Community Update 2023

  1. June 9, 2023
  2. May 19, 2023
  3. May 5, 2023
  4. April 21, 2023
  5. April 7, 2023
  6. March 24, 2023
  7. March 10, 2023
  8. February 24, 2023
  9. February 10, 2023
  10. January 20, 2023

Community Update – June 9, 2023

 

Public Safety Trains School District Staff

The Indianola Fire Department and Police Department recently assisted the Indianola Community School District staff in active threat/hostile event training. Eighteen firefighters certified in Stop-the-Bleed provided instruction and practical skills exercises in hemorrhage control management using various compression techniques. Officer Jay Hackett and Lieutenant Justin Keller provided instructions on reunification training after an adverse event. Approximately 312 ICSD staff members completed the training. Thank you to City staff who took time out of their workday or forfeited their personal time to accomplish this important training mission!

Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption Expanded

A new property tax exemption was signed into law May 2023, and senior citizens have until July 1, 2023, to apply (for credit this year). The Iowa Department of Revenue has updated its homestead tax credit and exemption form on their website for Iowans aged 65 or older to apply for an exemption worth $3,250 for the assessment year beginning July 1, 2023, and doubling to $6,500 the next year. The exemption will reduce the taxable value of the property, not the amount a homeowner pays in property taxes. Completed forms can be submitted to the county assessor’s office by July 1, 2023, at 301 North Buxton, Indianola. The law also increased the military service property tax exemption and credit to $4,000. Veterans who already receive it do not need to reapply; new applications are due by July 1, 2023. 

North Jefferson Trail Connection Project

Bicyclists will soon have better accessibility to Summercrest Hills! Over the summer months, trail connections will be installed along North Jefferson Way from East Hillcrest to East Trail Ridge and along East Hillcrest Avenue from North Jefferson to North 4th Street. The first phase of these connections is slated to begin on Monday, June 12. The project is anticipated to be completed this fall. 

Listing of Permits and Licenses

In an effort to increase transparency and the safety of our citizens, the City of Indianola recently added a listing of mobile food vendors and peddler, solicitor and transient merchant permit holders to the website. Visit this page to verify that a vendor has a valid permit to operate within city limits. Other permit and license information and applications can also be found on our website for your convenience. 

City Council Update

The Indianola City Council met in study session and regular session on Monday, June 5, 2023.  The meetings can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCwqdy2irWQILB_1QzcVrdw

During the study session, Council received an update regarding parking signs on the Square and discussed the city manager review process.   

Among the items Council approved in the regular meeting were:

  • A special event permit for Ridiculous Days on June 24, 2023, 10 AM – 3 PM, and hosted by the Indianola Downtown Merchants
  • An amendment to the Banner Policy
  • An Ordinance amending Chapter 136, regarding sidewalk use regulations
  • The Civil Service List of applicants certified eligible for the position of career firefighter
  • The appointment of Jake Vice to the Planning and Zoning Commission
  • A preliminary resolution for the construction work for the South K Street Paving Project
  • A resolution authorizing the city attorney to petition for title to the abandoned property at 406 W 2nd Avenue, 206 South D Street, and 410 W 2nd Avenue

More information on these items and others can be found in the council packet.  

Upcoming Council Meetings

Draft agendas for the upcoming Council meetings can be found at the link below. These are working drafts and are subject to change. Agendas are published on the City's website the Thursday prior to a scheduled City Council meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be on Monday, June 19, at 7:00 p.m. A study session will precede the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

*The July 3 regular meeting has been moved to June 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, due to the Independence Day holiday.

June 19 Draft Agenda

June 28 Draft Agenda

Public Hearing

Public Hearings are an opportunity for members of the public to speak in front of Council on a specific agenda item. The following public hearings have been scheduled.

  • Public Hearing on June 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM to consider a resolution making final determination on the potential sale of interest in real property located generally at 701 West Boston Avenue.
  • Public hearing for July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM for complaints filed on tobacco sales permit violations at ABC Smoke, 501 North Jefferson Way.
  • Public hearing for July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM for complaints filed on tobacco sales permit violations at Indy North #928, 1201 North Jefferson Way.
  • Public hearing for July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM for complaints filed on tobacco sales permit violations at Jiffy #921, 311 North Jefferson Way.
  • Public hearing for July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM for complaints filed on tobacco sales permit violations at Walmart #1491, 1500 North Jefferson Way.  

Volunteer and Employment Opportunities

The City of Indianola has many volunteer opportunities:

  • Library Volunteer – Sign up here
  • Art Festival Volunteer on July 29 and July 30 – Sign up here
  • Immediate openings on the Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission and Sustainability Committee. The application is available online.
  • Openings on other various boards and commissions beginning July 1. The listings and application are available online.

 The City of Indianola is currently hiring for multiple positions, including the following seasonal openings:

  • Aquatic Center – Lifeguard, Operations, Support Staff, Management
  • Recreation – Field Maintenance Worker, Sports Complex Concessions Workers

 The City is also hiring for these part-time and full-time positions:

  • Paramedic – Part-time
  • Streets Operations Specialist – Full-time

Please visit our website for more information on employment opportunities.