OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Sioux City City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

Council Meetings — Monday, May 4, 2026
BodySioux City, Iowa
SessionCouncil Meetings
DateMonday, May 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:20:20

Transcript — Verbatim
0:20

Rayford here.

0:21

Shayner here.

0:22

Scott.

0:23

Here, please stand for a moment of silent prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:31

Pledge of allegiance.

0:33

The United States of America.

0:35

And so the Republic for which it stands.

0:38

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:50

Morgan here.

0:55

Don't see Morgan.

0:57

I don't see her.

0:58

Anybody here with Mount Health or this month?

1:04

There is not news representing the nation online.

1:19

Whereas, on behalf of the City Council, I'm pleased to join the Historic Preservation Commission in promoting May 4th through the 19th as Historic Preservation Week in Sioux City, Iowa.

1:32

Whereas historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.

1:44

Whereas historic preservation is relevant for all Americans of all ages, all walks of life, and all ethnic backgrounds.

1:50

Whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contribution made by dedicated individuals in helping preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people in a community.

2:03

Now that therefore I Robert E.

2:05

Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City, Iowa, on behalf of the City Council, to hereby proclaim May 4th through May 9th, 2026's historic preservation week.

2:15

I read it the way it was, so we'll get that change for you.

2:18

In Sioux City, Iowa, and urge all our citizens to learn more about Sioux City and its rich and historic past.

2:24

I'd like to present this to you guys and thank you for the great work you do in our community.

2:29

You do a great job of making Sioux City better and say a few words.

2:33

Oh okay.

2:34

Um let's just do a quick recap of what the week entails.

2:38

The highlights were all well, of course, today.

2:42

I mean, look how many people came in.

2:45

Yeah, yeah.

2:46

And then Wednesday night, Tom will be doing Sioux City Trivia at Sioux City Distilling.

2:53

That is who our award is going to this year for historic preservation great feasts.

2:59

So if you have not been to Sioux City Distilling, you'll have two chances this week to go.

3:03

Six o'clock on Wednesday for Sioux City Trivia.

3:06

Uh Austin Foster will be serving some cocktails.

3:10

And we'll have some food.

3:11

And then Friday at four, we will present them with the Sioux City Star Award for his epic uh things he's done with preserving the Ogden Building, better known as the Wigman Building.

3:24

It's at four.

3:25

So that'll be fun.

3:27

Thank you.

3:28

Thank you.

3:29

Thank you.

3:46

We have a proclamation that reads, whereas Sioux City recognizes that nothing is more precious.

3:54

It's a well, we've got to go over these, more precious in our community than the growth and development of our children and every young person deserves a safe, loving, and stable home.

4:03

And whereas foster care plays a vital role in providing safe and nurturing environments for children and youth in need.

4:09

And whereas foster kinship and adopted families open their hearts and homes to children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, thereby launching young people into successful adulthoods.

4:25

And whereas a strong network of community partners, including nonprofits, volunteer mentors, education and government agencies help create a sport system that uplifts youth and care and promotes long-term stability and well-being.

4:39

Whereas Sioux City acknowledges the essential work of these individuals and organizations, encourage more residents to become involved by fostering, advocating and supporting families in their community.

4:52

Now therefore, our Robert E.

5:00

Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City, Iowa, on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim May 2026 as National Foster Care Month, and urge our residents to recognize the significance of foster care and honor the individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives of children and youth in foster care.

5:13

I'd like to present this.

5:14

Do you guys say a few words?

5:15

We'll get that one word change.

5:17

That's great.

5:19

So my name is Emma Kroll, and this is Gene Schneiders.

5:23

We are here with Four Oaks Lutheran Services in Iowa, representing foster care and adoption here today.

5:29

We just want to thank you guys for declaring May as National Foster Care Month.

5:33

And then as well as thank our families out there supporting our children.

5:38

And then again, we do have a huge need of foster families across the state of Iowa, especially here in our county.

5:44

So if you are interested, go to our website, Iowa Foster and Adoption.org.

5:48

Very good.

5:49

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Blight Removal████████████████████████24%
Homelessness█████████████████████21%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Public Safety████████8%
Procedural██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Active Transportation█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Affordable Housing███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Sioux City City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Sioux City City Council met on May 4, 2026, to address a range of items including proclamations, consent agenda approvals, public hearings on civil penalties, an ordinance adjusting sanitary sewer rates, and a motion to draft an ordinance legalizing UTV use on specified city streets. The meeting also featured extensive public comment on the warming shelter and homeless services, as well as staff presentations on nuisance procedures and HART team updates.

Proclamations

  • Historic Preservation Week: Mayor Robert E. Scott proclaimed May 4–9, 2026, as Historic Preservation Week in Sioux City, presented to the Historic Preservation Commission.
  • National Foster Care Month: The Mayor proclaimed May 2026 as National Foster Care Month, presented to Emma Kroll and Gene Schneiders of Four Oaks Lutheran Services.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 2 through 19G were approved unanimously via a single motion. Notable items included:
    • Appointment of Corrine Eriksson to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (waiving the single-board policy).
    • Resolution authorizing negotiations with Riverside Technologies for IT managed services at Oak View facilities.
    • Resolution authorizing negotiations for primary and secondary cabling vendors (Councilmember Bertrand abstained from one due to conflict of interest).
    • Appointment of Jason Allen as Transit Director.
    • Acceptance of work and payment to KP Construction for the West Clifton Avenue Sanitary Sewer Siphon Improvement Project.
    • Multiple grant applications for airport improvements (terminal, apron reconstruction, air service sustainment, taxiway C, perimeter fence).
    • Street closure resolutions for various summer events (Food Truck Fridays, Pride Festival/Parade, Ride for the Kids, Leeds Community Days).
    • Contracts and agreements including a minimum assessment agreement with Midwest Wheel Company at 3000 Outer Drive.
    • Resolutions regarding property: 90-day stay of demolition for 2818 Sergeant Road (owner Tanya and Jeff Okolskis plans to restore); sale of vacated H Street portions adjacent to 702 St. Mary Street.
    • Purchasing orders: two dump trucks from I State Truck Center; sodium permanganate from Keras Corporation.
    • Alcohol and tobacco permits, board minutes.

Public Hearings

  • Item 20 (Seeger Avenue water main replacement plans): Passed 5-0.
  • Item 13A (Civil penalty $300 against Love Truck Stop for cigarette law violation): Passed 5-0.
  • Item 13B (Civil penalty $1,500 and 30-day suspension of Sky High Smoke Shop's cigarette permit, third violation): Owner Moose Almos Me spoke, stating employees were not scanning IDs; council explained state code mandates the penalty and they could not modify it. Passed 5-0.
  • Item 22 (Ordinance increasing sanitary sewer rates for outside municipalities and improvement districts by 27.4% effective November 1, 2026): Second reading passed 5-0. Councilmember Bertrand noted the increase equates to about $4.40/month for an average household and that surrounding communities understand the need.
  • Item 23 (Ordinance modifying stormwater collection fee): Third reading passed 5-0.

Discussion Items

  • UTV Ordinance Draft Authorization (Item 24): Councilmember Ike presented results of a public listening session and a survey showing 67% support for allowing UTVs on city streets, 31% opposed, 2% unsure (sample size 826). Council debated enforcement concerns, including fines and impoundment for violations. Councilmember Bertrand proposed increasing ATV fines concurrently and suggested a one-year trial period. Motion to direct staff to draft an ordinance (UTVs only, not ATVs) passed 5-0, with instructions to include strong enforcement provisions and options for different levels of restriction.
  • Nuisance Procedures Presentation: Marty and Heidi from Inspection Services presented the property nuisance process: 5,512 cases in FY2025 leading to 14,000+ inspections and 41 search warrants. They explained notification requirements, the use of certified mail, and abatement procedures. Council discussed proactive versus complaint-driven enforcement and the 12-inch grass height standard.
  • Police Department/HART Update: Chief reported on collaborative efforts with Inspection Services and the HART team, including a chart showing individuals willing/unwilling to accept services. He noted progress in breaking down silos and emphasized law enforcement's role for the 20% who refuse help.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • 901 Nebraska Street property: Lee Hyde (owner) requested additional time beyond the 90-day stay to complete plans; council expressed skepticism but offered 30 days to demonstrate progress with stamped plans and financing evidence.
  • Warming Shelter: Executive Director Shayla Moore responded to prior council discussions classifying the shelter as a nuisance, urged collaboration over finger-pointing. Multiple citizens (Joe Twidwell, Dave Floors, Tim Young, Hope Fawcett, Rachel Tudehope) spoke in support of the shelter and called for a cooperative, solutions-oriented approach. Councilmember Craig reiterated his position that the 20% causing problems need to be addressed, while others urged more council involvement with the Siouxland Coalition to End Homelessness.
  • Dinosaur Park: Melden Carter requested maintenance and improvements, noting children enjoy the park. Council acknowledged ongoing park review by Matt.
  • Meeting Time: Brett Walton requested the council consider moving meetings to 5:00 PM and suggested a survey; also criticized the budget meeting time.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda passed unanimously (all items).
  • Public hearings on civil penalties, sewer rate increase, and stormwater fee passed 5-0.
  • Motion to draft UTV ordinance passed 5-0.
  • Staff directed to expedite review of Lee Hyde's plans for 901 Nebraska Street; council indicated willingness to reconsider demolition based on progress.
  • Council acknowledged the need for a consultant to address social services issues, as proposed by Councilmember Bernstein.
  • Staff to provide updates on grading permit process and variance process (per Councilmember Bertrand).
  • Council requested a presentation from Downtown Partners on ambassador program.
  • Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Rayford here. Shayner here. Scott. Here, please stand for a moment of silent prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of allegiance. The United States of America. And so the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Morgan here. Don't see Morgan. I don't see her. Anybody here with Mount Health or this month? There is not news representing the nation online. Whereas, on behalf of the City Council, I'm pleased to join the Historic Preservation Commission in promoting May 4th through the 19th as Historic Preservation Week in Sioux City, Iowa. Whereas historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability. Whereas historic preservation is relevant for all Americans of all ages, all walks of life, and all ethnic backgrounds. Whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contribution made by dedicated individuals in helping preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people in a community. Now that therefore I Robert E. Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City, Iowa, on behalf of the City Council, to hereby proclaim May 4th through May 9th, 2026's historic preservation week. I read it the way it was, so we'll get that change for you. In Sioux City, Iowa, and urge all our citizens to learn more about Sioux City and its rich and historic past. I'd like to present this to you guys and thank you for the great work you do in our community. You do a great job of making Sioux City better and say a few words. Oh okay. Um let's just do a quick recap of what the week entails. The highlights were all well, of course, today. I mean, look how many people came in. Yeah, yeah. And then Wednesday night, Tom will be doing Sioux City Trivia at Sioux City Distilling. That is who our award is going to this year for historic preservation great feasts. So if you have not been to Sioux City Distilling, you'll have two chances this week to go. Six o'clock on Wednesday for Sioux City Trivia. Uh Austin Foster will be serving some cocktails. And we'll have some food. And then Friday at four, we will present them with the Sioux City Star Award for his epic uh things he's done with preserving the Ogden Building, better known as the Wigman Building. It's at four. So that'll be fun. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have a proclamation that reads, whereas Sioux City recognizes that nothing is more precious. It's a well, we've got to go over these, more precious in our community than the growth and development of our children and every young person deserves a safe, loving, and stable home. And whereas foster care plays a vital role in providing safe and nurturing environments for children and youth in need. And whereas foster kinship and adopted families open their hearts and homes to children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, thereby launching young people into successful adulthoods. And whereas a strong network of community partners, including nonprofits, volunteer mentors, education and government agencies help create a sport system that uplifts youth and care and promotes long-term stability and well-being. Whereas Sioux City acknowledges the essential work of these individuals and organizations, encourage more residents to become involved by fostering, advocating and supporting families in their community. Now therefore, our Robert E. Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City, Iowa, on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim May 2026 as National Foster Care Month, and urge our residents to recognize the significance of foster care and honor the individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives of children and youth in foster care. I'd like to present this. Do you guys say a few words?

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