The Village of Iola Board of Trustees met at 5:30 PM on May 13, in the Village Hall Community Room at 180 S. Main Street, where they passed a series of impactful resolutions including goat grazing for invasive species removal, overnight camping for sustainability efforts, significant budget reallocations, and rezoning of a key parcel.
The meeting, led by President Jennifer Schustek, addressed environmental innovation, fiscal planning, and community enforcement matters.
At their May 13 meeting, the Iola Board of Trustees enacted several forward-looking initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and community development. One of the most talked-about actions was the approval of Resolution 2025-5, which allowed goats within village limits to remove buckthorn along the Iola Lions River Walk. The initiative represented a shift toward eco-friendly land management practices and was unanimously approved.
Alongside this, the board also approved Resolution 2025-6, which granted overnight camping privileges to the Sustainable Stewards Farmstead. This motion allowed the individuals managing the goat grazing project to camp overnight on site, facilitating smoother operations and extending their environmental stewardship.
In infrastructure and compliance matters, Resolution 2025-07 — the 2024 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report for Iola’s Treatment Plant and Sanitary System — was also approved. The report’s acceptance ensured that the village remained in good standing with environmental regulations and sanitation standards.
Significant financial decisions were made as well. The board approved the reallocation of $11,312.74 from the 2024 unspent budget for the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe with a full police equipment package. Additionally, $20,000 was directed toward the sick pay reserve fund. The remaining $10,248.26 in unspent funds was earmarked for future allocation.
The trustees also approved the purchase of the new police vehicle under a separate motion, further reinforcing their investment in local law enforcement readiness.
On the zoning front, a request to rezone Parcel 26 01 12 17 from Light Industrial to Institutional was approved, in alignment with evolving community needs. The final zoning map was set to be presented at a future meeting.
Among the administrative matters, the board approved an Operator’s License for Kylee Rae Noack. They also accepted the April 2025 library report submitted by Director Robyn Grove and reviewed the Protection of Persons and Property report, which documented 148 service calls handled by Chief Zierler’s department.
Public enforcement issues were also addressed. The board agreed to send a second letter to properties at 100 N. Main St., 140 Division Court, and 440 S. Main St. for continued ordinance violations. Non-compliance past the second letter deadline would incur fines of $10 per day.
Residents used the public comment section to express concerns. Sherri Miller spoke about the need for “truth, transparency, and an end to bullying,” while Rya Jones advocated for new sidewalks connecting Sentry, Iola Mills, and Family Dollar to John Street — an issue expected to influence future infrastructure discussions.
In addition, the board approved joining the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce. A motion also passed to allow Trustee Jim Rasmussen to attend the Chamber banquet, with the village agreeing to share the $25 cost with another organization he represented.
Trustees reviewed and approved April financial reports and monthly bills, confirming the Finance Committee found them in order.
In park-related matters, the board discussed necessary upgrades to Taylor Field, including corrections to pitching mound alignment and field drainage. They also noted that 14 children would participate in the Children’s Community Garden this summer and that the dog bone donation board was now up at Rosie Paw Dog Park.
Lastly, the clerk’s office was tasked with sending letters concerning vehicle accumulation at 500 N. Main St. and brush piles at 424 Water St., addressing ongoing resident complaints.