City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Minutes

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

1.Roll Call

2.Pledge of Allegiance & a Moment of Silence

Attendee Name Title Status

Mark Reinders Present

Kirk Moriarty Present

Carol Clark Present

Andrea Johnson Assistant Mayor Pro Tem Present

Ron Hanson Mayor Pro Tem Present

Jon Winkel Mayor Absent

Mayor Pro Tem Hanson called the meeting to order. Hanson reminded all that Patriot Day, September 11th, is tomorrow and 23 years have passed. He requested that the participants please remember the Nation and those who perished as we observe a moment of silence after the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the August 27, 2024 Regular Meeting

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve the minutes of the August 27, 2024 Regular Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

There was no citizen input.

5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

5.aTax Abatement Application: 501 Jace Road

5.bBills: Check numbers 89890 to 89976 in the amount of $210,204.32

Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Carol Clark to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

5.a)Tax Abatement Application: 501 Jace Road

5.b)Bills: Check numbers 89890 to 89976 in the amount of $210,204.32 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

  Check Name Description Amount

ABT MAILCOM SEPT 2024 BILL & MAIL PROCESSING $2,454.88

AGGIES FIRE DEPT MEAL $448.75

AGRIVISION EQUIPMENT GROUP PARTS $122.76

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS $190.75

APPEARA CLEAN LINENS/MATS $135.24

AT&T MOBILITY EMERGENCY LINE PHONES $344.10

C&C LAWNCARE INC LAWN CARE $80.00

CERTIFIED TESTING SERVICES INC 1ST STREET/LOESS HILLS BIKE TRAIL $7,132.00

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  INSPECTIONS WATER $10.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES $127.21

CIRCLE S BLUFF STOP PD FUEL $57.73

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES DRUG SCREEN EXPENSE $50.00

COFFEE KING COFFEE $75.00

COLONIAL RESEARCH SUPPLIES $2,693.50

CULLIGAN RENTAL FEE $45.00

DA DAVIDSON & CO ANNUAL DISCLOSURE FILING $1,000.00

DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER WHITE PAINT $437.50

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES $289.26

FAREWAY CLEANING SUPPLIES $9.95

FLEET US LLC WHITE PAINT $252.00

FLOYD RIVER MATERIALS INC RED ROCK/ROAD GRAVEL $418.80

GILL HAULING INC SOLID WASTE $7,324.80

GRAFFIX INC COUNCIL SHIRTS $269.00

HORNER, GEORGE TRAINING MILEAGE $288.10

HUTZELL, TRAVIS TRAINING MILEAGE $412.72

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE $189.95

JOHNSTON AUTOSTORE AIR FILTER/REPAIR SUPPLIES $574.27

JUSTICE FIRE & SAFETY FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION $326.00

KENT FEEDS ROOM RENTAL DEPOSIT REFUND $100.00

LANGEL'S POOL HEATER & INSTALL $1,182.95

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS $400.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE $3,855.20

LOWE'S BUILDING REPAIR SUPPLIES/SHOP SUPPLIES $244.77

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY AUG 2024 GAS UTILITY $711.32

PLUMBING & HEATING WHOLESALE INC SPLASH PAD $106.48

POMP'S TIRE SERVICE TIRE REPAIR $55.67

QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTER PARTS $1.22

REINDERS, MARK MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT $370.51

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC ACROBAT SUBSCRIPTION/HARDDRIVE $134.92

ROSENDAHL, BRENT REIMBURSE-HDMI CABLE $60.82

RQP LLC JET/VAC $2,400.00

SERGEANT BLUFF ADVOCATE BACK PAGE/LEGALS $4,003.42

SERGEANT BLUFF COMM DEVELOP CORP FY 25 DISBURSEMENT $70,000.00

SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY FOOD PANTRY EXPENSE $2,400.00

SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL $11,041.31

SIOUX VALLEY CREDIT UNION DEPOSIT REFUND $400.00

SIOUXLAND CONCRETE COMPANY 903 E TOPAZ $550.41

SOLE PROVISIONS LLC SAFETY BOOTS $195.46

SPARTAN CONCRETE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCRETE $7,020.75

