Tama Mayor Brian Hanus swears in and then pets new Tama Police K-9 Officer Creed. PHOTO BY MICHAEL FIDO DAVIS

TAMA – Lying on the floor in front of the audience of this week’s Tama City Council meeting was a special guest: Creed, a four-legged, tail wagging, K-9 officer was present to be sworn into the Tama Police Department with his partner Logan Andrews. After swearing in the two, Tama Mayor Brian Hanus shook the paws of both officers.

Chelsea Ahrens, STC High School Activities Director and Board President of the STC Rec Board, stood before the council to discuss renting out some of the “paper mill” property. Ahrens said that they will start small, possibly with some hitting and throwing in the facility, and hopefully work on improving the facility. The majority of the council approved moving forward on a deal with the Rec Board. As the city annually donates $5,000 to STC Rec, the deal will likely be that STC Rec can use the facility for free, and the city will lower its annual monetary donation.

The next agenda item also concerned the rental of the “paper mill” property. Judy Welch and The Winter Walkers approached the council about using one of the buildings to walk in during inclement weather. The council approved this, however, some details still need to be ironed out.

Two resolutions regarding Urban Renewal TIF requests were approved by the council.

A resolution regarding the Iowa DOT Fifth Street realignment was approved. The letting for bids will start soon and the resolution made it so that the city clerk could sign some documents on behalf of the Mayor.

Tama Police K-9 Officer Creed being sworn in with his bipedal partner in law enforcement, Logan Andrews. PHOTO BY MICHAEL FIDO DAVIS

The current Tama Cemetery sexton is planning to retire in February, so the council approved advertising for the position.

The last change order and pay request regarding the waste water screen was approved. The screen has already been installed and the final payment was approximately $6,000.

The 2023 audit was completed and the findings were approved.

Public Works reported putting up the town’s Christmas decor.

The library is upgrading its phone systems.

EMS reported receiving two out of the four pediatric bags they are acquiring. The bags are being funded by local donations and will help in the treatment of children in emergency situations.

The fire department reported that there have been a few accidents recently and their 5-ton truck is having motor problems.

The Tama Police Department reported having received 231 calls to service between Oct. 18 and Nov. 18. Of the 231 calls, five were for domestic disturbance, two for reckless driving, and one (1) for identity theft.