Contributing writer
Several issues were discussed April 5 at a Tampa City Council meeting.
Mayor Tim Svoboda said some residents had been using public bathrooms on Main Street as their own, even hooking up hoses to faucets and filling barrels with water. The decision was made to lock the bathrooms and make them available to the public during special occasions such as the annual Tampa State Bank hog roast.
The council also decided to lock the shelter house in the park and require those wanting to use it checking out a key. The building had been a frequent target for vandalism.
The ongoing problem of dogs running at-large was discussed. A registered letter will be sent to dog owners with a final warning. If the dogs continue to run loose in town without a collar, the sheriff’s department will pick them up. The dogs will be kept for six days. If the owners do not pay the boarding bill and claim the animals, they will be euthanized.
Council members had received complaints about skunks in town. Svoboda said he knew of someone who traps skunks for the scent sacks. He was instructed to contact the individual.
Willis Herbel said a resident had asked him about posting speed limit signs at the east and west city limits on 330th Road. Discussion followed regarding who was responsible for the signs — the city or the county. Svoboda said he would consult with the county commission.
Councilman Don Zaideman said he obtained information about baseballs. He was told that to limit the distance hits travel, a cork composite ball should be used. Zaideman also suggested team representatives sign agreements to pay for damages, injuries, and legal fees from balls hit over the fence.
“Lincoln Street and the homes on the other side of it are not part of the ball park,” Zaideman said.
The council decided input from team members should be sought before establishing a new policy. Svoboda said he would invite some of the players on the men’s team to the next meeting.
“If they don’t come, then they will just have to accept whatever decision we make,” Councilman Ty Peterson said.
In other business, the council approved the servicing of a fire extinguisher at the senior center that needed to be refilled at a cost of $250.
Signs will be posted at the city’s sewer facility to deter trespassers. The council will determine the proper way to post them.
Payments of $2,000 to Ranson Financial Consultants and $18,000 to APAC Kansas Shears Division were approved and will be paid from the sewer grant fund.