City of Sergeant Bluff, IA
SERGEANT BLUFF, IOWA
City Council Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Fireside Room, Community Center 903 Topaz Drive;
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
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. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
3.aApprove the minutes of the August 12, 2025 Regular Meeting
3.bApprove the minutes of the August 15, 2025 Special Meeting
Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025 Regular Meeting and the August 15, 2025 Special Meeting.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
4. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:
The written Department Head reports were received by the City Council.
5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
5.aApproval of new 24-Hour Fire Department Volunteer: Adam Allen
5.bApproval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Elisa Ray
5.cBills: Check numbers 92035 to 92111 in the amount of $339,272.96
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Consent Agenda Items:
5.a)Approval of new 24-Hour Fire Department Volunteer: Adam Allen
5.b)Approval of new Fire Department & EMS Volunteer: Elisa Ray
5.c)Bills: Check numbers 92035 to 92111 in the amount of $339,272.96 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Check Name Description Amount
ABT MAILCOM COMM CON MAILING 1,499.25
ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 190.75
APPEARA CLEAN LINENS 225.85
BAKER & TAYLOR BOOK 288.83
BEKINS FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES EXTINGUISHER SERVICE 524.50
BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 263.00
BOMGAARS BATTERIES/CLOTHING ALLOW/POOL/BOOTS/SPRAYER/VEHI 901.06
CAMPBELL, ETHAN ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 42.18
CARNEGIE-EVANS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK 17.25
CHRISTOPHERSON, ROBERT PEDDLERS BOND REFUND 100.00
COMBINED POOL & SPA CHEMICALS 32.28
DGR ENGINEERING SERVICES 29,016.70
DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER WHITE PAINT 798.00
ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY SENSORS 216.44
FAREWAY PAPER TOWELS 15.94
FIRE CAT LLC HOSE TESTING 5,044.20
FLEET US LLC WHITE PAINT 132.00
GENERAL TRAFFIC CONTROLS INC REPAIRS 509.00
GILL HAULING INC SOLID WASTE 11,430.18
GRAFFIX INC SCREENPRINTING/SHIRTS 1,171.80
HARRIS, PATRICIA ENERGY EFF PROGRM-AIR CONDITIONER 200.00
HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS/CHLORINE CYLINDERS 80.00
HEIDMAN LAW FIRM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 647.50
IIMC 2025-26 MEMBERSHIP/CHRISTOFFERS 220.00
INTERSTATE POWDER COATINGS LIGHT POLES 2,060.00
IA ASSOC OF PROFESSIONAL FIRE CHIEFS 2025 MEMBERSHIP 100.00
IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SIGNS 1,621.25
JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT BADGE/CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 423.90
LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 39.02
LOPEZ, DANIEL ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 29.40
MARCO INC (FD) COPIER CONTRACT 88.83
MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC (CH) COPIER CONTRACT 657.95
MATER DEI CATHOLIC PARISH REIMBURSE POOL RENTAL 100.00
MENARDS-SIOUX CITY BUILDING EXPENSES 124.76
MICHELLE SPROUT MURRAY PROGRAMMING 150.00
MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBR JUL 2025 POWER PURCHASED 244,190.19
NICHE ACADEMY LLC SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL 777.00
OVERDRIVE INC BRIDGES 1,503.60
PETTY CASH FUND REPLACEMENT/POOL START UP 250.00
PLUMBING & HEATING WHOLESALE INC PRESSURE GUAGE 2.62
POMP'S TIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT/SERVICE 213.18
PORTER, COLLINS PEDDLERS PERMIT REFUND 100.00
QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS HEADSET 269.00
QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTER 2020 FORD/2022 FORD 373.70
RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC PD FORTINET 1,950.00
ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES/MOWER REPAIRS 361.05
SAM'S CLUB BUILDING SUPPLIES/GARBAGE/POOL/UNIFORM 1,494.05
SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL 18,913.49
SIOUX CITY WINNELSON POOL REPAIRS 122.42
SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2025 CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER TABLE 2,100.00
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 189.00
SKALISKY, MARSHA ENERGY EFF PROGRAM-FRIDGE 50.00
T & W TIRE AMBULANCE TIRE 347.51
TRI-STATE SPRINKLER 1ST STREET PROJECT 1,132.50
UNITYPOINT CLINIC OCCUP MEDICINE DOT DRUG SCREEN 25.00
UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY HOSE ADAPTER/COUPLING/METER CONNECTIONS 467.55
VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 1,137.10
WARD, JORY REIMBURSE/TRAINING 926.18
WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 3,416.00
Total: 339,272.96
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
6.aOpen Public Hearing - Proposed Plans and Specifications, Proposed Form of Contract and
Estimate of Cost for 220th Street and Old Hwy 75 Water Main Improvement Project Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Open the Public Hearing at 5:34 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.bPublic Hearing
Danny Christoffers stated that he received no comments or questions from the public.
Mark Reinders asked if we have done business with the low bidder before? Jason Kvidera said that we have.
6.cClose Public Hearing
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Close the Public Hearing at 5:35 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.dCouncil Approval to Adopt Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for 220th Street and Old Hwy 75 Water Main Improvement Project
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Adopt the Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for 220th Street and Old Hwy 75 Water Main Improvement Project.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.eAward Contract for the 220th Street and Old Hwy 75 Water Main Improvement Project Bids will be summarized and presented at the meeting
The staff recommendation was to accept the bid from SubSurfco LLC.
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Award the Contract for the 220th Street and Old Hwy 75 Water Main Improvement Project to SubSurfco LLC.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.fOpen Public Hearing - Proposed Plans and Specifications, Proposed Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for Furnishing Major Materials - Electric Distribution Improvements 2026
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Open the Public Hearing at 5:37 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.gPublic Hearing
Danny Christoffers stated that he received no comments or questions from the public.
6.hClose Public Hearing
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Close the Public Hearing at 5:39 pm.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
6.iCouncil Approval to Adopt Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for Furnishing Major Materials - Electric Distribution Improvements 2026
Ryan Panowicz said that he will be abstaining due to his existing employment with WESCO, who is one of the bidders.
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Adopt Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for Furnishing Major Materials - Electric Distribution Improvements 2026.
Motion Carried. Panowicz-abstained.
6.jAward Bid Packages for Furnishing Major Materials - Electric Distribution Improvements 2026
Ryan Panowicz said that he will be abstaining due to his existing employment with WESCO, who is one of the bidders.
Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Award the Bid Package for Furnishing Major Materials - Electric Distribution Improvements 2026 to Wesco.
Motion Carried. Panowicz-abstained.
7. RESOLUTION(S):
7.aRES 25-31 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $310,000
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve RES 25-31 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $310,000.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
7.bRES 25-32 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $310,000
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve RES 25-32 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $310,000.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
7.cRES 25-33 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $110,000
Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve RES 25-33 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $110,000.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
7.dRES 25-34 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $110,000
Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 25-34 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $110,000.
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
8. COMMCON 18 - BEGINS AT 6:00 PM IN THE GYM
8.aPresentations by the Mayor and School Superintendent
Motion by Ryan Panowicz, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to move the meeting into gym to attend CommCon 18 (Community Conversation).
Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Mayor Jon Winkel thanked Blue Tequila for the food service at the event. He thanked Dan Lee for his work with the Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation to get the Light Tunnel installed at the Recreation Trail.
Aaron Lincoln, City Administrator, said that Long Lines will have completed their fiber installation to be completed by the end of September, he is thankful for their investment in the community. The Serenity Estates 55+ development has all their streets and pavement completed and Hank Baker is present to answer questions. The First Street trail is complete and has been connected to the Loess Hills trail, he thanked Steve Harris Construction, DGR Engineering, and Veenstra & Kimm for their assistance and the Iowa DOT and Destination Iowa for street and trail funds. The Kiwanis Park Pond had the inlets eroded that required repairs, when the pond is complete it will be a combination stormwater pond and urban fishery. The Sergeant Bluff Community Foundation Light Tunnel is being finished up, which is not a City project. The tunnel will be able to be lit up with various colors depending on the event. State Steel donated steel and Port Neal Welding was the general contractor. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony announced by the Foundation soon. There will be a new playground at the Recreation Complex, the existing equipment was about 20 years ago. There will be a two-phase project with ADA surfacing to be installed in the second phase. The City has received an Iowa Economic Development Authority loan to upgrade our electric infrastructure in three main areas of town, this will add some redundancy and reliability to our system. Sandhills Energy will be constructing and operating the Solar Farm going in near the water plant, we will be able to purchase the generated electricity at or below our current purchase price. They hope to have it online by the end of the year.
Jon recognized Council Member Ron Hanson for an award that Ron received from SIMPCO as the 2025 Distinguished Community Leader, Ron has been on the City Council for 18 years and Mayor Pro-Tem for 12 years. The Old MCI building is now being used by R Perry, 52,000 square feet are complete. The remaining 30,000 square feet will be used by a multi- billion dollar company which we hope is getting close to making an announcement. He discussed the excitement he has heard from people regarding Kwik Star coming to the former location of Mike's Mini Mart. He thanked Mike and Lori Selig for their many years of serving the community with their business. He thanked Jan Harman for assisting in getting additional land for Kwik Star.
Erin Von Arx, District Leader with Kwik Star thanked everyone for the warm welcome to the community. She described the history of the company and how much they expanded since 1965. It is a family owned company, they have over 900 locations, they serve over 12 million guests every week in 7 states. Construction on the Sergeant Bluff facility is scheduled for completion on September 12th. The grand opening will be September 18th at 5am. There will be special promotions for customers until September 28th. On September 23rd there will be
an open house/ribbon cutting ceremony, they invite the community to attend. The event will start at 10 am and end at noon with the speeches and ribbon cutting at 11 am. The President and CEO of Kwik Star will be present.
Jon discussed the Warrior Business Center which contains two 6,000 square foot buildings with the ability to build to suit. He introduced Dr. Ben Uhl and Dr. Tyler Lefeber of Sergeant Bluff Eye Care. Ben explained that Sergeant Bluff Eye Care has been in the community since 2007. They currently have 5 offices in different locations and they wanted to stay in Sergeant Bluff and grow. Their building will be to the south of the 6,000 square foot building. Tyler said their building will be about 9,500 square feet. This will allow them to see more people and increase their quality of care.
Jon said that KP Construction has agreed to relocate to the Industrial Park in Sergeant Bluff at Dogwood. Kelvin Patrick, owner of KP Construction, expressed his excitement about coming to Sergeant Bluff. KP Construction is considered a local business just outside of the City and has performed infrastructure work for the City.
Jon said that City staff has been working to preserve the historic cemetery and to have our own city cemetery. He reviewed a map showing the existing road which has been deeded over to the brickyard. He discussed a new road that will be put in place on the north side of the existing cemetery. Sioux City Brick has been very cooperative in the process, they will pay for half of the cost of the road. He explained that the existing Compost Site is being gifted by brickyard to the City for the new cemetery. He discussed the purchase of land that occurred to provide a new road to a new compost site which will be accessed by W. Ridge Road.
He also invited attendees to attend the retirement party of former Police Chief Scott Pack on August 28th at 5 pm. He emphasized that because we're growing and having over 700 calls each year, the City hired it's first full-time Fire Chief Anthony Gaul. Anthony also served as a reserve deputy for the Woodbury County Sheriffs office for 20 years. Jon introduced the new Police Chief Jereme Muller, he explained how he has been with the city for 10 years and was previously the Police Chief in Moville. Jereme is also an EMT.
Chad Janzen, School Superintendent, explained the details for the upcoming bond issue. In the most recent bond referendum the bond received the highest vote percentage yet and crossed the 50% threshold. The primary building will be the sole focus of the bond issue in November, the primary building has been the priority in the comments they've received.
There would be phases in their long-term plans. In November they are asking for $37 million dollars, which is a 40.7% decrease from what was asked for in 2024. This would cover a new primary building, it would be a Pre-K to 2nd grade facility, it would be connected to the elementary building, a pod-like design, have shared spaces (kitchen, art, nursing), it would have it's own entrance and bus lane, and there would be no additional traffic on Port Neal Road. He reviewed a conceptual map of the primary building layout and discussed things they have done to keep costs down. This bond issue would be a $1.93 per $1,000, for the average homeowner in Sergeant Bluff the monthly impact would be about $20.00 (based on assessed value minus the rollback), or the equivalent of about 7.5 gallons of gas per month. This is a 34% decrease or $10.85/month decrease from what was asked in the previous bond referendum.
Chad explained that the existing primary building will be retired with the passage of the bond issue. The primary building was building 1958, there were discussions with the YMCA to utilize the building but there was extended discussion about the ongoing costs of the building. They will continue to have discussions with the YMCA regarding ways to partner with them. Regarding Career Academies, upgrading the Culinary facility is cost prohibitive, Health Sciences currently exists, they hope to start the Education Academy next fall, and they are going to start a Fire Science Academy. Fire Chief Anthony Gaul will teach a class and the City will be reimbursed for his time. The class will be located at the Fire Department, SBL students will be able to do an internship and receive high school and college credit.
Chad said that in order to construct the new primary building, the baseball/softball fields were moved. In order to do that the school borrowed $5.5 million against the penny tax. They believe they will complete this project under budget. They are partnering with the City for the tennis courts and pickleball lines, the City approved a $75,000 donation. It will be open to the public unless there is high school practice or a match. He pushed back against the narrative that the school is only focused on sports. He emphasized how hard their student-athletes work. The school also has a strong academic reputation. The school continues to be ranked a best high school in the US News and World Report. He discussed the variety of AP courses provided and they have kids in Advanced and Double Advanced classes. He spotlighted a student named Bailey, a 4th grader who became one of only 102 National Math Star, and over the next 10 years of her schooling she receives access to $100,000 of math opportunities. Chad said that the Superintendent's office was moved out of the elementary building to 5800 Discovery Blvd to provide more space. He described the different uses the office spaces at the elementary building are being used for.
Chad explained that Phase 2 of the long term facilities plan is estimated to cost about $25 million dollars, potentially beginning in 2030 (another bond issue will be required) to address the needs related to the grade 11/12 facility, the gym, and high school infrastructure. The facility grade levels could depend on cost. The gym could be built with a partnership with WIT. Phase 3 of the long range facilities plan is estimated to be $52 million dollars in 2035 (another bond issue will be required) to address the 9/10 grade facility. It could involve additional infrastructure needs. Chad reviewed open enrollment at SBL, nearly all open enrollment students are existing students who have moved outside of the school district. Law requires them to accept those students. On September 10th at 6 pm there will be a community team meeting at the high school. There will be additional community events and mailers.
Chad explained that it is not feasible to upgrade the existing primary building. Since 2021 they have spent $523,570 on roofs, boilers, and flooring. He overviewed twelve different significant upgrades that would need to occur to renovate the primary building. CMBA Architects reviewed the required upgrades and produced an estimated cost of $29 million that would occur over multiple years.
Jon concluded CommCon by thanking everyone who attended.
9. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Adjourn at 7:46 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]
Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem
Attest:
Danny Christoffers, City Clerk
Published in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate weekly newspaper, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The SB-Advocate is the Official Newspaper for the City of Sergeant Bluff and is an Official Woodbury County newspaper. (PN#090425-00202A/B)
