The Latest On City Manager Search, Budget Progress & Other Key Topics
Season 1, Episode 13: Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an in-depth conversation covering key topics as of late that are shaping the city's future.
In this episode, Mayor Richardson shares updates on the three City Manager finalists, where citizens are invited to a community meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and learn about the next steps in the selection process. The conversation also dives into the city's budget progress and timeline, including recapping the March 24 public hearing and the upcoming April 21 meeting, as well as as the latest regarding the at-large council member vacancy, with interviews scheduled for the Indianola City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 7.
Additionally, Mayor Richardson shares some fascinating fun facts about various city departments learned during departmental visits, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of local government.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:48: Mayor’s Memo
03:28: City Manager Finalists & Next Steps
13:13: City Budget Progress
23:19: At-Large Council Vacancy & Upcoming Process
27:21: Did You Know? Departmental Fun Facts
32:45: Final Thoughts & Reminders
35:18: Closing
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36:30
Community Matters: Mayor Steve Richardson Discusses Indianola’s Opportunities & Challenges
Season 1, Episode 11: Newly appointed Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation as he shares his journey to civic leadership, his background and his vision for the city’s future.
In this episode, Mayor Richardson dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Indianola, all the while the Indianola City Council goes through its budget process amid House File 718. With his unique perspective and commitment to public service, Mayor Richardson offers valuable insights into the complexities of civic leadership and the importance of community engagement.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:50: On Becoming Mayor of Indianola
2:43: Leadership Style in Elected Role
7:40: Evolution of Civic Engagement by Citizens
11:15: What is House File 718?
16:48: Implications of House File 718
20:38: How to Engage in Discussions & Share Perspectives
25:22: Local and State Leadership & Collaboration
32:30: Vision 2030 Update
34:32: Working Together & Future Horizon
37:04: Final Thoughts & Closing
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38:15
A Legacy Of Service: Leadership Lessons And A New Chapter For The Indianola Fire Department
Season 1, Episode 10: Retiring Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia and new Indianola Fire Chief Aaron Hurt join “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation that highlights the Indianola Fire Department.
In this episode, Chief Chia and Chief Hurt talk about their respective careers and transition of leadership, department accomplishments and priorities, an outlook of the future, the importance of community engagement, mentorship and professional development, plus so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:11: Retirement Announcement & Background
2:43: When Chief Chia Became Indianola Fire Chief
4:24: Changes That Chief Chia Implemented
7:17: Training Priorities & Opportunities
12:25: Responding With Integrity, Serving With Compassion
20:41: Importance of Community Engagement Initiatives
25:05: Budgeting & Grant Funding Impact
28:22: Collaboration With Community Partners
31:13: Retirement Celebrations & Plans
33:15: Describing Chief Chia As A Leader
34:11: Final Thoughts & Closing
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41:07
From Reviving To Thriving: What To Know About Indianola Main Street
Season 1, Episode 9: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts and Indianola Main Street Board Vice President Leslie Held join "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that dives deeper into the ins and outs of Indianola Main Street. In August 2024, Indianola was named a Main Street Iowa community following a rigorous application process. Through the Main Street Approach™, communities like Indianola can capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts and develop a framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts.
During this episode of "Indy Unplugged," Erica and Leslie discuss how the timing to be a Main Street Iowa community is perfect, early goals and visions for the Indianola Downtown Square, strategic planning and survey data, community support and involvement, upcoming events on the Square, plus so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:13: What Is Main Street Iowa & Indianola Main Street?
3:02: Main Street Iowa Application Process
5:18: Benefits As A Main Street Iowa Community
7:29: How Do You Stay Informed & Educate Others About Main Street?
9:01: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Announcement
12:30: Community Meeting & Survey Findings
16:13: Dynamics With Main Street Iowa & Community Partners
22:26: What Will The Rest Of 2024 Look Like?
27:03: Importance Of Events At Indianola Downtown Square
30:09: Including Simpson College In Future Endeavors
32:19: Final Thoughts & Closing
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36:36
Flowing Into A Sustainable Future: Indianola Water Resource Recovery Department
Season 1, Episode 8: Water Resource Recovery Department Superintendent Jared Keenan joins "Indy Unplugged" for an informative conversation that sheds light into the City's new state-of-the-art facility, previews the Open House event on Thursday, October 3, 2024, experiences and processes that staff follow through for operations at the plant and out in the field, as well as other insightful viewpoints and details.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:00: Welcome
1:01-2:39: Open House Details
2:40-8:12: Technologies, Strategies & Plant Workflows
8:13-14:00: Plant's Performance with Historic Rainfall
14:01-16:43: Mix Between Facility & Community Operations
16:44-18:11: Interactions with Public
18:12-20:18: Closing
Indy Unplugged is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it’s discussions with elected officials, insights from City staff or perspectives from valued community partners, at least one episode each month will be released packed with in-depth conversations and real-time information.
To stay engaged with the City of Indianola, subscribe to Indy Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts, visit our website and follow us on social media.
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