Sioux City Council Meeting – July 6, 2026

The Sioux City Council met on July 6, 2026, with Mayor Scott absent and Mayor Pro Tem presiding. The meeting opened with a send-off for the Miracle League athletes heading to Cincinnati, followed by a consent agenda, public hearings on ordinances, a presentation on blight removal funding, a discussion on the upcoming police chief recruitment, and citizen concerns. Key actions included approval of several resolutions and ordinances, including first reading of a UTV ordinance, a sewer rate increase effective July 1, 2027, and numerous property transactions.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3-14K were approved unanimously. Notable discussions included:
  • Item 4: Resolution amending bank deposit limits – City Manager explained increases allow the city to move funds for better interest rates; decreases reflect a transition from Wells Fargo to U.S. Bank.
  • Item 5: Resolution amending general fund balance policy to a maximum of 35% to align with new state legislation. Council clarified the policy is conservative; the change allows larger reserves but Sioux City historically uses excess to reduce property taxes.
  • Item 6: Resolution authorizing an airport improvement grant application for 20 vehicle movement area transponders, a safety measure prompted by FAA after recent incidents.
  • Item 8: Resolution suspending civil service hiring requirements for wastewater treatment plant employees for one year (third extension). HR Director noted other departments (police, utilities) have similar waivers.
  • Item 9: Resolution awarding purchase order for a 2027 Ford E350 cutaway van. Council questioned low bids; fleet manager explained the specialized nature limits vendors. Council suggested future meetings with local dealers to broaden participation.
  • Item 10G: Resolution for merchant services agreement for parks and rec facilities; council confirmed the agreement can be amended if facilities change.
  • Item 10I/J: Resolution for pump removal/repair services; council clarified pumps must be taken to the vendor's shop for evaluation.

Appointments to Boards & Commissions

• Items 15-22 were approved individually. Significant debate occurred on Item 20 (Airport Board of Trustees) and Item 21 (Library Board of Trustees) where council voted on each candidate separately after discussion on procedure.
  • Airport Board: David Kaplan, Barbara Slanaker, and Pat McElroy appointed; Tyler Cruz failed to receive a second.
  • Library Board: Linda Santee and Terrence Feinstra appointed. A motion to nominate a third candidate was ruled out because two positions were already filled; reconsideration would require four votes.
• Michelle Bostonellos was recommended for a third term on the Planning and Zoning Commission (special exception), with council expressing strong support.

Public Hearings & Ordinances

• Item 25: Ordinance rezoning 1213 Grandview Boulevard (Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools) – Approved 4-0 after waiver of second and third readings.
• Item 26: Ordinance vacating a portion of an alley for Bishop Heelan – Approved 4-0 with waiver.
• Item 27: Resolution approving plans and specs for Long Lines Family Recreation Center ballroom/field project – Approved 3-1 (Mayor absent) after discussion about funding and long‐term plans for the Tyson Events Center.
• Item 28: Resolution selling part of vacated alley to Morningside University – Approved 4-0.
• Item 29: Resolution selling vacated alley to Clarence Gordon – Approved 4-0.
• Item 30: Resolution selling part of vacated alley to George and Randy Joe Sully – Approved 4-0.
• Ordinance amending sewer rates: Increases rates for outside municipalities and improvement districts by 27.4%, effective July 1, 2027 (delayed due to notice requirements). Passed all readings 4-0 after waiver.
• Ordinance amending Title 10 (UTVs): First reading only (4-0); council directed staff to bring back modifications in two weeks, including expanded city personnel exemptions, a table of contents, and feedback on tire requirements (DOT vs. NHS), enforcement, and designated feeder routes. The public and dealerships are encouraged to provide input.

Presentation: Blight Removal Funding

• Teresa Finch, Darrell Bolock, Marty Dorty, and Jill Wanderscheid presented the current status of demolition funds ($537,756 available) and projected shortfall ($872,000) for 11 homes, 14 future homes, and 4 commercial properties.
• Darrell Bolock noted rising costs due to new utility disconnect requirements, asbestos abatement, and landfill fees.
• Jill Wanderscheid offered up to $100,000 in CDBG funds for demolition of spot blight, subject to environmental review.
• Marty Dorty reported $1.3 million in Brownfield Revolving Loan funds (restricted primarily to environmental cleanup, not demolition alone).
• Council expressed support for using CDBG funds immediately and exploring Brownfield options, while noting that future budget capacity depends on state property tax reform.

Police Chief Recruitment

• Janelle Bertrand, Rex Mueller, and Ryan Bertrand outlined the process: 19 applicants, 9 pre-screened for an assessment center (written, oral, presentation) in July; interviews by department head, community, and union panels in August.
• Council member Rayford emphasized the need for a chief who prioritizes visibility, enforcement of petty crimes, backs officers, and has a philosophy of strict enforcement over containment; also queried the role of “Blue Team” (a digital discipline documentation system).
• Monique Scarlett (NAACP) urged including community stakeholders in interviews and warned that the state’s elimination of bias training requirements (HF 2711) makes local leadership even more critical; she praised Chief Mueller’s record of building trust.

Citizen Concerns

• Sheriff Chad Sheehan requested a public transit route to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to provide equal access for low-income residents. He noted that Sergeant Bluff pays $14,000 for five stops on an existing route, while initial city quotes for an LEC route were $250,000. Council agreed to have staff provide informal estimates and continue dialogue.
• Brenda Lewis thanked council for clarifying the UTV ordinance’s driver age (18+), asked for clearer public education differentiating ATVs from UTVs, and noted difficulty finding the ordinance online.

Council Concerns

• Council member Channer announced that next week the council will vote on whether to continue the construction management contract with Kiwit for the $465-470 million wastewater treatment plant, or rebid it; the city is under a consent order from the Iowa Attorney General with a tight timeline.
• Council member Bertrand invited the public to adopt a street and emphasized a positive community reset for the 250th anniversary.
• Council member Bernstein thanked David Bernstein for organizing the Saturday in the Park event.
• Council member Rayford requested updates on the Fremar sinkhole repairs, a turning light on the bypass, the grading permit ordinance, and future presentations on water quality concerns and UnityPoint’s acquisition of Mercy Hospital.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Appointments to boards/commissions approved individually (4-0).
• Ordinances rezoning/vacating alleys approved (4-0).
• Long Lines project approved (3-1).
• Sewer rate ordinance passed all readings (4-0).
• UTV ordinance advanced to first reading only (4-0); further revisions expected in two weeks.
• Blight funding – Council supported using CDBG funds immediately and exploring Brownfield eligibility; formal decision deferred to future budget cycle.
• Police chief search – Assessment center to proceed; council to receive finalist interviews.
• Transit access to LEC – City staff to provide informal cost estimates for a route.
• Next meeting (mid-July) will include wastewater treatment plant contract decision and second reading of UTV ordinance.