Indianola Council reorganizes, makes appointments

INDIANOLA - The Indianola City Council met Monday to reorganize and make new appointments to the Variance Committe while also discussing a new vendor and peddler permit rodaninace.

After approval of the minutes and claims - there was discussion on the cost of telecommunications and the nearly $700 monthly bill - the Council approved the November 2020 Treaurer’s Report and filed it for audit.

Mayor Travis Van Pelt then went over Council reorganization including board and committee appointments with a pair of new Council members on board.

The Council then approved the additions of Nathan Herrman, Merrit Nelms and Kaleb Popp to the Variance Committee, which meets spraringly, but is charged with hearing appeals on planning and zoning issues.

The Council then discussed a potential new ordinance for a peddler and solicitor permit for activity within City limits.

The issue arose from a vendor that wishes to operate a food truck in Indianola.

Clerk Stephanie Blau said she had received a copy of McCook’s ordinance on the matter. The Council discussed whether or not this would affect vendors at Old Settler’s, but Blau said the ordiance can be written in whichever way the Council wants.

The City faces some liability, Blau said, over solicitors and vendors that operate within the City if it does not have an ordinance on the books.

Van Pelt also brought up the leaking gutters on the north side of the community building. The buildup of water in the winter is creating an ice patch on the north sidewalk, which is a safety and liability hazard. The city will request a professional evaluation to see if the gutters need replaced.

In personnel reports, it was decided the City Office will be closed on Christmas Eve and the office will be reopened to public access after the first of the year.

New Council member Paul Blume also brought up the idea of creating a truck parking area that would allow the City to remove a number of trucks from being parked on City streets. The item may be discussed in the future if the City could find a location.

The funds for the water grant have been received and the annual audit has been completed.