Click this link for the PDF garbage/recycling schedules for all of 2024.

Questions? Call De Kruif Disposal at (712) 324-3404 or visit their Facebook page.

De Kruif Disposal

• Contact Information: (712) 324-3404 (Mark or Missy Gurtler). See also documents section.

• Tags for extra garbage cost $3 per bag and can be purchased at Hy-Vee or Fareway. Or reach out to De Kruif Disposal.

• De Kruif Disposal’s Facebook page

• Residential Garbage/Recycling routes, leaf & tree dumps, etc

  

Click this link for the PDF garbage/recycling schedules for all of 2025. The image below is of the 1st six months.

Tags for extra garbage cost $3 per bag and can be purchased at Hy-Vee or Fareway. Or reach out to De Kruif Disposal.

Questions? Call De Kruif Disposal at (712) 324-3404 or visit their Facebook page.

De Kruif Disposal

• Contact Information: (712) 324-3404 (Mark or Missy Gurtler). See also documents section.

• De Kruif Disposal’s Facebook page

• Residential Garbage/Recycling routes, leaf & tree dumps, etc

  

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, 4/15/26 at 4:30 pm.

Calls welcome - 712-631-4779.

Current job description for FT EMT (under review).

Current job description for FT Paramedic (under review).

Here is application. Open until filled.

This is a non-exempt position, see non-union personnel manual. Note: OT begins after 40 hours.

We are proud of you!

SCAT will be running Pizza Ranch deliveries from 5-8pm on Wed, Nov 6 & Thurs, Nov 7. We are a team of mostly volunteers and need your support.

If you are interested in volunteering to be part of SCAT or our other Emergency Services (including Fire and EMA), click here.

Facebook link to fundraiser

disasterassistance.gov

Here is the flyer in English / Spanish.

Please apply even if you don’t think you will get much, and here is why.

1. FEMA has surprised us with how fast they are with processing claims. It may slow down now that more people are applying, but we have heard reports that they are quick - as in 3 - 4 days.
2. You won’t know unless you apply. The claims are loss-based and not necessarily income based like the state grant is.
3. Because this is a federal disaster, uncovered losses are tax deductible. The FEMA claim’s documentation will help you when you do your taxes next year.
4. The more complete a picture we can paint for FEMA, the more the City of Sheldon and O’Brien / Sioux County can be eligible for in terms of public infrastructure grants, housing assistance, etc. You are also helping all of us by filing your claim.

Some of you are worried that you didn’t take enough pictures. If you didn’t take enough pictures at the beginning, take them at the end. If your neighbor’s house had damage that was documented, and you had damage that isn’t as well documented, FEMA will probably send someone to your home to document as much as possible. If your insurance adjuster took pictures, you should be able to ask them for that claim information as well.

How to Apply with FEMA • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov • Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362). • Download and use the FEMA app • Survivors can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to apply or get application assistance. As of 9/3/24, the only DRC remaining in NW Iowa is in Rock Valley.

Disaster Recovery Centers – Northwest Iowa (See DRC Locator)

Rock Valley - Sioux County City Park Shelter House 1013 13th Ave. Rock Valley, IA 51247 Open Monday – Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

To save time, apply with FEMA before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

Please support your local Emergency Services and our Volunteers by making sure your outside building numbers can be easily seen!

While much improvement has been made, there are still places in Sheldon where building address numbers are missing or illegible. Legible building numbers are important for your protection and for our public safety personnel. In the event of an emergency call, each second wasted looking for an address puts lives and property at risk. This is also helpful for utility locates and for the Post Office. While building numbers are most important for residences, this is also important for businesses, warehouses, workshops and empty sheds. If your building is not directly adjacent to the street, a clear address number on the entrance sign, a tree, or mailbox is acceptable.

150.02 OWNER REQUIREMENTS. Every owner shall comply with the following numbering requirements:

1. Obtain Building Number. The owner shall obtain the assigned number to the principal building from the Clerk. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[3d])
2. Display Building Number. The owner shall place or cause to be installed and maintained on the principal building the assigned number in a conspicuous place to the street in figures not less than three inches in height and of a contrasting color with their background. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[3d])
3. Failure to Comply. If an owner refuses to number a building as herein provided or fails to do so for a period of three days after being notified in writing by the City to do so, the City may proceed to place the assigned number on the principal building and assess the costs against the property for collection in the same manner as a property tax. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[3h])

Yours truly,

Chief Eric Meinecke - Police

Chief Brad Hindt - Fire

Krysten Haan, Director - Ambulance

Wayne Barahona, Director - EMA

Update - 6/25. Public Works Director Todd Uhl and his team spent considerable time on 6/25 troubleshooting the 10-inch water main that runs along Hwy 18. Unfortunately, we have determined that it is broken under the river and is not repairable. We are working towards a bore that will replace 800 feet of water main. They are in process of ordering materials and gathering a rough cost estimate. We will be working on the permits needed from the IDOT and IDNR. At this point we don’t have a timeline to share but we are moving as quickly as possible.

Eight Sheldon water customers, including NW Iowa Community College’s campus, remain on a boil advisory until further notice, and we are very sorry about this but are doing all we can to get back to normal as soon as possible.

NOTE: This applies ONLY to these 8 properties:

• 450 W Park St - K&J Cycle • 500 W Park St – Sheldon Motel • 510 W Park St – Michael Murphy • 511 W Park St – Kelly Van Voorst • 515 W Park St – Dennis Hoksbergen • 603 W Park St – NCC • 3217 Marsh Ave – Dale Jungers • 612 W Park St - Don Riemersma

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY

The Sheldon Water Department is recommending boiling the water before drinking or to use an alternative source.

The Sheldon Water Supply had a problem in the distribution system and the system lost pressure on 6/22/24. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used.

IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes. If the water is colored, use an alternative source such as bottled water.

For more information, please contact Todd Uhl, Public Works Director at 712-324-4651 or tuhl@cityofsheldon.com. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

When water service is restored, there may be air in your water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or hose bib. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until it is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy or colored throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, use an alternative source such as bottled water and contact the person listed above.

A temporary pipeline is being constructed until a permanent repair or replacement can take place. This advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. You will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is lifted.

The system is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.

This notice is being sent to you by the Sheldon Water Department.

PWSID#: 7170040

Date distributed: 6/23/24

Thursday, October 10; 5pm - 7pm.

We know many of you are wondering about the timeline, and the answer is we are working on keeping the process moving forward. There are many schedules to juggle, and we ask for patience.

10 AM on Saturday, 4/4/26. It is a sight to behold, and if you are one minute late you will miss most of the action. Hundreds of kids come to gather thousands of eggs. For details or questions, you may call SCDC at (712) 324-2813. Remember it is not going to be at the Park due to the anticipated weather.

• N 2nd Ave from Highway 18 to the water plant
• N 5th Ave from the water plant south to the new concrete
• N 7th Ave from Highway 18 to Oak St
• Oak St from N 6th Ave to N 7th Ave
• W 7th St from Western Ave to Pleasant Drive
• W 8th St from Western Ave to Railroad Ave
• W 9th St from Western Ave to AGP
• 2nd Ave from the RR tracks south to Van Wyk trucking
• S 3rd Ave from the RR tracks to 16th St

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding while we complete these improvements.

Chloramination is a commonly used disinfection process, used by many including the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. The use of chloramines or other disinfectants is required by EPA drinking water health standards and Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources requirements.

This change is intended to benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts in the system while still providing protection from waterborne disease.

What is chloramination? Chloramination is the process of adding chloramine to drinking water to disinfect it and kill viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause illness. It is sometimes used as an alternative to chlorination. Chloramines are a group of chemical compounds that contain chlorine and ammonia. The particular type of chloramine used in drinking water disinfection is called monochloramine which is mixed into water at levels that are safe to drink but kill the organisms that cause illness.

Why switch from chlorine to chloramine disinfection? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows drinking water treatment plants to use chloramine and chlorine to disinfect drinking water. Research shows that chloramine and chlorine both have benefits and drawbacks.

Chlorine is a highly effective method of disinfection. However, while in the pipes it produces small amounts of chemicals (called “disinfection by-products”) if the source water has higher levels of dirt or organic carbon that may react with chlorine.

Chlorine is also used up quickly in water systems. Sometimes there is not enough chlorine left to kill harmful organisms in the water by the time it reaches the end of the pipes. Chloramine can last longer in the water pipes and produces fewer disinfection by-products. To meet EPA standards intended to reduce disinfection by-products, some water utilities are switching to chloramine. The City of Sheldon works hard to ensure proper disinfection of the water supply with all methods it uses.

Important info for fish owners: Similar to chlorine disinfection, chloramination can affect fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Like chlorine, chloramines can enter into a fish’s bloodstream through its gills, which may be harmful to the fish. Since Chloramines last longer in the water than chlorine, the chloramines must be removed from the water with a filter or additive. Chloramines take weeks, much longer than chlorine, to dissipate from the water.

Unlike humans and other household pets, fish, aquatic animals, reptiles and amphibians absorb water directly into the blood stream. Don’t keep these animals in water that contains chlorine or chloramine disinfectants. Chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. Fish owners should make sure the chemicals or filters they are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. They may need to change the type of filter that they use for the fish tank. Unlike chlorine, chloramines cannot be removed by boiling water, adding salt, or letting water stand in an open container to dissipate. Products are available at aquarium supply stores that can remove chloramine. Ask a pet store about methods of removing disinfectants from water for these pets.

The small amount of chloramine added to water will not affect other pets (such as mammals and birds) and can be used regularly for watering and bathing animals.

Important info for dialysis providers/home dialysis: The change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate. Dialysis facilities should prepare to adjust water purifications techniques for water used during dialysis treatments. The pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units typically include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing the chloramine. Home dialysis users should consult the machine manufacturer for instructions on how to properly treat their water before use and double check for proper treatment of chloramine in the future.

Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

Will chloramine affect my water’s taste or smell? If you notice any change in the taste or smell of your water, it may be that the water treated with chloramine may have less of a “chlorine” taste and smell than water treated with chlorine.

(Source: CDC)

The filing deadline is September 18 at 5:00 pm. City offices will be open later to accommodate the filings. Here are positions to be filled:

• Ward 2 City Council – currently Ken Snyder
• At Large City Council – currently Tom Eggers
• Mayor – currently Greg Geels

The 2025 City Elections will be held Tuesday, November 4. Angela Beckman, our City Clerk, has been designated as the person that the nomination papers need to be filed with. Her number is (712) 324-4651. 25 signatures required.

Here is the link to the ward map. The nomination forms, etc, can be found at www.sheldoniowa.gov/documents in the Election section.

The filing deadline was September 21 at 5p. Here is the candidate list:

• Ward 1 – Pete Hamill
• Ward 3 – Brad Hindt
• At Large – Shantel Oostra

Wayne Barahona did not file for re-election for the at large seat. He was first elected in a Special Election on May 21, 2019 and was re-elected in November 2019. We are grateful for his service 4 ½ years of service to the City.

Original post:

The 2023 City Elections will be held Tuesday, November 7. The first day a candidate can file is August 28, 2023, last day they can file is September 21, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Angela Beckman, our City Clerk, has been designated as the person that the nomination papers need to be filed with. Her number is (712) 324-4651. 25 signatures required.

Here is the link to the ward map. There are three City Council seats up for election. Ward 3 (currently held by Brad Hindt), Ward 1 (Pete Hamill) and an At-Large seat (Wayne Barahona).

To sign up for business recycling or find out more about home recycling, please email Mark or Missy Gurtler at De Kruif Disposal or visit their Facebook page. You may also call them at 712-324-3404.

One average residential sump pump can pump 25 gallons a minute, which is 36,000 gallons a day. Disconnect it now from your sanitary sewer and run it into the yard or storm sewer. Same goes for roof drains.

You can help reduce this risk for yourself and your neighbors by ensuring your sump pumps and roof drains are NOT discharging into the sanitary sewer system.

See also this excerpt from City Code 95.04:

No person shall do, or allow, any of the following:

2. Surface Run-Off or Groundwater. Connect a roof downspout, sump pump, exterior foundation drain, areaway drain, or other source of surface run-off or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain that is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer.

Also you’ll want to talk to your insurance agent to verify your sewer backup coverage. On a related note, ask your insurance agent about insurance for water and sewer line breaks (doesn’t guarantee coverage regarding a back-up). Re the lines themselves, the City is also a partner of HomeServe USA which is recommended by the National League of Cities as an option.

Position Title: Executive Director of Sheldon Chamber & Development Corporation (SCDC).

Reports to: SCDC Board (directly); City Council & City Manager (indirectly)

Position Purpose:

To lead the SCDC in all avenues to advance Sheldon community growth. This individual will have the primary responsibility to work effectively with the Board of Directors and Sheldon City Officials and to direct the SCDC according to its mission as stated. Please note this is not a City position, although is located in the Community Services Center and works closely with the City of Sheldon. SCDC offers excellent compensation and benefits. The posting includes a condensed description. The full description is available at this dropbox link.

Principal Duties:

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to the position. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

1. Develops effective relationships with existing business and industry to stay abreast of their needs and opportunities. Offers to provide assistance as appropriate. Administers Revolving Loan Fund, Housing Review Board, Community Foundation and related programs.
2. Direct leadership of the various SCDC and other committees.
3. Develops effective working relationships with city government and management, county officials, community leaders, and other development organizations to cause cooperative efforts to promote and grow Sheldon. Examples include the Sheldon Regional Airport Commission, the Trails Committee, and the Crossroads Pavilion.
4. Develops and implements plans to solicit new business and industry to located in Sheldon. Will need to follow up on leads in an aggressive, professional, innovative, and thorough manner. Involves partners and board to assure the best efforts of the SCDC.
5. Develops and implements plan to promote Sheldon as a good place to live, work, shop, and locate business. This includes advocacy for both greenfield development and blight remediation (i.e., Urban Renewal and Urban Revitalization).
6. Oversee the “Chamber of Commerce” functions that are to be administered by the Chamber Director and office staff. These functions include the coordination of retail events, Christmas promotions/activities, Home Show, Annual Banquet, and Celebration Days. This function also provides information on Sheldon to guests and prospects.
7. Develops and implements an effective public relations process that promotes the SCDC as an effective and vital force in Sheldon. Solicits volunteers to serve on selected committees to work on behalf of the SCDC.
8. Develops and recommends short and long-range plans and goals for consideration by the Board of Directors. Will implement approved plans and report on progress on an ongoing basis.
9. Market and sell available commercial, industrial, and residential ground. Additionally provide framework for programs/incentive to stimulate development.
10. Be a leader in identifying future development and redevelopment ground for commercial, residential, and industrial growth.
11. Will serve as the head administrator of the SCDC and be responsible for administering all polices approved by the Board of Directors.
12. Develops budgets and seeks funding to support the work of the SCDC. Conducts an annual investment campaign.
13. Directs office activities to support the organization, including maintenance of all financial and other reports and records that are necessary. Assures that the office creates a friendly and welcoming environment for visitors.
14. Assures timely and effective communications with Board members and investors.

Requirements of position: A college degree is expected with advanced graduate credit or related work experience as an asset. The director must possess high personal integrity, a well-balanced personality, have excellent communication skills, be a self-starter, is personable, have the ability to sell ideas, and have a passion to promote Sheldon. Three years’ experience in an equivalent type of position is preferred. Hours vary, generally the hours will be Monday – Friday, 7:30a – 4:30p. Many meetings are at 7a, 12p or 4:30p to accommodate schedules of membership.

Physical and Visual Requirements: Average mobility and vision correctable to 20/40 is required.

Terms of employment: At will.

Evaluation: Salary and performance evaluation will take place after six months, one year, and annually thereafter.

Reporting Relationships: SCDC Board of Directors. This position is appointed by the SCDC Board of Directors, confirmed by the Sheldon City Council. This position then reports to the SCDC Board of Directors, and works closely with the City Manager, who assigns various duties on behalf of the City (in coordination with the SCDC Board Leadership).

Supervisory requirements: Direct supervision of two (Chamber Director and Administrative Assistant). Direct and Indirect supervision of multiple boards, commissions, and committees.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Bob Henningsen with Smart Solutions Group via email only at: bob@ smartsolutionsgroup.net. If questions please email or, call or text at 515.238.2697

Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation 416 9th Street, PO Box 276 Sheldon, Iowa 51201 Phone: 712-324-2813 Fax: 712-324-4602 www.sheldoniowa.com

City of Sheldon’s website is www.sheldoniowa.gov. SCDC’s is www.sheldoniowa.com.

Posted September 8, 2023, Open until filled.

Until further notice, the landfill will be opening at 6:30 a.m.

• July 1 - 2: Noon through 10 p.m.
• July 3: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Except when July 3 falls on a Saturday or Sunday preceding July 4, in which fireworks shall be allowed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• July 4: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• December 31: 9 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

On your property only. The new ordinance was adopted on June 4, 2025 (item 6e).

• Ordinance O26-3306: AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO ILLEGAL DUMPING.
• Ordinance O26-3307: AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUIRING RECYCLABLE ITEMS THAT ARE PLACED CURBSIDE FIT IN COMPLIANT CANS. (See also 5/6/26 contract amendment with De Kruif).
• August 1, 2026 Rates (increase of 35 cents per month).

Reminder: The downtown recycling container is at De Kruif’s yard: 300 N 2nd Ave (north of the Super 8 on Pine St). Please do not place items on the ground. The box is for in town residential customers only. We ask that it not be used for businesses or out of town residents.

Click this link for the PDF garbage/recycling schedules for all of 2026. Screenshots are below.

Tags for extra garbage cost *currently $3 per bag) can be purchased at Hy-Vee or Fareway. Or reach out to De Kruif Disposal at (712) 324-3404 or visit their Facebook page.

Questions? Call De Kruif Disposal at (712) 324-3404 or visit their Facebook page.

De Kruif Disposal

• Contact Information: (712) 324-3404 (Mark or Missy Gurtler). See also documents section.

• De Kruif Disposal’s Facebook page

• Residential Garbage/Recycling routes, leaf & tree dumps, etc

  

The City of Sheldon appreciates the effort to keep lawns mowed. This notice is to remind everyone that leaves and grass must not be deposited into the City gutters or streets; this creates problems for our storm water system. Here is our City Ordinance section:

135.03 PLACING DEBRIS ON. It is unlawful for any person to throw or deposit on any street or alley any glass, glass bottle, nails, tacks, wire, cans, trash, garbage, rubbish, litter, offal, leaves, grass, or any other debris likely to be washed into the storm sewer and clog the storm sewer, or any substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle.

Per City Code 1.14, the fine is now $105 for first offense and up to $855 for subsequent offenses. Each day the issue is unaddressed counts as a separate offense.

For the information on last year’s hearing, see this link.

For explanation of this process, see information from Iowa League of Cities.

Position Opening - Chief of Police

The thriving and family friendly community of Sheldon, IA (population 5,512) is seeking a Chief of Police. This Senior Management position leads the activities of the police department. Iowa Code requires a minimum of three years’ experience in a public law enforcement agency and two years of comparable experience or educational training. This person must have strong communication, public relation skills, and the ability to show and demonstrate effective leadership capabilities. The City offers an attractive salary and benefit package. Salary range is $90,000 - $101,000 based on qualifications and years of experience.

Job description

More detailed posting

Full position profile available at www.sheldoniowa.gov or by contacting jeff.cayler@gmail.com. Application materials requested include: a cover letter, resume, salary history, and at least three work-related references. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled with the first review of applications on September 6, 2024. Send application materials to:

Jeff Cayler

Cayler Consulting, LLC

jeff.cayler@gmail.com

(712) 830-3794 (yes, phone calls are welcome)

Letters may be sent to Keith c/o City of Sheldon at 416 9th St, Sheldon, IA 51201.

The City’s taxable growth for FY27 is 7.26% ($1,331,260), but it is capped in state code to a revenue growth of 4.14% ($1,292,486). This is a reduction of $38,774 in revenues from what it would have been prior to the state-imposed cap.

The tax rate is going from $15.28094 (certified rate for FY26) to $15.32968. This translates to less than a 5-cent increase per $1,000 of taxable valuation after the statewide rollback.

This does not directly mean your own property taxes are going up by 4.14%. Here is the link to the Property Tax Estimator (there are two tabs, one for Residential and one for Commercial Industrial).

Contact: Troy Larson, Executive Director - 605-368-2400 (work)
April 6, 2023

Tea, SD –

Lewis & Clark water finally started flowing to Sioux Center on April 4 and to Hull on April 5! The communities are the 16th and 17th members to be connected to the tristate system. “This is a huge milestone for both communities to finally be connected. Lewis & Clark’s Articles of Incorporation were signed on January 29, 1990, so Sioux Center waited 12,119 days to get water and one day more for Hull. It took far longer than anyone imagined when the project was started, but it is well worth the wait. The water will ensure continued future growth and expanded economic development opportunities for many decades to come. We far too often take water for granted, but we’re marking this as a monumental day over 33 years in the making,” said Chairman Murray Hulstein of Sioux Center.

Sioux Center has reserved 600,000 gallons per day and Hull has reserved 400,000 gallons per day. Work started last year to expand the System’s capacity from 44 million gallons a day to 60 million gallons. When the expansion is completed, which is anticipated to be in 2030 or 2031, Sioux Center will have access to a total of 949,000 gallons per day and 633,000 gallons per day for Hull.

Three members of Lewis & Clark remain unconnected. The schedules are subject to change, but Sheldon is anticipated to receive water in late 2023/early 2024, Madison in mid-2024 and Sibley in late 2024/early 2025.

Update 3:02 PM, 2/28/24: Just a reminder to turn down your softeners. We recommend you contact your local plumbing contactor or softener supplier to make sure that setting is correct for their household.

Update 8:00 AM, 1/22/24: Regarding our water supply, the hardness of the water coming out of our water plant is now 13 – 14 grains, thanks to Lewis & Clark. Prior to that, the hardness was in the mid to high 50’s in terms of grains of hardness.

It is time to turn down water softeners, but we encourage you to use caution and consult with your plumber before you turn down your softener to 13 for the hardness setting. There are conditions to consider such as volume of usage and the recharge frequency, which affect the lifespan of your softener.

Update 10:17 AM, 1/3/24: We have been asked about how to test the water hardness and what setting is best. Here is an update from our Public Works Director, Todd Uhl: There are several easily available water hardness test kits or strips. Our water will be sent to the customers at 13 to 14 grains and should stay consistent. I’d suggest setting softeners slightly higher. Maybe something in the 16 to 18 range. Ultimately customers may want to contact their local plumbing contactor or softener supplier to make sure that setting is correct for their household. Here is a sample water softener manual (see p5).

Update 8:42 AM, 1/3/24: The water coming out of the plant is now about 13 to 14 grains of hardness per gallon, compared to about 56 grains previously. There is still some hard water in the system, but it’s time to start turning down your softeners. Turning down your softeners will help you financially and to preserve the life of your softener, and it also helps the compliance with our Wastewater treatment plant.

Update 12/19/23: Lewis & Clark water started flowing into our water system on December 19, 2023. The current hardness in the system is in the mid-50’s in terms of grains of hardness, and the new blend will be in the teens. A major change. We are being asked often about when to turn down the softeners. There are millions of gallons of the harder water in the system and it will time for that to run through the system. The switch to chloramination (affecting dialysis patients and fish owners) has already occurred and was previously communicated.

See prior post on Chloramination, which began earlier this month and affects mainly dialysis patients and aquatic life.

Updated 4/22/26

Sheldon Public Library – Sheldon, Iowa

Sheldon Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and creative full-time Children’s Librarian to join our team. This role focuses on developing and leading children’s programming, fostering a love of reading, and engaging families in our community. Responsibilities include planning and presenting story times and activities, assisting with collection development for children’s materials, and supporting a welcoming environment for young readers and their families.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about literacy and youth services, enjoy working with children of all ages, and bring energy and creativity to library programming.

This is a full time exempt (salaried) position, and the range is up to $40,000 depending on experience and qualifications. The City of Sheldon / Sheldon Public Library offers a competitive benefits package.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and City Application at www.sheldoniowa.gov/documents (for non-emergency services positions) to the Brandi Burrington, the HR Consultant for the City of Sheldon at brandi@centerbenefits.net.

Position is open until filled.

Job Description

For questions or to submit your application, contact: Brandi Burrington Sheldon Public Library brandi@centerbenefits.net (712)541-8434

• 3rd Ave from Hwy 18 to 6th St, S 9th Ave from 16th St north to the concrete
• N 7th Ave from Oak St to Pine St.
• 9th St from 6th Ave to mid-block of 7th Ave.
• S 10th Ave from 16th St to 14th St.

Once the milling is complete, the roads will be cleaned and the asphalt paving crew in scheduled for mid-May. Thank you in advance for your patience during construction. We hope that you will enjoy the new road surface.

Projectiles and sparks must land on your own property, and not on your neighbors or on streets. Fireworks may NOT be shot off in City Parks or streets.

Sheldon Public Library – Sheldon, Iowa

Sheldon Public Library is seeking a dynamic and community-minded full-time Library Director to lead our team. This role oversees all aspects of library operations, including staff supervision, budgeting, program development, and public engagement. The ideal candidate will be passionate about literacy and public service, have strong leadership skills, and meet Iowa Library Association standards. Join us in shaping the future of library services in Sheldon!

This is an exempt position and the starting salary range is: $55,000-$62,000 depending on experience. This position qualifies for an attractive benefits package offered through the City of Sheldon.

Posting

Job Description

Application Also found at www.sheldoniowa.gov/documents under more/job postings.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and City Application to Brandi Burrington, the HR Consultant for the City of Sheldon at brandi@centerbenefits.net. The application and information can be found at www.sheldoniowa.gov/documents. See employment/application (for non-emergency services positions).

First Review of Applications: June 23, 2025.

For questions or to submit your application, contact: Brandi Burrington Sheldon Public Library brandi@centerbenefits.net (712) 541-8434

The City of Sheldon is looking for a dedicated individual to fulfill the role of Recreation Coordinator. This position will assist the Sheldon Park and Recreation Department. The City of Sheldon offers an attractive benefits package & a great work environment. Starting salary in the range of $39,000 - $43,000 DOE - will be contingent on qualifications, experience, and City Council approval. Sheldon is an EOE. Open until filled. Full description is posted on www.sheldoniowa.gov. A cover letter, resume and at least three professional references are requested. Send to City of Sheldon, Attn: Todd Uhl, Public Works Director, PO Box 276, Sheldon, IA 51201, or email to tuhl@cityofsheldon.com. Calls are welcome, call 712-324-4651 and ask for Todd.

1st review of applications is July 21. Position open until filled.

Link for the job description & posting.

Posted July 7, 2025.

Letter

Press Release

Application (DUE APRIL 15)

First review of applications is Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 4:30 PM.

Here is the packet

Letter from Chief Meinecke

This posting in PDF

The Sheldon Police Department is taking applications for a full-time police officer position. The Sheldon Police Department is seeking to establish a list of eligible peace officer candidates for future openings. This list will be valid for up to one and a half years (18 months).

Applicants must meet the minimum hiring standards as set by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council. Applicants are not required to have law enforcement experience. First review of applications will be April 24, 2025, applications may be accepted after that time depending on the timing of the testing. Applications can be picked up in person, downloaded from the City of Sheldon website, or requested by phone by calling the Police Department at 712-324-2525 (mornings are the best time to call). All required documents must be included with the completed application to be considered.

Applicants who are not currently certified by ILEA must undergo physical agility testing, a written POST exam, and MMPI testing. Testing details will be confirmed with applicants who are invited to continue with the testing process. Current ILEA certified officers are exempt from the POST and agility testing. Lateral transfers are eligible to start at a higher salary based on experience.

The qualified candidate will work a rotating night and day shift schedule including every other weekend and some holidays.

The Sheldon Police Department offers a generous benefit package including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) contributions, group health, life insurance, and flexible health/dependent care spending plan contributions. The starting pay range, depending on experience, is from $24.98/hr ($54,564/year) to $32.83/hr ($71,694/year). Police Officer pay tops out at $34.11 ($74,471/year).

The City of Sheldon Police Department hereby give public notice, in compliance with the Iowa Veteran’s Preference Law under Iowa Code chapter 35C, regarding the Police Department’s intent to establish a hiring list for a full-time peace officer within the department.

It is the policy of the City of Sheldon to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, and to recruit, hire, train, promote and compensate persons in all jobs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

You may also reach out to your elected officials directly.

Public Comments may also be written and dropped off in the west side utility box or Clerk’s Office at 416 9th St. Public Comments may also emailed to our City Clerk Angela Beckman or to City Manager Sam Kooiker.

Sheldon does have zoning in the City limits, and 2-miles into O’Brien County. Permits are required for most types of external construction, including steps, egress windows and decks. Permits are also required for signs (on-premise and off-premise advertising). Permits are also required for Peddler (Transient Merchant permits).

Permits typically take a week to 2 weeks to process unless Planning & Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustment hearings are needed. The City does have a moratorium (as of 3/18/26) in place on all off-premise new signage, and a moratorium in place on on-premise digital signage.

The main focus in our permitting process is setbacks and conformities (IE avoiding large machine sheds in a residential neighborhood). Sign permits are also required. Sheldon has a relatively simple and inexpensive permit process compared to many other communities. Our permit applications and fees can be found here.

The City of Sheldon does not look for property pins or easements. Beacon Schneider is an excellent free resource for property information. Sheldon is partly in Sioux and O’Brien Counties, so be sure you have the correct county selected if you are looking at properties on the West side of Western Avenue.

This position is generally expected to work day-time hours, up to 29 hours a week. IPERS benefits and a great work environment. Pay will be up to $19 an hour DOE, subject to council approval. Sheldon is an EOE. The position is open until filled. Applications can be picked up the City Office, along with a full job description. A cover letter, resume and at least three professional references are recommended to be submitted with the application.

Necessary documents:

Administrative Assistant (part-time) Police Department - applicant waiver form

Administrative Assistant (part-time) Police Department - application

Administrative Assistant (part-time) Police Department - job description

Posted July 21, 2023; updated August 24, 2023; position remains open as of September 20, 2023

For more information on our Recreation Department, see here. Looking for a few more great lifeguards too, see application in link. Feel free to call 324.4651, ask for Evan or Trevor.

See job description and wage, etc.

The City of Sheldon, Iowa is now accepting applications and resumes for the position of Water Operator. This position will provide assistance in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant and the water distribution system. Routinely service and inspect equipment. Perform meter reading and general custodial duties. Ability to perform laboratory testing, sample collection and record keeping. Position would require certification for Water Treatment and Distribution or ability to obtain, high school diploma or equivalent, ability to work in adverse weather conditions, residency within ten miles of the Sheldon Community Services Center and must pass a post offer, pre-employment physical and drug screening. Full job descriptions are available at the City Offices. Salary of the position is based on qualifications, years of experience and under the discretion of AFSCME/Iowa Council 61 bargaining unit. The City offers an attractive benefit package. Send cover letter and resume or application to: City of Sheldon, Attn: Todd Uhl, 416 9th St. PO Box 276, Sheldon, IA 51201 or email to tuhl@cityofsheldon.com. Position is open until filled, first review of applications will be March 7, 2025. The City of Sheldon is an equal opportunity employer.

Posted 2/21/2025

The mailed property tax notice was mailed out the week of March 20. Sheldon’s portion of the mailed notice contained the same language as in our hearing notice. Our notice had more detail than the State’s sample. We included as much as we could with the room we have. For more information, see the agenda for the April Special Council meeting, which has supplemental information regarding the budget development process.

And here is the explanation document that Iowa Department of Management has put together for the mailed tax statements. This was posted to the Department of Management’s website.

Here is the

Property tax calculator

for you to be able to calculate an estimate of personal tax payments based on the information in the letters you receive. And here is thelink to Beacon Schneider (valuation records) that you will need to use the tool, unless you have your assessment notice handy.

The City of Sheldon, Iowa is accepting applications for a full time Park and Recreation Director. A full description is posted on www.sheldoniowa.gov. This is an Exempt position and starting salary is $44,000 - $50,000 Higher starting pay possible DOE. The City of Sheldon offers an attractive benefits package. Send resume and cover letter to: City of Sheldon, Attn: Todd Uhl, PO Box 276, Sheldon, IA 51201 or email to tuhl@cityofsheldon.com.

1st review of applications is May 12. Position open until filled.

Link for the job description & posting.

Posted April 16, 2025.

(See 4a of the 10/10/23 Airport Commission agenda)

A committee was selected to evaluate the proposals and the contract is to be wrapped up no later than April 1, 2024.

Posted online and on the bulletin board on September 1. Published in the NW Iowa Review on September 9, 2023.

NOTICE TO AIRPORT ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS

The City of Sheldon, Iowa (Sponsor) & The Sheldon Regional Airport Commission is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualifications from Airport Consultants for airfield development projects that are anticipated to occur within the next five Federal fiscal years (2024 to 2028) at the Sheldon Regional Airport (SHL), 3020 Northwest Blvd, Sheldon, IA 51201. The proposed projects are subject to receipt of Federal and/or State funding.

Services required include, but are not limited to, engineering services for preliminary design, final design, bidding and construction observation, and incidental special services.

NOTICE TO AIRPORT PLANNING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

The City of Sheldon, Iowa (Sponsor) & The Sheldon Regional Airport Commission is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualifications from Airport Consultants for airport planning and environmental services projects that are anticipated to occur within the next five Federal fiscal years (2024 to 2028) at the Sheldon Regional Airport (SHL), 3020 Northwest Blvd, Sheldon, IA 51201. The proposed projects are subject to receipt of Federal and/or State funding. Services required include, but are not limited to, land acquisition services, airfield planning services, environmental services, and incidental special services.

Submission(s) must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Here are the attachments:

Notice for posting - posted 9/1/23

RFQ for Airport Engineering services

RFQ for Airport Planning & Environmental services

FAA email - 8/16/23

FAA draft Sheldon Airport CIP

Sam Kooiker, City Manager 416 9th Street Sheldon, IA 51201 (712) 324-4651 sam@cityofsheldon.com


Economic Development (SCDC)

• Address: 416 9th Street, PO Box 276, Sheldon, IA 51201
• Phone: 712-324-2813
• Email: cstrouth@cityofsheldon.com
• Fax: 712-324-4602
• Website: https://sheldoniowa.com

Form & payment must be received or placed in west side drop box by Tuesday, September 9, 2025. You must not set out items before Friday evening, September 12. Pick up begins Monday, September 15. You do not get your cans back, so do not set anything by the curb that you do not want to disappear. Remember scavenging is part of the tradition.

Sign-up period is from August 1 to September 9. Here is the link to the form.

Related: See info for 9/23 Household Hazardous Material trailer.

Update - 2:50 PM, 8/1:

Approved by the Sheldon City Council on 7/30.

Community wide clean-up plan (see also handout version)

For curbside pickup of storm debris trees (no root balls) and tree limbs only.

We are hiring multiple contractors to do curbside pick-up, with the following parameters

a. We will start picking up on Monday, August 4. Once we go past the house we are not coming back. (e do not have a specified order of pick-up. We will have multiple crews involved and we will be picking it up as quickly as possible, with a goal of being done in a week. Iowa Dept of Transportation plans to help on Monday, and we greatly appreciate their help

b. No commercial cuttings. Contractors need to haul away their own.

c. Must be curbside. No alley pick-ups. We will be using large side-dumps. The only trees we will remove from an alley is a tree that is blocking the alley, and it will be cut at the right of way lines.

d. If it a tree fell from private property on to the right of way, it will be cut at the right of way and property owner responsible for the remainder. City will not be going on private property.

e. No root balls. Remember root balls are not allowed at our dump.

f. Curbside pick-up will not include small twigs or raking. We will also not pick up other items. We will pick up trees and tree limbs only. Remember that City-wide Fall cleanup is coming up soon too. Sign-up starts August 1.

g. We may grind stumps if the tree was in the right of way, but this is not a priority and could take a lot longer.

h. Here are the two dump sites for trees / limbs (no root balls):

• Tree dump on Monroe (north Washington Ave) is open. Here is the overhead view. South of the Floyd River, north of City Limits.

• Alternative dump site for trees / limbs is near Wastewater plant (NOT THE WATER PLANT) but Wastewater plant. It is located south of Highway 18 at 820 Western Avenue. You’ll need to access from Western Ave at Hwy 18. Follow the arrows.

Please do NOT use the leaf dump at Hills Park for trees, root balls or tree limbs.

i. We want to remind everyone of our ordinance which does not allow replanting or new plantings of trees and bushes in the right-of-way. See link.

j. We encourage you to take lots of pictures and file your insurance claims if you had damage. *See Council agenda for 7/30.*

k. If you are interested in MidAmerican’s tree trimming policy, it is available on their website linked here. You may put their trimmings in the front right of way and our crews will pick them up if they are out by Monday morning, 8/4. Or you can take them to one of the two designated tree dump sites. (See part H above).

l. We have been asked why we don’t take root balls. They won’t burn and they won’t shred. We simply can’t take them unless it’s a right of way tree to begin with.

Update - 2 PM, 7/30:

• Streets are now open, including W. 10th and Western Aven; also, 8th Avenue at 10th St.
• Internet restored but intermittent.
• Power is back on, except to some homes in the Pleasant Court Drive neighborhood, east of Washington Ave. To report an outage.
• Garbage service was delayed by De Kruif disposal until today. See their FB page.
• Special council meeting on Wednesday, 7/30 at 4:30 pm. Agenda is posted HERE.
• You may put your non-commercially cut limbs on the curb. Please ask your contractors to haul away their own cuttings.
• Tree dump on Monroe is a muddy mess, although it is currently not closed.
• Alternative dump site for trees / limbs is near Wastewater plant (NOT THE WATER PLANT) but Wastewater plant. You’ll need to access from Western Ave at Hwy 18. Follow the signs.
• We are not aware of sewage backups at this time, but there is a risk if rains continue.
• State Proclamation approved by Governor. Individual assistance program is activated. See here.

_______________________

Storm update:

Update - 12:18 PM, 7/29:

• 7th Street blocked at 9th Avenue.

• 8th Avenue blocked at 10th St.

• North 5th is blocked north of Pine.

• W 10th St is blocked at Western Ave.

• No Internet in some places.

• Garbage service has been delayed by De Kruif Disposal until tomorrow. See their FB page.

• Special council meeting being planned for Wednesday, 7/30 at 4:30 pm. Agenda is posted HERE, but is a work in progress.

• You may put your non-commercially cut limbs on the curb. Please ask your contractors to haul away their own cuttings.

• Tree dump on Monroe is a muddy mess, although it is currently not closed.

• Alternative dump site for trees / limbs is near Wastewater plant (NOT THE WATER PLANT) but Wastewater plant. You’ll need to access from Western Ave at Hwy 18. Follow the signs.

• Multiple power lines down and transformers being replaced by MidAmerican. IE: A transformer on Pleasant Ct (East of Washington Ave) exploded this morning, 7/29 at about 9:35 AM. MidAmerican on scene.

• We are not aware of sewage backups at this time, but there is a risk if rains continue.

  

The circled number in the enclosed graphic should say $2,189,359 and not $20,189,359. The percent increase should say 1.65% and not 837.34%. We are sorry for the confusion this has caused, and again, the bills themselves are accurate.

Please review the following link. Iowa Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes Incident Period: June 16, 2024 - July 23, 2024. See also DR-4796-IA.

Casualty losses need to be in a federally declared disaster area and not covered by insurance or another form of reimbursement.

Recommendation: Reach out to your tax preparer to identify what documents are needed for your tax return.

See full attachment from O’Brien County Emergency Management Director Jared Johnson.

PDF: Tax Relief info - June 2024 flooding

Thank you Matt Dykstra and ID Excavating for your help.

Thank you Matt Dykstra and ID Excavating for your help.

The moratorium was approved on October 4, 2023.

The City has been removing dead, dying and diseased trees, and new trees are not to be planted in the right of way (which is mainly the area between the sidewalk and street).

Tree planting else where is encouraged, and we also ask that you file a “utility locate” with iowaonecall.com to protect your utilities, etc.

151.02 PLANTING RESTRICTIONS. No tree shall be planted in any parking or street except in accordance with the following:

1. Planting Moratorium. No tree of any kind may be planted in the parking for a period of five years, beginning with the date of the adoption of this ordinance amendment.
2. Alignment. After the expiration of the aforementioned moratorium, all trees planted in any street shall be planted in the parking midway between the outer line of the sidewalk and the curb. In the event a curb line is not established, trees shall be planted on a line seven and a half feet from the property line.
3. Spacing. After the expiration of the aforementioned moratorium, trees shall not be planted in any parking that is less than nine feet in width or contains less than 81 square feet of exposed soil surface per tree. Trees shall not be planted closer than 20 feet from street intersections (property lines extended) and 10 feet from driveways. If it is at all possible, trees should be planted inside the property lines and not between the sidewalk and the curb.
4. Prohibited Trees. After the expiration of the aforementioned moratorium, no person shall plant in any parking any fruit-bearing tree, or any tree of the kinds commonly known as cottonwood, poplar, box elder, Chinese elm, evergreen, willow, or black walnut.
5. The City reserves the right to remove any planting of any type in the parking.

Proposals accepted until 12 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Notice: City Property for Sale Advertising authorized 2/19/25; proposals due 3/07/25 @ 12 pm

Invitation for Proposals to Acquire, Clean-up and Improve vacated City Right-of-Way north of 14th St, between 1217 14th St and 1305 14th St (Unimproved 13th Avenue).

Last year City approved the vacate of a section of unimproved 13th Avenue north of the 14th Street right-of-way (between 1217 14th St & 1305 14th St) with the shortened legal description of VAC 13TH AVE ADJ TO BLK 81 SIXTH ADDITION. The next step is to dispose of the property.

The City did not vacate the standard 14th Street right-of-way between 1217 14th St and 1305 14th St, and this is being retained by the City; and

The City desires a modified approach for the disposal which is tailored to this specific situation.

Solicitation of proposals for vacated 13th Avenue right-of-way was approved by the City Council on February 19, 2025. Proposals must be received in writing in the City Clerk’s office no later than 12 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. A public hearing(s) will be required prior to disposal, and the City Council reserves the right to accept, reject or seek modification of any and all proposals that may be submitted.

This property consists of vacated Right-of-Way, which is approximately 224 feet long and 65 feet wide. It is too small to meet the setbacks for a house, and the zoning code will not allow a standalone building on it unless approved by the Board of Adjustment or unless rezoned. The City is transferring the property “as is” via quit claim. The City’s focus is not on the highest bid received. City will consider a partial conveyance; i.e., a proposal may be for a portion (but not all) of the property. The property is best suited to be transferred to property owner(s) whose property is connected to the vacated Right-of-Way. City desires a positive impact to the tax base and neighborhood.

For background and the full solicitation notice and policy, and the related discussion, please see the link to the February 19, 2025, City Council meeting (item 6c – https://www.towncloud.io/go/sheldon-ia/agendas/568)

Or see www.sheldoniowa.gov

We value each person and staff member at VNU and ask that you sign up now for VNU’s Run, Walk & Roll on Saturday morning, June 7. Even if you cannot come, sign up anyway. The money goes to a great cause. VNU’s goal is 500 registrations.

Run, Walk Roll information

VNU 50th anniversary proclamation- January 15, 2025

See video of the proclamation (beginning of the meeting).

Mark your calendars today for the colossal 50th Anniversary Fireworks Display on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the VNU campus.

To apply, please complete the Application. Once completed, please mail in or drop off the form at the City offices at 416 9th St or email it to one of the leaders below. If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact any member of the leadership team below.

Krysten Haan - SCAT Director; Phone: 712-631-4779; khaan@cityofsheldon.com

Wayne Barahona - Emergency Management Agency (EMA); Phone: (712) 324-4651 (rings into the City Clerk’s Office); wayne@cityofsheldon.com

Brad Hindt - Sheldon Fire Chief; Phone: (712) 324-2225; brad@cityofsheldon.com

For more complete information on our emergency services, click here.

2. If your softener is still set to 50+ grains of hardness you should turn it down. The hardness of our water is now 13 – 14 grains, thanks to Lewis & Clark. Prior to that, the hardness was more than 55 grains. We recommend you contact your local plumbing contractor or softener supplier to make sure that setting is correct for their household - turning down your softener to 13 for the hardness setting might be too low. There are conditions to consider such as volume of usage and the recharge frequency, which affect the lifespan of your softener. Here is a sample water softener manual (see p5).

3. We also now use the process of chloramination, which mainly affects dialysis patients and fish owners.

4. We are NOT on water restrictions. We ask you not to waste water, and at the same time you are welcome to use it for your needs without concern regarding restrictions.

Questions? see www.sheldoniowa.gov or call 712.324.4651 and ask for Todd Uhl, Dave Andringa or Sam Kooiker.