Sioux City Council Meeting - March 2, 2026

The City Council met on March 2, 2026, to address a wide range of issues including proclamations, consent agenda items, public comments, and detailed discussions on the solid waste fee structure, ATV/UTV use on city streets, homelessness data and programs, and wastewater odor control. The meeting also included updates on the building permit process and council concerns.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, covering items 3 through 128, was moved and seconded. Councilmember Bernstein asked clarifying questions about item 18D (purchase order for Andritz Separation) and received an explanation from Assistant Public Works Director Vicky Baker.
• Councilmember Scott abstained from the vote as he was not present for the discussion.
• Items passed unanimously except where noted, with votes recorded for individual items throughout the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan McGaffin spoke against allowing ATVs and UTVs on city streets, arguing that roadways are for transportation, not recreation. He also urged the council to avoid deep cuts to the library budget (over 25%) and to consider fee increases for library services rather than facility closures. Councilmembers clarified that no library closures or layoffs are imminent, and that discussions about budget models are ongoing following unresponsive feedback from the library board.
• Alex Waters addressed the council regarding a deferred appointment to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, expressing confusion over the deferral and indicating he would return the following week.
• James Barrett requested assistance with two issues: a tree on public property dropping limbs at 2000 West Fifth Street, and overflowing garbage cans at a rental property at 1922 West Fifth Street causing noise and litter. Councilmember Mike followed up on both matters.

Discussion Items

• National Problem Gambling Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Robert E. Scott proclaimed March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Shannon Runger, Compliance Manager at Hard Rock Sioux City, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the center.
• Commendation for Dick Lindbroom: The council commended Dick Lindbroom for 44 years of volunteer service as Santa Claus, noting he wore the suit 22 times during the most recent holiday season alone.
• Appointments and Deferrals: Councilmember McKinley was appointed to the Jilian Kosovo Sister City Committee (5-0). The reappointment of Jacob Wondershide and the appointment of Brett Washgorn to the fiscal and public policy committee passed (4-1, with Councilmember Scott dissenting on the latter). The appointment of Alex Waters to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee was deferred for one week.
• Solid Waste Fee Amendments (Ordinance 5014): A long debate centered on adjusting solid waste collection fees. Data showed that with no increase, the fund would drop to about $13,000. A 1% increase would leave about $69,694; 2% about $126,000; 3% about $183,000. Councilmember Bernstein proposed an amendment to: (1) freeze the first can (95-gallon) rate at $18.38 (instead of increasing to the proposed $18.93) and the 65-gallon can at current rate; and (2) increase the second additional can rate by $1.00 (from $4.50 to $5.50) per month, generating approximately $258,000. The amendment passed (4-1 with Councilmember Bertrand dissenting). The third reading of the amended ordinance also passed (4-1). The motion included direction to reduce the automatic 3% CPI increase for the first can.
• ATV/UTV Ordinance Direction (Item 19): The council discussed authorizing staff to draft an ordinance to legalize ATVs and UTVs on specified city streets. Councilmember Bernstein suggested forming a working group first, and the item was deferred (4-1) with direction to bring back a draft within 60 days (by late April/early May). A citizen offered a list of Iowa cities that allow such vehicles.
• Odor Control for Wastewater Treatment: Assistant Public Works Director Vicky Baker and Pretreatment Manager Cameron Bell presented findings on sewer odor. They reported that the city spent $662,000 on chemical odor control in 2025, with $55,000 per month currently. Proposed phase one plant upgrades (part of a 30-35 million project) are projected to reduce detectable odors from 26% of hours to 0.1%. For lift stations, a superoxygenation trial at Floyd station successfully reduced downstream odors but would increase chemical costs to $150,000 per month. Options including vapor phase systems (biological filters) were presented. The current odor control contract expires June 30, 2026, and will be re-bid.
• Homeless Task Force Update: Chief Rex Mueller reported that between February 2 and February 22, 2026, the task force located 14 encampments, conducted 5 cleanup operations, and contacted 20 new individuals. Captain Chris Groves highlighted a meeting with judges who requested more detailed affidavits for habitual offenders to support longer holds. The chief also announced his retirement at the end of the month, with Captain Bertran replacing him.
• Homelessness Data Presentation: Jill Watershide, Neighborhood Services Manager, provided a detailed presentation on homelessness in Sioux City. Key statistics for calendar year 2025: 1,054 individuals (755 households) on the coordinated entry list; 565 intakes completed; 246 identified as chronically homeless; 655 self-reported a disability; 26 self-reported as sex offenders; 27 self-reported as veterans. Out of 70 referrals for housing programs, only 18 were successful (2.8% of those on the list). The city's homeless court pilot project (first in Iowa) was introduced, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Iowa Finance Authority. A same-day service fair is scheduled for St. Patrick's Day.
• Building Permit Process Update: Staff reported progress on upgrading the permit software (Central Square) with a new project manager. Over the next two weeks, technical installation for online payments will be completed. A firmer timeline for configuration and training will follow. Staff noted a recent uptick in permit applications (14-16 in the past week) and a commitment to improve customer service and speed.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations: March 2026 declared Problem Gambling Awareness Month; Dick Lindbroom commended for 44 years as Santa.
• Solid Waste Fee Ordinance (Item 5014): Third reading passed (4-1). The first can rate is frozen at current levels; the second can rate increases by $1.00 per month. No increase on 65-gallon cans.
• ATV/UTV Ordinance: Deferred for 60 days to allow a working group to draft regulations.
• Appointments: McKinley (Sister City Committee) appointed; Wondershide and Washgorn appointed to fiscal committee (both 4-1); Waters deferred.
• Consent Agenda: Passed (5-0) after discussion and question resolution.
• Contracts: The odor control contract will be re-bid after June 30; the current provider's extension will expire.
• Next Steps: City staff to follow up on tree limb and garbage can complaints; continue homeless task force operations; continue odor control measures and contract bidding; proceed with permit software implementation; library budget discussions to continue with board input.