A call to update a 2009 Safe Routes to School Study was met favorably by the Toledo City Council on Monday, June 11. Up to one-third of the cost, to a limit of $1,000, for Snyder and Associates Engineers to revise the study was authorized.
It is expected the recently formed Wellness Coalition will ask the same commitment form the South Tama School District. Members have already made the request to the Tama City Council who are expected to take it up at their June 18 regular meeting.
Linda Rosenberger, executive director of Tama County Public Health and Home Care, and Joyce Legg, a Public Health RN, told the Toledo City Council of unsafe walking routes along the U.S. Highway 63 between Toledo and Tama.
They explained a recent "Walkability Study" of the area found a number of safety issues including lack of sidewalks and safe highway crossings.
They said no action had been taken following completion of the 2009 Safe Routes study, likely because of a $2.1 million estimated price tag for proposed work.
They said the study upgrade will allow for application for a $250,000 Safe routes grant which requires no local matching funds and a $20,000 grant which requires 20 percent local participation.
Rosenberger said improving the safety of this route would work hand-in-hand with the effort to promote healthy lifestyles.
They also asked the councii to name one of their members to the group which will decide the course of action in seeking the improvements. The council did not act on this Monday night.
In other business the council:
decided to not refinance Tama-Toledo Family Aquatic Center bonds at this time. An email from Travis Squiers, a Piper Jaffray & Co. vice president, received by Toledo City Clerk Julie Wilkerson on June 5, said the city could get a possible savings of $93,000 if the bonds were refinanced at the same rate the City of Tama had just received. Council member Brian Sokol said members should wait to see what costs are involved with the anticipated new water treatment plant. He said these expenses might be tied into a refinancing arrangement with an overall less cost.
approved advertising locally and in The Des Moines Register for applicants for public works director and police officer vacancies and an advertisement for the Wieting Theatre Rededication event.
approved continuing city employee medical insurance coverage with Blue Cross with a 4.95 percent increase in premium expense.
approved hiring Ken Brown as temporary waste water treatment operator. Brown works for the City of Des Moines as a waste water treatment specialist.
approved a urban renewal agreement with Tama County which allows the county to apply for funding for certain road repairs.
approved closing a portion of East State Street and North Broadway and West High Street parking for the 3rd annual Toledo Stoplight Festival on July 6.
were introduced to new Tama County Economic Development Director Heath Kellogg.
reviewed a building permit for Josh Stull to construct a 180 ft. fence and swimming pool at 302 s. Church St. at a cost of $1,800.