City of Sergeant Bluff, IA
SERGEANT BLUFF, IOWA
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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
Mayor Jon Winkel prayed for the families of, and those affected by, the recent deaths of two Iowa National Guardsman in Syria.
Attendee Name Title Status
Ryan Panowicz Present
Mark Reinders Present
Kirk Moriarty 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 Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
3. OATH OF OFFICE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Jon Winkel administered the Oath of Office for the elected officials whose terms begin in 2026:
Ron Hanson - Mayor
Ryan Panowicz - Council
Kirk Moriarty - Council
Shair Zenor Kiple – Council
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
4.aApproval of the December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve the minutes of the December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
5. CITIZEN'S INPUT:
There was no citizen input.
6. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:
City Council received written reports from the Department Heads. In addition a few Department Heads presented a verbal report.
Fire Department
Anthony Gaul said that that his department continues to set records for calls. Last month there were 73. The State ambulance inspection is complete. The lighting system has been ordered and on it's way. The school district is allowing us to relocate some of the alerting devices onto school property so that there is better coverage. The outdoor warning system is back up in running, he thanked Danny Christoffers for his assistance with the insurance company. He noted that Council will see the vehicle repair line in the red due to the age of the fleet, but everything is up and running now. Dewalt and Bomgaars recently donated a $1,200 saw to the Fire Department. He mentioned some issues regarding the difficulty of getting their trucks down Golden Drive. He has finalized everything with Western Iowa Tech and the School District for the Fire Academy class, there are about 8 or 9 enrolled right now.
Police Department
Jereme Muller said that his vehicle maintenance line on his budget is also in the red, but all their vehicles are up and running. The total number of dispatched calls for the year is 4,391, they ended last year with 4,007. Items requiring documentation has also picked up. Last year they documented approximately 1,800 calls, they're over 2,200 now. He stated that he does agree with Anthony Gaul regarding the difficulty of getting vehicles down Golden Drive. Cars park on both sides on the curb, if you're bringing a fire truck or snow plow through, you can't make the curve.
There was additional discussion about the flock cameras, drones, and snow removal charges.
7.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
7.aTax Abatement Application: 510 Zach Road
7.bBills: Check numbers 92761 to 92806 in the amount of $143,237.14
Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Consent Agenda Items:
7.a)Tax Abatement Application: 510 Zach Road
7.b)Bills: Check numbers 92761 to 92806 in the amount of $143,237.14 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Check Name Description Amount
AVAYA TELEPHONE SYSTEM 237.04
AXON ENTERPRISE INC BODY CAMERA LICENSE 2,000.00
BATTERIES PLUS FOBKIT 14.95
CHESTERMAN COMPANY INSPECTIONS WATER 22.00
CINTAS SUPPLIES 12.65
CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES NOV 2025 SEWER USAGE 45,444.15
COVENANT WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS EAP SESSION 97.00
DGR ENGINEERING SERVICES 19,663.30
DRAIN SPECIALISTS CLEANOUT TO CITY SEWER 550.00
FIRE SERVICE TRAINING BUREAU TESTING FEES 100.00
FLOYD RIVER MATERIALS INC WASHED SAND 1,553.98
FRONTLINE WARNING SYSTEMS KIWANIS PARK OUTDOOR WARNING REPLACEME 48,731.00
GRAFFIX INC AWARDS 80.00
GRIMSLEY, HANNAH BASKETBALL REFUND 45.00
HACH COMPANY CHEMICALS 692.57
HAIDER, MUZZAFAR WATER DEPOSIT REFUND 16.22
HINRICKSON, DANIE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION REFUND 45.00
JAYMAR W2/1099/ENVELOPES 673.09
L.P. GILL INC ALUM TANK 61.15
LANGSTON, MAKAYLA BASKETBALL REFUND 45.00
MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 68.15
MAY, ELIZABETH OR ALLEN WATER DEPOSIT REFUND 50.94
MBEMBA, LEZIN SILVERE DEPOSIT REFUND/OVERPAYMENT 947.24
MCDERMOTT, DEB BASKETBALL REFUND 45.00
MIDWEST HONDA SUZUKI KUBOTA VEHICLE REPAIRS 137.63
NSG LOGISTICS, LLC ROAD SALT 2,554.55
POMP'S TIRE SERVICE SKID STEER 92.84
PRY, EMILY BASKETBALL REFUND 45.00
PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION 1,343.50
RADAR SHOP RADAR RECERTIFICATION 330.00
RADEMACKER, EMILY BASKETBALL REFUND 45.00
SAM'S CLUB BUILDING SUPPLIES/WATER/TURKEY TROT 124.78
SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR COMPANY ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE 423.99
SERGEANT BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT TIME CLOCK MONTHLY FEES 810.00
SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL 6,740.28
SIOUXLAND HUMANE SOCIETY NOVEMBER SERVICE 80.00
SIOUXLAND HYDRAULIC AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 308.90
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYS SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 129.00
SOOLAND BOBCAT BOB KIT 38.65
TAGGART'S POWERSPORTS VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 44.99
THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP MUSEUM REPAIRS 262.49
THOMPSON, MIKE REIMBURSE FOR CDL LICENSE 75.50
VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 1,134.67
VESTIS MATS/LINENS 157.01
WILLIAMS & COMPANY ACCOUNTING SERVICES 6,580.00
ZIEGLER INC TRENCH REPAIRS 582.93
Total: 143,237.14
8. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
8.aAnnual Agreement with the Siouxland Humane Society
Andrea Johnson asked how often the Police Department takes dog to the Humane Society. Jereme Muller said that about once or twice a week.
Ron Hanson asked how long they keep the dogs before they take them to the Human Society and if they use a chip reader.
Jereme explained that they keep them about a day, but if it will extend into the weekend it may be shorter. They use a chip reader, but most dogs do not have a chip.
Kirk Moriarty asked how many dog registrations we received since we last advertised it. Danny Christoffers said that we only had one.
Jereme said that he is very grateful that we have the Humane Society, some cities don't have an entity available.
Kirk asked how the cat problem has been lately?
Jereme explained that there have been fewer complaints.
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Annual Agreement with the Siouxland Humane Society.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
8.bLiquor License Renewal: Blue Tequila
Anthony Gaul explained that Blue Tequila addressed the fire inspection items.
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve Liquor License Renewal: Blue Tequila.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
8.cApproval of Pay Estimate #2 in the Amount of $131,759.45 to SubSurfCo for the 220th Street/Old Hwy 75 Watermain Project
Aaron Lincoln explained that the project is substantially complete, the retainage is 3% at $7,095.88. This loops from the Water Plant down to 220th Street and helps with fire protection, water supply, and future growth.
Jon Winkel aid it also helps with our ISO rating which impacts insurance rates of residents.
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve Pay Estimate #2 in the Amount of $131,759.45 to SubSurfCo for the 220th Street/Old Hwy 75 Watermain Project. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
8.dDiscussion and Potential Action of Residential Access Issues on Streets
Businesses operated in Residential Areas
Golden Drive
Jon Winkel explained that as a result of Mark Reinders suggestion to update the ordinances regarding home based businesses, we are working on an ordinance that would tackle issues with home based businesses that have foot traffic.
The Mayor, City Council, Fire Chief, and Police Chief discussed issues pertaining to access on Golden Drive. Items discussed included:
Recent show storms drew attention to the difficulty of getting through Golden Drive, especially on the southwest corner.
Access is also a problem during the rest of the year due to cars parked on the street.
Staff is considering putting "No Parking" signs on some area of the street.
The Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Public Works are supportive of adding "No Parking" signs.
The width of the street is 27 feet.
Consideration of where "No Parking" signs would be most beneficial without impacting too many residents.
