Supervisor Chairman Mark Doland presenting Tama County Maintenance Supervisor Dirk Henle with a token of appreciation for all of his hard work. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SIPPY CUP DAVIS

As the sun sat high among the clouds like a lemon resting among cotton, the usual group of citizens gathered for this week’s Supervisors meeting. It started off with the annual report from Tama County Engineer Ben Daleske, who stated that they are finishing up dirt work on the 340th Street bridge this week. The last section of the regrade for K Avenue, North of the shop, to 270 Street is being worked on.

They are cleaning the ditch and reshaping the road of 370th Street East of H Avenue. The spray patcher will be out this week, also Tuesday is the letting for the paving of E66. The supervisors also approved hiring Lane Hess for the open bridge crew laborer position.

After the Supervisors passed a resolution last week to remove Craig Sash from the Tama County Zoning Board, Mr. Sash exercised his right to request a public hearing on the subject. The supervisors this week approved to set Sash’s hearing for the Monday, June 30 meeting.

The supervisors had an informational discussion with Together We Can (TWC), a mental health peer support group. After the recent closure of Center Associates in Tama and the state’s mental health takeover in July, the supervisors are actively seeking solutions to fill the ever-enlarging gap in local mental health support. Together We Can is a free peer support group with offices in Marshalltown. TWC offers multiple classes and one-on-one support with state-certified peer support specialists. TWC strives to give people the skills and knowledge to keep people well with available mental health education. Together We Can is planning to be available at the Tama Prairie Ridge office one afternoon a week.

Maintenance Supervisor Dirk Henle was recognized for outstanding service with a cup purchased by Chairman Mark Doland. The custom cup is adorned with a picture of the Tama County courthouse and the words, “Courthouse Clock Guru.”

Hope Hix was appointed to the Norma Anders Public Library Board.

The supervisors approved the resignation of Nikki Novak from the Board of Adjustment, right before approving the appointment of Nancy Smith as her replacement on the board. Smith was one of two applicants who had already been interviewed for a different open slot on the board. The other applicant that interviewed for the position, was unavailable currently to take the job.

Claims totaling $188,081.30 were approved.