Local businesses plan to install security cameras

By Jane Myhra

The Iola Police Department is investigating recent vandalism in the village.

A plaque was scratched at the Veteran Memorial Park, and there was also vandalism on the River Walk.

This information was shared at the Sept. 14 meeting of the Iola Village Board.

According to Lyle Mork, the bronze plaque will cost about $700 to replace.

Other acts of vandalism have been reported at various locations around the village. It was noted that businesses and civic groups plan to install surveillance cameras around Iola.

In other business, the board set village of Iola trick-or-treat hours for 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The hours will be the same for the village of Scandinavia.

After a public hearing, the board approved changing the village ordinances to allow 25-foot minimum setback for residential districts.

The previous ordinance required a 30-foot setback. With the ordinance change, all setbacks will be at a minimum of 25 feet.

The board also approved gathering bids for the replacement of the roof at the village garage. The estimated cost of $28,000 to $30,000 will be shared with streets, sewer and police, who all utilize the building.

Kathy Briquelet, chair of the Parks Committee, reported the Iola Lions Club is working on improvements to the bleachers at Olson Park.

She asked if there were any objections to having a skating rink in the parking lot of Iola Sentry Foods.

“It would be awesome if we can get it up and running,” Briquelet said.

She was told there is grant money available for the outdoor ice rink project.

The public hearing on the 2016 budget will be held during the next village board meeting on Oct. 12.