[3:54] Mhm.

[4:17] » Call the July 6th, 2026 meeting to order. Please rise and pledge

[4:22] allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[4:27] United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands,

[4:32] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[4:38] » Clerk, call the roll, please. >> Councilmember Reed?

[4:41] » Here. >> Alby?

[4:49] Is he on, Jason? >> He's on the line, but he's still on

[4:51] mute.

[4:54] » Armstrong? >> Yes.

[4:55] » Davis? Stones?

[4:58] » Present. >> Lane?

[5:01] » Here. >> Mayor Richardson?

[5:03] » Present. >> And Councilmember Dalby, can you hear

[5:06] us?

[5:15] » Now, let's have him call in. We'll figure it out here. So,

[5:19] let's move forward here. Oh, there we go.

[5:21] Is he okay? >> He's muted everything here.

[5:25] » He can't hear us for some reason.

[5:31] » He says now it's silent.

[5:53] » [clears throat]

[5:57] » Let's have him call in. >> I'll let him do that.

[6:16] » Brian, can you hear us?

[6:21] » Hello. >> Hi.

[6:23] You're on in the council chambers. >> All right, thank you.

[6:28] » You are present, correct? >> [laughter]

[6:32] » All right, with that said then, we'll go on to

[6:35] public comment. Um

[6:37] Let me get my sheet here. I'm going to make sure everything's

[6:40] straight.

[6:45] Uh please uh if you got forms, please use those.

[6:48] We'll be set aside for these comments. Where is my uh I'm sorry. I mean, I'm

[6:53] miscombobulated here and now. >> [clears throat]

[6:57] » Time set aside for comments from the public on relevant subject pertaining to

[7:00] the council action scheduled for today. If you want to use speak on a particular

[7:04] item on the agenda, please come to the podium. You'll have 3 minutes or less.

[7:08] Uh we also want to make sure that um while we take comments into

[7:14] consideration, this time's not intended for discussion or dialogue and speakers

[7:17] must direct remarks to the council and not others in attendance. Use of obscene

[7:20] and vulgar language, hate speech, racial slurs, slanderous comments,

[7:24] and any other objectively disruptive conduct may be ruled out of order and or

[7:28] the speaker may be removed from the meeting. Mayor has authority to reduce

[7:32] the time allowed for comment based on the number of individuals signed up to

[7:35] speak. Is there anybody in the audience that

[7:37] would wish to speak right now on any in public comment?

[7:43] Seeing I did have uh one email uh public comment. I'll read the email

[7:49] here. It says, "Why do you not care about older people that needs the need

[7:53] the bus to go to doctors and get the food? So, why don't you help out Herda

[7:57] and keep them from coming keep them coming all week? And if you want us to

[8:00] keep you in the office, then help us out. I hope you will help us. Thank you.

[8:04] Charles Schurman." So, [clears throat]

[8:08] that was a comment about Herda. All right. With that said then, we move on

[8:13] onto the consent agenda. Is there anything we need to pull from

[8:17] the consent agenda? >> I would like to pull items C, A, K, and

[8:22] M. >> M?

[8:25] D?

[8:29] A? K?

[8:33] And M you said? >> Yes, as in Mike.

[8:35] » Okay. Anything else?

[8:40] Seeing none, I take a motion to approve the other items on the consent agenda.

[8:44] » So >> Second. Motion and a second. Jake, you

[8:48] want to run through those things, please?

[8:50] » Yes, starting with item D, uh setting dates for future public hearings. Uh

[8:53] number one, we have a resolution setting a public hearing for July 20th, 2026 at

[8:58] 6:00 p.m. regarding an amendment to chapter 171 parkland dedication. Uh this

[9:02] will be setting a public hearing to amend the amount of parkland required,

[9:05] determination of market value, and other considerations in line with the

[9:07] discussion at the June 15th City Council meeting. Item two, resolution to vacate

[9:12] and convey city property to JPJ Acquisitions LLC for Culver's project

[9:16] and setting a public hearing for July 20th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Uh the city and

[9:20] IMU staff have collaborated and agreed that the vacation is acceptable. Uh item

[9:24] three, resolution setting a public hearing for July 20th at 6:00 p.m.

[9:28] regarding an amendment to chapter 165.05 zoning district regulations. Uh this

[9:32] would be to align an inconsistency between the comprehensive plan and

[9:36] zoning code about density for townhomes and row homes.

[9:40] Item E, approval of applications. We've got the consideration of the approval of

[9:44] a new liquor license for Benjamin Ladd doing business at Warren County

[9:47] Fairgrounds. This license would be valid for 14 days from July 17th to July 30th.

[9:52] Staff has reviewed the application and will inspect the premises once setup is

[9:55] complete at Fairgrounds. Item two, consideration approval of

[9:58] liquor license amendment for the Des Moines Metro Opera doing business as the

[10:01] Blank Performing Arts Center. This would add outdoor service privileges to their

[10:05] license. Staff [clears throat] has reviewed the application and inspected

[10:07] the premises. Item three, consideration approval of

[10:10] liquor license and tobacco license amendment for Brew Oil LLC. This would

[10:13] update their ownership on the liquor and tobacco licenses.

[10:20] Item F, third consideration adoption of ordinance amendments to chapter 122,

[10:24] peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants. Council reviewed [snorts] the

[10:27] proposed changes at the May 18th, 2026 meeting and directed staff to proceed

[10:31] with adoption of the ordinance amendments.

[10:33] Item G, resolution approving an amendment to the fee schedule regarding

[10:37] peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchant fees. This sets fees in line

[10:40] with council discussion at the May 18th meeting. These are as follows:

[10:44] application fee of $25, a one-day permit for $20, a one-week permit for $75, a

[10:49] 90-day permit for $150, six-month permit for $200, and then a one-year permit for

[10:54] $300. A $1,000 surety or cash bond is also required prior to the issuance of

[11:00] the permit. Item H, resolution suspending

[11:03] enforcement of municipal code 4701 paragraph 11 regarding the sale and

[11:07] consumption of alcohol in city parks for the disc golf tournament at Pickard Park

[11:10] as requested by Hy-Vee Food Store. This would allow Hy-Vee to sell alcohol

[11:13] during the Discmania Challenge from August 7th to the 9th.

[11:16] Item I is a resolution approving the authorized acknowledgement of the

[11:21] Esri Small Municipal and County Government Enterprise Agreement between

[11:23] Warren County and the Illa Municipal Utilities, City of Norwalk, City of

[11:26] Milo, and the City of Carlisle. This continues the city's partnership in the

[11:29] county-wide GIS program. The city's cost increased by $600 from last year to

[11:34] 13,200. This cost is split between three and

[11:37] economic development, sewer, and streets funds. There are sufficient funds in the

[11:41] FY27 budget to cover this expense. Item J and K were pulled. Item

[11:49] L pulled, too? >> No.

[11:51] I think it's that. >> All right. Item L, resolution delegating

[11:54] the city manager the authority to approve the disposal of miscellaneous

[11:57] personal property items of the public works department. Streets and sewer

[12:01] frequently generate scrap metal from job sites, decommissioned equipment at the

[12:04] old sewer plant, tools, and spare parts that can be designated as surplus. This

[12:08] item provides greater flexibility in surplusing these materials, particularly

[12:11] when quantities are unknown in advance or when disposal needs arise outside of

[12:15] standard intervals. Item M was pulled. Item N, resolution

[12:19] authorizing agreement with Shafer Electric for the Morlock transformer

[12:21] project. This replaces transformer equipment at the Morlock lift station.

[12:25] Staff collaborated with IMU to find suitable and safe replacement equipment.

[12:29] The quote of just over $16,000 was well under the $50,000 budget in the FY27

[12:33] budget. This resolution does include a 15% contingency due to current

[12:37] volatility of wire pricing. Item O, resolution authorizing a

[12:41] contract for fire department services for the 2026 Warren County Fair. Allows

[12:45] the fire department to enter into an agreement to provide emergency medical

[12:48] and fire coverage for designated grandstand events during the 2026

[12:53] Warren County Fair.

[12:56] Item P, resolution setting fiscal year 27 salaries. It sets salaries for two

[13:01] collective bargaining units that were recently finalized and after we did the

[13:06] first one, as well as correct several scrivener's errors from the June 15th

[13:09] approval. Resolution approving the donation policy

[13:12] approves the donation policy as discussed at the June 15th City Council

[13:15] meeting. The Parks and Recreation Commission, Sustainability Committee,

[13:18] and Public Arts Commission have all now provided unanimous recommendation to

[13:21] approve. Item R, resolution approving the naming rights policy. Approves the

[13:24] naming rights policy as discussed at the June 15th City Council meeting. Parks

[13:28] and Recreation Commission, Sustainability Committee, and Public

[13:30] Arts Commission have all now provided unanimous recommendation to approve as

[13:33] well. Item S, resolution designating the

[13:35] posting place for meeting agendas. This is an item to achieve compliance with

[13:39] changes to state of Iowa code chapter 21 by House File 2490. City staff worked in

[13:44] close collaboration with the city attorney to ensure compliance with the

[13:47] new state legislation. Item T, approval of urban renewal or urban revitalization

[13:52] designations. This is tax abatement for 24 properties.

[13:55] Item U, receive and file the current listing of board and commission members.

[13:59] This is receiving and filing the list and which is an annually required item

[14:02] per City Council policy. Then item V, resolution approving salaries. We have

[14:06] two new hires in the Water Resource Recovery Division.

[14:10] » Thank you. >> [clears throat]

[14:11] » Any comments or questions?

[14:15] Hearing none, clerk, call the roll, please.

[14:17] » Councilmember Lane. >> Aye.

[14:19] » Greene. >> Aye.

[14:20] » Dalbey. >> Aye.

[14:22] » Armstrong. >> Aye.

[14:23] » Sones. >> Aye.

[14:25] » Motion carries. Uh

[14:27] let's have some discussion on item C, which is approval of minutes. Let's see

[14:31] you pull this one first [clears throat] here and then we'll get a motion after

[14:34] you get done. >> Yeah, I pulled it um just to make a

[14:37] clarification on one of the minutes and that is the

[14:41] uh subcommittee meeting that happened on

[14:45] June 10th with um

[14:49] the Building and Facility Committee along with the Board of Supervisors.

[14:53] » Mhm. >> Actually

[14:55] No, it was I'm sorry. City Council and Board of Supervisors.

[14:59] They requested us to um

[15:04] re-zone the land that they purchased to satisfy their due diligence

[15:11] along with um

[15:14] our resolution of intent. And I just want to clarify that

[15:18] that is we're not making that a contingent of

[15:21] the purchase. >> Mhm.

[15:25] Want to make that clarification in the minutes.

[15:27] » Allison, what what is there any wording that we want to put in there for

[15:31] specifically that or go ahead. >> We just wanted to make note for the

[15:35] record in the minutes that we did not the city council did not agree to those

[15:39] provisions. We just want it to be very clear because the next following line is

[15:43] that legal will draft a resolution and we just want it to be transparent and

[15:48] clear that we did not agree to those specific terms as of

[15:52] that meeting. >> Okay.

[15:56] Jackie, you have what you need there? >> I do. Thank you.

[15:58] » Mostly, you want to make a motion to approve that?

[16:00] As as amended? >> Mhm.

[16:03] Yes. I'll make a motion to approve as amended.

[16:06] » I got Second by Josh.

[16:09] Any discussion?

[16:13] Let's call the roll, please. >> Council member Lane?

[16:15] » Aye. >> Rabe?

[16:16] » Aye. >> Dalby?

[16:17] » Aye. >> Armstrong?

[16:19] » Aye. >> Holmes?

[16:20] » Aye. >> Motion carries. Move on to item J,

[16:23] resolution determining rescue truck as surplus

[16:25] authorizing sale of said property. I'll take a motion and a second then we'll

[16:28] discuss. >> I'll move.

[16:31] » I'll second. >> Motion by Rabe, second by Lane.

[16:34] Discussion?

[16:38] » Yeah, I just had a question on um whether we've

[16:42] priced out what we think we're going to get for this

[16:46] vehicle.

[16:51] » Mayor, council, I heard the Knoll Fire Department

[16:54] » Uh we did reach out to an appraiser who had given us a range about $235,000 for

[17:00] the truck. Again, I think we

[17:03] have to carefully collaborate with them and understand really what the value of

[17:07] it is. Um essentially, the equipment just

[17:10] doesn't have any value in the city anymore and is costing us

[17:13] some funds to maintain it. So, being in best interest to dispose of the

[17:18] equipment. We'd make sure that we'd get a fair

[17:20] market value for it. Again, coordinating with the the city manager on the price

[17:23] to market it at, so.

[17:27] » I I know we've talked before about how it was used versus

[17:31] what we're doing now in place of that. Can you kind of walk through that just

[17:36] for the sake of the public? >> Sure.

[17:39] Um so, in um

[17:42] say 20 25

[17:46] we purchased an engine. Um that engine uh we use as a city engine.

[17:51] Um at that point in time we were using uh

[17:54] 339, which was a light rescue truck to do all of our

[17:58] um rescue responses. So, any of those that uh involved car accidents in

[18:02] roadways, it it would respond. So, it essentially housed uh all of our

[18:06] extrication equipment, um some additional um spill hazardous

[18:10] material spill uh material um equipment, and had [clears throat] about a

[18:14] 300-gallon onboard water capacity, which wasn't much for um car fires. As you

[18:19] well know, um vehicles um have those flammable fuels on them,

[18:23] and you want to have some adequate protection as far as um suppression

[18:26] agent on the truck. Um 300 gallons wasn't necessarily enough

[18:29] to cut it sometimes, and so we'd rely on an engine, which carries a 500 gallons

[18:34] minimum on that truck to uh also respond for

[18:37] fire suppression purposes. Uh additionally, the weight of the truck um

[18:42] you get about 8.33 lb uh per gallon of water on the truck when you're talking

[18:46] about 300 versus 500. You got a significant amount of more weight and a

[18:50] much larger truck apparatus that provides protection in the roadway. Um

[18:54] uh we don't desire that the apparatus would get hit, but we do use it to

[18:57] position to protect if there's in the roadway, whereas that light-duty rescue

[19:01] wouldn't contend with any of the heavier vehicles that are in uh moving down

[19:05] 65/69. Um so,

[19:08] and the tools as we would use them uh they had become so cumbersome that it

[19:13] created problems with opening the doors. Uh since we made an operational decision

[19:16] to move the equipment over to um the city engine. So, the city engine

[19:20] responds to not only um fires, but also is dual-purpose in responding

[19:24] to rescue incidents here within the city. So, uh again reduces reduces the

[19:29] apparatus and improves the operational safety for the crews.

[19:32] Um so, our request was to uh well, after we had reached out to other departments

[19:36] in the city to see if we could repurpose the vehicle and

[19:40] and was no opportunities identified, we then reached out to city manager and

[19:43] asked if we could go ahead and let that piece of equipment go.

[19:46] » Chief, do you see uh some of the volunteer departments in the state of

[19:50] Iowa [clears throat] then maybe wanting this vehicle because of its size and

[19:53] what it can do? It can do. >> Yeah, there's a there's a potential. Um

[19:56] let's see, you know, just depends on the the department's

[19:59] needs. >> Yeah, you bet.

[20:02] It'll save a lot of money, too. So, for even small cities. But, that's good.

[20:06] Any other questions, Melissa, or are you good?

[20:08] » No, that's Um I guess

[20:12] how do you market something like that? >> There is uh government auction sites,

[20:16] and then you'd put a uh reserve price. So, essentially, if it never meets that

[20:20] reserve price, it's not going to leave the the market as far as that goes. Um

[20:24] we'd look at uh a couple different ones. There are some

[20:26] um agreements out there that would ask for a 10% return uh with no commitment

[20:30] as far as if they sell it, then they would uh collect a 10% uh fee on that.

[20:35] Um that was another outlet that we're looking so, we're looking at maybe three

[20:38] different uh three different potential sites that we can list it for, but

[20:41] again, um setting the price and the expectation

[20:44] for the piece of equipment.

[20:48] » Very good. Thank you, Aaron. >> Thanks.

[20:50] » Appreciate you. Any other discussion?

[20:54] Ron, you okay?

[20:56] » Yes, sir. >> Okay.

[20:58] As there's no further discussion, clerk, call the roll, please.

[21:01] » Council member Dalby? >> Aye.

[21:04] » Armstrong? >> Aye.

[21:05] » Sones? >> Aye.

[21:06] » Blaine? >> Aye.

[21:07] » Graham? >> Aye.

[21:08] » Motion carries. >> Resolution authorizing purchase of with

[21:12] Capital City equipment for Bobcat E E55R2 series compact excavator with

[21:17] attachments. I take a motion to second. >> So moved.

[21:20] » Thank you. Motion by Ray, second by Lane.

[21:23] Further discussion.

[21:30] We're good. Hey, I was unorganized, too. So, there

[21:33] we go. >> Oh, I'm just

[21:35] Do you mind if I put that in the right place?

[21:37] Um on this one, I know that you've indicated that it's

[21:40] coming from road use tax fund and um

[21:45] » [clears throat] >> was in the budget. Um

[21:50] I believe that this one was one that was also on our list of

[21:56] vehicles or maybe

[21:59] um I'm just curious if it's coming out of road use tax fund,

[22:04] is it reducing the number of projects that we

[22:08] can complete and

[22:12] if so, how are we going to make that up? >> No, it's not because we did budget to

[22:17] purchase this piece of equipment when we approved the FY27 budget. So, this was

[22:21] an accounted for purchase when we approved the budget. So, it would not

[22:24] otherwise impact any of the other projects that we had planned for this

[22:27] upcoming year. >> But, it what was it on the list of

[22:32] vehicles considered in the debt? >> It would we wouldn't be double counting

[22:36] it. So, we would be paying for it with cash out of the road use tax fund. So,

[22:39] it would not count towards the borrowing as well.

[22:41] » Okay. Thank you.

[22:44] Thank you. >> Okay.

[22:46] Any other questions? Hearing none, clerk call roll.

[22:51] » Council member Doughty? >> Hi.

[22:53] » Armstrong? >> Hi.

[22:55] » Sands? >> Hi.

[22:56] » Lane? >> Hi.

[22:57] » Ray? >> Hi.

[22:58] » Motion carries. We're on to item resolution M approving

[23:02] the purchase of a pickup with the water resource recovery department. I take a

[23:05] motion and a second. We'll have >> I'll move.

[23:07] » So, moved by Armstrong. >> Second.

[23:09] » Seconded by Lane. Any discussion?

[23:15] » On this one, um the memo didn't say >> [clears throat]

[23:19] » um

[23:22] It It just said the budget impact. So, I'm curious

[23:28] if this is coming from the debt.

[23:32] » No, this one was accounted for within the budget as well. We budgeted uh

[23:35] $50,000 within the FY27 approved budget um and then using state bid, I believe,

[23:41] for this one. That truck came in at $48,678.60.

[23:45] So, it came in uh all about $1,500 or so under what was

[23:49] included in the FY27 approved budget. Not a Not a county It was not included

[23:55] in the debt. >> Okay.

[23:58] Thank you. >> Thank you.

[24:01] » Any other questions? Hearing none, clerk, call the roll,

[24:04] please. >> Council member Sounds?

[24:06] » Aye. >> Lane?

[24:07] » Aye. >> Gray?

[24:08] » Aye. >> Dalbey?

[24:10] » Aye. >> Armstrong?

[24:11] » Aye. >> Motion carries. We're on to council

[24:14] committee reports. Does anybody have any reports?

[24:18] » I've got one. Uh

[24:21] the June 18th meeting of uh Des Moines Metropolitan Planning

[24:26] Organization was

[24:28] pretty standard meeting. As I reported in the past, there's some of the topics,

[24:32] but they did uh have an update on Reimagine DART in

[24:36] Des Moines and the and the launched all their new routes on June

[24:40] 14th. It's their first redesign of those

[24:44] routes in a decade. They ended up cutting 10%

[24:47] of the previous routes, I guess it would be

[24:50] now. Um they had over 2,300 responses to to

[24:55] survey. Um

[24:58] and they went from one to four districts for a 15-minute bus service as they

[25:03] redesigned these districts. This won't make much sense to anybody unless you

[25:06] could have seen the map. I apologize for that.

[25:09] Um they are going to be tracking the

[25:12] performance and the timeliness of these new districts, these four

[25:16] 15-minute bus service districts to see if those are effective as they

[25:20] redesigned their routes. They also have will have this fall three new DART

[25:26] on-demand zones uh that will be responsive uh in various

[25:32] ways and and again, that's going to be a uh

[25:36] a trial, if you will. They also are going to do a fair study throughout

[25:40] 2027. Um and then have more information and

[25:46] data they can apply to this uh reorganization of all their routes.

[25:51] Um the they did their re-certification.

[25:56] They do that each year in June and that was a

[25:59] approved as well.

[26:02] Um

[26:06] there was some discussion, additional discussion that they continues about

[26:12] uh e-transportation

[26:15] and the impact of that on the city and and all of us obviously going forward.

[26:20] No decisions were made on that, just more of an update

[26:24] as they continue to talk about that.

[26:28] Um

[26:32] And they accepted uh an economic impact study that they had done as well in

[26:36] there. There was nothing of I would say of

[26:39] consequence in there. So, that was a pretty

[26:43] condensed report that was really handled by a committee.

[26:47] I think that's it. >> Okay.

[26:51] Any other committee reports? >> Um I

[26:56] This is a an advisory board that I serve on, not

[26:59] as part of council, but because of the fact that I'm an elected

[27:03] official. Um and it is related to HIRTA. You had a

[27:07] public comment. I know some of us have received phone calls. I do just want to

[27:11] share with council and for the public uh because it does affect our

[27:16] constituents. Uh

[27:22] Aging Resources of Central Iowa does provide

[27:26] funding uh to Indianola

[27:30] to HIRTA on behalf of Indianola residents. And I just wanted to let you

[27:35] all know, as well as our residents, that despite them providing this funding,

[27:42] HIRTA did go ahead and make the decision to cut those two days.

[27:46] Um in 2025, Aging Resources um funded HIRTA $24,900,

[27:54] which was matched one for one

[27:59] uh through local dollars, which would be money state

[28:06] um money.

[28:11] Um

[28:18] Sorry, [clears throat] my iPad just malfunctioned on me.

[28:25] And um

[28:27] that that money was provided for the 5,500

[28:32] War- Warren County not Warren County, Indianola riders over age 60 that ride

[28:39] HIRTA. Uh

[28:41] and

[28:45] it's still just interesting to us that they would decide to cut the two busiest

[28:49] days um

[28:51] to one of the busiest cities. Uh conversations continue, but we're not

[28:55] sure what we're going to be able to do to

[28:59] make an impact there. I just wanted to share that. Um we do have money

[29:04] allocated through '27. Uh that may change since they've cut two

[29:11] days. >> And you're just saying Aging Resources

[29:15] has money allocated, is that what you're saying?

[29:17] » Yes, Aging Resources. Um Sapta does as well.

[29:20] » Yes. >> And

[29:23] um Her- Herda has requested uh

[29:28] in in '20 FY '25, they requested funding to add

[29:33] two staff members. And

[29:36] in FY '27, they requested a significant amount of money to build a new facility

[29:42] in Boone. So

[29:46] it it's obvious that they contain they want to continue to grow their

[29:50] operation.

[29:54] » Um I think one of the things we've talked

[29:57] about, too, that they can't distinguish the 5,500 and all the riders between

[30:02] the 50125 zip code about who lives in the city and who lives in the county, is

[30:06] that correct? >> Um they could

[30:11] most likely give us a list of them and we could

[30:14] » Right. >> bring down ourselves.

[30:17] » Hey, thank you. Anything else?

[30:20] » Um as part of Hometown Pride, I just want

[30:24] to put a plug out there for the parade. It's August 1st and sign-ups are active.

[30:32] Uh so if you're interested in being in the parade, get signed up. If you're

[30:36] interested in volunteering, we could use volunteers on the day of

[30:42] the parade uh for about an hour, hour and a half.

[30:48] Glad to have you. Thank you.

[30:51] » Anybody else have any other community updates?

[30:56] Um our council committee reports, I'm

[30:58] sorry. Um community updates, couple things.

[31:03] Um IMU has started the water

[31:07] um replacement uh system on place,

[31:12] Franklin, Gerard, and 7th Street. Um I do want to thank

[31:16] » [snorts] >> uh the water superintendent Brandon and

[31:19] Krista Plank, too. We had a little bit of an issue with the one of the things

[31:23] the trenches that they dug a little bit started had a little collapse and

[31:27] started there. He came out and barricaded that. I do appreciate them

[31:29] doing that, so uh I want to make sure that uh that they

[31:33] got recognized for that as well. Uh we're also accepting applications for

[31:37] board and commission members until Friday, July 10th. We have openings in

[31:41] Park and Rec Commission, Public Arts Commission, Sustainability Committee,

[31:45] and Veterans Memorial Building Commission. Uh those things are all on

[31:48] our website, I believe, and so um we would love to make sure we get some

[31:52] people signed up. I think we do have some folks that are are

[31:56] able to renew their applications, and so we may see some of those coming forward

[32:01] as well. Um again, reminding when mowing your

[32:04] lawn, please keep grass clippings off the street. Clippings clog our storm

[32:08] drains, causing localized flooding, and also are hazard to bikers, and but uh

[32:12] they also, in the long run, cause us to have to clean those out, and that takes

[32:15] taxpayer dollars. So, please be courteous.

[32:19] National Balloon Classic is looking for volunteers to install batteries and

[32:22] drones for the drone show. So, if you want to

[32:25] take part in that and uh probably get to see the drone drone

[32:28] show, then please contact National Balloon Classic.

[32:32] Chamber Business and Brews meets at MishMash at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July

[32:35] 9th. Irving Elementary goes back to school on Thursday, July 9th as well.

[32:39] So, please be aware we have children that will be walking in the Irving

[32:43] district and Irving area and around the city of Indianola. So, please keep that

[32:46] in mind as you travel. July 10th at 9:00 a.m. I will meet with

[32:50] residents of Connect 55 for a city update.

[32:53] Warren County Fair is July 22nd through the 26th.

[32:58] Tuesday, July 28th, Athletico open house. Athletico open house, 4:30 to

[33:02] 6:30. National Balloon Classic starts July

[33:06] 31st, runs through August 8th. Celebrate Warren County parade is what

[33:10] Melissa was just talking about at 10:30 a.m. Sign up now with Hometown Pride.

[33:15] Discmania golf starts August 7th. Actually, there'll be people here most

[33:19] of that week and so I know Doug and his crew are really working to get the

[33:23] Pickard ready for that when the time comes. Coffee with the mayor's Monday,

[33:26] September 2nd at Save the Rise at 9:00 a.m.

[33:30] Mayor's Youth Council and and Unravel for Childhood Cancer [clears throat]

[33:33] will have two gold gold fundraiser, September 4th football game and

[33:38] September 29th volleyball game. Uh the Indianola Arts Festival is

[33:42] September 20th at Buxton Park from 10:00 to 5:00. And mentioning Mayor's Youth

[33:46] Council, uh Chief, I just want to give you a

[33:48] heads-up. I think they're going to be talking to you about how they can work

[33:52] with um our school resource officers and some of the elementary and middle

[33:57] schools talk more a little bit about bike safety and so they're going to get

[34:00] in touch with you at that meeting today. So,

[34:04] All right. We also have a proclamation. I Doug's here, so I will have him come

[34:08] up. We'll get a photograph here in a few minutes, but this is

[34:11] » Can I ask a question before you move on? >> You absolutely can.

[34:13] » On the Discmania golf tournament, it's happening at the same time as

[34:18] balloons, right? >> Uh balloons, yes, for a short period. Is

[34:21] that right, Doug? Yes. >> Is Pickard then not available for

[34:28] parking? >> Correct.

[34:29] » Okay. Just want to make sure the public's

[34:31] aware that Pickard will not be available.

[34:37] During what dates? >> 7th to 9th. Probably a little bit more

[34:41] than that. >> Um, director of Parks and Recreation,

[34:43] Indianola Um, we will start working on public information for the public to

[34:48] know that the Pickard Park will not be

[34:51] available as it has been. And tell them to go to the National

[34:55] Balloon Classic for ticket information.

[34:59] » Just the 7th through the 9th or both? >> It'll be really Monday the

[35:03] » I was going to say all week pretty much, yeah.

[35:05] » Yeah. >> Monday the 3rd through the 9th or

[35:07] through the through Saturday. >> [clears throat]

[35:09] » Cuz the Balloon Classic isn't on Sunday.

[35:12] » Thank you. >> Good point.

