Iola public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Iola City Council approved its consent agenda, which included minutes from the November 10 meeting, appropriations, the Airport Industrial Park boundary ordinance, and cereal malt beverage license renewals. Council members voted on several new business items, including awarding the Unit #15 digger truck bid, approving a Thrive Allen County ecological‑development contract, considering a neighborhood revitalization request for 19 S. Jefferson, and setting a public hearing on the 2025 budget amendments. The council also adopted Ordinance 3546 to rezone a parcel from R‑1 single‑family residential to C‑2 general business and entered an executive session to discuss a private property purchase.

• Unit #15 Digger Truck – bid award (new business)
• Thrive Allen County Eco/Devo contract – approval (new business)
• Neighborhood Revitalization Request for 19 S. Jefferson submitted by Katrina Springer (new business)
• Rezoning of property from R‑1 Single Family Residential to C‑2 General Business (Ordinance 3546)
• Public hearing scheduled for 2025 budget amendments (December 8, 2025)

The Iola City Council approved a $359,798 purchase of a digger truck, amended the Thrive Allen County Economic Development contract to $75,000 for 2026, and granted a 180‑day extension for a Neighborhood Revitalization project. The council also approved the 2025 budget amendments and the consent agenda, including an on‑premises CMB license amendment for Jo’s Men’s Grooming. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved $359,798 digger truck purchase (unanimous)
• Amended Thrive contract to $75,000 for 2026 (unanimous)
• Granted 180‑day Neighborhood Revitalization extension for 19 ½ S Jefferson Ave (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with amendment for Jo’s Men’s Grooming CMB license (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved appropriations for December 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Boundary Ordinance – Airport Industrial Park (unanimous)

City Council

The Iola City Council meeting agenda includes a consent agenda to approve the October 27 minutes and November 24 appropriations. New business items are a land re‑zoning from R‑1 single‑family to C‑2 general business (Ordinance #3546) and setting a public hearing for 2025 budget amendments. The council will also hear public comments and adjourn after the agenda items are addressed.

• Approve minutes from the October 27, 2025 regular council meeting
• Approve appropriations for the November 24, 2025 meeting
• Land re‑zoning R‑1 single‑family to C‑2 general business (Ordinance #3546)
• Set public hearing for 2025 budget amendments
• Public comments period (no action taken on comments)

City Council

The Iola City Council will convene to review and approve the meeting agenda and consent items, including minutes and board appointments. The council will also discuss the purchase of additional electric generation units and a 2026 cost of living adjustment.

• Approval of October 14, 2025 council minutes
• Iola Housing Authority board appointments
• Veterans Day Committee request
• Discussion of additional electric generation units
• 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment

The council approved the consent agenda and added an executive‑session item to the agenda. It voted to rezone a parcel from R-1 Single Family Residential to C-2 General Business (Ordinance 3546). A public hearing on the 2025 budget amendments was scheduled for December 8, 2025. The council recessed into a ten‑minute executive session to discuss a property purchase.

• Approved consent agenda (all in favor)
• Approved rezoning from R-1 to C-2 (Ordinance 3546) (all in favor)
• Set public hearing for 2025 budget amendments on Dec 8, 2025 (all in favor)
• Recessed into ten‑minute executive session to discuss property acquisition (all in favor)
• Approved agenda addition for executive session (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss a nuisance and code violation removal at 710 North Street and a sidewalk installation at 524N Cottonwood. The body will also receive an update on water samples.

• Nuisance & Code Violation Removal: 710 North Street
• Sidewalk Installation: 524N Cottonwood
• Appropriations approval for expenditures totaling $2,527.38
• CMB License Approval: Allen County Fair Bull Bash
• Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning Commission board appointment

City Council

The City Council will meet to approve the 2024 financial audit and hold discussions regarding the size of the council. The meeting also includes a consent agenda for various appropriations and community requests.

• Presentation and approval of the 2024 Financial Audit by Sean Gordon
• Discussion regarding City Council size
• Appropriation for 2025 Farm City Days Celebration (Resolution 2025-20)
• Funding requests from LaHarpe VFW Boot Block, SEK 10u Lady Cyclones Softball, Rookies Sports Bar, and Iola High School & Booster Club
• Payment of $354.07 to Four State Maintenance Supply for cleaning supplies

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss new business, including a cereal malt beverage license and Allen County Recycling. The body will also address several consent agenda items including ordinances and a resolution regarding 1336 N. Walnut.

• Cereal Malt Beverage License request for Jo’s Men’s Grooming at 9 W. Madison Avenue
• Disinterment Ordinance #3543
• STO Ordinance #3544 and UPOC Ordinance #3545
• KHITC Resolution #2025-18 regarding 1336 N. Walnut
• Discussion on Allen County Recycling

City Council

The Iola City Council will meet to discuss and potentially approve the 2026 budget and Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) through public hearings. The council will also consider a land sale contract and review a nuisance ordinance update. Additional discussions include a county-wide recycling program and a disinterment ordinance.

• 2026 Revenue Neutral Rate Public Hearing & Resolution
• 2025 Budget Public Hearing & Adoption
• Land Sale Contract Approval
• Nuisance Ordinance #3542 - Approval
• USDA Housing Preservation Grant discussion

The council approved the consent agenda, adopted Resolution 2025-17 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2026 budget, approved the 2026 budget, and authorized the land sale agreement with Vine Energy LLC. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Approved consent agenda (including Nuisance Ordinance #3542) – all in favor
• Adopted Resolution 2025-17 to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate for 2026 budget – unanimous (all Yes)
• Approved the 2026 Budget as published – all in favor
• Approved Land Sale and Development Agreement with Vine Energy LLC – all in favor

City Council

The City Council will meet to set dates for public hearings regarding the 2026 Annual Budget and the 2026 Revenue Neutral Rate. The body will also discuss a nuisance ordinance and countywide recycling.

• Setting public hearing for 2026 Annual Budget
• Setting public hearing for 2026 Revenue Neutral Rate
• Appropriations for Iola Fire Department - Boot Block
• Appropriations for Recreation Community Building request
• Discussion on Nuisance Ordinance and Countywide Recycling

The council approved the consent agenda covering minutes, appropriations, fire department boot block and recreation building request. It set public hearings for the 2026 Revenue Neutral Rate and the 2026 Annual Budget at the August 25 meeting. The council authorized a letter of intent to sell 10 acres to Vine Energy and approved buying 11.27 acres at Highway 54 and 169 for $168,112, with Iola Industries contributing $56,000.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, appropriations, fire boot block, recreation building) – all in favor
• Set public hearing for 2026 Revenue Neutral Rate – all in favor
• Set public hearing for 2026 Annual Budget – all in favor
• Authorized staff to sign letter of intent to sell 10 acres to Vine Energy – all in favor
• Approved purchase of 11.27 acres at Highway 54 and 169 for $168,112, with $56,000 contribution from Iola Industries – all in favor
• Recessed into executive session for real‑property acquisition discussion – all in favor
• Recessed into executive session for attorney‑client privilege discussion – all in favor

City Council

The City Council will hear budget presentations for several general fund departments, including police, fire/EMS, and administration. The body will also discuss a franchise agreement with KwiKom Communications and hold an executive session regarding land acquisition.

• 2026 Budget presentations for Police, Fire/EMS, Administration, and other general funds
• Discussion of KwiKom Communications Franchise Agreement
• Executive session for land acquisition and trade secrets
• Appropriations for a used Toyota forklift ($5,000.00)
• Appropriations for a 2025 Water Dept truck ($74,284.00)

City Council

The City Council will review 2026 budget presentations for various enterprise funds, including water, gas, and electric departments. The body will also consider requests regarding residential chickens and a youth baseball team.

• 2026 Budget presentations for Public Library, Recreation, Electric, Water, Wastewater, and Gas departments
• Request regarding chickens in residential zones from Robin Lohman
• Request from 'The Boys' 10u Iola Traveling Baseball Team
• Resolution 2025-15: Allen County Fair Beer Garden appropriations
• Resolution 2025-16: Allen County Fair Board request appropriations

The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, appropriations, and two resolutions. It voted to allow Riverside Park Field #3 and the concession stand to be used for a fundraising tournament on August 9, 2025. A motion to approve a revised chicken ordinance failed with a 3‑4 vote. Two separate motions to recess into executive session were carried.

• Approved consent agenda (all in favor)
• Approved use of Riverside Park Field #3 and concession stand for fundraising event (all in favor)
• Failed to approve revised chicken ordinance (vote 3-4, motion failed)
• Recessed into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss real‑property acquisition (motion carried)
• Recessed into Executive Session for 15 minutes to discuss confidential financial/operational matters (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council will review a bid for the Riverside Park lift station and a request from Gates Corporation. The body is also deciding on a purchasing policy revision regarding local preference percentages.

• Riverside Park Lift Station bid approval
• Purchasing Policy Revision (Resolution #2025-14) to change local purchase preference from 7% to either 3% or 0%
• Personnel Policy Revision (Resolution #2025-13)
• Gates Corporation request
• Executive session for land acquisition

The council accepted the $105,000 bid from Environmental & Process Systems, Inc. for the Park West Lift Station. It also approved lowering the local‑preference threshold in the purchasing policy from 7% to 3%. A motion to eliminate the 7% threshold failed, and the Gates Company was permitted to let Tropical Snow sell snow cones at its annual picnic.

• Approved consent agenda (all items) – unanimous
• Accepted $105,000 bid for Park West Lift Station – all in favor
• Allowed Tropical Snow to sell snow cones at Gates Company picnic – 6‑1 vote
• Failed motion to eliminate 7% local‑preference threshold – 3‑4 vote
• Approved lowering local‑preference threshold to 3% – 6‑1 vote
• Administrator to send letter confirming 429 S Kentucky not on condemnation list
• Mayor to contact Allen County about forming a recycling‑program committee
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried

City Council

The City Council will discuss ordinances regarding fireworks sales dates for temporary and permanent vendors. The body is also considering a land bank ordinance and improvements to sports facilities at Riverside Park.

• Ordinance #3541 regarding the Land Bank
• Ordinance #3539 regarding Temporary Vendors fireworks sales dates
• Ordinance #3540 regarding Permanent Vendors fireworks sales dates
• Fireworks request from Allen/Pecos Baseball
• Riverside Park Sports Facilities Improvements

The council approved the consent agenda, including minutes, appropriations and a land‑bank ordinance. It approved a fireworks display after the July 1 baseball game at Allen Community College. Ordinance 3539 to allow temporary fireworks sales failed, while Ordinance 3540 permitting car‑round fireworks sales in permanent structures passed. No final decisions were made on the purchasing‑policy preference or council size.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, appropriations, land‑bank ordinance) – motion carried
• Approved Allen/Pecos Baseball fireworks display – motion carried (all in favor)
• Ordinance 3539 (temporary fireworks sales June 20–July 7) failed (4‑3 vote)
• Ordinance 3540 (car‑round fireworks sales in permanent structures) passed (5‑3 vote)

City Council

The Iola City Council will meet to decide on funding for the Splash Park project, approve several bid awards for city services and equipment, and discuss ordinance changes. The meeting includes procedural items, public comments, and reports from council members and staff.

• Approve up to $173,000 for Splash Park project
• Award bid for Gas Department service truck
• Award bid for Police Department patrol vehicle
• Award bid for Riverside Park entrance sign
• Consider ordinance change for fireworks sales dates

The Iola City Council approved three bid awards: an $83,761.43 service truck from Twin Motors Ford, a $46,404 police patrol vehicle from Shawnee Mission Ford, and a $75,975 Riverside Park entrance sign from CDL Companies. The council also approved a CMB license for the Pecos League baseball team for the 2025 season. The fireworks sales dates ordinance was tabled until a future meeting. The consent agenda, including minutes approval, passed unanimously.

• Approved $83,761.43 service truck bid (5-1)
• Approved $46,404 police patrol vehicle bid (5-1)
• Approved $75,975 Riverside Park entrance sign bid (5-1)
• Approved CMB license for Pecos League baseball (5-1)
• Tabled fireworks sales dates ordinance (4-2)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss funding requests from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the CITF/Pride Splash Park. The agenda also includes presentations from the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and Allen County Recycling.

• Funding request from Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Funding request from CITF/Pride Splash Park
• Presentation by Kansas Office of Veterans Services
• Presentation by Allen County Recycling
• Approval of appropriations, including $7,753.29 for Iola Public Library property taxes

The council approved the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' request to use fields one and two at Riverside Park on June 11, 2025. It also approved up to $173,000 to fund the CITF Splash Park project. Both motions passed with all members in favor. The consent agenda, including minutes and appropriations, was likewise approved.

• Approved Fellowship of Christian Athletes use of Riverside Park fields (all in favor)
• Approved up to $173,000 for CITF Splash Park project (all in favor)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and appropriations (all in favor)
• Approved meeting agenda (all in favor)

City Council

The Iola City Council will consider awarding bids for a street department tractor and the Davis Athletic Fields Improvement Project, discuss a gas department service truck bid and related sales tax, and hear presentations on a splash park and fireworks sales. The consent agenda includes a resolution for Southwestern Power Pool and an ordinance on utility tap fees.

• Street Department Tractor Bid Award
• Davis Athletic Fields Improvement Project Bid Award
• Gas Department Service Truck Bid and Sales Tax discussion
• Splash Park Presentation by CITF/Pride
• Fireworks Sales Discussion with Aiello Fireworks

The City Council approved the consent agenda, accepted a tractor bid from Prairieland Partners, and approved a $46,294.29 bid from Finley's Lawn and Pest for the Davis Athletic Fields improvements. The council discussed the splash park funding and fireworks sales but took no action on those items. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

• Consent agenda approved (majority vote; 7 in favor, 1 against)
• Approved Street Department tractor bid from Prairieland Partners (majority vote; 7 in favor, 0 against, 1 absent)
• Approved Davis Athletic Fields improvement bid from Finley's Lawn and Pest for $46,294.29 (majority vote; 7 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstain)
• Adjourned meeting by motion

City Council

The Iola City Council will hold a public hearing on Re-Zoning Ordinance #3537 for the Allen County Airport Industrial Park and consider plat approval for the same area. The council will also award bids for gas and water service trucks. The consent agenda includes minutes, appropriations, a board appointment, and requests from the SEK Multi-Health Department, Allen County Farmers Market, and Humanity House.

• Re-Zoning Ordinance #3537 for Allen County Airport Industrial Park
• Plat approval for Allen County Airport Industrial Park
• Bid awards for gas and water service trucks
• Board appointment to Public Housing Authority
• Discussion of Distinguished Citizen Award

The Iola City Council approved the consent agenda, re‑zoned a property to industrial, approved the final plat for a site at 1600 Street and Minnesota Road, and accepted bids for two new service trucks. The council also recessed into a 15‑minute executive session for attorney‑client matters.

• Approved consent agenda (all in favor)
• Approved Ordinance 3537 re‑zoning property from R‑1 residential to industrial (all in favor)
• Approved final plat for property at the southeast corner of 1600 Street and Minnesota Road (all in favor)
• Accepted Twin Motors Ford bids: $74,284 for water department truck and $76,022 for gas department truck (all in favor)
• Recessed into executive session for 15 minutes under attorney‑client privilege (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review a register of accounts payable. The session includes a consent agenda and a period for public comments.

• Payment of $3,150.00 to Blazestack Inc for a Gold Plan training package
• Payment of $3,108.50 to Brick & Mortar Shirt Co. & Boutique for banners and shirts
• Payment of $934.69 to Airgas USA, LLC for carbon dioxide tank rental
• Payment of $778.78 to BSN Sports, LLC for a top fence guard
• Payment of $1,026.28 to Brady Industries of KS LLC for mats and blades

The City Council approved the consent agenda, including minutes and appropriations. Mayor French proclaimed April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. The council voted to renew the 2025‑2026 EMC Insurance policy for $683,899, to grant $600 per year of free water to Humanity House Garden, and to adopt Resolution 2025‑10 supporting Rotary Day in the Park. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, appropriations, Relay for Life request) – all in favor
• Proclaimed April as Child Abuse Awareness Month – all in favor
• Approved renewal of EMC Insurance for 2025‑2026 at $683,899 – all in favor
• Approved $600 per year of free water for Humanity House Community Garden – all in favor
• Approved Resolution 2025‑10 to support Rotary Day in the Park – all in favor

City Council

The City Council will meet to award a bid for Fire/EMS SCBA equipment and discuss utility tap fees. The body will also consider the re-appointment of Tim Stauffer to the Library Board and a request from the Allen County Farmers Market.

• Bid award for Fire/EMS SCBA equipment
• Library Board re-appointment of Tim Stauffer
• Annual request from Allen County Farmers Market
• Discussion on utility tap fees
• Discussion on Riverside Park Sign in the Southwind District

The Iola City Council approved a consent agenda and awarded a bid for new SCBA equipment to Feld Fire for $226,818.92. The council also discussed a proposed Riverside Park sign project and a utility tap fee policy change, but took no formal action on those items. An executive session was held for a personnel matter.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, appropriations, library board reappointment, and farmers market request
• Awarded SCBA equipment bid to Feld Fire for $226,818.92 (all in favor)
• Held executive session for non-elected personnel discussion

City Council

The Iola City Council will hold public hearings and vote on resolutions declaring four properties as dangerous/unsafe structures: 14 N. Fourth Street (Resolution 2025-06), 108 N. Walnut Street (2025-07), 309 N. First Street (2025-08), and 4198 S. Washington Avenue (2025-09). The council will also consider consent agenda items including reappointment of Matt Rehder to the KMEA board and a request from the Sunflower Quilters Guild, plus a discussion of Southeast Kansas Library Systems.

• Public hearing on 14 N. Fourth Street – Resolution 2025-06 declaring dangerous/unsafe structure
• Public hearing on 108 N. Walnut Street – Resolution 2025-07
• Public hearing on 309 N. First Street – Resolution 2025-08
• Public hearing on 4198 S. Washington Avenue – Resolution 2025-09
• Consent agenda: KMEA Board reappointment of Matt Rehder and Sunflower Quilters Guild request

The Iola City Council held public hearings and approved resolutions to condemn and demolish four properties deemed dangerous or unsafe: 14 N Fourth Street, 108 N Walnut Street, 309 N First Street, and 419 S Washington. All resolutions passed, with Council Member Grundy voting against the latter three. The council also approved the consent agenda and discussed library partnership updates.

• Approved Resolution 2025-06 to condemn and demolish 14 N Fourth Street (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07 to condemn and demolish 108 N Walnut Street (6-1, Grundy opposed)
• Approved Resolution 2025-08 to condemn and demolish 309 N First Street (6-1, Grundy opposed)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09 to condemn and demolish 419 S Washington (6-1, Grundy opposed)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, appropriations, KMEA reappointment, and Sunflower Quilters Guild request

City Council

This meeting is primarily procedural, with the council expected to approve the consent agenda, including accounts payable and minutes from the prior meeting. The bulk of the agenda consists of approving invoices and warrants across various city departments, totaling approximately $67,000.

• Approval of $37,984.98 to Bowlus Fine Arts Center for the 2025 mill levy
• Approval of $18,992.49 to Allen County Historical Society for half of the 2025 mill levy
• $1,748.40 to Frank Bills Trucking for road salt
• $2,656.83 to Big River Rubber & Gasket for generator maintenance
• $1,448.44 to Altec Industries for vehicle maintenance

The Iola City Council approved the purchase of a 1-ton pickup from Twin Motors Ford for $49,800, with delivery by May 1, 2025, and awarded the annual tree trimming contract to Poor Boy Tree Service, Inc. at $127.92 per hour. The council also agreed to pay $50 per month for the Allen County Recycling Center's electric bill, with no time limit set. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and an executive session on potential litigation.

• Approved $49,800 bid from Twin Motors Ford for 1-ton pickup (6-1, Middleton opposed)
• Approved annual tree trimming bid from Poor Boy Tree Service, Inc. at $127.92/hour (unanimous)
• Approved $50/month payment for Allen County Recycling electric bill (4-3, Peterson, D'Albini, Shallah opposed)
• Agreed to move forward on LandBank project with Economic Development Director Jared Wheeler

City Council

The City Council will consider the consent agenda, which includes Ordinance #3536 annexing the Allen County Airport Industrial Park, along with minutes and appropriations. New business is a bid award for an electric distribution pickup truck. Round table discussions will cover utility tap/connection fees and Allen Regional Transit gasoline purchases.

• Annexation of Allen County Airport Industrial Park (Ordinance #3536)
• Electric Distribution ¾ Ton Pickup bid award
• Utility tap/connection fee discussions
• Allen Regional Transit gasoline purchases discussion
• Consent agenda: minutes approval and appropriations

The Iola City Council approved a consent agenda including minutes, appropriations, and an annexation ordinance. They awarded a bid to Twin Motors Ford for a ¾-ton pickup at $43,500, with delivery by May 1, 2025, despite a slightly higher price due to the local vendor policy. The council also discussed utility tap fees and heard from Allen Regional Transit, but took no formal action on those items.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, appropriations, and Ordinance #3536 (unanimous)
• Awarded $43,500 bid to Twin Motors Ford for ¾-ton pickup with May 1 delivery (6-2)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the annexation of the Allen County Airport Industrial Park and the appointment of a Council President. The body is also reviewing the removal of five dangerous or unsafe structures.

• Allen County Airport Industrial Park Annexation (Resolution #2025-01)
• Dangerous/Unsafe Structure Removal: 14N Fourth Street (Resolution 2025-02)
• Dangerous/Unsafe Structure Removal: 108 N Walnut Street (Resolution 2025-03)
• Dangerous/Unsafe Structure Removal: 309 N First Street (Resolution 2025-04)
• Dangerous/Unsafe Structure Removal: 4198 S Washington Ave. (Resolution 2025-05) and 4298 Kentucky Street (Resolution 2025-06)

The Iola City Council approved a resolution to begin annexing the Allen County Airport Industrial Park, appointed Council Member Shallah as Council President, and set public hearings for four dangerous/unsafe structure properties. The council tabled Resolution 2025-06 for 429 S Kentucky for 180 days to allow the new owner time to make repairs, passing 6-2.

• Approved Resolution #2025-01 to begin annexation of Allen County Airport Industrial Park (all in favor)
• Appointed Council Member Shallah as City Council President (all in favor)
• Tabled Resolution 2025-06 for 429 S Kentucky for 180 days (6-2)
• Approved Resolution 2025-02 for 14 N Fourth, setting public hearing on Feb 24, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Resolution 2025-03 for 108 N Walnut, setting public hearing on Feb 24, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Resolution 2025-04 for 309 N First, setting public hearing on Feb 24, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05 for 419 S Washington, setting public hearing on Feb 24, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and appropriations (all in favor)