City of Sergeant Bluff, IA
SERGEANT BLUFF, IOWA
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Council Chambers
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
Remote in at approximately 7:45 pm
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 March 24, 2026 Regular Meeting
3.bApprove the minutes of the March 31, 2026 Special Meeting (Levy Hearing)
3.cApprove the minutes of the March 31, 2026 Special Meeting (Bond Hearing)
Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the following minutes:
3.a)Minutes of the March 24, 2026 Regular Meeting
3.b)Minutes of the March 31, 2026 Special Meeting (Levy Hearing)
3.c)Minutes of the March 31, 2026 Special Meeting (Bond Hearing) Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
4. CITIZEN’S INPUT:
Kim Thacker, 1611 Forsling, explained that she has an 8 year old autistic son. There are also approximately 4 children in the spectrum as well who live nearby. She asked the City Council for a sign that would alert drivers that there are autistic children playing in the area.
Ron Hanson said that we can figure something out.
Aaron Lincoln said that we’ll do some research regarding what kind of signage is available.
5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
5.aTobacco License Renewal: Fareway
5.bTobacco License Renewal: Dollar General
5.cLiquor License Renewal: Circle S Bluff Stop
5.dApproval of new Fire Department EMS Volunteer: Emma Noll
5.eTax Abatement Application: 512 Jamie Lane
5.fBills: Check numbers 93326 to 93419 in the amount of $261,876.27 and ACH Transactions in the amount of $25,904.68
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve Consent Agenda Items:
5.a)Tobacco License Renewal: Fareway
5.b)Tobacco License Renewal: Dollar General
5.c)Liquor License Renewal: Circle S Bluff Stop
5.d)Approval of New Fire Department EMS Volunteer: Emma Noll
5.e)Tax Abatement Application: 512 Jamie Lane
5.f)Bills: Check numbers 93326 to 93419 in the amount of $261,876.27 and ACH Transactions in the amount of $25,904.68
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
NameDescription Amount
3E ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 537.44
ABT MAILCOM APRIL 2026 BILL & MAIL/CUSTOMER NOTICES 2,409.89
ALEX AIR APPARATUS 2 EQUIPMENT 133.53
ALLEN, ADAM MEAL REIMBURSEMENT 14.96
ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC FREIGHT 101.15
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC 2026/2027 MEMBERSHIP 462.00
ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SVCS SAMPLE ANALYSIS 210.00
AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY LINE PHONES 501.76
BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL/WATER PLANT 55.00
BERGLUND, DWIGHT ENERGY EFF PROGRAM-FREEZER 25.00
BIERSCHBACH EQUIPMENT HANDLE 81.91
BROOKS, PENNY WATER DEPOSIT REFUND 126.59
C&C LAWNCARE INC LAWN TREATMENT 80.00
CARDIS MFG CO FENCE 450.00
CARLIN, DONNA COURT DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00
CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES
SUMMER WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 1 OF 4 3,362.50
CARRIER CONTAINER COMPANY SOLID WASTE 23,107.50
CHESTERMAN COMPANY COMMUNITY CENTER POP SUPPLIES 184.10
CHESTERMAN COMPANY INSPECTIONS WATER 10.00
CHESTERMAN COMPANY DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 9.00
CINTAS SUPPLIES 28.55
CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES STORM WATER MGMT/MAR 26 SEWER USAGE 35,406.57
CNOS PC MEDICAL EXPENSE 450.00
COFFEE KING COFFEE 90.46
COLONIAL RESEARCH CLEAR GRIPS 599.27
CULLIGAN RENTAL FEE AND SALT DELIVERY 98.75
ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY DOGWOOD/SHOP SUPPLIES 268.18
ELECTRIC PUMP POOL PUMP 1,444.50
FAREWAY CLEANING SUPPLIES 65.92
FELD FIRE FIRE DEPT. SUPPLIES 2,044.00
FLEET US LLC WHITE PAINT 207.00
GAUL, CARSON TRAINING 168.10
GILL HAULING INC APRIL- JUNE 2026 LANDFILL/SOLID WASTE 38,894.21
GRAFFIX INC SCREENPRINTING/SHIRTS 1,100.00
HACH COMPANY CHLORINE 91.65
HEIMAN FIRE EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT/GEAR REPAIR/SHIPPING 225.94
HUESER, KYLE ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00
IA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL UTIL. 2027 IAMU ELECTRIC MEMBER DUES 200.00
IOWA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FEES 1,134.00
IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 37.00
IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SIGNS 1,059.70
KAMINSKY SULLENBERGER ASSOC. FTO COURSE 375.00
KWIK TRIP INC PD FUEL 1,915.25
L.P. GILL INC SOLID WASTE 119.13
LAUTERS, DEAN CELL PHONE STIPEND 150.00
LESSMAN ELECTRIC SUPPLY BUILDING EXPENSE/SHOP SUPPLIES/SOCKET 365.00
LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 380.00
LITTLE RED EMBROIDERY CO CLOTHING ALLOWANCE-ROSENDAHL 20.00
LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 1,908.50
LOWE’S LIFT STATION/SUPPLIES/VEHICLE REPAIRS 283.69
MAASKE, KAIDEN R ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 53.89
MASON, THOMAS TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT 26.10
MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 82.69
MENARDS-SIOUX CITY WATER PLANT 26.96
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY MARCH 2026 GAS UTILITY 554.11
MIDSTEP SERVICES MAR 2026 JANITORIAL SERVICES 985.00
OMNI-PRO SOFTWARE INC SCADA SOFTWARE LICENSE 6,500.00
ORTIZ, JASON TRAINING REIMB 246.40
PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES ALARM MONITORING 482.13
PIONEER AUTO 2006 CHEVY/2013 FORD/2018 FORD/2022 FORD 1,137.37
POMP’S TIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT/SERVICE 61.00
PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY FIRST AID BOX 168.00
RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC JASON’S COMPUTER/SERVER/NET WORK SUPPORT/VEEM 5,804.94
SE MUNICIPAL IOWA LLC SOLAR ENERGY 4,262.68
SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE BACK PAGE/LEGALS 2,172.93
SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY MAY 2026 FOOD PANTRY EXPENSE 800.00
SIOUX SALES COMPANY TEST KITS 39.90
SIOUXLAND CONCRETE COMPANY CONCRETE 322.30
SOOLAND BOBCAT SKID STEER/WHEEL RIM 44,200.79
SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER 79.00
STAN HOUSTON EQUIP BLUE AND GREEN PAINT 132.96
STAPLES INC OFFICE SUPPLIES 88.97
STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS WASTEWATER PROGRAM 529.42
STRYKER SALES CORPORATION AED PADS 84.75
TAGGART’S POWERSPORTS FILTER 134.97
THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP FIRE ALARM-REC CENTER/MUSEUM MONITORING 500.00
TITAN MACHINERY BRUSH CUTTER 731.25
TNT SALES AND SERVICE REPAIRS 1,379.35
URBAN, TYALA DEPOSIT RETURN 100.00
UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY GASKET/REPAIR CLAMP/REPAIR KIT 617.29
VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC INSPECTIONS/POLICE STATION 272.80
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 1ST STREET BEAUTIFICATION 3,865.00
VESTIS MATS/LINENS 588.72
VISA CARD - CITY ADMIN INDEED 345.55
VISA CARD - FINANCE PLUG & PLAY/SUMMER READING 623.67
VISA CARD - FIRE DEPT DUES/KITCHEN SUPPLIES/NAMEPLATES/SIGNS/TRAINING 1,588.56
VISA CARD - LIBRARY PRIME/BOOKS/GOOGLE/LAMINATING SUPPLIES/PROGRAMMING 875.93
VISA CARD - PARKS & REC ADVERTISING/CABLE TIES/DIVING BOARD/POOL TRAIN/VOLLEYBALL 2,202.56
VISA CARD - PD CAR WASH MEMBERSHIP/NOTARY/OFFICE SUPPLIES/CREDIT 204.23
VISA CARD - PUBLIC WORKS BLADES/BOOKS/CONNECT. BOX/MUTT MITS/OFFICE SUPP/AERATOR 1,486.24
VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 1 ELECTRICAL TEST/GOOGLE/INSPECTIONS SUPPLIES/ZOHO/ZOOM 2,163.73
VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 2 FIRST AID/POSTAGE/SHELVES/TONER 301.18
WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRIC UPGRADES 51,924.25
ZIMCO SUPPLY CO CHEMICALS/GRASS SEED 1,936.00
Total: 261,876.27
ACH TRANSACTIONS VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTON AMOUNT
Iowa Economic Development Authority Energy Loan $4,343.68
Western Area Power Administration March 2026 Power $21,561.00
TOTAL: $25,904.68
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
6.aOpen Public Hearing - Proposed Budget
Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Open the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget at 5:36 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.bPublic Hearing
The public hearing notice was posted and published as required by law. Danny Christoffers said that he received no public comments or questions.
6.cClose Public Hearing
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Close the Public Hearing at 5:36 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.dRES 26-10 Approving the City of Sergeant Bluff Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve RES 26-10 Approving the City of Sergeant Bluff Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.eApproval of FY 2026-27 Medical Insurance Renewal
Aaron Lincoln explained that previously our medical insurance rates were increasing dramatically. Two years ago we were able to join a governmental pool with other counties and cities which reduced our premiums approximately 40%. In year 2 we had a 0% increase and in year three there is a 2.91% increase. However, the total premiums that the employees and the employer pays into has now built up enough self funded account balance that staff is recommending a 0% premium increase overall. Staff is still working on the Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability premiums which will be brought to the Council at the next meeting.
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the FY 2026-27 Medical Insurance Renewal.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.fApproval of Pay Estimate #8 (Semi-Final) to Steve Harris Construction for the First Street Reconstruction Project (IDOT# STP-U-6890(612)--70-97)
Motion by Shari Zenor Kiple, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve Pay Estimate #8
(Semi-Final) to Steve Harris Construction for the First Street Reconstruction Project (IDOT# STP-U-6890(612)--70-97)
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.gApproval of Engineering Agreement with DGR for the C Street Water Main Improvements and W Ridge Road Extension Project
Aaron Lincoln explained that we have undersized mains along C Street from 2nd Street to 8th Street. This is the design contract. We’re doing some preliminary things, we had the sewer as an option which was removed for now, and West Ridge Road would have water and sewer extended to Ridge Road. This is funded through the planning and design loan which is 0% over three years.
Mark Reinders asked if there is a development area left on West Ridge Road?
Aaron said that we have some buildings out there that are not on our sewer and there are four lots that are undeveloped.
Mark asked if we put this out for bids.
Aaron said that the construction project will get put out for bids. DGR Engineering is the entity that worked on our water system engineering study.
Shari Zenor Kiple asked if they can get started right away.
Aaron said that they can.
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Engineering Agreement with DGR for the C Street Water Main Improvements and W Ridge Road Extension Project.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
7. ORDINANCE(S):
7.aORD 771 Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances to Decrease Parks Board Membership (Second Reading)
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve ORD 771 Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances to Decrease Parks Board Membership (Second
Reading).
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
7.bORD 770 Amending Chapter 77 of the Code of Ordinances Regulating Personal Electric Vehicles Classified as Motorized Scooters, Electric Bicycles, and Other Personal Transport Vehicles (Second Reading)
[The minutes below are not to be considered a transcription of the discussion. The minutes are a summary of the items discussed as understood by the City Clerk. The audio/video of the meeting will be available for public review upon request.]
Ron Hanson explained to the public how an ordinance is passed by three readings at separate public meetings. He explained that his goal is to have a good conversation with those in attendance and to receive their input. The discussion would begin with the City Council discussing their individual thoughts on the ordinance and then it would be opened to the public in attendance.
Kirk Moriarty explained that his desire was to have a safety class at the school.
Ron said that Officer Hutzell was with a group of 5th graders in the DARE program and explained safety rules, he has also been going to classrooms. In addition, Chad Janzen, Superintendent of SBL Schools, is willing to assist with education mailings and emails, and also incorporate something into their end-of-the-year rally.
Mark Reinders said that the goal is not to regulate everything in town, we appreciate all the comments we’ve received in various forms thus far. It helps us get a perspective.
Shari Zenor Kiple expressed that she has appreciated all the feedback they’ve received in various forms.
Ron explained that this issue came up as a result of many Council members witnessing unsafe activities and receiving comments from concerned citizens. Many communities are developing something to address the issue. The State of Iowa Legislature had a house bill but it was pulled. Our City is allowed to develop an ordinance as a result of an Iowa Law called Home Rule, so an ordinance may need to be adjusted if the State passed a law.
Mark said that Ankeny, Waukee, Ames, and Waterloo have taken action.
Ron asked the City Council regarding concerns regarding fees associated with registration.
Shari said that original conversation was to have a registration serve as an opportunity to track the devices and to provide educational materials with rules and information.
Kirk Moriarty reiterated what Shari stated, but also stated fees associated with registration are not being considered at this time. The number one goal when this began to be discussed over a year ago was safety.
Ron reiterated that the ordinance would be modified to remove fees, but that registration would occur.
Sheenah Tonga, 110 Settler Drive, appeared before the City Council. She discussed her desire to keep kids safe without taking away freedom of the kids. She is not opposed to regulations. She is okay with putting on a safety course and charging a fee. Kids can earn a safety sticker.
Diane Woodford, 515 Silver Lane appeared before the City Council. Her street has two curves and has been used as a race track by both kids and adults. There have been many near misses. Kids cut corners and end up in the opposite lane of where they should be. She agreed with the idea of having kids take a class and understand how they need to respect the traffic rules.
Corey Erickson, 1004 Clairmont Circle, appeared before the City Council. He emphasized the importance of safety and limiting where they can operate. He appreciates registration having no fees. He expressed concerns regarding the age restrictions, they seem excessive. If an age restriction is put in place, it should include allowances for adult supervision. He believes the permitted age to use the device is a decision for the parent to make.
Alisha Elder, 610 Topaz Drive, appeared before the City Council. She explained that she is a walker, it is a struggle when kids are zooming around on the devices, she appreciates the idea of pairing registration with education. The issue is not with the parents that are represented at this meeting, the issue is with parents who won’t read the ordinance and who send their kids into the community. Kids who are rule followers won’t get to play, but the kids who don’t follow the rules will be able to. There are ordinances that prevent them from being on the trails and the park currently, but there is also a heavy presence of kids at these locations already. If we used the current ordinance to address the problem, it might not be as big of a problem as it is now. Regarding age restrictions, her family participates in drag racing, but her six year old can be in a dragster right now. She asked the City Council to take away the age limit and consider how many in the community will not follow the rules.
Scott Swearingen, 1308 Clairmont Circle, appeared before the City Council. He has two kids who use e-scooters currently. The nice part about that is they’re not in the basement and are instead out-and-about. Regarding the restriction for where e-scooters are allowed to travel, why this would take away the amenities (parks, pool, baseball/soccer fields etc.) where they play. His kids wear helmets, they do go fast but slow down when people are around. The parents here can regulate their kids. He likes the idea of having an education course paired with registration.
Denise Winter 133 Golden Drive, appeared before the City Council. She stated the current ordinance chapter 77 has good material in it. As a parent, she has not had anyone complaining about her child using the e-scooter. She is happy to hear that Officer Hutzell is involved in the classes. The Police in town have good relationships with these kids. She said that in the current ordinance there is an ability for the Police to give a $10 ticket to kids if they violate rules. She thinks that is good. She believes that more explanation being provided to the public would be a good idea. As a parent that pays for these, it should be up to parents to determine if kids are ready to have a scooter unless there is a DOT regulation. Her kids have been told to follow the current ordinance. She asked the City Council to consider putting together a committee of kids to help write the ordinance.
Paul Stensland, 616 Coniston Circle, appeared before the City Council. He explained that 1st Street has stop signs on the trail but not everywhere. He described an incident where a motorcyclist went through a trail stop sign in front of him at 40mph across Windsor Way and First Street. He described an incident where young kids were riding e-scooters roll through existing stop signs. He said the trail stop signs should be 18 inches. He suggested the City Council look at where there are major trials and major crossings. There should be traffic engineering controls in those areas.
