Sigourney City Council approves pool and field repairs, announces $10,000 BOOST grant and renews employee insurance

The Sigourney City Council on Oct. 2, 2024, approved a series of Park & Recreation repairs and upgrades, accepted a $10,000 BOOST grant for KCED-led strategic planning and completed routine administrative business, including insurance renewals and liquor-license approvals, during a meeting at City Hall that began at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

Mayor Jimmy Morlan presided as the council first approved the tentative agenda. The council then approved the consent agenda, which included minutes of the Sept. 18 meeting, accounts payable claims totaling $32,759.09, approval of Class C retail alcohol licenses with catering for Grant Ranch LLC (Grant Ranch), Goldman Enterprises LLC (Copper Lantern) and Family Dollar Stores of Iowa LLC (Family Dollar), Mayor’s Proclamation 2024-10-28 (Halloween Trick-or-Treat night), community betterment projects, the city credit card report and the scheduling of the Oct. 16 council meeting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Jenny Thompson presented plans for the city’s Christmas Festival, saying the event will be held Nov. 30, 2024, and described planned activities, decorations and the customary Santa and candle placement on the square.

Council Member Iosbaker, identified as KCED Director, told the council that KCED and the planning committee won a $10,000 BOOST grant applied for in August and that the group will begin strategic planning in the coming weeks.

On Park & Recreation items, the council approved several community betterment requests brought forward by Council Member McLaughlin. The council agreed to use LOST funds to sandblast and repaint a pool umbrella that McLaughlin said needs repair. The council also approved replacement of three 23‑year‑old splash pad buckets; the Park & Recreation committee will apply for a KCCEF grant seeking $5,000 to cover the cost and asked the council for LOST funds as a fallback if the grant is not awarded. Council members approved an additional allocation to pour about 28 feet of concrete at the batting cage to prevent a persistent mud hole, with the extra funds to cover both concrete and any required electrical work, and they approved adding fencing at the soccer and flag‑football fields to deter golf carts and UTVs from driving on playing surfaces.

Street and Sanitation business included approval of a revised snow‑removal advertisement that now includes sidewalk clearing in order to secure accurate bids. Human Resources items approved by the council included renewal of health insurance for Dec. 1, 2024, with a 2.2% premium increase; renewal of dental insurance with no increase (approved with one nay from Council Member Schultz); and renewal of vision insurance with no increase.

All motions recorded in the minutes passed; most votes were unanimous. The council adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

Votes at a glance: tentative agenda approval (motion by Council Member McLaughlin, seconded by Council Member Clark) — approved; consent agenda including three liquor licenses (motion by Council Member Clark, seconded by Council Member Iosbaker) — approved; pool umbrella repair (approved); splash pad bucket replacement (approved; KCCEF grant application for $5,000 planned); additional concrete for batting cage (approved); additional field fencing (approved); snow‑removal ad including sidewalks (approved); health insurance renewal (approved, 2.2% increase); dental renewal (approved, Schultz nay); vision renewal (approved). Next meeting: Oct. 16, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.