The Indianola City Council, during its regular meeting Monday, April 7, interviewed four residents to serve as an appointed at-large council member. The process follows Steve Richardson’s appointment to mayor on February 18.
Applicants included Jason Etnyre, Todd Kielkopf, Bob Lane, Eric Martens and Brad Ross. Prior to the meeting April 7, Kielkopf withdrew his application.
In accordance with state law, the Indianola City Council was required to fill the vacancy either by appointment or special election. After the Indianola City Council passed a resolution on Monday, March 3, providing for notice of intent to fill the at-large Council vacancy by appointment, an application process was established for residents interested in filling the vacancy. The application process remained open until 4 p.m. March 28.
Per Iowa Code, appointments must be approved by a majority of the entire Indianola City Council, where four votes of the Council are required rather than a majority of voting.
After a first round of voting, the Indianola City Council narrowed the field from four candidates to two, where Lane and Martens had four votes each. In the second round, Martens received three votes and Lane earned two. In the third round, Lane received three votes and Martens with two. The votes remained deadlocked in the fourth and final round, with Lane at three votes and Martens with two.
The Council motioned to table the appointment for a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, when Martens and Lane will go through another interview process. The Council has until Saturday, April 19, to appoint either applicant.
If unable to reach a majority by the entire Council before April 19, a special election will be called.
The appointed at-large council member will serve the current term through December 31. The position will return to the ballot this November.
For more information about the Indianola City Council, please visit indianolaiowa.gov/citycouncil.
View Agenda & Resources for April 14, 2025
(Photos of Bob Lane and Eric Martens courtesy of the City of Indianola and Indianola Independent Advocate)
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