Sioux City Council Regular Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Sioux City Council met on September 28, 2026, with Mayor Scott absent. Council members present included Craig, Rick Bertrand, Julie, and Rayford. The meeting covered interviews for the Historic Preservation Commission, consent agenda items, a major debate on the proposed sign ordinance amendment (including a cap-and-replace provision and annual inspection fees), approval of several resolutions, and public comments addressing traffic safety, stormwater fee assistance for disabled veterans, and budgeting priorities. The meeting lasted from approximately 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM (inferred from transcript).

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 through 12 were considered en bloc and passed unanimously (4-0), with the exception of item 9C (settlement agreement regarding Judy Kellen) which was pulled for separate consideration and passed 4-0.
• Notable consent items included: reading of September 16 and 21 council minutes; acceptance of the Fiscal and Public Policy Committee FY26 annual report; resolutions authorizing police department grant applications ($104,000 for traffic enforcement overtime, impaired driving enforcement, training, and equipment); purchase order for banquet tables ($207,000); amendments to intergovernmental support agreements; cooperative agreement with Iowa Office of Civil Rights; payments for airport fence and apron projects; approval of alcohol license changes; and board/commission minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Baker (disabled veteran) expressed frustration over the delay in implementing a stormwater utility fee discount for disabled veterans. He stated he had filed an application and was told the council supported it, but staff indicated legal review was ongoing to determine if state code allows such a discount. Baker noted that previous discounts for elderly on water and trash rates had been removed, and asked that the council consider retroactive application if the ordinance passes. Council members assured him of their appreciation for his service and that the matter was being actively researched.
• Bonnie Haffling presented extensive concerns about traffic safety, referencing specific fatal incidents in Sioux City over the prior 12 months. She cited Iowa DOT data showing 52,255 crashes and 265 fatalities statewide, with Woodbury County having 2,339 crashes and 8 deaths—all within Sioux City. She detailed three pedestrian/bicycle deaths: Keith Wetzel (71, crossing Gordon Drive, Nov 15, 2025), Anthony Wolf (60, in wheelchair, Feb 9, 2026), and Letitia Chappell (40, bicyclist, March 7, 2026)—the latter two at the same Gordon Drive location. She disputed official accounts that Ms. Chappell crossed against a red light, stating she witnessed the event and believed the pedestrian light was in her favor. Haffling also shared that she was struck by a vehicle while walking on Lakeport one week prior and criticized the city’s enforcement of traffic laws, pedestrian safety infrastructure, and perceived lack of response to her earlier outreach. Police Chief Rex Mullen responded, noting the department’s annual grant-funded traffic enforcement efforts and that fatal crashes are investigated thoroughly. Council members acknowledged her passion and promised to connect her with appropriate officials.
• Brett Watchorn argued against seeking new revenue sources, stating the city should prioritize fixing crumbling infrastructure with existing budgets. He criticized what he called “pet projects” and expressed support for state property tax caps.

Discussion Items

• Interviews for Historic Preservation Commission: Two candidates were interviewed: Amy McFarland (incumbent seeking reappointment) and Rob Seavers (new applicant). McFarland expressed interest in continuing Historic Preservation Week and implementing a recognition program for well-maintained properties. Seavers cited interest in preserving architecture and learning about local preservation efforts. Both were well received; no vote was taken that evening.
• Item 13 – Sign Ordinance (Off-Premises Advertising Signs): This was the primary discussion item. Planning and Zoning recommended approval of the amended ordinance (Chapter 25.05) to replace the interim sign ordinance. Debate centered on the proposed “cap and replace” provision (limiting new billboards by requiring removal of existing ones) and a proposed annual inspection fee. Councilman Bertrand initially proposed a $650 annual fee per sign, but withdrew the motion after discussion, deferring to the next meeting when Councilman Bob (absent) could participate. Councilman Craig expressed opposition to the cap-and-replace, citing a lack of public concern and potential harm to business. Councilwoman Julie supported the fee but was undecided on cap-and-replace. Public speaker Paul Koskevich (a billboard industry representative) opposed the cap, arguing it would create a monopoly and stifle new business. The council ultimately voted (4-0) to defer the item to the October 5 meeting, instructing staff to prepare language for the annual inspection fee for consideration as an amendment. The existing moratorium on billboard permits remains in effect until December 19, 2026.
• Item 10 – Purdue Premium Meat Company Land Sale: The council discussed a proposal to sell a small parcel in the Donner Park Urban Renewal Area, which included a 10-year 100% tax rebate. Councilman Craig requested more objective analysis for future economic development proposals, advocating for an application and scoring system. Director Marty Doherty explained the evolving nature of negotiations and that existing TIF policies provide guidelines. It was agreed to discuss this further at the next Economic Development Committee meeting.
• Item 8C – Stone Avenue Sanitary Sewer Emergency Relief Project: Questions were raised about a negative CIP balance. Staff explained it was an emergency event and that future CIP years would address funding.
• Item 8E – Hyperflock Liquid Polymer Renewal: Discussion on ensuring commercially reasonable pricing. Purchasing manager noted that chemicals are often sole-source due to testing requirements.
• Item 6 – Police Highway Safety Grant: Chief explained breakdown of $104,000: $53,000 for general enforcement overtime, $47,500 for impaired driving enforcement overtime, $1,500 for training travel, and $2,000 for breath testers.
• Traffic Safety Concerns (Public Comments): Chief and council reiterated ongoing traffic enforcement programs and the grant application approved earlier.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda (items 3-12, with 9C pulled) passed 4-0.
• Item 13 (sign ordinance) was deferred to October 5, 2026, with direction to staff to prepare language for an annual inspection fee ($650 proposed) for consideration.
• Item 14 (water revenue bond for Highway 75 water main upsize, $7 million) passed 4-0.
• Item 15 (property sale to John and Margaret Fitch) passed 4-0, with a correction noted to align the deed consideration ($9,900) with the resolution.
• Item 16 (blight designation and urban renewal plan amendment for Pierce/Iowa Street properties) passed 4-0.
• The council acknowledged citizen concerns on stormwater fee assistance (Keith Baker) and traffic safety (Bonnie Haffling), and directed staff to follow up on legal review of disabled veteran discounts and to connect Haffling with police and engineering experts.
• The Police Department’s HART and POP unit activity report for September 1-24 was noted, including 56 arrests by the POP unit and ongoing encampment cleanups.