HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - April 9, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 9, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00
p.m. on the 9th day of April 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim
Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Council Member Amber Corrieri was absent. Ex officio
Jeff Clark was also absent.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK," APRIL 7-13, 2024: Mayor
Haila presented the proclamation to Director of Library Services Sheila Schofer. She accepted the
proclamation on behalf of the staff and Ames Public Library Board of Trustees. She encouraged
all residents to visit the library.
PROCLAMATION FOR "FAIR HOUSING MONTH," APRIL 2024: Mayor Haila presented
the proclamation to Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer and she highlighted events
taking place to celebrate Fair Housing Month. Coordinator Baker-Latimer shared that Thursday,
April 11, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. the City was partnering with the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) as well as the Central Iowa Board of Realtors to host an “Opening
Ceremony” for Fair Housing Month. She also thanked the public and private partners that work to
provide fair and affordable housing in the community. Julie Sleeper, State Director of HUD shared
her excitement over the commitment Ames had to fair housing. Beth Skulzacek of the Central
Iowa Realtor Board shared that fair housing was at the core of the Central Iowa Realtor Board and
that she looked forward to meeting that commitment and serving alongside the community
partners. Wayne Clinton, Chair of the Ames Human Relations Commission, shared his thanks to
the City and partner entities for all the work being done within the community. He also encouraged
residents to come to the Opening Ceremony for Fair Housing Month. Mayor Haila extended his
gratitude towards the partnerships the City has that allow the necessary work to have fair housing
to happen.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent
agenda.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on March 26, 2024
5. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period March 16-31, 2024
6. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
7. Motion approving new 5-day (April 13 - April 17, 2024), Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License - Mucky Duck Pub, (1400 South 4th Street)
8. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - El Jefe Mexican Cuisine, 524
Lincoln Way, Pending Favorable DIA Inspection
9. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Wasabi Somerset, 2707 Kent
Avenue, Pending Favorable DIA Inspection
10. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
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a. Cyclone Experience Network, (1705 Center Drive-Hilton Coliseum), Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop
Review
b. Perfect Games, (1320 Dickinson Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service
c. Provisions Lot F, (2400 North Loop Drive), Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service
d. Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh #2, (636 Lincoln Way), Class E Retail Alcohol License
e. Cinemark Movie 12, (1317 Buckeye Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol License
11. RESOLUTION NO. 24-180 approving exception to Section 22.32(c)(2)(v) to allow alcohol
service in Sidewalk Café at Della Viti, 323 Main Street, Suite 102
12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-162 approving request from Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance
to close Clark Avenue between 6th and 7th Street from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday,
May 19, 2024 for the Annual Street Party Celebration
13. Utility Easements for Creekside Townhomes with the Baker Subdivision at 3216 Tripp Street
a. RESOLUTION NO. 24-163 approving Easement Reservation (Storm Water Drainage)
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-164 approving Easement Reservation (Public Utilities Lot 27)
14. RESOLUTION NO. 24-165 approving the Cash Rent Farm Lease Agreement with Donald
Uthe to farm 20.05 acres in the future park at 5658 Ontario Street
15. Request for Greek Week Olympics, Saturday, April 13, 2024, with April 14, 2024, as rain
date
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the closed area
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-166 approving the closure of Ash Avenue, Lynn Avenue,
Sunset Drive, Gray Avenue, Greeley Street, and Pearson Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2024
16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-167 Setting April 23, 2024, as the date of public hearing to consider
adoption of Fiscal Year 2023/24 Adjusted Budget and Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-168 awarding contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc. for
Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic
Center Project in the amount of $89,338
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-169 awarding contract to Automatic Systems Company of Ames,
Iowa for Water Plant SCADA, Networking, Access Control, And Surveillance Updates
19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-170 approving Change Order #1 with Tri-City Electric Company
for the Switchgear Routine Maintenance Services
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-171 approving contract and bond for the 2021/22 Stormwater
Detention/Retention Maintenance Program (Northridge Heights Pond) with Tallgrass Land
Stewardship Company of Waukee, Iowa
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-172 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Arterial Street
Pavement Improvements with All Star Concrete, LLC, of Johnston, Iowa
22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-173 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Concrete
Pavement Improvements - Prairie View with Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa
23. RESOLUTION NO. 24-174 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Intelligent
Transportation System (Phase 3) with Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, Iowa
24. RESOLUTION NO. 24-175 approving contract and bond for the Ash Pond Closure and
RDF Ash Pond Construction with JB Holland Construction, Inc., of Decorah, Iowa
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
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Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Richard Deyo, 505 8th Street #102, Ames, expressed his desire to perform in the Senior
Variety Show.
