TOLEDO – As the sun descended through the clouds, closing out another chilly fall day, the Toledo City Council meeting started their roll call.

First up on a short list of agenda items was a public hearing regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection Improvements Project. The hearing closed shortly as the public had no comments on wastewater. The council approved a resolution that approved the plans, specifications, proposed form of contract, and engineer’s opinion of probable cost for the project.

Second on the roster was Greg Johnson with Toledo EMS. The council approved making Jesse Brown’s salary hourly and moving one part-time paramedic up to full-time. The full-time paramedic’s wages would be covered by donations until the funds from the new EMS tax becomes available.

Last, but by far not least, the council reluctantly accepted the resignation of Toledo Police Officer Colin Price.

“Mayor (Brian) Sokol, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, members of the council thank you for being so supportive. Chief Quigley, you’ve been there with me since day one, as my sergeant and field training officer; from knowing nothing going into the academy to teaching me everything that I’ve done today. I just want to publicly thank you,” Price said.

Price spoke about the pain and reason for his departure.

“My family life is taking me elsewhere, it hurts me to leave here,” he said. “I will remember this as a positive experience for the rest of my life.”

Mayor Sokol thanked Officer Price for service to the city before offering a humorous reflection. “He never discriminated when he pulled someone over. He’s the one officer that gave me a speed warning,” Sokol said.

The council also approved the advertising for another officer. The public works department reported that the new snow pusher is in and costs $6,500. The loader is also back from being repaired.

Police Chief Dan Quigley reported that between Nov. 25 and Dec. 8 responded to 68 calls to service. Six arrests were made, as well as one juvenile referral, these arrests included five felonies and 20 misdemeanors.

Officer Diaz successfully passed the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy entrance physical test having shaved a minute off his run from his initial test. Diaz will attend the academy in January. During the course of a Toledo Police investigation, a family was found that lacked the basic necessities. With private funds and resources, Toledo officers and one Tama officer purchased much-needed medications, prescription glasses, winter clothing, and enough beds so each member could have their own place to sleep. The department wants to thank The Tama-Toledo Clothes Closet for their assistance in the endeavor.