Jason Allen

Key discussions included the denial of a sidewalk deferral request for a property at 3314 Highway 75 North, following a site plan review. The committee addressed potential Floyd Trail crossing improvements, where Engineering will review the need for additional signage. A traffic study overview was presented for the Hamilton Boulevard & Tri-View Avenue intersection, with alternatives recommended by JEO, including a roundabout and a right turn slip lane. Updates were provided on ongoing trail construction, including the Plywood Phase 3 completion and the Big Sioux pedestrian bridge deck pouring. Committee members also reviewed reports received via the 'Report an Issue' website, including concerns about a truck topper on the sidewalk and pedestrian safety at Morningside Avenue and Stone Avenue, with a study planned for that reconstruction. A site plan review for an addition at 810 Steuben Street was noted. Future agenda items discussed include the downtown bike lane project presentation and the election of chair and vice-chair positions.

The City Council meeting included the interview of a candidate for the Yamanashi City Sister City Committee. The consent agenda approved several items, including authorizing negotiations for a Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Audit with Black & Veatch and an agreement for Software as a Service (SaaS) with PerfectMind, Inc. The council also designated a member for the Woodbury County Information and Communication Commission and accepted the Single Audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. A public hearing was set for the Annual Plan for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and support was given for an IEDA tax credit application by BNC, LLC. Actions related to various boards and commissions were discussed, with items 10A through 10D being deferred to the next meeting. Multiple grant applications were approved or accepted, including funding from IDOT for a new bus, and applications for HUD, USDOT (BUILD Program), SIMPCO (TAP), and CDBG-CV funding related to homeless services and planning projects. Several temporary street closures were approved for events such as the NAIA Banquet, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Symphony Kids Concerts. Hearings were scheduled for proposed civil penalties against Downtown Liquor LLC and Pronto Express for cigarette law violations. Construction documents were adopted for the 2025 Annual Sidewalk Program Project and the Big Sioux River Erosion Repair Project. Various agreements and contracts were approved, including a Lease Assignment for T-Hangar 2503, a service extension with BerganKDV, Ltd., a contract for Central Maintenance Garage construction, a vehicle lease agreement with Siouxland District Health, and amendments related to consulting services and development agreements for the Sunnybrook Village Project. The council also rescinded and then reapproved a HOME loan intent agreement with The Web Apartments, LLC, modifying the loan amount. Fund transfers for January 2026 were approved, claims and expenses reviewed, and partial settlements of tort claims authorized. Multiple resolutions were passed to accept property tax exemption applications for improvements made in various years within the Urban Revitalization Area. Several purchase orders were awarded for equipment, including a bypass pump and police pickup trucks, and asphalt. Discussions included personnel complement amendments for the Fire Department and citizen concerns regarding meeting times and livestream comments. Presentations were given regarding the Flock Safety Camera System and the Sioux City Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from the Director regarding the FY27 budget planning with City officials, progress on the Library Director Search managed by Bradbury Miller, and positive feedback on recent programming and popular circulating items from the Library of Things. Financial reports included the approval of claims and a review of the monthly budget summary. Unfinished business involved updates on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects, specifically pushing back the air handler project to FY28 and the carpet/shelving project to FY29, and obtaining an estimate for the Peters Park parking lot overlay. The board unanimously approved the Director Search agreement with Bradbury Miller for $31,000. In new business, the trustees directed staff to contact the landlord regarding the lease for the Perry Creek Branch beyond February 2026.

Key discussions included the procurement of battery recycling boxes, which will cost approximately $2,000 in total for the container and necessary stickers, and will be located at City Hall for recycling batteries and small electronics. The Board also discussed spring events, specifically planning to participate in the Summer Reading Program and securing a booth at the upcoming Home Show via the Inspections Department. New business involved work on a bus wrap advertisement. Additionally, the Board noted the reappointment of Sam and the appointment of Bob Fritzmeier, whose terms expire in December 2028. The EcoFest event scheduled for March 21st was also announced.

The Council entered a closed session to deliberate on two specific matters. The first matter concerned the potential purchase or sale of specific real estate, where premature disclosure could negatively impact the City's financial position. The second matter involved discussing litigation strategy with counsel, where disclosure would likely prejudice the City's position. The Council returned to open session and subsequently adjourned the meeting.