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Aquatic Center

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1. Am I a Resident or Non Resident?

Learn who qualifies for Resident discount pricing. More information.

2. Where can I get a season pass?

Season Passes are not sold online or at the Aquatic Center.

Purchase season passes by calling (515) 961-9420 or visiting the Indianola Parks and Recreation Office, 2204 W. 2nd Avenue (Hwy 92 West).

3. Is the pool open today? The weather is questionable.

You can find out about pool closings three ways

• By calling the pool at 961-9422, where we will leave a message.
• By checking the Aquatic Center Facebook page 
• By signing up to receive automatic texts.  Join the group called Aquatics - VMAC Closing and Event Info, and any other groups that interest you at
  http://tinyurl.com/y5e389lp

click this link for current alerts.

4. How can I find out if swim lessons are cancelled?

Be sure to register for text notifications for your child's session of Swim lessons.  

Sign up for Indianola Parks & Recreation Text Alerts here.

Current Parks & Recreation Cancellations

5. Why is the pool closed when it seems like it should be open?

The Aquatic Center may close because of cool temperatures, thunder or lightning, low attendance or murky water. 

• If at 12:30 pm the temperature is 72 degrees or cooler, the pool will not open. Weather will be monitored; if conditions improve the pool may open later. 
• If lightning is spotted or thunder is heard, the pool will be cleared of all patrons for at least 30 minutes.
• If attendance is 15 patrons or less for more than 30 minutes, the pool reserves the right to close. 
• If the main drain in the deep end cannot be seen or the water is cloudy, the pool reserves the right to close.
• It also may become necessary to close the pool to sanitize it after a swimmer becomes ill and has an incident.

Read more.

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City Clerk's Office

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1. How do I contact City Council members?

The City of Indianola City Council members are all reachable by email and phone.  The contact information can be found on the City Council page of the website at the link provided below.

City Council Information

2. How can I pay my utility bill?

The City of Indianola offers many options for our residents to pay their utility bills. All methods are free of charge to our customers. Customers can make payments by cash, credit, debit, or check at the IMU Customer Service Center located at 210 West 2nd Avenue. You can also sign up to have payments automatically deducted from your checking or savings account by filling out a short form at the IMU Customer Service Center. A drop box is also conveniently located in the IMU Customer Service Center parking lot. Customers can also pay by phone by calling 515-961-9444 or online by visiting the link provided below. Both options allow payment by credit, debit, checking or savings.

Pay Online by visiting Indianola Municipal Utilities at www.indianola.com

3. When is my recycling picked up?

Indianola residents’ recycling schedule is based on their location. Recycling is picked up by Waste Management on one of four days, every other week. To view and determine your recycling pick-up day or the schedule, please click on the link provided.

Recyling Information

4. How and where do I sign up for utilities?

Most residents living within the city limits (and limited areas outside the city limits) have electric, recycling, sanitary sewer, water, and stormwater services through Indianola Municipal Utilities and City of Indianola. Application for utility service must be filed in person at the IMU Customer Service Center, 210 West 2^nd Avenue. For more information please visit the link below.

Hook Up My Utilities

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City Parks

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1. Is the Brush Facility Open?

The brush facility is operated by the City of Indianola Public Works department.  For hours of operation and details, visit the Brush Facility page on this website.

2. Is alcohol allowed in City Parks?

The city allows limited use of alcohol in parks. Special permits are issued from the Parks and Recreation department, subject to a damage deposit. Please call 515-961-9420 for more specific information.

3. Are dogs allowed in city parks and at the Pickard Softball Complex?

Dogs are allowed in Indianola city parks as long as they are leashed at all times (leash 15’ or shorter), and owners clean up any messes.  This includes the softball complex at Pickard Park.

Indianola’s off-leash dog park is available for residents and non-residents. An annual membership costs $25 per dog.  More about the dog park.

4. How do I reserve a shelter at Lake Ahquabi?

Lake Ahquabi State Park is operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources For information about shelter and lodge rentals, campground fees, and recreational opportunities, call 515-961-7101. To reserve shelters or campsites, call 877-427-2757 or visit Iowa State Parks Reservations.
Iowa State Parks Online Reservations

5. How do I contact the shooting range north of Indianola?

Banner Range is a multi-use shooting facility that offers a safe, clean shooting environment for handguns, rifles and shotguns. The range is operated by the Iowa DNR and is staffed with professional certified range safety officers during all operating hours. The shooting range is located at 13796 Elkhorn Street between Des Moines and Indianola on US Highway 65/69 in Warren County. The Banner Shooting Range telephone number is 515/961-6408 for a recorded message that provides an updated list of range hours. You may also email the range at BannerRange@dnr.iowa.gov and a range representative will respond to you.

6. Where can I camp in or near Indianola?

The City operates a 10 space campground in Pickard Park. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis only; no reservations are taken.

 Camping is also available at the following locations:

• Warren County Fairgrounds 515-961-6687
• Warren County parks operated by Warren County Conservation 515-961-6169
• Lake Ahquabi State Park  
  Call  877-427-2757 or reserve online at Iowa State Parks Online Reservations 

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Fire Department

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1. How can I get a smoke detector from the Fire Department? Will you change the batteries?

The City of Indianola Fire Department purchases and/or receives donations of a limited number of smoke alarms for distribution to City of Indianola residents who may otherwise not be able to afford them (see above section for more information). If you can afford a smoke alarm but have a question or concern regarding installation of your own smoke alarm, please contact the office of deputy chief at 515-961-9405.

2. Why do your fire trucks use lights and sirens, even in the middle of the night when there is no traffic?

The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. By Iowa state law, we do have certain privileges extended to us. Those being, to carefully proceed through controlled intersections and travel against the designated flow of traffic. These privileges have rules that the legislation and department policy put on the drivers of these emergency vehicles. The main rule is that we cannot do these things unless there are lights flashing and sirens going. Even in the middle of the night.

3. Why do you send so many fire vehicles to a fire, especially a small fire?

Each fire truck only carries two firefighters and it is necessary to have enough firefighters on the scene of an incident. There are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake at the scene of a fire, and firefighting is a very labor-intensive activity. If you get behind because there are not enough firefighters on the call, it is more difficult to extinguish a fire quickly.

4. Why are the sirens going off?

When inclement weather is in the area sirens will go off. Sirens are maintained by the Warren County Emergency Management office. Sign up to be notified of siren alerts by clicking this link. 

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Information Technology

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1. How do I get an event displayed on the community sign?

Submit your event information to the IT Department at City Hall or send an e-mail to it@indianolaiowa.gov Only non-profit events are allowed.

2. Can I watch previously broadcast city council, board of trustee, or planning and zoning meetings online?

The city posts all recorded meetings online typically within 24 hours of their original broadcast. Those meetings can be accessed by clicking the following link: https://cityofindianola.viebit.com/

Link to page

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Library

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1. How do I sign up for a library card?

If you are a resident of Iowa* and are older than 15 years old, you need a photo id with your current address to sign up for a library card.  If your photo id does not list your current address, you can also bring a piece of mail pre-printed with your current address.

Children under 16 need parental permission.  A parent or guardian can bring a child to the library to sign up for a card.

*In addition to being an Iowa resident, you must live in a community which participants in Iowa's Open Access library program.  Almost all communities in Iowa participate in this program. Communities in Warren County that are not Open Access participants are the incorporated towns of Ackworth, Martensdale, St. Mary's, Sandyville, and Spring Hill.  Residents of rural Warren County are Open Access participants.  

2. How do I reserve a meeting room?

The Library has one room available for use during library hours. Click here for room policies. Reserving a Meeting Room

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Parks and Recreation

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1. How do I set up an account?

Please call the Parks & Recreation office at 515-961-9420 during regular office hours to set up an account, or to add a new family member.

Be ready to provide birth dates for each member of your household.   

2. I missed the deadline. Can I still register?

Deadlines are used as a tool to determine whether there is enough interest in a class/activity to invest time and money. If a class minimum isn't met by the deadline, the activity may be canceled. In fact, the quickest way to kill a program is to wait until after the deadline to try to register! 

Does missing the deadline mean you can't get into the class? In some cases, participants will still be able to register for an activity until the class is filled. Missing a deadline doesn't always mean you have to miss the activity. 

But early registration guarantees you and your family members a spot in your favorite activities, as some classes fill before the deadline.

3. Who is eligible for resident discounts?

Most programs and classes have two fees, the full fee for nonresidents and a discounted fee for residents.

A Resident is any person who lives within the city limits of Indianola. This is not to be confused with school attendance, because city and school district boundaries are not the same. You may have an Indianola mailing address, but reside outside of the city limits.

Indianola residents make a significant contribution to the financing and operation of the Indianola Parks and Recreation Department through city property taxes. These taxes are paid whether or not individuals participate in programs or use facilities. Therefore, Indianola residents receive a discount off the regular fee.

