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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 7, 2024, Special Meeting of the Ames City CouncilSUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 7, 2024 The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:13 p.m. on the 7th day of February, 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Council Member Gloria Betcher was absent. Ex officio Jeff Clark was also absent. CULTURE AND RECREATION PROGRAM: Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham and Superintendent Joshua Thompson presented the proposed the Parks and Recreation FY 2024/25 Operational Budget. Director Abraham highlighted grants, fundraising, scholarships, price increases, and major projects in development. Director Abraham presented on the Cemetery FY 2024/25 Operational Budget and stated that contract mowing prices had increased significantly in recent years. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM: Director Abraham stated that 101 Right-of-Way risk trees had been removed, and that staff continued with the program to address Emerald Ash Borer concerns. UTILITIES PROGRAM: Director of Electric Services Donald Kom stated that a new energy peak was set at 138 megawatts, but the Power Plant still had the capacity to meet that demand. He highlighted a costs of service study currently underway, the Department’s involvement with the Climate Action Plan, and stated that there was no proposed rate increase for FY 2024/25. PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM: Director Kom stated there were no major changes or programs associated with the Storm Warning System, which was functioning well. Fire Chief Rich Higgins, alongside Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hackett, Deputy Fire Chief Karen Tapper, and Building Official Sara VanMeeteren, presented the proposed FY 2024/25 Operating Budget for Fire Safety. He highlighted community partnerships, community outreach, and how the Department was working to lessen the costs of a new Fire Station #4 location, as well as a Fire Station #2 relocation. Chief Higgins also presented the proposed FY 2024/25 Operating Budget for Building Safety. He noted there had been an 43% increase in commercial permits, that inspectors continued to inspect rental units for resident safety, and that staff continued to evaluate customers experience with the Department by evaluating Development Review Committee procedures. LAW ENFORCEMENT: Chief of Police Geoff Huff, along with Commander Jason Tuttle, Commander Dan Walters, and Support Services Manager Aaron DeLashmutt, presented the FY 2024/25 Operational Budget for the Police Department. He reviewed vacancies in the Department, partnerships and outreach in the community, and trends in crime in Ames. Extra emphasis was placed on mental health partnerships and the relationship the Department cultivated with local schools. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM: Chief Huff stated that prioritizing a new Animal Shelter started by evaluating what the needs were. He thanked the staff for their commitment, highlighting the great work that had been done in adverse conditions. Chief Huff commended Animal Control Supervisor Ron Edwards for the work he did with community involvement and education. He also highlighted the high live release rates of the Animal Shelter. Regarding Parking Lot Enforcement, Chief Huff stated that 24,152 citations were written, and 3,964 parking tickets remained unpaid. The Department was hopeful to see a decrease in the number of unpaid tickets with the new partnership with Story County for collection. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and Council Members reported on various meetings attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest. ADJORNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. _______________________________________ __________________________________ Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor ______________________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk Subject to change as finalized by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 515-239-5105.