SPORTSENGINE INC SITEBUILDER $79.00

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC SAW BLADE $207.00

STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY-AR LAB FEES $275.00

THE SIGN SHOP 1ST STREET PROJECT $1,044.20

UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES $242.20

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES $226.98

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 1ST STREET BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT EAST $42,545.60

VISA CARD - CITY ADMIN SHIPPING $53.31

VISA CARD - FINANCE PROPANE/SHIPPING/SUPPLIES $306.05

VISA CARD  REPAIRS/TRAINING/DEHUMIDIFIER/PHOTOS/PARADE/ZOOM $3,091.81

VISA CARD - LIBRARY BOOKS/DVD/INK/PROGRAMMING/OFFICE SUPPLIES $1,066.49

VISA CARD - PARKS & REC FLAG FOOTBALL/MEMBERSHIP/SUPPLIES/TIMERS $599.65

VISA CARD - PD CAR WASH/CLOTHING ALLOWANCE/TRAINING $1,664.64

VISA CARD - PUBLIC WORKS CLAMP/HOOK/LIGHT BAR/STREET PAINTING $886.73

VISA CARD - TRAVEL CARD 2 BACKGROUND CHECK/CONFERENCE/TESTING/SUPPLIES $566.82

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES $8,157.60

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION AUG 2024  POWER PURCHASED $18,196.76

TOTAL: $210,204.32

6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

6.aOpen Public Hearing for Rezone Application submitted by HRW Holdings LLC (Applicant) and Serenity Point LLC (Owner)

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Open the Public Hearing at 5:34 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.bPublic Hearing (Questions & Comments)

The Planning & Zoning Commission provided a recommendation letter to approval of the rezoning application.

The Public Hearing notice was published in the paper, posted in three locations, and mailed to property owners within approximately 200 feet.

Danny Christoffers read a letter submitted by Jerry Kobs who lives at 2184 Highway 75. The letter expressed Jerry Kobs' opposition to the rezoning request for commercial development. Kobs stated that he moved out of Sergeant Bluff to get away from the local politics, then was annexed without his knowledge or consent, that his taxes went up, he now has homes within 50 feet of his property, and his tax dollars support those adjacent homes tax abatements. Aaron Lincoln noted that Mr. Kobs was notified of the annexation as required by State Code.

Aaron read a letter submitted by Doug & Sally Vickery who live at 612 Jamie Lane. The letter expressed the Vickery's opposition to the rezoning request. The letter expressed their concern that the rezone would threaten the integrity and character of the neighborhoods.

Items discussed in the letter included: noise pollution, increased traffic, decreased property values, loss of privacy, light pollution, potential for crime, disruption of community cohesion, environmental impacts, incompatible uses, and strain on local resources. The letter described vacancies in other strip malls in the community which could accommodate new businesses. The letter also discussed other commercial lands in the area that are already available for development. The Vickery's expressed a concern for spot zoning, the area denied an attempt to rezone this property in the past. He also provided pictures of the area and other locations addressed in the letter.

Terry Kucera (father of Sally and representative of their concerns) said that Doug & Sally are not opposed to the commercial development being placed across the street in Dogwood Trail. He explained that they didn't know what would be going into that area. Aaron Lincoln explained that the applicant previously asked about the commercial area across the street. That area is zoned for a heavier use and must remain that way due to funding received from the State of Iowa. There was a request to put storage units on this property being considered for rezoning in the past, but it would have required a Light Manufacturing zoning district, there was concern about that heavier zoning next to a residential area would be spot zoning and was denied. Aaron also noted there are site plan requirements for screening and other items to help address some of the concerns in the letter. Aaron further noted that the City Council and Planning and Zoning have had discussions, and have rezoned certain sections, in the past that properties fronting South Lewis Boulevard should all be zoned as commercial for future development. This proposed rezone is in line with those previous discussions.

Mike Robinette with HRW Holdings described a similar development in Whispering Creek and the type of professional office businesses that located in that development. The business that would be located in the southern portion (Phase 2) of the rezoned area is not yet determined, they would like to see a medical office. They would be required to go through a Major Site Plan process for the southern portion. Hank Banker, realtor and representative of Serenity Point, said that the property has been marketed as a location for professional buildings. There is a stormwater detention along one side of the Phase 2 southern portion of the lot that separates it from the residential area.

Harold Drotzmann, 2206 Hwy 75, expressed concern about the Phase 2 portion allowing development of a gas station.

Aaron Lincoln noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to approve the rezoning of the parcel. A Planning and Zoning comment from their public meeting (held Thursday September 5th) was that the proposed business development could provide a visual and noise buffer between the traffic along South Lewis and the Serenity Point area residents, especially as the south interchange gets built and traffic increases in the future.

There was discussion with attendees about setbacks, screening, fences, the possibility of having affordable housing instead, what controls the City has over the development through a Major Site Plan process.

Andrea Johnson expressed that it was not the best location for putting in a home, it is better suited for commercial.

Ron Hanson likes the concept that is being brought, he is not keen on the idea of having a gas station there. We would have some control with the Major Site Plan process.

Mark Reinders expressed that he is concerned that we can't turn down something like a gas station or a McDonalds via the Major Site Plan process if it is a permitted use in the zone.

6.cClose Public Hearing

Motion by Carol Clark, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Close the Public Hearing at 6:13 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.dORD 755 Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Sergeant Bluff (Rezone Property AR to BG) First Reading

Mark Reinders stated that he is voting against the ordinance. He respects the work put in by the Planning & Zoning Commission, he likes the design, but he is concerned about the undeveloped portion and what could be developed there.

Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve ORD 755 Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Sergeant Bluff (Rezone Property AR to BG) First Reading. Motion Carried. [4-1, Reinders - nay]

6.eApprove Comprehensive Plan (2024-2043)

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve the Comprehensive Plan (2024-2043).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.fApproval of Pay Estimate #4 to Steve Harris Construction for the First Street Reconstruction Project (IDOT# STP-U-6890(612)--70-97)

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve Pay Estimate #4 to Steve Harris Construction for the First Street Reconstruction Project (IDOT# STP-U-6890(612)-- 70-97).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.gApproval of Pay Estimate #4 to Steve Harris Construction for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail Project (IDOT# TAP-U-6890(611)--8I-97)

Andrea Johnson explained that we're not technically part of the Plywood Trail for the funding of the work; our portion of the trail is called the Loess Hills Scenic trail which hooks into the Sioux City trail system which then hooks into the Plywood Trail at Outer Drive.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve Pay Estimate #4 to Steve Harris Construction for the Loess Hills Scenic Trail Project (IDOT# TAP-U-6890(611)--8I- 97).

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

6.hPROCLAMATION: Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12) Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12.

Ron Hanson explained that the Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. We have an excellent Fire Department that is well trained and stacks up against any other department in the country for how they serve our community.

7. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that the Siouxland Chamber event is next Thursday. He provided tickets to some of the Council members. Next week is the Iowa League of Cities meeting which will be held in Sioux City, he will be attending. Mark Reinders expressed interest in going as well. On Monday and Friday next week he will be participating in interviews for the construction manager selection subcommittee for the Wastewater Plant reconstruction project.

8. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Kirk Moriarty provided on update on the playground on B Street. Tyler Tweet contacted the contractor to find out where they're at, they were supposed to be here by now. He was also approached by a couple elderly residents about the sidewalks at the intersections which have concrete below the lip of the curb which can tip wheelchairs. He has also received positive comments on 1st Street.

Carol Clark described the significance of the City's relationship with SIMPCO. She was not able to attend the recent meeting, but Andrea attended in her stead. A new Siouxland Census was released that showed Sergeant Bluff recently increased by 27 people. She also hears good things about 1st Street.

She asked when will it be open?

Aaron said that they hope to have the mainline paving done by mid-October.

Andrea Johnsons said that she went to the SIMPCO meeting. She wanted to remind everyone to support the Warriors in fall sports. The garbage changes are posted online for people to view. Get your tickets for the Big Bash on October 12th. She expressed her appreciation for everyone coming to the public hearing to express their opinions.

Mark Reinders asked if the east side of Warrior Road is getting done? He also received comments about the need for trimming of weeds around light posts, community sign, and community center. Aaron said that City staff will be doing that, we're working with the homeowner.

9.ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Carol Clark to Adjourn at 6:53 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk