Community Update 2023

  1. Nov. 22, 2023
  2. Nov. 9, 2023
  3. Oct. 20, 2023
  4. Oct. 6, 2023
  5. Sept, 22, 2023
  6. Sept. 8, 2023
  7. Aug. 25, 2023
  8. Aug. 11, 2023
  9. July 21, 2023
  10. June 23, 2023
  11. June 9, 2023
  12. May 19, 2023
  13. May 5, 2023
  14. April 21, 2023
  15. April 7, 2023
  16. March 24, 2023
  17. March 10, 2023
  18. Feb. 24, 2023
  19. Feb. 10, 2023
  20. Jan. 20, 2023

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023


City of Indianola logo with text that reads Community Update November 9, 2023
City of Indianola City Hall sign on brick building

Thanksgiving 2023 Holiday Schedule

As Thanksgiving approaches, the City of Indianola expresses heartfelt gratitude to each member of our community. We are thankful for the privilege of serving you and contributing to the well-being of our great city.


In observance of the holiday, please be advised that non-emergency departments and offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24. The Indianola Wellness Campus will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, November 24.


We wish you a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, appreciation and cherished moments with loved ones.

Remember To Be Safe This Holiday Season

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. On Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2021, reflecting a 297% increase over the daily average.  

As we gear up for gatherings and delicious feasts, the Indianola Fire Department encourages community members to enjoy a fire-safe holiday and to keep these 10 tips from the NFPA in mind:

  1. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

  2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

  3. Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.  

  4. Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

  5. Keep knives out of the reach of children.  

  6. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.  

  7. Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

  8. Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.  

  9. Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

  10. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.


Hillcrest Avenue Reconstruction: Phase I Completion

East Hillcrest Reconstruction Project Milestone Achieved

The City of Indianola is delighted to announce the successful completion of the first phase of East Hillcrest Reconstruction Project, paving the way for its timely reopening and ensuring safer travel experience through winter conditions. Beginning November 21, 2023, East Hillcrest Avenue is open to thru traffic. We appreciate the patience, flexibility and understanding of our community as we accomplish this project milestone. 

 

Drive with confidence on our improved infrastructure and stay tuned for further enhancements as we gear up for Phase 2 of construction next spring. 

Learn More About Project

Reconstruction Project Updates  

Contractors continue to work this fall on the pedestrian alley between Buxton Street and the west parking lot on the Indianola Downtown Square as well as utility work in the west alley. Construction on the west parking lot and alley will cease over the winter and reopen to traffic. Next spring, work will continue and wrap up by summer 2024. 

A screenshot of an iPhone displaying a map of the City of Indianola

Community Development Reports  

Curious what building permits were issued last week? How much building value was permitted last month? How many code enforcement cases are active? What developments are underway in I-Town? The following reports and resources have been made available to the public: 
 

Building Permit Reports 
Monthly Building Permit Reports 
Code Enforcement Reports 
Current Development Projects Map 


the city of Indianola is in the process of completing a housing needs analysis

Windshield Housing Conditions Survey

The City of Indianola is currently conducting a housing needs analysis to better understand demand, programs and price points through 2050.   

Within this planning effort, a detailed windshield survey will be completed to inventory the existing exterior conditions of homes throughout the community. This survey will take place on December 7, 2023, and will be conducted by the hired consultant team. The consultants will NOT enter your home, come on to your property or need to speak with the homeowners/tenants. This survey is intended to be taken in a vehicle to ensure safety and comfort for all.  


The results of this survey will be crucial for identifying needs and patterns for rehabilitation within the community, producing potential partnerships and/or program opportunities for residents to take advantage of for housing maintenance and rehabilitation.


If you have any questions regarding the housing needs analysis or windshield survey, please contact Community & Economic Development Director Charlie Dissell at cdissell@indianolaiowa.gov.


Indianola Public Library Closed Dec. 11-26 For Building Maintenance, Holidays

The Indianola Public Library has announced a temporary closure from Monday, December 11, through Tuesday December 26, 2023, to facilitate essential building maintenance and observe holiday closures. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, December 27. 

 

We understand the importance of library services to the community and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for patrons and staff. The temporary closure is necessary to ensure the continued quality of the library’s facilities. To assist the community during this closure, the library has compiled a list of online resources that can be accessed remotely.

Read More Details

City of Indianola Downtown Facade Improvement Program: Bob's Custom Trophies – Grant Recipient Recap

Downtown Facade Improvement Program: Grant Recipient Recap 

Bob’s Custom Trophies – one of six Downtown Indianola Square businesses to be awarded a grant in the 2023 cycle – is in the final stages of its renovations as part of the Downtown Facade and Interior Improvement Program with the City of Indianola.


Hear from Leslie Held, co-owner of Bob’s Custom Trophies, to learn more about what the experience and process was like from beginning to end.  

View More About Program

Small Business Saturday in Indianola November 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Small Business Saturday: Indianola Chamber of Commerce

The Indianola Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce its exciting plans for Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023. To promote and celebrate local businesses, the chamber is launching the "Shop, Savor, Sip Passport" Shopping Spree Contest. 

 

On Small Business Saturday, participating businesses in Indianola will distribute Shop, Savor, Sip Passports to customers. Shoppers can embark on a journey through local merchants and establishments, earning stamps on their passports with each purchase. The more stamps collected, the greater the chance of winning fantastic prizes. 

Read More Details

Brush Facility Schedule Extension Announced

The City of Indianola has announced an extension of availability for the Brush Facility for the next two weeks following Thanksgiving. The facility will be open for residents to utilize on the following dates: 

  • Thursday, November 30 

  • Saturday, December 2 

  • Sunday, December 3 

  • Thursday, December 7 

  • Saturday, December 9 

  • Sunday, December 10 

 

Hours for the Brush Facility are noon to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. 

Read Full Announcement

City Council Update

The Indianola City Council met for a study session and regular session on Monday, November 20. The meetings can be viewed at the City's YouTube channel


During the study session, the Council received the Indianola Public Library’s annual report.  

 

Among the items Council approved during the regular meeting were: 

  • An ordinance amending Chapter 25.03 of the City Code of the City of Indianola, Iowa, for the purpose of adding residency requirements. 

  • An ordinance vacating right-of-way for an alley between the north side of the 1000 block of East Salem Avenue and the south side of the 1000/1100 block of East Ashland Avenue. 

  • Change Order Number 5 to extend the length of the project in the amount of $0.00, and Payment Application Number 8 in the amount of $93,377.08 to Sandstone Management, LTD. for the Indianola Industrial Park Plat 3 Project. 

  • Change Order Number 13 in the amount of $3,500 and Payment Application Number 25 in the amount of $143,840.64 to Absolute Concrete Construction, Inc. for the Square Reconstruction Project.

  • The U-STEP funding agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for the intersection improvements at IA 92 (West 2nd Avenue) and South K Street. 

  • The annual urban renewal report, financial report and TIF debt certifications. 

  • The grant application for the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Revitalization Fund, funded through a Community Development Block Grant, which would be used for exterior renovations of downtown building facades; a Community Development and Housing Needs development assessment and a letter of funding for the CDBG.  

  • A major site plan application for a General Industrial Use at 1601 East Orchard Place. 

 

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


Public Hearings  

Public hearings are an opportunity for the general public to speak in front of Council on a specific agenda item.


The following public hearings have been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, December 18:

  • A proposed rezoning from General Industrial (M-2) and Single Family Residential Attached (R-2) zoning districts to the Multi-Family Residential (R-3) zoning district for land located at 704 N 6th Street, 810 N 6th Street and 917 E Iowa Avenue. 

  • A request for approval of the Kentucky Ridge Planned Unit Development (PUD) located at 1100 North Jefferson Way.  

  • A request for approval of the Emerald Bay Planned Unit Development (PUD) and associated amendment to the Elevate Indianola Comprehensive Plan located at 2103 North Jefferson Way.  

  • A request for approval of an amendment to the Deer Run Planned Unit Development (PUD) and associated amendment to the Elevate Indianola Comprehensive Plan located at 2305, 2405, 2505 and 2605 West 2nd Avenue. 


Did you know that public comments can be submitted prior to the meeting from our website? This is a great tool to use if you are unable to attend the meeting or if your comment will exceed the 5-minute time limit. Comments submitted prior to 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be sent to the Council before the meeting. Comments submitted after 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be sent to Council as soon as possible.  

Submit A Public Comment

Upcoming City Council Meetings

Draft agendas for upcoming City Council meetings can be found at the links below. These are working drafts and are subject to change. Agendas are published on the City's website the Thursday prior to a scheduled Council meeting.  

 
The next regular Council meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 4. A study session precedes the meeting at 6 p.m. 

 

December 4 Draft Agenda (PDF)
December 18 Draft Agenda (PDF)


Employment Opportunities

The City of Indianola is currently hiring for multiple positions, including: 

  • Paramedic – Part time 

  • Police Patrol Officer – Full time

  • Public Works Operations Specialist II – Full time 

  • Various positions at the Indianola Wellness Campus – Part time 

Learn More About Employment Opportunities

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