Indianola council directs staff to tighten peddlers, solicitors rules and increase bond

Indianola— The City of Indianola council directed staff to move forward with proposed revisions to chapter 122 of the municipal code that would change how door-to-door peddler and solicitor licenses are issued and enforced.

City staff outlined a set of recommended changes intended to address resident safety and administrative burdens. Key elements include issuing licenses to each individual (rather than one license covering multiple employees), shifting fee amounts and bond amounts to the fee schedule for administrative flexibility, creating a 90-day summer license option, requiring a copy of a photo ID with applications, and adding explicit grounds for denial.

Staff proposed increasing the surety/cash bond from the current $200 to $1,000 per applicant. Legal counsel explained that a surety bond can be posted through a bonding company or insurer and that the city could apply against the bond for enforcement costs; the city would continue to use civil infractions and scheduled fines for violations. Council also confirmed nonprofits such as Girl Scouts would remain exempt under the code.

Council members praised the work but asked for clearer public-facing language and procedural safeguards so that the council still sees sufficient background information on applicants. Council member Davis moved to give staff direction to proceed; Council member Lane seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance language and updated fee schedule for council review and public notice.