The Sioux Center City Council listened to reports from several entities at their Monday meeting. Crystallyn Sterler, Executive Director of the Low Rent Housing Agency and New Homestead gave her annual report stating the New Homestead has seen some upgrades during the last year thanks to different grants. She reported the New Homestead is at 99% occupancy and that they’ve received a HUD score of 93 out of 100. She reports HUD describes the New Homestead as a role model for low income housing.
Council received a Heritage Village updated from Heritage Village Board President Monty Prins. Prins listed several ongoing projects including an update on the construction of Doc’s Café. Prins introduced members of the Museum Planning Committee, made up of two board members and several community members. The committee presented an update on their work to eventually construct a museum like building that will serve several purposes for Heritage Village and the community. The committee asked council for permission to move forward with acquiring the services of CMBA Architects to begin the concept phase of the structure, called the Heritage Center, which the council approved.
Council received a report from Jon Crane, The Ridge Golf Course manager, who brought plans to add a nine-hole “short course” named Lil Wispy to be located on 22 acres near the south end of the current course. Crane reports The Ridge is at 80% capacity and needs more space to alleviate crowding, scheduling difficulties, and address increasing use of the course. The short course will be accessible during events, and will be accommodating to beginners and families. A fundraising committee has been formed to help raise money for the nearly $2.2M expansion.
Council accepted a bid not to exceed $2.6M in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes for the development and construction of the Brookview Addition and the 13th Street and 1st Ave. SE areas. JP Morgan, Chase bank was chosen at a rate 3.24% for the 10 year note. Three public hearings were held to discuss funding for the Meadow Creek Water Quality Restoration Project, the retention pond near Sioux Center Health and Woodbridge. Those resolutions were passed unanimously. Council also held a public hearing on the 2023/24 city budget which was adopted unanimously as well. Finally, council approved the final payouts for the construction of the ASB Sports Complex.
In other business, the city reported they did not receive a Destination Iowa Grant for construction of additional bike trails, particularly connecting Orange City and Sioux Center.
Next council meeting is scheduled for April 3.
