Indy Unplugged is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it’s discussi...
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
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20:18
The Path To Carbon Neutrality: Indianola Municipal Utilities' Solar Energy Strategy
Season 1, Episode 7: Indianola Municipal Utilities General Manager Chris DesPlanques joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights the upcoming solar project IMU is undertaking and what it will mean to Indianola, the groundbreaking event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and other important updates and details from the organization.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:10: Welcome
1:11-3:44: Background About IMU Solar Project
3:45-7:56: Previewing Solar Project Groundbreaking Event
7:57-8:21: How To Learn More About Project & Progress
8:22-10:59: What Community's Support Means To IMU
11:00-13:31: Indianola In Comparison To Other Central Iowa Cities
13:32-14:10: 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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