City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (09/22/26)

1. MAYOR/MAYOR PRO-TEM TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER: 5:00pm

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

Absent

Andrea Johnson Council Member

Present

Ron Hanson Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

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

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.a Approve the minutes of the September 8, 2026 Special Meeting

3.b Approve the minutes of the September 8, 2026 Regular Meeting

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve the minutes of the September 8, 2026 Special Meeting and the minutes of the September 8, 2026 Regular Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4.  CITIZEN'S INPUT:

Tina Kilpatrick, 102 F St #3, Woodbury Township Clerk appeared before the City Council. She thanked the City Council for allowing the maintenance department to help with getting the crushed asphalt down, bringing dirt, and going through the cemetery to deal with the snow. They've been working with the brickyard, they've been keeping the road clean. She discussed how she has been attempting to get a meeting to discuss cemetery roads. She asked to receive copies of legal documents pertaining to the cemetery/cemetery road.

Aaron Lincoln explained that we can provide those documents to her. There is an item pertaining to the compost site that the City is addressing with the brickyard which has delayed the process.

There was further extended discussion with Tina regarding the additional steps that need to occur procedurally and legally. Tina requested that we get lighting for night hours at the cemetery. The desire for the City and the Township to work more closely together and communicate better was expressed. Tina wanted to clarify that there are 90 cremation plots and 218 empty full body plots available at the cemetery.

Kolby Dewitt, Candidate for the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, introduced himself to the City Council. He is married to Jessica, has seven children, and currently works for Senator Joni Ernst. In his current position he fields contacts from citizens regarding policy, legislation, and problems with federal agencies. He believes his skillset will be useful on the Board of Supervisors.

Jody House, Candidate for the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, introduced herself to the City Council. She explained that she used to live in Sergeant Bluff, she is a veteran which has provided her with discipline and structure in her life. She also worked as a manager in the production industries which provided her with skills in fiscal matters. She has three sons and five grandchildren. Her aim is to focus on economic development in the County.

Ron Hanson asked the candidates to discuss their thoughts on the size of data centers.

Kolby explained that he supports the moratorium, but the biggest sin that a community can make when it comes to a hyperscale project is saying yes too quickly. He explained that the addition of a large employer in a community items need to be looked at like housing, childcare, and other things a community needs to address the influx. The other sin is saying no too quickly. If we say no to a project then it should be done with current and correct information. When these entities approach the community, do not give away leverage or incentives. Be smart and judicious with our decision.

Jody said that the moratorium was a good decision because there is so much information and misinformation out there. She is going to visit data centers in Omaha and Papillion. She agreed that we should not say yes or no too quickly. They need to pay their way.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS

The City Council received the written Department Head Reports.

6. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.a PROCLAMATION: Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4-10)

6.b Tax Abatement Application: 611 Jamie Lane

6.c Bills: Check numbers 94262 to 94315 and ACH transactions 90000057 to 90000071 in the total amount of $561,851.29

Mayor Ron Hanson read and proclaimed October 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week.

Motion by Shari Zenor Kiple, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a) PROCLAMATION: Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4-10)

6.b) Tax Abatement Application: 611 Jamie Lane

6.c) Bills: Check numbers 94262 to 94315 and ACH transactions 90000057 to 90000071 in the total amount of $561,851.29.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

AHRENDT, RUSSEL AND KAYE ENERGY EFF PROGRAM/AIR CONDITIONER 100.00

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 180.00

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL/REC CENTER 105.00

BOMGAARS CLOTHING ALLOW/SAFETY SUPP/TAPE MEASURE 246.78

BOMGAARS-FD BUILDING EXP/RESCUE SUPP VEHICLE REPAIRS 218.85

BUILDERS ELECTRIC LLC 2025 ELECTRIC UPGRADES PAY ESTIMATE #1 89,372.74

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 9.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 59.21

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES AUG 2026 SEWER USAGE 42,574.26

CNA SURETY BLANKET POLICY - NOTARY & OMMISSIONS 43.50

DE GUZMAN, JESHAN OVERPAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 24.80

DGR ENGINEERING SVCS/C STREET/W RIDGE ROAD 35,000.00

DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP LEGAL EXP/SRF WTR IMPROVEMENT FINANCING 27,000.00

DP SALES SAFETY BOOTS 162.00

EMILY'S PAPERCRAFTS PROGRAMMING 190.00

ERICKSON, JOSEPH CLOTHING ALLOWANCE REIMBURSEMENT 115.07

FOSTER, ZOEY ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

GALLS PULLOVERS 564.21

GIBBS, MICHAEL ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 90.03

GILL HAULING INC SOLID WASTE 10,999.56

GRAFFIX INC SCREENPRINTING/SHIRTS 1,418.84

HAIDER.MUNEM ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 38.39

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS/CHLORINE CYLINDERS 1,749.74

HEIDMAN LAW FIRM LEGAL EXPENSE 33,198.13

HERITAGE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY BASEBALL FIELDS 97.32

HIRSCHFIELDS YELLOW PAINT 235.90

ITRON HARDWARE/SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE 5,825.23

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIP CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 559.30

JOHNSON, CASSIE ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

KELLY PAINTING REPAIRS 505.00

KWIK TRIP INC PD FUEL 2,332.20

LINDA BETSINGER MCCANN PROGRAMMING 175.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 42.21

MARCO INC (FD) COPIER CONTRACT 97.04

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC (CH) COPIER CONTRACT 672.12

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY BUILDING SUPPLIES 195.98

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY AUG 2026 GAS UTILITY 562.87

MIDWEST HONDA SUZUKI KUBOTA REPAIRS 337.96

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEB AUG 2026 POWER PURCHASED 266,813.56

PIONEER AUTO VEHICLE REPAIRS 1,218.01

RESCO SPLICE KIT 1,233.20

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC PD COMPUTER/PUBLIC WORKS WIRELESS 1,280.98

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO EQUIPMENT/TRIMMER REPAIR 435.99

SAM'S CLUB BUILDING SUPP/FIRE PREVENTION/OFFICE SUPPLIES/PARADE/POOL 892.16

SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR COMPANY ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE 423.99

SE MUNICIPAL IOWA LLC AUGUST SOLAR ENERGY PURCHASED 1,126.27

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT SEALANT 298.50

STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS WASTEWATER PROGRAM 529.42

THE SIGN SHOP DOOR LOGOS 50.00

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY SUPPLIES/WATER PLANT 62.70

VAN WERT COMPANY ERW 4,983.35

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 958.89

VESTIS MAT/LINENS 276.14

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 2,223.00

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN AUG 2026 POWER PURCHASED 20,777.80

WOODBURY CO STARCOMM STARCOMM SERVICES 2,969.09

TOTAL: 561,851.29

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.a Open Public Hearing - Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Chapter 165D.01 (Home Occupations and Home-Based Businesses in Residential Districts), 165D.02 (Home-Based Trade Businesses in Residential Districts), and 165D.03 (Wireless Communication Facilities) Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrae Johnson to Open the Public Hearing at 5:56pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.b Public Hearing

Aaron Johnson explained that he worked with the Planning & Zoning Commission through various drafts. We're updating our regulations for home occupations and home based businesses, we're creating a separate category to identify trade businesses. The proposed change gives the City, residents, and business owners clearer rules for the physical activity that comes with operating those businesses. He reviewed the various types of activity associated with businesses. Under the current ordinance there is no guidance for trucks, trailers, equipment, employees, storage, and staging that can come with operating a trade business from a residence.

Aaron Lincoln explained said that in his tenure various questions and issues have arrived related to this ordinance and subject. The proposed changes are not specific to one event or one occasion. He described some past issues that related to the need for these changes. The language in our current ordinance is outdated and confusing, the new language should bring more clarify. It's purpose is to protect the rights of all those who live in subdivisions. It would help us to explain to residents why some businesses and operations are allowed.

Steve Porter, 408 Embassy Court, explained that he has been running his business out of his house for 26 years. He is opposed to the ordinance. Items he expressed concern about were as follows:

- He has a problem with the idea of asking the government if he can run his business.

- The ordinance is not clear.

- It will pit neighbors against neighbors with complaints.

- How is it determined that he can only use 25% of his main floor used as a part of his business.

- Will there be inspections involved and how often?

- Have there been any documented complaints that could be reviewed.

- The sections pertaining to noise are arbitrary.

- The proposed ordinance says he can't do anything outside such as winterize or test his machines outside his garage.

- How many complaints occur before something is done.

- He is opposed to having inspections and having to fill out an application.

- It will prevent people from starting businesses.

Aaron Johnson said that:

- Many of the things discussed are already in the current code.

- The 25% is determined based upon the description on the application.

- Inspections would occur in the business part of the home. It would occur when the application is reviewed.

- There have been concerns raised throughout town.

- Every complaint is investigated but not every complaint results in an action. If there is need for an action, it would be addressed with the property owner.

There was additional discussion between Steve, City staff and City Council regarding items that already exist in the current code, what areas of a home would be inspected by the Code Enforcement department and what is looked for in the inspection, Steve's desire to see the enforcement steps spelled out, and safety concerns related to certain types of businesses.

Brad Thelander expressed that he has short-term and long-term rentals in town. This particular ordinance doesn't affect him but he wanted to caution City Council by describing a previous issue where residents near some of his rentals came with concerns that were not true. He encouraged the City Council to take complaints with a grain of salt.

7.c Close Public Hearing

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Close the Public Hearing at 6:22pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.d ORD 776 Amending the Regulations for Home Occupations and Home-Based Businesses in Residential Districts, Home-Based Trade Businesses in Residential Districts, and Wireless Communication Facilities

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve ORD 776 Amending the Regulations for Home Occupations and Home-Based Businesses in Residential Districts, Home-Based Trade Businesses in Residential Districts, and Wireless Communication Facilities.