[35:16] Okay, so this is Park and Recreation Month, Parks and Recreation Month, and

[35:20] so we have a proclamation here that will we will set out here today. And so

[35:26] whereas parks and recreation are integral part of communities throughout

[35:29] the Kansas this country, including Indianola, Iowa, and whereas parks and

[35:32] recreation promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health

[35:35] of people who live near parks, and whereas parks and recreation promote

[35:39] time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing

[35:42] cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as

[35:46] depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's, and whereas parks and

[35:50] recreation encourage physical activities by providing space for popular sports,

[35:54] hiking trails, with swimming pools, and many many other activities

[35:58] designed to promote active lifestyles, and whereas parks and recreation are a

[36:01] leading provider of healthy meals, nutrition services,

[36:05] education, and whereas parks and recreation programming and education

[36:08] activities such as such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports,

[36:14] environmental education are critical to childhood development, and whereas parks

[36:17] and recreation increase communities' economic prosperity through increased

[36:20] property values, expansion of local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction

[36:24] and retention of businesses, and crime reduction, and whereas parks and

[36:28] recreation are fundamental to the environmental well-being of our

[36:30] community, and whereas parks and recreation are

[36:33] essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient in

[36:36] the face of natural disasters and climate change, and whereas park

[36:39] parks and recreation, natural recreation areas, ensure the ecological beauty of

[36:44] our community and place of provide a place for children and adults to connect

[36:47] with nature and recreate outdoors, and whereas the US House of

[36:50] Representatives Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation

[36:55] Month, and whereas Indianola, Iowa, recognizes

[36:58] the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources,

[37:01] now therefore be resolved by I, Mayor Steve Richardson, that July is

[37:05] recognized as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Indianola. So,

[37:09] with that, Doug, let's get a photograph here so we can get this online and uh

[37:14] I think that uh >> We'll have to go from there.

[37:16] [clears throat] Let me get in front of the TV.

[37:20] » Mhm? >> Stand in front of the TV.

[37:21] » Stand in front of the TV? >> Yeah, I can get the glare out of your

[37:24] » I don't want to get in your way or anything.

[37:26] » It's all right. I was outside doing stuff earlier in the park. Imagine that.

[37:29] » Imagine that. >> Here we go. 3 2 1. 3 2 1. All set.

[37:34] » Thank you. You got that. Thank you. Thank you.

[37:37] Give me your handshake. Thank you for all the work you do. You bet.

[37:39] » Thank you. >> Thanks, Doug.

[37:41] » [clears throat] >> And your staff.

[37:47] All right, we will [clears throat] move on then to old business, the Kentucky

[37:50] Ridge Commercial Plat 1 public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the

[37:53] municipal code of City of Indianola, Iowa, for change of zoning district

[37:56] boundaries from C-2 to PUD, Highway Commercial

[38:00] Planned Unit Development District in the C-2 District Commercial Zoning District,

[38:03] Kentucky Ridge Commercial Plat 1. I need a motion and a second for a public

[38:07] hearing. >> So moved.

[38:08] » Second. >> Uh motion by Raab, second by Lane uh

[38:11] Lane. Um

[38:14] We are now uh vote We'll take a vote. Get this right here. Clerk, call the

[38:18] roll, please. >> Councilmember Dolby.

[38:20] » Aye. >> Armstrong.

[38:22] » Aye. >> Sones.

[38:23] » Aye. >> Lane.

[38:24] » Aye. >> Raab.

[38:25] » I. >> We are now in a public hearing.

[38:27] Is this bill or is this you, Bryce? There you go. Okay. Have at it.

[38:33] » Thank you. Inception Group LLC, the landowner, is requesting to rezone

[38:37] property near the southeast corner of Kentucky Avenue and Jefferson Way from

[38:41] the PUD planned unit development to C2 highway commercial. So, originally that

[38:45] development, as everyone knows, was planned for three commercial buildings,

[38:48] all were in compliance with the C2 zoning regulations along with 50 town

[38:52] homes. The landowner has continued to work with the national grocer for the

[38:56] front {slash} west lot, but has been marketing the rear lot as commercial

[39:00] uses. So, the developer wants to rezone the area to revert it back to its

[39:05] original C2 designation.

[39:09] » [clears throat] >> The landowner is requesting waving the

[39:11] second and third readings today. That memo from them is included in your staff

[39:15] memo today. They're requesting that final approval due to the national

[39:20] grocer's due diligence timeline. P&Z reviewed this at their June 9th meeting,

[39:24] recommended approval, and staff is also recommending approval

[39:28] of the first reading, waving the second and third readings, and final adoption.

[39:32] I have a couple maps in here, too, to help illustrate that. Here's the site

[39:36] kind of southeast property there, southeast corner there. The blue area

[39:41] shows the current zoning map. So, essentially this would just revert back

[39:44] to what the red is C2, so the blue would become red again.

[39:49] That's the last one. Okay.

[39:52] So, we're going to go to any audience who wishes to speak on this issue.

[39:55] Please do so. Please come forward and state your name.

[40:02] Seeing none, I would take a motion then to close the public hearing.

[40:06] » I'll move. >> Okay. There's a motion by Lane, second

[40:09] by Sones, to close the public hearing. Clerk, call the roll, please.

[40:12] » Councilmember Rabe? >> I.

[40:13] » Dalby? >> I.

[40:15] » Armstrong? >> I.

[40:16] » Sones? >> I.

[40:17] » Lane? >> I.

[40:19] » I. carries item B first consideration of an

[40:22] ordinance amending the municipal code of the city of Indianola, Iowa for change

[40:25] of zoning district boundaries from C2 PUD Highway Commercial Planned Unit

[40:30] Development District to C2 Highway Commercial Zoning District Commercial

[40:34] Kentucky Ridge Commercial Plat 1. Any motion and a second, please.

[40:39] Motion by Sounds, second by Lane. Clerk, call the roll, please. Is there

[40:42] any discussion? Hearing none, Clerk, call the roll.

[40:46] » Councilman Berlin? >> I.

[40:47] » Wright? >> I.

[40:49] » Dalby? >> I.

[40:50] » Armstrong? >> I.

[40:51] » Sounds? >> I.

[40:54] » Item C consideration of the waiver of the second and third readings and adopt

[40:59] the ordinance. Do we have a motion and a second? Motion by Sounds, second by

[41:03] Lane. Motion and a second. Is that you, Steve?

[41:06] Okay, motion by Sounds, second by Armstrong. Any discussion?

[41:11] » I want to make sure that we're thinking through waving both of them. I know

[41:14] traditionally we've read the second reading as long as there

[41:18] was no further public comment. And then waved the third to give

[41:23] the public opportunity to speak, right? It doesn't just show up at one meeting

[41:27] for a big thing and then it's gone. I just I understand the expediency of

[41:34] due diligence timelines and stuff like that. I just want to make sure we're

[41:37] thinking about what we're doing

[41:40] precedents-wise. I mean, I'm generally more comfortable with reading

[41:43] the second time and waving the third, but I

[41:47] I think if I'm being overly sensitive about transparency, right?

[41:55] » Okay. Any other discussion?

[42:01] » I I tend to agree with Josh on this one. I have some reservations about uh waving

[42:07] the second and the third. I'd be okay with waving the third, but I think we

[42:11] need to give the public a chance to to voice their

[42:15] concerns if they have any at the at the upcoming meeting.

[42:19] I'm also concerned about the the precedence that it sets if we just

[42:23] start waving second and thirds all together. So.

[42:29] » I think go along with that because a lot of times things hit the paper and then

[42:33] people realize that it happened. And we have a meeting in two weeks.

[42:39] Does this change anything for them? >> It could.

[42:49] It could. >> Um

[42:51] kind of the the basis for for this is that it was C-2 originally.

[42:55] The PUD was only written in there to allow differences in landscape

[42:59] screening. I think it added a couple more landscape buffer options between

[43:03] commercial and residential. And from my perspective, I I thought,

[43:07] you know, I was in favor of kind of the waving of the second and third just

[43:10] because we're reverting back to what it originally was. There was some other

[43:13] type of change or increase in density or usage or things like that intensities.

[43:17] Um probably wouldn't be in favor of waving

[43:20] second and third cuz I agree with Councilmember Rave that is a unique

[43:23] thing to do, but we're reverting it back.

[43:28] » And this one has been a lot very long drawn out

[43:32] for the commercial grocery and

[43:36] if this is going to hold them up >> [clears throat]

[43:41] » I would hate to see that. >> Can't speak for certain

[43:44] on the potential grocery, but I know I spoke with them today that

[43:48] they're ready to push forward.

[43:52] » Yeah, and I I appreciate what you're saying, Josh,

[43:55] about second and third night. I normally wouldn't be comfortable, but

[44:00] what you I hear you saying to Melissa is the fact that

[44:04] and and Bryce as well going back to what we originally had.

[44:09] » I don't see it as precedent-setting, like we're we're changing this all

[44:13] together.

[44:19] » Yeah, if the situation was different, I It is true that a lot of times people

[44:25] see things printed in the paper and then realize that we talked about it.

[44:31] » I want [clears throat] to make sure we're all clear on

[44:33] when we pick and choose to bend the rules.

[44:37] » Sure. >> Yeah.

[44:38] » So, we talk about transparency a lot.

[44:44] » Absolutely. Appreciate you. >> I heard Bryce say everyone's guaranteed

[44:49] to go through in the next 2 weeks. That's why we got to do it so fast, so

[44:54] » [laughter] >> I will I will say

[44:57] » Sarcasm >> Yeah, sarcasm.

[44:59] » [laughter] >> Want to clarify that, did you?

[45:02] » I will say that uh there have been instances,

[45:07] and I will show my age here again, but there have been instances in

[45:12] the other two other times I was on the council in the '90s and in early 2000s

[45:16] when there was motions to waive the second

[45:19] and third readings. I will just say that, so it's not It's It's happened in

[45:23] the past, very infrequently, but it has happened in the past. I'm not I'm not

[45:28] taking sides here. I'm just saying that it has happened in the past.

[45:32] » I appreciate talking about it out loud. I think it's important.

[45:40] » [clears throat]

[45:46] » Nelson, do you have any comments you need to make?

[45:48] » No, we were just discussing if you're doing it via motion or via resolution to

[45:51] waive. We're doing and it appears we're doing it via motion to waive the second

[45:54] and third, so we just We were determining what

[45:56] » How many you needed. >> There we go.

[45:59] » Thank you. Any other comments?

[46:03] Clerk, [snorts] all the roll please. >> Councilmember Lane?

[46:05] » Aye. >> Reed?

[46:07] » Aye. >> Dalby?

[46:09] » No. >> Armstrong?

[46:11] » Aye. >> Sones?

[46:12] » Aye. >> Motion carries 4 to 1.

[46:16] Okay. Um other business, city manager's

[46:18] report? >> Yes.

[46:20] Uh in a pleasant surprise, I'm excited to announce

[46:24] uh John Lloyd who is in the audience here with us today.

[46:28] Uh John will be joining us as the new water resource recovery superintendent

[46:32] starting on July 23rd later this month. Uh John has served in a similar capacity

[46:37] for the city of Ottumwa since 2021 where he is responsible for a wastewater

[46:42] treatment facility, 29 lift stations, and oversees 15 staff members. John has

[46:47] bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State University and has previously

[46:51] served as a city administrator for several other communities uh throughout

[46:55] the state of Iowa. I'm excited for the experience that John

[46:58] will bring into this position, particularly in finance and budget,

[47:01] grant writing, strategic and utility planning, personnel administration, and

[47:05] project management. Can I ask him to say anything? Is that

[47:09] an exception? >> ahead.

