Message received, Steve Strickler told county commissioners Tuesday morning. He reported on Monday evening’s meeting with Iola’s city council, where both he and County Commissioner John Brocker discussed a joint recycling program. (See related article here.)
“Basically, what we need to do is come up with a plan. We were told that several times,” said Strickler. “So that’s what we’re going to work on: how the city and the county can work together.”
Brocker said the next step was clear to him. “I think he knows what we need. We need a vision or a plan that shows financials and how this is going to work,” he said. “The city requested the same thing from Steve. It’s not for us to come up with a plan.”
Commission Chair Jerry Daniels expressed a willingness to get the show on the road. “I see a tendency to overthink this,” he told Strickler. “Maybe you, the mayor and John [Brocker] need to get together and have a cup of coffee.”
After hearing about Strickler’s ideas for collaboration, Daniels made it even more clear, asking his fellow commissioners, “Gentlemen, are we committed to this?”
“Yes,” responded Commissioners David Lee and John Brocker emphatically.
“We’re committed to giving some labor hours and do whatever you guys come up with,” Daniels continued.
Strickler agreed to touch base with members of Allen County Recycling, Iola city council, and be in touch. 
GAS resident Jake Jewell approached commissioners for support with an upcoming Cars and Coffee event he has planned for Saturday, Sept. 27 on the Iola square. He requested the county’s permission to play music at the event. Commissioners gave their endorsement but recommended Jewell coordinate with Iola police and Ron Holman, the county’s House and Grounds Director.
Jewell clarified the event will just be on city streets. “No parking on the grass,” he said, so participants could come and go as needed. Jewell’s hopes are to create a fun, all-ages event for the community.
COMMISSIONERS also unanimously approved the purchase of a new Maxxum 125 tractor at the request of Jeremy Hopkins, Allen County Road and Bridge Director. The tractor, which comes equipped with a loader, cost $148,000 from Heartland Tractor Company of Iola.
MARCIA DAVIS, Thrive’s community engagement director, gave commissioners a brief report on Thrive’s Iola community conversation held on Aug. 5. About 35 people attended the event, which focused on how best to channel civic efforts.
Davis said four priorities emerged: efforts to improve and add to Iola’s housing stock, recycling, improved communication between leadership groups, and youth engagement. Thrive staff tried a new format this year, using small group discussion for the majority of the event.
They’ll hold a community conversation for Elsmore on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Elsmore Methodist Church. All are welcome.
AIRPORT MANAGER Robert Poydack also touched base with the commission about an upcoming event.
Vince and Megan Hill, owners of Black Horse aviation, approached Poydack with plans to hold a car show at the airport the weekend of Sept. 20. Hill rents the majority of the airport’s hangars and has been an airport customer for 11 years.
