Crystallyn Sterler

The meeting included approving the consent agenda, which involved minutes from a prior meeting, bill payments, and liquor license renewals. An update was provided on the Highway 75 project schedule. The council accepted the FY 2024-25 Certified Annual Financial Report. Significant discussion involved the development of The Ledges First and Second Addition, including public hearings and the subsequent approval of plats and zoning changes from Agriculture to R-2, R-3, and RS. Bids were opened and the contract was awarded for the site grading of the 12MW Generation facility. The council approved the purchase of a dilapidated property contingent upon environmental review and approved an updated Open Records Request Policy and Fee Schedule. Furthermore, a resolution was approved declaring an official intent to issue debt to reimburse the city for expenditures related to the Electric Generation, Water Tower, and East Interceptor Improvement projects.

The council discussed and approved the submission of a RISE application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for a street construction project. They also considered an affordable housing project, setting public hearings to rezone land and authorize property sale for its development. The council received a report on tax increment financing and heard updates on Sioux Center Municipal Utilities' anniversary, wastewater collection system updates, community appreciation for opening Highway 75, storefront façade grant projects, and the coordinated response to storm damage.

Key discussions included a report on the Highway 75 2026 construction open house and a summary of a recent visit by Sioux Center representatives with state officials in Des Moines. The council received the annual report from the Sioux Center Ambulance team. Approval was granted for a Professional Services Agreement with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for the East Interceptor Improvements project, related to wastewater infrastructure. A public hearing was held regarding the disposal of city-owned real estate along Highway 75 for future highway improvements, resulting in the approval of a resolution, a partial release of a development agreement, and a quitclaim easement. The council also reviewed the preliminary general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which includes a proposed decrease in the property tax rate, and set a public hearing for the tax levy.

Key discussions included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered previous minutes, bills, finance reports, board/commission approvals, and liquor license approvals for two organizations. Updates were presented on proposed improvements to the wastewater collection system, including a new lift station and force main expansion. Two public hearings were held and closed concerning the disposal of approximately 21 acres in the Harvest Heights Addition, resulting in the approval of two separate resolutions for property disposal. An agreement granting Newbury Living an option to purchase about 3 acres in Harvest Heights for a potential low-income housing development was authorized. A resolution setting a public hearing for the disposal of three parcels to the DOT for right-of-way acquisition was approved. The council adopted updated Natural Gas Operator Qualification and Operations & Maintenance Plans. Final payment was authorized for the Harrison/13th Ave SE Grading project. The 2026 Rental Rate & Fee Schedule for city facilities was approved. A development agreement was authorized with MJDJ Properties for the redevelopment of the former Hardee's site, involving demolition and utility improvements. The purchase of a new water truck was approved, moving the acquisition to the current fiscal year.

The City Council addressed several agenda items during the session. The consent agenda, which included approval of minutes from a prior date, various reports, and a liquor license renewal, was approved. The Council subsequently approved the slate of administrative officers beginning January 1, 2026, and the Mayor administered the Oath of Office to newly elected members and administrative officers. A public hearing was held and closed regarding the plans, specifications, and contract for the electric generation project's switchgear, followed by the acceptance of a low bid for the switchgear components. Another public hearing addressed the water tower project's Environmental Information Document related to the State Revolving Fund loan, concluding with approval of the Mayor's signature on the document. The Council passed a resolution supporting the Length of Service Award Program for emergency service volunteers, matching contributions up to $250 per volunteer. Furthermore, the Council held a public hearing and approved the rezoning recommendation for the Harvest Heights area to support multi-family residential development, including the passage of an Ordinance to amend the zoning. The agreement for Piper Sandler & Co. to serve as underwriter for financing the electric generation project was approved. Final payment and acceptance of the grading project for the Harvest Heights Addition were authorized. The Council approved annual funding contributions to several local organizations using gas and electric funds. Employee Christmas salary amounts for various employee types were approved. Finally, the successful completion of 6-month reviews for two employees resulted in their move to permanent employment status, and the Federal Grant Administration Policies and Procedures were approved.