Despite many hot-button topics at Monday night’s Iola council meeting, tempers never flared.
Whether Iolans should be able to raise chickens was fraught with hazards because to say no, seemed to disregard the endearing entreaties of two boys who made a compelling case for the endeavor.
And while those opposed to the measure recognized the value of entrepreneurship, the negatives of having fowl in town held sway.
The measure failed with not a hint of discord.
The same could be said when members discussed raising admission fees to Iola Municipal Pool. While members were clearly divided on whether single admission rates should be raised from $1 to $2 for those age 6-64, a narrow majority ruled in favor and the matter was settled with nary a grumble.
Council members also continue to struggle with still-emerging facts between the merger of city and county EMS services. Yes, the economies of scale will favor county taxpayers, but the concern for Iola’s council is that the city’s share of expenses is more than they bartered for.
The one thing that remains calm is their demeanor.
IN ALL his youthful wisdom, Councilman Jon Wells, 30, commended his workmates at the conclusion of Monday’s meeting for their equanimity in dealing with what could be contentious issues.
“Even when we disagree, we stay cordial,” he said. “It’s disagreement in good faith,” in that each believes his decision is based on what he or she thinks is best for the city.
And while it’s human nature — the weak side — to sometimes hope for a bad outcome just to prove you were right, council members generally stand strong to the temptation, Wells said.
“We’re doing this for the love of the city and hoping we can make a difference,” he said.
In comments the next day, Wells said the benefits of a nine-member council, in effect since 2011, is that in a town the size of Iola most people know someone either directly or indirectly who serves on the council. That familiarity can effect more input on council decisions, he said.
And while it may be harder to build consensus with more council members — picture herding cats — the outcome is more representative of the general community.
The more inclusive format also engenders more sharing of opinions and ideas.
