Mike Collette Gets the Keys

The worst-kept secret at City Hall is now official: the Sioux City Council unanimously appointed Michael Collette as city manager and approved his employment agreement. Councilmember Craig Berenstein pulled the item out of the consent agenda specifically so the council could say what they wanted to say on the record — and what they said was overwhelmingly positive.

Berenstein made the motion himself, noting that Collette has done "a really nice job" in the interim role, that "things tend to happen for a reason," and that the previous council's failed outside hire turned out to be a blessing in disguise. But he also made clear this isn't a pat on the back and a handshake: "This is not a status quo appointment. We have significant expectations of you."

Every councilmember echoed similar sentiments. Mayor Pro Tem Julie Schoenherr said she'd been quietly pressuring Collette to stay since last year. Councilmember Ike Rayford called himself "looking forward to being the agents of change." The vote was unanimous. If you're keeping score, this council clearly feels they found their person — but they're going to hold him to it.

Fair Housing Month Proclaimed

Mayor Bob Scott read a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month in Sioux City, marking the 58th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Representatives from the Northwest Iowa Board of Realtors — including President Chris Delph, Executive Officer Denise Gutierrez, and Vice President Eric Hoke — accepted the proclamation and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to fair housing in the community.

Three Strong Candidates for One Library Board Seat

The council interviewed three candidates for a single Library Board of Trustees opening, and all three made a genuine impression:

James Hodgins, a former six-year employee of the Sioux City Public Library who expressed concern about budget management and has board experience through his church.
Shannon Jorsted, who has served six years on the Friends of the Library Board and had substantive conversations with council during the budget cycle.
Linda Santee, who grew up using the library (SmithVilla branch — "I'm showing my age," she said), worked for the New Orleans public library system during Hurricane Katrina, and helped rebuild 13 branches. She brought a national perspective on library services and workforce development.

Berenstein noted this was "a unique situation where we have three really good candidates for one spot," but pointed out another board seat opens later in the cycle. The quality of these candidates clearly reflects how much the recent library budget conversations energized the community. That's worth something.

Chad Smith was also interviewed for the Parking and Skywalk Board. His company manages the convention center, so he's literally connected to the skywalk and surrounding parking ramps. Seemed like a natural fit and drew no objections.

The Morningside Avenue Liquor Rezoning — and One Firm "No"

The council held a public hearing on rezoning 1000 Morningside Avenue (a convenience store, Kerpa) to allow off-site alcohol sales. Planning & Zoning recommended approval, and there were no public comments at the P&Z hearing.

But Mayor Scott voted no, and he wasn't shy about why. He cited a Des Moines study from a few years back showing that gas stations and convenience stores selling alcohol have a negative impact on residential neighborhoods. "I haven't voted for one, and I'm not voting for one today," he said flatly.

Councilmember Schoenherr pushed back on the comparison to the last similar request (the Horizon restaurant location, which involved on-site consumption with meals — "completely different set of circumstances," she argued). The ordinance passed 4-1, with Scott dissenting. He also opposed waiving the statutory rule for second and third readings, so this one will come back. Scott asked staff to pull that Des Moines study for the next discussion. This one's worth watching if you live near Morningside Avenue.

HART Team Update: Progress, But the Problem Is Migrating

Chief Rex Mueller introduced Sergeant Van Rokel as the new direct supervisor of the HART (Homeless Action Response Team), replacing Sergeant Gill. He announced they'll be adding criminal enforcement data to future HART reports — acknowledging that the current reporting doesn't capture the full picture of what the team is doing.

The good news: cleanups are down, which means the frequent problem areas are getting addressed faster. The bad news: that's pushing encampments onto private property, where the city has less ability to act quickly because of notification requirements (certified mail, property owner consent, etc.).

Councilmember Berenstein pressed hard on this, asking if there are ordinance tools or fast-track options the council could provide. Inspection Services Supervisor Daryl Bollock explained they've developed a permission document that property owners can sign to allow cleanup, but many problem properties are vacant lots owned by out-of-town LLCs — making contact slow and frustrating.

Several specific hot spots came up:
- North of Walgreens on Hamilton Boulevard — an active encampment on what turns out to be county property. A meeting with the property owner is scheduled.
- Across from Parrott's place — Berenstein said he's texting the chief three times a week about people drinking beer on the sidewalk there.
- Near Winslow's new brew pub on 5th Street — another emerging spot.
- Wesley Way overpass — panhandlers are back.

The chief was candid about the limits: "For us to take and displace somebody just because somebody doesn't like looking at them, we're asking for trouble." Fourth Amendment issues are real, and when there's no evidence of an arrestable offense, officers push for voluntary compliance.

On the frequent flyer list, the department's crime analysis unit is building a digital version that will automatically alert judges, jail staff, and prosecutors when repeat offenders come through the system. That meeting is set for the 17th. This is one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that could actually make a difference in closing the loop between arrest and consequence.

Berenstein also flagged a broader philosophical question that's clearly been on his mind: "If we can't cure homelessness, at what point do we have the right to contain it?" He suggested the conversation about corralling services closer to food sources and other needs will come up when the warming shelter presents to council in coming weeks. Expect that to be a substantive — and potentially contentious — discussion.

Red Tag / Placard Deep Dive: The Unglamorous Work of Keeping People Safe

Daryl Bollock delivered a detailed presentation on the city's red-tag process — how unsafe properties get identified, placarded, and ultimately demolished or repaired. If you've ever wondered what happens to that boarded-up house on your block, this was the explainer.

Key takeaways:
- 80% of red tags come through the communications center (police and fire calls). Others come from rental inspections, neighbor complaints, and the water department (no water = no sanitation = placard).
- "Placarded," "red-tagged," and "condemned" all mean the same thing: not fit for human occupancy.
- Property owners get six months to make repairs (city ordinance, not state law). Council can grant a one-time stay of demolition.
- Bollock said he now asks for demolition on every property he brings to council. His reasoning: it creates urgency, and if owners are serious about repairs, they'll provide estimates, proof of financing, and a bond.
- The placard hearing on April 16th has about 12-13 properties — down from 22-23 originally, and way down from a hearing years ago that had 200 properties and took multiple nights.
- 901 Nebraska Street — the long-running saga continues. The property has received two stays of demolition (the code only allows one). A recent submission from the owners included engineering documents with a New York phone number, no address, and a computer-generated sketch with more openings than the building actually has. Bollock is moving forward. The 90-day window expires around April 14th, and he plans to start with an asbestos survey immediately after.

Bollock emphasized that demolition doesn't mean the city acquires the property — a common misconception. They facilitate connections between deed holders and interested buyers, and several properties have found new owners willing to rebuild.

The council was clearly supportive. Berenstein noted the community is in "a different environment" where infill developers are ready to build on cleared lots, and holding onto crumbling structures no longer serves neighborhoods the way it once might have. Collette added that Bollock's case files are impressively thorough — every contact, every photo, every notice documented.

Dumpster Lids: More Interesting Than You'd Think

The council gave first reading to an ordinance requiring secured lids on commercial dumpsters (gravity bars, not locks). Dave Bernstein — yes, a citizen named Bernstein, not the councilmember — came up to passionately advocate for the change, describing downtown alleys as "a pig sty" and noting that plastic lids blow open constantly.

Bertrand voted no on first reading — not because he opposes the idea, but because he wants to hear from the hauling companies before second and third readings. Fair enough. The cost is roughly $75 for the bar, and haulers are expected to install them (and presumably pass the cost along). Nobody from the hauling companies was present.

A Heelan student attending for a class project even spoke up during citizen concerns, suggesting food businesses should be required to have locks on dumpsters because homeless individuals rip them open. Not bad for a homework assignment.

Quick Hits From the Consent Agenda

Multiple construction contracts came in under budget — Mayor Scott noted that Knife River Midwest bidding on a sidewalk project "tells you there's no work out there." A street paving contract came in at roughly half the previous price after being rebid for the first time in 5-6 years. The lesson: bid your projects regularly.
Berenstein abstained on vehicle purchases from Jensen Motors (14A and 14B) and a liquor license item. Rayford abstained on a separate liquor license item.
On a RAM pickup purchase (14D), the council invoked its local preference privilege (within 2% price difference) to buy from Jensen instead of the low bidder.
The Innovation Center grant application moved forward, but Berenstein requested a full presentation on the project scope in the next couple weeks.
A job description update (11B) was deleted at Bertrand's request so he could review tracked changes. It'll come back.
A dark fiber agreement hearing was deferred to April 13th while waiting on an updated bond.

Building Permits and Software

Bollock reported that commercial activity is slow — trades have significant layoffs and are reaching farther out for work. Residential remains strong. The new permitting software (Central Square) is still waiting on the vendor — maybe 60 more days. In the meantime, they've found a workaround for online permit submittals, though online payments aren't available yet.

Council Concerns: Positivity and Property Taxes

Bertrand reminded everyone that this council lowered residential property taxes by $113 per $1,000 and reduced the commercial side by $399 — not increased it as some reporting suggested. He pointedly called on Woodbury County and the Sioux City School Board to do their part, noting the county's levy hasn't dropped and the school board is "sitting on a big surplus that no one is talking about."

Schoenherr closed with a call for community positivity: "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." She encouraged residents to pick up trash, mow a neighbor's lawn, and promote Sioux City on social media instead of dwelling on negatives. Earth Day cleanups are coming up.

What's Coming Up

April 16th: Placard hearing — roughly 12-13 properties
April 13th: Deferred dark fiber agreement hearing
Coming weeks: Warming shelter presentation to council, Innovation Center scope presentation, second/third readings on dumpster lid ordinance and Morningside Avenue rezoning
Earth Day: City-wide cleanup events with volunteers

— SUX