Tampa city council supports CIS
Contributing writer
At their meeting July 1, the Tampa City Council decided to continue support at the same level for Communities in Schools. Mayor Jim Clemmer told the council of a request for support from Linda Ogden and asked what they wished to do.
"I think since we started we ought to continue, at least for a few years," said Paul Backhus.
After brief discussion, Reuben Kerbs moved to send $200 for CIS, the same amount contributed last year. On a second from Wilbert Backhus the motion carried unanimously.
Paul Backhus reported that Larry Steiner had brought the new mower to town. He also said the repairs had been completed on the city's tractor, which had not needed as much work as they had feared. He also suggested getting another load of paving material for the access road to the elevator.
The mayor reported that Rose Mary Saunders had been here, and they had filed the paper work to implement the demolition grant. Three companies have been asked to inspect the old high school building for asbestos.
Clemmer asked whether the council wanted to bring out another trash trailer for the city's cleanup campaign. The cleanup had been a success with two trailers filled "super full." The council decided it probably would not be practical to bring out a third trailer.
Tom Moldenhauer had asked about getting a longer culvert for his drive, since he has added a second garage. "I don't know how much we've usually furnished," Paul Backhus said.
Wilbert Backhus commented, "If he has about 15 feet there, that's about all the city should furnish. Isn't it?"
The council decided to find out whether the city can buy a culvert from the county and what the cost would be before making a decision on the matter.
There was some discussion of the roofing torn off the large building on Main Street by the spring wind storms. The block in question includes the post office and some vacant areas, all owned by an absentee landlord.
"If those roofs aren't repaired, the building will start falling down," said Paul Backhus.
Clemmer said he had talked to the owner, who said he had insurance to cover the damage, so he did not know why he is not taking action.
"What do you think about giving Tom (Leihy) some money for building that sandbox at the ball field?" asked the mayor.
Leihy had volunteered to do the work as a community service, but the council recognized that he had invested a lot of time in the project. "I think it ought to be worth $50," said Paul Backhus. "If we at least give him that much, he'll know we appreciate it."
On a motion by Reuben Kerbs, seconded by Paul Backhus, the council voted to pay Leihy $50. (Leihy, who is on the city council, was not present at this meeting.)
Ronald Mueller, chief of the ambulance crew, and Jesse Brunner, fire chief, attended the meeting to discuss issues affecting their departments.
Brunner reported that two pagers have been sent for repairs. He also informed the council of some leaks in the roof over the new addition to the fire station.
There was some discussion of the problem posed by the dip in front of the fire station. Brunner said he had asked two people to submit bids for putting a grating over it, but neither has yet responded.
Mueller and Brunner reported to the council that both departments are struggling with serious problems with communications to the dispatcher from the north end of the county.
As a private citizen, Brunner expressed concern about drainage problems by his place of business. "There already is a crack in my new sidewalk," he said. "If that is from water getting under it, I think the city should pay for the damage."
"What do you suggest that we do?" asked Wilbert Backhus. Nobody had an answer. There was a consensus that the city is plagued with drainage problems in a number of places, but has not been able to find solutions.
"I know one solution," said Clemmer. "We could apply for a grant from drainage control and probably get it." He reported that Saunders had noticed the problem and informed him that grant money was available. However, the city probably would have to come up with a considerable amount of money in matching funds.
Among the bills approved for payment were $522 for paving for the access road to the elevator and $195.86 for materials for a roof over the ball field sandbox.
