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1. Why do cities have city managers and what is their function?

View the council-manager form of government document for information.

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1. Who do I contact with economic development questions?

Please contact Economic Development Director, Glenn Lyons by calling 515-782-1723.

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1. I have looked at the buildings and lots listed online, but can’t find one that meets my business’s needs. What do I do now?

Contact the city manager at 641-828-0550 ext. 1 and see if he/she can assist in creating a location that better suits your needs.

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1. How do I get a library card?

An application for a library card is available at the front desk. A form of identification, such as a driver's license, is required.

2. How old do you have to be to apply for a library card?

Library cards can be issued for age 5 and older. Applications for minor children ages 5 to 17 must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian must present identification at the time of application.

3. Why do I have to have my library card to check out?

In order to ensure the identity of the person checking out the items, we require a library card or a photo I.D. The process is more efficient and secure using the library card than asking for confidential information such as birthdate and address to confirm the person's identity.

4. What do I do if I have lost my library card?

A library card can be replaced for free if it's the first replacement or if it has been more than a year since the last replacement card was issued. For a second replacement card within a year, a fee of $3.00 must be paid. A patron must also pay any fines on the account before a new card can be issued.

5. Can I renew my books?

Books, DVDs, audiobooks, etc. can be renewed over the phone, at the front desk, or through a patron's online account. In order to renew online, a PIN must be set up on the patron's account. This can be done at any time, in person or on the phone.

6. Can I request a book if the library doesn't have it?

The library tries to accommodate as many requests as possible. Books on The New York Times Bestseller's List as well as those in popular demand have priority. Books that have older copyright dates, are out of print, or are less popular can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan is a service in which our library borrows the book or item from another library. A fee of $1.00 is required to cover a portion of the postage. A person must have an account in good standing (fines of $2.00 or less and no overdue items) in order to check out or order an Interlibrary Loan.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. When and where are council meetings?

The council meets the first and third Monday of every month at 6:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall located at:
305 S. Third St.
Knoxville, IA 50138

2. Is the public allowed to attend council meetings?

Yes, citizens are encouraged to attend. Each council meeting has a public comment period for citizens to speak to the council on issues that are not on the meeting agenda. Citizens can request to make a comment on an agenda item when that item is being discussed by the council.

3. How do I get an issue on a City Council meeting agenda?

Citizens may contact the mayor, a council member, the city clerk, or the city manager to request an item be placed on a future council agenda for discussion.

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1. How old do you have to be to use the sauna and hot tub?

You must be 14 years old and older to use the sauna and hot tub.

2. When is the sauna and hot tub open?

The sauna and hot tub are open during open swim, lap swim, adult open swim, and aqua size.

3. How do you register for a program, challenge, or event?

You can register at the Recreation Center front desk located at:
800 S. Park Lane
Knoxville, IA 50138

You must fill out the registration form and pay to reserve your spot. We do not take registration over the phone.

4. Can I register for a program, challenge, or event after the deadline?

Deadlines are put in to place to plan for a program. We typically take registration for months prior to a deadline. We do not accept late registrations.

5. Do I need to register for fitness classes?

Fitness classes are drop-in; there is no need to register. Fitness classes are included in your membership or daily admission.

6. Do I need to register for fitness challenges?

You must pre-register for these. There are non-member and member fees with the fitness challenges. There are a minimum and maximum number of participants in each fitness challenge.

7. Where can I get the latest program guide?

Program guides are printed and distributed twice a year. Guides are also available on our website as well as at the Recreation Center.

8. How old do you have to be to use the cardio, weight, and circuit rooms?

High school and up may use these rooms during our building hours. Sixth through 8th graders may use the rooms with an adult after completing our Kids and Parents on Weights Program. Once you have completed 8th grade, that summer you are able to use the rooms by yourself.

9. When can I use the racquetball court?

The racquetball court may be reserved during our building hours. We have racquets, racquetballs, and goggles that may be checked out at the front desk for your use.

