The Village of Iola Board of Trustees will convene on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Iola Village Hall, 180 S. Main Street, for its regular monthly meeting. The session will be open to the public and conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order, ensuring structured discussion and decorum.
Major agenda items will include public hearings on two proposed ordinances—one regulating murals within the village (Resolution 2025-13) and another revising Chapter 90 regarding bicycles and other play vehicles (Resolution 2025-14). The board will also address employee benefit plans, operator licensing, financial matters, and a $10,000 donation from the Krause Foundation toward repairs at Taylor Field in Olson Park.
Mural ordinance to be considered
The board will hold a public hearing on Resolution 2025-13, which proposes a new mural ordinance to govern the creation, placement, and maintenance of murals on public and private property. The measure is intended to ensure artistic projects align with the village’s aesthetic standards and safety codes.
Residents will have an opportunity to provide comments during the hearing before the board moves toward potential adoption.
The proposed regulation is part of a broader effort by the Ordinance Committee, which has been reviewing and updating local codes throughout 2025. The committee has been working with CivicPlus, a municipal code management platform, which reportedly remains ahead of schedule on proofreading and publication tasks.
Bicycles and play vehicle rules
A second public hearing will focus on Resolution 2025-14, which would amend Chapter 90 of the village code concerning bicycles and other play vehicles. The revisions are expected to clarify rules on where bicycles, skateboards, and scooters may operate, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility in downtown and residential areas.
This update reflects a growing trend among Wisconsin municipalities to modernize regulations in response to increased recreational traffic and evolving vehicle types. Following public comment, the board is expected to consider the resolution for approval.
Employee benefit and licensing items
In new business, trustees will review several employment-related resolutions. These include Resolution 2025-10, which would establish a Post-Employment Health Care Reimbursement Plan, and Resolution 2025-11, creating a Post-Employment Deferred Compensation Plan. The board will also consider Resolution 2025-12, an amendment to the Employee Handbook that adds Northshore Bank as an option for sick pay payouts.
Additionally, a two-year operator license for Michael Robert Richberg will be up for approval, and the board will discuss the structure and deadline for employee evaluations using a new evaluation form. Trustees will also vote on whether to cover fees for Glenn — a village employee — to obtain Advanced Certification in Wastewater Management, a step that supports professional development and regulatory compliance.
The agenda includes Resolution 2025-15, which would authorize a temporary line of credit to assist with short-term financial management. The Finance Committee will present bills and the monthly financial report for board review and approval.
A highlight of the meeting will be a formal acknowledgment and thank-you to the Krause Foundation, which recently donated $10,000 toward repairs at Taylor Field in Olson Park. The funds will help address maintenance needs at one of Iola’s key recreational spaces, ensuring continued use for youth sports and community events.
Committee Reports
Several committees will deliver reports, including Planning & Zoning, Library, Protection of Persons and Property, Public Works, Ordinance, Parks and Garden, and Finance. The Personnel Committee is scheduled to meet next on Oct. 22, at 9 a.m., jointly with the Public Works and Finance Committees, to discuss ongoing staffing and budgeting topics.
The Library Committee will present September 2025 circulation and programming statistics, while the Protection of Persons and Property Committee will provide the monthly service report summarizing local safety and enforcement activities.
The board will also recognize a thank-you letter from the Iola and Scandinavia Fire Departments, expressing appreciation for recent fire safety donations made by the village. This acknowledgment reflects ongoing collaboration between the municipality and local emergency services to enhance community safety.
All agenda items, including resolutions, are available for public review at the Village Hall before the meeting. The board will conclude with any additional business that may arise before adjournment.