Tama City Councilman Larry Thomas brought forth an idea that could solve the city’s issue with several abandoned and beat up buildings during Monday night’s regular meeting.

A grant the city can apply for would provide up to $500,000 as a five year zero percent interest loan. Thomas is determined to get something done about the properties around the city that need improving, and he believes this grant could be a great step.

Other city council members would want the city to take ownership of these properties after the buildings are torn down or repaired so they can be sold, which would give the city extra funds in the future.

The council approved a motion for Thomas to pursue this loan for up to $100,000, and the council will review it once all of the paperwork has been completed.

During the public comment section, Charlie Betz of the My Home Town — Tama group showed the council his wood-burned design of a QR code that would provide a list of all the businesses in Tama. When fully completed, users would be able to find these codes that could give visitors and locals a place to get information on the services and businesses in Tama.

Laura Walker has been operating the Ice Cream Shack, and she received approval for the lease on the property. The lease previously has been a two year lease at a cost of $250 per year.

The need for garbage cans at the Fifth Street park and recreation trail by Cherry Lake was addressed by the council. These sites were approved as well as putting in a garbage can at the skatepark.

IN OTHER BUSINESS THE COUNCIL APPROVED

Approved resolution 12.22

Approved closing of East Third Street to Harmon Street from 10:30 p.m. to midnight

Approved liquor license renewals

Hired Jillene Apfel as city clerk and Josh Wheeler as volunteer ambulance driver

Promoting Tyler Ayala-Pagan to detective and Jake Kessler to sergeant