Tampa City Council: Improvement funds may be available
Contributing writer
At Tampa's city council meeting July 11, Mayor Jim Clemmer reported a leak in the roof of the senior center after recent heavy rains. Donna Backhus, city clerk, said a repairman from Marion had done a good job on the roof at Tampa State Bank. The council asked her to find out who did that project, so the city could try to hire him.
Backhus said she had talked to Stan Utting, manager of Agri-Producers, Inc., about the drainage project discussed at the last meeting. Utting had said API would pay the entire cost of the project, unless the city chooses to contribute something. This project would address the problem of runoff from API property damaging streets and residences in the west part of the city.
A survey from Kansas Department of Agriculture had been received. The city clerk completed and returned the survey so the city will be considered for some funds which may be available for city improvements.
Clemmer reported some deterioration of the fence at the sewer pond. He had heard of some money which might be available for such purposes. The council asked him to find out more and pursue the possibility of applying for a grant.
Jeanne Rziha came to the meeting to request permission to close the street next to the senior center and elevator the evening of July 30, so the street could be used for her daughter Janie's wedding dance. The council agreed to allow the street to be closed.
The mayor expressed a desire to attend a Brownfield workshop sponsored by Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Brownfield Program is an effort to help cities rehabilitate derelict property, and Clemmer thought the workshop might present ideas for a solution for the buildings on Main Street. Svoboda moved to pay the $10 fee for the mayor to attend. On a second from Backhus the motion carried.
Near the end of the meeting the council went into executive session. Upon return to open meeting, they reported a decision to post the city council opening on the bulletin board. Anyone interested in filling the position left open by Tom Leihy's resignation last month should apply to the mayor.
Bills approved for payment included $55.97 for hauling rock, $122.57 for signs, $367.80 for the Internal Revenue Service quarterly report, and $192.50 for tractor repairs.
