JANUARY 20, 2023

City of Indianola Allocates $125,000 for Grant Program

The City of Indianola is excited to announce the launch of a grant program to support downtown business façade and interior improvements. The Downtown Façade and Interior Improvement Program allows for property owners to apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding for façade and interior improvements to buildings located in and adjacent to Indianola’s Downtown Square. The full press release is available here.

Indianola Hometown Pride Awarded Grant

Indianola Hometown Pride was awarded a $73,300 grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs for their “Wonder on Buxton” project. The project aims to connect Simpson College to the Square by “creating a vibrant area that invites visitors and celebrates Indianola’s cultural identity” through art, signage, and other improvements along Buxton Street. Congratulations to the committee! 

Proclamations Issued

Mayor Erickson recently issued two proclamations. The first, Proclamation for Slavery and Human Trafficking Month, encourages community members to become more informed on this growing problem, report suspicious activity and work on solutions to ending human trafficking. She urged everyone to take action when they see something that isn’t right by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. 

The second proclamation declares February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day in Indianola. She invited the public to participate in tours, events, conversations, and other activities about Carver’s legacy in our community and around the world on February 1.  More information on the celebration can be found on Simpson College’s website. 

Oath of Office

Mayor Erickson issued the Oath of Office to six public safety personnel in January. 

Police Captain Rob Hawkins

Fire Captain Chuck Cross

Fire Captain Eric Wallace

Fire Captain Thad White

Police Lieutenant Rick Largesse

Police Lieutenant Justin Keller

Thank-you for the dedication, courage, and compassion you show to our community! 

Soup-er Bowl

Each Friday through February 10, the Library is hosting a Soup-er Bowl and you are invited to vote for your favorite! Local groups and businesses are asked to donate soup each Friday.  The public is invited to taste each soup and vote for their favorite. Be sure to check out all the other great things at our library after you try the soup! 

City Council Update

The Indianola City Council met in study session and regular session on Tuesday, January 17, 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 a fiscal year 24 budget update and information on the Downtown Façade and Interior Improvement Program. The budget presentation is available on the Finance Website.

Among the items Council approved in the regular meeting were:

• Payment applications for the Water Resource Recovery Facility, Quail Meadows Sidewalk Connector project and the 2022 Infrastructure Improvements on Boston Avenue Project.
• Downtown Design Guidelines and the 2023 Downtown Façade and Interior Improvement Program
• An ordinance amending sewer service outside city limits
• A major site plan application for a daycare located at 1010 N Jefferson Way

More information on these items and others can be found in the council packet.  To learn how to find and download agendas and packets and receive notifications when they are published, please watch this video.

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, February 6 at 7:00 p.m. A study session will precede the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, February 6, 2023 (PDF)

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 (PDF)

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 February 6 regarding a request for a modification to The Village, A Wesley Life Community, Planned Unit Development
• Public hearing on February 6 regarding the proposal to enter into an Offer to Buy Real Estate with the Warren County Historical Society related to the conveyance of property in the Hillcrest/Downtown Unified Urban Renewal Plan Area
• Public hearing on February 21 regarding the Fiscal Year 24 maximum property tax dollars

Employment Opportunities

The City of Indianola is currently hiring for multiple positions, including a seasonal staff at the pool! Please visit our website for more information on employment opportunities.