City council approves variance

The Tea City Council met June 16 and held a public hearing on a variance.

No one from the public was present to comment on the variance at 2525 N. Ivy Road. Community development director Albert Schmidt noted that staff recommended denial because they did not find a hardship.

Homeowner Brett Somsen said the proposed addition to his home would encroach on the rear setback by five feet. He said they love their neighborhood and spoke with their neighbors and no one had a problem. He was looking to convert their covered deck into a livable space. He noted that their house is as far back as it can go in the lot and the only thing behind their home is a large row of trees. 

The council approved the variance.

The council spent much of the meeting discussing the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance economic development management services contract. 

Tyler Tordsen, SMGA president and CEO, was present to answer any questions. 

Members of the Tea Chamber for Development were also present. They noted that they are maxed out. 

They said this agreement would help with economic development in Tea. City administrator Justin Weiland said SMGA would have the professionals to help with that.

Councilman Jim Erck questioned the amount of $50,000 for the remainder of 2025 because it was not budgeted for this year and they are only halfway through the year. He also questioned loyalty when SMGA also works for other cities in the area. Tordsen said they do not play favorites and they have different staff who report to different towns.

Councilman Lynn DeYoung said they have things budgeted for this year that they will not get to and they could be missing out on opportunities without help.

The council discussed the contract in executive session.

They approved the site plans for Cribs 2 at 2015 E. Industrial St. and Madison Investments building 2 at 27052 Sunrise Ave.

Schmidt presented the planning commission bylaws amendment. He noted this was for their information and did not have any action.

The council approved the building plans for the Gateway Park extended stay motel at 815 N. Gateway Lane. Weiland noted they had extensive conversations with the owner about the area being kept up and that they have email documentation to make sure everyone is clear.

The council approved putting out a public notice for the request for proposal for the design build for the city street maintenance shop. Weiland said the city budgeted for half of the shop this year and half in 2026. 

HDR Engineering presented the safety action plan in regard to transportation in the city. The council adopted a resolution on the plan with the addition of the police chief on the committee.

They also approved the resolution supporting a grant application for the U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A program.

The council approved the bid from Omnia Partners for $523,266.98 for the Main Park playground equipment project. Weiland said they would need another $10,000 to $15,000 for site prep.

They approved a change order for culvert modification on the 85th Street project at $97,907.30. Ben Scholtz with HDR said the project is currently tracking under budget.

The council approved the pay applications for Black Top Paying for $11,901.65 for the finishing work from the mill and overlay project from 2024 and for D & G Concrete Construction for $765,405.62 for the 85th Street project.

The council went into executive session at 8 p.m.