Sioux City City Council Meeting - October 5, 2026

The City Council met on October 5, 2026, to address a variety of agenda items including a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, public comments, a consent agenda, multiple ordinances, and a presentation on snow removal readiness. Notable decisions included the failure of the billboard ordinance (cap-and-replace), approval of a hotel development in the Donner Park Urban Renewal Area, and the first reading of a stormwater fee adjustment.

Proclamation

• Mayor Robert E. Scott proclaimed October 26th as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Sioux City. A representative from Safe Place highlighted that last year the organization responded to over 1,500 victims fleeing abuse.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 3–13B) was approved unanimously. Council members discussed several items:
  • Item 4: Resolution on signs discouraging giving to panhandlers – Councilmember expressed that the signs are not an effective solution but allowed it to remain on consent.
  • Item 5: Partial settlement of a tour claim – Councilmember abstained due to conflict of interest.
  • Item 6: Setting dates for consultation and public hearing on an urban renewal plan amendment – Staff provided details on two projects along Bluff Road and Cunningham Drive.
  • Item 8: Resolution for Orpheum Theater sound system replacement – Clarified the contribution comes from OVG, not city funds.
  • Item 9A: Construction documents for Orleans Avenue water main – Start date discussed; same price regardless of construction timing.
  • Items 10E and 10F: Change orders for pump repairs – Council members expressed frustration over frequent cost overruns (200% increase on one contract). Public Works Director explained that unknown internal damage necessitates change orders. Council asked for better management of the change order process.
  • Item 10G: ESRI agreement – Council member noted overreaching indemnity and liability clauses but acknowledged a long-standing relationship.
  • Items 11A and 11B: Purchasing – Council member asked why equipment is not traded in; Fleet Manager confirmed auction yields better returns.

Public Comments & Testimony

• McKenzie Heiser (CTE program coordinator, Sioux City Community School District) spoke in support of joining the Kosovo Sister City Committee, emphasizing educational exchange and community connections. Council members responded positively.
• Jody House (citizen) objected to the hotel development in the Donner Park area, citing existing hotel capacity and potential harm to Historic Fourth Street. Council member explained the hotel is an amenity for the new sports facility and a “staycation” destination.
• Brett Watchhorn (citizen) raised concerns about the billboard ordinance, panhandling sign legality, and civil service commission qualifications.
• Jean Fay (property owner) testified against stormwater fee increases, noting she pays despite having no runoff entering city drains. She appealed to the city manager’s office previously.

Discussion Items

• Civil Service Commission Appointment (Item 14): Council members discussed applicants Mark Solheim and Brett Watchgon. No motion passed; concerns were raised about lack of required background. No appointment was made.
• Final Plat of Outer Bank Subdivision (Item 16): Approved after discussion about drainage, traffic, and ingress/egress. Developer noted plans for residential development.
• Billboard Ordinance (Item 20): Third reading of an ordinance to update off-premise advertising sign requirements, including a cap-and-replace provision. Extensive debate:
  • Council members split on the cap-and-replace: some argued it stifles free enterprise and creates a monopoly, while others supported reducing sign proliferation.
  • Dave Helpin (Lamar Advertising) urged caution, stating other cities with cap-and-replace work well, while without it Sioux Falls is a “mess.” He also opposed a proposed $300 annual inspection fee as unconstitutional. Staff proposed a $300 fee (reduced from earlier $650) based on actual inspection costs.
  • An alternative to require all new billboards to come before the council via site plan was discussed but not voted on due to lack of proper notice.
  • Vote: The ordinance (as presented) failed 3–2. The moratorium remains in effect until December 19, 2026, allowing time to bring a revised proposal.
• Final Plat of Green Acres Edition (Item 21): Approved on a 5–0 vote.
• Fire Station One Bathroom (Item 22): Plans and specs approved after a public hearing with no comments.
• Hotel Development in Donner Park (Item 23): Two proposals were considered – the original from Sioux Land Developers (now S C Hotel LLC) and a competing proposal from another developer. Council debated feasibility, including concerns about the competing proposal’s financial numbers and acreage. Staff recommended the original proposal. The council approved the original proposal with a 4–1 vote (one no due to location preference). Later, the developer entity name was amended to S C Hotel LLC on a 5–0 vote.
• Stormwater Fee Changes (Item 24): First reading of an ordinance to modify stormwater collection fees. The proposed plan: immediate 100% increase (reducing the current 300% increase), followed by annual 20% increases for four years and a final 10% increase. This covers CIP and culvert costs but not the master plan. Public comments included opposition from property owners who receive no benefit. Council member questioned the lack of an end point. The first reading passed 5–0. Subsequent readings were waived and passed on second, third, and fourth readings, all unanimously.
• Snow Removal Readiness Presentation: Vicki Baker (Assistant Public Works Director) and Patrick Simons (Field Services Manager) outlined winter preparedness: 19 primary spreader trucks, 12 backup trucks, 8 front-end loaders, 6 motor graders, and 2 snowblowers. Salt inventory: 3,000 tons on hand, 2,000 tons additional scheduled. Staffing is sufficient to operate all equipment. Challenges include parked cars, garbage totes, and congestion. Council encouraged public communication of expectations: roads will be passable within 24 hours, with pre-treatment before two inches of accumulation.

Key Outcomes

• Billboard Ordinance (Item 20): Failed 3–2. The moratorium continues until December 19, 2026; council will consider a revised version possibly requiring site plan review for all new billboards.
• Hotel Development (Item 23): Approved 4–1 (Councilmember voting no due to location). Later, developer entity name amended to S C Hotel LLC unanimously.
• Stormwater Fee Ordinance (Item 24): First reading passed 5–0, followed by unanimous approval of second, third, and fourth readings. The new fee structure will take effect November 3, 2026.
• Civil Service Commission (Item 14): No appointment made; council deferred due to insufficient candidate background.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Final Plat Approvals (Items 16 and 21): Both approved.
• Fire Station Bathroom (Item 22): Approved.