HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 14, 2024 ITEM#: 58
DATE: 05-14-24
DEPT: PD
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 18.7A, SPECIAL PENALTY FOR GAME DAY
PARKING, TO ADD EVENTS PARKING
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Code, Section 18.7A, (Special Penalty for Game Day Parking) currently authorizes an
increased penalty only for illegally parked vehicles occurring on the date of Iowa State University home
football games from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The special penalty applies to all parking
violations within the Game Day Parking Area except for violations of Section 18.18(1) (persons with
disabilities parking).
Staff has met with Iowa State about other special events coming to the Ames area, such as the planned
large stadium concert occurring later this May. Staff anticipates this concert to attract attendance much
like a football game in terms of parking, tailgating, etc. Staff also anticipates an increase in special
events in the stadium and new CYTown areas as time goes on.
Given the upcoming large concert and potential for additional similar events, staff is requesting
that the Council add language to the existing ordinance to apply the Special Penalty to other
special events as designated by resolution of the City Council. The following changes would amend
Chapter 18.7A:
18.7A. SPECIAL PENALTY FOR GAME DAY AND SPECIAL EVENTS PARKING
(1) This special penalty applies in the "Game Day and Special Events Parking Area" as designated by a
Resolution adopted by the City Council.
(2) Notwithstanding the fine amounts stated in Section 18.7 (parking violations), a special penalty of
forty dollars ($40.00) shall be applied to violations occurring on the date of Iowa State University home
football games from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to midnight and during other special events as designated bX
council resolution. However, if the fine is paid within the first seven (7) days of the date of violation,
five dollars ($5.00) of the fine amount will be waived. Any fines that remain unpaid after thirty (30)
days from the date of the violation will be deemed contested and may be prosecuted.
(3) This special penalty applies to all parking violations within the Game Day and Special Events
Parking Area except for violations of Section 18.18(l) (persons with disabilities parking).
The existing signage regarding the increased Game Day parking fines is specific to football games, and
would need to be modified to be more generic. Rather than replacing all these signs, staff is proposing
modifying the existing signs by applying traffic-sign-quality decals. The decals cost approximately $10
each ($4,660 for the 466 signs in service). Funding for this expense will come from the Parking Fund.
As the signs are replaced over time,permanent sign materials will be used.
The decals would be ordered and applied over the summer. An example is attached, although it should
be noted that it may not reflect the final language.
1
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 18.7A, Special Penalty for Game Day
Parking, to add Special Events Parking as designated by City Council Resolution.
2. Do not modify the Special Penalty for Game Day Parking.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The special events that will be coming to Ames in the future, including stadium concerts and events
anticipated as the CYTown area develops, are expected to impact the residential areas around the
stadium in the same way home ISU football games do. The increase of illegal parking around these
events puts the public at risk by making it difficult for emergency vehicles to respond to medical calls,
fire calls, and law enforcement calls for service. In addition, it impacts the residents of the area making
it more difficult for them to travel the streets around their homes.
The current ordinance has shown some success in reducing illegal parking during home ISU football
games. It is anticipated this strategy will have a similar effect during other large special events by
mitigating illegal parking. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City
Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Football and Events Sticker.jpg
Amendment to Game Day Parking Ordinance.pdf
2
'0
FINES INCREASED
Football Game Day and
Special Events
Municipal Code 18.7A
3
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTION 18.7A
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENACTING A SPECIAL
PENALTY FOR EVENTS PARKING, REPEALING ANY AND
ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Section 18.7A as follows:
"18.7A. SPECIAL PENALTY FOR GAME DAY AND EVENTS PARKING
(1) This special penalty applies in the "Game Day and Events Parking Area" as designated
by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
(2) Notwithstanding the fine amounts stated in Section 18.7 (parking violations), a special
penalty of forty dollars ($40.00) shall be applied to violations occurring on the date of Iowa State
University home football games from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to midnight. This special penalty shall also be
applied during dates and times designated by City Council resolution for events occurring in the Game Day
and Events Parking Area. zIf the special penalty€ne is paid within the first seven(7)days of the
date of violation, five dollars($5.00)of the fine amount will be waived.Any fines that remain unpaid after
thirty(30)days from the date of the violation will be deemed contested and may be prosecuted.
(3) This special penalty applies to all parking violations within the Game Day and Events
Parking Area except for violations of Section 18.18(1)(persons with disabilities parking)."
Section Two.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances,or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of 12024.
Renee Hall,City Clerk John A.Haila,Mayor
4