HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - March 24, 2020, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilAMENDED
AGENDA*
MEETING OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
MARCH 24, 2020
*DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, CITY HALL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
THROUGH MAY 15, 2020. THEREFORE, THIS WILL BE AN ELECTRONIC
MEETING. IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE INPUT ON ANY ITEM,
PLEASE CALL 515-239-5214 OR EMAIL citycouncilmeetinginput@cityofames.org ON
MARCH 24, 2020, BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the
public during discussion. If you wish to speak, please see the instructions listed above. 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.
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
1. Motion approving Annual Self-Certification for FY 2021
2. Motion approving Transit Asset Management Targets
3. Motion setting May 26, 2020, as date of public hearing regarding Amendments to 2020-2023
Transportation Improvement Program
4. Motion approving Draft FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program and setting May 26,
2020, as date of public hearing
5. Resolution approving designation of AAMPO representatives to Central Iowa Regional
Transportation Planning Alliance for the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING*
*The Regular City Council Meeting will immediately follow the meeting of the Ames Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee.
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 Meeting held March 4, 2020, Regular Meeting held March
10, 2020
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders March 1 - 15, 2020
4.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a. Special Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Mongolian Buffet, 1620 S Kellogg Ave
#103 - pending dram shop
b. Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Dangerous Curves, 111 5th St.
c. Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Cinemark Movies 12, 1317 Buckeye Avenue -
pending dram shop
d. Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Cornbred BBQ, 526 Main
Street Ste 106
e. Class B Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Radisson Ames, 2609 University Blvd
5.Resolution approving ASSET Joint Funders Shared Priorities
6. Resolution approving temporary street closure between South 3rd and South 4th Streets for two
calendar days (March 25 and 26, dependent on weather conditions) to facilitate the new water
and sewer service installations at 308 S. Walnut Avenue
7. Resolution approving Annual Certified Local Government (CLG) Report
8. Resolution approving 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update for the Central Iowa Waste
Management Association
9. Resolution approving contract with Center for Transportation and the Environment of Atlanta,
Georgia, for CyRide Battery Electric Bus Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed
$145,000
10. Resolution approving Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co., for construction
observation services for ISU Research Park Phase IV Project in an amount not to exceed
$253,800
11. Resolution changing bid due date for Power Plant Maintenance Services Contract from April
15, 2020 to May 13, 2020, and the date of hearing from April 28, 2020 to May 26, 2020
12. Resolution changing bid due date for Steam Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement from March 25,
2020 to April 29, 2020, and the date of hearing from April 14, 2020 to May 13, 2020
13. Resolution approving contract and bond for Iowa State Research Park Phase IV Road and Utility
Improvement Project
14. Resolution approving contract and bond for CyRide 2020 HVAC Improvements Project
15. Resolution approving Final Plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision, 5th Addition
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
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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.
HEARINGS:
16. Hearing on Major Site Development Plan for 901 North 4th Street (Metronet):
a. Resolution approving Major Site Development Plan for 901 North 4th Street (MetroNet)
17. Hearing on rezoning of 207 S. Teller Avenue from Agricultural “A” to Government/Airport
District “S-GA”:
a. First passage of ordinance
18. Hearing on University Apartments - Electric Service Replacement:
a. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Jaspering
Electric, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $245,000
19. Hearing on Boiler Tube Spray Coating & Related Services & Supply Contract:
a. Motion accepting report of bids and delaying award
20. Hearing on Unit 8 - Precipitator Roof Replacement:
a. Motion accepting report of no bids and delaying rebidding
21. Hearing on East Highway 30 Force Main Improvements:
a. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Synergy
Contracting, LLC, of Bondurant, Iowa, in the amount of $234,655
22. Hearing on 2019/20 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements (14th and 15th Street):
a. Motion accepting report of bids and delaying award
23. Hearing on 2019/20 Collector Street Pavement Improvements (Bloomington Road - Grand
Avenue to Hoover Avenue):
a. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Manatts Inc.,
of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $399,820.95
24. Hearing on Campustown Public Improvements (Welch Avenue):
a. Resolution authorizing transfer of $600,000 from FY 2019/20 Concrete Pavement
Improvement Program to the Campustown Public Improvements Program
b. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Con-Struct,
Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $2,081,067 for the base bid and $69,000 for Alternate
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25. Hearing on proposed zoning text amendment relating to High-Screen Landscaping contained in
Section 29.403(3)(F) of the Municipal Code:
a. First passage of ordinance
ORDINANCES:
26. First reading of ordinance to change street name and speed limits for University Boulevard in
the Burgason Annexation Area
27. Second reading of ordinance increasing water rates by 2% and sewer rates by 5%, effective July
1, 2020
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ADMINISTRATION:
28. Staff Report on City Council and Board/Commission meetings under the COVID-19
Emergency:
a. Motion providing policy direction
Additional Item: Resolution approving temporary revisions to Employee Leave Policy due to
COVID-19
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Please note that this Agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as
provided by Section 21.4(2), Code of Iowa.
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ITEM # 1
DATE: 03-24-20
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMES AREA MPO ANNUAL SELF-CERTIFICATION FOR FY 2021
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to federal regulations, each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) must self-certify that the transportation planning process is addressing the major issues in the
metropolitan planning area and is being conducted in accordance with all applicable requirements. In the last Ames Area MPO process review by the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a joint report was issued finding that the transportation planning activities of AAMPO are being carried out in accordance with federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Certify that the Ames Area MPO transportation planning process is being conducted
in accordance with all applicable requirements.
2. Reject the certification.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Administrator that the Ames Area MPO
Transportation Policy Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
ANNUAL SELF-CERTIFICATION
In accordance with 23 CFR 450.334, the STATE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION and the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for the
Ames, Iowa urbanized area(s) hereby certify that the transportation planning process is
addressing the major issues in the metropolitan planning area and is being conducted in
accordance with all applicable requirements of:
(1) 23 U.S.C. 134, 49 U.S.C. Section 5303, and 23 CFR Part 450;
(2) In nonattainment and maintenance areas, Sections 174 and 176(c) and (d) of the Clean
Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7504, 7506(c) and (d) and 40 CFR 93);
(3) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1) and 49 CFR
part 21;
(4) 49 U.S.C. 5332, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national
origin, sex or age in employment or business opportunity;
(5) Section 1101(b) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (Pub. L. 109-59) regarding the involvement of Disadvantaged
Business Enterprises in FHWA and FTA funded planning;
(6) 23 CFR part 230, regarding the implementation of an equal employment opportunity
program on Federal and Federal-aid highway construction contracts;
(7) The provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq.) and 49 CFR parts 27,37, and 38, and USDOT implementing regulation;
(8) Older Americans Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101);
(9) 23 U.S.C. 324, regarding prohibition of discrimination based on gender; and
(10) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 49 CFR Part 27, regarding
discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
For AAMPO:
_________________________ _________________
John Haila, Chair Date
Transportation Policy Committee
ITEM # 2
DATE: 03-24-20
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TRANSIT ASSET MANAGEMENT (TAM) PERFORMANCE TARGETS
BACKGROUND:
The Federal Transit Administration has developed rules for transit asset management
for recipients of Chapter 53 funds that own, operate, or management public
transportation capital assets. These rules apply to the Ames Transit Agency - CyRide.
Prior to adopting the initial plan, transit agencies were responsible for developing an
initial set of performance targets (percentage by category) of assets past their useful life
benchmark (ULB). On May 23, 2017, using the initial targets adopted by CyRide, the
Ames Area MPO established the first performance targets for the MPO using the same
targets.
In September of 2018, CyRide developed the first Transit Asset Management (TAM)
Plan, which included new performance targets for the next four-year period starting in
2019. In October of 2019, CyRide updated their targets once again and provided them
to the MPO, as federally mandated, and AAMPO should adopt CyRide’s updated
performance targets within 180 days of receiving a TAM Plan update.
The CyRide Transit Board approved the following updated targets:
Class 2019
Target Year-End Target
2021 2022 2023 2024
Rolling Stock
35% 36% of fleet exceeds
CyRide's ULB of 15 yrs. 33% 33% 31% 33%
Rolling Stock
67% 67% of fleet exceeds FTA
ULB of 89% 89% 0% 0%
Equipment
0% 50% of fleet exceeds
CyRide’s ULB of 10 yrs. 0% 0% 0% 0%
Facilities
0% 0% of facilities rated
under 3.0 on TERM scale 0% 0% 0% 0%
Facilities Ames
0% 0% of facilities rated
under 3.0 on TERM scale 0% 0% 0% 0%
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the presented transit asset management (TAM) performance measures.
2. Approve the presented transit asset management (TAM) performance measures
with Transportation Policy Committee modifications.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The AAMPO Technical Committee has unanimously recommended approval of the
presented transit asset management performance measures.
Therefore, it is recommended by the Administrator that the Transportation Policy
Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM # 3
DATE: 3-24-20
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMENDMENTS TO THE FY 2020 – 2023 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BACKGROUND:
In order to receive Federal funds for transportation improvement projects, it is
necessary for the projects to be included in the approved Iowa Department of Transportation statewide plan. The initial step in this process is for the Ames Area MPO
to develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Regulations require the TIP to include transportation projects for four years. The TIP may be amended in accordance with prescribed amendment and public participation procedures.
This amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 - 2023 Transportation Improvement
Program involves changing the following: Amendment Updates:
• Adding the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) awarded by Iowa DOT on January 14, 2020. Projects added to access ICAAP award:
o $339,965 in CMAQ – West Ames Changes: New expansion route #12 Lilac; added frequency #1 Red, #11 Cherry, #7 Purple (year 2)
o $32,562 in CMAQ - #11 Cherry Night Service (year 1)
o $30,728 in CMAQ - #12 Lilac Midday Service (year 1)
o $29,108 in CMAQ - #6 Brown Night Service (year 1)
• Revising Project Limits:
o SW Greenbelt Trail – Location changed:
Previous Description - In the City of Ames, SW Greenbelt trail, from Beedle Drive East 0.94 Miles to Intermodal Facility
Revised Description - In the City of Ames: SW Greenbelt Trail from Beedle Drive east to Franklin Park The requirements to process amendments to the TIP call for an opportunity for public
review and comment as well as approval by both the Technical and Policy Committees of the Ames Area MPO. The public input period is available from March 6, 2020 to May
1, 2020. After this comment period, this item will go before the AAMPO Policy Committee again for final approval on May 26, 2020. ALTERNATIVES:
1. Review the amendments to the FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement
Program and set May 26, 2020 as the date for the public hearing.
