HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 19, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
3.Resolution approving appointments to Public Nuisance Appeals Board
4.Resolution approving appointment of Council Member Gloria Betcher to the Ames Economic
Development Commission (AEDC)
5.Resolution approving appointment of Council Member Anita Rollins to the Ames Convention and
Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
6.Resolution approving reappointment of Municipal Engineer Tracy Peterson to the Ioway Creek
Watershed Management Authority and the Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed
Management Authority
7.Resolution approving and adopting Supplement No. 2024-1 to the Municipal Code
8.Resolution approving FY 2023-24 Sustainability Coordinator's Mid-Year Report
9.Main Street Iowa Program:
a. Resolution of support for Ames Main Street
b. Resolution approving Main Street Iowa Program Continuation Agreement with Iowa
Economic Development Authority and Ames Main Street
10.Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2022/23 CyRide Route Pavement
Improvements (Lincoln Way), setting January 17, 2024 as the bid due date through the Iowa DOT
and January 23, 2024 as the date of Public Hearing
11.Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement
Improvements Program #1, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid due date through and January 23,
2024, as the date of Public Hearing
12.Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement
Improvements Program #2, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid due date through and January 23,
2024, as the date of Public Hearing for report of bids
13.Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Seal Coat Street Pavement
Improvements, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid due date through and January 23, 2024, as the
date of Public Hearing
14.Resolution awarding contract to Library Furniture International for a play structure for the Ames
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
DECEMBER 19, 2023
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.
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
PROCLAMATIONS:
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.
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Public Library in the amount of $69,661
15.Resolution approving Change Order for design services for the Auditorium HVAC project
16.Resolution accepting completion of the Art Capital Grant Project - The Octagon Center for the
Arts, and authorizing final payment in the amount of $65,230.55
17.Resolution approving contract with Kelly Tompkins for the fabrication, delivery, and purchase of
"Hearts of the Community" for Tahira and Labh Hira Park in the amount of $24,000
18.Motion rejecting all bids for the Bloomington Road Elevated Tank Valve Improvement Project
19.Resolution approving Final Plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision, Seventh Addition
20.Resolution accepting a portion of the financial security covering 1-year of the 4-year Stormwater
Management Maintenance requirement for Domani 2nd Addition, be reduced to $19,600.92
21.Resolution accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter 5B) at Celebrations, 306 S
Third Street, and releasing the bond in full
22.Resolution accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter 5B) at Ames Caddis, 2700
Lincoln Way, and releasing the bond in full
23.Resolution accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter 5B) at Aldi, 108 S 5th
Street, and releasing the bond in full
24.Resolution accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter 5B) for Northcrest
Retirement Community, and releasing the bond in full
25.Resolution accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter 5B) for 415 Stanton, The
Crawford, and releasing the financial security in full
26.5th Street Brick Piers with Ceramic Reliefs
a. Motion directing staff
27.Budget Guidelines for COTA and Outside Funding Requests
28.Daley Park Splashpad Update
29.Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Follow-up to Council Questions
30.Review of Ames Plan 2040 Redirection Areas
31.Hearing on Text Amendment for Public Nuisance “Property Maintenance” Related Changes to the
Ames Municipal Code
a. First passage of ordinance
32.Hearing on Zoning Text Amendment to Paving Standards for Basic Utility Uses and other similar
uses:
a. First passage of ordinance
33.Second reading on Text Amendments to Ames Municipal Code Chapter 13, (Rental Housing
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.
ADMINISTRATION:
FINANCE:
PARKS AND RECREATION:
PLANNING AND HOUSING:
HEARINGS:
ORDINANCES:
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Code), Chapter 29 (Zoning Ordinance), and Chapter 31 (Historic Preservation) to allow Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential districts
34.Third reading and adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 4515 amending Chapter 28, Division 1 for
Eligibility of Customers for Time-of-use based on Electrical Demand
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
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.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
AMES, IOWA NOVEMBER 16, 2023
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Civil Service Commission was called to order by Chairperson
Kim Linduska at 8:23 AM on November 16, 2023. As it was impractical for the Commission
members to attend in person, Commission Chairperson Kim Linduska, Commission Members Mike
Crum and Harold Pike, were brought in telephonically. Also in attendance was Commission Clerk,
Vicki Hillock.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2023: Moved by Pike, seconded by Crum, to
approve the Minutes of the October 26, 2023, Regular Service Commission meeting. Vote on
Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CERTIFICATION OF ENTRY-LEVEL APPLICANTS: Moved by Linduska, seconded by
Crum, to certify the following individuals to the Ames City Council as Entry-Level Applicants:
Maintenance Worker – Streets Christian Pitt 81
Max McCubbin 80
Lane Kahler 80
Logan Keisling 74
Andrew Lockey 73
Police Officer Noah Pueschel 77
Brennan Linn 74
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST TO EXHAUST POLICE OFFICER LIST: Moved by Crum, seconded by Pike to
exhaust the Police Officer entry-level certified list.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST TO REMOVE NAME PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER LIST: Moved by
Linduska, seconded by Pike to remove name from the Public Safety Dispatcher entry-level certified
list.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS: The next Regular Meeting will be held telephonically on Thursday, December 28,
2023, at 8:15am.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:28 AM.
__________________________________ _______________________________________
Kim Linduska, Chairperson Vicki Hillock, Commission Clerk
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To:City Council
From:John A. Haila, Mayor
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Appointments to Public Nuisance Appeals Board
Item No. 3
MEMO
On September 12, 2023, the City Council adopted a new Property Maintenance Code as
Chapter 30 of the Municipal Code. The provisions of this ordinance take effect on
January 1, 2024. One of the provisions is the creation of a Public Nuisance Appeals
Board. The function of this Board is to hear appeals of nuisances as declared by the
Building Official in accordance with Chapter 30. The Board has the authority to affirm or
reverse the decision of the Building Official or to grant additional time for abatement.
A special recruitment was conducted to fill the seven positions on the Public Nuisance
Appeals Board, and 24 applications were received. The application review and selection
process included input from the Building Official and the Fire Chief. Those selected have
confirmed their intent to hear appeals, interpret the code, and make judgements in an
impartial manner.
Attached is a list of the names of the individuals I propose to be appointed to fill the
seven openings on this new Board. Should you have any questions on one, or several of
the applicants, please let me know. Jeramy Neefus also has all appointee applications on
file should you wish to review them.
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
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MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
TO PUBLIC NUISANCE APPEALS BOARD
Position Term Begins Term Ends Name
Ward 1 1/1/2024 3/31/2025 Denise Vrchota
Ward 2 1/1/2024 3/31/2026 Erin Smith
Ward 3 1/1/2024 3/31/2027 Brenda Petersen
Ward 4 1/1/2024 3/31/2025 Ben Schmitt
At-Large
1/1/2024
1/1/2024
1/1/2024
3/31/2025
3/31/2026
3/31/2027
Erin Elsbernd
Mahdi Al-Kaisi
Joel Hochstein
Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor with approval of the City Council. The
term of office shall be for three (3) years, except for the terms of office for the Board
when initially established. For the Board when initially established, the Mayor may
prescribe a shorter than a full term of appointment in order to stagger terms. No member
who has served two (2) full consecutive terms is eligible for reappointment.
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
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To:Members of the City Council
From:John A. Haila, Mayor
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Appointment of Council Member Gloria Betcher to the Ames Economic
Development Commission (AEDC)
Item No. 4
MEMO
Anita Rollins’s term of office on the AEDC Board of Directors expires December 31,
2023. Therefore, it will be necessary to appoint a Council Member to fill this position.
Therefore, I recommend that the City Council appoint Gloria Betcher to the Ames
Economic Development Commission Board of Directors with her term effective as of
January 1, 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
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To:Members of the City Council
From:John A. Haila, Mayor
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Appointment of Council Member Anita Rollins to the Ames Convention and
Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
Item No. 5
MEMO
Gloria Betcher ’s term of office on the ACVB Board of Directors expires December 31,
2023. Therefore, it will be necessary to appoint a Council Member to fill this position.
Therefore, I recommend that the City Council appoint Anita Rollins to the Ames
Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors with her term effective as of January
1, 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
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To:Members of the City Council
From:John A. Haila, Mayor
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Reappointment of Municipal Engineer Tracy Peterson to the Ioway Creek
Watershed Management Authority and the Headwaters of the South Skunk
Watershed Management Authority
Item No. 6
MEMO
Tracy Peterson’s terms of office on the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority
and the Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority expire
December 31, 2023. Therefore, it will be necessary to appoint someone to fill these
positions.
Therefore, I recommend that the City Council reappoint Tracy Peterson to the Ioway
Creek Watershed Management Authority and the Headwaters of the South Skunk
Watershed Management Authority with her terms effective as of January 1, 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
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To:Mayor & City Council
From:Renee Hall
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Supplement No 2024-1
Item No. 7
MEMO
Approve and adopt Supplement No. 2024-1
Supplement No. 2024-1.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
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ITEM #:8
DEPT:ADMIN
December 19, 2023
Staff Report
FY 2023-24 SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR'S MID-YEAR REPORT
BACKGROUND:
This report provides a mid-year update of the FY2023-24 activities and accomplishments related
to the Sustainability Advisory Services contract between the City of Ames and Iowa State
University.
On July 1, 2010, the City entered into a contract with Iowa State University to utilize the services of its
fulltime Director of Sustainability. The contract covers a maximum of 480 hours annually (or no more
than 25 percent of the Director of Sustainability’s time). The Initial Scope of Services focused on the
reduction of electric consumption. As additional opportunities and needs have been identified related to
sustainability, the Scope of Services has expanded and diversified.
During FY 2023-24, in keeping with the Council’s direction, the Scope of Services targets the
following priority areas related to energy consumption reduction, as well as adding waste reduction and
diversion:
1. Continue to assist with public education, outreach, speaking engagements, research on potential
funding sources, and implementation of a City Council-approved Climate Action Plan.
2. Continue to represent the City at events that educate residents about ongoing City sustainability
efforts, rebates, and waste opportunities.
3. Coordinate Rummage RAMPage at the Ames Intermodal Facility in partnership with the
Resource Recovery Plant, Public Relations, CyRide, and Iowa State University, to address
concerns that usable housewares and furniture are being needlessly discarded and hard-to-process
materials are being sent to the Resource Recovery Plant.
4. Continue to support and strengthen the Smart Business Challenge through outreach and
recruitment of participants, oversight of Challenge interns, and marketing of outcomes and
accomplishments of Challenge participants.
PROGRESS ON SCOPE OF SERVICES:
1 . Continue to assist with public education, outreach, speaking engagements, research on
potential funding sources, and implementation of a City Council-approved Climate Action Plan.
Mid-Year FY2023-24 accomplishments include the following for Priority Area #1:
Collaborated with City staff to support milestone components of the Climate Action Plan (CAP)
including:
Assisted with community engagement, outreach, and awareness-building opportunities.
Presentations provided at events and for civic and community groups and radio have
included Iowa State University (Colleges of Design, Agriculture and Life Sciences classes,
and Campus Sustainability Month Celebration), KASI 1430AM and KHOI 89.1FM radio
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programs, and CitySide, and Live Green! Monthly newsletter publications.
Coordinated with CAP core project team and technical assistance team members related to
strategizing, planning, and researching opportunities toward implementing “next steps”
related to the City Seven priority areas identified within the City of Ames Climate Action
Plan.
Increased wind and solar generation as part of electric services renewable energy
portfolio
Waste-to-Energy improvements/reducing waste emissions
Net Zero and Net Zero-Ready new construction
Retrofitting Existing Buildings
Retrofit Municipal Buildings
Electrify the Municipal Fleet (non-CyRide)
Create a Mayor’s Climate Action Plan Leadership Task Force
Collaboration partners: Electric Services – Donald Kom and Joel Zook; City Manager ’s Office – Susan
Gwiasda; City staff serving on the CAP Technical Assistance Team
2. Continue to represent the City at events that educate residents about ongoing City
sustainability efforts, rebates, and waste reduction opportunities.
Mid-Year FY2023-24 accomplishments include the following for Priority Area #2:
Participated in the Iowa State University WelcomeFest.
Continue a monthly radio program on KHOI 89.1FM focused on community sustainability
accomplishments, initiatives, and opportunities.
Continue to represent the City in sustainability update segments on KASI 1430AM.
Continue sharing of City of Ames sustainability efforts as part of campus and community
speaking engagements.
Continue sharing of City of Ames and Ames community volunteer opportunities and
sustainability events and updates via the Live Green! Monthly newsletter, Live Green! social
media platforms and targeted emails.
Engaged City of Ames department participation in Iowa State University environmental events.
Public Works (Storm Water and Resource Recovery), City Manager ’s Office and Electric
Services tabled at the Campus Sustainability Month Celebration (October 23).
3 . Coordinate Rummage RAMPage at the Ames Intermodal Facility in partnership with the
Resource Recovery Plant, Public Relations, CyRide, and Iowa State University, to address
concerns that usable housewares and furniture are being needlessly discarded and hard-to-
process materials are being sent to the Resource Recovery Plant.
Mid-year FY2023-24 accomplishments include the following for Priority Area #3:
Completed the seventh annual Rummage RAMPage, held July 28 to Aug 5, 2023. The event
diverted more than 77 tons of furniture and housewares from being landfilled and raised more
than $62,000 for local non-profit organizations – an increase of over 6 tons and more than
$10,000.
Through a partnership with the United Way, shoppers used Venmo for cashless payments.
Venmo accounted for 35% of sales.
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As with the 2022 event, tremendous support was received from ISU Parking, several City
departments, and more than 2,000 hours provided by volunteers representing 47 community non-
profit organizations and ISU student organizations.
In addition to donated merchandise for resale, clothing, shoes, linens, books, DVDs, CDs, school
supplies, cleaning supplies and non-perishable, unexpired food were once again collected and
donated to community non-profit organizations for beneficial and value-added distribution.
ROAR (Rehoming Our Animals/Aquariums Responsibly) initiative continued, which ensures an
opportunity for drop-off of pets that are not able to be moved with residents or residents are no
longer able to care for – rather than releasing them – once again partnered with the event.
Partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Iowa Waste Exchange Program in an
effort to offer additional diversion opportunities and outreach for leftover sales items, beyond
already saturated community donation outlets, to community needs, programs, and families
outside Story County.
Kick-off planning – beginning in January for the 2024 Rummage RAMPage event, July 26 –
August 3, 2024.
Collaboration partners: Iowa State University Parking Services, Iowa Department of Natural
Resources’ Iowa Waste Exchange Program, Resource Recovery Plant, Ames Police, Ames Electric
Services, Ames Animal Shelter, Ames Parks & Recreation, Ames Water & Pollution Control, Ames
Public Works, Public Relations Office, and community non-profit organizations and volunteers
4 . Continue to support and strengthen the Smart Business Challenge through outreach and
recruitment of participants, oversight of Challenge interns, and marketing of outcomes and
accomplishments of Challenge participants.
Mid-year FY2023-24 accomplishments include the following for Priority Area #4:
Collaborated with Electric Services in the oversight and management of two Smart Energy
(sharing Smart Business Challenge and Electric Services responsibilities) Interns for 2023-2024,
Shelby Nechkash and Grant Buresh – returning for a second year.
Continue recruitment of additional businesses to the Smart Business Challenge and three-year
recertification of current certified business members. Thirty-three businesses are currently
participating in the Challenge (with an additional five businesses choosing to not recertify and
becoming inactive members). Current certifications in the Challenge include one bronze, seven
silver, five gold and 14 platinum. Since last year ’s year-end report, one new business has joined
the challenge, Jon Wilson Photography, and three businesses have completed three-year
certification: 3M, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Morning Bell Coffee Roasters – all
recertifying at the platinum level.
Coordinated the annual Smart Business Challenge Recognition Event, scheduled for Thursday,
January 18, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm, at Reiman Gardens. This year ’s keynote speaker will be
Shelene Codner, Iowa Waste Exchange Coordinator and Area Resource Specialist, speaking on,
“Keeping Waste Out of Landfills and Into Our Economy.”
This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the City of Ames Smart Business Challenge.
Collaboration partners: Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Iowa Waste Exchange Program –
Shelene Codner; Electric Services – Donald Kom and Joel Zook; Public Works – Bill Schmitt, Liz
Calhoun, Mark Peebler, and Lorrie Hanson; Water & Pollution Control – John Dunn; and City
Manager’s Office – Susan Gwiasda
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ITEM #:9
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Admin
SUBJECT:REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR AMES MAIN STREET PARTICIPATION IN
MAIN STREET IOWA PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In 2009, Main Street Iowa, a program of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, approved an
application from the Main Street Cultural District (now Ames Main Street, or AMS) to become a Main
Street Iowa Community. Main Street Iowa provides training, technical support, and financial resources
to participating Main Street Iowa communities. A program agreement between AMS, the Iowa
Economic Development Authority, and the City outlines the responsibilities of each party for AMS to
continue receiving this support.
The current program agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2023. A new agreement has been
submitted for the City Council to consider. The proposed agreement would be in effect through
December 31, 2027.
As with prior versions of this agreement adopted by the City, the City’s responsibilities include
adopting a resolution of support for the AMS, which commits the City to financially support AMS, a
commitment to appoint a City official to the AMS board, and a commitment that the local program will
follow the approach outlined by Main Street Iowa.
The City Council has provided support for the Main Street Cultural District on an annual basis.
Although this agreement requires a commitment of financial support for the Main Street
Cultural District, the City Council ultimately determines its level of financial support for the
program during each budget process.
The program agreement contains minor adjustments compared to prior versions adopted by the City.
The adjustments do not appear to obligate the City to any significant new terms or conditions. A
resolution of support, which also must be submitted to IEDA, is attached to this report.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Program Agreement and adopt a resolution of support for Ames Main Street.
2. Do not approve the Program Agreement or resolution of support.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Ames Main Street receives critical support from the Main Street Iowa program. This support facilitates
the events, activities, promotions, beautification projects, and grant opportunities in which Ames Main
Street participates. Although the resolution and program agreement require a financial
commitment to Ames Main Street on behalf of the City, the City Council is free to determine the
level of financial support it wishes to grant to Ames Main Street. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Letter and Packet to City 12.7.2023 City Ames MSI Continuation Agreement.pdf
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304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 515.233.3472 AmesDowntown.org
December 7, 2023
Mayor John Haila & Members of the Ames City Council
City of Ames
515 Clark Ave
Ames, Iowa 5001
Dear Mayor Haila & Members of the Ames City Council:
In 2009, the City of Ames was selected to participate in the Main Street Iowa Program and entered into
an agreement with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and from there, the City of Ames,
Ames Main Street Program and Main Street Iowa partnership began.
We desire to continue that partnership and bring forth the 2024-2027 Main Street Iowa Continuation
Agreement and proposed Resolution request for consideration and approval.
We are committed to partnering with the City of Ames to continue the Main Street Program in Ames,
assisting in the revitalization of Downtown Ames within the context of preservation and rehabilitation of
its historic buildings and support the continuation of the Main Street Approach as developed by Main
Street America and espoused by Main Street Iowa.
Included:
-copy of Main Street Iowa Continuation Agreement to be considered, then approved,
for City of Ames
-copy of Resolution to be considered, then approved, for City of Ames
-for reference, Main Street Approach
-for reference, copy of Resolution to be adopted and signed by Ames Main Street
Board of Directors
Respectfully,
Crystal D. Davis
Executive Director
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Ames Agreement # PS -G300-MSI-02
Page 1 of 5
MAIN STREET IOWA PROGRAM CONTINUATION AGREEMENT
THIS MAIN STREET IOWA PROGRAM CONTINUATION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into and executed by the
Iowa Economic Development Authority (the “IEDA”), the City of Ames (the “City”), and Ames Main Street (the “Local Main
Street Program”) (Individually “Party” and Jointly, the “Parties”).
WHEREAS, the IEDA administers the Main Street Iowa Program (the “MSI Program”); and
WHEREAS, the City was selected to participate in the MSI Program in 2009 and entered into a Program Agreement with the
IEDA pursuant to which the City and the Local Main Street Program established a partnership with IEDA; and
WHEREAS, the City and the Local Main Street Program desire to continue to participate in the MSI Program; and
WHEREAS, the IEDA desires to continue the relationship which has been established with the City and the Local Main Street
Program;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the Parties
agree as follows:
SECTION I. The Local Main Street Program agrees to:
1. Main Street Revitalization Focus:
a. Maintain the Local Main Street Program’s focus on the revitalization of the designated Main
Street district utilizing the Main Street Approach™. This focus should be reflected in the program’s
annual plan of action, goals and objectives, vision, and mission statement.
b. Promote the revitalization of the Main Street district through advocacy of tools and resources that support
district investment, for example: development incentives, ordinances and policy that promote the
revitalization of the district, design guidelines or standards that promote the protection of the traditional
character of the district, district development planning, etc.
2. Main Street Paid Executive Director:
a. Employ a paid executive director for the Local Main Street Program. The executive director will be
responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Local Main Street Program in the City. The Local Main
Street Program and the City will work to the best of their ability to provide professional support, competitive
compensation, and benefits for the executive director position. The Local Main Street Program will comply
with the following hiring expectations based on population and organization structure:
i.Communities with a population of over 5,000 and that have an organization solely dedicated to the
revitalization efforts of the designated Main Street district are required to employ an executive
director full-time (or full-time equivalent), 40 hours per week, that is dedicated to the revitalization
efforts of the designated local Main Street District.
ii.Communities with a population over 5,000 and that have an organization that is not solely
dedicated to the revitalization of the designated Main Street District (e.g. organization combined
with a local chamber, tourism, community/county economic development, City, etc.) are required to
employ an executive director full-time (or full-time equivalent), 40 hours per week, that is dedicated
to the revitalization efforts of the local Main Street District and the organization must have
additional staff dedicated to the other focus area(s) outside of the designated Main Street District.
iii.Communities with a population under 5,000 and that have an organization solely dedicated to the
revitalization efforts of the designated Main Street District are required to employ an executive
director that works at least 25 hours per week, that is dedicated to the revitalization efforts of the
designated local Main Street district.
iv.Communities with a population under 5,000 and that have an organization that is not solely
dedicated to the revitalization of the designated Main Street District (e.g. organization combined
with a local chamber, tourism, community/county economic development, City, etc.) are required to
employ an executive director full-time, 40 hours per week, who dedicates at least 25 hours per
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Ames Agreement # PS -G300-MSI-02
Page 2 of 5
week to the revitalization efforts of the local Main Street District and 15 hours per week dedicated
to the other focus areas outside of the designated local Main Street District.
b. In the event the executive director position is vacated during the time of this agreement, the Local Main
Street Program shall provide a written timeline to fill the position to the IEDA and fill the position within 120
days following the day the position was vacated. Upon hiring, the Local Main Street Program shall inform
IEDA of the newly hired executive director’s start date and contact information.
c.Develop and maintain an accurate position description for the executive director, a copy of which shall be
provided to IEDA. The position description must include the rate of compensation and describe the
professional activities for which the executive director is responsible.
d.Maintain applicable worker's compensation insurance for the executive director and staff.
3. Designated Main Street District: Submit to IEDA a current map of the approved designated Main Street district
contemporaneously with execution of this Agreement.
4. Local Main Street Program Office: Maintain an office within the designated boundaries of the local Main Street
district.
5. Main Street Economic Impact Reporting:
a. Submit economic impact reports on or before the due dates established by IEDA documenting the progress
of the Local Main Street Program's activities.
b. If the Local Main Street Program fails to submit an economic impact report by the established due date,
Main Street Iowa services, including but not limited to, design services, business support services, eligibility
for grant applications, Main Street Iowa Development Awards nominations, and targeted technical
assistance visits may be suspended until the Local Main Street Program has submitted all required reports.
6. National Main Street Accreditation:
a.Maintain National Main Street America Accreditation. This agreement will be terminated pursuant to Article
9 if the Local Main Street Program fails to meet the National Main Street Accreditation standards during two
consecutive accreditation rounds.
b. Present results of Main Street America Accreditation process to local City partners (council and/or staff)
each year following Main Street America announcement of national accreditation recognitions.
c.Maintain a “Main Street America Member Community” membership with Main Street America.
d. Use the words “Main Street” when referring to and marketing the Local Main Street Program, either as an
official part of the organization’s name or as a tagline such as “A Main Street Iowa Program”. As a
designated Main Street Iowa community, the Local Main Street Program shall include the Main Street
America and Main Street Iowa logos on all communication materials.
7. Training Requirements:
a. Participate, as required by the IEDA, in training sessions as scheduled throughout the term of this
agreement. To remain in compliance and to be eligible for Main Street America National Accreditation, the
Local Main Street Program shall be represented at both days, in their entirety, of the three (3) annual
training sessions that have been designated as mandatory on the MSI Program calendar. Registration and
all related travel expenses for training will be paid by the Local Main Street Program.
b.Any newly hired executive director will be required to participate in Main Street orientation as soon after the
hire date as feasible. Registration and all related travel expenses for training will be paid by the Local Main
Street Program.
8. Demonstrated Support:
a. Obtain from the City’s governing body a resolution of support of the Local Main Street Program and submit
the approved resolution to IEDA with this agreement. This resolution must demonstrate a commitment to
provide city funding to support the ongoing operation of the Local Main Street Program, appoint a City
official to represent the City on the Local Main Street Program governing board of directors, and
communicate that the City will continue to follow the Main Street Approach™ as developed by Main Street
America and espoused by Main Street Iowa for Main Street district revitalization.
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Ames Agreement # PS -G300-MSI-02
Page 3 of 5
b. Obtain a Resolution of Support from the Local Main Street Program governing board and submit the
approved resolution with this agreement. This resolution must demonstrate the local Main Street board of
director’s commitment to continuing local Main Street district revitalization following the Main Street
Approach™ as developed by the Main Street America and espoused by the MSI Program.
9. Compliance:
a. Not assign this agreement to another organization without obtaining prior written approval of the IEDA.
b. Remain in compliance with the requirements of the MSI Program as outlined in this agreement and the
administrative rules for the MSI Program at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 39. If the IEDA finds that
the Local Main Street Program is not in compliance with the requirements of this program agreement, the
following procedures will apply:
i.IEDA shall issue an “Initial Warning” describing the Local Main Street Program’s failure to comply
with this agreement and provide guidance on how to comply. The Local Main Street Program will
have 90 days to resolve its non-compliance. During this 90-day period, all Main Street Iowa
services, with the exception of targeted technical assistance to help the Local Main Street Program
mitigate non-compliant items, will be suspended. At the end of the 90-day period, the IEDA will
evaluate whether the Local Main Street Program has resolved its non-compliance.
ii.If the Local Main Street Program is not in compliance at the end of the 90-day Initial Warning
period, the IEDA may issue a Final Warning notifying the Local Main Street Program that, if the
Local Main Street Program is not in compliance within 90 days after issuance of the Final Warning,
Main Street Iowa may terminate this Agreement.
iii.The IEDA will send Notice of Termination via email to the local Main Street Executive Director,
Main Street Board President, and City Mayor. Termination of this Agreement will result in the loss
of recognition as a participant in the MSI Program and discontinuation of all Main Street Iowa
services provided by IEDA.
iv.Within 30 days after issuance of the Notice of Termination, the Local Main Street Program shall
cease using the trademarked brand “Main Street” and/or “Main Street Program” in its name or as
part of its organization’s identity and remove all references to the Main Street program on websites,
social media, marketing materials, and remove Main Street Iowa highway sign.
v.The City may reapply for Main Street Iowa designation in a future Main Street Iowa application
round hosted by the IEDA.
SECTION II. The CITY agrees to:
1. Main Street Revitalization Support:
a. Support and partner with the Local Main Street Program’s focus on the revitalization of the designated Main
Street district utilizing the Main Street Approach™.
b. Support the revitalization of the Main Street district by utilizing tools and resources that support Main Street
district investment, for example: development incentives, ordinances and policy that promote the
revitalization of the district, design guidelines or standards that promote the protection of the traditional
character of the district, district development planning, etc.
2. Main Street Financial Support: Invest financially into the operation of the Local Main Street Program.
3. National Main Street Accreditation: Support the Local Main Street Program in compliance with this Agreement and
with the completion of the annual Main Street America Accreditation.
4. Demonstrated Support: Pass a resolution that demonstrates the City’s support of the Local Main Street Program and
revitalization of the downtown/designated Main Street district as an important element of the City's economic
development strategy. In the resolution, the City must commit to provide funding for the Local Main Street Program,
appoint a City official to represent the City on the Local Main Street Program governing board, and commit to
continuing to follow the Main Street Approach™ as developed by the Main Street America and espoused by the MSI
Program .
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Ames Agreement # PS -G300-MSI-02
Page 4 of 5
SECTION III. The IEDA agrees to:
1. National Main Street Accreditation: Administer the Main Street America Accreditation process in Iowa on behalf of
Main Street America and recognize Local Main Street Programs and Cities who successfully meet the Main Street
America Accreditation Standards.
2. Main Street Technical Assistance:
a. Maintain a team of downtown revitalization specialists, including a Main Street Iowa State Coordinator, to
manage communication between the Local Main Street Program, City, the Main Street Iowa Program, and
state government agencies.
b.Provide, as requested and as can be scheduled, on-site technical assistance to the Local Main Street
Program and City by one or more downtown revitalization specialists. Technical assistance may include
design, economic vitality, promotion, organization, committee training, board planning retreat
facilitation, and action planning.
c.Conduct an on-site partnership visit at least once every two years.
d. Provide continuing advice and information to the Local Main Street Program and City.
3. Main Street Training:
a. Coordinate at least three statewide training sessions annually for Local Main Street Programs and Cities.
The nature of training to be provided at each session shall be based on the combined needs of all Iowa
Main Street Communities.
b. Conduct at least three MSI Program orientations for all new executive directors and Local Main Street
Program board members and volunteers. The orientation will introduce the participants to the MSI Program
and to their immediate responsibilities.
c.Offer optional regional training sessions.
d. Statewide training sessions, orientations, and optional regional training sessions may be virtual, as
determined by IEDA.
4. Main Street Network: Support and maintain the network of designated Main Street Iowa communities through
communication, regular programming updates, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer learning.
SECTION IV. The PARTIES hereto otherwise agree as follows:
1.The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of forty-eight (48) months beginning January 1, 2024 and ending
December 31, 2027.
2.This Agreement may be amended by a written agreement to amend the Agreement signed by all t hree Parties,
provided that the IEDA may unilaterally amend this Agreement to comply with legislative, administrative, and policy
changes by the federal or state government.
3.Should any governmental unit enact, promulgate, or adopt laws, regulations, rules, or policies which alter or in any
way affect the MSI Program, the City and the Local Main Street Program shall not hold IEDA liable in any manner for
the resulting changes.
4.This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors.
5.No Party shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age,
disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or national origin.
6.Any Party may terminate this Agreement without cause after 30 days written notice to the other two parties.
7.This Agreement supersedes any previous agreements or negotiations, whether oral or written.
8.Nothing contained in this Agreement shall create any employer-employee relationship between or among any of the
Parties.
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Ames Agreement # PS -G300-MSI-02
Page 5 of 5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement.
BY: _______________________________________
Mayor Signature Date
_______________________________________ Ames, IA
Mayor Printed Name City
BY: _______________________________________
Board President Signature Date
_______________________________________ Ames Main Street
Board President Printed Name Local Main Street Program
BY: _______________________________________
Deborah V. Durham, Director Date
Iowa Economic Development Authority
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RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR AMES MAIN STREET
Resolution of Support and Financial Commitment
for the Main Street Program in Ames, Iowa
WHEREAS, an Agreement between the Iowa Economic Development Authority,
Ames Main Street and the City of Ames for the purpose of continuing the Main
Street Iowa program in Ames and,
WHEREAS, this Agreement is pursuant to contractual agreements between Main
Street America and the Iowa Economic Development Authority to assist in the
revitalization of the designated Main Street project area of Ames, Iowa and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of Ames endorses the goal of economic
revitalization of the designated Main Street District within the context of
preservation and rehabilitation of its historic buildings and supports the
continuation of the Main Street Approach® as developed by Main Street America
and espoused by Main Street Iowa.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Ames, Iowa, meeting in regular session on _______
that the City of Ames hereby agrees to support both financially and
philosophically the work of Ames Main Street, designates the Main Street Board
to supervise the Executive Director and commits to appoint a city official to
represent the City on the local Main Street Board.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS _______ day of _________,
20__.
__________________________
John Haila
Mayor, City of Ames
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Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Main Street Approach® to downtown/Main
Street district revitalization as a primary element of the nonprofit’s work and focus.
WHEREAS, an Agreement between the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Ames Main
Street, and the City of Ames the purpose of continuing the Main Street Iowa program in Ames
and,
WHEREAS, this Agreement is pursuant to contractual agreements between the Main Street
America and the Iowa Economic Development Authority to assist in the revitalization of the
designated Main Street project area of Ames, Iowa and,
WHEREAS, the local Board of Directors for the Main Street Program in Ames is committed to
maintaining a primary goal of economic revitalization of the designated Main Street district
within the context of historic preservation and rehabilitation of its historic buildings and supports
the continuation of the Main Street Approach® as developed by Main Street America and
espoused by Main Street Iowa.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the local Board of Directors for the Main Street
Program in Ames, Iowa, meeting in regular session on December 14, 2023, that the Board of
Directors hereby agrees to support downtown/Main Street district revitalization by:
1. Being familiar with the Main Street Approach® and revitalization strategies,
2. Maintaining the local program’s focus on the revitalization of the Main Street district,
3. Hiring and supporting a Main Street Executive Director,
4. Developing and maintaining an accurate job description for paid staff,
5. Maintaining a Main Street program office within the Main Street district,
6. Working with Executive Director to submit quarterly reports to Main Street Iowa,
7. Attending and participating in required and optional Main Street Iowa trainings,
8. Achieving and maintaining Main Street America Accreditation status,
9. Maintaining a paid membership to Main Street America,
10. Consistently using the term “Main Street” and the Main Street Iowa and Main Street
America logos within program marketing and communication materials, and
11. Advocating for downtown and Main Street district revitalization personally and
professionally.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 14th day of December, 2023.
____________________________ ____________________________
Board President Board Secretary
____________________________ ____________________________
Board Vice President Board Treasurer
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ITEM #:10
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Public Works
SUBJECT:2022/23 CYRIDE ROUTE PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS (LINCOLN WAY
FROM BEEDLE DRIVE TO FRANKLIN AVENUE)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This annual program utilizes current repair and reconstruction techniques to make pavement
improvements to streets that are, or were, bus routes. These streets were designed and built for light
residential traffic. With these streets having been utilized as bus routes, accelerated deterioration of the
street surface has occurred. Pavement improvements will restore street sections to carry higher traffic
loads and reduce maintenance needs.
The location for this project is Lincoln Way from Beedle/Hickory Drive to Franklin Avenue. Total
estimated construction and administration costs for this project are $3,164,266. Lincoln Way will be
reconstructed using concrete and will include very little change to the existing lane configuration. The
shared use path along the south side of Lincoln Way will also be reconstructed with this project.
A project webpage was created containing project information, a video, and an opportunity to provide
feedback. Staff mailed notices to impacted residents and businesses regarding a public meeting and link
to the project informational website. The public meeting was held July 11 at the Ames Public Library.
Additional outreach was done to each business along the project to discuss the impacts and concerns of
each business.
Plans and specifications for this project were prepared by WHKS. A total summary of revenues and
projected expenses is shown below.
Funding Source Revenue Expenses
2022/23 CyRide Route G.O. Bonds $1,225,000
2022/23 CyRide Route STBG Funds (IDOT)$1,686,000
2022/23 Shared Use Path Maintenance $ 172,500
Sanitary Sewer Improvements $ 60,000
Ames Electric (Lighting Improvements)$ 45,000
Engineering/Administration $ 508,700
Construction EST (Lincoln Way) $2,655,566
TOTAL
$3,188,500 $3,164,266
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve plans and specifications for 2022/23 CyRide Route Pavement Improvements (Lincoln
Way) and establish January 17, 2024, as the date of letting and January 23, 2024, as the date for
report of bids.
2. Do not approve this project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will be let by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) due to the state Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding. Approval of the plans and specifications will continue to
keep this project on the Iowa DOT’s January 17, 2024, letting schedule. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Lincoln Way Cyride Route Location Map.pdf
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ITEM #:11
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Public Works
SUBJECT:2023/24 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM #1
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for reconstruction or rehabilitation of deteriorated asphalt streets to prevent
premature breakdown of the pavement and increasing maintenance costs. This project will include
full-depth asphalt reconstruction on Curtiss Ave (13 th St to 16 th St), Marston Ave (13 th St to 16th
St), and Phoenix Circle. Roosevelt Ave (13 th St to 16 th St) is also being bid with the project as a
possible add alternate. If bids come in within available funding, Roosevelt Ave will be included
with this program. Curtiss Ave will have part of the existing water main replaced with the project
along with water service transfers as well.
Residents in the area of the project were mailed an invitation to a public information meeting that was
held on October 26 at the Ames Public Library. The meeting gave residents the opportunity to review
the project, ask questions, and express concerns.
The two residents within Phoenix Circle expressed concern about access to homes during
construction of the circle and the impact of potential sidewalk infill. Staff reviewed the situation
and met with one of the residents on site to discuss options. In response, phasing changes were
made to the project to allow access to the two homes within the circle during construction and
residents may also request the assistance of the project inspector for special needs that may arise.
These residents are also concerned about the impacts that sidewalk construction would have on the
properties. Sidewalks are not currently in place within Phoenix Circle, however there are only two
homes that have access within the circle. The area is heavily wooded and in order to construct these
sidewalks, numerous trees, shrubs, and several retaining walls would be required to be removed. Due to
topographic difficulties, the numerous trees and landscaping that would be removed, above
ground utility boxes that would need relation, and the limited number of properties the new
sidewalk would serve, sidewalk infill is not being recommended with the Phoenix Circle project.
City staff has completed plans and specifications for this project. A table of total estimated costs for is
shown below:
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Available
Revenue
Estimated
Expenses
Estimated Expenses
with Alternates
2023-24 Asphalt St. Imp. - GO
Bonds $3,000,000
2023-24 Water System Imp.$189,687
2023-24 Sanitary Syst. Imp.$110,500
Asphalt Program #1 (this
project) $1,540,550 $2,120,078
Asphalt Program #2 (Est.) $465,864 $851,778
Prairie View East (Est.) $500,000 $500,000
Engineering/Administration $300,000 $300,000
Totals $3,300,187 $2,806,414 $3,771,856
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
Program #1 and establish January 17, 2024, as the date of letting and January 23, 2024, as the
date for report of bids.
2. Direct staff to revise the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approval of the plans and specifications will continue to keep this project on the January 17, 2024,
letting schedule. Reconstructing these streets will provide an improved pavement surface thereby
reducing ongoing maintenance costs. If the bids come in above the available funding, the Roosevelt
Ave. (Add Alternate) will not be awarded. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Location Map 2023-24 Asphalt #1.pdf
803 Phoenix Cir.pdf
800 Phoenix Cir.pdf
Phonenix Cir Aerial.pdf
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ITEM #:12
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Public Works
SUBJECT:2023/24 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM #2, E
7TH ST (CRAWFORD – EAST END) AND  N RIVERSIDE DR
(LINCOLN WAY TO N 3RD)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for reconstruction or rehabilitation of deteriorated asphalt streets to prevent
premature breakdown of the pavement and increasing maintenance costs. For this project full-depth
reconstruction is necessary due to cases of structural pavement failure. This project is located on E 7th
St (Crawford – East End). North Riverside Dr (Lincoln Way to N 3rd) is also being bid as an add
alternate. If bids come in within available funding, N Riverside will be constructed with this project.
Residents in the areas of the project were mailed an invitation to a public information meeting that was
held on October 26 at the Ames Public Library. The meeting gave residents the opportunity to review
the project, ask questions, and express concerns.
The E 7th St project corridor was evaluated for sidewalk infill. The only missing segment in the corridor
is at 620 Crawford Avenue (south side of 7th St). Staff reviewed the area and met with the resident of
the adjacent property. T his one resident which will be impacted by the installation of a sidewalk
was strongly opposed to sidewalk infill as this would result in the loss of their ability to park in
their driveway. This is due to how close the original garage is to the City right of way. The
resident also has underground downspouts that would have to be relocated. There were also
concerns about being able to fit the sidewalk section and to relocate the utility poles for the
paving operation. There is an existing continuous sidewalk on the north side of E 7th St. that
provides pedestrians a connected route through the area. Considering all of these impacts, staff
did not include sidewalk infill through the south side of E 7th St in the design plans.
City staff has completed plans and specifications for this project. A table of total available revenue and
estimated costs is shown below:
39
Available
Revenue
Estimated
Expenses
Estimated Expenses
with Street
Alternates
2023-24 Asphalt St. Imp.
Program - GO Bonds $3,000,000
2023-24 Water System Imp $189,687
2023-24 Sanitary Syst. Imp.$110,500
Asphalt Program #1 (Est.) $1,540,550 $2,120,078
Asphalt Program #2 (this
project) $465,864 $851,778
Prairie View East (Est.) $500,000 $500,000
Engineering/Administration $300,000 $300,000
Totals $3,300,187 $2,806,414 $3,771,856
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
Program #2 (base bid plus Add Alternate) and establish January 17, 2024, as the date of letting
and January 23, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing for report of bids.
2. Direct staff to revise the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approval of the plans and specifications will continue to keep this project on the January 17, 2024,
letting schedule. Reconstructing the streets will provide an improved pavement surface, thereby
reducing ongoing maintenance costs. Should the bids for both street sections come in over the available
funding, only the E. 7th Street location will be awarded. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Location Map E 7th, N Riverside, 2023-24 Asphalt #2.pdf
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ITEM #:13
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Public Works
SUBJECT:2023/24 SEAL COAT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Seal Coat Street Pavement Improvements Program is the annual program for the removal and
replacement of deteriorated seal coat pavements from local streets and replacement with a new
pavement surface. This program restores surface texture, corrects structural deficiencies, and removes
built-up seal coat. These improvements result in reduced maintenance costs, better riding surfaces,
increased safety with improved surface texture, and increased life expectancy of streets.
This project will take place on E 16th St (Duff Ave to Maxwell Ave), Glendale Ave (E 13 th St to E
16t h St), Quebec St (Arizona Ave to 4101 Quebec St), and Quebec Cir. Glendale Ave will also
include the installation of new 8’’ watermain and water services. E 16 th St will include sidewalk
infill in front of 304 E 16th St where there is a 75-foot gap in the sidewalk system. Residents in the
area of the project were mailed an invitation to a public information meeting held on October 12 at City
Hall. The meeting gave residents the opportunity to review the project, ask questions, and express
concerns.
City staff has completed plans and specifications for this project. A summary of revenues and projected
expenses is shown below.
Funding Source Available
Revenue
Estimated
Expenses
2023-23 Seal Coat Program $1,750,000
2024-25 Neighborhood Curb Program $ 300,000
2023-24 Water System Improvements $ 443,139
2023-24 Sanitary Sewer Improvements $ 186,860
Engineering/Administration $ 350,000
Construction Estimate $2,254,936
$2,679,999 $2,604,936
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Seal Coat Street Pavement Improvements
project and establish January 17, 2024, as the date of letting and January 23, 2024, as the date for
report of bids.
2. Do not approve this project.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approval of the plans and specifications will continue to keep this project on the January 17, 2024,
letting schedule. This project will provide an improved street surface, thereby reducing future
maintenance costs. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
E 16th St and Glendale Ave project location map.pdf
Quebec St and Quebec Circle project location map.pdf
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ITEM #:14
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:LIB
SUBJECT:CONTRACT FOR PROPOSED PLAY STRUCTURE IN THE CHILDREN'S
AREA OF THE AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
A goal of the Youth Services department at Ames Public Library is to build a welcoming and safe space
for children and families to gather and explore creative play together. Through imaginative play,
children learn critical thinking skills, build expressive and receptive language, increase social skills and
learn how to manage their emotions.
When the Library was renovated in 2014, the architects designed a structure to help define the space.
However, this structure has proven to be challenging in many ways. The design and construction of the
feature invites children to climb and swing from the bars, which is unsafe and not appropriate play for a
busy indoor area. The structure also has steel cross beams which are low enough for most adults to hit
their heads while entering the space if they are not careful.
Library staff met with interior designers from Iowa State to research developmentally appropriate
structures and opportunities to include creative play features while also providing an inclusive and
welcoming space for all ages and abilities. The proposed structure will be a welcome update to
Library’s youth space providing a safe area that allows for imaginative and cooperative play for children
and families.
On September 25, 2023, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to 46 vendors asking for proposals
for a new or custom-built play structure for the Children’s area. The proposals were to be evaluated
based on the following criteria:
1. Suitability for Toddler and Preschool Age Children
2. Construction Material Durability and Quality
3. Versatility of the Play Structure
4. Ability to Assist in Critical thinking and Social/Emotional Development
5. Aesthetic Quality of the Play Structure
6. Overall Cost
On October 17, 2023, staff received one proposal from Library Furniture International. Based on the
review of the proposal, the evaluation team deemed the proposal acceptable. Among positive feedback
of the proposed play structure, the evaluation team highlighted an open design, which aids accessibility
and creates a clear line of sight into and through the structure, and its versatility with multiple
swappable learning panels that create different play scenarios. The proposal also includes delivery and
installation of the play structure in the Youth area of the Library.
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The cost breakdown is shown below:
Company Cost of Play Structure Freight and Installation Total Cost
Library Furniture International
Wheeling, IL
$58,824 $10,837 $69,661
Funding for this structure will be provided by the resources donated to the Ames Public Library
Friends Foundation. APLFF works with Library staff to identify opportunities to support the
Library’s goals. When Youth Services staff began looking at replacing the current structure,
APLFF prioritized fundraising around the goal of updating the Youth Services space and has
acquired the full amount to cover the cost.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the award of a contract with Library Furniture International of Wheeling, IL in the
amount of $69,661 to furnish and install the proposed play structure in the Children’s area of the
Ames Public Library, subject to the Library Board approval on December 21, 2023.
2. Do not approve the award of the contract.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Ames Public Library strives to build a community space that is welcoming for all. By updating the
Youth Services space with a more interactive and safe play structure, the Library is creating an area that
encourages children and families to gather, engage in learning, and develop essential social and
emotional skills through fun, creative play.
The Library Director intends to recommend to the Library Board on December 21, 2023, the
award of the play structure bid to Library Furniture International in the amount of $69,661. In
order not to delay a final decision by the City Council until January, it is being recommended
that the Council approve this award of subject to approval by the Library Board on December
21, 2023. The Board of Trustees is aware of the need and supportive of the new
enhancement. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM #:15
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:Fleet
SUBJECT:AUDITORIUM HVAC - DESIGN SERVICES CHANGE ORDER
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City Auditorium is currently served by a HVAC system that is comprised of a fan and heating coils
from when the building was built in 1938 and a condenser and cooling coils were added in 1990. Over
the last several years there have been ongoing maintenance issues with the system. It was determined
that the best course of action would be to replace the system and modernize it for ease of use and
maintenance.
The project design consisted of the removal of the existing systems and the installation of a traditional
roof top unit to provide heating and cooling to the Auditorium. The project was bid and rejected twice
in 2021 because of being significantly over budget. During the budget of FY 2021/22 additional
funding was identified from American Rescue Plan funds.
Subsequent to designing a new system, the City accepted a Climate Action Plan for the City. One of the
Six Big Moves identified in the Plan is the Retrofit of Municipal Buildings. After two failed bids, the
City staff approached the consultant, Resource Consulting Engineers, and inquired if a new
system could be designed without natural gas and within the new budgeted amount. As a result of
this inquiry, the consultant suggested adding a heat pump to replace the air cooled condenser.
This new approach could significantly reduce our electric use during the winter by using the heat
pump to heat up the loop serving all the heat pumps in the City in lieu of using electric boilers.
The estimate for this system would be approximately $800,000 not including the engineering costs. The
current budget is $700,000 with $500,000 from one-time general fund savings and $200,000 designated
from American Rescue Plan funds. To complete the new design concept a change order is needed in
the amount of $31,652, which would bring the total project cost to $831,652. The consultant
calculated that the additional cost for the upgrade to the heat pump would be paid back in approximately
10 years assuming that electric rates would not increase. Staff and the consultant worked with Electric
Services to identify possible rebates. The rebate would be approximately $10,000, since the savings are
lower during the summer peak used by Electric for calculating rebates.
Staff would like to proceed with new design concept while working to identify additional funding to
complete the project. This is due to the age and issues with the current system and the opportunity to
work on the goals of the Climate Action Plan. The project will be coordinated to reduce the impact on
the use of the Auditorium during construction.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the change order to Resource Consulting Engineers in the amount of $31,652 for the
Auditorium HVAC project.
2. Reject the change order and proceed with rebidding the original design.
3. Reject the change order and order staff to proceed with an alternate project.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The current HVAC system in the City Auditorium is aging and becoming unreliable. By approving this
change order a new modern system that is compatible with the goals of the City's Climate Action Plan
can be designed. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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ITEM #:16
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:
SUBJECT:ACCEPTANCE OF ART CAPITAL GRANT PROJECT - THE OCTAGON
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On March 8, 2022, the City Council approved a contract with The Octagon Center for the Arts for the
Art Capital Grant Program. This program is open to individuals, non-profits, or businesses that propose
projects that create, renovate, or improve a space for arts or artists (e.g., performance space, exhibition
space, classrooms, demonstration space, studio space, etc.).
The contract with KHOI FM, in the amount of $170,000, is to repurpose the underutilized space on the
third floor of the Octagon Center for the Arts (427 Douglas Avenue). The space is being converted into
facilities for 1) co-working, 2) smaller private studios, and 3) artist residency areas where artists work,
connect, collaborate, exhibit, and grow their businesses. The finished space includes a kitchen, meeting
spaces, and dedicated studios.
The Octagon Center for the Arts has substantially completed the construction of the new spaces in
accordance with the scope of the grant and is now requesting payment and closeout of the grant. The
required documentation of the completed improvements has been received, along with the required
reimbursement request.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize final payment in the amount of $65,230.55, and approve closeout of the Art Capital
Grant with The Octagon Center for the Arts.
2. Refer this item back to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Octagon Center for the Arts has made the improvements outlined in the Art Capital Grant contract,
and all required documentation has been submitted. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Octagon Art Capital Grant Contract.pdf
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ITEM #:17
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:CONTRACT FOR ART IN THE PARKS PROGRAM SCULPTURE FOR
TAHIRA AND LABH HIRA PARK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Public Art Commission (PAC) allocates a portion of its funding each year to an Art in the Parks
program. The funding is carried over until a sufficient balance has been accumulated to accomplish a
larger art project.
In 2022, the City officially opened Tahira and Labh Hira Park. The park, located at 3622 Woodland
Street, is on the grounds of a former elementary school property. PAC expressed a desire to place a
sculpture at this park, and issued a call for artists to either place an existing work or fabricate a new
work for the park.
The goals of the project, as stated in the call for artists, were: 1) provide a unique artistic work that
celebrates and resonates with children of diverse backgrounds; 2) offer opportunities for interaction
with children and/or provide informative elements that children may learn from; 3) enhance the
experience of park users and residents of the surrounding neighborhood; 4) increase public awareness
and appreciation for art; 5) obtain a safe, enduring art installation that requires minimal maintenance.
Thirty proposals were received. A team consisting of PAC commissioners and City staff evaluated the
responses. The team recommended a proposal by Kelly Tompkins of Enid, OK . At its meeting on
December 5, 2023, the Public Art Commission recommended that the City Council approve a
contract with that artist.
The proposed work is entitled "Hearts of the Community." It is designed in the form of a paper chain of
children and teachers made of brightly-colored powder coated sheet metal (see attached rendering). The
sculpture would be approximately 11'6" across and 7'4" in height. The artist would warranty the work
for a period of five years from the time of acceptance, which is standard for the City's sculpture
acquisition contracts.
The fee to deliver a completed sculpture is $24,000. Staff estimates the cost for the preparation of the
concrete pad to be approximately $1,000. The PAC Art in the Parks account has a current balance of
$30,844, which is sufficient to cover the expenses related to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a contract with Kelly Tompkins in the amount of $24,000 for the fabrication, delivery,
and purchase of "Hearts of the Community" for Tahira and Labh Hira Park.
2. Refer this item back to staff or the Public Art Commission for further information.
3. Do not approve the contract.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed sculpture meets the desires of the Public Art Commission to provide a unique, interactive,
child-focused artwork for placement in Tahira and Labh Hira Park. Staff has prepared a contract
outlining the terms for the delivery of the completed work. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the
City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Contract for Art in the Parks Program - Hearts of the Community.pdf
Hearts of the Community Rendering
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ITEM #:18
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:BLOOMINGTON ROAD ELEVATED TANK VALVE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Maintaining appropriate flow and pressure in the water distribution system is a very important aspect in
providing a high-quality potable water for the water users and firefighting for the City of Ames.
Replacing an existing valve with a new electrically operated valve would allow water treatment plant
operators the ability to better maintain system pressure and flow in the event of main breaks, severe
flow fluctuations, and unforeseen maintenance activities.
A project was designed that would ask a contractor to furnish all materials, labor, equipment, and
supervision required to replace a 24’’ butterfly isolation valve, install an electric modulating valve
actuator (EMA) and associated wiring and electrical requirements to allow the valve to be
operated either locally from the site or remotely via the Water Treatment Plant's supervisory
control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
A Notice to Bidders for this project was issued in the fall of 2022, but the lone bid was higher than the
engineer ’s estimate and the bid was rejected. Staff altered the scope of work to try to bring down the
cost by: widening the construction window; including two additional valve and actuator manufacturers;
moving the controls work from a base bid item to a bid alternate; and, having City staff complete some
portions of the original project scope such as conduit replacement and junction box installation. A new
Notice to Bidders was issued on November 8th, 2023. On December 5th, 2023, bids were opened, and
two bids were received. A copy of the bid tabulation is shown below.
Bidder Base Bid Alternate #1 Total
Woodruff Construction, LLC $87,300 $11,100 $98,400
On Track Construction, LLC $86,640 $9,430 $95,070
Engineer's Estimate $60,000 $2,000 $62,000
On Track Construction, LLC, Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder. If this base bid were to be accepted,
the revised project budget would be as follows.
Authorized Funds Project Expenses
FY 2021/22 Op Budget
Carryover $34,000
FY 2022/23 Op Budget
Carryover $28,000
Construction (Base Bid Only) $86,640
Contingency (10%) $8,660
Project Totals $62,000 $95,300
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Staff recommends rejecting all bids. Staff will evaluate the ability to stay within the FY 2023/24
Adjusted operating budget by procuring the equipment directly, contracting for the controls
work directly, and soliciting quotes for labor on a time and material basis.
Should this approach still not allow the work to proceed within the Adjusted budget, staff would
then use these funds for the Mortensen and County Line Road (MAC) tank valve improvement
project included in the FY 2024/25 Requested budget. That project is similar in scope, but would
utilize an existing valve, making it likely the work could be completed within the current year’s
adjusted budget. Staff would then make the necessary budget adjustments for the BRET valve
work to take place in FY 2024/25.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Reject all bids. Staff will then pursue the direct purchase of the equipment and controls work, and
solicit bids for installation on a time and material basis. If that still does not result in a project that
can be completed within the adjusted budget, staff would them defer the BRET work for one year
and use the current year funds to move ahead with similar work at the MAC tank.
2. Award a contract for the BRET Water Tower Valve Improvements to On Track Construction,
LLC. from Nevada, Iowa for $86,640. Authorize a budget increase to $95,300 utilizing
undesignated funds from the available Water Fund balance.
3. Do not take any action at this time and provide direction to staff on the future of the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
For the second time, bids for this work have come in over budget. Therefore, staff recommends
pursuing a new plan that will include the direct purchase of the equipment and controls work, and the
solicitation of bids for installation based on a time and materials in an effort to stay within FY 2023/24
project budget. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
approve Alternative #1 and reject all bids.
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ITEM #:19
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:SCENIC VALLEY SUBDIVISION, SEVENTH ADDITION MAJOR FINAL
PLAT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City’s subdivision regulations are included in Chapter 23 of the Ames Municipal Code. Once the
applicant has completed the necessary requirements, including provision of required public
improvements or provision of financial security for their completion, a “final plat application” may then
be submitted for City Council approval. After City Council approval of the final plat, it must then be
recorded with the County Recorder to become an officially recognized subdivision plat. The final plat
must be found to conform to the ordinances of the City and any conditions placed upon the preliminary
plat approval.
Hunziker Development Co., LLC, has submitted a final subdivision plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision,
Seventh Addition, which is a partial platting of an approved preliminary plat affecting the northern
portion of the site. The subject area of this plat was part of a Major Amendment to the Preliminary Plat
approved by the City Council on December 11, 2018 that addressed reconfiguration of lots and storm
water improvements.
This addition will complete the subdivision. The proposed final plat includes 30 residential lots
for single-family detached homes along Cartier Avenue and Everest Avenue on 15.95 acres.
Eighteen lots will be along Cartier Avenue and finish out the street as it bends to the west property line.
Twelve lots will be platted along Everest Avenue and finish out the street as it extends to the north
property line. Two outlots for pedestrian, SWFE & PUE easements are also included. Outlot A (on the
northwest) includes 3.23 acres and Outlot B (on the northeast) includes 1.89 acres. Outlot B also
includes a 70’ gas main easement.
A total of 146 lots are included in the subdivision on 117.43 acres. This is two lots fewer than what was
shown in the approved 2018 Preliminary Plat. The project engineer has calculated the density as 3.763
units per acre, based upon a net acreage of 38.8 acres (minus rights-of-way, outlots, and easements).
The net acreage is consistent with how the density was calculated for the previous Additions. This
calculation meets the minimum density requirement for the FS-RL zoning district of 3.75 dwelling
units/acre.
The applicant has provided an agreement for the installation of street trees and sidewalks. The
agreement requires the financial security for the sidewalks, which must be installed the earlier of three
years or prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a house on the lot. Due to replatting of the
area, the sidewalks will be five feet in width, rather than the original four-foot standard.
The developer has provided a letter of credit in the amount of $421,437 for the completion of public
improvements including sidewalks, which the City Council is asked to accept, along with those
improvements already completed.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1.
a. Approve the Final Plat of Scenic Valley Subdivision, Seventh Addition, based upon
findings that the Final Plat conforms to relevant and applicable design standards,
ordinances, policies, and plans.
b. Accept the Improvement Agreement and financial security in lieu of the installation of the
remaining required improvements.
2. Deny the Final Plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision, Seventh Addition on the basis that the
development creates a burden on existing public improvements or creates a need for new public
improvements that have not yet been installed.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City staff has evaluated the proposed final subdivision plat and determined that the proposal
substantially conforms with the 2018 Preliminary Plat approved by City Council and that it conforms to
the adopted ordinances and policies of the City as required by Code. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No.1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - Location Map Scenic Valley 7th Addition.jpg
Attachment B - Scenic Valley Preliminary Plat.pdf
Attachment C - Signed Final Plat.pdf
Attachment D - Applicable Subdivision Law.pdf
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The laws applicable to this Preliminary Plat Subdivision include, but are not limited to, the
following: (verbatim language is shown in italics, other references are paraphrased):
Code of Iowa Chapter 354, Section 8 requires that the governing body shall determine
whether the subdivision conforms to its Land Use Policy Plan.
Ames Municipal Code Chapter 23, Subdivisions, Division I, outlines the general
provisions for subdivisions within the City limits and within two miles of the City limits of
Ames.
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.302(10):
(10) City Council Action on Final Plat for Major Subdivision:
(a) All proposed subdivision plats shall be submitted to the City Council for review and approval.
Upon receipt of any Final Plat forwarded to it for review and approval, the City Council shall
examine the Application Form, the Final Plat, any comments, recommendations or reports
examined or made by the Department of Planning and Housing, and such other information as it
deems necessary or reasonable to consider.
(b) Based upon such examination, the City Council shall ascertain whether the Final Plat
conforms to relevant and applicable design and improvement standards in these Regulations, to
other City ordinances and standards, to the City's Land Use Policy Plan and to the City's other
duly adopted plans.
(c) The City Council may:
(i) deny any subdivision where the reasonably anticipated impact of such subdivision will
create such a burden on existing public improvements or such a need for new public
improvements that the area of the City affected by such impact will be unable to conform
to level of service standards set forth in the Land Use Policy Plan or other capital project
or growth management plan of the City until such time that the City upgrades such public
improvements in accordance with schedules set forth in such plans; or,
(ii) approve any subdivision subject to the condition that the Applicant contribute to so much
of such upgrade of public improvements as the need for such upgrade is directly and
proportionately attributable to such impact as determined at the sole discretion of the City.
The terms, conditions and amortization schedule for such contribution may be incorporated
within an Improvement Agreement as set forth in Section 23.304 of the Regulations.
(d) Prior to granting approval of a major subdivision Final Plat, the City Council may permit the plat
to be divided into two or more sections and may impose such conditions upon approval of each
section as it deems necessary to assure orderly development of the subdivision.
(e) Following such examination, and within 60 days of the Applicant's filing of the complete
Application for Final Plat Approval of a Major Subdivision with the Department of Planning and
Housing, the City Council shall approve, approve subject to conditions, or disapprove the
Application for Final Plat Approval of a Major Subdivision. The City Council shall set forth its
reasons for disapproving any Application or for conditioning its approval of any Application in
its official records and shall provide a written copy of such reasons to the developer. The City
Council shall pass a resolution accepting the Final Plat for any Application that it approves.
(Ord. No. 3524, 5-25-99)
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To:Mayor and City Council
From:Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:5th Street Brick Piers and Ceramic Reliefs
Item No. 26
MEMO
On June 13, 2023, the City Council received a request from the Public Art Commission
(PAC) to deaccession 32 ceramic reliefs from the City's Public Art Inventory and to
demolish the 16 brick piers in which the reliefs are installed. These piers are located at
intersections along Fifth Street between Pearle Avenue and Duff Avenue. The original
report describing the request is attached to this memo.
The Council adopted a resolution approving the deaccession of the art and the demolition
of the brick piers. In accordance with that direction, staff had planned to solicit contractor
quotes in winter 2023/24 to complete the work. As part of this solicitation, staff intended
to include a bid alternate for the contractors to attempt to remove the ceramic reliefs,
which would then be preserved for a future public art project. The original report
explains staff's concerns about the potential for success of either removing the reliefs or
relocating the piers intact.
In response to feedback from the community, the City Council moved on November 14,
2023 to place the discussion of the removal of the piers and reliefs at a future Council
meeting. The Public Art Commission discussed the topic again at its December 5, 2023
meeting and received public feedback regarding the topic. Representatives of the Public
Art Commission will be in attendance at the December 19 Council meeting to respond to
questions as the Council may desire.
June 13 2023 CAF
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
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ITEM # ____47_____
DATE: 06-13-23
DEPT: ADMIN.
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REMOVAL OF FIFTH STREET BRICK PIERS AND ART RELIEFS
BACKGROUND:
The City’s Public Art Commission (PAC) manages the inventory of public art throughout
the Ames community. In 1999, 15 brick piers were installed at street corners along 5th
Street. One additional pier was installed in 2001. The 16 total brick piers are shown on
the attached map (two at Pearle Avenue, four at Clark Avenue, three at Burnett Avenue,
three at Kellogg Avenue, two at Douglas Avenue, and two at Duff Avenue). Each brick
pier is approximately 48 inches in height, is capped with an engraved stone containing
the intersecting street names, and contains two ceramic relief inserts. A typical example
is shown below:
The piers were one of several components of a Downtown District Development Plan
pursued by the City in the late 1990s. This plan involved an inventory and mapping of
the downtown area, development of streetscape standards (including specific elements
for the 5th Street Corridor), and creation of designs and construction documents. In
addition to other streetscape components created as result of this plan, Main Street, 5th
Street, and 6th Street each received unique corridor elements: Main Street received
brick piers with lighted columns and a mosaic tile wall at Burnett and Main, both
designed by David Dahlquist (and both recently deaccessioned and removed due to
deterioration); 6th Street received small-scale brick piers at street corners on which the
street lights were mounted; 5th Street received the 4-foot brick piers with terra cotta
reliefs.
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The brick piers on 5th Street were installed by a contractor. The ceramic reliefs were
created by the artist David Dahlquist and later installed into the completed piers. The
reliefs are the portion of the installation that are contained within the City’s public art
inventory; the brick piers themselves are not considered “art” within PAC’s control.
Staff has been unable to determine the original construction cost for the brick piers. The
creation and installation of the reliefs were financed in part through an Iowa Community
Cultural Grant through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs ($15,000 grant). The cost
of the original 30 reliefs was $17,000, and the two reliefs created for the additional pier
in 2001 cost a further $2,500 ($19,500 total for the 32 reliefs).
Although the piers were installed in compliance with accessibility standards,
some of them are located in places where they provide only the minimum amount
of required clearance (4 feet), resulting is accessibility challenges. Additionally,
the brick has deteriorated over time, particularly near the bottom of the piers
where freezing and thawing and contact with salt can occur. It does not appear
feasible to relocate the brick piers given their condition and complexity of
construction.
Based on these issues, at its March 7, 2023 meeting, PAC approved a recommendation
to deaccession the ceramic reliefs and remove the brick piers. PAC consulted with
Ames Main Street, which expressed support for the removal of the piers (see
attachment). Both PAC and Ames Main Street indicated a desire to attempt to
retain the reliefs for potential future projects, such as incorporating them into a
new display.
Public Works staff consulted with a contractor to determine the estimated cost to
complete the removal. The contractor’s quote is $1,500 for each pier ($24,000 total, for
the removal of each pier, demolition of the footing below the adjacent pavement, and
replacement with colored concrete to match the adjacent pavement (where applicable).
It should be noted that due to the varying ages of the concrete around each pier, the
colored concrete may not exactly match.
The contractor’s quote does not include the cost to remove and preserve the 32
ceramic reliefs. Neither staff nor the contractor are confident that the reliefs can be
removed intact. City staff believes they would be damaged, if not destroyed outright, by
attempting to remove them.
The Public Art Commission’s Public Art Administration account currently has a balance
of $24,265, with an additional $6,000 in funding becoming available in FY 2023/24.
However, the use of this funding source exclusively would have a substantial impact on
other planned public art activities for the next 18 months. Because the brick piers are
located within the right-of-way, the removal costs are eligible to be financed using Road
Use Tax funding. Staff is proposing that the removal of the piers be completed
using $8,000 in PAC funds (1/3 of the estimated demolition costs), and the
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remaining $16,000 in costs (2/3 of the demolition cost) be financed from the Road
Use Tax Fund available balance.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the deaccession of 32 Dahlquist ceramic reliefs from the City’s Public
Art Inventory, authorize the demolition of the reliefs and 16 brick piers located on
5th Street, and use $16,000 from the available balance in the Road Use Tax Fund
to pay for the project with the remaining funding coming from PAC funding.
2. Authorize the demolition of the 16 brick piers on 5th Street, but direct staff to
obtain quotes to have the ceramic reliefs removed for use in other art projects.
3. Refer this request back to the Public Art Commission or staff for further
information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The 16 brick piers and the associated ceramic reliefs have been exposed to challenging
conditions including ice, salt, and water over the past 24 years. The brick piers present
challenges to the navigation of the sidewalks and crosswalks along 5th Street,
particularly for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, it is the desire of the Public Art
Commission and Ames Main Street to deaccession the art and remove the piers.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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Brick Pier Locations (in red)
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Phillips, Brian
From:Elizabeth Erbes <eliz@avecdesignbuild.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 19, 2023 9:35 PM
To:Erica
Cc:Angie DeWaard; Phillips, Brian; Crystal Davis
Subject:Re: Ames Main Street - Brick pillars with reliefs - 5th St
Attachments:FIFTH STREET PIERS.jpg; 8 - PIERS AT PEARL.jpg; 5 - PIERS AT BURNETT.jpg; 7 - PIERS AT
CLARK - SOUTH.jpg; 6 - PIERS AT CLARK - NORTH.jpg; 4 - PIERS AT KELLOGG AND
BURNETT.jpg; 3 - PIERS AT KELLOGG.jpg; 1 - PIERS AT DUFF.jpg; 2 - PIERS AT
DOUGLAS.jpg
[External Email]
Greetings!
Thanks for the invitation to involve the AMS Design Committee in regards to the brick pillars on fifth street. I have
attached the original drawings showing the type and location of the 16 pillars. The Design Committee has often
discussed the visual and physical barriers of these pillars. We looked at your options and offer our opinions below in
Blue text:
1. As the pillars are technically and barely within ADA guidelines, leave as-is. (This would require
no further action.) Maintenance may still be required on several of the columns.
2. Attempt to move the pillars to a better location near their current placements. (This would
require some further research on feasibility dependent upon condition and other
concerns.) The piers sit on a deep, 2' diameter footing. Moving the piers would
require digging down to the base of the existing footing to remove it. Then a new footing
would be required under the relocated pier. This option could require excavation of a 10'x10'
area including removal of sidewalk in that area.
3. Decommission the pillars altogether, but (if possible) cut out the terra cotta reliefs and try to
incorporate them into a different display, potentially in City Hall or other. This is the option
we prefer. We would suggest decommissioning all the piers, then removal can happen as
needed without returning to the City Council for approval as projects move forward.
I have attached the original plans and images of the piers with terracotta reliefs. The piers are noted as
to which corner of the intersection they are located NE, SW, etc. The third letter designates the side of
the pier the terracota is located. You will notice there are several duplicates.
Possibilities for reuse (we very much like this idea):
inserts in benches in parks downtown
inserts in walls in new AHM galleries
inserts in planters along the streetscape
Erica, just to clarify, there are only three piers at 5th and Kelloggg, the fourth corner features the
fountain.
Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thanks, Eliz
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ELIZABETH ERBES
Architect | Partner | AIA | CEFP | LEED BD+C
AVEC DESIGN + BUILD
avecdesignbuild.com
131 Main Street | Ames, IA 50010
515.233.4641 office | 515.520.4273 cell
On Wed, Feb 8, 2023 at 10:51 AM Erica <ebriest@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hello Eliz,
Allow me to introduce myself; I am Erica Briest, the current Chair of the Public Art Commission and I need to clarify
which brick pillars we are talking about. On the map there are only 3 pillars indicated at the intersection of 5th &
Kellogg, but all 4 pillars are problematic. At the Douglas intersection only the pillar labeled #6 is an issue. I hope that
didn’t confuse anyone, but if it did, please ask me. Looking forward to working with you on a solution that works for
everyone.
Serving With Perfect Vision,
Erica
Sent from Erica’s iPhone
On Feb 8, 2023, at 9:18 AM, Angie DeWaard <angiedewaard@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi, Eliz! I wanted to reintroduce myself - I'm Angie DeWaard. I'm past-chair on the Ames Public Art
Commission. I have included Erica Briest (our current chair), and Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager.
I believe when we first started discussing the wall at Tom Evans Plaza and the lighting fixtures, you had
mentioned that some of the brick pillars with the terra cotta reliefs on them were in disrepair. Due to
budgeting and other concerns, we limited our scope to one area at a time.
We've had it brought to our attention that, while technically within ADA guidelines, a few of the pillars
(see attachment for pillars in question) crowd the crosswalk and are a potential impediment for the
vision-impaired, bikers, etc. In combination with your earlier concerns, we wanted to revisit these
pillars with your group and get your input and opinions.
After discussing at our meeting last night, we would like to take your input and ours to City Council with
recommendations for the pillars in question (and potentially the future of others). The three practical
solutions we could see are:
1. As the pillars are technically and barely within ADA guidelines, leave as-is. (This would require
no further action.)
2. Attempt to move the pillars to a better location near their current placements. (This would
require some further research on feasibility dependent upon condition and other concerns.)
3. Decommission the pillars altogether, but (if possible) cut out the terra cotta reliefs and try to
incorporate them into a different display, potentially in City Hall or other.
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Would you happen to have any input or thoughts on these ideas, or potentially have any other ideas
we haven't considered? We'd love to partner with you on this.
Thanks so much, Eliz!
Angie
--
Angie DeWaard
angiedewaard@gmail.com
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To:Mayor & City Council
From:Corey Goodenow
Date:December 19, 2023
Subject:Budget Guidelines for COTA and Outside Funding Requests
Item No. 27
MEMO
At the onset of each fiscal year's budget preparation cycle, the City Manager and Finance
staff engage the City Council in a comprehensive budget overview. Please see the
attached documents for that describe the FY 2024-25 Budget Issues. Discussion on this
item will be a continuum from the December 12, 2023, City Council meeting
addressing only COTA and Outside Funding Requests.
CG/gb
FY 2024-25 Budget Issues
2024-25 Outside Funding Requests.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
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Fiscal Year 2024/25
City Council Budget Issues
At the onset of each fiscal year's budget preparation cycle, the City Manager and Finance
staff engage the City Council in a comprehensive budget overview. This presentation
serves four primary objectives:
1. Offering a comprehensive perspective of the forthcoming year's budget, including
incorporating factors likely to influence the Council's budgetary decisions later in
the cycle.
2. Sharing input and requests concerning the budget received from local citizens and
organizations.
3. Soliciting Council guidance on specific budget components, such as overall
funding allocations for human services and arts.
4. Receiving any broad funding or service level directives the Council wishes to
integrate into the budget.
Overall Economic Condition Of The City
The Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues its recovery from the pandemic,
manifesting in a low unemployment rate of 2%, modest per capita income growth of 2.3%,
and a notable increase in the total gross domestic product by 8.9%. Concurrently, housing
costs have demonstrated an upward trend, with a November 2023 median listing price
per square foot of $209, slightly down from the historical peak of $221 in February 2023.
As noted in Moody’s most recent credit opinion, the city's tax base is expected to remain
resilient due to several stabilizing institutions and ongoing residential and commercial
growth.
As widely publicized, FY 2024/25 is expected to realize a substantial increase in assessed
valuation, primarily of residential homes. This increase is a result of the Iowa property
tax system, which assesses real property every odd-numbered year and values
properties to actual or market value. As explained in detail in the following section, while
assessed valuations are expected to increase significantly, tax rate limitations imposed
by the State will result in reduced revenue-raising flexibility in the future.
The City continues to contend with a number of challenges, including supply chain
disruptions, elevated commodity/contractual service prices, labor shortages, and
inflationary pressures, echoing issues faced by organizations nationwide. Maintaining
consistent service levels within the budget presents a challenge. Any desired service
level enhancements may necessitate compensatory service level reductions or tax
increases when permitted by the State.
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Changes To The Iowa Property Tax System
The legislative session of 2023 resulted in significant alterations to the Iowa Property Tax
System. Most notably, through SF 718, the new legislation limited levies via the creation
of an adjusted city general fund levy (ACGFL).
The new ACGFL consolidates several levies and retains only select categories, such as
debt service, pensions, employee benefits, among others. Additionally, the ACGFL is
limited and restricted based on the taxable non -TIF growth from year to year. Although
the formula is more complicated, the following is generally the impact of the new
restrictions:
• Taxable non-TIF growth under 3% - no reduction ($8.10 max ACGFL)
• Taxable non-TIF growth over 3% and less than 6% - 2% reduction
• Taxable non-TIF growth over 6% - 3% reduction
Also, as part of the new property tax legislation, the State introduced a new homestead
exemption for property owners aged 65 and over, further reducing taxable valuations.
This additional exemption begins at $3,250 for FY 2024/25 and increases to $6,500
beginning FY 2025/26 and forward. The current homestead credit will continue to be
state-funded.
New in FY 2024/25, the military exemption will no longer be funded by the State and will
increase from $1,852 to $4,000, expected to reduce the City’s taxable valuation by
roughly $4 million.
Early estimates indicate the impact on the FY 2024/25 fiscal year of these two new tax
exemptions to be between $100,000 and $150,000 in revenue per year, and between
$200,000 and $250,000 in all following years.
In addition to these changes, the recently issued assessment limitation (rollback) resulted
in the most significant change in state history, reducing the percentage of assessed
residential value subject to tax to 46.34%, a decrease of 8.31%.
Finally, the bill also modified the timing and notice requirements of the budget process.
Beginning with the FY 2024/25 budget the County Auditor must mail an annual property
taxpayer statement outlining the tax implications of the proposed levy for the three major
property tax collecting entities (City, School District, County) by March 20th. The
statement must outline the impact of tax rate changes, the cause of any change of the
rate change, and the date/time when the taxing entity will hold a public hearing to consider
the maximum tax levy. To accommodate these new requirements, the annual budget
deadline was amended to April 30th each year.
Also impacting the City’s property tax collection is the continued implementation of the
backfill elimination associated with rollback of commercial property valuation. Beginning
in FY 2024/15 the state revised the valuation process for commercial and industrial
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property through a rollback, or limitation order, that reduced the taxable valuation for
commercial and industrial property to 95% in FY 2014/15 and 90% in FY 2015/16. To
minimize the impact on local governments, the state created a standing appropriation to
reimburse local governments for the property tax reductions resulting from the new
rollback. The “backfill” was funded at 100% by the legislature for fiscal years 2015 -2022,
capped at the FY 2016/17 level, and cities similarly received the funds as property tax
revenue.
In the FY 2020/21, the Iowa Legislature passed legislation phasing out the “backfill” funds
over a five- or eight-year period. The phase-out period is determined by the tax valuation
growth rate of each city. Cities whose average property tax valuation growth rate
increased by more than 34.14% for FY 2020/21 compared to FY 2013/14 are receiving a
five-year phase-out. Cities with a lower than 34.14% are receiving an eight-year phase-
out. The reduction in the backfill is phased out evenly each year, based on the growth
rate. The City of Ames experienced 37.0597% of growth during the noted period,
resulting in a five-year phase-out of $976,583. FY 2024/25 is the fourth year of the phase-
out, which will result in a decrease in backfill funds of $195,316 when compared to FY
2023/24.
General Fund
The General Fund ended FY 2022/23 with an approximately $16.3 million balance. This
created an ending balance of roughly $2 million higher than anticipated when the budget
was originally adopted.
Overall, FY 2022/23 revenues were roughly $825,000 higher than budgeted. The largest
revenue impact was the increased collection of Local Option Sales Tax and interest
revenue. FY 2022/23 expenses were roughly $5.256 million lower than the FY 2022/23
adjusted budget. However, many of the expense savings related to capital projects
carried over to FY 2023/24. The most significant operating expense reductions were due
to vacant positions in Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Library Services.
As previously mentioned, the savings from FY 2022/23 primarily stem from capital
projects and departmental initiatives that were deferred to FY 2023/24. Of the additional
General Fund balance, a significant amount has been allocated to unfinished FY 2022/23
projects that have been carried over to the adjusted FY 2023/24 budget. These projects
consist of funding for Downtown Plaza ($1,364,607), City Hall improvements ($650,000),
the Auditorium HVAC system ($499,462), City Hall Space Needs funding ($232,150),
Splash Pad ($231,172), Parks and Recreation agility course equipment ($195,350), Bike
Trail signage ($187,705), Inis Grove Restroom reconstruction ($175,000), ARCH funding
($154,000), a mini-soccer pitch at Lloyd Kurtz Park ($150,000), and the Arts Capital Grant
Program ($147,997), as well as several other minor expenses.
After considering carryovers, Staff has projected a net available balance of approximately
$1.2 million at the conclusion of FY 2022/23. This can be attributed to the increased
interest revenue and the higher-than-anticipated local option sales tax, as mentioned
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above. However, staff anticipates that savings on salaries from open positions and
interest revenue will provide supplementary funding for one-time expenses.
The Council has the option to leverage the additional balance from FY 2022/23 and FY
2023/24 to subsidize operating costs, thus resulting in a reduction in property tax rates in
FY 2024/25. However, it is important to note that this strategy may lead to a great er
increase in the following year, as the one-time balance would need to be replaced with a
more permanent revenue source. Therefore, after careful consideration, the staff
recommends utilizing the one-time available balance created by savings in FY 2022/23
for one-time expenses. This approach will help ensure that the budget remains stable and
that there is no undue burden on taxpayers in the long term. During the budget review,
the City Manager will present a list of potential projects that can be funded using the
balance available.
Additionally, the remaining fund balance that exceeds the Council-approved minimum
balance will help provide a contingency for unexpected expenses or revenue reductions,
including additional modifications to the state's property tax system.
Alternative Response For Community Health (ARCH)
FY 2023/24 is the first year that the City funded the ARCH program. This service,
administered by Mary Greely Medical Center (MGMC), provides a two-person team of a
mental health professional and an EMT/Paramedic who respond to assigned 911 calls in
Ames to help de-escalate a crisis situation, provide mental health support, mediate simple
conflicts, assist with welfare checks, and connect individuals with appropriate
resources/services. The goal of the ARCH response team is to reduce the unnecessary
use of Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Room resources. Initial feedback received
during the first year of operation indicates that ARCH has been successful in
accomplishing its mission.
The budget in FY 2023/24 for this program totals $325,000 for 56 hours of service each
week. Funding is being provided by the City of Ames ($154,000), MGMC ($154,000), and
Iowa State University ($17,000). These funds are being utilized to pay for the startup
costs of the program, such as the acquisition of the necessary equipment and purchase
of a vehicle, as well personnel expenses. Because of the newness of this service and
lack of evidence of its usefulness, the City’s portion of the program funding was allocated
from the available balance in the General Fund (one-time money) rather than
incorporating this obligation into the base budget and increasing the property tax levy.
At the time the Council committed to this new venture, the City staff urged MGMC to
explore the possibility of other funding partners and/or outside funding opportunities to
mitigate the financial responsibility of the City and MGMC as the program costs in crease
over the years. To date, ASSET is the only additional funding source being explored by
MGMC for FY 2024/25. Because the probability of this new program being funded by
ASSET is low, the City Council should be prepared to make a decision at the February
budget hearings on how to fund this important service.
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CyRide
During FY 2023/24, CyRide experienced significant growth, with ridership levels reaching
nearly 80% of their pre-pandemic numbers. This growth is of utmost importance, as it is
directly tied to federal funding levels. To support the continued success of the transit
system, a concerted effort has been made to improve hiring and retention, leading to a
reduction in the number of vacant driver positions. This, in turn, has enabled CyRide to
provide additional bus services and reduce crowding on high -traffic routes. Additionally,
staff reports that the first two battery electric buses were successfully introduced, fulfilling
the goals set by the Transit Board and the City Council as it relates to the Climate Action
Plan.
In preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, the Transit Board has requested a budget
increase of 3.6%, although the funding agencies request is only increasing 2.5%
compared to the previous year. This increase reflects inflationary costs , ongoing supply
chain issues, early replacement of heavy-duty bus engines, and shortened maintenance
intervals for other equipment.
Utility Rates
Water and Wastewater
City staff updates long-term rate planning each year based on operating cost trends and
capital improvements. Staff also reviews the timing of other utility rate increases to
minimize the impact on affected customers. As projected in last year’s forecast, the rates
for the sanitary sewer utility are anticipated to increase by 7% in FY 2024/25. No increase
is anticipated in water rates. That said, changes to the recommended rate increases may
be required as staff analyzes and models the impact of construct ion costs and rates
associated with capital project debt issuances.
Electric
It is expected that the electric utility rates will remain unchanged for FY 2024/25. That
said, a long-term natural gas contract with very advantageous terms ended in December
2023, and the City entered into a new agreement that runs through December 31,
2024. As a result, customers may experience increased rates in the form of Energy Cost
Adjustments, resulting from the costs associated with the new natural gas contract as well
as market rate power costs.
Furthermore, the electric utility staff is currently conducting a rate study, which will likely
lead to some changes in the rate structure. The initial assessment by the City's consultant
suggests an increase in the service charge (minimum bill) associated with the cost of
maintaining the current infrastructure but an offsetting decrease in the cost of power. Staff
has expressed the desire to maintain revenue neutrality to the greatest extent possible.
Resource Recovery
The staff has recommended increasing tipping fees from $62.50 to $75.00 per ton,
effective July 1, 2024. The current tipping fee of $62.50 per ton was increased by $3.75
per ton beginning at the start of FY 2022/23. The recommended increase in tipping fees
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is due to the recent change in the City's gas contract, which increases the cost of gas and
reduces the amount of contracted gas necessary to accept refuse-derived fuel (RDF). As
a result of this change, the Power Plant cannot continue to accept similar levels of RDF
as it has historically, which means that refuse will be diverted to the Boone County landfill,
resulting in lost tipping revenue. However, the staff does not recommend increasing the
per capita fee charged to participating communities, which was raised from $9.10 to
$10.50, effective from January 1, 2018.
It should also be noted that an increase in the price of RDF provided the Power Plant is
also currently under consideration by staff, given the rise in fuel costs. These two
proposed increases will be required to meet the financial needs of the utility in the coming
year.
Stormwater
The stormwater drainage system is currently subject to a 4 -tier structure based on
impervious area adopted in FY 2012/13. As of July 1, 2022, the fee has been increased
to $5.20 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). The revenue generated from this fee is
allocated towards maintaining and expanding the storm sewer infrastructure, preventing
overland flooding, performing erosion control, and installing other useful measures for
adequate control, management, collection, drainage, and disposition of stormwater . Staff
continuously evaluates the stormwater system's long-term needs, including future capital
improvement projects, personnel, and equipment. No modifications to the fee structure or
rates are anticipated for FY 2024/25.
Parking
The Parking Revenue Fund continues to struggle to meet its operating revenue
requirement year over year and, as such, has made little progress in supporting
collections that would sustain significant capital projects/maintenance. To support the
fund over the past several years, external transfers have been necessary, including
during FY 2022/23 when the City transferred nearly $450,000 of general fund savings.
Staff is currently evaluating potential modifications to the parking program to increase
revenue or reduce expenses. The current evaluation includes the possibility of rate
changes, staffing modifications, and changes to collection and ticketing practices. While
the evaluation is still underway, it has become clear that the fund will likely require a
modification in more than one of the items mentioned above to sustain financial stability
in the future.
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund
Hotel/Motel tax revenues are collected in the General Fund and transferred to the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. Of the 7 cents per dollar collected ; 5 cents are passed through to
the Discover Ames, 1 cent replaces the Local Option Sales Tax that was not collected
and is split 60% for property tax reduction and 40% for community betterment. The
remaining 1 cent is placed in the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to be used for economic
development opportunities.
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From FY 2021/22 to FY 2022/23, collections increased from $2,416,000 to $2,878,000,
or roughly 19%. Through conversations with Discover Ames, who indicated that they
expect a decrease in the number of events in the area , staff is projecting revenues from
Hotel/Motel tax to remain flat at $2,878,000 in the FY 2023/24 adjusted budget. For FY
2024/25, given the information provided by Discover Ames, staff recommends again
budgeting for flat revenue through the upcoming fiscal year. The City continues to
maintain a strong balance in the Hotel/Motel Tax fund.
Interest Rate Revenue
While an increase in interest rates will negatively impact the City's borrowing costs, they
also provide additional sources of revenue for funds with substantial balances. Staff
projects interest revenue for FY 2023/24 to be approximately $8.1 million and roughly
$7.0 million in FY 2024/25. Staff uses a conservative approach to estimating interest
revenue, including lower rates and the use of existing balances, resulting in decreased
invested funds. These projected increases represent a significant increase compared to
the adopted FY 2023/24 budget for all funds.
Fire and Police Retirement and IPERS
MFPRSI
The formula for determining the contribution rate for MFPRSI is defined in the Code of
Iowa Chapter 411. Presently, the employee rate is constant at 9.4%. The employer rate,
on the other hand, is determined annually by the MFPRSI Board of Trustees followin g an
actuarial assessment. Currently, the city's contribution rate is 22.99%. There will be a
minor reduction to 22.66% in FY 2024/25.
IPERS
The City contribution rate to the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) will
be unchanged at 9.44% for FY 2024/25. The employee contribution will also remain at
6.29%, with a fixed 60/40 pension cost sharing.
Health Insurance
After a thorough review of claims and a careful consideration of anticipated fixed costs,
staff recommends an 8% increase in FY 2024/25 for all insurance plans. The primary
drivers of the suggested increase are the significant increases in excess insurance and
medical claims. Staff continues to collaborate with the City’s benefits consultant to identify
additional cost-saving measures, including the recent change in the pharmacy benefit
manager, which has prevented the need for a more significant recommended increase.
Staff is confident that the health insurance fund balance will remain well above the
required level to maintain a self-insured plan and provide an adequate balance to fund
possible claim fluctuations. Staff will continue to monitor the condition of the fund closely
and explore additional options for minimizing the potential of future increases.
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Climate Action Plan
As part of the Climate Action Plan, the Council identified six big moves: new net-zero
constructions, building retrofits, reducing vehicle emissions, reducing waste emissions,
renewable energy, and increasing active and transit transportation use that were further
broken down into a seven-step implementation process:
▪ Increasing wind and solar
▪ Waste to energy improvements to help reduce waste emissions
▪ Policies to support net-zero construction
▪ Implementing a pilot program to incentivize retrofits in older homes
▪ Hiring a consultant to help plan retrofits for municipal buildings
▪ Create a Mayor’s CAP Leadership Task Force
While the Staff is seeking funding alternatives, including federal grants, implementation
of these steps are likely to significantly impact the City’s future financial strategies.
Capital Improvements Plan
During the presentation of this report last year, Staff noted that the constantly rising
inflationary costs would lead to significant increases in project costs in all future years.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) composite index for construction remained
stable in 2023, after a 23.4% increase in 2022. While construction costs have stabilized,
the interest rate environment continues to rise for the debt required to support many of
these major projects. Where possible, staff anticipates using available bond proceeds that
were previously issued for public works projects but remain unspent for various reasons.
Road Conditions/Road Use Tax Fund
The City’s annual Resident Satisfaction Survey's continually ranks the reconstruction of
existing streets as one of the top capital improvement priorities. This represents a
challenge since the lane-miles of streets continue to expand, existing streets continue to
age, and recent winters have been difficult on our roadways.
The Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF) is a pool of funds that is collected through various means
such as motor vehicle registration fees, motor vehicle fuel taxes, an excise tax on
automobile rentals, and a use tax on trailers. The revenue generated from RUTF is st rictly
used for the maintenance and operation of street rights-of-way and capital improvements.
The City has been cautious in estimating the annual road use tax revenue based on
economic conditions in the past budget years. For the adjusted FY 2023/24 budget, staff
has forecasted a road use tax revenue of $9,235,174, which is approximately 0.5% higher
than the adopted budget. For the FY 2024/25 budget, the staff has forecasted road use
tax revenue of $9,300,000, which is a 1.2% increase over the FY 2023/24 adopted
budget. This increase in revenue will help the City cover the cost of maintaining the
growing street infrastructure.
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Local Option Sales Tax
The FY 2023/24 budget projected $10,303,016 in Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)
revenues. However, the latest projection for Ames from the Iowa Department of Revenue
for the same period is $10,668,381. The Department of Revenue's estimate appears to
assume no growth in sales tax receipts, which seems implausible given the collections
received in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Based on this information, the staff believes
that a reasonable adjusted budget for FY 2023/24 is $11.5 million. Additionally, st aff
estimates a 5% increase over the recommended adjusted budget, bringing the
recommended LOST revenue to a total of $12 million for FY 2024/25, based on the
available information.
Attachment 1 of this document summarizes the Local Option Sales Tax Fund, including
an illustrative option of 5% for ASSET, COTA, and outside funding requests for the FY
2024/25 budget. Staff requests the City Council's direction regarding the percentage
increase in funding for these programs for inclusion in the FY 2024/25 budget.
Asset Human Services Funding
The City Council adopted the following priorities for human services funding for FY
2024/25:
(NOTE: Categories 1, 2, and 3 are in priority order as are the lettered services in each category. An
emphasis is placed on low to moderate income individuals and families in all categories and services).
1. Meet mental health and substance use disorder needs through
A. Community-based and outpatient mental health services
B. Outpatient emergency access and crisis intervention services
C. Awareness and education about suicide prevention and services
D. Substance use prevention and treatment availability
2. Meet basic needs through
A. Sheltering, including emergency shelter (length of stay in emergency
shelter is dependent upon the population group being served)
B. Housing cost offset programs including utility assistance
C. Food cost offset programs to assist in providing nutritious perishables and
staples
D. Quality childcare cost offset programs, including daycare and State of Iowa
licensed in-home facilities
E. Medical and dental services
F. Financial literacy and education programs
G. Transportation cost offset programs
H. Legal assistance
I. Disaster response
3. Provide youth development services and activities through
A. Skill development and enhancement
B. Summer enrichment/prevention of loss of learning
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The following table summarizes each year’s ASSET allocations by funders. Central Iowa
Community Services (CICS) continues to fund mental health and disability services
separately from the ASSET process.
The prior budget year is not the only way to evaluate the amount to budget for the next
fiscal year. The amount budgeted at this time each year can vary if the ASSET
volunteers do not recommend funding the entire amount authorized by the City
Council. This was the case for the current FY 2023/24. A total of $66,25 9 was left
unallocated and Council approved the volunteer’s recommendation to set those
funds aside specifically for an RFP for Emergency Shelter services.
Additionally, the amount contracted with agencies may not be entirely drawn down
each year. In FY 2022/23, $96,429 (5.6%) was not drawn down by agencies.
FY 2022/23 City Funds FY 2023/24 City Funds FY 2024/25
Requested
2,056,939
Budgeted
1,729,180
Contracted
1,717,528
Requested
1,933,960
Budgeted
1,832,931
Contracted
1,766,672
Requested
2,280,601
FY 2024/25 Program and Service Requests
For FY 2024/25, City ASSET funds requested by agencies total $2,280,601 (Attachment
A), up $447,670, or approximately 24.4% over the current fiscal year budgeted amount
of $1,832,931.
The following requests are noteworthy for the City Council:
• American Red Cross (Disaster Services) - City funding for FY 2023/24 was not
requested by Red Cross, therefore, funding was not allocated to Disaster Services.
Red Cross has submitted a request for FY 2024/25 in the amount of $9,933 which
is the same amount that was in their FY 2022/23 contract with the City.
• The Bridge Home (Supportive Housing and Service Coordination) –
Supportive Housing was a new service in the ASSET process for FY 2023/24 and
funding was not allocated to this service by ASSET funders as the higher need
was with Emergency Shelter services. For FY 2024/25 The Bridge Home (TBH)
is requesting City funds for Supportive Housing in the amount of $40,000.
As part of their Rapid Re-housing program, TBH provides Service Coordination to
help individuals and families connect to the needed resources to be successful in
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obtaining and maintaining long-term housing. The City is currently funding Service
Coordination in the amount of $5,752 and the request for FY 2024/25 is $19,675
or a 242% increase.
• Mary Greeley Medical Center (ARCH) – Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC)
is a new agency in the ASSET process for FY 2024/25. They are requesting
funding for their Alternative Response to Community Health (ARCH) program that
was piloted in October 2022 – June 2023. This program responds to calls that
would typically be handled by the Ames Police Department or First Responders
through the Fire Department.
In order to help continue the program during the current fiscal year, the City Council
agreed to share in half the cost with MGMC by approving the use of ending fund
balance dollars from the General Fund in the amount of $154,000. MGMC’s
request through ASSET is for City funding only in the amount of $186,696.
• Raising Readers in Story County (Public Education) – This is a new request to
the City. The amount requested is $5,000.
• The Community Academy (Out of School Program) – The Community
Academy (TCA) was a new agency in the ASSET process in FY 2023/24 and
requested $105,000. A total of $17,972 was allocated from all four ASSET funders
and the City’s share of that was $5,000 (approximately 28%).
TCA’s FY 2024/25 request to ASSET is $180,000 and of that $48,260 (865%
increase) is requested from the City.
• ASSET approved two new services submitted by The Salvation Army. The first
is Emergency Shelter for adults and families. The Salvation Army (TSA) has
been providing this service in local hotels using limited financial donations. TSA
is requesting $13,000 from ASSET and of this amount, $5,000 is requested from
the City.
The second new service is a Vehicle Repair service that falls within the ASSET
category of Emergency Assistance for Basic Material Needs. This service
assists individuals with car repairs up to $300 at local automotive repair
businesses. If repairs exceed this amount, the individual needs to verify that they
can cover the balance. The purpose of this service is to help individuals with
maintaining transportation. TSA is requesting $2,000 from the City for this new
service.
• YSS (The Nest and Employment Assistance for Youth) – YSS is requesting an
increase in City funding for The Nest program due to the loss of state grant funding.
The request is for $16,626 which is a 362% increase over the current allocation of
$3,600. Similar increases are asked of the other ASSET funders.
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An increase in City funds is also being sought for the Employment Assistance for
Youth service. The City is currently funding $20,931 and next year’s request is for
$42,559 which is a 103% increase.
Service Outcomes Reporting
Agencies continue collecting and reporting service outcomes through Clear Impact
Scorecard and submit data with their ASSET budget packet. Those outcome reports are
shared with the ASSET volunteers as one of the several tools used to prepare allocation
recommendations for the Funders.
ASSET Administrative Expenses
In addition to the amount authorized for human service programs, the City will also budget
its share of the ASSET administrative expenses. The expenses include the administrative
assistant salary, website hosting, virtual programs, printing, and meal expe nses for the
volunteers. The City’s estimated share is $8,800.
Funding Options
Last year, the City Council authorized a 6% increase in funding. The table below indicates
allocation options based on the percentage increases from the FY 2023/24 budgeted
amount of $1,832,930.
Increase from Current Dollar Increase Total City Funding Authorized
0% 0 1,832,931
3% 54,988 1,887,919
5% 91,647 1,924,578
24.4% (agency requests) 447,671 2,280,601
In addition to the authorized funding, it should be noted that the City’s estimated share of
the administrative expenses will be an additional $8,800 on top of the total authorized
funding amount.
COTA – Performing Arts Funding
For FY 2023/24, the City Council approved contracts with COTA agencies totaling
$220,950, and an additional $8,508 was reserved to be used for fall and spring special
project grants, for a total COTA allocation of $229,458.
COTA has received annual grant applications from 21 agencies for FY 2024/25. This is
an increase from 19 agencies receiving awards in FY 2023/24. New organizations to the
process were the Ames Desi Drama Association, Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames,
Friends of Roosevelt Park, and Iowa Youth Ballet. Two organizations that requested
funds in FY 2023/24 did not apply for FY 2024/25. Additionally, the Ames Children’s
Choirs organization was renamed to the Ames Youth Choir.
The requests for FY 2024/25 total $262,350, which is a 14.3% increase ($32,892) above
the budgeted amount for FY 2023/24 (before any reserve for special project grants).
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Hearings were held by COTA with the applicants to review the application materials and
answer questions.
The City Council is being asked to establish the total funding amount that COTA may use
to make its recommendations for FY 2024/25. From that amount, COTA will determine
recommended funding amounts for each agency, and will reserve the remainder for the
special project “mini-grant” opportunities that are solicited twice each year. This special
project grant reserve has varied in past years from $4,000 to $10,000 out of the total
funding authorized by the City Council.
The table below indicates the City Council’s awards in the current fiscal year compared
to the prior fiscal year:
FY 2022/23 FY 2023/24 Difference
Contract Amounts: $ %
Award Amount to Agencies $ 206,470 $ 220,950 $ 14,480 7.0%
Special Project Reserve 10,000 8,508 -1,492 -14.9%
Total $ 216,470 $ 229,458 $ 12,988 6.0%
As always, a range of options is available for establishing an authorized allocation for FY
2024/25. The entire amount authorized by the City Council is used by COTA. COTA sets
aside a portion of the funds authorized by the Council for Special Project Gran t funds to
distribute later in the year.
Increase From
Current
Dollar
Increase
Amount
Authorized
0% $ 0 $ 229,458
1% 2,295 231,753
2% 4,590 234,047
5% 11,473 240,931
14.3% (request) 32,892 262,350
Funding Requests From Outside Organizations
City staff accepts applications from outside organizations wishing to receive funds for
their organizations’ operations. The City Council has exempted the Ames Economic
Development Commission’s business development partnership, the Ames/ISU
Sustainability Coordinator, and the Ames Human Relations Commission from this
process since those activities are conducted in an official capacity on behalf of the City
government.
Funds for these programs come from two sources: The Hotel/Motel Tax Fund supports
the workforce development activities undertaken by the Ames Economic Development
Commission. Requests from other outside organizations are supported with funds from
the Local Option Sales Tax Fund.
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During the February 2020 Budget Wrap-up, the City Council adopted a new policy
regarding reimbursement for parking meters that are closed for special events. The policy
indicates that parking fees will not be waived for district -wide events, effective July 1,
2020. Instead, event organizers must reimburse the Parking Fund for lost revenue.
The total amount allocated for these requests in FY 2023/24 was $314,808.
Purpose Source Allocation
General Outside Funding Requests Local Option Sales Tax Fund $294,319
Local Option Sales Tax Fund Total 294,319
Parking Waivers Hotel/Motel Tax Fund 5,489
AEDC Workforce Initiatives Hotel/Motel Tax Fund 15,000
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Total 20,489
TOTAL $314,808
Last year, funds to reimbursement the Parking Fund for special events were
allocated in the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund rather than in the Local Option Sales Tax
Fund for the first time. Staff is recommending that the parking waiver funds
continue to be drawn from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. This year, parking waiver
requests total $7,000. Staff would recommend allocating a total of $10,000 for
parking waiver requests to cover any unanticipated events or activities that the
Council wishes to provide free parking for. The authorization to transfer funds from
the Hotel/Motel Fund to the Parking Fund would be made at the time of approval of
each request.
The total Local Option Sales Tax Fund portion of the FY 2024/25 requests is $332,729,
which is a 13.1% increase over the FY 2023/24 Local Option allocation.
103
Organization/Program FY 23/24
Adopted
FY 24/25
Request $ Change % Change
Ames Historical Society $ 50,752 $ 66,752 $ 16,000 31.5%
Ames Int’l Partner City Ass’n 5,800 8,000 2,200 37.9%
Campustown Action Ass’n 42,000 43,000 1,000 2.4%
Hunziker Youth Sports Complex 84,000 94,000 10,000 11.9%
Ames Main Street 53,000 54,000 1,000 1.9%
Story County Housing Trust Fund 40,778 52,477 11,699 28.7%
Farmers Market 10,000 12,000 2,000 20%
American Legion Riders 2,500 2,500 - -
Home Allies 5,489* - (5,489) -100.0%
Local Option Tax Subtotal $ 294,319 $ 332,729 $ 38,410 13.1%
Ames Main Street (Parking
Waivers)
5,489 5,500 11 0.2%
Campustown Action Ass’n Parking
Waivers
- 1,500 1,500 100%
Staff recommended additional
parking waiver reserve
- 3,000 3,000 100%
AEDC Workforce Development* 15,000 15,000 - -
Hotel/Motel Tax Subtotal $ 20,489 $ 25,000 $ 4,511 22.0%
TOTAL $ 314,808 $ 357,729 $ 42,921 13.6%
*Home Allies received an additional allocation of $4,511 from Council Contingency
Highlights from the requests are summarized below:
• Hunziker Youth Sports Complex – HYSC is requesting an increase to $94,000
for FY 2024/25. This request represents a $10,000 increase over the $84,000 it
received in FY 2023/24, and would address increased expenses for field
maintenance, equipment, and building upkeep.
• Ames Historical Society – AHS is requesting an increase to $66,752 for FY
2024/25. This represents an increase of $16,000 over the $50,752 it received in
FY 2023/24. The requested increase corresponds to the expected growth in
attendance with the opening of the expanded facility in mid-2024, and would
provide for free or reduced admission to SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Medicaid recipients,
students, and active military.
• Ames International Partner Cities Association – AIPCA is requesting an
increase to $8,000 for FY 2024/25. This represents an increase of $2,200 over the
$5,800 it received in FY 2023/24, and is related to exploring new ways to develop
a commerce exchange with Koshu City, Japan.
104
• Farmers Market – Farmers Market is requesting an increase to $12,000. This
represents an increase of $2,000 over the $10,000 it received in FY 2023/24. The
Market indicates that the requested increase is due to the projected increase in
logistical costs.
• Story County Housing Trust (SCHT) – SCHT is requesting an increase to
$52,477 for FY 2024/25, compared with the $40,778 it received in FY 2023/24.
Most of the increase would be allocated towards repairs of owner-occupied
housing for those with low- and moderate incomes, compared to the approved
contract for FY 2023/24.
The past practice has been to include the amount approved for the prior fiscal year in the
recommended budget. The City Council is not being asked to evaluate or approve
the merits of these requests at this time. Instead, City staff is seeking direction
from the City Council regarding a total amount of Local Option funds available to
be allocated for the coming year, and concurrence with staff’s proposal to fund the
parking meter waivers from Hotel/Motel tax revenues rather than Local Option
Sales Tax. The applications will be reviewed by staff with that budget authority in mind,
and recommendations will be made to the City Council. As with other funding processes,
a variety of options are available to the City Council:
Increase From Current
($294,319)
Dollar
Increase
Amount
Authorized
1% $ 2,943 $ 297,262
2% 5,886 300,205
3% 8,829 303,148
4% 11,773 306,092
5% 14,716 309,035
13.1% (all requests)* 38,410 332,729
*excludes AEDC request and parking waiver requests, which would be funded from Hotel/Motel Tax Fund
Town Budget Meeting
On November 2, 2023, the annual Town Budget Meeting was held. Notes from the
meeting are included as Attachments (2 & 3) to this document.
Attachments
1. Local Option Sales Tax Fund Summary
2. Town Budget Meeting Minutes
3. Outside Funding Requests
105
City Council’s Input
(Given the information provided, the City Council’s input is requested.)
Service Level Increases
Service Level Decreases
Other Issues
106
Attachment 1
Local Option Sales Tax Summary
+5%
ASSET/COTA
2023/24 2023/24 2024/25
Adopted Adjusted Estimated
Revenues:
Local Option Sales Tax 10,303,016$ 11,500,000$ 12,000,000$
Transfer from Hotel/Motel 137,341 164,622 164,622
Total Revenues 10,440,357 11,664,622 12,164,622
Expenses:
Operating Expenses:
Municipal Band 33,471 34,168 35,084
Human Svcs Administration 30,083 22,523 32,438
Human Svc Agency Funding 1,832,931 1,832,931 1,924,578 "+5% Adopted
Public Art 46,000 138,566 46,000
Art Agency Funding 229,458 229,458 240,931 "+5% Adopted
City Council Allocations 294,319 294,319 309,035 "+5% Adopted
AHRC Special Events 3,000 3,000 3,000
Total Operations 2,469,262 2,554,965 2,591,066
CIP Projects:1,842,628 7,115,241 2,073,628
Transfers:
60% Property Tax Relief 6,181,810 6,900,000 7,200,000
Park Development 100,000 100,000 100,000
Ice Arena Capital Reserve 40,000 40,000 40,000
Total Transfers 6,321,810 7,040,000 7,340,000
Total Expenses 10,633,700 16,710,206 12,004,694
Fund Balance:
Net Change in Fund (193,343) (5,045,584) 159,928
Beginning Balance 3,645,308 9,779,014 4,733,430
Ending Balance 3,451,965 4,733,430 4,893,358
Minimum Balance Reserve 1,112,973 2,452,552 1,201,174
(25% of expenses less
60% pass through)
Unreserved Fund Balance 2,338,992$ 2,280,878$ 3,692,184$
S:\Finance-Administration\BUDGET DIVISION\Council Budget Issues\FY 24 25 Issues\Local Option Sales Tax
Summary FY 24-25 107
Agency Service Index Contracted 23/24 Request 24/25
% Change
Contract to
Request
24/25
Proposed
Units of
Service Unit of Service
24/25
Proposed
Cost per Unit
ACCESS Emergency Shelter 2.08 66,813$ 73,495$ 10.00%565 24 Hr Period Food/Shelter 130.00$
ACCESS Domestic Abuse Crisis and Support 3.07 35,864$ 39,450$ 10.00%326 1 Staff Hour 121.00$
ACCESS Sexual Abuse Crisis and Support 3.08 9,570$ 10,527$ 10.00%80 1 Staff Hour 131.00$
ACCESS Battering Courtwatch 3.10 7,124$ 7,836$ 9.99%65 1 Staff Hour 121.00$
ACCESS Public Education and Awareness 1.12 4,750$ 5,225$ 10.00%43 1 Staff Hour 121.00$
124,121$ 136,533$ 10.00%
Ames Comm. Preschool Center Day Care - Infant 2.02 25,000$ 27,500$ 10.00%331 1 Full Day 82.96$
Ames Comm. Preschool Center Day Care - Children 2.03 84,829$ 93,312$ 10.00%1,529 1 Full Day 61.02$
Ames Comm. Preschool Center Day Care - School Age 2.04 45,670$ 50,237$ 10.00%2,791 1 Partial Day (3 hrs)18.00$
155,499$ 171,049$ 10.00%
All Aboard for Kids Out of School Program 1.09 8,263$ 8,676$ 5.00%63 1 Partial Day (3 hrs)138.73$
All Aboard for Kids Supported Employment Dev. Disab.1.01 2,976$ 3,215$ 8.03%79 1 Staff Hour 40.63$
11,239$ 11,891$ 5.80%
American Red Cross Disaster Services 2.12 -$ 9,933$ 100.00%8 1 Staff Hour 1,180.00$
-$ 9,933$ 100.00%
Boys and Girls Club Out of School Program 1.09 123,218$ 126,915$ 3.00%2,532 1 Partial Day (3 hrs)50.13$
123,218$ 126,915$ 3.00%
Campfire Day Care- School Age 2.04 -$ -$ NA -$
Campfire Day Care - School Age - Scholarships 2.04 -$ -$ NA -$
Campfire Youth Development and Social Adjustment 1.07 -$ -$ NA
Campfire Out of School Program 1.09 5,500$ 6,000$ 9.09%92 1 Partial Day (3 hrs)65.33$
5,500$ 6,000$ 9.09%
Center for Creative Justice Correctional Services - Probation Supervision 2.09 67,450$ 70,823$ 5.00%659 1 Client Hour 107.39$
67,450$ 70,823$ 5.00%
ChildServe Day Care - Infant 2.02 6,600$ 6,600$ 0.00%114 1 Full Day 57.66$
ChildServe Day Care - Children 2.03 17,600$ 17,600$ 0.00%311 1 Full Day 56.65$
24,200$ 24,200$ 0.00%
The Bridge Home Rapid Re-Housing Emerg. Assistance for Basic Needs 2.01 19,172$ 19,500$ 1.71%42 1 Client Contact 459.53$
The Bridge Home Emergency Shelter 2.08 92,927$ 110,000$ 18.37%1,416 24 Hr Period Food/Shelter 77.70$
The Bridge Home Supportive Housing 2.15 -$ 40,000$ 100.00%1,539 1 Day 25.99$
The Bridge Home Rapid Re-Housing Service Coordination 3.13 5,752$ 19,675$ 242.05%697 1 Client Hour 28.23$
117,851$ 189,175$ 60.52%
Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance for Rent and Utilities 2.01 29,000$ 38,700$ 33.45%70 1 Client Contact 553.40$
Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance for Healthy Food Vouchers 2.01 6,500$ 9,100$ 40.00%44 1 Client Contact 206.72$
Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance - Navigator 2.01 -$ -$ 0.00%- 1 Client Contact 133.23$
35,500$ 47,800$ 34.65%
Heartland of Story County Day Care - Adults , Adult Day Center 3.02 65,620$ 67,600$ 3.02%843 1 Day 80.15$
Heartland of Story County Congregate Meals 3.06 -$ -$ 0.00%- 1 Meal -$
Heartland of Story County Home Delivered Meals 3.05 86,335$ 102,525$ 18.75%12,293 1 Meal 8.34$
Heartland of Story County Home Delivered Meals Under 60 Program 3.05 2,189$ -$ 0.00%NA 1 Meal NA
City of Ames
108
Agency Service Index Contracted 23/24 Request 24/25
% Change
Contract to
Request
24/25
Proposed
Units of
Service Unit of Service
24/25
Proposed
Cost per Unit
City of Ames
Heartland of Story County Senior Food Program 2.01 4,668$ 4,668$ 0.00%454 1 Client Contact 10.29$
Heartland of Story County Service Coordination - Outreach 3.13 48,613$ 50,100$ 3.06%478 1 Client Hour 104.73$
Heartland of Story County Activity and Resource Center 3.14 -$ -$ 0.00%NA 1 Client Contact -$
207,425$ 224,893$ 8.42%
HIRTA Transportation - City 2.13 47,921$ 51,000$ 6.43%2,589 One-Way Trip 19.70$
47,921$ 51,000$ 6.43%
Legal Aid Legal Aid - Society , Legal Aid - Civil 2.10 138,704$ 149,800$ 8.00%1,051 1 Staff Hour 142.57$
138,704$ 149,800$ 8.00%
Lutheran Services in Iowa Crisis Intervention - Crisis Child Care 3.09 5,389$ 5,389$ 0.00%2 1 Contact $3,114.00
5,389$ 5,389$ 0.00%
Mary Greeley Home Health Services
(ARCH)**NEW SERVICE** Crisis Intervention (ARCH)3.09 -$ 186,696$ 100.00%741 1 Contact 251.81$
186,696$ 100.00%
Mary Greeley Home Health Services Community Clinics and Health Education 3.01 17,878$ 17,878$ 0.00%114 1 Clinic Hour 156.24$
Mary Greeley Home Health Services In-Home Health Assistance 3.04 16,300$ 16,300$ 0.00%231 1 Client Hour 70.48$
34,178$ 34,178$ 0.00%
MICA Food Pantry 2.01 28,000$ 33,000$ 17.86%1,577 1 Client Contact 20.92$
28,000$ 33,000$ 17.86%
NAMI Public Education and Awareness 1.12 12,900$ 13,400$ 3.88%196 1 Staff Hour 68.42$
NAMI Activity and Resource Center 3.14 7,400$ 12,400$ 67.57%178 1 Staff Hour 69.79$
NAMI Family and Peer Support 1.02 550$ 550$ 0.00%9 1 Staff Hour 59.39$
NAMI Family and Peer Education 1.02 1,200$ 1,200$ 0.00%4 1 Staff Hour 296.95$
22,050$ 27,550$ 24.94%
Primary Health Care Dental Clinic 3.01 80,000$ 100,209$ 25.26%345 1 Clinic Hour 290.46$
80,000$ 100,209$ 25.26%
Raising Readers Family Development/Education 1.10 13,063$ 14,108$ 8.00%84 1 Client Hour 167.42$
Raising Readers Out-of-School Program 1.09 17,712$ 19,129$ 8.00%143 1 Partial Day (3 hours)134.16$
Raising Readers **NEW REQUEST** Public Education/Awareness 1.12 -$ 5,000$ 100.00%285 1 Staff Hour 17.52$
30,775$ 38,237$ 24.25%
RSVP Disaster Services - Volunteer Management for Emergencies 2.12 7,800$ 8,000$ 2.56%172 1 Staff Hour 46.63$
RSVP Transportation 2.13 1,700$ 2,000$ 17.65%94 One-Way Trip 21.27$
RSVP Volunteer Management 1.11 26,000$ 27,150$ 4.42%5,251 1 Volunteer Hour 5.17$
35,500$ 37,150$ 4.65%
The Arc of Story County Special Recreation - Active Lifestyles 3.19 5,500$ 5,700$ 3.64%547 1 Participant Hour 10.42$
The Arc of Story County Respite Care 3.11 4,200$ 4,200$ 0.00%250 1 Client Hour 16.78$
The Arc of Story County Service Coordination 3.13 1,500$ 1,500$ 0.00%71 1 Client Hour 21.15$
11,200$ 11,400$ 1.79%
109
Agency Service Index Contracted 23/24 Request 24/25
% Change
Contract to
Request
24/25
Proposed
Units of
Service Unit of Service
24/25
Proposed
Cost per Unit
City of Ames
The Community Academy Out of School Program 1.09 5,000$ 48,260$ 865.20%704 1 Partial Day (3 hrs)68.57$
5,000$ 48,260$ 865.20%
The Salvation Army Emergency Asst. for Basic Material Needs (Food Pantry)2.01 18,000$ 21,000$ 16.67%141 1 Client Contact 149.42$
The Salvation Army Emergency Asst. for Basic Material Needs (Homeless Prev)2.01 30,000$ 33,000$ 10.00%82 1 Client Contact 402.73$
The Salvation Army Disaster Services 2.12 1,000$ 1,200$ 20.00%3 1 Staff Hour 423.30$
The Salvation Army Representative Payee Services 2.14 18,000$ 18,000$ 0.00%955 1 Client Contact 18.84$
The Salvation Army **NEW SERVICE** Emergency Shelter 2.08 -$ 5,000$ 100.00%66 24 Hr Period Food/Shelter 75.67$
The Salvation Army
**NEW SERVICE** Emergency Asst. for Basic Material Needs
(Vehicle Repair)2.01 -$ 2,000$ 100.00%7 1 Client Contact 301.85$
67,000$ 80,200$ 19.70%
University Community Childcare Child Care - Infant 2.02 46,200$ 50,820$ 10.00%470 1 Full Day 108.24$
University Community Childcare Child Care - Children 2.03 48,572$ 53,430$ 10.00%833 1 Full Day 64.18$
94,772$ 104,250$ 10.00%
YWCA Youth Development and Social Adjustment (Girl Power)1.07 3,000$ 3,000$ 0.00%2,857 1 Client Contact/day 1.05$
YWCA Parent and Student Support 1.02 1,366$ 1,366$ 0.00%64 1 Staff Hour 21.39$
4,366$ 4,366$ 0.00%
Youth and Shelter Services Substance Abuse Treatment - Outpatient 3.16 13,555$ 13,962$ 3.00%58 1 Client Hour 242.06$
Youth and Shelter Services Primary Treatment /Health Maintenance Family Counseling 3.17 63,037$ 89,928$ 42.66%651 1 Client Hour 138.19$
Youth and Shelter Services Emergency Assistance for Basic Needs - Transitional Living Services 2.07 6,158$ 7,082$ 15.00%97 1 Day 72.70$
Youth and Shelter Services Emergency Shelter - Rosedale 2.08 32,442$ 34,064$ 5.00%177 24 Hr Period Food/Shelter 192.20$
Youth and Shelter Services Rosedale Crisis 3.09 5,250$ 5,250$ 0.00%69 1 Contact 76.09$
Youth and Shelter Services The Nest 2.11 3,600$ 16,626$ 361.83%169 1 Client Contact 98.22$
Youth and Shelter Services Youth Dev and Social Adjustment - Mentoring 1.07 38,057$ 42,662$ 12.10%343 1 Client Contact/Day 124.37$
Youth and Shelter Services Youth Dev and Social Adjustment - Community Youth Dev 1.07 34,671$ 35,711$ 3.00%605 1 Client Contact/Day 58.98$
Youth and Shelter Services Employment Assistance for Youth - Skills 1.08 20,931$ 42,559$ 103.33%454 1 Staff Hour 93.81$
Youth and Shelter Services Out of School Program - Summer Enrichment 1.09 11,984$ 13,583$ 13.34%881 Partial Day (3 hrs)15.41$
Youth and Shelter Services Family Development/Education - Pathways, FADSS 1.10 13,026$ -$ -100.00%1 Client Hour -$
Youth and Shelter Services Public Education/ Awareness 1.12 39,103$ 40,277$ 3.00%222 1 Staff Hour 181.23$
Youth and Shelter Services Public Education/ Awareness - Child Safety 1.12 -$ -$
Youth and Shelter Services Service Coordination 3.13 8,000$ 8,000$ 0.00%133 1 Staff Hour 60.00$
289,814$ 349,704$ 20.66%
TOTAL 1,766,672$ 2,280,601$ 29.09%
Funds set-aside for Emergency Shelter RFP 66,258$
Total Amount Budgeted for FY 2023/24 1,832,930$
110
Town Budget Mee ng
November 2, 2023
A endees:
Andrea Gronau, The Bridge Home
Evelyn Garrison, The Bridge Home
Will Determan
Stan Rabe, ACTORS
More:
Publicizing City ac vi es, events, mee ngs
Downtown bike infrastructure
o Main Street bike lanes
Annual input for bike/pedestrian infrastructure (like Bike/Ped Master Plan process)
Transit: More frequent buses (yellow, brown, and green routes)
o Fare free for residents
Rebates for energy efficiency (more things covered)
Less:
Parking lot expansion in parks
o North River Valley Park
111
112
113
114
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
Ames Chamber of Commerce 10/16/23
Nikki Fischer
304 Main St, Ames, IA 50010
5152332310 nikki@ameschamber.com 42-0623975
The overall goal of our workforce solutions program is the attraction and retention of workforce to the Ames MSA. We have plans to continue to refresh and enhance our program of work as we move into FY24/25. Our needs for a robust workforce solutions program have never been greater as we work to fill the more than 1,600 job openings in the area as well as to support job growth within the Ames MSA.
Ames
$15,000
yes FY23
See yourself in Ames Intern Program - We have grown this program year over year. Our local
employers continue to recruit more and more interns including those from other places than
ISU.
Ames Career Fair and Career Fair Training - There continues to be a need for in person
career fair events in which we will work to implement those in the community. There is a need
for employers to utilize these the best they can and we have training for this.
Iowa State University Alumni marketing- Our unique opportunity to have a university in our
community gives us a market most do not get to market their job openings.
Youth Career Fair - We co-host an event annually at the Ames Grand Mall for youth to find
employment. We will co-host a middle school career for career exploration.
4
4
115
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A) (B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
We have begun efforts to secure $65,000 in funding from private sources. We will be
requesting $40,000 in funding support for the Story County Supervisors in January.
Nikki Fischer
will be
responsible for
ensuring
compliance
with this
funding
contract. Nikki
tracks and
monitors all
aspects of the
workforce
solutions
budget and
progress
towards goals
each month.
Not only does
Nikki serve in
a leadership
roles within
our
organization
but has
managed a
non profit and
been apart of
ASSET for the
last 3 years.
59,000 55,000 55,000 65,000
5,000
60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000
139,000
30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000
1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
49,000 45,000 50,000 50,000
59,000 54,000 49,000 50,000
139,000
115,000 115,000 125,000
130,000 130,000 131,000
116
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
See Yourself In Ames Internship Program 5/15/2025$2,000
Conduct and Promote Career Fair 300 06/30/2025$2,000
Iowa State Alumni Marketing 12/31/2024$3,000
Participation in State of Iowa Workforce Marketing 06/30/2025$5,000
Youth Career Fair 450 12/31/2025$3,000
$15,000
Director, Workforce Development and Diversity 10/16/23Nikki Fischer
117
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
118
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A) (B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
119
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
120
Ames History Museum Application, City of Ames FY 2024-25
Notes:
PROGRAM/EVENT DESCRIPTION on Page 1 – We provided as much information as possible with the
limited number of characters allowed in this section. We are happy to answer questions or provide more
information about how services will be expanded with the new museum if n eeded.
TASK LIST on Page 3 – Most tasks listed are ongoing throughout the year. We will compile each
quarter’s portion of completed tasks and request approximately 1/4 of the funding each quarter. Some
tasks are seasonal, but all listed will be completed by 6/30/25.
BUDGET SECTION
AHM financial reports are kept by calendar year on a cash basis. On our application, Column A is 2021
actual revenue and expenses, Column B is 2022 actual revenue and expenses, Column C is 2023
approved budget, and Column D is proposed budget for 2024.
Line 9 – Misc. includes gift shop sales, bank interest, and transfers from cash reserves
Line 10 – Funding Request: Because our Jan-Dec fiscal year overlaps with the City’s July-June fiscal year,
the figures on this line represent the sum of half the money from two fiscal years.
Line 17 – Misc. includes expenses associated with programs, events, exhibitions, collections, and
transfers to building maintenance reserve
121
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
122
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A) (B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
123
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
124
125
126
127
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
128
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A) (B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
129
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
130
Ames Main Street, Outside Funding Request
FY 2024/2025
What are the goals of this program/event:
The main goals of Ames Main Street is to promote and maintain Downtown Ames as a
destination for living, working, playing through shopping, dining, socializing and entertainment;
promoting historic preservation and building development through facade work and upper-story
housing, and renovation; recruiting and retaining new businesses; organizing events and
promotions that increase customer and community engagement with the businesses that should
result in higher tax revenue for the City of Ames.
In 2023, the AMS Promotions Committee re-evaluated each existing program or event and took
into consideration their value, return on investment to business owners in the district, and
community participation. For 2024, two events are eliminated, with three events added, as well
as expansion of one existing event. One signature event was moved to a new month to connect
and correspond with another community art event.
Eliminated: Downtown Dollar Days and Shop for a Cause
New: Heart of Ames, Luck of the Irish, Downtown After Sundown
Expansion: Witches Walk
Moved: Music Walk from April to September
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are
requesting an increase in funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of
the enhanced or expanded services you intend to provide with the additional funding:
1. Host 4th of July Parade ($4,000)
2. Fulfill Requirements to maintain Ames as an MSI community, including seeking and
managing grants ($13,500)
3. Maintain a current building and business inventory, district statistics, per the requirements of
the MSI Program ($2,500)
4. Serve as a point of contact regarding downtown public policy issues and inform property
owners and tenants about policy changes, construction projects, and other issues that may
affect downtown ($8,500)
5. Host Snow Magic ($3,500)
6. Conduct public right-of-way beautification efforts ($12,000)
- Weed Control
- Planters + begin process of upgrading landscaping beds
7. Host ArtWalk ($3,000)
8. Serve as a point of contact for special events, whether organized by Ames Main Street or
others ($4,000)
9. Host at least four (4) district-wide retail promotions ($3,000) and arrange for free parking in
Downtown for (4) Saturdays in one calendar year. ($5,500)
We are requesting funding to allow for free parking for the following events, which we have
included in item (9).
- February, Heart of Ames (two days)
- July, Summer Sidewalk Sales (one day)
- November, Small Business Saturday (one day)
Other retail events (4) that we are hosting, but will not ask for free parking in Downtown District:
- March, Luck of the Irish, community cash give aways inside businesses
131
- May, 515 Days, business specials for all days of this event
- October, Witches Walk, business specials night of event
- December, Snow Magic, business specials night of event
We believe a teaser of free parking incentivizes Downtown patrons to come support the
businesses for an event, turns them into long-term customers, and gives retailers the
opportunity to showcase where additional parking opportunities are located.
We are asking for a total of $54,000 to be allocated to the program with $5,500 to be provided to
pay for parking in Downtown Ames.
132
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
133
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A) (B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
134
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
135
Ames Chamber of Commerce-Campustown
Outside Funding Request
FY 24/25
What are the goals of this program/event:
The Ames Chamber of Commerce will continue our program of work for the Campustown
district in 2024 which will include clean up and beautification throughout the year. The Chamber
will implement several community and retail events within the district, while also serving as the
Point of Contact for the City of Ames inside the district. Finally, the Chamber will be the
organization promoting the City of Ames Facade Grant Program, as well as serve as point of
contact for public policy issues, construction updates, and events both managed by the Ames
Chamber and outside groups.
In 2023, meetings were held with key individuals who either reside in the Campustown area, are
a property owner or business owner in the Campustown area. From there, a plan of events,
both geared towards retail and community have been planned.
Continuation/Expansion: Small Business Saturday
New: Downtown After Sundown; Farmers’ Market (2); Tasty Tuesdays; Fall Frenzy
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are
requesting an increase in funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of
the enhanced or expanded services you intend to provide with the additional funding:
The funding will assist in accomplishing several goals of improving the Campustown district.
The City's funding, along with private funding and a financial allocation from Iowa State
University, will allow for consistent clean up, fresh banners on light poles, and other plants and
flowers that will aesthetically enhance the district. We will also implement several events, some
with the community and residents in mind, some with the Iowa State University students in
mind.
We will also work to maintain the highest level of communication possible with stakeholders in
the Campustown area, working closely with building owners, business owners, to keep them
apprised of the facade grant program and maintaining a rapid response to street closures and
other needs of the City when it impacts the Campustown area.
In addition to our event support, we ask for the waiver of parking meters for Small Business
Saturday. By removing the parking fees for one day, this incentivizes Campustown patrons to
come support the businesses for an event, turns them into long-term customers, and gives
retailers the opportunity to showcase where additional parking opportunities are located. This is
valued at $1,500.
136
1. District wide clean up and beautification 1 (ongoing through year) ($10,000)
2. District wide clean up and beautification 2 (ongoing through year) ($10,000)
3. Host retail event geared towards restaurants and bars, Tasty Tuesdays, July ($3,00)
- music each week
4. Host Fall Event, Fall Frenzy, October ($5,000)
5. Host Two Farmers’ Markets, May and August ($7,500)
- May event is called Campustown After Sundown, part of a series in partnership with
Downtown Ames; August event is called Campustown Famers’ Market
6. Host Small Business Saturday, November ($2,500)
7. Free Parking Saturday in Campustown Business District ($1,500)
8. Serve as a point of contact for Campustown Business District on policy issues that affect
business owners/tenants/residents; city façade grant program; construction updates; events
managed by Ames Chamber or outside groups
We are asking for a total of $43,000 to be allocated to the program with $1,500 to be provided to
pay for parking in the Campustown Business District.
137
138
139
140
141
Outside Funding Request Process Application
Application Information
Is this request for a program/event sponsored by a student organization? Yes _______ No _______
Organization Name: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Tax ID #: _____________
Program/Event Information
What are the goals of this program/event: _______________________________________________________
Date(s) program/event will be held: _________________ to _________________
Check if continuous or
ongoing: ____________
Location of program/event: __________________________________________________________________
# of individuals involved in
program/event planning: _____________________
# of individuals who will
benefit from program/event: ___________________
Funding amount requested: __________________________________________________________________
Has the City of Ames funded
this program/event before? __________________
If yes, what year
was it last
funded? _____________
If yes, what amount of
funding was
received? ____________
Program/Event Description
Please answer each question below using the space provided.
Explain how this request helps accomplish the goals of this program/event. If you are requesting an increase in
funding from the last funding cycle, include an explanation of the enhanced or expanded services you intend to
provide with the additional funding:
v.10.10.23
142
What efforts have you made to obtain funding from other sources? Include fundraising, dues, and any requests
to other City- sponsored programs (e.g., ASSET, COTA, Ames Community Grants Program)
Who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the funding contract? What are his/her/their
qualifications?
Budget
Complete the budget for your activity below, including previous fiscal years in columns A, B, and C, and your
grant request from the City of Ames in box D10.
(A)(B) (C) (D)
REVENUE - ALL SOURCES
1 FUNDRAISING
2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
3 FEES CHARGED
4 INVESTMENT INCOME
5 GRANTS (PRIVATE SECTOR)
6 STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS
7 ISU OR ISU STUDENT GOVERNMENT FUNDS
8 OTHER GOV'T OR NON-PROFIT FUNDS
9 MISC. (Describe):
10 FUNDING REQUEST FROM CITY OF AMES
11 TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
12 SALARY AND RELATED
13 OCCUPANCY/RENT
14 SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
15 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
16 PROMOTION/ADVERTISING
17 MISC. (Describe):
18 TOTAL EXPENSES
v.10.10.23
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
FY 21-22
ACTUAL
FY 22-23
ACTUAL
FY 23-24
ADOPTED
FY 24-25
PROPOSED
Admin contract
143
Proposed Task/Drawdown Schedule
Funds awarded must be used to benefit the general public. On the lines below, describe the tasks you plan to
complete using requested funds, the anticipated task completion date, and the amount you will request in
reimbursement for that task. The total should add up to your funding request.
Tasks below should be services and programs that will be provided to the public (e.g., individual events,
educational programs, improvements to public spaces, etc.). Tasks should not include costs that primarily
benefit the organization (e.g., administrative expenses, overhead, rent, utilities, etc.). The organization should
consider such internal costs in the overall cost of providing the specific service or program.
Prioritize the tasks proposed in this list, with the tasks the organization would most like to receive funding for
towards the top
Priority Task Participants Completion
Date Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
TOTAL:
Disclaimer and Submission
By typing in my name below, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization named herein.
Name: ___________________________________________ Title: __________________ Date: ___________
Submit completed applications to the City Manager’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Applications
must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 15 to be considered for funding.
v.10.10.23
144
ITEM #:28
DEPT:P&R
December 19, 2023
Staff Report
DALEY PARK SPLASH PAD UPDATE
BACKGROUND:
City Council has approved the installation of a splash pad in Daley Park. Prior to this approval staff
presented three water management system options for the splash pad which included the following:
Recirculation System
Recirculation is a closed-circuit system that recycles and disinfects the water to and from the play area.
This is the system used at Brookside Wading Pool and the Furman Aquatic Center.
Flow-Through System
Flow-through systems are easy to operate and low maintenance. These systems use potable water that
goes through the play area. Rather than being recirculated, the water used in this facility flows directly
to the municipal wastewater system.
Repurpose System
Repurposing systems are sustainable solutions that are designed to reuse the effluent water for surface
or sub-surface irrigation. These systems are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance. After
use on a splash pad, effluent water is transferred to an effluent water holding tank, then sent through the
filtration & disinfection system, treated water is then transferred to a second holding tank. The irrigation
pumping station then draws water from the second tank for surface or sub-surface irrigation, the water
nourishes vegetation, and returns to nature.
Attachment A details each of these three systems.
After reviewing and discussing the three options, Council directed staff to proceed with design utilizing
a recirculation system. As a design was being developed, the Iowa Department of Public Health
informed the design team that showers and additional bathroom fixtures are needed because of the
recirculation system. To accommodate these additions, a new restroom building has been added to the
design. This has resulted in a significant increase in the estimated project cost which is now $1,342,142.
WATER CONSUMPTION COMPARISON:
The main difference between the systems described above is that in a flow-through system, the water
goes directly to the sanitary sewer system after it exits the spray features. The recirculation system
reuses the water, however, there is a loss of water through evaporation, backwashing, and periodic water
replacement. The two tables below show how much water is used during a 92-day season with the
splash pad in operation 10 hours per day.
145
Flow-Through System Water Usage
Maximum Flow Rate (gpm)245
Average Sequence Flow Rate
(gpm)208
Maximum Flow Per Hour
(Gallons)12,495
Hour Per Season 910
Consumption Per Season
(Gallons)11,370,450
Average Daily Consumption
(gpd)123,592
Average Daily Consumption (cf)16,523
Average Annual Consumption
(cfps)1,520,114
Average Annual Consumption
(ccf)15,201
Recirculation Water Usage
Maximum Flow Rate (gpm)245
Average Sequence Flow Rate
(gpm)208
Maximum Flow Per Hour
(Gallons)12,495
Hours Per Season 910
Spray Volume Per Season (gps)11,370,450
Water to Fill Tank (Gallons)3,000
Dump & Fill Every 3 Days (gps)92,000
Water Used Per Backwash
(Gallons)300
Backwash 1 Time Per Day
(Gallons)300
Backwash Water Consumption
Per Season (gps)27,600
Evaporation & Overspray Loss
@ 4% (gps)454,818
Consumption Per Season
(Gallons)577,418
Average Daily Consumption
(gpd)6,276
Average Daily Consumption (cf)839
Average Annual Consumption
(cfps)77,195
Average Annual Consumption
(ccf)772
146
As you can see, a flow-through system uses 11,370,450 gallons per season compared to 577,418
gallons for a recirculation system. Since Council was concerned with water conservation, it chose
to select the recirculation system.
CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL COSTS:
A comparison of the capital and operational costs between the two systems is shown below.
SPLASH PAD LIFE CYCLE COSTS 10 AND 15 YEARS
ESTIMATED SPLASHPAD CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Flow-Through Recirculation
5,000 SQ FT 5,000 SQ FT
Equipment Costs & Labor $223,380 $ 485,000
Site Demolition, Earthwork, & Restoration $ 24,500 $ 24,500
Water Service $ 19,400 $ 27,400
Sanitary Sewer & Subdrain $ 21,500 $ 21,500
Electrical Service $ 15,000 $ 15,000
Pavements $ 97,394 $ 97,394
Costs to Comply with IDPH Requirements $ 0 $ 425,000
Subtotal (2023 Dollars)$401,174 $1,095,794
Escalator for 2024 (5%)$ 20,059 $ 54,790
Subtotal (2024 Dollars)$421,233 $1,150,584
Contingency (10%)$ 42,123 $ 115,058
Design & Engineering $ 26,500 $ 76,500
Total Estimated Project Costs $489,856 $1,342,142
ESTIMATED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATING COSTS
Water $ 61,104 $ 4,397
Sewer $ 47,312 $ 2,437
Maintenance $ 1,380 $12,000
Restroom Cleaning $$ 5,000
Parts & Supplies $ 100 $ 2,500
Chemicals $$ 450
Electric $ 350 $ 5,571
Total Annual Operating Costs $110,246 $32,355
147
ESTIMATED LIFE CYCLE COSTS - 10 & 15 YEARS
Estimated 10 Year Water Costs $780,883 $ 52,516
Estimated 10 Year Sewer Costs $581,790 $29,968
Estimated 10 Year Maintenance, Etc. Costs $21,971 $306,408
Estimated Total Project Costs $ 489,856 $1,342,142
TOTAL 10 YEAR COST $1,874,450 $1,731,034
Estimated 15 Year Water Costs $1,315,944 $ 88,499
Estimated 15 Year Sewer Costs $ 978,835 $ 50,419
Estimated 15 Year Maintenance, Etc. Costs $ 36,643 $ 511,022
Estimated Total Project Cost $ 489,856 $1,342,142
TOTAL 15 YEAR COST $2,821,278 $1,992,082
FUNDING:
The consultant’s current estimate (in 2024 dollars) for a recirculation system is $1,342,142.
Currently, there is $786,106 in the CIP budget for this project. Staff supports adding $556,036 in
the FY 2024/25 CIP to cover the project shortfall.
Current CIP $ 786,106
Proposed 24/25 CIP $ 556,036
Total $1,342,142
OPTIONS:
Option 1
Direct staff to proceed with the Daley Park Splash Pad Project with a recirculation water management
system.
Option 2
Direct staff to proceed with the Daley Park Splash Pad Project with a flow-through water management
system.
Option 3
Direct staff to not proceed with the Daley Park Splash Pad Project.
STAFF COMMENTS:
The question before Council is whether it wants staff to proceed with a recirculation system and
allocate additional funding toward this capital project or direct staff to change design to a flow-through
system.
A flow-through system is inviting as the capital costs are approximately $850,000 less than that of a
recirculation system. In speaking with colleagues from across the state, nearly all of the new installs
148
around the state are flow-through systems. While many liked the appeal of the recirculation system,
they ultimately did not have a viable plan to capitalize on the water savings that would outweigh the
additional capital expense to install the system. Flow-through systems were also preferred over
recirculation systems due to the staffing and state code requirements that added staff time and expense
to operate the system. A number of these cities also are not billed for water usage, making the feasibility
of a flow-through system even greater.
Council has previously directed staff to design the Daley Splash Pad with a recirculation system.
The reason for its decision, Council noted the recirculation system is better environmentally as it
will use approximately 5% of the water used in a flow-through system.
Although a recirculation system involves almost twelve times the labor for maintenance tasks
than a flow-through system, the overall annual operating expense is much lower. There will be no
fee for using this splash pad, so incorporating the additional operational expense for a
recirculation system into the budget will be more feasible than trying to include operational
expense for a flow-through. Therefore, staff would recommend Option 1 continue to be pursued.
Attachment A - Daley Park Splash Pad.docx
149
ATTACHMENT A
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Recirculation System
Recirculation is a closed-circuit system that recycles and disinfects the water to and from
the play area. This is the system currently used at Brookside Wading Pool, Municipal Pool
and the Furman Aquatic Center. The diagram below shows how this system works.
Pros:
Uses substantially less water than a flow-through system.
Circulated water is typically warmer.
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides standards to follow.
Cons:
Higher capital costs than a flow-through system.
Plan approval and construction permit required by IDPH .
Must adhere to IDPH Pool Code.
Requires annual IDPH registration and inspection.
Number of bathroom fixtures required by IDPH is determined by the potential
number of users (15 square feet per person)
Showers are required by IDPH.
Water testing (start/end of each day, minimum of every four hours). Every four-
hour test can be done remotely through the controller system.
Monthly coliform test required.
Chemicals required for disinfection and pH control.
Pumps needed for spray features and circulation.
Higher electric costs than flow-through system
Hours of operation could be limited by available staff to perform maintenance.
150
o Requires an average of 3 staff hours per day for maintenance including
water testing daily, backwashing the filter daily, and dumping and filling the
holding tank every 2-3 days.
Higher potential for small children to contract water borne illnesses by getting
recirculated water on their faces and ingesting pathogens.
Additional deck space (more concrete) is required as the deck needs to be clear
of landscape debris.
Flow-Through System
Flow-through systems are easy to operate and require low maintenance. These systems
use potable water that goes through the play area. Effluent water is then returned to the
municipal wastewater system or percolated back to the water table.
Pros
Minimal staffing required for maintenance.
Lower capital costs than a recirculation system.
No IDPH involvement with construction.
Not governed by IDPH.
Bathrooms are not required but recommended to have at least one restroom
available in the area.
No showers required.
No UV required.
No water testing required.
No chemicals required for disinfection and pH control.
Pumps are only needed for spray features.
Lower electric costs than recirculation system.
Hours of operation not limited by available staff.
Minimal staffing required (address maintenance issues as they arise).
151
Lower potential for small children to contract water borne illnesses as water is
potable.
Additional deck space perimeter is not needed.
Cons
Uses more water than a recirculation system.
Water is typically colder (could install mechanical heat).
Repurpose System
Repurposing systems are sustainable solutions that are designed to reuse the effluent
water for surface or sub-surface irrigation. These systems are simple to operate and
require minimal maintenance. After use on a splash pad, effluent water is transferred to
an effluent water holding tank, then sent through the filtration & disinfection system,
treated water is then transferred to a second holding tank. The irrigation pumping station
then draws water from the second tank for surface or sub-surface irrigation, the water
nourishes vegetation, and returns to nature.
Pros
Water may be used twice and ultimately returned to the natural ground water
source.
Water may be repurposed for other uses, however, overflow will go to sanitary
sewer.
Minimal staffing required for maintenance.
Lower capital costs than the recirculation system but more than a flow-through
system.
Midlevel operational costs of the three systems.
No IDPH involvement with construction.
Not governed by IDPH.
152
Bathrooms are not required but recommended to have at least one restroom
available in the area.
No showers or UV filter required.
No water testing required.
No chemicals required for disinfection and pH control.
Lower electric costs than a recirculation system.
Hours of operation not limited by available staff.
Minimal staffing required (address maintenance issues as they arise) .
Lower potential for small children to contract water borne illness as water is
potable.
Cons
Uses the same amount of water as the flow-through system but it is repurposed.
Size of tank needed to store all the runoff may be cost prohibitive.
Space needed for large tank or irrigation pond may not be available.
Would not be able to utilize the amount of water generated.
Water is typically colder (could install mechanical heat).
Pumps needed for spray features and irrigation.
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ITEM #:29
DEPT:P&R
December 19, 2023
Staff Report
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC
CENTER SPECIFICATIONS
BACKGROUND:
Staff presented proposed plans and specifications for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center for
approval on November 28, 2023. At this meeting, the City Council approved the plans and
specifications and set the bid due date on January 11, 2024, and the date of hearing on the bids on
January 23, 2024. During the discussion, Council directed staff to research different flooring
options for the walking area where the plans currently call for a epoxy resinous coating applied to
the concrete. The question was raised as to whether this area should have some type of cushioned
surface.
Additionally, other questions highlighted below were raised about various aspects of the design
which also will be discussed in this report.
WALKING AREA FLOORING:
RDG researched multiple products as an alternative to the epoxy resinous flooring currently specified
for the walking area. Information regarding potential options was reviewed by staff with the Gerflor
Taraflex Sport M Plus being the best option if Council chooses to direct staff to do something other than
the epoxy resinous flooring. Information related to these two products follow.
Product: Epoxy Resinous Flooring
Cost:
Approximately $11.20/sf installed (per Story Construction estimate)
Thickness:
Basically 0 mm or 0 inches
Pros:
Easy to maintain
Slip resistant in wet and dry conditions
Negligible height transition from lobby concrete
Lifespan of 10 years
Transition to multipurpose room will meet ADA requirements
Easiest surface to transition if space is changed to another purpose
Unlimited color options
Designed for multi-use applications
Least expensive to repair
154
Cons:
No cushion to material
Transition needed into multipurpose rooms
Product: Gerflor Taraflex Sport M Plus
Cost:
Approximately $13/sf installed (per manufacturer)
Thickness:
7.5 mm or .27 inches
Pros:
Easy to maintain
Slip resistant in wet and dry conditions
More cushion than epoxy resinous flooring
15-year no moisture failure and anti-mold warranty for Gerflor Dry-Tex System
Inhibits growth of bacteria
Transition from lobby area to Taraflex will meet ADA requirements
Designed for multi-use applications
Lifespan of 20 years
No transition needed to multipurpose room
Cons:
Height transition needed from lobby area to walking area
Potential seam separation over time
May be more costly to repair than epoxy resinous flooring
Minimal color options
Taraflex has twice the lifespan and offers more cushion than the epoxy resinous flooring. It also
requires a transition edge from the lobby area and costs slightly more than the epoxy resinous
product. Staff is concerned with the cost estimate of the Taraflex since it is the same product
recently installed in the Community Center Aerobics Room and the flooring cost for that project
was $25/sf. Based on this information, Staff recommends bidding the Taraflex as Add Alternate
#4. After reviewing all bids in January consider the available funding, staff will make a final
recommendation at that time.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
Council asked various questions related to the various aspects of the plans and specifications. The
questions and responses are explained below.
Rails on Roof for Future Solar Panels
The question was asked if support rails for solar panels should be installed now even though a solar
array won’t be installed until later. RDG and KCL Engineering understand the desire to prep the
building for future solar array as well as protect the integrity of the roof membrane, however,
they do not recommend this approach. Multiple factors go into laying out a solar array regarding
location, orientation, and arrangement. KCL does not perform this design, but performance specifies it,
as each manufacturer/vendor has unique components and methodology. Staff has been told that if rails
were to be installed, there’s no guarantee they’d be in the correct locations or that the layout would
155
optimize the potential of the array. They are recommending a ballasted system for the existing roof
to keep the roof membrane intact for installation after construction is complete.
Natatorium Acoustics
Since there is a lot of concrete and glass in the natatorium, it was asked if an acoustical engineer
reviewed the natatorium space. RDG did not have an engineer review the space. RDG has indicated that
by nature these spaces are very active spaces, much different than a conference room or most every
other space in the facility. They believe the dovetail acoustical ceiling deck is very good at
absorbing much of the noise within spaces like these. It would be one thing if the City were
holding numerous swim meets within the space that would potentially require a higher level of
acoustical control, but with the recreation activities and lap swimming being planned, RDG feels
the space will operate well. This space is designed to the same specifications as other natatoriums
RDG has designed, and the owners of those facilities have not added acoustical dampening
materials post construction.
Accessible Parking Spots
The plans call for concrete to be installed where the accessible parking spots are to be located.
Permeable pavers are installed in the adjacent row to the north of the accessible parking spots. A
comment was made regarding the pavers in the west City Hall parking lot being snow and ice free
sooner than the non-paver area. A question was then asked as to whether the pavers could be moved to
the south and would this be better for individuals with mobility issues.
RDG Planning & Design indicates the pavers in the row north of the accessible parking spaces
are a component of the stormwater management plan for the site. RDG does not recommend
moving the pavers as that would trigger a redesign of the stormwater management plan in that
area. Another option would be to just replace the concrete in the accessible parking spots with pavers.
This could be done at an estimated cost of $22,388.
RDG and Story Construction do not recommend putting pavers in this area as the pavers will
settle over time, require more maintenance, and safety concerns (i.e. trip hazards) may develop
over time. RDG could also not find any data to support pavers being snow and ice free quicker
than asphalt or concrete.
CAT GRANT FUNDING:
As stated at the November 28, 2023 City Council meeting, staff collaborated with the Ames Chamber of
Commerce to submit an application which was due November 15. Dylan Kline, Ames Chamber, along
with Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director, presented to the CAT Committee on December 7.
The Committee approved a $500,000 grant to the City of Ames to be used for the construction of the
aquatic center.
OPTIONS:
Option 1
City Council can direct staff to include in the bid documents the Taraflex flooring in the walking area as
Bid Alternate #4 and not change the plans and specifications for any of the other items listed above.
Option 2
City Council can direct staff to include in the bid documents the Taraflex flooring in the walking area as
Bid Alternate #4 and change the plans and specifications for any, or all, of the other items listed above.
156
Option 3
City Council can decide not to make any changes to the original specifications recommended by the
design consulting team, including remaining with the epoxy resinous flooring in the walking area.
STAFF COMMENTS:
The design team (RDG, Subconsultants, and Story Construction), along with City staff, has spent
months discussing, debating, and developing plans and specifications for the FFIAC. City Council
provided staff direction on its project priorities including quality of materials, energy efficiency,
minimizing maintenance, impact on operations, and service levels. Staff and the design team has had
these priorities at the forefront throughout this process, while trying to keep the base bid construction
cost estimates to $20.5 million or less. This has not been an easy task and difficult decisions have had
to be made over the past year to accomplish these priorities and financial goals. Therefore, staff is
recommending Option #1 be supported by the City Council thereby directing staff to include in
the bid documents the Taraflex flooring in the walking area as Bid Alternate #4, and not change
the plans and specifications for any of the other items listed above.
157
ITEM #:30
DEPT:P&H
December 19, 2023
Staff Report
REVIEW OF AMES PLAN 2040 REDIRECTION AREAS RELATED TO FUTURE WORK
PLAN PRIORITIES
BACKGROUND:
City Council held an infill design workshop in March of 2023. This workshop was designed to provide
general background information on a variety of infill housing interests and design issues related to
policies of Ames Plan 2040. One of the actions directed by City Council was to return with a
review of infill opportunity areas that could be prioritized by City Council for further study or
zoning amendments.
Ames Plan 2040 included a specific Land Use designation known as Redirection Areas for large areas
identified during the adoption of the Plan that could have significant change over the next 20 years and
warranted further study to define use and design priorities before committing to changes. Generally,
Redirection Areas are focused on options to add additional housing or mixed-use opportunities, in some
cases potentially commercial uses. This report addresses the Redirection Areas as eight general
areas that are based upon the land use designations included within the Plan 2040 future land use
map.
Redirection Areas are not all of the infill opportunities that may exist in the City. There are other
scattered sites across the community that could include small infill projects that are not designated
Redirection Areas and are intended to be addressed through other policies of the Plan. Some examples
of scattered sites not labeled as redirection areas include the City owned site of the unused Harrison
Road right-of-way, former school maintenance building at 1621 Wilson Avenue, urban corridor
designated properties along west Lincoln Way, Hyland and Sheldon properties adjacent to Campus, and
properties within downtown along 6th Street. Scattered sites are not the primary objective of this
report, but may be of interest to City Council as separate projects.
A summary of each of the Redirection Areas and individual attributes are included as an attached
presentation. These areas include:
#1. South of Campus (Hunt/Knapp)
Mix of low density and medium density housing, zoning primarily for high density with West
University Overlay. Primary opportunity is increased housing.
#2. West of Campus Lincoln Way (Campus/Howard/West):
Large area is a mix of low density residential and high-density residential zoning, including West
University Overlay. Lincoln Way frontage part of the 2018 Lincoln Way Corridor Plan West District
Focus Area. South side of Lincoln Way designated Urban Corridor not Redirection Area, but staff
would include the frontage between Hyland and State Avenue with this area. Primary opportunity is
additional housing, limited commercial.
158
#3. South of Lincoln Mixed Use.
Large area centered around 3rd Street with a mix of single family, apartment, and commercial
structures. Previously designated as special purpose district with tailored zoning for redevelopment
based upon compatibility with existing low-density homes. Opportunity for commercial and housing
choices.
#4. South Lincoln /East of Duff
Area is zoned HOC with a number of nonconforming uses, including individual residential homes.
Primary opportunity for commercial and may include housing choices.
#5. Ferndale/ North Grand Mall Residential
Areas developed with medium density apartments adjacent to the mall and primarily zoned RH.
Primary opportunity is housing adjacent to mall.
#6. 28th Street/ East of North Grand Mall Residential
Small area developed with medium density apartments and funeral home adjacent to the mall and
primarily zoned RH. Primary opportunity is housing and small mixed use.
#7. Northwestern Avenue-West of Downtown
Mix of commercial and residential zoning. Primary opportunity is housing and small mixed use.
#8. Lincoln Way Elm/Oak
Area zoned highway commercial with mix of service businesses. Future site of City aquatic center.
Focus Area within the Lincoln Way Corridor Plan. Primary opportunity for commercial and may
include housing.
Staff will review these areas with City Council on December 19th to discuss the character, attributes,
and potential for change.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Each of the Redirection Areas as unique features and interests. The potential for change and market
interest for reinvestment will also vary with each area. The summary of the areas is designed for
City Council to determine if one or more the areas should be planned for a neighborhood
planning study within the next 12-18 months.
Staff envisions conducting outreach to any identified area at the start of any planning process to gain
input on interests and issues for the area. After the outreach, staff would provide feedback to City
Council and seek direction on how to proceed with land use and zoning changes to facilitate any
specified development types or whether the area should remain as is. With City Council's direction after
the initial input, a specific proposal would be generated for public review and eventual approval by City
Council as likely zoning district changes. An alternative and more streamlined process would have the
City Council define their interests for development options and outreach could be for a specific
development proposal and then gauge the neighborhoods interests and concerns.
Depending upon the general redevelopment interests, size of the area, and outreach process will
determine the amount of time that needs to be allocated to a study or plan for each area. Once City
Council identifies their top priorities, staff will prepare an estimated schedule and scope of work for
City Council to evaluate as part of the Planning Division Work Plan later this winter.
159
Staff believes that the Redirection Areas with the most immediate potential for change are Area
#1 and Area #2. The demand for multi-family development is strong and would be the likely
driver of development options in these areas.
Staff also sees some synergy benefits to considering the #7 Northwestern Area as a priority in
relation to Downtown planning, which could also be expanded to include the fringe of the
Downtown Core designated area at the corner of 6th and Grand Avenue. These areas both have
long term redevelopment potential, but it may not be within the next few years.
The South Lincoln Mixed Use area #3 is an intriguing area for review to potentially establish new
priorities. Zoning of this area currently allows for many desirable uses. Redevelopment is
currently possible here, but the study may produce different priorities and potential changes to
zoning standards. Staff sees this potentially as slightly lower priority based upon current zoning
permitting redevelopment. Development along Lincoln Way is likely the primary catalyst for
significant development interest in this area compared to influences of South Duff.
The other Redirection Areas have merit for consideration as well, but they would seem to have lower
immediate needs for study.
Although infill on scattered sites is not the main purpose of this report, through the evaluation of infill
interests and recent conversation about short term housing options staff believes using a city-controlled
site as a test case for providing small lot style housing would also be a worthwhile activity in addition
to studying the larger Redirection Areas. Therefore, staff will prepare a scope of work for an RFP
development process for the Harrison Road right-of-way for City Council to consider as a
priority with the work plan as well.
RedirectionAreasPresentationAmesPlan2040.pdf
160
Infill Areas/Redirection Areas
City Council December 19, 2023
161
Ames Plan 2040-
Redirection Areas
•Agenda for December 19th
•Ames Plan 2040 Infill Policy Background
•Overview of Redirection Areas/Maps/Details
•Discuss attributes, issues, potential changes
•City Council Discussion
•Identify any priority areas for study 12-18months
•No final action, staff will return with Planning Division Work
Plan for prioritization with scope of work
162
Ames Plan 2040-
Comprehensive Plan
•Adopted December 2021 to guide
growth and change through 2040
•Expansion of the City with Growth
Areas, plus
•Infill opportunities within the
existing built community
•Infill considered at both the small scale
of adding individual units and at a
larger scale for redevelopment
projects
163
Ames Plan 2040-
Infill
•Workshop March 21, 2023
•Review General Policies-
Council Goal for adding more
Housing
•Design Issues
•Building Types
•Implementation Measures
•Outcomes:
•Allow for ADUs and Duplexes
•Defined Townhome Building
Types for infill
•Prioritize Redirection Areas
for study
164
Ames Plan 2040-
Redirection Areas
•Growth Principles for infill, quality,
involvement, equity
•Land Use Principles for compatibility with
flexibility, relate land use and
transportation, density and diversity
165
Ames Plan
2040-
Redirection
Areas
166
South Campus (Hunt-Knapp)
1
167
South Campus (Hunt-Knapp) – Land Use Map
Designations
1
168
South Campus (Hunt-Knapp)
•Statistics
•13.69 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 192 (not
including 3 fraternities)
•No. of properties: 54
•Characteristics
•Student housing
•Numerous owners – However,
several owners own roughly half of
the properties
•Many small properties with SF
homes
•Mostly rentals
•Three fraternities
1
169
South Campus (Hunt-Knapp)
•Potential/Interests
•Students desire to live within walking
distance of the ISU campus,
commercial services
•Likely strong market support for
student-oriented housing
•Could have improved urban, street
environment
•Housing Types- “missing middle”
medium density to high density
apartments and mixed use
•Potential for ground floor commercial
w/ upper story apts.
•Barriers
•Mostly RH zoning (setbacks and other
standards reduce the amount of
buildable area and create suburban
type development)
•West University Overlay (extra
parking required)
•Small lots in more readily developable
areas, may be aggregated
•Design quality and conditions of
surroundings
•Potential opposition to densification,
nearby single-family development
1
170
South Campus (Hunt-Knapp)
Excerpt of Plan 2040 Example
1
171
West of Campus
2
172
West of Campus
2
173
West of Campus
2
•Statistics
•71.13 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 753
•No. of properties: 234
•Characteristics
•Primarily Low Density Zoning and
High Density Zoning
•Apts. to the east, close to campus
•SF to west/northwest
•Historically, many SF conversions to
duplexes
•Farther west, more homes owner-
occupied
•Neighborhood Commercial on West
Street near Hyland
174
West of Campus
•Barriers
•Current zoning limits intensification
and the University West Overlay
requires additional parking.
•Western neighborhoods (owner-
occupied, large lots) will not
transition
•Site near Hyland previously
redeveloped with Apartments and
not likely to change
•Fractured ownership
•Mostly small lots, some common
ownerhsip
•Potential opposition to densification,
nearby single-family development
2
•Potential /Interests
•Comm. opportunities to the east
•Comm. opportunities along Lincoln
Way
•Properties with older rental units
could transition to greater density
housing
•Proximity / walking distance to
campus
•Area may need to be divided up for
study.
175
South Lincoln Way (West of S. Duff Avenue)
3
176
South Lincoln Way (West of S. Duff Avenue)
3
177
South Lincoln Way (West of S. Duff Avenue)
•Statistics
•41.56 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 303
•No. of properties: 119
•Characteristics
•S-SMD zoning standards reflect existing
conditions and previous Neighborhood
Sub-Area Plan from
•Street grid w/ alleys
•Small lots
•Commercial on periphery
•Residential in center
•HOC on east along South Duff
•Few large or contiguous lots
•Many rentals
3
178
South Lincoln Way (West of S. Duff Avenue)
•Barriers
•Scattered property ownership
•Residential developers question
existing zoning standards
•Mostly small properties
•Concerns
•Might redevelop lot by lot
•Long timeline for redevelopment
•How to manage new architectural
design w/ older properties
3
•Potential /Interests
•Proximity to Downtown
•Good street connections
•Good, flexible street grid
•Can support medium density and
increased commercial / retail uses
– might support high density
179
South Lincoln Way (East of S. Duff Avenue)
4
180
South Lincoln Way (East of S. Duff Avenue)
4
181
South Lincoln Way (East of S. Duff Avenue)
•Statistics
•14.43 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 22
•No. of properties: 58
•Characteristics
•Area was residential decades ago,
now a mix of homes and businesses
•Area has been zoned commercial for
decades
•Most homes in poor condition
•Some vacant sites
•Street grid w/ alleys
•Limited continuity with overall
community
4
182
South Lincoln Way (East of S. Duff Avenue)
•Barriers
•Could redevelop one lot at a time
•Redevelopment will take time
•Zoning does not allow residential
•Many small properties
•Priorities for the area are unclear
4
•Potential /Interests
•Neighborhood could be urban
•Proximity to busy intersection
supports commercial use
•Many buildings are ready to be
replaced
•Some vacant sites
183
South Lincoln Way (East of S. Duff Avenue)
Excerpt of Plan 2040 Example
4
184
Ferndale Avenue & 24th Street
5
185
Ferndale Avenue & 24th Street
5
186
Ferndale Avenue & 24th Street
•Statistics
•6.66 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 134
•No. of properties: 16
•Characteristics
•Most properties 1/3 of an acre,
medium density in nature
•2-3 story building from the 1960s
with a few owners
•Located west and south of North
Grand Mall
•Abuts SF homes
5
187
Ferndale Avenue & 24th Street
•Barriers
•Buildings seem in adequate
condition
•May not be a financial incentive to
redevelop
•Small sites and likely medium
density
5
•Potential/Interests
•Could redevelop into newer
multifamily
•Easy to redevelop with large lots
and few owners
188
Grand Avenue & 28th Street
6
189
Grand Avenue & 28th Street
6
190
Grand Avenue & 28th Street
•Statistics
•1.46 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 6
•No. of properties: 2
•Characteristics
•Two properties
•Older, multifamily building
•Funeral home
•Parcels are under-utilized
6
191
Grand Avenue & 28th Street
•Barriers
•Surrounding uses
•Access limitations
6
•Potential
•Visibility
•Located on busy corridor
192
Northwestern Avenue
7
193
Northwestern Avenue
7
194
Northwestern Avenue
•Statistics
•9.38 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 41
•No. of properties: 31
•Characteristics
•Mix of commercial and residential
•Several large, comm. properties
•Comm. properties owned by a few
groups
•Owner-occupied homes to the
west
7
Downtown
Core Area
195
Northwestern Avenue
•Barriers
•Owner-occupied homes in good
condition and unlikely to
redevelop
•May not be market for additional
commercial and multifamily at the
west end of Downtown
•Cost of redevelopment could be
high
•Limited access from Grand
7
•Potential/Interests
•Proximity to Downtown
•Natural extension of Downtown as
Main Street becomes
Northwestern Avenue
•Commercial exists along Grand
•Some properties have aging
buildings that could be replaced
196
Northwestern Avenue-
Excerpt from Plan 2040
7
197
Lincoln Way and N. Elm Avenue (New Pool)
8
198
Lincoln Way and N. Elm Avenue (New Pool)
8
199
Lincoln Way and N. Elm Avenue (New Pool)
•Statistics
•10.89 acres
•Approx. no. of units: 8
•No. of properties: 26
•Characteristics
•Commercial / light industrial
properties
•New City Aquatics Center will be
along Lincoln Way
•Older buildings
8
200
Lincoln Way and N. Elm Avenue (New Pool)
•Barriers
•Lack of utility infrastructure in
north
•Area lacks direct connectivity to
Downtown
•Some small properties between N.
5th Street and the railroad tracks
will be awkward to redevelop
8
•Potential
•Near Downtown
•Larger parcels could easily be
redeveloped
•Few owners
•All commercial properties, except
1 building with apts.
•Location of new pool
201
ITEM #:31
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:P & H
SUBJECT:TEXT AMENDMENT FOR PUBLIC NUISANCE (PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE) STANDARDS RELATED CHANGES TO AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS 18, 22, 29, AND 30
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City Council reviewed a staff report on October 10, 2023, related to the consistency of the Zoning
Ordinance (Chapter 29 of the Ames Municipal Code), Streets and Sidewalks Code (Chapter 22), and
Parking Code (Chapter 18) with the recently adopted updated Public Nuisance “Property Maintenance”
Code (Chapter 30). The chapters overlap primarily in their regulation of outdoor vehicle storage and
parking and their definitions of various types of vehicles. Definitions were found to be inconsistent
between the chapters causing the intent of some of the standards to be unclear.
The City Council directed staff to address these inconsistencies with updates to the pertinent
chapters as follows:
1. Add and update the definitions within the Zoning Ordinance, including those definitions from
Chapter 30 for vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, inoperable, and junk vehicles.
2. Keep the zoning ordinance 30-day limit on keeping of junked vehicles outdoors, but add a limit
of one (1) junked vehicle per property and require it be stored on an approved parking area.
3. Add an allowance for the parking of one (1) recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer to be parked on a
driveway for up to 72 hours. Over 72 hours is considered outdoor storage.
4. Add an allowance for the storage of one (1) recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer outdoors in the
side or rear yard of a home on an approved parking surface.
5. Add exemption for screening of trash receptacles for one and two-family homes on private
property.
6. Add Home Occupation reference to Chapter 30 for enforcement options.
7. Update Chapter 18 Parking related to front yard parking, definitions, and the parking of
equipment.
8. Update Chapter 22 Streets and Sidewalk for prohibitions on storage within the right-of-way and
obstructions of the right-of-way.
The updating of definitions for Chapter 29 required edits to a number of sections that apply to
parking and storage of vehicles to maintain consistency. Two concerns arose during this update
process that staff wants to highlight for the City Council before the proposed code amendments
are approved.
Concern 1. The adoption of Chapter 30 was a lengthy process with numerous public comments
that ultimately resulted in adoption of the new standards on September 12th with an effective
date of January 1, 2024. While many of the changes discussed herein are not significant changes,
changes regarding issue #2 junked vehicle storage listed above that was directed by the City
Council on October 10th is a significant change that departs from the Chapter 30 approval from
September 12th. (See Junk Vehicle Storage below). Staff is concerned that the public is not aware
of this change and, therefore, have not provided feedback to the Council regarding this change.
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If the proposed language with the 30-day limit regardless of covering is ultimately approved by
the City Council, staff will need to have an opportunity for education and outreach.
Concern 2. An additional issue that was not discussed in October is clarification that the keeping
of a vehicle for residential use is always considered parking and permissible, and is not storage.
This change is consistent with the Council’s prior deletion of the 15-day parking rule at the time
of adoption of Chapter 30. The Zoning Ordinance currently classifies the parking of vehicles as
storage (over 72 hours) on residential properties, which is not permitted. The draft ordinance
eliminates the 72-hour storage definition for residential vehicle parking. If this was not City
Council’s intent, the ordinance will need to be modified.
Per the City Council’s direction, Staff has prepared a complete draft ordinance with all related changes
(Attachment A). Tables comparing current versus proposed parking and storage allowances by vehicle
type (junked, operable, recreational vehicles, etc.), is included in the Addendum. A summary of the
topics and changes follows.
TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Definition Amendments
Chapter 30 includes definitions of vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and junked (formerly inoperable)
vehicles. To maintain consistency, City Council directed staff to modify definitions within the Zoning
Ordinance and ensure the code chapters matched.
Staff also added or amended definitions for all-terrain vehicles, equipment, commercial trucks,
habitation, accessory parking, and commercial parking to assist in the administration of these
requirements. Specifically, it makes clear which parking requirements, such as front yard parking limits,
apply to what types of vehicles.
Junked Vehicle Storage
Currently, junked vehicles (referred to as “inoperable” in the current code) are not permitted to be
stored for more than 30 days per the Zoning Ordinance (Section 29.304(3)(a)(iii)). Storage is defined as
keeping of a vehicle for over 72 hours. This section is not clear on the number of junked vehicles
permitted to be stored on a property.
With the recent Property Maintenance Code amendments, Chapter 30 now allows junked vehicles to be
stored for no more than 48 hours unless screened or covered with a tarp. It does not speak to a limited
number or maximum duration of storage outdoors. However, the Zoning Ordinance limit of 30 days
is more restrictive and would apply whether the vehicles are screened or not.
At the October 10th meeting, City Council directed staff to resolve the inconsistencies about
junked vehicle storage by amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow only one junked vehicle to be
stored for no more than 30 days. This includes outdoor storage of screened vehicles previously
referenced in Chapter 30. As currently proposed within the draft ordinance, the unlimited
storage language of Chapter 30 would be modified to limit storage to 30 days and 1 vehicle,
regardless of screening.
The 30-day limitation will apply to the individual junked vehicle on the whole property, not to a precise
location on the property. The 30-day limit will not restart if a vehicle is moved elsewhere on a property.
Additionally, the 30 days are cumulative for any junked vehicle during a calendar year regardless of
whether it leaves the site. It does allow for different junked vehicles to be on a property over the course
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of a year, but never more than one at a time, and each is limited to 30 days.
Another critical detail is that a junked vehicle is never considered “parked” it is always counted
as storage and storage cannot occur within a required parking space per standards of 29.406 (5)
of the Zoning Ordinance. This is consistent with current zoning regulations that apply to use of
required parking spaces.
Recreational Vehicle (RV), Trailer, and Boat Parking and Storage
Currently, Section 29.406(19) of the Zoning Code allows one trailer, recreational vehicle, boat, or boat
trailer, to be parked behind the front yard setback.
City Council directed staff to allow one recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer to be stored (for more
than 72 hours) in the side or rear yard of a property (please note that due to the lengthy discussion
involving various terms, the minutes from October 10th reflect that the motion was to allow storage
behind the front yard setback whereas the actual motion used the terms side and rear yard). The
amendment clearly permits their storage versus the current code that indicates parking is all that
is allowed. Only one recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer is permitted to be stored (not one of each).
Additionally, City Council directed staff to allow one recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer to be
parked for no more than 72 hours in a required parking space (i.e. on a driveway) to allow for off-
street loading and unloading.
Trash Receptacles
Under the current code, trash receptacles for one- and two-family dwellings (e.g., 32 to 96-gallon carts
on wheels or toters) are required to be screened, although staff does not believe the requirement was
enforced. City Council directed staff to remove the screening requirements for trash receptacles
used for single- and two-family dwellings, relaxing the current requirement.
Vehicle Use for Human Habitation
Chapter 29.304(3)(a)(ii) of the current code disallows “parking” of vehicles to be used for habitation.
The intent of this section is to ensure that only approved dwellings are used for living purposes in all
zoning districts. Residential uses are required to be within a dwelling, except within mobile home parks
with RLP zoning. The proposed amendment now states “use of” rather than “parking of”, which helps
avoid the complications of storage and parking definitions. A definition of habitation has been included
within Chapter 29, which defines habitation in relation to accommodation for sleeping. Other changes
were made to address the updated definitions for various vehicle types.
Home Occupations
Minor amendments to the standards for home occupations were made to conform with the newly
defined terms for vehicles. The current prohibition of keeping equipment, trailers, etc. on a driveway or
the public street continues to apply. A vehicle related to the business may be parked on the driveway
and street.
Home occupations not in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance were added as a public nuisance in
Chapter 30. This will streamline enforcement of the home occupation standards as a nuisance issue
since many of the standards are operationally based due to state law requirements.
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TEXTS AMENDMENT TO CHAPTERS 18 AND 22:
Equipment Storage and Front Yard Parking
Currently, Chapter 18 prohibits the parking of trucks and trailers over one (1) ton manufacturer's rated
capacity, duly licensed as such, or any vehicle of twenty (20) or more gross tons, or boats on city
streets. This standard does not address miscellaneous vehicles or equipment. Although City Council
directed staff to add equipment, such as agricultural implements or construction equipment, to this
provision, it was determined that parking enforcement would be difficult as the police rely upon vehicle
registration for enforcement, which does not exist for equipment. Additionally, this standard is
outdated in its terminology and difficult to enforce by staff as written with or without adding new
terms to list. Therefore, the prohibition on the parking of equipment was not added to Chapter 18
and it is instead added to Chapter 22. Alternate language will have to be suggested by staff in the
future to adequately address the Council's goal.
Therefore, the only change proposed at this time to Chapter 18 based upon the October direction
is to address the coordination of front yard parking enforcement for residential properties. This
section was amended to state that “any vehicle, motorized or non-motorized” is prohibited which
captures trailers as non-motorized vehicles. This conforms with the Zoning Ordinance definitions
and standards.
Although not instructed to do so, staff struck an older provision in Chapter 18 because it was
duplicative of requirements for the provision of accessible parking spaces in the Zoning
Ordinance and Building Code.
Encroachments and Obstructions
The primary purpose of the amendments was to address a variety of obstructions and encroachments
that occur from time to time within the right-of-way. Chapter 22 and 30 did not have coordinated
descriptions of these issues for enforcement. Per direction in October, the lists have been modified to
include prohibitions of additional types of materials, equipment, and containers.
Because of the Chapter's language restricting items in the right-of-way that do not have an
Obstruction Permit, an exemption was created for residential garbage and recycling receptacles.
These can be located within the right-of-way if they do not obstruct the street, sidewalk, etc. No
time limit was included with the exception.
The language regarding encroachments and obstruction was also rephrased to clearly prohibit storage
within or use of the right-of-way for the listed items, unless a permit has been granted by the City,
permanent or temporary. This more clearly shows the Chapter’s intent: obstructions of streets and
sidewalks are prohibited, rather than permitted with the granting of a permit. This approach
makes communication of standards and enforcement clearer. The City will continue to have the right to
remove any materials, items, etc. in the right-of-way that do not have a permit and Chapter 30 will apply
as an option for enforcement as well.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed text amendment at its December 6, 2023,
me eting. The Commission’s discussion focused on parking/storage (over 72 hours) of operable
vehicles. Currently, under the Zoning Ordinance, this is prohibited on residential properties including
on driveways or other approved parking areas. The City Council did not give staff direction to change
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this provision in the Zoning Ordinance as part of this amendment. However, during the Property
Maintenance Code amendment process, the City Council did strike a prohibition on the storage of
operable vehicles for more than 15 days from Chapter 30. It appears to staff that Council intended to
allow for an unlimited duration on the keeping of vehicles associated with a residential property,
even though this amendment was not initiated to zoning standards on October 10.
The Commission was concerned that it was still prohibited in the Zoning Ordinance, given how
common it is for vehicles to be kept outside on residential properties when an occupant is on vacation or
o t h er w ise . The Commission recommended the City Council approve the text amendments to
Chapter 29 with an allowance for operable vehicle storage on residential properties, either on
driveways or other approved parking surfaces for an unlimited duration.
Since the Commission meeting, staff has added the residential vehicle parking exception into the
definitions of outdoor storage and accessory parking, again with the understanding that this was the
Council’s intent through the Property Maintenance Code amendments. If City Council did not intend
for there to be no limitation on residential vehicle parking, the draft ordinance would need to be
amended.
The Commission did not review the changes to the other chapters as only the Zoning Ordinance is
under the Commission’s purview.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve on first reading the ordinance amending Chapters 18, 22, 29, and 30 of the Ames Municipal
Code related to public nuisance and property maintenance standards as proposed.
If the Council chooses to approve proposed the language, including the limits on Junked Vehicle
storage with no screening exceptions, staff will want to provide additional notice and education to the
public. As a result City Council should be prepared to take pubic input at the second and third
readings of the proposed ordinance.
2. Approve on first reading an ordinance, with modifications to the proposed language.
3. Table consideration of the ordinance and ask staff for more information or for additional public
outreach.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed changes primarily alter the current allowances and prohibitions for parking and storage.
The most substantial changes are for junked vehicles (30-day storage allowance for one) and
recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers (storage and parking allowance for one). The current code is
unclear on these allowances/prohibitions, and as a result enforcement was limited or did not occur
consistently.
The proposed changes provide needed clarifications on vehicle definitions, definitions of parking
versus storage, and eliminate confusion on what code enforcement or nuisance abatement
procedures apply. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1, as described above.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
ADDENDUM.pdf
DRAFT Ordinance for Amendments Related to Public Nuisance Code.pdf
207
ADDENDUM
Vehicle Parking and Storage Comparison Tables
Parking and storage are clearly defined as two separate activities in relation to vehicles within the
Zoning Ordinance. Generally, parking is accessory to a use and the keeping of a vehicle for less than
72 hours without moving. Storage is the accessory keeping of a vehicle for more than 72 hours
without moving.
Vehicle storage standards are summarized within Table 1, which compares current code requirements
to the proposed amendments by vehicle type. Most vehicle storage is currently prohibited; however, outdoor
storage is permitted in certain commercial and industrial zoning districts. These exceptions are proposed to
remain. Exceptions for vehicle storage incidental to construction activities on site are also proposed.
The main changes proposed to the outdoor vehicle storage standards are for junked vehicles (30-day
allowance for one), which is less permissive than the current code. The amendments for recreational
vehicles, boats, and trailers (storage allowance for one) are more permissive than the current code. Storage
inside is still permissible if it does not occupy required parking spaces.
TABLE 1: OUTDOOR VEHICLE STORAGE (>72 HOURS) COMPARISON
CURRENT PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE
CURRENT
ZONING CODE
PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS
Recreational
Vehicles, Boats,
Trailers
Cross references zoning,
not allowed, except one
allowed to be parked
(<72) hours) behind the
front yard setback
(30.5(22))
Not permitted as
storage —one allowed
to be parked (<72)
hours) behind the front
yard setback
(29.406(19))
One permitted to be
stored in rear or side yard,
this is more limiting that
the behind the front
setback standard. Trailers
defined. (Parking is
separate issue)
Junked (FKA
Inoperable)
Vehicles
Allowed for up to 48
hours, unless covered,
screened, or enclosed.
Inoperable vehicles
allowed to be stored for
up to 30 days
(29.304(3)(a)(iii))
One junked vehicle
permitted to be stored on
a property outdoors for no
more than 30 days per
calendar year, per vehicle,
regardless of covering or
screening. Definitions
updated to match.
Vehicle
Not Addressed
(provision prohibiting
vehicle storage for more
than 15 days removed
with approval of updated
Chapter 30)
Not permitted in
residential zoning
districts, only allowed
as part of approved
outdoor storage use
(29.405)
Permitted for operable
vehicles in residential
zones on approved parking
area or driveway through
definition of accessory
parking. Vehicle defined.
Semitrailers,
Commercial
Vehicles and
Trucks, and
Equipment
Not Addressed Not permitted in
residential areas, and
only allowed as part of
approved outdoor
storage use (29.405)*
Definitions changed; no
standards changed.
*Storage permitted incidental to construction.
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Vehicle parking comparisons are included within Table 2. The main changes propsoed to vehicle parking
standards is the allowance for one recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer to be parked on the driveway in a
required parking space. Under the current Zoning Ordinance, one is permitted to be parked behind the front
setback.
Similar to the vehicle storage amendments, exceptions are proposed to allow parking if otherwise allowed
by individual zone standards. Commercial parking is permitted in certain commercial and industrial zoning
districts. Commercial parking is generally defined as short- or long-term parking as a principal use and is
not accessory or used as parking for another use on the site. Exceptions for vehicle parking incidental to
construction are also proposed.
TABLE 2: PARKING (<72 HOURS) COMPARISON
CURRENT
CHAPTERS 18 & 22
CURRENT
PROPERTY
MAINTENANC
E CODE
CURRENT
ZONING CODE
PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS
Recreational
Vehicles,
Boats,
Trailers
May park on city
street for no more than
48 hours (18.9)
One permitted
to be parked
behind the front
yard setback,
cross references
zoning
(29.406(19))
No parking in
required parking
space (29.406(5))
One permitted to
be parked behind
the front yard
setback
(29.406(19))
One is permitted to
be parked in a
residential district
on a driveway (no
setback required) in
a parking space.
Note it cannot be
stored on the
driveway in the front
yard, (see Table 1).
Junked
(FKA
Inoperable)
Vehicles
May park on city
street for no more than
48 hours (18.9)
Only addresses
storage of
junked vehicles
(see Table 1).
No
keeping/parking
of in required
parking space
(29.406(5))
No Changes,
always considered
storage, not
allowed in required
parking space.
Vehicle
May park on city
street for no more than
48 hours (18.9)
No front yard parking
for motorized vehicles
(18.15)
Not Addressed May park in
required parking
space
Chapter 18
includes motorized
or unmotorized
vehicles.
Chapter 29 allows
residential parking
with no limit on
private property.
Semitrailers
and Trucks
and Trailers
Prohibition based on
truck capacity of
tonnage, semi-
trailers prohibited.
Provision is not
enforced for trucks
and trailers under
current language.
Not Addressed No parking in
required parking
space*
Trailers may be
parked behind
front setback.
Home
Occupations have
additional limits.
No change to
standards, trucks
now defined as
commercial
vehicle.
Equipment Not Addressed
Not Addressed No keeping in
required parking
Change of
definition within
209
space*
(29.406(5))
Zoning, no change
to standards.
No changes to
Chapter 18, but
now included in
Chapter 22,
prohibited as an
obstruction.
*Parking permitted incidental to construction.
210
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING
CHAPER 18, CHAPTER 22, CHAPTER 29, AND
CHAPTER 30 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
HARMONIZING THE CODE WITH CHAPTER 30,
PUBLIC NUISANCES; 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 18, Chapter 22, Chapter 29, and Chapter 30 as follows:
“CHAPTER 18
Sec. 18.15. PARKING IN FRONT YARDS
The parking of motor vehicles, motorized or non-motorized, in the front yards of
residential structures is prohibited. Any person who parks a motor vehicle in the front
yard of a residential structure shall be in violation of this section, provided, however, the
aforesaid prohibition shall not apply to the parking of motor vehicles on driveways and
parking areas in compliance with Ames Municipal Code Section 29.406 established
pursuant to a properly issued building/zoning permit of the City of Ames. As used in this
section, front yard means the open space in that portion of a yard between the street and
the face of the structure and a line extending from the left side of the lot to the right side
of the lot. The line, as viewed from the street, shall extend parallel to the street to the
nearest corner of the principal structure and then along the face of the principal structure
to the right corner, and from that point on a line parallel to the street to a point on the
right lot line. As used in this section, the face of a principal structure shall be any and all
portions of the structure fronting on a street. The front yard shall not include any portion
of the city right-of-way. A corner lot shall be deemed to have two front yards. (See
Figure 18.15-1).
. . .
CHAPTER 22
. . .
Sec. 22.0 Right-of-Way Defined.
For the purposes of this Division, the right-of-way is defined as area owned, controlled,
or maintained by the City for public use such as roads, streets, highways, sidewalks, bicycle
lanes, shared use paths, streetscape and other landscape planters.
Sec. 22.1. ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNER TO MAINTAIN SIDEWALKS AND
PARKINGS.
The abutting property owner shall maintain sidewalks, parkings and all other property in
the right-of-way outside between the lot and property lines and the edge of the shoulder or
traveled portion of the public street, regardless of the presence of curbs or ditches. inside the curb
lines upon the public streets except that Designated municipal ditches, which are maintained by
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the City for water conveyance, are excluded from maintenance requirements. Additionally, the
property owner shall not remove diseased trees or dead wood on the publicly owned property or
right-of-way.
Sec. 22.2. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS.
(1) Duty of property owner. It is the responsibility of the abutting property owner to
promptly remove snow, ice, and accumulations from the sidewalks in the right-of
way.
. . .
Sec. 22.3. ENCROACHMENTS.
(1) Encroachments Prohibited. Permit Required. No person shall create, construct, use
or maintain upon, over or under the surface of, or within the limits of the right-of-way or
public parking lots including any street, alley, or sidewalk within the limits of such street,
alley or sidewalk in the city any chimney, stairway, platform, steps, pipes, cables, wires,
ropes, wells, areaways, railings, vaults, mechanical equipment, signs, footings, storage
tanks, coal or boiler rooms or any other encroachment of a private and fixed character. ,
unless and until permission is granted to create, construct, use or maintain the
encroachment in connection with the real property of the person and a written permit has
been issued, therefore, according to the following procedure.
(a) Permit eExceptions
(i) Permitted Encroachments. A prohibited encroachment may be
permitted if permission is granted to create, construct, use or maintain
the encroachment in connection with the real property of the person and
a written permit has been issued, therefore, according to the procedure in
Sec. 22.3(2) Permit Application.
(ii) Breakaway mailboxes. Mailboxes may be installed without an
encroachment permit if they are designed to bend or fall away when
struck by a vehicle and constructed in accordance with the specifications
for mailboxes erected on highways published by the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation officials, Washington,
D.C., on May 24, 1984.
(2) Encroachment Permit Application.
. . .
Sec. 22.4 TEMPORARY OBSTRUCTIONS
(1) Temporary Obstructions Prohibited. No person shall create, construct, use or
maintain upon, over or under the surface of, or within the limits of the right-of-way
or a public parking lot in the city any building, item, or other materials such as rocks,
dirt, sand, lumber, brick, garbage, dumpsters, and storage containers; erect
barricades, false work, or form work; keep equipment; or place other temporary
obstructions. For the purposes of this section, equipment is defined as a vehicle not
designed primarily for transportation over public ways, including but not limited to
construction machinery, maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, and
agricultural equipment. It also includes tanks, generators, and other machinery.
It is unlawful for any person to place any building or other materials, or to erect
barricades, false work, form work or place other temporary obstructions within the
limits of streets, alleys, public parking lots or sidewalks in the city without first
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obtaining written permission from the city manager setting out the time to do the
work. The permission given by the city manager shall specify the time, place and
manner of placing the temporary obstructions and the precautions to be observed to
protect the public during the time the obstructions are in place. The city manager may
withdraw the permission at any time the obstructions become hazardous to the public
or upon failure of the person failing or refusing to observe the instructions as set forth
in the written permit.
(a) Exception for Permitted Obstructions. No person shall construct any
sidewalk, residence, building or other improvement, or while make repairs to
the same, or for any other purpose, pile sand, dirt, brick, lumber, or other
material upon any street, avenue, alley, or public place, or within the street
limits, without maintaining at and thereon, at proper places, a lighted
barricade, lighted lantern or flares between the hours of sunset and sunrise,
sufficiently bright to be easily observed at a distance of three hundred (300)
feet. A temporary obstruction may be permitted by first obtaining written
permission from the city manager or their designee setting out the time to do
the work. The permission given by the city manager shall specify the time,
place and manner of placing the temporary obstructions and the precautions
to be observed to protect the public during the time the obstructions are in
place. The city manager may withdraw the permission at any time the
obstructions become hazardous to the public, upon failure of the person
failing or refusing to observe the instructions as set forth in the written
permit, or for any other reason. If a temporary obstruction is permitted,
(i) A lighted barricade, lighted lantern or flares shall be maintained
between the hours of sunset and sunrise, sufficiently bright and in the
proper places to be easily observed at a distance of three hundred
(300) feet may be required as a condition of approval.
(ii) (3) Insurance An insurance certificate naming the City of Ames, its
officers, and employees as an additional insured with comprehensive
general liability limits in the amount of $500,000 combined single
limit shall be in full force and effect during the life of any temporary
obstruction permit. The coverage shall be at least as broad as the ISO
Form Number CG0001 covering commercial general liability written
on an occurrence basis only. A waiver of this requirement may be
granted by the City Manager for Sections 22.4(1) and (2). A copy of
the current insurance certificate shall be maintained on file with the
City Clerk.
(a) Waivers of the insurance requirement shall be based on
the following criteria:
(1) Type of obstruction
(2) Nature of the event requiring an obstruction
(3) Anticipated volume of traffic and whether street
closings will be required
(4) Whether the event is for a commercial or private
purpose
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(5) The zoning of the area in which the obstruction
will occur. Areas with commercial and high density
residential zoning will likely require insurance
(iii) Garbage, yard waste, or recycling receptacles related to single and
two-family dwellings when kept in the right-of-way that do not
obstruct or encroach upon a street, alley, sidewalk, bicycle lane,
shared use path or other public way for vehicles and pedestrians shall
not be considered a temporary obstruction.
(iv) Parking of vehicles in compliance with Ames Municipal Code
Chapter 18 shall not be considered a temporary obstruction.
. . .
Sec. 22.5. EXCAVATIONS.
. . .
(3) It is unlawful for any person to cut into or remove any part of a concrete
pavement, stabilized base pavement, street surface or street appurtenance without
first having obtained a permit therefor. All such work shall require a permit
Application for a permit to do work as specified in this section, an application for
which shall be made in writing to the city manager on forms furnished by the
city. The forms shall specify the location and extent of the proposed work, and
the time when the work is to be in progress.
. . .
CHAPTER 22
. . .
Sec. 29.201. DEFINITIONS.
. . .
(4) Accessory Parking means the parking of vehicles of the residents, customers, guests,
employees, or owners of a site, not including vehicles for sale by the owner or tenant of
the site. Vehicles under this definition must be registered and licensed and must be able
to be started and move on their own power a distance of at least 200 yards. Accessory
parking outdoors for more than 72 hours is considered outdoor storage as defined in this
chapter.
. . .
(xxx) All-terrain vehicle means a motor vehicle designed primarily for off-road
recreational use. All-terrain vehicles include off-road motorcycles and off-road utility
vehicles.
. . .
(xxx) Equipment means a vehicle not otherwise defined as a vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer,
recreational vehicle, mobile home, or commercial vehicle and not designed primarily for
transportation over public ways, including but not limited to construction machinery,
maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, and agricultural equipment. It also
includes tanks, generators, and other machinery. This also includes the keeping of tanks,
generators, and other machinery on trailers.
. . .
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(xxx) Habitation means the occupancy of any structure, a vehicle, including but not
limited to a car, trailer, recreational vehicle, truck, mobile home, manufactured home, or
modular home for overnight or sleeping accommodation.
. . .
(xxx) Inoperable means not capable of being used or operated as a motor vehicle.
. . .
(xxx) Junked Vehicle means any vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which because of any one
of the following characteristics, constitutes a threat to the public health, welfare and/or
safety:
(a) That has been rendered inoperable because of a missing or broken windshield or
window glass, fender, door, bumper, hood, steering wheel, driver’s seat, trunk,
fuel tank, two or more wheels, engine, drive shaft, differential, battery, generator
or alternator or other component part of an electrical system, any component or
structural part, or lack of current registration:
(b) That has become the habitat of rats, mice, snakes or any other vermin or insects;
(c) That is being used for storage purposes;
(d) That its condition constitutes a threat to the public health or safety of the public;
(e) That contains gasoline or any flammable fuel and is inoperable.
. . .
(147) Outdoor Display means the outdoor exhibition of products, vehicles, commercial
vehicles, equipment, recreational vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and manufactured and
mobile homes and machinery for sale or for lease. Uses that often have outdoor displays
include car and boat sales and plant nurseries. Outdoor display does not include goods
that are being stored or parked outside.
(148) Outdoor Storage means the outdoor keeping of any goods, material, merchandise,
vehicles, or other items for more than 72 hours, not including solid waste out of doors.
However, parking of vehicles accessory to residential uses for more than 72 hours shall
not be considered outdoor storage.
. . .
(xxx) Parking, Accessory means the parking of vehicles of the residents, customers,
guests, employees, or owners of a site, not including vehicles for sale by the owner or
tenant of the site. Accessory parking outdoors for more than 72 hours is considered
outdoor storage as defined in this chapter. However, parking of vehicles accessory to
residential uses for more than 72 hours shall not be considered outdoor storage.
. . .
(xxx) Parking, Commercial means the parking of vehicles not accessory to a specific
use, whether or not a fee is charged. This includes commercial shuttle parking, office and
retail shared parking lots, regular fee parking, and short-term or long-term parking in a
surface parking lot or structure as a principal use. Commercial parking does not include
parking of recreational vehicles, boats, semitrailers and trailers, mobile homes,
commercial vehicles, equipment, machinery, and junked vehicles, which is categorized as
warehousing.
. . .
(152) Parking Lot means the area not within a building where motor vehicles may be
stored kept for the purposes of temporary, daily, or overnight off-street parking. "Parking
Lots" include motor vehicle displays or storage lots.
. . .
(184B) Salvage Yard means any open area on any parcel of land used for dismantling,
storing, abandonment or keeping of junk or machinery, appliances, or the dismantling or
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abandonment of motor vehicles, junked vehicles, equipment, or other vehicles, or parts
thereof. “Salvage Yard” shall not include any vehicular storage areas.
. . .
(xxx) Semitrailer means every vehicle without motive power designed for carrying
persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some
part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.
. . .
(xxx) Trailer means every vehicle without motive power designed for carrying persons
or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its
weight rests upon the towing vehicle.
. . .
(231) Trucks and Equipment means those vehicles having a manufacturer’s stated “gross
vehicle weight” of more than 10,000 pounds.
. . .
(xxx) Vehicle means an automobile, truck, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, or
other trackless self-propelled vehicle designed primarily to transport persons or property
over public streets and highways. This does not include commercial vehicles and
recreational vehicles.
(xxx) Vehicle, Commercial means those vehicles with or without a trailer having a
manufacturer’s stated “gross vehicle weight” or “gross vehicle weight rating” of more
than 10,000 pounds. or any vehicle used for the transportation of hazardous material of a
type of quantity requiring vehicle placarding.
. . .
(237) Vehicle Storage means the keeping of vehicles, including but not limited to
commercial vehicles, equipment, recreational vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, junked
vehicles, and mobile homes, as a characteristic attribute of a defined principle use, (e.g.,
parking associated with a towing company, or with a vehicle service facility). Vehicle
storage does not include accessory or commercial parking as defined in this chapter and
does not include parking associated with sales or leasing of vehicles. Vehicles stored
outdoors for more than 72 hours are considered outdoor storage as defined in this chapter.
(238) Vehicular Storage Area means any open area on any parcel of land used for
storing or keeping of motor vehicles, including but not limited to commercial vehicles,
equipment, recreational vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, junked vehicles, and mobile homes
other vehicles, or parts thereof. "Vehicular Storage Area" shall not include any salvage
yards.
. . .
Sec. 29.304. USE REGULATIONS.
. . .
(3) Prohibited Uses.
(a) Uses Prohibited in All Zones. The following uses of land and buildings are
prohibited in all zones whether on public or private land:
(i) Any structure or building or any use of any structure, building or land
that is injurious, obnoxious, dangerous or a nuisance to the City or to the
neighborhood through noise, vibration, concussion, odors, fumes, smoke,
gases, dust, harmful fluids or substances, danger of fire or explosion, or
other features detrimental to the City or neighborhood health, safety, or
welfare;
(ii) The use of Parking of trailers recreational or motor other vehicles,
semitrailers, trailers, commercial vehicles, manufactured homes, or
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mobile homes used for human habitation or any accessory use, except
use incidental to construction ongoing on a site or emergency shelter for
up to 30 days by persons whose dwelling has been made uninhabitable
by fire or other casualty, or as permitted in the Residential Low Density
Park (RLP) Zone or on the permitted permanent site of a manufactured
home;
(iii) Outside storage of inoperative or unregistered motor vehicles,
including junked vehicles, commercial vehicles, equipment, recreational
vehicles, mobile homes, trailers, and semitrailers for more than 30 days
unless otherwise permitted in the individual Zone Development
Standards Tables or incidental to construction ongoing on a site. Except:
(1) One (1) junked vehicle shall be permitted to be stored per
property for up to 30 days outdoors cumulative per vehicle per
calendar year accessory to a residential use. Storage of a junked
vehicle is subject to all parking area and driveway standards of
29.406.
(2) One (1) unoccupied recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer is
permitted to be stored in the rear yard or wholly in the side yard
of the lot accessory to a residential use. Storage of an unoccupied
recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer is subject to all parking area
and driveway standards of 29.406.
. . .
Sec. 29.406. OFF-STREET PARKING.
. . .
(5) Use of Required Parking Spaces. Required parking spaces must be maintained for
the duration of the use requiring the spaces. Required spaces shall be used exclusively
for the temporary parking of passenger motor vehicles or light (non-commercial) trucks
and must be available for the use of residents, customers, and employees of the use
requiring the parking spaces. Fees may be charged for the use of required parking
spaces. Required parking spaces for one site may not be assigned in any way to a use on
another site unless such assignment is made under an approved Joint Use Parking Plan,
the requirements for which are set forth in Section 29.406(17). Required parking spaces
may not be used for the parking of equipment, the storage or display of goods, or the
storage or repair of inoperable vehicles. Parking of recreational vehicles, trailers,
semitrailers, commercial vehicles, equipment, junked vehicles, or mobile homes or
storage or display of goods in required parking spaces is not permitted, except:
(a) One (1) unoccupied recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer is permitted to be
parked in a required parking space in compliance with surface material and
other applicable standards of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.406 in a
residential district or unless otherwise permitted in the individual Zone
Development Standards Tables; or
(b) Those incidental to construction ongoing on a site.
(19) Manufactured Home, Mobile Home, and Recreational Vehicle Parking.
Manufactured homes, mobile homes, travel trailers, or recreational vehicles shall not be
parked, stored, or occupied on any property which is not part of an approved
manufactured home park, or the permanent installed site of a manufactured home.
However, the parking of one (1) unoccupied travel trailer or recreational vehicle, boat, or
boat trailer is permitted behind the front yard setback of the lot in any district, provided
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the travel trailer or recreational vehicle, boat, or boat trailer is not used for living quarters
or business purposes.
. . .
Sec. 29.408. OTHER GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(2) Fences.
(a) Applicability. These standards apply to all zoning districts except General
Industrial (GI),
Research and Innovation (RI), Intensive Industrial (II), and Planned Industrial
(PI).
(3) Solid Waste Collection Areas. All containers of garbage, trash, refuse, and recycling
incidental to the principal use shall be located within defined collection areas and shall be
screened from all public rights-of-way, other than alleys, and from adjacent properties to
the High Screen (i.e., 6-foot- tall planting landscape buffer) or F2 (i.e. opaque fence)
standards set forth in Section 29.403. Individual receptacles for incidental pedestrian use
and those for single- and two-family homes are exempt. Recycling drop-off and other
Waste Processing uses are not considered incidental to the principal use as described in
this section.
. . .
Table 29.1201(7)-1
Village Residential (F-VR) Floating Zone Urban Regulations
Country Houses
Trash containers shall be in the area of the lot where parking is permitted and
shall be screened from view.
. . .
Table 29.1201(7)-2
Village Residential (F-VR) Floating Zone Urban Regulations
Village House
Trash containers shall be in the area of the lot where parking is permitted and
shall be screened from view.
. . .
Table 29.1201(7)-3
Village Residential (F-VR) Floating Zone Urban Regulations
Village Cottages
Trash containers shall be in the area of the lot where parking is permitted and
shall be screened from view.
. . .
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Table 29.1201(7)-4
Village Residential (F-VR) Floating Zone Urban Regulations
Single Family Attached/Side-Yard House
Trash containers shall be in the area of the lot where parking is permitted and
shall be screened from view.
. . .
Sec. 29.1304. HOME OCCUPATIONS.
. . .
(4) Criteria.
. . .
(c) All Home Occupations must comply with the following requirements:
. . .
(v) Parking Criteria.
. . .
(b) Trailers, inoperable junked vehicles, and other Home
Occupation-related trucks, vehicles, and equipment shall not be
stored or parked on the driveway. One operable company vehicle
is allowed to park in the driveway.
(c) Only one delivery vehicle associated with the activity may be
parked on the street near the premises for not more than 4
consecutive hours.
(f) On street parking of equipment, vehicles, trucks, and trailers
related to or used for the home occupation is prohibited, with the
exception of one vehicle related to the home occupation that may
be parked on the street in compliance with Ames Municipal
Code Chapter 18, Parking.
. . .
(6) Prohibited Uses. In addition to Home Occupations that do not comply with the
criteria, the following uses are prohibited for Home Occupations:
(g) Repair or painting of motor vehicles (including motorcycles and boats) or of
any trailer, semitrailer, recreational vehicle, mobile home, commercial vehicle,
equipment, etc. camper, etc., pulled by a motor vehicle.
. . .
Sec. 29.1308. MINI-STORAGE WAREHOUSE FACILITIES.
. . .
(7) Parking. Parking shall be situated in conjunction with an office or management
structure, for use by staff, service or delivery personnel, or prospective tenants.
(c) Except for purposes of loading and unloading, there shall be no parking or
storage of commercial vehicles, equipment, vehicles, trailers, mobile homes,
semitrailers, recreational vehicles, and moving vans.
. . .
(9) Prohibited Uses.
(a) The following uses and activities shall be prohibited:
. . .
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(ii) Servicing or repair of motor vehicles, boats, trailers, lawnmowers,
semitrailers, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, equipment, and
mobile homes, or similar equipment is prohibited.
(iii) Outdoor storage of boats, vehicles, commercial vehicles, equipment,
trailers, semitrailers, recreational vehicles, or other materials is
prohibited. All items stored on the property shall be located within
buildings.
. . .
CHAPTER 30
. . .
Sec. 30.5. Nuisance defined; certain acts, conditions declared as nuisances.
. . .
(5) The obstructing or encumbering, by fences, buildings, structures, signs or otherwise,
of the public streets and rights-of-ways. Obstructions as prohibited in Ames Municipal
Code Chapter 22.
. . .
(21) Junked vehicles stored outdoors on private property for more than 48 hours.
Exceptions:
(a) Junked vehicles stored within a garage or other enclosed structure.
(b) One (1) junked vehicle per property may be stored outdoors for no more than
30 days cumulative per vehicle per calendar year in compliance with Ames
Municipal Code Section 29.304(3) Prohibited Uses when or which are kept
concealed and enclosed behind an opaque wall at least six feet in height, or
completely covered by a tight-fitting opaque cloth vehicle cover or tight-
fitting cloth tarpaulin.
(c) (b) Junked vehicles stored upon the premises of a duly authorized salvage
yard or junk yard and meeting the requirements of the Ames Municipal Code.
(22) Travel trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, or boat trailers not in compliance with
Ames Municipal Code 29.304(3) Prohibited Uses or Section 29.406(5) Use of Required
Spaces Section 29.406(19) Manufactured Home, Mobile Home, and Recreational Vehicle
Parking.
. . .
(24) Home occupations not in compliance with Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1304
Home Occupations.”
Section Two. Violation of the provisions 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.
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Passed this day of , .
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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ITEM #:32
DATE:12-19-23
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO PAVING STANDARDS FOR BASIC
UTILITY USES AND OTHER SIMILAR USES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Alliant Energy provides electric and natural gas services to eastern and southern portions of the City.
Alliant is an economic development partner with the City of Ames for the Prairie View Industrial
Center located east of I-35. Alliant plans to construct a new substation to provide service for large
industrial uses in this area. Upon review of preliminary plans for the substation, a location set back
away from Lincoln Way was determined to be a better location than one near the street. Alliant
expressed concerns about the need and cost of a paved driveway for their low volume use of the
substation as it related to the length of the driveway to serve the planned substation.
Alliant requested City Council consider a text amendment to allow for a waiver of the paving
requirements. The City Council authorized Alliant Energy to apply for a text amendment to Section
29.406(11). (See Attachment A). Accordingly, Alliant Energy has applied for a text amendment that
Basic Utility uses, such as electrical substations, be permitted to request a waiver from paving standards
due to low volume traffic related to such sites.
Currently, Electrical Substations as well as other Basic Utility type uses (water towers, pump stations,
etc), are required to fully pave to City standards all maneuvering areas including driveways, where
vehicular traffic will circulate or use for maneuvering and parking, regardless of frequency. The
standard has been applied to the driveway leading up to the fenced perimeter of the equipment, within
the fenced area paving is not typically required.
The current standards for improvement of new off-street parking and maneuvering areas are defined as
the following in Section 29.406(11)(a)(i)(ii):
(a) Surface Material Standards.
(i) Materials. All vehicular parking and maneuvering areas, including driveways, and front yard
parking areas described in Section 29.406(7), must be paved with Portland Cement Concrete, Asphaltic
Cement Concrete, or an equivalent as determined by the City Engineer.
(ii) Material Thickness. All vehicle areas, including front yard parking areas described in Section
29.406(7), must be paved with an approved material no less than five inches thick. Use of bricks or
pavers with a supporting base that provides for durability equal to that of five inches of paved thickness
may be approved by the City Engineer. Greater thickness may be required by subsurface conditions or
the type of vehicles using the parking area. In all off-street parking areas where access will be provided
for heavy trucks and transit vehicles, the pavement thickness shall be adequate to accommodate such
vehicles, as determined by the City Engineer. When it is anticipated that transit service will be extended
to sites not presently served, pavement thickness shall be adequate to accommodate transit vehicles, as
determined by the City Engineer.
Paving of maneuvering areas on all sites has been a standard requirement for some time in Ames. The
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intent is to provide for improved hard surface areas that create usable and convenient maneuvering and
parking areas. This allows for higher quality site development, protects against excess dust and noise
being created, and for safe, defined areas for travel with control of improvements to avoid other types of
encroachments. Generally, this principle is most noticeable on higher volume commercial, industrial
and residential sites where traffic is present on a daily or regular basis and lack of paving would result
in the unpaved surface being damaged significantly over time. This can even lead to issues or
topographic change with regular grading being needed.
Basic Utility are a defined principal use within the Zoning Ordinance. Basic Utility uses include sites
that contain such things as electrical substations, pipelines and pumping stations. These uses can be
seen having a lower volume of traffic as compared to other uses because they are typically unoccupied.
These uses can often have very low levels of traffic, sometimes only amounting to maybe a few visits a
month. Basic Utility and similar types of uses are currently permitted through various means in all
zones across the City. In some cases, these uses are subject to a Special Use Permit approval and in
some areas they are subject to Site Development Plan approval.
Staff has developed two options for addressing paving waivers on Basic Utility and other similar
use sites that staff believes can be reasonably addressed in the Zoning Ordinance as requested by
Alliant.
The first option would be to allow for a reduction of paving requirements on sites with Basic
Utility uses and other similar uses within any Zoning District in the City subject to approval by
the Planning & Housing Director. This option would amend the language in Section 29.406(11) by
adding language that gives the Planning & Housing Director the discretion to reduce the requirement to
pave some or all of the maneuvering areas on a Basic Utility or similar use site in all zones across the
City. Paving would always be required for the approach to and into the right-of-way. This would allow
Basic Utility uses and similar other uses on any site in the City to request a reduction of the extent of
paving requirements by the Planning & Housing Director. (See Attachment B- Proposed New
Language)
The Second option would be to allow for waiver of paving requirements on sites with Basic Utility
uses and other similar uses within only Industrial Zones subject to approval by the Planning &
Housing Director. This option would amend the language in Section 29.406(11) for paving some or all
of the maneuvering areas on a Basic Utility or similar use site in Industrial zones such as Intensive
Industrial and General Industrial only. This would require that Basic Utility uses and similar other uses
in all other zones in the city would be required to adhere to full paving requirements. City utilities
within the Special Purpose District of Government Airport would have case by case review of the
applicable requirements.
With either option, the paving reduction is for access needs to low volume uses. This means that if a
Basic Utility or similar use triggered a parking requirement due to square footage of building area like
an office, those sites would still be required to pave parking stalls, driveways and other areas for
maneuvering or circulation of vehicles in accordance with required parking ratio identified in the
parking table and associated building classification in Section 29.406(2).
In all cases, Basic Utility uses and other similar use sites would be required to pave all approaches
within rights-of-way and additional area on site to control for access and other nuisances related
to accessing roadways. Th Planning Director also will be able to consider compatibility with on
and off site improvements, such as adjacent residential uses, in determining the extent of the
required paving.
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Basic Utilities and other similar use in Residential zones, as well as most Commercial Zones, are
generally permitted by either a Major Site Development Plan by City Council approval or a Special Use
Permit approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This is also true in the Research and Innovation
Industrial zone. However, within industrial zones such as Intensive Industrial, Basic Utilities and other
similar uses are permitted through a Minor Site Development Plan approved by Staff. In light of the
current permitting requirements, most situations involving Basic Utility and other similar uses would
receive City Council or Zoning Board of Adjustment oversight and approval where neighboring
residential or commercial uses are present.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission reviewed the proposed text amendment at a recent meeting. The Commission
believed that allowing for the reduction in all zones within the City with the stated compatibility
controls was acceptable and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the change for all zoning
districts.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Amend the standards in Section 29.406(11) of the Municipal Code by adding language that
developers of sites with Basic Utility uses or other similar uses on sites within all Zones across
the City can request a reduction in paving of maneuvering areas subject to Planning & Housing
Director discretion.
2. Amend the standards in Section 29.406(11) of the Municipal Code by adding language that
developers of sites with Basic Utility uses or other similar uses on sites within only Industrial
Zones can request a reduction in paving of maneuvering areas subject to Planning & Housing
Director discretion.
3. Recommend that City Council take no action.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Allowing Basic Utility uses and other similar uses with no required parking to not pave driveways or
maneuvering areas is reasonable given the low volume of regular traffic related to the sites. When no
parking is required, daily or even regular trips are not anticipated and this greatly reduces the chance of
the unpaved surfaces being degraded and torn up creating excess dust or creating topographic issues due
to the shifting of the ground over time and spreading of unimproved surfaces.
In all cases, Basic Utility uses and other similar use sites would be required to pave all approaches
within rights-of-way and additional area on site to control for access and other nuisances related
to accessing roadways. The Planning Director also will be able to consider compatibility with on
and off site improvements, such as adjacent residential uses, in determining the extent of the
required paving.
Staff considered the location of the utility facilities and believes that the option to reduce paving
can applied to all areas of the city. There are safeguards in the review process to address
instances in residential areas or commercial areas where a defined paved driveway is needed or
continues to be desirable. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City
Council approve Alternative 1.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance ZTA Paving Waiver .pdf
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ORDINANCE NO. _________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY ENACTING A NEW
SECTION 29.406(a)(i)(a) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE
OF ALLOWING AN EXCEPTION OF FULL PAVING
REQUIREMENTS FOR BASIC UTILITY USES AND
OTHER SIMILAR USES 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 enacting a new Section 29.406(a)(i)(a) as follows:
“Sec. 29.406. OFF-STREET PARKING.
***
(11) Improvements of Off-Street Parking Areas and Driveways.
(a) Surface Material Standards.
(i) Materials. All vehicular parking and maneuvering areas, including
driveways, and front yard parking areas described in Section 29.406(7), must be paved with Portland Cement
Concrete, Asphaltic Cement Concrete, or an equivalent as determined by the City Engineer.
(a) Exception Basic Utility and Other Similar Uses. For a Basic
Utility, or other similar use, the Planning and Housing Director may approve a reduction to the extent of
required paving of this section. The extent of required paving will be as determined by the Director and
must include a paved approach within the right-of-way and then extend on site to accommodate the normal
stopping and turning of vehicles to enter a street and for other shared access planned for use of the driveway.
The Director at their sole discretion shall determine if the proposed paving reduction is warranted based
upon the proposed use and compatibility of the project design with other on-site improvements and the
surroundings. Any approved reduction of paving extents shall continue to be subject to all other parking
and loading area design and landscape standards.”
***
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 , 2023.
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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