Sioux City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

This regular meeting of the Sioux City Council convened on September 22, 2025, at approximately 20:18 UTC. The council considered a consent agenda containing routine approvals, followed by multiple public hearings on zoning, urban renewal, and property matters. Key discussions focused on housing accessibility, a park vacation, a contested street vacation (later withdrawn), and council concerns about community events and a pending rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 2 through 11B) was moved and seconded, passing unanimously. Items included:
  • Approval of the September 15, 2025, City Council minutes.
  • Acceptance of the Human Rights Commission annual report.
  • Resolution extending Mike Colette's interim city manager appointment.
  • Resolution scheduling a hearing on downtown property acquisitions (100, 112, 124 Pierce Street).
  • Grant agreements with HUD (continuum of care), Iowa Economic Development Authority (CDBG-CV), and IDOT (air service development).
  • Transit joint participation agreements for one medium-duty bus and two STD buses.
  • Several contract resolutions (property management at airport, pharmacy benefit manager, construction projects, consulting services, etc.).
• During discussion, a council member asked about tracking the effectiveness of paid airport marketing campaigns; staff confirmed that social media campaigns are evaluated via consultant reports.
• On the Sergeant Floyd Monument repair (item 7L), a council member clarified that the work involves low-pressure power washing (400 PSI) to avoid damaging the historic monument.
• Council member Moore abstained from voting on the Renewable Fuels Building condenser coils project (item 7L) due to a conflict of interest.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Reynolds, a resident of 4524 Madison Street, spoke during the hearing on the vacation of Madison and 45th Street (item 25). He argued that vacating 45th Street would hinder his ability to run water lines and access his property, and suggested that the petitioners use the money saved from not buying 45th Street to grade his land for future development. He urged the city to retain 45th Street for utility and access purposes.
• Barry Bulkey and Melissa Einhorn, the petitioners for item 25, stated they had attempted to compromise with the city and Mr. Reynolds, including offering an easement. They expressed frustration with the city engineer's refusal to discuss the issue further and announced they were withdrawing their petition to hire an independent engineer and bring back factual data.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning for Infill Housing (Item 12): A public hearing was held on rezoning 1302 Douglas Street, 407/409 13th Street, and 1218-22 Douglas Street for a multifamily project. Council member Shaner raised concerns about requiring zero-entry or accessible units for aging and disabled populations. Jill Wandershide, Neighborhood Services Manager, noted that federal funding for the project requires at least 10% accessible units (four of 24 units), and that permanent supportive housing eligibility often necessitates disability accommodations. The council member encouraged staff to push for higher accessibility standards in future private developments. The ordinance passed 5-0.
• Vacation of Coles Edition Park (Item 14): A hearing was held to vacate the park at 801 and 811 Pacific Street. The mayor expressed reluctance to give up parkland, noting the park's historical use. Jill Wandershide stated that the Parks Board recommended approval due to proximity to Kelly Park and the steep slope. The council passed the vacation 5-0, with a lighthearted suggestion to request a pocket park from a local philanthropist.
• Rezoning of Former Park (Item 15): The council rezoned the vacated park property to permit single-family and single-family attached housing only. Passed 5-0.
• Final Plat of Perry Hollow Edition (Item 16): Approved 4-0-1, with Council member Moore abstaining (conflict of interest).
• Urban Renewal Plans (Items 17-20): Four blighted area designations and urban renewal plan amendments were approved unanimously (5-0) for Donner Park, Combined Central Sioux City CBD, Teton, and Crescent Park areas.
• Tax Increment District Ordinances (Items 21-24): First, second, and third readings of ordinances amending or creating new TIF districts for Donner Park, Combined Central Sioux City CBD, Teton, and Crescent Park were all passed 5-0 with statutory rule waived.
• Vacation of Madison and 45th Street (Item 25): The petitioners, Barry Bulkey and Melissa Einhorn, sought to vacate portions of Madison Street and 45th Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Madison Street vacation but denial of 45th Street vacation. After discussion about potential utility easements and access, the petitioners withdrew their petition to hire an independent engineer. The council then deleted the item from the agenda (motion approved 5-0).
• Development Agreement for 14 West 27th Street (Item 29): A resolution approving a development agreement and minimum assessment agreement with BNC for property at Levin 14 West 27th Street passed 4-0-1, with Council member Moore abstaining. Council member Shaner reiterated a call for accessible/zero-entry units in such developments.
• Demolition Delay for 210 Raw Street (Item 30): A resolution authorizing a 90-day delay in demolition for the property at 210 Raw Street, owned by Land Equity LLC, passed 5-0. Later, during council concerns, discussion turned to increasing vandalism at the former turkey plant in the stockyards. Daryl Balak, Inspection Services Manager, noted that securing the building has become extremely difficult and demolition would be expensive. The council asked staff to explore brownfield grants for potential demolition.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Most items passed unanimously (5-0). Council member Moore abstained on items 16 (Perry Hollow plat) and 29 (development agreement). Item 25 was withdrawn by the petitioners, and the council voted to delete it from the agenda.
• Zoning Direction: Mayor directed staff to initiate a rezoning of the triangle lot near his home (previously rezoned for a church that is no longer planned) to its prior zoning, to allow neighborhood input. The council agreed to place a rescission of the recent zoning change on a future agenda.
• Council Recognition: Council member Waters highlighted community events, including the Nate Bergazi show at the Tyson Events Center (nearly sold out), the mountain biking event at Cone Park (23 teams, mostly from out of town), and the Alley Art Festival. He commended staff and volunteers.
• Next Steps: Staff will investigate brownfield grant opportunities for the turkey plant demolition. The rezoning of the triangle lot will be brought back for public notice and a vote.