Sioux City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025: Proclamations, Board of Adjustment Appeal, and Consent Agenda
Sioux City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025
The Sioux City Council convened on October 6, 2025, at 8:16 PM. The meeting included two proclamations, a lengthy debate on a Board of Adjustment decision regarding a bed-and-breakfast/retreat property, passage of multiple consent agenda items, and citizen comments.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from September 17, 22, and 27, 2025.
- Accepted the annual evaluation of the museum director (Mayor Scott praised Steve Hanson).
- Rejected a bid for the Plaskey Park drainage improvement project.
- Adopted the third quarter supplement of the municipal code.
- Set a hearing for lease of land at 2403 Aviation Boulevard and announced intent to accept Sky West Airlines' proposal.
- Approved various contracts and work orders (runway reconstruction, city hall HVAC, art center storage racks, water main replacement, sewer emergency repairs, etc.). Councilmember Stan Shanner asked about Trane's AI consulting for energy efficiency; facilities manager agreed to explore. Councilmember asked about warranty implications of self-installing art center racks; director clarified warranty remains valid.
- Authorized payments and purchase orders (CureSurplex kits, John Deere loaders, Ruckus software).
- Approved cigarette/alcohol permits and board/commission minutes.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Fitch (neighbor of the LaCroix property) spoke at length against the Board of Adjustment's approval of a conditional use permit for a bed-and-breakfast/retreat. He argued the application was misrepresented (not a traditional B&B), there was no traffic study, and the neighborhood had safety concerns. He submitted a petition signed by neighbors and asked the council to remand the case back to the Board of Adjustment.
- Debbie LaCroix (property owner) apologized for not initially informing neighbors, described her vision for a seasonal, quiet wellness retreat (yoga, sound baths, leadership workshops), and offered to hold an open house. She emphasized the property will be occupied only during retreats and that she wants to be a good neighbor.
- Attorney Jake Natwick (for LaCroix) clarified that the use legally fits the "bed and breakfast home" code category and that all application details were available.
- Cheryl Hanson (previous property owner) spoke in favor, citing economic benefits and the applicants' good character.
- Janice Newsom (neighbor on Amanda Street) expressed concerns about dust, traffic, and safety on gravel roads.
- Lewis Engel (neighbor on Panama Street) described narrow roads and difficulty passing vehicles.
Discussion Items
- Board of Adjustment Appeal (Item 13): Council debated the appeal of the Board of Adjustment's decision to allow a conditional use for a bed-and-breakfast/retreat at a property in the Western Hills area. Councilmember Shanner moved to remand the decision back to the Board of Adjustment. The motion died for lack of a second. The original motion to acknowledge the Board of Adjustment action passed 3-2 (Councilmembers Shanner, O'Kane, Moore in favor; Mayor Scott and Councilmember Waters opposed; Councilmember Moore abstained). The mayor stated the council cannot reverse the decision, only remand. The mayor urged LaCroix to meet with neighbors.
- Solid Waste Ordinance Amendment (Item 16): Public Works Director Tom Pingle and Environmental Specialist Aramontane explained the amendment expands existing residential regulations to commercial properties, allowing the city to contract for trash removal when commercial containers overflow and bill the property owner. The ordinance passed 5-0.
- Other ordinances (Items 14, 15, 17): Vacating portions of Floyd Boulevard, dedicating and naming tracts as Floyd Boulevard, and correcting descriptors for Old Lake Port Road all passed 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- The council acknowledged the Board of Adjustment's action on the LaCroix property (vote 3-2). The property will proceed with the conditional use for one year; the council urged LaCroix to engage with neighbors.
- The consent agenda was approved as a block.
- The solid waste ordinance amendment was adopted.
- Three other ordinances regarding street dedications and naming were adopted.
- Citizen Susanna Lang voiced grievances about the legal system; the city attorney agreed to speak with her after the meeting.
Council Member Comments
- Councilmember O'Kane noted successful weekend events (River Sans, etc.) and upcoming employee/volunteer appreciation events.
- Councilmember Shanner reminded residents of the primary election on October 7, encouraging voting.
- Councilmember Waters proposed a volunteer snow-clearing program modeled on Cedar Rapids for residents with mobility impairments. Public works staff will explore implementation.
- Mayor Scott announced a council retreat on Wednesday and reminded members of United Way donation deadlines.
Meeting Transcript
Here. O'Kane. Here. Shanner. Here. Scott. Here. Waters. Here. You stand for a moment of silent prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, please. And to the flag in the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation. Oh God. I can't read or writing. Thank you. We have a proclamation that reads that whereas in 1988, the United States Congress adopted a resolution designating September 15th to October 15th of each year as National Hispanic Heritage Month. And whereas the Hispanic community has had a profound influence on our community through strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and services. And whereas at least 18,000 of our Sioux City population is Hispanic Heritage, which makes up at least 21% of our overall community. Whereas during National Hispanic Heritage Month, the United States celebrates the culture, the history, the traditions, and the contributions of Hispanic Americans, specifically those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Now, therefore, I Robert E. Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 15th, October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Sioux City and encourage all our citizens to celebrate the con celebrate the contributions that have been made to our community by Hispanic Americans. Thank you so much. On behalf of Unity in Action in the Latino and Immigrant Communities of Siouxland, I am truly honored to accept this Heritage Month proclamation. This recognition is more than a document. It's a celebration of the stories, culture, and contributions that generations of Latino families have made to our region and to our country. From our earliest settlers to today's entrepreneurs, educators, essential workers, artists, and leaders, we have helped shape the Siouxland's history and future. Excuse me, City of Sioux City, for recognizing the importance of this month and for supporting efforts that bring neighbors together. As we celebrate, I encourage you to continue investing in opportunities for all families, empowering the next generation of leaders and working together so that Siouxland remains a place of belonging. Thank you so much. And whereas one in three women and one in nine men will experience violence in their lifetime and domestic violence violates basic human rights by stripping away dignity, security, and self-worth through physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. And whereas Safe Place works every day to end those acts of violence and to help survivors rebuild their lives. Whereas in Siouxland, the safe place is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and last year alone responded to over 1,500 victims of flea fleeing abuse, ensuring despite the high demand, no one in immediate danger was turned away. Whereas domestic violence affects the entire community, only a coordinated community response can end these crimes and sustain the funding needed for the life-saving services. Now therefore I Robert E. Scott, mayor of the City of Sioux City, Iowa, on behalf of the City Council, to hereby proclaim October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in Sioux City and urge all our citizens to actively participate in the scheduled events and programs and to think about the fact that it's it is someone you know to do. Thank you. Domestic violence touches every part of our community, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. This proclamation reminds us that ending abuse takes all of us by sharing resources wearing purple and speaking out. We send a clear message. There is no excuse for domestic violence, and everyone deserves to live free from fear. On behalf of Safe Place and the survivors we serve, thank you for standing with us. All right, thank you. We will go to the consent agenda, which is two through twelve after date. You can consider these items to pass unanimously and as a separate roll call voters requested by a council member. Anyone wishing to speak on an agenda item may come to the podium at the time the item is being discussed. Anybody wishing to speak on an item that's not on the agenda can come up under citizen concerns. Please remember to always stage your name for the record. I move the consent agenda. Second. Two is a reading of the September 27th and September 17th and 22nd council minutes.
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