Indy Unplugged

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
 

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

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

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

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

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

Season 1, Episode 6: In this episode of "Indy Unplugged," we're switching things up a bit!
Moderator Lucinda Sperry from Warren County Economic Development is joined by city and county leadership to bring insight to the recent property tax notice and its impact on Warren County residents. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the details of the recent property tax notice together.
Panelists include:
Luke Nelson - City Manager, City of Norwalk
Deven Markley - City Administrator, City of Carlisle
Benjamin Reeves - City Manager, City of Indianola
Megan Battani - Budget Director, Warren County
Many thanks to the City of Indianola for hosting the conversation and Communications Manager and "Indy Unplugged" host Aaron Young for the production of the content.
For more information and resources, please check out https://www.wcedc.com/understanding-property-taxes

Season 1, Episode 5: Director Michele Patrick, Teen Services & Marketing Librarian Alison Brown, Children’s Librarian Janis Comer and Adult Services Librarian Jacy West join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging and entertaining conversation that highlights the Indianola Public Library, its services and programs for the community, future initiatives and opportunities, and upcoming events, among other topics.
Tune in to listen to Michele, Alison, Janis and Jacy as they explain their roles with the Indianola Public Library, learn more about the library's programming, services and opportunities available, how the library supports the community through as Indianola continues to grow and evolve, upcoming events, exciting plans for the future and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-04:49: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
04:50-09:07: Breaking Records & Elevating Programming/Events
09:08-13:59: Cycle of Programming & Opportunities for Individuals/Groups
14:00-21:03: Mission of Indianola Public Library & Strategic Plan for Library's Growth
21:04-24:17: New Operating Hours at Library & Purpose for Change
24:18-31:49: Storytime with Janis
31:50-32:51: Idea Generation & Collaboration to Serve Community
32:52-34:17: Soup-er Bowl
34:18-38:50: Evolution of Library, Branding & Communication Efforts
38:51-45:04: How Indianola Stays Engaged with the Library
45:05-51:03: Exciting Future Ahead for Indianola Public Library
51:04-56:08: Final Thoughts & Remarks
56:09-57:28: Closing

Season 1, Episode 4: Chief of Culture & Recreation Doug Bylund and Horticulturalist Supervisor Angie Buchanan join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that highlights the quality of life initiatives the City of Indianola has as it relates to the City’s parks, trails, cultural and leisure activities, and beautification efforts throughout the community, among other topics.
Tune in to listen to Doug and Angie as they explain their roles with the City and Indianola Parks & Recreation Department, learn more about the master plans that are guiding the community through next steps, upcoming events and opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-05:38: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
05:39-09:48: Open Space Master Plan
09:49-16:15: Current State of Parks & Wonder on Buxton Project
16:16-25:17: Beautification Efforts in Indianola, Buxton Park & Favorite Spots
25:18-31:16: Disc Golf Pro Tour Event & Exploring Pickard Park
31:17-38:12: Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center & Pool Reminders
38:13-39:50: Future Amenities & Next Steps for the Pool
39:51-42:31: Upcoming Opportunities at Activity Center, Library, Wellness Campus & More
42:32-45:27: Final Thoughts & Remarks
45:28-46:52: Closing

Season 1, Episode 3: Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights his 30-year journey with the Indianola Police Department and how the City of Indianola has evolved over the years, his passion for Indianola, community policing and how IPD prioritizes community outreach just as much as law enforcement, key moments in 2023 that IPD experienced, new technology initiatives, programs and so much more.
Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:
00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:04: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
02:05-03:29: City Evolvement During 30-Year Career
03:30-04:20: What Made You Choose & Stay In Indianola?
04:21-08:12: Being Named Police Chief, Leading Department & Creating Opportunities
08:13-10:51: IPD’s Approach to Community Policing
10:52-12:35: Public Safety Chili Cookoff & Norwalk Office Jayson Spurr
12:36-13:47: Structure of Indianola Police Department
13:48-14:56: Top Qualities of a Successful IPD Employee
14:57-17:53: Working Events in Indianola & Their Impact
17:54-20:10: How Has Technology Shifted The Department?
20:11-23:42: New Cameras Appearing Along City Roads
23:43-27:20: IPD’s School Resource Officer
27:21-28:46: IPD’s DARE program
28:47-30:05: IPD’s K9 program and Kilo
30:06-31:20: Employee Recruitment & Staff Openings
31:21-33:58: New Community Services Officer Position
33:59-35:30: Closing