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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - December 10, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 10, 2024 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:02 p.m. on the 10th day of December 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were City Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present. PROCLAMATION FOR "WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY," DECEMBER 14, 2024: Mayor Haila presented the proclamation to Jamie Barker, who accepted on behalf of the American Legion Riders. Mrs. Barker invited the community to attend a ceremony at Ames Municipal Cemetery, Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. to honor the memory of veterans in Ames and to participate in the laying of wreaths on their graves. Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham expressed his appreciation on behalf of staff for the program and encouraged the community to attend. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 18: Resolution approving the Commission on the Arts (COTA) Spring 2025 Special Project Grant contracts and Item No. 19: Resolution authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements with artists for 2024/25 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selections. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item No. 18 and Item No. 19. 2. Motion approving payment of claims 3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on November 26, 2024 4. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period November 16-30, 2024 5. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses: a. Cyclone Liquors, (626 Lincoln Way), Class C Liquor License b. Mickey’s Irish Pub, (109 Welch Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service c. Café Beau, (2504 Lincoln Way), Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service d. Torrent Brewing Co., (504 Burnett Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol with Living Quarter and Outside Service 6. Motion setting November 18, 2025, and December 16, 2025, as Regular City Council Meetings and cancelling City Council Meetings on November 11, 2025, and December 23, 2025 7. Motion accepting Municipal Equality Index Report 8. Motion directing the City Attorney to draft an ordinance adopting the name of a new frontage road at U.S. Highway 30 and 580th /S Teller Ave to Turing Street 9. RESOLUTION NO. 24-643 approving requests from Midnight Madness on July 18, 2025, for partial road closures of: a. Ashmore Drive from Beach Avenue to Gaskill Drive 2 b. Gaskill Drive from Ashmore Drive to Country Club Boulevard c. Country Club Boulevard from Gaskill Drive to Kildee Street d. Agg Avenue from Kildee Street to Cessna Street e. Cessna Street from Agg Avenue to Beach Avenue 10. RESOLUTION NO. 24-644 authorizing the expenditure of $5,000 ($4,000 from Council Operating budget & $1,000 from AHRC budget) to support the Building Inclusion Breakfast 11. RESOLUTION NO. 24-645 approving and adopting Supplement No. 2025-1 to the Ames Municipal Code 12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-646 approving Encroachment Permit for Sign at 301 Main Street 13. RESOLUTION NO. 24-647 approving appointment of Council Member Bronwyn Beatty- Hansen to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) 14. RESOLUTION NO. 24-648 approving appointment of Council Member Tim Gartin to Discover Ames 15. RESOLUTION NO. 24-649 approving appointment of Council Member Rachel Junck to the Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees 16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-650 approving Agreement between Ames Human Relations Commission and Iowa Office of Civil Rights regarding intake and investigation of Civil Rights Complaints 17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-651 approving amendment to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Funding Agreement for the Ioway Creek-Brookside Water Quality Project revising the completion date to December 31, 2026 18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-652 approving the Commission on the Arts (COTA) Spring 2025 Special Project Grant contracts 19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-653 authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements with artists for 2024/25 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selections 20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-654 awarding contract to Van Meter Inc. of Urbandale, Iowa for the purchase of 750 copper, 15 kV cable in the amount of $103,554.60 21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-655 awarding contract to Rexco Equipment Inc. of Des Moines for a forestry wood and brush chipper for the Parks and Recreation Department 22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-656 approving contract and bond for the Water Treatment Plant Lime Pond Underdrain Improvement with Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. COMMISSION ON THE ARTS (COTA) SPRING 2025 SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT CONTRACTS: Council Member Betcher expressed her interest in fully funding the request from the India Cultural Association as the event aligned with the City Council goal of valuing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to request the Ames Human Relations Commission utilize $570 of education funding, if available, for the India Cultural Association, with the difference being provided by City Council’s contingency fund, if needed. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. 3 Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-652 approving the Commission on the Arts Spring 2025 Special Project Grant contracts. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC ART COMMISSION (PAC) 2025/26 AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION SELECTIONS: Council Member Betcher stated her preference to select an alternate instead of a rendering of a sculpture that had not been produced. Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips detailed the review process undertaken by PAC, communications with the artist to ensure completion, and the timeline for installation of the sculpture. Moved by Betcher that the rendering of “Swirling Fire/Tree” not be approved, and request PAC replace with ‘Something Out of Nothing,” an alternate. Motion died due to lack of a second. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-653 authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements with artists for 2025/26 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selections. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, and Rollins. Voting Nay: Betcher. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum. Richard Deyo, Ames, discussed his experience with political campaigns. Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) TO ALLOW SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY CONSERVATION OVERLAY (O-SFC) ZONING DISTRICT WITH APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR CERTAIN PROPERTIES ABUTTING COMMERCIAL ZONING: Director of Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann presented the language of the Ordinance and the history of the item. He explained that the proposed ZTA would allow one additional social service provider to operate under a Special Use Permit within the O-SFC which would require approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Director Diekmann emphasized that if a social service provider within the O-SFC were to cease operation and be replaced by a permitted use, no new social service provider could be approved. Council Member Betcher inquired if there was a provision in the ordinance that specified that the additional social service provider would be the Romero House. Director Diekman responded in the negative and stated that the additional provider was not reserved for any one user; however, the Romero House had been the only entity to express interest in the Special Use Permit. Mayor Haila stated that Public Input would only be permitted on the language of the proposed ordinance. 4 Mayor Haila opened the Public Input. Richard Deyo, Ames, inquired on input received. David Carter, Ames, expressed his concern over lack of specification of which social service provider may apply for the special use permit. Kate Gregory, Ames, stated her concern on enforcement mechanisms to be sure more social service providers were not permitted in the future. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. Director Diekmann explained the enforcement mechanisms for the Zoning Code to bring properties into compliance. Council Member Betcher noted that the Special Use Permit would make staff aware of a proposed use in the community. Director Diekmann elaborated on notification channels utilized by the community to notify staff of potential zoning infractions and the role of staff in enforcement. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an Ordinance on a Zoning Text Amendment to allow Social Service Providers in the Single-Family Conservation Overlay (O-SFC) Zoning District with approval of Special Use Permit for certain Properties abutting Commercial Zoning. Roll Call Vote: 4-2. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Junck, and Gartin. Voting Nay: Betcher and Rollins. Motion declared carried. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE FOR INDUSTRIAL TAX ABATEMENT FOR WYFFELS SITE PLAN AT 220 S. TELLER AVENUE: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance for Industrial Tax Abatement for Wyffels Site Plan at 220 S. Teller Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE FOR REZONING OF 3200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD FROM "RI" (RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT) TO "FS - RM" (FLOATING SUBURBAN - RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY) WITH "PUD" PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to pass on second reading an Ordinance for rezoning of 3200 University Boulevard from "RI" (Research Park Innovation District) to "FS-RM" (Floating Suburban - Residential Medium Density) with "PUD" Planned Unit Development Overlay. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE FOR REZONING OF 3300 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD FROM "RI" (RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT) TO "FS - RM" (FLOATING SUBURBAN - RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY) WITH "PUD" PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty- Hansen, to pass on second reading an Ordinance for rezoning of 3300 University Boulevard from "RI" (Research Park Innovation District) to "FS-RM" (Floating Suburban - Residential Medium 5 Density) with "PUD" Planned Unit Development Overlay. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 4925 AND 5299 LINCOLN WAY - SUNSET RIDGE SUBDIVISION, 12TH ADDITION: Director Diekmann detailed that the subject property was recently annexed into the city and the preliminary plat proposed the creation of four lots. One lot would hold a single-family home with the other three lots intended to facilitate a real estate transaction in the future. The three outlots would undergo replatting at the time of sale, explained Director Diekmann, as Hope Lutheran Church intended to purchase the land to build a worship facility. He detailed requested exemptions, including waiver of cul-de-sac and an alternative private firetruck turnaround. Further information would be forthcoming, Director Diekmann reiterated, as only the approval of the creation of the four lots was being considered at this meeting. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-657 approving Preliminary Plat for 4925 and 5299 Lincoln Way – Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 12th Addition. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. FINAL PLAT FOR 4925 AND 5299 LINCOLN WAY - SUNSET RIDGE SUBDIVISION, 12TH ADDITION: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-658 approving Final Plat for 4925 and 5299 Lincoln Way - Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 12th Addition. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. EXTENSION OF SIDEWALK INSTALLATION DEFERRAL FOR 4004 AND 4008 COCHRANE PARKWAY: Director Diekmann stated that the applicant was requesting an extension through August 2025 to allow for landscaping to be completed before the installation of the sidewalk would take place. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-659 approving Extension of Sidewalk Installation Deferral for 4004 and 4008 Cochrane Parkway. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. REQUEST TO DEFER IMPLEMENTATION OF ANNEXATION COVENANTS BY SEPARATE OWNERS OF 2114 & 2126 STATE AVENUE: Planner Justin Moore presented options for action the City Council could pursue, explained that staff had notified the property owners that the item was on the agenda, and detailed the City services that the property owners would have access to after annexing. He noted that there were not many examples of precedence 6 as many annexation agreements developed 10-15 years ago were now coming due for enforcement. Mayor Haila opened the Public Input. Maragaret Epplin and Ronald Mowers, 2114 State Avenue, requested that the annexation agreement for 2114 State Avenue be vacated citing changes in the Urban Fringe 28E Agreement and noise from the nearby Iowa State University (ISU) Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Planner Moore noted there was no reference to development concerns in the agreement and explained that ISU was governed by the University’s Administration, did not require City approval for development, and that ISU projects were not subject to City zoning standards. Council Member Rollins inquired if the properties in question were noted as areas of interest for Plan 2040, with Planner Moore responding in the affirmative and stated that annexing the property would algin utility distribution within City limits. Council Member Beatty-Hansen reiterated that the purpose of the agreement was to provide City water services to the properties. She expressed her hesitance to weaken the negotiation tool of annexation for future agreements. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-660 to Defer Implementation of Annexation Covenants and pass a Resolution that the City Council will accept annexation applications submitted to the City by July 1, 2027, in accordance with the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation agreed to in 2011. Motion withdrawn. The City Council engaged in discussion with staff. Director Diekmann clarified that if other properties in proximity of the properties requesting delay in execution of the covenant agreements were to be annexed that staff would not include 2114 & 2126 State Avenue in annexation at that time. He furthered that Alternative 2: Decline to initiate annexation of the properties at 2114 & 2126 State Avenue and pass a Resolution that the City Council will accept annexation applications submitted to the City by July 1, 2027 in accordance with the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation agreed to in 2011, established a timeline for when the annexation application must be submitted to the City, not for the matter to be revisited by the City Council. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-660 to Defer Implementation of Annexation Covenants and pass a Resolution that the City Council will accept annexation applications submitted to the City by July 1, 2027, in accordance with the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation agreed to in 2011. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Director of Public Works John Joiner and Resource Recovery Superintendent Mark Peebler presented the Staff Report and reviewed next steps. Director Joiner shared that the City Council directed staff to learn more about what would be 7 necessary to establish a partnership with Metro Waste Authority (MWA). Throughout conversations with MWA, staff learned of several complications that would complicate such a partnership as MWA views its primary responsibility to serve the communities in Polk County. Director Joiner noted that fulfilling the requirements set forth by MWA would be time prohibitive with the City’s contract with the Boone County Landfill would expire in June 2025. Mayor Haila stated that Boone County was willing to extend the City’s contract for an additional two years while the City updated its waste management plan and facilities and extended his gratitude for Boone County’s flexibility. Director Joiner noted that staff identified Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission (Carroll County) may be an option for a future partnership. The facility has similar goals to the City, prioritized education, and was environmentally friendly, explained Director Joiner. Therefore, staff was requesting authorization to submit a formal intent to negotiate letter to Carrol County on behalf of the City of Ames. Council Member Gartin inquired what led staff to believe that Carroll County had shared values with the City. Director Joiner responded that Carroll County required all member agencies to have a recycling program in place and that environmental stewardship was a key focus. Superintendent Peebler stated that Carroll County had committed to environmental goals that they documented progress towards. Director Joiner highlighted that Carroll County had a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a methane capture system in the landfill which would align with the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals as well. The City Council and staff engaged in thorough conversation with recycling considerations and additional questions. Assistant City Manager Phillips emphasized that the Intent to Negotiate letter was the beginning step, and that staff would continue to analyze financial considerations, site development options, and further information to bring back to the City Council for review. Director Joiner highlighted that staff were working with Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan to submit a grant application for the building and equipment for a transfer station that would allow the City to develop its own fleet, extract metals, and the fuel for the fleet would be completely B100 biodiesel fuel. Director Joiner noted that staff planned to bring the topic of the transfer facility back to the City Council at its January 14, 2025, meeting before soliciting design services for the site based on feedback. Acceptance of the grant would be brought to the City Council if awarded as well as any proposed agreement between the City and Carroll County. Council Member Gartin inquired about the role of community recycling and any necessary changes to the current system. Director Joiner stated that community wide recycling would be critical, with details being evaluated by staff. Staff would engage in community outreach and education of any needed changes, he furthered. Superintendent Peebler informed the City Council that several neighboring communities had reached out to the Resource Recovery Plant to engage in additional recycling efforts and partner with the City’s established process. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24 -661 authorizing staff to submit an Intent to Negotiate letter to Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. 8 2024 CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSION SURVEY RESULTS: Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck presented the survey results and implementation steps for future recruitment efforts. She stated that the survey was conducted to support the City Council goal of better understanding who served on boards and commissions. Positives of participation as reported by respondents included serving the community, enjoying learning more about the community, and having a community impact. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted that the most cited barriers to participation included time management and time commitment. Staff had determined that communicating the time commitment required for each board to future applicants. STAFF REPORT REGARDING FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER (FFIAC): Director Abraham and Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort presented the report, highlighting the facility schedule, survey results, and fee schedule. Concerns with staffing constraints prompted staff to suggest 14 weeks of the Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) operation from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, before transitioning to FFIAC for the remaining 38 weeks of the year explained Director Abraham. In cases of inclement weather during the FAC season, FFIAC would be operated in place of the outdoor facility. He expressed that staff hoped was to see increases in retention of lifeguards. Recreation Superintendent Kort shared that the survey consisted of questions for programming and preferred times for activities. She noted that staff would be using the data collected when developing the schedule for FFIAC closer to the opening date. Director Abraham concluded the presentation by reviewing the proposed fee schedule, which set daily rates for FFIAC at the same rate as FAC. He noted that additional feedback and information would be needed, and staff was only requesting that the City Council approve the fee schedule in concept, with more information to come. He highlighted that due to the Story County Board of Supervisors donation, Story County residents would have the same admission costs as Ames residents for 10 years. Director Abraham noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission was interested in amending the definition of a “household” for season passes to both facilities. The City Council echoed interest in exploring different definitions of a household to better serve residents. Swimming lessons were a key focus of staff, as well as greater engagement with community groups, stated Director Abraham. Staff were looking forward to utilizing to maximize community impact. Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, approve in concept the proposed facility schedules and fees for FFIAC as outlined above knowing that changes may be necessary between now and when FFIAC opens. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to continue the Public Hearing to January 14, 2025. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON 2019/20 STORM WATER EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM (IOWAY 9 CREEK - 6TH TO 13TH ST): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-662 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Earth Works of Huxley, Iowa in the amount of $1,687,433. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON 2023/24 AMES PLAN 2040 SANITARY SEWER UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE (265TH STREET EXTENSION): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-663 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract for the base bid to S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc of Jordan, Minnesota, in the amount of $2,036,000. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON CARR PARK AGILITY COURSE PROJECT: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-664 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Caliber Construction LLC, of Adair, Iowa in the amount of $443,800. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-665 awarding a contract to Outdoor Recreation Products, Gretna, Nebraska for the agility course equipment and installation in the amount of $166,570. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-666 awarding a contract to Boland Recreation, Marshalltown, Iowa for a shelter in the amount of $25,500. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made 10 a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON MINI-PITCH PROJECT AT LLOYD KURTZ PARK: Recreation Superintendent Kort reviewed that Bid Package 2: Mini-Pitch System, Lights, and Acrylic Surfacing was reissued with bids due December 4, 2024. She presented the funding available for the project and stated that staff recommended rejecting Bid Package 4 – Water Service as a grant opportunity for that portion of the project would be pursued by staff. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-667 approving final plans and specifications for Bid Package 1 – Concrete & Grading and awarding a contract to Caliber Concrete LLC, of Adair, IA, for the base bid, Add Alternate 1, and Add Alternate 3 in the amount of $182,462.27. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-668 approving final plans and specifications for Bid Package 2 - Mini-Pitch System, Lights, and Acrylic Surfacing and awarding a contract to Caliber Concrete LLC, of Adair, Iowa, in the amount of $109,300. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-669 approving final plans and specifications for Bid Package 3 – Electrical and awarding a contract to Van Maanen Electric Inc, of Newton, Iowa, for Bid Option 1 in the amount of $7,610. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to reject bid for Bid Package 4 – Water Service. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve reallocation of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) savings for the Community Center Gym Flooring Project in the amount of $90,230. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO VACATE EASEMENTS LOCATED AT ASPEN RIDGE SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION AND GRAND ASPEN RIDGE SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-670 vacating easements. 11 Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila stated that there were three items for consideration. The first correspondence to be evaluated was a request for the option for landlords to receive text notifications of utility outages from Pete and Monica Steinmetz. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff to address the topic. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. A memo from Director of Electric Services Donald Kom pertaining to streetlights and a memo from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer regarding the evaluation of an all-way stop at Kent Avenue and Aspen Road were presented for information only. REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Betcher shared the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) had a report from Verbio’s president of the Agriculture Division. She also noted that the film “Light Painter” about Dan McClanahan would be available soon and that there would be a joint meeting with AREA soon. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland stated that ISU Student Government had met for the last time for the semester. Council Member Rollins reminded the community that the nonemergency police number was available to provide assistance to the unhouse during cold weather. Council Member Gartin shared the success of the Shop with a Cop program which impacted 140 children in the community. He extended his congratulations to the ISU football team for playing in the Big 12 Championship. Council Member Gartin stated his intent to present several motions regarding the unhoused in the community. Moved by Gartin to request staff draft an ordinance that will create parity among public spaces for example library, public streets, sideways, and alleys with City parks which have a curfew of 10:30 p.m. The City Council discussed the intent of the motion and alternative options staff may develop. Seconded by Corrieri after Council Member Gartin accepted Council Member Beatty-Hansen’s friendly amendment to rephrase the motion to “request staff bring back a memo that outlines options that could be considered by the City Council.” Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to request staff meet with residents and representatives of the Old Town district to increase the level of safety residents feel. Motion Withdrawn. The City Council engaged in conversation with staff regarding the best approach to engaging the Old Town district, as well as the role of the City Council and staff in addressing safety concerns. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff to bring a memo back with options for 12 ways to engage with Old Town district concerns, specifically safety issues. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Council Member Gartin stated that The Salvation Army funds for assisting the unhoused were nearly depleted. He expressed his belief that it would be beneficial for staff to reach out to neighboring communities who may have individuals utilizing services available in Ames, to request financial assistance for ongoing efforts. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to request staff reach out to other communities such as Boone, Marshalltown, and the Des Moines Metro to inquire if they would be willing to participate in efforts to house the Homeless in Ames and participate in funding. The City Council engaged in thorough discussion on efforts underway to address homelessness and resources available in the community. Funding partners who surrounding communities utilized were noted by Council Member Corrieri as serving Boone and Marshalltown and sharing coordination services. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck indicated that the consultant hired to facilitate conversations around homelessness and assist with developing the county wide response plan would consider funding and financial contributions of surrounding communities. Vote on Motion: 1-5. Voting Aye: Gartin. Voting Nay: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins. Council Member Betcher wished students well during finals week. She extended her condolences to the family of Tahira Hira who recently passed and was an invested community member. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ___________________________ _______________________________ Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor _____________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk