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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Allocating $25,000 from City Council Contingency Account for Downtown Master Plan RESOLUTION NO. 23-605 RESOLUTION ALLOCATING$25,000 FROM CITY COUNCIL CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT FOR DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS,Ames Main Street(AMS) is pursuing a visioning process to develop its long- term program of work, and hopes to retain a design firm to lead the project and produce a "Downtown Ames Master Plan." AMS proposed that the City participate in the consultant selection process and that the City provide funding for up to 50% of the cost of the consulting contract. Two firms were identified by AMS to provide presentations regarding their proposed approaches to the project, which were attended by the Assistant City Manager and the Planning and Housing Director, who then provided feedback to AMS leadership; and, WHEREAS, the scope of services has been refined by AMS to identify three main areas of focus: 1) Enhance the gathering spaces in the Downtown District, 2) Create a stronger sense of Downtown ambiance, and 3) Encourage Downtown residential and commercial development opportunities; and, WHEREAS, the scope of services identifies a Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) as a potential mechanism to finance improvements. SSMID relies on a petition process that is not guaranteed to be approved. The consultant will be asked to identify other potential funding opportunities for the project components that are evaluated; and, WHEREAS, consultant selection and development of the plan are being directed by AMS and the completed plan is likely to result in proposed improvements with significant capital costs. Although the scope of services suggests that SSMID and other financing mechanisms will be explored as a way to pay for these improvements, it is possible that implementation relies on considerable City funding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that allocation of$25,000 from the City Council Contingency account for a Downtown Master Plan is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 28th day of November, 2023. Renee Nall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Gartin Seconded by: Beatty-Hansen Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 28th day of November, 2023.