HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - March 26, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1.Presentation by Karin Sevde on Story County Community Foundation and their impact within the
community
2.Motion approving payment of claims
3.Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on March 12, 2024
4.Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period March 1-15, 2024
5.Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Wal-Mart Store #749,
3105 Grand Avenue
6.Motion approving new 5-Day (April 16 - April 20, 2024) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License -
Apres Bar Co., 2321 North Loop Drive
7.Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a. Dangerous Curves, (111 5th Street), Class C Retail Alcohol License
b. Cornbred BBQ, (526 Main Street Suite 106), Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor
Service and Catering Privilege
c. Brick City Grill, (2640 Stange Road), Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service
8.Motion approving revisions to City's Street Banner Policy adding 20 new poles at 2 banners per
pole on Airport Road between University Boulevard and Riverside Drive
9.Resolution approving accession of a sculpture for Neighborhood Sculpture Program
10.Appointment Criteria for Boards and Commissions:
a. Motion Directing City Attorney to Draft Ordinance
11.Resolution approving appointments to Property Maintenance Appeals Board and Zoning Board of
Adjustment
12.Resolution approving and adopting Supplement No. 2024-2 to the Municipal Code
13.Resolution setting date of public hearing for April 9, 2024 for the sale of Mary Greeley Medical
Center property at 2310 E. 13th Street to Hunziker Construction Services, Inc. for $470,000
14.Resolution extending the approval of the Major Site Development Plan for Apartment Buildings
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND REGULAR
MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
MARCH 26, 2024
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from
the public during discussion. The Standards of Decorum, posted at the door and
available on the City website, define respectful conduct for public participation. If you
wish to speak, please fill out the form on the tablet outside the door to the Council
Chambers or scan the QR Code to the right to fill out the same form on a personal
device. When your name is called, please step to the microphone, state your name for
the record, and keep your comments brief so that others may have the opportunity to speak.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL**
**The Regular City Council Meeting will immediately follow the meeting of the Ames Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee.
PRESENTATION:
CONSENT AGENDA : All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time the
Council members vote on the motion.
1
Located at 913 & 915 Duff Avenue
15.Resolution approving contract renewal to Ames Trenching & Excavating, of Ames, Iowa, for
Emergency Utility Repair and Other Services Contract
16.Resolution awarding contract to Trivista Companies of Altoona, Iowa, for the purchase of four
tandem axle truck chassis for Public Works snowplow dump trucks
17.Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for Installation of Geothermal Wells for
Multi-Family Housing units on Lot 27, in Baker Subdivision, setting April 17, 2024 as due date
for bids, and setting April 23, 2024 as date of public hearing and award of contract.
18.Resolution approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $60,000 to Flowserve Corporation,
Chicago, Illinois, for Unit 7 Boiler Feedwater Pump No. 2 Inspection and Repair Project
19.Resolution approving Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $60,946.04 to LinnCo, Inc., of Sartell,
Minnesota, for Old Water Plant Demolition
20.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2021/22 Storm Water Erosion Control (Bloomington
Waterway Channel and Bank Stabilization) and 2021/22 Stormwater Quality Improvements with
Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa
21.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2023/24 Campustown Public Improvements with Con-
Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa
22.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2023/24 Collector Street Pavement Improvements
with Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa
23.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2023/24 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal Program
with Fort Dodge Asphalt Company of Fort Dodge, Iowa
24.Resolution approving contract and bond for Roof Replacement at the Power Plant with Central
States Roofing of Ames, Iowa
25.Resolution Approving Geothermal Easement Agreements for Baker Subdivision
26.Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe Installation Project Completion
a. Motion to reconsider March 12, 2024 action of the City Council to accept project as
completed by Modern Companies, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of
$472,756.43
b. Resolution approving balancing Change Order No. 3 in the deduct amount of ($13,701.37)
c. Resolution accepting Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe Installation project as completed
by Modern Companies Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of $459,054.06
27.Discussion of Text Amendments for Housing Development and Subdivision Standards and
General Zoning Standards Flexibility
28.Resolution approving amendment to the Option Agreement for the sale of Lot 27 to Townhomes
At Creekside, LLP (Affiliated with Hatch Development Group) in conjunction with a
Development Agreement for a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application for Multi-
Family Housing Development within Baker Subdivision
29.Update on Parks and Recreation Project Plan
30.Resolution directing staff to reallocate $75,000 of Ice Arena CIP funding from the Women's
PUBLIC FORUM : This is a time set aside for comments from the public on topics of City business
other than those listed on this agenda. Please understand that the Council will not take any action on
your comments at this meeting due to requirements of the Open Meetings Law, but may do so at a
future meeting.
ELECTRIC:
PLANNING AND HOUSING:
PARKS AND RECREATION:
2
Locker Room Project to the Radiant Heating Replacement Project
31.Hearing on Major Site Development Plan for 3216 Tripp Street (Creekside Townhomes)
a. Resolution approving Major Site Development Plan
32.Hearing on Major Site Development Plan for 210 South 5th Street (Boys & Girls Club of Ames)
a. Resolution approving Major Site Development Plan
33.Hearing on 2023/24 Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 3)
a. Motion accepting report of bids
b. Resolution approving final plans and specif ications and awarding contract to Van Maanen
Electric, Inc., of Newton, Iowa, in the amount of $1,817,416.71
34.Hearing on proposal to enter into an essential corporate purpose general obligation loan agreement
to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000
a. Resolution taking additional action on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Loan
Agreements, combining Loan Agreements, and providing for the levy of taxes to pay
General Obligation Purpose Bonds, Series 2024A
35.Staff presentation on FY 2024/25 sanitary sewer rate increase
36.Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a Letter of Support to Polk County, Iowa for the Central
Iowa Priority Climate Action Plan Implementation funding through Phase II of the US
Environmental Protection Agency Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant in the amount of
$49,999,999
37.Third reading and adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 4523 amending Chapter 28 Section 28.106 of
Ames Municipal Code regarding Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Rate
38.Third reading and adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 4524 to Ames Municipal Code Chapter 29
(ZONING ORDINANCE) to allow Two-Family (DUPLEX) Dwellings in Single Family and
Other Residential Zoning Districts
39.Participation with agencies, boards, and commissions:
a. Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
b. Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
c. Story County Emergency Management Agency (SCEMA)
d. Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees
HEARINGS:
WATER AND POLLLUTION CONTROL:
ADMINISTRATION:
ORDINANCES:
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY:
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Please note that this agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as provided
by Section 21.4(2), Code of Iowa.
3
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 26 2024
Subject:Approval of Mintues
Item No. 3
MEMO
Attached are the minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting held on March 12, 2024.
/cmw
ATTACHMENT(S):
C24-0312 Summary.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
4
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY
COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 13, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00
p.m. on the 12th day of March 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber
Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Jeff Clark was absent.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila stated that staff had requested to pull Item No. 21 to bring
back at a later date.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent agenda, less Item No. 21.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Special Meeting on February 20, Regular
Meeting on February 27, and Special Meeting on March 7, 2024
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period February 15-29, 2024
4. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Kwik Spirits #530, (204 South Duff Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol License
b. Wal-Mart Store #749, (3105 Grand Avenue), Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. Southgate Wine & Spirits, (110 Airport), Class E Retail Alcohol License
d. World Liquor & Tobacco + Vapors, (111 Duff Avenue), Class E Retail Alcohol
License
5. Motion approving a Phase I Sub-award Agreement with the Iowa Department of Homeland
Security for the Ames Well Field Generator Mitigation Project
6. Motion to approve the Ames Police Department's application for, and participation in, the
2025 Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) Enforcement Grant Program
7. Motion Directing Staff to Negotiate a Single Source Contract for the Purchase of Fire
Apparatus with Sourcewell
8. RESOLUTION NO. 24-111 approving appointments to various Boards and Commissions
9. RESOLUTION NO. 24-112 Accepting Resource Recovery System 2023 Annual Report
10. RESOLUTION NO. 24-113 authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements
with artists for 2024/25 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selections
11. RESOLUTION NO. 24-114 approving equipment placement agreement with Iowa State
University for ARA wireless broadband research project
12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-115 approving Professional Services Agreement with WHKS &
Co., of Ames, Iowa for 2024/25 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements (Hyland Ave) in
an amount not to exceed $142,200
13. RESOLUTION NO. 24-116 approving the purchase of NoTraffic Video/Radar Detection
Systems from General Traffic Controls of Spencer, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed
$233,412 as a single source provider
14. RESOLUTION NO. 24-117 awarding contract to Stivers Ford of Waukee, Iowa, as the
acceptable low bidder for the purchase of two 2024 Ford F350 chassis in the amount of
$105,996
15. RESOLUTION NO. 24-118 awarding contract to Workspace, Inc. (Iowa Office Interiors),
5
of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $65,554.93 for New Office Furniture for Various City
Departments
16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-119 awarding contract for Right of Way Tree Trimming and
Removal Program for the Parks and Recreation Department to Ames Story Tree and Lawn
of Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $85,000 for FY 2024/25
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-120 awarding contract to Life Fitness for new Community Center
Weight Room strength equipment in the amount of $65,232.62
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-121 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2023/24
Shared Use Path System Expansion, setting April 17, 2024, as the bid due date and April
23, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing
19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-122 approving Change Order No. 1 with Neumann Brothers Inc.
for RDF Storage Bin Repair in the amount of $180,028.59
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-123 accepting the 2021/22 Shared Use Path System Expansion -
Ioway Creek as completed by Caliber Concrete, LLC of Adair, Iowa in the amount of
$943,632.94
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-124 accepting Cooling Tower Blowdown Spray Modification
project as completed by Keller Excavating Inc., of Boone, Iowa, in the amount of
$354,894.20
22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-125 accepting Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe Installation
project as completed by Modern Companies Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of
$472,756.43
23. RESOLUTION NO. 24-126 accepting the contract with GTG Construction, LLC of Des
Moines, Iowa, for the Infant Room Remodeling Project for ACPC in connection with
CARES Round 2 (COVID-19) Funding as completed in the amount of $96,445.46 and
releasing the 5% retainage being held per the contract terms and conditions
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Richard Deyo, 505 8th Street #102, Ames, shared his concerns with his ability to distribute
materials within City Council Chambers.
Grant Olsen, 3812 Ontario Street, Ames, spoke to concerns with a self-fulfilling prophecy of
traffic model predictions, as well as highlighting the stormwater rebate programs and the
impact roads have on stormwater practices.
Amani Diedrichs, 614 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, shared work that had been done by Ames
High School Students to add native prairie grasses back into the public rights-of-way.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
STAFF REPORT ON CYTOWN DEVELOPMENT: City Manager Steve Schainker and
Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips presented the Staff Report and answered questions from the
City Council.
6
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to negotiate how Payment in Lieu of
Taxes (PILOT) funds would be used in the event that any of the original four buildings are
removed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to add “or the City Manager’s designee” to
the language of the to the CYTown Advisory Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin to direct staff to explore the merits of an alternative dispute mediation process.
Motion failed due to a lack of a second.
CITY COUNCIL VALUES, GOALS, AND TASKS FOR JANUARY 1, 2024 TO
DECEMBER 31, 2025: City Manager Schainker presented the Council Action Form (CAF).
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to encourage the Transit Board to pursue going fare free
for the current system.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to edit section A1.T1 to exclude “Continue for one more
year with Community and Regional Planning class students exploring more ways to engage with
residents (Play Ames approach)” and include “Implement, at least, one new technique for
obtaining public feedback with special emphasis on engaging our under-represented residents.”
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to approve City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks
for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUESTS FROM AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR AMES MAIN STREET
FARMERS' MARKET: Assistant City Manager Phillips presented the CAF.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve a blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and
blanket Vending License for Central Business District from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24- 127 approving
closure of 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street, Burnett Avenue from Main Street to the U.S. Bank
drive-through, and Tom Evans Plaza from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-128 approving suspension
of parking enforcement in CBD Lots X and Y from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
7
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-129 approving usage of
waiver of electrical fees and waiver of fee for blanket Vending License for the event from 5:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-130 denying
request to waive fees for parking meters and enforcing payment of fees on the 300 and 400 blocks
of Main Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
ASH POND CLOSURE AND RDF ASH POND CONSTRUCTION: Assistant Director of
Electric Services Curtis Spence presented the CAF.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-131 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to JB Holland Construction, Inc., of Decorah,
Iowa, in the amount of $2,606,093.15 (inclusive of sales tax).
Vote on Resolution: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2021/22 STORMWATER DETENTION/RETENTION MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM - (NORTHRIDGE HEIGHTS POND): The Public Hearing was opened and closed
by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-132 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co., of Waukee,
Iowa, in the amount of $111,600.
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 ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(AIRPORT RD. - UNIVERSITY BLVD. TO S. RIVERSIDE DR.): The Public Hearing was
opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-133 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding contract to All Star Concrete, LLC of Johnston, Iowa, in the
amount of $1,381,986.99.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
8
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2023/24 CONCRETE STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
PROGRAM: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-134 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding contract to Con-Struct Inc, of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$1,015,443.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DOCUMENT FOR THE NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MODIFICATIONS PHASE I PROJECT AT THE WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL FACILITY: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no
one came forward to speak.
Environmental Engineer Daria Dilparic presented the CAF.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Comment when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to direct Mayor Haila to sign the Environmental
Information Document related to the Nutrient Reduction Modifications Phase I project at the Water
Pollution Control Facility.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 SECTION 28.106 OF
AMES MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING RATE: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading
an ordinance amending Chapter 28 Section 28.106 of Ames Municipal Code regarding
Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Rate
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE TO AMES MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 29
(ZONING ORDINANCE) TO ALLOW TWO-FAMILY (DUPLEX) DWELLINGS IN
SINGLE FAMILY AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS: Moved by
Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance to Ames Municipal
Code Chapter 29 (ZONING ORDINANCE) to allow Two-Family (DUPLEX) Dwellings in Single
Family and Other Residential Zoning Districts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4521 REZONING 210
SOUTH 5TH STREET FROM AGRICULTURAL (A) TO HIGHWAY ORIENTED
9
COMMERCIAL (HOC) WITH AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY:
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
4521 rezoning 210 South 5th Street from Agricultural (A) to Highway Oriented Commercial
(HOC) with an Environmentally Sensitive Overlay Rezoning.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD PASSAGE AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4522 REZONING WITH
MASTER PLAN OF 102 & 116 HYLAND AVENUE FROM RESIDENTIAL HIGH
DENSITY (RH) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) WITH THE O-(UIW)
WEST UNIVERSITY IMPACT DISTRICT: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Rollins, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 24-135 approving the Rezoning Agreement for 102 & 116 Hyland Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to pass on Third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
4522 rezoning with Master Plan of 102 & 116 Hyland Avenue from Residential High Density
(RH) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) with the O-(UIW) West University Impact District
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
DISPOSITIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila stated the only item
for consideration was a memo from himself regarding Board and Commission Appointment
Criteria.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and Council Members reported on various meetings
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to reach out to the Ames High School sustainability group
to let them know about the stormwater rebate program and see if there is interest in promoting it.
Seconded by Rollins after Beatty-Hansen accepted Council Member Corrieri’s friendly
amendment to include The Community Academy.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Mayor Haila gave a brief overview of the purpose of
sharing meetings attended by the City Council Members.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn at 8:14 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
10
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
Subject to change as finalized by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the City
Clerk’s Office at 515-239-5105.
11
To:Mayor & City Council
From:City of Ames Purchasing Division
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Report of Contract Change Orders
Item No. 4
MEMO
The Report of Change Orders for period March 1-15, 2024, is attached for your review
and consideration.
/cmw
ATTACHMENT(S):
Change Order Report March 1-15, 2024.docx
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
12
REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
Department
General Description
of Contract
Contract
Change
No.
Original Contract
Amount Contractor/ Vendor
Total of Prior
Change Orders
Amount this
Change Order
Change
Approved By
Purchasing
Contact
(Buyer)
Public Works 2021/22 Bike Ped Master
Plan
1 $225,000.00 Toole Design Group LLC $0.00 $8,000.00 D. Pregitzer KS
Electric
Services
69 KV Transmission Line
Reconstruction
1 $612,756.00 DGR Engineering $0.00 $0.00 L. Cook KS
$$$
$$$
$$$
$$$
Period:1st – 15th
16th – End of Month
Month & Year:March 2024
For City Council Date:March 26, 2024
13
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License -
Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Avenue
Item No. 5
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for Motion approving Ownership Updates for
Class E Retail Alcohol License - Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Avenue.
/gb
ATTACHMENT(S):
Wal-Mart #749 - Ownership Updates.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
14
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
Walmart Inc.
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Wal-Mart Store #749
BUSINESS
(515) 233-1345
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
3105 Grand Ave
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
702 SW 8th Street
CITY
Bentonville
STATE
Arkansas
ZIP
72716-0500
Contact Person
NAME
Walmart Licensing
PHONE
(479) 277-7177
EMAIL
complic@wal-mart.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER
LE0001441
LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Class E Retail Alcohol License
TERM
12 Month
STATUS
Submitted
to Local
Authority
EFFECTIVE DATE
Apr 15, 2024
EXPIRATION DATE
Apr 14, 2025
LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Class E Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES 15
Page 2 of 2
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Corporation
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF
OWNERSHIP
U.S.
CITIZEN
Matthew Allen Rogers Arkansas 72758 Assistant
Treasurer
0.00 Yes
Carl Doug
McMillon
Bentonville Arkansas 72712 President &
CEO
0.00 Yes
Sarah Little Springdale Arkansas 72764 Assistant
Secretary
0.00 Yes
Emma Waddell Bentonville Arkansas 72712 Vice President 0.00 No
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
16
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:March 12, 2024
Subject:Motion Approving new 5-Day (April 16 - April 20, 2024) Special Class A
Retail Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co., 2321 North Loop Drive
Item No. 6
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving new 5-Day (April 16 -
April 20, 2024) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co., 2321 North
Loop Drive.
/gb
ATTACHMENT(S):
Apres Bar Co - 5 Day.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
17
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
APRES BAR CO LLC
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Apres Bar Co
BUSINESS
(515) 789-0044
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
2321 North Loop Drive
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
3610 Holcomb AvenueBeaverdale
CITY
Des Moines
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
50310
Contact Person
NAME
Jillian Harrington
PHONE
(515) 789-0044
EMAIL
admin@apresbarco.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
TERM
5 Day
STATUS
Pending
Dramshop
Review
EFFECTIVE DATE EXPIRATION DATE LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES
Status of Business
18
Page 2 of 2
BUSINESS TYPE
Limited Liability Company
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF OWNERSHIP U.S. CITIZEN
Jillian Harrington Des Moines Iowa 50310 Owner 100.00 Yes
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY
Illinois Casualty Co
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
19
To:Mayor John Haila and Ames City Council Members
From:Lieutenant Mike Arkovich, Ames Police Department
Date:February 29, 2024
Subject:Beer Permits & Liquor License Renewal Reference City Council Agenda
Item No. 7
MEMO
A review of police records for the past 12 months found no liquor law violations for the
above businesses. Therefore, the Ames Police Department recommends the license
renewal for these businesses.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
20
ITEM #:8
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:MODIFICATIONS TO STREET BANNER POLICY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City has designated several locations in the community where banners can be attached to street
light poles or other fixtures in the right-of-way. The City's Banner Policy serves to protect the public
safety, protect City property, establish guidelines for the use of banner hardware, and to guarantee a
certain level of aesthetic quality.
ISU Research Park has requested an amendment to the policy to incorporate the proposed addition of 20
new poles on Airport Road between University Boulevard and Riverside Drive. According to the
Electric Department, installation of new poles will begin between spring and early summer 2024. Each
pole will be capable of supporting two banners.
The ISU Research Park will purchase the University Boulevard banner hardware and donate it to the
City. This is the same approach as when the original 49 sets of banner hardware in this area were
obtained. Working with ISU’s Facilities Planning and Management Department, the Research Park will
maintain, repair, and install banner hardware when necessary, and be responsible for installing and
removing banners on this roadway. ISU Research Park will continue to be responsible for scheduling
displays and arranging for the installation and removal of banners.
A copy of the modified page of the Banner Policy is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the revised Street Banner Policy as attached, including the addition of banners along
Airport Road between University Boulevard and Riverside Drive in ISU Research Park
2. Direct staff to modify the proposed changes to the Banner Policy
3. Do not approve the addition of banners on Airport Road adjacent to the ISU Research Park
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
These changes are needed to provide for display of banners on the new street light poles on Airport
Road, as well as to update other provisions of the Banner Policy.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1,
thereby approving the revised Street Banner Policy, including the addition of banners along University
Boulevard - ISU Research Park.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Banner Policy, page 6 update.pdf
21
City of Ames
Street Banner Policy
6
Revised 03/18/2024
UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD - ISU RESEARCH PARK
ISU Research Park is the primary user of poles along this section of University Boulevard, and requests for
display are coordinated with the ISU Research Park Operations Manager (515-296-0735).
TOTAL NUMBER OF B ANNERS: 49 (1 banner/pole) and 20 (2 banner/pole)
MINIMUM NUMBER TO BE USED PER APPLICATION: 44
(Two different designs may be used to provide a full complement of banners.)
BANNER SIZE : 84” high x 30” wide, with the bottom of the banner at 10’ above grade
METHOD OF INSTALLATION:
Traffic control measures must be followed. Guidance for traffic control for temporary work zones and short
duration mobile operations can be found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) at
the Federal Highway Administration=s website (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm). Part 6,
Temporary Traffic Control, should be reviewed and special attention should be given to Chapter 6G for
mobile or short duration operations. Any additional questions about work zones may be directed to the City
of Ames Traffic Engineer at 239-5275.
LENGTH OF SEASON: Year round
LENGTH OF USE : Unlimited
NOTE : ISU Research Park purchases the University Boulevard banner hardware and donates it to the City
of Ames. ISU Research Park arranges for Iowa State's Office of Facilities Planning and Management to
maintain, repair and install banner hardware when necessary. It also is responsible for installing and
removing banners on this roadway. ISU Research Park is responsible for scheduling displays and arranging
for the installation/removal of banners by Facilities Planning and Management staff.
22
ITEM #:9
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:2024 NEIGHBORHOOD SCULPTURE PROGRAM ACCESSION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Public Art Commission (PAC) hosts an Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE).
Each year, sculptures exhibited through AAOSE are available for purchase by private individuals.
Additionally, PAC typically acquires several sculptures each year into the City’s permanent art
collection through the Neighborhood Sculpture Program. The Neighborhood Sculpture Program
involves accepting applications from residents to have an AAOSE sculpture placed on City property for
residents to enjoy.
On March 5, 2024, PAC approved a recommendation that the City Council pursue accession of one
sculpture for the Neighborhood Sculpture Program. The work, "Generations," is by the artist Gail
Chavenelle. The acquisition cost of the piece is $7,500. The FY 2023/24 Adjusted Budget for the PAC
Neighborhood Sculpture Program contains a balance of $26,939.
It is proposed that this sculpture be placed in Stuart Smith Park. The Parks and Recreation Department
has been consulted about the proposal and has no concerns regarding the placement. Further
information regarding the sculpture is detailed in the attached report from PAC.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the accession of one sculpture for the Neighborhood Sculpture Program as
recommended by PAC.
2. Do not approve the accession of Neighborhood Sculpture Program artwork.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This annual program allows for works of art to be purchased for display in neighborhoods throughout
the City. This aligns with the City Council’s value of a fun, vibrant community that attracts and retains
people. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2024 Neighborhood Art Aquisition.pdf
23
APPROVED for accession March 5, 2024 by the Ames Public Art Commission
1
Public Art Commission (PAC) Request for Accession
Neighborhood Sculpture Program
Item Identification Numbers: [completed by city staff]
Name: Generations
Artist: Gail Chavenelle
AAOSE Exhibit Year: 2023-24
Material: Powdercoated steel
Acquisition cost: $7,500
Recommendation: The Ames Public Art Commission recommends the acquisition of
“Generations” for the City of Ames permanent art collection, to be placed at Stuart Smith Park.
24
ITEM #:10
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:APPOINTMENT CRITERIA FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
At the March 12, 2024 Council meeting, the City Council referred to a future agenda a memo from
Mayor Haila regarding the criteria for appointment to a City board or commission.
The City has a variety of boards and commissions to assist with advising regarding policies and
administration, as well as to perform quasi-judicial functions. Five of the existing boards/commissions
have ordinances that specifically prohibit City staff from serving on the board/commission: Building
Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Property
Maintenance Appeals Board, and the Public Nuisance Appeals Board. The rest do not have guidance
regarding the appointment of employees.
This can create confusion to applicants and to City staff in attempting to determine whether a potential
applicant is eligible. Additionally, the opportunity arises for a potential conflict of interest or for
conflicting supervisory-subordinate relationships if City employees are permitted to be on a City board
or commission.
There is at least one instance where a City employee is required to serve on a City board: the City
Manager is named specifically as an appointee to the Transit Board of Trustees. Therefore, any over-
arching prohibition on City employees serving on boards or commissions needs to include exceptions
for individuals required by statute or ordinance to serve on the board/commission.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance prohibiting City employees from holding or being
appointed to a position on a City board or commission, except where required by statute or ordinance.
2. Refer this item to staff for further information.
3. Do nothing.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City's various boards and commissions handle a variety of matters related to City business.
Employment by the City can create a conflict of interest for board/commission members. It is clear that
several commissions have existing ordinances to address this potential situation, but there is not a
uniform standard for all City boards and commissions. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
J. Haila - Board and Commission Appointment Criteria.pdf
25
Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service
515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Office of the Mayor
MEMO
To: City Council
From: John A. Haila, Mayor
Date: March 8, 2024
Subject: Board and Commission Appointment Criteria
It has come to my attention that there are inconsistent criteria regarding whether an
employee of the City may be eligible for appointment to a City board or commission.
Currently, the ordinances for five boards specifically prohibit City staff from serving:
Building Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning
Commission, Property Maintenance Appeals Board, and the Public Nuisance Appeals
Board. The rest do not have guidance regarding the appointment of employees.
This can be confusing to applicants and to City staff when the question of eligibility
arises. In addition to confusion, I am concerned about the potential for a conflict of
interest if a City employee was to be appointed.
Therefore, I am proposing that the Council direct staff to prepare an ordinance that
applies to all appointments to boards and commissions. The proposed ordinance would
state that, except where required by statute or ordinance, no City employee may
hold or be confirmed by the City Council to hold a position on a City board or
commission.
The exception in the proposed ordinance would be necessary to accommodate the City
Manager’s appointment to the Transit Board, which is a specific position required to
be appointed according to the Ames Transit Agency ordinance.
JAH:bp
26
To:Members of the City Council
From:John A. Haila, Mayor
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Appointments to Property Maintenance Appeals Board and Zoning Board of
Adjustment
Item No. 11
MEMO
At the March 12, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council confirmed a variety of
appointments to the City’s boards and commissions. There remain several vacancies to
be filled, and recruitment efforts have continued.
After consulting with City staff, I am pleased to recommend the appointment of Matthew
Sullivan to the Property Maintenance Appeals Board as the Small/Medium Landlord
Representative. I am also pleased to recommend the appointment of Julie Kruse to the
Zoning Board of Adjustment.
JAH/jsn
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
27
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Andrea Whitt, Legal Secretary
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:April Code Supplement
Item No. 12
MEMO
Attached and presented for adoption is the Resolution for Supplement No. 2024-2 to the
Ames Municipal Code.
/rh
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 2024-02 CODE Supplement.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
28
RESOLUTION NO. ______
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING
SUPPLEMENT NO. 2024-2 TO THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that in accordance
with the provisions of Section 380.8 Code of Iowa, a compilation of ordinances and amendments
enacted subsequent to the adoption of the Ames Municipal Code shall be and the same is hereby
approved and adopted, under date of April 1, 2024, as Supplement No. 2024-2 to the Ames
Municipal Code.
Adopted this day of , 2024.
___________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
29
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Mark O. Lambert, City Attorney
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) Property Sale
Item No. 13
MEMO
Although the Iowa Code and the Ames Municipal Code both authorize the city hospital to
sell its property on its own, the title to MGMC’s properties are in the name of “The City
of Ames, d/b/a Mary Greeley Medical Center, a city hospital.” Because of this, the City
Legal Department has advised MGMC that, in addition to the MGMC Board of Trustees
approving a sale, it is best for the City Council to also approve the sale of any MGMC
property.
The Iowa Land Title Standards tells lawyers reviewing abstracts to document that a city
council has passed a resolution approving the sale of city property. At times, MGMC has
sold properties without Council involvement, but situations have arisen where, when the
property is being sold again later on, a lawyer requests the Council to pass a resolution
after the fact giving its approval to the sale to ensure that the title is clear. (Other
attorneys have accepted the City's explanation that MGMC has the authority to sell
property on its own, after City staff has pointed out the law to them). However, by having
the Council approve the sale in conjunction with the MGMC Board of Trustees approving
the sale, this should avoid the Council having to retroactively approve the sale of property
down the road to satisfy an attorney reviewing an abstract.
MGMC wishes to sell property at 2310 E. 13th Street to Hunziker Construction Services,
Inc. MGMC has had an appraisal of the property completed by Kyle R. Pedersen, MAI,
Certified General Real Property Appraiser of Urbandale, which has been reviewed by the
City Attorney. Mr. Pedersen determined the fair market value of the property is $470,000.
MGMC Vice President and CFO Gary Botine has stated that Hunziker has agreed to pay
that amount for the property.
The resolution would set the public hearing on the property sale for the Council meeting
on April 9, 2024.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
30
ITEM #:14
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE MAJOR SITE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR APARTMENT BUILDINGS LOCATED AT 913 &
915 DUFF AVENUE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On March 8, 2022, City Council approved a Major Site Development Plan for 913 and 915 Duff
Avenue and 115 9th Street (Attachment A). The original report can be read here. The site plan is for
two, four-unit apartment buildings with related improvements. Although the base zoning district is
Residential Medium Density (RM), the property is within the Single-Family Conservation Overlay
District (O-SFC), which requires Council approval for multi-family buildings. O-SFC has design
criteria that "conserve the existing single-family residential character" and "protect single-family
neighborhoods while guiding the transition to higher density and compatibility with the surrounding
uses where intensification is permitted". City Council found the project conforms to all design
requirements and included a condition for shared access easement and preservation of tree at the north
edge of the site in relation to a water line alignment.
The Zoning Ordinance indicates that site plan approvals lapse within a period of 24 months after
the date of approval unless a building permit is issued and actual building construction, including
the pouring of footings, has commenced. On March 7, prior to the site plan expiration, the
applicant, Lauris Olson, submitted a letter requesting a 12-month extension (Attachment B).
The Zoning Ordinance states the following about the lapse of approval for site development plans (Sec.
29.1502(5)):
The applicant may, in the case of minor site plans, petition the planning staff or, in the case of
major site plans, petition the City Council, to grant a 12-month extension of the approval.
Extension of approval shall only be granted if the staff or Council finds that (1) codes pertinent to
the site plan have not changed since the site plan approval date, and (2) conditions in the
surrounding area have not changed in a manner that would affect the analysis of the project and
associated required mitigation.
Staff could not identify any code changes that would impact this site plan approval. Neither the base
zoning, Residential Medium Density (RM), nor the Single-Family Conservation Overlay (O-SFC), have
been amended since March 2022. The parking regulations pertaining to multifamily and the landscaping
requirements for multifamily have also not changed. In relation to the second criterion, staff could not
identify any new development or other change of character that has occurred in the surrounding area
that would impact the subject property.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 12-month extension of the Major Site Development Plan for 913 and 915 Duff
Avenue and 115 9th Street with the original conditions.
31
2. Deny the 12-month extension of the Major Site Development Plan for 913 and 915 Duff Avenue
and 115 9th Street.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Zoning Ordinance has two criteria for approving a site plan extension. Staff concurs with the
developer that both criteria have been met. Therefore, the City Manager recommends that the City
Council approve Alternative #1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - Approved Site Plan.pdf
Attachment B - Request for Site Plan Approval Extension.pdf
32
33
34
35
36
37
ITEM #:15
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:PURCH
SUBJECT:EMERGENCY UTILITY REPAIR AND OTHER SERVICES
CONTRACT RENEWAL
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Repair of the City’s public utilities can require larger or more specialized equipment and additional
labor than what is available from the responding City departments. Emergency events include water
main breaks, storm sewer damage or collapse, sanitary sewer damage or collapse, and buried electric
line failures. During these times, it is necessary to respond quickly to restore services and protect life
and property.
On June 28, 2022, City Council awarded a contract to Ames Trenching & Excavating, of Ames, IA, for
the Emergency Utility Repair and Related Services Contract, which included the option for the City to
renew in one-year increments for up to two additional years. The period from April 1, 2024 through
March 31, 2025, is the second of two renewal periods, and is subject to City Council approval. The
contract rates increase 5% for FY 2024/25, as shown on Attachment 1.
Because the City-wide total for this emergency and unplanned work between the various City
departments typically exceeds $60,000 annually, City Council approval is required. The actual amounts
paid will be based on invoices received for services provided during the course of the contract. These
services will be billed to the appropriate City department’s operating budget, where funds have been
budgeted for the services under this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Ames Trenching & Excavating, of Ames, Iowa, for Emergency Utility Repair
and Other Services Contract for the period from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
2. Do not approve the contract renewal and direct staff to rebid.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Emergency underground utility repairs are needed from time to time by City departments. These
services are vital to restore utility services and protect life and property. This bid provides for the
selected vendor to be available to respond to the City’s needs at predictable hourly prices and in
accordance with performance requirements in the agreement. Therefore, it is the recommendation of
the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2024-25 pricing.xlsx
38
FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24-25
Description Unit
Emergency Utility Repair Services Equipment rates to include operator and fuel. Other fees/rates not listed can be submitted as an additional sheet, if necessary.5% increase 5% increase
Mobilization $100.00 $105.00 $110.25
Self-Propelled Impact Pavement Breaker (Arrow Hammer break or similar)$200.00 $210.00 $220.50
Hydraulic Excavator with bucket (less than 40,000 lbs class)$200.00 $210.00 $220.50
Hydraulic Excavator with bucket (over 40,000 lbs class)$250.00 $262.50 $275.63
Tracked Loader (40,000 lbs class)$200.00 $210.00 $220.50
Tandem Axle Dump Truck $120.00 $126.00 $132.30
Utility Repair Crew (3 person)$240.00 $252.00 $264.60
Trench box $300.00 $315.00 $330.75
Potholing for buried utilities $200.00 $210.00 $220.50
Other Services as Required Equipment rates to include operator and fuel. Other fees/rates not listed can be submitted as an additional sheet, if necessary.
Mobilization $100.00 $105.00 $110.25
Crew (2-person)$160.00 $168.00 $176.40
Hydraulic Excavator with bucket (less than 40,000 lbs class)$200.00 $210.00 $220.50
Skid Loader $140.00 $147.00 $154.35
Backhoe $180.00 $189.00 $198.45
Tandem Axle Dump Truck $120.00 $126.00 $132.30
Black Dirt $25.00 $26.25 $27.56
Topsoil $25.00 $26.25 $27.56
Ames Trenching & Excavating
2022-173 - Page 139
ITEM #:16
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:Fleet Services
SUBJECT:PURCHASE OF FOUR CHASSIS FOR PUBLIC WORKS SNOWPLOW DUMP
TRUCKS; FLEET REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Public Works operates 12 dump trucks for snow and ice control during winter months and for street and
utility work at other times of the year. Seven trucks are medium-duty single-axle, and five are heavy-
duty tandem-axle trucks. These trucks operate year-round as an essential component for Public Works
to successfully maintain the City’s streets, utilities, and public areas.
Two tandem-axle trucks are scheduled for replacement in FY 2025/26 and two are scheduled for FY
2026/27. These four trucks are equipped with a stainless-steel dump body, tailgate mounted spreader,
pre-wet brine system, underbody plow, wing plow, front plow, hydraulic control system, telematic
system for real-time tracking of plow/spreader status & vehicle location, and a laser wing plow guide.
The new trucks will contain a biofuel fuel management system. The City’s snowplow trucks use 100%
biodiesel (B100) as the primary fuel source throughout the year. The use of biodiesel by the snowplow
trucks has reduced the overall City fleet’s diesel carbon emissions by over 25% annually.
Due to the current state of vehicle manufacturing, an estimated lead time for a new chassis can be 20
months or longer. Due to the extended lead times, staff is proceeding with replacing all four at once to
ensure the advantage of having similar trucks.
Chassis Bids:
Staff solicited bids from truck chassis dealers for the four heavy-duty tandem-axle truck chassis, and
separate pricing from truck builders (upfitters) to build the chassis into snowplow dump trucks.
Trivista Companies of Altoona, IA was the only bidder for four tandem-axle truck chassis:
Year /
Make Model
Base price per
Chassis
Total Price for
Selected
Feature
Options**
Price per Bio-
Fuel System
Price per
Chassis with
Bio-Fuel
System and
Selected
Features
Total Cost for
Four Chassis
each with a
Bio-Fuel
System
2025
International
HV507
$125,851 $168 $21,086 $147,105 $588,420
**Staff has selected four feature options to include: 1) Wipers go to slowest intermittent speed when
parking brake is set, 2) Headlights come on when the wipers are turned on, 3) Pre-trip light inspection
switch to automatically cycle through the light while the driver walks around the truck and inspects, and
4) Parking brake alarm system sounds the horn if the driver ’s door is opened and the parking brake is
not set.
40
Upfitting Bids:
Three bids were received for upfitting the chassis. It was determined that two bids were acceptable. The
table below provides the estimated per-truck cost for the upfitting, and the estimated total cost per truck
(chassis plus upfitting) based on the bid amount from Trivista, above:
Vendor Build & Equipment for One
Truck (estimate)
One Complete Snowplow Dump Truck
(estimate)
Hiway Truck Equipment Co.
of Fort Dodge, Iowa $173,256 $320,361
Henderson Truck Equipment
of Manchester, Iowa $176,824 $323,929
It is important to note that due to the extended lead times of the chassis, vendors are unable to
guarantee their prices for upfitting. Therefore, staff has determined that it will be more
appropriate to bid the upfitting when chassis are actually in production to solicit guaranteed
pricing from upfitters.
To estimate the total cost of the complete upfitted chassis, therefore, the lowest cost of upfitting is used,
which is the estimate of $173,256 per truck from Hiway Truck Equipment Co. of Fort Dodge.
Total Cost of Completed Chassis:
Per Chassis Total for 4 Chassis
HV507 Tandem-Axle Chassis $147,105 $588,420
Chassis Upfitting $173,256 $693,024
Total Estimated Cost for 4 Complete Chassis $1,281,444
Upon review of the chassis bid, Public Works and Fleet staff determined the bid received from
Trivista of Altoona, IA for four 2025 International HV507 Tandem-Axle Chassis with the
Selected Options and Biodiesel Fuel System for a total of $588,420 meets the City’s minimum
specification and is acceptable. Delivery is expected late 2025 or early 2026. Once the delivery date of
the new chassis is better known, bids will be solicited for firm pricing to build these new chassis into
snowplow trucks. It is anticipated that this will take another six months.
Funding is available for this purchase as follows:
Replacement Fund Escrow balance as of February 1, 2024 $ 704,070
Replacement Fund Contributions through 2/1/26 $ 238,300
Salvage Value of Equipment $ 102,250
Operating Department Contributions $ 245,380
Total Funding Available $1,290,000
41
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Trivista Companies of Altoona, IA for four (4) 2025 International HV507
Tandem-Axle Chassis with the Selected Options and Biodiesel Fuel System for a total of $588,420.
2. Reject the bid from Trivista Companies and direct staff to research alternatives.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff from Fleet Services and Public Works have evaluated the bid and agree that the bid from Trivista
Companies of Altoona, IA is the best value for the City and will provide exceptional service at the best
cost. It is important to initiate this purchase now to account for the long lead times involved in the
delivery of the trucks. A separate action will be brought to the City Council at a later date to award the
upfitting contract. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
42
ITEM #:17
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:Electric
SUBJECT:INSTALLATION OF GEOTHERMAL WELLS FOR MULTI-FAMILY
HOUSING UNITS ON LOT 27 IN BAKER SUBDIVISION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Baker Subdivision is a unique opportunity for the City to support a geothermal pilot program, since
the City is the developer of this subdivision. Geothermal systems are expected to have beneficial
reductions in electric peak loads and related greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional
heating and cooling systems. The system would serve as a demonstration of the performance of
geothermal heat pumps and introduce more local contractors and residents to the technology. This could
encourage further adoption of geothermal heat pumps, which would further reduce summer peak loads
and community greenhouse gas emissions. For those reasons, customer-owned geothermal systems
have been supported with rebates for many years. The unique aspect of the Baker Subdivision project is
the City installation and management of the system.
Lot 27 of the Baker Subdivision has been set aside for development of low-income affordable multi-
family rental housing. The City selected a partner developer, HKG Development, to pursue Low
Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding for development of 38 apartments, which was approved
in 2023. The City required that the subdivision (including Lot 27) would utilize geothermal as the
heating and cooling system for the development and committed to providing the geothermal wells for
the developer to connect the heating and cooling equipment for the apartments. On November 22, 2023,
the City awarded a contract to MODUS Engineering, of Johnston, Iowa, to design a geothermal heat
pump system and provide construction oversight. The system will serve all heating and cooling needs
of 38 multi-family housing units in six buildings.
The proposed design is integrated with the overall utility plan of the apartment projects, known as
Creekside Townhomes. The wells will be located primarily under the parking lot of the project. The
wells are interconnected, and each apartment building has a connection to the wells. The City is
responsible for installing the interconnected well system. The developer is responsible for making the
building connections and providing the mechanical equipment and services to each building and
apartment.
The engineer's estimate for the geothermal well installation at the multi-family lot is $595,017. The
Demand Side Management program within the FY 2023/24 Electric budget includes $294,254.66 for
this project. The proposed FY 2024/25 Electric Budget Demand Side Management program includes an
additional amount of $300,000, for a total of $594,254.66 of available funds. The FY 2024/25 budget is
scheduled to be certified prior to the approval of this contract, and staff will prepare a budget
amendment to ensure the necessary funds are available at the time expenditures are incurred.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve preliminary plans and specifications for the Installation of Geothermal Wells for Multi-
Family Housing units on Lot 27 in the Baker Subdivision, setting April 17, 2024 as the due date for
bids, and setting April 23, 2024 as the date of public hearing and award of contract.
43
2. Do not proceed with the project at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project is consistent with the City's intent to support sustainable multi-family low-income housing.
The proposed geothermal project accomplishes this goal in coordination with the affordable housing
d ev el o pe r. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1 as stated above.
44
ITEM #:18
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:UNIT 7 BOILER FEEDWATER PUMP NO. 2 INSPECTION AND REPAIR
PROJECT - CHANGE ORDER NO. 2
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Feedwater pumps are required for operation of the Power Plant, as they are the primary pumps used to
pump water through the boiler for conversion to steam to drive the turbine. To keep the pumps
operating and providing required pressure, these pumps require routine inspection and repair. This
project includes disassembling the Unit #7 feedwater pump, documenting as-found conditions,
addressing components that need to be replaced or repaired, reassembly, documenting as-repaired
conditions, and returning the pump to the City.
On August 8, 2023, City Council awarded a contract to Flowserve Corporation, Chicago, IL, for the
inspection and repair of the 72 Boiler Feedwater Pump in the amount of $115,876.95 (inclusive of sales
tax).
PREVIOUS ACTION:
Change Order No. 1 was approved by City Council on December 12, 2023, in the amount of
$178,185.97 for additional repair and restoration. When the pump was disassembled, it was found with
several components out of tolerance from the original equipment manufacturer's specifications. The
impellers which provide the flow and pressure were found with too large an opening in the middle for
the shaft. Repairing this opening required welding additional material on the inside of the impellers and
then machining the new material to the appropriate dimension.
Another major item found was the need to replace the existing studs. The studs are large, threaded bolts
that hold the case together. Because of the high operating pressure, the torque applied to the studs is
very high, ranging between 2,000 and 5,500 ft-lb. This high torque causes the bolts to stretch and after
one or two uses, they need to be replaced.
THIS ACTION:
One of the final steps in the repair process is hydro-static testing: the pump is filled with water and
pressurized to test for areas of weakness or leaks. As the test started, a leak was observed in the case.
The leak is located in an area where no work was performed during this overhaul. Flowserve performed
an initial investigation and found a pinhole leading to a crack at least 1.5 inches long. The extent of the
damage is not known until the crack is excavated further. It is assumed the crack will lead to a small
void deeper in the case. If this damage is not fully repaired, the pump is at risk of suffering major
damage.
Staff recommends authorizing Flowserve to perform full excavation of the entire crack and weld repair
the damaged area. It is estimated that the additional cost for this will require a change order in the
amount of $60,000. Because of the location of the leak and the pump case material, there are extra steps
needed to ensure the pump is restored correctly. This will involve disassembly of the pump, stress
45
relieving the casing, and machining the split face surfaces and casing bores.
Flowserve offered a cheaper patch repair option involving surface welding the crack, for a price of
$4,500. Staff discussed this option but determined it would be unwise to attempt. The crack and void
would continue to exist under the patch, most likely causing the patch weld to crack during operation
and causing the patch repair to be ineffective.
To perform the proper repair, the cost of the change order is $60,000 (inclusive of sales tax).
Funds will come from the Power Plant operating budget Unit 7 Turbine/Generator maintenance
account. This account contains available funds from a separate project that will be less than
originally anticipated.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $60,000 to Flowserve Corporation, Chicago, IL,
to perform a full case crack repair for a total purchase order amount of $354,062.92.
2. Approve Change Order No.2 in the amount of $4,500 to Flowserve Corporation, Chicago, IL, to
perform a patch weld repair. Staff advises that this repair is not likely to be successful and
could result in additional repair costs once the pump is placed back in service.
3. Do not approve the change order and direct staff to seek other options available to complete this
work.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The boiler feedwater pump operates at high pressure and temperature; it is important to have the
damaged area restored properly. Approving this change order will restore the Unit 7 Boiler Feedwater
Pump No. 2 to good operating condition providing reliable performance for the future. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described
above.
46
ITEM #:19
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 FOR OLD WATER PLANT DEMOLITION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
During the demolition of the old Water Treatment Plant, the contractor discovered an unknown
subgrade structure adjacent to the two-million-gallon finished water storage reservoir. This was a
remnant of a temporary pump station constructed in the 1950s during construction of the permanent
pump station. That structure had two active connections to the finished water reservoir, one a 20" pipe
and the other a 30" pipe, that needed to be properly cut and capped. The depth of the pipes and the age
of the reservoir made the process of abandoning the lines difficult. On October 10, 2023, Council
authorized a change order with LinnCo, Inc. to add the abandonment of the lines to the old Water Plant
demolition contract in the amount of $157,692.60.
On November 16, LinnCo began installing shoring to expose the pipe. During that excavation they
encountered a storm sewer line was not known to be in the vicinity that needed to be temporarily cut
and later restored. LinnCo was able to cap the 20" pipe connected to the reservoir, but discovered that
the 30" pipe material was cast iron and not welded steel as expected. Because the outer diameters of the
two pipe materials are different, the line stop materials that LinnCo had brought on-site would not
work. LinnCo had to excavate under the pipe to obtain an exact diameter dimension, pour a temporary
concrete block under the pipe to support it, and then rebury the pipe to protect it from freezing
temperatures.
LinnCo returned on January 11, 2024, excavated the pipe, and wrapped it in insulating blankets until the
line stop subcontractor could arrive on January 16. That week the temperatures plunged, making it
impossible for the line stop to be installed. LinnCo had to rebury the pipe to protect it from freezing.
Two weeks later, on January 29, LinnCo and the line stop subcontractor were able to cap the pipe,
remove the shoring, riser pipes, and concrete footings, and replace the storm sewer across the
excavation site.
LinnCo has presented a change order request in the amount of $60,946.04 for the additional
labor and materials that were required as a result of the storm sewer and the differing pipe
material. They provided a detailed cost breakdown that has been reviewed by staff and the City's
consultant and found to be appropriate. An updated summary of the project expenses and funding is
shown below. Because demolition projects frequently include unexpected changes, the Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund loan was executed in the amount of $3.5 million to allow additional contingency
for unanticipated work. Funding for this change order is available in the contingency included in the
loan agreement.
Authorized Project Funds
FY 2018 - FY 2021 CIP $ 141,916
FY 2022 CIP 1,288,560
FY 2023 CIP 1,233,000
47
Total Authorized Funding $ 2,663,476
Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund Loan, authorized maximum $ 3,500,000
Project Expenses
Original Construction Contract $ 2,398,000.00
Change Order #1 401.36
(Vermiculite removal and adjust
quantities of water mail work)
Change Order #2 (17,401.90)
(Cap 12 " raw water main and adjust
contract allowances)
Change Order #3 157,692.60
(Cut and cap 20" and 30"
connections to reservoir)
Change Order #4 - This Action 60,946.04
(Extra work associated with
capping reservoir lines)
Engineering 277,200.00
Legal, Admin, Misc 16,450.93
Total Project Expenses $ 2,893,289.03
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 4 to the contract with LinnCo, Inc. of Sartell, MN for the Old Water
Treatment Plant Demolition, thereby increasing the contract amount by $60,946.04 and adjusting
the completion date to April 18, 2024.
2. Do not approve the change order and provide further direction to staff regarding the resolution of
the work performed by LinnCo.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The demolition of the old Water Treatment Plant came with very few unexpected changes. However,
the unknown active pipe connections to the ground storage reservoir was a significant issue that had to
be addressed to protect the quality of the finished drinking water in the reservoir. Weather and
unknown pipe materials resulted in the cost to complete those pipe disconnections exceeding what was
included in the contractor's proposal. Staff and its consultant have reviewed the cost information
provided by the contractor and are in agreement with their request. There, it is the recommendation of
the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
CO4&Encl.SAI and Linn Co Executed.3.21.24.pdf
48
49
50
Ames Water Treatment Plant 30” Pipe Cap
This is a narrative on the capping of the 30” pipe at the Ames Water Treatment Plant.
LinnCo, Inc. Arrived on site on Thursday, Nov 16th to install shoring, expose pipe, and
install 30” steel pipe saddle for the purpose of installing a line stop. LinnCo exposed and
capped the 20” line. Uncovered a storm sewer and removed. Exposed 30” pipe with rock
and sump. LinnCo found out it was a Cast Iron Pipe instead of a steal pipe. We were in talks
with our welder and the subcontractor for the line stop with the pipe material di Aerence.
LinnCo was advised to excavate around pipe and get a circumference to verify that this
material is CI. This was found to be true and LinnCo will have to bury pipe to protect from
frost and wait further instructions. LinnCo was instructed by international flow that we will
have to install a bolt on sleeve exposing all the way around pipe again and then pour a
concrete block to support the pie since we disturbed the earth below. The sleeve was
ordered, and the welder was cancelled. LinnCo had ordered and had on site the weld on
sleeve and material to install Himax/pipe/cap. This material is not refundable. LinnCo
came back on site the week of Jan 11th 2024. LinnCo excavated the pipe and around pipe
installed the sleeve back filled and blanketed the excavation because of very cold
temperatures. LinnCo was told to be ready for International Flow on Tuesday the 16 th of Jan.
The weather turned for the worse and International Flow had to cancel. The project pushed
two weeks for the weather to straighten up. We blanketed the site and poly for protection as
well as buried the pipe once again. LinnCo was back on Jan 29 th to reopen the sight
excavate under pipe and install concrete. International Flow installed the line stop on
Tuesday and we finished the project removing the shoring, riser pipes, conc footings,
replacing storm sewer across excavation.
The extra work is for the extra mobilization, pushed into winter conditions, Installing
and purchasing bolt on fitting, concrete under fitting, storm sewer replacement. CO-4
include extra rental time on shoring , extra stone for having to open and close multiple
times, extra concrete, blankets and blocking, equipment and labor costs.
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 20
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the 2021/22 Storm Water Erosion Control
(Bloomington Waterway Channel and Bank Stabilization) and 2021/22 Stormwater
Quality Improvements project. City Council approval of the contract and bond for the
project is simply fulfilling a State Code requirement.
/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
72
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 21
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the 2023/24 Campustown Public Improvements
project. City Council approval of the contract and bond for the project is simply fulfilling
a State Code requirement.
/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
73
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 22
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the 2023/24 Collector Street Pavement
Improvements project. City Council approval of the contract and bond for the project is
simply fulfilling a State Code requirement.
/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
74
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 23
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the 2023/24 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal
Program project. City Council approval of the contract and bond for the project is simply
fulfilling a State Code requirement.
/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
75
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 24
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the Roof Replacement at the Power Plant. City
Council approval of the contract and bond for the project is simply fulfilling a State
Code requirement.
/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
76
ITEM #:25
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:Electric
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION APPROVING GEOTHERMAL EASEMENT AGREEMENT
FOR BAKER SUBDIVISION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
With the development of Baker Subdivision, the City embarked upon an effort to create a district-based
community geothermal system for use by single-family homes within the subdivision. The City Council
first approved plans and specifications for a community system on September 22, 2020.
A single bid exceeding available funding was received for installation of the district-based system.
Following an evaluation, the bid was rejected and the system was redesigned to provide individual
geothermal wells to serve each residential lot. The City approved new plans and specifications
reflecting the individual wells and awarded a contract for well drilling on February 9, 2021 in the
amount of $235,830. Installation of the wells proceeded in spring 2021 and was completed in July 2021.
Note that use of geothermal on Lot 27, which is designated for multi-family affordable housing, was not
included with the 2021 contract award. Design and construction of geothermal for Lot 27 was deferred
until the City had a partner developer for the site.
With the final plat of Baker Subdivision, the City established a geothermal easement located along the
rear property line of the single-family home lots. Along with the final plat, the City established
restrictive covenants for the subdivision that required that each single-family lot (Lots 1-26) connect to
a geothermal system provided by the City. No natural gas infrastructure was extended into the
subdivision because of the City's investment in geothermal and the goal of supporting sustainability
with lower associated carbon emissions for new housing.
In summer 2023, City staff was informed by the Story County Health Department that no permits had
been approved for the geothermal wells that had been installed. According to the bid documents,
permitting the wells was the responsibility of the well driller. However, City staff was informed that the
driller was operating under the incorrect assumption that the new wells were covered under previously
approved permit for a test well installed in the development in 2020. After discussions with County and
the Iowa DNR staff, it was determined that although a test well permit had been granted, it did not
exempt the City's additional wells from permitting requirements.
Electric Services proceeded in January 2024 to apply for well permits for all the existing wells. After
discussion and review with the County, they determined the wells could be approved as installed.
However, some wells were placed off of the lot that they serve due to conflicts with other utilities.
Additionally, all the wells are in close proximity to abutting property lines. Therefore, to assure the
wells are accessible and able to properly operate, an additional easement agreement is needed to meet
the well siting regulations. At this time, the existing wells are conditionally approved pending the
approval and recording of the attached Easement Agreement.
The attached agreement was drafted by the City Attorney's Office under the direction of the County as
to what issues must be addressed. The County approved the draft agreement form and has asked the
City to finalize its approval. The agreement is written to grant two different types of rights between the
77
Grantor and the Grantee, both of which are currently the City of Ames. This is true even though the City
has purchase agreements for Lots 1-8 and an option agreement for Lot 27. The rights created in the
agreement continue with successors of interest in properties related to the agreement.
The agreement accomplishes two essential things and includes notifications/disclosures about the City
operating geothermal wells. First, it establishes that the wells are allowed to exist in their current
configuration and location and that the right of access and use of the area for "Private Geothermal
Wells," including abandonment and replacement if needed, exists in perpetuity.
Second, it allows for a "Private Geothermal System" to connect to the wells for benefit of the specified
lot. The agreement includes an exhibit identifying each well and which lot benefits from use of each
specific well. The wells are referred to as private in the agreement at the direction of the County for
permitting purposes because they serve one individual lot, despite their ownership by the City. The
private system refers to the connection of the well to the home that is served by the well, which is not
intended to be publicly owned.
Although the City is the current owner of all lots in the subdivision, the City has entered into purchase
agreements with Habitat for Humanity for the Lots 1-8 and an option agreement with Hatch
Development for Lot 27. Because of these contractual property interests it was necessary that both
Habitat and Hatch sign the agreement to finalize the permitting of the wells.
Habitat agreed to purchase lots in Baker Subdivision in April 2023 and subsequently secured additional
lot interests for a total of eight lots. Habitat has started the construction of three homes and has
connected two of these home to the existing geothermal wells. Upon notice by City staff to Habitat that
the existing wells were not yet permitted, Habitat has worked with staff to understand in greater detail
what the geothermal requirements and obligations were for the City and Habitat's future buyers.
City staff provided an initial draft of the agreement early in February and an updated version with the
well exhibit at the end of February. Habitat initially expressed concern about the agreement language,
how the operation of the system was addressed, and how the system was going to be permitted. In
response to Habitat's concerns, staff responded with more information about the permit process and the
agreement, information about an ordinance that will be proposed by staff for regulation of the
geothermal system, and the intent to prepare an additional agreement with Habitat specifically for Lots
1-8.
The additional agreement will address the time period the City is obligated to provide the wells
and the homeowner's ability to disconnect from the geothermal system in certain circumstances,
along with other details. Staff intends for a draft ordinance to be available for City Council
approval on April 9 and for the additional agreement to also be ready for approval later in
April. It is essential to resolve these issues with Habitat to ensure they can close on the sale of
their first completed home on Lot 8 in May.
Hatch Development reviewed the easement and determined their proposed development plan was not
impacted by the easement agreement and has signed the agreement. With approval of the agreement by
all parties, each developer will be able to continue with their planned housing projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Geothermal Easement Agreement with Creekside Townhomes LLLP and Habitat for
Humanity of Central Iowa for the existing well locations and their ongoing use as defined in
78
Attachment A and direct staff to proceed with completing an ordinance for the regulation of the
geothermal well system and to draft an additional agreement with Habitat for use of wells for Lots 1-8.
2. Decline to approve the proposed agreement and direct Ames Electric to abandon the existing wells
and seek new permit approvals for locating wells on each individual single-family home lots.
3. Direct staff to modify the proposed agreement and or location of some geothermal wells.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Permitting of the geothermal wells for single family lots within the Baker Subdivision will be complete
with the approval and recording of the attached agreement. The agreement establishes legal rights for
geothermal wells to exist, be maintained, replaced or abandoned in the easement area and establishes
rights to connect to the wells to the benefit of future single-family homeowners' geothermal systems. It
is critical to resolve the well permits at this time to allow for both Hatch and Habitat to continue with
their projects.
An ordinance is planned to address many of the operational requirements of the geothermal system. An
additional agreement with Habitat for Lots 1-8 will also be beneficial for both parties in support of our
partnership for producing low income for sale housing. Additional work may be needed in the future to
address conditions north of Tripp Street for the remaining 16 single-family lots as well.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approved Alternative #1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Declaration of Geothermal Systems Easement & Agreement.pdf
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
ITEM #:26
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ELECTRIC
SUBJECT:COMBUSTION TURBINE FUEL OIL PIPE INSTALLATION - CORRECTION
AND PROJECT COMPLETION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On March 12, 2024, the City Council accepted completion of the Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe
Installation Project by Modern Companies, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of $472,756.43.
This project involved the replacement of a section of fuel oil piping that connects the fuel oil storage
tank to the pump house for the Electric utility's two combustion turbine units located at the Dayton
Avenue Substation.
The original contract amount was $391,700, inclusive of Iowa sales tax. Two change orders were
approved for costs related to a leak that was discovered during the course of the project. Change Order
No. 1 was approved in the amount of $46,056.43, and Change Order No. 2 was approved in the amount
of $35,000. These change orders brought the contract amount to the total of $472,756.43, which was
approved by the City Council as the completed amount.
Following the acceptance of the project by the City Council on March 12, staff realized that
Modern Companies did not incur all the costs authorized by the two change orders, and thus did
not invoice the City for those entire amounts. Of the $46,056.43 authorized by Change Order No. 1,
Modern Companies only billed $42,630.74. Of the $35,000 authorized by Change Order #2, Modern
Companies only billed $24,723.32. Therefore, although a total of $472,756.43 was authorized, the final
contract total was actually $459,054.06.
To rectify this, staff is requesting that the City Council take three actions: 1) Move to reconsider
the March 12 acceptance of completion of this project, 2) Approve balancing Change Order No. 3,
in the deduct amount of ($13,701.37), and 3) Accept completion of the project in the corrected
amount of $459,054.06.
The March 12, 2024 CAF indicated that funding would be provided for this project from the following
sources:
$150,000 - FY 2020/21 Fuel Oil Piping Installation Capital Improvements Plan
$210,000 - Savings from FY 2022/23 Unit 7 Main Steam Line Insulation Replacement Project
$68,055 - Savings from FY 2021/22 Unit 8 Turbine/Generator Overhaul
$44,701.43 - FY 2023/24 Power Plant Operation and Maintenance budget
$472,756.43 - TOTAL
The decreased final cost of the project will result in the funding from the FY 2023/24 Power Plant
Operation and Maintenance budget being decreased by $13,701.37.
89
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the following actions related to the Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe Installation Project:
a. Reconsider the March 12, 2024 action of the City Council to accept the project as completed by
Modern Companies, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of $472,756.43
b. Approving balancing Change Order No. 3 in the deduct amount of ($13,701.37)
c. Accept the Combustion Turbine Fuel Oil Pipe Installation project as completed by Modern
Companies Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of $459,054.06
2. Refer this item to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
A review of the documentation following the March 12, 2024 acceptance of completion of this contract
revealed a discrepancy between the total amount invoiced and the project amount accepted at
completion. This was not an error on the part of the contractor; it should have been reconciled by staff
prior to placing this item on the March 12 agenda. However, the retainage for the project has not yet
been released, and approving the corrected amounts described above will ensure that the appropriate
amount is paid to the contractor for this work. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
90
ITEM #:27
DEPT:P&H
March 26, 2024
Staff Report
TEXT AMENDMENTS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
AND GENERAL ZONING STANDARDS FLEXIBILITY
BACKGROUND:
City Council initiated a referral to staff on July 27, 2023 to identify processes and/or standards that
would allow for the flexibility for staff to determine compliance with standards. The referral related to
the numerous individual requests for zoning text amendments that often are an issue for one
development rather than a broader policy issue. Additionally, City Council received a letter from Ames
Economic Development Commission (AEDC) members regarding approaches to support additional
housing construction in the City, including a review of development standards.
City Council reviewed a staff report on November 14, 2023, that provided background information
regarding types of permits and discretionary review process examples that could address City Council’s
initial referral to increase development flexibility related to zoning issues. At that meeting, Council
directed staff to continue to work on zoning and development issues and to return to Council with an
update. City Council also reviewed a report on December 12 focused on the AEDC Task Force letter
and asked staff to follow up with more information and details from the Task Force. The Task Force
provided an updated letter in January requesting primarily review of Conservation Ordinance standards
affecting subdivisions in north Ames. The January AEDC letter is attached for reference.
AEDC TASK FORCE REQUESTS
The original AEDC Short Term Housing Task Force letter identified various concerns that were viewed
as constraints to increased construction of housing. The January follow-up letter focused on two
primary issues: 1) Changes to the PUD Overlay related to the front door and garage door requirements,
and 2) A number of suggestions for potential changes to the City’s Conservation Subdivision
Ordinance. The PUD change is addressed as part of the broader Zoning Ordinance changes discussed
later in this report. The Conservation Ordinance is part of the Subdivision Code-Section 23.600 of the
Ames Municipal Code that applies to residential development within the Ada Hayden Watershed and is
addressed below.
The City established the Conservation Subdivision standards in 2010 as a result of proposals for
residential subdivision development in the undeveloped areas of Ada Hayden Watershed north of
Bloomington Road. Adoption of the ordinance was the culmination of research, workshops, a series of
meetings with developers and their engineers, and public outreach efforts related to development and
environmental protection measures that were first initiated in 2006. The 2010 Council Action Form
described a desire to protect the watershed through a combination of measures including use of
sanitary sewer rather than rural septic systems, storm water runoff controls, homeowner
association limitations on fertilizers with phosphorus, and conservation subdivision regulations
that implement “best management practices” (BMPs) for the layout of the subdivisions and
infrastructure.
91
The specific regulations of the ordinance were created in support of the purpose statement quoted
below. The ordinance prioritizes environmental protection over traditional subdivision standards that
address utility infrastructure, efficiency/density, transportation access, and resource protection.
23.602. INTENT. The intent of Conservation Design Development is to preserve the existing natural
features of the site, to preserve the natural drainage features and hydrologic characteristics of the
landscape, and to reduce the impacts of development on the landscape; and
(1) To maintain and protect in perpetuity Ames area natural character by preserving these important
landscape elements including but not limited to those areas containing unique and environmentally
sensitive natural features as prairie, woodlands, stream buffers and corridors, drainageways, wetlands,
floodplains, ridgetops, steep slopes, critical species habitat, and by setting them aside from
development;
(2) To promote interconnected greenways and environmental corridors throughout Ames;
(3) To provide commonly-owned open space and conservation areas for passive and/or active
recreational use by residents of the development and, where specified, the larger community;
(4) To permit various means for owning conservation areas, preserved landscape elements, and to
protect such areas from development in perpetuity;
(5) To provide greater flexibility in site dwellings and other development features than would be
permitted by the application of standard use regulations in order to minimize the disturbance of natural
landscape elements and sensitive areas, scenic quality, and overall aesthetic value of the landscape;
(6) To protect and restore environmentally sensitive areas and biological diversity, minimize
disturbance to existing soils, vegetation, and maintain environmental corridors, and
(7) To preserve significant archaeological sites, historic buildings and their settings.
Prior to adoption, City staff tested the proposed 2010 development standards with the prior developers
and engineers of the former Rose Prairie, Auburn Trail, and Quarry Estates subdivision sites. City staff
and developers engineers drafted subdivision layouts to assist in the interpretation of the proposed Code
standards before options for consideration were brought to the City Council for ordinance approval in
2010. Some of the key features of the Conservation Ordinance that do not apply to standard
subdivisions include:
1. 25% Open Space set aside
2. Design for interconnected conservation areas
3. 80% of lots must abut Open Space
4. Minimize mass grading to preserve existing landforms and natural resources
5. Interconnected trail and path systems, option for eliminating sidewalks for one side of a road.
6. Use of swales and conservations areas for stormwater quality treatment measures
Development within the Conservation Subdivision must also meet all of the City’s Chapter 5B Post
Construction Stormwater Management requirements (adopted 2014), Chapter 23 Subdivision
requirements, and the applicable zoning standards related to use, density, block lengths, open space,
etc.
Two developments have been built under the current Conservation Ordinance requirements. The first
was the Quarry Estates subdivision, including the Vintage Cooperative site and Hayden’s Ridge
Townhomes, located along 190th Street and Hyde Avenue. The second project is Hayden’s Crossing
located to the south of Quarry Estates along Hyde Avenue. Two significant development sites remain
along Hyde Avenue that have not proceeded with development: the Hunziker Companies Auburn Trail
project located along Hyde Avenue abutting existing development to the south, and the Hayden’s
Preserve Development (former Rose Prairie) to the north at 190th Street and Hyde Avenue.
92
If additional land was annexed to the west between GW Carver and the railroad tracks, known as the
Borgmeyer family’s land, part of that development site would also be subject to the Conservation
Ordinance requirements. If the City annexed land north of 190th Street and generally west of Grant
Avenue, these lands are also in the watershed and would be subject to the current ordinance.
The Task Force expressed the belief that certain standards of the ordinance make it difficult to feasibly
develop the remaining sites in the watershed due either to increased development costs or the impact on
layout that in turn reduces development options. The Task Force requests that the City Council
reevaluate if many of the specific requirements are indeed necessary to address the water quality
concerns for Ada Hayden and if some changes could be approved while still meeting the primary goal of
protecting the watershed.
Staff has outlined preliminary thoughts below in italics, related to the seven suggested policy
changes to the Conservation Ordinance requested by the AEDC Task Force:
• Buffer around stormwater conveyance or wetlands rather than 80% of lots abutting open space.
Staff comments: Staff sees the issues of buffering and 80% of lots abutting open space as two
separate issues. The 80% rule generates additional open space that may or may not include a
specific waterway or wetland resource buffers. Staff supports reducing the lot percentage
requirement as part of the overall review of standards. Buffering is addressed elsewhere in the
ordinance.
• Protect historical or jurisdictional wetlands instead of all wetlands and poorly graded areas.
Staff comments: Resource inventories identify a wide range of resources for review within a
Conservation Subdivision. Staff already follows permitting conditions and requirements
determined by the Army Corps of Engineers and Iowa DNR for jurisdictional wetlands. Staff
supports review of the language as needed to clarify protection requirements focused on
jurisdictional wetlands.
• Remove “usable” component of open space requirements; focus on protecting rather than both
protecting and creating a usable space.
Staff comments: This issue is intertwined with zoning open space requirements as well.
Conservation Subdivisions are required to set-aside conservation areas as commonly owned open
space for passive and/or active recreational use. This requirement, along with other standards
for open space, often lead to additional trail and walking path requirements. Staff supports
modifying language to distinguish expectations for passive and usable open space in combination
with other changes affecting open space standards.
• Reduce the 25% open space requirement to 10%; this can be accomplished while still protecting Ada
Hayden.
Staff comments: Reducing overall open space set asides may be viable when considering the
design intent of surface water treatment measures and their continued viability for water quality
improvements with less overall open space. Use of only traditional detention basins would not
meet the intent and purpose. Staff supports revising the open space requirement in consideration
of the total changes proposed and emphasizing the design intent for stormwater treatment
93
measures as opposed to large set aside requirements.
• Eliminate curb, gutter roads, and embrace a rural cross section utilizing roadside areas to convey /
treat stormwater.
Staff comments: Staff does not recommend this approach for urban density development due to
issues such as roadway safety, winter maintenance, and stormwater management. The curb
and gutter system provides operational and safety barriers in both winter maintenance and
everyday vehicular travels, use of ditches changes road design and function for the city and
abutting property owners.
• Change outlook on mass grading when there are no natural features to enhance or protect because
the land being developed is flat farm ground.
Staff comments: Staff believes mass grading limitations have benefits to the watershed by
minimizing disturbance and soil compaction. Staff is supportive of exploring this issue to
understand more specific concerns and how it would work in combination with other requested
changes as total potential impacts to Ada Hayden.
• Subdivision design: allow staff flexibility of street block lengths and allowing cul-de-sacs; this
allows irregular pieces of land to be more efficiently developed.
Staff comments: Staff can support this option in the spirit of conservation efforts. It may also be
applicable to all subdivisions and not just conservation subdivisions. Changes to the Zoning
Ordinance would be needed to implement this change in addition to the Subdivision Code.
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT FLEXIBILITY
Zoning and development standards are generally established at the local level to respond to community
interests and expectations related to land use compatibility, mitigation of environmental effects,
protection of personal property and property improvements, function and adequacy of facilities for
safety and convenience. Section 29.102 of the Zoning Ordinance describes the Purpose, with specific
interests related to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Within the Purpose of
zoning, there is great latitude to define and establish specific standards that accomplish the objectives of
the community.
At the November 14 meeting, staff provided in-depth review of permitting requirements and what local
discretion could be applied to zoning standards and permitting. Staff provided examples of approaches
in other communities as well. Four general options were described in the staff report to help guide a
discussion regarding issues of modifying zoning standards.
Option 1 was described as an allowance for a 20% deviation from quantitative/numeric standards to
allow for flexibility needed to address minor development impediments or alternative design interests.
Option 2 allowed greater flexibility of up to a 30% variation, but it required Planning and Zoning
Commission approval.
Option 3 focused on the needs to update and modify commercial zoning standards to remove
unnecessary or outdated requirements and establish new commercial zoning standards consistent with
Ames Plan 2040 goals.
94
Option 4 was a broader update of the Zoning Ordinance to address issues that apply not only to
commercial zones but also to residential and to other areas of the City.
City Council directed staff to proceed with evaluating Option 1 and Option 4 and to seek
developer feedback regarding specific development standards that are viewed as impediments.
Developer Feedback
Staff reached out in February to a list of recent developers, engineers, and architects totaling 55 people
that had recently worked in Ames to solicit their concerns and input on the idea of the 20% flexibility
option and or a Zoning Code update. Representatives of the AEDC also helped raise awareness of City
interest in feedback.
Staff received a total of seven responses from various builders, architects, developers, and engineers. A
summary of the specific remarks is included in Attachment B. Landscaping requirements and cost, the
text amendment process, parking, nonconformities, and staff willingness to be flexible were examples
of issues identified during the outreach.
There was clear general support for adding flexibility to the standards. However, the specific
concerns identified by development interests may or may not benefit from the 20% flexibility
approach described by staff.
20% Flexibility Allowance
After considering this option in greater detail and reviewing the developer feedback, staff believes
that the 20% allowance would provide some minor benefits to projects, but would have to be
specifically tailored development standards where 20% reductions do not defeat the purpose of
the standard or create inappropriate results.
While staff agrees with the general intent, granting a 20% reduction for all standards would not make
sense. For example, reducing the dimensions of a compact parking space are not practicable as it would
not fit a car, but allowing more compact parking spaces overall would be feasible. Reducing the size of
required landscape materials (tree diameter) is probably not appropriate, but adjustments to the mix or
total plantings could be appropriate. The City has recently reduced several parking ratios and whether
additional reductions at the 20% level would be granted is questionable and probably not appropriate,
yet other ratios have not been adjusted and it may be appropriate.
To address these issues, staff would support language to allow for a 20% reduction that would
only apply to variations that are necessary to address specific site conditions in order to facilitate
the project. The ability to apply a reduction would not apply carte blanche to the site in its
entirety and for every standard. Appeals of staff decisions would be only by the property owner and
would be addressed by the ZBA as part of the City's current ordinance language for administrative
decisions.
Adding 20% flexibility code language will require some consultation with the City Attorney’s office
and likely some format and reference changes to the Zoning Ordinance to maintain consistency with
state law regarding zoning regulations compared to design requirements. As referenced in November,
Des Moines implements this type of flexibility through two different types of zoning and development
standards chapters, with tiers of review between staff, P&Z, and City Council. Staff would not rewrite
the code in its entirety with this change, but will need to be specific about the applicability of the new
20% language rather than applying it broadly. The changes would likely not apply to Special Purpose
95
Districts which have more tailored standards that other zoning districts in the City, but this would be
evaluated with the proposed changes.
The downside to this approach is that the case-by-case evaluation will require staff to make more
discretionary decisions and decide the merit or need of proposed reductions, which will result in
different outcomes for different projects with less certainty of outcomes for property owners located
adjacent to new development.
While this change would broadly apply across the City, staff does not believe specific community
outreach is needed in advance of preparing code language. Staff believes that making draft language
available online and staying in contact with the developer interest list is appropriate for this type of
project.
City Council could determine that this step is a priority and initiate it as a work plan priority at this time
or consider in the context of all of the workplan projects and determine what timeline is appropriate.
Staff will return with the overall Planning Division workplan on April 23.
Zoning Ordinance Update
Staff offered a more comprehensive option of updating standards of the Zoning Ordinance as Option 4.
Staff was initially focused on needed changes to Commercial zoning districts, but since that time with
other interests related to housing it appears a broader update would also be valuable. Updating the
Zoning Ordinance results in a more comprehensive adjustment and prioritization of standards compared
to the 20% flexibility option described above.
Staff believes that a Zoning Ordinance update is now needed. Although there have been a
substantial number of interests addressed by individual text amendments (77 amendments over 8 years)
such as reduced parking, PUD Overlay, driveways, landscaping, approval and amendment processes,
infill ADUs and duplexes, and setback exceptions, there seems to be a lack of cohesiveness overall and
some outdated zoning expectations for some zoning districts.
Staff believes many of the concepts of our current zoning standards would carry over to a new
ordinance and it would not be as significant of an overhaul as it was in 2000 when all new zoning
districts were created citywide. Staff believes that there are minimal new issues that would affect most
neighborhoods since the City has already adopted ADU and duplex allowances. Specific neighborhood
plans and Redirection Areas would still be handled individually to involve the most affected property
and neighborhood interests.
A Zoning Ordinance update is large project that requires work plan prioritization. If Council elects to
move forward with such a project, staff would return to City Council to first define the scope and style
of ordinance, much like what was originally done regarding comprehensive plan update before Plan
2040 was initiated. Background regarding some of these options is described below.
Generally, there are three structural frameworks for zoning and development standards:
1 . Traditional zoning based upon uses and site development/architecture standards. This type is text-
based and focused on what is prohibited or limited. This is the basic format of Ames' current code.
2 . Unified Development Code brings development standards from subdivisions, utility codes,
stormwater, and zoning issues into one code to provide a more complete set of regulations by
development type or zoning district. It is more of one-stop approach for a specific project, but it can
96
become redundant or dense in content to address the myriad development options in a community. This
is not an uncommon approach, but is now as common as a traditional zoning code approach. Two
examples include Dubuque and Colorado Springs.
3. Form Based Code is a newer concept that is heavily based upon graphics and detail requirements of
site and building design with fewer use and other general limitations. This approach is appropriate when
there is strong interest in a high level of detail related to building design and interface with its
surroundings and use of graphics is highly beneficial. The recent Des Moines zoning ordinance update
is a version of a Form Based Code. South Bend, Indiana would be another example.
At this time City Council is not asked to approve a specific work plan project for a Zoning
Ordinance rewrite, only whether it should be included as project within the Work Plan for future
consideration. There are many options of how to do an update in phases and issues of coordinating the
appropriate style of code as described above. The degree of public outreach and the methods of
outreach would also need to be defined for a Zoning Ordinance rewrite once a scope of work is
established.
PUD Overlay Front Door Orientation
One specific issue identified by the Task Force was the issue of front door and garage face relationships
that apply within the PUD Overlay. At the time the PUD Overlay was created, the intent was to support
smaller and diverse options compared to standard base zoning. Base zoning has no single-family
design requirements and relies fundamentally on lot size and frontage to address space and
compatibility interests.
In light of smaller lot size and housing options, the PUD Overlay includes some basic design
compatibility requirements related to the relationship of the front door to the garage door, emphasizing
that the front entrance is clearly defined and the garage does not define the entrance to homes. The two
relevant code standards are stated below:
(a) Garages and Driveways. Garages and off-street parking areas must be located so that they do not
define the front façade of the dwelling. This standard is met when a garage does not protrude forward
from the front façade.
(b) Entrances. Main entrances to dwelling units must be clearly identifiable and accessible to the owner
and visitors. The main entrance must be demarcated by one of the following: covered porch or stoop;
sidelight windows; or other significant architectural treatment that emphasizes main entrances. Main
entrances shall be directly connected to the pedestrian circulation system of the development.
There are two ways to comply with this currently: One is to have a rear loaded garage. The second is to
have a front entry in line with or in front of the garage face. This second approach can be accomplished
with an actual entrance, a porch, or stoop if the door is slightly recessed.
The Task Force believes this requirement limits options for the design small lot homes that rely on
having the garage forward in the design compared to the front door. The letter alludes to a cost of
having wider lots to meet this requirement.
Staff supports reevaluating this language and how it has been interpreted for small lot homes.
Staff believes there are examples of compliant homes with this standard in Ames, such as the Hayden's
Ridge Townhomes/Duplexes, Smart Homes on Wilder, and even the recent Habitat homes on Wilmoth
that are not part of a PUD. Staff is also aware of projects in other communities, such as Waukee and
Ankeny that are mix of homes that meet this requirement and those that do not strictly meet this
97
requirement, but meet the intent. Those communities do not have a specified front door or garage
limitation requirement and it is determined with PUD plan review for each project. There may also be
some building types that it strictly precludes that we can also review with developers. With some
additional research and developer outreach, we can move forward with zoning text amendment to
address this specific issue. This issue is not an in-depth issue and could be accomplished relatively
quickly as a text amendment.
OPTIONS:
Conservation Ordinance Options
As the letter from the Task Force states, this “Topic is too complex to estimate savings to homeowner
without in-depth evaluation.” State legislative changes being considered will increase flows and
volumes of stormwater from development sites. The impacts of these changes, if adopted, would be
separate or in addition to the Conservation Ordinance changes being requested.
Despite these potential legislative changes, staff believes it would be worthwhile to assess the
Conservation Ordinance standards and potentially alter some of the requirements related to
design and layout features, with assurance that water quality protection is still a priority. Staff has
described above the general approach to considering the suggested changes. Any proposed changes
would not only need to be reviewed with City staff and developers, but also include environmental
resource stakeholders that have long had an interest in this area. Staff proposes reaching out to
stakeholders during the next several weeks, then returning to the City Council with further discussion in
late spring.
As City Council is aware, there is a bill in the state Legislature that could impact the City’s authority to
regulate stormwater to a higher level than authorized by the State. The bill has not been approved in the
Legislature and is considered Unfinished Business as the Legislature works towards the end of the
Session on April 16. If a bill is adopted by the State, it would impact Chapter 5B Post Construction
Requirements that apply citywide, and it may impact the Conservation Subdivision Ordinance standards
as well. Any changes to the City's ordinances would not occur until after April 16 and any impacts of an
adopted Bill could be addressed with staff’s final recommendations.
City Council also has the option to not pursue changes to the Conservation Ordinance as requested or
narrow the scope if desire if it determines it is not worthwhile at this time to reconsider the
Conservation Ordinance standards for the Ada Hayden Watershed.
Zoning Flexibility
As described above, City Council has options related to three separate issues. The first is to create
administrative flexibility of 20% or some other percentage reduction option for staff if City Council
believes this will address some of the pressing development interests and Council priorities. Either in
combination with or separate from the 20% option, the City can initiate a Zoning Ordinance rewrite
project that would comprehensively update standards to implement the policies of Plan 2040 and
address development impediments identified through the outreach process. The PUD Overlay change
is a minor issue overall and can be addressed as separate issue or included with a Zoning Ordinance
rewrite project.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Staff supports a two-pronged approach of reviewing standards that would support short term housing
construction objectives and a more comprehensive update approach. City Council can choose to pursue
98
any or all of the topics described in the report. If City Council chooses to take up changes to the
Conservation Ordinance, staff recommends that public involvement and in-depth review of the totality
of the changes is needed to address both development interests and the public's interest in protecting the
watershed. Once the changes are considered together and not as piecemeal changes, there could be
support to modify the ordinance to meet multiple interests.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ames_Housing_Task_Force_Letter_of_Follow-up_-_January_23_2024.pdf
Development Interest Feedback Summary.pdf
99
January 23, 2024
Steve Schainker, City Manager
City of Ames
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
Steve:
We appreciate the continued dialogue and discussion on the recommendations made by the AEDC
Housing Taskforce in July of last year. The following is additional feedback and clarification on
those items that we believe will stimulate residential new construction starts to meet the Ames
2040 targets.
Tax Abatement program for new construction
- Recommend implementing as soon as possible.
- All residential new construction eligible.
o Construction costs have increased in the last few years for both single family and
multi-family.
o Costs have outpaced rents.
o Incentives may bring about projects that might otherwise not happen.
o Increased supply of housing will help keep pricing in check.
- Abatement will motivate builders to construct speculative homes.
- Recommend keeping climate goals or design standards out of the requirements for this
program.
- Implement an effective date of January 1, 2023.
o Existing new construction that is already on or coming on the market will need to
be on the same competitive level as new starts created by this program.
- Suggest duration of 5 to 7 years; projects take time to come together, so a longer duration
period helps aid projects coming to fruition.
- Allow choice of 3 year 100%- OR 5-year sliding scale abatement schedule.
Suggested Policy Changes
- Allow garages to protrude in front of face of homes built in the PUD zoning category.
o This is the most efficient design and is not allowed today.
o Cause of 2nd SMART home project to not proceed in this zoning category.
o More efficient layouts and narrower lot widths help keep costs under control.
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $12,000.
- Revise conservation subdivision standards:
100
o Buffer around stormwater conveyance or wetlands rather than 80% of lots abutting
open space.
o Protect historical or jurisdictional wetlands instead of all wetlands and poorly
graded areas.
o Remove “usable” component of open space requirements; focus on protecting
rather than both protecting and creating a usable space.
o Reduce the 25% open space requirement to 10%; this can be accomplished while
still protecting Ada Hayden.
o Eliminate curb, gutter roads, and embrace a rural cross section utilizing roadside
areas to convey / treat stormwater.
o Change outlook on mass grading when there are no natural features to enhance
or protect because the land being developed is flat farm ground.
o Subdivision design: allow staff flexibility of street block lengths and allowing cul de
sacs; this allows irregular pieces of land to be more efficiently developed.
o Topic is too complex to estimate savings to homeowner without in-depth
evaluation.
Offsite Costs / Pioneer Infrastructure
- City to invest in obtaining water rights from rural water districts.
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $2,700.
- Consider water / sanitary projects to open additional lands to be considered pioneer
infrastructure rather than connection districts to recoup funds .
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $2,350.
- Turn lanes and intersection improvements to facilitate traffic from multiple projects should
be considered pioneer infrastructure.
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $1,250-$2,300.
- Model Ankeny’s efforts to invest in pioneer streets where street paving is associated with
an adjacent property; City recovers funds when the land is developed or absorbed into the
City CIP budget.
o No direct savings to lot prices but eliminates costs of adjacent properties
being paid for by the homeowner.
Onsite costs
- Consider oversizing of utilities or increased depth in all areas of Ames at the City’s
expense.
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $2,500.
- Consider collector streets through projects that serve other projects and community should
be at the City’s expense.
o Estimated value to homeowner in reduced housing cost: $2,000.
101
Housing Targets
It is challenging and almost impossible for builders to construct new homes under $250k, but they
can build the move up homes. When our homeowners who are currently living in starter homes
move up to the new construction homes, then a starter home becomes available on the resale
market for someone else to purchase it.
Next Steps
We believe the recommendations suggested above offer tangible ways in which the City can create
the needed stimulus to encourage more housing, of all types, to support the significant job growth
Ames and the entire Ames MSA continues to see.
The task force and I look forward to the next steps to keep moving these ideas, and more, forward.
Thank you for empowering the AEDC to continue to serve in this capacity.
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Culhane, President & CEO
Ames Economic Development Commission
102
Development Interest Feedback-February 2024
Staff sent an email to approximately 55 persons describing City Council’s interest in addressing
development flexibility interests. Specifically, we outlined an option for 20% deviations from numeric
standards and secondly an option for a comprehensive update to the Zoning Ordinance and asked for
input on these options and specific development standards that were issues for their projects.
Staff has categorized and paraphrased the responses.
Landscaping
• Overall landscaping tree counts
• Parking Lot Islands and distribution of trees throughout the parking lot a
• Bufferyard landscaping conflicts with drainage plans and desire for snow storage
• Reduce landscaping requirements with consideration of spatial constraints (meaning landscape
reduces spaces for other features and use of a site)
• Tree distribution in industrial parking and loading areas (reduce requirements)
• Concern about the landscaping formulas and how much landscaping is required for large and
corner sites and the resulting costs for front yard landscaping, allow for more alternative planting
plans
Procedural
• DRC timelines for comments, hold to targets
• Speed and efficiency in the review process to save time and money in the development process
• Process of initiating Code amendments, make more direct and quicker
• Shorten process to amend development agreements where in some cases contract rezoning has
required multiple public hearings for minor changes.
• Apply site specific common sense judgement for relief
• Need predictable processes, if exceptions are possible needs to be known before designing a
project
• Other waiver criteria for non-numeric situations related to unique conditions
Building Types
• Create townhome apartment type to differentiate from apartment buildings
• Change minimum density for multi-family development to allow broader range of building types
in medium and high density zones
• PUD Overlay changes for front entrance as referenced in AEDC Taskforce Letter
Downtown
• Concern about parking requirements
• Trash enclosure requirements and screening requirements on developed sites
• Outdoor uses, such as patios
• Note that there is also a non-agenda request for Council to consider a Text Amendment to
address the Downtown minimum FAR and Height requirements to allow for an addition to a
building on Main Street.
103
• See also comments below from 2023 stakeholder outreach
Density
• Change dwelling unit density comparing 1-bedroom units to 4-bedroom units (intent is to
encourage more smaller units over larger units, could apply in Mixed Use and RH Zoning)
Subdivision
• Conservation Subdivision standards referenced in the AEDC Taskforce letter
• Reconsider street design philosophy for allowing residential curb cuts on larger streets
Parking
• Consider needs of a specific business not general parking rates
Nonconforming Restrictions
• “When a building has existed for more than twenty years, and over that time becomes “non-
conforming” relative to zoning changes which have changed setbacks on the property line, it
seems that some consideration could be given to allowing a new structure/addition be placed on the
site using the same set back that has been in place for a long period of time, if it meets some basic
criteria such as: a) does not affect, impede or harm adjacent properties, b) is not in a public ROW,
c) does not create an unsafe condition. (This list is by no means exhaustive, it seems that when a
person purchases and property for re-development, they should reasonably expect to be able to
redevelop within the parameters of what is existing, instead of being subject to new standards that
have rendered their (private) property as “non-conforming”) A question I am often asked by
property owners is “who is the city trying to protect?” Over my career this has come up on a
number projects in Ames, and roughly 25 – 30 projects in other communities.”
Other
• Willingness to work with customers, be flexible and responsive to project interests
• Attitude of working to Yes, reach the vision of growth
• Assess opportunities to streamline the Code
• Apply site specific common sense judgement for relief
• Cost should be a factor in decision making
104
Additional general comments from Downtown Stakeholder outreach in August 2023.
Staff has also included a summary of pertinent comments from the stakeholder outreach meetings that
were not addressed with the Council’s approval of changes to the property tax abatement eligibility
criteria. City Council has directed staff to include some these issues as topics for the work plan, but they
would also fit within the broader context of code updates. This list is focused on zoning issues excerpted
from the August 23, 2023 Staff Report.
Summer 2023 Comments-
- Like the historic charm of Downtown but would also like flexibility for the design for their
buildings,
- Would like to see different thresholds or triggers for making improvements when
remodeling buildings that require other upgrades,
- Are concerned about the length of time that it takes to final a permit, which causes delays
and increases costs,
- Would like more flexibility and feel that each project is unique and would like to see a
process for waivers and exceptions to address unique issues (includes building codes),
- Would like to see Zoning and Building code flexibility in the Downtown (perhaps a special
process for exceptions within DSC),
- Would like to see more a more customer supportive attitude about getting permits issued
and completed
105
ITEM #:28
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:AMENDMENT TO OPTION AGREEMENT FOR SALE OF LOT 27 TO
TOWNHOMES AT CREEKSIDE, LLLP
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On February 28, 2023, City Council selected the Hatch Development Group as its partner to develop
low-income multi-family rental housing on Lot 27 in Baker Subdivision (formerly 321 State Avenue).
The City Council directed staff to begin preparing agreements to partner on a Low-Income Housing Tax
Credit (LIHTC) application for this project.
On March 28, 2023, City Council approved the option agreement for the sale of Lot 27 to Townhomes
at Creekside, LLLP (affiliated with the Hatch Development Group), in conjunction with a development
agreement for a low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) application for multi-family housing
development within the Baker Subdivision. Within that agreement, the City committed to provide
$1.8 million of its HOME Entitlement funding (not including administration), towards the cost of
construction of the multi-family units.
On July 1, 2023, Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP was notified that its LIHTC application was awarded.
The application is to construct 38 multi-family units on Lot 27 in the Baker Subdivision. The LIHTC
award was for approximately $9,539,896; other financial commitments included $500,000 of State of
Iowa HOME funds, $1.8 million of City of Ames HOME Funds and $697,000 from Townhomes at
Creekside, LLLP, for a total of approximately $12.5 million dollars. Updated cost estimates indicate a
project cost of approximately $13 million.
Over the last eight months, staff has been working with Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP to finalize the
site plan, geothermal design, number of low-income bedroom unit distributions and other city code and
LIHTC award requirements. The final review has resulted in requests to amend the agreement.
Attached for City Council's review and approval is an Amendment to the Option Agreement for the sale
of Lot 27 to Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP. Major highlights of the Amendment include the
following:
Contingent upon City HOME funds and Community Housing Development Organization
(CHDO) set aside funds, the City will make 80% of the HOME funds available by the date of the
land conveyance and the remaining 20% upon completion of construction and leasing of the
HOME units.
Increase the amount of the City HOME set aside funding commitment up to a maximum of $2.1
million (an additional $300,000) for the construction of the minimum improvements.
Increase the number of City HOME units from 7 to 8 three-bedroom units.
Within 300 days the Developer will prepare and submit at its cost the final Construction Plans
(including Major Site Development Plan in compliance with the City Codes Chapter 29, Chapter
106
5A and Chapter 5B.
Change in construction start date from March 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Change in construction completion date from June 30, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Addition of a new Section (5.03) that states at the City's cost, the City will be responsible for the
bidding and installing the geothermal wells and associated systems equipment. The developer will
then connect the actual systems to the City's well system at the developer's cost. The City will be
responsible for the maintenance and repair and replacement for 30 years. After 30 years, the
City relinquishes ownership of the wells and piping to the Developer, and the Developer will
solely be responsible after that point for maintenance, repair, and replacement.
Approval of this Amendment to the Option Agreement, is the final step in proceeding with the
development of Lot 27, in the Baker Subdivision to construct 38 low-income LIHTC units that will
address the City Council goals to create additional affordable housing.
Separate, but related items on the agenda include the Major Site Development Plan for project approval
and approval of Plans and Specifications for Electric Services to bid the geothermal system. With the
proposed development agreement changes and approval of the other items, the developer will execute
its option to purchase the site by March 31 as originally agreed upon in the Development Agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Amendment to the option agreement for the sale of lot 27 to Townhomes at
Creekside, LLLP (affiliated with the Hatch Development Group), in conjunction with a
development agreement for a low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) application for multi-
family housing development within the Baker Subdivision (formerly 321 State Avenue).
2. Approve the Amendment to the option agreement for the sale of lot 27 to Townhomes at
Creekside, LLLP (affiliated with the Hatch Development Group), in conjunction with a
development agreement for a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application for multi-
family housing development within Baker Subdivision (formerly 321 State Avenue) with
modifications.
3. Do not approve the Amendment to the option agreement and provide further direction to City
staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed adjustments to the project timelines reflect time needed to finalize the plans and
coordinate the geothermal system design. The request for $300,000 is addressed by the applicant in its
letter asking for additional financial support because of cost increases. The additional $300,000 was not
previously available within the City's regular HOME Funds. However, staff was recently made aware of
a HUD waiver to reallocate unspent CHDO funds to regular funding, which allows for the City to
commit additional funding to the project without altering other planned programs.
The City Council’s approval of the Amendment to the option agreement and development agreement
will allow time for Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP to proceed with the construction of 38 multi-family
LIHTC townhomes connected to the City's geothermal system on Lot 27, in the Baker Subdivision,
107
thereby providing additional affordable for low-income families in the community.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Amendment Development Agreement.pdf
Townhomes at Creekside - Letter to Mayor and Council 3.18.2024.pdf
108
AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS IS AN AMENDMENT made by and between Sellers and Buyers upon the following
terms and conditions:
1 Definitions. When used in this Amendment, unless otherwise required by the context:
1.1 “City” means the City of Ames, Iowa, whose address for the purpose of this
Amendment is 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
1.2 “Developer” means Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP, which has an address of 2331
University Avenue, Ste. 200, Des Moines IA 50311, and includes the successors and assigns of the
Developer.
1.3 “Agreement” means the Development Agreement presently in force between the City
and Developer approved March 28, 2023, by the Ames City Council as Resolution 23-191,
governing the development of certain property located in the City of Ames to increase the supply
of affordable housing in the City.
1.4 “Amendment” means this instrument as signed by the City and the Developer.
1.5 “Site” means the real property (together with all easements and servient estates
appurtenant thereto) locally known as 3216 Tripp Street and legally described as follows: Lot 27,
Baker Subdivision, Ames, Iowa.
1.6. “Project” is defined as set forth in Section 1.01(k) of the Agreement.
2 Purpose. The City and the Developer agree that circumstances and just cause exist to modify
certain terms and conditions of the Agreement.
S P A C E A B O V E R E S E R V E D F O R O F F I C I A L U S E
Return document to:
Document prepared by:
109
2
3 Amendment. The Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Section 3.05 therefrom and by
substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 3.05:
Upon approval of the Developer’s LIHTC application, City will take all necessary and
proper steps to set aside up to a maximum of Two Million One Hundred Thousand and No/100
Dollars ($2,100,000.00) of the City’s HOME allocation for construction of the Minimum
Improvements. Provided that the Developer is in compliance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and the applicable HUD Home rules, the City will pay to Developer such HOME funds
as follows: Contingent upon HUD’s release of City HOME and Community Housing
Development Organization (CHDO) set-aside funds, the City will make 80% of the HOME funds
($1,680,000.00) available to Developer upon closing of the Project’s financing, but no earlier than
the date by which the City conveys title to the property to Developer. The remaining 20%
($420,000.00) shall be made available to the Developer upon the completion of construction and
the leasing of the HOME Units (“Stabilization”). The City has determined that its HOME funding,
to the extent it will be provided to Developer, will support eight (8) of the 38 Project units (“Home
Units”), and those Home Units will all be 3-bedroom units. Developer will cooperate with the
City in monitoring the HOME Units through the 30-year affordability period, which begins upon
initial leasing of units in the Project. Developer’s obligation to repay said HOME Funds to the
City shall be deferred for thirty (30) years from the date of Stabilization and shall be made over a
10-year amortization period, with equal annual payments to be made to the City at a zero percent
(0%) interest rate.
4 Further Amendment. The Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting Section 4.02(c)
and by substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 4.02(c):
Within three hundred (300) days of IFA’s award of LIHTC to the Developer for the Project
for the 2023 allocation year and prior to the City conveying the Site, Developer, at
Developer’s sole cost, shall prepare and submit to City for approval by the City final
Construction Plans, to include particularly a Major Site Development Plan. The Major Site
Development Plan shall be submitted in compliance with Chapter 29 of the Ames
Municipal Code, erosion control requirements of Chapter 5A, and stormwater management
of Chapter 5B.
5 Further Amendment. The Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting from Section 4.06
the date March 31, 2024, and by substituting in lieu thereof the date of June 30, 2024, as the
commencement date of construction.
6 Further Amendment. The Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting Section 4.08 the
date June 30, 2025, and by substituting in lieu thereof the date of September 30, 2025.
7 Further Amendment. The Agreement is further amended by adding the following new Section
5.03:
110
3
The City shall be responsible for the bidding, awarding and completion of the installation
of the geothermal wells and geothermal systems equipment and cost of installation to serve
the Project. The Developer has reviewed and approved the scope of the Invitation to Bid
(ITB#2024-144 - Baker Subdivision Multi-Family Geothermal Installation), and the City
shall issue the approved ITB, which is incorporated into this Amendment by reference. The
City and Developer understand and agree that the City shall reserve easements upon the
Site for the maintenance and repair of the geothermal wells and systems installed for the
benefit of the Site and Developer, as the holder of a recorded Option Agreement upon the
Site, shall cooperate, as may be necessary, to memorialize said geothermal easements. As
between the City and the Developer, the City shall be responsible for the initial installation
and cost of the following: (1) the geothermal wells to serve the Project, (2) the horizontal
loop piping connecting said geothermal wells, (3) the horizontal loop piping (HPR/HPS
line) from the geothermal wells to the terminate piping (with Ball or Butterfly valve) into
the proposed structure(s). City and Developer further agree that after initial installation,
and during the 30-year affordability period of the Project:
(a) The City shall maintain, repair and replace as may be necessary, the below
grade geothermal supply/return piping up to a point located ten feet outside the building
footprint. Said City responsibility shall include the geothermal wells, horizontal loop
piping and horizontal well headers. After the expiration of the 30-year affordability period,
the City shall have no responsibility whatsoever for the geothermal wells, horizontal loop
piping (HPR and HPS lines), or any component of the geothermal system constructed to
serve the Project whatsoever.
(b) The Developer shall be solely responsible for the maintenance, repair and
replacement as may be necessary of all geothermal piping and associated geothermal
systems and equipment within any structure, including that within any buildings. The
Developer shall also maintain, repair and replace as may be necessary, all other below grade
geothermal supply/return piping that is not the responsibility of the City, which is also
under the building footprint to the point ten feet outside the building footprint.
Promptly upon expiration of the 30-year affordability period for the Project, the City shall
relinquish ownership of the City-installed geothermal wells and horizontal loop piping,
HPR/HPS lines and all other components of the geothermal systems equipment the Site.
The City shall transfer ownership to the Developer, or the Developer’s successor and/or
assigns, and the City shall have no further responsibility for said wells or systems.
8 Continued Full Force. The Agreement shall continue to have full force and effect in accordance
with the terms thereof, subject, however, to this Amendment.
IN WITNESS OF THIS AMENDMENT, City and Developer have approved and accepted
this Amendment to the Development Agreement on the dates shown below.
111
4
Passed and approved on ________________________, 2024, by Resolution No. 24-________
adopted by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa.
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
John A. Haila,
Renee Hall,
STATE OF IOWA, COUNTY OF STORY, SS.:
This instrument was acknowledged before me on _______________________, 2024, by John A.
Haila and Renee Hall, as Mayor and City Clerk, respectively, of the City of Ames, Iowa.
NOTARY PUBLIC
112
5
TOWNHOMES AT CREEKSIDE, LLLP,
an Iowa limited liability limited partnership,
By: TOWNHOMES AT CREEKSIDE, GP, LLC,
an Iowa limited liability company, its General Partner
Dated ___________________, 2024.
Michael Kiernan, Managing Member
STATE OF IOWA, COUNTY OF POLK, SS.:
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____________________, 2024, by Michael
Kiernan, as Managing Member of Townhomes at Creekside, GP, LLC, the General Partner of
Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP.
NOTARY PUBLIC
113
March 18, 2024
Mayor Halia and City Council
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
RE: Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP
Dear Mayor Halia and City Council:
We are excited to provide an update on the Townhomes at Creekside LLLP’s progress as we
work towards starting construction this spring on this 38-unit affordable housing
development in the Baker subdivision at 3216 Tripp Street. We’ve been meeting with City
Staff for the last five months and have held a neighborhood meeting to ensure the
townhomes’ final design meets the City’s and neighbors’ expectations. Planning & Zoning
has approved the site plan and we’ve bid the final architectural plans with two general
contractors. Due to the circumstances described in more detail below, we would like to
request an increase of $300,000 to the HOME Loan to help offset the higher costs for
construction, site work and interest. The HOME Loan will be repaid at the end of the 30-
year compliance period.
The City of Ames set out more than five years ago to redevelop the Baker subdivision into
affordable and sustainable workforce housing, and selected Hatch Kiernan Galloway (HKG)
Development to help in this effort. We greatly appreciate the City’s support and
commitment in working together to meet these goals to provide the most energy-efficient
and highest quality affordable-housing development possible.
The City of Ames and the Electric Department will be the first community in Iowa to provide
geothermal wells as a public improvement for a private development, which will set an
example for what cities can do to help reduce carbon emissions from housing. The
geothermal wells will also ensure the affordability of heating and cooling the units for the
residents, who will be income-restricted and will pay below market rent ($675 for 2-
Bedrooms, $815 for 3-Bedrooms and $895 for 4-Bedrooms).
114
Being the first city to do this comes with inherent challenges. Drilling the wells on a project
of this size requires coordinated site work to ensure that the sanitary sewer and water lines
all have proper setbacks and easements. The geothermal wells and lines have added
complexity and uncertainties to the schedule, scope, and budget of the project:
•The prolonged schedule to drill the wells and install the related geothermal
infrastructure is causing higher interests costs due to the added length we must
carry the construction loan.
•The General Contractor has to coordinate the sanitary sewer and water line
installation with the geothermal wells and this adds costs and complexity to the
overall site work, and makes site grading more challenging.
HKG Development, as the developer of the Townhomes at Creekside, LLLP, will not be the
primary owner of the property, as the Section 42 tax credit investor will own 99.99% of the
project for the first 15 years. We will guaranty the financing and ensure the development is
completed and managed within Section 42 guidelines for the next 30 years. To do so, we
are requesting an additional $300,000 loan from the City’s HOME Funds. The additional
HOME Funds will greatly help with the investor’s (Midwest Housing Equity Group) approval
of the final underwriting, given the tight financial thresholds we must meet (e.g. debt
service coverage ratio, contingencies, reserves, construction costs).
The City of Ames has been a true partner in every sense in the redevelopment of the Baker
subdivision and we’re excited to close on the financing and start construction on the
Townhomes at Creekside this spring.
Thank you,
Michael Kiernan and Ryan Galloway
HKG Development
115
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Parks and Recreation Department Project Plan
Item No. 29
MEMO
The Ames Parks and Recreation Department manages 40 parks, 20 miles of park trails,
and offers approximately 200 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. The
Department is responsible for offering, maintaining, and operating recreational activities;
greenspace in the parks system and along the right-of-way street areas; recreational
facilities including Furman Aquatic Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, Homewood Golf
Course, Ames City Auditorium, and Community Center; and three cemeteries (Ames
Municipal, Ontario, and Billy Sunday). This work is completed through 29 full-time and
approximately 400 temporary/part-time staff.
The Department’s FY 2024/25 operating budget is $7,015,769. The FY 2024/25 Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) anticipated expenditures is $22,304,804. Homewood Golf
Course and Ames/ISU Ice Arena are each a separate enterprise fund – financed and
operated in a manner like a private business where the cost of providing goods and
services is financed or recovered through user charges.
An important function of the Parks and Recreation Department is project planning –
planning for the maintenance, repair, expansion and/or replacement of park and
recreational amenities. The cost of these projects typically falls within the City's CIP. At
any time, the Department can be working on 20-40 projects, depending on the time of
year. To track and manage the Department’s workload, the department uses a project
plan.
Attachment A – Parks and Recreation Department Project Plan (Plan) provides an
overview of the major project activities anticipated between February 2024 and
June 2025. The projects are organized based on the categories in the City’s CIP (parks
system/facility improvements, splash pad, playground equipment improvements, etc.).
The Plan – intended to be a quick reference for determining a project’s status and
timeline – compiles active projects into one document that illustrates the project work
distribution and project phases during a defined timeframe.
The Plan is not intended to provide financial details of each project, nor does it not
include activities such as managing personnel, fundraising efforts, coordinating the Parks
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
116
and Recreation Commission, etc. The Plan also does not address recurring and
seasonal maintenance activities that are not associated with major projects. These
important activities include playground maintenance, sidewalk and path maintenance,
tree trimming and removals, minor structural repairs to shelters and restrooms, and
spring/fall weatherizing.
As you review the plan, please note that it is intended to be a living, working document,
and is updated regularly as needed. It provides a snapshot of the various project activities
Parks and Recreation is engaged in as we continue to strive towards providing an array of
excellent programs, facilities, and services to the community. Staff will be prepared to
discuss key projects in further detail at the City Council meeting on March 26.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Parks and Recreation Department Project Plan.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
117
Key:
Project #FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER Lead Responsible for
completing work
1 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Keith Contractor
Project #STEVEN L. SCHAINKER PLAZA Lead Responsible for
completing work
2 Steven L. Schainker Plaza Construction Keith/Corey Contractor
3 Steven L. Schainker Plaza FFE Keith Staff
Project #PARK SYSTEM/FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Lead Responsible for
completing work
4 Bandshell Park Changing Rooms Craig/Courtney Contractor
5 Bandshell Park Stage Fence/Gates Craig/Courtney Staff
6 Brookside Park Stair Railings Keith Contractor/Staff
7 Brookside Park Demo Wading Pool Joshua Staff
8 Carr Park Shelter & Restroom Joshua Contractor
9 Community Center Weight Room Equipment Replacement Courtney/Nancy Contractor
10 Community Center Repair/Refinish Gym Floor Courtney/Craig Contractor
11 Franklin Park Path Lighting Joshua Contractor
12 Franklin Park Obelisk Keith Staff
13 Gateway Interior Building Renovation Keith Contractor
14 Gateway Disc Golf Improvements Pat/Joshua Staff
15 Inis Grove Park Shagbark Shelter Roof Repairs Joshua Staff
16 Ioway Creek Improvements in Brookside Park Public Works Contractor
17 Lloyd Kurtz Mini Pitch (Soccer)Keith/Courtney Contractor
18 Ontario Park Master Plan Keith Consultant
19 Park Maintenance Facilty Consolidation Keith/Joshua Contractor
20 River Valley Cottonwood Area Design Keith Consultant
21 River Valley Park Concession Stand Repairs Joshua Staff
Project #DALEY PARK SPLASH PAD Lead Responsible for
completing work
22 Daley Park Splash Pad Keith/Joshua Contractor
June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January
February March
February
April May
February March April May
June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November
February MarchOctoberNovember
Installation
March April
April May June
May June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September December January
December January
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - PROJECT PLAN (FEBRUARY 2024 - JUNE 2025)
Review Project CompletionDesignBid/Quotes Construction
Page 1
118
Project #PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Lead Responsible for
completing work
23 Bandshell Park Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
24 Baker Street Subdivision Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
25 Carr Park Agility Course Joshua Contractor/Staff
26 Christopher Gartner Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
27 Christofferson Park Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
28 Country Gables Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
29 Lloyd Kurtz Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
30 Patio Homes West Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
31 Stuart Smith Park Playground Joshua Staff/Contractor
Project #ADA TRANSITION PLAN IMPROVEMENTS Lead Responsible for
completing work
32 ADA Transition Plan (Finalize)Courtney Staff
33 ADA Transition Plan Construction (As Needed)Varies Contractor/Staff
Project #ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK Lead Responsible for
completing work
34 Ada Hayden Path Replacement Keith Contractor
35 Ada Hayden Mini Shelter Renovations Joshua Staff
Project #AMES/ISU ICE ARENA Lead Responsible for
completing work
36 Ice Arena Compressor Complete Overhaul Joshua Contractor
37 Ice Arena Radiant Heating System Replacement Joshua Contractor
38 Ice Arena Compressor Controllers Joshua Contractor
39 Ice Arena Women's Locker Room Keith/Courtney Contractor
40 Ice Arena Office Flooring Courtney Contractor
41 Ice Arena Water Heaters Joshua Contractor
Project #MOORE MEMORIAL PARK Lead Responsible for
completing work
42 Moore Memorial Bridge/Path - ISU Easements Keith Staff
May JuneDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilJuly August September October NovemberFebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
June
2024 2025
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January February March
November December January
December January February March
April May
March April
March April May June
May June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October
2024 2025
May June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January February
AprilJuly August September October NovemberFebruary
February
March April May June
Page 2
119
Project #HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE Lead Responsible for
completing work
43 Homewood Clubhouse Security CameraS Courtney Contractor
44 Homewood Hole #9 Ravine Study Joshua Consultant
45 Homewood Hole 9 Bridge Replacement Design Joshua Consultant
46 Homewood Clubhouse Acoustics Courtney Contractor
Project #FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER Lead Responsible for
completing work
47 Furman Pool Basin Repainting Joshua Contractor
48 Furman Pool Heater Replacement Joshua Contractor
49 Furman Convert Liquid Chlorine to Briquettes Joshua Contractor
Project #CEMETERIES Lead Responsible for
completing work
50 Cemetery Landscaping - Ontario Pat Contractor/Staff
51 Cemetery Retaining Walls - Municipal Pat Contractor/Staff
52 Cemetery Scatter Garden - Municipal Pat/Joshua Staff
April May June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January February March
February March April May June
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January
Page 3
2024 2025
February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June
120
ITEM #:30
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:REALLOCATION OF AMES/ISU ICE ARENA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLAN (CIP) FUNDING
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Ames/ISU Ice Arena has a radiant heating system which provides heat for the spectator seating area
and the lobby area. This system is a critical feature of the Ice Arena and is regularly used when the Ice
Arena is open for games and practices. When the radiant heating system is not p rope rly functioning,
staff often receives complaints regarding the temperature in the seating area. Without the system, it can
be uncomfortable for spectators, especially when the outside temperature dips below 32 degrees.
The radiant heating system (spectator seating and lobby areas) was installed prior to the Ames/ISU Ice
Arena opening in 2001 and has lasted 23 years. The life expectancy of the system is 15 years. In
February 2024, staff discovered that the spectator seating radiant heating was malfunctioning.
Staff was able to make minor repairs to keep it functioning, however, these repairs are not a viable long-
term solution. After exploring possible repair options, the recommended action is to replace the
equipment. Staff explored alternatives to radiant heating such as a forced air system, but determined
that this form of heating could conflict with the ice making system. Therefore, staff is proposing
replacement of the malfunctioning system with a new radiant heating system. Staff estimates that the
cost to replace the radiant heating system is between $65,000 and $85,000.
The 2022/23 Ames/ISU Ice Arena program approved in the 2022-2027 Capital Improvements Plan
contained $75,000 for the installation of a women's locker room adjacent the lobby area. The number of
girls and women playing hockey is on the increase and a locker room addition is needing to be
accomplished. However, in the short term, staff has been working with user groups to utilize dedicated
locker room space (ISU Women's Hockey, ISU Men's Hockey, and AMHA High School teams)
whenever possible. This is not an ideal solution, but it does marginally address this need.
It remains important to accomplish the Women's Locker Room Project. However, completion of this
project is not critical to the Ice Arena's basic operation, whereas a functioning radiant heating system is.
Therefore, staff is requesting to reallocate $75,000 of Ice Arena CIP funding from the Women's Locker
Room Project to the Radiant Heating Replacement Project. If approved, staff would evaluate the
Women's Locker Room Project for programming into a future CIP.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve reallocation of $75,000 of Ice Arena CIP funding from the Women's Locker Room Project
to the Radiant Heating Replacement Project.
2. Do not reallocate $75,000 from the Women's Locker Room Project to the Radiant Heating
Replacement Project, and provide staff further direction regarding the malfunctioning radiant heating
system.
3. Do not proceed with replacement of the radiant heating system.
121
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The radiant heating system at the Ice Arena is critical equipment to the facility. While staff was able to
get the system to operate after it malfunctioned in February, the repair is not anticipated to be a long-
term solution. The system has exceeded its life expectancy by eight years and is in need of replacement.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1
as described above.
122
ITEM #:31
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 38 UNITS
OF MULTI-FAMILY AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOCATED WITHIN A PUD
OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT AT 3216 TRIPP STREET
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Hatch Development Group, in partnership with the City of Ames, is proposing to construct 38 units of
low-income affordable multi-family housing at 3216 Tripp Street. This is part of an affordable housing
development by the City within the Baker Subdivision. (See Attachment A- Location Map)
The proposed development is the culmination of a major goal of City Council over the last several years
to provide for quality affordable housing on a multi-family scale along with ownership housing
opportunities in the Baker Subdivision. The proposal follows nearly eight months of coordination and
discussion between City staff and the Hatch Development team for construction of the proposed multi-
family development in coordination with the City's planned geothermal system.
The site was rezoned to Residential Medium (RM) Density with a Planned Unit Development Overlay
and Master Plan in April 2023. The proposed Major Site Development Plan must comply with the
requirements of the PUD Master Plan which limited the density of development, orientation of
buildings, and height of buildings. (See Attachment F). Creekside will be adjacent to the single-family
component of Baker Subdivision located to the west and north. A storm water detention facility is to the
east of the site and College Creek to the south.
The proposed development includes 38 units of apartments to be constructed along the south side of
Tripp Street among six buildings configured primarily as townhome style units. (See Attachment B &
C-Site Plan & Architectural) Each group of units is two stories in height. The buildings are arranged
around and throughout the site with drive aisles and parking lot areas in between along with greenspace
area. The units range in size from 2-4 bedrooms with a majority being 3- and 4-bedroom units. The
project is designed as family low-income housing serving households earning below 50% of the Area
Median Income.
PUDs allow for the arrangement of different housing types and lot sizes than allowed by standard base
zoning. This fits with the City’s vision of providing both affordable housing and different housing
types. The developer has taken advantage of a reduced front yard setback of 15 feet to line Tripp Street
with unit entries facing the street.
The developer has also taken advantage of the reduced affordable housing parking requirement in the
PUD standards with two spaces per unit, regardless of bedroom count. At one time, a greater reduction
was proposed but the final design includes two spaces per unit. Limited on-street parking has also been
provided for along the Tripp Street frontage. The site access to Tripp Street is via a single access point
at the northeast corner of the site in alignment with Latimer Lane. A single crosswalk will also be
established at this location.
An open house meeting was held with the neighborhood association and surrounding neighbors
123
regarding this project on January 29. The project was determined to conform to the prior master plan
and designs reviewed by the neighborhood. No concerns were expressed about the project at the
meeting.
At the March 6 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, the Commission reviewed the Major Site
Development Plan at a public hearing. Michael Kiernan, representative for Hatch Development, spoke
to the Commission. Commission members asked some questions regarding project details such as rental
status as well as some detail questions about the site. No other public comment was received at the
meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend the City Council approve the
Major Site Development Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Major Site Development Plan for 3216 Tripp Street for a 38-unit Multi-Family
Affordable Housing Development and find that the proposal meets the RM zoning, PUD Master Plan
and Major Site Development Plan criteria, and direct staff to prepare an ordinance to modify the
parking regulations along the south side of Tripp Street adjacent to the site.
2. Do not approve the Major Site Development Plan for 3216 Tripp Street on the basis that the
Council does not find the proposed project to conform to the standards of the RM zone, PUD Master
Plan and Major Site Development Plan criteria.
3. Defer action on this item and request more information from staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed project is consistent with the City’s RFP for affordable housing development and the RM
zoning with a PUD Master Plan. The proposed deviations support a high-quality living environment for
the residents and are consistent with the PUD principles for orienting housing to public streets with
compatible architectural design and layout for parking and open space. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Addendum- Creekside Townhomes.pdf
Attachment A- Creekside Townhomes.pdf
Attachment B- Creekside.pdf
Attachment C- Creekside- Building Elevations.pdf
Attachment D- Creekside Floorplans.pdf
Attachment E- Creekside-PUD Standards.pdf
Attachment F- Creekside Masterplan.pdf
124
ADDENDUM
FS-RM development standards requirement are listed in Table 29.1202(5)-2 and Table
29.1202(6). Identified deviations are listed below.
Standard Permitted Proposed
Front Setback Minimum 25 Feet 15 feet
PROPOSED DESIGN
The units proposed are spread across the site into 6 groups of units. The northern two
groups of units face directly on Tripp. A row of units extends along the east side of the
site facing west. Two groups of upper and lower level units extend along the south side.
A single set of units is located in the middle of the site surrounded by drive aisle and
parking areas.
Landscaping is proposed throughout the site with required front yard landscaping along
Tripp Street and parking lot landscaping spread throughout the site. Shrub and grass
plantings are provided around the entrances to each of the buildings across the site.
High screen landscape buffering is provided along the western property line of the site
between the parking lot and property line with a 6’ high fence as well as trees and a mix
of shrubs.
The roofs of the buildings include gabled designs with cement shingles. The front entry
ways to each unit have a covered porch. The roofs of the porches consist of standing
seam metal. Also, units with rear entryways have a covered rear walkout area.
The units have a varying range of painted modular brick, fiber cement lap siding, a
generous amount of single-hung windows with decorative attic vents surrounded by a
board and batten design. The northern two units have the majority of their front facing
façade covered in brick, with the other units across the site having half of the façade
covered in brick with the other half in fiber cement lap siding. Cast stone window accenting
is also provided.
Pedestrian circulation is provided throughout the site with sidewalks extending throughout
and walkways from each of the main entrances to the units. The southernmost units have
no rear access or walkout space. This is due to topographic constraints at the southern
end of the site.
Unit sizes range from 800 square feet with the smaller stacked units at the southern end
of the site, up to 1,494 square feet toward the northern end. The developer is proposing
73 parking stalls arranged throughout the site.
A small playground and gathering space is proposed on the east side of the site north of
the eastern most group of units. This area will provide a small gathering area and
playground equipment.
125
COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS
The layout and design of the development meets the PUD compatibility standards. The
orientation of all entrances has access to the pedestrian circulation system of the site and
all entrances are identifiable. The massing of the buildings provides contextual sensitivity
to the neighborhood. The buildings are 2 stories in height and are broken up among 6
buildings. The rooflines and general design could reasonably be expected to be seen else
where in this neighborhood. The driveways and parking areas are spread across the site.
All units have convenient access to parking and site circulation.
MASTERPLAN
The approved Masterplan for this site had requirements that guide the development and
design of the project. The proposal complies with all elements of the approved Masterplan
for number of units, building type, height, parking rate and residential use type. (See
Attachment F- Masterplan)
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Planned Unit Development (PUD) Development Principles.
Property that is zoned PUD must adhere to the development principles in Ames
Municipal Code Section 29.1114. See Attachment E
Major Site Development Plan Criteria:
When acting upon an application for a Major Site Development Plan approval, the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council shall rely upon generally
accepted site planning criteria and design standards. These criteria and standards
are necessary to fulfill the intent of the Zoning Ordinance, the Land Use Policy Plan
(Ames Plan 2040), and are the minimum necessary to safeguard the public health,
safety, aesthetics, and general welfare.
1. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provisions for
surface and subsurface drainage to limit the rate of increased runoff of surface
water to adjacent and downstream property.
The Public Works Department, Engineering Division, has determined that the proposed
development meets the Ames Municipal Code stormwater requirements. The site is
compliant with all coverage and landscaping requirements. Adequate stormwater facilities
exist both on site and adjacent to the site to accommodate stormwater as a result of this
development.
126
2. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for
connection to water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and other utility lines within the
capacity limits of those utility lines.
The development is served by existing water and sanitary sewer lines as well as electrical
lines. Water, sanitary sewer and electricity will be able to serve the site. The site will also
be served by Geothermal wells that will be located on site.
3. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for fire
protection through building placement, acceptable location of flammable
materials, and other measures to ensure fire safety.
The proposed addition and building work has been reviewed and has been found to meet
fire protection standards. This includes adequate fire truck maneuvering on site as well
as fire sprinkler installation where appropriate. Fire truck access is provided and the Fire
Inspector has reviewed the proposed development and determined that it meets all
applicable fire codes.
4. The design of the proposed development shall not increase the danger of
erosion, flooding, landslide, or other endangerment to adjoining and
surrounding property.
The proposed Major Site Plan does not present a risk to additional erosion, flooding,
landslide risk or endanger surrounding property. All surrounding and on site topographic
conditions have been reviewed and the project has been designed with the current grades
in mind.
5. Natural topographic and landscape features of the site shall be incorporated
into the development design.
The site current is open flat ground with a small area of the site that drops in grade at the
far southwest corner. The buildings and site features are designed to take the existing
topography into account and use the natural grade to convey stormwater according to
City standards and to provide for adequate setback from natural topographic features.
6. The design of the interior vehicle and pedestrian circulation shall provide for
convenient flow of vehicles and movement of pedestrians and shall prevent
hazards to adjacent streets or property.
The design of the drive aisles and parking lot provides a circulation pattern that allows
each building to gain direct access to onsite parking. A single point of access to Tripp
Street will be provided at the northeast corner of the site. Pedestrian walkways are
provided adequately throughout the site and offer direct connections to Tripp Street.
127
7. The design of outdoor parking areas, storage yards, trash and dumpster areas,
and other exterior features shall be adequately landscaped or screened to
minimize potential nuisance and impairment to the use of adjoining property.
Landscaping is being provided in the front yard along building foundations and across the
site throughout the parking lot and along and around all buildings. This consists of
overstory trees, shrubs and grasses. The trash enclosure area is enclosed and screened
according to City standards. Adequate side yard buffering for future homes to the west is
being provided west of the parking lot by way of a high screen fence, trees and a mix of
shrubs.
8. The proposed development shall limit entrances and exits upon adjacent
streets in order to prevent congestion on adjacent and surrounding streets and
in order to provide for safe and orderly vehicle movement.
A single point of vehicular access to the site is provided at the northeast corner of the site
which aligns with Latimer Lane. This will provide a single point of access and align with
adjacent streets to allow for orderly flow of traffic.
9. Exterior lighting shall relate to the scale and location of the development in
order to maintain adequate security, while preventing a nuisance or hardship
to adjacent property or streets.
The owner is proposing lighting for the site. The lighting plans have been reviewed for
output and ground impact and have been found to comply with City standards. All
measure is taken for appropriate placement and screening of light impacts where
necessary.
10. The proposed development shall ensure that dust and other forms of air
pollution, noise disturbances, odor, glare, and other nuisances will be limited
to acceptable levels as prescribed in other applicable State and City
regulations.
The proposed development has not been found to create any air pollution, nuisances,
dust, odor, glare or noise disturbances beyond what would otherwise be expected of this
type of residential development.
11. Site coverage, building scale, setbacks, and open spaces shall be in proportion
with the development property and with existing and planned development and
structures, in adjacent and surrounding property.
The proposed development complies with all underlaying zone requirements for setbacks,
height, open space and integrates into the nearby neighborhood with a housing style that
resembles architecture and form that would reasonably be expected to be found nearby.
128
129
Attachment A- Location Map
130
Attachment B- Site Plan
131
Attachment C- Architectural Elevations
North Elevations Facing Tripp
South Buildings Elevation
132
Attachment D- Floor Plans- North Buildings
133
Attachment D Cont.- Floor Plans- South Building
134
135
Attachment E- PUD Overlay District Standards
136
137
138
Attachment F- Master Plan
139
ITEM #:32
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A COMMUNITY FACILITY
BUILDING ADDITION WITH AN EXPANDED PARKING AREA WITHIN
THE "O-E" ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY AT 210 SOUTH
5TH STREET
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Boys & Girls Club is requesting approval of a Major Site Development Plan for a building
expansion and parking lot expansion at 210 South 5th Street. The proposal requires a Major Site
Development Plan due to the proposed expansion of the parking lot into the Environmentally Sensitive
Overlay which contains the regulatory Floodway of Ioway Creek. (See Attachment A- Location Map)
The Boys & Girls Club has existed at this site since the late 1990s when the current building was
constructed. The proposal is part of a fundraising effort to enlarge the facility to accommodate more
activities and programs. The site was recently rezoned from Agriculture to Highway Oriented
Commercial (HOC) with the O-E Environmentally Sensitive Overlay covering the portion of the
property in the Floodway.
The proposal adds 7,670 square feet of building space to the existing 9,736 square foot facility. The
building is subject to the City’s floodplain protection measures with a requirement to protect the facility
to an elevation of 3 feet above base flood elevation (BFE). The proposal requires the additional parking
stalls to be added on to the existing parking area southward. (See Attachment B- Site Plan). Boys &
Girls Club is also requesting an Alternative Landscaping plan that proposes crediting existing evergreen
trees west of the parking lot into the total new parking lot overstory tree requirement. (See Attachment
C- Landscaping Plan)
As part of the proposed development of a parking lot in the Floodway, an Environmental Assessment
Report must be completed to ensure that no adverse impacts occur to previously identified
environmentally sensitive or wetland areas and that if such areas are impacted, proper mitigation and
care is taken to restore elsewhere. An Environmental Assessment Report has been completed and
reviewed by staff. In the area of the parking expansion there are no specific concerns other than its
location in the Floodway. The improvements must not result in any rise of the base flood elevation,
which surface paving can accomplish. (See Attachment E- Floodplain & Environmental Assessment
Report Excerpt)
The building addition and existing building will be floodproofed with a certified reinforced floodproof
wall. The wall is being designed for the entire building due to the flood protection requirement in the
Chapter 9 which requires that any addition and remodeling to a building that surpasses 50% of the
building's fair market value be either elevated to 3’ above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or be
floodproofed with a reinforced floodproof wall to at least the same elevation. The wall design has been
found to be compliant with floodplain protection standards. Some details regarding door design and a
wall maintenance plan are being finalized.
At the March 6 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, the Commission reviewed the Major Site
140
Development Plan. The engineer representative spoke to the Commission. Boys & Girls Club
representatives were also in attendance. No other public comment was received. Commission members
discussed floodplain development standards. Staff stated that the No-Rise in the floodway was verified
and certification received.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Major Site Development Plan for 210 South 5th Street with the conditions that:
a. Final review of Floodproofed door plate design and floodproof wall maintenance plan is found to
be complete and compliant prior to issuance of a Floodplain Development Permit.
b. Allow credit for three of the evergreen trees west of the parking lot as part of an Alternative
Landscape Plan for parking lot trees.
2. Deny the Major Site Development Plan for 210 South 5th Street on the basis that the proposed
project does not conform to the standards of the HOC zone, O-E Overlay Standards and Major Site
Development Plan criteria.
3. Defer action on this item and request more information from staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed Major Site Development Plan has been reviewed for zoning and flood plain development
compliance. The project meets HOC development standards as well as all other City standards subject
to the conditions listed above. An Environmental Assessment Report has been completed and reviewed
by staff. Staff concurs with the findings of the report that there is no adverse impact to area within the
Environmentally Sensitive Overlay. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council approve Alternative #1 with the attached conditions.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A- Location Map.pdf
Attachment B- Site Plan.pdf
Attachment C- Landscaping Plan.pdf
Attachment D- Elevations.pdf
Attachment D Floor Plan.pdf
Attachment E- Floodplain.pdf
Attachment E- Environmental Assessment Report.pdf
Attachment F- Chapter 9 Floodplain Development Excerpt.pdf
Site Plan Addendum.pdf
141
Attachment A- Location Map
142
Attachment B- Site Plan
143
Attachment C- Landscaping Plan
144
Attachment D- Elevations & Floor Plan
145
146
Attachment E- Floodplain
147
Attachment E- Environmental Assessment Excerpt
148
149
Attachment F
Chapter 9 Floodplain Development Major Site Plan Requirements (Excerpt)
150
ADDENDUM
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposal is to expand the existing 9,736 square foot Boys & Girls Club by adding an
additional 7,670 square feet of new building addition on the south side of the Boys & Girls
Club to provide additional space for programming and activities. The entire building as
well as the proposed addition is located entirely within the 100-year floodplain known as
the floodway fringe. The size of the project addition exceeds 50% of the existing buildings
fair market value which requires that the entirety of the existing building as well as the
addition meet flood protection requirements of the Chapter 9.
The parking lot is being expanded southward and will extend into the regulatory Floodway.
This requires an Environmental Assessment as well as a certification of No-Rise
with the construction of the parking lot. The project proposes landscaping to be
installed along the north and west sides of the building. New overstory trees will be added
to the area abutting the new parking lot.
Site Layout and Building Design:
The existing building is 9,736 square feet and was constructed in 1996. The Boys & Girls
Club has existed at this site since its construction. The addition will add 7,670 square feet
to the Boys & Girls Club. The new space will be used for programming space along with
some food preparation and storage. An expanded parking lot will extend southward from
the current parking lot area.
Landscaping & Alternative Landscaping Plan:
The landscaping is proposed to extend from along the north side of the existing building
around the northwest side and southward to a bioretention cell on the west side of the
building and along between the parking lot and the street. The plantings of shrubs and
grasses in this area meet the front yard planting requirements. The applicant also has
proposed a stormwater rain garden feature near the front door as enhanced landscaping
for the site.
The existing front yard trees are being credited towards current requirements and will be
protected during construction work. The landscaping standards in Section 29.403 allow
for existing trees that are 8 inches in width or greater can be taken credit for toward tree
planting requirements. 4 trees in the front yard have been identified that are at least 8
inches in width and are being taken credit for at a 2-1 ratio which satisfies the front yard
tree requirements. If planted new, 5 new trees would be required. The 4 existing trees
being taken credit for achieve and surpass the requirement for 5 new trees.
The owner is taking credit for 3 mature evergreens along the west side of the parking lot
to count toward 3 overstory parking lot trees as part of an Alternative Landscaping plan
151
for the Parking Lot. Staff is crediting 3 trees because the evergreens are located along
150 linear feet of the parking lot, which is equal one tree every 50 feet of spacing. This
will reduce the number of new overstory trees required for the parking lot from 9 to 6.
Although these trees are on the property line or potentially over the property line, the
intent of preserving existing landscaping is a good trade off compared to complying with
new standards in this situation.
Parking/Access:
The new parking lot area will extend southward and provide a total of 46 parking spaces
which are required by the City’s parking standards. The expanded parking lot will extend
into the regulatory floodway which triggers review of a Major Site Development Plan. The
parking ratio is broken out as follows with the Youth Club Facility Rate which is a 2-per
classroom rate. The Office parking rate and Sports Practice parking rates are also
included to arrive at a requirement of 46 parking stalls. With this requirement, 2 ADA stalls
are required to be provided as shown.
Fire Truck Turnaround:
A fire truck turnaround feature will be placed to the immediate southwest of the new
building addition. This will allow for adequate fire truck turn around capability in the event
of a fire.
Water & Sewer Utility Service:
The current facility is served by water and sanitary sewer services. These services are
adequate to serve the proposed addition.
Electrical Service
The existing site is already served by Ames electric utilities. The addition will require a
transformer be placed on site, immediately east of the current building between the
building and the east property line. The proposed transformer meets all City standards
and the owner has coordinated installation with Ames Electric.
Floodplain Development Standards
The project proposes to meet Floodplain Development standards for building expansion
and remodel by way of a reinforced floodproofed wall as an alternative to elevating the
new addition and the existing building on compacted fill. The developer has submitted
specifications and design for the proposed new reinforced building wall and is also
demonstrating that the existing building wall of the existing building meets floodproof
standards. Staff is in the process of completing this review and will ensure that the walls
meet Flood protection standards prior to City Council approval.
The parking lot expansion extends into the regulatory floodway and requires a certification
of No-Rise. The engineer has provided a No-Rise certifying that no rise or obstruction will
occur as a result of the parking lot construction. No fill will be introduced into the
floodway as a result of the grading. The placement of the parking lot paving will be
set lower into the ground than the current finished grade. A small amount of fill will
152
be placed in this area of the building addition. This fill is allowable as it will be in the fringe
area of the floodplain where fill is permitted.
An Environmental Assessment Report has been submitted as part of the Major Site
Development Plan review as required in Section 29.1103. City staff has reviewed the
report and concurs with the finding in the report that no adverse impact to the
environmentally sensitive overlay or any associated wetlands will occur as a result of this
project. (See Attachments F & G- Chapter 9 & Chapter 29.1103 Excerpts )
Major Site Development Plan Criteria:
When acting upon an application for a Major Site Development Plan approval, the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council shall rely upon generally
accepted site planning criteria and design standards. These criteria and standards
are necessary to fulfill the intent of the Zoning Ordinance, the Land Use Policy Plan
(Ames Plan 2040), and are the minimum necessary to safeguard the public health,
safety, aesthetics, and general welfare.
1. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provisions for
surface and subsurface drainage to limit the rate of increased runoff of surface
water to adjacent and downstream property.
The Public Works Department, Engineering Division, has determined that the proposed
development is not subject to the Ames Municipal Code stormwater requirements as the
area being disturbed is less than 1 acre. The site is compliant with all coverage and
landscaping requirements.
2. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for
connection to water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and other utility lines within the
capacity limits of those utility lines.
The proposed building addition and parking lot expansion can be adequately served by
the existing water, sanitary sewer and electrical services. A new electrical transformer will
be set on site to the east of the existing building in coordination with Ames electric.
3. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for fire
protection through building placement, acceptable location of flammable
materials, and other measures to ensure fire safety.
The proposed addition and building work has been reviewed and has been found to meet
fire protection standards. This includes adequate fire truck maneuvering on site as well
as fire sprinkler installation.
153
4. The design of the proposed development shall not increase the danger of
erosion, flooding, landslide, or other endangerment to adjoining and
surrounding property.
The Major Site Development Plan review is triggered by the extension of parking lot into
the regulatory floodway. A No-Rise certification has been provided by the owners
engineer certifying that no rise will occur in the portion of the floodway where the parking
lot will be extended. The building addition within the floodway fringe also requires that the
owner prove the walls of the building addition and existing building are floodproofed,
including walk in doors.
5. Natural topographic and landscape features of the site shall be incorporated
into the development design.
The existing trees in the front yard and along the western property line will be maintained
during construction. The site is otherwise flat with a slight downward grade to the south
toward Ioway Creek south of the building. The parking lot expansion will follow the existing
grade and not create a Rise in the floodway.
6. The design of the interior vehicle and pedestrian circulation shall provide for
convenient flow of vehicles and movement of pedestrians and shall prevent
hazards to adjacent streets or property.
The site will maintain its existing traffic pattern which will include expanded vehicular
parking west of the building, where parking already exists, utilizing the existing access to
South 5th Street northwest of the building. Pedestrian access will be maintained to the
sidewalk along South 5th Street.
7. The design of outdoor parking areas, storage yards, trash and dumpster areas,
and other exterior features shall be adequately landscaped or screened to
minimize potential nuisance and impairment to the use of adjoining property.
Landscaping will be installed along the front of the existing building in the front yard and
between the parking lot and the street with shrubs and grasses. A Bioretention cell will be
installed west of the building and incorporated into the landscape design in an area
between the parking lot and the building toward the north end of the parking lot. Parking
lot overstory trees will be planted around the expanded parking lot to the south. Existing
front yard trees and evergreen trees along the western property line will be protected and
maintained. A new dumpster near the northwest corner of the parking lot will be enclosed.
8. The proposed development shall limit entrances and exits upon adjacent
streets in order to prevent congestion on adjacent and surrounding streets and
in order to provide for safe and orderly vehicle movement.
154
The exiting entrance to the site northwest of the building from South 5th Street will be
maintained. No additional entrances will be added. This will maintain a single point of
access to the site.
9. Exterior lighting shall relate to the scale and location of the development in
order to maintain adequate security, while preventing a nuisance or hardship
to adjacent property or streets.
The owner is proposing lighting for the site. They are finalizing lighting plans at this time.
Staff will review the lighting plans for conformance to the City’s lighting output standards
prior to approval of the lighting fixtures.
10. The proposed development shall ensure that dust and other forms of air
pollution, noise disturbances, odor, glare, and other nuisances will be limited
to acceptable levels as prescribed in other applicable State and City
regulations.
The proposed development has not been found to create any air pollution, nuisances,
dust, odor, glare or noise disturbances. The proposed use of the building addition will be
the same as that of the existing operations of the current building.
11. Site coverage, building scale, setbacks, and open spaces shall be in proportion
with the development property and with existing and planned development and
structures, in adjacent and surrounding property.
The proposed addition will comply with HOC setback requirements. The addition
resembles what would otherwise be expected in an HOC zone for a building of this type.
155
ITEM #:33
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2023/24 INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROGRAM (PHASE 3)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program provides for the installation of infrastructure for a
traffic adaptive signal system that will conduct real-time optimization of traffic and pedestrian flow at
signalized intersections. Traffic adaptive systems provide a significant improvement in efficiency and
will optimize travel times during all times of the day. Completion of the network is programmed with
six phases (an overall phasing map is attached). Traffic signal improvements rank as one of the highest
priority areas from the Ames Resident Satisfaction Survey.
This project is for Phase 3 of the program which will primarily expand the ITS network along Grand
Avenue (US HWY 69) and also extend the network north on Duff Avenue from 13th St to Grand
Avenue. Staff has been working with HR Green and GBAsi, the consultant team developing this
project.
On March 19, 2024, bids for the project were received as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Engineer's Estimate $1,705,220.68
Van Maanen Electric, Inc.$1,817,416.71
Iowa Signal Inc.$2,014,591.02
Kline Electric, Inc. DBA Heartland Underground Solutions $2,334,865.00
The table below shows the revenues and expenses for this project:
Estimated Expenses Available Revenue
Design $ 172,620.00
Construction $1,817,416.71
Administration $ 150,000.00
Road Use Tax Fund $ 549,700
G.O. Bonds $ 468,300
ICAAP Grant*$1,495,280
U-STEP Grant**$ 400,000
TOTAL $2,140,036.71 $2,913,280
*The ICAAP Grant is for 80% of eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $1,495,280
**The U-STEP Grant is for 55% of eligible construction costs along HWY 69 up to a maximum of $400,000
156
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Accept the report of bids for the 2023/24 Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 3).
b. Approve the final plans and specifications for this project and award the 2023/24 Intelligent
Transportation System Program (Phase 3) to Van Maanen Elec tric, Inc. of Newton, Iowa, in the
amount of $1,817,416.71, contingent upon receipt of Iowa DOT concurrence.
2. a. Accept the report of bids for the 2023/24 Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 3).
b. Reject award and direct staff to modify the project for a future Iowa DOT bid letting.
3. Do not proceed with the project at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By awarding this project, it will be possible to facilitate improvements to traffic management and a
reduction in emissions along project corridors. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
ITS Cumulative Phase Map.pdf
157
15
8
ITEM #:34
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:FIN
SUBJECT:PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE $2,000,000
ESSENTIAL CORPORATE PURPOSE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS,
AND ASSOCIATED TAX LEVY FOR DEBT SERVICE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The FY 2024/25 City Budget includes several General Obligation (G.O.) Bond-funded capital
improvements. A public hearing is required to authorize the issuance of bonds and the levy of property
taxes for debt to be issued.
The proposed CIP includes $16,678,016 of bond proceeds to support the indoor aquatics center for FY
2024/25. A hearing was held on September 14, 2021 regarding the authorization of $21,200,000 to
support the construction of the indoor aquatic center project. Therefore, all authorizations for the indoor
aquatic center are complete, and this amount is included as part of the FY 2024/25 bond issuance.
This action is to authorize $2,000,000 in G.O. Bonds in support of the portion of the FY 2024/25
CIP that is unrelated to the indoor aquatic center project. The G.O. Bonds and debt service levy for
the FY 2024/25 budget are based on the projects listed in the table below. Council authorization will be
required later to approve the sale of the bonds.
2024/25 CIP G.O. ISSUE
Intelligent Transportation System $ 476,100
Airport Entryway Improvements 680,000
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Improvements 700,000
Total Project Costs $ 1,856,100
Previously Authorized Indoor Aquatic Center $16,678,016
Total Project Costs $18,534,116
Issuance and Rounding $ 143,900
Total FY 2024/25 Bond Issuance $18,678,016
As noted above, in addition to the amount to fund the G.O. Bond-funded capital projects, the amount
not-to-exceed includes additional authorization to allow for issuance costs and rounding. Additionally,
at the time of sale, staff, in consultation with the City's financial advisor, will review the advantages of
issuing bonds at a premium or discount over the par (face value) of bonds, ensuring the lowest true
interest cost (TIC). In either case, debt will not be issued in an amount where debt service exceeds the
property tax levy included in the proposed FY 2024/25 budget.
In order for the City to utilize the debt service levy to support FY 2024/25 debt-funded CIP projects, a
pre-levy resolution will be required as part of the upcoming public hearing. The pre-levy amount will
159
support both the total debt service requirements for the indoor aquatic center and the other projects
noted above. The proposed pre-debt service property tax levy is $1,547,702 of the total $11,749,157 in
annual property taxes expected to be levied for debt service in FY 2024/25.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize the issuance of Essential Corporate Purpose General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to
exceed $2,000,000, as well as the associated tax levy for repayment.
2. Do not authorize the issuance of Essential Corporate Purpose General Obligation Bonds for the
projects noted above. This alternative will prevent the City from completing the bond-funded projects
reflected in the FY 2024/25 CIP.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Prior to the issuance of debt, state law requires that a public hearing be held and associated pre-levy
resolution be adopted. This is a required step in order to accomplish the projects included in the FY
2024/25 CIP funded by debt obligations. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
160
ITEM #:35
DEPT:W&PC
March 26, 2024
Staff Report
FY 2024/25 SANITARY SEWER RATES
BACKGROUND:
Each year as part of the annual budget process, staff updates a model for the Water and Sewer Funds
that reflects current and projected operating and capital expenses over the next ten years, and the
resulting annual ending fund balances in each of the two separate funds. This model is used to establish
a long-range pattern of rate increases that will fully finance these self-funded enterprise utilities,
including an operating reserve that is slowly being increased to a target equal to 25% of the annual
operating budget.
During the development of the FY 2024/25 budget, staff determined that a seven percent (7%)
increase to sewer rates would be needed, effective July 1, 2024. While the need for an increase
was shared with Council during the budget presentations, no formal action has yet been taken by
Council to adjust these rates.
Staff will present a summary of the fund balance analysis in a format that is very similar to what has
been used in prior years. Highlights from the attached slides will be shared at the Council meeting in a
brief presentation. The presentation is informational only at this time. An ordinance to adjust the sewer
rate by seven percent will be placed on the April 9 agenda for first reading and a public hearing.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Council handouts 2024-03-26.pdf
161
FY 2024-25
Sewer Rates
March 26, 2024
1
162
Outline
National & State-wide Trends in Rates
Projected Need for Revenue Increase
Translating Revenue Needs to Rates
Projected Future Rate Trends
Customer Perspective
Council Direction
2
163
National and State
Trends
Data sources include:
•2022 Cost of Clean Water IndexNational Association of Clean Water Agencies
•2022 INSIGHT SurveyAssociation of Metropolitan Water Agencies
•2023 Water and Wastewater Rate SurveyAmerican Water Works Association
•2023 Iowa Water and Wastewater Rate SurveyCity of Ames Water and Pollution Control
3
164
National Trends
Average annual wastewater bill has doubled
nationally in last 17 years ($569 in 2022 versus $284
in 2005)
Average annual wastewater charges increased
by 4.5% from 2021 to 2022
After 21 straight years where sewer charges outpaced
inflation, this was the second consecutive year where rates
increased at a lower rate than the CPI.
4
165
•Water utilities continue to shift away from declining
block rate structures (14%) and towards inclining block
structures (51%)
•Wastewater utilities are predominately uniform block
structures (74%)
•Monthly billing intervals are most common (82%),
followed by quarterly (10%) and bi-monthly (7%)
•98% of Water systems and 97% of Sewer systems have a
monthly base or minimum fee
National Trends
5
166
National Trends
2019-2023
Sources: 2019 Water and Wastewater Rate Survey, AWWA/Raftelis Financial Consultants
2023 Water and Wastewater Rate Survey, AWWA/Raftelis Financial Consultants
Nationwide average for residential service, 1,000 cf/mo., 5/8” meter,
6
Water
National Average Annual Increase: 3.87%
Sewer
National Average Annual Increase: 4.43%
Average Annual Increase in CPI: 4.80%
167
•Drinking Water: 82%
•More than 5%: 61%
•More than 10%: 36%
•Wastewater: 77%
•More than 5%: 61%
•More than 10%: 41%
2023 versus 2021 Iowa Water & Sewer Rate Survey, City of Ames, Iowa
Percent of Iowa Utilities serving >10,000
with a rate increase in past two years:
Iowa Trends
7
168
Iowa vs. National Trends
2019-2023
Water
National Average Annual Increase: 3.87%
Iowa Average Annual Increase: 4.29%
Sewer
National Average Annual Increase: 4.43%
Iowa Average Annual Increase: 3.30%
Average Annual Increase in CPI: 4.80%
Iowa Sources: 2019 Water and Sewer Rate Survey, City of Ames, IA
2023 Water and Sewer Rate Survey, City of Ames, IA
Iowa average for residential service, 600 cf/mo., 5/8” meter,
8
169
Recent Rate Adjustments in Ames
9
Water Sewer
FY 19/20 7% --
FY 20/21 2% 5%
FY 21/22 6% --
FY 22/23 -- 5%
Annual Average 3.75% 2.50%
170
Ames vs. Iowa & National Trends
2019-2023
10
Water
National Average Annual Increase: 3.87%
Iowa Average Annual Increase: 4.29%
Ames Average Annual Increase: 3.75%
Sewer
National Average Annual Increase: 4.43%
Iowa Average Annual Increase: 3.30%
Ames Average Annual Increase: 2.50%
Average Annual Increase in CPI: 4.80%
171
Iowa Trends in Water Rates
2 00 3 - 20 23, C it ies w ith p o p ulation > 1 0 , 000 wi th lim e
so f ten ing , 6 0 0 c f p er mo nt h
Statewide Median Ames Rates
11
** Ames is at the 22nd Percentile, based on 2023 rates **
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
$60
2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Water Rates in Iowa, 2003-2023
Cities >10,000
600 cubic feet per month
172
Iowa Trends in Sewer Rates
2 00 3 - 20 23, C it ies w ith p o p ulation > 1 0 , 000, 6 0 0 c f p er m o nth
Statewide Median Ames Rates
12
** Ames is at the 19th Percentile, based on 2023 rates **
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
2003 2008 2013 2018 2023
Sewer Rates in Iowa, 2003 - 2023
Cities >10,000
600 cubic feet per month
173
13
Current Water Rates ($/cf)
Existing
Winter
All customers; all consumption $0.0278
Summer
Residential
Block 1 (First 1,000 cf) $0.0278
Block 2 (Next 1,500 cf) $0.0490
Block 3 (Over 2,500 cf) $0.0737
Irrigation & Yard Water
Block 1 (First 2,000 cf) $0.0401
Block 2 (Next 3,000 cf) $0.0737
Block 3 (Over 5,000 cf) $01227
Non-Residential
All consumption $0.0364
Non-Peaking Industrial
All consumption $0.0278
174
14
Current Sewer Rates
5.0%
Existing Increase Total
Minimum Charge $12.16 $0.58 $12.16
All customers,
per month
Prorated Minimum $4.67 $0.22 $4.67
Consumption, per 100
cubic feet $3.11 $0.15 $3.11
All customers,
all consumption
175
Add a footer 15
Forces Impacting
Projected Expenses
•Increased Regulatory
Requirements
•Infrastructure Renewal/
Replacement
•Increases in routine equipment
and commodity prices
176
5%
-45,000
-40,000
-35,000
-30,000
-25,000
-20,000
-15,000
-10,000
-5,000
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29-30 30-31 31-32 32-33 33-34
En
d
i
n
g
B
a
l
a
n
c
e
(
$
1
,
0
0
0
'
s
)
Ending Fund Balance Operating Reserve Percentage Rate Increase
Sewer Fund Rate Model – No Adjustments
16
177
Approach to Rates:
Timing & Magnitude
•Meet debt coverage requirements
•(SRF requires 110% coverage)
•Meet operating reserve target
•Gradual increase over time until achieve 25% of each Fund’s annual operating expenses
•Smaller percentage increases on a more frequent basis, as opposed to larger increases on a less frequent basis
•Ideally, less than 10% at a time
17
178
Water and Sewer Rate Projections
Last
Year
Current
Year Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29-30 30-31 31-32 32-33 33-34
Water Fund 8% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8%
Sewer Fund 5% 7% 9% 9% 9% 9%
18
179
8%9%9%9%8%8%
-5,000
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29-30 30-31 31-32 32-33 33-34
En
d
i
n
g
B
a
l
a
n
c
e
(
$
1
,
0
0
0
'
s
)
Ending Fund Balance Operating Reserve Percentage Rate Increase
Water Fund Rate Model
19
180
5%7%9%9%9%9%
-5,000
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 26-27 27-28 28-29 29-30 30-31 31-32 32-33 33-34
En
d
i
n
g
B
a
l
a
n
c
e
(
$
1
,
0
0
0
'
s
)
Ending Fund Balance Operating Reserve Percentage Rate Increase
Sewer Fund Rate Model
20
181
Add a footer 21
Projected Average Annual Rate
Increase in the Next Five Years
“Utilities are projecting to increase rates by an
average of 4.94% per year over the next five
years.”
“While future expected rate increases are
anticipated to be on average fairly moderate,
the increases are anticipated to be higher
than in previous years.”
Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies’ 2022 INSIGHT Survey
182
Rate Projections vs. Statewide Trends
22
$33.99 $35.66 $37.42 $39.26 $41.20 $43.24 $45.38 $47.63 $49.99 $52.48 $55.10
$105.00 $110.88 $117.09 $123.66 $130.61
$137.96 $145.73
$153.95
$162.65
$171.85
$181.58
$59.39 $61.55 $64.12 $67.09 $69.89 $73.12 $76.18 $79.71 $82.67 $86.51 $89.71
$78.44 $82.63 $87.05 $91.72 $96.64 $101.84 $107.32 $113.11 $119.22 $125.67 $132.49
$-
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
$125.00
$150.00
$175.00
$200.00
$225.00
$250.00
$275.00
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Statewide Range Ames Residential Statewide Median
Projected Monthly Water and Sewer Bill
600 cubic feet per month
183
24
Proposed Sewer Rates
7.0%
Existing Increase Total
Minimum Charge $12.16 $0.85 $13.01
All customers, per month
Prorated Minimum $4.67 $0.33 $5.00
Consumption, per 100
cubic feet $3.11 $0.22 $3.33
All customers, all consumption
184
•High strength surcharge rates and Fats, Oils, and
Grease (FOG) rates will increase by the same 7%
•Meter setting fees and laboratory analysis fees
would be adjusted based on actual cost recovery
•These would happen as a part of the City-wide fee
schedule adjustment later in the spring
Associated Rates and Fees
25
185
Recommended Action & Timeline
Staff will bring an ordinance on April 9 that will:
•Adjust Sewer Rates by 7%
•New rates effective for bills due or after July 1, 2024
Timeline
•First reading on April 9
•Second reading on April 23
•Third reading and adoption on May 14
27
186
Questions & Direction
187
Sample Customer Bill
Minimal Use Residential
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
100 kWh and 100 cf $20.45 $5.20 $16.98 $15.27 $57.90
Electric ECA -$0.42 -$0.42
Totals $20.03 $5.20 $16.98 $15.27 $57.48
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.07 $1.07
Totals $20.03 $5.20 $16.98 $16.34 $58.55
% Impact on Total Bill 1.86%
29
188
Sample Customer Bill
Median Use Residential
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
600 kWh and 600 cf $81.10 $5.20 $28.57 $30.82 $145.69
Electric ECA -$0.66 -$0.66
Totals $80.44 $5.20 $28.57 $30.82 $145.03
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $2.29 $0.00 $2.29
Totals $80.44 $5.20 $30.86 $30.82 $147.32
% Impact on Total Bill 1.58%
30
189
Sample Customer Bill
Large Residential
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
1,000 kWh and 1,000 cf $129.62 $5.20 $42.00 $43.26 $220.08
Electric ECA -$4.20 -$4.20
Totals $125.42 $5.20 $42.00 $43.26 $215.88
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.03 $3.03
Totals $125.42 $5.20 $42.00 $46.29 $218.91
% Impact on Total Bill 1.40%
31
190
Sample Customer Bill
Small Commercial (GP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
2,000 kWh and 600 cf $254.40 $5.20 $36.04 $30.82 $326.46
Electric ECA -$8.40 -$8.40
Totals $246.00 $5.20 $36.04 $30.82 $318.06
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2.16 $2.16
Totals $246.00 $5.20 $36.04 $32.98 $320.22
% Impact on Total Bill 0.68%
32
191
Sample Customer Bill
Small Commercial (GP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
5,000 kWh and 1,000 cf $612.60 $5.20 $50.60 $43.26 $711.66
Electric ECA -$21.00 -$21.00
Totals $591.60 $5.20 $50.60 $43.26 $690.66
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.03 $3.03
Totals $591.60 $5.20 $50.60 $46.29 $693.69
% Impact on Total Bill 0.44%
33
192
Sample Customer Bill
Small Commercial (GP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
10,000 kWh and 3,000 cf $1,209.60 $10.40 $137.60 $105.46 $1,463.06
Electric ECA -$42.00 -$42.00
Totals $1,167.60 $10.40 $137.60 $105.46 $1,421.06
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7.38 $7.38
Totals $1,167.60 $10.40 $137.60 $112.84 $1,428.44
% Impact on Total Bill 0.52%
34
193
Sample Customer Bill
Commercial (LP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
20,000 kWh and 5,000 cf $2,181.81 $10.40 $210.40 $167.66 $2,570.27
Electric ECA -$84.00 -$84.00
Totals $2,097.81 $10.40 $210.40 $167.66 $2,486.27
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11.74 $11.74
Totals $2,097.81 $10.40 $210.40 $179.40 $2,498.01
% Impact on Total Bill 0.47%
35
194
Sample Customer Bill
Commercial (LP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
60,000 kWh and 15,000 cf $6,221.55 $15.60 $602.81 $478.66 $7,318.62
Electric ECA -$252.00 -$252.00
Totals $5,969.55 $15.60 $602.81 $478.66 $7,066.62
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $33.51 $33.51
Totals $5,969.55 $15.60 $602.81 $512.17 $7,100.13
% Impact on Total Bill 0.47%
36
195
Sample Customer Bill
Commercial (LP)
Electric Storm Water
Electric / Water Use Summer Water Summer Sewer Total
100,000 kWh and 20,000 cf $10,284.95 $46.80 $841.62 $634.16 $11,807.53
Electric ECA -$420.00 -$420.00
Totals $9,864.95 $46.80 $841.62 $634.16 $11,387.53
Increase Due to Rate Change $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $44.39 $44.39
Totals $9,864.95 $46.80 $841.62 $678.55 $11,431.92
% Impact on Total Bill 0.39%
37
196
ITEM #:36
DATE:03-26-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:LETTER OF SUPPORT TO POLK COUNTY, IA FOR US EPA CPRG PHASE
II IMPLEMENTATION GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,999,999
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In August 2023, Polk County accepted a planning grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), committing to work with surrounding
geographical areas in a climate action planning process for central Iowans. The CPRG planning area
uses 2020 US Census data for metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) to identify metropolitan areas
eligible for funding. The Des Moines-West Des Moines MSA includes Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper,
Madison, and Warren counties. Due to the interconnectedness of the region, Story County and the
City of Ames was invited to join the central Iowa's CPRG planning efforts.
After receiving the planning grant, Polk County created the Polk County Sustainability Team
(Sustainability Team). The Sustainability Team leads the regional CPRG effort, and team members
have spent a significant amount of time over the last six months meeting and collaborating with over 90
regional partners, including the City of Ames, to identify common climate action goals, interests, and
priorities.
The extensive engagement process revealed that the most common and action-ready opportunity
across the regional partners lies within the residential energy space. The opportunities for reducing
carbon emissions in the residential energy sector are a common and action-ready theme across central
Iowa. Furthermore, low-income residential housing requires unprecedented investments to reduce
emissions, maintain affordability for low and fixed-income households, and enhance the efficiency and
resiliency of homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
The CPRG planning process revealed that weatherization assistance programs are presently
underfunded or inaccessible, leaving thousands waitlisted for programs that serve only a few hundred
households each year. Since existing rebate and cost-share programs are often out of reach for low-
income and disadvantaged households due to significant upfront costs, this unmet need means
thousands of vulnerable families are missing out on significant savings and improved health and home
safety.
With this knowledge, the Sustainability Team submitted central Iowa's Priority Climate Action Plan
(PCAP - attached) to the US EPA Region 7 on March 1, 2024, on behalf of the seven counties,
highlighting the carbon reduction opportunity in the residential housing sector—specifically, low-
income, owner-occupied households' energy efficiency and capacity. The submission of the PCAP
enables central Iowa to be eligible to apply for the EPA Phase II CPRG Implementation Grant.
The grant application deadline is April 1, 2024.
Because the Polk County Sustainability Team leads the CPRG planning efforts, Polk County will
submit the grant proposal on behalf of the regional partners. The application being prepared by the Polk
County Sustainability Team seeks $49,999,999. If funded by the EPA, the implementation grant request
includes the following strategies:
197
1. Expand existing energy audit and weatherization programs to increase low-income households
served and provide additional incentives for energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy,
and ecosystem services offerings. This can include energy-efficiency measures such as installing
energy efficiency appliances, insulation, windows, smart technology and HVAC systems. It can
also include capacity advancement offerings such as electric panel upgrades, residential electric
vehicle infrastructure, solar tubes and passive lighting.
2. Fund energy auditor and contractor training and certification programs, including outreach to
recruit prospective contractors.
3. Conduct neighborhood assessments of Low Income/Disadvantaged Communities and plant
diverse native trees and shrubs to sequester carbon and reduce heat island effects.
4. Partner with workforce organizations and institutions of higher learning on training programs for
energy audits and follow-up services.
The proposal aims to serve more than 1,600 low-income household within the region over the five-year
grant expenditure period, enabling the homeowners to reduce their energy consumption. It will also
support a robust workforce development effort resulting in qualified energy efficiency contractors and
energy auditors, incentivizing the creation of new, well-paying energy jobs.
Staff is requesting that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support to Polk County
in support of the Polk County CPRG grant application (attached). If approved, staff will also engage
with state representatives to also consider submitting letters of support after the grant application has
been submitted.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Letter of Support to Polk County, Iowa for the Central Iowa Priority
Climate Action Plan Implementation funding through Phase II of the US Environmental Protection
Agency Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant in the amount of $49,999,999.
2. Do not authorize the Mayor to sign the Letter of Support.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The regional CPRG Implementation Grant proposal supports the City Council's values of a diverse,
equitable, and inclusive community and environmental sustainability. If awarded, the region will benefit
from investing in carbon reduction efforts for low-income residential households, expanding energy
auditor programs, and increasing contractor capacity for implementing carbon reduction measures.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1,
as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
CPRG Phase II Support - City of Ames.docx
Central Iowa Priority Climate Action Plan - CPRG.pdf
198
Office of the Mayor 515.239.5105 main 515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
515.239.5142 fax Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
March 26, 2024
Polk County Public Works
Attn: Allison van Pelt
5885 NE 14th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Ms. van Pelt:
On behalf of the City of Ames, I am writing to support Polk County, Iowa’s application for implementation
funding through Phase II of the US EPA’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). The City of Ames was
invited to join the central Iowa planning effort, and we endorse a regional approach to carbon reduction.
Central Iowa’s Priority Climate Action Plan, submitted to the US EPA on March 1, 2024, shows low-income
residential housing requires unprecedented investments to reduce emissions, maintain affordability for low and
fixed-income households, and enhance the efficiency and resiliency of homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
Weatherization assistance programs are underfunded or inaccessible, leaving thousands waitlisted for programs
that serve only a few hundred households each year. Existing rebate and cost-share programs are out of reach for
low-income and disadvantaged households due to significant upfront costs. This unmet need means thousands of
vulnerable families are missing out on significant savings and improved health and home safety.
Polk County’s proposal recognizes that this inequitable gap in climate action is not insurmountable. Through
regional stakeholder discussions in Phase I of the CPRG process, Polk County created a feasible, impactful
proposal to overcome financial barriers and increase energy efficiency in low-income households. The program
would also prepare those same households to increase electrical capacity—future-proofing housing infrastructure.
Not only will this program reduce energy costs for low-income households, but it will also help ensure Iowa’s vast
renewable energy potential will be used efficiently. Central Iowa can significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating action on two parallel strategies: increasing energy efficiency gains
and accelerating the electrification of housing. By simultaneously pursuing both strategies, the region can rapidly
and equitably decarbonize and leverage our abundant renewable energy resources.
In addition to increasing efficiency and capacity, this proposal includes strategies for workforce development by
continuing to engage with educational and labor institutions in developing necessary skills for a green economy.
Specifically, it will identify and address any gaps in training curriculum or certification requirements, develop
pathways for sponsorship and scholarship opportunities, and support retention of trained workers.
We appreciate Polk County’s holistic approach to this proposal, and we are proud to support its application to
CPRG Phase II on behalf of central Iowa.
In partnership,
John A. Haila, Mayor
Ames, Iowa
199
Central Iowa
Priority Climate Action Plan
March 1, 2024
200
i
Acknowledgments
This planning process was like no other in my professional history – six months, seven counties,
800,000 people, and one priority climate action plan. While only just the beginning of “What’s
Next, Central Iowa?”, this document—plus its creation process, opened doors, filled tables, and
authentic dialogues—is a strong indication that Central Iowans are up to the challenge of coming
together to seek solutions that make sense.
This Priority Climate Action Plan would not have been possible without:
- Polk County leadership's willingness to take a chance on leading positive change and
accepting this EPA award that extends beyond their jurisdictional boundaries. Without
their openness for collaboration with neighbors, this effort would not have gotten off the
ground or be soaring towards new heights as we enter the next phase.
- Our resilient Green Iowa AmeriCorps members: Ava, Brett, & Erin. Thank you for hitting
the ground running from the start, for learning new technical methods on the fly, and for
your innate ability to work as a team and enjoy each other’s company—even in tiny
spaces. All future GIA members serving with us will have very big shoes to fill. I truly
appreciate each of you coming on this wild ride with me.
- The amazing team at Great Plains Institute for all your hard work and partnership. Without
Catherine, Tricia, Sydne, Lola, Amy, and the rest of the team, this plan would not have
been possible on this timeline. We made a big ask of GPI and could not have been in
better professional company.
- Our steadfast colleagues at Polk County Public Works and their patience with my team as
we had to bend some norms to hit our quick and lofty timelines. John, Cassie, Bret,
Kendra, Jennifer, Seth, Dave, Rachel, and beyond, each of you helped shape our work
and refine our products, as well as kept us organized and moving forward in good spirits.
Thank you for your consistent support, clear feedback, and lunchtime comradery.
- All the agencies and staff within the region that took my initial call (and all the ones after),
allowed me to bring new ideas to them for consideration, heard me out even if they were
at first reluctant, provided constructive feedback in short and at length, connected us with
other neighbors, and continued to show up on short notice with a drive for success through
partnership and participation.
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency, their national staff, and most
importantly, the Region 7 staff: Jenny, Molly, and Stephanie. Thank you for the opportunity
to make this project a reality, and for answering our metric tons of questions as we
navigated the fast-paced process.
- And finally, all the Central Iowans who participated in the planning process already.
Teamwork truly does make the dream work, and this plan is evidence of that. My team and I look
forward to working with you all and many, many more Central Iowans as we continue into the
Comprehensive portion of our regional climate action planning process.
In partnership,
Allison van Pelt
Polk County Sustainability Planner & CPRG Project Lead
201
ii
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... ii
List of Tables and Figures ....................................................................................................... iii
Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................ vii
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
Planning Area ....................................................................................................................... 1
Climate Impacts .................................................................................................................... 2
What is Climate Change? ................................................................................................... 2
Adverse Weather Impacts .................................................................................................. 2
Adverse Health Impacts ..................................................................................................... 4
Inequality of Climate Impacts ............................................................................................. 5
Existing Plans ...................................................................................................................... 5
Hazard Mitigation Plans...................................................................................................... 5
Local Community-wide Climate Action Plans ...................................................................... 6
City of Des Moines ........................................................................................................................... 6
City of Ames ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Coordination and Outreach ...................................................................................................... 8
Identification of Stakeholders ............................................................................................. 8
Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination ............................................................. 8
Outreach Summary .............................................................................................................10
Online Measure Submission Form ....................................................................................12
Community-Wide Survey ...................................................................................................12
Local Government Survey .................................................................................................13
Additional Feedback ..........................................................................................................14
Future Outreach Plan ........................................................................................................14
Strategies to Overcome Linguistic, Cultural, Institutional, Geographic, and Other Barriers to
Participation ......................................................................................................................15
Outreach and Coordination Documentation .......................................................................15
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory .................................................................................. 16
Emissions Sectors ..............................................................................................................16
202
iii
Emissions by sector ...........................................................................................................16
Priority Measure and Implementation Strategies ................................................................. 19
Measure Summary ..............................................................................................................19
Measure ............................................................................................................................19
Implementation Strategies .................................................................................................19
Cumulative GHG Emissions Reductions ...........................................................................19
Measure Details ...................................................................................................................20
Major Features.....................................................................................................................21
Centralized Marketing and Outreach with Localized Administration ...................................21
Home Energy Audits and Services Selection .....................................................................21
Neighborhood Native Trees and Shrubs Assessment and Plantings .................................22
Workforce Development ....................................................................................................22
Measure Evaluation & Maintenance ...................................................................................22
Tasks and Milestones .........................................................................................................23
Expected Outputs and Outcomes ......................................................................................23
Risks ....................................................................................................................................24
Transformative Impact ........................................................................................................25
Need for Funding and Intersection with Other Funding Availability ................................... 26
Review of Authority to Implement ......................................................................................... 30
Low-Income and Disadvantaged Community Analysis ........................................................ 31
Identification of and Engagement with LIDACs ................................................................31
Impact of PCAP Implementation on LIDACs .....................................................................33
Anticipated Benefits and Disbenefits of PCAP Implementation ..........................................33
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 35
Appendices (files attached separately)
Appendix A. Outreach and Coordination Log
Appendix B. GHG Reduction Pathways Feedback
Appendix C. GHG Inventory Methods and Sources
Appendix D. Central Iowa Local GHG Inventory Tool Spreadsheet 2020
Appendix E. Residential Efficiency, Electrification, and Ecosystem Services Measure
Appendix F. Home Suites GHG Emission Reduction Calculation Spreadsheet
203
iv
Appendix G. Inventory of Owner-Occupied Housing and Energy Efficiency Programs
Appendix H. Central Iowa LIDAC Census Block Groups
Appendix I. Des Moines MSA Quality Assurance Project Plan
204
v
List of Tables and Figures
Figure 1. Map of Counties in Central Iowa Planning Area .......................................................... 2
Figure 2. Annual Average Daily High Temperature in the Des Moines Area ............................... 3
Figure 3. Period Between First and Last Red Flag Warning, 2006-2024 .................................... 4
Table 1. Proportion of IRA Disadvantaged Census Tracts by County in Central Iowa ................ 5
Table 2. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Sector, 2020 (mt CO2e) ...............................17
Figure 4. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Sector, 2020 ...............................................17
Figure 5. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Gas, 2020 ...................................................18
Table 3. Tasks and Milestones ..................................................................................................23
Table 4. Measure Risks & Mitigation Strategies ........................................................................24
Table 5. Existing Funding Sources ............................................................................................27
Figure 6. IRA Disadvantaged Communities in Central Iowa ......................................................32
Appendix Tables & Figures
Table C1. Greenhouse Gases Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Table C2. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source and Gas, 2020 (mt CO2e)
Table C3. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Scope, 2020
Figure C1. GHG Emission Scopes
Figure C2. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Sector, 2020
Table C4. Data Quality Ranking Hierarchy
Table C5. Sectors and Years Included in GHGI
Table H1. Summary of Central Iowa Disadvantaged Community Census Block Groups
Table H2. List of IRA Disadvantaged Community Census Block Groups
205
vi
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym or Abbreviation Definition
ALICE Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed
AMI Area Median Income
CAAs Community Action Agencies
CCAP Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
CIRTPA Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance
CH4 Methane
CO Carbon Monoxide
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CO2e Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
CPRG Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
DMAMPO Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
DOE Department of Energy
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
F-gases Fluorinated Gases
FLIGHT EPA Facility Level Information on Greenhouse Gases
tool
FPL Federal Poverty Limit
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GHGI Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
GPC Global Protocol for Community Greenhouse Gas
Inventories
GWP Global Warming Potential
HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant
206
vii
HFC Hydrofluorocarbon
HMP Hazard Mitigation Plan
HVACs Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
LGGIT EPA Local GHG Inventory Tool
LGO Local Government Operations
LHTF Local Housing Trust Fund
LIDACs Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities
LIHEAP Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
MSA Metropolitan Statistical Area
mt CO2e Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents
NF3 Nitrogen Trifluoride
N2O Nitrous Oxide
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
O3 Ozone
PCAP Priority Climate Action Plan
PFC Perfluorocarbon
PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter
RLF Revolving Loan Fund
SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
SLOPE DOE State and Local Planning for Energy Platform
TREC Training for Residential Energy Contractors
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds
207
1
Introduction
The Polk County Public Works Department (hereinafter “Polk County”) prepared this priority
climate action plan (PCAP) to support investment in policies, practices, and technologies that
reduce pollutant emissions, create high-quality jobs, spur economic growth, and enhance the
quality of life in Central Iowa. This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under assistance agreement 96704601 to Polk County.
The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA, nor
does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in
this document.
The measures contained herein should be construed as broadly available to any entity within the
geographic scope of this PCAP that is eligible to receive funding under the EPA’s Climate
Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants (CPRG) and other funding streams, as applicable.
PLANNING AREA
The EPA Phase I guidance defines the CPRG planning area for our region using 2020 U.S.
Census data for metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to identify metropolitan areas eligible for
funding. The Des Moines-West Des Moines MSA includes Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Madison,
and Warren Counties.
However, due to the nature of our region and its interconnected economics, transportation,
workforce, and more, Story County was invited to join Central Iowa’s CPRG effort. From the outset
of this planning process, Polk County staff met with Story County staff and leadership to discuss
the inclusion of their county in the CPRG process. After a productive dialogue between the
representatives, Story County accepted the invitation. Therefore, our regional CPRG planning
area extends beyond the EPA prescribed MSA boundaries and has expanded to seven counties
instead of the original six. Figure 1, below, depicts the region this plan will refer to as “Central
Iowa.”
208
2
Figure 1. Map of Counties in Central Iowa Planning Area
CLIMATE IMPACTS
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is any significant change in precipitation, wind patterns, temperature, and/or other
patterns that continues over several decades. Overwhelmingly, human-driven activities have led
to increased greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. This in turn has raised Earth’s average
surface temperature. Climate change has already led to severe weather events globally and in
Iowa, impacting food systems, infrastructure, ecosystems, homes, and more.
Adverse Weather Impacts
The negative impacts of climate change on Iowa and its people are already apparent and will only
grow in severity with time. A 2020 derecho killed four people, caused over $11 billion of damage
to infrastructure and canopy cover, and did an estimated $500 million of damage to crops. In 2019,
Mississippi and Missouri River floods led to a federal disaster declaration in 67 Iowa counties,
killing at least three people, impacting 14 million people, and causing almost $3 billion of damage.
Droughts followed by major rain events reduce corn yields, and Central Iowa has experienced
209
3
both in recent years. Average spring precipitation in the last decade (2010-2019) was 27% higher
than the 20th century average.1
Major weather events are the most apparent impacts of climate change in Iowa, but the daily
changes are critical as well. Temperatures in Central Iowa have been steadily rising for over a
century,2 as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Annual Average Daily High Temperature in the Des Moines Area3
Higher temperatures pose many risks to Iowans, including health complications like heat stroke in
the summer, red flag days & wildland fires, crop shortages caused by false springs, and financial
stress from higher energy, grocery, and other bills. Figure 3 depicts the period between the first
and last red flag warning for the years 2006 through 2024 and the number of red flag days,
highlighting recent years when fire danger has been elevated. Air conditioning will run more often,
raising bills and ultimately increasing emissions.
Mitigation strategies like natural shading and home weatherization can reduce costs and slow the
effects of climate change.
1 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. (n.d.). Iowa Climate Assessment. https://www.inhf.org/iowa-climate-assessment/.
2 Iowa State University. (2024). IEM "Climodat" Reports.
https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/climodat/index.phtml?network=IACLIMATE&station=IATDSM&report=14.
3 Iowa State University. (2024). IEM "Climodat" Reports.
https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/climodat/index.phtml?network=IACLIMATE&station=IATDSM&report=14.
210
4
Figure 3. Period Between First and Last Red Flag Warning, 2006-20244
Adverse Health Impacts
As documented by the EPA, climate change has many adverse health impacts. Heart and lung
problems caused by ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution are exacerbated by
higher temperatures. These impacts have led to the increased prevalence of asthma as higher
temperatures increase the production of ground-level ozone. In rural Iowa, ozone levels are high
enough that they have already reduced soybean yields. Climate change has also led to increased
allergies for many as the pollen season is longer during warmer periods: the ragweed season in
the Upper Midwest can now be anywhere from 10 to 21 days longer than it was in 1995.5 Higher
temperatures can negatively impact human health as prolonged exposure to high temperatures
puts individuals at risk of heat stroke and dehydration.6 Because many houses and apartments
lack air conditioning and protective weather infrastructure, many Iowans are at risk of heat stress,
which has caused the deaths of hundreds across the Midwest over the last decade. Climate
change can also cause increases in the transmission of diseases carried by insects that thrive in
warmer climates.
4 Iowa State University. (2024). IEM "Climodat" Reports.
https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/climodat/index.phtml?network=IACLIMATE&station=IATDSM&report=14
5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2016, August). What Climate Change Means for Iowa.
https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-ia.pdf.
6 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 12). Natural Disasters and Severe Weather About
Extreme Heat. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.html.
211
5
Inequality of Climate Impacts
Globally, all communities are adversely impacted by climate change. However, there is evidence
that climate change disproportionately affects certain communities. Low-income groups, children,
the elderly, communities of color, and Indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable. By targeting
support towards those with the greatest need, this plan aims to build a resilient future for all
communities.
Disadvantaged communities in Iowa have been identified using the EPA EJ Screen Tool. These
communities are determined based on multiple data sets that consider aspects including, but not
limited to, socioeconomic indicators, health disparities, climate change, critical service gaps,
people of color, etc.7 Approximately 49% of the census block groups in Central Iowa were
identified as IRA disadvantaged communities, with the majority share located within Polk County.
More details about the proportion of disadvantaged tracts in each Central Iowa county can be
viewed in Table 1. A map of low-income and disadvantaged census block groups in Central Iowa
can be found in Figure 6.
Table 1. Proportion of IRA Disadvantaged Census Tracts by County in Central Iowa8
County
Total Number of
Census Block
Groups (based off
Census data from
2020)
Number of IRA
Disadvantaged
Community Census
Block Groups
Proportion of
Census Block
Groups that are IRA
Disadvantaged
Community
Dallas County 42 4 10%
Guthrie County 8 0 0%
Jasper County 37 11 30%
Madison County 12 2 17%
Polk County 336 230 68%
Story County 75 20 27%
Warren County 33 1 3%
Total 543 268 49%
EXISTING PLANS
Hazard Mitigation Plans
All counties in Iowa are required to have a hazard mitigation plan (HMP) in place and updated
every five years to maintain validity, per state requirements. Among the potential hazards
identified in each county’s current HMPs were drought, extreme temperatures, floods, severe
7 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2023 version. EJScreen. Retrieved: February 1, 2024, from
https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/
8 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2023 version. EJScreen. Retrieved: February 1, 2024, from
https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/
212
6
winter storms, and severe thunderstorms. These hazards are worsened by rising average
temperatures and rainfall totals.
In a recent survey during the 2024 updated of Polk County’s HMP, Emergency Management found
53% of respondents are at least somewhat concerned about their community facing a natural
disaster, including floods and drought. More than half reported being at least somewhat concerned
about natural hazard impacts from climate change.
When respondents were asked to select the top five hazards facing their community, 21% reported
extreme temperatures, 22% reported climate change, 28% reported drought, 30% reported flash
flooding, 41% reported winter storm, 52% reported severe thunderstorms, and 55% reported
windstorm/derecho. When asked what programs they would like to see offered, 60% of
respondents reported a desire for property tax breaks for homeowners who make their home more
resilient to disasters, and 35% reported a desire for either loans or subsidies for homeowners who
implement property retrofits. Community concern and homeowner interest in mitigation programs
align with the measures included in this PCAP and help enlighten future community outreach
within the climate action space in Central Iowa.
Local Community-wide Climate Action Plans
There are few existing climate action plans in Central Iowa. In most cases, the CPRG endeavor
will be the first time that many communities discuss the topic. Nevertheless, Polk County reviewed
the two climate action plans that exist in the region—for the cities of Des Moines and Ames—and
worked with city staff to ensure the plans are incorporated into the CPRG and PCAP processes.
Polk County will continue engaging with these plans throughout the Comprehensive Climate
Action Plan (CCAP) process.
CITY OF DES MOINES
Adopted in December 2023, ADAPT DSM is the City of Des Moines’s guide to decision-making,
policy, and program development to address the impacts of climate change.9 The four primary
goals outlined by this plan include:
28% reduction in emissions from 2008 levels by 2025,
45% reduction in emissions from 2010 levels by 2030,
100% 24/7 carbon-free electricity citywide by 2025, and
net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
All efforts to achieve these goals will consider the input of community members and partners. The
four focus areas of the plan include equity, innovation, green economy, and health. These climate
solutions align with the focus areas by improving energy use and resources, buildings and
infrastructure, transportation and land use, food systems and security, waste management and
reduction, climate preparedness and resilience, and natural systems and water resources.
9 City of Des Moines. (2023, December). Climate Action & Adaptation Plan.
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/desmoines/document_center/City%20Manager/Sustainability/ADAPT%20DSM/ADAP
T%20DSM%20Final%20v2.pdf?pdf=Review%20the%20approved%20plan&t=1709236279704&pdf=Review%20the%
20approved%20plan&t=1709236279704
213
7
CITY OF AMES
The City of Ames released its climate action plan in 2023, with a primary goal to transition to clean
energy while benefiting the economy and improving quality of life.10 The plan’s target is aligned
with the international goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, resulting in a municipal model that will
reduce GHG emissions by 71% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan models
potential investments that reduce energy use per capita, improve energy used versus lost, and
switch to zero-carbon fuel sources. Opportunities listed include heat pumps, building retrofits,
renewable energy technologies, energy storage, electric vehicles, and energy controls, with other
possibilities in mind. The Ames plan could serve as an example for other municipalities in Central
Iowa to implement their own climate action plans.
10 City of Ames. (2023, April 18). Climate Action Plan.
https://www.cityofames.org/home/showpublisheddocument/72522/638219262478230000.
214
8
Coordination and Outreach
Polk County conducted extensive intergovernmental coordination, outreach, and engagement
with governmental entities and other stakeholders during the development of the PCAP. This
section describes the framework Polk County used to support robust and meaningful engagement
strategies to ensure comprehensive stakeholder representation and overcome obstacles to
engagement.
IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS
Polk County identified stakeholders who are representative of the entities, groups, and individuals
who may assist in furthering or be impacted by the implementation of this PCAP. Stakeholders
include but are not limited to:
State agencies;
Metropolitan planning organizations;
Cities;
Counties;
Local elected officials and staff;
Economic development organizations;
Utilities;
Consumer advocates;
Community-based organizations;
Chambers of commerce;
Other interested organizations; and
Residents of Central Iowa.
Stakeholders engaged throughout the process are listed below and in Appendix A.
INTERAGENCY AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The Polk County planning team coordinated with state, regional, and local governmental agencies
throughout the PCAP process, including other Polk County departments (e.g., Public Works,
Public Health, Emergency Management, etc.), elected officials and staff from the seven-county
region, regional planning entities, and state agencies. Intergovernmental coordination included:
Providing information about CPRG and the PCAP process to government agency
representatives via email, presentations, and meetings;
Providing multiple opportunities to submit ideas and provide feedback on PCAP priorities
and measures via online forms, large & small group meetings, and one-on-one
conversations; and
Notifying eligible government entities about their eligibility to apply for CPRG
implementation grants and the applicability of the PCAP to any potential CPRG
implementation grant application.
215
9
A summary of governmental and regional coalition stakeholders engaged during the PCAP
process is listed below; see Appendix A for a detailed log of outreach and coordination with all
stakeholders.
Dallas County Board of Supervisors
Guthrie County Board of Supervisors
Jasper County Board of Supervisors
Madison County Board of Supervisors
Polk County Board of Supervisors
Story County Board of Supervisors
Warren County Board of Supervisors
City of Altoona
City of Ames
City of Ankeny
City of Bondurant
City of Clive
City of Colfax
City of Des Moines
City of Indianola
City of Johnston
City of Norwalk
City of Perry
City of Pleasant Hill
City of Polk City
City of Urbandale
City of Waukee
City of West Des Moines
City of Windsor Heights
City of Winterset
Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA)
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO)
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance for Community Development
Metro Advisory Council
Mid-Iowa Association of Local Governments
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Region XII Council of Governments
Polk County Public Health
216
10
Polk County Public Works
Polk County Emergency Management
Polk County Conservation
Story County Conservation
Madison County Conservation
The planning team also reviewed relevant existing city, county, and regional plans while
developing the PCAP, including the City of Des Moines Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (ADAPT
DSM), the City of Ames Climate Action Plan, and each of the county hazard mitigation plans.
Additionally, prior to the CPRG award in August 2023, Polk County has participated in the
development of or reviewed numerous other plans and initiatives including, but not limited to, the
following:
Capital Crossroads Strategic Plan Update11
CIRTPA Long-Range Transportation Plan12
Here We Grow!13
Mobilizing Tomorrow 14
State of Iowa Drought Plan15
United Way of Central Iowa’s OpportUNITY Plan16
United Way of Iowa’s 2023 ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Restrained, Employed)
Report17
This PCAP has been aligned with the above plans and initiatives wherever possible.
OUTREACH SUMMARY
The Polk County planning team engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders during the PCAP
process. Due to the short timeline, engagement focused on connecting with “grasstop”
stakeholders. In this effort, Polk County met with staff and leadership from many organizations
and sectors that will be involved in the CPRG process, as well as the Board of Supervisors from
each of the seven participating Central Iowa counties. Once the CPRG Phase II guidance was
11 Capital Crossroads. (2024). Capital Crossroads Roadmap.
https://www.capitalcrossroadsvision.com/capitalcrossroadsroadmap/
12 Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance. (2020, May). Horizon Year 2040 Long-Range
Transportation Plan. https://cirtpadotorg.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/final-hy-2040-lrtp-cirtpa.pdf
13 Here We Grow! (n.d.). https://www.herewegrow.city/
14 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. (2019, November). Mobilizing Tomorrow 2020-2050: A
Transportation Plan for a Greener Greater Des Moines. https://dmampo.org/plan/mobilizing-tomorrow/
15 Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, & Iowa Department
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. (2023, January). Iowa Drought Plan.
https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/files/2023-iowa-drought-plan.pdf
16 United Way of Central Iowa. (2018, June 5). OpportUNITY Plan.
https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hubfs/Opportunity%20Plan%206.7.18%20lower%20res.pdf
17 United Ways of Iowa & United for ALICE. (2023). ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in
Iowa. https://www.uwiowa.org/sites/uwiowa/files/ALICE/23UFA_Report_Iowa_4.11.23_FINAL.pdf
217
11
released, Polk County built connections with all organizations involved in pursuing a CPRG
implementation grant.
Polk County also conducted a survey of city staff and leadership priorities for each community in
Central Iowa and released a public survey to garner feedback on initial wants and needs, as well
as interest in climate action and other sustainability issues. These surveys led to the
establishment of the “What’s Next, Central Iowa?” title for Central Iowa’s CPRG efforts, as there
were many differing viewpoints and lots of ideas, but little concerted effort towards one priority
over another. As such, the initial PCAP outreach will provide the basis for meaningful sustained
engagement during the CCAP and beyond.
Polk County educated stakeholders about CPRG and the PCAP process and asked for feedback
and ideas through:
Virtual large & small group stakeholder meetings;
One-on-one, large, and small group meetings;
An online form to submit potential PCAP measures;
A community-wide survey;
A survey of local government officials; and
A survey of programs that administer owner-occupied housing upgrade programs.
A summary of non-governmental stakeholders engaged during the PCAP process is listed below
in alphabetical order; see Appendix A for a detailed log of outreach and coordination with all
stakeholders.
1000 Friends of Iowa
AARP
BlueGreen Alliance
Center for Rural Affairs
Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Des Moines Film
Des Moines Area Community College
Drake University
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
Grow Solar Polk County
IMPACT Community Action Partnership
Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency
Iowa Business for Clean Energy
Iowa Environmental Council
Iowa Clean Cities Coalition
Iowa Labor Center
218
12
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Iowa State University
Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Midwest Climate Collaborative
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
MidAmerican Energy
Mud Camp Spring Creek Watershed Management Authority
Neighborhood Finance Corporation
New Opportunities, Inc.
Polk County Clean Energy District
Polk County Housing Trust Fund
Story County Housing Trust Fund
Transportation for America
Trees Forever
The Nature Conservancy
United Way
Urban Land Institute
Urban Sustainability Directors Network
Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority
Wells Fargo Foundation
Online Measure Submission Form
Polk County sent an online measure submission form to governmental and non-governmental
stakeholders in January 2024. It provided an opportunity for respondents to submit ideas for
measures to be included in the PCAP and asked for a description of the idea, GHG sector,
geographic scope, and implementation recommendations. Twenty-eight measure ideas were
submitted and considered for inclusion in the PCAP. Some elements were incorporated into the
PCAP. Other ideas will be saved for the CCAP planning process, during which the planning team
will have ample time for analysis and decision-making.
Community-Wide Survey
Polk County sent a survey to relevant partners (listed in the stakeholders list above and the
Outreach Log in Appendix A) across the planning area to gauge community interest in different
sustainability topics for CPRG. The survey was open from December 13 through December 31,
2023 and received 105 responses from Polk County, 16 responses from Story County, three
responses from Dallas County, and three responses from Warren County.
Respondents were asked what sustainability-related items interested them personally. Answers
and the number of times they were selected are listed below, starting with the item that was most
frequently selected:
1. Lower energy bills - 83
2. Cleaner water - 83
219
13
3. More renewable energy in my community - 69
4. Solar panels on my roof - 64
5. Less smoke in the summer skies - 62
6. More local and sustainable options when shopping - 54
7. More trees in my yard/neighborhood - 46
8. An electric vehicle and charging station – 31
9. New windows - 31
Local Government Survey
Polk County sent a survey to city managers, mayors, and clerks from municipalities across the
planning area to gauge interest in preliminary measure ideas. The survey was open from
November 10 to December 15, 2023.
The top six climate planning topics of interest were:
1. Transportation
2. Utilities (water, electric, natural gas, etc.)
3. Residential buildings
4. Commercial buildings
5. Community engagement
6. Waste management
While transportation and utilities were the top topics of interest for governmental staff, these two
areas were not chosen as priorities in the PCAP. Discussions with utilities have begun; however,
due to the short PCAP development timeline, there was not sufficient time for the discussions
needed to find solutions with energy utilities. There are numerous individual and collective
agreements in place between cities and their utilities that would need to be worked out. This topic
area will be discussed during the CCAP process.
Additionally, transportation was not selected as a priority for this plan due to the large amount of
transportation-related funding and training opportunities already available to the region.
Furthermore, when reviewing DMAMPO and CIRTPA’s long-range transportation plans, it is
apparent that political leadership as well as the public are not ready to make major moves in
transportation climate action. Transit, active transportation, electric vehicle infrastructure, etc. are
only minor pieces of each plan, and therefore will need much more discussion and outreach to
ensure these become significant elements of the agencies’ work.
Respondents were also asked about an example measure focused on increasing tree canopy.
Respondents generally felt that increasing canopy cover is a multi-beneficial method of
addressing GHG emissions that could have relatively easy buy-in from non-traditional partners.
Benefits like air quality improvement, stormwater retention, reduced cooling costs for buildings,
and neighborhood beautification are attractive to groups that might not otherwise be involved in
sustainability.
220
14
Appendix B is a summary of feedback on GHG reduction pathways received from partners during
the PCAP process. Because the PCAP cannot address everything in its six-month timeline, the
planning team created a matrix to document and score each of the proposed pathways using
FEMA’s STAPLEE evaluation criteria.18 The proposed GHG reduction pathways in Appendix B
are still priorities, but they require more discussion and/or do not fit the criteria of the CPRG
Implementation Grant. Therefore, they will be continued into the CCAP process rather than this
PCAP.
Additional Feedback
Polk County hosted two large virtual meetings on January 22 and February 8, 2024 that
provided 1.) an overview of CPRG and the PCAP process and 2.) time for in-depth group
discussions about the measure included in this PCAP. Attendees included local governments,
CAP agencies, housing trust funds, and other potential implementers and partner organizations.
High-level feedback included:
There is a high need for energy auditors and contractors to do residential energy
efficiency upgrades.
Existing weatherization programs typically serve households up to 80% area median
income (AMI), but funding is needed to serve households that are 80-100% AMI.
Residential efficiency and electrification programming should be aligned with existing
programs so that households experience a streamlined “one-stop shop”.
Future Outreach Plan
Polk County is committed to deepening its engagement with local governments, community-
based organizations, stakeholders, LIDAC residents, and residents of Central Iowa as the county
drafts a comprehensive climate action plan (CCAP) to be delivered in 2025 and a status update
on implementation of this PCAP and the CCAP in 2027.
Potential strategies for engagement with LIDACs and other communities during the PCAP
process are summarized below:
Online resources:
o Web page
o Email list
o Social media
o Portal for submitting ideas
o Community survey
Community meetings across the state with options for in-person, livestream, and video
conference participation;
Targeted outreach to known community-based organizations;
Working with trusted messengers (e.g., community-based organizations) to reach
residents who don’t typically participate in government-sponsored events;
18 FEMA. (2004, August). Using HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment: How-To Guide, 144-145.
https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/hazus/fema433.pdf
221
15
Push cards and flyers;
Attendance at established community events to disseminate information about climate
change/action and help community members provide input about individual sectors or
sustainability as a whole; and
Public comment period on the draft plan.
Strategies to Overcome Linguistic, Cultural, Institutional, Geographic, and
Other Barriers to Participation
During the PCAP process, large group virtual stakeholder meetings were held on Zoom to
overcome geographical barriers to participation and ensure that people from across the seven-
county region could participate. Closed captioning was available to Zoom meeting participants.
As described above, the bulk of Polk County’s engagement with members of LIDACs and other
residents will occur during the CCAP development process. During that process, the planning
team will provide ample opportunities to overcome barriers to participation, including, but not
limited to, hosting events and meetings in each of the seven counties, providing virtual options for
participation, providing interpretation and translation services when requested, and sharing online
and print resources developed with accessibility in mind.
Outreach and Coordination Documentation
Appendix A provides a log of interagency and intergovernmental coordination and stakeholder
and public engagement efforts associated with developing this PCAP.
222
16
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
A greenhouse gas emissions inventory (GHGI) accounts for all emissions within a defined
boundary throughout a calendar year. This GHGI uses data for the calendar year 2020 in Central
Iowa.
EMISSIONS SECTORS
Emissions are calculated by sector. Definitions for each sector are below.
Mobile combustion: The combustion of fuels to power a moving vehicle, such as gasoline
or diesel fuel in a car or truck.
Electricity generation from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases CO2
and other GHGs.
Urban forestry involves the assessment of carbon sequestration and emissions
associated with trees and vegetation in urban areas. Trees absorb CO2 through
photosynthesis, helping to offset emissions from other sources. (This sector is called “land
use, land-use change, and forestry” under international inventory protocols.19)
Agriculture and land management activities include an assessment of emissions from
the use of synthetic fertilizers. Additional land management practices such as livestock
production, deforestation, land use changes, and soil management can release
substantial amounts of CO2 and other GHGs, but those practices were not included in this
PCAP inventory.
Stationary combustion: The on-site combustion of fuels to produce electricity, heat, or
motor power using equipment in a fixed location.
Solid waste emissions refer to greenhouse gases released during the decomposition of
organic waste in landfills, as well as emissions from waste treatment and disposal
processes.
Wastewater treatment involves the management and treatment of domestic and
industrial wastewater. The treatment process can release CH4 and N2O, both potent
GHGs.
EMISSIONS BY SECTOR
Calculations for this GHGI are based on community-wide
data from 2020, the most recent year for which sufficient data
was available. To provide consistency across jurisdictions,
data was obtained from high-confidence data sets from
government sources and supplemented with data obtained
directly from emitting agencies. Additional data sources,
details, and methodology are provided in Appendices C and
D.
For a quick view of GHG emissions by sector for Central Iowa, see Table 2 below.
19 United Nations Climate Change. (n.d.) Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF)
https://unfccc.int/topics/land-use/workstreams/land-use--land-use-change-and-forestry-lulucf
92% of Central Iowa GHG
emissions come from
Electricity Use, Mobile
Combustion, and Stationary
Combustion
223
17
Table 2. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Sector, 2020 (mt CO2e)
Source/Sector Residential
Commercial
/Institutional Industrial
GHG
emissions
(mt CO2e)
Percent
of Total
Stationary
Combustion 951,624 1,063,521 663,407 2,678,552 22%
Mobile Combustion 2,277,031 2,129,655 3,564,470 30%
Solid Waste 137,821 137,821 1%
Wastewater 250,507 250,507 2%
Electricity Use 1,245,917 2,636,739 888,705 4,771,361 40%
Ag & Land
Management 569,335 569,335 5%
Urban Forestry -172,095 -172,095 -1%
Total (Gross
Emissions) 4,474,573 5,376,027 2,121,447 11,972,047 100%
Total (Net Emissions) 4,302,478 5,376,027 2,121,447 11,799,952 100%
Data from Table 2 is presented in chart format in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Sector, 2020
Though CO2 is not the most potent greenhouse gas, it is the most prolific. Figure 5, below,
shows Central Iowa emissions by source gas, with CO 2 emissions far exceeding the proportion
of emissions from CH4 or N2O.
-1,000,000
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
Residential Commercial/Institutional Industrial
Em
i
s
s
i
o
n
s
(
m
t
C
O
2e)
Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Sector, 2020
Stationary Combustion Mobile Combustion
Solid Waste Wastewater Treatment
Electricity - Location Based Ag & Land Management
Urban Forestry
224
18
Figure 5. Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Gas, 2020
-1,000,000
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
Stationary
Combustion
Mobile
Combustion
Solid Waste Wastewater
Treatment
Electricity -
Location
Based
Ag & Land
Management
Urban
Forestry
Em
i
s
s
i
o
n
s
(
m
t
C
O
2e)
Central Iowa GHG Emissions by Source/Gas, 2020
CO2 CH4 N2O
225
19
Priority Measure and Implementation Strategies
As described in the outreach and coordination section of this plan, Polk County conducted
extensive outreach and received many ideas to reduce GHGs as part of the “What’s Next, Central
Iowa?” planning process. This section details a measure that pulls together a suite of these ideas
that collectively reduce residential home energy use for low-income Central Iowans. This measure
is not exhaustive of Central Iowa’s priorities. Instead, the measure included in this PCAP was
selected because it met the following criteria:
The measure is implementation-ready, meaning that the design work for the policy,
program, or project is complete enough that a full scope of work and budget can be
included in a CPRG implementation grant application.
The measure can be completed in the near term, meaning that all funds will be expended
and the project completed within the five-year performance period for the CPRG
implementation grants.
Polk County will continue to engage with governmental entities, community-based organizations,
and other stakeholders to expand upon and collect additional ideas for measures to include in its
CCAP.
MEASURE SUMMARY
Measure
Reduce home fossil energy use and increase carbon sequestration through residential efficiency
and ecosystem services for low-income households.
Implementation Strategies
Expand upon existing energy audit and weatherization programs to increase low-income
households served and provide additional incentives for energy efficiency, electrification,
renewable energy, and ecosystem services offerings.
Fund energy auditor and contractor training and certification programs, including outreach to
recruit prospective contractors.
Conduct neighborhood assessments of LIDACs and plant diverse native trees and shrubs to
sequester carbon and reduce heat island effects.
Partner with workforce organizations and institutions of higher learning on training programs
for energy audits and follow-up services.
Cumulative GHG Emissions Reductions
See Appendices E and F for the methodology, assumptions used, and other details about the
GHG emission reduction calculations.
2025 – 2030: 18,007 mt CO2e
2025 – 2050: 138,053 mt CO2e
226
20
MEASURE DETAILS
As noted in the introduction, Central Iowa is already experiencing increasingly extreme
temperatures, severe and intense wind and storm events, and long-lasting drought conditions. As
Central Iowans weather extreme temperatures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
(HVACs) within homes are under major stress as they try to keep up with the need for interior
climate controls. Extended HVAC use increases cost and consumption of energy in nearly every
household. Additionally, wind, hail, and intense storms have made a significant physical and fiscal
impact on Central Iowa in recent years, leaving behind damaged property and an influx of
insurance claims to homes and automobiles.20
Due to this increase in extreme events and associated costs, Central Iowa will build off existing
weatherization and energy efficiency work conducted by city, county, and regional organizations.
Polk County will establish further funding and incentives for energy efficiency, electrification,
renewable energy, and ecosystem service offerings that specifically focus on low-income
households and LIDAC census block groups. At present, there are programs available to low-
income Central Iowans that require a home energy audit as a pre-requisite. However, the existing
programs are woefully underfunded and unable to keep up with the increasingly large demand for
assistance. Implementing this measure will increase the number of homes that can be audited
and retrofitted, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs in low-income households.
Furthermore, this measure includes neighborhood assessments in LIDACs to inform delivery of
ecosystem services in the urban setting, such as planting of native trees and shrubs to replace
trees lost to recent storm events, like the August 2020 derecho. As benefit multipliers, these
neighborhood-wide tree and shrub plantings will provide shade for homes and streets, thereby
reducing urban heat island stresses and creating more walkable spaces, increasing biodiversity
and habitat, and increasing carbon sequestration capacity year over year.
This measure’s implementation will go beyond typical weatherization processes and aim to
increase the number of homes with electrical capacity such that low-income households could
add electric vehicle charging, electrified appliances, and/or solar as those technologies become
more accessible and economically feasible. This measure aims to break down barriers to adopting
low- and no-carbon practices where possible for low-income households.
To ensure success of this measure, Central Iowa will expand energy auditor and contractor
capacity by directly providing training opportunities through CPRG efforts and connecting into
training and professional development programs that the State of Iowa or other partners are
currently developing.
Sectors associated with this measure include residential electricity use and natural and working
lands. The measure will be implemented in all Central Iowa counties covered in this PCAP (Dallas,
Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Polk, Story, and Warren).
20 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Iowa Summary.
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/IA.
227
21
MAJOR FEATURES
This measure has been developed and will be implemented as a partnership between a
centralized coordinating agency, Polk County, and regional and local government housing and
community development agencies.
Centralized Marketing and Outreach with Localized Administration
Polk County is aware that what works in urban areas of Central Iowa may not be advantageous
in rural areas. Therefore, Polk County will develop centralized marketing materials through the
CCAP process and make those available to all participating agencies for their use and
localization. As Polk County seeks to ensure relevant material is available throughout the region
and process, they anticipate regularly convening administrators and working with coordinating
agencies to localize program offerings and administrative processes and bring any needs to
partners for discussion and action.
Home Energy Audits and Services Selection
The program will expand existing home energy efficiency audit programs to include additional
electrical and ecosystem service capacity checks at no cost to participants. To qualify for an audit
and services, households must be approved for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) or earn at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is consistent with
state protocols and many of the local programs within this sector. When complete, auditors will
submit their findings to the program administrators. The program administrator will use audit
results to produce a curated list of additional reduced-cost service offerings, including
expectations for service delivery timing and participant costs. Polk County continues to explore
opportunities to ensure this program has navigators that will help participants receive a smooth
process and delivery from start to finish.
Program service offerings may include, but are not limited to:
Energy efficiency upgrades
o Energy-efficient appliances
o Insulation
o Windows
o Smart thermostats
o Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
o Smart irrigation
Renewables and Electrification
o Electric panel upgrades
o Residential electric vehicle infrastructure
o Solar tubes & other passive lighting
o Small-scale renewables (e.g., solar water heater)
Ecosystem Services
o Native tree & shrub planting
The administrator will coordinate the delivery of service offerings selected by audit participants.
Delivery methods will prioritize full-cost coverage for participants but will continue to seek
228
22
pathways to incorporate available rebates, cost-share programs, and batch-and-build methods to
deliver energy efficiency and capacity benefits to as many households as possible.
Furthermore, Polk County and partners will continue to monitor the release of details on additional
grants for LIDAC residents and tap into those resources where possible to maximize funding
efficiencies. Polk County anticipates service delivery will be aligned and coordinated with existing
programs, including weatherization and home rehabilitation, and will work to form public-private
partnerships to increase reach and impact.
Neighborhood Native Trees and Shrubs Assessment and Plantings
The program administrator will coordinate assessments of LIDAC neighborhoods to determine
whether such communities would benefit from plantings of native trees and plants. The
administrator will obtain consent from residents to plant native trees and shrubs to reduce home
energy needs and mitigate urban heat island effects. Native trees and shrubs will be planted and
maintained in cooperation with local partners and technical experts, and where possible, in
accordance with local urban forest master plans.
Workforce Development
Throughout this PCAP process and measure development, workforce has been the number one
discussion topic, specifically in regards to qualified contractors and energy auditors. Polk County
has worked with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Iowa Labor Center, labor
unions, and other agencies to determine how to rectify this need. That work includes, but is not
limited to, determining what competencies and courses are already available through DMACC
that might need retooling to meet the needs of this proposed measure.
Additionally, Polk County has identified funding sources—including the Training for Residential
Energy Contractors, or TREC program— which may soon be available to develop trainings at the
state-level. The county will continue to explore options and collaborate with partners to determine
which agency will lead collective workforce development efforts, as well as where new energy
positions stemming from this program could be employed. Again, Polk County will work to develop
public-private partnerships to ensure cohesive action throughout the region.
Polk County will continue to partner with local, regional, and state government organizations and
institutions of higher learning to create and provide energy auditor and contractor training,
certification, and professional development programs. Furthermore, all agencies involved in this
measure are willing to be involved in outreach to recruit prospective contractors and auditors to
the varying degrees their agencies have capacity and connection.
MEASURE EVALUATION & MAINTENANCE
Polk County anticipates convening the partner administering organizations at least once a year
to evaluate whether any changes to implementation guidance, coordination mechanisms, or the
audit addendum form are needed and to incorporate lessons learned and best practices from
implementation.
229
23
TASKS AND MILESTONES
Table 3. Tasks and Milestones
Task # Task Description Anticipated Milestones
1 Pursue and receive implementation funding. Spring - Fall 2024
2 Enter funding agreements with local and
regional implementers. Fall 2024
3 Community engagement around measure
implementation administration specifics Fall 2024
4
Produce implementation guidance and an
energy audit addendum form that assesses the
feasibility of the additional service offerings
available under this measure.
Winter 2024
5
Coordinate with volunteer organizations and
institutions of higher learning to establish
training and apprenticeship programs.
Winter 2024
6 Measure implementation (audits, services, and
workforce training)
January 2025 – December 2029 or
beyond if additional funding is secured
EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES
Expected outputs include:
Approximately 1674 low-income households audited and weatherized, with at least 49%
of serviced homes located in LIDACs
New auditors trained and certified
New contractors trained
Energy savings in therms, gallons, and MWh in low-income households
o See the GHG calculation spreadsheet for savings estimates
More than 35,000 native trees and shrubs planted in LIDACs
Expected outcomes include:
Cumulative GHG emissions reduced or sequestered:
o 2025 – 2030: 18,007 mt CO2e
o 2025 – 2050: 138,053 mt CO2e
Reduced air pollutant emissions
Reduced energy cost burdens
Reduced urban heat island effects
Increased LIDAC access to energy efficiency & technology
Increased energy auditing and efficiency workforce capacity
230
24
RISKS
Table 4. Measure Risks & Mitigation Strategies
Risk Effect on GHG emission
reductions Mitigation strategies
Insufficient energy auditor
and contractor capacity for
additional home audits and
service offerings. Existing
weatherization and retrofit
programs have expressed a
need for additional auditor
and contractor capacity.
Insufficient capacity could
create delays in delivering
program offerings. Any delay
could reduce near-term
cumulative GHG emission
reductions.
Provide funding for energy
contractor training and
certification programs,
including outreach to recruit
prospective contractors. If
such funding is unnecessary
due to other available
programs, like TREC, any
implementation funding
allocated to this area will be
reallocated pro-rata to
weatherization and ecosystem
services projects.
Partner with Green Iowa
AmeriCorps and University of
Northern Iowa students on
energy audits, neighborhood
assessments, and follow-up
services
Participant costs not covered
by program incentives may
present a barrier to uptake of
the full suite of offerings that
could reduce household
energy use.
Some households will be
interested in additional
upgrades and services that
would be above the cap per
household.
Limited uptake could reduce
the ability of the program to
capture all potential near-
and long-term cumulative
GHG emission reductions.
Partner with community
development financial
institutions to provide low-
interest financing for
participant costs not covered
by the program.
Partner with municipal utilities
to provide opportunities for
“pay as you save” financing
on utility bills.
231
25
TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
Implementing this measure will create transformative impacts that lead to significant additional
GHG emission reductions for low-income households and neighborhoods. The implementation
strategy described above would increase energy auditor and contractor capacity to reach more
homes than are currently served by existing programs. “Make-ready” offerings like the electric
panel upgrade and residential electric vehicle charging infrastructure will enable households to
more easily invest in electric vehicles, electrified appliances, and residential solar in the future—
choices that can reduce their carbon footprint beyond what can be achieved under this measure.
Further, administrators would also connect participants with other existing financing and grant
programs for home energy services that can boost uptake and GHG reduction beyond the initial
implementation goals of this measure. The measure is scalable and can be replicated by
communities across the United States.
232
26
Need for Funding and Intersection with Other
Funding Availability
Cities, counties, regional agencies, and other organizations across Central Iowa receive state and
federal funding to administer various programs that fund weatherization, energy efficiency, and/or
home rehabilitation upgrades for owner-occupied single-family homes. (See Appendix G for a
summary of programs that relate to this measure.) However, these programs do not meet the
existing need. For example, the Polk County weatherization program has a waitlist of more than
9,000 households; the New Opportunities, Inc. weatherization program has a waitlist of more than
3,000 households; and the IMPACT Community Action Partnership weatherization program has
a waitlist of hundreds of households. Statewide, the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance
Program approves approximately 80,000 applications, but only 2,000 of these can be served each
year based on current funding levels.21
Agencies carrying out these programs in Central Iowa were asked to participate in the
development of this measure. In addition to in-depth discussions about measure delivery, they
were surveyed regarding their offerings, barriers, and needs. More than 12,500 homes are
currently waitlisted in the region, and less than 600 are completed each year at current funding
and staffing levels. Polk County and all coordinating agencies acknowledge additional funding
and capacity is needed to reduce low-income household energy burdens, increase staffing levels,
and reduce emissions in Central Iowa. This measure aims to ensure all three.
Table 5, below, describes the funding sources that cities, counties, regional agencies, and the
State of Iowa have secured or are pursuing that would complement this measure and associated
workforce development.
21 Iowa Health & Human Services. (2024, February 9). Weatherization Assistance FAQ.
https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/weatherization/faq.
233
27
Table 5. Existing Funding Sources
Funding Program Funding
Entity Description Gaps
Existing Funding Sources
Weatherization
Assistance
Program (WAP)
U.S.
Department of
Energy
State of Iowa (hereafter, “State”) passes
WAP funding through to local
Community Action Agencies (CAAs).
WAP funds can only be used for cost-effective
upgrades, which wouldn’t fund the electric
panel upgrades, EV chargers, and other
provisions.
CAAs have long waitlists for current
weatherization services.
The programs have a 200% FPL income cap.
LIHEAP22
U.S.
Department of
Health &
Human
Services
Provides energy bill assistance to low-
income households. State passes
funding through to CAAs. LIHEAP
applications inform weatherization
program lists and indicate the high level
of need.
Cannot be used to implement projects.
CAP agencies have long waitlists.
The programs have a 200% FPL income cap.
Community
Development
Block
Grant Program23
U.S.
Department
of Housing
and Urban
Development
Provides formula funding to states and
local governments to provide decent
housing and support low-moderate-
income households. Eligible activities
can include rehabilitation of residential
and non-residential structures and
energy conservation and renewable
energy resources.
Not typically used for extensive energy
efficiency or electrification upgrades
Not available to cities under 50,000 or counties
under 200,000 residents
22 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap.
23 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Community Development Block Grant Program.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg.
234
28
USDA Housing
Preservation
Grants24
U.S.
Department of
Agriculture
Region XII Council of Governments
used this to fund repair/rehabilitation of
housing owned or occupied by low-
income rural citizens in Dallas and
Guthrie counties. Can be used to
replace insulation, electrical wiring, and
heating systems.
Can only be used for areas considered rural by
USDA.
Out of the counties included in the planning
area, this has only been used in Dallas and
Guthrie County.
National Housing
Trust Fund25
&
State Housing
Trust Fund26
U.S.
Department
of Housing
and Urban
Development
State of Iowa
Local Housing Trust Funds (LHTF)
receive funding from the IFA to develop
or preserve affordable housing.
Services include rental assistance,
home repair, and homelessness
assistance.
Most LHTFs focus their spending on critical
household rehabilitation needs, rather than
energy efficiency, renewable energy, or
electrification services.
Some LHTFs have a spending cap per
household (e.g., Story County limited owner-
occupied rehab costs up to $15,000 per
household).
In most cases, households must be at or below
80% AMI.
Pending Funding Sources
Inflation Reduction
Act Home Energy
Rebates27
U.S.
Department of
Energy
Funded by the IRA, the Home Efficiency
Rebates and Home Electrification and
Appliance Rebates will be administered
by the State and fund efficiency and
electrification upgrades for single- and
multi-family households.
The State is still in the process of designing
these rebates. Historically, rebates have
been less accessible to low-income and
ALICE populations because they cannot
afford the due to upfront costs of the
product/action/measure.28
24 U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Development. (n.d.). Housing Preservation Grants. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-
programs/housing-preservation-grants.
25 Iowa Finance Authority. (n.d.). National Housing Trust Fund. https://www.iowafinance.com/programs-for-property-developers/national-housing-trust-fund/.
26 Iowa Finance Authority. (n.d.). State Housing Trust Fund. https://www.iowafinance.com/state-housing-trust-fund/.
27 Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Program. (n.d.). Home Energy Rebates Program. https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-
rebates-programs.
28 United Ways of Iowa & United for ALICE. (2023). ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Iowa.
https://www.uwiowa.org/sites/uwiowa/files/ALICE/23UFA_Report_Iowa_4.11.23_FINAL.pdf
235
29
State-Based Home
Energy Efficiency
Contractor
Training Grants
(alt. title: TREC)29
U.S.
Department of
Energy
The Iowa Economic Development
Authority will provide contractor training
on energy auditing and the proper
installation of high energy efficient
equipment and energy-saving practices.
The State of Iowa will receive $2.19 million
for statewide work through TREC formula
funding.
The need for auditors and contractors in
Central Iowa is high.
Energy Efficiency
Revolving Loan
Fund Capitalization
Grant Program30
U.S.
Department of
Energy
Program will provide a capitalization
grant to the State to establish a
revolving loan fund (RLF) to provide
loans and grants for energy efficiency
audits, upgrades, and retrofits. Awards
anticipated spring 2024.
The State of Iowa is planning to use the
funding for energy efficiency upgrades and
retrofits for commercial buildings and
multifamily housing, so this will not provide
funding for the residential upgrades.
Energy Efficiency
and Conservation
Block Grants31
U.S.
Department of
Energy
Several cities in Central Iowa and the
State of Iowa received EECBG formula
funding. The State is using its funds for
two competitive grant programs. The
Community Fund focuses on energy
efficiency retrofits in communities that
are not eligible to receive a direct
EECBG allocation, while the Innovation
Fund allows innovative projects with
either an energy efficiency or renewable
energy focus at local governments,
nonprofits, and for-profit entities.
It is not yet known what specific projects will
be funded through the state grant
programs.
29 Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Program. (n.d.). State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants.
https://www.energy.gov/scep/state-based-home-energy-efficiency-contractor-training-grants.
30 Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Program. (n.d.). Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program.
https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-revolving-loan-fund-capitalization-grant-program.
31 Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Program. (n.d.). Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants.
https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program.
236
30
Review of Authority to Implement
County, city, and regional government agencies in Central Iowa have existing authority to
implement the strategies outlined in this measure.
237
31
Low-Income and Disadvantaged Community
Analysis
Implementing this PCAP will significantly benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities
(LIDACs). This section identifies each LIDAC within the jurisdiction covered by this PCAP, how
Polk County and its partners meaningfully engaged with LIDACs in developing this PCAP, and
how Polk County and its partners will continue to engage with LIDACs in the future.
IDENTIFICATION OF AND ENGAGEMENT WITH LIDACS
Climate change impacts will affect all communities in Central Iowa. Polk County recognizes the
disproportionate impacts that climate change has had and will have on its low-income and
disadvantaged community members. Polk County has utilized the following resources to identify
and analyze the anticipated benefits and potential disbenefits of each priority measure on its
LIDACs:
EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJScreen Version
2.2)32: a mapping database that utilizes both environmental impacts and socio-economic
impacts to identify the highest intersection of low-income populations, people of color,
and a given environmental indicator. EJScreen provides thirteen environmental
indicators, including air pollutants, water pollutants, toxic elements and chemicals, and
hazardous waste.
o The EJScreen tool also features an EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities map
layer that allows for a combined view of both datasets. Specifically, the purpose
of the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities map is to allow potential funding
applicants to determine whether a community is disadvantaged for the purposes
of implementing programs under the IRA.
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST)33: another mapping tool
that identifies environmental, health, and social-economic burdens by census tract. The
CEJST allowed Polk County to supplement its LIDAC identification and analysis to ensure
broad consideration of how the priority measures will affect LIDACs’ resilience and
response to unprecedented environmental effects.
Figure 6, below, is a map of Central Iowa census block groups that are designated as
disadvantaged according to the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities map.
32 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2023 version. EJScreen. Retrieved: February 1, 2024, from
https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/
33 Council on Environmental Quality. (2022, November). Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.
https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5.
238
32
Figure 6. IRA Disadvantaged Communities in Central Iowa34
Note. IRA disadvantaged census block groups are designated in pink.
This PCAP and the measure recommended within are wholly centered around climate equity. The
measures focus on serving low-income Central Iowans to reduce their energy burdens and
achieve a greater quality of life. Throughout this PCAP process, Polk County engaged with many
community-based organizations representing LIDAC residents throughout Central Iowa. A full list
of those organizations can be found in the Outreach and Coordination Section.
Polk County will continue to deepen its community conversations and engagement as it moves
toward planning for a CCAP to be delivered in 2025 and a status update on implementation of
this PCAP and the CCAP in 2027. See the Outreach and Coordination section and Appendix A
34 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2023 version. EJScreen. Retrieved: February 1, 2024, from
https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/
239
33
for a record of outreach activities, a summary of input received during the PCAP engagement
process, and a plan for deeper engagement with LIDACs during the CCAP process.
IMPACT OF PCAP IMPLEMENTATION ON LIDACS
Appendix H lists the LIDAC census block groups in Central Iowa anticipated to be affected by
each priority measure included in this PCAP. Anticipated benefits or potential disbenefits
associated with measure implementation are summarized in this section.
Anticipated Benefits and Disbenefits of PCAP Implementation
Implementing strategies outlined in this PCAP will provide residential energy efficiency,
electrification, and ecosystem services that will reduce home energy bills, improve resiliency, and
mitigate heat island effects in Central Iowa for low-income households and neighborhoods. The
services provided will fill a significant gap that Central Iowa’s weatherization service providers
and energy efficiency rebate programs cannot currently meet due to limited resources and
capacity.
The offerings will be stackable and allow residents with lower incomes to identify and pursue the
services that best fit their needs, with expert guidance from home energy auditors. Given that
household heating, cooling, and powering account for around 20% of the country’s energy-related
GHG emissions, implementation of this PCAP will produce significant benefits both at the
individual and community level for thousands of Iowans whose needs have not yet been met
through existing programs.35
Most notably, implementation will help low-income residents reduce their energy consumption
and save money. For example, services such as insulation upgrades, air leakage reduction, and
window upgrades will directly reduce the amount of energy that can escape homes due to old or
original infrastructure. In turn, such services will also reduce residents’ energy bills and increase
comfort because they will no longer need to overheat or overcool their home in response to air
leaks. Furthermore, a decrease in individual residential energy use will reduce the grid’s overall
energy demand. Throughout the year, energy demand peaks in response to extreme weather
conditions; peaks are further exacerbated by inefficient residential energy use, whether intentional
or not. Providing energy efficiency services to residential homes will support a more reliable and
resilient grid, even during extreme weather conditions.
Electrification of household appliances will result in healthier homes for Iowans. Gas stoves and
ovens, water heaters, furnaces, and dryers that rely on fossil fuel combustion have all been known
to emit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), PM 2.5, and
formaldehyde, which can cause and exacerbate health issues like respiratory diseases,
35 Goldstein, B., Gounaridis, D., & Newell, J. P. (2020). The carbon footprint of household energy use in the United
States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(32). 19122–19130.
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1922205117.
240
34
neurological disabilities, and cardiovascular complications.36 Replacing these appliances with
fully electrified versions will reduce indoor air pollution and improve household health.
In addition to household benefits, PCAP implementation will also promote community health and
economic sustainability. Notably, ecosystem services such as planting native trees and shrubs
will enhance green spaces within the community, which has a proven benefit on individual mental
health and overall well-being.37 Furthermore, trees within neighborhoods provide shade for
cooling bodies and homes, create more walkable streets which can further enhance GHG
reductions as alternative transportation options become more viable and appealing, and decrease
the amount of stormwater runoff during weather events which, increasing community resilience
as storms continue to intensify.
Additionally, implementation of the PCAP will directly incentivize the creation of new, well-paying
clean energy jobs through increased demand for energy auditors, engineers, appliance installers,
etc. Overall, the services allow residents to make clean energy decisions that meet their needs.
By providing these services, Polk County will be able to promote GHG emissions reductions,
efficient energy usage, individual and community health, local economic sustainability, and more,
all while providing experiential education around clean energy and household energy efficiency
for the benefit of the community and generations to come.
36 Tan Y.A. & Jung, B. (2021). Decarbonizing Homes Improving Health in Low-Income Communities through
Beneficial Electrification. RMI. 15-16. https://passivehousenetwork.org/wp-
content/uploads/2022/11/RMI_Decarbonizing_Homes_Report-_2021.pdf.
37 Lee, A. C., Jordan, H. C., & Horsley, J. (2015). Value of urban green spaces in promoting healthy living and
wellbeing: prospects for planning. Risk management and healthcare policy. (8). 131–137.
https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S61654.
241
35
Conclusion
This PCAP is the first deliverable under the CPRG planning grant awarded to Polk County. Polk
County and its partners will continue planning, engagement, and action to reduce emissions;
invest in sustainable infrastructure, technologies, and practices; build our economy; and enhance
the quality of life in Central Iowa. In 2025, Polk County will publish a CCAP that establishes
equitable and sustainable economic development strategies that reduce emissions across all
sectors. The CCAP will include near- and long-term emissions projections, a suite of emission
reduction measures, a robust analysis of measure benefits, plans to leverage federal funding, and
a workforce planning analysis. In 2027, Polk County will publish a status report that details
implementation progress for measures included in the PCAP and CCAP, any relevant updates to
PCAP and CCAP analyses, and next steps and future budget and staffing needs to continue
implementation of CCAP measures.
If you have questions about this PCAP or suggestions for the upcoming CCAP and status report,
contact Polk County's Sustainability Planner and CPRG Project Lead, Allison van Pelt, at
sustainability@polkcountyiowa.gov.
242
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Renee Hall, City Clerk
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Third reading and adoption
Item No. 37
MEMO
Attached and presented for third reading and adoption is ORDINANCE NO. 4523
amending Chapter 28 Section 28.106 of Ames Municipal Code regarding Commercial
Electric Vehicle Charging Rate.
ATTACHMENT(S):
ORD 4523 Electric_Vehicle_Chrg_Rate.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
243
(3)Definitions:
(a)Premium Energy Hours: Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00
am and 9:00 pm, excluding federally observed Holidays:
(b)Economy Energy Hours: All remaining hours
(c)Billing Demand:
The “billing demand” shall be the greater greatest of:
(i)The peak fifteen (15) minute demand measured between 3:00 p.m. and
8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the premium hours of the current monthly billing period;
(ii)Thirty percent (30%) of the peak fifteen (15) minute demand measured
during all other the economy hours of the current monthly billing period;
…
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2024.
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
ORDINANCE NO. 4523
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING
SECTION 28.106 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
AMENDING COMMERICAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING RATE REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Section 28.106 as follows:
“Sec. 28.106. COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING RATE.
…
(2)Intent: Electric Services is a summer peaking electric utility, and as such, the The cost to
deliver electricity is generally most expensive during hours of greatest demand. The utility benefits when
large electric users reduce their demand during these times. A time-of-day rate is a pricing strategy
whereby Electric Services may vary the price of electricity depending on the time-of-day it is delivered to
the customer. Energy pricing can encourage the customer to use electricity during times of low demand and
discourage use during the peak times of the day. Time-of-day pricing allows Electric Services to better
control costs and mitigate any negative system impacts related to times of peak demand. Additionally,
offering off-peak rates encourages broader adoption of electric vehicles by allowing low-cost, off-peak
energy for customer vehicle charging.
244
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Renee Hall, City Clerk
Date:March 26, 2024
Subject:Third reading and adoption
Item No. 38
MEMO
Attached and presented for third reading and adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 4524 to
Ames Municipal Code Chapter 29 (ZONING ORDINANCE) to allow Two-Family
(DUPLEX) Dwellings in Single Family and Other Residential Zoning Districts.
ATTACHMENT(S):
ORD 4524 ZTA for Two-Family_Dwellings_2.5.24 (1).pdf
Memo - Legislative Update Pertaining to Ord. 4524.docx
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
245
ORDINANCE NO. 4524
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 29, ZONING,
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING TWO-FAMILY (DUPLEX)
DWELLINGS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; REPEALING ANY
AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Chapter 29, Zoning, as follows:
“CHAPTER 29, ZONING
* * *
Sec. 29.201. DEFINITIONS.
* * *
(104 ) If Preexisting means having been established pursuant to a City of Ames Zoning permit of record
prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
** *
(XXX) Near Campus Neighborhoods means certain neighborhoods near Iowa State University, as
designated by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
* * *
Sec. 29.406 OFF-STREET PARKING.
** *
(10)Driveways.
** *
(b) Additional driveways.
** *
(iii) New construction of a Two-Family Dwelling may have a second driveway approved by the
Planning and Housing Director subject to size and appearances standards of Sec. 29.410 and
all other specifications and spacing requirements, including conformance with all driveways
design specifications including but not limited to widths, flares, sidewalk slope, and separation
from other driveways (e.g. five feet) and property lines in accordance with the Driveway
Manual.
** *
246
Sec. 29.410. SIZE AND APPEARANCE DETACHED OF DWELLINGS.
(1) Detached Dwellings.
All non-attached dwelling structures of any kind located outside the RLP Zone, shall meet the following
minimum standards:
(a) (1) The principal portion or main body of the principal structure shall have a width and length of
not less than 20 feet.
(b) (2) The siding of any dwelling unit shall consist of wood, simulated wood siding (to include
horizontal lapped steel, vinyl, or aluminum siding), brick, stone, stucco or concrete and,
furthermore, shall not have an appearance or condition incompatible with conserving the market
value and beneficial use and enjoyment of adjacent buildings, as determined by the person
responsible for zoning administration. Any person aggrieved by that determination may appeal to
the Zoning Board of Adjustment as by law provided.
(2) Two-Family (Duplex) Dwellings.
(a) Where Permitted. Pre-existing Two-Family Dwellings are a defined use within zoning district use
tables. Remodeling and additions to Pre-existing Two-Family Dwellings are not subject to the
requirements of this section. New construction of a Two-family Dwelling is permitted within
specified zoning districts subject to compliance with the zoning standards and compatibility criteria
of this section. New construction is for a wholly new Two-Family Dwelling and does not allow for
the conversion of, or addition to, an existing single-family dwelling to create two units.
(b) Near Campus Neighborhoods. The minimum lot size for new construction of a two-family
dwelling is 10,000 square feet. See also Chapter 13, Rental Code, limitations for occupancy of
newly constructed dwellings based upon bedroom room counts established in 2018.
(c) Parking.
(i) A minimum of one garage parking space shall be provided per unit. A total of two parking
spaces per unit is required.
(ii) If creating a parking lot of more than four spaces, landscape buffering is required [see Sec.
29.403(2)(h)].
(d) Entrances, Design, and Orientation.
(i) The primary entrance for at least one of the units shall be on the primary façade or on a recessed
façade that is not substantially set back from the primary facade, e.g. by no more than 12 feet.
(ii) When both entrances face the street on the primary façade, the Two-Family Dwelling shall be
designed to have the appearance of two identifiable separate units in terms of materials and
architectural elements.
(iii) Dwelling units may be located side-by-side, in tandem (second unit behind front unit), or
stacked.
(e) Windows and Transparency. The principal and recessed facade calculated together shall include
a minimum solid to void ratio of 15%.
(f) Building Materials. Requirements of Section 1(b) above apply.
(g) Neighborhood Compatibility.
Approval of a Two-Family Dwelling requires a determination that the architectural design and
layout of the site are designed to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood’s design
247
character for height, orientation, and architectural design elements. Compatible means designed in
a similar manner to the representative style of the area or includes features of the representative
style and layout to be harmonious with the character of the block face.
In established neighborhoods, compatibility of new construction is achieved by incorporating a
prevalent architectural style and/or incorporating prevalent features currently existing on the block
face. The compatibility determination begins by first evaluating the block face to determine if a
uniform architectural style is present among the single-family homes and/or if prevalent styles exist
in the treatment of garage placement, roof design, primary entries, and windows. The block face
includes all properties facing one side of a street in a block. For short blocks with few examples,
relevant homes for evaluation may also include properties adjacent to the site that are not on the
block face.
Neighborhood “style” varies among neighborhoods depending upon the year of construction. For
developing neighborhoods where a style has not been established, any combination of compatible
elements may be approved for a new Two-Family Dwelling.
(i) Orientation of Garage and Driveway Placement. Within established neighborhoods, there are
three typical garage/driveway patterns that may emerge and be applied to a project:
a) A flush or nearly flush front-loaded garage accompanied by a driveway width that typically
does not exceed 20 feet (most predominant pattern). For this pattern, garages that protrude
from the front façade are not allowed, unless it can be documented that this pattern is
existing and prevalent on the street block. A street-facing garage door(s) shall not exceed
50 percent of the total front façade width.
b) An attached or detached garage located at the rear of the house or in the rear yard
accompanied by a driveway usually along one side of the house. For this pattern, locate the
garage at the rear of the Two-Family Dwelling or as a detached garage in the rear yard.
Alternatively, the garage may be located a minimum of 18 feet from the front façade of the
Two-Family Dwelling.
c) An attached or detached garage located at the rear of the house or in the rear yard accessed
from an alley. For this pattern, garages shall be located either at the rear of the Two-Family
Dwelling or as a detached garage in the rear yard. Any new driveway shall be constructed
with access only from the alley.
In all areas, side loading and rear placed garages are allowed, as long as other required standards
are met. Additionally, detached garages shall comply with the accessory building regulations
described in Sec. 29.408(7), for allowable setbacks, maximum size, driveways, and maximum
building height.
(ii) Roof Design. Incorporate prevalent roof forms from the block face evaluation that represent
compatible features, such as hipped roofs, gables, and dormers.
(iii) Entrances. Incorporate prevalent entrance features from the block face evaluation that represent
compatible features, such as porches, stoops, sidelights.
(iv) Windows and Transparency. Incorporate window styles and proportions from the block face
evaluation, if a predominate style is evident.
248
(h) Overlay Zone.
If the property is in an overlay zone, it may be subject to additional design standards. In the event
of conflict between overlay regulations and the regulations included herein, the overlay regulations
shall control.
* * *
Sec. 29.501. CLASSIFICATIONS OF USES.
* * *
Table 29.501 (4)-1
RESIDENTIAL USE CATEGORIES
* * *
Household Living
* * *
Subcategories of Uses
Single Family Dwelling House: A detached structure containing one Residential Unit
* * *
Sec. 29.701. "RL" RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY.
(1) Purpose. This zone is intended to accommodate primarily single-family dwellings, while
accommodating certain existing compatible two-family dwellings and other uses customarily found in
low-density residential areas.
* * *
Table 29.701(2)
Residential Low Density (RL) Zone Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS
RESIDENTIAL USES
* * *
Household Living
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is
subject to Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
249
Table 29.701(3)
Residential Low Density (RL) Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS SINGLE FAMILY TWO FAMILY DWELLING
* * *
Sec. 29.702. "RM" RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY.
* * *
Table 29.702(2)
Residential Medium Density (RM) Zone Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS REQUIRED AUTHORITY
RESIDENTIAL USES
* * *
* * *
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is subject
to Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
Table 29.702(3)
Residential Medium Density (RM) Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RM ZONE
***
* * *
250
Sec. 29.703. "UCRM" URBAN CORE RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY ZONE.
* * *
Table 29.703(2)
Urban Core Residential Medium Density (UCRM) Zone Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS
RESIDENTIAL USES
Household Living
* * *
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is subject
to Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
Table 29.702(3)
Urban Core Residential Medium Density (UCRM) Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS UCRM ZONE
***
* * *
Sec. 29.704. "RH" RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY.
* * *
Table 29.704(2)
Residential High Density (RH) Zone Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS
* * *
Household Living
* * *
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is subject
to Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
251
Table 29.702(3)
Residential High Density (RH) Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RH ZONE
***
* * *
Sec. 29.1202. "F-S" SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL ZONE.
* * *
Table 29.1202(4)-1
Suburban Residential Floating Zoning
Residential Low Density (FS-RL) Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS APPROVAL
REQUIRED
APPROVAL
AUTHORITY
RESIDENTIAL USES
* * *
* * *
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is subject
to Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
Table 29.1202(4)-2
Suburban Residential Floating Zoning
Residential Medium Density (FS-RM) Uses
USE CATEGORIES STATUS
***
Household Living
***
Two-Family Dwelling
Y, if pre-existing
Y, new construction is subject to
Section 29.410(2)
ZP ZEO/P&H Dir.
* * *
252
Sec. 29.1203. “F-PRD” PLANNED RESIDENCE DISTRICT
* * *
Table 29.1203(4)
Planned Residence District (F-PRD) Floating Zone Uses
Single Family House Dwelling
Two-Family House Dwelling * * *
* * *
Sec. 29.1501. BUILDING/ZONING PERMIT.
(1) Permit Required.
* * *
(e) Zoning Permits for new construction of Two-Family Dwellings require approval by the Planning
and Housing Director prior to issuance of a building/zoning permit. Modification or remodeling of
a pre-existing Two-Family Dwelling is subject to only a building/zoning permit review. Approval
of a zoning permit requires a determination that the project complies with all zoning standards and
the architectural design is compatible with the surroundings as defined within 29.410(b).
Applications for a Two-Family Zoning Permit shall include information required by the Planning
and Housing Director to identify the prevalent style and features incorporated into the design to
meet the neighborhood compatibility requirements.”
Section Two. Violation of any provision of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any. Section designations are subject to change during the codification
process.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of .
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
253
Memo
Department of Planning & Housing
TO:Mayor and City Council
FROM:Kelly Diekmann, Planning & Housing Director
DATE:March 22, 2024
SUBJECT:Legislative Update on Bills for Design and Material Restrictions Related to Duplexes
(Two-Family Home) and other Housing
In support of City Council’s goal to expand housing options for both new growth areas and infill, City
Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 29-Zoning Ordinance of the Ames
Municipal Code at its February 27th meeting. The ordinance allows for construction of new duplexes on
vacant lots subject to certain neighborhood design compatibility requirements related to the architecture,
orientation, and layout of the home. The third reading and adoption of the ordinance is on the March 26th
agenda.
At the February 27th meeting, staff indicated that there was a proposed bill (SF 2154) in the
Legislature, that if adopted, would impact the City’s ability to enforce the design requirements of
the new ordinance and that prior to 3rd reading and adoption of the ordinance City Council should
consider the status of the bill and its impacts to the City’s ordinance.
At this point in the Legislative session, the “Second Funnel” has occurred which reduces that number of
bills left for consideration during the current Legislative session. SF 2154 did not make it to the Senate
Floor for a vote prior to the funnel and is no longer an active bill.
However, separate bills with fewer design limitations known as HF 2388 and SF 2231 are included as part
of the Unfinished Business after the second funnel. These two bills focus on only limiting regulations
related to building materials, such as siding and roofing materials. The proposed Duplex design
restrictions do not address building materials and would not be impacted by either of these two bills if
adopted in their current form. Although the original SF2154 bill is not active and the bills listed as
Unfinished Business do not affect the proposed City standards, there is no guarantee that the
Legislature does not modify language in one of the unfinished bills and include addition design
restrictions before the end of the Legislative session on April 16th.
Staff recommends moving forward with 3rd reading and adoption of the City’s ordinance as
proposed on March 26th. If the Legislature passes design restrictions, the City can amend or repeal
the ordinance for duplexes.
Alternatively, City Council could defer the third reading until April 23rd after the conclusion of the
Legislative session to see if a design restriction bill gets passed before making a final decision.
254