Tom Leihy resigns from Tampa City Council
Contributing writer
Tom Leihy offered his resignation from the Tampa City Council at the monthly meeting June 6 because he and his family plan to move to Hillsboro before the next meeting. Mayor Jim Clemmer thanked him for his years of service.
In business carried over from the May meeting, Clemmer asked the council whether they wished to contribute to Communities in Schools. Paul Backhus moved to donate $200 to the program. On a second from Leihy the motion carried.
The mayor informed council that Stutzman Refuse Disposal is willing to participate in a city-wide cleanup day on the same basis as last year. A Thursday will be designated for leaving appliances and other heavy items at the curb for pickup at no extra charge. The date must be approved by the transfer station. The council decided to request June 30 for Tampa's cleanup date with June 23 as a second choice.
Wilbert Backhus said he asked Stan Utting, manager of Agri-Producers, Inc., whether he could provide better drainage for their property immediately west of town to prevent water from running across his and other properties at the west side of the city. This had been a particularly serious problem during this spring's heavy rains. Utting asked whether the city could pay part of the cost of such a project and whether grant money is available.
"There used to be grant money," commented the mayor, "but it might be easier and cheaper just to do it ourselves. If we got a grant we'd have to have an engineer."
"Yes," agreed Wilbert, "it would take years to get a grant."
The council agreed the problem should be addressed, because of damage to streets, as well as private properties.
"What does the city think?" asked Wilbert. "Should it be all the elevator's cost?"
"It would benefit the city," Leihy remarked. He recommended consulting Gil Makovec and Larry Bina about solutions to the problem. "They have done a lot of that kind of work."
The council came to a consensus that it would be appropriate for the city to help fund the project, but the first step is to investigate what the price tag would be.
Clemmer said he would find out from Rose Mary Saunders whether an urgent needs grant might be available. If so, this type of grant might be approved within 60 to 90 days.
Clemmer said the city needs to start soon to uncover manholes in preparation for the sewer cleaning project, which is to be done in late July or August.
"The trouble is we don't know exactly where all of them are," Paul Backhus said.
"Don Beisel, sewer supervisor, should have a list," said Wilbert Backhus. "He and I located all of them, measured distances, and made a list."
There was some discussion about whether or not to put risers on the manholes. Clemmer said the company doing the cleaning would raise the manholes for $300 each. No final decision was made.
Clemmer reported receiving a letter from Prairie Pals requesting a contribution from the city toward the cost of the Easter egg hunt. It was approved to give the organization $50.
Two concerns were raised by Donna Backhus, city clerk. First, some vacant properties in town are in deplorable condition, having a negative impact on the city's appearance. The clerk agreed to try to find the people responsible for those properties and ask them to remove trash, mow yards, and provide for general maintenance.
Second, she called it to the council's attention that some residents have not paid sewer fees. "Should I put it on their notices that if fees are not paid, it will go on their taxes?" Backhus asked. The consensus of the council was this action should be taken.
Tom Moldenhauer asked about spraying for mosquitoes, which are becoming very prevalent.
"We're on the list for spraying," the mayor replied, "but conditions have to be just right. It has been way too wet."
Bills approved for payment included $59.78 for stop signs at the intersection of Main and Third streets, $106.79 to Martin-Marietta for rock, $54.87 to Dalke Construction for hauling the rock, and a number of routine bills.
Agent receives recognition
Jayson Hanschu, Hillsboro, an agent of American Family Insurance, recently was named an All American Agent by American Family Insurance Group.
Hanschu has been an agent with American Family since September 1998.
Selection is based on sales of insurance products.