No vote or action was taken to approve the ordinance.

Andrea Johnson asked about how much of the code has changed?

Aaron Johnson said that it is not dramatically different outside of the creation of the trade category.

Shari Zenor Kiple asked if the trades incorporated into something else, or not addressed? Aaron J. said that trades were not included in the business code.

There was discussion about the process that might occur if additional changes were made the proposed ordinance. If significant changes were made it would have to go back to the Planning & Zoning Commission and have a public hearing before it comes back to the City Council.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to table ORD 776 Amending the Regulations for Home Occupations and Home-Based Businesses in Residential Districts, Home-Based Trade Businesses in Residential Districts, and Wireless Communication Facilities.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.e Council Discussion on Staff Updates and Further Direction to the Urban Revitalization Program (tax abatement, exemption schedule, area, exemption types, remodels)

Aaron Lincoln recapped how the changes made by the State legislature that significantly impacts how the abatement would affect our general levy. The abatement program ends in December 2026 if it is not extended. If applications are approved by the City Council before it expires, they have two years to construct and be eligible for the abatement. The assessors will review properties in January of each year. If someone takes out a building permit and begins to build it tomorrow, if it's only 50% complete in January and they've applied for the abatement, they will have to pay the property tax on that 50% value year-one. The abatement doesn't begin until it's 100% complete. In 2024 the State removed the ability to abate the school tax levies, that went into effect in July of 2025. He explained that staff, Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem talked to the developers of the Serenity Estates and asked them to put in application in for their remaining lots and those that are completed by the end of 2028 will get abatement. Those that aren't built, we will have to utilize another incentive to meet the development agreement requirements. Rebates and the utilization of TIF have been considered.

There was discussion about the Serenity Estates development, how the lots are being sold and split, the existing development agreement and how it could be modified. The City will be reaching out to developers and owners who have pulled a building permit but have not applied. Danny Christoffers will notify them that they have until December 17th to apply.

Kirk Moriarty left at 6:46pm and returned at 6:49 pm.

Ryan Panowicz explained that we should determine how we would handle a TIF for the Serenity Estates Development if there is also a tax abatement application for the lot. Aaron will follow up on that.

7.f Council to Set Date for CommCon

Various dates were discussed for having the CommCon (Community Conversation) event.

The school calendar was reviewed for the purpose of minimizing conflicts with school events. A date was not set at the meeting.

7.g Staff Report on the East Campus Pedestrian Access Plan with SBL Schools and Request for Approval to Construct Sidewalk Connections and Install Pedestrian Signal with Crosswalk at Old Lakeport Road and Windham (Windom) Street.

Aaron Lincoln explained that there was a meeting with some school officials last week for the purposes of discussing extending the sidewalk, painting a crosswalk, and installing pedestrian signals at Windham & Old Lakeport. He reviewed which costs would be covered by the city and the shared costs associated with the pedestrian signals.

There was discussion about the long term plans in the event that the school bond is passed. Kirk Moriarty expressed that there is an immediate need for lighting and flashing caution lights.

There was extended discussion regarding lighting for the intersection.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Shari Zenor Kiple to Approve the completion of the sidewalk extension and lighting purchase up to $7,800.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8.  RESOLUTION(S):

8.a RES 26-22 Resolution ratifying Bond Purchase Agreement, providing for the issuance of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026 and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same

Aaron stated that bonds went out for bid and final proposals were received Monday. The borrowing is 4 1/2 percent range which meets the restrictions set by Council.

Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 26-22 Resolution ratifying Bond Purchase Agreement, providing for the issuance of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026 and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

9.  ORDINANCE(S):

9.a ORD 775 Amending Chapter 155 Sign Regulation (Third Reading)

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve ORD 775 Amending Chapter 155 Sign Regulation (Third Reading).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

10. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Oak Hill water advisory went out, had a break internally, had questions from public. Everything was within Oak Hill. We are working with Iowa DNR and need to have a certain number of water bacteria tests come back negative prior to lifting the advisory.

A written report was submitted.

11.  COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS:

Kirk Moriarty suggested that we make that sure anyone associated with an agenda item be present. He also said that he appreciated the public that came in tonight. We do need to keep moving on the cemetery project. 

Ryan Panowicz gave a shout out to Aaron Johnson for his work on the sign ordinance and he received a comment from someone looking to do work in his backyard and they found Aaron’s knowledge very beneficial. 

Shari Zenor Kiple attended the Moville data center public meeting. If anyone interested, the meeting is available online and transcripts are available. Of the 120 people that were there, roughly 1/3 of people lived in cities. There will be one more County meeting on Nov 9th in Salix.

Andrea Johnson went to the Fire Department meeting last night, an invitation for the annual banquet has been shared with the City Council. The Fire Chief wanted the Council to know that he is working towards having more information on his department head report that will resemble what is provided by the Police Department.

12.  MAYOR'S COMMENTS:

Ron Hanson said that the Siouxland Chamber dinner is Thursday the 24th.

13.  ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 7:40pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk