Sioux City City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026
Sioux City City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026
The Sioux City City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 8:12 PM. The meeting began with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Robert E. Scott proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Sioux City, noting that mental illness affects one in five adults and about two in ten children. Morgan Haskell accepted the proclamation. The consent agenda (items 2 through 11B) was approved unanimously after discussion.
Consent Calendar
- Reading of the minutes from May 4, 2026, with a directive to continue dialogue on a permanent food truck location.
- Resolution temporarily closing streets in Morningside for the morning side day carnival parade and staging.
- Resolution accepting a donation from the Sioux City Parks and Recreation Foundation for the Big Sioux pedestrian bridge crossing phase two project.
- Resolution approving a purchase agreement for easements at Singing Hills Boulevard.
- Consulting services agreement with Black and Beach for the PFAS mitigation project.
- Permit to Metro Fibernet for underground fiber.
- Amendment to consulting services agreement with DGR Engineering for the Parkview Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project. Council members expressed concerns about the significant amendment (increase to $485,000, described as 26%) and questioned whether it should have been rebid. The city engineer explained that construction administration and inspection were added later due to workload constraints, and pricing is negotiated after selection per state law. The amendment was included and approved as part of the consent agenda.
- Awards to Sioux City Engineering for water main and sewer projects, and to INA Construction for sidewalk ramps.
- Payment approvals for pedestrian bridge and water main projects.
- Purchase order for sulfuric acid and property insurance for wastewater treatment plant.
- Permits for tobacco and alcohol licenses, and board minutes.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Melvin Carter (citizen) questioned the need for a larger runway at the airport, expressing concern about the scale of the project. Council members explained that the runway extension is necessary to retain the 185th Air National Guard unit, which provides 800–900 jobs. The current runway limits the Guard's tanker aircraft to 50–70% fuel load, requiring refueling stops. The master plan also benefits economic development.
Discussion Items
- Triplex Plat (Hanson Dunn Acres addition): The Planning and Zoning Commission had denied the plat (2–3 vote) due to lot size non-compliance. The petitioner presented a revised plan that meets code requirements. Neighbors raised concerns about covenants and design compatibility. The developer noted that covenant review is pending. After debate, the council voted to send the plat back to P&Z for reconsideration, allowing time to address outstanding issues. Motion by Councilman Baronstein, seconded by Councilman Scott, carried.
- Vacating portion of Sacawea Park: Hearing on ordinance to vacate a portion of the park at 1904 South Rustin Street. P&Z recommended approval unanimously. The council approved the ordinance.
- Water Main Replacement Project: Hearing on plans and specs for the undersized water main replacement project. Approved.
- Budget Amendment: Hearing on amending the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Approved. Finance director noted technical transfers.
- Sanitary Sewer Rate Increase: Third reading of ordinance to increase rates for outside municipalities by 27.4% effective November 1, 2026. Approved 4–0. Councilman Bertrand called it a win for Sioux City taxpayers, generating over $1 million for construction.
- Storm Water Fee Ordinance: First reading of ordinance modifying storm water collection fees. Moved to first reading.
- Airport Master Plan Presentation: Mike Becker and Darren Christopher from RSNH presented the 20-year master plan for Sioux Gateway Airport. The plan includes a $672 million capital program over 20 years, with $360 million from military sources (Nexus program $220 million, hangars $140 million) and the remainder from FAA, state, and local funds. The plan covers runway extensions, taxiway improvements, and general aviation expansions to support the 185th Air National Guard and potential commercial growth. The FAA approved the plan in early 2026.
- Council Concerns:
- Councilman Rick thanked field services for a cleanup, discussed review of the grading permit process, requested a variance presentation for June 1, asked about trimming equipment for curbs, and thanked Daryl for field support.
- Councilman Craig asked about fuel cost management (forward purchase not done; budget amendment likely), noted the new Security National Bank sign at the ball field, praised National Police Week ceremony, and acknowledged ongoing discussions about homelessness.
- Councilman Mike inquired about the downtown ambassador program (new ambassador started April 15; memo with numbers coming).
- Councilman Bertrand thanked for property cleanup behind the Beacons building, congratulated graduates, and mentioned the Gildan delegate visit.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda items 2 through 11B approved unanimously.
- Triplex plat sent back to Planning and Zoning for reconsideration.
- Ordinance vacating Sacawea Park approved.
- Resolution approving plans for water main replacement project approved.
- Budget amendment approved.
- Sanitary sewer rates for outside municipalities increased by 27.4% (third reading passed 4–0).
- First reading of storm water fee ordinance moved.
- Airport master plan presentation received; council acknowledged the plan.
- Council directed staff on grading permit review and variance presentation.
- Downtown ambassador program update noted.
Meeting Transcript
Rayford. Here. That can we stand for a moment of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, please. I pledge to the flag of the United States. Morgan Haskell. There's Morgan. We missed you last Monday. We had a dog issue at my house, so we live in some clubs. So you know we don't have animal care. Dog issues always over. And I couldn't tell the police department. Sorry, I have to go except for confirmation in City. All right. Whereas the mental health is essential to everyone's overhaul, overall physical health and emotional well-being, and surroundings can impact if, how, and when a person's needs are met, which in turn affects mental health. Mental illness will strike one in five adults and about two in ten children live with a serious mental or emotional disorder, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. Whereas people who have mental illness can recover and lead full productive lives with the help of the Mental Health Roundtable, which consists of various agencies working together to destigmatize mental health in the Siouxland area. Whereas stigma continues to be the single most significant barrier to people getting the help they need. And whereas access to early diagnosis, crisis intervention, appropriate treatment and support, including integrated treatment, is critical to the well-being of our families, communities, schools, and businesses, and greater public awareness about mental illness can change negative attitudes and behaviors towards people with mental illness. Now, therefore, I Robert E. Scott, mayor of the city of Sioux City Island Bio City Council to hereby proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Sioux City and urge the citizens of Sioux City to recommit our community to increasing awareness, understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible service for all people with mental ill. I'd like to present this to you and then say a few words if you would. Thank you so much. Um thank you again for doing it this year. I think this is the third year that I've accepted this proclamation, so thank you very much. Um the more we talk about mental health, the more people will know that it's okay to get help. Um so thank you for all that you're doing. And I just encourage council members, everybody here today to wear green on Thursday, May 14th. We want to paint Soulean green to show our support to let the community know that we stand by them and we want them to get help. So thank you very much. Thank you. Thanks, Morgan. The consent agenda today is two through eleven B, and you can consider these items to pass unanimously unless a separate roll call vote is requested by a council member. Anyone wishing to speak on the agenda may come up at to the podium at the time the item is being discussed. Anyone wanting to speak on an item not on the agenda should come up under citizen concerns? All speakers shall state their name for the record and then provide their statement. I'll move the consent agenda. Second. Two is a reading of the city council minutes of May 4th, 2026. Just one comment. I don't have any modifications or amendments, but I did want to note on the item related to the food trucks in the minutes. I just want to make sure that we continue Mike that dialogue about identifying a permanent location. Enough people have mentioned that. Um I don't think that the downtown businesses or the restaurants are opposed. I think they like the the ancillary nature of it. Um so let's just make sure we continue that dialogue. Thank you. Three is a resolution temporary closing various streets in Morningside area for the morningside day carnival parade and staging. Four is a resolution accepting a donation from the Sioux City Parks and Recreation Foundation for the Big Sioux pedestrian bridge crossing phase two project. Is is that foundation separate from the city? The foundation's completely separate.
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