To ensure equity, nonresidents (those living outside the Indianola city limits) will pay the regular program or facility fee.

4. Is there any financial aid available?

The Indianola Parks & Recreation Fee Assistance Program focuses on opening doors to recreation for children who could not otherwise afford it. By using the Key Card, the holder is eligible to receive up to $100 per child per year to be applied as a 50% discount for many Parks & Recreation classes, events and programs. Pool passes are also available at a reduced rate. 

Please contact one of these agencies to determine if your family is eligible for the  program:

• Warren County Health Services 961-1074
• IMPACT Community Action Partnership 961-2543 

If you qualify, the agency will let us know.  After we receive notice of your eligibility, simply call our office at (515) 961-9420 to register and pay with a debit/credit card, or visit in person to pay with cash/check.

5. What is your refund policy?

Refunds/credits will gladly be given as long as your refund request is made by 5:00pm on the business day prior to the start of the program, less all costs already incurred.  Any time after that date, a pro-rated refund/credit will only be granted for illness, medical reasons or other unavoidable circumstances.  Physician's written verification required.  Must make request within 7 working days.

6. How can I rent the Activity Center for an event?

Find out information about renting the Buxton Room for large events, or smaller meeting rooms when you click here.

click here.

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Police Department

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1. How do I make a code enforcement request?

Call the Community Development Department at City Hall at 515-961-9430 or the Indianola Police Department at 515-961-9400.

2. My vehicle was towed by the Indianola Police Department. Where is it and how do I get it back?

If your vehicle was towed contact the Indianola Police Department at 515-961-9400 to get the impound information.

3. I need to be fingerprinted for a job. Where do I go to get printed and what times are available?

Fingerprinting
The Warren County Sheriff's Office performs fingerprinting services for the purpose of background checks and employment. The cost is $10.00 per card. These services are offered by appointment by calling 515-961-1104 or 515-961-1098.
Individuals in need of this service will need to bring their blue applicant cards (preferably not filled out) to the Sheriff's Office at 1801 W 2nd Ave, Indianola, Iowa and pay the required fee.

4. I saw suspicious activity in my neighborhood. Should I report it to the police?

Trust your instincts! If you think something is wrong, then it probably is. Citizens can be a huge help in preventing criminal activity before it occurs and before someone is a victim. In any case, wouldn't you sleep better just having it checked out?

5. Where do I go to enforce a child custody or visitation order that has been violated?

If you believe such an order has been violated, you should contact your attorney as soon as possible for legal advice. If the violation of such an order may cause concern for the safety of the child involved, you should contact your local law enforcement agency immediately to discuss the matter with an officer.

6. How does a citizen make a complaint on Police Personnel?

Contact the Patrol Supervisor for any complaints regarding officers. For any other personnel complaints contact the Chief of Police. All contacts maybe made by calling 515-961-9400 or email
dbutton@indianolaiowa.gov.

7. Can the police open my car if the keys are locked inside?

The Indianola Police Department does not generally unlock vehicles. The only exception is an emergency situation such as a child locked inside a vehicle. This is due to the increasing complexity of car security systems and side-impact airbags; attempts to open may cause damage to a vehicle or injury to an officer. Please contact a locksmith to open vehicles.

8. I would like to get my child fingerprinted in case of any emergency. How do I get this done?

The Indianola Police Department has kits available for parents that include fingerprints, basic information and space for DNA samples.

9. I would like to tour the Indianola Police Department. When can I do this?

Call the main phone number 515-961-9400 speak to the Captain to set up a time for the tour.

10. How do I get a copy of an incident or accident report?

Reports are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It might be in your best interest to call ahead to see if the report is completed. There is a $5.00 cost per report.

11. How do I get a copy of a criminal record?

Criminal records are only available through the Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI). You may go to the DCI website to get more information on how to get criminal records or contact us and we will provide information on how to get a criminal record. Division of Criminal Investigations Weblink

12. Who has to wear a seat belt in my vehicle?

It is best that everyone in the vehicle wear a seat belt. Iowa law requires the front driver and passenger wear seat belts. Children over 4’9” tall and usually over 80 pounds must wear a seat belt. Children under that height and weight requirement need to be in a booster or child safety seat depending on their height and weight. Any passenger in the back seat of the vehicle and under the age of 18 is required by law to have their seat belt fastened. Seatbelt Brochure

13. How can I make sure my child's safety seat is installed correctly?

Currently the Fire Department has a certified child seat technician Bob Soukup. You may call during normal business hours 515-961-9405 for available time to check your child's safety seat. Shelley Jensen with the Department of Health and Sanitation may also be contact 515-961-1074 for child seat safety checks. Safety seat Inspection station lookup

14. Do the police do vacation house checks?

We recommend citizens advise us if they are leaving town and their residence will be unoccupied. Please call or come to Indianola Police Department to fill out vacation check form. Bring to the police station or email to pallsup@indianolaiowa.gov.

Vacation house check request form

15. Where do I go to pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic citations are payable at the Clerk of Court office at 115 N Howard St, Indianola, Ia 50125 or online and follow the steps.

Iowa Courts - Pay on Line

16. Where do I pay a parking ticket?

Parking tickets are payable at City of Indianola Front desk or the Indianola Police Department. Parking tickets may be paid on line.

Pay Parking Ticket online

17. How does the outdoor warning system work?

The outdoor sirens are sounded during severe weather if there is a tornado warning issued for any part of Indianola by the National Weather Service; or they are sounded if a tornado is spotted by a public safety employee or by a trained spotter, and the tornado is a threat to Indianola. We do not sound an "all clear" siren, so if the sirens are sounding, it means a tornado is believed to be in the vicinity. The sirens are tested the first Saturday of every month.

18. How long can a car be parked on the street?

A car can be legally parked on the street for no longer than 72 hours. If the car has been parked for a continuous period of 72 hours or more the vehicle will be tagged and impounded by the Police Department. All parking regulations maybe read in Chapter 69 of City ordinances page 357. Chapter 69 Parking Ordinances

19. What is the grace period after my driver's license expires?

Your Iowa driver's license is valid for 60 days after the expiration date.

20. What is the grace period after my vehicle registration expires?

Your Iowa vehicle registration is valid for 30 days after the expiration date.

21. Can I have tinted windows on my vehicle?

The Code of Iowa, Chapter 321.438(2) states it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with excessively dark or reflective windows. In addition, the law mandates that a rule be written defining "excessively dark or reflective". The rule adopts the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standard for automotive windows, which establishes a minimum of at least 70% light transparency.

22. What does the snow ordinance mean?

The snow ordinance is found in chapter 69.10 of the city ordinances.
Be sure to watch the news or listen to the radio, our watch for our website, twitter (IndianolaPD) and facebook notices (Indianola Police Department) to be advised when the snow ordinance is in effect.
Such a ban shall be of uniform application and the police department is directed to widely publicize the requirements, using all available news media, in early November each year. When predictions or occurrences indicate the need, the Chief of Police shall proclaim a snow emergency and the police department shall inform the news media to publicize the proclamation and the parking rules there under. Such emergency may be extended or shortened when conditions warrant.
This section shall not be construed as suspending parking limitations or restrictions imposed by any other section of this chapter, except that, in the event of a proclamation pursuant to this section, this section shall supersede any ordinances in conflict with this provision.

Public Notice

23. How can I get an officer to make a presentation at an event?

Contact us at the main phone number 515-961-9400 to speak with the Captain to determine if scheduling will have an officer available to make a presentation at your event.

24. If a peddler comes to my door how do I know they are selling legally?

All peddlers, solicitors or transient merchants must have a permit from the city before they can attempt to sell their products. You may ask to see their permit before any other action is taken. If they cannot provide the permit you may call the police to report illegal peddlers.

25. How do I arrange for a Temporary Street Closure for work being done?

Contact us at the main phone number 515-961-9400 to schedule and to have the necessary departments notified. This form maybe filled out and returned to the Indianola Police Department or emailed to pallsup@indianolaiowa.gov Temporary Work Street Closure

26. I want to find out if a sex offender lives in my neighborhood. Where can I do that?

The Iowa Sex Offender website contains detailed information about Iowa code, and several other areas of interest. The registry allows you to search by name, address, map, email, telephone or a vehicle plate. You can read the sites Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page if you have more questions. Iowa Sex Offender site

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Rental Housing Inspections

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1. When will rental inspections begin?

The Community Development Department will begin registering and inspecting rental properties located in Ward 1 of Indianola on July 1st, 2022. Please see the following table to see future dates for other wards

	Registration Start Date	Registration End Date
Ward 1	July 1, 2022	February 28, 2023
Ward 3	March 1, 2023	October 31, 2023
Ward 2 and 4	November 1, 2023	June 30, 2024

Indianola Wards Map