Tingley planning to replace community building
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Mount Ayr Record News staff has reviewed the City of Tingley council meeting minutes to compile this story detailing the rebuilding process and related finances.
The City of Tingley is planning to construct a new community building after a tornado ripped through the center of the prior structure on April 26.
A REBUILD Committee has been established and is working diligently on following State and Federal guidelines under the advisement of the Iowa League of Cities, to develop a plan of action. While there is no formal project timeline yet, the committee is looking at a spring construction time frame, as they are still in the planning stage.
New drainage tile has been put in and the ground has been leveled at the site where the prior community building sat. The city anticipates adding fill dirt to the site and is welcoming suggestions for sourcing this resource.
The ground will then need to settle, and an architect/engineer is also being sought to assist in the planning process. Bid packets will then need to be assembled in order to bid out construction of the project.
There is also a plan in place for a non-profit group, Tingley Betterment Association, that will exist solely for the benefit and betterment of the Tingley’s public buildings and structures, public parks, and Tingley Cemetery.
This non-profit will partner with Tingley Township, and the City of Tingley to improve and maintain our public areas.
Any written questions or concerns about the new community building or the community park may be dropped off at the Wagon Wheel Cafe in Tingley or emailed to the Tingley City Clerk, JoAnn Clark:
cityoftingley@gmail.com
Rebuild Committee
A REBUILD committee was established at the July 1, regular meeting of the city council to help coordinate the planning and construction process.
According to the July 1 council meeting minutes, Bob Johnson and Larry Jarred were present at the meeting and were agreeable to being on the rebuild committee.
Bob Johnson spoke on behalf of two candidates not in attendance, John Overholtzer, who said “yes,” and John Allen, who declined to serve on the committee at this time.
Larry Jarred spoke for Lywanda Case, who was not present, indicating she declined to be on this committee at this time. Jerry Clark and Donetta Phelps were present at the meeting and requested consideration to be on the committee.
The council voted to appoint Bob Johnson, John Overholtzer, Larry Jarred, Jerry Clark and Donetta Phelps to the REBUILD Committee.
JoAnn Clark also attends to take minutes at each meeting.
The first REBUILD committee meeting was held on July 8 at the Tingley Fire Station.
At the Monday, August 12 regular council meeting, Bob Johnson reported that they were working on getting quotes for materials and Quality Glass would be putting in the windows. Another REBUILD Committee meeting would be held once quotes had been received.
At the Tuesday, September 3, regular council meeting, Bob Johnson gave a brief summary of building progress and discussed installing new drainage tile. Johnson suggested a new tile line run by Jim Tull. He requested $11,000 to pay for the tile drainage from the old community building to drain further from the new building.
James Sterling made a motion to accept, seconded by Jerry Clark. The council plans to utilize ARPA funds for this infrastructure project.
New Playground Equipment
A playground proposal from Play by Design was presented by Macy Jarred at the regular meeting of the city council, Monday, August 12. She also presented several other playground equipment choices for the park. Council noted they would take these designs into consideration during the rebuild process. Council members were in agreement that the building would be built before playground equipment could be added.
The minutes from the Tuesday, September 3 regular meeting of the council state “Macy Jarred’s playground proposal from Play by Design, previously approved by council, requires a deposit to keep the quoted price in place.”
Larry Jarred requested a down payment deposit of $1,750 to keep the quoted price in place, and the council approved the request at their September 3 meeting.
Nonprofit Organization
The City of Tingley is also moving forward with establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to manage large donations that benefit the city’s public buildings, cemetery and city parks.
With council approval, JoAnn Clark had contacted the city attorney and proceeded with the legwork to initiate establishment of the non-profit organization.
JoAnn Clark, Jerry Clark and Charles Weiman presented the proposal at the September 3 regular meeting of the council, and requested approval to continue with the process of submitting an application to the State of Iowa.
All council members received a copy of the business prospectus and proposal packet that included:
• Articles of incorporation;
• By-laws;
• State of Iowa application for a reservation of name, and fictitious name resolution;
• Board of directors names;
• Base membership.
Memberships will be accepted to help benefit and rebuild Tingley’s community buildings, cemetery and city parks.
The council approved proceeding with the application process, and a meeting to elect officers will be held once the board receives a Federal Tax EIN number.
Grant Funding and Finances
Three grants have been awarded to the City of Tingley to assist with tornado recovery efforts.
A James & Carolyn Sheldon Foundation grant in the amount of $7,880, a SCICF 30th Anniversary Fund grant of $2,500, and a $290 Eva “Judy” Johnston Endowment Fund grant were received.
Mary Sue McIntosh also presented a $550 donation to the Town of Tingley on behalf of the Tingley High School Alumni Association. The group has decided not to have any more reunions, and wanted to give back to the community. It was stipulated that part of the sum goes towards purchase of the new picnic tables and the remainder can be used for a project in the Community Park to beautify the community.
JoAnn Clark has also applied for a grant in the amount of $5,000 through Alliant Energy for trees that would be planted in the spring. She has also applied for a general funds grant from Iowa Realty Community Partners for $5,000.
Melissia Stark, Emergency Management Coordinator, has applied for a public relief grant through FEMA for Tingley to help with rebuilding costs.
The council received an insurance payment in the amount of $505,273.16 to help cover replacement costs of the Community Building and other structures in May. Two additional insurance payments were noted on the Monday, August 12 meeting minutes.
An insurance payment in the amount of $44,600.00 to reimburse the city for cost of demolition of the community building.
Insurance claim payment for personal property in the Community Building $9,724.27.
The council approved the transfer of reserve funds to CD’s at Northwest Bank in Afton at their September 3 regular meeting including:
• $10,000 from the Fire Department Resolution 2024-37;
• $40,000 from community donations and $500,000 from general funds (general and community funds) Resolution 2024-36.
Donations are being accepted to rebuild the Tingley Community Building. Anyone wishing to make a contribution may send a check to:
City of Tingley, P. O. Box 153, Tingley, IA 50863
