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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Minutes from June 20, 2006 meeting MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA JUNE 20, 2006 The Ames City Council met in special session at 7:00 p.m.on the 20`h day of June,2006,in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,pursuant to law with Mayor Ann Campbell presiding and the following Council members present: Doll,Goodman,Popken, and Rice. Council Members Goodhue and Mahayni and ex officio Member Buske were absent. ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION ON WHITE-TAIL DEER MANAGEMENT: In addition to the Mayor and Council members,those present were:Bob Gitchell,Mike Crum,Steve Hustedt,Jeff Berger,Irene Pope,Debbie Gitchell,Dr. Ken Holscher,Iowa State University Department of Entomology;Dr. Jim Pease,Extension Wildlife Specialist;Bill Berger,Depredation Biologist,Iowa Department of Natural Resources;Lorna Lavender,City Animal Control Supervisor;Travis Smith and Burton Heginger,Izaak Walton League;Police Chief Loras Jaeger;City Manager Steve Schainker,and Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred. Police Chief Jaeger advised that this discussion was in response to a petition from residents living in the Northwood Drive area of North Ames requesting help in controlling the deer population. Meetings were held with the Northwood Drive Neighborhood Representative,local wildlife specialists,and City staff in November 2005,and in February 2006,a helicopter was used to conduct a fly-over of the Ames area to survey the deer population. Lorna Lavender stated that the City had been told that there was a growing urban population of deer. Of utmost concern was the threat of Lyme Disease. There had been two incidents with deer in the City limits in the past couple of years. According to Ms.Lavender,the management technique of controlled bow hunts is the most recommended means of thinning deer in a city. Dr. Ken Holscher stated that one of the concerns expressed in the petition was the fear that deer were causing Lyme Disease in that area.Dr.Holscher advised that deer do not cause Lyme Disease,but they are hosts to the tick reproduction cycle. Eliminating the deer population will not eliminate Lyme Disease; they are not the only hosts. It is through mice and birds that the tick cycle begins. Habitat modification to reduce the humidity below 75%at ground level would do more to eliminate ticks. Dr. Jim Pease agreed with Mr. Holscher that reducing deer herds do not resolve problems with ticks because they are carried on warm-blooded mammals. He advised that deer herds were wiped out by market harvesting in the 1900's,and it has only been in recent years,through careful management,that white-tail deer herds have been more prevalent. Deer multiply at rapid rates; does normally have one fawn at age 1,then have twins and sometimes triplets at subsequent birthings. Problems usually arise for people when there are 30 or more deer per square mile. Iowa, with its cropland, provides an excellent environment for deer populations. Bill Bunger reviewed data collected during the fly-over. During the fly-over, there were 285 deer counted; of that number, 60%were outside the City, but it can be assumed that many of that number would come into the community. The totals broken down into segments of land were as follows: Segment 1 (Skunk River valley between 13'Street to south edge of the City): 14.9 deer/square mile; Segment 2 (Skunk River valley between Riverside Road ad 13" Street, with portions east to Dayton Avenue):63.3/deer/square mile;Segment 3(Squaw Creek valley from the railroad tracks south and east to the Skunk River): 42.5 deer/square mile; Segment 4 (Squaw Creek valley north of the railroad to Stange Road and north surrounding Ames High School-includes Brookside Park):21 deer/square mile; Segment 5 (Squaw Creek valley north of the railroad to just north of Bloomington Road): 33.1 deer/square mile; Segment 6 (Clear Creek valley from western city limits to railroad overpass at 13`h Street-includes Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Roads:59.6 deer/square mile;Segment 7(Worle Creek valley from near Boone County line to Elwood Drive): 29.8 deer/square mile. Mr.Bunger provided information on controlled hunts. He advised that he had contacted the DNR and requested more bow licenses be made available in Story County;100 more bow licenses will be available. Chief Jaeger reviewed deer control methods used in other Iowa cities. He also explained requirements imposed by Polk County agencies on controlled hunts. Travis Smith stated that the Izaak Walton League holds one bow hunting class per year. They do not conduct archery proficiency classes;however,Altoona does hold those classes. Students are tested and must pass in order to receive certification in the bow hunting class. The maximum number who may be certified at each class is 30. Debbie Gitchell stated that in the Northwood Neighborhood, Inis Grove Park draws a lot of deer and asked how a controlled hunt would be held in a city park. Mr. Bunger pointed out that the City has authority to set its own rules;they could restrict the hours or days when bow hunting could occur. He suggested that the City include ramifications that can be invoked in any ordinance for those who break the rules. According to Mr. Bunger, the best limited bow hunting period traditionally is September 15 through October 31. Chief Jaeger said that he preferred to begin with a more limited period of time to assess the situation. He also recommended that specific boundaries be set for any controlled hunt. Mr.Bunger believes that more hunters would be interested in the hunt if it were held in early fall. Ms. Lavender pointed out that it is important to give advance notice of the time period to Ames residents as well as to the hunters. Jeff Husted,2518 Kellogg,Ames,explained that deer have demolished shrubbery at his home as well as his garden. There is a vacant house next door to him that provides an excellent habitat for deer. He has seen deer run in front of vehicles at 6 AM and herds in Homewood Golf Course at 2:00 p.m. in the winter months. Mr. Husted said that the deer he had found in his neighborhood did not seem to fear humans. Dr. Pease advised that PCP has been used for sterilization of deer. The problem is that it is necessary to capture the animals to inject them. Chief Jaeger reviewed possible ordinance recommendations. Moved by Popken, seconded by Goodman, to direct the Police Department to work with the City Attorney's Office and the Department of Natural Resources in developing a program to allow bow hunting within the city limits as a way to manage the white-tail deer population. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 2 REPORT FROM MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT (MSCD) REGARDING PREFERRED CATALYST PROJECT: Present around the round table,in addition to the Mayor and City Council, were Angela Moore, Main Street Cultural District Director; Brian Smith, owner of Evert's Flowers; John Doyle, downtown property owner; Gordon Meyer, owner of Great Plains Sauce & Dough; Scott Griffin, owner of Olde Main Brewing Company & Restaurant and Corner Pocket;City Manager Steve Schainker,and Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred. Ms. Moore advised that the Main Street Cultural District had identified a space that they feel best supports the community input given during the charrette process. Development criteria have been developed and were reviewed by Ms. Moore. She informed that the MSCD had determined that the former J.C.Penney Building(currently operating as the Town Centre),328- 330 Main Street,was the prime candidate for the catalyst project. The goals of the project were outlined. Ms. Moore asked the City Council to: endorse the criteria and goals for a catalyst project as an immediate focus;assist in attracting a responsible developer to manifest the vision; offer the developer financial incentives to abide by the criteria and goals, which could include tax abatement, development of additional parking, and others; and, see that assistance is provided for relocating/retaining current Town Centre tenants. Cynthia Shulman,part-owner of Kil'n Time and tenant of the Town Centre building,stated that she and her business partner looked for over a year to find a location for their business.They like where they are now located. She asked where on Main Street the seven businesses would be relocated if the Town Centre building were sold. Gordon Meyer explained that it was not their intent to displace any businesses and make their new location more expensive. He suggested that developers may be willing to relocate those businesses and that could be a point of negotiation for redevelopment. Scott Griffen said that the Downtown Facade Improvement Program also needs to be revamped. Ms. Moore advised that that would be a separate project,but is connected to the revitalization process. She stated that they would like it to be made more financially appealing with a matching grant with less restrictive terms. Chris Brown, employee of Downtown Deli, asked what was being done to keep relationships with current businesses healthy. Ms. Moore stated that monthly meetings with the Main Street Cultural District members are held. They have not held a meeting specifically with the tenants of the Town Centre building,but that is in the planning stages. Mr. Griffen said that owners of businesses within the Town Centre building had been contacted. He pointed out that they are not asking for approval of a specific project tonight; they are asking for permission to look at projects to serve as a catalyst. Susan Bedell,Manager of Big Table Books,said that concerns about relocation were raised,but not addressed. Ms. Shulman asked the Council to consider how they are going to assist the current tenants of the Town Centre building in relocating. She and her partners have invested a lot of money in their start-up business. 3 Tim Coble,Business Improvement Committee Chair,presented a rendition of a project that fits the development criteria and goals defined by the MSCD. The renditions were created by Rudi Lee Dreyer. Mr. Coble said that the purpose of a proposed catalyst project is to spur the redevelopment and revitalization of the Downtown District. He gave the history of this area and described the current situation. Mr.Coble reiterated that the presentations were ideas only;the MSCD is not supporting any actual project, however, they want to give the City Council a stronger idea of what could be developed. According to Mr. Coble, Scott Griffen and Gordon Meyer hired an architect,who came up with another design. Mr.Coble remarked that the Town Centre building was listed for sale and the MSCD assumed that it is still available. They feel that it is the perfect place for a catalyst project. Mr.Coble emphasized that parking decks/ramps to meet increases in demand would be crucial. He said for this project to move forward,there must be a public/private cooperative partnership; City support is needed. Mr. Griffen said that the Improvement Committee wants to know how to get a catalyst project started and how to get it to move forward. It is their intent to work with City staff to initiate the best possible project. The projects are examples of what could happen; they are intended to generate excitement and energy. Ms.Moore explained that the Main Street Cultural District has held monthly meetings since last June on possible catalyst projects.Prior to the charrette, surveys were distributed. The MSCD is in support of a catalyst project. The only persons who have expressed opposition to such a project are some of the present tenants of the Town Centre. Gordon Meyer made a presentation of another rendition of a possible catalyst project. Mr. Griffen emphasized that everything shown is an example(conceptual images)of an idea;nothing is a concrete plan at this point. He explained that criteria need to be developed and then the project could be identified. Bud Coreiri stated that he and his wife and a former partner, Russ Schoenaur, own the Town Centre building. He advised that the building is for sale. Mr. Coreiri said that he and his wife are offended by statements made and published in the newspaper that the building has been neglected and is run-down. Mr. Coreiri listed recent improvements that have been made to the building; he feels that the building is well kempt, and he and his wife do not like to hear those types of comments. He is proud of the building and expressed loyalty to his tenants. Mr.Griffen pointed out that the MSCD had not made derogatory comments about the building; individuals may have made comments,but the comments were not from the MSCD. Ms.Moore said that when they first addressed this issue with Mr.Coreiri,there were many vacancies in the Town Centre building. Mr. Coreiri explained that former tenants of the building had heard rumors that something was going to happen to the building and chose not to sign new leases. Allyson Walter, business owner and a member of the MSCD, pointed out that the proposed charrette project was not located on Main Street,and the MSCD preferred that the focus of any 4 project be on Main Street. Council Member Doll asked what process had been used to get the word out about a possible catalyst project. Ms.Moore said that the MSCD had mainly used its membership base. It also holds monthly meetings and sends out a quarterly newsletter. City Manager Schainker told the Council that they needed to determine if they want to locate a catalyst project on Main Street and what role they wanted to play in the revitalization. He asked how aggressive they wanted to be in offering incentives and controlling the project. Another possibility would be for the City Council to wait for a developer to purchase the property, express interest in catalyst project, and then respond to any requests for incentives. The Council has to decide on a specific location for the first project and also how many projects they want to participate in at once. Council Member Popken said that he was uncomfortable with the City purchasing the property, which could mean getting involved in condemnation procedures. Council Member Goodman said that if the City had to purchase property on Main Street, he would favor the Fifth Street charrette proposal for a catalyst project; the City already owns that property. Moved by Popken,seconded by Goodman,to direct staff to work with the Main Street Cultural District on a catalyst project involving the Town Centre building, defining the City's role as assisting a private developer in its revitalization. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Popken,seconded by Rice,to direct staff to meet with the MSCD to discuss possible changes to the Facade Program. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. COMMENTS: Mayor Campbell announced that a letter of resignation had been received from Council Member Goodhue,effective July 15,2006. Given that Municipal Code dictates that the seat may not be vacant for longer than 30 days and a 60-day notice of a Special Election must be given to the County Auditor, a temporary appointment will need to be made. Mayor Campbell made the following suggestions for guidelines to be followed to make the temporary appointment: 1. The person not be a candidate for the Special Election. 2. He or she not be someone who has been a vocal opponent or proponent of the proposed mall. 3. The person has recently served on a board or commission so that they are aware of City policies and procedures. Council Member Rice indicated that he favors an application process. Moved by Goodman, seconded by Doll, to direct staff to place the discussion of a Special 5 Election on their June 27, 2006, Agenda. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: 9:52 p.m. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor 6