The proposed Department of Transportation school speed zone on U.S. Highway 63 in Tama is designated by yellow markers. -Dept. of Transportation aerial

Iowa Department of Transportation approval for establishment of a school speed zone on U.S. Highway 63 (Harding Street) brought favorable comments from the Tama City Council Monday night. Officials have called for a reduced speed limit in this area for some time.

However, several council members called for extending the zone to the north of the point selected in the DOT plans.

This extension would establish the school zone north of the entrance for football visitors parking and the high school baseball field.

Last week, South Tama School Board President Michelle Yuska told The News-Herald she had asked for this layout. She said DOT officials had rejected it because the location did not involve actual school time activities and it would extend into Toledo.

Curiously, as Council Member Kenny McAdoo pointed out the proposed DOT agreement says, in part, “The beacons will also operate for events during the school year.”

Also to be resolved is ongoing costs associated with solar-powered signals and signs.

The DOT will initially pay for the cost and installation according to an agreement provided to the City of Tama. The cost of repairs and maintenance would fall to the City of Tama or South Tama School District or both.

Tama Police Sgt. Jason Bina told council members Monday he checked with Traer city officials about the school signals on U.S. Highway 63 there. He said he was told the signals and ongoing costs were paid by the DOT not Traer.

Tama Mayor Dan Zimmerman said he would direct Public Works Director John Lloyd to contact the DOT officials to attempt to resolve these issues.

Hours for the 30 mph school speed zone to be in place are 30 minutes prior to school start, during open campus lunch from 11:30 a.m.- 12:50 p.m. and 3:05 p.m.-3:50 p.m. The exception is the early dismissal on Wednesday when the zone would be in effect from 2:05 p.m.-2:50 p.m.

No action was taken by the council Monday night.

Safety Spells Savings

Matt Zmolek, Independent Insurance agent, confirmed for council members Monday night the cost of Workmen’s Compensation insurance will take a big drop for the city in the period beginning April 1.

The city had been paying about $130,000 annually for coverage due to claims made some three years ago.

This expense will drop to $32,054, Zmolek said.

Since then the claim record has been reduced greatly, Zmolek said. in addition, he pointed to the value of the regular safety meetings conducted for city employees.

New Fire Truck

Delivery of a new fire department pumper truck is expected this week. Fire Chief Paul Ellenbecker said the fire engine being replaced will not be taken out of service nor the new one used until firefighters can have two to three training sessions on operations.

He said many of the controls on the new unit are push-button as opposed to levers and will work automatically after activation.

The new truck was purchased at cost of $275,000.

It replaces a 30-year-old fire truck. Ellenbecker said he will seek offers for the old truck after the new one is fully operational/

In other business:

the council approved second reading of an ordinance raising municipal water rates to $15.17 per month for the first 2,000 gallons used and $3.46 for each additional 1,000 gallons. This is a hike of two dollars for the initial usage and one dollar for additional consumption. The raise is projected to produce about $10,000 in additional revenue annually which will be reserved in a fund for water system improvements.

approved Maria Chavez as a driver for the Tama Ambulance service.

approved Community Development Block Grant rehabilitation payments totaling $17,955 for a home at 115 McClellan to Quality Roofing and $2,406 to AAA Budget Environmental for a home at 1006 McClellan.

approved an over-the-counter liquor sales license renewal for the Tama-Toledo VFW Club.

discussed appointment of a city council member to the Emergency Management Board.