This week’s Toledo City Council meeting started with two closed sessions. Between closed session one and two, the council came back into open session to approve the tentative settlement agreement negotiated by EMC in the case of Romero v. City of Toledo, et al. No other action was taken after the second closed session. With this resolution, there are no more pending lawsuits involving former Police Officer Kyle Howe.

Once they were officially off and rolling, the council approved hiring Heather Skinner as a full-time Paramedic.

After much discussion, the council approved an agreement with the State of Iowa for Tobacco and Alcohol Compliance checks. The checks will now be done by the Toledo Police Department. Once or twice a year, at random, the department will see if local establishments will sell tobacco and alcohol to underage individuals. The state will pay $75 per tobacco check and $100 per alcohol check. Council members Vessley and Boll joked about what would happen to the purchased smokes and booze.

After much discussion and controversy, a stop was approved to be put at Ross and Ann streets running both East and West.

The FY26 budget amendment #1 public hearing was set for Oct. 27.

The council approved donating $5,000 to the Toledo Bandstand renovation.

Public Works reported that the sewer UV system is up and running, with the bulk of it done. There was a water main break on State Street. The parking at the park was extended, and they are still waiting on parts for the merry go round. Also, street patching is done.

Some complaints were received about the mowing at the cemetery and grass getting on the stones. This was when the grass was growing at an accelerated rate, and extra mowers were needed to get the job done. The public works department will attempt not to have that happen again.

EMS reported having 76 runs for September, which puts them at 626 for the year. Approximately 40 runs have already been made this month. New computers have been ordered.

Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley reported that between Sept. 22 and Oct. 12, the department responded to 162 calls to service and made 6 arrests. Officer Andrew Bunce is nearing the end of his field training and will soon be out on his own. Patrols along Ross Street have been increased. SRO Vern Jefferson gave a report to the council explaining how things were going at the school.

The City Attorney reported that he has drafted a 28E agreement for the bandstand.

Tama County Economic Development reported on the many things that they are doing.