RYAN J. WALLER - CITY MANAGER 

East Iowa Avenue

Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) staff has confirmed they will be performing permanent repairs on East Iowa Avenue.  They are working on obtaining pricing from a local contractor.  This section of roadway was damaged because of a water main break.  Pavement repairs are generally performed in the spring and summer because the service life of concrete pavement repairs is significantly degraded if they are repaired in winter weather conditions.  Meanwhile, members of the City’s Streets Division continue to perform pothole patching throughout the community to address areas disturbed because of the extreme winter weather. Like IMU, City crews will perform permanent repairs of various roadways when the weather permits. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Pothole Patching

We are nearing the spring season after a cold winter, which is causing the potholes to multiply as the ground thaws. The freeze and thaw cycles during winter months causes the pavement to fail and create potholes. During this week, Streets Division staff repaired potholes by using 45 hours of labor and 3.8 tons of cold mix asphalt. The City has more than 147 lane miles of streets to maintain. Our crews are doing their best to spot potholes when they are out in the field. Calls from our community members in pinpointing new potholes are always welcomed and appreciated. To report a pothole please call (515) 961-9415 or send an email to PublicWorksRequests@indianolaiowa.gov. Residents may also submit the information at the following website http://indianolaiowa.gov/request. We will evaluate the area of damaged pavement and determine how to best address it.

March 1 City Council Meeting

The City Council will meet on Monday, March 1 for its regular meeting. The agenda and comprehensive meeting materials are available on the City’s website (linked below).  The meetings are aired live via the City’s YouTube Channel and a Zoom Webinar (links and login information may be found in the meeting packet).

•  Agenda Center (LINK)

Streetscape Project Public/Stakeholder Meeting

A letter was mailed this week to all property owners on the City Square, Howard Street and Buxton Street who will be impacted by the Streetscape project and one-way to two-way conversion as part of that project.  The purpose of this letter was to invite them to an informational meeting regarding the project on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will take place virtually.

Meeting Invite (PDF)

Warren County Sewer Projects

Warren County has contracted with Vanderpool Construction, Inc. to perform storm and sanitary sewer repairs for the proposed Justice Center. This work will require temporary road closures on the Square. A map highlighting the project areas is linked below.  The storm sewer repair on Buxton Street, between Ashland Avenue and Salem Avenue, is planned from March 1 to March 12 and the sanitary sewer repair on Salem Avenue, between Howard Street and Buxton Street, is planned from April 10 to April 21. The proposed road closures will cause temporary disruption in traffic flow around the Square.  This information has also been shared with the Chamber of Commerce.

Project Areas (PDF)

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

Current Projects Update (PDF)

This week, construction documents for Prairie Glynn Plat 3 were submitted.  Of the 14 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, three are in review and nine have been approved and are in construction.

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

There is currently one building permit application in review and ten building permits that have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

There are currently 17 open code enforcement cases (seven code enforcement cases have been opened for the year).

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 10, 2021 (PDF)

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 15, 2021 (PDF)

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 23, 2021 (PDF)

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – April 5, 2021 (PDF)

RYAN J. WALLER - CITY MANAGER 

Contractors and Developers Meeting

On Thursday, the City hosted its Third Annual Developers and Contractors Breakfast Meeting.  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting took place virtually this year.  During the meeting, Mayor Pam Pepper delivered a State of the City address, and staff provided updates on various current and future projects and developments.  The video of the entire meeting, as well as the Mayor’s State of the City, are linked below and may also be found on the City’s website and YouTube page.

State of the City Address (LINK)

Entire Contractors and Developers Meeting (LINK)

Budget Presentation

Linked below is the most recent budget presentation provided during the February 16 City Council meeting.  As noted during the presentation, the property tax levy will remain flat for the upcoming fiscal year (at $13.63/$1,000 of valuation) even with adding three new fire fighters/paramedics to help with increased calls and the creation of a rental inspection program mandated by the State of Iowa.  Also noted in this and prior presentations, Indianola continues to achieve one of the lowest property tax rates in the Metro, which is largely due to the economic growth of our community (~$200 Million over the last 5 years).

Budget Presentation (LINK)

Library-City Hall & Public Safety Center Surveys

Residents are invited to participate in two surveys regarding the future of a new Fire and Police (Public Safety) building and a joint Library/City Hall building.  Responses will help inform the vision for these important community facilities.  The surveys, which may be accessed via the link below, will be available until end of day Sunday February 21 and are estimated to take approximately 10 minutes per survey. Prior to taking the survey(s), residents may take a virtual tour of each building, which may also be accessed via a link below.  Additional details may be found in last week’s update email, as well as via the Government > Project Updates tab on the City’s website.

Library-City Hall Visioning Survey (LINK)

Police and Fire Visioning Survey (LINK)

Virtual Tour (LINK)

Road Use Tax Funding

Staff recently received notice from the Iowa Department of Transportation that the City may receive an additional ~$140,000 in road use tax revenue because of COVID relief funding.  The Iowa Transportation Commission will vote in March on this proposal.  The road use tax is levied/collected by the State of Iowa and then distributed to Iowa communities based on population.  This revenue stream, which may only be used for limited purposes tied to roads, is what funds the City’s Streets Division.  

Another Grant 

The City recently received notice that our Fire Department was awarded a $3,800 grant to be used towards the purchase of two disinfectant sprayers.   Congratulations and thank you to Eric Wallace and Aaron Hurt for their work on this grant application.  

City Hall

As you may recall, because of the COVID pandemic, walk-in traffic to City Hall was limited to the south entrance.  Due to reduced positivity rates in our community, beginning Monday, February 22, both public entrances (north and south) to City Hall will be opened and accessible to visitors.  Masks are required for visitors to all City facilities, including the Library and Activity Center, which resumed limited walk-in services earlier this month.  

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

Current Projects Update (PDF)

This week, a site plan for an addition to DeYarman Ford was submitted, a temporary certificate of occupancy was issued for Dollar Tree, and a final plat for Ashton park Plat 7 was submitted.  Of the 14 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, three are in review and nine have been approved and are in construction.

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

There is currently one building permit application in review and ten building permits that have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

There are currently 18 open code enforcement cases (five code enforcement cases have been opened for the year). 

Des Moines Home Builders Association (PDF)

The Des Moines Home Builders Association issued its January 2021 building permit report.   The Des Moines Metro area reported three more permits for dwellings, and 131 more permits for single-family dwellings, in January 2021 compared to 2022.  Indianola issued six more building permits for residential dwellings for the month of January 2021 compared to 2020.

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 1, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 10, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 15, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 23, 2021 (PDF)

RYAN J. WALLER - CITY MANAGER

Library-City Hall & Public Safety Center Surveys

Residents are invited to participate in two surveys regarding the future of a new Fire and Police (Public Safety) building and a joint Library/City Hall building.  Responses will help inform the vision for these important community facilities.  The surveys, which may be accessed via the link below, will be available until end of day Sunday February 21 and are estimated to take approximately 10 minutes per survey. Prior to taking the survey(s), residents may take a virtual tour of each building, which may also be accessed via a link below.

This visioning exercise is part of the third phase in a multi-year project that began in 2017 involving the evaluation of Fire and Police staffing levels and buildings to ensure proper service to our community now and into the future. As publicized over the last few years, the results of the studies revealed shortages in staffing levels and significant/costly problems with current space for the City’s Fire and Police departments that interfere with their ability to quickly respond to emergencies. The City has worked to address the staffing levels and after considering several options provided by outside experts, is now pursuing a new Fire and Police (Public Safety) building and a joint Library/City Hall building, both on existing City property.

Library-City Hall Visioning Survey (LINK)

Police and Fire Visioning Survey (LINK)

Virtual Tour (LINK)

February 16 (Tuesday) City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 16 for its regular meeting and study session (immediately follows regular meeting). The agendas and comprehensive meeting materials are available on the City’s website (linked below).  The meetings are aired live via the City’s YouTube Channel and a Zoom Webinar (links and login information may be found in the meeting packet).

Agenda Center (LINK)

Developers/Contractors Breakfast

The 3rd Annual Indianola Contractors and Developers Breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will take place virtually.  To RSVP and receive a link to this meeting, please contact the Community Development Department at (515) 961-9430 or by e-mail at comdev@indianolaiowa.gov.   

Service Line Warranty Program

As you may recall, the City entered into an agreement with a National League of Cities sponsored program. The company that runs this program is known as Service Line Warranties, a Home Serve USA Company. The program offers warranty service for water and sewer service lines as well as indoor plumbing for properties. Residents will be receiving a letter in the spring about this voluntary program.

The City has heard that some property owners are receiving letters now about a service line warranty program. This is not the company that is working with the City. Residents may decide to respond to this letter, but the City wanted to notify residents that the company sending out the letters now is not affiliated with the City of Indianola. For more information, please call (515) 961-9410.

Holiday Hours

Non-emergency City offices will be closed on February 15 (Monday) in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.   

Snow Removal Operations

The snow events from last week required 178 hours of labor, 60 tons of salt-sand mix (30 tons of salt and 30 tons of sand), 7 tons of straight salt, seven plow trucks, one road grader, one snowblower mounted on a front-end loader, and two pickup trucks.  As a result of our crew’s efforts, 1,129 lane miles of road were plowed and 112 truckloads of snow were hauled off/away from the Square and the public parking lots.  Additionally, the City’s Police Department impounded twelve vehicles, issued 73 tickets, towed 12 vehicles, and responded to two weather-related accidents.

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

This week, two building permits for commercial projects were issued. There are currently two building permit applications in review and nine building permits have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

This week, one case was closed and two were opened.  There are currently 18 open code enforcement cases (five code enforcement cases have been opened for the year). 

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 1, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 10, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 23, 2021 (PDF)

Ryan J. Waller - City manager

Special Election 

The filing deadline for residents interested in running for the position of mayor in the upcoming special election is today (February 5, 2021) at 5:00 p.m.  As of the writing of this update, three filings have been received and may be viewed via the link provided below.  The final list will be included in next week’s update email.  

A petition for a special election was submitted on October 30, 2020. According to the County Auditor, the special election will be held on March 2, 2021. The election is projected to cost at least $10,000. The elected mayor will serve following certification of the special election through the remaining term, which ends on December 31, 2021. The position for mayor will be on the November 2021 ballot.  Additional information may be found on the City’s website via the link provided below.

Filing Log (PDF)

Special Election (LINK)

February 9 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, for its regular meeting.  The agenda and meeting materials are available on the City’s website (see link below).

Agenda Center (LINK)

Developers/Contractors Breakfast

The 3rd Annual Indianola Contractors and Developers Breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will take place virtually.  To RSVP and receive a link to this meeting, please contact the Community Development Department at (515) 961-9430 or by e-mail at comdev@indianolaiowa.gov.   

Library and Activity Center Facilities

As a result of the COVID positivity rate falling below 15%, the Library and Activity Center have re-opened for limited walk-in services.  Here is some general information:

Library:

• Open for browsing and public use of computers and study tables;
• Curbside pickup available during all open hours, plus Sunday afternoons; 
• Doorstep delivery for homebound patrons has resumed; and
• Programs offered online.

Activity Center:

• Many activities will be by reservation and each person will be required to check-in for contract tracing purposes and will be asked to confirm they do not have symptoms upon entry; 
• Available for rentals with added restrictions for attendance and an extra fee for cleaning; 
• Some programming has returned with screening, social distancing, mask-wearing, and other precautions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Please view the City’s re-opening matrix (linked below) or call the Library (961-9418) or the Activity Center (961-9420) for more information.  Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Re-Opening Matrix (PDF)

Snow Removal Operations

The snow events from January 31 and February 4 required 132 hours of labor, 102 tons of salt-sand mix (51 tons of salt and 51 tons of sand), four tons of straight salt, seven plow trucks, one road grader, one snowblower mounted on a front-end loader, and two pickup trucks.  As a result of our crew’s efforts, 1069 lane miles of road were plowed and 48 truckloads of snow were hauled off/away from the public parking lots.  Additionally, the City’s Police Department impounded five vehicles, issued 23 tickets, and responded to one weather-related accident.

Site Inspection

As part of the City’s workers’ compensation coverage, our provider (IMWCA), conducts inspections to evaluate safety programs. Following the inspection, IMWCA commended the staff for “…efforts in providing a safe and healthy work environment.”  Thank you and congratulations to all staff, especially the members of our Safety Committee, for their commitment to safety.  This work is vitally important in not just ensuring the safety of our team members, but also in keeping various insurance costs as low as possible.

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

Current Projects Update (PDF)

Of the 13 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, two are in review and nine have been approved and are in construction.

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

This week, two building permits for commercial projects were issued. There is currently one building permit application in review and nine building permits that have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

This week, one case was closed and two were opened.  There are currently 18 open code enforcement cases (five code enforcement cases have been opened for the year). 

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 16, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 1, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 10, 2021 (PDF)

RYAN J. WALLER - CITY MANAGER

February 1, 2021, City Council Meeting

The City Council will meet on Monday, February 1, 2021 for its regular meeting.  The agenda and comprehensive meeting materials may be found on the City’s website (linked below).  The meetings are aired live via the City’s YouTube Channel and a Zoom Webinar (links and login information may be found in the meeting packet).

Agenda Center (LINK)

Snow Removal Operations

The snow event from January 25 required 212 hours of labor, 58 tons of salt-sand mix (29 tons of salt and 29 tons of sand), five tons of straight salt, seven plow trucks, one road grader, one snowblower mounted on a front-end loader, and two pickup trucks.  As a result of our crew’s efforts, 1,648 lane miles of road were plowed and 325 truckloads of snow were hauled off/away from the Square and the public parking lots.  Additionally, the City’s Police Department issued 15 tickets and responded to four weather-related accidents.

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

Current Projects Update (PDF)

This week, a site plan was submitted for an addition to the existing facility at All Creatures Small, as well as a building permit was submitted for Dollar General.  Of the 14 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, four are in review, and eight have been approved and are in construction.  

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

This week, a building permit for a single-family dwelling was issued and a building permit for Dollar General was submitted.  There are currently three building permit applications in review and seven building permits that have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

This week, the City abated one case, and another case was abated by the property owner.  There are currently 17 open code enforcement cases (three code enforcement cases have been opened for the year).

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 16, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 1, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – March 10, 2021 (PDF)

Ryan J. Waller - City Manager

Ambulance Fees

A question was asked during the recent City Council meeting about the cost for ambulance services provided by our Fire Department and the amount reimbursed from Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance.  The following table contains the current rates. 

The costs and reimbursements included in the table do not include a mileage charge ($13/mile).  As you can see from the table, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost for the City to provide these ambulance services.  The GEMT agreement previously approved by the City Council will help close a portion of this funding gap, which is also filled by property taxes. 

Study Session Presentations

Linked below are the two presentations reviewed during the City Council’s Study Session on Tuesday, January 19.  The first presentation is on the Streetscape Project and the second is on the status of the FY22 Budget.  The recording from this meeting may be found on the City’s YouTube page found here.  The first presentation begins around the 1:42 mark.  

Streetscape Update Presentation (LINK)

FY 22 Budget Update Presentation (LINK)

Snow Removal Operations

The snow event from January 15 required 147 hours of labor, 22 tons of salt-sand mix (11 tons of salt and 11 tons of sand), 6 tons of straight salt, seven plow trucks, one road grader, one snowblower mounted on a front-end loader, and two pickup trucks.  As a result of our crew’s efforts, 440 lane miles of road were plowed and 152 truckloads of snow were hauled off/away from the Square and the public parking lots.  Additionally, the City’s Police Department impounded seven vehicles, issued forty tickets, and responded to three weather-related accidents.

COVID Expenses Reimbursement

The City received notice this week that FEMA will be reimbursing the City $9,807.50 for several of our organization’s COVID related expenses.  Thank you to the outstanding work of our Departments for their diligence in tracking these expenses.  Special recognition is due to our Finance Team for their preparation and organization in this matter.  This is positive news!

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

Current Projects Update (PDF)

This week, the final subdivision plat for Williams Terrace was approved by the City Council, and a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued for the Peoples Bank Administration Building located on E Iowa Avenue.  The Temporary CO was issued as there is still landscaping that needs to be completed, but current weather conditions do not allow installation.  Of the 12 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, two are in review and eight have been approved and are in construction.  

2021 Building Permits (PDF)

There are currently three building permit applications in review and six building permits that have been issued year to date.

Code Enforcement (PDF)

There are currently 18 open code enforcement cases (two code enforcement cases have been opened for the year). 

Des Moines Home Builders Association (PDF)

The Des Moines Home Builders Association issued its December 2020 building permit report, which also serves as its year-end report.   The Des Moines Metro area reported 443 more permits for dwellings, and 131 more permits for single-family dwellings, in December 2020 compared to 2019.   The Des Moines Metro area also reported 365 more permits for dwellings, and 843 more permits for single-family dwellings, in 2020 compared to 2019.  Indianola issued 10 more building permits for residential dwellings for the month of December 2020 compared to 2019 and issued 32 more permits for the year 2020 compared to 2019.

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 1, 2021 (PDF)

Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 16, 2021 (PDF)

Ryan J. Waller - City Manager

Blizzard Warning

The City remains under a blizzard warning until 6:00 p.m. tonight (January 15).  Accordingly, the City’s snow emergency regulations remain in effect.  If you must travel, please allow extra time and use extreme caution.  City crews began operations at 2:00 a.m. and will continue to work to ensure passable roadways.  Clean-up efforts will likely take a few days.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

January 19 (Tuesday) City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 19 for its regular meeting and study session (immediately follows regular meeting).  The agendas and comprehensive meeting materials are available on the City’s website (linked below).  The meetings are aired live via the City’s YouTube Channel and a Zoom Webinar (links and login information may be found in the meeting packet).

• Agenda Center (LINK)

Streetscape Update Presentations

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, City representatives presented an update on the Streetscape project to members of the Indianola Chamber and the Indianola Sustainability Committee.  The presentation highlighted different proposed design elements of the project, as well as upcoming milestones for this project.  This presentation is on the agenda for the City Council’s Study Session on Tuesday, January 19.  

Traffic Signal

The City’s on-call consultant for traffic signals has investigated the timing of the signal on E. Iowa Avenue, east of North Jefferson Way. It was discovered that the traffic signal at this location is not functioning properly because one of the vehicle detection devices under the concrete on the east leg of this intersection has become defective.  A permanent repair, which requires construction on the section of roadway, cannot be performed until late spring.  In the interim, the City is working with our traffic engineer and our on-call consultant on a temporary timing solution.  

Kading Properties, LLC v. City of Indianola 

The hearing in the case of Kading Properties, LLC v. City of Indianola, Iowa took place earlier today.  This case was brought forth against the City following the denial of a proposed residential development from Kading Properties, LLC.  Both sides presented arguments during the hearing.  The Judge did not issue a decision at the conclusion of the hearing.  The City’s attorney estimates that, due to the backup of the Court system and COVID-19, a decision could take anywhere from one to several months to be issued. 

Fine Arts Committee

The Indianola Fine Arts Committee held its first meeting on Thursday, January 14.  The committee had been inactive with no appointed members for more than eight years.  Committee members established a schedule and identified officers who will be appointed at its next meeting (January 28).  Thank you to the residents who are serving on this committee.  

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

• Current Projects Update (PDF)

  • Of the 12 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, two are in review and eight have been approved and are in construction.

• 2021 Building Permits (PDF)

  • This week, one building permit was issued for a home valued at $500,000.  Three permits have been issued year to date and there are currently four building permits in review.

• Code Enforcement (PDF)

  • There are currently 18 open code enforcement cases. 

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 1, 2021 (PDF)

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 16, 2021 (PDF) 

Ryan J. Waller - City Manager

Indianola Featured

Linked below is an article featuring our community that appears in the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines’ January edition of their digital magazine, Blueprint.  This is a widely distributed publication and it is quite an honor for our community to be spotlighted.  Thank you to Dan Knoup, Executive Director of the Association, and the Association for this recognition.  

• Indianola Article (LINK)

Contractor Parking

Thank you to Warren County Supervisor Darren Heater and Megan Andrew, Assistant to the Board of Supervisors, for meeting with Brenda Easter, President/CEO of the Indianola Chamber, and I regarding the topic of Justice Center construction parking.  Supervisor Heater was extremely receptive to the issues and acknowledged that the County needed to ensure the contractors were receiving the message on this issue.  He committed to working through the appropriate channels to ensure our community's issues are a priority and get addressed.  As a reminder, the Justice Center project is under the authority of Warren County, a separate governmental entity.  Since the commencement of the project, the City and Indianola Chamber have continued to work with County officials on this topic, as well as several other issues usually associated with construction projects of this magnitude.  We greatly appreciate the continued partnership of the Chamber and County. 

Year-End Permit Report

The final monthly permit report for 2020 was released by the Community Development Department this week (linked below).  Last year, the City eclipsed the 200 building permits issued threshold for the first time since 2002.  Of those 200, 87 are for new dwellings, the highest total since 2004.  According to departmental records, 2020 was the 9th highest year for total building permits and the 5th highest year for permits for new dwellings.  These permits amounted to over $25 million of new value.

• Year-End Permit Report (PDF)

• 2020 Building Permits (PDF)

Economic Development District

At its meeting on January 4, 2021, the City Council gave direction to staff to work on necessary actions needed to join an Economic Development District, if it is formed.  The next day, the Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the district for Warren County.  Warren was the first of seven Counties to approve the formation.  On Thursday, staff met with Des Moines Area MPO staff to review the City’s recently approved Comprehensive Plan, as well as other priority projects in the City where a potential EDD could assist.  MPO staff continues to work with the remaining Counties to get approval.  Staff will continue to work with MPO staff on this matter and will provide updates as information becomes available.    

• MPO Presentation to Council (PDF)

January 12 Planning & Zoning Meeting

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 for its regular meeting.  The agenda and meeting materials are available on the City’s website (see link below).

• Agenda Center (LINK)

Upcoming City Council Meeting

The City Council will meet for its regular meeting and study session on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, instead of the normal third Monday. This is done in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday.  The agendas and meeting materials will be published as normal on the preceding Thursday (January 14, 2021).

Snow Removal Operations

Last week’s snow event required 237 hours of labor, 104 tons of salt-sand mix (52 tons of salt and 52 tons of sand), 18 tons of straight salt, seven plow trucks, one road grader, one snowblower mounted on a front-end loader, and two pickup trucks.  As a result of our crew’s efforts, 1,112 lane miles of road were plowed, and 302 truckloads of snow were hauled off/away from the Square and the public parking lots.  Crews continue to perform minor clean-up efforts in cul-de-sacs.  The figures above do not include this continuing work.  Additionally, the City’s Police Department impounded seven vehicles and issued 24 tickets.

Brush Facility Operations

Annually, the City uses the services of a contractor to grind more than 750 tons of brushes and certain landscape material collected over the year at the City’s Brush Facility.  This work was completed this week and required 16 hours of labor and a loader to assist with the relocation of finished materials to aid the contractor with these operations.  This is a necessary exercise to ensure the facility can be used by residents the following year.

Community Development Reports

Attached are the following reports provided by the Community Development Department:

• Current Projects Update (PDF)

  • Of the 12 projects listed, two are awaiting a submittal from the developer, two are in review and eight have been approved and are in construction.

• 2021 Building Permits (PDF)

  • This week, three building permits were submitted.  There are currently seven building permits in review.

• Code Enforcement (PDF)

  • 2020 saw 109 total enforcement cases opened.  There are currently 17 open code enforcement cases. 

City Council Anticipated Agendas

Below please find links to the documents containing anticipated agenda items for upcoming City Council meetings.  These are working drafts.  Agendas are published on the City’s website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting.

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – January 19, 2021 (PDF)

• Anticipated Draft Agenda – February 1, 2021 (PDF)