Sioux City Council Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Sioux City Council met on September 8, 2025, with members O'Kane, Shanner, Scott, and Waters present. The meeting opened with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council considered a consent agenda, a hearing on a fence ordinance, a street vacation request, a zoning definition amendment, and several other items. Public comments addressed a water main break, tree limb damage, and a proposal for public restrooms downtown.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1-3: Approval of minutes from August 21 and 25, 2025.
• Item 4: Resolution endorsing the national fitness campaign with the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association and authorizing city assistance for an outdoor fitness court on the railroad museum campus. Larry (speaker) explained the project: a 70x30-foot pad with a fitness gym, stretching area, and studio for yoga/wellness. The city has no financial obligation beyond code compliance; a $30,000 grant supports a $200,000 investment. Council members expressed support.
• Item 5: Resolution adopting plans and specs for a utility cleaning project.
• Item 6: Resolution approving a loan agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority for sewer revenue capital loan notes.
• Item 7: Resolution amending the position classification manual for parks and recreation attendant/specialist.
• Item 8: Resolution proposing to sell property at 301 Kings Highway.
• Item 9: Actions relating to boards/commissions: acceptance of Civil Service Commission Annual Report, appointment of Jack Walsh to Historic Preservation Commission.
• Item 10: Grant-related resolutions: FAA grant for airport boarding bridge, local housing trust fund application, Emergency Solutions Grant for street outreach and rapid rehousing (Jill Wanderscheid explained the programs).
• Item 11: Street closure resolutions for Vanguard Arts Alley Art Festival, downtown tailgate event, and Starfest Marching Band Competition.
• Item 12: Various agreements and contracts: driver training simulator, change order for utilities field office, lease with Avis Rental Car, parking lot improvement, fiber permits, consulting agreement for Cones Park patio, railroad crossing for Plywood Trail, and airport painting contract.
• Item 13: Payment authorizations: Tyson Event Center repairs, Elk Creek Road construction, water treatment plant project, PFAS litigation settlement, and tort claims settlement (Item 13E). A council member stood on Item 13E to note a conflict of interest.
• Item 14: Purchasing: network switches and firefighter turnout gear.
• Item 15: Applications for alcohol licenses.
• Item 16: Board/commission minutes.

The consent agenda was passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Koskevich (during Item 18 hearing): Expressed opposition to the proposed setback for barbed wire fencing. He argued that the city allows utility boxes and other structures in the right-of-way, so six inches of barbed wire should not be a hazard. He stated the code change was based on a 2015 consultant's recommendation, not local concerns. He requested that barbed wire be allowed on the property line.
• Brian Reynolds (during Item 19 hearing): Opposed vacation of 45th Street. He stated he owns property at 4524 Madison Street and that vacation would landlock his property, reducing its value. He argued he purchased the land with 45th Street as the only access, and that the petitioners have ample land elsewhere. He also noted the street was platted in 1898 and is needed for future development.
• Jamie Fridel (during Item 19 hearing): Owns property at 4506 Madison Avenue. Stated she would be landlocked if 45th Street is vacated, as she relies on it to access the back of her house for septic tank maintenance. She asked the council to visit the site before deciding.
• David Flores (citizen concerns): Representing the Nameless Project. Proposed installing public restrooms downtown, citing a documented need. He noted that many businesses have closed restrooms to the public, and his group hosted a port-a-potty that reduced incidents. He suggested self-cleaning restrooms and offered to partner with the city. Council member responded with concerns about cleanliness and maintenance but agreed to continue the conversation.
• Deb Willer (citizen concerns): Resident of 2820 Mulberry Court. Described a water main break on August 5, 2025, that flooded her home with brown water. She thanked city staff (Ron Engel) for response but asked for a permanent fix to prevent recurrence. Council member pledged to follow up with city engineers.
• Ken Kreber (citizen concerns): Reported damage to his RV from low-hanging tree limbs on side streets off Floyd Boulevard. Asked the city to enforce the 14-foot clearance ordinance. Council member directed public works to address tree trimming.

Discussion Items

• Item 18 – Fence Ordinance (Chapter 8.24 and 25.03): The council considered an ordinance amending regulations on barbed wire fencing. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended allowing barbed wire only if it is within the property line and not angled outward. The draft ordinance presented included a 2.5-foot setback from the property line and a 5-foot setback from sidewalks. Paul Koskevich argued against the setback. After discussion, the council moved to reconsider a previous vote, then amended the ordinance to follow the Planning and Zoning recommendation: barbed wire must be entirely within the property line. The amendment passed 5-0. The ordinance then passed first, second, and third readings unanimously.
• Item 19 – Vacation of 45th Street and Madison Street: The ordinance proposed vacating a portion of 45th Street and Madison Street adjacent to 4510 Van Buren Street. Planning and Zoning had recommended vacating only Madison Street, but the council amended at first reading to vacate both. At second reading, Brian Reynolds and Jamie Fridel spoke in opposition. Council member proposed deferring for a week to visit the site. The motion to defer passed 5-0.
• Item 20 – Zoning Definitions (New Automobile Sales): Second reading of an ordinance amending definitions to prevent circumvention via golf cart or side-by-side dealerships. Planning Director Wade Schultz presented an amended definition. The council amended the ordinance on the floor to include the new definition. The amendment passed 5-0. Second reading passed, and statutory rules were waived for third reading, which also passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Passed unanimously.
• Item 18 (Fence Ordinance): Amended to allow barbed wire within the property line; passed all three readings (5-0).
• Item 19 (Street Vacation): Deferred for one week to allow council to inspect the site (5-0).
• Item 20 (Zoning Definitions): Amended and passed second and third readings (5-0).
• Items 21, 22, 23: Resolutions approving plans for Pulaski drainage improvement, terminal roof replacement, and Section 8 admin plan revisions, all passed 5-0.
• Citizen Concerns: Council directed staff to follow up on water main break (Deb Willer) and tree trimming (Ken Kreber). Council member agreed to discuss public restrooms with David Flores.
• Council Member Comments: Dan noted a class action suit against fire truck manufacturers and suggested the city join; also questioned why the Floyd Trail barricades remain. Matthew announced upcoming events.