City Council - Regular Meeting

Here. Can we stand for a moment of silent prayer followed by a pledge of allegiance?

Stephanie Pickinpah. We have a proclamation that reads, whereas domestic violence is a serious crime that impacts people of every race, age, income level, and lifestyle, and is likely affecting someone you know, whereas one in three women and one in nine men will experience violence in their lifetime, Domestic violence violates basic human rights by stripping away dignity, security, and self-worth through physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Whereas Safe Place works every day to end their acts of violence and help survivors rebuild their lives. Whereas in Siouxland,

Thank you. Keep up the good work. We have some students here from Helan today. Where are you guys from? Helan? Well, the last couple times, those guys that came got out real late. We're going to do everything we can so you get home before bedtime, okay? Thank you. You don't get extra credit for extra time, do you? If it goes past 5 o'clock, I'll come out and sign so you can get out here as long as you can. Gillian Kosovo City Sister Committee, Mackenzie Heisroth. Mackenzie, are you here? Tell us a little bit about why you want to serve.

You know, and... Well, I don't know about Kosovo, but in Yamanashi City, the kids go to school from 8 till 6 at night and clean the school after they're done for the day.

Do you think you can get that implemented in Sioux City?

Great. Thanks for questions All right, thank you. That's McKinsey Human Rights Commission Oh Oh Nona leader charge Okay, not here we're gonna go to the consent agenda item 3 through 13 B as the consent agenda today is You can consider the item to pass unanimously unless a separate roll call vote is asked for. You want to speak on an agenda item, please come up as I read that item. You want to speak on an item not under the agenda, please come up under citizen concerns and remember to always state your name for the record. I'll move the consent agenda. Second. Three is a reading of September 28

I'm comfortable with this staying in the consent agenda, and I'm not going to ask for a separate vote. I think I mentioned to Jill, I just don't think this is an effective way to manage the issue, but I'm comfortable if the rest of the council believes it's appropriate.

Five is a resolution approving a partial settlement of a tort claim and authorizing payment. I need to abstain conflict of interest. Six is a resolution scheduling a consultation and public hearing on the proposed amendment number one to the amended and restated combined Floyd River urban renewal plan properties located along Bluff Road and Cunningham Drive. Marty, I...

You don't need to necessarily comment today because I know this is just setting the dates for consultation, public hearing, but can I get some detail on the two projects on Cunningham and Bluff Road that are part of this particular amendment? Thank you.

Seven are actions relating to boards and commissions. A is a motion appointing Robert Seavers Jr. to the Historic Preservation Commission. B is a Motion appointing Amy McFarland to the Historic Preservation Commission. Eight are actions relating to grants. A is a resolution approving a grant agreement authorized by HUD under the funding approval for the Community Development Block Grant Agreement. Jill, I'm trying to remember, but is this way down? Because didn't it used to be over $2 million? Or am I missing something?

Okay. Thank you. B is a resolution approving the grant agreement authorized by HUD under the funding approval of the Home Investment Partnership Agreement. See as a resolution approving a grant agreement and authorizing a grant to the Orpheum Theater Preservation Project to assist with the replacement of the Orpheum Theater sound system. I just want to make sure I'm clear on this item.

Yep, I got it. Just some clarity. This is the OVG contribution pursuant to their management agreement. It's not city funds. It's not city funds.

Yep. I'm toward a... theater when I was on Route 66 and they had the old Wolitzer organ like we had. Is ours still around?

Thank you. Nye Interactions adopting construction documents. A is a resolution adopting plans and specs for the Orleans Avenue water main improvement project, South Roswell Street to 6th Avenue.

Is Tom here on this item or somebody? Quick question. So on this project, you've got an early start date of November and a late start date of April 27. Why do we have such a disparity in the start date?

Is there a modification to the bid price, or it's the same either way?

Thank you. B is a resolution adopting plans and specs for the construction of the Tyson Event Center Chiller Upgrades Project. Tanner actions relating to agreements and contracts. A IS A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES AT 113 6th STREET AND 625 WATER STREET AND TO EXTEND THE COMPLETION DATE.

I think we need to figure out a way to get more contracts where we get amendments and there's no charge. I want to thank staff for adding properties to this project at no cost to the project itself.

B is a resolution approving a First Amendment to the Development Agreement with the Web Apartments for Affordable Rental Housing Units at 417 Market Street. C is a resolution approving a contract to Mark Albanitius for the Expo Center Drive Sanitary Sewer Main Relocation Project. D is a resolution approving a Consulting Services Agreement with JEO Consulting Group. for the 17th Street Emergency Water Main Improvement Project, Ingleside Avenue to Court Street.

Mayor, I'm sorry, can we go back to 10C? I have a quick question. This project notes that, it mentions replacing street paving as needed. How do you manage a bid contract and then make sure there aren't change orders when it's an as needed?

So we're confident we have the exact work and no change orders are going to be necessary? At least as it relates to the pavement?

Yes okay yeah unless something breaks or while we're there okay thank you yep he is a resolution approving amendment number one to the service provider agreement with jci industry repair of the Floyd Lift station pump and providing for additional COMPLETION time app is a resolution approving number one to the service provider agreement with jci industries for the repair of two vertical pump motors and providing for additional completion time. You know, when we bid those, they said there would be additional costs, I believe, if I remember right. How do you ever control these? I mean, every one

I'm not questioning where we need to do the work. I'm questioning why we don't have a better handle on what the costs are going in so the change orders aren't. Tom, when you look at 10E, the change order is 200% of the original contract cost.

I'm glad you asked because I really think we need to give some direction to Mike and start working with the department heads to make sure that when we've got change orders, and I know Ike feels the same way, there's got to be a certain parameter. So when we take these pumps in, it's unknown what's broken.

Well, in fairness to you, if you go out there with a big number to try to cover the overture so that it doesn't make people up here mad, then they're going to say, okay, you've given us 500,000 of room. Guess how much of the fix is going to be?

No, I'm just saying that the fix is going to be what you're going to authorize. I mean, I'm just saying is that, I mean, we could do it two ways. You could shoot it low and then the actual comes in. We can, you know, squabble about it. Or you can shoot a big number and they're going to say, well, we could have got it done for $180, but they've authorized $400. I guess what the cost is going to be. I mean, so I... I think you're completely appropriate to ask for direction because I think this change order thing, we're beating it to death. I get that there needs to be some guidance, but there's

I understand that and I'm not asking, I'm not upset about it. I'm asking a question. It seems like every one change order is a significant increase. So those guys should have a better idea what's wrong with the pump, but we're probably not doing that phase. We're just putting it out to fix our pump. Did these guys come in and look at the pump and try to determine what was wrong? That's all I'm asking. Are we doing any investigative work before we bid it? That's all.

Oh, you can do it later. You don't have to do it today, but I'm just curious.

And Tom, I don't think it's just with regard to the frustration that we've got when these pumps come out, they go to the vendor, the vendor finds 200% more of the work. That's not the issue. In general, I think the concern is how do we better manage the change order process?

Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Thank you. G is a resolution approving a three-year small enterprise agreement county and municipality government with Environmental Systems Research Institute in connection with the regional government enterprise agreement between ESRI and the Woodbury County acting through the WCICC.

So I had a chance to visit with John a little bit over the weekend. Nicole, I get it. And typically when we get an agreement like this, I look to you and I say, did you have a chance to read this agreement? I know that it's not negotiable, but I think we need to go into this eyes wide open. You look at the indemnity clause, you look at the limitation of liability clause. They are so overreaching in terms their benefit the limitation of claims that we have to pursue damages in the event that there's a breach is very limited so we just need to understand well I know it's not negotiable and John

H is resolution approving number three to the consulting services agreement with McClure Engineering for the Floyd Trail Connector and Plywood Trail Connector project.

And the amendment cost, is that covered by a grant or what are the source of those funds?

Hey, Matt, before you leave. Yeah. Before I get the question, where are we at on the Johnny Rogers?

Yep. 11 are actions relating to purchasing A as a resolution awarding a purchase order to Beersbach Equipment Supply Company for two 185 CFM skid mount air compressors. B as a resolution awarding a purchase order to Dewey Ford for two 2027 Ford F-250 pickups with plows.

On both A and B, is there a reason why we're not trading those in but sending those to auction? I'm assuming it's because we believe the auction will generate a better price. Is that correct?

But you think at auction it's going to be a better price than trading them? Or they didn't want them?

Thank you. Over applications for alcohol license, 13 beer commission and committee minutes. This concludes the consent agenda.

I did want to note on the minutes that we got from, I believe it was the... sorry, on the library board. They did as we requested, which is they provided them even before they were approved as drafts, so I appreciate that.

Passes 5-0-14 is a motion appointing one of the Following two applicants to the Civil Service Commission, the applicants are Mark Solheim and Brett Watchgordon. We'll need a motion.

Yep. I'll move Mark Solheim. Or no. Wait a minute. Where am I at on here?

I think the struggle is that one of the questions we asked both of the candidates was the background that they have. This is a very complicated board or commission, and there's a background that I think is necessary, and I'm just not certain that either of the candidates reflected the necessary background.

Aye. Recommendations of Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment at 15 is a motion acknowledging the Board of Adjustment actions of September 22nd. I move that. Second.

I abstain. I had an item on there. Now the budgets went way out of whack, but. 16th resolution approving the final plat of Outer Banks subdivision of petitioners after shock benchers. The PNZ recommends approval. It was deferred from September 21st, 2026. I'll move that. Second.

Anyone to be heard? So Andrew, there were some neighborhood comments as it related to the third lot. Do you know, have we been able to resolve? I think part of it was impact to the properties to the north. And then I think part of the concern was the flow of water from the project. Do we know, did we resolve those issues?

And I think they confirmed that on the new lot, so there's Apple Tree, then there's the new lot for the new apartments, and then to the back of that, I think they're proposing some townhouses or some multifamily. They've confirmed that there would be adequate ingress and egress in and out of the apartments?

Guess on that one you just want to say no dan's not here but if he's watching you know he spends a ton of case spending a ton of cash right now I just want to say thanks on behalf of the city and it's a great project and keep spending we'll keep supporting him so yeah we'll keep supporting him and it's economic development done right it's pay for performance

Justice 5-0-17 is an ordinance rezoning the property at 2538 Castle Place and 1724 Castleman Street. The petitioner's Westland Property Management Development. P&Z recommends approval. I'll move first reading. Second. Public hearings? No, there's no public hearing. Go ahead.

I've got to say on this one, too, great place to expand the neighborhood, get some more houses over there.

Yeah. What I like is Andrew's a medium-sized player, and he's sticking himself out there again and working through a tough piece of property. And we've had a couple meetings with him. So, again, Andrew, if you're out there, great job. Keep spending money, and thanks for what you're doing. We'll continue to support him.

As is five, is there anybody opposed to waiving statutory rule? Move it. Second.

Aye. 18's resolution accepting improving the preliminary plan of survey of Castle Place Development Phase 1 petitioners Westland, Property management development. PNC recommends approval. I'll move that. Second. Passes 5-0. 19 is an ordinance rezoning 300 West 45th Street. The petition was Ron Emory. PNZ recommends approval. I'll move first reading.

Anyone to be heard? What'd you have on that? Everybody voted for it, right?

Not related to the project itself, but oftentimes we'll see that the health department to review and approve the septic? Why does the health department look at the septic and the well?

They permit it. Iowa law. Through the health department? Yeah.

She's a peach to work with. That's an easy answer.

A little giggle out of there, Andrew. I saw that. No one else.

That's 5-0. Is anybody opposed to waiving the statutory rule? Second.

Aye. I'll move second and third. Second.

One is an ordinance amending Chapter 25.05 of the Municipal Code entitled Side Development to update the requirements for off-premise advertising signs and to repeal the interim sign ordinance. The petitioner is the City of Sioux City. B&Z recommends approval. First consideration was approved on September 14, 2026. The second consideration was approved on September 21, 2026 and deferred from September 28, 2026. You guys should have handled that when I was on vacation, so you can move it.

Somebody's got to move it. I'll move it. Is there a second?

I almost... I hate to agree with my friend Paul Koscovich, but I'm kind of a free enterprise guy, and this really bothers me. If we have too many signs, that's shame on us. But to say you can only replace a sign with a sign says we're only going to have one sign company.

So this was brought to the attention and- Julie you can follow up also on this but so I guess the question I have is is the cap and replace is it is it a paper tiger is it real because if the process is let me about is the process right now that if Paul wanted to bring a sign right now he could bring it to the board adjustments it would go to PNZ and then we go to council approval and he could build a billboard is that how it stands right now in this if we were to pass this today

moving forward if the issue is the staff was approving these billboards and that's why they popped up on 75 they popped up on Floyd because there was no one that on up here that I get nobody had a really saying it other than staff so if that's the case why wouldn't we put the process in place that just says every billboard moving forward not a bunch of money not a bunch of engineering none of that stuff that we need to bog it down but they have to present the process to council and then notice would go out at that point to neighbors which then would create discussion, and then it would be up o

There's a variance, the city attorney's pointing out, you have to have practical difficulty. Hardship.

That's what I keep saying. That's why I'm bringing this up. There has to be a hardship.

This would be the case for practical difficulty as well well, so does every Proposal so say Joe Smith wants to build a board are they guaranteed to come in front of the council? Through through

So like I went for a variance last week or whenever a month ago and it's on here today. Is that so now we're approving those? Is that what we're doing? Which is different than just accepting the Board of Adjustment action, correct?

We still have to make that effort. We would have to make an affirmative effort to do so.

That's correct. To get an variance. Saying you can appeal to the council is different than saying it qualifies for a variance. That's my point.

But we choose whether we override what they say or not.

That's what I'm saying. Is the process in place or isn't it in place? Because there's some confusion there at the bench.

The issue is getting clarity on the definition of the term, which because it's a new term in the legislation, we don't know how that's going to be interpreted.

Yeah, and that's the difficulty is that there's a history with regard to variances on lot size, on building size, on setbacks, right? You have a fairly decent history and understanding of how you might manage that. With regard to a variance for a billboard, it's unknown. So getting clarity in terms of what you present to us for approval becomes very subjective.

I get that. Yeah, I see where they're going. Legislation is given or I know where they're on that, but I'm saying is that so we be better in your opinion, will we be better to put a process in place that just says every billboard like a cell tower, every billboard that comes to. that gets applied to comes in front of the council. Is that a better way of doing it? Because I completely support what Julie's saying, is that I probably wouldn't support a billboard on the new Viadoc. None of that stuff. I think there's places that we just don't need it and don't want it. But I also kind of agree wit

I'm going to renew my comments from last week. I shared that I didn't think the cap and replace was necessary. I'm curious about where dialogue stands on a proposed fee structure and annual inspections. But I support free enterprise. I think there's a better process to manage the proliferation. I think we're reacting to... issues in particular locations that I think can be managed by our setback rules, our distance rules, and our zoning laws in terms of where signs, where billboards can be posted.

Yeah, and I don't want to downplay Julie's passion on this because you've been a champion for this. I don't want to downplay that. I'm just saying is that what is, what's the, I don't trust the variance process is what I'm saying. And to shut this thing out. So What do we do?

I mean, during the period of the moratorium. They put a cap and replace in some of these communities. How many new players came in, were allowed to come in?

No, no, I'm saying post-cap and replace. No, that's what I'm saying. I just answered. That's what I'm saying. None. We're shutting down new players.

We were as high as 55%. Higher. per capita than some other cities.

Dave, what do you mean you're 0 for 2? Two efforts you had for location?

I'm going to need to have you wrap it up, okay?

It's locking out what you didn't want to proliferate Thanks Dave, thank you Hey Paul real quick too when you look at these stats on the distances they do kind of line up I don't know if we should be that concerned about you know, Cedar Rapids Council Bluffs, Omaha Urban Dale Waterloo they all kind of line up the distances side the new distance. I don't think it get too hung up on that Let's talk about the fee

Yeah, I think we'll staff at a recommendation.

You didn't like my 650, huh? Sounds like your justification lined up with mine out of the blue sky or what?

Well, they're inspecting electrical. They're inspecting washout and foundation. I mean, it's real world. So is the state. Because we have issues with the signs that are there. Now, you guys have done a great job cleaning them up. Thanks. But I'm sure when you were going through all the signs, you realized how many old panels there were, how many people were bootlegging power off of signs for homeless stuff and everything else. So it's not like there's not. And you guys are probably going to do a better, you know, a good job of. Absolutely. There's also a public thing in there.

So, Dave, what's the basis of the $15 and $20, depending on? Based on size, yep. But what's the purpose of that inspection?

It's our job to determine what it costs like we do with a rental inspection. It's your job to sue us if you think it's excessive, but we wouldn't do it without doing some research. We certainly have the right to set the fee. You have the right to sue us. Every landlord in this community can sue us if they don't like their inspection fee.

Dave, do you know, in the communities that actually litigated the constitutionality of an annual fee, do you know what those proposed annual fees were?

Do you know, is there a blanket response? Was the constitutionality based upon the fee itself or was it the amount of the fee not being tied to? an actual inspection fee and cost.

Right, and Nicole has advised us of that, and I think that's why Nicole met with inspection services to get, because originally the discussion was whether $650 annually, and now they're proposing, they believe that 300 represents actual cost of the inspection. Is that a fair assessment, Nicole?

But you can also just do a, Ordinance and bring that back is it correct? Yes on the fee structure.

The annual FIA proposal is not included. Do that in a separate ordinance so you don't cloud this with that.

What happens if this goes down? What's the alternative? Go back to the drawing board?

To revisit maybe some of the things that have been shared?

So I'm not trying to beat this to death, but I just keep going back to why can't we just put the process in that we bring a board? Every board's got to come in front of the council. You can cap replace. You can use all the language you want. Why can't we just put a process in place that every board comes in front of the council? Moving forward.

Julie, are you adamantly opposed to that?

I don't agree with that. You talk about putting out notice is what you're trying to do, and you're basically at that point saying at this point, how does it come into community standards, under our community standards? And if we don't want a board like those boards on 75, if those boards would have came in front of a council, tied into all those power lines and stuff, Somebody would have drove out there and we would have said, no, we're not doing that.

Because it's... Well, yeah, that's exactly what it is. You couldn't have had them signs there because under cap and replace, you cannot have those... Those signs would not be there under cap and replace. The 100 feet spacing would have... Counted those out with those with this ordinance. We're passing today. You're telling me those signs would have went up. They would not have gone. They would not have went up. No, no, no new players. What I'm saying is that they would have presented you to get the same result, right? I'm sorry, maybe we're talking about two different things.

What I'm saying is right now it's got to go through the variance process. The mayor's right on this one. There's a standard that they don't care if it's a new standard or not. I mean, I'm just afraid if we pass this thing today as is, we're closing down the billboard industry.

I like you guys. You guys are huge for the community. I'm not saying that. But I would also think there's a place for...

Okay, well, there's a- Well, I think Dave noted that they could see as many as 365. We were told last week that there are 1,100 locations, and out of that 1,100, 10% of those locations would be viable, strong locations that are Lamar, Huntington, or otherwise. I think you're right, Dave. I don't think we're going to want to address 365. That means we're looking at possibly 50 a week.

Because it makes a big difference to me. This is going to affect the neighbors a lot differently. So that part, I don't have a problem saying no, but if you don't get the chance to say yes...

Thanks, Dave. I call for the question. We at least got a vote to see where we're at.

Where are you at on this, Julie? Are you good with bringing on an individual or not?

You want to go through the variance process.

And we've disagreed with them before and overridden what their advice was. Where's Paul?

So if we pass this, are you going to apply for a variance tomorrow? Well, I mean, I think if let's test the hypothesis. That's what I'm asking. I'm asking is it so if we pass this today, are you going to apply for a variance tomorrow? Am I allowed? Yeah, that's what they're saying. That's what we're saying now is that you're allowed to play.

Yeah, but I mean. You have to so undo hardship. I mean, that's going to be impossible, right? Yeah, I mean.

For me, Paul, it's not the board, number of boards. These things are so big. They don't belong in the neighborhoods they're in.

So gonna call can it can I can I run an amendment right now on the floor just asking for that all boards. They would come and let's vote it up or down if it goes down then it goes down then I could put it to bed and I will but I give it a fair shot. I'd like to say that every board should have a today in front of the Council individually. How would I do that?

But they have time to do that because the moratorium is still on.

And that option is clean. It basically says... When you mean site plan, can it be scratched on a napkin? Do they got to go out and spend three grand?

Which is what they, do they turn them in for boards?

Only staff wouldn't approve it then? It has to come to council?

The difference is then it would come to council. That's what I mean, yeah.

I say let's pass this and then let's bring the second language back when they get everything drafted.

So we can add that to this language? So if we pass this today?

Direction and we would bring that back at a later date that you could that you could just that every board is going to come in front of the council we could do that and it's not a hardship it's not any of that stuff that we've talked about before it could be well the legislation defines what the standard is

And that would change the existing one that we would pass today? Yes. Or would the thing we're bringing be in conflict of the one we're passing today? Are we cutting ourselves off at the knees by passing this today?

But this ordinance wouldn't trip up that approval process? Because they bring the site plan, he brings the site plan and everything, and then all of a sudden it's like, well, yeah, but we have cap in place, cap and replace in place, so it trumps it. Am I missing something here?

You guys didn't take into effect at all that this shuts down any growth?

You know, we're all going to be here for at least another year, Paul. Don't want to disappoint you.

Rex said that he's not involving engineering, didn't you?

But he's saying that they already do a site plan for a normal billboard anyway.

Oh, okay. Well, nothing outside of the board.

Double dipping on the cost is what I was thinking.

Oh, no, you wouldn't have to do that. It'd be the same one that you would have to turn in no matter what.

I don't want to do that, so we're just going to vote on it. Let's vote. You're abstaining.

I thought you said you were abstaining. I'm like, you can't abstain. I abstained earlier. Oh. I'm extending later, too, but not on this one. Because I'm voting no later, too, anyway.

I respect what Julie's done. I just don't want... We're going to revisit this, Julie.

It fails three to two. So now what? Well, you still got a moratorium, so now.

Bring it back next week, put that other language on it.

Well, we got the moratorium in place, so they got time to do that.

I want to thank everybody for your hard work, P&Z's hard work, staff's hard work, the direction that we got from those in the industry, and we'll continue to work.

Well, I'm not going to Yeah, I know, but I'm not going to tell the planning and zoning how to handle it either. But I don't have a problem because I guarantee you the first one that brings one of those monsters and I get to vote, it's going down. I don't care if it's in a great location. We don't need these great big billboards out there. It's ridiculous. So that's where I'm at. That's what kind of started all this stuff, is people got stupid on what they were doing.

Like I've said, I think a large part of this was not necessarily the proliferation, because I don't think on a per capita or per square foot basis we're that excessive. I think there are a couple of locations that caused us to react, which was appropriate. But now we're put in a position where we're trying to create a broad policy for some isolated incidents.

I was the negative vote the second time.

I don't want the cap replaced. I completely want what Julie wants. I don't want billboards on the Viaduct. I don't want billboards all scattered all over the place and have complete control of where we get to put them. But I think there's a better way to do it other than just creating a monopoly for you. That's being blunt.

I still don't understand. You didn't get the fee, so you should be happy about that. You made your point there. Also, you can build as many boards or not many boards. You can replace. You said it yourself. This should not affect your business.

Well, the best part is all 364, if this gets through, are going to have to come through the city. Maybe. Yeah, because we get to choose if we want a big monster on 75. I mean, that's kind of the whole point of this.

Well, that's our decision. I know you don't like it, but that's our choice.

Well, then you know what? If it doesn't work, guess what? We'll change. I mean, you're the guy in the sign business, and you're trying to tell us how to write the ordinance. I've got to tell you, I take a little offense to that, too.

That's why I'm trying to help. So it isn't like we haven't changed things in the past, but we're going to go on. 21 is a resolution accepting and approving the final plat of Green Acres addition. The petitioner is Al Fagan on behalf of the Reverend Walter and Jane Green. PNZ recommends approval. I'll move it. Second, it's just in our two year two mile jurisdiction.

Heidi, there's a flash. Is there a motion that we missed? It was already flashing.

Oh, because it was up before we even made. OK, I just want to make sure you didn't just stand ahead. She must get out of here. Good job, Heidi. Keep it up. Trying to push this along your agenda, Mayor.

Yeah, I don't want to tell PNZ what to do, but I would like to tell you to get those those lights fixed downtown with the weed still growing in passes 50. Hearings and resolution approving the plans and specs for the fire station one bathroom. I'll move that second. Anybody to be heard? The public hearing is open. Seeing none, the hearing is closed. Passes 5-0. 23 is a hearing and resolution accepting the proposal of Siouxland developers for the purchase of land in the Donner Park Urban Renewal Area and approving a development agreement and minimum assessment agreement. A vacated portion of Co

Public hearing is now open. Anyone to be heard?

This is property that would be adjacent to Cone Park, just to the north and just to the east of the ballpark.

I think it's interesting, and thank you for your comments. We had a nice visit last week, and I appreciate your comments. Clearly, as you've worked through your campaign, you've had the opportunity over the last 30, 60 days to visit with a lot of people. Do you think that the individuals that you're visiting with are aware of, or at least considering the fact that there's a new sports facility being built just to the north of the parking lot at Explorer Park, which is intended to help supplement the activities in the hotel? Because your word positioning, in terms of the location of the other h

I don't think that's... No, I'm just telling you what was told to me.

When they would have an event, all of the restaurants... No, I mean when they would have an event. Right, would be flooded.

I think that's why they're building the facility that they're doing. I think they would have been excited to kind of stay with the investment that they'd already made. But they started to realize when they started to shop these tournaments and the quality and where the dollars come, they needed this type of facility. So to make a $5 to $8 million investment, And then I think the carryover is the hotel side of it. Another thing, I got about a 50-50 split from people that called me and really some good people that have supported me in the past. They're like, why are you thinking about another ho

Yeah, and I think that's the intent of what this is kind of in that area is it's not just, oh, we're sticking another one down by the ballpark. And think of staycation in your mind or kind of more as an amenity type thing. And I appreciate your passion because there's a lot of good people on it's cutting lines. I mean, it's really some of the people that objected. I'm like, why are you objecting this? And other people are like, you know, we're for it.

Thank you. Thanks, Jodi. Jodi, I think... Some of the questions, the perception, I'm hoping are going to be addressed in the next 10, 15 minutes. I know Marty Doherty's here. The proposal on the table right now is to select one of the developers, but we have two proposals in front of us, and I think we've got a lot of questions regarding both of the proposals. So I'm hoping either Marty or Renee are going to come up and maybe can clarify some of the questions you and maybe some of the constituents that you visited with were questioning. Thank you. Thanks, Jody.

As presented here, it's the local group. Right. If you want to change that, you'll have to amend the motion. Let's go.

What we did was we set a date for a hearing on a proposal to sell the land.

So, Renee, can we back up? Did the initial developers of the Siouxland Academy, did they have an MOI in place with Padmore?

Could you share with that what that means?

So is that really a shotgun approach where they decided, oh, we got this thing's up, going to roll, it's going to be successful. This was part of the original plan that the previous councils did, which was fantastic. It gave clarity around this thing. And it really kind of judged also kind of the size of what you guys sold too, wasn't it? The three acres, it kind of dictated the size kind of based upon that MOI. This is what they needed.

Yeah, so I was always brought up that you go home with the girl you brought. Yeah, they brought you there. Yeah, we have been. I fully support these guys. They've got a flagship hotel in place, it sounds like. It sounds like their financing is in place. Their stuff is going to fit. I mean, I think if anything brought out of this process is it maybe is going to up their game a little bit on maybe some of the amenities in their hotel. I like that idea, the conversations of spiffing up the restaurant, maybe expanding some of their outdoor stuff that's there. So I think this is a fantastic project

It's not quite that simple. Now I'm going to practice law. You have to still make your decision based upon what you believe is in the best interest of the taxpayers.

which is exactly where I was going. So part of the difficulty is that the second proposal has a number of requests in the nature of their negotiations that you weren't either able to address or confirm. So knowing that you can't address some of their requested accommodations, how do you evaluate the projects on those grounds?

The RFP process were so I guess I look at it for the protection of the taxpayers perspective is when I when I when you see a proposal get Inserted into the process a couple things came to mind when I looked at this was number one. It's the same footprint right three acres Okay, how are you gonna go from? This is basically the same size hotel or a larger hotel and then throw in a freestanding restaurant and parking and and everything else in the same footprint. So to me, there was a flaw in the plan right there. I don't know the other developers. I want them to come to Sioux City and spend mone

I look at it as the academy and the hotel are almost one project. For sure. Like a phase one and a phase two. So if you take the tax base for each one of those and add them together, It's a win-win for the residents.

Either developer has the right to sue on this to try to get a judgment based upon their proposal being better. That's all I'm trying to say.

It's not as simple as... And I think that's why I made the case and I made the statements that I made to put it in the public record. I just don't think that the proposal that they put forth is a feasible proposal on the three acres. I also don't think that the number that they put for the purchase of the property was a realistic per acre price. I mean, I just think that when they... To me, it just seems like it's a number put out there to push the other guys out or to create this there. I don't disagree. So I feel very comfortable if they want to bring legal our way on that.

I'm just saying that it could get stalled because of all I'm saying because we've never had been... Well, again, and there's more... And, Mr. Mayor, you know there's more going on on the backside of this, too.

I guess I would look a little different at this project also. if the other player would have pursued this in years past. And I also would say that if they also owned the property that they're building adjacent to, and I don't want to create a situation that puts us as the city when leases get renewed and other things that they can leverage something like this against us to renew a lease or not renew a lease. So I just think there's more going on here that's not as straightforward as it is. And again, I have no issues with the other developer. I don't know them personally or anything. and I'd l

So based upon what the two of you know that is certain in terms of proposals of each of the developers, there are certain elements that we can't qualify or quantify at this point. Are you comfortable representing to the council that you believe this is the best proposal, that you've reviewed both in good faith, that you've analyzed both, and the proposal that's under the recommendation is in the best interest of the community. I know that's a loaded question, Marty, and it's intended to be in the sense that you and Renee have the most touches to the parties. And we need to make sure that we're

Yeah, but let's be careful. I don't know if that's, we want to put them in that spot. Right. I don't know if we want to put them in that spot. I get where you're going. It's their job. No, their job is to present us the data. They're presenting us the data, they're putting it forward, and then we make the judgment from there on our research. So I don't know if we want to put staff in that position, just my opinion.

It doesn't even matter because we don't do business that way.

Passes by or 4 to 0, 4 to 1. I vote no, not because of the developer, because I don't like where it's at. 24 is an ordinance amending chapter 12.30 entitled stormwater program in the municipal code to modify the stormwater collection fees. I'll move first reading. Second. Teresa, come on up and tell people what's going on so we can keep moving here.

But you do have the right, you have a big piece of ground. You do have the right to appeal that to the city manager.

I would encourage you to get with Mike, call the city manager's office.

Thank you. Be sure and get a hold of me.

And Brent, you know, I would also add, these are issues you can raise at the Fiscal Management Committee as well.

Look at the definition that we just approved last week.

All right, go ahead. I just got one question on the ag side of it. Teresa. Real quick, in the one section of the, it was pointed out, two people called me. So in the city of Sioux City, to be ag, you gotta have 20 or more acres, right? That's a county definition.

So it's determined on how the county- So is that why we can use 10 in this?

That's why. Yep, OK. So I was wondering, do you see the discrepancy there? Those land codes can be farming 10 acres. Right, but you can get OK. That's why it is. Yeah, got it.

Because the 20 acres is a city thing, isn't it?

Yep, yes. To be ag, you've got to be greater. It went from 10 to 20. Correct. Thanks.

That first reading passes 5-0. Go ahead.

Well, we've got to do three more readings, so go ahead.

Two-thirds? If you were 50 before you went to 200, if you're 50 before, you're going to go to 100. So it's going to be half of what it was.

We won't go up for it. It'll go up 20% over five years. It's a progression. It's an annual. There's still an annual increase.

Thank you. Anybody oppose waiving statutory rule?

Arrow? Did you have something? Or no? Okay. No. Okay.

And we got to go back to the 223 and I'll move to amend the developer as Sioux City Hotel LLC So procedurally, unfortunately, you probably have to do a reconsideration and then the council can move I'll move to reconsider 23 Oh, I can't do that we reconsider you second I

Aye. I'll move we change the name to Sioux City Hotel LLC for 23. Second. Oh, Ray's got something. Come on, guys. Let's get this right.

Aye. Okay, now snow removal. You ladies need signature? You've waited long enough.

If we do a presentation on snow removal, that means we're not going to get any, right?

We had a relatively mild winter last year. Is that the 3000 that's on hand?

Isn't part of the issue, with all due respect... Say again, I'm sorry. Isn't part of the issue, with all due respect, that when we put our garbage cans out, oftentimes they aren't placed back where we put them by the... That could be the case.

But we can't put them in the street, and then when I return home three hours later, they're in the street. True. And I respect and appreciate exactly what you're saying, but it's not as much, the homeowner will get it out of the street when we get home, but it shouldn't be being placed back in the street.

I just want to make sure Bertrand's on a priority one street. It is.

Real quick, three things. Thanks, Mike, for bringing this. He wouldn't let you come in until at least the 1st of October. He said it would be a jinx. So thanks for coming in. Number two, I love the bomber runs that you're doing right now with the new people. I think that's really, really smart. That's really smart even for a city. A city that's smart so that they're out to get the feel for the routes. I love that. And then I guess the other thing I would have is... What should the public expect? So we'll staffing real quick. So just so we're clear going into this thing, we're fully staffed. So Okay. So how short are we? What do we need to do between now and the first snow? Do we have backups on our backups or?

Just want to make sure right up front. So you're ready. We're fully locked and loaded. Pilots are ready. We're ready to go. Okay. That's the expectation there. And then the third one is what's the expectation of the public on a snow? They're at home. They want to go to what? What's a realistic expectation? You hear people complain all the time. My road didn't get bladed. It's snowing, man. Sometimes you got to just stay home. What's a realistic expectation, Pat, for the public?

So the rumor is they don't start until the last snowflake falls. Exactly. What's the trigger that you guys are out there?

So people just need to realize that it's all the pre-salt stuff. Two inches hit, then you're going to see the plow. That's when you're going to see the additional stuff. That's great public information there.

I remember Lincoln, Nebraska, I think still does not do side streets. Citizens in Sioux City that always want to be like someplace else should move to Lincoln so that they don't get any more sites.

It's just good communication that we're prepared. Everything's ready. We put ourselves in a position and that's all the public wants at times, to hear that we're ready and prepared and we'll let Mother Nature do what it's going to do. Great job. Looking forward to it.

I have a question. How much does the even sides of the street get in your way for the people who don't comply. I mean, that's the number one complaint.

All right. Any other questions? I've got to go back to 23. I can't. Somebody move the reconsideration. As amended.

Somebody make a motion to move it on the amendment.

I'll move. Make a motion. to move on the amendment, right?

This is the name. We already moved and seconded the item, didn't we? We just didn't vote.

To pass it. Which I just did. Second. As amended.

You think part of one of the questions in the application is your background correct and

I think you specifically said you didn't have any background in the civil service process.

I'm not voting for either one of you, so it doesn't matter.

I think specific experience or understanding or awareness of the civil service process would help me.

I don't know why I need to send you an email. I just told you.

What qualifies you to serve on the Civil Service Commission is the question that I've got.

Anyone else? Any citizen want to be heard? All right, Mr. Bertrand.

You know what? There's going to be enough talking when the budget process starts, which I'm extremely excited for this second go around on the budget. So let's the sun is out. Farmers are in the field. Please be careful on the roads and let's have a good week.

Just two quick congratulations. One to George Lindblad for the movie documentary that was made to reflect his life and life in history and impact in his community. And a wonderful movie last Thursday night. And then also congratulations to Chad Benson at Morningside for his inauguration and investiture as the president of Morningside. Yeah.

I was going to offer that. Congratulations. I watched the YouTube presentation for you and Brianna Eaton. So congratulations to you both. It's nice to have you both in Sioux City. You stuck around.