2. Review and modify the amendments to the FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation
Improvement Program and set May 26, 2020 as the date for the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Technical Committee has unanimously
recommended approval of these FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement Program
amendments.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Administrator that the Transportation Policy
Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ITEM # 4
DATE: 03-24-20
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: DRAFT FY 2020/21 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
As a part of the federal regulations governing Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration provide planning
funds to reimburse these agencies for transportation planning activities. The Iowa Department of Transportation administers this program.
The Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) includes several work elements to ensure an integrated transportation system. These elements include:
• administrative tasks for transportation planning,
• programming and development for the Transportation Improvement Program,
• comprehensive transportation planning/technical analysis,
• transit planning coordination,
• enhancing and incorporating public participation into the transportation planning
process,
• committee support,
• maintenance and development of the Long Range Transportation Plan.
Some expected products in the FY 2020/21 TPWP includes the development
Transportation Improvement Programs and ongoing activities related to the Long Range Transportation Plan update. ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the attached Draft FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program and set May 26, 2020 as the date for the public hearing.
2. Modify the Draft FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program and set May 26, 2020 as the date for the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Technical Committee has reviewed and
unanimously recommends approval of this Draft FY 2020/21 Transportation Planning Work Program.
Therefore, it is recommended by the Administrator that the Transportation Policy Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
DRAFT
Fiscal Year 2021
Transportation Planning Work Program
Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization prepared this report with funding from the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and in part through local matching
funds of the Ames Area MPO member governments. These contents are the responsibility of the Ames Area MPO. The U.S.
government and its agencies assume no liability for the contents of this report or for the use of its contents. The Ames Area
MPO approved this document on May 26, 2020. Please call (515) 239-5160 to obtain permission to use.
AAMPO
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Performance Based Planning ...................................................................................................................... 3
Performance Management Agreement .................................................................................................... 5
Ames Area MPO Organization ................................................................................................................... 7
Transportation Policy Committee ........................................................................................................... 8
Transportation Technical Committee ...................................................................................................... 8
Planning Priorities of the FY 2021 Work Program .................................................................................... 9
Private Sector Involvement ....................................................................................................................... 10
Development of the Work Program .......................................................................................................... 10
Work Elements.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Task 1 – Administration and Support ................................................................................................... 12
Task 2 – Transportation Improvement Program ................................................................................... 14
Task 3 – Comprehensive Planning ........................................................................................................ 16
Task 4 – Transit Planning...................................................................................................................... 18
Task 5 – Long Range Transportation Planning ..................................................................................... 20
FY 2021 Budget Summary and Funding Sources..................................................................................... 21
Work Hours Summary .......................................................................................................................... 21
Budget Summary ................................................................................................................................... 21
Revisions to the Work Program ................................................................................................................ 22
MPO Approval Process ......................................................................................................................... 22
Agency Approval Requirements ........................................................................................................... 22
Cost Allocation Plan ................................................................................................................................. 23
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 23
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
INTRODUCTION
The Fiscal Year 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) is the regional work plan for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. The TPWP is a requirement of 23 CFR
450.308(b) for metropolitan planning organizations to develop a document identifying work proposed
for the next one-year period by major activity and task. The document includes details to indicate who
will perform the planning activity, the schedule for completing the activity, what products should result
from each activity, funding for each activity as well as a total program budget.
PERFORMANCE BASED PLANNING
Performance based planning and performance management
became a focus for State and regional transportation planning with
the signing of the 2012 Federal surface transportation bill Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The Federal
government established seven national goals through MAP-21, and
maintained in subsequent Federal legislation, with the purpose of
improving decision-making through performance-based planning
and programming.
National Goals
• Safety
• Infrastructure Condition
• Congestion Reduction
• System Reliability
• Freight Movement and
Economic Vitality
• Environmental
Sustainability
• Project Delivery
The Ames Area MPO must establish and use a performance-based approach in transportation decision
making to support the national goals. The Ames Area MPO will implement required metrics in
coordination with the Iowa Department of Transportation, which includes setting regional targets for
several performance measures established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal
Transit Administration (FTA). Future reports on the Ames Area MPO’s progress in reaching regional
targets will be included in future long range transportation planning documents.
KEY TERMS:
Goal: a broad statement that describes a desired end state
Objective: a specific, measurable statement that supports achievement of a goal
Performance Measures: metric used to assess progress towards meeting an objective
Target: specific level of performance that is desired to be achieved within a certain
timeframe
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Road Safety
The safety measures are:
• Number of Fatalities
• Rate of Fatalities per 100 million VMT
• Number of Serious Injuries
• Rate of Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT
• Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Non-motorized Serious Injuries
In September 2019, the Ames Area MPO adopted to support the targets of the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
Transit Safety
As a recipient of urbanized area formula grant funding, the Ames Transit Agency (CyRide) is to
establish and self-certify its initial agency safety plan by July 20, 2020, where safety performance
targets will be established within this plan based on the following safety performance measures FTA
established in the National Public Transportation Safety Plan including:
• Fatalities
• Injuries
• Safety Events
• System Reliability
CyRide’s Safety Plan, which will be certified each year, will include processes and procedures to
implement Safety Management Systems (SMS) at CyRide to anticipate future risks and detect problems
before safety issues occur. This plan, which must be in place by July 20, 2020 for FY 2021, will include
strategies for minimizing the exposure of the public, personnel, and property to unsafe conditions and
again include safety performance targets. SMS will support a data-based framework to identify and
analyze safety hazards and risks to prioritize resources towards the mitigation of these issues.
Pavement and Bridge
The pavement and bridge measures are:
• Percent of Interstate pavements in Good condition
• Percent of Interstate pavements in Poor condition
• Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Good Condition
• Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Poor condition
• Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Good condition
• Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Poor condition
In September 2018, the Ames Area MPO adopted to support the targets of the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Transit Asset Management
The Transit Asset Management (TAM) targets are:
• Equipment: Percent of non-revenue vehicles met or exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
• Rolling Stock: Percentage of revenue vehicles met or exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
• Facilities: Percentage of assets with condition rating below 3.0 on FTA TERM scale
• Infrastructure: Not applicable. (The infrastructure performance measure element, which FTA
requires, is limited to rail fixed guideway assets. There is no fixed guideway passenger
transport in the Ames region.)
CyRide established their first TAM plan and targets in January 2017. Every year, the TAM Plan and
targets are updated by October 1st. The last update for CyRide’s TAM Plan was October 2019 which
was forwarded to the AAMPO staff in December 2019 as required by the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA). Per FTA regulations, the AAMPO is not obligated to update their TAM targets whenever transit
agencies update their targets.
In March 2019, the Ames Area MPO adopted CyRide’s 2018 TAM targets.
System and Freight Reliability
The system performance and freight measures are:
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the Interstate that are reliable
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the non-Interstate NHS that are reliable
• Truck Travel Time Reliability Index
In September 2018, the Ames Area MPO adopted to support the targets of the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
Performance Management Agreement
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) agree to the following provisions. The communication outlined in these provisions
between the MPO and Iowa DOT will generally be through the statewide planning coordinator in the
Systems Planning Bureau.
1. Transportation performance data
a. The Iowa DOT will provide MPOs with the statewide performance data used in
developing statewide targets, and, when applicable, will also provide MPOs with subsets
of the statewide data, based on their planning area boundaries.
b. If MPOs choose to develop their own target for any measure, they will provide the Iowa
DOT with any supplemental data they utilize in the target-setting process.
2. Selection of performance targets
a. The Iowa DOT will develop draft statewide performance targets for FHWA measures in
coordination with MPOs. Coordination may include in-person meetings, web meetings,
conference calls, and/or email communication. MPOs shall be given an opportunity to
provide comments on statewide targets and methodology before final statewide targets
are adopted.
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
b. If an MPO chooses to adopt their own target for any measure, they will develop draft
MPO performance targets in coordination with the Iowa DOT. Coordination methods
will be at the discretion of the MPO, but the Iowa DOT shall be provided an opportunity
to provide comments on draft MPO performance targets and methodology prior to final
approval.
3. Reporting of performance targets
a. Iowa DOT performance targets will be reported to FHWA and FTA, as applicable.
MPOs will be notified when Iowa DOT has reported final statewide targets.
b. MPO performance targets will be reported to the Iowa DOT.
i. For each target, the MPO will provide the following information no later than 180
days after the date the Iowa DOT or relevant provider of public transportation
establishes performance targets, or the date specified by federal code.
1. A determination of whether the MPO is 1) agreeing to plan and program
projects so that they contribute toward the accomplishment of the Iowa
DOT or relevant provider of public transportation performance target, or
2) setting a quantifiable target for that performance measure for the
MPO’s planning area.
2. If a quantifiable target is set for the MPO planning area, the MPO will
provide any supplemental data used in determining any such target.
3. Documentation of the MPO’s target or support of the statewide or relevant
public transportation provider target will be provided in the form of a
resolution or meeting minutes.
c. The Iowa DOT will include information outlined in 23 CFR 450.216 (f) in any statewide
transportation plan amended or adopted after May 27, 2018, and information outlined in
23 CFR 450.218 (q) in any statewide transportation improvement program amended or
adopted after May 27, 2018.
d. MPOs will include information outlined in 23 CFR 450.324 (f) (3-4) in any metropolitan
transportation plan amended or adopted after May 27, 2018, and information outlined in
23 CFR 450.326 (d) in any transportation improvement program amended or adopted
after May 27, 2018.
e. Reporting of targets and performance by the Iowa DOT and MPOs shall conform to 23
CFR 490, 49 CFR 625, and 49 CFR 673.
4. Reporting of performance to be used in tracking progress toward attainment of critical outcomes
for the region of the MPO
a. The Iowa DOT will provide MPOs with the statewide performance data used in
developing statewide targets, and, when applicable, will also provide MPOs with subsets
of the statewide data, based on their planning area boundaries.
5. The collection of data for the State asset management plans for the NHS
a. The Iowa DOT will be responsible for collecting bridge and pavement condition data for
the State asset management plan for the NHS.
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
AMES AREA MPO ORGANIZATION
The Ames Area MPO was
officially designated the
MPO of the Ames urbanized
area by the Governor of
Iowa in March 2003. This
designation was the result of
the Ames urbanized area
having a population greater
than 50,000 in the 2000
Census.
As a result of the 2010
Census, the urbanized areas
of Ames and Gilbert were
combined into one urbanized
area, therefore requiring the
Metropolitan Planning Area
to be expanded to
encompass this area in its
entirety. The Ames Area
MPO approved the current
Metropolitan Planning Area
boundary on November 13,
2012. The City of Gilbert
and Iowa State University
were added to the
Transportation Policy
Committee on March 26,
2013.
