City of Indianola Packet Summary — 2026-07-20
Meeting: Monday Jul 20, 2026 6:00 PM CDT City Council Meeting Agenda Posted on: July 17, 2026 3:53 PM 110 N 1st Street City Hall Council Chambers Indianola, IA City Council
The Indianola City Council agenda includes several development and land-use matters, financing direction for improvements at the Indianola Wellness Campus, technology and public-safety contracts, infrastructure purchases, and changes affecting fees paid by residents using electronic payments. The agenda was amended July 17 to add consideration of a tobacco permit for the Indianola Golf Club.
Key Items on the Agenda
Urban Revitalization Plan and Property Tax Abatement
As part of the consent agenda, staff recommends setting an August 3 public hearing on the proposed 2026 Amended and Restated 1998 Citywide Urban Revitalization Plan. The proposed plan would revise Indianola's residential and multiresidential property tax abatement program and incorporate changes in state law.
The proposed residential and multiresidential schedule would change to a three-year sliding exemption of:
- Year 1: 60%
- Year 2: 40%
- Year 3: 20%
School district taxes would be excluded from the abatement calculation. Staff estimates that this means the effective abatement against the total tax rate would be closer to approximately 32%, 21%, and 11% over the three years. Multiresidential projects would again be treated as residential for purposes of the applicable abatement schedule.
The proposal also requires minimum assessment agreements for qualifying commercial projects. Staff says transitioning from the existing five-year schedule beginning at 100% abatement to the three-year schedule beginning at 60% is expected to produce additional City revenue.
Culver's Development at 1901 North Jefferson Way
Several related actions are scheduled for the proposed Culver's restaurant at 1901 North Jefferson Way.
The proposed site plan calls for a 4,100-square-foot restaurant, two drive-thru lanes, outdoor patio seating and 41 parking spaces. Because of the shape, easements and topography of the site, the development requires several related City actions.
The Council is scheduled to:
- Hold a public hearing on vacating and conveying 812 square feet of City right-of-way and a portion of a public utility easement.
- Consider a resolution authorizing those property and easement changes.
- Consider a sidewalk waiver because topographical conditions prevent the proposed sidewalk network from strictly meeting the City's requirement for sidewalk along the entire street frontage. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
- Consider approval of the Culver's site plan.
- Through the consent agenda, consider setting an August 3 public hearing to vacate a separate 30-foot landscape buffer easement needed for the project.
Staff reports that it worked with Indianola Municipal Utilities to ensure the right-of-way vacation would not affect the existing fiber line.
Parkland Dedication Requirements
A public hearing and first consideration are scheduled on proposed amendments to Chapter 171, Parkland Dedication.
The current ordinance generally requires 16 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents for residential development. Staff proposes reducing that requirement to 7 acres per 1,000 residents, following a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to increase staff's original proposal of six acres.
The amendments would also change how developers' fee-in-lieu obligations are calculated. Instead of using a mutually appointed appraiser, the City Council would establish an average per-acre fair market value based on undeveloped property in Indianola and comparable communities. Staff recommends $30,000 per acre, although establishing that amount would require a separate Council action through the City's fee schedule.
Other proposed changes would give the City greater flexibility over where dedicated parkland or fee-in-lieu funds are used.
Townhome and Row-House Density
The Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 165.05, Zoning District Regulations.
The City's Comprehensive Plan allows up to 15 dwelling units per acre in the applicable low- to medium-density residential category, while the current zoning ordinance limits townhouses and row dwellings to 10 units per acre. Staff proposes increasing the zoning limit to 15 units per acre to align the ordinance with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Community and Economic Development Subcommittee supported the change, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on a 5–2 vote.
Major Financial and Contract Items
$2.5 Million Indianola Wellness Campus Financing
The Council is scheduled to provide direction on financing up to $2.5 million of Indianola Wellness Campus improvements through tax increment financing revenue.
Potential improvements include entry-access systems, HVAC automation and equipment, plumbing, mechanical and electrical updates, flooring and roof work, and competition-pool painting and rebuilding. The Council previously authorized proceedings for up to $2.5 million in general obligation urban renewal capital loan notes.
City staff and financial advisor D.A. Davidson solicited five-year financing proposals from local institutions. TruBank submitted the lowest rate at 5.00%. The financial advisor estimates that even if an additional solicitation produced a hypothetical 4.75% rate, the difference would amount to approximately $18,000 in interest over five years.
The July 20 item calls for discussion and direction rather than final approval. If the Council directs staff to proceed, financing documents could return for action August 3, with closing and delivery of funds targeted for August 19.
MyGov Software Transition
Staff recommends a three-year agreement with Tyler Technologies to replace the City's GeoPermits system with MyGov, covering permitting, licensing, code enforcement, electronic plan review, GIS integration, asset management and work orders.
Staff says the new system would give residents, developers and contractors online access to submit applications and plans and track project status. It would also integrate with the City's existing Tyler financial system and provide Public Works with asset and work-order management.
The packet's staff memo lists:
- One-time implementation: $20,891
- Annual subscription: $38,258
- Annual IMU contribution for the first three years: $1,000
- Net annual City cost: $37,258
- Three-year net total: $132,665
- Target project kickoff: October 2026
- Target public launch: January 2027
The expense is included in the FY27 budget. The City has already prepaid GeoPermits through the fiscal year, so the two systems are expected to overlap for roughly six months during implementation.
Police Policy and Accreditation Subscription
The consent agenda includes a proposed agreement with Lexipol to update and maintain Indianola Police Department policies and support the department's pursuit of Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program accreditation.
The Police Department was accepted into the accreditation program in June, and all 87 accreditation standards involve policy-driven initiatives. The proposed Lexipol agreement includes policy manuals, training bulletins and accreditation tools.
The proposed cost is $32,251.60 in FY27, funded through salary savings associated with two vacant police officer positions. The ongoing annual subscription is $15,823.60.
Classification and Compensation Study
Staff recommends a $23,400 contract with MGT for a comprehensive review of the City's classification structure, employee compensation and benefits.
The FY27 budget includes $25,000 for the study. The proposal covers 54 full-time positions and is expected to examine job classifications, market competitiveness, benefits, internal equity and potential compensation-plan changes. MGT anticipates completing the study within approximately six months of initiation.
The packet notes that Council had also considered redirecting the budgeted money toward a sidewalk inspection program. Staff recommends proceeding with the compensation study because it is an established strategic-plan goal while exploring other funding approaches for sidewalk inspections.
Biosolids Disposal and Application
Staff recommends an agreement with Midwest Injection for annual removal and land application of biosolids from the City's Water Resource Recovery Facility.
After an RFP process, Midwest Injection is the remaining low bidder at $0.073 per gallon, with a minimum billing level of 1 million gallons per year. That produces a minimum annual cost of $73,000.
The agreement is structured for one year with two automatic one-year renewals. The FY27 budget contains $50,000 for this work, making the minimum contracted amount $23,000 over budget. Staff says a budget amendment using Sewer Fund reserves may be necessary depending on actual Fund 610 expenses.
Street and Utility Infrastructure
Several infrastructure purchases and repairs appear on the consent agenda:
- Wing plow: Staff recommends a $30,359.90 purchase from Hawkeye Truck Equipment to retrofit an existing dump truck for snow-removal operations. The FY27 Road Use Tax Fund contains $40,621 for the purchase.
- Streetlights: Staff proposes purchasing seven replacement poles from Wesco for North Jefferson Way between Kentucky Avenue and Hillcrest Avenue. The resolution lists a total cost of $35,829.50. IMU would install the poles at no additional City cost.
- North 65/69 Lift Station: Staff recommends a $9,955 agreement with Cerris Systems to replace a failed automatic transfer switch. The generator currently cannot automatically start during an outage, although staff can operate it manually. The replacement has an estimated 10–12 week lead time.
Public Safety and Community Services
National Balloon Classic Emergency Services
The Council is scheduled to consider an agreement for the Indianola Fire Department to provide dedicated fire and emergency medical coverage for the 2026 National Balloon Classic, scheduled July 31 through August 8.
The event organizer would compensate the City for personnel and services under the contract. Staff describes the arrangement as intended to be cost-neutral to the City while allowing the Fire Department to preserve normal emergency coverage elsewhere in the community.
Fire Department Rope Rescue Grant
Staff recommends accepting a $14,440.45 Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant to replace aging Fire Department rope-rescue equipment.
The total estimated project cost is $16,045.45, leaving a City contribution of $1,605 from funds already planned for rescue-equipment replacement. The grant paperwork is due August 11, 2026, and the grant funds must be used by September 1, 2027.
A budget amendment will be required to recognize the grant revenue and related expenditure, but staff says the amendment will have a net-zero effect on the overall City budget.
E-Bikes, E-Scooters and Micromobility
The Council agenda includes a discussion of electric bicycles, scooters and other micromobility devices.
Police Department materials review Indianola's existing rules, Iowa law, practices in other Des Moines-area communities and the City's Ride Safe 'n Smart education campaign. The presentation describes enforcement as complicated by the different legal classifications and requirements for e-bikes, scooters, motorized bicycles and motorcycles.
Recommendations in the packet include continuing public education, updating Chapter 76 definitions, and waiting for more enforcement experience from other metro communities before making broader City Code changes. The materials also identify a need for more uniform state-level enforcement options.
Fees and Resident-Facing Services
Electronic Payment Fees
Staff recommends amending the City's Payment Services Network agreement so customers, rather than the City, pay certain electronic transaction fees for ambulance, library and miscellaneous City payments.
Under the proposal:
- eChecking/eSavings: $1.10 per transaction
- Credit card: 3.5% of the payment
- Credit card payments under $100: 3.5% plus $0.50
- Insufficient funds: $35
The City would continue paying the $89 annual security-compliance fee, $100 monthly gateway fee, and credit-card chargeback fees. Staff says the change was incorporated into the adopted FY27 budget.
Other Community and Development Items
Children's Memorial Splashpad Grant Support
Maximillion's Muddy Puddles Foundation is seeking City support for a Variety Children's Fund grant connected with the proposed Children's Memorial Splashpad. The requested grant would support a bathroom facility or shade pavilion.
The proposed City letter would indicate that Indianola could eventually own, operate, insure and maintain the splashpad, but only if the project completes required City processes, secures full funding and approvals, complies with applicable codes and policies, and establishes a required maintenance endowment or agreement.
The packet emphasizes that the splashpad has not yet completed the City's formal donation and approval process.
McVay Trail Repair Project
The consent agenda includes formal acceptance of the completed McVay Trail Repair Project. Construction began June 5, and the trail reopened June 26.
Snyder & Associates reports that the project was completed in substantial compliance with the approved plans and specifications. The final cost is $33,498.08, funded with $25,000 from the Parks and Recreation Special Revenue Trail Fund and $8,498.08 from the Stormwater Fund.
Police Officer Candidate List
The Council is asked to receive and file the Civil Service Commission's certified Police Officer candidate list. The Police Department currently has two officer vacancies, and the packet states that one candidate was interviewed and certified.
Consent Agenda and Routine Business
The consent agenda also includes approval of $267,160.97 in claims, minutes from the July 6 regular meeting and July 13 study session, liquor-license renewals for West Hill Brewing Company and The Groggy Dog, and a tobacco permit for the Indianola Golf Club.
The Golf Club tobacco permit was added to the agenda July 17. Staff explains that the application missed the June 15 agenda because of delays obtaining the State's required GovConnectIowa access code. The completed application was received July 17, and staff recommends approval.
The Council will also consider a salary resolution covering employee pay adjustments and a $100 Meritorious Performance Award for a Police Department employee nominated for work associated with implementation of the CentralSquare CAD system.
What to Watch at the Meeting
Several items could shape future City policy, spending and development:
- Whether the Council directs staff to move forward with the 5.00% TruBank financing proposal for up to $2.5 million in Wellness Campus improvements.
- How the Council approaches the proposed reduction in the residential parkland dedication requirement from 16 to 7 acres per 1,000 residents.
- Whether the Council advances the zoning amendment increasing allowable townhome and row-house density from 10 to 15 units per acre.
- The package of public hearing, property, sidewalk and site-plan decisions needed to advance the proposed Culver's development at 1901 North Jefferson Way.
- Whether the City moves forward with the $23,400 compensation study after previously considering the same budgeted funding for a sidewalk inspection program.
- The proposed Urban Revitalization Plan hearing date, which would set up a later decision on a substantially revised residential and multiresidential property-tax abatement schedule.
- The micromobility discussion, where the packet recommends continued education and some ordinance-definition updates while generally waiting for additional enforcement experience before broader changes.
The official public-body source for this packet is the City of Indianola.
Civic Translator summarized publicly available meeting materials.
