HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - October 22, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 22, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:59
p.m. on the 22nd day of October 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
joined the meeting telephonically.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Gartin requested to pull Item No. 12: Resolution
approving plans and specifications for the Carr Park Agility Course and set November 27, 2024,
as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award and Council
Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 13: Resolution approving agreement with Jordan
Brooks to paint murals on brick pier located at Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Streets.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item No. 12
and Item No. 13.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on October 8,
2024
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period October 1-15, 2024
4. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Radisson Hotel Ames, 2609
University Boulevard, Pending Favorable DIA Inspection
5. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Southgate Ames Iowa, (110
Airport Road), Pending Favorable DCI Background Checks and Favorable Inspections
6. Motion approving new 5-Day (November 2 - November 6, 2024) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, 1800 Christensen Drive, (Pending
Dramshop Review)
7. Motion approving new 5-Day (October 28 - November 1, 2024) License - Apres Bar Co.,
2120 Lincoln Way
8. Motion approving the renewal of London Underground, (212 Main Street), Class C Retail
Alcohol License
9. Motion approving Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
10. Requests from Ames Main Street for Snow Magic on December 5, 2024:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving Blanket Vending License
c. RESOLUTION NO. 24-553 approving waiver of Vending License fee
d. RESOLUTION NO. 24-554 approving usage of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and
waiver of fees for electricity
11. RESOLUTION NO. 24-555 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending
September 30, 2024
12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-556 approving plans and specifications for the Carr Park Agility
Course and set November 27, 2024 as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of
public hearing and award
13. RESOLUTION NO. 24-557 approving agreement with Jordan Brooks to paint murals on
brick pier located at Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Streets
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14. RESOLUTION NO. 24-558 approving Professional Service Agreement with Bolton &
Menk for the 2024/25 Airport Entryway Improvements
15. RESOLUTION NO. 24-559 awarding contract to HDR Engineering, Inc., of Omaha, NE,
for Boiler Heating System Feasibility Study for Electric Services, in an amount not to
exceed $54,800
16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-560 awarding contract to Poindexter Flooring Inc., of Indianola,
IA, for Carpet Replacement at the Ames Public Library, in the amount of $304,341
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-561 awarding contract to Gillig LLC of Livermore, California, for
two 40' heavy-duty diesel buses for a total cost not to exceed amount of $1,256,996
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-562 approving Amendment No. 5 to Professional Services
Agreement with HDR for the North River Valley Wellfield Project
19. 2021/22 Stormwater Erosion Control (Bloomington Waterway)
a. RESOLUTION NO. 24-563 accepting Change Order No.2, the balancing change order,
reducing the contract amount by ($44,866.00)
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-564 accepting the project as completed by Con-Struct Inc., of
Ames, Iowa in the amount of $176,305.20
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-565 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Airport
Improvement Program (Wildlife Fence Project) with Minturn, Inc., of Brooklyn, Iowa
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-566 approving contract and bond for the Ames City Auditorium
HVAC Improvements Project with Mechanical Comfort, 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.
CARR PARK AGILITY COURSE: Council Member Gartin stated that he had requested an
update from Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham on the project. Director Abraham
noted that there had been three public input sessions on the project and that staff was excited to
continue moving forward. He explained that installation was included in the bid package and
would be the responsibility of the bidder.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-556 approving plans and
specifications for the Carr Park Agility Course and set November 27, 2024 as the bid due date and
December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ARTIST AGREEMENT FOR MURAL AT WELCH AVENUE AND CHAMBERLAIN
STREETS: Council Member Betcher shared her desire to allow the artist to present the design
and discuss bringing the date and map on the mural into alignment. She also noted that the mural
would include augmented reality, a first for the City’s permanent art inventory. Artist Jordan
Brooks elaborated on the combined goal of Ames Regional Economic Alliance Young
Professionals (FUEL) and Mr. Brooks to bring the history and vibrancy of the Campustown into
the art piece. Council Member Betcher expressed that, for the mural to be accurate, the proposed
map would need to be altered or the year on the map would need to be updated to reflect the history
of the area, to which Mr. Brooks was agreeable.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-557 approving
agreement with Jordan Brooks to paint murals on brick pier located at Welch Avenue and
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Chamberlain Streets, contingent upon staff confirming with the artist and FUEL that the design
change had been made to bring the date and map into alignment.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Audrey Kennis, 3415 Emerald Drive, Ames, requested clarification and a potential housing code
amendment that would allow four individuals to occupy a three-bedroom home in order to obtain
a Rental Certificate for the property.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2024 RESIDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS:
Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda presented the survey results. She
highlighted that this was the 42nd annual survey conducted in partnership with the Iowa State
University (ISU) College of Design. Manager Gwiasda discussed trends in engagement, spending
priorities, and perceived service quality of City programs. She noted that questions related to
sustainability were added and that she would be back seeking direction in February for the next
year’s survey. The survey report would be on the City Manager’s page of the City website, stated
Manager Gwiasda, who also encouraged residents to take advantage of the City’s new web based
notification system.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to accept the Resident Satisfaction Survey results.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
LOAN AND DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR SEWER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES
2024: Director of Finance Corey Goodenow explained the loan would be utilized for
improvements at the Water Treatment Plant and noted that the City was receiving an interest rate
below standard market value.
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. 24-567 authorizing
and approving a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and providing for issuance and securing the
payment of Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2024.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
FINAL MINOR PLAT FOR PRAIRIE VIEW INDUSTRIAL FIRST ADDITION: Planner
Justin Moore explained that the Final Minor Plat would split the existing property into two lots.
Lot 1 would house an electrical substation with Lot 2 being reserved for future growth or sale. The
applicant requested a waiver for sidewalk installation based upon premature conditions , which
would allow for a 5-year deferral of Shared Use Path installation, with no impact to any pedestrian
or bicycle infrastructure at this time. Along with the five-year deferral, the applicant requested to
install the sidewalk after five years or to fund the installation as part of a future City project.
Planner Moore furthered that a proposed agreement was being finalized between staff and the
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applicant.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-568 approving Final Plat
with waiver of sidewalk/path installation contingent upon approval of deferral agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
REQUEST TO DEFER ANNEXATION COVENANTS BY OWNERS OF 2114 & 2126
STATE AVENUE: Planner Moore reviewed that two years ago land, owned by ISU was annexed
with the property owners of 2114 and 2126 State Avenue agreeing to future annexation. In
compliance with the dates listed on the annexation agreements, staff reached out to the property
owners to notify the individuals of pending annexation as the properties are now abutted by City
limits. In response, the owners submitted letters to request further deferment, explained Planner
Moore. He furthered that City staff would be comfortable deferring annexation for a term of three
years if the City Council saw fit, with City staff expecting an annexation application in 2027.
Planner Moore stated that staff saw no issue with annexation in the future.
The City Council and staff engaged in conversation regarding future necessary annexation,
implications for a future City Council, and the desire to hear from the property owners before
taking further action.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to table the item to a subsequent City Council meeting and
reach out to the affected property owners to inform them when the item would be discussed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMES/ISU ICE ARENA RADIANT HEAT REPLACEMENT PROJECT: Council Member
Betcher questioned if ISU would be approached to financially contribute to the project. Director
Abraham noted that the project would be paid for from the Capital Replacement Fund, what was
funded annually in partnership with ISU.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-569 approving plans and
specifications for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Radiant Heat Replacement Project and set November
20, 2024 as the bid due date and November 26, 2024, as date of public heari ng and award.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2023/24 AMES PLAN 2040 SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION (S 500th
AVENUE COUNTY LINE ROAD): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when
no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-570 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Rognes Corp of Ankeny, Iowa, for the base bid
amount of $551,057.70.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/25 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM: Mayor Haila opened and closed the
Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-571 approving final plans
and specification and awarding a contract to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. of Newton, Iowa, in the
amount of $142,043.15.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
HEARING ON VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF 142.95 ACRES LOCATED IN WEST
AMES ALONG ONTARIO STREET, NORTH 500TH AVENUE AND LINCOLN WAY:
Planner Moore stated that the annexed area was intended for neighborhood expansion and a future
City park. Any future developments within the voluntarily annexed area would be required to
partake in the standard rezoning and platting process. There were no anticipated impacts on future
80/20 annexations. Mayor Haila inquired if the City would seek to rezone the parcels the City park
would occupy. Planner Moore affirmed that was an option that could be further explored as the
park Master Plan is developed.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-572 approving
Annexation of 10 parcels totaling 142.95 acres, for the properties located immediately west of the
Ames corporate limits along Lincoln Way, North 500th Avenue and Ontario Street, in Washington
Township, Story County, Iowa .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
HEARING ON INTEGRATED SITE PLAN SUBDIVISION, MAJOR SITE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 1726 COLLABORATION
PLACE: Planner Amelia Schoeneman explained that an Integrated Site Plan subdivision would
allow for the division of the 4.2-acre site into two lots with zoning compliance based upon the site
as a whole. The proposal would use this flexibility to distribute parking across both lots,
eliminating setbacks for parking areas from interior property lines, while placing the two buildings
on separate lots, elaborated Planner Schoeneman. She furthered that while a phasing plan exhibit
had been submitted with the site plan, the phasing plan and development and maintenance
agreement for shared improvements would be part of the review of the final plat that would be
presented by City staff at a later date.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
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Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-573 approving
Major Site Development Plan for 1726 Collaboration Place.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-574 approving
Preliminary Plat for the Iowa State University Research Park Phase III Subdivision, Seventh
Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
HEARING ON VACATING THE EXISTING TEN FOOT (10') PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT LOCATED AT 3300 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD, IOWA STATE
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE III, FIRST ADDITION: Mayor Haila opened and
closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-575 vacating the
existing ten foot (10') Public Utility Easement located at 3300 University Boulevard, Iowa State
University Research Park Phase III, First Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
eight items included for consideration. The first item was from Brian Heenan regarding Ride-Share
Electric Scooters.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff develop a micromobility ordinance
for alternative micromobility, other than bicycles, to be added to a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for a Zoning Text Amendment from Lynn Ballard was considered next.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mark Clipsham submitted Sustainability Suggestions.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen to request the Mayor respond to Mr. Clipsham.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Concerns with Homelessness in the Downtown Area from Erik Charter were discussed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to thank Mr. Charter for his input and let him know
that the City Council is looking forward to discussing the topic with the help of a consultant in the
near future.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried.
Next, an email regarding a Zoning Text Amendment for Social Service Providers and the Historic
Preservation Commission from David Carter was considered.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request a memo from the City Attorney on the
matter.
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Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Correspondence from Jennifer Harris about 913 Carroll Avenue concerns was discussed.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to request that the item be placed on a future agenda with
staff providing options from peer cities to address the issue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Furniture Mart USA Chief Operating Officer Troy Eichmann’s request for Property Tax Abatement
was evaluated.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The final item from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer detailed next steps for the Bike and
Pedestrian Master Plan. The Mayor noted that this item was for information only.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Junck shared that at the Discover Ames
board meeting, community grant applications were reviewed for 2025.
Council Member Betcher shared that at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance meeting, Governor
Renyolds was the keynote speaker. She noted Governor Reynolds’ excitement over upcoming
additional tax cuts, as well as investments that the State would be making in new housing
opportunities. Council Member Betcher also highlighted that Danfoss and 3M were partnering to
open childcare for the community.
Council Member Gartin shared that he attended the Story County Emergency Management Agency
(SCEMA), where discussions centered on a new emergency generator and building. Potential
changes to the funding of the Disaster Fund were also discussed. Mayor Haila requested that
Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips update the City Council on the briefing he gave to SCEMA
regarding the 28E agreement in connection with the Resource Recovery Plant . Assistant City
Manager Phillips stated that City staff were examining the fiscal feasibility of constructing a solid
waste transfer station and that City staff was anticipating hearing back from potential partners in
the coming weeks.
The Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees had discussed the budgeting process, reported Council
Member Beatty-Hansen. Staff recommended continuing current service levels without expansion
at this time, and the Board had approved the purchase of two new 40’ buses. She shared that
CyRide staff were investigating methods to purchase tickets electronically and that ridership levels
were at prepandemic levels and continued to trend upward.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland announced that CyRide had approved fare free rides
for the election on November 5th. She shared that she was finalizing the agenda for the upcoming
Joint City Council and Student Government meeting on November 20th at 5:00 p.m. at the
Memorial Union.
Council Member Betcher stated that she wanted to address comments made during Public Forum.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to request a memo from staff on current restrictions for
rental housing code occupancy and conversion of bedrooms.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried.
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Council Member Gartin expressed his appreciation to the Ames Town and Gown Association and
highlighted that the organization was celebrating their 75th anniversary with their next concert
taking place on Saturday, November 9th in the Ames City Auditorium.
Council Member Junck invited the community to attend the grand reopening of the Ames History
Museum ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 24th with an open house for the community on
Saturday, October 26th.
Council Member Rollins encouraged everyone to vote on November 5th.
Mayor Haila shared that he had the opportunity to speak to student representatives of Big 12
schools and stated that Ames was the only community that had an ex officio position.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a legal reason
to go into Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative citing Section 20.17(3),
Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3),
Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy at 8:07 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 8:34 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk