City of Tampa considers need for convenience store
Contributing writer
Mayor Jim Clemmer told the Tampa City Council Aug. 5 that he had consulted Chris Costello, city attorney, about the status of the fire station with the formation of the new fire district.
The building also houses the ambulance and the city office. Costello had said the city should either deed or lease the structure to the fire district.
The consensus of the council seemed to be that the fire district should take over the building, rather than leasing it.
The council discussed possible plans for a new building to house the city office. Clemmer asked what the council would think about making the building large enough to house a convenience store. More than one businessperson had expressed interest in operating it if the city built it.
Asked how much space would be needed for the convenience store, the mayor said about 24'x40'. Asked what it would cost to build, he said he had not spent time investigating that because he had waited to see whether the council was interested.
The consensus was that such a facility would be good for the town, if it was economically feasible. The council authorized the mayor to look into the cost of construction and other aspects of the project.
Rose Mary Saunders, co-coordinator for the demolition grant, told the council, "I sent letters to five asbestos testing companies and got bids from two." The low bid was from Integrated Solutions of Wichita. Paul Backhus moved to accept their bid. After a second from Wilbert Backhus the motion carried.
Saunders reported that she had sent notice to the state that the environmental review was completed on the local level. The state review is now in progress. She also presented bills from Architect Bill Morris ($895), Reiss & Goodness ($1994), and Hoch Publishing ($131) for services rendered to this point. Saunders asked the council to approve these bills for payment, so she could then apply for funds from the grant money to pay them. Wilbert Backhus moved and Reuben Kerbs seconded a motion to approve the bills. The motion carried.
There was discussion of the drainage problems on Main Street. It was decided to ask Hi-Plains Sand to examine the situation, and then advise.
Wilbert Backhus suggested getting material to fill cracks in the streets. The mayor said he would ask about that when he calls Hi-Plains.
Clemmer reported that parts have been ordered for the sewer pump. Wilbert Backhus clarified, "We had to pull a pump this morning. It had a rag in it again." Residents are urged to exercise caution in what they put into the sewer system.
The mayor asked whether the city could get signs for the ball field saying alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the field and in the dugouts.
"I suppose we'd better do that for our own safety," said Wilbert Backhus. He then moved to get two signs. Seconded by Tim Svoboda, the motion carried.
The mayor reported receiving a letter of thanks from Linda Ogden for the city's donation to Communities in Schools.
Because of the Labor Day holiday, the September council meeting will be Sept. 3.
