It was officially announced during updates at this week’s Tama City Council meeting that the Brian VS Brian dunk tank rematch is on for July 11 at The Toledo Stoplight Festival. Mayor Hanus seemed eager to redeem himself in this second fight of champions.

First up on the agenda was the discussion of doing a CMAR for the sewer project. A representative from Snyder was on hand to explain and answer questions. CMAR stands for Construction Manager At Risk, which is an option to select a contractor to do the job at a fixed cost. The council approved going forward with this while retaining the option to back out.

The council approved the budgeted wage resolution.

The council announced a new community event scheduled for Sept. 13, entitled The Fall Fling. The Fling will have a beer tent, food trucks, and entertainment.

EMS reported that calls are up, with 615 for the year, which is 43 ahead of last year. Transfers have also gone up, performing 50 to 55 a month. EMS Administrator Jimmy Hicklin talked about his new toy the Life Pack 35, among other capabilities this item is able to administer a shock to the heart without EMS personnel having to stop compressions. Ever the bargain hunter, Hicklin found a deal when purchasing the Life Pack 35, paying a simple $53,000, and saving a whopping $1,000. It was also announced that Larry Thomas officially retired from the EMS service.

The Fire Department reported taking the truck out to a church camp for some water spraying activities. A spaghetti dinner was set for Tuesday. The firemen are now experts on the new fire truck after having their official tour of all the buttons.

The Library reported moving forward with the summer reading program in July, with approximately fifty kids already signed up. The Touch a Truck event scheduled for Friday the 27th, which will display a menagerie of large equipment was discussed. A local artist is currently being exhibited and the number of members is continuing to grow.

The Police Department reported having 291 calls between May 12, and June 16. Among these calls were four vandalisms, two weapon calls, and fifty-nine moving violations.

The Public Works Department reported putting in a new hydrant.

Nick Peshel, of the Waste Water Department, had a report that was short, simple, and obvious, as he reported, “It’s hot outside.”