HomeMy WebLinkAboutA009 - Memo from Mayor dated July 21, 2006 - recommendation for appointment r 3�
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TO: City Council
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FROM: Ann Campbell Cti
DATE: July 21, 2006
SUBJECT: 2"d Ward Representative
Applications to fill the 2"a Ward Council seat were finalized on Thursday, July 20, with letters from the
following candidates:Jim Gaunt,Scott Griffen,Mike Hamilton,James Romer,and Roy Young.The letters
are attached.
Earlier, I had publicly stated my desired criteria for this position to be:
1) Someone who has had recent city experience on the Planning and Zoning Commission,the Zoning
Board of Adjustment, or the Parks and Recreation'Commission.
2) Someone who had not been actively involved in mall discussions.
3) Someone who would not be interested in running for the open seat in a special election.
At the July 11 Council meeting, the directive was given for me to make a recommendation for filling this
position following the same procedures as used in boards and commissions appointments.However,by law,
this appointment is technically a Council appointment.
Following the above criteria and the July 11 Council directive, I recommend Mike Hamilton for this seat.
(For your information: my maiden name was Hamilton. However, Mike Hamilton is no relative.)
AHC/dry
Attachments
James A. Gaunt
3423 Clinton Court
Ames,Iowa 50010 JUL
July 19, 2006
The Honorable Ann Campbell, Mayor, and the Ames City Council
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
RE: Application for City Council Vacancy
Dear Mayor Campbell and City Council:
I am a resident of the 2°d Ward and I hereby submit this letter of application for
appointment to the vacancy that currently exists in the 2°d Ward seat on the Ames City
Council. I have attached a biographical sketch and a history of my community service
activities.
I feel that my previous service in elective and appointive offices at the municipal
and county levels makes me well qualified to fill this vacancy. I served as Planning and
Zoning Commissioner, City Council member, and Mayor of the City of Gilbert, as well
as a member of the Story County Zoning Board of Adjustment-- including two years as
chair. I also served as a volunteer fire fighter in Gilbert. I believe that these activities
plus my service on various advisory councils and other groups affiliated with the Ames
Community School District have given me a broad range of experiences in public affairs
at the local level.
Some of my relevant work experiences are not reflected in my biographical sketch,
which I use mainly for grant applications. I served for eight years as the Professional &
Scientific Council's representative to the ISU Transportation Advisory Council and for
an additional three years as Chair. This experience gave me a broad exposure to
transportation planning and engineering and the ways in which the University interfaces
with the City in those areas. While not formally trained as a civil engineer, my many
years of employment in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Department have given me a broad exposure to most aspects of municipal engineering. I
am well grounded in water quality, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste, and
most environmental issues.
I believe that the sum of the experiences I have described above makes me a good
candidate for appointment to this vacancy. My learning curve should be short,mainly
involving getting up to speed on the details of issues currently before the Council,rather
than learning how municipal government works. I have hands-on experience with the
Iowa Open Meetings Law, relations with the media,municipal budgeting, the Iowa
Public Employment Relations Act, and human resources issues. Should I be appointed, I
commit to serve until the seat is filled by election, whenever that should occur. I do not
plan to run for election.
My residence has been in Story County for the last 36 years. I lived in a
dormitory as a student and in rental housing in Ames as a student and a non-student,
including managing apartment buildings in Ames. I was a homeowner in Gilbert for 13
years and in Ames since 1988. I am married to Cynthia Gaunt and have two children.
Our daughter, Sarah, will be a junior at ISU this fall and our son, Rich, will be a senior at
Ames High School.
Regards,
James A. Gaunt
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
James A.Gaunt,Manager Department of Civil,Construction,
Environmental Engineering aq= Ly'�"�lmental Engineering
Research Laboratory 179 Town Engineering Building
Ames,Iowa Soot 1-3z3z
jagaunt@iastate.edu 515 294-8768
www.ccee.iastate.edu FAX 515 294-8216
h'o,. ; 0/-7-0 if�Lt
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Name James A. Gaunt
Position/Title Manager
Address Dept.of Civil,Construction and Environmental Engineering
179 Town Engineering Building
Ames,IA 50011
Phone# 515 294 8768
Fax# 515 294 8216
Education
Institution and Location Demme Year Field of Study
University of Connecticut B.A. 1970 Chemistry
Iowa State University M.S. 1971 Analytical Chemistry
Des Moines Area Community College Certif. 1979 Small Business Management Specialist
Des Moines Area Community College Certif. 1980 Personnel Management Specialist
Research and Professional Experience
Oct. '02—present Manager,Environmental Engineering Research Laboratory,Dept.of Civil,Construction
and Environmental Engineering,
Iowa State University,Ames,IA
Mar. '76—Oct. '02 Manager,Analytical Services Laboratory,Dept.of Civil and Construction Engineering,
Iowa State University,Ames,IA
Sept. '78—Aug. '90 Consultant,
Cerro Gordo County Area Solid Waste Agency,Mason City,IA
Apr. '72—Feb. '76 Laboratory Technician,Analytical Services Laboratory,
Dept.of Civil and Construction Engineering,Iowa State University,Ames,IA
Jul. '70—Nov. '71 Teaching Assistant,Department of Chemistry
Iowa State University,Ames,IA
Jun. '70—Oct. '81 Chemical Officer
United States Army Reserve
Research Interests
Mr. Gaunt is a Co-PI on a project entitled"Impact of Petroleum-Based Hydrocarbons on PE/PVC Pipes And
Pipe Gaskets". This three-year project involves 1)surveying water utilities to determine their experiences with
exposure of plastic pipes to gasoline,chlorinated solvents and other hydrocarbons;2)testing of the performance
of plastic pipes and elastomeric gaskets under realistic levels of hydrocarbon contamination,based on
information obtained from the survey;and 3)development of accelerated life cycle tests that will predict the
performance of plastic pipes and elastomeric gaskets under commonly encountered levels of environmental
contamination. Duration:2/15/04-2/14/07. The Principal Investigator is Say Kee Ong,Associate Professor of
Civil,Construction and Environmental Engineering,Iowa State University.
Mr. Gaunt has written research proposals concerning the microbiological hazards associated with stormwater,
the contribution of water service lines and plumbing fixtures to lead and copper in drinking water,and high-rate
clarification processes for water treatment residuals. Mr. Gaunt has also written proposals concerning ways in
which wastes and surplus agricultural and industrial byproducts can be used as resources,or to remediate other
wastes.
Mr.Gaunt is interested in development,validation,and application of methods for chemical analysis of
environmental samples and animal manure. Mr.Gaunt advocates collaborative inter-laboratory studies of the
methods used for sampling and analysis of animal manure that will lead to AOAC Official Methods status for
Gaunt Biographical Sketch 7/19/2006
Page 1 of 2
those methods. He has invented a device for splitting liquid and semi-solid manure into statistically identical
laboratory samples for use in collaborative,inter-laboratory studies.
Expertise
Mr.Gaunt is currently engaged in research studying the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on plastic pipes and
rubber gaskets used in potable water distribution systems. He is knowledgeable about permeation issues in the
water industry and utility responses to those issues.
Mr. Gaunt has more than 25 years of experience managing a laboratory engaged in chemical,physical and
biological analysis of water,waste water,animal manure,and a wide variety of other materials. He has used
and/or supervised users of gas chromatography,atomic absorption spectrometry,automated wet chemical
analysis,total carbon analysis, ion chromatography,x-ray fluorescence spectrometry,UV-VIS
spectrophotometry,potentiometry,and a wide variety of wet chemical methods. Mr. Gaunt has taught
laboratory courses in water and wastewater analysis methods. He implemented a laboratory quality system that
complied with ISO Guide 25 and has taught workshops and seminars in laboratory quality assurance.
Presentations
Gaunt,James A.,Mao,F.,Joo,I.,and Ong, S.K.;Performance of Plastic Pipes and Pipe Gaskets In Hydro-
carbon Contamination:Field Experience and Laboratory Studies;accepted for AWWA Annual
Conference and Exhibition,Jun. '06,San Antonio,TX
Mao,Feng,Gaunt,J.A.,Ong, S.K.;Permeation of Petroleum-Based Aromatic Compounds Through
Polyethylene Pipes Under Simulated Field Conditions;accepted for AWWA Annual
Conference and Exhibition,Jun. '06,San Antonio,TX
Gaunt,James A.,Mao,F.,Joo,I.,and Ong, S.K.;Performance of PVC Pipe In Hydrocarbon Contamination;
invited presentation,Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association 2006 Annual Meeting;April '06,
Amelia Island,FL
Gaunt,James A.,Mao,F.,Joo,I.,and Ong, S.K.;"The Impact of Petroleum-Based Hydrocarbons on Plastic
Pipes and Pipe Gaskets:Water Utility Experiences and Current Research";invited presentation,
AWWA-Iowa Section Annual Conference,Oct. '05,Des Moines,IA
Mao,Feng,Gaunt,J.A.,and Ong,S.K.;"Permeation of BTEX Compounds through PVC and PE Pipes";poster
presentation,AWWA-Iowa Section Annual Conference,Oct. '05,Des Moines,IA
Joo,Insoo,Gaunt,J.A.,Ong, S.K.;"Effect of pressure on gasoline permeation through SBR gaskets used with
DI pipes";poster presentation,AWWA-Iowa Section Annual Conference,Oct. '05,
Des Moines,IA
Gaunt,James A.,Ong,S.K.; "Water Utility Experiences With Plastic Pipes And Gaskets In Hydrocarbon-
Contaminated Soils;AWWA Annual Conference and Exhibition,Jun. '05, San Francisco,CA
Gaunt,James A.; "Analytical Methods for Manure—The Need For Standardization";invited presentation;
North Central Region 18(Cooperative Extension)Annual Meeting,Jul. '98,Des Moines,IA
Gaunt,James A.; "Analytical Methods for Manure-What Now?";invited presentation;
Iowa Independent Crop Consultants Association,Mar. '98,Ames,IA
Gaunt,James A.; "Manure As A Commodity: The Need For Official Methods Of Sampling And Analysis";
107`h AOAC International Meeting,Jul. '93,Washington,D.C.
Gaunt,James A.;"Waste or Resource? The Determination of Phosphorus in Manure";
Midwest Section Meeting,AOAC International,Jun. '93,West Des Moines,IA
Refereed Publication
Gaunt,J.A.and H.Diehl, Removal of graphite by oxidation with perchloric acid plus periodic acid,Talanta,
19(1):1-6(1972).
Honors and Awards
Dean's Staff Excellence Award;College of Engineering,Iowa State University;Aug.ust 2005.
Memberships
American Water Works Association
Gaunt Biographical Sketch 7/19/2006
Page 2 of 2
James A. Gaunt
History of Service to the Community
1970— 1981 United States Army Reserve, honorably discharged with rank of Captain
1975— 1977 Planning and Zoning Commission, City of Gilbert, IA
1977— 1979 City Council, City of Gilbert, IA
1977— 1988 Volunteer Firefighter, Westory Fire Agency, Gilbert, IA
1977— 1983 Zoning Board of Adjustment, Story County, IA; incl. 2 yrs. as Chair
1977— 1979 Gilbert Days, Inc., incorporator and treasurer; annual town celebration
1979— 1981 Mayor, City of Gilbert, IA
1990—2000 Story County Extension Master Gardener
1991 —2001 Edwards Elementary School PTO, Ames, IA; President, 1993-4
1992— 1999 Board of Directors, Emergency Residence Project, Ames, IA
1995— 1997 Principal's Advisory Council, Edwards Elementary School, Ames, IA
1996— 1997 Superintendent's Advisory Council,Ames (IA) Community School District
1998—2000 Principal's Advisory Committee,Ames (IA) Middle School
1999—2001 Coach, Ames Impact Track Club; USATF Level I Certified Coach;
coached distance running,racewalk, and throws
2001 —2003 Timer and scorer, track and wrestling meets, Ames (IA) Middle School
2002 Governor's Volunteer Service Award(IA)
2005 - 2006 Ames Community Schools Budget Advisory Council -High School Group
Service to Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
1996— 1998 Pack Committee Chair, Cub Scout Pack 230, Ames, IA
1996— 1997 Tiger Cub Coach, Cub Scout Pack 230, Ames, IA
1998—2000 Assistant Webelos Den Leader, Cub Scout Pack 230, Ames, IA
2000—2002 Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 196, Ames, IA
2000 Wood Badge Training Award; highest level of Boy Scout adult leader training
2002 High-adventure trip leader; Flambeau River, WI
2002—2005 Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 196, Ames, IA
2004 High-adventure trip leader; Boundary Waters Canoe Area, MN
2005 -present Troop Committee, Boy Scout Troop 196, Ames, IA
Service to First Christian Church, Ames, IA
From 1984 to the present, I have held a variety of elected and appointed positions including:
Stewardship Chair, 3 years Board Vice Chair&Personnel Chair, 4 years
Board Chair, 2 years Deacon, 3 years
Elder, 3 years Outreach Chair, 1 year
Youth Sunday School teacher, 5 years Adult Sunday School teacher, 4 years
Fellowship Committee, 7 years Thanksgiving Dinner Chair, 1996
Librarian, 2004 -present Trustee, 2006 -2008
Justice Ministry Chair, 2005 -present
rJUL
July 20, 2006 �2 0
To: Mayor Ann Campbell CITY CLERK
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
Subject: Second Ward City Council Position
I write this letter as application for the Second Ward Council position recently vacated by Steve
Goodhue.
I have lived in Ames for 43 years, and obviously care a great deal about this city. I have worked in
Downtown Ames for many years and have tried to make great improvements. Ames is a wonderful
community that can make great strides forward. I would like to help in this process.
I think I can bring a perspective to the Council that is both fresh and informed. Having worked with
former Mayor Paul Goodland and my father on several city issues over the years, I believe,through
this, I am fairly familiar with city government.
Thank you for your consideration.
ASincerel
1614 Pierce Circle
Ames, Iowa
� C
July 16, 2006 0
Mayor Ann Campbell JUL 1 7
Ames, IA 50010 CITY CLERK
CITY OF AMES,IOWA
Subject: Second Ward City Council Position
I write this letter as application for the City Council interim position for the City of Ames
Second Ward, recently vacated by Steve Goodhue. I think you will find my experience and
background qualifies me to fill this position.
As a 26 year resident of Ames, I have chosen to become actively involved in my community as
a volunteer and have a vested interest in making our city a better place not only for current
residents but also for future generations.
To that goal, I am a graduate of Leadership Ames XIII and was co-chair for the Leadership
Ames class of XIV and XV in 2000 and 2001. I recently served a six year term on the Ames
Parks and Recreation Commission with the duties of Commission Chair from 2003 to 2006.
This opportunity allowed me the privilege of being involved in such projects as the City of
Ames and ISU Ice Arena, the recently built skate park, the Bandshell renovation project and the
most important project during my tenure, Ada Hayden Conservation Park which I feel is one the
newest jewels in our city.
I was also deeply involved in the 2003 bond issue for a Recreation and Aquatic Center and have
since been working with the City and other groups to try and revive this issue which I continue
to believe is one of the very critical quality of life decisions facing Ames that must be resolved
in the near future.
