The Indianola City Council met in regular session Monday, appointing Josh Rabe to fill the vacant at-large council seat. Four applicants put their name forward and were interviewed by the council, with questions ranging from their view of Indianola’s strengths and weaknesses, strategies for engaging with those who disagree with your decisions, and more. Rabe said he will focus on filling out the term that will be voted on this fall.

“First and foremost I’d like to be a good steward of all the work that Councilwoman Hulen worked on when she was here and ultimately all the work the council has been working on up to this point. Take that work and keep moving forward at the appropriate pace. Running for re-election is a thought, I’d be silly to have not. But it’s certainly not a guarantee. I want to take this with eyes open, and focus really on getting settled and up to speed on all of the large projects that are coming. It is a critical time to be running at full capacity.”

The council also approved an amended ordinance regarding sidewalk use regulations, and discussed the building projects on the square including the alley work and the upcoming city hall/public safety building. The council also approved the appointment of Melissa Gradischnig to the Hometown Pride Committee and the appointment of Clint Hagedorn to serve on the Veterans Memorial Building Commission.