HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated May 8, 2001 ITEM# 079
DATE: May 8,2001
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF VISION IOWA GRANT
APPLICATION
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has been considering three significant projects over the past year: A new fire station, a
recreation/aquatics center, and Hallett's Quarry open space area. After reviewing and approving the master
plans for these three projects, the City Council placed the plans for the new fire station on hold while the State
Legislature debated a local property tax limitation bill. In addition, the Council instructed staff to proceed with
development of a grant application for Vision Iowa funds to support the recreation/aquatics center, Hallett's
Quarry open space area, and Reiman Gardens Conservatory Complex.
The staff, with the assistance of many individuals at the University and the Convention and Visitors Bureau,
created a concept for our application titled Connect Iowa: The Ames Proposal. Attached for your review is
the descriptive cover letter/executive summary for the forty page application.
The funding strategy for this proposal is as follows:
COMPONENTS TOTAL ESTIMATED COST AMOUNT REQUESTED FROM
VISION IOWA
WELLNESS COMPLEX $24,103,624 $12,051,812
(Aquatics/Rec, Facility)
NATURE PRESERVE $7,502,250 $3,201,125
(Hallett's Quarry Open Space
Area)
CONSERVATORY COMPLEX $12,637,300 $5,778,000
(Reiman Gardens)
TOTAL $44,243,174 $21,030,937
SOURCES OF FUNDING AMOUNT OF FUNDING PERCENT OF TOTAL
FUNDING
PRIVATE DONATIONS $6,859,300 16%
(Reiman Gardens)
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS $1,100,000 2%
G.O. BOND REVENUES $15,252,937 - �a 34%
VISION IOWA GRANT $21,030,937 48%
TOTAL $44,243,174 100%
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a resolution in support of Connect Iowa: The Ames Proposal for$21,030,937 of Vision Iowa
grant funds and authorize the submission of the grant application. The application should be finalized and
ready for submission on May 11, 2001.
2. Delay submission of Connect Iowa: The Ames Proposal at this time and instruct the staff to revise the
proposal.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
If we are successful in securing $21,030,937 in Vision Iowa grant funds, the total cost to our citizens for the
construction of the two City-funded projects will be $15,252,937. This type of leverage using outside funding
will no doubt enhance public support for these projects.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative#1, approving
a resolution in support of Connect Iowa: The Ames Proposal for a $21,030,937 Vision Iowa grant and
authorizing submission of the grant application.
COUNCIL ACTION:
May 8, 2001
Vision Iowa Board of Directors
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Dear Chairman Gartner and Board Members,
The State of Iowa should be commended for envisioning an Iowa that dreams beyond the
basics. And Ames, with Iowa State University, would like to be part of the vision to "put
Iowa on the map."
Very appropriately, early Vision Iowa's generous grants have been exciting first steps in
defining the state—the only state in the nation bounded by two mighty rivers.
Now it is time for Iowa's heartland. Where could there be a better place to start than in
Ames, home of Iowa's only Land Grant institution? Iowa State College, now Iowa State
University, has surely become the epitome of what Senator Morrill envisioned in
proposing the Land Grant Act of 1862 — becoming a center of education and extension
for Iowans. Now Ames and ISU would like to become the epitome of what Vision Iowa
envisions for Central Iowa — becoming a center of education, extension, and recreation
for Iowans and visitors.
Together, with Iowa State University, Ames is positioned through "CONNECT IOWA:
The Ames Proposal" to expand its role in bringing tourists to our state and region while
strengthening our image as a livable community that plays host to thousands of visitors
each year.
The vision of"CONNECT IOWA: The Ames Proposal" is to build upon our ability
to offer opportunities to:
• Develop multiple attractions that will give people a reason to visit central Iowa,
• Provide a quality of life that gives young families and older adults a reason to stay in
our state,
• Create an environment that attracts new Iowans to locate in our state, and
• Expand convention opportunities for those seeking a safe, centrally located
university community with facilities for conventioneers and their families.
To attain this vision, the City of Ames and Iowa State University have collaborated on
the design and development of three unique projects that address educational, cultural,
environmental, and recreational needs that once accomplished will have a significant
impact on the state of Iowa. These projects include: Ames Nature Preserve,
Wellness/Aquatic Complex and expansion of Reiman Gardens.
AMES NATURE PRESERVE
Acquire and restore 467 acres of land and water locally known as "Hallett's Quarry" and
convert it to the "Ames Nature Preserve." This site will be the largest body of water
(130 acres) in Story County and it will serve as a regional public park (337 acres) and it
will protect Ames drinking water.
Specifically, the Master Plan for the property is based upon an amalgamation of the
various site issues including water quality, recreation amenities, and habitat restoration.
The underlying principle behind the plan, however, is that the value of the park is much
greater to the community than merely as a way to accomplish each one of these
individual objectives. Rather, by combining these various objectives into an integrated
multi-purpose natural resource/recreation facility, the value multiplies into an enormous
asset to the people of Iowa. The whole will be truly greater than the sum of the parts.
The main features and issues addressed in the Master Plan include lake restoration and
use, woodland restoration (31 acres), constructed wetlands (118 acres), prairie restoration
(129 acres), stream corridor buffers, landscape stewardship, fishing piers, 3 miles of
paved pedestrian/bike trails, 2 miles of crushed rock trails, a regional trail connection,
overlooks/views, a tree buffer, restroom and boat launch/parking facilities.
In addition to the tremendous recreational benefit, this site will serve as one of the
premier outdoor teaching/research laboratories in the Midwest. Other communities and
state agencies will be able to enhance their understanding and experience in watershed
protection, prairie reconstruction and drinking water protection through hydrological
restoration.
Professor John Downing, Ph.D. Iowa State University, Department of Animal Ecology,
states: "Experience in protecting this lake and its watershed will play an educational role
across the globe as other similarly impacted regions inevitably grapple with the
protection and restoration of their key water resources. Iowa has among the most
productive agricultural lands in the world and, as a consequence, we have among the
most nutrient rich and impaired waters. Transforming Hallett's Quarry into the Ames
Nature Preserve will allow communities across the state, region and the world to observe
how a responsible community can work to conserve key aquatic resources."
Because of the unique educational and recreational impact this site will have on the
region Story County has committed $1.1 million in restoration installation.
This project came about through strong community support and involvement. Ames
residents voiced their preferences for the Hallett's property and watershed at two public
meetings. Of those attending the meetings (120 and 80 people respectively) they were
nearly unanimous in their concern about the Hallett's property's impact on the Ames
water supply. Their message was clear: 1) protect the water quality of the Quarry, and 2)
provide low-impact recreational use and wildlife habitat on the protected lands.
WELLNESS/AQUATIC COMPLEX
Construction of a 109,000 square foot Wellness/Aquatic Complex.
Ames is a small, safe, university community with a nationally recognized public transit
system. Thus it has already become the hosting city for Iowa Games, with its 12,000+
participants—plus family members, Iowa Special Olympics with its 1,800+ participants —
plus family members, and Destination Imagination, with its 7,000+ participants — plus
family members. But our recreation space is grossly inadequate as we continue to try and
attract national, state, and regional amateur sporting competitions. In turn there are
missed opportunities to showcase Iowa State University as an educational home for
thousands of potential students.
This Wellness/Aquatic Complex would afford Ames the opportunity to capitalize on the
existing ISU facilities such as Hilton Coliseum, Lied Recreation Center, outdoor sport
fields, and expand competitive tournament play in basketball, volleyball, soccer and
roller hockey. With the Complex, visitors and convention attendees to Ames will have
access to five regulation size gymnasiums, weight lifting equipment, aerobic classes, a
walking/jogging track, and a full-service indoor and outdoor aquatic center on a daily
basis.
While the Wellness/Aquatic Complex is a "must" for expanding competitive events
opportunities for state and national competitions, its initial impetus and support comes
from those in Ames and central Iowa who are seeking a more complete menu of wellness
opportunities for all ages. A series of 20 public meetings throughout the community
established the framework for the ultimate plan that has been approved by the Ames
Parks and Recreation Commission and the Ames City Council.
REIMAN GARDENS - CONSERVATORY COMPLEX
Ames and Iowa State University have been blessed by the very generous contributions
from ISU alums Bobbie and Roy Reiman to relocate the University's horticulture gardens
to the 14 acre spot at the gateway to Ames and ISU.
ISU identified the need at Reiman Gardens to "attract national tourism, inspire
academic programs, and further broaden educational extension activities". To
accomplish this goal the Gardens will be expanded to include a Conservatory Complex.
The premier attraction of the Conservatory Complex is the Butterfly Flight House,
known as the "Butterfly Wing". This unique building will be used to raise and display
native and exotic butterflies. In a tropical environment with flowering plants and two
water features, the Butterfly Wing will attract visitors from throughout the area, state and
upper mid-west region.
In addition to the Butterfly Wing, the other major components of the Conservatory
Complex include a 5,000 square foot "Conservatory" which is a garden under glass that
will house a combination of permanent and traveling plant displays representing the
natural and botanic diversity of Iowa. A 1,300 square foot Learning Center/Meeting
Room to be used for educational activities and outreach programs will also be included in
the Conservatory. A Gift Shop will market many items specific to Reiman Gardens,
while the Cafe will assemble off-site prepared food along with catered meals for small to
large groups.
The addition of the Conservatory Complex at Reiman Gardens will enhance its tourism
role and bring the overall facility into national prominence among horticultural and
entomological attractions.
Additionally, Ames already includes in its locally funded city Capital Improvement Plan
the construction of a comprehensive trail system that will connect all three projects for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and inline-skaters. The trail will ultimately connect to the
transcontinental American Discovery Trail. Area families and visitors of all ages will
enjoy this trail.
The total project cost for"CONNECT IOWA: The Ames Proposal" is $44.2 million with
a request to Vision Iowa for $21 million. The local match will be $6.9 million in private
contributions, a local bond referendum for $15.2 million, and $1.1 million worth of in-
kind contributions from Story County.
In the spring of 2001 the Ames City Council accepted the Master Plans for the Ames
Nature Preserve and the Wellness/Aquatic Complex. In conjunction with the City's
efforts, Iowa State University is positioned to go forward with the expansion of Reiman
Gardens.
Specific Implementation Strategy:
• Subject to receiving Vision Iowa funding the City of Ames could schedule a bond
referendum vote for no later then November 2001 to go before Ames citizens for the
needed matching funds.
• Subject to receiving Vision Iowa funding Iowa State University will finalize their
private fundraising campaign for expansion of Reiman Gardens.
• It is anticipated that construction of"CONNECT IOWA: The Ames Proposal" will
begin during the construction season of 2001 and continue through 2003.
• Subject to the completion of these projects the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau
will be in a better position to attract regional and national sporting events and group
tourism opportunities.
In summary, "CONNECT IOWA: The Ames Proposal" insures the largest fresh-water
recreational preserve in Story County. It builds upon an already excellent outdoor
science university experience; and offers Iowans a state of the art wellness/aquatic
complex. The project, connected by a comprehensive multi-use trail system, offers the
potential for a wide range of experiences. An individual may slow down to the pace of
watching a butterfly lift its wings, while hundreds could participate in an eco-adventure
experience as extreme as a triathalon and families can learn about their cultural
connection to the Iowa landscape.
Ames stands in a unique position to build upon its tradition of serving Iowa. "CONNECT
IOWA: The Ames Proposal" is Ames and Iowa State University's creative approach in
combining three special projects to strengthen our ability to attract tourists, conventions,
and sport tournaments to central Iowa while enhancing the quality of life for Ames
residents and future Iowa families.
On behalf of the community of Ames and Iowa State University we are pleased to submit
this application and we appreciate the time and effort that you are personally giving to
Vision Iowa.
Sincerely,
Ted Tedesco, Mayor Richard Seagrave, Interim President
City of Ames Iowa State University