The need to notify residents of any proposed change.
Airview Drive may need to be looked at as well in the future.
Maps were reviewed and 115 to 125 Golden, the south side of the street, might work best.
The consensus was that staff would prepare a resolution to adopt the "No Parking" signs.
8.eDiscussion of Proposed FY27 Budget Workshop Schedule and Timeline
Aaron Lincoln provided a draft budget workshop meeting schedule to the City Council. Changes will be made as needed. Please provide input for any schedule changes. The first meeting will be held Thursday January 8th at 5:30pm.
9. RESOLUTION(S):
9.aRES 25-52 APPROVE 28 AGREEMENT BETWEEN SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CITY OF SERGEANT BLUFF FOR COOPERATION TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL’S FIRE SCIENCE ACADEMY
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve RES 25-52 APPROVE 28 AGREEMENT BETWEEN SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CITY OF SERGEANT BLUFF FOR COOPERATION TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL'S FIRE SCIENCE ACADEMY.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
10. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
Aaron Lincoln said that the lot next to Sergeant Bluff Smiles has been purchased from the Sergeant Bluff Community Development Corporation, all the documents have been signed. It will be a professional business center with 2-3 office space, which will include a book store.
Gill Hauling sent an e-mail informing us that they will be picking up recycling on the day before New Years Day rather than the day after New Years Day. We are contacting them to ask them to leave it the day after New Years as published in the annual calendar, otherwise we will need their help to get the word out to the media in advance.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER'S AND MAYOR’S REPORTS & COMMENTS:
Mark Reinders complimented staff on the success of the Winter Fest event. He thanked Jon Winkel for his years of service as Mayor.
Kirk Moriarty thanked the city crews for snow removal for the third weekend in a row. He thanked the Fire Department and Police Department for their efforts during the weather. He reminded everyone to be safe in the winter weather. Merry Christmas to everyone. He thanked Jon Winkel for his service as Mayor.
Ryan Panowicz thanked the City crews for their snow removal efforts. He congratulated Jon Winkel for his years of service as Mayor.
Andrea Johnson expressed condolences to the Pendergast family on the death of their son Kaleb. She thanked Jon Winkel for his great help he has provided to the community, she looks forward to continuing to work with him.
Jon Winkel said that he hopes everyone reads the article in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate, he noted that he strongly emphasized the value of council members and city staff as important to his success. The article quoted his phrase "interagency and interoperability", this has been important to him throughout the years. He's thankful to have had great people to work with, a lot was done in 12 years. Lastly he wanted to state his appreciation to the community as a whole.
Ron Hanson said that City staff has done a great job with the snow we have gotten every weekend. He thanked Jon for his years of service and his guidance, leadership, and mentorship. Bill Gaukel couldn't attend tonight but he wanted Ron to relay his congratulations to Jon. Ron presented Jon with a plaque with a key to the city, the plaque read "This key to the City is presented to Mayor Jon Winkel in honor of his years of loyal and dedicated service as Mayor, School Board President, Fire Chief, Business leader, and volunteer. His contributions and passion have had a lasting impact on our community and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. With heartfelt gratitude we present this plaque as a thank you for your exceptional service and commitment to the City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Presented this month December of 2025."
Ron thanked Jon for his earlier prayer for the fallen National Guardsmen from Iowa, as a retired guardsman himself it affected him.
Aaron Lincoln also presented to the Mayor the gavel and gavel pad that Jon Winkel used during his tenure which now has engraved metal plates stating the dates of his tenure. A public open house for the Mayor will be scheduled for January where the public can express their gratitude for his service.
12.ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Adjourn at 6:08 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem
Attest:
Danny Christoffers, City Clerk
Published in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate weekly newspaper, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. The SB-Advocate is the Official Newspaper for the City of Sergeant Bluff and is an Official Woodbury County newspaper. (PN#122525-00293A/B)
