HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 8, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilREGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 8, 2022
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public
during discussion. If you wish to speak, please complete an orange card and hand it to the City
Clerk. When your name is called, please step to the microphone, state your name for the record, and
limit the time used to present your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to
speak. The normal process on any particular agenda item is that the motion is placed on the floor,
input is received from the audience, the Council is given an opportunity to comment on the issue or
respond to the audience concerns, and the vote is taken. On ordinances, there is time provided for
public input at the time of the first reading.
CALL TO ORDER: 5:15 p.m.
FY 2022/23 BUDGET WRAP-UP
1.Council Budget Presentations:
a.Public Art
b.Arts Funding (COTA)
c.Human Services (ASSET)
d.Outside Funding Requests
e.Other Requests
2.Public Input on Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and Budget
3.Final Council Decisions:
a.Amendments to 2022-2027 CIP
b.Vote on motion to approve 2022-2027 CIP
c.Amendments to FY 2021/22 Adjusted Budget
d.Vote on motion to approve Adjusted Budget for FY 2021/22, as amended
e.Amendments to proposed FY 2022/23 Budget
f.Vote on motion to approve proposed budget for FY 2022/23, as amended
g.Motion to set February 22 2022, as date of public hearing to adopt a Maximum City
Property Tax Levy for FY 2022/23
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING*
*The Regular City Council meeting will immediately follow Budget Wrap-Up.
PROCLAMATION:
1.Proclamation for “Chinese New Year”
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time the
Council members vote on the motion.
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Special City Council Meetings held January 18, 2022; and
January 22, 2022; and Regular City Council Meeting held January 25, 2022
3.Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period January 16 - 31, 2022
4.Motion certifying Civil Service candidates
5.Motion approving ownership update for Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and
Sunday Sales - Buffalo Wild Wings, 400 South Duff Avenue
6.Motion approving ownership updated for Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit,
Class C Beer Permit (carry-out beer) and Sunday Sales - Wal-Mart Supercenter #4256, 534
South Duff Avenue
7.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits and Liquor Licenses:
a.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (carry-out beer)
and Sunday Sales - Wal-Mart Supercenter #4256, 534 South Duff Avenue
b.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Buffalo Wild Wings, 400
South Duff Avenue
c.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (carry-out beer)
and Sunday Sales - goPuff, 615 S Dayton Ave
d.Class B Permit with Sunday Sales - Time to Roll, 2801 Grand Ave., Suite 1290
e.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Noir, 405 Kellogg
8.Resolution approving Revised Employee Recognition Programs Policy
9.Resolution approving Amendment to Governmental 28E Agreement for Combined Law
Enforcement Investigations of Controlled Substances
10.Resolution approving Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for 2019/20 Storm Water
Erosion Control Program (Ioway Creek, 6th Street to 13th Street)
11.Resolution approving Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for 2019/20 Sanitary
Sewer Rehabilitation (Basin 10)
12.Resolution waiving enforcement of prohibition of motorized vehicles in Ada Hayden Heritage
Park for the Ames Triathalon on June 26, 2022 from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
13.Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for CyRide Battery Electric Bus
Facility Improvements; setting March 9, 2022, as bid due date and March 22, 2022, as date of
public hearing
14.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2021/22 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal
Program
15.Resolution approving contract and bond for City Hall Parking Lot Expansion
16.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2021/22 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
(Opal Dr., Opal Cir., Harcourt Dr., Turquoise Cir., and Top-O-Hollow Rd.)
17.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2021/22 Seal Coat Street Pavement Improvements
& 2021/22 Water System Improvements Program - Stafford Avenue (E. 13th Street - South End)
18.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2021/22 Traffic Signal Program (University Blvd.
& S. 4th St.)
19.Resolution approving contract and bond for 2020/21 South Dayton Improvements
20.Resolution approving Change Order No. 5 to Peterson Contractors, Inc., for South Grand
Avenue Extension in the amount of $24,466.20
21.Steam Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement project:
a.Resolution accepting completion of contract with Alin Machining Company, Inc. (Power
Plant Services)
b.Resolution accepting completion of contract with Argo Turboserve Corporation
2
c.Resolution accepting completion of contract with Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC
(MD&A)
22.Resolution approving completion of CyRide 2020 HVAC Project
23.Resolution approving completion of CyRide 2020 Interior Improvements Project
24.Resolution accepting completion of 2020/21 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements (McKinley
Drive, Jensen Avenue, and Luther Drive)
25.Resolution accepting completion of 2018/19 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (Siphon)
26.Resolution approving Final Plat for Auburn Trail Subdivision, First Addition and accept
sidewalk and street tree deferral
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. The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public;
however, at no time is it appropriate to use profane, obscene, or slanderous language. The Mayor
may limit each speaker to three minutes.
FINANCE:
27.Resolution endorsing Iowa Economic Development Authority Application for Financial
Assistance for Berdex USA with local match in the form of a grant
PARKS & RECREATION:
28.Motion approving Revised Storm Damaged Tree Policy
PLANNING & HOUSING:
29.Kingsbury’s Subdivision, 5th Addition:
a.Resolution approving Developer’s Agreement
b.Resolution approving Final Plat
30.Sturges Subdivision, First Addition (5019 Hyde) Avenue:
a.Resolution approving Agreement for Annexation
b.Resolution approving waiver of sidewalk installation
c.Resolution approving Final Minor Plat
PUBLIC WORKS:
31.Motion directing staff to implement a temporary Downtown Residential Overnight Parking
Permit for $25/month
HEARINGS:
32.Hearing on proposal for the City of Ames to lease its right, title, and interest to property
locally known as 205 South Walnut, Ames, to Heartland Senior Services for a period of 50
years (continued from January 11, 2022 and January 25, 2022):
a.Resolution approving Agreement to lease 205 South Walnut to Heartland Senior
Services
b.Resolution authorizing Heartland Senior Services to demolish the City building at 205
3
South Walnut
ORDINANCES:
33.Second passage of ordinance on proposed Text Amendment to modify the Planned Unit
Development Overlay District standards to allow for a small commercial component to
districts
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.
4
ITEM # 3g
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION SETTING FEBRUARY 22, 2022 AS THE DATE OF
PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A MAXIMUM CITY PROPERTY TAX
LEVY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/23
BACKGROUND:
During the 2019 legislative session, changes were made to the Code of Iowa that
altered the process for adoption of annual budgets for cities. Per Iowa Code section
384.15A, cities must now hold a public hearing and adopt a maximum property tax levy
in any year the city expects to adopt a budget that includes a levy of property taxes
(excluding debt service) exceeding 102 percent of the prior budget. Additionally, the
Code requires that notice of the hearing be included on the City internet site and
primary social media account. The approval of the maximum levy requires a two thirds
majority of the Council.
One of stated purposes of the new legislation was to improve transparency and
disclosure of proposed property tax increases for local government.
CITY OF AMES BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAX LEVY
As a growing City, Ames routinely adopts a budget that includes a levy of property taxes
that exceeds 102 percent of the prior year. Ames has also followed a policy of complete
and full disclosure for the proposed and adopted budget, including the levy of property
taxes and the impact of the various classes of property. Because of this, compliance
with the Iowa Code changes will fit within our established budget process, but will
require an additional hearing and posting of property tax levy information in the format
established by the State of Iowa.
Attached is the draft form providing notice of public hearing for the maximum levy rate.
Council may make decisions as part of the February 8 budget wrap-up session
that could result in adjustments to the maximum levy rate. City Finance staff will
make any adjustments needed during the meeting and Council will the set the
hearing on the maximum levy with those decisions incorporated.
The deadline for adoption of the budget is March 31 to allow time for notice and the
additional hearing. However, adoption of a maximum levy resolution after the public
hearing on February 22 will be required to maintain the established budget schedule
and to adopt a budget with funding adequate to meet service levels desired by Council.
2
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Establish February 22, 2022, as the date to hold a public hearing and adopt a
resolution establishing the City of Ames maximum property tax levy for fiscal year
2022/23 as determined in the February 8, 2022 Council meeting.
2. Delay the hearing and resolution establishing the City of Ames maximum
property tax levy for fiscal year 2022/23.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Holding a public hearing and adoption of a maximum property tax levy is required to
proceed with the City Manager’s recommended budget and any modifications made by
City Council.
Therefore, it is recommended that City Council approve Alternative No. 1, thereby
establishing February 22, 2022, as the date to hold a public hearing and adopt a
resolution establishing the City of Ames maximum property tax levy for fiscal year
2022/2023 as determined in the February 8, 2022 Council meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 18, 2022
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:15 p.m. on
the 18th day of January, 2022, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue. Council
Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita
Rollins were present. Ex officio Member Trevor Poundstone was absent.
City Manager Steve Schainker said department heads will discuss projects and highlights in the Capital
Improvements Plan for 2022-2027. He said $11,238,962 of American Rescue Plan Act funding will be used
to begin implementation of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
UTILITIES PROGRAM
Electric Services
Electric Services Director Donald Kom told Council all dollars are revenue dollars, and the Electric budget
over the next five years is over $23 million.
Under Administration two projects account for 12% of the budget. Mr. Kom said Advanced Metering
Infrastructure allows the department to install meters that can remotely shut off and can send a signal to
alert the department of an outage. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure will continue to allow the department to
add multiple electric vehicle charging stations to the community every year.
Council Member Gartin asked about right sizing electric vehicle infrastructure. Director Kom said people
will typically charge at home, so they are looking at what wires are needed in the ground to help the
community best add infrastructure. He also said they are looking to add chargers at locations where people
will spend an hour or two. Member Gartin asked about Iowa State University (ISU) guests needing chargers.
Mr. Kom said ISU started installing chargers as well, but Electric Services will work with them to
collaborate. Mr. Schainker said this will be expanded over the years and building code requirements may
change to require a certain voltage in garages. He said many things can be done to promote the use of
electric vehicles.
Council Member Betcher said a comment was received regarding Tesla chargers being available. Mr. Kom
said Tesla chargers charge only Teslas, and the chargers being installed can charge Teslas as well as any
other electric vehicle.
Mr. Kom described the major projects under Transmission/Distribution, with a FY 2022/23 recommended
budget of $1,960,000 and equating to 44% of the 5-year budget. Highlighted were: Ontario Substation 69
KV Breaker Addition, 161 kV Line Relocation, 69 kV Transmission Reconstruction; Street Light and Line
Relocation, Dayton Avenue Substation Upgrade, Electric Distribution Universal Locker Room, Mortensen
Road Transformer Protection, Vet Med Substation Switchgear Upgrade, and Haber Road Substation
Expansion.
The Power Plant is recommending a budget for FY 2022/23 of $4,010,000, and equating to 44% of the 5-
year budget. Specific projects include Combustion Turbine Improvements, Unit 7 (base-load), Unit 8 (base-
load), and Combustion Turbine Generation Improvements. Mayor Haila asked about generators. Mr. Kom
said the gas unit starts using air, so they are going through the process to see what it takes to have enough
air available. Mayor Haila asked about the engineering costs. Mr. Kom said figuring out the controls and
walking through the logic on the equipment takes time and must be done very carefully. Additionally, three
projects were included under Fuel/ Waste Systems and two projects under Other (Plant Control Wi-Fi
Network and Units #5 and #6 Boiler Removal) were noted.
Mr. Kom summarized the key points of the Electric Services budget, as follows:
1. FY 2022/23 budget directs capital resources towards Power Plant improvements to maintain the
reliability of the City’s electric grid
2. Beneficial Electrification to prepare for the future
3. Material Leadtime Delays due to COVID
4. Learn from Derecho; Plant Back Start capabilities
5. Improve Power Plant boiler tube life to maintain burning of Refuse Derived Fuel through the decade
Member Betcher asked if any money from the Infrastructure Bill is anticipated for electric resilience. Mr.
Kom said most funds will go to water and streets, not municipal electric. Finance Director Duane Pitcher
said it hasn’t passed yet. Mr. Schainker said money would be passed through the state and it will be
competitive. Ms. Betcher said the Department of Transportation may have some funding for electric
resiliency, and if so she would like the City to attempt to get dollars.
Water Production/ Treatment
Assistant Director of Water and Pollution Control Neil Weiss, advised that the 2022-2027 CIP is comprised
of projects totaling over $23 million: North River Valley Well Field, Demolition of Old Water Treatment
Plant, Technical Services Complex Addition, Water Plant Facility Improvements, Remote Sites Fiber
Installation, Physical and Cyber Security Improvements, SAM Pump Station Improvements, Advanced
Metering Infrastructure, Ada Hayden Water Quality Study, Lime Lagoon Improvements, East Industrial
Elevated Tank, Well Controls Rehabilitation, and Ioway Creek Pump Station Demolition.
Mayor Haila asked about protection from breaches. Mr. Weiss said fencing surrounds the entire Water
Plant, security cameras monitor constantly, and the control system is on its own network and will be further
isolated. Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn said after the breach in Florida a list of best
practices was released to prevent that from happening other places, and Ames has each recommendation
already in place. Mr. Dunn said it will be recommended a SCADA Technical Staff member be added to the
department. Mayor Haila asked if a SCADA technician could go between Electric and Water departments.
Mr. Dunn said this may move forward because enough work is now available to employ someone fulltime.
Water Pollution Control
Projects highlighted were Nutrient Reduction Modifications, Cogeneration System Maintenance, WPC
Plant Facility Improvements, Watershed-based Nutrient Reduction, WPC Electrical System Maintenance,
Headworks Modifications, Lift Station Improvements, and Clarifier Maintenance.
Food waste diversion was discussed. Mayor Haila asked if it could replace composting. Mr. Weiss
concurred. Mayor Haila said the Board of Supervisors is interested in partnering with the City on
composting. Mr. Weiss said food waste diversion is a focus of many cities currently.
Public Works
Public Works Director John Joiner showed a video highlighting the last year’s projects. He then presented
the projects included in the 2022-2027 CIP for the Public Works Department as follows:
Water Distribution: Ames Plan 2040 Water Utility Infrastructure and Water System Improvements.
Sanitary Sewer System: Ames Plan 2040 Sewer Utility Infrastructure, Sanitary Sewer System
Improvements, and Clear Water Diversion.
Stormwater: Projects totaling $12,050,000 were described.
Resource Recovery System Improvements will be made totaling $1,397,000.
TRANSPORTATION
Street Improvements
Director Joiner highlighted the CyRide route Pavement Improvements including Lincoln Way (Beedle
Drive/Hickory Drive to Franklin Avenue).
Shared Use Paths
Director Joiner said the average expenditure per year is $1,443,140. He said Council has asked that at least
$1.2 million per year be spent. Mr. Joiner highlighted the shared use path extension on Grand Avenue
(Lincoln Way to 6th St.). Member Gartin asked if that will continue north. Traffic Engineer Damion
Pregitzer said long term it will connect to the path at Murray Street.
Member Betcher asked about alley paving downtown with permeable material. Municipal Engineer Tracy
Peterson said permeable concrete has been used at Gilcrest and it has not held up. She said green alleys
have been a success in other communities. Ms. Betcher said permeable materials should be explored again.
Traffic Improvements
Mr. Joiner highlighted projects totaling over $16 million.
Street Rehabilitation
Projects include Bridge Rehabilitation Program, Pavement Restoration, Neighborhood Curb Replacement
Program, Main Street Sidewalk Paver Replacement, Right-of-Way Appearance Enhancements, and US 69
Improvements.
Mayor Haila asked about salting on new pavers. Mr. Clausen said they are using less than in the past so it
appears efforts are working.
Airport
Director Joiner advised improvements will include drainage improvements, wildlife fence improvements,
runway crack seal, and fuel system relocation.
Mr. Schainker said because of the magnitude of projects, G.O. Bonds are included to finance airport
projects.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked about the Resurfacing of Grand Avenue from Murray to Lincoln
Way and the shared use path construction on Grand Avenue from Lincoln Way to 6th Street and wondered
if they could be done together. Director Joiner said that can be considered.
Member Gartin asked when the Resource Recovery evaluation report will be finished. Director Joiner said
they are working on the financial model for the options, so it is estimated Spring or Summer. Mr. Gartin
said a lot of funding is going into the Resource Recovery Plant for long term maintenance when the report
is not yet finished. Mr. Schainker said major improvements can be delayed until the report is available.
Transit System
CyRide Director Barb Neal told Council about $19.4 million will be expended in the next five years. She
said implementation of this portion of the CIP is dependent on local, state, and federal funding. She said
investing in vehicle replacement and rehabilitation and building improvements and expansion are very
important.
She highlighted 21 large bus purchases. She said the orange route could be managed exclusively by
articulated buses after this purchase. She said a federal grant application was submitted for three more
battery and two more articulated buses. She said the cost of vehicles for the next 5 years is $14.5 million
with 80% or more of the new buses being funded by federal dollars.
Mr. Gartin asked about maintenance of electric buses. It was noted that there are fewer fluid changes and
fewer parts to maintain compared to a diesel engine.
Ms. Betcher asked what the average age of the fleet is right now. Ms. Neal said the FY 2021/22 average
age is 12.5 years and next year it will be 13.6 years. In FY 2022/23 CyRide received 80% funding to replace
two dial-a-ride vehicles. One support vehicle will be replaced.
Projects under CyRide Facility Improvements were explained and include: Replace HVAC system phase
III, Shop Expansion, Replace Fueling System, and Construct an Addition onto Existing or New Facility.
Mr. Gartin asked about opportunities to add solar panels to the roof. Ms. Neal said as they move into battery
bus technology, they would like to use the battery when it no longer fuels the bus. Mr. Gartin asked if
direction from Council is needed. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said she can bring it up at the Transit Board Meeting.
Mayor Haila asked how long a bus battery lasts. Assistant Director James Rendall said a batter is supposed
to last six to eight years. Ms. Neal said it could cost $450-500,000 to replace batteries. Ms. Neal said she’s
hopeful the technology is much more advanced when a battery is needed. Mayor Haila said if federal dollars
cannot purchase new batteries, this could be a big deal. Ms. Neal said many transit agencies are facing this,
and the Board is now setting funds aside for replacement. She said they are part of the FTA Challenge, and
knows it is important at that level.
Other projects highlighted were CyRide Technology Improvements (bus technology and signage,
maintenance software, and demand response management software), CyRide Shop and Office Equipment,
and Bus Stop Improvements. She noted that bus stop improvements have been placed on hold for FY
2022/23.
Ms. Betcher asked if the new technology that counts riders can help with driver shortage. Ms. Neal said
most likely no, as the labor force is challenging now.
CULTURE AND RECREATION PROGRAM
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham advised that the 2022-27 CIP budget for the Parks and
Recreation Department totals $38,891,173. He highlighted the projects that will be included: Downtown
Plaza, Indoor Aquatic Center, Park System/Facility Improvements, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Playground
Equipment Improvements, Furman Aquatic Center, ADA Transition Plan Improvements, Homewood Golf
Course, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, Moore Memorial Park, and Hayden’s Preserve Park Development.
Mayor Haila asked about the Indoor Aquatic Center donation (Geitel Winakor Donation Fund). Mr.
Abraham said some of those funds were spent this year ($705,500).
It was noted that replacement of the south and north lake trails at Ada Hayden Heritage Park will be concrete
and 12 feet wide. Member Gartin said the popularity of the park contributes to the need to manage the
traffic, and said a bike trail and a walking/running trail would be ideal. Mr. Abraham said in some areas
there wouldn’t be room for two trails. He said they will continue to watch what others are doing. Mr. Gartin
said adding two feet to the width will help tremendously.
Mayor Haila asked about the Lazy River leak at Furman Aquatic Center. Mr. Abraham said the leak will
be fixed along with a few other things that were found.
