The new Tama County Engineer, Ben Daleske, got to meet the Toledo city council at this Monday’s meeting. Ben stood tall, reading from the papers in his trapper keeper, and pitched repairing the bridge on 300th Street. A grant will be applied for, that would take the bulk of the cost, but the county and the city of Toledo will end up throwing in a few pennies for it.

The other item that led to the discussion was the purchase of playground equipment for Toledo Heights Park. Along with some money from the budget, $6,200 will be grant-funded. Three options, with mock-ups and prices, were on the table. After much thought, deliberation, and several minutes of discussion in which, at one point, the Mayor wondered if some kid’s opinions wouldn’t be helpful. The council decided to go with option one.

A few changes were approved to the Reinig Manager contract so that Kent Campbell can work with a partner.

A resolution was passed transferring funds for upcoming Aquatic Bonds and appropriation.

The council heard the Annual Urban Renewal report and approved it.

The council approved the FY23 City Street Finance Report, which showed they have, as of June of this year, roughly $175,000.

The part-time internship of Ritchie Jiminez in the water and wastewater departments was approved. Ritchie split his time between the Tama and Toledo water departments and school. He will be paid minimum wage.

Sean McFate’s resignation from the public works department was accepted, and it was authorized to advertise and hire for a replacement.

Kendall Jordan reported that the public works department is still out trimming trees, then they will move on to street patching.

Chief Dan Quigley reported that between Aug. 14 and 27, they responded to 119 calls to service, and six arrests were made. Vern Jefferson has been working for two weeks and is getting along great within the schools. Vern will have basic School Resource Officer certification in the week of Sept. 11. The department received a faulty dash cam as they were having their old ones upgraded, the faulty cam will be replaced for free.

The city clerk had the auditor visit and she is starting on the Annual Financial report.