Tama Library board member Deb Hanus (standing) presents the Tama Council with paperwork documenting the benefits of the Tama Library keeping accreditation. Members of the library board were before th council to request a funding increase for fiscal year 2022. The council held a regular meeting Monday, June 7 in council chambers at the Tama Civic Center. After reviewing the information the council took no action on the request stating there is no money in the budget. Allison Graham/News Chronicle

Library board members including Deb Hanus and library director, Julie Shook, came before the council Monday evening to make a request to increase the budget by $25,476.

The library budget was cut for fiscal year 2022 due to the need to hire part time employees for the ambulance department because of volunteer shortages.

The library was making the request in order to remain accredited through the State of Iowa.

Benefits of being an accredited library include services from the state including open access and Interlibrary Loan, some financial assistance, boosts chances of acquiring grants as an accreditation institution.

Being accredited also requires the library to meet standard including being open some mornings, evenings and weekends, requires full staffing, requires an up to date collection of books, requires library to be open in accessible hours, requires director to receive regular training and certification, requires board members to receive training, requires regular reports from director to keep accreditation and moves the library toward continued excellence.

The council took no action on the request.

“We had to lower the budget for a reason because there is not enough money in the budget, so that is my only concern,” Emily Babinat said.

“We sat here together and looked at the budget as a council and fine combed it. We looked to cut where we could cut. That’s my thing, where do we get the money?” Matt Beatty said.

Tama County Economic Development

Tama County Economic Development Director, Katherine Ollendieck, gave an update to the council about ongoing development in the county. Ollendieck discussed the National Beef expansion however there are not many updates at this point. She is looking to do a housing needs assessment with employees.

Street Closing for The Pump

Street Closing for The Pump was approved by the council. The Pump will be holding bike days on 3rd Street on Sundays through June, July and August from 2-6 p.m. They will be having outside bands.

The Pump recently did a trial run and according to co-owner Nate Doran they had 50-60 bikes come through.

The council also approved the closing of 3rd Street to Siegel on Saturday, June 26 for a fundraiser for Darren Fogle from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. The is a traveling event and The Pump is hosting this summer.

Building Official appointment

For the past several months the council has been discussing how to handle building ordinances, enforcing building ordinances and building permits. The council is now moving forward with a plan which includes the creation of new duties and a new position.

Don Weitzel was approved as a temporary building and zoning official. These duties will now be included in his normal duties with the ambulance department.

Jamie Youngbear was approved as the ordinance enforcement officer. The position will be funded through the Tama Police Department until a permanent funding source is found. When working as an enforcement officer Youngbear will receive $20/hour and will be working around 20 hours a week as the ordinance enforcement officer.

A committee to discuss further details will also be formed. More details will be discussed at the July 5 council meeting.

According to council member Aaron Haughey some things downtown need to be acted on immediately related to a fee schedule for building and zoning to determine what people can expect to pay for building permits.

The committee will also determine how the city ensures construction is happening appropriately and ordinances are being followed.

Fireworks review

The council approved fireworks usage the weekend before and weekend after July 4. On weekends (Friday and Saturdays) the time span to set off fireworks is Noon-10 p.m. On the 4th the window is Noon-11p.m. The council also voted to raise the fine for violations from $250 to $500.

In other council business

The consent agenda was approved including bills to be paid and approving a liquor license and outdoor service for American Legion pending dramshop.

A public hearing was set for July 6 for the Adoption of Resolution proposing disposal of Real Estate by sale and setting public hearing.

A backflow preventer purchase of $1,950 from Scharnwebers was approved.

A public hearing was set for the adoption of ordinance no. 601.

The council approved a five year maintenance agreement with the DOT. In the agreement the DOT will maintain highway features including ramps and repairs to bridges, provide bridge inspection and highway lighting on freeways.