If selected to fill the City Council's interim position I would serve with no hidden agenda or so
called"axe to grind". I am excited about the prospect of a possible partnership with Iowa State
University and the Ames School District to work towards a "one community"venture in the
building of a Recreation and Aquatic Complex. With my past experience on the Ames Parks
and Recreation Commission, I believe I could bring some new and refreshing ideas to table
regarding this project, some of which I had the privilege of sharing with Ex-officio ISU Student
Council Representative Tony Borich while still on the council. While I realize the term of this
appointment is relatively short, the Recreation and Aquatic Center project is one that I would
like to stay involved with in some capacity once this appointment has ended.
I think you will find my decisions are based on fact finding, talking and listening to constituents
and a good dose of"common sense". I consider myself a bridge builder and feel it is a
fundamental necessity for all of us to leave this place, including our fair city, better for those
who come after us. I think you will find me as a sensitive person who is easy to get along with,
a person who is a"quiet" leader that does not seek the spotlight or"toot my own horn", who
does not shy away from responsibility or conflict, who has a good sense of humor and who tries
to do the "right thing" in my actions and deeds.
Thank you for considering me for this position. Enclosed you will find a short biography. If
you would like additional information or need to contact me please call me at home, 515-233-
2733 or on my cell phone at 515-231-0781.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Hamilton
2941 Eisenhower Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Mike Hamilton was appointed Information Technology Manager for Facilities Planning and
Management's Computer Support Services in 1991. During his 24 years at Iowa State he has
served as Information Systems Coordinator, Assistant Information Systems Analyst, Senior
Programmer Analyst and Computer Security Officer at Ames Laboratory (USDOE).
Prior to returning to school to pursue a career in the "computer business",Mike was a teacher,
coach and athletic director at Willow Community Schools in Washta, Iowa.
Serving in the capacity of IT Manager for Facilities Planning and Management, he has been
responsible for several IT initiatives that have moved Facilities Planning and Management to
becoming a world class organization. Some of these include serving as project manager for the
implementation and operation of FP&M's Computerized Facilities Management System,
establishing FP&M's presence on the World Wide Web and establishing a web technologist
position within the FP&M Information Technology operation. He also has provided leadership
consulting experience with Computerized Facilities Management systems, computer security
and Y2K. Mike has also broadened his knowledge and experience as a certified Iowa
Recognition for Performance Excellence (Malcom Baldrige) examiner for the past 4 years.
He holds BA degree in teaching and coaching from Buena Vista University and is currently
enrolled in the master program at Iowa State University.
Mike is an active volunteer around the City of Ames serving as former Chair for the City of
Ames Parks and Recreation Commission, Co-chair for the Ames Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Ames program and coach for AAU basketball.
Date: July 20, 2006
To: Mayor Ann Campbell
From: James Romer
RE: Second Ward Council Vacancy
My name is James Romer and I am seeking to fill the vacated seat on the City Council for
the Second Ward. I am seeking appointment because I posses a passion for making
Ames even better than it is today. I realize that it will not be an easy task to make our
great city more spectacular, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. I know that I am up to
the challenge because of my ability to listen, my people skills, and enthusiasm.
Ames is a part of me. I started at Iowa State University in August of 1992 and have been
here ever since. My current position with I. S. U. is the coordination of the Master
Gardener Program for Iowa. Some of my responsibilities include selecting training
locations, organize the training site schedules, planning the transmission of lectures via
Macromedia Breeze, coordinate other faculty to teach sections of the program,
facilitating an on campus training day during the program, and teaching part of the
program myself. I also have the honor of organizing the Upper Midwest Master
Gardener Conference. Master Gardeners from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska,
South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana have attended this conference. As well,
from time to time, I write articles for the Horticulture and Home Pest News, Yard and
Garden column, and am responsible for publishing a weekly Master Gardener e-
newsletter sent to all counties across the state.
If appointed, what can James Romer bring to the table? First, I bring energy and
enthusiasm. Second a voice for the citizens in the second ward. Third, an ear and an open
mind that is ready to listen to find the best ways to improve our great city. I won't tell
you that I know everything there is to know about Ames. However, I am willing to learn
and to do my best for the citizens of Ames. We can't become complacent about our
unique city. If we step back to admire everything we've done, soon there is nothing to
admire. We must continue to remain innovative with industry, events, and beautification.
With your help and my enthusiasm, energy and sincere commitment, we will make Ames
even better!
I thank you for your time and honest consideration.
Resp tfully submitt ,
a es Romer 1
JAMES ROMER
2119 Hunziker Dr.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 232-6620
Education
Iowa State University
B.S. in Horticulture/Agriculture Education
Graduation Date: December 1997
M.S. in Horticulture
Graduation Date: May 2002
Experience
Student Teacher Sept. 23 - December 13, 1996
Teacher. Instructed high school students in horticulture, natural resources,
aquaculture, agriculture mechanics, marketing and introduction to agriculture.
Russian Exchange June 17 -July 17, 1995
Student. Participated in marketing exchange to Russia. Presented seminars
on economics and marketing. Viewed agriculturally related businesses and
industries in the Stavropol region and interacted with Russian families.
Pioneer Hybrid Seeds July 1989 - July 1997
Plant Breeder. Assisted in the development of new hybrids by hand pollination
of corn plants.
Freelance Landscaping June 1992- Present
Designer. Design, select and install plant materials for landscaping clients'
homes.
Romer's Dahlias 1986 - Present
Owner and Manager. Manage and operate dahlia enterprise
consisting of 400 tubers.
Minnesota Dahlia Society January 2003 - Present
Member(1989) Instructor for Judges. Provide instruction to those seeking to
become an accredited American Dahlia Society judge.
SMG Services Corporation September 1994 - Present
Supervisor. Assist in crowd control and answer patrons' questions.
Master Gardener Coordinator May 1998 - Present
State Coordinator. Prepare training schedules, respond to consumer-related
horticulture questions in one-on-one conversations, group presentations, mass
media, and by general correspondence.
Story County Youth Fair March 2000 - Present
Director and Youth Committee Member. Assist in the planning and coordination
of the annual event showcasing the talent from Story County youth.
Iowa State Fair December 2001 - Present
Director and Concessions and Exhibit Committee Chair. Oversee and advise the
operations for Iowa's largest festival.
0 L LS
July 19, 2006 J U L 19
The Honorable Ann Campbell
428 Pearson Avenue CITY CLERK
Ames, IA 50014 CITY Of AMES,IOWA
Re: Ames City Council Vacancy
Dear Mayor Campbell:
This letter is to introduce myself and ask you to consider me for the council position left
vacant by the departure of 2nd ward council member Steve Goodhue. Although Mr.
Goodhue's outstanding contribution to our city will be difficult to match, I do feel that my
knowledge and experiences would make me a good substitute until a special election can be
held.
I have been an Ames resident for more than 40 years, residing(in the 2nd ward) at 1330
Northwestern Avenue since 1988. I am married and have three grown children. From 1974
through 19791 served in the United States Marine Corps achieving the rank of sergeant. In
1980 I returned to Ames where I owned and operated a business at Lincoln Way and Duff
until 1994. Since then I have purchased and renovated several residential properties which I
have rented or sold. I also still own and lease the commercial Lincoln Way property.
My involvement in city government began more than 25 years ago. As a long-time resident
and businessman, I was looking for a way to participate in community development. My
subsequent years of service on Planning and Zoning and Zoning Board of Adjustment helped
fill that desire.
Thank you for considering me for this council position. I look forward to the opportunity to
serve the Ames community again.
Respectfully,
William R. Young
515-232-6388 (home phone)
515-290-6309 (cell phone)