The Iola Village Board met on July 8 in the Community Room of Iola Village Hall, 180 South Main Street, where trustees approved a new zoning map, authorized a $200,000 line of credit, and voted to discontinue local administration of the Community Development Block Grant Housing Program. The meeting, led by Village President Jennifer Schustek, addressed a wide range of community development, financial, and zoning issues.
The session began with the open meeting statement, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence. Roll call confirmed trustees Dave Harper, Rick Meyers, Pamela Parks, Sharyl Peterson, Schustek, and Jim Rasmussen were present, while Trustee Alan Bauer was absent. Several community members attended, including residents and the village clerk/treasurer.
Public presentation
Resident Jennifer O’Malley spoke during the public presentation period, raising the topic of electric scooter use in Iola. President Schustek later requested that information be gathered for a future working committee meeting regarding Chapter 90 of the Village Ordinance, which governs bicycles and other play vehicles, to consider allowing scooters in the village.
Zoning approvals
A major item on the agenda was zoning. The board approved a new zoning map and expanded the permitted uses under G-1 Institutional Zoning. Additions included a wide range of community activities and facilities such as administrative offices, emergency shelters, festivals, fairs, live entertainment, food and beverage services, and warehousing.
Trustees also approved a variance request for an oversized second shed at 285 Hill Street. In addition, the board ratified the purchase of a parcel on Hill Street for $2,100 plus transfer fees.
Community contributions and licenses
The board expressed gratitude to M. Robert Kriewaldt for donating 300 challenge coins to the Iola Police Department. Trustees also approved multiple operator’s licenses, including those for Samantha Rae Kayon, Suzanne Marie Chopper, and Alan Bauer, who recused himself from his own vote.
Financial resolutions
Two significant financial measures were approved. Resolution 2025-07 authorized a temporary $200,000 line of credit from Bank First to cover normal operating expenses if needed. The measure passed on a unanimous roll call vote. Resolution 2025-08 discontinued the local administration of the Community Development Block Grant Housing Program, transferring it to the regional level as required by state consolidation plans.
Community events
The board approved conditional use permits for two summer events: an Outdoor Movie Night at Taylor Field on Aug. 28 or 29, weather permitting, and a Family Day/Back-to-School Bash at the Iola Historical Society on Aug. 23, which will include up to four specialty food trucks and activities.
Committee reports
The Community Development Authority reported that the “Welcome to Iola” sign on Highway 161 was completed, with trustees thanking Scott Bestul and volunteers for their work. The library report submitted by Director Robyn Grove was accepted, and trustees reviewed and approved the June Protection of Persons and Property report, which noted 182 service calls. The Finance Committee confirmed bills were in order, and the June financial report was approved.
The meeting concluded with committee updates and financial approvals, wrapping up a session that balanced zoning decisions, financial planning, and community engagement.