The annual joint Tama-Toledo city council meeting was held this week at the Tama Civic Center, before the usual Tama City Council meeting. The councils first heard an update about the Aquatic Center. Repairs, improvements, and attendance were all talked about with the 20-year-old pool.

Up next was Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley and School Resource Officer Vern Jefferson, who gave a report and update about the SRO program — 270 calls to service, which included 66 student/public assists, 53 meetings/ trainings, 94 documented routine security checks, two sex assaults, nine disturbances/fights,16 narcotic complaints, and 67 other bits of documented activity which ranged from vandalism to traffic. Two cases of possession of a controlled substance, three cases of possession of a tobacco product, and one sex assault were all referred to Tama County Juvenile Court. Also noted was that throughout the school year, two adults were charged with a violation of the sex offender registry; both individuals were found in violation on school property. Both were charged with a Class “D” felony for the violation. It was noted that student and staff contacts are higher than documented, and the need for consistent communication is needed.

The STC Rec Board was up next and talked about being around for 50 years. They talked about still having high interest kids, and making the major purchase of the back stop fencing for the Toledo Heights park. The Rec board also discussed the need for a long term facility, as the renting of a portion of the Old Paper Mill is a temporary solution. The old middle school gym was mentioned as a possible solution. They may be asking for more money from both cities in the next year.

The shortest update came from the sidewalk project. It was simply mentioned that the project is moving forward, including the light.

During the regular Tama City council meeting, the council approved the final payment for the 5th Street project.

The council then approved the water write-offs.

Kelly Purk, who was behind this year’s Haunted Mill, talked before the council. Purk said that they had 300-500 people go through the attraction on Halloween night alone. However, Purk doesn’t think she will be able to do the Haunted Mill in future years. She stated that she learned a lot, and that the space is very large and ultimately it won’t be cost effective to do it in the years to come.

The council approved a letter of support for a grant for the library.

The fire department reported that the trucks are moved around and that they’ve had 11 calls recently. Some equipment has also been purchased.

EMS administrator Jimmy Hicklin reported that he had just finished writing eight grants. The month has been busy for calls, and they were averaging seven calls a day.