Elaina Martinez is sworn into office on the Tama City Council by Mayor Danny Robinson. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The Tama City Council was joined by a fresh new face at this week’s meeting. Elaina Martinez was appointed the newest council member and sworn in immediately after. Council member Martinez took her spot among the others, and the meeting continued.

Tama Police Officer Tyler Ayala-Pagan, who is currently the interim police Chief, was officially hired as Tama Police Sergeant at $36.75 an hour. A supplemental payment for having filled the role of Tama police chief for 60 days was approved in the amount of $2,000.

A public hearing for a culvert and a public hearing for a budget amendment were both set for June 1. Some changes to the cleaning contract were approved.

The CMAR contracts for the water and wastewater projects were approved. An AEMT contract stating that AEMT tuition assistance will be extended was approved. A new PCC contract was approved.

It was approved to get bids for tear down and haul away of 1306 Harding St. The library department gave the council many updates, including the summer reading program, the Iowa adventure pass, the backpack program, and the Summer reading buddies.

The fire department reported having a busy weekend and having a truck and tractor pull in June. EMS stated that they submitted things for reimbursement from the essential services committee and that they will have a unit at the upcoming tractor pull.

The police department talked about what’s been going on the last few weeks, the dog show at the festival, and a cruiser that is in need of a little work.