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

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 Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve the Agenda. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

3.aApprove the minutes of the January 13, 2025 Budget Meeting

3.bApprove the minutes of the January 14, 2025 Regular Meeting

3.cApprove the minutes of the January 20, 2025 Budget Meeting

3.dApprove the minutes of the January 22, 2025 Budget Meeting Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve:

3.a)Minutes of the January 13, 2025 Budget Meeting

3.b)Minutes of the January 14, 2025 Regular Meeting

3.c)Minutes of the January 20, 2025 Budget Meeting

3.d)Minutes of the January 22, 2025 Budget Meeting Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

There was no citizen input.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:

Fire Department

Anthony Gaul said that they ended the year 544 calls and 11,765 hours donated hours at the station. There are ten individuals who will be doing the Hazmat Awareness testing. There is a CPR class starting tonight. He attended a State Fire School this past weekend, it was very productive. There will be a regional Fire School, at least a dozen are signed up already. They continue to do Fire System inspections, there are a couple of places in town with some issues he is addressing. He is working on a plan with them to get to where they need to be. January was very busy, they had 51 calls so far. They went to three structure fires, two of them were mutual aid. There was one home they were able to save out at Glen Ellen Road, Sioux City sent out an engine and a tanker from the 185th. He reached out to the 185th and thanked them for providing resources. There was a grass fire that nearly reached multiple structures when an individual burned items outside with about 30mph winds. About 20 acres got burned. He is talking to residents out there about burning off dead undergrowth.

Jon Winkel asked if we get paid for CRP burns? Anthony confirmed that we do.

Parks & Rec

Tyler Tweet said that in January they had 1 all day gym rental. There were 21 Fireside rental hours. Basketball has started this month. We hosted the Middle School for their reward days on the 7th, 9th, and 10th. The Library came over to the Senior Center to do a technology class. Spring Soccer registration started on the 20th, we already have 40 kids registered. We partnered with Sioux City Parks & Rec and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to do snow shoes at Cone Park, that will occur every Wednesday in January and February. We are up to 118 pickleball members. We are averaging anywhere from 40-50 people a day participating. In 2024 we had 348 days where we had some sort of event at the Rec, 980 kids registered for activities, we held 28 gym events and 64 Fireside parties. The Daddy-Daughter Dance is on February 8th 6-8pm, registration ends on the 7th, 40 couples have registered so far. We have started our hiring process for the pool and Summer Adventure Camp. The IBF billing will go out this month for the period we will be operating the building. We're going to start a new league for Adult basketball. We are working with the cornhole league in Sioux City to bring a summer league at the Rec facility. Every Saturday is booked until June 7th.

Jon asked if there was any open gym on the weekends?

Tyler said that we don't have them on the weekends due to events occurring. Andrea Johnson asked when Soccer registration closes?

Tyler said that it closes on March 20th.

Inspections

Aaron Johnson said that in 2024 they completed 673 inspections, 311 permits were issued, 45 rental inspections, 7 new dwellings, and 26 commercial property permits. Some of those commercial items were: An addition to Sergeant Bluff Smiles, 110 Sergeant Square Drive, Fareway parking lot and awning, 105 Sergeant Square Drive, Sioux City JTAC took over for the Medical Clinic with interior remodel, H&R Construction Site, a business on Dogwood has been bringing in dirt, and Mikes Mini Mart was demolished with Kwik Trip coming in. Joe Yocum passed his certification on the 17th. He and Joe will attend the Region 3 Training next month. For sidewalk assessments, the southeast quadrant, this year the southwest quadrant will be assessed. In comparing 2023 & 2024: 142 permits in 2023, 311 in 2024, 6 million in projects in 2023, 10.9 million in 2024, permit fees were 25k in 2023, permit fees were 53k in 2024.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that the door count for December was 653. She renewed her membership with the Iowa Library Association. The Story Walk is being updated once a month. The Teddy Bear sleepover was successful. They are participating in outreach activities at the Senior Center. They've hosted a number of authors. A new lifelong learners class has started online, it will conclude in June. The crochet group has been going very well. In reviewing their numbers from last year (Jul-Jun 2024) they had 7,787 visitors, they are on track to doing even better this year. The summer reading program is coming up. They have a calendar nearly ready. The insect zoo will be coming back this year. The Explorers are coming for opening day and they are providing vouchers to get kids into a game in July. In October the Iowa Library Association is having a convention in Sioux City, she is looking to put together a packet to promote things we have in Sergeant Bluff.

The Library board wanted to express their condolences to Ann Petersen on the recent passing of Dale Petersen who was a huge advocate and friend of the library.

Mark Reinders said that he went visited the library twice this week, they provide a tremendous service to the community.

