1. Hearing no questions or comments during a public hearing the council voted to approve the $3,853,850 budget for fiscal year 2022. Some items of note include an increase in public safety. The budget increased from $992,141 to $1,073,439. The roughly $80,000 increase was due to the purchase of a new vehicle for the police department and salaries. There was a decrease in capital projects from $631,500 in 2021 to $33,500.

The city had discussed bonding $400,000 for library repairs but that was put on hold due to the derecho. The last big capital project was the 5th Street project in 2017-18. The city applied for and received $64,000 from the state for COVID relief. That money will be going to salaries which in turn will mean the library will not have to cut their budget for 2021 as originally anticipated. Property tax valuation going up also made a difference for the city.

2. The council also discussed budget amendments as there were increases in expenses due to the derecho.

The council approved an informal resolution for the IOwa Public Information Board involving a complaint filed by Julie Shook. Larry Thomas refrained from voting stating the ambulance was involved in the matter.

3. Spring cleanup dates were set for April 19-23. Only yard waste will be accepted. The city will be doing one pass through.

4. Aquatic Center Mowing bids will be accepted until March 26. The council voted to up the contract from a one year to three year gig. This will save money in advertising and time. There will be language built into the contract for termination of the contract if the city is dissatisfied with the job done.

5. Building codes were discussed however the item was ultimately tabled. The council would like to gather more info particularly from council member Aaron Haughey who was not present at Monday’s meeting. It was believed Haughey had made a motion on the matter at a previous meeting. Council member Larry Thomas has been leading this charge to update building codes. Other council members including Emily Babinat have raised concerns over who enforces updated codes since the city does not have an inspector. Another concern with updating the codes is if this would make the city liable.

6. Summer help will be hired. Stuart Eisentrager would ideally like to hire two part time seasonal employees. One would work at the cemetery and another would do work where needed. The hourly wage will be $12.

In other council business

•The council approved the purchase of a BobCat excavator for $6,287.10 for stump removals.

•Kelsey Staker has been approved as a volunteer ambulance. She is an EMT and has been working with Toledo Ambulance for the past year.

•Lynn Arp was approved for a volunteer fire position. The Tama Fire Dept has around seven open volunteer positions