Linda Arends, Ames Resident, shared her interest in programs available to assist homeowners
with needed maintenance and repairs.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
STAFF REPORT ON SIDEWALK SAFETY PROGRAM: Operations Manager Justin
Clausen and Director of Public Works John Joiner presented the Staff Report. Operations Manager
Clausen reviewed the current complaint-driven process and narrowly focused repair options. He
also elaborated on the proposed revised standards and additional repair options staff were
suggesting.
At the January 23, 2024, City Council meeting City Council had requested public input before
taking further action. Operations Manager Clausen stated that staff had created a survey with the
option to take it online or on paper at the Library. Of the 486 responses that were received, 98%
of respondents identified themselves as residents.
Operations Manager Clausen stated that with the Public Input in mind, staff recommended 12-15
miles per year as the goal for a proactive sidewalk examination program. He shared the
communities with proactive programs claimed to not have large numbers of complaints and
clarified that anonymous reporting would still be available. Potential subsidy options were
explored by staff, with three main options: income-based, grant based, and cost-sharing.
Operations Manager Clausen reviewed the possible characteristics of each program and how peer
communities treated each option. He shared that staff projected a cost of $282,500 to cover the
costs of the deficits that were found in the previous year, if the City Council wished to pursue a
City-funded repair approach. He shared that key considerations when evaluating this number were
that these costs were from sidewalks in newer areas and that the expanded repair methods, if
approved, would lower those costs. For income-based, grant based, and cost-sharing options, the
applicant would be responsible for finding the contractor, coordinating the work, and then would
be reimbursed from the City. Under a fully City-funded option, those tasks would be done by the
City. Operations Manager Clausen urged City Council to consider how funding options would
impact the budget and ability to reconstruct and maintain the street transportation network.
Other considerations for subsidy options that had been identified by staff were a limit of subsidy
funds to owner-occupied residential properties, subsidies would only apply to sidewalk panels with
marked defects, and potentially allowing a property to wait until funding is available through
subsidy options. However, staff wanted to thoroughly investigate the liability implications of that
option before offering it to the community. Operations Manager Clausen requested direction for
staff on defect standards, investigation type, and subsidies.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
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Ria Keinert, 619 8th Street, Ames, shared her desire to see a proactive system put in place to help
older parts of the community.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council and City staff engaged in conversation and determined that action on the subsidy
options would be handled separately from adoption of the proposed standards.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt the new sidewalk standards proposed by
staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Rollins inquired if there was a possibility to have an inspection system that
incorporated a proactive as well as complaint-based process. Operations Manager Clausen
clarified that even with a proactive system, the City would still receive complaints, which will be
handled the same as the current system. He shared that staff currently have 405 complaints, which
equates to more than a year of backlog, to investigate. Therefore, a proactive approach could not
be pursued until potentially the next fall. Council Member Betcher asked if the proactive approach
would come back to the City Council for prioritization. Operations Manager Clausen stated that
was possible, however staff would prefer flexibility in the administration of the system as Capital
Improvement Projects may impact the schedule as well as other needs that may surface. Council
Member Gartin expressed his appreciation of the research-based approach the City takes to street
repair, and shared his belief that there should be consistency in how streets and sidewalks are
maintained. Operations Manager Clausen stated that for streets and shared use paths inventories
exist to help guide decisions, which does not exist for sidewalks yet. He agreed that similar
methodology could be utilized by staff to address sidewalk safety and noted the possibility of
homeowners utilizing contractors working on City projects in the same area to drive down costs.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to request staff develop a proactive inspection program.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila noted that staff had also requested direction regarding subsidy programs. Council
Members discussed their priorities for beginning a subsidy program.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to develop a system for an income-
based subsidy program.
Council Member Betcher questioned if Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
would be eligible to utilize in a potential subsidy program. Director Joiner clarified that when staff
referred to “grant-based” subsidies, the intention was first-come, first-serve. Income-based
subsidies would still be a grant to the resident receiving assistance. Council Member Gartin
expressed his desire to be supportive of the proposed subsidy and questioned where the funding
would come from. City Manager Schainker outlined possible avenues, stating that income-based
subsidies would be able to leverage federal funds through CDBG funds for infrastructure.
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Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council expressed its desire to move forward with additional repair options.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve alternate repairs of joint filling, additional
grinding, leveling, and partial panel repair as detailed in the January 24, 2024, Staff Report.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin expressed his concern over the sharp increase in complaints, and Council
Member Beatty-Hansen shared her belief that the increase was motivated by an individual
attempting to highlight the shortfalls of the complaint policy. She also expressed her hope that the
proactive approach would address that spike. Council Member Gartin inquired if the program
utilized by staff to receive complaints had the technical capability to require that complaints be
anonymous to the public but known to staff. Operations Manager Clausen stated that when staff
last checked with the provider, it was not possible, but staff could inquire again. Director Joiner
stated that staff could request that capability from the provider again and shared that the City
Attorney had determined that staff were allowed to keep reporter’s information from the public
information list. Operations Manager Clausen shared that staff could explore the ability to hide
sidewalk complaints from the public feed.
Moved by Gartin to request staff inquire with the vendor to explore if complaints may be
anonymous to the public but known to staff.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION FOR KIWANIS TRAILER AT 803 & 919 E.
LINCOLN WAY: Planner Benjamin Campbell recalled the history of the item and presented the
Council Action Form (CAF). He highlighted that the code violations that pertained to the Kiwanis
recycling trailer operated by Kiwanis were related to the gravel on the lot and the trailer being
parked across the property line. Planner Campbell stated that the properties in question were zoned
as General Industrial (GI), where all new parking must be asphalt or concrete. The
recommendation from staff to not change setback requirements was shared, due to the need to
maintain the universal standard across the City. There had been feasible locations identified, but
no agreement had been reached between Kiwanis and the property owners on either of the adjacent
properties to move the trailer fully onto one property with the necessary 12-foot setback from the
property line. Paving the lot was cost prohibitive to Kiwanis, which led to their request for an
exception process. Planner Campbell discussed how exception processes were outlined in the
Municipal Code and would necessitate a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. In response to
inquiries from the City Council, Director of Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann clarified that
the trailer could not be moved fully onto the property at 803 East Lincoln Way without disrupting
the flow of business there. Conversations with the owners of 919 East Lincoln Way had not
reached a resolution either.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Jeff Witt, 2101 Polk Drive, Ames, shared his support for finding middle ground to help the trailer
be in compliance with City standards while maintaining the function of recycling and using those
funds in the community. Mr. Witt stated that the recycling initiative also served to help meet the
City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). He provided an update on conversations the Kiwanis engaged
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in with various property owners to potentially resolve the issue. Mr. Witt reiterated that it was not
possible to move the trailer onto the 803 East Lincoln Way, property without disrupting the
businesses’ activities. He stated that The Overflow, 919 East Lincoln Way was receptive to the
trailer continuing to be operational but had conditions which would be difficult for the Kiwanis
organization to meet. These logistical challenges led to the Kiwanis pursuing an exception process
as the organization had not been able to identify a location for reloaction. Mr. Witt requested that
Kiwanis be grandfathered in on an exception process, otherwise the operation would need to shut
down.
Council Member Betcher questioned if The Overflow would have the same conditions if the trailer
were to stay at its present location. Mr. Witt responded that if the trailer were to stay at its present
location there would be no conditions from The Overflow. He also stated that, as The Overflow
opened its new location, the organization was hesitant to adjust their logistics. In response to
Council Member Gartin’s inquiry of locations Kiwanis had considered moving to Mr. Witt listed
City Departments that Kiwanis had been in contact with to discuss relocation of the trailer but
shared that Kiwanis had not reached out to private entities yet. He also discussed the additional
element of Kiwanis not owning the properties in question and the potential impact that would have
on an exception process.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Director Diekmann clarified that the property owner would have to sign the application to
authorize the process, but the Kiwanis organization would be able to do the work on the
application. He stated that the process for outdoor storage exception to setbacks and improvement
requirements did not currently exist; however there was a process in place for exceptions that it
could be added to. Mayor Haila asked for input on potential unintended consequences the
exception may cause. Director Diekmann explained that the exception would be a permit where
each application is judged on its individual merit by the Zoning Board of Adjustment without
deleting or altering standards for GI.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to develop an exception process as
detailed by Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann for Article 15.
Council Member Betcher shared her concern that The Overflow was not being represented directly
in these discussions and her desire to not put pressure on the organization. Director Diekmann
stated that The Overflow would be able to object and that no Municipal Code enforcement would
happen while the permit was being designed. He furthered that the City Council could defer action
until The Overflow resolved their site violations and estimated that process would take several
months.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PLATS OF SURVEY FOR RURAL BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENTS WITHIN
BOONE COUNTY: Planner Campbell stated that the properties being considered were in Boone
County in the Ames Urban Fringe Area. He furthered that policies in Ames Plan 2040 support land
divisions for breaking off an existing farmstead and creating parcels of at least 35 acres. Ames
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Plan 2040 also seeks to preserve agricultural land and to limit development for commercial or
residential purposes. Planner Campbell noted that initially the property owner indicated that
agricultural use Zoning restriction on the property would be suitable, but was now requesting to
be able to build a house on one of the parcels. He shared support of staff for Alternative One.
Director Diekmann clarified that there were two parcels that staff was requesting approval for, one
to the north of 220th Street and one to the south. The main issue, stated Director Diekmann, was
Parcel C to the north and if there would be a no build limit on the property. Planner Campbell
clarified that the property owners would be able to build one home on Parcel C in accordance with
Boone County Zoning. Director Diekmann stated that in accordance with Ames Plan 2040, this
request was not an issue as it was in Urban Reserve and not the Urban Reserve designation.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Dan Sansgaard, 2247 220th Street, Ames, stated his family was requesting four acres of the
property for their son to build a home on that would be separate from the agricultural designation.
Director Diekmann stated that request would be a separate platting process and discussion. After
discussion with staff and the City Council, it was determined the request from the property owner
did not match the request initiated originally with staff that was on the agenda for discussion.
Mayor Haila asked the applicant if they would like to table the discussion to allow for more clarity.
Mr. Sansgaard responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to table the item until the applicant requests it be placed
on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PROPOSED 2024-29 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FIVE YEAR GOALS AND 2024-25
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PROJECTS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME PROGRAMS: Housing Coordinator Baker-Latimer reviewed
the history of the development of the plan, highlighting the workshop done with the City Council
and various Public Input opportunities. She shared that the biggest goal for CDBG funds was to
create more affordable housing, as well as reduce the rent and cost burden for residents. The
plan included elements to address low-and-moderate income households and non-low-and-
moderate income households. Public, non-profit, and private partnerships were all necessary to
achieve the goals outlined, stated Coordinator Baker-Latimer. These considerations led to the
development of the goals and priorities for the draft 2024-2029 Five-year Consolidated Plan:
1. To create and expand sustainable, affordable housing for low and moderate-income
households through the following outcomes:
• Increase the supply of single-family and multi-family housing in the
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) and Citywide;
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• Reduce the cost burden for low-income households to access or maintain rental housing
and/or homeownership in the NRSA and citywide;
• Strengthen neighborhoods by implementing housing programs and services, including
acquiring, demolishing, and rehabilitating housing units that support homeowners,
homebuyers, and renters in obtaining and remaining in affordable housing;
• Strengthen neighborhoods by implementing programs that increase or improve public
facilities, infrastructure, and services in low and moderate-income census tracts.
2. To create and expand sustainable, affordable housing for non-low-and moderate-income
households through the following outcomes:
• Integrate affordable and market-rate residential developments;
• Remove blight and deteriorated housing to reuse into new housing;
• Support and address code enforcement of deteriorated housing;
• Remove blight and deteriorated housing in floodplains and other hazardous areas.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired if CDBG funds would be able to be utilized to help fund
subsidies for the Sidewalk Safety Program. Coordinator Baker-Latimer replied in the affirmative,
noting that the program could be covered under public infrastructure improvements. She noted that
funds had been used in that manner before for public improvements like handicap accessible
sidewalks and more. Census tracts and income would be utilized to determine eligibility. In
response to Council Member Betcher, Coordinator Baker-Latimer affirmed that funds used for
sidewalks may allow for more flexibility on shovel-ready projects to help meet timeliness
deadlines. She noted that adding “and individual households” to the goals would allow for greater
flexibility to administer the program.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to add “and individual households” after
“Strengthen neighborhoods by implementing programs that increase or improve public facilities,
infrastructure, and services in low and moderate-income census tracts.”
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Next, Coordinator Baker-Latimer reviewed the process of planning for the upcoming budget year,
which included conducting Public Input opportunities to gain feedback on potential projects for
the 2024-25 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan. On March 19th and 20th, 2024, staff hosted public
forms to gain input regarding potential projects for the 2024-2025 CDBG/HOME Annual Action
Plan, which would need to be submitted with the 2024-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Public
feedback consisted of the following areas:
• Need for Assistance with Deposits (Rent and Utilities)
• Single-family housing Rehabilitation Assistance (including solar power and new energy-
efficient appliances)
• Homebuyer Assistance (Down payment)
• Mitigation Assistance (damage and repair)
• Tenant/Landlord Education
• Rehabilitation Assistance for Non-Profits
• Expanded Program Marketing (outreach to Iowa State University (ISU) student population,
i.e. social media)
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She stated that the 2024-25 Annual Action Plan utilized the current 2023-24 allocation amounts,
as the updated allocations had not been announced. Funding was separated into the following
budget categories:
• CDBG: Deposit and First Month’s Rental Assistance
• CDBG: Homebuyer Assistance Program (Down payment/Closing Costs/Education)
• CDBG: Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program
• HOME: Tenant Based Rental Assistance
• HOME: New Single-Family Home Construction
• Administration: CDBG
• Administration: HOME
City Manager Schainker stated that a line item for a new budget category to encapsulate the
subsidies for the Sidewalk Safety Program would need to be added before the plan was submitted.
He noted that the funds could be moved to other categories if unspent but could not be retroactively
added. City Manager Schainker proposed adjusting the funding amounts for the Homebuyer
Assistance Program and Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program to create a line item for
CDBG Public Improvement Infrastructure Program. Coordinator Baker-Latimer stated that
funding from program income would be available as well and reiterated that the numbers shown
were based on the previous year’s allocation amounts. She expressed her endorsement of the
addition of the line item, based on the expenditures of the previous years and stated that there were
still funds being rolled over from previous years. City Manager Schainker stated there was
flexibility in the usage of the funds, but the funds could not be utilized for sidewalk repair subsidies
if the item was not added to the Action Plan.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to add a line item for CDBG Public Improvement
Infrastructure Program in the amount of $97,596.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Lauris Olson, Buchanan Drive, Ames, requested clarity on the proposed goals and encouraged the
City Council to spend the funds wisely. She shared her support for action to provide housing for
those who do not have access to housing.
Siri Larson, Ames Resident, requested assistance with adding sewer lines to her property to
subdivide it.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-178 approving
draft goals for the 2024-29 proposed Five-Year Consolidated Plan as amended.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-181 approving
the draft Annual Action Plan Projects, as amended,
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
The City Council meeting recessed at 8:18 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
HEARING ON CITY-WIDE URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA (URA) DESIGNATION
AND PLAN: Director Diekmann presented the history of the item. He shared that key elements
of the proposed plan were that the maximum value that can be abated is $500,000 and the new
construction must be started by December 31, 2027, and completed by the end of 2028. Any
improvements or completed construction after that date would not be eligible for the program. He
stated that as this was for a pilot program, staff wanted to be able to evaluate the short-term impact.
Council Member Betcher inquired about the status of a sustainability incentive program. Director
Diekmann stated that staff was in conversations with multiple departments to see what was able to
be administered, which would be a separate abatement. He also explained that the decision to make
the program city-wide was made for clarity with developers and to reduce the need to create new
plans as new areas were identified for development.
Director Diekmann furthered that for existing neighborhoods, a developer must have a vacant lot
at the date of approval of the Plan to be eligible to build a new home and receive abatement. The
intent was to stop the teardown of the existing housing stock; however, a duplex or multi-plex
could be demolished and the lot used for a single-family home under the Plan. Director Diekmann
stated this was originally intended to be geared towards ownership housing, which was no longer
the main concern of staff, and that if the City Council desired, could be rewritten to incent ivize
blight elimination. He stated that any criteria could be amended at any time.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Justin Dodge, Hunziker Companies, 105 South 16th Street, Ames, shared his excitement with the
proposed URA and the tax abatement it would allow. He shared his optimism that this program
would motivate clients to build and open existing homes. Mr. Dodge encouraged the City Council
to adopt the URA and Plan and shared plans by Hunziker to design a net zero ready home.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Director Diekmann shared his support of waiving the three necessary readings and adopting the
ordinance to get the program started and to provide a clear start date of when the program began.
City Attorney Mark Lambert clarified for the City Council that the Iowa Open Meetings Law
allowed for all three readings of the ordinance, as the item was listed on the agenda although it
was not formatted in the standard manner. The City Council discussed options to address passing
the ordinance.
Moved by Betcher, to approve Alternative 1.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-179 certifying
Conformity to Iowa Code 404 and approve the URA Plan.
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve on first reading an Ordinance for the City-wide
Designation of the URA.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin to waive the rules and proceed with a second and third reading of the Ordinance.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
HEARING ON SALE OF MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER PROPERTY AT 2310
E 13TH STREET: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-102 approving
sale of property at 2310 E 13th to Hunziker Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $470,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 28.304(3) TO INCREASE SANITARY SEWER RATES BY 7% FOR
BILLS DUE ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2024: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass
on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the Municipal Code Section 28.304(3) to
increase sanitary sewer rates by 7% for bills due on or after July 1, 2024.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE, SECTION 2.10, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING APPOINTMENTS TO
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, of the
Municipal Code Section 2.10, for the purpose of amending appointments to administrative
agencies, boards and commissions.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
three items for consideration. The first was a request from Lorriane Fawcett for alternate parking
on Wilson Avenue.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 3-2. Voting Aye: Betcher, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Beatty-Hansen, Gartin.
Motion declared carried.
The next item was a memo from Building Official Sara Van Meeteren regarding a yard waste
exemption request.
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Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to contact the applicant and let her know
the findings of the Building Official.
Vote on Motion: 5-.0 Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request from Brian Doscher for an expedited Zoning Adjustment for a rock-climbing gym was
the final item considered.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to ask staff to respond to the applicant and outline the
process to apply for a Special Use Permit in an Industrial Zone.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Junck shared that the Ames Convention
and Visitor’s Bureau (ACVB) had not met since the last City Council meeting, but was hosting its
annual event Thursday, April 11, 2024, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Moon. Council Member Rollins
highlighted the Innovation Lunch Club hosted by ACVB taking place April 26, 2024, from 11:15
a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Council Member Betcher shared that the Ames Economic Development Commission had not met
since the last City Council meeting, and Council Member Beatty-Hansen shared the same for the
Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees. Mayor Haila noted that the Story County Emergency
Management Agency would meet on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Gartin shared his interest in participating in mobile
tours of infrastructure projects in the Des Moines metro areas to understand best practices. Council
Member Betcher questioned if tours would be considered an open meeting. City Attorney Mark
Lambert stated that if City Council did not deliberate City matters, it would not be considered an
open meeting and would be permissible.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to facilitate mobile tours of infrastructure projects in the
Des Moines Metro Area to better understand best practices.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin also expressed his pride in ISU athletics and Council Member Rollins
extended her congratulations to the ISU Wrestling team for a great season.
Mayor Haila shared that Reimen Gardens’ Director Ed Lyon was retiring on Friday, April 12,
2024, and wished him the best.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adjourn at 8:59 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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Renee Hall, City Clerk