Sioux City Council Meeting - October 19, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 8:20 PM with a moment of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council interviewed a candidate for the Human Rights Commission, approved a consent agenda containing numerous routine items, held public hearings on development proposals, debated funding for the Siouxland Initiative, heard a citizen concern about stormwater fees, and discussed reconstruction options for West Kings Highway. Updates were provided on building permits and the HART program.

Appointments

• Human Rights Commission: Winona Leader Charge was interviewed for the commission. She stated a passion for inclusion and equality, and cited her master’s degree and work with tribal and homeless populations. Council asked about her understanding of the commission’s function and specific issues. No formal vote was taken during the meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 3–9B) was approved unanimously. Highlighted discussions included:
  • Airport grants: Resolutions for IDOT grants for air service marketing, terminal boiler/door replacement, and apron reconstruction.
  • Transit bus: Council questioned the total cost ($218,000) and the city’s share ($70,000) for a new bus; staff noted it is replacing an old bus and there is no trade-in.
  • Police vehicle outfitting: A service agreement with Guardian Fleet Safety was approved despite costs roughly double prior local pricing; staff noted local vendors did not bid.
  • Odor control: The council approved a service agreement with USP Technologies for the wastewater treatment plant, discussing performance metrics and the ability to adjust chemical usage if ineffective.
  • Property corrections: Resolutions to correct a street description error on an earlier sale, and to authorize a lease/hangar sale to Western Iowa Tech.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Delfs spoke about the stormwater fee charged to his property. He requested that the city amend Chapter 12.30 to exclude parcels whose runoff does not enter city systems, or to adopt a credit for pervious large lots. He noted he has filed an appeal. Staff stated the matter would be reviewed.

Discussion Items

• Siouxland Initiative (TSI) Grant: The council considered a $60,000 grant request. Skip Pearly (chair) and Christy McManamy (new president) described TSI’s economic development accomplishments, including support for Subi Honey’s expansion and federal funding for the airport. Council members expressed concerns about regional competition and the need to prioritize Sioux City, as well as the symbolic importance of a funding reset. An amendment to reduce the grant to $50,000 was passed 4–1, and the amended motion was also approved 4–1.
• West Kings Highway Reconstruction: Tom Pingle presented options for the 1,300-foot substandard street. Options included full-depth reconstruction with sidewalk (options 1–3) and an overlay (options 4–6). Council leaned toward option 6 (5-inch overlay, no sidewalk, no assessment on homeowners) costing about $150,000. No final decision was made; staff was directed to bring the item back for action.
• West Kings Highway – Background: Council discussed the road’s history as a Byron Brower test project using thin asphalt, the applicability of assessment resolutions, and the likelihood of future development in the area, favoring a simpler overlay.

Key Outcomes

• Human Rights Commission: Interview conducted; appointment pending.
• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Public Hearings (Items 10–13): Approved:
  • Orleans Avenue water main plans.
  • Tyson Event Center chiller upgrades.
  • Steel Martin Tower proposal for 410 Pierce Street (minimum assessment of $200,000 for 10 years from 2029).
  • Burlington Shortline Railroad lease for the South Bridge rail yard.
• Siouxland Initiative Grant: Approved at $50,000 (amended from $60,000) on a 4–1 vote.
• West Kings Highway: Staff to prepare an agenda item for option 6.
• Sign Ordinance Reconsideration: The council voted to reconsider the previously failed sign ordinance; the matter will be published and placed on a future agenda.
• Building Permits: Daryl Bollock updated on the new click-to-gov software, planned for a soft opening with contractors.
• HART/POP Update: Captain Ryan Bertrand reported 40 outreach contacts per month, 50% service acceptance; the POP unit is making about 60 arrests monthly, resulting in visible improvements in panhandling and petty crime.

Council Concerns

• Council members commended the Planning and Zoning Commission’s work on data center zoning, acknowledged progress at the warming shelter, and requested updates on the Walgreens site, Libra Heights, and parking issues near soccer fields. The mayor requested that for-sale signs be placed on all city-owned properties.