10. Do I need to bring a padlock to lock up my valuables?

We encourage you to bring a padlock to lock up your valuables for the day. All padlocks must be removed when the building closes.

11. Does the Recreation Center close for inclement weather?

Staff will make every effort to keep the facility open during inclement weather. The facility may close early due to a snow storm. The pool will close during a storm that produces lightning. The pool will be closed for 30 minutes until all lightning has moved out of the area.

12. Can the Recreation Center be rented by outside groups or individuals?

The Recreation Center may be rented after hours for birthday parties, prom parties, church groups, etc. All rentals must occur 30 minutes after the facility closes to the general public. We offer a whole facility rental, pool rental, or gymnasium rental.

13. Can Auld Park Baseball Field and Young’s Park Softball Field be rented?

One or both fields may be rented for practices, games, or tournaments. Recreation Center programs and events take priority. Rentals are secured based on field and staff availability.

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1. How can I get a Knoxville Police Department patch?

The Knoxville Police Department receives numerous requests for police patches each year. It is our policy to only honor requests are made by law enforcement employees on a department letterhead that include a patch in trade. If you meet these standards mail your patch and request to:
Knoxville Police Department
305 S. Third St.
Knoxville, IA 50138

A Knoxville patch will be sent to you.

2. How do I become a Police Officer in Knoxville?

KPD only accepts applications when there is an opening. Applicants who meet the basic requirements are invited to test for the position. The Knoxville Civil Service Board then certifies a list of applicants for the Chief to choose from. That list is used for any openings in the 12 months after it is created. The final applicant then goes through a background investigation including psychological testing and a medical physical. Once the applicant has passed all phases an offer of employment is made and the new officer begins a 12 month probation with KPD.

KPD follows the requirements set out by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Applicants must be 18, have graduated high school or possess a G.E.D., have uncorrected vision in each eye no worse than 20/100, and pass a fitness test. A link to the Academy is included with this answer. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

3. I need to be fingerprinted for a job application. Where do I go?

At this time KPD does not fingerprint the general public for non-criminal matters. People needing to be fingerprinted may contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 641-828-2220 to have their fingerprints taken.

4. What is the Knoxville Snow Ordinance, when does it go into effect, and how can I be notified?

The Knoxville Snow Ordinance is designed to allow City crews to more easily plow City streets. It makes it illegal to park any vehicle on any City street when it is in effect. Vehicles found on the street may be cited ($25 fine) and/or towed. The Knoxville Snow Ordinance generally goes into effect any time we expect to receive one inch or more of snow. Once declared, the Knoxville Snow Ordinance stays in effect until the storm ends AND the street has been plowed from curb to curb or 24 hours has passed since the storm ended. It is announced on all local media and this web site. You may sign up to be notified by email or text message on the Notify Me section of this web site.

5. How may I ride along with a Police Officer?

The Police Department does allow civilian ride alongs. The ride must be pre-approved and a waiver must be signed. If the rider is under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the waiver. The ride along form may be found below. Ride Along Form

6. How can I get a Knoxville Police Department patch?

The Knoxville Police Department receives numerous requests for police patches each year. It is our policy to only honor requests made by law enforcement employees on department letterhead that include a patch in trade. If you meet these standards mail your patch and request to:

Knoxville Police Department
305 S. Third St.
Knoxville, IA 50138

A Knoxville patch will be sent to you.

7. May I use a golf cart or UTV on City streets?

Yes, if you first get a permit from the Police department for a golf cart. To get a permit you must pay a fee, show proof of insurance, and have the unit inspected. Inspection is to insure the unit has a bicycle safety flag, a visible safety triangle, and no obvious defects making the unit unsafe. For UTVs you must have it registered with the state, proof of insurance, unit has a bicycle safety flag, a visible safety triangle, no obvious defects making the unit unsafe, and follow city ordinances.  Call the PD at 641-828-0541 to get an application or to arrange an inspection for your golf cart.