The improvement to Moore Memorial Park was highlighted, as a pedestrian bridge will be added to cross
the Ioway Creek at Moore Memorial Park. Mr. Gartin asked about Reactor Woods. Mr. Abraham said at
this time there are not City or ISU resources to maintain trails within that area. Mr. Gartin asked how many
acres Reactor Woods is. Mr. Abraham said he believes about 100 acres. Mayor Haila said the City doesn’t
own the land. Mr. Schainker said the emphasis is to direct people to Ontario/ Scholl Road, not send people
through the woods. Mr. Gartin said many more people will be “discovering” this area soon, so a minimum
safety discussion may be needed. Mr. Abraham said he will encourage ISU to think through this as well.
Cemetery
Cemetery improvements scheduled include installing retaining walls on the east side of Ames Municipal
Cemetery and replace fencing at Ontario Cemetery.
OTHER
Fire
Mr. Schainker told Council the fire apparatus replacement will include two front line engines replaced and
one refurbished for back up. He said these vehicles are not depreciated, rather G.O. Bonds are used to
purchase when needed.
Library
Mr. Schainker said the Library will have carpet replaced.
City Hall Improvements
Mr. Schainker said about $50,000 has been allocated per year, but now $75,000 is allocated per year due to
the increase in materials and repair costs, and the age of some of the major systems.
Mayor Haila asked about City Hall security. Fleet and Facilities Director Corey Mellies said in a couple
weeks the new system should be running. Mayor Haila asked about some of the doors not latching. Mr.
Mellies said exterior doors do not have the wire loop anymore and many doors are now wireless. He said
the auditorium HVAC will be reconsidered in March. Mr. Schainker said $200,000 of COVID Relief Funds
will be used for the project.
Mr. Schainker said painting and recarpeting City Hall rooms and offices will be soon begin. Mr. Mellies
said some wallpaper has been removed already. Mr. Schainker said the youth gymnastics room will be
converted to cubicles and a conference room.
Mr. Schainker said G.O. Bonds are predominantly geared toward the number one goal of residents, which
is traffic. He said FY 2023/2024 will be about double because of the Indoor Aquatic Center. He said funding
will be reserved to transfer into the debt service fund to absorb those big increases. Mr. Schainker said state
revolving fund loans are the other type of debt. He said when CAP is finalized and Council wants to make
major improvements, financing options will be determined.
Mr. Schainker said the focus is on an Indoor Aquatic Center, Relocation of Fire Station 2 (hopefully along
S. State Street), adding a fourth fire station; outdated Animal Control; and a new indoor recreation
facility. He told Council the impact on utility rates and property taxes will be revealed in a couple weeks.
Public input will be received next week. The final decision on the CIP plan will be February 8, 2022 when
the operating budget is approved.
Finance Director Duane Pitcher described the Projection of Debt Capacity. He said it demonstrates
compliance with State Code and the Council-adopted policy for debt limit. Mr. Pitcher said the State of
Iowa statutory debt limit is 5% of total assessed actual value, and City Policy reserves an additional 25%
of available debt capacity be held back to prevent future Councils from being locked in. Mr. Schainker said
these policies contribute to the City’s high rating, and he appreciates the conservative nature of the Council
because it saves tax payers money.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Ms. Rollins asked about South Maple progress with four-inch water mains. Mr. Schainker said he will
follow-up on the progress.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Member Rollins welcomed back ISU students.
Member Gartin thanked Public Works for the hard work clearing the roads during the snow event.
Member Betcher said the MLK Jr. event was inspiring, and she was thankful to everyone that contributed.
Mayor Haila said a Council Goal-Setting Session is set for Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 8:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
____________________________________
Erin Thompson, Recording Secretary
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 22, 2022
The Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 8:34 a.m. on the 22nd day of
January, 2022, in the Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 401 East 20th Street. City Council
Members present were Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, and Anita Rollins.
Gloria Betcher and Rachel Junck joined the meeting electronically. Ex officio Council Member
Trevor Poundstone was absent. City Manager Steven Schainker, City Attorney Mark Lambert,
Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, and Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth were also
present.
COUNCIL GOAL UPDATE:
Mayor John Haila welcomed everyone to the goal-update retreat and reviewed the agenda. Mayor
Haila led the Council through a discussion of apprehensions the Council Members had when they
were first elected, and how they addressed them. Mr. Schainker led the Council Members through
a review of effective decision-making practices. Mayor Haila discussed the roles of the City
Council in interacting with various groups. Mr. Schainker then reviewed what the staff can do to
help the City Council be more effective.
The meeting recessed at 10:23 a.m. and resumed at 10:33 a.m.
Assistant City Managers Brian Phillips and Deb Schildroth reviewed the previous values, goals,
and tasks, the Planning Department program of work, and the referrals to City staff.
Council Members each shared what they believed to be the critical issues facing the community.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m. and resumed at 12:19 p.m.
The Council Members discussed the issues submitted, organized them into groups, and agreed
upon the following draft list of values and goals:
WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC
GOAL 1: By the end of 2023, develop, test, and evaluate strategies to improve
community engagement, particularly with underrepresented groups
WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY
GOAL 1: Prioritize and complete the tasks outlined in Ames Plan 2040 that
affect housing availability and affordability
WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS
AND RETAINS PEOPLE
GOAL 1: Implement City programs (parks and recreation, library, etc.) and
initiatives (partnerships with others) that educate, train, and engage
regarding mental and physical wellness
GOAL 2: Establish a task force with community partners to identify steps each
partner can take to improve workforce recruitment/retention
WE VALUE A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
GOAL 1: Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that identifies
definitions and actionable strategies by the end of 2023
GOAL 2: Implement additional accessible and equitable transportation
options for the community (transit, bike, pedestrian, micromobility,
rideshare, and others)
WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GOAL 1: Receive the Climate Action Plan and prioritize and implement
Council-approved tasks from it to maintain progress towards the
adopted climate goal, and continue pursuing targets of opportunity
to achieve greenhouse gas reduction
Mr. Schainker noted that City staff would develop proposed tasks to complete the goals, which
will be presented to the City Council for approval at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager John A. Haila, Mayor
____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CONFERENCE BOARD AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 25, 2022
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairman John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on January 25, 2022. Present from the Ames City Council were Bronwyn
Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Lisa
Heddens, and Latifah Faisal represented the Story County Board of Supervisors. Other members in
attendance were: Kelly Winfrey, Ames Community School Board of Directors, Allen Bierbaum,
Ames Community School Board of Directors; and Joe Anderson, Nevada School Board of Directors.
Gilbert School Board of Directors and United Community School Board of Directors were not
represented.
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2021: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Heddens, to approve the
Minutes of the December 14, 2021, meeting of the Ames Conference Board.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT OF NANCY HALVORSON TO BOARD OF REVIEW: Moved by Anderson,
seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-015 approving the appointment of Nancy
Halvorson to the Board of Review.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Chair, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
DISCUSSION OF CITY ASSESSOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS: Assistant City Manager Deb
Schildroth directed the Board’s attention to the Tables on Page 3 of the Report. Finance Director
Duane Pitcher explained that the value shown is as of January 1, 2021, and this amount is used to
set the tax rate for the upcoming budget in FY 2022/23. He noted that on the “Assess Values by
Class” table, each class except for the Railroads & Utilities less Gas & Electric, are all set by the
Assessor. Each class of property had increased, with commercial having the highest increase of
12.5%. He pointed out that most classes showed an increase, but the multi-residential decreased. He
explained that the multi-residential was a class that was created about seven years ago with a stair-
step reduction in value each year, and this will be the last year. Director Pitcher commented that he
is not sure how the Assessor will handle the multi-residential class next year, but that class will go
away and move up with residential. There may be a big bump in residential next year, but this will
be due to the change in class. As far as revaluation, there was a modest revaluation in commercial
and residential properties. Commercial revaluation was up about 6%, residential was 3.4%, and
multi-residential was 5.2%, and all of those are subject to rollbacks.
Ms. Schildroth explained that she will be reviewing the proposed budget for FY 2022/23. The
information started on Page 12 of the Annual Report. She mentioned that the Mini Conference Board
met on January 6, 2022, to review the Assessor’s budget proposal. Ms. Schildroth stated that the
expense item for the Assessor remained unchanged from the last budget, but all other staff were
budgeted with a 3% cost of living increase and a 2% merit pool, for a total of 5%. She highlighted
that there was a 13% reduction in staff salary, due to the Administrative Assistant position being
vacant since 2020. The Staff Report provided by the Iowa Department of Revenue recommended not
including the Administrative Assistant position any longer and so that position was not included in
the budget. The hourly rate for the Board of Review wages was doubled in 2022, to $35, in the hopes
of attracting and maintaining qualified members. Ms. Schildroth stated that the City had informed
the Assessor’s office to expect a 7% overall increase in health insurance for the upcoming fiscal year.
The total proposed budget for FY 2022/23 is $985,025, which is a 3.6% reduction from the FY
2021/22 budget.
Council Member Betcher pointed out that when the last City Assessor was hired the City had
negotiated a salary based on moving to Ames and other factors. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that there
were some negotiations and consideration was also given to the salary based on the Annual Salary
Survey of Assessors. Ms. Betcher inquired if it was a possibility that the budgeted amount may not
be the actual amount paid to the new Assessor. It was confirmed that it was correct.
Mayor Haila stated that salaries for the City Assessor’s office staff are now being paid by the City
and the City is re-calibrating the job descriptions to be paid at the City level. The hope is that the
new Assessor can find and hire a Deputy Assessor and set realistic salary ranges. Currently, the
proposed budget is the maximum, but does not have to be used. He said they need to set up a good
management position, and they are starting to trim the budget to give exceptional value to the
taxpayers while being fiscally responsible.
Supervisor Heddens wanted to know how the general compensation range would work for the new
Assessor. She wondered if it would be at the higher range or at the midpoint range. Ms. Schildroth
stated that all the positions in the Assessor’s office were put into the City’s classifications and
compensation schedule. The City Assessor’s salary is in the same range as Department Heads, and
the Deputy Assessor salary is the same range as Assistant Directors. She noted that when taking
those ranges and looking at the latest salary survey, it indicated that the $140,000 does fit into the
same range as other City Assessors.
Supervisor Faisal asked what salary range the current City Assessor job posting was set at. Ms.
Schildroth stated that the range ended at $162,000. The Mayor explained that if a new Assessor was
hired at $162,000, they would already be maxed out on the amount they could make. Supervisor
Heddens stated that the City advertised with the salary range up to $162,000, but if any potential City
Assessor looks at the proposed budget, they will see the $140,000, and she is concerned about the
difference in salary being shown. Ms. Schildroth commented that typically when the City budgets
for salaries it is budgeted at mid-point, hoping they are going to get someone with experience and
then there will be room for negotiations. Ms. Faisal inquired what the salary range would be. The
Mayor noted they would like to start at $140,000 and negotiate from there.
Ms. Schildroth went over “Other” office expenses and highlighted a few items. She explained that
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for: “Employee Mileage & Expenses,” there was a reduction because the City Assessor, Deputy
Assessor, and the two residential appraisers receive a mileage stipend. This amount is provided every
month for the expense of using their personal vehicles for City business and the employee mileage
was moved into the Taxable Fringe Benefits category. What is paid out for mileage in the “Employee
Mileage & Expenses” category is any mileage that is incurred when any staff member is attending
any training or education event. She explained that the “Data Processing Services/Major Software”
had a 4% increase. She explained that the Harris Computer Systems (ProVal) is the current software
that the Assessor’s office is using for its property information. That software will be phased-out and
switched over to the new Vanguard software. She noted ProVal was budgeted for FY 2022/23
because the conversion will take some time. The “Utilities” had a 16.8% increase; this number is
provided by the City. The “Equipment & Machinery (Purchases)” is for the replacement of
computers and other equipment that needs to be phased out. The last line item “Management
Services/Contingency” was increased by 1302.9%, for services that were included in the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was approved by the Conference Board last March that
directed the transition of the City Assessor office payroll from Story County to the City of Ames
effective January 1, 2022. The breakdown is $9,762 for Human Resources and $3,267 for Finance,
which will cover payroll, and recruitments. These services were provided before, but now with the
payroll being handled by the City, those services can now be paid for, and will be an ongoing
expense. The charges are based on the number of employees per office. Ms. Schildroth stated that
the total payroll and related expenses for FY 2022/23 is $300,756, which is an 8% increase. The total
payroll and office expenses for FY 2022/23 is $1,285,781, which is a 1.1% reduction from the
previous fiscal year.
Assistant City Manager Schildroth reviewed the “District Court Case Concerning Northcrest
Exemption (Assessment Appeals/Court Courts), and because it was a non-evaluation year, the line
item dropped to $15,000, which is a 40% decrease. The last line item is the “CAMA Conversion
Project.” On June 16, 2021, the City Assessor’s Office entered into a five-year contract with
Vanguard to purchase software, implementation, training, and consultation services in the amount
of $165,732.50. The City Assessor’s Office was notified by Vanguard in September 2021 that the
amount was on the low side and was advised to budget an additional $40,000 into the FY 2022/23
budget to cover additional costs. There is also a one-time set-up fee in the amount of $3,200 for the
Beacon database connection to the Vanguard system. The overall total expenses for FY 2022/23 will
be $1,343,981; this is an overall 1.4% increase.
The Mayor asked for more information about the contract with Vanguard. Ms. Schildroth
commented that the software was purchased in June 2021 in the amount of $165,732.50, plus the
additional $40,000 will cover the Contract through 2026. She noted that they may need to budget
more money for the FY 2025/26 budget for continuing maintenance of the software. She is not sure
if it will be an annual or multi-year contract. She mentioned that so far, the software is robust and
will hopefully offer a lot of efficiencies for the office.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Bierbaum, to approve the recommendations of the City
Assessor’s Report.
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Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Heddens, seconded by Junck, to receive the proposed budget.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Faisal, to set 6:00 p.m. on February 22, 2022, as the date of public
hearing on the proposed FY 2022/23 City Assessor’s budget (adoption of budget will occur after
hearing is held).
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Ms. Schildroth introduced Lisa Henschel, Database Manager from the City Assessor office. Ms.
Henschel has taken the lead on the Vanguard conversion project. Ms. Henschel explained that the
representatives from Vanguard provided training. Each employee was set up with a log-in for the
testing portion of the software. She noted that for a conversion from a different software package the
conversion was remarkably clean. Ms. Henschel noted that there were a few issues and were
“crippled” by the lack of staff time and commercial appraisal experience. Staff is hoping to begin
the second round of testing within the next month or so. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that the City has
an Agreement with Mel Obbink who has been providing the commercial appraisal expertise. Mr.
Obbink is familiar with Vanguard. Vanguard is used by Assessors throughout the state. The
conversion will take three education rounds.
CONFERENCE BOARD COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher thanked Assistant City
Manager Deb Schildroth, City Clerk Diane Voss, and staff for helping out in the Assessor’s Office
in the interim and helping with the transition.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Bierbaum, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the Ames Conference
Board at 6:30 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:34 p.m.
on January 25, 2022, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law.
Present were Council Members Gloria Betcher, Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, Tim
Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Member Trevor Poundstone was also present.
The Mayor announced that the Council was working from an Amended Agenda. Item 19: Staff
Report regarding request to review zoning requirements for ground floor commercial use within a
CCR-zoned property at 4820 Mortensen Road; had the word “commercial” was removed and
replaced with “residential.”
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the following
items on the Consent Agenda.
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1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Regular City Council Meetings held January 11, 2022
3.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits and Liquor Licenses:
a.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit and Class C Beer Permit (Carry-out) -
Fareway Stores, Inc. #093, 3619 Stange Road
b.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit and Class C Beer Permit (Carry-out) -
Fareway Stores, Inc. #386, 619 Burnett Avenue
c.Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Dog Eared Books, 203 Main St
d.Special Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Blaze Pizza,
2320 Lincoln Way
e.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - El Azteca, 2727 Stange
Road, Pending Dram Shop Insurance
f.Class C Liquor License with Catering Privilege and Sunday Sales - Ge’Angelo’s, 823
Wheeler Street, Suite #9
g.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Blue Owl Bar, 223
Welch Avenue
4.Request for Midnight Madness on July 9, 2022:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 22-016 approving partial street closures of Collaboration Place Road
to S Riverside Drive (north side lane), S Riverside Drive North to Airport Road (west side
lane), Airport Road between S Riverside Drive & South Loop Drive (south side of
eastbound traffic), South Loop Drive (east side of road), and University Boulevard from
Cottonwood Road to Collaboration Place (east side of road)
5.RESOLUTION NO. 22-017 approving Encroachment Permit Agreement for Sign at 400 Main
Street
6.RESOLUTION NO. 22-018 approving Investment Report for Quarter Ending December 31, 2021
7.RESOLUTION NO. 22-019 approving appointment of Council Member Amber Corrieri to the
Ames Economic Development Committee (AEDC)
8.RESOLUTION NO. 22-020 approving reappointment of Council Member Gloria Betcher to the
Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
9.RESOLUTION NO. 22-021 approving appointment of Council Member Tim Gartin to the Ioway
Creek Watershed Management Authority
10.RESOLUTION NO. 22-022 appointing Council Member Tim Gartin to serve on the Headwaters
of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority
11.RESOLUTION NO. 22-023 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2021/22
Downtown Street Pavement Improvements (Alley - Duff to Sherman, North of Lincoln Way;
setting February 16, 2022, as bid due date and February 22, 2022, as date of public hearing
12.RESOLUTION NO. 22-024 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2021/22 Concrete
Pavement Improvements (S. Kellogg Avenue and N. 2nd Street; setting February 16, 2022, as bid
due date and February 22, 2022, as date of public hearing
13.RESOLUTION NO. 22-025 accepting completion of Maintenance Facility Fabric Building
14.RESOLUTION NO. 22-026 accepting completion of public improvements and releasing security
for Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 9th Addition
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened Public Forum.
Susie Petra, 2011 Duff Avenue, Ames, stated she is apprehensive about the Lincoln Way Mixed-Use
proposal. In early December she had shared her concerns about the Proposal and those concerns still
remain. She commented that the driving force for developers purchasing many thriving tax-paying
businesses along Lincoln Way appears to be the desire for a convention center. Ms. Petra thought the
City already had one: the Gateway Center. In a town of about 64,000, of whom approximately 54,000
are permanent residents, there are already 31 hotel/motels plus bed and breakfasts. She stated a
complete occupancy rate study must be completed before any building plans continue. Her second
concern was with the design itself. She said the Ames 2040 Comprehensive Plan speaks of “pedestrian
and bicycle scale,” but when looking at the renderings submitted, it showed most of the structures were
facing Lincoln Way and are built right up to the sidewalk. Ms. Petra commented that the sidewalk is
right next to Lincoln Way, which is heavily traveled. She said there is no grassy right-of-way
separating the sidewalk from Lincoln Way, and this leads to no bicycle/pedestrian safety in the Plan.
She asked where any accumulation of snow or slush would go, and wondered if it would be pushed
onto the sidewalk, and if so, where does the snow from the sidewalk go.
Ms. Petra felt there wasn’t any community connectivity in the Plan, but community connectivity is
written into the Ames 2040 Plan. All of this punctuated her concerns that she voiced in December. She
said there was too much concrete for the spacial imprint. Ms. Petra mentioned that she had spent over
50 years of her life teaching and supporting creative design and strongly supports innovative and
creative ideas. She stated ISU has a great architecture and design department, and felt it was
embarrassing to have the design that was submitted as the strongest design possible. Ms. Petra urged
the Council to take advantage of the talent that exists in Ames and start over with an architect who
understands and can design a building with the space limitations of the design. She would like the
Council to consider doing a complete occupancy rate study and to find a design that fits with space and
needs of the community.
Sue Ravenscroft, 455 Westwood Drive, Ames, handed out selected pages from two background studies
that were done on economic development. She stated a couple weeks ago, she heard something on
NPR about Sioux City’s remarkable Downtown Economic Development and how successful it was.
She stated she looked for Sioux City’s Report, and that is one of the handouts that was given to the
Council. She stated that if the Council looked at Page 3 of the Report there were three analyses done.
They were for retail, residential, and office market growth, and under each topic Ms. Ravenscroft saw
two key words: “existing inventory” and “current inventory.” She explained that Sioux City had a Plan
that involved looking at what facilities currently exist. Sioux City thought that before engaging in a
major development they should look at current supply, current usage, current population, current
vacancy rates, growth rates, local environment, business conditions, and estimate how much demand
could change under varying assumptions. Ms. Ravenscroft referred the Council to review Pages 48-51
of the handout to see Sioux City’s thoughts on the retail sector. She stated that Sioux City planned
carefully and based their proposals and detailed information on local conditions and how the conditions
could change. She asked what the City of Ames had done for analysis to prepare for the Lincoln Way
Project. She felt it was embarrassing that she couldn’t find anything on the Web that provided any
background planning. Ms. Ravenscroft noted she read the full report from Decision Innovative
Solutions (DIS) and looked at the report for Newton and it followed the same template. She could not
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find any background data in the reports. She said that DIS relied on the square footage figures given
to them by the developer; that is not an independent measure. Ms. Ravenscroft pointed out that DIS
used the Newspaper Association of America paper that showed average sales by square foot of every
type of facility and this was done for Newton, Iowa as well. She pointed out that DIS did not do the
following: an inventory of comparable spaces; look into if a hotel is even needed; who are the current
users; what are the vacancy rates, the population growth; and didn’t think about other businesses. Ms.
Ravenscroft felt that the City of Ames deserved better than the current proposal. Ames deserved to
have a Plan that included the same kind of comprehensive, thorough, thoughtful background that Sioux
City had. She said that this project was too big and too important to base it on incomplete and self-
interested data. Ms. Ravenscroft asked the Council to slow down and get reliable data to develop
thoughtful projections on future needs before the Council commits to anything further on this project.
Hector Arbuckle, 2503 Bruner Drive, Ames, stated he was representing the Climate Action Team. He
stated that as the City moves forward with the Climate Action Plan process, the Climate Action Team
asked that the City work to ensure that the City does not commit itself to locking in any future
emissions.
When no one else came forward to speak, the Mayor closed public forum.
2022-2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN: City Manager Steve Schainker stated last week
the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was presented during a Workshop. Today was an
opportunity for the public to respond to the CIP. It was noted that the public can still provide
comments at any time until February 8, 2022.
Mayor Haila opened public comment.
Hector Arbuckle, 2503 Bruner Drive, Ames, stated his first input was on the streets. He said that he
and many others at ISU do not own a car. He gets around the City by walking, biking, or using
CyRide. He said that a lot of the streets in Ames are hostile to pedestrians. Within the CIP, there are
a number of projects to increase capacity of the roadways, and other projects to increase
bicycle/pedestrian connectivity. Mr. Arbuckle asked the City to work to prioritize bicycle/pedestrian
connectivity above automobile capacity and level of service. He recommended that the Council take
the money that would be used for future traffic projections and instead use the money to improve the
connectivity and safety for bicycle/pedestrians.
Mr. Arbuckle also questioned the timing of the sewer system repairs. He said that, in 2012, there was
a report that the City of Ames had 25 million in immediate repairs that needed to be completed
within five years, but according to the CIP those repairs will not be finished until 2028. He asked
why the City hasn’t been able to repair and maintain the existing sewage network within the five
years it first indicated. Mr. Arbuckle wanted to know if there was a way to invest in the current
sewage network to make sure it does not degrade. He asked how the City was going to be able to
maintain the needed infrastructure as the City continues to expand.
The Mayor closed public comment when no else came forward to speak.
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Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked if Mr. Arbuckle’s question about the five-year plan for the
sewer improvements could be answered as to why there has been a delay. City Manager Steve
Schainker stated that projects are delayed sometimes due to federal funding or if land needs to be
acquired. He was not sure if it was due to staffing issues; normally when there is not enough staff,
outside consulting firms are used. Mr. Schainker noted that the weather can intervene as well.
Council Member Junck noted that Mr. Arbuckle’s question was on Page 72 of the CIP. It was
mentioned that the construction costs had inflated at a higher rate than anticipated causing extensions
to the timeframe.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired if the funding for the Water Pollution Control Nutrient
Reduction Project would come out of the same category as the sanitary sewer. Public Works Director
John Joiner explained that it has been State Revolving Funds that were being used for the last several
years for sanitary sewer system improvements and is a different category than the Nutrient Reduction
project.
SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
HIRING A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM FOR THE INDOOR AQUATIC
CENTER PROJECT: Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham noted that on November 23,
2021, City Council approved hiring a Construction Manager for the Indoor Aquatic Center. He
pointed out that the hiring of a Construction Manager is new for the City as the City normally uses
an architect bid and then a General Contractor. The Construction Manager acts as an extension of
the owner’s staff. The owner holds all the individual contracts and competitively bids them, and the
Construction Manager is involved in the design process, which will hopefully reduce change orders.
This method is a collaborative team approach among the owner, architect, Construction Manager,
and contractors. Director Abraham said that hopefully the increased cost of hiring a Construction
Manager is offset by the elimination of the General Contractor’s markup to the construction bid
amount. The City will assume the risks associated with any increased cost of materials. A Scope of
Services was put together and was included in the Report. The proposed timeline and steps for hiring
a Construction Management Firm were reviewed. In the Scope of Services, it listed the following:
City’s objectives; City’s role; Role of the Construction Manager; Compensation; Working
Relationship; Definitions; Construction Management Services; and Additional Services. Director
Abraham noted that, as the Scope of Services was being put together, staff wanted it to be as
thorough as possible; as this is new to the City, and a lot of the information from the Scope of
Services can be written into a contract. There will be an evaluation team who will review the
submittals.
Council Member Gartin explained that he had spent some time with the High School construction
project team who are using Construction Management Services. He thought it was interesting to see
how they used the LEAN construction methodology and wanted to know if the City of Ames would
use the same process. Director Abraham stated that it wasn’t spelled out, but the LEAN process is
a standard for Construction Managers to do business.
The Mayor opened public input. It was closed when no one came forward to speak.
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Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the Scope of Services to be included in the
Request for Proposals for hiring a Construction Management firm for the Indoor Aquatic Center
project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT REGARDING AQUATIC PROGRAMMING AFTER MUNICIPAL POOL
CLOSES AND POTENTIAL CHANGES IN HOURS AT FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER TO
ACCOMMODATE SWIMMING LESSONS: Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham
noted that this item is for informational purposes only. He explained that the Municipal Pool will
close on February 28, 2022, and demolition will happen sometime in March 2022. Staff has been
exploring options to continue to offer year-round aquatic programming. The Staff Report listed a
number of aquatic programs that are currently being offered. Since there will not be an indoor pool
to use, staff have been exploring options regarding the use of community aquatic facilities. Several
factors need to be considered to determine whether a community aquatic facility is a viable option
and those include, but are not limited to, water depth, temperature, patron capacity, available times
for use, and potential rental fees.
Director Abraham said that based on recent conversations with the Ames Community School District
(ACSD) and the current understanding of the anticipated usage for the new High School pool,
external use philosophy, and planned water temperature, ACSD does not appear to be a viable
option. The ACSD will have pool temperatures at around 78 degrees and the Municipal Pool is kept
at 84 degrees. Mr. Abraham noted that 78 degrees for swim lessons is a little cold. A conversation
was had with Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) about its pool; however, staff’s concern was
that the pool was not that big or deep. Due to hours of usage that would be available, security
concerns, and pool capacity, offering City programs at MGMC would not be a good option. Director
Abraham explained that when speaking with hotels/motels, they have had a rough time as it was hard
to reach the owner of the facilities. With the variety of hotel/motel pool configurations, pools at these
facilities may not meet the needs or be well-suited for programs to be offered. Some hotels/motels
within the community currently offer options for the public to utilize their pool. For those facilities
with the public swim option, staff will evaluate the effectiveness of using community facilities in
promoting swim options. Mr. Abraham stated that a meeting is scheduled with Iowa State University
to look at its facilities. ISU is interested in working with the City, and the City currently utilizes ISU
Forker Pool for Warm Water Aqua classes. When looking at the Green Hills pool there are already
Aqua classes and Parent/Child Swim classes conducted at this facility. Staff will be meeting with
management at Green Hills to discuss future use options for additional programming. He noted that
there have not been any classes at Green Hills for the past two weeks due to the number of COVID
cases at the facility. Staff is working with private fitness clubs to start conversations to see if there
is any opportunity to use any of their facilities.
Director Abraham said it was hard to say when they could start offering programs at this time;
however, at Green Hills, staff may be able to start some programming as early as March. He noted
that it may be September before some of the Parks and Recreation aquatic programming could start.
Mr. Abraham stated that staff is recommending reducing Open Swim hours on Monday and
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Wednesday evenings to allow swimming lessons to occur. To accommodate a portion of the
decreased open swim hours from the addition of evening swim lessons and water walking, staff is
proposing to add Twilight Open Swims. These Open Swims would be offered on the second and
fourth Mondays in June and July.
Council Member Gartin said that he was intrigued that the City has had over a 50-year relationship
with the Ames Community School District, and now all of sudden they have no time available for
the City when help is needed. He explained that there are a lot of families who don’t have the
resources to take their kids to a club for swimming lessons. Mr. Gartin commented that this is an
important issue for the community and City swim lessons are important to families. He hoped the
ACSD would reconsider. He asked, with all the other facilities, how does the City handle liability
issues. Director Abraham stated that conversations were had with the City’s Risk Manager, and the
City would need to obtain a Certificate of Insurance and make sure the City is listed as an additional
insured. Mr. Abraham noted that swimming pools are different as staff needs to know that the
chlorine levels are being maintained. There are already Agreements with Green Hills and ISU, so
they are not concerned about those two facilities, but there are concerns about the hotel/motel pools.
NOMINATION OF THE PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY HOUSE TO THE NATIONAL
REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES MEETS NATIONAL REGISTER “SIGNIFICANCE
CRITERION A AND C,” AND RECOMMEND NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBILITY TO
THE STATE NOMINATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE: Council Member Junck asked if there
was a reason why the Historic Preservation Commission voted for Criterion A and C instead of just
Criterion A. Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann noted that the Board felt that the Pi
Kappa Alpha Fraternity House met both criteria. He stated it didn’t really matter as only one criterion
was necessary.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-027 approving the
nomination of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house to the National Register of Historic Places meets
National Register “Significance Criterion A and C” and recommends National Register eligibility
to the State Nominations Review Committee.
Council Member Betcher commented that this was a great way to support the Greek system without
having to demolish buildings. She said by allowing the Greek system to access funds from national
and state tax credit opportunities was a great way to support the Greeks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
STAFF REPORT REGARDING REQUEST TO REVIEW ZONING REQUIREMENTS FOR
GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL USE WITHIN A CCR-ZONED PROPERTY AT 4820
MORTENSEN ROAD: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann explained that this item
originally came up as a comment to the Ames Plan 2040 in October 2021. The site was developed
as Convenience Commercial/Residential (CCR) zoning, which is unique to Ames as it does not exist
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in other parts of the City.
Director Diekmann stated that the CCR Zoning was a product of a goal from the last Land Use
Policy Plan to establish a large commercial node to serve west Ames. The buildings were constructed
as a three-story mixed-use building in 2005. The site was developed with the requirement to have
mixed-use development, meaning that commercial would be on the ground floor and residential
could be above. The property owner has been providing space for short-term lodging uses in the form
of short-stay efficiency rentals in some of the ground level units since 2017.
Director Diekmann said that what is before the Council is to discuss the options to change any of the
zoning or any parameters of the zoning to meet the applicants request, which is to take the short-stay
units and make them more household living style residential. One option would be to approve a
Zoning Text Amendment to alter the standards of how housing and commercial are mixed on a site.
If the Council Members wanted to consider the site to be more residential, they could initiate an
amendment to the Ames 2040 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation and subsequently rezone
the property to Residential High-Density (RH). Director Diekmann said that the City needs to think
about what they want on the property and how they see the site operating in the future. He noted that
there may be a few things that the City may want to secure as a City if the rules were loosened. There
are a couple other properties that may be affected if the designation was changed.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked Director Diekmann if the Council was interested in requiring
a percentage of affordable units to be included in the Agreement would it work better with Option
1. Director Diekmann commented that it would depend; if it was a standard in the Zoning Ordinance
that would apply to all properties, and staff would have to figure out how to write that and not sure
if that could be done. If it was a case-by-case basis, that would be more of a Contract Rezoning
approach. The Contract Rezoning would apply to Option 2 in the Report.
Council Member Betcher inquired if the same would be true if the Council wanted to reserve a
portion as commercial. Director Diekmann said it could work the same way. He noted that the way
“RH” and “CCR” are written, a Site Plan is required to allow for commercial use and how the
ground floor uses would work. This would be controlled through a Site Plan review process and may
not require a Contract Rezoning. He explained in “RH” commercial is not allowed without Council
approval if it exceeds 5,000 square feet.
Mayor Haila opened public input.
Brent Haverkamp, 4915 Timber Creek Lane, Ames, stated he is the owner of the property that was
being discussed. He explained that he was not the original developer of the property. The property
was developed as mostly residential property in a commercial zone. The commercial on the property
was a failure and the property went back to the bank when he bought it as a foreclosure. Mr.
Haverkamp said the property had about 70,000 to 80,000 vacant, unmarketable commercial space.
Today the property is a 330 mixed-use apartment. The first floor consists of 129 units, and because
of the “CCR” zone, they have to operate as short-term housing. He said because of the unique
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situation, management does a variety of things to keep the length of housing down, which is difficult
to manage. Mr. Haverkamp stated that national lenders view short-term housing as a significant
negative, so the property doesn’t qualify for financing. He pointed out that he would like the site to
be similar to his neighbors to the west, north, and southeast and operate the apartments on the first
floor with a conventional lease and tenant.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked Mr. Haverkamp why the commercial spaces were
unmarketable. Mr. Haverkamp said it was partly because the property is a deep site and there is very
little road frontage. He noted it is also away from the South Dakota/Mortensen Road corner so it can
be missed. Mr. Haverkamp mentioned that approximately 25% of the first floor is commercial, and
it has been difficult to find tenants that want to traverse through the site.
Council Member Gartin inquired as to how many units would be available for lease if the Council
agreed to Mr. Haverkamp’s proposal. Mr. Haverkamp explained that they have 335 apartments on
the site and since they are already doing short-term housing, the number of units would not change.
It would help Mr. Haverkamp with the way the site is managed and financed. Mr. Haverkamp noted
there would not be any construction changes or changes to the use of the site. Mr. Gartin asked
which option in the Staff Report would Mr. Haverkamp recommend. Mr. Haverkamp stated that,
when speaking with Director Diekmann, the Zoning Text Amendment to CCR Zoning would be the
cleanest, but would defer to the Planning staff. Mr. Gartin inquired what other properties in the area
allow the conventional leasing. Mr. Haverkamp pointed out the locations on a map.
Council Member Junck asked how many units were typically vacant out of the 129 short-term units.
Mr. Haverkamp stated that a 90% occupancy rate was typical for this property. He pointed out that
the first-floor units will have more vacancy than the other units because of the transient nature of the
units.
Council Member Betcher inquired as to when the property was purchased by Haverkamp. Mr.
Haverkamp said it was in 2008. Ms. Betcher asked when the last time was that the commercial
spaces were marketed as commercial spaces. Mr. Haverkamp stated that there are spaces on the first
floor that are apartments and spaces that are commercial. They market the commercial spaces on an
ongoing basis, of which there is about 30,000 square feet of commercial space. There has been no
conversion of the property and they have found that the commercial demand at this property has been
weak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked Mr. Haverkamp how he felt about reserving some units for
low-to moderate-income families. Mr. Haverkamp pointed out that if they were to do that it would
put them in a different classification and would add complexity to the market. He stated that, given
the age of the units, he would be surprised if their current rates weren’t that far off from a moderate-
income family. Mr. Haverkamp mentioned that he was not sure what additional paperwork would
be needed or how it would affect the finances or the operation of the building; therefore, he would
not be able to answer the question appropriately.
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Council Member Betcher asked if Mr. Haverkamp had any sense as to how the City would benefit
from making the change for him. Mr. Haverkamp stated that, in his opinion, a property that is more
valuable will be more valuable to the City as it will increase the tax base. He felt that the 129 units
were less valuable and what that tells him is that the market doesn’t accept them as there are too
many units for the month-to-month leasing. The market would value those units higher and more
people would want to rent the units; therefore, making them more profitable.
The Mayor closed public input when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated she would be willing to entertain Option 2 because she would
be interested in securing some low-to moderate-income housing units. She said even though it was
mentioned that the rates were comparable to moderate-income, there is no guarantee that those rates
would stay that way. Ms. Beatty-Hansen felt it would be a fair trade-off for increasing the value of
the property. She said the City would get some dedicated low-to moderate-income housing, the rates
were not that different so it shouldn’t be hard on the landowner, except for paperwork.
Council Member Gartin inquired if the City had ever done a request like that before. Director
Diekmann stated that it can be done with a Contract Rezoning; however, he didn’t believe the City
had ever negotiated an affordable housing requirement. Mr. Gartin mentioned that the Council has
aspirations whenever they create zonings, with a desired outcome, and most of the time he felt the
Council does a great job, but sometimes the zoning doesn’t work out. He felt this was a situation that
is a quirk and that there are units that the property owner can’t get traditional funding for, and at this
point he thought the City would be “squeezing” something from the owner. Mr. Gartin had strong
concerns about requiring the property to be a different type of usage.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen commented that she is not asking for the entire property to change,
but maybe a quarter of it.
Council Member Rollins mentioned that since 90% of the units are rented at one time, the other 10%
could be used for low-to moderate-income families. Ms. Rollins noted it would be better than having
the units stay empty and the property owner not get any return on his investment.
Council Member Gartin stated that none of the Council has any idea of what is involved in the
management of properties. Ms. Beatty-Hansen stated that they would initiate a set of standards that
would come back to the Council. Director Diekmann explained that under Option 2, the applicant
would have to apply; that is entirely up to them.
Mayor Haila said that the applicant was caught unaware or wasn’t prepared to talk about low-to
moderate-income housing and suggested, instead of approving Option 2 with that requirement, he
felt it would be more appropriate to have staff engage in conversation with the property owner. If
the property owner was not interested in pursuing the low-to moderate income housing, it would
change the outcome and the property owner may withdraw their request. Council Member Beatty-
Hansen stated she is not trying to “shove something down their throat,” as the property owner would
13
be able to operate as they are now and the owners financing with national lenders is a business
decision and not something to do with the Council. Council Member Gartin said the financing is for
the entire building not floor-by-floor. Ms. Beatty-Hansen commented that it wouldn’t affect the
properties financing. It was commented that it could. She stated she was comfortable delaying any
action to be able to ask the property owner more questions.
Council Member Betcher agreed that the City should get something out of this change. She stated
that the reason this area was zoned the way it was in the 2000s was because the City was growing
to the west and it was going to be a commercial node; however, that has not succeeded, but the City
is continuing to grow to the west. Ms. Betcher wondered if it was possible that the City was just
catching up; as the City did in Somerset when it took too long to develop than it was supposed to.
She was hesitant to say that the Council should allow all the spaces to be converted to long-term
residence and lose potential commercial space that is currently available. Ms. Betcher asked if there
was a percentage of the space that could be reserved, under “RH” zoning, as commercial .
Council Member Gartin commented that this is an important decision and the Council’s goal is to
figure out how to help people and never once has the Council made the decision to make the criteria
“how to get something out of this.” Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated she disagreed as she felt
this was every Urban Revitalization Area that the City has. Mr. Gartin disagreed.
Council Member Corrieri stated, personally, she was fine having a conversation about what had been
discussed. She stated that not every landlord can be an affordable housing landlord as it is more
complicated than just renting to people who have a certain income level. Ms. Corrieri questioned
how the City would be able to hold a landlord accountable to an affordable housing requirement.
Director Diekmann explained the City would have to rely on an annual report, as the City would not
be involved in clearance of the household.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen mentioned it was reasonable to give time to think about the options
discussed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to talk to the landowner about the
concept of Contract Rezoning that would include a percentage of units to be set aside as affordable
housing and report back to the Council.
Council Member Gartin commented that one thing that guides the Council in zoning is the use of
other properties in the area. He noted that the properties to the west, north, and southeast have a
similar zoning. Mr. Gartin said the Council has an opportunity to fix a mistake, but not take
advantage of the mistake.
Council Member Betcher mentioned that the Council should be thinking about this property in the
long-term and the property may be more valuable as commercial given the development in the west
and south.
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Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin,
Corrieri. Motion declared carried.
RE Q UE S T FO R PR O PO S A L S RE GAR D I NG SM ALL L O T I N D U S T RI A L
DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION UTILIZING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING: Director
Diekmann stated that staff had only received one proposal. The proposal was not presented to the
Council as staff had not finished its assessment. Staff was looking for direction to proceed.
Council Member Betcher asked how many people attended the informational meeting. City Planner
Justin Moore said staff held a virtual online informational meeting, and there were a few attendees
who asked questions.
Mayor Haila opened public comment.
Chuck Winkleblack, 105 S. 16th Street, Ames, stated he had sent an email earlier to the Council. He
said that he wanted to clarify that he is not requesting tax abatement on the large lots. He thought
that if there was someone, under the current State Code, that could qualify for industrial
development, he didn’t want to preclude the development from having that. Mr. Winkleblack
commented that if the developers were to put forth the money for the development instead of the
City, the City would not have the same level of requirements, because the City would not be
spending as much of the money upfront as a developer would. He hoped the City could find a
compromise. There were a few things he had mentioned previously about the Request for Proposals
(RFP) that he was not crazy about. Mr. Winkleblack noted that if the developer does the
infrastructure and left out the road improvement part, the process would go a lot quicker. He believed
what Hunziker Property proposed was a win-win and there is a significant need in the market place.
Public input was closed when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to proceed with evaluating the
proposal and attempt to negotiate mutually acceptable terms for a possible development agreement.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
KINGSBURY’S SUBDIVISION, 5TH ADDITION: The Mayor noted that this item has been
requested to be pulled by staff as the Development Agreement was not ready.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL FOR THE CITY OF AMES TO LEASE ITS RIGHT, TITLE,
AND INTEREST TO PROPERTY LOCALLY KNOWN AS 205 SOUTH WALNUT, AMES,
TO HEARTLAND SENIOR SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF 50 YEARS (CONTINUED
FROM JANUARY 11, 2022): The Mayor re-opened the public hearing and stated that it has been
requested by Staff to continue the hearing until February 8, 2022.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to continue the hearing to February 8, 2022.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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HEARING ON PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT STANDARDS TO ALLOW FOR A SMALL
COMMERCIAL COMPONENT TO DISTRICTS: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
mentioned that this was a request that staff received from Steve Burgason of Ansley Ames
Development Group. After discussion of the request and options by staff, City Council gave direction
to proceed with changes to the Planned Unit Development Overlay standards, rather than the F-PRD
standards. City Council directed staff to set a limit of up to 35,000 square feet of floor area within a
PUD based upon the intent for such use to be a smaller scale than planned commercial nodes within
the prior Land Use Policy Plan. He noted that there are some restrictions on uses as it defines it down
to restaurant, entertainment, trade, retail, and office uses. There were attachments in the Staff Report
that listed what those uses would be. Director Diekmann felt the change would be a good addition to
the PUD Overlay.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Hector Arbuckle, 2503 Bruner Drive, Ames, stated he felt this was a great Text Amendment. He was
in favor of allowing restaurant, entertainment, retail trade, and offices in these developments. Mr.
Arbuckle encouraged the Council to consider amending the residential zones to allow this type of
development. He would like to see neighborhood restaurants and corner stores that will allow a
vibrancy in the community that people could walk to.
Mayor Haila closed the public hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve Alternative 1, which was to pass on first reading
an ordinance for the proposed Text Amendment to modify the Planned unit Development Overlay
District Standards to allow for a small commercial component to Districts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2021/22 PAVEMENT RESTORATION - SLURRY SEAL: The Mayor opened
the public hearing. There was no one wishing to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-030 approving the final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Fort Dodge Asphalt Company, of Fort Dodge, Iowa,
in the amount of $255,733.75.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON CITY HALL PARKING LOT EXPANSION: The Mayor opened the public
hearing and closed it after there was no one who wished to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-031 approving the final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to All Star Concrete LLC, of Johnston, Iowa, in the
amount of $306,300.56.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
16
a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2021/22 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS (OPAL DR.,
OPAL CIR., HARCOURT DR., TURQUOISE CIR., AND TOP-O-HOLLOW RD.): Mayor
Haila opened the public hearing. It was closed when no one asked to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-032 approving the final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt’s Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$2,133,380.02.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2021/22 SEAL COAT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS & 2021/22
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM - STAFFORD AVENUE (E. 13TH STREET
- SOUTH END): Mayor Haila opened public input and closed it when no one came forward.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-033 approving the final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt’s Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$990,785.14.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2021/22 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM (UNIVERSITY BLVD. & S. 4TH ST.):
The Mayor opened public comment. It was closed when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-034 approving the final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Voltmer, Inc., of Decorah, Iowa, in the amount of
$293,231.41.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2020/21 SOUTH DAYTON IMPROVEMENTS: Mayor Haila opened the public
hearing.
Hector Arbuckle, 2503 Bruner Drive, Ames, stated that when he reviewed the Report, he noticed that
this project was designed to increase the capacity of the roadway in order to respond to traffic
projections of increased traffic. Mr. Arbuckle felt that this seemed to be a strategy that the City wants
to have increased traffic. He said that as the City continues to grow the City will keep widening the
streets and will ultimately be unsustainable. He thought instead of widening the road the City should
wait to see what will happen. Mr. Arbuckle asked for the City to wait it out to see what is going to
happen before committing to this project.
The Mayor closed the public hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
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Mayor Haila noted that the Council had received emails from citizens that have complained about the
congestion that exists in the area, and this project is in response to the requests received along with a
safety issue of people trying to get through the intersection.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-035 approving the final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to All Star Concrete, LLC, of Johnston, Iowa, in the
amount of $696,037.03.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
REVISED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING NEW WARDS/PRECINCTS (SECOND AND
THIRD READINGS AND ADOPTION REQUESTED): City Attorney Mark Lambert noted that
the Secretary of the State caught one mistake in the original Ordinance. In Precinct 19, the City had said
“go west along the channel of College Creek” when it should have said east. This ordinance is to correct
that mistake.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading of a revised ordinance establishing
new wards/precincts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second and third readings and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4456 on a revised ordinance establishing new wards/precincts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE REZONING 23959-580TH AVENUE FROM AGRICULTURAL “A” TO
INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL “II” (THIRD READING AND ADOPTION REQUESTED): Mayor
Haila opened public input and closed it when no one came forward.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning
23959-580th Avenue from Agricultural “A” to Intensive Industrial “II.”
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4457
rezoning 23959-580th Avenue from Agricultural “A” to Intensive Industrial “II.”
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
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made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE REVISING THE STANDARDS FOR DETACHED GARAGES AND
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES: Moved by Rollins,
seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4453 revising the
standards for detached garages and accessory buildings and nonconforming structures.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE CHANGING THE NAME OF SQUAW CREEK DRIVE TO STONEHAVEN
DRIVE: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4454 changing the name of Squaw Creek Drive to Stonehaven Drive.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PARKING REGULATIONS TO INCORPORATE THE
RENAMING OF SQUAW CREEK DRIVE TO STONEHAVEN DRIVE: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4455 amending the parking
regulations to incorporate the renaming of Squaw Creek Drive to Stonehaven Drive.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
DISPOSITIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
three items on the list. The first item was a letter from Latifiah Faisal, Story County Board of
Supervisors, listing Story County’s priorities for the Ames Urban Fringe Plan renewal and
amendments after the recent adoption of the Ames Plan 2040. City Manager Steve Schainker
commented that they would like to schedule a Workshop on February 15, 2022, to accomplish three
things. The three things they would like to discuss would be:
1. To go over the tasks that will need to be developed for the Councils individual goals
2. Review the Planning and Housing Work Plan
3. Review the process the City will use to discuss the Fringe Plan
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the request form Latifiah Faisal, Story County Board
of Supervisors, on a future Agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The second item was a memo from Mark Lambert, City Attorney, providing the Council with his
response to any potential legal issues regarding the request for funding from the Ames History
Museum’s Expansion Project.
The Mayor suggested forwarding Mr. Lambert’s memo to the Ames Historical Society and highlight
the advice that was given by the City Attorney.
The last item was a letter from Margaret A. L. Blum, Senior Director of Development, The Annex
19
Group, requesting a tax abatement for its proposed affordable housing development in Ames.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to refer Ms. Blum’s request for a tax abatement to staff for a
memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex Officio Poundstone stated that he met with the speaker of the Student
Senate and they have started working on the Local Affairs Committee. He will be emailing more
information to the Council.
Council Member Betcher noted that Mr. Arbuckle had mentioned during Public Forum
recommendations from the Ames Climate Action Team and an email had been received from Jerri
Neal on January 24 regarding their request. She wanted to make sure the email made it into the next
City Council packet.
CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Junck asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a
legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section
20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to go into Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council entered into a Closed Session at 8:26 p.m. and reconvened in Regular Session at
8:43 p.m.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 22-036 ratifying the contract
with Ames Professional Firefighters Local 625 of the International Association of Firefighters.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
______________________________________________________________________
Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
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21
REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
General Description Change Original Contract Total of Prior Amount this Change Contact
Electric
Services Overhaul Turbomachinery Services
Pavement Improvements
(McKinley Dr., Jensen Ave.,
Period:
Item No. 3
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 27, 2022
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Civil Service Commission was called to order by Chairperson Mike Crum
at 8:15 AM on January 27 , 2022. As it was impractical for the Commission members to attend in person,
Commission Chairperson Mike Crum and Commission Members Kim Linduska and Harold Pike were brought
in telephonically. Also participating telephonically was Human Resources Director Bethany Jorgenson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 2021: Moved by Pike, seconded by Linduska, to approve the
Minutes of the December 16, 2021, Regular Civil Service Commission meeting.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CERTIFICATION OF ENTRY-LEVEL APPLICANTS: Moved by Crum, seconded by Linduska, to certify
the following individuals to the Ames City Council as Entry-Level Applicants:
Environmental Engineer I Matthew Jacob 82
Heyuanyu “Jenni” Li 76
Samuel DenHartog 73
IT Clerk Kate Barbaglia 81
Elza McGaffin 79
Melissa Johannes 73
Esther Finnell 72
Maintenance Worker - Utilities (sublist)James Albright 76
Paul Lewis 75
Andrew Lehman 75
Tony Sejaan 75*
Max Edward McCubbin 73
Tyler Petersen 71
*Includes preference points
Police Officer Benjamin Campos 79
Luke Gibbs 73
Walter Pacheco 72
Justin Prokop 71
Andrew Oppong 70
Utility Customer Service Clerk Natalie Kalmes 80
Ami Brekke 77
Rasonda Settles 77
Jessica Bishop 76
Joey Kosterman 72
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST TO REMOVE NAMES FROM, AND EXHAUST, CERTIFIED LIST FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY DISPATCHER: Commission Member Pike asked if removing names from a List allows Human
Resources to start over on the recruitment. Human Resources Director Bethany Jorgenson explained the
criteria that must be met before a name is removed from a Certified List. She stated that, in the case of the
Public Safety Dispatcher position, there were two new candidates on the List that was certified by the
Commission on July 22, 2021. Three candidates from the original List certified on October 22, 2020, were
carried over to that List. One candidate was hired and one was removed from the List by the Commission on
September 23, 2021. The Department has reviewed the remaining candidates and has determined that, while
they meet the minimum qualifications, the candidates do not satisfy all the elements desired for the position
of Public Safety Dispatcher after job-shadowing was conducted. Ms. Jorgensen noted that Public Safety
Item No. 4
Dispatcher is a tough position to fill. It is extremely important that the person in that role be able to multi-task
in a high-stress environment. Although a person’s scores might have been high enough to pass, there might
be questions about their level of expertise or ability to work in such an environment. If the Commission
approves the request to remove names from, and exhaust, the Certified List, Human Resources could begin
a new recruitment now.
Moved by Linduska, seconded by Crum, to approve the request to remove names from, and exhaust, the
Certified List for Public Safety Dispatcher.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS: Director Jorgenson noted that the Human Resources Department continues to be extremely busy.
There have been approximately 50 active recruitments over the past 12 months. Chairperson Crum asked to know
the number of people employed by the City of Ames. Ms. Jorgensen answered that there are between 1,000 and
1,200 employees depending on the season.
The next Regular Meeting of the Ames Civil Service Commission is scheduled for February 24, 2022, at 8:15 AM.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:24 AM.
__________________________________ _______________________________________
Michael R. Crum, Chairperson Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
2
■ ALCOHOLIC St t f I BEV HAG s ,a e O ,owa DIVISION --u1' -Alcoholic Beverages Division
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
Blazin Wings, Inc.
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Buffalo Wild Wings
BUSINESS
(515)232-9464
Page I of3
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
400 South Duff Avenue
CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
Attn: Licensing 5500 Wayzata
Blvd. #1250
Contact Person
NAME
Licensing Department
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER
LC0038199
EFFECTIVE DATE
Mar 7, 2021
SUB-PERMITS
Class C Liquor License
CITY
Minneapolis
PHONE
(952)593-9943
LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Class C Liquor License
EXPIRATION DATE
Mar 6, 2022
STATE
Minnesota
ZIP
55416
EMAIL
bwwlicensing@inspirebrands.com
TERM
12 Month
LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
STATUS
Submitted
to Local
Authority
Item No. 5
BEV HAG s ,a e O ,owa ■ ALCOHOLIC St t f I DIVISION --u1'-Alcoholic Beverages Division
PRIVILEGES
Outdoor Service, Sunday Service
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Publicly Traded Corporation
Ownership
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION
Lyle Tick Atlanta Georgia 30306 President
Buffalo Wild Minneapolis Minnesota 55416 Parent Company
Wings, Inc.
Robert Jones, Jr. Dunwoody Georgia 30338 Vice President and
Assistant Sec
Nils Okeson Atlanta Georgia 30342 Vice President and
Secretary
Katherine Jaspon Sandy Georgia 30327 CFO
Springs
Insurance Company Information Page 2 of3 %OF U.S.
OWNERSHIP CITIZEN
0.00 Yes
100.00 Yes
0.00 Yes
0.00 Yes
0.00 Yes
■ ALCOHO.LIC St t f I BEV RAG s . ,a .e O ,owa DIVISION
�0110ura Alcoholic Beverages Division
INSURANCE COMPANY
ACE American Insurance
Company
DRAM CANCEL DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE Page3of3 POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
&'((()*&+ , !"(-./!$/#"/!0123 &'((()242+523,626387((;;</= />=' ("9!?@82AA4A*7(("= &/#"9#<D /(!E #> >@8B1B43,A2AA8M)0B5+1A0,A2C2 $9 . D$NL , !"%$9
G&7 =(S87 8= >>DT-9!D$/#>/7419#":('((-U D""/V"99$ -":9!D"?*Y87* !0X1A16 (* &'(((
Item No. 6
+
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M1W.X STSS +M'1/-- KNMM OPOVP T
W.IY1IMW./Z0-XYYSTSS +M0L- KNMM OPO[\ KMMM111 STSS +M
Smart Choice
515.239.5133 non-emergency
Administration
fax
To: Mayor John Haila and Ames City Council Members
From: Lieutenant Heath Ropp, Ames Police Department
Date: January 26, 2022
Subject: Beer Permits & Liquor License Renewal Reference City Council Agenda
The Council agenda for February 8th, 2022, includes beer permits and liquor license
renewals for:
•Walmart Supercenter (534 S Duff Ave) - Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine
Permit, Class C Beer Permit (carryout) and Sunday sales
A review of police records for the past 12 months found 1 liquor law violation. During a
compliance check on April 8th, 2021, an employee sold alcohol to a minor and was cited
accordingly. A follow-up compliance check was completed, and no violations were
recorded.
The Police Department will continue to monitor the above location by conducting regular
foot patrols, checks and by educating staff through training and quarterly meetings. The
Ames Police Department recommends license renewal for the above business.
Item No. 7a
Smart Choice
515.239.5133 non-emergency
Administration
fax
To: Mayor John Haila and Ames City Council Members
From: Lieutenant Heath Ropp, Ames Police Department
Date: January 26, 2022
Subject: Beer Permits & Liquor License Renewal Reference City Council Agenda
The Council agenda for February 8th, 2022, includes beer permits and liquor license
renewals for:
•Buffalo Wild Wings (400 S Duff Ave) - Class C Liquor License with Outdoor service and
Sunday sales
•Noir (405 Kellogg) - Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales
•goPuff (615 S Dayton Ave) - Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C
Beer Permit (carryout) and Sunday sales
•Time to Roll (2801 Grand Ave Ste 1290) - Class B Permit with Sunday sales
A review of police records for the past 12 months found no liquor law violations for the
above locations. The Ames Police Department recommends the license renewal for the
above businesses.
Item No. 7b-e
1
ITEM # _8____
DATE 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAMS POLICY
BACKGROUND:
On October 13, 2020, the City Council approved a collection of revised policies for City
employees. These policies became effective October 19, 2020. One of the revised
policies was the Employee Recognition Programs Policy. This policy provides for five
City-wide employee awards for exceptional service, years of service awards, and
retirement gifts. This policy was revised again on January 26, 2021.
The Employee Awards Committee of Employee Council has requested a modification to
the provisions for the Humanitarian Service Award. This award is to recognize employees
who have clearly gone the extra mile in service to the citizens of Ames. The award
currently consists of a decorative award commemorating the act of service and placement
of the employee’s name and contribution on a plaque in City Hall.
The Employee Awards Committee has encountered a situation where a potential
Humanitarian Service awardee has requested not to receive the commemorative award.
As a result, the committee would like to offer other options to allow the awardee to
positively impact the community through receiving the award. Therefore, staff is proposing
the following change to the Humanitarian Service Award provisions (additions
underlined):
This award is designed to honor City employees who have clearly “gone the extra
mile” in service to the citizens of Ames. Such contributions could be associated
with an employee’s work for the City; service rendered outside of an employee’s
normal responsibilities would receive a higher consideration. Recipients’ names
and contributions will be designated on a plaque permanently displayed in City
Hall. In addition, the recipients may choose to:
1. Receive a decorative award commemorating their act of service
2. Designate funds from the Employee Council budget to plant a tree in a City
park, to obtain a recognition tile at the Ames Animal Shelter, or to obtain an
engraved brick in the Veteran’s Memorial.
3. Decline to receive an award or recognition altogether.
2
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the revised Employee Recognition Program Policy.
2. Do not approve changes to this policy.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed changes provide additional flexibility for Humanitarian Service Award
recipients who may wish to make a positive impact to the community in lieu of receiving
a decorative reminder of their efforts.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
Employee Recognition Programs
Date Established: October 19, 2020
Date Last Updated: February 8, 2022
Purpose
The purpose of the City-wide awards program is to encourage and recognize employees who bring
to life the Excellence Through People values.
Policy Statement
In addition to recognition programs that may be provided by individual City departments, there
are five categories of City-wide Employee Awards:
Employee Customer Service Award
The Employee Customer Service Award is designed to honor City employees who provide
exceptional direct customer service to the citizens of Ames. Nominations can be made by
a co-worker, supervisor or Ames resident. Nominations should describe the service
provided by the employee and indicate the significance of the service to the resident. The
award will be given for a contribution associated with the employee's work for the City,
but the act should reflect a contribution beyond the scope of normal responsibilities. The
employee will receive a framed letter from the City Manager congratulating them for their
contributions and a cash award of $50. A copy of this letter will also be placed in their
personnel files.
Suggestion Award
The Suggestion Award recognizes City employees for achievements, accomplishments,
contributions and/or suggestions that: are a cost savings in City operations, improve quality
of City services, improve public relations, or improve employee morale. Employees who
make suggestions which are implemented will be recognized as follows:
1. If the suggestion falls within the employee’s assigned job responsibilities or
established policy, or if the suggestion does not reduce costs, the employee(s) will
receive a cash award of $100, a Suggestion Award containing the Suggestion Program
logo, as well as a letter from the City Manager congratulating them for their
achievements, accomplishments, or contributions. A copy of this letter will be placed
in the employee's personnel file.
2. For suggestions which reduce costs, the employee(s) will receive up to 25 percent of
the actual documented cost savings within a twelve-month period up to a maximum of
a $1,000 cash award. The employee(s) will also receive a Suggestion Award as well
as a letter from the City Manager. A copy of this letter will be placed in the employee's
personnel file.
The cash award will be made as soon as it has been documented that the savings have
actually occurred. If the savings are of an on-going nature, the cash award will be
based on the actual savings realized over the first twelve months of the suggestion's
implementation. A cash award will not be made if the cost savings proposed results
in a City service level reduction. The cash award will be made from the departmental
budget where the savings occurred.
Certificate of Commendation
This award is designed to honor City employees who have clearly "gone above and beyond
their expected duty in an emergency situation" in service to the citizens of Ames. Such
contributions could be associated with an employee's work for the City, although service
rendered outside of an employee's normal responsibilities will also be considered. This
award category may also be considered for the Humanitarian Service Award. The
recipients will receive a Certificate of Commendation commemorating the award and a
cash award of $50.
Humanitarian Service Award
This award is designed to honor City employees who have clearly "gone the extra mile" in
service to the citizens of Ames. Such contributions could be associated with an employee's
work for the City; service rendered outside of an employee's normal responsibilities would
receive a higher consideration. Recipients' names and contributions will be designated on
a plaque permanently displayed in City Hall. In addition, the recipients may choose to:
1. Receive a decorative award commemorating their act of service
2. Designate funds from the Employee Council budget to plant a tree in a City park, to
obtain a recognition tile at the Ames Animal Shelter, or to obtain an engraved brick in
the Veteran’s Memorial.
3. Decline to receive an award or recognition altogether.
Sprenkel Achievement Award
The Sprenkel Achievement Award is designed to honor a City employee(s) who has
exhibited the initiative to make a significant contribution to the City organization through
actions above and beyond the scope of the employee's job responsibilities.
The Sprenkel Achievement Award must be for a contribution which has already been
achieved or implemented. Preference will be given to the impact and duration of
accomplishment. No extra compensation other than a suggestion award payment can have
been received. The recipients will receive their own plaque commemorating the award and
a $100 cash award. In addition, the recipients' names and contributions will be designated
on a plaque to be permanently displayed in City Hall.
Presentation of Awards
Cash awards will be distributed to recipients as soon as the award is approved. Recognition
letters, plaques, etc. will be presented to the recipient at the annual Employee Awards
Luncheon.
Eligibility and Procedures
1. Employee Eligibility
All City of Ames employees are eligible with the following exceptions:
a. For the Suggestion Award, Employee Customer Service Award, Sprenkel
Achievement Award and Certificate of Commendation: Department heads, the
City Manager and the Assistant City Managers are not eligible.
b. For all awards, members of the Employee Council Awards Committee are eligible
if they recuse themselves from deliberation and voting on that award.
2. Topics Not Eligible
a. Pay
b. Benefits
c. Union bargaining
3. For an Idea to Be Eligible, It Must
a. Be original to the City. If the idea is a duplicate of one already received, the idea
received first will be the one considered.
b. If the suggestion has not yet been implemented, it must recommend a specific
action.
c. If already implemented, it must have been within the period of eighteen months
prior to the date that the application is received by the City Manager's Office.
4. Due to Federal regulations, cash awards will be treated as wages for tax purposes;
and are, therefore, subject to State and Federal withholding.
5. If two or more employees are determined to be jointly responsible for a suggestion
which is implemented, any cash award will be divided equally among them or as
specified by the department head.
Employee Service Awards
The City recognizes employees who have contributed to the service of the City and to the
citizens of Ames for a period of years. Each regular and part time <20 hours employee
who has completed five total years of service (or an increment of five years of service),
including any previous temporary service, by April 1 of that year is recognized at the annual
Employee Service Award luncheon. Temporary employees who have returned to City
service year after year (e.g., summer help, lifeguards) are also eligible for recognition. The
award consists of $5 for each year of service completed (e.g., $25 for 5 years, $50 for 10
years, etc.).
If an employee leaves employment before the Award luncheon but has reached a five-year-
increment milestone before leaving employment, the award will be added to the
employee’s final paycheck. The employee will be invited to attend the next luncheon as if
they were a continuing employee. Funds for these awards are paid by the department in
which the honored individual is currently employed. Beginning with awards issued after
July 1, 2020, years of service are counted cumulatively for each employee, and do not
restart when there is a break in service.
Employee Retirement Gifts
A gift of tangible personal property may be given to an employee who retires from City
employment with at least five completed years of continuous service, excluding temporary
service. Employees with a break in service are entitled to the appropriate gift at the time of
each departure. A monetary gift is prohibited. The department shall determine the type of
gift to be given. The gift shall be given for the express purpose of recognizing the
employee's service to the City of Ames. The value of the gift shall be $10 for each year
worked, beginning with five completed years of continuous service.
Employee Retirement and Farewell Receptions
Department heads may authorize the use of City funds for refreshments and supplies for a
reception or celebration honoring a departing employee. The expenses for such a reception
should be commensurate with the length of service, but in most cases should not exceed
$300.
Contact Information
City Manager’s Office
515-239-5101
Employee Council Awards Committee
515-239-5101
1
ITEM # ____9____
DATE: _02-08-22_
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO 28E AGREEMENT FOR COMBINED LAW
ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.
BACKGROUND:
The City is a party to a 28E intergovernmental agreement to participate in the Central
Iowa Drug Task Force. This task force investigates crimes involving controlled
substances, which often requires inter-agency cooperation.
The most recent agreement, filed on July 27, 2018, involved a partnership between the
Ames Police Department, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State University
Department of Public Safety, and the Boone Police Department. The Boone County
Sheriff’s Office now desires to enter into the Intergovernmental Agreement.
City staff and other partners are supportive of this amendment to add the Boone County
Sheriff’s Office to the Central Iowa Drug Task Force. The addition will allow for further
collaboration to facilitate investigations of controlled substances across jurisdictions.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Amendment to the Governmental 28E Agreement for Combined
Law Enforcement Investigations of Controlled Substance.
2. Do not approve the Amendment to the 28E Agreement.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The addition of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office to the 28E agreement is consistent
with the mission of the Central Iowa Drug Task Force and will facilitate the investigation
of illegal controlled substances.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
AMENDMENT NO. 2
To
28E Agreement
For
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMBINED LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS
OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Dated _____________
Iowa Code Section 28E.12
This AMENDMENT No. 2 is by and among the County of Story, Iowa, the City of Ames, Iowa,
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and the City of Boone, Iowa with their
respective law enforcement agencies, the Story County Sheriff’s Office, the Ames Police
Department (hereinafter “Ames PD”), the Iowa State University Department of Public Safety
(hereinafter “ISU DPS”), and the Boone Police Department (hereinafter “Boone PD”),
(collectively, “the Parties”). In consideration of the mutual covenants herein made, the Parties
agree as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
1. Parties agree that an amendment should be made to allow the Boone County
Sheriff’s Office to join the Intergovernmental Agreement for Combined Law
Enforcement Investigations of Controlled Substances filed with the Iowa
Secretary of State on July 27, 2018 (Filing No. M510990).
a. The agreement referenced above is amended to include the Boone
County Sheriff’s Office as a party to said agreement.
SECTION 2. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement identified in the caption
hereof shall remain in full force and effect except as specifically modified by this
amendment.
SECTION 3. This Amendment is effective upon filing with the Iowa Secretary of State.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, STORY COUNTY EXECUTES THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 2.
BY:_____________________________________ DATE:
(print name)
________________ Board of Supervisors, Chairperson
ATTEST: _________________________________
(print name)
________________ County Auditor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY NOTARY
STATE OF IOWA )
)ss.
STORY COUNTY )
On this _______ day of _____________, 2022, before me the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared _________________ and
____________________, to me personally known, who, being sworn, did say that they are the
Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors and County Auditor of Story County, Iowa
respectively; that the seal affixed hereto is the seal of said Story County; that said instrument
was signed and sealed on behalf of the said Story County, Iowa by authority of its Board of
Supervisors and that said ____________ and _______________ as such officers, acknowledge
the execution of said instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of said County, it and by
them voluntarily executed.
_________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
and State of Iowa
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON BEHALF OF
ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY EXECUTES THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 2.
BY:_____________________________________ DATE:
(print name)
________________
ATTEST: _________________________________
(print name)
________________
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE CITY OF BOONE, EXECUTES THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 2.
BY:_____________________________________ DATE:
(print name)
________________________
ATTEST: _________________________________
(print name)
________________________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY NOTARY
STATE OF IOWA )
)ss.
BOONE COUNTY )
On this _______ day of _____________, 2022, before me the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared _________________ and
____________________, to me personally known, who, being sworn, did say that they are the
____________________ and _________________ of the City of Boone, Iowa respectively; that
the seal affixed hereto is the seal of said City; that said instrument was signed and sealed on
behalf of the said City of Boone, Iowa by authority of its City Council and Mayor and that said
_________________ and _______________ as such officers, acknowledge the execution of
said instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of said City, it and by them voluntarily
executed.
_________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
and State of Iowa
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE CITY OF AMES, EXECUTES THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 2.
BY:
John A. Haila, Mayor
ATTEST:
Diane Voss, City Clerk
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY NOTARY
STATE OF IOWA )
)ss.
STORY COUNTY )
On this _______ day of _____________, 2022, before me the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared __________________ and
_____________________, to me personally known, who, being sworn, did say that they are
the Mayor of Ames and the City Clerk of Ames, Iowa respectively; that the seal affixed hereto
is the seal of said City of Ames, Iowa; that said instrument was signed and sealed on behalf of
the said City of Ames, Iowa by authority of its City Council and Mayor and that said Mayor
and City Clerk as such officers, acknowledge the execution of said instrument to be the
voluntary act and deed of said City, it and by them voluntarily executed.
_________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
and State of Iowa
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BOONE COUNTY EXECUTES THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 2.
BY:_____________________________________ DATE:
(print name)
________________ Board of Supervisors, Chairperson
ATTEST: _________________________________
(print name)
________________ County Auditor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY NOTARY
STATE OF IOWA )
)ss.
BOONE COUNTY )
On this _______ day of _____________, 2022, before me the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared _________________ and
____________________, to me personally known, who, being sworn, did say that they are the
Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors and Coun ty Auditor of Boone County, Iowa
respectively; that the seal affixed hereto is the seal of said Boone County; that said
instrument was signed and sealed on behalf of the said Boone County, Iowa by authority of
its Board of Supervisors and that said _______________ and _______________ as such
officers, acknowledge the execution of said instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of
said County, it and by them voluntarily executed.
_________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
and State of Iowa
ITEM#: 10
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2019/20 STORM WATER EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM (IOWAY
CREEK - 6TH TO 13TH ST) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT
BACKGROUND:
In January 2021, the City contracted with WHKS & Co. for the design of the 2019/20
Storm Water Erosion Control program (Ioway Creek - 6th to 13th Street) in the amount of
$58,820. A conceptual design was prepared and presented to adjoining landowners,
stakeholders, and the public in a series of meetings in July and August 2021.
A memo from Municipal Engineer Tracy Peterson was sent to City Council on December
3, 2021, outlining an updated outreach plan for this project. In December, letters were
distributed to adjoining residents with information about the upcoming outreach schedule,
including topics to be discussed at each meeting. Public Works and Parks & Recreation
staff held a meeting in December with discussion focused on how to successfully
establish and maintain vegetation, both short and long-term, for numerous projects in the
community including this one. Following approval of this contract amendment, work
outlined in the memo will continue moving forward.
In response to public input, a second conceptual design will be considered that
addresses concerns and, as a result, additional fees will be incurred by the
Consultant. Also, since the initial conceptual design, a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee was
identified in Brookside Park near the project site. As a protected species, protection and
enhancement of its habitat will be incorporated into the design and construction of the
project. More details and requirements will be confirmed during the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources permitting process.
The proposed contract amendment includes compensation for additional public
meetings, revised concept design, expanded preliminary and final project design,
wetland delineation, drainage analysis and landscape architecture subconsultant
services. The total cost for the additional professional services is $46,900, bringing
the total contract to $105,720 (which is still below the No. 2 firm during the RFP
process).
Several additional grant funding opportunities have opened through Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), so staff has
submitted or is in the process of submitting final applications for consideration. Listed
below is a table of funding sources. Staff is still developing a design that meets the project
goals, budget, and stakeholder desires; thus, an estimated construction cost is not yet
available.
PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT %
Total $ 1,200,000
*WQI full application will be submitted by February 11, 2022.
** WIF application submitted on February 2, 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement Amendment for the 2019/20 Storm
Water Erosion Control project with WHKS & Co. of Ames, Iowa, billed hourly and
not to exceed the amount of $46,900, bringing the total contract to $105,720.
2. Do not approve the Amendment to Professional Services Agreement.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
These additional services are necessary to assure a complete public and neighborhood
engagement process, follow through on the public comments, and to provide best
practices for environmental mitigation and enhancement.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM#: 11
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2019/20 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION (BASIN 10) –
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION/ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AMENDMENT
BACKGROUND:
On February 23, 2021, City Council awarded the 2019/20 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
(Basin 10) construction contract to Municipal Pipe Tool Co., LLC, of Hudson, Iowa in the
amount of $1,283,163.78.
On April 21, 2021, City staff approved a professional service agreement with WHKS &
Company to perform a sanitary sewer rehabilitation construction observation assistance
in the amount not to exceed $48,000 including expenses with an anticipated
project completion date of November 26, 2021. Work is billed on hourly rates based
on actual expenses incurred.
The scope of work in the original construction observation contract includes supervision
and coordination of the project team, review of project costs and billings, periodic visits
to the construction site to observe the progress of work, review of shop drawings,
review of periodic payment estimates for completed construction work, preparation of
change orders, and preparation of the final summary of construction costs. Additionally,
the observer maintains a logbook recording conditions and activities at the job site,
assists in preparing Record Drawings, and coordinates quality control testing.
The construction contractor, Municipal Pipe Tool, has requested an extension of
the contract completion date to May 15, 2022, due to materials shortages and
weather conditions, which prevented completion of simultaneous construction
staging sequences, as originally planned.
Because the construction staging sequences could not be completed
simultaneously, the efficiencies in construction inspection and administration
envisioned in the original contract with WHKS could not be achieved. The
requested amendment No. 1 is based on an additional 250 hours of construction
observation and 16 hours of administration time to complete additional stages
now required for the project. These additional hours require an increase in the
contract total by an amount not to exceed $27,000.
Revenues and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Revenue Expenses
2019/20 Sanitary Sewer Rehab (this contract)
Future Construction Phases
$1,283,163.78
Engineering/Administration (Est. this project) 200,000.00
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the amendment to the professional services agreement for the 2019/20
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (Basin 10) – Construction Observation Assistance
with WHKS & Co., of Ames, Iowa in the amount not to exceed $27,000, for a new
contract total of $75,000.
2. Direct staff to renegotiate an engineering agreement amendment.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Based on staff’s current workload and expertise provided by WHKS & Co., contracting
for these construction observation services will continue to provide the best value to the
City. This team designed the sanitary sewer lining project and has experience with the
planned rehabilitation methods and SRF funded projects.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
1
ITEM # __ 12_
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR AMES TRIATHLON IN ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK
BACKGROUND:
Iowa Multisport (IM) is requesting to use Ada Hayden Heritage Park (AHHP) to host the
third Ames Triathlon on June 26, 2022. The event consists of a 500M swim in the north
lake, a 12-mile bike ride that starts in the park and travels through north Ames,
northwestern portions of Story County and finishes in the park, and a 5K run that uses
the hard surface path in the park.
In reviewing the event in 2019, one of the concerns IM had was the inability to transport
volunteers and participants for emergencies throughout the park in a safe and quick
manner. For the 2021 race, City Council approved a suspension of the ordinance
prohibiting motorized vehicles on paths in City parks, in order to allow the use of golf carts
to transport volunteers, assist participants for any emergencies along the run route, and
to haul or transport water station supplies.
The 2021 event was successful with over 275 participants. IM is again requesting the
use of golf carts to transport volunteers, assist participants for any emergencies along the
run route, and to haul or transport water station supplies. IM is required to provide a
Certificate of Liability Insurance for the triathlon event and staff will require the golf carts
be covered under IM’s insurance.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this request at its January 20, 2022
meeting and recommended that City Council grant this waiver for the Ames Triathlon on
Sunday, June 26, 2022. In addition to the golf cart request, IM requested the
Commission to waive the no swimming rule for the event, and to complete set up
starting at 5:00 AM on June 26, which is prior to regular park hours (6:00 AM – 10:30
PM). The additional requests were approved by the Commission and, therefore, do
not need Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request from Iowa Multisport for the Ames Triathlon at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park on Sunday, June 26, to waive enforcement of Section 19.9 of
Municipal Code from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 26 to utilize two golf
carts at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
2. Do not approve the request.
3. Refer back to staff to find an alternative location for the event.
2
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
IM has hosted two triathlons at Ada Hayden Heritage Park and both have been successful
in bringing many participants from Ames and around Iowa to the park. Staff met with
representatives from IM multiple times leading up to both events as well as observed all
the activities that took place at the park and feels IM was successful in ensuring
participant safety. Having the ability to utilize golf carts will assist in transporting
volunteers as well as participants in emergency situations.
Therefore, it is the City Manager’s recommendation to approve Alternative #1 as stated
above.
ITEM#: 13
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS – CYRIDE BATTERY
ELECTRIC BUS FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
BACKGROUND:
In preparation for adding battery electric buses (BEBs) into CyRide’s fleet, the existing
facility infrastructure will need to be retrofitted. CyRide currently has two electric buses
and their associated charger on order. With equipment finalized, facility design
specifications were able to be developed. The initial budgetary total for this project was
$152,200, later amended to $298,161 based on an updated architecture and engineering
firm estimate. The Transit Board has approved the following funding for this facility
improvement project.
Description Total
Facility Construction $129,370 $22,830
Depot Charger – Savings from Favorable Bid $31,167 $12,833
Transfer from Operations Fund Closing Balance - $101,961
When CyRide’s facility was originally constructed, a 208-volt transformer was installed.
However, the BEB chargers currently require 480 volts to operate. CyRide worked with
its architect, engineering firm, and the Electric Department to accommodate the required
voltage and determine a solution. Installing a new 480-volt transformer on the southwest
corner of the building was determined to be the best option for CyRide. Plans and
specifications were built around this solution.
Plans and specifications call for installing a transformer pad for the 480-volt transformer,
new facility switchgear and its associated platform, a charger platform, and installation of
the purchased charging equipment. All new equipment will be installed at a height that
reduces the risk of water damage in the event of flooding and permits general facility
maintenance.
If approved by Council, CyRide staff will work with the Purchasing Division to bid the
project. Listed below is the proposed schedule for this project.
Date Project Element
The plans and specifications were approved by the Transit Board at their meeting on
January 26, 2022. The project budget was updated in a special Transit Board meeting on
February 4, 2022. Plans and specifications are now on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the CyRide 2022 CyRide Battery Electric
Bus Facility Improvement Project, and establish March 9, 2022, as the bid due
date, and establish March 22, 2022, as the date to report bid results to Council.
2. Direct staff to work with the A&E consultant to modify the project plans and
specifications to meet City Council priorities.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approving these plans and specifications will allow CyRide to continue toward the
implementation of battery electric buses into the fleet. Therefore, it is the recommendation
of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1.
Smart Choice
MEMO
515.239.5105 main
fax
50010
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: City Clerk’s Office
Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: Contract and Bond Approval
There is/are no Council Action Form(s) for Item No(s). 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. Council
approval of the contract and bond for this/these project(s) is simply fulfilling a State Code
requirement.
/alc
ITEM # ___20__
DATE 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: SOUTH GRAND AVENUE EXTENSION – 0.1 MILES NORTH OF SOUTH
16TH STREET NORTH 0.54 MILES TO SOUTH 5TH STREET – CHANGE
ORDER NO. 5
BACKGROUND:
This project is part of the extension of South Grand Avenue from S 3rd Street to S 16th
Street and associated projects to extend S 5th Street and for intersection improvements
at S 16th Street/S Duff Avenue. The projects have been broken into three phases to allow
for potential flexibility in timing of construction and funding. The phases are:
1) S. 5th St extension and the portion of S. Grand Ave from Squaw Creek Drive (the
existing dead end) to S. 5th St.
2) S Grand Ave South of S. 5th Street (this portion includes two bridges to
accommodate Squaw Creek under the roadway).
3) Reconstruction and widening additional turn lanes at S. Duff Ave and S. 16th St.
This project includes extension of South Grand Avenue from the new South 5th
Street to 0.1 miles north of South 16th Street (Phase 2 described above).
On March 10, 2020, City Council awarded the contract to Peterson Contractors, Inc., of
Reinbeck, Iowa in the amount of $9,368,716.27. Four change orders have been
administratively approved by staff:
1. Change order No. 1 in the amount of $16,286.26 was for irrigation and electrical
repair, adding a stabilized construction entrance, and removing concrete
foundation.
2. Change order No. 2 in the amount of $1,050 was to install a subdrain outlet.
3. Change order No. 3 in the amount of $2,090 was for removal of existing timber pile
in Ioway Creek channel.
4. Change order No. 4 in the amount of $24,417.58 was for concrete structure
thermal protection and changing the symbols and legends from paint to
thermoplastic.
Change order No. 5 (this action), in the amount of $24,466.20, is for bridge deck
sealant. During the final walkthrough of the project, micro-cracking was discovered on the
decks of both bridges. The two bridges were constructed by two different contractors (one
by prime contractor and one by subcontractor), each following the specifications.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is noticing similar micro-cracking on other
bridge deck projects around the state and is now including these bridges in a larger
analysis to determine the cause. Iowa DOT does not consider this to be a
construction deficiency nor that it will impact safety or the deck/bridge lifespan,
and has recommended applying Pavix Sealer. This sealer has been successfully
used to seal the micro-cracking, self-heal future cracks, and prevent water and salt
penetration in other locations. Additionally, because Iowa DOT does not consider
this micro-cracking to be a defect in workmanship, Iowa DOT has determined that
the cost of applying the protective sealant must paid with our local funds.
All the change orders above were approved by Iowa DOT, which is a requirement of using
the MPO/Federal/State funding. A summary of revenues and projected expenses is
shown below.
Activity Expenses Revenue
Construction w/ Change Orders (this project) 9,437,026.31
TOTAL $19,057,491.86 $19,871,485
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $24,466.20.
2. Direct staff to pursue changes to the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures requires City Council approval for contract
change orders that result in a cumulative change totals more than $50,000. This change
order for the cost of sealant to the bridges to address micro-cracking requires City Council
approval.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ITEM # ____21a__
DATE: _02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STEAM TURBINE NO. 8 PARTS PROCUREMENT - CONTRACT
COMPLETION FOR ALIN MACHINING COMPANY, INC (POWER
PLANT SERVICES)
BACKGROUND
On July 14, 2020, Council awarded a contract to Alin Machining Company (Power Plant
Services) for parts required for the Power Plant’s Unit #8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul
project. The contract provides parts to replace worn parts and replenish inventory
during the inspection and overhaul of the turbine and generator.
Alin Machining Company, Inc. (Power Plant Services) was awarded a contract in the
amount of $99,637.19, inclusive of sales tax. There were two change orders to the
contract:
Change Order #1: On August 5, 2020, a change order was approved to increase the
purchase order by $39,751.01 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
Change Order #2: On September 1, 2021, a change order was approved to increase the
purchase order by $7,836.45 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
The final expenditures to Alin Machining Company, Inc. (Power Plant Services),
Melrose Park, Illinois total $147,224.65. All the requirements of the contract have been
met by Alin Machining Company, Inc. (Power Plant Services) and the Engineer has
provided a certificate of completion.
Argo Parts $ 1,077,109.00
Argo City to pay sales tax 74,711.63
MD&A Parts (sales tax included) 190,071.71
Power Plant Services Parts (sales tax included) 147,224.65
Burns & McDonnell Engineering 39,176.89
General Electric Technical Support 353,320.00
BladeRunner Prime Contractor 1,640,848.06
BladeRunner City to pay sales tax 114,859.36
Total $ 3,637,321.30
Funding for the Unit 8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul Project was originally budgeted in the
2019/20 CIP in the amount of $3,000,000. Funds to finance expenses exceeding that
amount will be taken from savings related to Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project CIP, the Unit 7
Turbine-Generator Overhaul CIP, and the Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maintenance
account.
In total, funds are available for this project as follows:
2019/20 Unit #8 Turbine Generator Overhaul CIP
Budgeted in CIP:
Materials/Parts $1,000,000.00
Construction 1,650,000.00
GE Tech Support 350,000.00
Unit 8 T/G Overhaul CIP Total $3,000,000.00
Savings from other CIPS & budget:
Unit 7 Boiler Tube CIP 311,623.00
Unit 7 Overhaul CIP 288,924.12
Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maint. 55,000.00
TOTAL $3,655,547.12
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the completion of the Steam Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement project by
Alin Machining Company, Inc. (Power Plant Services), Melrose Park, Illinois in the
amount of $147,224.65
2. Delay acceptance of this project.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The project has now been completed in accordance with the approved plans and
specifications.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
ITEM # ____21b_
DATE: _2-8-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STEAM TURBINE NO. 8 PARTS PROCUREMENT - CONTRACT
COMPLETION FOR ARGO TURBOSERVE CORPORATION
BACKGROUND
On July 14, 2020, Council awarded a contract to Argo Turboserve Corporation for parts
required for the Power Plant’s Unit #8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul project. The contract
provides parts to replace worn parts and replenish inventory during the inspection
and overhaul of the turbine and generator.
Argo Turboserve Corporation was awarded a contract in the amount of $1,065,217.
Applicable sales taxes will be paid directly to the State of Iowa by the City as the vendor
is not licensed to collect and remit Iowa Sales Taxes. There was one change order to the
Argo Turboserve Corporation contract.
Change Order #1: On August 5, 2020, a change order was approved to increase the
purchase order by $11,892 (exclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
The final expenditures to Argo Turboserve Corporation, Rutherford, New Jersey total
$1,077,109 (exclusive of sales tax). All the requirements of the contract have been met
by Argo Turboserve Corporation and the Engineer has provided a certificate of
completion.
Funding for the Unit 8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul Project was originally budgeted in the
2019/20 CIP in the amount of $3,000,000. Funds to finance expenses exceeding that
amount will be taken from savings related to Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project CIP, the Unit 7
Turbine-Generator Overhaul CIP, and the Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maintenance
account.
In total, funds are available for this project as follows:
2019/20 Unit #8 Turbine Generator Overhaul CIP
Budgeted in CIP:
Materials/Parts $1,000,000.00
Construction 1,650,000.00
GE Tech Support 350,000.00
Unit 8 T/G Overhaul CIP Total $3,000,000.00
Savings from other CIPS & budget:
Unit 7 Boiler Tube CIP 311,623.00
Unit 7 Overhaul CIP 288,924.12
Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maint. 55,000.00
TOTAL $3,655,547.12
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept completion of the Steam Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement project by Argo
Turboserve Corporation, Rutherford, New Jersey in the amount of $1,077,109
(exclusive of sales tax).
2. Delay acceptance of this project.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The project has now been completed in accordance with the approved plans and
specifications.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
ITEM # ___21c_
DATE: _2-8-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STEAM TURBINE NO. 8 PARTS PROCUREMENT - CONTRACT
COMPLETION FOR MECHANICAL DYNAMICS & ANAYLSIS LLC
(MD & A)
BACKGROUND
On July 14, 2020, Council awarded a contract to Argo Turboserve Corporation for parts
required for the Power Plant’s Unit #8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul project. The contract
provides parts to replace worn parts and replenish inventory during the inspection and
overhaul of the turbine and generator.
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC (MD & A), Clifton Park, New York was awarded a
contract in the amount of $144,960.47, inclusive of Iowa sales tax. There were four
change orders to the Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC (MD & A) contract.
Change Order #1: On August 5, 2020, a change order was approved to increase the
purchase order by $4,608.69 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
Change Order #2: On August 11, 2020, a change order was approved to deduction to
the purchase order by ($963) (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for parts that were not available
from the initial order.
Change Order #3: On September 1, 2021, a change order was approved to increase the
purchase order by $39,210 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
Change Order #4: On December 13, 2021, a change order was approved to increase to
the purchase by $2,255.55 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) for additional materials needed
for the repairs to the steam turbine.
The final expenditures to Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC (MD & A), Clifton Park,
New York, total $190,071.71. All the requirements of the contract have been met by
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC (MD & A) and the Engineer has provided a
certificate of completion.
Argo Parts $ 1,077,109.00
Argo City to pay sales tax 74,711.63
MD&A Parts (sales tax included) 190,071.71
Power Plant Services Parts (sales tax included) 147,224.65
Burns & McDonnell Engineering 39,176.89
General Electric Technical Support 353,320.00
BladeRunner Prime Contractor 1,640,848.06
BladeRunner City to pay sales tax 114,859.36
Total $ 3,637,321.30
Funding for the Unit 8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul Project was originally budgeted in the
2019/20 CIP in the amount of $3,000,000. Funds to finance expenses exceeding that
amount will be taken from savings related to Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project CIP, the Unit 7
Turbine-Generator Overhaul CIP, and the Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maintenance
account.
In total, funds are available for this project as follows:
2019/20 Unit #8 Turbine Generator Overhaul CIP
Budgeted in CIP:
Materials/Parts $1,000,000.00
Construction 1,650,000.00
GE Tech Support 350,000.00
Unit 8 T/G Overhaul CIP Total $3,000,000.00
Savings from other CIPS & budget:
Unit 7 Boiler Tube CIP 311,623.00
Unit 7 Overhaul CIP 288,924.12
Unit 8 Turbine & Generator Maint. 55,000.00
TOTAL $3,655,547.12
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the completion of Steam Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement project by
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC (MD & A), Clifton Park, New York in the
amount of $190,071.71.
2. Delay acceptance of this project.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The project has now been completed in accordance with the approved plans and
specifications. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City
Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as describe above.
ITEM#: 22
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CYRIDE 2020 HVAC PROJECT COMPLETION
BACKGROUND:
The CyRide 2020 HVAC Improvement Project was released for bid on January 28, 2020,
with bid plans and specifications calling for the replacement of outdated facility heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Through the utilization of an Iowa
Public Transit Infrastructure Grant, CyRide had established a project budget of $651,373.
Bids were due on February 26, 2020. Mechanical Comfort of Ames, Iowa submitted a bid
for $539,500 and was awarded the contract at the March 10, 2020, City Council meeting.
Construction on the project started in May 2020 and was substantially completed by
January 2022. During the project one change order was executed, increasing the size of
a feed wire to accommodate required electrical power. As of January 10, 2022, the project
punch list is complete, required project documentation is on file, and all conditions of the
contract have been met by Mechanical Comfort to the satisfaction of CyRide staff and the
A&E firm.
The table below outlines details of the final project cost.
Description Amount
Total Project Cost $543,716.00
Unpaid Balance – 5% Retainage $27,185.88
All but the remaining $27,185.88 being held as retainage has been paid to date. Payment
of the retainage is the last step needed to complete this project.
The Transit Board approved acceptance of project completion and release of final
retainage at their meeting on January 26, 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept final project completion and approve the release of retainage in the
amount of $27,185.88 to Mechanical Comfort, Inc. of Ames, Iowa, for the CyRide
2020 HVAC Project.
2. Reject final project completion and direct staff to proceed according to City
Council priorities.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
All documentation and punch list items are complete, and all conditions of the project
contract have been finished to the satisfaction of CyRide staff and the A&E firm. Closeout
of this project is the last step needed to complete this important upgrade to the CyRide
facility.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
1
ITEM#: 23
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CYRIDE 2020 INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT COMPLETION
BACKGROUND:
The CyRide 2020 Interior Improvements Project was released for bid on May 27, 2020,
with bids due on June 17, 2020. Plans and specifications called for updating aging
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, along with altering interior
spaces to correct workspace HVAC deficiencies and creating a workspace for the newly
required Chief Safety Officer position. The initial project budget was set at $129,767.
Story Construction Company of Ames, Iowa submitted the low bid of $102,620 and was
awarded the contract.
Construction started in October 2020. Project change orders #1 and #2 occurred during
the initial construction phase for a total cost increase of $1,066. At the January 15, 2021,
Transit Board meeting and the January 26, 2021, City Council meeting, CyRide was
authorized to expand the scope of the project to include change orders #3, #4, and #5,
and amend the project contract to $136,280. This allowed CyRide to utilize remaining
grant dollars to replace worn materials and increase energy efficiency within the facility.
Two additional project change orders occurred after action taken by City Council at its
January 26, 2021 meeting. Change order #6 ($1,645) adjusted the radiant wall heater
piping route to be in alignment with industry best practices. Change order #7 ($1,394)
was implemented to bring the project into compliance with the City of Ames building code.
The project was substantially complete by December 2021. As of January 13, 2022, the
project punch list is complete, required project documentation is on file, and all conditions
of the contract have been met by Story Construction Company to the satisfaction of
CyRide staff and the A&E firm.
The table below provides additional project budget details.
Description Amount
Contract Award Amount $102,620.00
$6,809.00
2
Amended Contract Total $136,280.00
Change Order No. 6 – Modify Radiant Heater Piping Location $1,645.00
Change Order No. 7 – Add Roof Fall Protection Tie Off Point $1,394.00
Total Project Cost with Change Orders $139,319.00
Payment Made to Date $132,353.05
Unpaid Balance – 5% Retainage $6,965.95
All but the remaining $6,965.95 in retainage has been paid to date. Payment of retainage
is the last step needed to complete this project.
The Transit Board approved acceptance of project completion and release of retainage
at its meeting on January 26, 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept final project completion and approve the release of retainage in the
amount of $6,965.95 to Story Construction Company of Ames, Iowa for the
CyRide 2020 Interior Improvements Project.
2. Reject final project completion and direct staff to proceed according to City
Council priorities.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
All documentation and punch list items are complete, and all conditions of the project
contract have been finished to the satisfaction of CyRide staff and the A&E firm. Closeout
of this project is the last step needed to complete this important upgrade to the CyRide
facility.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM #: 24
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2020/21 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS (MCKINLEY
DRIVE, JENSEN AVENUE, AND LUTHER DRIVE)
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for rehabilitation or reconstruction of asphalt streets, typically
located with residential neighborhoods. Rehabilitation of existing asphalt streets is
possible where the base asphalt layer is solid, but the surface course has failed. Full-
depth replacement of these streets is necessary in cases of structural pavement failure.
On April 27, 2021, City Council awarded the contract to Manatt’s Inc., of Ames, Iowa in
the amount of $1,799,294.43. Two change orders were approved, resulting in a net
addition to the contract of $3,280.14. Construction was completed in the amount of
$1,802,574.57.
Revenue and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Available Revenue Estimated Expenses
2020/21 Water Utility Fund
2021/22 Low Point Drainage
2020/21 Sanitary Sewer Fund
500,000
50,000
50,000
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the 2020/21 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements (McKinley Dr,
Jensen Ave, and Luther Dr) project as completed by Manatt’s Inc. of Ames, Iowa
in the amount of $1,802,574.57.
2. Direct staff to pursue changes to the project.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project was completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM: _ 25 _
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2018/19 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION (SIPHON)
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for rehabilitation/reconstruction of deficient sanitary sewers
and deteriorated manholes at various locations throughout the city. The goal of this
program is to identify and remove major sources of inflow/infiltration as a means of
lowering the peak wet weather flow at the treatment plant.
On October 8, 2019, City Council awarded the contract to Synergy Contracting, LLC of
Bondurant, Iowa in the amount of $1,440,778. Five change orders were approved
resulting in a net contract deduction of $31,470.20. Construction was completed in the
amount of $1,409,307.80.
Revenues and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Available
Revenue
Estimated
Expenses
State Revolving Fund (2019/20)
State Revolving Fund (2018/19)
$1,014,787.60
3,570,000.00
2018/19 Sanitary Sewer Rehab (Wilson & 15th) (Awarded)
2018/19 Sanitary Sewer Rehab (Siphon) (this project)
$2,663,751.50
1,409,307.80
Engineering/Administration (Est.) 480,000.00
$4,584,787.60 $4,553,059.30
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the 2018/19 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (Siphon) project as completed
by Synergy Contracting, LLC of Bondurant, Iowa in the amount of $1,409,307.80.
2. Direct staff to pursue changes to the project.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project was completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM # ___26__
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: MINOR SUBDIVISION FINAL PLAT FOR AUBURN TRAIL, FIRST
ADDITION
.
BACKGROUND:
Justin Dodge of Hunziker Development LLC is requesting approval of a Minor Subdivision
Final Plat for Auburn Trail, First Addition, that creates one parcel (Parcel ‘A’), two outlots
(Outlot ‘YY’ & Outlot ‘A’), and Lot ‘A’ for conveyance to the City of Ames for Hyde Avenue
right-of-way (Location Map-Attachment A). A Minor Subdivision includes three, or fewer,
lots and does not require additional public improvements other than sidewalks and/or bike
paths. A Minor Subdivision does not require a Preliminary Plat and may be approved by
the City Council as a Final Plat only, subject to the applicant completing the necessary
requirements. Following City Council approval, the Final Plat must then be recorded with
the County Recorder to become an officially recognized subdivision plat. In this case, no
new developable lots are created as Parcel A has an existing house and the two
proposed outlots will require a future preliminary plat and final plat prior to any
development on either outlot.
The total area of the addition is approximately 75 acres. The proposed final plat is unique
in how the current two parcels are tied together with a rezoning Master Plan for the
planned major subdivision of Auburn Trail (Attachment B). This proposed Minor Final
Plat is considered an interim subdivision to separate on existing house from the lands
intended for future development. The addendum includes additional information about the
Master Plan, prior development agreements, and the proposed final plat.
The applicant wishes to establish the existing single-family home, addressed as 4514
Hyde Avenue, on its own parcel (Parcel ‘A’), so that it may be sold in the interim, prior to
the future development of the Outlots. (Final Plat-Attachment C) Parcel ‘A’ contains
approximately 1.89 acres. It fronts onto Hyde and has access via a driveway onto Hyde
Avenue. A 100’ ingress/egress easement is also being established to allow access to
Outlot ‘YY’ from Hyde. This allows for shared access for future division of Outlot YY.
The Minor Subdivision Final Plat must meet Zoning requirements for the occupancy and
use of its site. As a result, Parcel ‘A’ was evaluated to determine that it is in full compliance
with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, the Floating Suburban Residential Low
Density (FS-RL) Zoning District, and the Subdivision Ordinance. The Final Plat is not
subject to full conservation subdivision standards as it is not a Residential Subdivision by
the definitions of the Chapter 23 due to it not creating new developable lots at this time.
The Addendum describes how the Minor Subdivision meets these city development
standards.
Parcel A is currently served by Xenia Rural Water and sceptic system. Existing houses
are not required to connect to City Services but are allowed to at a time of their choose
and by paying associated costs. Notably, Parcel A and Outlot YY were included in the
connection districts for the sanitary sewer and water service to this north growth area.
Connection fees are only collected at the time connections are made to the system, with
no connection included with this Final Plat no connection fees are due. Fees as of 2021
at $1,469 per acre for water and $2,222 per acre for sanitary sewer for Parcel A and
Outlot YY. Outlot A on the west side of Hyde is subject to additional connection fees and
a pre-annexation agreement that sets out the collection of those fees with its future
subdivision.
Approval of the Final Plat will trigger provisions of the contract rezoning agreement
related to the timing of the construction of a trail on the west side of the Hyde
Avenue. The agreement states that the 10-foot trail must be built within two years
of the first final plat. The east side of Hyde will require a sidewalk and the project
includes financial security for the sidewalk.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the Minor Subdivision Final Plat for Auburn Trail
Subdivision, First Addition, and accept the sidewalk and street tree deferral with
financial security for Parcel A and Outlot YY, based upon the findings and conclusions
stated herein.
2. The City Council can deny the Minor Subdivision Final Plat for Auburn Trail
Subdivision, First Addition, if the City Council finds that the proposed subdivision does
not comply with applicable ordinances, standards or plans.
3. The City Council can refer this request back to staff or the applicant for additional
information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed Final Plat is an interim subdivision related to the overall planed Major
Subdivision of Auburn Trail. The proposed Minor Subdivision Final Plat for Auburn Trail
Subdivision, First Addition is consistent with the City’s existing subdivision and zoning
regulations.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve
Alternative #1, as noted above.
ADDENDUM
Master Plan & Zoning:
The property was rezoned with a Master Plan on August 10, 2021, to “FS-RL” Suburban
Residential Low Density. FS-RL requires a minimum net development density of 3.75
units per acre and a maximum density of 10 units per acre. The Master Plan addresses
the general layout of development and open space areas along with planned
transportation connections; however, it does not depict precise locations of future
improvements. The maximum unit count of 181 dwelling units illustrated in the Master
Plan is controlling along with the minimum and maximum net density standards of FS-RL
zoning.
The Master Plan illustrates two categories of development: Single-Family
Attached/Detached with 98 to 111 dwelling units and Single-Family Townhomes/Small
Lots with 50 to 70 dwelling units, on approximately 36.29 acres. The density within the
developable area is estimated at approximately 4.1 to 5 dwelling units per acre. The
Master Plan would permit the development of multiple housing types with a maximum
total of 181 dwelling units. This along with the minimum and maximum net density
standards of FS-RL zoning are the controlling elements of the Master Plan and any future
development or subdivision must be in conformance with the approved Master Plan. Staff
finds that the proposed Minor Subdivision Final Plat conforms with the approved Master
Plan and as such, it meets the density standards of the FS-RL zoning.
Open Space:
Open space is a requirement of the FS-RL Zoning District and is also an important
consideration for Conservation Subdivisions. The open space requirements of FS-RL are
satisfied with the inclusion of a Conservation and Drainage Easement over a portion of
Outlot ‘YY.’ The easement is graphically depicted on the Plat and described in the
Easements document. The Conservation Area Management Plan required prior to final
platting for conservation subdivisions is deferred until such time as lots for new
development are platted.
Access:
Both Outlot ‘A’ & ‘YY’ front onto Hyde Avenue. Outlot ‘A’ contains approximately 68.19
acres and Outlot ‘YY’ contains approximately 4.68 acres.
One access point off of Hyde will be shared by Parcel ‘A’ (addressed as 4605 Hyde
Avenue) with Outlot ‘YY’. A 100’ ingress/egress easement is being established for
access from Hyde. The provision of the ingress/egress easement ensures that the site
meets access requirements upon recording of the final plat.
Public Infrastructure:
Parcel ‘A’ is currently served by Xenia Rural Water. There is no obligation for the property
owner to disconnect from Xenia. The parcel may remain a customer of Xenia indefinitely.
Parcel ‘A’ is also served by a private septic system. This system may continue indefinitely.
However, if the system fails, the property owner is obligated to connect to the City sanitary
sewer system if the house is within 200 feet of a City sanitary sewer main.
Any new parcels will be required to connect to City water services. Outlot YY connection
fees as identified in the Ames Municipal Code Appendix ‘W’ and based upon gross
acreage will be due with the first connection. Since the Minor Subdivision Final Plat
includes only one Parcel, connection to public utilities will be deferred until such time as
the Outlots are developed. Appendix W includes the fee schedule for both fees and the
annual increases in fees. It is important that all of the acreage be collected for the
connection fees in the future, even if some of the area is used as an outlot for storm water
or conservation purposes.
A 12” water line with fire hydrants is located along Hyde Ave. A fire hydrant is within the
permissible range for fire service protection for the existing house located on proposed
Parcel A.
The owner is required to construct sidewalks and plant trees as part of the platting
procedure; however, installation can be deferred. A signed Agreement for Sidewalks and
Street Trees and financial security has been provided by the Applicant related to Parcel
A and Outlot YY. Outlot A is subject to requirements to construct a 10-foot trail. This was
agreed upon as part of a rezoning agreement and the improvement must be constructed
within two years of the first final plat approval associated with the property.
Restrictive Covenants and Regulations for Auburn Trail First Addition along with Bylaws
of Auburn Trail Homeowner’s Association are acknowledged and will be recorded.
Legal Description
The legal description is “an official replat of Parcel “E”, a part of the southwest quarter of
the southwest quarter of section 22, township 84 north, range 24 west of the 5th P.M.,
Story County, Iowa, as shown on that plat of survey recorded on December 18, 1998, as
Instrument # 98-17504, slide 12, page 3, and also, Outlot ‘Z’, Cochran Farm subdivision,
City of Ames, Story County, Iowa, as shown on the final plat recorded January 12, 2017
as slide 557, page 3, and as Instrument # 2017-00339.
Attachment A
Zoning & Location Map
Attachment B
Approved Master Plan
Attachment C
Proposed Final Plat of Auburn Trail Subdivision, First Addition, p.1
Proposed Final Plat of Auburn Trail Subdivision, First Addition, p.2
East side of Hyde
Attachment D
Applicable Laws
The laws applicable to this case file are as follows:
Code of Iowa, Chapter 354.8 states in part:
A proposed subdivision plat lying within the jurisdiction of a governing body shall
be submitted to that governing body for review and approval prior to recording.
Governing bodies shall apply reasonable standards and conditions in accordance
with applicable statutes and ordinances for the review and approval of
subdivisions. The governing body, within sixty days of application for final approval
of the subdivision plat, shall determine whether the subdivision conforms to its
comprehensive plan and shall give consideration to the possible burden on public
improvements and to a balance of interests between the proprietor, future
purchasers, and the public interest in the subdivision when reviewing the proposed
subdivision and when requiring the installation of public improvements in
conjunction with approval of a subdivision. The governing body shall not issue
final approval of a subdivision plat unless the subdivision plat conforms to sections
354.6, 354.11, and 355.8.
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.303(3) states as follows:
(3) City Council Action on Final Plat for Minor Subdivision:
(a) All proposed subdivision plats shall be submitted to the City Council for review
and approval in accordance with Section 354.8 of the Iowa Code, as amended or
superseded. 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. If the City Council
determines that the proposed subdivision will require the installation or upgrade of
any public improvements to provide adequate facilities and services to any lot in
the proposed subdivision or to maintain adequate facilities and services to any
other lot, parcel or tract, the City Council shall deny the Application for Final Plat
Approval of a Minor Subdivision and require the Applicant to file a Preliminary Plat
for Major Subdivision.
1
ITEM # _ 27 _
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ENDORSEMENT OF IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BERDEX, USA
WITH LOCAL MATCH IN THE FORM OF A GRANT
BACKGROUND:
Berdex, USA is the North American branch of a Netherlands-based company that
designs and manufactures trailers for livestock transport. The company has been in
business since 1947 and is a leader is the biosecure transport of livestock. This project
would bring the manufacturing of Berdex trailers to the former Caremoli site in Ames.
The project will include leasing 18,000 square feet of space at the former Caremoli
facility to setup and begin manufacturing three types of livestock trailers. Ames will also
be the Berdex, USA headquarters. Investment for the project is expected to be $1.895
million. Local funding in the form of a $11,420 grant funded half by the City of Ames and
half by the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will provide a local
match for $57,100 in tax incentives from the State of Iowa. The project is expected to
add 16 manufacturing and 4 administrative jobs with benefits and pay rates starting at
just over 100% of the Story County median laborshed rate and expected to exceed
130% after 36 months.
IEDA will review the Berdex application for assistance at its February 18, 2022,
meeting. The local match from the City will be contingent upon approval of the final
agreement by the City Council. For the IEDA to continue consideration of this project,
the City Council must adopt a resolution supporting the submittal of the Berdex, USA
application for IEDA assistance. Terms of the grant agreement will be determined after
the IEDA award.
If Council supports the application for assistance, the local match for the project
will be a $11,420 grant loan to be funded with $5,710 from the City of Ames (from
the available balance in the Economic Development Fund) and $5,710 from the
AEDC. The AEDC Executive Board approved their funding of the required local match
at a meeting on Friday, February 4, 2022.
2
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt a resolution supporting the submittal of the application from Berdex, USA
requesting economic development assistance from IEDA with local match to be
provided in the form of a grant in the amount of $11,420; $5,710 from the City of
Ames from available balance in the Economic Development Fund and $5,710
from the AEDC.
2. Do not adopt a resolution of support for Berdex USA’s application.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Berdex, USA is an established company and leader in the design in manufacture of
livestock transport trailers and has selected Ames as the location to invest capital and
establish operations in North America, providing high paying jobs without the cost of
additional City infrastructure. In keeping with the Council’s goal to promote economic
development, this project will expand the number of quality jobs within our city.
In addition, an analysis of their proposal utilizing the evaluation matrix for industrial and
manufacturing companies indicates that they would qualify for the City’s “best terms”
within 36 months of establishing operations. This high score is influenced by good
wage rates, number of jobs, and no requirement for investment in City infrastructure.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1, as described above.
1
ITEM #___ 28__
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STORM DAMAGED TREE CLEANUP POLICY
BACKGROUND:
In 1998, City Council adopted a Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy, which determines
the level of City response to tree cleanup activities after a storm. This policy has provided
direction to City staff in a variety of storm events since and proved especially helpful after
the Derecho in August 2020. When utilizing this policy, staff noticed the need for updates
to be made to the policy, since Right of Way (ROW) maintenance responsibility was
transferred from Public Works to Parks and Recreation several years ago. Thus, staff
reviewed the 1998 policy and is proposing a revised policy (Attachment A).
PROPOSED CHANGES:
Most of the changes are housekeeping items, yet some are more significant. A summary
of the changes (numbering matches the policy) is shown below:
I. Damage Evaluation Team – Public Works Director is changed to Parks and
Recreation Director; Public Works is added to clarify the Operations Manager;
Parks and Facilities Superintendent and City Forester are added to the team.
A second change in this paragraph is to change 24 hours to 36 hours for staff to
decide regarding the City’s cleanup response. Depending on when a storm ends,
making a decision within 24 hours may not be possible. An additional 12 hours
would help staff evaluate the damage thoroughly and make a recommendation
regarding the City’s response.
II. City Response
a. Full Collection City-Wide
i. The current policy states that 50% of residential properties in four of
seven “maintenance districts” (Attachment B) must be affected for
full collection to implemented. These maintenance districts are no
longer used by Public Works and the City has grown since 1998. A
new Storm Debris Cleanup Areas map (Attachment C) divides the
City into eight areas and also allow for future growth. It is proposed
that five of the eight areas must be affected for full collection to be
implemented. Requiring five of eight areas (62.5%) is very similar to
the current policy requiring four of seven districts (57.0%).
2
ii. No change
iii. The Volunteer Center is identified in the current policy, but it is no
longer in existence. Proposed change is “Volunteer Organizations
(i.e. RSVP)” will be contacted to help coordinate volunteers.
iv. Director of Public Works is changed to Director of Parks and
Recreation, or designee.
b. Full Collection in a Limited Area – Minor rewording took place in this
paragraph without changing the purpose.
c. Intermediate City Response
i. “Maintenance district” is changed to “Storm Debris Cleanup Area”
ii. The Volunteer Center is identified in the current policy, but it is no
longer in existence. Proposed change is “Volunteer Organizations
(i.e. RSVP)” will be contacted to help coordinate volunteers.
iii. Director of Public Works is changed to Director of Parks and
Recreation, or designee.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the proposed revised Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy as presented.
2. Direct staff to modify the proposed revised Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy.
3. Do not approve the proposed revised Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This policy provides direction to staff regarding cleanup activities after a storm. Some of
the changes are due to Parks and Recreation now being responsible for ROW
maintenance, while other changes help in the administration of the policy. Utilizing the
proposed Storm Debris Cleanup Areas is reflective of the way Ames has grown.
Additionally, providing staff 36 hours to make a decision regarding the City’s response
ensures a thorough evaluation can be done.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as stated above.
Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy
To be more responsive to citizens needs after a storm in which damage was done to trees on
private property, the following guidelines will be utilized to establish the City’s response.
I. Damage Evaluation Team
The City Manager, Parks and Recreation Director, Parks and Facilities Superintendent,
Public Works Operations Manager, and the City Forester shall form an evaluation team
to review the damage and establish the City’s response based on the extent of damage.
The evaluation team will also establish appropriate drop-off site(s) for citizens to use.
The City’s response shall be decided within 36 hours of the end of the storm.
II. City Response
a. Full Collection City Wide
i. If the survey by the evaluation team yields tree damage beyond small
limbs and twigs that involve 50% of the residential properties in five of
the eight storm debris cleanup areas (attached map), there will be full
collection throughout the City. Timing and standards for placement of the
damaged trees will be included in the notifications detailing the City’s
response.
ii. A free drop-off site(s) will be designated for citizen use.
iii. Volunteer organizations (e.g. RSVP) will be contacted to help recruit and
coordinate volunteers to assist citizens needing help.
iv. The Director of Parks and Recreation, or designee, will coordinate the
disposal of debris at the City’s drop-off site(s) only.
b. Full Collection in a Limited Area
If a tornado or other isolated event creates a significant amount of tree damage
beyond small limbs and twigs that involves 50% of the residential properties in a
limited area, the evaluation team can designate full collection of the damaged
tree debris in the limited area, not City wide.
c. Intermediate City Response
i. If the evaluation team determines that 25% of the residential properties,
in at least one storm debris cleanup areas, have tree damage beyond
small limbs and twigs, the City will designate a free drop-off site(s) for all
citizens to use.
ii. Volunteer organizations (e.g. RSVP) will be contacted to help recruit and
coordinate volunteers to assist citizens needing help.
iii. The director of Parks and Recreation, or designee, will coordinate the
disposal of debris collected at the City’s drop-off site(s) only.
If the above conditions related to extent of damage don’t occur, citizens and private sector
businesses will be responsible for the damaged tree removal and disposal needs.
ITEM #: ___29__
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: FINAL PLAT FOR KINGSBURY’S FIFTH ADDITION
WITH SUPPLEMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR
WAIVER OF CERTAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS
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.
Kingsbury’s Fifth Addition Subdivision is a 5.62-acre site on SE 3rd Street, just north and
east of Target located on what is currently Lot 1 of Kingsbury’s 4th Addition. (Location
map - Attachment A) The property owner, WW Holdings Corporation, is requesting
approval of a Final Plat creating 4 lots. (Lot Layout-Attachment B). At the time the
Kingsbury’s 4th Addition was approved, the City Council approved a development
agreement for partial waiver of infrastructure improvements for approximately 152 feet of
SE 3rd Street
A preliminary plat for the 5th Addition was approved on March 23, 2021. The
property owner proposes a supplemental development agreement in conjunction
with this Final Plat to continue the terms of partial waiver of public improvements
approved with the 4th Addition. The partial waiver reassigns the SE 3rd Street
improvements to proposed Lot 3 of the 5th Addition
The subject property is zoned Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC). The largest
proposed lot is Lot 4 (2.95 acres) on the north side of the site abutting SE 2nd Street and
Kingsbury Avenue with Lots 1 (1.28 acres), Lot 2 (.71 acres) and Lot 3 (.68 acres) fronting
on SE 3rd Street. The owner plans development of a new Carwash on Lot 1. The other
lots do not have specified users.
Large portions of Lots 3 and 4 are located within the floodway fringe and any subsequent
development on the portions of these lots within the floodway fringe will require adherence
to floodplain development standards related to building elevation and protection.
All subdivisions require public improvements at the time of platting to serve proposed lots.
This subdivision would require completing paving of SE 3rd Street, sidewalks along 2nd
and 3rd Street, and a public water and sanitary sewer main to serve Lot 4. Appropriate
easements for water, sewer, and public utilities are shown on the Final Plat. The
developer proposes to make these improvements subject to the terms of the proposed
Subsequent Development Agreement for the 5th Addition.
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT:
The City plans for a future extension of Cherry Avenue to the east of this site that includes
a future connection to SE 3rd Street as well as to SE 5th Street further to the south. In
recognition of this planned City street project, the property owner dedicated right-of-way
to the City and was granted a partial waiver of street improvements for 152-foot SE 3rd
Street extension so that it could be coordinated as a connection to the eventual City
extension of Cherry. The waiver stated that if the street was needed to meet development
requirements of Lot 1 in the 4th Addition, the developer must complete the paving if the
City had not yet extended SE 3rd Street.
Staff supported the original waiver of street paving in recognition that there are practical
difficulties in completing the extension of SE 3rd Street without a final design for Cherry
Avenue to match grades. This is an unusual circumstance where a developer is required
to construct a partial street extension at a time the City is planning a street improvement
project that includes the subject site. Conditions from the time of the 4th Addition’s
approval have not changed.
The street frontage improvements that were initially waived relate to the frontage of the
proposed Lot 3 of this final plat. Proposed Lot 3 is a 0.68 acre lot with approximately 153
feet of frontage on 3rd Street. The property owner proposes that the initial concept of
waived street improvements be reassigned to proposed Lot 3 of the 5th Addition.
The proposed supplemental agreement (Attachment D) is an update to the previous
agreement approved on May 12, 2020 and previously amended on August 24, 2020.
The original agreement and amendment delegated responsibility for extension of
the 152 feet of SE 3rd Street to the City or conditionally to the property owner based
upon whether the Cherry Street project occurred before or after the owner chooses
to develop on the portion of the property where the street is yet unbuilt and if
additional paved access was needed to serve the site.
The proposed supplemental agreement included with 5th Addition includes the following
provisions:
1. In the event the development of Lot 3 occurs and the City has not completed the
Cherry Avenue and SE 3rd extension, it is the obligation of the property owner to
complete the street improvements to support the development of Lot 3.
2. Sidewalk along SE 2nd will be deferred and installed by the Developer upon
development of Lot 4. Sidewalks along SE 3rd Street will be completed for Lots 1
and 2 per subdivision standards.
Staff is supportive of the partial sidewalk deferral due to the conditions along the
2nd Street frontage .
3. All previous agreements applying to the property to date will continue to apply and
they obligate the Developer to complete all other necessary public infrastructure
improvements as required by Chapter 23 subdivision standards.
The 4th Addition included a financial security related to this site for sidewalks and a
COSESCO of $17,315. The current estimated cost for public improvements, including
the water and sewer mains, but no paving of SE 3rd Street is $67,340. Note that the
security from the 4th Addition related to this site has been included in the final amount for
the 5th Addition and is acknowledged as such with the supplemental agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can (A) approve the supplemental development agreement for the
partial waiver of the construction of SE 3rd Street paving and associated storm sewer
improvements and (B) approve the Final Plat for Kingsbury’s Fifth Addition Subdivision
with financial security for specified public improvements in the amount of $67,340.
2. The City Council can deny the Final Plat for Kingsbury’s Fifth Addition Subdivision, by
not approving the proposed waiver and development agreement or a finding that the
Final Plat does not meet the requirements of Section 23.302(10).
3. The City Council can defer action on this request to the next regular meeting and refer
it back to City staff and/or the applicant for additional information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City staff has reviewed the proposed final plat and find it conforms to the requirements of
the Ames Subdivision Regulations and to the other adopted policies and ordinances of
the City.
The proposed supplemental development agreement follows the intent of previous
agreements and makes minor amendments based on the new lot configuration relative
to the unfinished portion of the street. All other public improvements must otherwise be
installed and paid for by the developer and according to City subdivision standards.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act in
accordance with Alternative #1.
Attachment A- Location Map
Attachment B- Final Plat
Attachment C – Applicable Laws & Policies Pertaining to Final Plat Approval
Adopted laws and policies applicable to this case file include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.302
Attachment D- Amended Agreement
Attachment D- Cont.
Attachment D- Cont.
Attachment D- Cont.
Attachment D- Cost Estimate
ITEM # _ 30__
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: Minor Final Plat of Sturges Subdivision, First Addition
BACKGROUND:
Leroy and Sue Sturges (property owners), together with the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation (INHF), purchaser of Outlot A, are requesting approval of a Minor Final Plat
for 36.12 acres at 5019 Hyde Avenue in the Ames Urban Fringe (see Attachment A –
Location Map). The subdivision includes Lot 1 (approximately 4.56 acres), for the existing
Sturges home; Outlot A (approximately 30.18 acres), a natural area and flood plain that
cannot be developed without replating as a buildable lot; and Lot A (approximately 1.38
acres), to be dedicated as street right-of-way for Hyde Avenue (see Attachment B –
Proposed Final Plat).
A minor subdivision includes three, or fewer, lots and does not require additional public
improvements other than sidewalks or a bike path. A Minor Subdivision does not require
a Preliminary Plat and may be approved by the City Council as a Final Plat, subject to
meeting the requirements of Chapter 23, Subdivisions in the Municipal Code.
The proposed subdivision is located adjacent to the current City limits of Ames in
the unincorporated area of Story County. The Ames Urban Fringe Plan designates
the land as “Urban Residential” (a subcategory of the Urban Service Area) (see
Attachment C – Excerpt of Land Use Framework Map of the Ames Urban Fringe Plan).
The 28E Agreement between the City of Ames, Story County and the City of Gilbert,
states that in areas designated Urban Services Area, the County agrees to waive the
exercise of its subdivision authority. This land use designation applies to areas reserved
for future city growth and development through subdivision is not permitted prior to
annexation into the City. The applicants request the City Council approve the Minor
Final Plat at this time, prior to the land be annexed to the City.
The deferral of annexation is due to the timing of the INHF’s ability to acquire Outlot
A with funding from a specified donor. Although the current property abuts the City
and can be annexed, the timing of annexation would extend past the INHF’s
deadline on their option to purchase the property and meet the donor’s parameters.
This is a unique proposal to defer annexation for a property that abuts the City. The
applicant proposes to enter into an agreement for future annexation based upon
one of two conditions, whichever occurs first. Annexation would occur either when
1) Outlot A is replatted into a developable lot or 2) after March 1, 2024 at the City’s
discretion. The agreement requires the owners to file the annexation application
with the City prior to recording the Final Plat so the City can act on the annexation
in the future.
Although the land is and will remain in the County at the time of Final Plat approval, the
division is subject to City of Ames subdivision standards. Since a new developable lot is
not created with the Final Plat, no new infrastructure is triggered with the division.
However, City subdivision standards require all divisions to provide for sidewalks across
a lot’s frontage. In this case there is approximately 1041 linear feet of frontage on Hyde
Avenue subject to a 5-foot sidewalk improvement. The INHF is requesting waiver
(Attachment F) of the requirement to install sidewalk and post security for its
installation with the proposed subdivision. The request to waive the sidewalk
requirement is based upon the prior commitment by the developer of the Hayden’s
Preserve (north of this site) to construct a 10-foot trail from 190th Street all the way to the
south side of this site within two-years of their first final plat. The developer of Hayden’s
Preserve is in the process of seeking preliminary plat approval in March 2022.
Section 23.103(1), Waiver/Modification, of the Subdivision Ordinance states the following:
(1) “Where, in the case of a particular subdivision, it can be shown that strict
compliance with the requirements of the Regulations would result in
extraordinary hardship to the Applicant or would prove inconsistent with the
purpose of the Regulations because of unusual topography or other conditions,
the City Council may modify or waive the requirements of the Regulations so
that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured provided,
however that such modification or waiver shall not have the effect of nullifying
the intent and purpose of the Regulations. In so granting a modification or
waiver, the City Council may impose such additional conditions as are
necessary to secure substantially the objectives of the requirements so
modified or waived.”
Section 23.403 Streets
14. Sidewalks and Walkway
(c) A deferment for the installation of sidewalks may be granted by the City
Council when topographic conditions exist that make the sidewalk installation
difficult or when the installation of the sidewalk is premature. Where the
installation of a sidewalk is deferred by the City Council, an agreement will be
executed between the property owner/developer and the City of Ames that will
ensure the future installation of the sidewalk. The deferment agreement will be
accompanied by a cash escrow, letter of credit, or other form of acceptable
financial security to cover the cost of the installation of the sidewalk
Typically, a developer would have up to three years to make a required improvements
and provide financial security for its installation to be completed within three years. In this
case, staff does not prefer the installation of the 5-foot sidewalk as a 10-foot trail is actual
needed improvement and it is unlikely that constructing a 5-foot sidewalk now could be
matched up well with a second half of future path. If City Council believes this site needs
to fulfill the typical subdivision improvement requirement for a sidewalk, staff would prefer
to work with the owner to create a substitute improvement of a portion of a 10-foot trail
for approximately half of the site frontage in lieu of a complete sidewalk across the entire
frontage or to have cash in lieu for future trail improvements. If the requested waiver is
not approved, City Council will need to defer action on the Final Plat until a
sidewalk agreement and financial security or cash in lieu is provided with the Final
Plat.
The site is currently served by Xenia Rural Water. The owner can continue to stay on
rural water service for as long as they choose. The City has an agreement with Xenia for
transfer of the property as water service territory to the City at such time as the owner
wants to end service by Xenia and the land is annexed. The owner would be subject to
whatever terms Xenia has for continuing or discontinuing water service. No new rural
water services would be allowed. The proposed agreement addresses requirements for
future water and sewer connections.
Future connection to the City water system following annexation, is subject to a
connection district charge. The water connection fee as of July 1, 2022, is $1,524/acre,
with a 5% annual increase.
The site is served by a septic system which would remain under the authority of Story
County, even upon annexation. The septic system use may continue consistent with Story
County and state requirements, annexation would not trigger a requirement to connect to
City sanitary sewer. Following future annexation, the owner may choose to connect to the
City’s sanitary sewer upon payment of required connection fees. According to state law,
if at any time the home is within two hundred (200) feet of a sanitary sewer system a new
or replacement septic system is not permissible, and the owner would have to connect to
the sanitary sewer. Currently, there is no sanitary sewer line within two hundred (200)
feet of the home. The sanitary sewer connection fee as of July 1, 2022, is $2,305/acre,
with a 5% annual increase.
No connection fees for water and sanitary sewer would be due with the proposed Minor
Subdivision Plat to create Lot 1 for the existing Sturges home and Outlot ‘A’ in Sturges
Subdivision, First Addition as no new connections are made to the system.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council may:
a. Approve the Annexation Agreement,
b. Approve the waiver of sidewalk installation requirements, and
c. Approve the Final Plat of Sturges Subdivision, First Addition, based upon the
findings and conclusions stated above.
2. The City Council may table consideration of the Final Plat of Sturges Subdivision,
First Addition, and the Annexation Agreement, until such time that the property
owners have signed a Sidewalk Agreement, or a Deferment Agreement, for the
installation of sidewalk, and provided financial security for the estimated cost of
sidewalk installation or provided cash in lieu for future sidewalk/trail construction.
3. The City Council may deny the Final Plat of Sturges Subdivision, First Addition, and
find that the proposed subdivision does not comply with applicable ordinances,
standards, or plans; and direct the property owner to apply for annexation prior to
consideration of a subdivision.
4. Refer this request back to staff or the applicant for additional information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City staff has evaluated the proposed Final Plat and determined that the proposal is
consistent with the requirements of the Municipal Code. The applicant has signed an
Annexation Agreement for the future annexation of the proposed subdivision. Future
installation of sidewalks will occur as stated in the June 8, 2021, Addendum to the Pre-
Annexation Agreement for Hayden’s Preserve (formerly Rose Prairie). Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
as described above.
Attachment A
Location Map
Attachment B
Proposed Final Plat
Attachment C
Excerpt of the Land Use Framework Map – Ames Urban Fringe
Attachment D
Applicable Laws and Policies Pertaining to Final Plat Approval
Adopted laws and policies applicable to this case file include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Code of Iowa, Chapter 354.8 states in part:
“A proposed subdivision plat lying within the jurisdiction of a governing body shall
be submitted to that governing body for review and approval prior to recording.
Governing bodies shall apply reasonable standards and conditions in accordance
with applicable statutes and ordinances for the review and approval of subdivisions.
The governing body, within sixty days of application for final approval of the
subdivision plat, shall determine whether the subdivision conforms to its
comprehensive plan and shall give consideration to the possible burden on public
improvements and to a balance of interests between the proprietor, future
purchasers, and the public interest in the subdivision when reviewing the proposed
subdivision and when requiring the installation of public improvements in
conjunction with approval of a subdivision. The governing body shall not issue final
approval of a subdivision plat unless the subdivision plat conforms to sections
354.6, 354.11, and 355.8.”
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.303(3) states:
“(3) City Council Action on Final Plat for Minor Subdivision:
(a) All proposed subdivision plats shall be submitted to the City Council for review
and approval in accordance with Section 354.8 of the Iowa Code, as amended or
superseded. 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. If the City Council
determines that the proposed subdivision will require the installation or upgrade of
any public improvements to provide adequate facilities and services to any lot in
the proposed subdivision or to maintain adequate facilities and services to any
other lot, parcel or tract, the City Council shall deny the Application for Final Plat
Approval of a Minor Subdivision and require the Applicant to file a Preliminary Plat
for Major Subdivision.”
Attachment E
Annexation Agreement (Page 1)
Attachment E
Annexation Agreement (Page 2)
Attachment E
Annexation Agreement (Page 3)
Attachment E
Annexation Agreement (Page 4)
Attachment E
Annexation Agreement (Page 5)
1
ITEM#: 31
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM FOR ALL METERED
PARKING SPACES AND SURFACE PARKING LOTS WITHIN THE
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
BACKGROUND:
On June 23, 2021, City Council referred a letter from the former Executive Director of
Ames Main Street regarding an issue raised by their Economic Vitality Committee. The
Committee felt that not having a permit that allowed Downtown residents to park overnight
was a potential barrier to investment. Ames Main Street's proposal is as follows:
"…to implement an overnight permit process for all metered or lot spots, except
Main Street, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 AM, seven days a week. The permit would
effectively work opposite of the current daytime parking requirements. The
Committee would recommend that the applicant must be a named owner or
lessee within the Downtown district. This option would allow for greater
utilization of our on-street parking during non-peak hours, with a requirement
that those spots are to be vacated by the time that meters are turned on,
allowing the City to collect some additional revenue during underutilized times"
One of the main reasons overnight parking has been prohibited in these spaces is to
ensure efficient maintenance and cleaning of the Downtown area. Ames Main Street has
acknowledged that snow removal, street sweeping, maintenance activities, and special
events could conflict with this permit. Therefore, users of this proposed permit would be
required to observe the snow ordinance restrictions and any other City maintenance or
other public improvements that would make some, or all, of the eligible parking stalls in
an area unusable for this permit for a temporary period. It should be understood that this
proposal will cause an increase in administrative time to notify residents of snow events
or public improvements and manage the essential business functions of the program
itself.
FEES:
Currently, Downtown's parking options are parking metered spaces ($0.50/hr from 9 AM
to 6 PM, Mon-Sat), time-limited free parking in the CBD lots, and 24-hour Reserve Parking
Permits ($50/month). Using the Reserve rental rate of $50/month as a base, staff believes
$25 per month is a feasible cost for a residential overnight parking permit.
Under this permit proposal, there would be a 15-hour period (6 PM to 9 AM), seven days
a week, in which a registered Downtown resident could use any public Downtown
metered or parking lot stall for overnight parking, excluding the Reserved stalls and Main
Street stalls, for an equivalent cost of $0.06 per hour ($25/15 hours per day x 7 days per
week x 4 weeks per month).
2
In the initial stages of this program, there is expected to be a relatively small number of
residents who would take advantage of this program, which would result in high overhead
costs. Over time, staff will evaluate the $25/month rate along with other parking rates as
part of a comprehensive approach to managing the financial sustainability of the City's
parking system.
Furthermore, staff expects significant changes to parking in the Downtown area
due to future Lincoln Way corridor developments. With the potential for new
structured parking in the CBD lot, this program may need to change or cease
altogether. Therefore, if approved, this Downtown Residential Overnight Parking
permit program should be considered temporary. Once a business plan for the
Downtown parking system is developed, staff will know the long-term viability of
this program.
ZONING CONSIDERATIONS:
The Zoning Ordinance requires one parking space per residential dwelling unit for
projects with more than 18 units, projects with less than 18 units are exempt from parking.
Parking must be provided on site or remotely with City Council’s approval, however the
spaces must be available in perpetuity for the residential use if provided remotely.
It must be emphasized that this change to allow for overnight parking in public
spaces will help facilitate convenience of parking for existing downtown residents
and smaller residential/mixed use projects that do not require parking. However,
the proposed overnight parking permit option does not eliminate the existing
zoning requirement of “one parking space per residential dwelling unit for projects
more than 18 units.” Therefore, developments with more than 18 units will still be
subject to existing parking standards, unless they are legally non-conforming.
City Council has a separate referral to the Planning Division regarding remote parking
standards within the Zoning Ordinance. The issue of remote parking and the use of public
parking spaces to meet parking requirements will be reviewed at that time.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct staff to implement a temporary Downtown Residential Overnight Parking
Permit program with the following elements:
-in effect from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m.
-only for parking in Downtown public metered spaces and surface parking lots
-only available for individuals living in Downtown
- a rate of $25/month
-permit holders must remove their cars from the Downtown metered spaces or
lots when the City is engaged in snow removal, street/lot cleaning,
maintenance, or special events
-considered temporary and subject to change once a new long-term business
plan for the Parking System is approved by the City Council
3
2. Direct staff to implement a temporary Downtown Residential Overnight Parking
Permit at some other monthly rate.
3. Do not approve a program and maintain current parking policies.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This proposed permitting system would allow Downtown residents the ability to park
overnight in the areas nearer to their residences. This improves access and safety for
these residents and provides an additional revenue stream to help fund the Parking
System activities. This program is not intended to address any zoning issues associated
with Downtown residential parking requirements.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY
Meeting Date: July 13, 2021
Agenda Item #: Disposition
SUBJECT:Letter from Kim Frey, Ames Main Street Executive Director, requesting
implementation of an Overnight Parking Permit Process for all Metered or
Lot Spots within the Downtown District
ACTION TAKEN:Referred to staff for a Memo
MOTION BY:Martin
SECOND BY:Betcher
VOTING AYE:Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin
VOTING NAY:None
ABSENT:None
By:Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk
Sent to:John Joiner, Public Works Director
304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 515.233.3472 AmesDowntown.org
June 23, 2021
Mr. Steve Schainker, City Manager
City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 5001
Dear Steve,
Following up on my recent email, I am writing to secure the City’s support in moving forward with a
permitting process for overnight parking. The issue has been raised most recently by the Main Street
Economic Vitality Committee as a potential barrier to Downtown investment, especially for residential and
mixed-use development.
After speaking with the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee and the Main Street Economic Vitality
Committee, our recommendation is to implement an overnight permit process for all metered or lot spots,
except Main Street, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 AM, seven days a week. The permit would effectively work
opposite of the current daytime parking requirements. The committee would recommend that the
applicant must be a named owner or lessee within the Downtown district. This option would allow for
greater utilization of our on-street parking during non-peak hours, with a requirement that those spots are
to be vacated by the time that meters are turned on, allowing the city to collect some additional revenue
during underutilized times.
Potential issues raised with this permitting process have been limited to snow removal, sp ecial events,
and street maintenance (including street sweeping). The committee recommends a corresponding snow
ordinance and lot instructions be attached to the permit application as well as posting appropriate signage
requiring that vehicles be moved from snow routes, in accordance with current snow route requirements.
Additionally, we would recommend a notification process, electronic and/or mail to permit holders for any
planned maintenance or special events. Unplanned maintenance or regular street sweeping could be
achieved by working around any legally parked vehicles, as is the expectation on other streets throughout
the City, or by contacting the permit holder directly if needed for access.
Thank you for considering this important matter for our Downtown stakeholders. Please let me know if I
can be of any assistance in moving this forward.
Sincerely,
Kim Frey
Executive Director – Ames Main Street
CC: Dan Culhane, President & CEO, Ames Chamber of Commerce
Steve Goodhue, Chair, Ames Main Street
1
ITEM # __32__
DATE: 02-08-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF LAND LEASE AT 205 SOUTH WALNUT TO
HEARTLAND SENIOR SERVICES
BACKGROUND:
On July 1, 1988, the City entered into the original lease with Story County Council on
Aging, now Heartland Senior Services (HSS), at 205 South Walnut. This property,
formally an Ames grade school site, was acquired by the City using Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the State of Iowa for the purpose of
providing to the community a Senior Center along with the associated services.
As the building has far exceeded its useful life, the Heartland Board of Directors
(HBOD) initiated a campaign to solicit donations for a new building. While numerous
sites were considered for the new facility, ultimately it was determined that it would be
best to remain at the current site. Subsequently, the HBOD approached the City
Council about preparing a new long-term lease for the site to house a new facility.
In response to this request, the City Council directed staff to negotiate a new land lease.
Attached for your approval is the proposed lease which contains the following
stipulations:
Paragraph 1. Term
The term of the lease will be fifty years commencing on February 1, 2022.
Paragraph 5. Consideration
No payments will be required of Heartland. Rather Heartland will be required to provide
needed services to our senior citizens in the community during the duration of the lease,
along with other responsibilities.
Paragraph 6. Use of Property
The property can be used by Heartland to provide only senior services on the site, and
not for any other purpose.
Paragraph 11. Insurance Protection
Heartland will indemnify, defend, and hold the City harmless against any and all claims,
maintain a $5 million liability coverage, and name the City as an additional insured.
Paragraphs 13 & 14. Prior Approval
Heartland must receive prior approval from the City Council for the initial building and
site improvement plans, future buildings/additions/site improvements, and any
subleasing or selling of buildings.
Paragraphs 12 & 15. Maintenance of Property
Heartland will be responsible for maintaining the lawn, sidewalks (including snow and
ice removal from sidewalks); and maintaining and repairing buildings, structures, and
site improvements.
Paragraph 9. Comply with all City laws, etc.
Heartland will be required to comply with all city, state, and federal laws as well as city
rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Paragraph 16. Termination
The lease can be extended by mutual consent of the parties. Heartland has 30 days to
cure any default before the lease will be terminated. At the end of the term of the lease
whether extended or not, all buildings on the property will become property of the City.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) The City Council can approve the attached lease agreement with Heartland
Senior Services.
2) The City Council can approve the attached lease agreement with Heartland
Senior Services, with modifications.
3) The City Council can decide not to enter into a lease agreement with Heartland
Senior Services to serve as a site for their new facility.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Heartland Senior Services has done an excellent job over the years in providing much
needed services to our senior citizens. Allowing the continued use of the City’s property
will facilitate the construction of new facility.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council support
Alternative #1 and approve the attached lease agreement with Heartland Senior
Services.