City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Meeting Minutes (8/12/25)

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

Ryan Panowicz Present

Mark Reinders Present

Kirk Moriarty Present

Andrea Johnson Assistant Mayor Pro Tem Present

Ron Hanson Mayor Pro Tem Present

Jon Winke Mayor Present

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting

3.bApprove the minutes of the August 5, 2025 Special Meeting 

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the minutes of the July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting and the minutes of the August 5, 2025 Special Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

There was no citizen input.

5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

5.aTax Abatement Application: 503 Jamie Lane

5.bSpecial Event Permit App - Sgt Bluff Historical Society's Show N' Shine Car Show (Pioneer Valley Days)

5.cApprove change of Fire Department Membership for Kris Nelson from Regular Membership to 24-hour Membership

5.dLiquor License Renewal: Pub 52 (Community Center)

5.eBills: Check numbers 91932 to 92034 in the amount of $240,228.49

Andrea asked why Kris Nelson was changing to a 24-hour Fire Department membership. Anthony Gaul explained that Kris moved to Onawa but would like to continue to contribute to the community.

Mark Reinders asked how many 24-hour memberships we have? Anthony said that we have 10 slots, most of them live in Sioux City.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

5.a)Tax Abatement Application: 503 Jamie Lane

5.b)Special Event Permit App - Sgt Bluff Historical Society's Show N' Shine Car Show (Pioneer Valley Days)

5.c)Approve change of Fire Department Membership for Kris Nelson from Regular Membership to 24-hour Membership

5.d)Liquor License Renewal: Pub 52 (Community Center)

5.e)Bills: Check numbers 91932 to 92034 in the amount of $240,228.49 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

ABT MAILCOM AUG 2025 BILL & MAIL/CUSTOMER NOTICES 2,489.30

AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY PHONES 545.11

AVAYA TELEPHONE SYSTEM 237.04

AXON ENTERPRISE INC CAMERA BUNDLE 4,808.84

BATTERIES PLUS BATTERIES 54.72

BENSTAR PACKAGING & DISTRIBUT TOILET PAPER 101.06

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 199.00

BURKE ENGINEERING SALES SPLASH PAD LOCK 325.00

CARRIER CONTAINTER COMPANY SOLID WASTE 23,891.50

CERTIFIED TESTING SERVICES INC KIWANIS PARK 2,055.00

CHESTERMAN CO COMMUNITY CENTER POP SUP 175.90

CHESTERMAN CO INSPECTIONS WATER 10.00

CHESTERMAN CO DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 9.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 95.90

CITY OF SIOUX CITY WOODBURY CTY COMM SERVICES 4,519.02

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES JULY 2025 SEWER USAGE 59,698.14

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM ANNUAL PIONEER VALLEY DAYS DONATION 5,000.00

CORE & MAIN HYDRANT W/STORZ NOZZLE 5,4 786.00

CORNHUSKER INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE REPAIR 450.22

CULLIGAN RENTAL FEE 45.00

CW SUTER SERVICES CONDENSATION PUMP 851.32

DANKO EMERGENCY EQUIP COM GLOVE STRAP 165.00

DES MOINES STAMP MFG CO ENDORSING STAMP 46.00

DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER POOL PAINT/STREET PAINT 1,951.95

DOCUMENT DEPOT & DESTRUCTION SHREDDING 49.00

DP SALES GROUP SHIRT PURCHASE 756.00

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY 1ST STREET LIGHTING/APT STREET LIGHTS 1,893.75

ENGLE, SAMMY FIRESIDE ROOM DEP REF 100.00

FASTENAL SUPPLIES 61.20

GRAFFIX INC GOLF CART STICKERS 40.00

HABERER, WHITNEY ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

HINNAH, EMILY SWIMMING LESSONS REFUND 60.00

HORNER, GEORGE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE REIMBURSEMENT 202.60

INLAND TRUCK PARTS & SERVICE MOWER 378.15

IOWA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION NEW MEMBERSHIP 21.00

IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 233.50

ISTATE TRUCK INC FILTERS 22.80

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 379.15

JOHNSTON AUTOSTORE BATTERIES 375.87

K.P. CONSTRUCTION INC 1ST STREET PROJECT 15,255.00

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 640.00

LITTLE RED EMBROIDERY CO CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 411.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 1,836.45

LOWE'S PARKS & POOL REPAIRS 32.76

MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT INC ORDER 043702 SHIPPING 35.75

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 78.05

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY SMART STEP/SUPPLIES 173.75

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY JUL 2025 GAS UTILITY 1,329.78

MIDSTEP SERVICES JUN 25 JANITORIAL SERVICES 950.00

MIDWEST ALARM ALARM INSPECTION/CITY HALL 147.32

MULLER, JEREME CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 26.99

OMAN, OCHOGI WATER DEPOSIT REFUND 27.57

PIONEER AUTO 2014 FORD/2018 FORD/TIRE REPAIR 194.08

POTTORFF, BIANCA ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS HEADSET 349.00

QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTER 2016 FORD/2022 FORD 4,292.78

REAMS SPRINKLER SUPPLY SPLASH PAD REPAIRS 224.75

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC ACROBAT PD/NETWORK SUPPORT/SERVER/FORTIGATE.

4,640.41

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO 96 MOWER" 87.00

SCHULTZ, SHAYLEIGH FIRESIDE ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE BACK PAGE/LEGALS 4,706.31

SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY SEPTEMBER 2025 FOOD PANTRY EXPENSE 800.00

SIGN MASTERS LETTERING-PD 325.00

SILVAS, SKY ROOM DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER 79.00

STAPLES BUSINESS ACCOUNT OFFICE SUPPLIES 251.95

STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS WASTEWATER PROGRAM 506.60

STRYKER SALES CORPORATION AED MAINTENANCE 8,862.35

SUBSURFCO LLC S LEWIS BLVD STORM CROSSING PROJ PE#3 23,253.04

THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP WATER PLANT REPAIRS 1,743.21

TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DOOR ACCESS REPAIR 100.00

UNITYPOINT CLINIC BACK SCREENING 100.00

UTILITIES PLUS ENERGY SERVICES BRONZE METER CONNECTOR 365.50

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY BRONZE METER CONNECTION W/GASKET 144.50

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 1,295.34

VAN WERT COMPANY WATER METER UPGRADE 2,708.65

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 1ST STREET EAST/ECON DEVELOPMENT/S LEWIS BLVD 10,218.30

VISA CARD - CITY ADMIN MEAL 42.78

VISA CARD - FINANCE TRAVEL MEAL 13.89

VISA CARD - FIRE DEPT SUPP/EMT REVW/FUEL/IPAD CASE/MEMBERSHIP/TRAINING/UNIFORM 1,061.97

VISA CARD - LIBRARY BOOKS/DVDS/CONFERENCE/OFFICE SUPPLIES 936.06

VISA CARD - PARKS & REC ADVERTISING/MEMBERSHIP/POOL/SUMMER ADV CAMP/REC SUPP

1,588.43

VISA CARD - PD CAR WASH/UNIFORM/POSTAGE/TRAINING 946.49

VISA CARD - PUBLIC WORKS FILTER/SPLASH PAD/TESTING 350.06

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 1 CODE ENFORCEMENT/VEHICLE REPAIRS/LAPTOP/ZOHO/ZOOM

2,163.11

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 2 BACKGROUND CHECKS/CANOPIES/VEHICLE REPAIR/WEED KILLER 1,467.49

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 5,085.61

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN JUL 2025  POWER PURCHASED 22,348.75

ZIEGLER INC VEHICLE REPAIR 548.62

Total: 236,228.49

6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

6.aDiscussion and Potential Action on Donation to SBL Schools for Construction and Public Use of New Tennis/Pickleball Courts

The City Council had an extended discussion with SBL School Superintendent Chad Jansen about the proposed donation to SBL Schools for Tennis/Pickleball courts. Items discussed include:

- The staff recommendation was to donate $75k.

