The Iola City Council packet for the Nov. 9, 2026 meeting included proposed annexations along U.S. 54/169 and of 139.4 acres owned by Iola Industries, proposed amendments to the 2026 budget with a Dec. 14 hearing, an electric-rate ordinance, a nearly $900,000 proposal to renovate Riverside Park ballfields, a re-plat for the Industrial Airport Subdivision Unit 2, and a staff request to consider modifying the city's $196,625 loan to River Valley Homes II.

Discussion Points

•H4C seeks a five-year extension of the note and consent to subordinate the city loan to HAC financing to permit nonprofit acquisition and resident homeownership counseling and sales.
•Iola Industries asked to annex three tracts totaling 139.4 acres; ordinance text and legal descriptions included.
•KDOT supplied a consent letter and map; staff recommended approving Ordinance #3553.
•Pete\u0019s Convenience Stores committed to sponsor new scoreboards.
•Project scope includes leveling, irrigation and reseeding, new lighting, dugouts, fencing and scoreboards.
•Staff noted initial zoning as R-1 and a subsequent rezoning process for agricultural land use.
•Staff proposed staged per-kWh increases across tariff classifications and a COLA adjustment to the monthly meter charge beginning Jan. 1, 2029.
•The annexation is related to a nearby Iola Industries annexation request in the same packet.
•The city\u0019s 2013 loan amount ($196,625 at 2% simple interest) would remain in place, not forgiven, under the request.

Directions

•City Attorney Vaughn to review proposed documents; council asked to give staff direction.
•Council asked staff to return with detailed bids and funding options.

Oct

Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 10-26-26

The City of Iola City Council is scheduled to consider a $900,000 housing‑rehab CDBG application (requesting $700,000 plus $200,000 owner match), adopt updated floodplain regulations tied to new FEMA maps, review options to raise roughly $1 million in electric revenue, and consider a 3.6% cost‑of‑living pay adjustment at its October 26, 2026 meeting at 6:00 PM.

Discussion Points

•An Environmental Assessment is required; the packet contains CDBG assurances and an ERR determination.
•Council members requested scenarios that spread increases across all customers rather than singling out out‑of‑city customers.
•FEMA’s new maps are effective Nov. 27, 2026; the ordinance updates definitions, permit triggers, elevation standards and variance criteria to maintain NFIP compliance.
•Packet totals $298,382.11 with significant invoices: Burns & McDonnell $142,615 for 54 Hwy Waterline Project; Security Oil diesel $39,649.96; various electric and public works materials.
•Staff noted a possibly mislabeled invoice to Sigg Tire and will verify contents before final approval.
•Staff notes the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027 and that the city budgeted 3% during planning; staff recommends applying the full 3.6%.
•Staff presented a grant application for rehabilitation of 302 East Street; the structure had been vacated after a May 2026 fire and reuse likely will reduce units from eight to four‑six because of egress/code costs.
•Staff presented revenue multipliers for consumption and meter fee changes and a survey of peer utilities.
•The planning director is designated as Floodplain Administrator; requirements include elevation certificates and engineer certifications for floodproofing.

Directions

•Adopt ordinance as presented to stay eligible for the NFIP and to meet Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources guidance.
•Approve consent packet including A/P register or pull items for separate review if council requests.
•If approved, staff will implement the COLA in the pay plan and adjust budget documents as needed; council to approve the holiday schedule and associated meeting date changes.
•If council directs, staff will prepare an ordinance for Nov. 9, 2026 and present billing implementation options for Jan. 2028.
•Staff to conduct public hearing and, if directed, authorize Mayor signature on application paperwork.

Oct

October 13, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 10-13-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met on Oct. 13, 2026. The council approved the consent agenda (including Ordinance #3551, a franchise agreement), heard a Best Tasting Water award presentation, reviewed community-conversation priorities (recreation center, sidewalks, housing), discussed a potential out-of-city electric rate increase scenario, and heard routine council and staff updates.

Discussion Points

•19 new and rehabbed houses reported; Cedarbrook infrastructure to be installed; Landbank available for developers.
•AWWA explained award eligibility criteria (state-approved lab, no failed state samples).
•Community priorities include indoor recreation center with pool, sidewalks, Splash Park amenities, flashing crosswalks, housing, and bicycle safety training.
•Items on consent agenda included minutes, appropriations, Ordinance #3551, temporary liquor license, and community requests.
•Proposed $1 meter fee increase and $0.01 per-kWh increase for out-of-city customers; rationale was rising operating costs and eight years since last increase.
•Splash Park funded with sales tax; shade structures and bathrooms planned; J&J Contractors started stormwater work on South Colborn.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved; Ordinance No. 3551 included in the approval.

Directions

•Staff to explore funding and alternatives and report back at a future meeting.
•Staff to prepare alternative scenarios that spread increases across all customers and to provide comparative rates from other communities.
•Staff to verify the Sigg Tire charge and report back.

Sep

September 28, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 9-28-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met Sept. 28, 2026, at Riverside Park Community Building and approved the consent agenda, accepted the 2025 audit, authorized a $108,500 stormwater repair estimate, extended a filing deadline for a neighborhood revitalization request, and agreed to assist with a CDBG rehab application for an unsafe structure. Several executive sessions were held; no public comments were made.

Discussion Points

•54 project readiness for Farm City Days parade; staffing needs for festival.
•Audit presentation and review of fund balances.
•Billing software upgrade and paperless billing option.
•Council recessed into executive session to discuss trade-secret matters related to Pete’s Corporation.
•Crain had not filed paperwork to Code Enforcement in time; council approved an extension.
•Owner intends to apply for CDBG to rehabilitate the structure; city asked to sign application and assist with administration.
•Smith Family described Luke's Legacy and its assistance to families.
•Staff met with J&J Contractors; one quote submitted; council questioned bidding process.

Decisions

•Approved J&J estimate.
•Council accepted the 2025 audit report.
•Council approved participation.
•Extension approved.
•Mayor read proclamation declaring August 25 as Luke’s Day.
•No public action or discussion occurred after reconvening because no company representatives were present.

Directions

•City to sign grant application and assist with third-party grant administration.
•City to supply some materials for the project.
•Code Enforcement to accept paperwork during extended period.

Sep

September 17, 2026, Revised Special Called City Council Meeting 09-17-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council held a special called meeting Sept. 17, 2026 at City Hall to discuss trade secrets and recessed into a series of executive sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4).

Discussion Points

•Council Member Kerr left the meeting during the executive-session sequence.
•Participants named in motions included elected officials, city administrators, the city attorney and external economic-development representatives; several external participants were not individually named in the record.
•The council repeatedly recessed into executive session to discuss confidential operational data classified as trade secrets under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4).

Decisions

•Motions to enter executive session (three separate recesses) were approved and the meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

Directions

•No public action or substantive policy decision was recorded in open session; reconvening times were set for each executive-session recess.

Sep

September 14, 2026, Regular City Council Agenda Packet 9-14-26. Minutes

Regular meeting of the City Council of Iola on Sept. 14, 2026 covered a public complaint about a recent arrest and missing police complaint form, approval to allow a storage container at Iola High School for a hydroponic classroom, economic development updates and a new director introduction, discussion of replacing a Civil War statue, and a council vote to stop mosquito spraying immediately.

Discussion Points

•Absence of an accessible police complaint form on the city website
•Anchoring and neighbor complaints
•Contacting a company to make a mold of the zinc statue
•Container proposed as hydroponic classroom
•Downtown sponsorships to assist businesses affected by highway project
•Introduction and initial priorities of the new director
•Observation of alleged rough handling by police behind Pour Choices
•Possible alternatives such as CO2 traps
•Potential events (e.g., Bare Knuckle Fighting) to attract visitors
•Potential to cast a concrete replica and relocate it to Iola Cemetery
•Questioning whether overtime grant-funded policing should be used
•Resident concern about chemicals killing pollinators and risk to family members
•Staff explained briquette use in standing water
•Zoning prohibition for containers in residential zones

Decisions

•Council approved classroom use only
•Stop mosquito spraying immediately

Directions

•Immediate cessation of mosquito spraying
•School to ensure container is not used for storage; city staff to monitor
•Staff to reach out to other cities and gather testimonials

Aug

August 24, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 08-24-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met Aug. 24, 2026, and adopted a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate, approved the 2027 budget as published, awarded a mower bid, authorized a property purchase contract for 424 N Washington, discussed fireworks regulations, reviewed water-system chlorine issues, and heard a finance update that $9,000,000 in bond proceeds was sent to the State of Kansas.

Discussion Points

•Aiello presented fireworks examples and sought clarity.
•Chlorine residuals low on line to Elm Street Water Tower.
•City Clerk Hutton reported bond funds transfer to state.
•Council approved the lone bid and authorized execution of documents.
•Council asked staff to review surrounding ordinances.
•Council directed City Attorney to draft purchase contract and authorized staff to sign documents.
•Council Member Peters observed bid specs were highly specific; Superintendent Kern said other comparable mowers were $60,000–$80,000.
•Council moved and adopted resolution to exceed revenue neutral rate.
•Council voted to approve budget as published.
•Executive session convened to discuss acquisition of real property.
•Grant applications unsuccessful; possible consideration of loan or alternate revenue.
•No further allocation details were provided at the meeting.
•Operational mitigations planned: lower tower levels, chlorine burnout, hydrant flushing.
•Public hearing on 2027 budget had no speakers.
•Public hearing opened and closed with no public comments.

Decisions

•Accept Heinen Outdoor Power Equipment bid for $21,638.00.
•Adopt Resolution 2026-15 to exceed the revenue neutral rate.
•Approve 2027 Budget as published.
•Proceed with drafting contract to purchase 424 N Washington for $170,000 plus closing costs.

Directions

•City Attorney to prepare contract; staff authorized to sign.
•Staff to execute necessary documents.
•Staff to pursue funding options and perform operational mitigations.
•Staff to review ordinances in surrounding cities and provide guidance.

Aug

August 10, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 8-10-26. Minutes

The City Council of Iola met Aug. 10, 2026, and approved a $46,700 bid for pickleball court resurfacing, granted a special-use permit for a group residential facility at 220 S. Kentucky, and set public hearings for the 2027 budget and revenue neutral rate for Aug. 24, 2026. Council members also heard community and project updates including farmers market activity and a data center utility payment.

Discussion Points

•Administrator reported payment of utility upgrades by the data center owner.
•City Clerk presented required notices and explained post-publication constraints.
•Code enforcement opened a case regarding items at Ulrich Building with a 10+10 day compliance timeline.
•Council set hearings for Aug. 24, 2026.
•Droessler recommended McConnell and Associates for track record despite Field OPS being lower bid.
•Multiple council members provided community and safety reminders.
•Park Superintendent presented two vendor options and timing constraints for resurfacing.
•Planning Commission had held a public hearing and recommended approval.
•The Shepards Post staff said renovations will create bedrooms and eligibility rules are being developed.
•Thrive reported last week's market success and announced additions for the coming week.

Decisions

•Council approved the Field OPS $46,700 bid by majority vote.
•Council approved the special use permit unanimously.
•Executive session held for land acquisition; data center utility payment noted; code enforcement case opened.
•No formal council action required.
•Public hearings scheduled; council may act at Aug. 24 meeting.

Directions

•Administration to coordinate data center contractor schedule.
•Clerk to publish notices in the Iola Register and provide proof of publication to the council.
•Staff authorized to execute documents for Field OPS of Kansas as selected contractor.
•Staff to continue drafting policies and inspect renovations.
•Staff to monitor compliance at Ulrich Building and report back if citation needed.

Jul

July 27, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 07-27-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met July 27, 2026. Council appointed Joel Wicoff to the Ward 2 seat, tabled a dangerous-structure removal and a pickleball resurfacing decision pending a revised bid, heard the county appraiser explain valuation and appeals, and reviewed department budget requests for 2027 including a proposed columbarium and a Rescue ATV purchase.

Discussion Points

•Clerks/Utility plans a software upgrade that would allow customers to opt out of paper statements to reduce postage costs.
•Council requested a newer, more detailed bid.
•Fire/EMS proposed a Rescue ATV for improved trail response.
•Ideally, a property should sell within 10% of its valuation.
•Item C was included in the motion that approved the agenda and specifically tabled for 60 days.
•Library, clerk/utility, police, street, parks, fire/EMS and administration presented budget highlights and requested line-item changes.
•Lowest bid came from Field OPS of Kansas but firm has no prior court-resurfacing experience.
•Mayor French noted potential recusal for Chi Wiggin due to Thrive Allen County role.
•Need for later-season part-time staff to handle maintenance tasks beyond student workers' hours.
•Office reviews open-market sales from the prior year and groups properties into neighborhoods to find comparables.
•Police proposed a maintenance agreement for storm sirens to shorten repair lead times.
•Preliminary columbarium estimate of $25,000 for a double-sided 24-space unit presented; more research planned.
•Staff and McConnell and Associates raised concerns over concrete cracking.
•Two candidates (Chi Wiggin and Joel Wicoff) gave brief overviews of their ties to Iola.

Decisions

•Item tabled pending revised bid.
•Joel Wicoff appointed to Ward Two; sworn in immediately.
•No action on the structure removal at the July 27 meeting.

Directions

•City Clerk to swear in appointee and update roster.
•Council will set public hearings for RNR and the budget at the next meeting.
•Parks staff to request updated bid details from Field OPS of Kansas.
•Parks staff to research columbarium options and return with more detailed costs and proposals.
•Staff to bring the item back after the hold period.

Jul

July 13, 2026, Regular City Council Agenda Packet 7-13-26. Minutes

The City Council of Iola met July 13, 2026, at Riverside Park Community Building to approve routine business, award a $370,637.52 purchase for a sanitary sewer vacuum truck, review 2027 enterprise fund budgets for multiple departments, hear an economic development briefing, and accept the resignation of a Ward 2 council member.

Discussion Points

•Bauer said fees are comparable to other cities but fears participation loss if fees rise.
•Camille Lavon described programs used in other communities to support businesses in road construction corridors (month of free utilities, radio ads, staff outreach).
•City Clerk Hutton reported EPA contractors are in town remediating residential yards and that contractor machinery is increasing street congestion.
•Gas Distribution maintains 55 miles of gas line with a three-man crew.
•Grundy announced resignation due to family moving out of state.
•Mayor French invited interested Ward 2 residents to the next meeting for appointment consideration.
•Mitch Phillips presented two Sourcewell bids for a new vac truck and described the recommendation to purchase from Key Equipment for $370,637.52.
•Salaries and supplies for Recreation have increased; income has not increased.
•Wastewater Collection has 13 lift stations maintained by a two-man crew.
•Water Distribution maintains 90 miles of water main with a three-man crew.
•Water Production anticipates increased chemical costs and plant projects; Wastewater Treatment plans to purchase one lawnmower for lagoon maintenance.

Decisions

•Purchase approved from Key Equipment for $370,637.52

Directions

•Council Member Shallah requested a printed list of recreation items staff would like considered.
•Residents in Ward 2 should attend the next meeting if interested in the vacancy.

Jun

June 08, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 6-8-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council approved several routine items including a chip-seal oil purchase, a fireworks request for Allen Community College, and a consent agenda; it tabled a Patterson Family Foundation grant discussion and heard public comment on use of park space for a Juneteenth event.

Discussion Points

•Historical bricks found and preserved by Allen County Historical Society.
•Only one bid was received for the emulsion oil.
•Presenter not present; item could not be discussed.
•Request presented by Doug Desmarteau tied to college baseball schedule.
•Request to use the area next to the exercise court and trail for Juneteenth activities on June 13 at 10:00 a.m.
•Road construction progress depends on weather.
•Routine approval of minutes, appropriations, and event/license requests.
•Sidewalk on South Oak listed for contractor repair.
•The purchase covers approximately 55,000 gallons of RS-1P oil.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved
•Fireworks display approved
•Item tabled
•No formal council vote recorded; permission implied by staff guidance.
•No formal votes; informational updates and follow-up directions to staff.
•Purchase approved

Directions

•City staff to notify organizers regarding permitting and safety.
•City staff to process items according to standard procedure.
•Public Works to schedule delivery and application subject to weather.
•Reschedule to next meeting.
•Staff confirmed area is open for public use; organizers to follow permit rules if applicable.
•Staff to follow up on sidewalk repair and contractor scheduling.

May

Regular City Council 5-11-26

The Lola City council approved funding commitments for a KDOT-led US Highway 54 reconstruction project, agreed to temporarily subsidize Allen County recycling utilities up to $50 per month for six months, approved the consent agenda, heard resident concerns about rising property taxes, and praised local emergency responders and student achievements.

Discussion Points

•Chair confirmed bids were opened and the low bid was from Bettis.
•Chair suggested passing the request to staff to coordinate a county presentation.
•Council member expressed constituent concerns about tax increases over the last three years and potential resident departures.
•Council members discussed potential duplication with an upcoming county roll-off and the uncertainty around start dates.
•Council praised fire department response and the usefulness of the ladder truck in recent incidents.
•Council recognized student successes in forensics and state barbecue competitions.
•Dan Davis requested a $50 monthly electricity contribution to keep local recycling baling and collection operating.
•Staff noted this is a KDOT state letting and city funds are required to reimburse the state.

Decisions

•Approve $50/month up to six months, apply starting with first bill in July and revisit later.
•Approve consent agenda; move next regular meeting to Tuesday due to Memorial Day; schedule budget work sessions for the week of June 22.
•Council approved authority to award contract and commit funds.
•No formal vote recorded; council agreed to pursue scheduling informally.
•Verbal recognition; no formal action taken.

Directions

•Staff to circulate budget work session times/dates for the week of June 22.
•Staff to finalize award paperwork and arrange wire transfer to state per deadlines.
•Staff to follow up to request county commissioners attend a future meeting to explain tax increases.
•Temporary subsidy approved for up to six months; staff to monitor and report back.

May

May 11, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 5-11-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met May 11, 2026, and approved authority to award a contract to KDOT for the US Highway 54 reconstruction project and a temporary $50 monthly utility contribution for the local recycling center. Council also approved routine consent items and heard brief council and staff reports, including praise for local emergency responders.

Discussion Points

•Assistant Administrator Schinstock presented the KDOT-approved low bid for US 54 reconstruction.
•Consent items were presented as a block; no public comment recorded.
•Council members asked no clarifying questions in the minutes; the council recorded approval.
•Council members praised the fire department and other community teams and noted donated food for crews after a fire.
•Council Members raised concerns about duplication with a county-run program.
•Dan Davis described the recycling center's capacity (baler) and need for materials to bale.
•Ivy requested a county representative to explain tax and valuation increases.
•Shallah urged caution for bicycle safety with summer break starting.

Decisions

•Authorization to award contract and commit city funds was approved.
•Consent agenda approved as presented.
•Temporary $50/month contribution approved for July–December 2026.

Directions

•Administrative staff to carry out items approved on the consent agenda.
•City staff authorized to proceed with contract execution with KDOT.
•City to invite county representative or staff to a future meeting for tax/valuation briefing.
•City to provide limited funding July–December 2026 to assist the local center.

Apr

April 27, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 4-27-26. Media

Lola City Council met to approve bond financing for Highway 54, authorize a pavement‑preservation contract, back a downtown business signage effort, and agree to limited participation in a county recycling pilot. Several public commenters spoke in favor of local recycling and community projects.

Discussion Points

•Chamber proposed two 4x8 banners and four smaller yard signs; initial quote $813.45
•Council compared cost vs. full re‑asphalt (estimated > $1,000,000)
•Council concerned about duplication and cardboard market economics
•Councilors suggested college and local printers to reduce cost and asked for language that won't confuse detour signs
•County will run day‑to‑day recycling program; city asked to provide limited capital items
•Debt service highest payment ~ $639,000 in 2034; expected sales tax covers payment
•Movie‑theater restoration unveiling received praise
•New sidewalk work on South Jefferson acknowledged
•Pastor Dan Davis requested city resume $50/month contribution to help pay for baler electricity at his church’s program
•Rotary barbecue and student cultural fair noted as successes
•Staff reported bids ~ $12,900,000 and bond sale at 3.99%
•Vendor described Reclamite rejuvenation chemistry and test benchmarks

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 3,549; adopt Resolution 2026‑12 authorizing sale and delivery of bonds
•Approve purchase authority for container/cover and approve employee assistance motion
•Authorize pavement preservation contract with ProSeal for $62,832
•Council approved a limited contribution (not-to-exceed amount discussed) and instructed staff to follow up

Directions

•Authorize city employees to assist on load days
•Consider signage options and storm‑shelter study in future agendas
•Staff to check parking markings near post office and return with findings
•Staff to complete contracts and paperwork to finalize bond sale
•Staff to execute contract and coordinate scheduling
•Staff to obtain bids for container and cover and return with cost estimates
•Staff to seek competitive quotes and adjust banner language following feedback

Feb

Regular Council Meeting 2-23-26

Lola City council held a regular meeting with public comments on recycling, approved a 4‑H workshop rent waiver, awarded a tree‑trimming contract, discussed road striping and solar policy, received project updates and closed with routine reports and adjournment.

Discussion Points

•Constituent request to stripe Miller/Oregon Road.
•Council asked why work is not done in house; staff explained equipment and arborist expertise gaps.
•Council/Chair said county is coordinating and that funding/staffing explain delays.
•Council debated and approved a fee waiver on motion.
•Council referenced previous decision not to build a large local solar field and that the city will receive renewable power from a KMEA project.
•Humanity House and Thrive assisting with LEAP applications and outreach.
•Increased demand for utility assistance due to cold weather.
•Promotion of the utility round‑up donation option.
•Questions about net metering/parallel generation and whether city should incentivize oversized systems.
•Resident raised seven‑year delay and asked whether meetings were open to the public.
•Soccer‑field grant near completion; permanent restroom to be built to meet grant deadline.
•Staff estimate for 0.5 mile at ~ $3,000 and recommendation to coordinate with the county.
•Staff explained permit process and noted most systems are sized to cover on‑site consumption.
•Staff noted Poor Boys Tree Service as low bidder and estimated hours available.
•Wallace described workshop logistics, participants (est. 75) and registration fee of $85 to cover costs.
•Waterline project ramping up with anticipated crew arrival.

Decisions

•building rent waived; registration fees allowed
•Contract awarded to Poor Boys Tree Service

Directions

•Staff to examine options and discuss county coordination.
•Staff to provide sizing/credit details and permit information if council wishes to pursue further incentives.

Feb

February 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting Agenda 2-23-26. Minutes

The Iola City Council met Feb. 23, 2026. Council approved routine consent items, allowed the State 4-H to use the community building for its Insect Spectacular, accepted a low bid for annual tree trimming, and heard public comment on county recycling, updates on water projects and grant applications, and questions about solar programs and utility-bill assistance.

Discussion Points

•Assistant Administrator explained need for trained arborists and capacity constraints for city linemen.
•City applied for a Kansas Water Grant for technology upgrades and remote-read meters; no response yet.
•City Clerk reported staff are assisting residents with higher winter bills by coordinating with Humanity House.
•Council previously considered a city-owned solar field but rejected it due to maintenance and cost concerns.
•Five bids received; low bid $134.32/hour from Poor Boy Tree Service, Inc.
•Mayor explained budgetary limitations for a city recycling position and that the county is working on recycling.
•Overview by State 4‑H of the Insect Spectacular (about 75 participants).
•Parallel-generation policy credits customers at year-end for net excess generation.
•Request to use building rent-free and charge registration fees to cover refreshments and a T‑shirt.
•Resident asked why Allen County lacks a recycling program.
•Residents were encouraged to apply for LIEAP through Thrive or Humanity House.
•Soccer-field restroom from a Thrive grant is being constructed by staff.
•Weather delayed the water-line project; staff hope to resume this week.

Decisions

•Council approved the contract.
•Council approved the request.
•Listed motions were approved and recorded as unanimous.

Feb

Regular City Council Meeting 2-9-2026

The Lola City Council meeting covered a Thrive housing grant, an annual economic-development report with workforce and site-readiness priorities, a waterline project update, and approval of a transient vendor license ordinance (35-48). Councilmembers also discussed land bank budgeting, police staffing and a proposed recycling position pending budget approval.

Discussion Points

•Contractor capacity and geographic reach were discussed; Thrive will prioritize Allen County contractors but recruit regionally if needed.
•Contractor SiteRight mobilizing; staging of pipe and traffic-control materials at a site near the fitness court.
•Councilmember asked whether police staffing should be adjusted to match population decline and cited prior staffing numbers.
•Council members requested more information to better understand the proposals before budget deliberations.
•Council previously voted to create a full-time recycling position but funding was not allocated in the current budget.
•Members referenced past budget-driven reductions via attrition and recommended comparative analysis with other jurisdictions.
•Plans include small-business incentives, a Small Business and Entrepreneurial Action Council, and a proposed 501(c)(3) fund for economic development funding.
•Presenter described priorities: readiness before recruitment; retention as attraction; quality of place; workforce-coalition and site-readiness.
•Project described as $4,000,000 with initial spending from available funds and ultimate financing via bonds and funds 96/98.
•Thrive described grant amount ($1,400,000), target of ~50 owner-occupied homes, eligibility (≤~80% AMI), and selection process (anonymized community committee).

Decisions

•No immediate hiring or funding; revisit during budget cycle.
•No immediate staffing changes; direction to study and report back.
•Ordinance 35-48 approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Directions

•Council to schedule roundtable discussions and request departmental reports to review staffing levels.
•Integrate questions about minimum-wage effects into business-retention interviews.
•Item to be revisited during the 2026 budget process.
•Presenter will refine goals based on council feedback and return with updates.
•Staff and council encouraged outreach via utility bills and signage to promote the application opening on Feb. 17.
•Staff to provide prior presentations and public-record materials to council members.
•Staff to update the website with photos and continue construction coordination.

Feb

February 09, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda 2-9-2026. Minutes

The Iola City Council met Feb. 9, 2026. The council approved a transient vendor ordinance, accepted a consent agenda including a library board appointment, discussed a $4 million waterline project and bond financing, and heard that Thrive Allen County won a $1,437,216 affordable-housing grant; staff agreed to publicize the application window.

Discussion Points

•Administrator presented revised ordinance.
•Applications to be available Feb. 17; Thrive requested city assistance with outreach.
•City has funds to pay expenses in advance and intends to reimburse from bond proceeds.
•Consent agenda items included minutes, appropriations, a library board appointment and a police forfeiture report.
•Council approved sending letters of support.
•Council member Shallah abstained from the vote.
•Materials staging has begun in several areas.
•Mayor and Council Member Kerr said periodic reviews are appropriate.
•Mayor inquired whether Data Center owner was reimbursing city expenses; staff said approximately 60% paid so far.
•Presentation of goals for 2026.
•Project cost estimated at $4 million.
•Residents asked whether the city should review police headcount due to population decline.
•Review of second-half 2025 activity by Economic Director.
•Staff agreed to include notice on utility bills.
•Thrive Allen County awarded $1,437,216 grant to renovate up to 50 owner-occupied homes for households at or below 60% AMI.
•Thrive intends to apply for a trail maintenance grant and a signage grant for businesses.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved.
•Council approved sending letters of support.
•Ordinance 3548 adopted.

Directions

•City Clerk and Finance to process appointment and appropriations as standard; no additional direction on Data Center reimbursement recorded.
•Public Works/Finance to continue staging and prepare reimbursement documentation.
•Staff to prepare letters of support and coordinate with Thrive.
•Staff will add a notice to upcoming utility bills about the Thrive application window.

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