Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol takes the oath of office during Monday night’s city council. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The most interesting agenda item at this week’s Toledo City Council meeting had to do with a plat of land. Listed as Fareway Plat 1 on the agenda, this piece of land was preliminarily approved and then finally approved contingent on Fareway’s signature. This plat of land is planned to be used for a new McDonald’s.

Mayor Brian Sokol was sworn in again, before turning around and swearing in returning council members Cathy Cook and Duane Pansegrau. Former Tama Mayor Doug Ray was also sworn in as a Toledo Council member. As the three council members were sworn in at the same time, the small group said their oath in mumbled unison that was described as a “word salad.”

The Council also approved for EMS to once again advertise for a full time paramedic, as one of their current full time paramedics is leaving to take another position.

The council amended section 70.03 of the Toledo Code of Ordinances regarding traffic code enforcement procedures. This was to raise the amount for the cost of a ticket if it comes to prosecution. This change is not a money grab, but instead simply so that the city doesn’t lose money on the rare occasions they have to prosecute over a ticket.

The council formally approved the adoption of the Iowa LOSAP program.

Toledo city council members Doug Ray, Duane Pansegrau and Cathy Cook were sworn in during Monday night’s meeting. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The council also approved the 28E agreement for Alcohol, Nicotine, and Vapor products compliance between the Toledo Police Department and the Iowa Department of Revenue.

The public works department reported on a few projects that will be starting next year, including the roundabout. The project is supposed to start in April with work on the water and sewer.

Toledo EMS reported 81 runs in November, which brought the year’s total up to 797. EMS Director Jesse Brown also talked about the essential service money that they should be receiving soon.

The Toledo city attorney, Mike Marquess, gave updates on nuisance abatements. Toledo Economic Development Director Katherine Ollendieck talked about the multiple projects they have going on. The city clerk talked about starting on the budget.

Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley reported that between Dec. 8 and 21, they responded to 81 calls for service and made one arrest. The department made sure to protect Santa’s mailbox outside their office. The old squad car is now on GovDeals. Quigley is finishing up the classes he’s been taking. The chief also mentioned that the old middle school shelter house has seen an uptick in graffiti.