Tiffin Talk - The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, Iowa

Episode 5: Meet the Party People!
Hosts:
Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org⁠
Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ ⁠
Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ Guests:
Bri Wilkerson, Deputy City Clerk - bwilkerson@tiffin-iowa.org
Ashley Platz, Asst. City Administrator
This week on Tiffin Talk: The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris sit down with two of the City's biggest community champions—Deputy City Clerk Bri Wilkerson and Assistant City Administrator Ashley Platz, better known as members of Tiffin's unofficial event-planning crew, "The Party People."
From the origins of RecFest to the launch of the new Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park series, Bri and Ashley share how the City is creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, families to make memories, and residents to experience the community spirit that makes Tiffin special.
Learn about upcoming summer events, including live music, food trucks, ice cream socials, movie nights, bingo, and the expanded two-day RecFest celebration. You'll also hear why community events matter, how volunteers can get involved, and how the City is working to preserve Tiffin's small-town feel while continuing to grow.
Whether you're a longtime resident or new to town, this episode is packed with exciting ways to get involved, meet your neighbors, and make the most of summer in Tiffin.
Topics include:
The story behind "The Party People"

Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park

RecFest 2026 updates and new additions

Building community through local events

Volunteer opportunities

Summer fun, food, music, and more

Tune in and discover why summer nights in Tiffin are all about community, connection, and creating memories together.

Full Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

🎙️ Tiffin Talk – Episode 4: Building Smarter with the City’s Building Official
Ever wonder when you actually need a building permit—or what really happens during an inspection?
In Episode 4 of Tiffin Talk, we’re joined by Brian Shay, Tiffin’s Building Official, for an inside look at the Building Department and how it impacts everyday projects around town. From decks and basements to fences, sheds, and DIY renovations, Brian breaks down what homeowners need to know before starting a project.
This episode covers:
Which projects require permits (and which don’t)
Common DIY mistakes that can cause big problems later
Why inspections matter more than people realize
How zoning rules affect what you can build and where
Real‑world examples and memorable inspection stories
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer, planning your first home project, or just curious about how Tiffin grows safely and smartly, this episode is packed with practical info straight from the source.
👉 Pro tip: When in doubt—call before you build.
🎧 Tune in and learn how to make your next project smoother, safer, and code‑compliant.

FULL TRANSCRIPT can be found at: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

Episode 3: Spotlight on Service, Stories &Community – Lions Club + Springmier Library
Hosts:
Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org
Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ 
Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ 
Guests: Liz Petersen Grier, Springmier Library Director - epetersen@tiffin-iowa.org Special Guest: Kevin Swanson, President Clear Creek Lions Club - contact@clearcreeklions.com

In Episode 3 of TiffinTalk, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris shine a light on two pillars of what makes Tiffin such a vibrant, connected place to live: community service and lifelong learning.
 
First, we sit down with Kevin Swanson, President of the Clear Creek Lions Club. Kevin shares the Lions’ “We Serve” mission, how they support Tiffin through programs like Flags OverTiffin, and what membership looks like for anyone interested in getting more involved. Whether you’ve seen their work around town or are curious about joining a local service organization, this conversation offers a meaningful look at how the Lions bring fun, connection, and volunteer spirit to Tiffin.
 
Next, we welcome Liz Petersen Grier, Director of the Springmier Community Library. Liz joins us for a lively conversation about the library’s programs, hidden gems,recommended reads, and the role the library plays in supporting curiosity and community for residents of all ages. From quick-fire book questions to behind-the-scenes insights, this segment highlights why the library remains one of Tiffin’s most treasured resources.
We wrap up the episode with a few quick City of Tiffin updates, reminders on where to find information, and what’s coming next. Visit Tiffin-Iowa.org for all your City Information.
 
Stay connected:
📘 Springmier Community Library: https://www.tiffin.lib.ia.us/
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/springmiercommunitylibrary/  🦁 Learn more about the Clear Creek Lions Club via their website  www.LionsClubs.org  or socialpages  - Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579985217844
Want to become a Lions ClubMember? Email:  contact@clearcreeklions.com
For more information.

🏛️ City updates: tiffin-iowa.org
 
If you enjoy hearing the stories and voices shaping Tiffin, be sure to subscribe, follow, and share.
See you next month for Episode 4!
Full Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

Episode 2: Parks & Recreation Director
Hosts:
Tim Kasparek, Mayor – tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org
Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – torris@tiffin-iowa.org
Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org
Special Guest: Grant Weber, Parks & Recreation Director – gweber@tiffin-iowa.org
 
Episode 2: Meet Grant Weber, Tiffin’s New Parks & Recreation Director
In this episode, we sit down with Grant Weber, who joined the City of Tiffin as the Parks & Recreation Director in January 2026. This conversation is all about getting to know Grant —his background, what drew him to Tiffin, and the experiences that shaped his passion for parks, recreation, and community engagement.
As one of the newest members of the City’s leadership team, Grant shares his first impressions of Tiffin, what excites him most about stepping into this role, and how he hopes to support the city’s growth through meaningful recreation opportunities. The episode offers a warm and personal introduction to the person behind the department, givingresidents and listeners a chance to connect with Grant as he begins his work in the community.
In this episode, Grant talks about:
Join us for a casual, conversation‑style episode as we welcome Grant to the team and learn more about the passion and perspective he brings to Tiffin.
Tiffin Recreation: Register for programshere: https://tiffiniowarecreation.com/home 
Forevergreen Road Roundabout – Projectbid opening took place a few weeks ago and came in under the engineer’s estimate.  North Liberty is leading thisproject.  More information will be coming soon to the City Project Updates page.
Learn more: here.
 
For the Love of Reading- February 14 from 10:00am-noon
Springmier Community Library https://www.tiffin.lib.ia.us/
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and lifelong reading with a cozy, family-friendly evening at the library. Enjoy live music from Molly Shannon, hands-on crafts, and sweet treats from TinaRiggan, while giving back through a book drive benefiting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. We’re collecting brand-new board books and graphic novels, the items they need most.
Guests can also enjoy Blind Date with a Book, curated reading bundles, and a coffee shop giveaway. Bring a book, bring a loved one, and share the love of reading. At Springmier Community Library Saturday, 2/14 10:00am-12:00pm
Full transcript will be available soon: Here

Episode 1: Welcome to Tiffin Talk – The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, IowaJoin us for the very first episode of Tiffin Talk, where we bring you inside updates, community news, and conversations that matter to Tiffin residents.
Hosts:
Tim Kasparek, Mayor – tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org
Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – torris@tiffin-iowa.org
Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org
Special Guest: Brian Detert, Director of Public Works (Celebrating 25 years with Tiffin PW!)
In this episode, we cover:✅
City Project Updates – Learn more: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/city_projects.php -Tiffin Water Treatment Plant
Upgrade (Reverse Osmosis)-Tiffin Recreation Center progress-Economic
Development news✅ Special Census – Knocking & calling starting soon! Details here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/special_census.php✅
Community Reminders:
Report a Concern: Submit here: https://webgen1files1.revize.com/tiffinia/Document center/STANDARDS & PERMIT FORMS/Other Forms/Complaint-Comment-Issues Form.pdf
Annual Pet Renewals & Dog Park Registration: Info here- https://tiffin-iowa.org/residents/pets___animal_control.php✅ Council Updates:Welcome new Council Member Tony Johnson – Meet the Council https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/city_council.php
A heartfelt thank you to Oliver “Al” Havens for 11+ years of dedicated service to Tiffin!🎙 Coming Up Next: Meet our new Parks & Recreation Director starting January 7th!
Subscribe & Listen:
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube…and more platforms soon!
Visit us online: www.tiffin-iowa.orgQuestions or feedback? Email us anytime!
Full transcription of Episode 01: https://webgen1files1.revize.com/tiffinia/Tiffin%20Talk%20-%20Episode%2001%20-%20Public%20Works%20Director-%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf?t=202601101905190&t=202601101905190