[47:11] John, you want to say hi since you're here?

[47:13] » [laughter] >> How you doing?

[47:14] » Good. >> I thought you wanted to say something.

[47:17] » That's right, Sones. >> Yeah. Other than that

[47:20] No, just excited to be here, excited to start, so July 23rd start date, so.

[47:24] » All right, thanks. I apologize. I thought you were with um

[47:27] Muller back there, so I didn't I didn't say anything, so

[47:30] I uh thank you and I welcome to the city of Indianola, so.

[47:33] » You're welcome. >> Welcome. We're excited to have you.

[47:36] » Absolutely. >> Uh another position that we are

[47:39] currently in the process of filling is our public works director position. Uh

[47:42] the city received 36 applications uh this go around uh for to be the next

[47:47] public works director. Uh group did interview five

[47:50] semifinalists last week that was comprised of city staff as well as some

[47:54] of our community partners. Uh that group did narrow the field down to three

[47:58] finalists who will be on site for in-person interviews next Tuesday

[48:03] and hopefully an offer and decision to make shortly after that.

[48:07] The North Howard building which houses the old Regions Bank as well as the old

[48:11] Impact old Optima facilities. The city did release a request for qualifications

[48:17] for broker services for the sale of that building. Submissions are due on July

[48:22] 22nd. Once those submissions are received we will have a staff team

[48:26] review them. We will run them through the facilities and property subcommittee

[48:30] and then we'll bring them to city council to select a broker and proceed

[48:33] with the sale of that building which will include the marketing and

[48:36] advertising of such in the future to bring back offers to be considered by

[48:40] the council. Library conceptual design. The city will

[48:44] be releasing the results of the conceptual design study for the

[48:47] construction of a potential new library. There will be a city council discussion

[48:51] on that study at the July 13th study session as well as a public open house

[48:57] from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 15th at the Indianola Public

[49:02] Library. We will have opportunities for members of the public to provide input

[49:06] and comments at that open house on July 15th. Whether that be comment cards, QR

[49:11] codes, or combination thereof. Our consultants at OPN are working through

[49:14] that. We look forward to releasing the results of the study as well as having

[49:18] productive public conversations around it.

[49:21] Doug and I as well as others attended a Parks and Recreation open house last

[49:25] week. We had approximately 70 community members attend the Parks and Recreation

[49:30] open house. The event allowed for Doug and I to share information on the city's

[49:34] budget, discuss service impacts of the Wellman campus and Parks and Recreation,

[49:38] and answer any questions that the folks in attendance had. The discussion was

[49:42] productive and helped broaden awareness of the challenges and opportunities

[49:46] ahead. I want to sincerely thank all those who attended and engaged in a a

[49:50] conversation. The McVay Trail repair project that was

[49:53] being completed by the Neil high school is complete. The trail is open so

[49:57] certainly encourage folks to get out and enjoy the revamped and repaired trail.

[50:02] Last item I have is there is a watch party currently underway and will

[50:06] continue on for the men's national soccer team tonight at Molt's Park. So

[50:10] anyone who is watching and would like to head out and watch the match tonight, I

[50:14] would certainly encourage them to do so. >> I would ask say one other thing. I did

[50:19] ride the trail between 9th and 15th. Your group did a

[50:24] great job Doug so whoever did folks that we hired to do that and the people that

[50:29] oversaw that looked really good.

[50:35] I'm any other things that are you done there is Mr.

[50:39] City Manager? Okay. Any council members that have any

[50:42] suggestions for our boards and commissions? We do have a number that we

[50:46] need some positions for. Um

[50:50] So I would ask that maybe start thinking about some of those things. We have

[50:56] Let's see we have a board of adjustment. We have one person that

[51:01] expired actually July 1. Civil Service Commission we had one

[51:05] expired July 1. Um

[51:09] We got public arts commission. We've got two vacancies that come up unless those

[51:14] folks decide to reapply. Um library board I think we're good

[51:19] there. Um

[51:23] I don't want to run this along too far here but um

[51:27] we do have one on P&Z that I don't know again if they're going

[51:30] to re-up or not. We've got three on sustainability committee. My

[51:33] understanding is that those three are going to

[51:38] And then veterans memorial building commission.

[51:41] The requirements on that are do they have to be a veteran then is that

[51:45] correct? Do we know for sure on that? >> Yeah, that's what I thought.

[51:49] » Yeah.

[51:52] » Any one of the branches, though, is that correct? Yeah.

[51:54] Merchant Marines, anything? Okay. All right. Discussion action on any

[51:58] future regard items regarding future agenda items.

[52:04] » I just have a question. Is the e-bike and scooter topic on for next council

[52:09] meeting? >> July 20th, Chief Hawkins will be ready

[52:12] to provide a riveting and informative and engaging

[52:16] presentation, ready to answer any and all questions,

[52:20] and generally be our resident subject matter expert on the topic.

[52:25] » Or something like that. >> Perfect. Thank you.

[52:29] » Et cetera, et cetera. >> [laughter]

[52:31] » Um >> That's far too high.

[52:32] » Mayor's Youth Council, some of the leadership would like to be at the July

[52:37] August What's the first meeting in August?

[52:41] » Third. >> Third. 13th, what?

[52:43] » Third. >> Third. I think it's the second meeting,

[52:45] so it must be the 13th or the 17th.

[52:49] » 17th. >> August 17th meeting.

[52:50] » Yep. >> Um they do want to talk about that

[52:53] issue, and they're going to talk with Chief Hawkins as I already mentioned,

[52:56] and so there's a couple of other things they want to bring forward, too.

[53:01] Anything else [clears throat] for the good of the order?

[53:05] If not, I would take a motion to adjourn.

[53:06] » So, moved. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor

[53:09] say aye. >> Aye.

[53:11] » Adjourned. >> Thank you, Ron. Have a good evening.

City Council July 6th 2026

Transcript