Sioux City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

On July 20, 2026, the Sioux City Council met to discuss and act on a variety of items including property transactions, infrastructure projects, public safety regulations, and administrative contracts. The meeting included significant debate on the transfer of a property easement, rejection of a cost-prohibitive water treatment plant bid, and second reading of an ordinance allowing off-road utility vehicles on city streets.

Consent Calendar

• Approved cigarette, tobacco, and vapor product permits (Item 12).
• Approved alcohol license applications (Item 13).
• Accepted minutes from various boards and commissions (Item 14).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Roger Caudron (representing seller and buyer of the Martin Tower property) argued against deferring the easement assignment, stating the closing was scheduled for July 29 and a delay would disrupt financing.
• Penny Tobin (UTV dealer) commented on tire requirements and age limit, noting that most UTV tires are not DOT-rated and that maturity between 18 and 21 is similar.
• Reagan Cody (Downtown Partners) supported removing the downtown exclusion from the UTV ordinance, citing that a citywide ordinance should be enforced equally.
• Todd Eggman (property owner at 1601 River Drive) expressed disappointment that the city was now seeking to purchase his property for the flood levee extension after previously being told it was not needed.
• Stuart Lee (IBC) defended his company's local service and noted the small price difference compared to the low bidder for the flexible spending account contract.
• Catherine Meyer (citizen) alleged corruption and perjury by city staff and animal control, requesting their termination and threatening federal litigation. She was referred to the county attorney.

Discussion Items

• Property Easement Assignment (Item 11B): Council debated whether to approve the assignment of a mutual easement for the Martin Tower property. Mayor Scott and other members argued for delaying to negotiate the city's exit from the property. After hearing from the concerned parties, the council voted to defer the item to July 27, 2026 (vote 6-0).
• Pearl Street Railroad Improvements (Item 15): Following a public hearing, Council members questioned the necessity of additional improvements, as the area was already a quiet zone. The resolution failed with a vote of 1 to 4 (Shayner in favor).
• Parking Fee and Fine Increases (Item 16): The council discussed a proposal to increase parking rates and fines. Concerns were raised about the impact on parkers and the need for incremental increases. The item was deleted (motion passed unanimously) to allow the Parking and Skywalk Board to review and bring back a more detailed recommendation.
• Off-Road Utility Vehicle Ordinance (Item 17): Second reading of an ordinance regulating UTVs on city streets. Council considered an alternate version with housekeeping changes. An amendment to remove the downtown prohibition zone passed 4-1 (Rayford opposed). An additional amendment to raise the minimum age to 21 failed. The ordinance as amended passed second reading (vote 5-0).
• Big Sioux River Levee Extension (Item 18): A resolution approving the project concept plan was approved unanimously.
• Consulting Services Amendment (Item 19): Approved unanimously.
• FSA, HSA, COBRA Administration Contracts (Items 20-22): The council discussed bundling of contracts and a local vendor's slightly higher bid. A motion to defer for two weeks passed unanimously to allow further review.
• Hamilton Boulevard/Triview Avenue Intersection (Item 23): The council voted to delete this item to allow further discussion by the Public Works Committee.
• Water Treatment Plant Guaranteed Maximum Price (Item 24): The contractor Keywit submitted a GMP of $467 million against a $285 million budget. Council members criticized the cost and recommended rejecting the GMP and exiting the contract. The resolution to approve it failed (vote 0-5).
• Wastewater Treatment Plant GMP (Item 25): The council approved a resolution not accepting the GMP (vote 5-0), effectively rejecting the bid and proceeding with rebidding.
• Panhandling Signs and Bus Ticket Program (Item 26): Jill Wanderscheid presented an update. The council discussed effectiveness and proposed replacing current signs with a more direct message ("Stop panhandling. Stop giving."). Staff will follow up.
• Water Quality Presentation: Utility Director Brad Pitts provided an overview of Sioux City's drinking water quality, addressing nitrate levels, disinfection byproducts, and PFAS. He noted that the city meets all regulations and is working on a new collector well to address PFAS contamination.

Key Outcomes

• Deferred the property easement assignment to July 27, 2026.
• Rejected the Pearl Street railroad improvement resolution.
• Deleted the parking fee increase item for further study.
• Approved second reading of the UTV ordinance, with amendments including removal of the downtown exclusion; third reading scheduled for a later date.
• Approved the Big Sioux River Levee concept plan and the consulting amendment.
• Deferred the FSA/HSA/COBRA contract negotiations for two weeks.
• Deleted the Hamilton Boulevard intersection design decision for further public works review.
• Rejected the water treatment plant GMP; will terminate contract with Keywit and rebid.
• Approved rejection of wastewater treatment plant GMP; will also rebid.
• No formal action on the panhandling signs or bus ticket program; staff to report back with a redesigned sign.
• Heard citizen concerns from Catherine Meyer; no immediate action taken.