Rick Zarkos, 620 Coniston Circle, appeared before the City Council. His view is that the age restrictions take away from what it means to live in Iowa. The age restrictions are extreme for a place like Iowa. It takes away from what it means to be a kid that lives here. He contested the speed limits for e-scooters and e-bikes having the ability to go up to 20mph. That is problematic to go that fast on the sidewalk, he referenced Iowa Code which says that the intended use of sidewalks is for pedestrians. The table in the proposed ordinance changes the intended use of sidewalks. The second area that is problematic is regarding e-bikes which would be allowed at the Recreation Complex to go 20mph on the trail around the complex which has a lot of walkers.
Kaysha Conway, 1450 Vandenberg, appeared before the City Council. She discussed the difficulties she experiences as a single parent to get the kids where they need to be, the e-scooters are helpful to her. The age restriction is too much. Providing education and having a class would be beneficial for children.
Dustin Estabrook, 705 Stable Path, appeared before the City Council. He is in favor of safety and is supportive of helmets. A lot of kids depend on bikes and scooters to get to activities in town. The age restrictions are too extreme.
Dustin Book, 724 Stable Path, appeared before the City Council. Expressed concerns about the inability to ride devices at the Recreation Complex. The scooters are great way to get kids out of the house. He agrees with the helmet requirement. If kids are messing around, cops can address the issue and contact the parents. The Police are doing a great job talking to the kids. He would like kids to be able to ride their devices to the pool and ballfields.
Kirk Moriarty left the meeting at 7:10 pm and returned at 7:12 pm.
The Mayor, City Council, Police Chief, Asst. Police Chief, and City Staff had further discussion regarding the ordinance with those in attendance. Subjects discussed included:
The design speed referenced on the table for the devices in the proposed ordinance is not the same thing as how fast they are allowed to go.
The importance of providing education to the children.
Many citizens in attendance were opposed to the age restrictions.
Parents are able to use an app to modify the top speed for e-scooters and e-bikes.
Various close calls or incidents were shared.
The Police Department believes education needs to start in grade school and they would like to partner with the school.
The Police Department have been stopping and having a conversation with kids who are participating in concerning behavior.
The classifications being based on the manufacturer’s designations.
The original purpose of proposing a registration requirement to provide education and/or materials.
Ways the current and proposed ordinance would-be or are enforced.
Many in the audience were supportive of providing education and requiring helmets.
The audience was mixed in regarding the concept of requiring lights.
Ron Hanson thanked everyone for their comments. He recommended to the City Council to end the proposed ordinance and rewrite the ordinance to take into account the input received.
Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Mark Reinders to end the proposed Ordinance 770 Chapter 77 Amendment and revamp the ordinance for consideration at a later date.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Andrea Johnson arrived via to attend remotely at approximately 7:15 pm.
8. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Aaron Lincoln said that the drainage ditch study issue had been reviewed, the recommendation from staff is that we won’t proceed with a study update. Based upon recommendations from past studies we will come back with a proposal to get costs updated. Funding sources will be considered. We are getting some bids from excavation contractors for ditch maintenance projects.
9. COUNCIL MEMBER’S COMMENTS:
Mark Reinders said that the freshly painted Fireside Room at the Community Center looks for nice. He asked why the fence at the Primary school has been removed.
Aaron Lincoln said that it has been difficult to maintain the mowing and volunteer trees that restrict flow and detention, and it opens it up makes it easier to maintain. Maupin Pines fence will remain in place.
Shari Zenor Kiple thanked the American Legion for the luncheon they provided to City staff.
Kirk Moriarty thanked everyone for coming to the meeting tonight for the Scooter discussion. He also thanked the Department Heads for their work on their budgets.
Andrea Johnson apologized for not being present during the majority of the meeting, there was a serious issue with the plane that was bringing her into town which delayed her attendance. She thanked everyone for coming to the meeting on the proposed scooter ordinance. She thanked the American Legion for the luncheon they provided.
10. MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
Ron Hanson thanked the American Legion for the luncheon they provided. He gave a shout-out to Holiday Lighting, they are donating lighting for the Little League concessions building and they will also be donating lighting to the Police Station.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Adjourn at 7:24 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem
Attest:
Danny Christoffers, City Clerk
Published in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate weekly newspaper, Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026. The SB-Advocate is the Official Newspaper for the City of Sergeant Bluff and is an Official Woodbury County newspaper. (PN#042326-00391A/B)