Police Department

Jereme Muller said that last here they were dispatched to over 4k calls, they had just shy of 2k incidents. The breakdown of call types was discussed. Their body cameras came in last week, the in-car cameras will be installed by Groves.

Jory Ward said that the type of calls they've received has resulted in longer investigations due to the types of incidents.

Mark discussed with Jereme the high number of 911 hang-ups they receive. He also asked how quickly they address parking violations?

Jereme said that there is usually a 24-hour move notice.

Public Works

Jason Kvidera said that in December there were 18 locates, 62 red tags, and 70 work orders. They've been doing maintenance on trucks. They picked up Christmas Trees and helped the Fire Department with a recent fire. We're nearing completion of the underground electric in Oak Hills. To review 2024, they've added Kade Julius, there were 976 locates, 925 work orders, and 746 red tags. The big projects they were involved with were: 1st Street, Trail, completing converted water meters to radio-read, Warrior sidewalk project, two full time employees do locates during the summer, Highway 75 overlay, pouring near the railroad tracks, they are digging the water line for Kwik Star, H&R almost has their building up south - water and sewer has been run to it, and GCC and Thrasher are on our sewer now.

6.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aLiquor License Renewal - Kalico Kates Inc

6.bReappoint Mark Monson to the Planning & Zoning Commission Position #3 (Term end: 1/31/30)

6.cApproval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Zierra Gray

6.dApproval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Mya Kleve

6.eApproval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Cameron Patrick 

6.fBills: Check numbers 90652 to 90723 in the amount of $565,999.93

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Liquor License Renewal - Kalico Kates Inc

6.b)Reappoint Mark Monson to the Planning & Zoning Commission Position #3 (Term end: 1/31/30)

6.c)Approval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Zierra Gray

6.d)Approval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Mya Kleve

6.e)Approval of new Fire Department High School Program Volunteer: Cameron Patrick

6.f)Bills: Check numbers 90652 to 90723 in the amount of $565,999.93 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Check Name Description Amount

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS PROFESSIONAL PREP SPRAY 13.11

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 163.50

APPEARA CLEAN LINENS/MATS 182.87

AXON ENTERPRISE INC BUNDLE 961.76

BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS 226.71

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 135.00

BOMGAARS BUILDING SUPPLIES/CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 382.70

BURKE ENGINEERING SALES EXIT DEVICE 356.00

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 45.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 96.17

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES 10/24-12/24  STORM WATER/DEC 2024 WASTEWATER 44,134.07

CIVIC SYSTEMS LLC SEMI ANNUAL SERVICE AND SUPPORT JAN-JUN 7,641.00

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES DRUG SCREEN EXPENSE 110.00

COFFEE KING COFFEE SUPPLIES 75.00

DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP SEWER DYE TABLETS 88.46

DGR KIWANIS PARK/LOESS HILLS SCENIC TRAIL 2,597.74

DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER PAINT 80.38

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY LIBRARY LIGHTING 20.88

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

GILL HAULING INC SOLID WASTE 20,881.20

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHLORINE CYLINDER 80.00

HORNER, GEORGE TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT 249.85

HYDRAULIC SALES AND SERVICE CO VEHICLE REPAIRS 47.86

IOWA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION 2025 IFA MEMBERSHIPS 1,050.00

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 102.40

LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY WELL 8 REHAB AND INSPECTION 30,520.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 39.13

MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT INC WIPERS AND BLADES 210.19

MARCO INC (FD) COPIER CONTRACT 85.83

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC (CH) COPIER CONTRACT 644.45

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 74.89

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY BUILDING EXPENSES 421.11

MID-STATES ORGANIZED CRIME INFO 2025 MEMBERSHIP DUES 100.00

MIDWEST HONDA SUZUKI KUBOTA FILTER 39.99

MIKES MINI MART OCTOBER FD FUEL 64.19

MPIRE HEATING & COOLING LLC REPAIRS-LIFT STATION 456.24

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBR DEC 2024 POWER PURCHASED 190,574.75

ORDUNO, MAGDA DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

PIONEER AUTO 2016 FORD TIRES 844.17

RISE ABOVE FIRE TRAINING LLC FIRE DEPT SUPPLIES 916.50

ROBERTSON IMPLEMENT CO EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES 77.98

ROSENDAHL, BRENT REIMBURSE-POSTAGE 9.68

SAM'S CLUB BUILDING SUPPLIES/SNOW SUPPLIES 512.69

SELIG, PASCALE DEPOSIT REFUND 100.00

SERGEANT BLUFF FOOD PANTRY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 FOOD PANTRY 1,600.00

SEXTON OIL COMPANY BULK FUEL 9,053.18

SIOUX CITY WINNELSON BUILDING REPAIRS 282.60

SIOUXLAND INITIATIVE TSI PLEDGE 13TH YEAR 5,000.00

SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYS SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 228.00

