The Sioux City Council voted to defer final action for one week on an ordinance petition seeking to vacate a portion of the right‑of‑way adjacent to 4510 Van Buren Street and a vacation request affecting 40 Fifth Street. The item drew an extended public hearing with neighbors, property owners and city engineering staff describing access, utility and drainage complications.

Petitioners said acquiring the adjacent 40 Fifth parcel was needed to place a house in a preferred location and to secure future access. Neighbors and other residents raised concerns about winter snow‑removal, access for septic and farm equipment, unclear historic right‑of‑way status, stormwater drainage and steep grades that could make utility connections costly. One resident said a motor grader has historically pushed snow onto the 40 Fifth area and warned that formal vacation could shift maintenance and snow‑removal burdens.

City staff said the parcel maps show the area as an access street and noted that utility lines and topography limit where sanitary and storm connections can be routed. Gordon Ferris, the city engineer, advised that sanitary and water connections are feasible from specific directions but emphasized the need for full field review; staff repeatedly urged a careful environmental and topographic study to avoid unintended drainage impacts. Petitioners said they would accept an easement to preserve septic access for a neighbor and asked that the council include that protection in any sale.

After extended discussion the council agreed to return the item in one week with additional work by engineering and staff and with clearer documentation for neighbors. The council directed staff to meet with petitioners and neighbors, provide title and right‑of‑way history, and circulate the city’s standards for street‑vacation decisions prior to the next hearing. The procedural motion to defer passed on a voice vote.