The Sioux City Council awarded a service provider agreement to McGill Restoration for repair and restoration of the Sergeant Floyd monument during its Sept. 15 meeting. The item was part of the consent agenda and passed unanimously after a brief question from a council member about cleaning methods.

Why it matters: Residents had expressed concern that power washing could damage the historic monument. The council sought clarification about the cleaning technique to ensure preservation of the stonework.

Parks staff response: Kelly Bach, Park Superintendent, explained the difference between “power washing” and “pressure washing” and said the contractor will use a soft power wash at roughly 400 PSI. “The difference between power washing and pressure washing is the PSI,” Bach said. “400 is about max when you do the power wash. And at home, your little power pressure washer at home, you can 1,800 PSI. So there’s a big difference.”

Council notes: A council member asked whether the method was pressure washing or power washing; the superintendent confirmed the lower-pressure approach and said McGill has experience restoring historic monuments. The council proceeded to approve the contract.

Formal action: Resolution awarding a service provider agreement to McGill Restoration for the Sergeant Floyd monument repair and restoration; vote passed 5-0.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the consent agenda discussion and the Parks item.