Tama Police Officer Logan Andrews with his new K9 partner. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

TAMA – As the storms brewed, thunder crashed, and lightning flashed across the darkened sky, many gathered for the Tama City Council meeting. Nolan Peshel was first up on the agenda. The child entrepreneur stood in front of the council members as the wind howled outside the windows.

Mr. Peshel gave his pitch to place a small candy vending machine in the hallway. Nolan has vending machines in other locations in the local area, and after answering a few questions, was approved to add the Civic Center to his list.

Mr. Peshel the senior was next up to talk about the Wastewater gearbox. The current gearbox is 30 years old and leaks. The council approved acquiring a new one which is projected to arrive in 25 days.

An amendment to the Snyder culvert rehab contract was approved. Also regarding Snyder is a change to the lift screen. Concrete has to be added to the back costing $5,922.

The current police policy of being able to buy up to two additional weapons for officers and the city being reimbursed for the weapon out of the officer’s paycheck was tweaked. Now officers have the option to get an additional handgun instead of a rifle.

Tama Police Officer Brandon Wall’s resignation was accepted by the council. After losing a two-legged officer, with the next agenda item, the Tama Police Department welcomed a four-legged officer to the department. The K-9 officer contract was approved by the council before Officer Logan Andrews introduced the newest officer to those in attendance.

Next up, were bids for a new cleaner of the Civic Center. After opening three bids the council went with Paige Nehring for $750 a month.

A temporary easement for the 5th Street realignment was approved. The council approved getting three new credit cards with an increased rate from a new company.

It was approved to post an ad for the Public Works Director position. Salary will be between $35,000 and $40,000 depending on qualifications.

An industrial ice machine for use by all departments was approved. Each department will pitch in approximately $300.

Taylor Upah was approved for summer help, watering trees and flowers. A resolution then passed stating that summer help would receive $15 an hour.

Police Chief Jason Bina reported on picking up the K9 officer. Mayor Hanus wished to thank Officer Tyler Ayala-Pagan for going above and beyond. Officer Ayala-Pagan responded to a call of a car in the ditch in water, and along with EMS, and the fire department, got in the water and helped the passengers of the car out, as others stood by.

Between June and July 15, the Tama Police Department received 313 calls to service. These calls include six calls for harassment, two scams, and 11 noise complaints.

The fire department reported that everything is going well, and some younger people may be joining the department soon.

EMS reported averaging 115 calls a month, even with the amount of transfers taking a small dip. Tama EMS paid off their new ambulance in just 11 months, and a new load system has been purchased to be put in the older rig which will be utilized mainly for transfers.

The nuisance department has been doing a lot of mowing. The water department reported that the R-O-Skid has arrived, and the pilot project will be starting very soon.

The Tama Louise and Lucile Hink’s new library director Kris Collins gave her first report to the council, explaining some of the changes she has in mind. Collins reported that the summer program is done for the year, and the website and Facebook page have been figured out. Multiple new events are planned starting in August. Hours will be experimentally extended, and everything is still being organized.