Boards & Commissions
Learn more about the committees and representatives that continue to work to make Adel a great place to work and live. If you have questions and concerns about specific departments, you may contact the individual or individuals involved using the information below.
Agendas & Minutes
Please use the link above to access City agendas and minutes. Please note that the page will be updated periodically.
If you do not see a particular agenda, please check the Calendar page.
Proposed minutes will be available in agenda packets ahead of the next meeting.
City Council and Mayor
The Adel City Council meets regularly on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. The council reserves the fourth Monday of every month for a second meeting if necessary.
Special meetings and work sessions are scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Meetings are typically held in the council chambers at Adel City Hall. Agendas are typically available on the Friday before the meeting.
Mayor
| Name | Address | Phone | Term* Ends | |
| James F. Peters | jpeters@adeliowa.org | 925 S. 14th Street | (515) 993-4436 | 2026 |
City Council
| Name | Address | Phone | Term* Ends | |
| Rob Christensen | rchristensen@adeliowa.org | 820 Greenwood Hills Drive | (515) 478-3260 | 2026 |
| Shirley McAdon | smcadon@adeliowa.org | 1305 S. 15th Street | (515) 993-4862 | 2028 |
| James West | jwest@adeliowa.org | 28875 Frost Lane | (515) 402-9378 | 2028 |
| Bob Ockerman | bockerman@adeliowa.org | 1401 S. 13th Street | (515) 238-9835 | 2028 |
| Jodi Selby | jselby@adeliowa.org | 1709 Court Street | (515) 657-1315 | 2026 |
Mayor Pro Tem: Shirley McAdon
*Per Iowa Code 376.2, the terms for the mayor and council listed above end at noon on the first day in January which is not a Sunday or legal holiday.
City Council Committees
The City Council committees meet on an as-needed basis when there is an item to be discussed. Typically, the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. is used, but please double-check the City Calendar to confirm.
The purpose of the committees is to plan and develop rules and policies to recommend to the City Council.
If you would like to address a committee regarding a certain issue you may contact a committee Chair or member or call the City Administrator at (515) 993-4525 to be placed on the agenda. The members for each committee are listed below — the Chair is the first name listed for each committee.
Finance and Budget
McAdon, Ockerman, Christensen
What this committee does: Works with staff to provide input and feedback during the budget preparation process. Reviews and makes recommendations on budget issues that occur throughout the year.
Personnel, Negotiating, and Insurance
West, Selby, McAdon
What this committee does: Reviews and negotiates wage and benefit packages for City employees. Reviews and approves various personnel actions and policies. Monitors and reviews claim history and provides input in reviewing and selecting the best insurance programs for the City.
Public Safety
Selby, McAdon, Ockerman
What this committee does: Reviews policy and issues involving the Police and Fire departments, First Responders and Disaster Services.
Water, Sewer, and Sanitation
Ockerman, Christensen, West
What this committee does: Reviews plans and projects related to the sanitary sewer system, public water system, garbage collection, and recycling. Plans future growth and development of the systems and determines policy.
Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks
Christensen, West, Selby
What this committee does: Review issues related to streets, sidewalks alleys, and other concerns related to the street department. Reviews plans for the growth, improvement, and maintenance of the street system.
Community & Economic Development
Ockerman, Christensen, McAdon
What this committee does: Reviews issues related to community and economic development, including residential, commercial, and industrial growth. Reviews potential tax incentives and development agreements. Coordinates with related organizations like the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, MidAmerican Energy, and the State.
Special Committees
From time to time the Mayor may designate a special committee to review and resolve a particular problem or issue.
Other City Boards and Commissions
Library Board
The Library Board sets policy and oversees the operation of the Adel Public Library. Please refer to Chapter 22 of the City’s Code or contact the Adel Public Library for further details. Terms are for six (6) years and expire July 1 of the year listed below.
| Home | Term Ends | |
| Paul Nelson | (515) 770-1731 | 2028 |
| Leslie Banwart | (515) 491-6673 | 2030 |
| Eric Trout | (515) 410-7800 | 2026 |
| Dianne Fredin (chair) | (504) 252-5002 | 2028 |
| Liesl Chaplin | (319) 573-5530 | 2030 |
| Teresa Wichtendahl (rural) | (515) 993-2019 | 2026 |
| Alex Loterbour | (515) 954-0838 | 2028 |
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council regarding the City’s comprehensive plan, land use, changes in zoning, and review of subdivision plans or plats.
This commission assures coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development that will best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and general welfare of the City. Please refer to Chapter 23 of the City’s Code for further details.
The commission meets as needed, though typically reserves the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Terms are for five (5) years and expire July 1 of the year listed below.
| Home | Term Ends | |
| Summer Portzen | (563) 380-2112 | 2025 |
| Danielle Roberts | (515) 897-8718 | 2025 |
| Jerry Adams | (503) 754-4310 | 2029 |
| Patrick Halsey | (515) 491-8100 | 2028 |
| Stephanie Poole (chair) | (612) 275-4000 | 2026 |
| Jonathan Fokken | (515) 473-2839 | 2028 |
| Tim Crannell | (239) 209-0640 | 2026 |
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment is responsible for administrative review of decisions made by the zoning officer and for hearing and deciding on requests for special exceptions and variances to the Zoning Code.
Please refer to Chapters 165.16 and 165.17 of the City’s Code for further details.
The board meets as needed. Terms are for five (5) years and expire on July 1 of the year listed below.
| Home | Term Ends | |
| Larry Crannell | (515) 993-4183 | 2025 |
| Sarah Whittlesey | (515) 201-3132 | 2028 |
| Dan Novelli (Chair) | (515) 322-3078 | 2029 |
| Karen Daniel | (309) 945-3861 | 2028 |
| Dennis Gabler | (515) 306-2503 | 2026 |
Parks & Recreation Board
The Parks & Recreation Board develops policy and rules governing the City’s parks, aquatic center, and cemeteries. The board helps plan overall park development and plans.
The Parks & Recreation Board also serves as the City’s Tree Board.
Please refer to Chapter 24 of the City’s Code for further details.
The Parks & Recreation Board typically meets on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Terms are for three (3) years and expire on July 1 of the year listed below.
| Home | Term Ends | |
| Deb Bengtson | (515) 681-1289 | 2027 |
| Patricia Ehrenfried | (641) 745-0264 | 2026 |
| Jeremy Brancheau | (402) 889-9877 | 2026 |
| Del Christensen | (515) 993-4734 | 2025 |
| Dennis Gabler | (515) 306-2503 | 2025 |
| Robin Todd | (515) 991-6538 | 2026 |
| Maria Steele | (515) 710-2653 | 2027 |
Historic Preservation Commission
The purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission is to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through the recognition, enhancement, and perpetuation of districts and sites of historical and cultural significance.
Please refer to Chapter 25 of the City’s Code for further details.
The commission typically meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Terms are for three (3) years and expire July 1 of the year listed below.
| Home | Term Ends | |
| Rich Hughes (Chair) | (515) 993-4346 | 2027 |
| Deb Christensen | (515) 770-1336 | 2026 |
| Anna Phelps | (515) 314-2390 | 2026 |
| Benjamin Bobier | (515) 423-6092 | 2026 |
| Vonadale ‘Vonz’ Odem | (515) 993-3049 | 2027 |
| Lane Pralle | (515) 608-2808 | 2025 |
| Robert Hall | (515) 993-4264 | 2025 |
Representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority
| Shirley McAdon | (515) 993-4862 |
| Steve Nichols – Alt. | (515) 993-4525 |
Representative to Dallas County Emergency Management Commission
| Jim Peters | (515) 993-4436 |
| Bob Ockerman – Alt. | (515) 238-9835 |
Landfill Representative
| Shirley McAdon | (515) 993-4862 |
Representative to the Dallas County E-911 Commission
| Bob Ockerman | (515) 238-9835 |
Council Representative to Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
| Shirley McAdon | (515) 993-4862 |
Representatives to the Metro Advisory Council
| Jim Peters | (515) 993-4436 |
| Shirley McAdon — Alt. | (515) 993-4862 |
Representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation and Planning Alliance (CIRPTA)
Policy Committee
| Anthony Brown | (515) 993-4525 |
| Kip Overton — Alt. | (515) 993-4525 |
Technical Committee
| Kip Overton | (515) 993-4525 |
| Anthony Brown — Alt. | (515) 993-4525 |
Representatives to the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
| Bob Ockerman | (515) 238-9835 |
Representative to the Dallas County Local Housing Trust Fund, Inc. Board
| Kara Sinnard | (515) 974-5230 |
Representatives to the North Raccoon River Watershed Management Coalition
| Bob Ockerman | (515) 238-9835 |
| Kip Overton | (515) 993-4525 |