Daughter Date Night will be February 14th, anyone interested in attending can contact Danielle at the Community Center. They started hiring for the pool season and Summer Adventure Camp. He encouraged people to reach out to him if anyone is interested in participating in a volleyball team.

Ron Hanson asked what the theme was for the Daddy Daughter Date Night?

Tyler explained that the theme is the movie Wicked.

Mark Reinders asked if the Middle School was charged for the "reward day"? Also, how does the total registration for rec activities in 2025 compare to the prior year.

Tyler said that we did not charge for that event. The number of registrations tracks pretty close with the prior year.

Shari asked if the numbers for other events and activities pretty steady from prior years?

Tyler said that it is, but they are starting to see an increase in yearly events such as the Gun Show.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that there were 621 people who came into the Library in December. Most of the programs have been consistent. They had to cancel their Santa and Grinch events due to weather. The Middle School approached her about doing a daily book club, but that currently doesn't work for her schedule. Their Holocaust VR Experience is currently available, KTIV attended to do a story. The Stitches and Stories Crochet group will also now include crafts and creations. They are in phase 2 of a STEM grant (EEC), we'll find out in March if they get science kits that can be checked out by kids.

They received some chairs from H&R Block.

They got a new rug which was donated by Jeff and Jeanne Zyzda, she purchased some magnetic fishing gear so the kids can go fishing in the gear, the toddlers enjoy it. She thanked Community Action Team by funding a grant of $2,500.00 for programming.

Mark asked if the Library has a wish list of needs?

Mary said they have an Amazon wish list which is sometimes shared on Facebook. Shari asked what the cost was for the Holocaust VR equipment.

Mary said that it costs 5k, but they were granted a scholarship from the Illinois Holocaust Museum. They have the equipment until this weekend.

Inspections

Aaron Johnson said that last month 19 inspections were completed and 5 permits, project valuations was pretty nominal this month. The Harrington loop property that was damaged by fire is getting reconstructed right now, the garage is getting rebuilt as well. Sergeant Bluff Eye Care's property is progressing well. A grading permit was approved for a new business along Dogwood Trail. The new home at Serenity Point Estates is in progress. He went through 8 project reviews this period. He is in the process of transitioning the permit software to Civic Review. Rental housing inspections are starting slow this year. One of their processes for finding inspections is relying on emergency services.

Regarding the Roadway Inn, he is looking to follow up from the August inspection. They got registered for the ICC training in August. A draft ordinance for Home Based Businesses and sign code are ready. He is working on updating the Fee Schedule with changes.

Mark asked if the home based business ordinance is ready?

Aaron said that the next step will be a review by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Public Works/Finance

John Robinson said that Aaron Lincoln and Jason Kvidera have been working hard on budgets. The Public Works Department has been working on the new building, creating an office for Inspections, putting flooring in, plumbing, and electrical. The Iowa Utilities Commission did an inspection last fall, the guys are working on correcting items that were required. Recently they found that the interstate lift station had a pump leaking, the guys are working on fixing/replacing the parts. Locates are slower this year than previously. Some of the guys have obtained pesticide certifications. Tree trimming around power lines/poles was done by the linemen. The solar field is up and running, as of today it's produced 51.6 megawatts in 63 days.

6.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aLiquor License Renewal: Dollar General

6.bLiquor License Renewal: Kalico Kates

6.cRe-Appoint Gloria Hawks to Parks Board Position #1 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.dRe-Appoint Angie Van Otterloo to Parks Board Position #4 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/27)

6.eRe-Appoint Colin Tague to Parks Board Position #5 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/27)

6.fAppoint Bill Dalke to Parks Board Position #2 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.gAppoint Dustin Estabrook to Parks Board Position #3 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.hFire Department & EMS Volunteer: Brent Jensen

6.iFire Department & EMS Volunteer: Aaron Tompkins

6.jFire Department & EMS Volunteer: Brayden Bumstead

6.kFire Department High School Volunteer: Evan Williams

6.lBills: Check Numbers 92818 thru 93003 in the amount of $264,555.25

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Liquor License Renewal: Dollar General

6.b)Liquor License Renewal: Kalico Kates

6.c)Re-Appoint Gloria Hawks to Parks Board Position #1 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.d)Re-Appoint Angie Van Otterloo to Parks Board Position #4 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/27)

6.e)Re-Appoint Colin Tague to Parks Board Position #5 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/27)

6.f)Appoint Bill Dalke to Parks Board Position #2 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.g)Appoint Dustin Estabrook to Parks Board Position #3 (Position Term Ends: 2/28/28)

6.h)Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Brent Jensen

6.i)Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Aaron Tompkins

6.j)Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Brayden Bumstead

6.k)Fire Department High School Volunteer: Evan Williams

6.l)Bills: Check Numbers 92818 thru 93003 in the amount of $264,555.25 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC VEHICLE PARTS 1,123.87

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 180.00

BENSON, ASHLEY ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL/REC CENTER 105.00

BOMGAARS BUILDING EXPENSE/CLOTHING ALLOWANCE/

SUPPLIES/TRAINING/TRANSFER PUMP/VEHICLE SUPPLIES 975.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 25.59

CIVIC REVIEW INSPECTIONS SOFTWARE 6,400.00

COFFEE KING COFFEE SUPPLIES 90.46

CORNHUSKER INTERNATIONAL 92 DUMP TRUCK REPAIR 16.42

COVENANT WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS EAP SESSIONS 291.00

DANKO EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CO BUILDING SUPPLIES 225.00

DARRIN CROW-TALESPINNER UNDERGROUND RAILROAD PROGRAM 300.00

DGR ENGINEERING SERVICES 18,297.50

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 22.96

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES/INSPECTIONS 752.89

FAREWAY DISTILLED WATER/MEETING SUPPLIES 21.35

GAUL, ANTHONY CELL PHONE STIPEND 100.00

GENERAL TRAFFIC CONTROLS INC VISOR 131.00

GRAFFIX INC COUNCIL NAME PLATES 14.00

GUARANTEE ROOFING POLICE REPAIRS 350.00

HACH COMPANY POWDER PILLOWS 70.88

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHLORINE CYLINDER 80.00

HEIMAN FIRE EQUIPMENT MANIKINS/WILDLAND GEAR 34.04

HYDRAULIC SALES AND SERVICE CO VEHICLE REPAIR 32.96

IOWA CODIFICATION INC 2025 DEC SUPPLEMENT 407.00

IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING 75.00

IA SOCIETY OF FIRE SERVICE INSTRUCTORS TRAINING 140.00

ISTATE TRUCK INC TRENCH TRUCK REPAIR 3,365.62

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 217.85

K.P. CONSTRUCTION INC CONCRETE REPAIRS 17,631.00

LAUTERS, DEAN CELL PHONE STIPEND 150.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 82.00

MARCO INC (FD) COPIER CONTRACT 188.08

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC (CH) COPIER CONTRACT 657.95

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 84.95

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY BUILDING EXPENSES/ROLLER SEAT 88.24

MILLS AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES INC CAR SEAT COVER 239.95

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEB DEC 2025 POWER PURCHASED 199,033.94

ORTIZ, JASON TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT 100.00

PENWORTHY COMPANY BOOKS 644.62

PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES ALARM MONITORING 759.45

PIONEER AUTO 2025 FORD 59.72

PORT NEAL WELDING CO HYDRANT WRENCH 100.00

QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHONE LEASE/POLICE DEPT 332.00

SAM'S CLUB BATTERIES/BUILDING SUPPLIES/

HOLIDAY MEAL/OFFICE SUPPLIES 362.05

SE MUNICIPAL IOWA, LLC DEC 2025 SOLAR 483.42

SIOUXLAND HUMANE SOCIETY DECEMBER 2025 SERVICES 160.00

SIOUXLAND HYDRAULIC AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 40.28

SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 138.00

SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER 79.00

SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC QTRLY GIS WEB HOSTING 1,320.00

SYLVANE DEHUMIDIFER 3,671.53

THE LIBRARY STORE CARPET 533.70

THOMAS, CHRISTOPHER ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 104.74

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY BRASS CAP 13.00

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC INSPECTIONS 267.95

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 1,286.02

VESTIS MATS/LINENS 228.27

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 1,570.00

WILKENING, BRAD LIBRARY PROGRAMMING 200.00

Total: 264,555.25

7.DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.aAppeal Hearing for the Denial of Rental Certificate Renewal Report Issued to 605 4th Street [The minutes below are not to be considered a transcription of the appeal hearing. The minutes are a summary of items discussed as understood by the City Clerk. The audio of the hearing will remain available for public review upon request]

Sean Lakes, 301 D Street, appeared on behalf of his mother, Dorothy Nieman, to appeal for 605 4th Street. He explained that a reinspection was done today, but he was present to appeal two items, the requirement of a gas pressure test and the requirement of a structural engineer report. He discussed his disagreement with the need for a pressure test because the issue was with the appliance, tests are only done up to the shut-off valve. He is also appealing the requirement to have a structural engineer inspect the foundation. In 35 years of being in construction and property management, he's never been required to hire a structural engineer, it's unprecedented. Nothing has changed in the house since inspections have started in Sergeant Bluff. He will remedy things that inspectors find to be a problem, but these two items are an unnecessary burden being placed on the owner.

Joe Yocum, Rental Inspector, explained that he was asked to do an assessment of a rental home. He described his research into prior inspections, he found in approximately 2018 and 2022 there were items that were important to be addressed. He met with Sean Lakes and saw indicators on the outside that moisture might be getting inside. He discussed concerns he saw inside with various structural components such as joists and brick/cinderblock walls in the basement. Photos were reviewed. His training indicated to him that water was penetrating the structure. Other items such as smoke detectors and the home heater not working were discussed. He described the responsibility the department has in ensuring that the residence is safe to occupy.

Aaron Johnson, Building Inspector, explained that the denial of the rental certificate was based upon documented fire, life/safety, and structural concerns observed at the time of the inspection and included some repeat deficiencies according to our adopted codes. The property was not posted as an unsafe structure and no order to vacate was issued, but the issues observed required correction before a rental renewal certificate could be renewed. He described the process used for verifying corrections. A follow up inspection was done today, he described various items that were corrected. Some items of concern remained included the working clearance of the electrical panel and structural material deterioration observations. Inspections can't verify structural adequacy through visual observation alone, but adopted codes authorize the building official to require a structural analysis. The city must require a license contractor or an adjacent method that is acceptable to council. The gas pressure test is required due to the abnormal conditions at the time of the inspection. He described the issues with the furnace at the time of the inspection, and the city couldn't determine if there was an issue with the appliance or if there is a fuel gas problem contributing to the problem, when the cause is unknown the city must require a verification method that confirms the system is safe before approving occupancy. Repairs were made to the furnace but a pressure test was not completed, he received a copy of the invoice documenting various repairs. It is his position that the rental certificate should not be renewed until the following items are resolved: electrical panel working clearance, fuel gas system verification, and structural verification as outlined in the report.

An extended discussion took place between the Mayor, City Council, Sean Lakes, Aaron Johnson, Joe Yocum, Aaron Lincoln, and Sarah Kleber which included, but were not limited to:

  The possibility of allowing a contractor with experience in foundation assessment in lieu of a structural engineer.

  Sean stated that he did not receive inspection information pertaining to the foundation prior to the Council meeting.

  What a gas pressure check will accomplish and how it works.

  The repairs to the valves of the furnace.

  The bed that was moved to provide clearance to the electrical panel and the required clearance.

  Sean's experience with previously employed Building Inspectors.

  The age of the home and how code enforcement applies to rental properties.

  Sean disagreed that the report he received discussed issues pertaining to the foundation.

  Potential liability issues for the City.

  The appropriate entity (City/Third Party) that should verify the structural integrity.

Appeal hearing ended with Council action.

7.bPotential Council Action on the Appeal for the Denial of Rental Certificate Renewal Issued to 605 4th Street

Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Aaron Johnson to extend the timeframe for the Denial of Rental Certificate for 605 4th Street by 60 days to provide time to produce a structural report from a documented Iowa contractor that satisfies the current inspection process and to provide a gas pressure check.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.cOpen Public Hearing - Proposed Exchange and Transfer of Public Property with KARS Investments

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Open the Public Hearing for the Proposed Exchange and Transfer of Public Property with KARS Investments at 7:28 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.dPublic Hearing

Danny Christoffers stated that he received no public comments.

A map was reviewed of the property that the City will receive. Concerns were expressed about the appearance of the open property not owned by the City that is north/northeast of City Hall.

7.eClose Public Hearing

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Close the Public Hearing at 7:28 pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.fRES 26-03 Approving the Exchange of Public Property and Use of Public Funds for the Acquisition of Property that will Better Serve the City’s Needs and which will provide Further Development.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 26-03 Approving the Exchange of Public Property and Use of Public Funds for the Acquisition of Property that will Better Serve the City's Needs and which will provide Further Development.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.gApprove an Update of the Signature Cards for Bank Accounts at Pioneer Bank

Motion by Shari Zenor Kiple, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve an Update of the Signature Cards for Bank Accounts at Pioneer Bank to be the following individuals.

  Ron Hanson, Mayor

  Andrea Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem

  Aaron Lincoln, City Administrator

  Jason Kvidera, Assistant City Administrator

  Danny Christoffers, City Clerk Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Shari Zenor Kiple thanked the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments for providing a tour of their facilities to her.

9. MAYOR'S REPORT:

Ron Hanson explained that the American Legion contacted him, they have a new Commander, Terry Hughes, that would like to get more involved with the community. They would like to provide a luncheon for the City employees sometime in March.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 7:34 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk