While Monday night’s business included several decisions made by the Iola City Council, it seemed the real purpose was to honor those leaving the council and recognize those stepping up. MIKE FORD, a police officer with Iola, came before the council to voice his opposition of some proposed changes that may be made to the city personnel handbook. In other business:
Dozens of Iolans filled the New Community Building Monday night to see their new city council members sworn in by City Clerk Roxanne Hutton. Bob Shaughnessy and Sandy Zornes were sworn into their seats, and Mayor Joel Wicoff took his oath.
For those stepping down, they had one last chance to raise their right hand — they approved the consent agenda before giving up their seats.
David Toland and Jim Kilby were honored with a plaque for their time serving their city.
“Our government works,” Kilby said in a brief speech. He said the council has overcome many adversities and difficulties, but it emerged stronger than ever.
The ceremonies ended by honoring Iola’s mayor of two years, Bill Shirley, who also served many years as a city council member. Iola’s new mayor took the opportunity to proclaim April 22 as Bill and Roberta Shirley Day in Iola, as the assembled crowd rose to their feet in applause.
Scott Stewart, who recently accepted a position with city of Iola code services, is ineligible for his seat and will be honored at the next council meeting. There are currently two open seats on the council, those of Stewart’s and Mike McKinnis. Applications are available at Iola City Hall for the positions. From those, Mayor Wicoff will select two candidates to be voted on during the next council meeting on May 6.
Under the proposed changes, accumulated time may be used only as compensatory vacation time for a total of three shifts before being required paid overtime. Ford said many employees exceed these limits — 24 hours for eight-hour shifts, 36 hours for 12-hour shifts and 72 hours for 24-hour shifts — very quickly and would prefer the time off compared to paid overtime.
Ford said the policy change would come based on concerns that employees could accumulate many hours of compensatory time, then leave their position and be reimbursed financially. However, he said the department heads have the option to regulate how the hours will be used if need be, and he believes the system is not being abused as it is.
Council member Steve French echoed Ford’s stance, saying he “tends to lean towards time off” when managing how his overtime hours are distributed.
The personnel handbook changes will be brought before the council in the next city council meeting for official approval.
— Allen County crews were granted permission to lay gravel down, connecting the Southwind Trail to the Prairie Spirit Trail in Riverside Park. The land, owned by Iola, will be used to “seamlessly connect” the two trails, Allen County Counselor Alan Weber said. The Southwind Trail runs from the south end of Riverside Park to Humboldt.
— Mayor Joel Wicoff officially proclaimed April 26 as Arbor Day in the city of Iola.
— A special use permit was issued by the council to place a manufactured home on the lot at 209 S. Tennessee.
— A contract amendment was approved for the wastewater improvement plan with engineering firm Ponzer-Yonquist, P.A. for $2,650 for design and planning for the project.
— Council members gave the go-ahead for permanent banner poles to be placed in various areas around the city square. The poles will hold banners notifying residents of upcoming events.
— Don Becker was voted on a 3-2 decision by the council as council president. The position acts as an authority when the mayor is not available for a meeting.
A season for changes
