One of the biggest items on the agenda for this week’s Toledo council meeting was done begrudgingly. The council did approve of the preconstruction agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for the US 63 roundabout, but acrimonious feelings were expressed in the discussion that preceded it. Jokes, barbs, and comments about the roundabout were thrown out during the discussion; City Attorney Michael Marquess went so far as to call it a stupid idea. The city will be in charge of taking care of the street lights that will overlook the roundabout. Also, the sewer and water issues that need to be fixed before construction will cost approximately $390,000. With seemingly little to no choice in the matter, the council approved the agreement. The project is slated to start next year.

The council approved the Toledo Heights soccer field to be used by an STC Alum with STC Rec for a Saturday soccer skills camp from June 7th through July 19th.

The council approved refunding half of the deposit to Connie Armstrong in a dispute over the rental and subsequent cancellation of the Reinig Center. The council is also thinking of revising the rental contract where it comes to cancellations.

The council approved the amendment of the city ordinance chapter 52. This ordinance pertains to the serving of nuisance abatement. The amendment adds more detail and clarification. A second and third reading of the ordinance was waived.

The council moved around some money by approving a resolution authorizing the transfer of funds for debt obligations, budgeted fiscal year end, and investment purposes.

A request to waive assessments on a parcel of land contingent on purchase was approved.

A release of a lien on the 134 E. High St. was approved.

The Public Works Department reported placing equipment and finishing up the backstop fence out at the park. Also at the park, the shelter floor has been levelled. The pool is running, a lot of mowing is going on, and street patching will start soon.

The City Attorney reported working on a second batch of parking tickets, as well as nuisance issues. There has been a summary judgment in the Cynthia McSweeney-Kyle Howe case.

Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley reported that between April 28 and May 11, they received 119 calls to service and made nine arrests. The Chief is getting with the City Attorney to conduct two administrative search warrants. The department is also cracking down on ATVs operating on US63. The Chief stated that under Iowa Code, ATVs can’t go up and down US63 or go over 35 miles per hour.

During a discussion about a possible ordinance on fireworks, members of the council stated their disapproval of the state government’s actions regarding fireworks and how overreaching they feel it is.

“It’d be nice if they’d stay out of our business, and we really didn’t need a city council if they’re just gonna tell us what to do all the time,” Councilwoman Cathy Cook said.