- The courts would be available to use for the public and City Recreation programs when not in use by the School programs.

- The potential posting of hours when the facility is available.

- Substantial completion of the project will be August 22nd.

- The courts would be lighted.

- The City's lightning safety equipment that can be expanded and existing ones upgraded and utilized by City and School staff.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to donate $75,000.00 to the SBL Schools for the Construction and Public Use of the New Tennis/Pickleball Courts and to expand and upgrade the lightning safety equipment which can be used by the SBL School District.

The City Attorney recommended that this would be best implemented in a 28E Agreement. Andrea Johnson withdrew her motion and Kirk Moriarty withdrew his second.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to donate $75,000.00 to the SBL Schools for the Construction and Public Use of the New Tennis/Pickleball Court and to approve an additional $32,000.00 to upgrade and expand our lightning safety equipment and to direct staff to prepare a 28E Agreement to address both items.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Chad thanked the City for their generous gift to the facilities. The first tennis match will be held August 25th at 4pm, the City Council is invited to the ribbon cutting on that day. The courts will be available all the time when not in use.

6.bDiscussion and Potential Direction on Proposed Partnership with SBL Schools Fire Science Program

SBL School Superintendent Chad Janzen said that they intend to have a bond issue on the ballot in November. This will address only the Primary building. They are working with CMBA for this project. The school board meeting on Thursday August 14th will establish an official dollar amount for the bond. The School District will be soliciting signatures for petitions. The existing Primary building would be retired if the bond is approved. He will be present at CommCon 18 (Community Conversation Event) to discuss.

Chad is seeking to establish a Fire Science Program and to utilize Fire Chief Anthony Gaul to teach a Fire Science class. This would be a great program for their students, it will prepare future firefighters in Sergeant Bluff, and provide additional skills and training that they can use in other careers wherever they may go. This would be one class which is an hour and a half every other day. The City would be compensated for the time.

Anthony Gaul explained that he has certifications to do internships, high schoolers that are volunteers at the Fire Department would be able to receive credit. The classes will be helpful with credentialing for the school. 

There was additional discussion regarding the time of the day the class would be, how Anthony would handle receiving a fire response call during class, and other questions from the Council.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve preparing a joint 28E Agreement between the City of Sergeant Bluff and Sergeant Bluff-Luton School District to participate in a Fire Science Academy/Program.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.cCouncil Review of Minor Subdivision Application Called "A Portion of Lot 3 Sergeant Bluff Park Addition" (Dogwood Area)

Aaron Lincoln explained that this Minor Subdivision would divide the area under consideration into 2 acre size lots which can be sold. The Planning & Zoning Commission had a public hearing and recommended it to the City Council for approval.

There was discussion regarding the lot sizes. Jon Winkel asked the City Council if this item could be tabled for future discussion and decisions.

Ryan Panowicz asked what the small lot size that is a quarter of acre is for?

Aaron said there was the need for city right-of-way to leave room for street crossings. Mark Reinders asked how many acres remain in lot 3?

Aaron said that there are 8.126 acres.

6.dRES 25-30 Accepting Minor Subdivision of "A Portion of Lot 3 Sergeant Bluff Park Addition"

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Ron Hanson to table agenda items: "Council Review of Minor Subdivision Application Called "A Portion of Lot 3 Sergeant Bluff Park Addition" and "RES 25-30 Accepting Minor Subdivision of "A Portion of Lot 3 Sergeant Bluff Park Addition" to be considered at their meeting on August 26th.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.eDiscussion on Council participating in the Pioneer Valley Days Parade

The consensus was that City Council will participate in the parade by meeting at the Public Works building at 5:30pm. Ron Hanson said that he will not be available to attend.

6.fApproval of Change Order #2 for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail Project (IDOT# TAP-U- 6890(611)--8I-97)

Aaron Lincoln said that the final measurements for the projects are complete. The change order is for what was actually built, it is a deduction from the current contract.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Change Order #2 for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail Project (IDOT# TAP-U-6890(611)--8I-97)

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7. RESOLUTION(S):

7.aRES 25-29 Adopting a Check Acceptance & Returned Check Policy

Jeanette Kellen explained that we have been more frequently getting bad checks issued to the City after a resident has been issued a Red Tag for their Utility Account to either avoid disconnection or get reconnected after they have been disconnected. The fees to the customers from their bank and from the City put the customer further behind and the City has additional labor to disconnect and reconnect. This policy would deny the ability to pay by check when the customer has been Red Tagged. She has checked with the IUC (Iowa Utilities Commission) who didn't have any restriction on this change.

Danny Christoffers explained that he reached out to the City Attorney for advice on how to implement this change, she advised us to create a check policy to explain how we handle cash and checks and to include the policy for how we handle those customers in Red Tag status. This change will be dispersed to the public and to those most likely impacted in various ways before it is implemented.

Andrea Johnson asked why the returned check fee was stated in the Policy rather than referencing the fee schedule? She also provided a suggested correction to harmonize the use of language addressing credit and debit cards.

Sarah Kleber, City Attorney, said that Iowa Code requires that it is stated int he policy, but the fee schedule will need to be updated.

Ryan Panowicz asked if credit card fees need to be referenced?

After some discussion it was decided that it will need to be looked at and potentially amended if needed.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 25-29 Adopting a Check Acceptance & Returned Check Policy with amended language to create consistent references to credit and debit cards.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that Jason Kvidera, John Robinson, and himself met with engineers on the SRF Projects (Water for C Street & West Ridge Road). We will have to bring four resolutions for approval by City Council on the 26th. We will also have two public hearings for the electric improvements and the water project along Highway 75 and 220th Street. Kwik Star has pushed back their open house by about a week. The Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation hopes their Lighted Tunnel project will be competed by September 5th, where there would be a ribbon cutting prior to an SBL football game. The Complete Streets Committee did a survey of the community looking at different intersections in town, they received about 80 responses. A map showing Safe Routes to School will be put out for the public. He has asked Danny and Jereme Muller to put something in the newsletter regarding safety issues pertaining to electric scooters.

9. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders asked if we had any wood chips that could be donated to the community garden. Jason Kvidera said that there may be some up at the Compost Site, he will look.

Mark also thanked Aaron for following up on the signs by Windsor Way.

Ryan Panowicz said the next step to take near Windsor would be to have an entity come out and put counters out there to ensure we're not off-balance on that.

Ryan said he went to the most recent Market, there was good turnout. He took home a lot of food.

Kirk Moriarty said that the new playground equipment will be installed soon at the Recreation Complex. With school starting soon, please be careful in the mornings with increased traffic and children traveling to school.

Andrea Johnson said that the last Market of the season will be the 17th. She encouraged everyone to go to Pioneer Valley Days and take advantage of all the activities.

Ron Hanson encourage everyone to enjoy Pioneer Valley Days. Please be careful of children in the area as school starts. The Warrior sidewalk discussed in the Complete Streets Committee is still in our plans to be done.

10. MAYOR'S REPORT:

Jon Winkel reminded everyone to be safe with school starting back up again. He said that Scott Packs retirement party is on August 28th, he encouraged everyone to attend.

11. FYI ITEMS:

11.aScott Pack Retirement Party on 8/28/25

A flier has been posted for the retirement of Police Chief Scott Pack. The event will be held at the Community Center on August 28th and the public is welcome to greet Scott between 5- 7pm.

12. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 6:49pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk