SIBLEY—Plans for improvements to both the city’s aesthetics and amenities filled the bulk of the Sibley City Council meeting Monday, May 23.
Sibley resident Darcee Schneiderman presented a preliminary plan for a project that she has started organizing downtown.
“I’m not here to ask permission, just your cooperation,” Schneiderman said. “I’ve always wanted to have a mural in town. I put together just a small committee. We have the building across the street actually, NW Iowa Publishers, got their permission and we can do it on the west side of the building.”
She plans to apply for grants for the paint, as well as enter the Iowans Unite Community Contest for the chance to win a unique mural created and installed by Iowa-based artist Ben Schuh.
“I don’t think anything will happen this year yet,” Schneiderman said. “I’ve just always wanted to start sprucing up Sibley, and we’re hoping that it continues as a group and that next year we can do something else. Hopefully other people will join in, too.”
Ideas have already been generated through the “You know you’re from Sibley, Iowa, if” page on Facebook. No specific theme has been set other than using images related to what Sibley means to its residents.
Development
Osceola County Economic Development director Stephanie Neppl shared an update on her office’s activities.
“It’s been a busy couple of months, which has been a good thing,” Neppl said.
Osceola County Economic Development director Stephanie Neppl shares updates on housing, child care and dentist recruitment with the Sibley City Council on May 23.
The rural housing assessment process continues for Sibley, Ashton and Ocheyedan, and Neppl thanked those who have helped so far. She mentioned that resources are available, especially if the communities are working together.
“Career day was great,” Neppl said about the April 21 event. “We heard just outstanding feedback from everybody.”
Expanding child-care spaces continues to be a goal for the steering committee after strategic planning started last August. The plan by the Davis family to open a site was welcome news. The feasibility of on-site day care at local businesses will be explored.
“There is a new grant that came out last week,” Neppl said. “The governor announced $20 million toward some business partnerships.”
Another funding option addresses the county’s lack of a dentist.
“There is $200,000 on the table through the Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists program that goes toward loan forgiveness as long as you can get a dentist that’s on the path to clinic ownership,” Neppl said. “We met a prospect. We’d love to get a dentist back in this community.”
Upcoming events and projects include a customer service workshop on June 30, a pancake feed at Hawkeye Point on June 18, updating a tourism brochure and another visit from JayJay Goodvin, also known as the Iowa Gallivant, as he again travels the T-Bone Trail and returns to the county on June 3.
Dogs
Verle Vander Ploeg presented his concerns about the ability to enjoy his property during the time for public comments.
“I’m here because I’m tired of barking and running around dogs,” Vander Ploeg said.
In addition to the barking nuisance, dogs in their neighborhood run loose and dig up items in their vegetable and flower gardens. He has contacted the neighbors about the issue, as well as the sheriff’s office. He noted that the dogs are friendly, but disobedient, and that the issue worsened with more dogs now in the vicinity.
“We have been trying to get barking dogs quiet in town for years, and we’ve gotten nowhere,” Vander Ploeg said. “There is a city ordinance on the books. Why is it not enforced? I’m not here to get rid of dogs. I like dogs but keep them under control. If you have one, take responsibility for it.”
He outlined the steps he’s taken so far, including taking videos. He has not yet filed a written report.
City personnel confirmed that this is an area with prior complaints. City clerk Susan Sembach will contact the sheriff’s office to determine the next step.
OTHER BUSINESS:
During the May 23 meeting, the Sibley City Council also:
- Tabled a decision on installing heaters in the airport hangers until the June 27 meeting. Council members said this would allow time to find out more about the current rental rates. City clerk Susan Sembach contacted insurance agent Bill Pearson and received notice that the heaters would not affect premiums. Pearson also advised against having the renters pay for the heaters. Available space for the LP tanks should meet installation requirements.
- Heard a report from water superintendent Cory Dykstra that the Friday, June 3, pool opening is later than previous years because of the timing of the lifeguard training.
- Received an update from Sembach that the city will have liability coverage for helicopter rides taking place at the fairgrounds this summer.
