Sioux City Journal

Council opposes mayor's efforts on Hyperion resolution

By Lynn Zerschling Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008

SIOUX CITY -- Four members of the City Council said Thursday they do not support Mayor Mike Hobart's attempt to place a resolution supporting the proposed Hyperion project on the council agenda the day before Union County voters have their say.

The issue is the timing of the resolution, not whether they support the oil refinery.

"I don't think it's our place to be trying to influence them," Councilman Dave Ferris said of the June 3 Union County election on Hyperion Resources' request for a zoning change. "We will deal with it after the fact."

At issue is Texas-based Hyperion's proposal to build a $10 billion refinery north of Elk Point. On June 3, voters will decide whether to uphold or reject the Union County Board of Commissioners' decision to rezone 3,292 acres of farmland to permit the refinery.

Councilman Aaron Rochester said he has told City Manager Paul Eckert he doesn't want to see the resolution on the council's June 2 agenda. "Of course, I support Hyperion. I think it would have a huge impact on Sioux City. But we need to let the process happen over there."

Councilman Jim Rixner said, "I think this is a Union County issue to be decided by the people of Union County. It would be entirely inappropriate to wade into this a day before their election."

Councilman Brent Hoffman added, "The decision on June 3rd lies solely with Union County voters, and we'll respect their decision without involving our city government in it."

Hobart acknowledged he had been "testing the waters to see if I have enough votes for a resolution. If there's not enough votes, I won't bring it to the council." Failing to get those votes, Hobart said, he will make his case at his weekly news conference on Friday.

"I am very much in support of it and would encourage Union County to support it. We're intricately intertwined economically with Union County," the mayor said. "What happens up there affects us, and what we do affects them. I see no reason why we shouldn't take action."

Rochester and Hoffman emphasized that anti-Hyperion forces could use the council resolution to urge last-minute defeat of the referendum. "It would be kind of insulting to them. It won't help," Rochester stated.

Hoffman pointed out the previous City Council signed a letter in support of the project on June 25, 2007. Hobart and Rochester were not on the council at that time. The letter, sent to the mayor and council in Elk Point, was signed by Ferris, Hoffman, Rixner, Mayor Craig Berenstein and Councilman Jason Geary.

In part, the letter said, "We recognize many important public policy decisions lie ahead of you, but like you we are thrilled with the positive economic impact this center would have on our area."

Hoffman is a former South Dakota resident and a founder of Citizens for Hyperion, a pro-refinery group.

Ferris said, "We know we will be impacted in a very great way if this goes in."

Only Rixner said he has concerns about the refinery regarding air and water quality issues. "We need further information on those impacts before I would lend my support."

Lynn Zerschling may be reached at (712) 293-4202 or lynn.zerschling@lee.net

Story Comments

sickofthewholemess wrote on May 27, 2008 8:31 AM:

" To:Funny....where do you live? Sorry but I don't hunt. Is this another stereotype? I usually get the deer with my car. "

Spartacan wrote on May 24, 2008 4:32 PM:

" I've heard Jason Geary has been advising Mayor Hobart, they go to church together. That would explain the idiotic statements by the Mayor, and his total lack of understanding of leadership and teamwork. "

Union County Resident wrote on May 23, 2008 9:13 PM:

" Funny but most of the country people I know don't shoot the animals unless they have a camera in their hands. That line doesn't work. Try again. "

Wondering wrote on May 23, 2008 8:46 PM:

" When did Hoffman live in South Dakota? How long has Hyperion been an issue? The timing on this doesn't make sense. "

union wrote on May 23, 2008 5:57 PM:

" It is nice to see one city council in the area that is not in Hyperions pocket yet. The Elk Point city council sold us out to hyperion at the get go. Our city council president took money from them for Designing their office on main street.She sold us out right away. I won't tell you what the office realy looks like. But a red light would look good "