Toledo council authorizes Safe Routes to School grant application and fundraising for Toledo–Tama sidewalk

Mayor Brian Sokol opened the Jan. 13 meeting of the Toledo City Council and the council unanimously approved a request from the Safe Routes to School committee to apply for an Iowa Department of Transportation grant to build a sidewalk between Toledo and Tama.

Denise Fletcher, speaking for the Safe Routes to School committee, told the council the project would be a joint effort between Toledo and Tama if the grant is accepted and asked permission for the committee to solicit donations and apply on the city’s behalf. Cathy Cook moved to allow the committee to fundraise on behalf of Toledo; Duane Pansegrau seconded the motion, and all present voted aye.

Council also approved a separate motion, moved by Joe Boll and seconded by Pansegrau, permitting the city clerk’s office to provide names and addresses of city business partners to be solicited for fundraising. That motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: A grant-funded sidewalk linking the two towns would create a physical connection intended to improve pedestrian access and safety for students and residents traveling between Toledo and Tama. The council’s motions clear the way for the committee to pursue state grant funding and local fundraising; it did not approve any construction or funding commitments beyond that authorization.

Next steps: The Safe Routes to School committee may proceed with the Iowa DOT grant application and solicit donations if the committee and city follow any applicable procurement, data‑sharing and privacy rules for contact lists. If the grant is awarded, the project would be coordinated jointly with Tama and would return to council for any formal funding, easement or construction approvals.