Rehabilitation work continued on the business building at 109 West 3rd in downtown Tama. The project is one of a number undertaken by Ed and Marty Hardon in the downtown business district. Ed Hardon continued his call Monday for city action on several downtown properties he says need work. News-Herald/John Speer

Ed Hardon didn’t mince words in describing what he believes are some “junk holes” of commercial buildings in downtown when he appeared before the Tama City Council Monday night, Oct. 5. Along with his son, Marty, Hardon has been responsible for the purchase and rehabilitation of major portions of the downtown Tama area.

However, he continued to voice concerns about the condition of at least four downtown buildings. He claimed the roofs of some of these buildings have collapsed and produced photographs for city officials to view on Monday night.

Hardon had appealed to the council on Sept. 15 after he said a building adjoining his apartment home in downtown Tama had structural problems which had caused “flooding” of his bedroom during a previous rainstorm. He said water runs out the front door of the unoccupied building when it rains.

Mayor Dan Zimmerman told Hardon the city’s building and zoning official, Aaron Yuska, had been advised of the circumstances and was working on them. Hardon said, “I will work with him.”

He said he and his son have been purchasing and fixing up the properties including making apartment renovations on the second floors. He said he recognized retail business is thought to be “dead” in small towns. However, he pointed to a certified public accountant firm, beauty shops, a construction firm office, a laundromat and a cafe which are open in retail space they have renovated. He said the apartments make the buildings able to cash flow.

Work on east side of building on Oct. 6, 2015. News-Herald/John Speer

He said they are looking at a $40,000 renovation of another downtown building for a second cafe. In addition, he said they have a prospect for a building on Harmon Street which will result in a $40,00 – $60,000 investment.

“I hope some other people have some interest and not want to see (Tama) go down the tube,” Hardon said.

He charged the Harmon Street project go-ahead was being hampered by the condition of what is known as “the old Irish Poultry building” on East 3rd Street. He said the property owner is listed as Tama Eagle Aerie Management. He said properties at 106 and 108 West 4th Street which adjoin his buildings are owned by American B & P LLC. Hardon said his research showed the Eagles property was not associated with the Tama-Toledo Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club. Instead, he said both the 3rd Irish building and the 4th street buildings are actually owned by the same person, Allan Richards. The Iowa Secretary of State’s website confirms Richards as listed as “the registered agent or reserving party” of both limited liability corporations.

The council voted 4-0 Monday night ot approve a $25,000 2015 Economic Development and Revitalization loan request from Hardon for a building at 133 West 3rd. This building is planned as the site for the additional cafe, he said.

In other business Monday the council:

set an annual limit on the compensatory time city employees can carryover at 80 hours. They must either use any extra hours by June 30 of each year or they will be paid for them in the July pay period. Council member Kenny McAdoo said this assures the city will not see the possibility of an employee accumulating “200-300 hours” and then requesting a payment in a lump sum which could affect the budget. It is a requirement for government employees to be paid or compensated for time off for extra hours City Attorney Dan Rathjen said.

approved purchase of $11,000 for playground equipment to be placed at Oak Hill Park on the city’s north side. The total amount is made up of a $3,500 grant from the Tama County Community Foundation, a match by the city, a $2,000 private donation and $1,000 donations each from Lincoln Savings Bank and The State Bank of Toledo.

discussed setting a fee or fine for property owners whom do not obtain building permits before beginning construction projects. Action was tabled for further research of the Iowa Code.

approved purchase of a used, 2003 model Freightliner dump truck from Loren Dostal Construction, Toledo, for $62,000. Street Superintendent Stuart Eisentrager said the truck had 34,000 miles and included a bed liner and side-mounted tool box.