City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa - City Council Minutes (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)

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 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 8, 2025 Regular Meeting

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Mark Reinders to Approve the minutes of the July 8, 2025 Regular Meeting.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

4. CITIZEN'S INPUT:

Jan Harman, Owner of the Baker Prairie Bluff development, thanked the Council Members who attended her attended the Celebration of Life service for her husband. She thanked Jon Winkel for his prayer and the fun interactions he had with the Lindgren family members. Kwik Star has created a wonderful improvement for the town which will increase tax revenue for Sergeant Bluff which will also impact Baker Prairie Bluff Phase 2 development. There will be 9 four-unit and 2 three-unit condos.

They will be ranch style condos with basements, they are similar to the existing condos but with larger garages, there will be 12 additional parking spaces. She reviewed a map and discussed the 4th Street extension which will go through the Affordable Storage area. The Lindgren Way Road sign will be moved down to the new commercial road. She expressed some concerns with the lighting on Baker Drive, she suggested installing some lighting fixtures. She also discussed the need for a stop sign on Baker Prairie Bluff drive to slow traffic down. Lastly, the naming convention of Prairie Bluff Drive has caused some delivery/mailing issues where items have been delivered to Prairie Lane.

Jon Winkel said that Kwik Star plans to be open around mid to late September. We will be having CommCon18 (Community Conversation) on August 26th and Kwik Star will be one of the presenters and he hopes to have Jan Harman there. There will also be announcements regarding the cemetery.

Mike and Lori Selig will be doing another development in town. We've been aware of the 4th Street project but the timing isn't nailed down yet. Jon also welcome back Joe Rose, who was present for this meeting, but who has been unable to attend recent meetings. We can look into the lighting issues of Baker Drive.

Katie Aman, 802 Glenwood Ct, expressed concern about the three-lane road on 1st Street, in particular where Windsor Way intersects with 1st Street. When it was changed to a three-lane road it has changed the flow of traffic in the area, especially when turning left to leave her development (Meadow Brook First Addition). The wait to get out is longer during various high-traffic time periods. She is seeing a lot of cars that don't yield, kids are crossing at intersections that are not protected. She is asking the City Council to reinstate the stop signs or do a traffic study. 

Mark Reinders said that there was concern when the change was first made. He asked Aaron Lincoln if there had been any further conversation with staff. 

Aaron Lincoln said that there had not been any, the decision was to not put the signs up and look at the area again if needed. This is the first formal complaint that he is aware of. 

Jereme Muller, Police Chief, said that he sees traffic flowing well but he is willing to look at it during a busier time of day.

There was discussion about where pedestrians can cross.

5. DEPARTMENT HEADS' REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation

Tyler Tweet said that there have been no all-day gym rentals this month, there are parties in the Fireside Room every weekend, the fields are getting used well, there have been 8 rentals of the shelters and the Splash Pad. Summer Adventure Camp ended on July 11th, some of the field trips included visiting the Sioux Falls Science Museum, a pool day, the Fire Department and Library hosted an event. The new Rec Coordinator is preparing ideas for next summer. The Iowa State Extension has been hosting classes at the Rec Center. On July 25th there will be a movie at the park on an inflatable screen. Little League hosted districts at the Rec Complex, Tyler thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the fields taken care of. Last Friday was the Pioneer Valley Days Golf Tournament, it had a good turnout and went well. A local basketball youth camp was hosted. Little League will be hosting a tournament on August 9th. The Pool will be doing a free open swim provided by the Community Action Team on August 9th from 7-9pm as part of Pioneer Valley Days. Pioneer Valley days will start on August 14th and run through the weekend, there will be a Carnival at the parking lot at the Community Center. The pool will be closing the Monday-Friday swim after PVD due to staffing issues, but the weekend swimming will remain available. The registration deadline for fall sports is August 3rd. The Community Foundation Lighted Tunnel is going up at the Rec Complex. The softball team painted a mural at B Street. The new playground at the Rec Complex is scheduled to be installed on August 18th and lasting about a week.

Tyler introduced the new Rec Coordinator Danielle Thompson who started on July 7th.

Fire Department

Anthony Gaul said that May set a new record for call volume, June was closer to normal. They've been averaging about 1,300 hours per month at the station which has made a difference to response times.

They've been working with both hospitals with things such as transports and evacuation drills. They will be bringing in a national speaker in October. They've received requests to bring their ambulance to the fair. In August a grant and funding class is being brought in.

Police

Jereme Muller said that they had 415 calls which is much higher than previous years. The new car is in, they're just waiting for a few items to be installed. During Pioneer Valley Days there will be 4 cars patrolling. They attended The Market this weekend, it was a great event with huge turnout.

Ryan Panowicz asked about the new plate cameras. Jereme said they are getting some hits via the cameras.

Inspections

Aaron Johnson said that there have been 42 inspections and 14 permits since his last report. Year-to- date there have been 111 rental inspections, 5 new dwelling permits, 14 commercial property permits, and 4 new commercial projects. Kwik Star has all their rough inspections done, H&R Construction (Warrior Business Center) has their rough inspections done, Hawthrone Land Holdings for their property on Dogwood he is waiting for a site plan, the solar site by the water plan has an approved work permit, and the Major Site Plan has been approved for the Sergeant Bluff Eye Care building. The code compliance issues he's been working with have been: parking across sidewalk, tall grass, trailers in the grass, noxious weeds, brush piles, signs in the right-of-way, sidewalk repair compliance, and others.

Regarding the Safe Routes to School Committee, Siouxland District Health did complete the walk of the sidewalks last week and Joe Yocum and himself have been working on getting letters out. He is working on some ordinance modifications related to Home Based Businesses. They now have a second vehicle at Inspections. This year they have issued 102 permits, the project costs this year is at about 14.4 million as compared to last year where they were at 5.5 million.

Library

Mary Torgerson said that in May they had 1,710 patrons and in June they had 1,047. So far in July they've had 860 people. They will be celebrating Harry Potter's birthday on July 31st, cupcakes will be available. The board members want to do the seminar for the new Open Meetings law even though the existing members aren't required to take it. She attempted to get a grant from PBS but were unsuccessful, however they provided access to themed screening reels regarding topics related to the American Revolution. The Library is requesting that the Story Walk get fortified with either cement or foam materials. The library will be in the Pioneer Valley Days parade. The Iowa Library Association Conference will be in Sioux City in October, Mary will be attending, the City Council will be getting invitations for a documentary. Darren Krogh will come in October to tell a scary story, he will then come back in February and present on the Iowa links to the Underground Railroad. There will be a fundraiser in November, and Gary Schmidt will be doing a demonstration of the Bob Ross style of Painting. The Illinois Holocaust Museum will be sending a Virtual Reality truck. Mary said she is now volunteering with the Library of Congress to transcribe cursive historical documents.

Finance/Public Works

Jason Kvidera said that the Audit is October 27th, we are doing Audit preparation. The trucks at Kiwanis Pond have pumps to pump water out if it happens to rain so that they can fix it as soon as possible. He apologized for the weeds on First Street, they're holding off spraying them to allow the grass to get a base first. They're replacing signs around town. They've been mowing the ditches by Dogwood and other drainage ditches. We're working on the engineering for the water that goes to the eye clinic and loop our water system. We had used the church parking lot for the 1st Street project, so we will be doing the sidewalk in front of the Methodist Church. The civil engineering part of the Solar Project is going on.

6.APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

6.aApproval of new EMS Volunteer: Sam Tisher

6.bNew Tobacco License: Kwik Star

6.cNew Liquor License: Kwik Star (Pending Fire Department Inspection)

6.dLiquor License - Eddie's Tavern - Extending Outdoor Service Area for Pioneer Valley Days Street Dance Event

6.eBills: Check numbers 91845 to 91917 in the amount of $538,602.92

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve Consent Agenda Items:

6.a)Approval of new EMS Volunteer: Sam Tisher

6.b)New Tobacco License: Kwik Star

6.c)New Liquor License: Kwik Star (Pending Fire Department Inspection)

6.d)Liquor License - Eddie's Tavern - Extending Outdoor Service Area for Pioneer Valley Days Street Dance Event

6.e)Bills: Check numbers 91845 to 91917 in the amount of $538,602.92 Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

Name Description Amount

1ST CHOICE TINTING PD CAR WINDOW TINTING 540.00

3E ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 76.46

ADVANCED ELECTRONIC DESIGN INC COMPUTER DOCK FOR NEW PATROL CAR 624.87

ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING SERVICES SAMPLE ANALYSIS 250.75

APPEARA CLEAN LINENS/MATS 369.65

AVAYA TELEPHONE SYSTEM 237.04

BATTERIES PLUS BATTERIES 25.98

BENTSON PEST MANAGEMENT PEST CONTROL 328.00

BOMGAARS BUILDING SUPP,CLOTHING,MOSQUITO,TRNG, VEHICLE MAINT,PAINT 794.47

C&C LAWNCARE INC LAWN CARE 80.00

CARROLL CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY STORM WATER REPAIR 83.65

CHESTERMAN COMPANY  DRINKING WATER EXPENSE 9.00

CINTAS SUPPLIES 96.17

CIRCLE S BLUFF STOP PD FUEL 35.20

CITY OF SIOUX CITY WOODBURY CTY COMM SERVICES FY 26 126,991.00

CITY OF SIOUX CITY UTILITIES 04/4/25-07/4/25 STORM WATER /JUN 25 SEWER 53,695.57

CJC-CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES DRUG SCREEN EXPENSE 55.00

DGR ENGINEERING SERVICES  21,720.30

DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT CENTER PAINT 118.10

DIESEL SPECIALTIES INC 2008 FORD 330.38

EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 574.64

ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY 1ST STREET LIGHTING 453.60

EITEN, DEVAN SOCCER REFUND 25.00

FAREWAY CLEANING SUPPLIES 53.31

FIRE SERVICE TRAINING BUREAU TESTING FEES 100.00

FLOYD RIVER MATERIALS INC ROAD GRAVEL 737.62

FP MAILING SOLUTIONS POSTAGE MACHINE RENTAL 149.85

GILL HAULING INC JUL-SEPT 2025 LANDFILL CHARGES 28,407.47

HAWKINS WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS/CHLORINE CYLINDERS 80.00

HILL, GARRY ELECTRIC DEPOSIT REFUND 72.53

INTERSTATE POWDER COATINGS LIGHT POLE 2,060.00

IOWA CODIFICATION INC 2025 JULY SUPPLEMENT 773.00

IA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2026 ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY FEE 545.22

IOWA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP 126.00

IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 109.10

JACKS UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 703.85

K.P. CONSTRUCTION INC CONCRETE WORK 19,445.00

LINDBLOM SERVICES INC PORTABLE TOILETS 640.00

LONG LINES LLC TELECOMMUNICATION EXPENSE 124.56

MAD CITY WINDOWS AND BATHS PEDDLERS PERMIT REFUND 500.00

MARCO INC (FD) COPIER CONTRACT 88.83

MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC (CH) COPIER CONTRACT 657.95

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE 75.95

MENARDS-SIOUX CITY BUILDING EXPENSES, TOOLS 483.90

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY JUN 2025 GAS UTILITY 746.25

MIDWEST HONDA SUZUKI KUBOTA VEHICLE REPAIRS 622.98

MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEB JUN 2025 POWER PURCHASED 246,346.06

PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES ALARM MONITORING 750.27

PIONEER AUTO 2013 FORD EXPEDITION 1,562.00

PIONEER WOOLDRIDGE INS AGENCY AUDIT-WORK COMP/AUTO 1,095.00

PLUMBING & HEATING WHOLESALE INC SWIMMING POOL REPAIRS 30.83

QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTER REPAIRS 23.98

RADAR SHOP RADAR DIAGNOSTICS 389.50

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL SERVICES REPAIR 1,247.58

RIVERSIDE TECHNOLOGIES INC NETWORK SUPPORT/JUL 2025/SERVER AGREEMENT 3,894.41

SAM'S CLUB BUILDING SUPPLIES, FIRE PREVENTION/MEMBERSHIP, POOL, SAC 3,639.58

SIMPCO FY26 MEMBERSHIP DUES 2,532.13

SIOUX CITY WINNELSON SPORTS COMPLEX REPAIRS 256.60

SIOUXLAND HUMANE SOCIETY JUNE 25 SERVICES 80.00

SIOUXLAND LOCK & KEY KEYS 44.00

SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYS SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION 159.00

SPI CRUSHED CONCRETE 326.37

STAN HOUSTON EQUIPMENT CO INC PAINT 132.96

SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC QTRLY GIS WEB HOSTING 1,320.00

VAN METER INDUSTRIAL INC POLICE STATION REPAIRS 391.26

VANOVERBEKE, TOM SWIM LESSONS REFUND 120.00

VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONE EXPENSE 2,444.27

VISA CARD - PD CAR WASH/NOTARY/OFFICE SUPPLIES/SHIPPING 253.20

WARD, JORY REIMBURSE/TRAINING 607.97

WESCO RECEIVABLES CORP ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 3,978.00

ZIMCO SUPPLY CO CHEMICALS/GRASS SEED 2,159.75

TOTAL: 538,602.92

7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

7.aOpen Public Hearing to consider Vacation of Cemetery Road from S Lewis Blvd right-of- way to Woodbury Township Cemetery

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Open the Public Hearing to consider Vacation of Cemetery Road from S Lewis Blvd right-of-way to Woodbury Township Cemetery at 6:21 pm.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.bPublic Hearing on Vacation of Cemetery Road

There were no public comments received at City Hall.

Jon Winkel addressed various members of the community who attended the meeting and explained that this is a key step in the process for the current road being transferred to the brick yard and at the same time we will be doing a new road. At CommCon18 on August 26th there will be information regarding the new Cemetery and the road.

7.cClose Public Hearing

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Ron Hanson to Close the Public Hearing at 6:23 pm. Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.dRES 25-27 Resolution to Vacate Cemetery Road and Transfer Property to Sioux City Brick & Tile LLC

Tina Kilpatrick asked when the new road is going in? She also had additional questions. Jon Winkel said we don't know exactly yet. There will be a road open during the whole process. Jon invited her to CommCon to discuss it further at that time.

Jerry Holder asked about cleaning the current road.

Aaron Lincoln said that our Stormwater Superintendent will address it, that would be an erosion control item.

Mark Reinders asked if this takes effect immediately?

Sarah Kleber said that this was the first step, we can transfer this property by deed. At closing a temporary easement will be signed that allows access until the permanent easement road is built. All of those documents will be recorded when we do the closing.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve RES 25-27 Resolution to Vacate Cemetery Road and Transfer Property to Sioux City Brick & Tile LLC.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.eApprove S Lewis Blvd Storm Water Crossing Project Pay Estimate #3 

Aaron Lincoln said that this project is substantially complete, all that is left is the seeding.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ryan Panowicz to Approve S Lewis Blvd Storm Water Crossing Project Pay Estimate #3.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.fCitizens request for On-Street Disabilities Parking Sign at 400 C Street

Mark Reinders asked if nearby homeowners are notified? Danny Christoffers said that we have not done that.

Sarah Kleber said that is not part of the process.

Motion by Kirk Moriarty, seconded by Andrea Johnson to Approve an On-Street Disabilities Parking Sign to be located at 400 C Street.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

7.gStreet Closure for Winfield Court Block Party on July 26th for Elevate Church

During discussion Ron Hanson expressed concern for receiving an invitation to the block party prior to Council approval and that fliers were placed inside mailboxes which the public should know is a Federal crime/offense.

Motion by Mark Reinders, seconded by Kirk Moriarty to Approve a Street Closure for Winfield Court Block Party on July 26th for Elevate Church.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

8. RESOLUTION(S):

8.aRES 25-28 Change the Place for the August 26, 2025 Regular Council Meeting

There was discussion regarding the need to specify the initial location of the meeting, the consensus was to have it in the Fireside Room.

Danny Christoffers said that the Council meeting would start at 5:30pm before they transitioned into CommCon at 6pm.

Motion by Andrea Johnson, seconded by Ron Hanson to Approve RES 25-28 Change the Place for the August 26, 2025 Regular Council Meeting with the additional clarification that the Council meeting will begin in the Fireside Room of the Community Center.

Motion Carried. [Unanimous]

9.COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS & COMMENTS:

Mark Reinders said that he was glad to see the participation of the Fire Department and Police Department at The Market. He thanked Aaron Johnson and Aaron Lincoln for addressing some issues regarding some properties in town that are not up to par. He said that he is in favor of home based businesses, but he doesn't like it when a residential area begins to look like an industrial area. He also asked about the old sign that is between Pub 52 and Kwik Star, can it get removed?

Aaron Lincoln said it's owned by the building owner of Pub 52, they are selling the sign.

Ryan Panowicz expressed concern about kids around town on scooters.

Jereme Muller said that the directive he's given to his officers is to get out of their vehicles and talk to the kids.

There was discussion regarding whether an ordinance change was needed. Ryan congratulated the Sergeant Bluff Baseball and Softball teams.

Kirk Moriarty also congratulated the Baseball and Softball Teams. Congratulations to Coach Nelson on a great year. He discussed the possibility of making at change at the Jefferson Park Tennis Courts, he liked the idea of expanding the dog park instead of redoing the tennis courts. He also believes we should make dog registration mandatory rather than voluntary.

Andrea Johnson asked if we can encourage the existing dog registration program in our newsletter. Danny Christoffers said that he will do that.

Andrea Johnson congratulated the Softball and Baseball teams on a great season. She heard The Market on Sunday was great. She also expressed that those involved with the PVD Golf Tournament did a great job.

Ron Hanson gave a kudos to the Fire Department and Police Department for their efforts at The Market with their interaction with the community. He also thanked everyone who is properly driving their golf carts.

Kirk asked how many golf cart registrations have there been.

Danny said that there have been 8, we're pushing it out in the August newsletter.

10. MAYOR'S REPORT:

Jon Winkel congratulated the Softball and Baseball teams. He also encouraged people to be safe in the community.

11. ADJOURNMENT:

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

Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

Danny Christoffers, City Clerk