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC ELBOW GASKET 3.35

STATE CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS WASTEWATER PROGRAM 491.13

STRYKER SALES CORPORATION SHIPPING ON AED PADS 9.38

SUBSURFCO LLC S LEWIS STORM CROSSING PROJ PE #1 226,262.69

T & W TIRE TRAILER TIRES 402.71

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC SEWER REPAIRS 218.94

VAN WERT COMPANY METER/GASKETS/REMOTE ERTS 12,024.00

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 1,470.05

VISA CARD - FINANCE TRAINING MEAL/USB-C 195.60

VOGEL, REIN AND BECKY ENERGY EFF PROGRAM/REFRIGERATOR 50.00

WILLIAMS & COMPANY ACCOUNTING SERVICES 3,045.00

TOTAL: 565,999.93

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.a   Discussion on Process and Considerations to Honor Former City Leaders Who Have Passed Away

Ron Hanson expressed that with the recent passing of the former Dale Petersen and the prior passing of the former Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Dave Luhman, with consideration of their many years of service to the City, he would like to see something put in the name of the individuals.

The City Council discussed what could be named after these individuals.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Mark Reinders to initiate the process of renaming Topaz Drive (East of S. Lewis Blvd) to honor Dale Petersen and to dedicate a section of the Loess Hills Trail to honor Dave Luhman.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. RESOLUTION(S):

8.aRES 25-02 Authorize the Mayor to Sign Succession Agreement and General Release with Retiring Police Chief Scott Pack

Jon Winkel said that Scott Pack was unable to be here tonight due to a make-up archery match which was moved to tonight.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve RES 25-02 Authorize the Mayor to Sign Succession Agreement and General Release with Retiring Police Chief Scott Pack.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8.bRES 25-03 Providing Notice that Applications for the Opening of Police Chief will be Accepted and Adoption of Residency Requirement for the Police Chief

Sarah Kleber explained that part of this resolution clarifies some inconsistent language in the handbook pertaining to the residency requirement for the Police Chief.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve RES 25-03 Providing Notice that Applications for the Opening of Police Chief will be Accepted and Adoption of Residency Requirement for the Police Chief.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8.cRES 25-04 Proposing a Long Term Lease of the Indoor Batting Facility to the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District, Setting The Public Hearing and Publishing Notice Jon Winkel said that after it is approved by the City Council it will go to the School Board who will approve it and then Chad Janzen will come to the next Council meeting on February 11th.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve RES 25-04 Proposing a Long Term Lease of the Indoor Batting Facility to the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community

School District, Setting The Public Hearing and Publishing Notice. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

9. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:

Aaron Lincoln said that there was a new executive order that will result in the Federal Government pausing Federal Grants. This would temporarily affect some things like our COPS grant. There is a budget meeting this Thursday and another one next Monday. He will be out of the office on Friday.

Danny Christoffers said that he was contacted by Jerry Logemann who requested the opportunity to sell American flags on behalf of the American Legion at City Hall and possibly a small table showing some equipment for installing the flag on their home.

There were no objections from the City Council.

Danny also said that he received an appeal letter from someone who received an order to remove a vicious dog. We need to schedule a hearing within 7 business days.

After some discussion the City Council decided to combine it with the budget meeting scheduled for Monday and to move the time of the meeting to 5pm.

10. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders said that he will be unavailable to attend the budget meeting in person on Thursday but hopes to connect in by phone.

Ryan Panowicz said that the activities put on by the library are very exciting.

Andrea Johnson said that she will be out of town beginning Tuesday next week until the regular Council meeting.

11. MAYOR'S REPORT:

Jon Winkel said that there was a unique and rare situation at an archery event where two people competing with each shot all five of their arrows into the bull's eye. He also encouraged people to be safe if bad weather hits and if you "see something, say something".

12. CLOSED SESSION:

12.aRoll Call Motion to go into Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.5(1)(j) To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City may receive

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve going into Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.5(1)(j) To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City may receive

Roll Call Vote: Hanson- yes; Johnson- yes, Panowicz- yes; Reinders- yes; Moriarty- yes. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

12.bClosed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.5(1)(j) To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City may receive The City Council entered closed session at 6:37pm.

12.cRoll Call Motion to return to Open Session

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve going into Open Session at 7:00 pm pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.5(1)(j).

Roll Call Vote: Hanson- yes; Johnson- yes, Panowicz- yes; Reinders- yes; Moriarty- yes. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Attendance Roll Call:

Ron Hanson- Present; Andrea Johnson- Present; Ryan Panowicz- Present; Mark Reinders- Present; Kirk Moriarty- Present; Winkel- Present.

12.dPotential direction after Closed Session

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to approve the City and City Staff proceeding with the items discussed in closed session.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

13. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Ron Hanson, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Adjourn at 7:02pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk