Tampa residents urged to return surveys
Contributing writer
Rose Mary Saunders was present at the Tampa City Council meeting to discuss progress on a possible grant for the sewer project. Of the 60 surveys sent to residents in an effort to document the percentage of low and moderate income citizens only 34 have been returned. Saunders said she would fax a list of those who have not answered and a copy of the required form, in case someone has misplaced the original. Residents are urged to return these surveys immediately. Unless the city can prove it has the required percentage of low and moderate income people, it cannot qualify for the grant — a loss of around $75,000.
Saunders also informed the council that one or more representatives of the city must meet with the engineer and members of the KIAC committee, which consists of representatives from various state agencies.
Dan Holub, county commissioner, reported that Bobbie Strait is proceeding with the investigations requested at the last meeting. Progress in implementing an interlocal agreement allowing the sheriff to enforce city ordinances is still halted, awaiting a reply from the state concerning requirements for reporting citations to the state. He said the requirement to report all convictions to the state was intended to apply to criminal activity, not ordinary city ordinances. When the language of the law is clarified, it may not be necessary to report violations.
Tom and Dee Duggan and Gary and Carole Spohn were present representing the Lions Club in regard to installing restrooms at the ball field. Gary said, "On behalf of the Lions Club, the things we did at the park ran into more money than we thought. There won't be enough for the restrooms, at least not right now. Can the city help us out?"
The consensus was that with the income from concessions at the ball diamond and other fund-raising efforts, they may have the money by fall, if the city would pay the contractor now and wait for the money to be repaid.
"We are talking to business people," said Tom, "and some of them have promised to help."
Since there were no concrete numbers available on either the total cost of the project or the amount the Lions Club has raised, no definite action was taken. However, there was a consensus on the council that the city will be willing to help.
The Lions also reported on the work done at the park. The shelter house has been enclosed with a serving window available. "The FFA came and painted the shelter house and the picnic tables," said Carole.
Mayor Jim Clemmer asked, "Do we want to buy a mosquito sprayer? They aren't cheap."
Some council members thought the city would be better off continuing to hire the city of Herington to do the job, even though their charges have increased. There was some speculation about whether Durham and/or Ramona might share the cost of the spraying equipment. No definite action was taken.
Wilbert Backhus reported that chains on the swings at the park have become rusty, and one is broken. Tim Svoboda moved to purchase new chains for the swings. On a second from Willis Herbel, the motion carried.
Among bills approved for payment were $438.70 for sewer chemicals and $120 for extra work on the sewer at the house on Limestone owned by Bob Mueller.