The Ames Area MPO provides continuity of various transportation planning and improvement efforts
throughout the Ames urban area. The City of Ames serves as the fiscal agent for the Ames Area MPO.
Ames is located in central Iowa and is served by Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 30, and U.S. Highway 69.
Surface transportation needs are met through over 249 centerline miles of streets. The community has a
very progressive transit system, CyRide, which carries approximately six million bus passengers per
year. While the majority of transit users have Iowa State University ties, CyRide serves the entire Ames
community. The Ames Area MPO area includes the Ames Municipal Airport, which serves general
aviation needs for business, industry, and recreation users. On average 93 aircraft operations occur per
day at the Ames Municipal Airport. Railroad provides freight service to the area by dual east-west
mainline tracks and a northern agricultural spur.
Figure 1. Ames Area MPO Planning Boundary
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
The Ames Area MPO consists primarily of two standing committees: The Transportation Policy
Committee and the Transportation Technical Committee.
Transportation Policy Committee
The Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) is the policy setting board of the MPO and the membership
consists of local officials. Voting membership on the committee includes city and county governments
located, wholly or partially, in the Ames Area MPO planning boundary, as well as the local transit
agency. Currently the TPC membership includes: City of Ames, City of Gilbert, CyRide, Boone County,
and Story County. The Iowa Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the
Federal Transit Administration, and Iowa State University serve as advisory, non-voting,
representatives.
Transportation Policy Committee Membership
Representative Agency Member
City of Ames †
City of Ames
City of Ames
City of Ames
City of Ames
City of Ames
City of Ames
Boone County
Story County
Ames Transit Agency
City of Gilbert
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Federal Transit Administration ‡
Iowa State University ‡
† Chair ‡ Non-voting
Transportation Technical Committee
The Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) consists of technical personnel from various agencies
involved in transportation issues within the planning area. The TTC formulates the procedural details of
the Transportation Planning Work Program. The committee reviews and monitors the output of various
MPO activities identified in the work program and makes recommendations to the policy committee.
The committee is also responsible for assisting in developing the short and long-range transportation
plans. The Iowa Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal
Transit Administration serve as advisory, non-voting, representatives.
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
‡ Non-voting
PLANNING PRIORITIES OF THE FY 2021 WORK PROGRAM
The FY 2021 TPWP addresses the planning goals of the Ames Area MPO, which are:
• Provide a connected transportation system that offers efficient and reliable mobility options for
all modes of travel.
• Provide a safe transportation system.
• Consider and mitigate the impacts of the transportation system on the natural and built
environment.
• Provide an accessible transportation system which fits within the context of its surroundings and
preserves community character.
• Provide a transportation system that supports the regional economy and efficiently moves goods.
• Maintain transportation infrastructure in a state-of-good-repair.
The following documents are developed, updated, or maintained by the Ames Area MPO:
• Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP)
• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Public Participation Plan (PPP)
• Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
• Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP)
Transportation Technical Committee Membership
Representative Agency Member
City of Ames (Chair)
City of Ames (Vice-Chair)
City of Ames
City of Ames
City of Ames
CyRide
Iowa State University
Boone County
Story County
Ames Community School Dist.
Ames Economic Development Commission
City of Ames ‡
City of Ames ‡
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Federal Transit Administration ‡
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PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT
Consultants will be used to perform tasks associated with the long-range transportation plan update
(Task 5). The LRTP update will span three years and has been included in the FY 2019, FY 2020 and
the FY 2021 work programs.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK PROGRAM
The FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program was developed by input from the Ames Area
MPO staff, members of the Transportation Technical Committee, the general public, and the
Transportation Policy Committee. The following milestones describe the process in which the
Transportation Planning Work Program was developed.
March 5, 2020 – Transportation Technical Committee
A review of the draft FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program by the Transportation
Technical Committee.
March 6 – May 1, 2020 – Public Input Period
A public comment period for the draft FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program was
established from March 6 through May 1. During the comment period, the recommended draft
document was posted on the AAMPO.org website along with notifications distributed to the general
public. Comments could be submitted via online form, e-mail, mail, and by phone.
March 24, 2020 – Transportation Policy Committee Meeting
A review of the FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program by the Transportation Policy
Committee.
April 2020 – Review from Federal and State Partners
Federal and State partners at the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration,
and Iowa Department of Transportation review the Ames Area MPO Draft FY 2021 Transportation
Planning Work Program. By April 30, 2020, the MPO receives comments to address in the final FY
2021 TPWP document.
May 26, 2020 – Transportation Policy Committee Hearing
Public hearing held by the Transportation Policy Committee to consider adoption of the FY 2021
Transportation Planning Work Program with opportunities from the public to respond and present to
the committee.
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WORK ELEMENTS
Task 1 – Administration and Support
OBJECTIVE
To initiate and properly manage the “3-C” planning process, ensuring that it is continuous, cooperative,
and comprehensive, and in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
PREVIOUS WORK
• Administer the FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program
• Develop and approve the FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
• Complete annual Self Certification
• Attend Iowa DOT quarterly MPO meetings
• Quarterly submittals for planning funding reimbursement
• Filing and reporting routine items required by the Iowa Department of Transportation, Federal
Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration
• Conducted four Transportation Policy Committee meetings on: July 9, 2019; September 24,
2019; March 24, 2020; and May 26, 2020
• Conducted three Transportation Technical Committee meetings on: September 5, 2019; March 5,
2020; and May 14, 2020
• Conduct a public meeting on May 15, 2020
• Updated meeting agendas, minutes, and materials on the MPO website at www.aampo.org
DESCRIPTION
This task includes all administrative tasks which support activities of the MPO including the following:
prepare and submit required documents to maintain the continuity and credibility of the planning
process. Sponsor and conduct meetings and provide support to policy and technical committees. Prepare
budgets, maintain financial records, and ensure monies are spent appropriately. Coordinate activities
with participating agencies and other public and private interests.
Purchase/lease supplies, computer equipment and other equipment necessary to carry out planning
efforts. Maintain software and purchase necessary upgrades when beneficial to the MPO.
Task also includes conducting informational meetings, as well as public hearings, to obtain public input
and feedback on ongoing activities. The Public Participation Plan, along with other pertinent documents
maintained and developed by the Ames Area MPO are posted online at www.aampo.org. The Public
Participation Plan will be evaluated for modifications to evolve with communication preferences as
warranted.
The MPO staff will participate in conferences, seminars, meetings, and other training opportunities to
remain familiar with the latest regulations and techniques related to the transportation planning field as
provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, American Planning
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Association, Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa Department of Transportation, peer transportation
planning organizations, and other agencies and professional organizations.
FY 2021 PRODUCTS
Product Estimated Timeline
pertinent to transportation planning hosted by Federal, State, professional
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Task 2 – Transportation Improvement Program
OBJECTIVE
Develop and maintain a regional program of near-term projects that are consistent with the Ames Area
MPO long range transportation plan.
PREVIOUS WORK
• Ames Area MPO FY 2019 – 2022 Transportation Improvement Program
o Processed required amendments and administrative modifications in accordance with
outline procedures
• Ames Area MPO FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement Program
o Development and adoption of the FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement Program
o Prepare resolutions supporting regional Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
grant applications
o Update the program to reflect the MPO’s compliance with the FAST-Act, with approved
performance targets.
• Ames Area MPO FY 2021 – 2024 Transportation Improvement Program
o Solicit and select list of local Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG) and
Transportation Alternatives (STBG-TAP) projects for funding
o Develop draft program document for committee review and public participation process
DESCRIPTION
The Ames Area MPO is responsible for developing the funding program of transportation projects
which use Federal funds, utilize STBG-Swap funds, or are regionally significant. The MPO carries out a
process for soliciting regional projects for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and
Transportation Alternatives program (STBG-TAP). The MPO also reviews regional projects seeking
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) funds.
Projects which are awarded Federal funding, use STBG-Swap, or are regionally significant are included
in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is developed in coordination with local
governments, the State of Iowa, and transit operators. Consistent with the Public Participation Plan,
opportunities for public review and comments will be provided for all Transportation Policy Committee
actions on the TIP. Coordination with the Iowa DOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP) will also be undertaken.
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
FY 2021 PRODUCTS
Product Estimated Timeline
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Task 3 – Comprehensive Planning
OBJECTIVE
Integrate transportation planning and land use planning for Ames Area MPO member jurisdictions.
PREVIOUS WORK
• Updated Safe Routes to School maps in 2019
• Attend Midwest Transportation Model user Group quarterly meetings
• Performed model analysis for potential development scenarios
• Prepared regional data for use in the Ames travel demand model
o Processed parcel data and land use assignment
DESCRIPTION
Participate in regional activities which enhance the transportation network including data collection,
collaboration with local transportation activities, technical assistance for member agencies, and other
activities promoting a comprehensive approach.
FY 2021 PRODUCTS
Product Estimated Timeline
transportation planning goals and objectives into comprehensive, sub-area,
used in transportation planning analysis, including traffic and trail count
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Task 4 – Transit Planning
OBJECTIVE
Enhance a coordinated, accessible, and efficient transit system.
PREVIOUS WORK
• Human service/transportation provider coordination meetings and plan updates
• Coordinated planning and meetings with human service organizations
• Safety Plan Development
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Monitoring
• Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Goals Development and semi-annual reports
• Transit Service Planning (i.e. route planning)
• Transit Management Analysis Planning (i.e. transit policies)
• Capital Planning
• Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan (performance measures, annual narrative & performance
targets updates)
• Title VI Program Update, Monitoring & Facility Equity Analysis
• MPO Planning Agreement update
• Bus Stop Planning & ADA Planning (i.e. bus shelters, automatic annunciators)
• Triennial Review Development
DESCRIPTION
Planning efforts will reflect prioritization of the following areas:
• Transit Agency Safety and Security Plan
• Transit Asset Management Plan, performance measures, annual narrative & performance target
updates on an annual basis.
• Transportation Planning Work Program Development
• ADA Planning updates (Automatic Annunciators)
• Title VI Program and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan Updates
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals submission
• Triennial Federal review of compliance with Federal Transit Administration regulations
• Participation of transit operators in metropolitan and statewide planning
• Coordination of non-emergency human service transportation
• Planning for transit system management and transit services
• Make transit capital investment decisions through effective system planning
• Bus stop planning for future ADA improvements
• Technology planning (automatic annunciators, automatic passenger counters, etc.)
• Facility expansion analysis
This item involves transit planning issues related to land use and development issues, facility expansion
analysis, ridership surveys and analyses, plans to manage transit agency in accordance to the Federal
Transit Administration guidelines, and the study of fixed route transit services. Meetings will be held to
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
facilitate the locally developed coordinated public transit/human-services transportation plan to improve
transportation services for the low-income, aging and disabled populations within the community.
Efforts will concentrate on improving operating efficiencies of current services and eliminating gaps
where and when transportation is not available. The transportation planner may conduct various
planning and ridership studies throughout the year to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
FY 2021 PRODUCTS
Product Estimated Timeline
requiring annual certifications by the transit agency: Equal Employment
Opportunity Program (EEO), Title VI Program, Limited English
Proficiency (LEP), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Transit
Asset Management Plan, CyRide Safety & Security Plan, Federal
as needed; monthly coordination of transit with various human & health
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
Task 5 – Long Range Transportation Planning
OBJECTIVE
Provide framework for orderly, efficient growth of an integrated, multi-modal transportation network.
PREVIOUS WORK
• Update the plan as necessary to ensure compliance with transportation planning requirements
• Perform model analysis related to long range transportation projects and potential impacts on the
regional network
• Conducted Issues and Visioning Public Workshop for the LRTP Update (2045 Horizon Year)
• Conducted Community Transportation Survey for the LRTP Update (2045 Horizon Year)
• Conducted Alternatives Workshop for the LRTP Update (2045 Horizon Year)
• Weekly coordination meetings with consultant for the LRTP Update (2045 Horizon Year)
DESCRIPTION
The 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (titled: Ames Mobility 2040) became effective October 2015.
To support activities of the Long Range Transportation Plan, the MPO will continue to monitor and
update the plan as necessary. Both in support of the current plan and in anticipation of the update, plan
elements will be monitored.
By October 2020, the Ames Area MPO will adopt an updated Long Range Transportation Plan. In this
fiscal year, the MPO will conduct a substantial amount of the plan. The updated LRTP will extend the
planning horizon year to 2045 and have significant updates to comply with FAST-Act performance-
based planning requirements.
The LRTP update will include private consultant participation to complete the plan update.
FY 2021 PRODUCTS
Product Estimated Timeline
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
FY 2021 BUDGET SUMMARY AND FUNDING SOURCES
Work Hours Summary
Activity Agency Responsible Staff Hours
Budget Summary
Cost Local Federal 5305d 5305d STBG STBG PL New C/O
Total $493,718 $98,744 $394,974 $15,092 $20,908 $ - $85,321 $96,772 $176,881
Table of Unobligated Planning Funds
5305d 5305d STBG STBG PL New PL C/O
$26,478
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
REVISIONS TO THE WORK PROGRAM
The work program is developed annually, however, can be amended at any time throughout the life of
the document. The following section outlines the process to be used to amend the work program.
MPO Approval Process
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy Committee is the designated body to approve the scope and
budget of the Transportation Planning Work Program. The Transportation Policy Committee will
consider adoption of the original program as well as all amendments in accordance with the Public
Participation Plan.
Agency Approval Requirements
All work program changes require prior written Federal approval, unless waived by the awarding
agency. The following table denotes the approving agency for various changes to work programs.
Revision type Approving Agency
Request for additional Federal funding Federal
Transfer of funds between categories, projects, functions, or activities
which exceeds 10 percent of the total work program budget when the
Federal share of the budget exceeds $150,000
Federal
Revision of the scope or objectives of activities Federal
Transferring substantive programmatic work to a third party (consultant) Federal
Capital expenditures, including the purchasing of equipment Federal
Transfer of funds allotted for training allowances Federal
Transfer of funds between categories, projects, functions, or activities
which do not exceed 10% of the total work program budget, or when the
Federal share of the budget is less than $150,000
Iowa Department of
Transportation
Revisions related to work that does not involve Federal funding Ames Area MPO
All necessary TPWP approvals are required to be in place prior to the commencement of activity,
purchasing of equipment, or request for reimbursement. As it relates to procurement of equipment and
services, there should be no notification of award, signed contract, placement of an order, or agreement
with a contractor prior to receiving the necessary approval.
All revision requests should be submitted electronically to the Iowa DOT Systems Planning Bureau and
the agency’s District Planner. Documentation for the revisions shall include the following:
• A resolution or meeting minutes showing the revision’s approval
• Budget summary table with changes highlighted/noted
• Modified section(s) of the plan’s work elements with changes highlighted/noted
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
If all necessary information is provided, the request will then be forwarded to the Federal Highway
Administration and Federal Transit Administration for review and any necessary approvals. Notification
by the approving agency will be in writing.
Revision requests shall, at a minimum, include:
• A resolution or meeting minutes showing the approval of the revision
• Budget summary table with changes highlighted/noted
• Modified section(s) of the plan’s work elements with changes highlighted/noted
FEDERAL REVISION APPROVAL
Revisions where FHWA/FTA is the designated approving agency shall require written approval by
FHWA/FTA prior to commencement of activity, purchasing of equipment, or request for
reimbursement.
IOWA DOT SYSTEMS PLANNING BUREAU REVISION APPROVAL
Revisions where the Iowa DOT Systems Planning Bureau is the designated approving agency shall
require written approval by the Iowa DOT Systems Planning Bureau
prior to commencement of activity or request for reimbursement.
AMES AREA MPO REVISION APPROVAL
Revisions where the MPO is the approving agency shall be approved by the Policy Board.
COST ALLOCATION PLAN
The local match for salaries and other expenses is a part of the City of Ames Program Budget adopted
by the City of Ames City Council for all personnel and associated expenses. Costs billed will be for
those specified. The main source of local-match funds will come from the City of Ames Road Use Tax
allocation. New FY 2021 funds have been combined with the carryover amounts for expense allocations.
Carryover funds will be used first before new allocations. The Ames Area MPO does not charge indirect
costs.
APPENDIX
A. Self- Certification of Procurement and Consultant Selection Procedures
B. Transportation Policy Committee Meeting Minutes
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FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Program
ITEM # 5
DATE: 03-24-20
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: DESIGNATION OF CIRTPA REPRESENTATIVES
BACKGROUND:
Each year, the Transportation Policy Committee appoints representatives and alternate representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliances’
(CIRTPA) two committees – the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) and the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC). Since the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization is an advisory member of CIRTPA, these are non-voting positions. It is recommended that the Ames Area MPO’s designated representatives for 2020 be
as follows:
TPC Representative: Kyle Thompson, Transportation Planner TPC Alternate Representative: Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer
TTC Representative: Kyle Thompson, Transportation Planner TTC Alternate Representative: Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer ALTERNATIVES:
1. Appoint the individuals named above to their respective roles representing the Ames
Area MPO on CIRTPA.
2. Designate other individuals to serve the Ames Area MPO in this capacity.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Administrator that the Ames Area MPO
Transportation Policy Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE
AMES CITY COUNCIL AND THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
AMES, IOWA MARCH 4, 2020
The Ames City Council met at 5:34 p.m. on the 4th day of March, 2020, in the Campanile Room
of the Memorial Union, Iowa State University, pursuant to law. Mayor John Haila and Council
Members Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and David Martin and ex officio Council
Member Devyn Leeson were present. Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen and Amber
Corrieri were absent. City Manager Steve Schainker, City Attorney Mark Lambert, Assistant
City Manager Deb Schildroth, and Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda were also in
attendance.
2020 Census.
City Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda explained that the City is partnering with the
University for a complete and accurate account of the Census in Ames. She advised that, as ISU
students here in Ames, the students will claim Ames for the Census. She said that they need
students who will help get that message out; students are a hard to enumerate demographic. Ms.
Gwiasda also reported that $675 billion dollars of public funding is distributed every year via the
Census. CyRide is funded a good amount by that amount. It is important, safe and easy; it is the
first time you can fill it out online. According to Ms. Gwiasda, students are helping in the effort,
and the City/University is also partnering with Model Farm.
At the question of Devyn Leeson as to what the last Census funding allocation paid for, Ms.
Gwiasda advised that a lot of grant money comes through the federal government for different
street and public area improvements, buses, and bike paths.
Ms. Gwiasda stated that they are looking for a large number of part-time jobs this summer,
which is a great way for students to get involved.
Mayor Haila stated that he knows affordable housing is important to the student body. The City
recently received money for that because of the Census. He noted that some Census forms are
long; this one is short. There is no citizenship question on the form, and students’ help is needed
to quell fears that this will be used to check up on people. The Mayor commented that the
University benefits significantly from this, and businesses also look at population to see if the
population meets their threshold number of people before they come to a city.
It was asked by Student Government Member Johnson what should be stated to those who wish
the money would go to their home town. Ms. Gwiasda said that a lot of people take pride in
their home towns, but the rules state that you claim where you sleep and eat the majority of the
year.
Council Member Betcher pointed out that everybody counts, it doesn’t matter if you are an
international student or not. It is hard to count group quarters, like an apartment with one
mailbox and four residents. She asked that students get their house mates to also fill out the form,
as not everyone gets a form; it is sent to every address. Ms. Betcher also asked that students
check their mailboxes in the next couple of weeks for the form. She also noted that public safety
is one of the things that is funded with Census dollars
Council Member Blair asked if they can work with landlords to work with their tenants. Ms.
Gwiasda commented that that was a great idea; however, until spring break is over, it will be
difficult to get students’ attention.
Student Government Member Hoffman, who is a CA for Friley Hall, commented there has been
hesitation from residents. Some students don’t’ see the dorms as much as a house as apartments.
Ms. Gwiasda stated that the City works with the Department of Residency to get the Census
forms out. Student Government Member Hoffman asked if residents then do not have to fill the
form out individually. Ms. Gwiasda replied that she did not believe so.
Ex officio Member Leeson suggested that the Student Government do a resolution emphasizing
the importance of the Census filling out the form.
Council Member Betcher stated that it is required by law to fill out the Census; it is a legal
obligation.
Campustown.
City Manager Steve Schainker pointed out that the summer is almost here, and the City tries to
get a lot of street work done in the summer before August 15. One of the big projects for this
summer is the reconstruction of Welch Avenue. Mr. Schainker stated that the water and sewer
systems there are over 100 years old and will require excavation from building to building. There
will be wooden paths. Mr. Schainker advised that the bids for this project came back almost
$800,000 over the estimate, so the project has been redesigned. The bad news is it will lapse into
the fall now. He asked that the students bear with the City during that time. The City is going to
try to keep the businesses open. According to Mr. Schainker, the City did a safety study and
have incorporated a lot of those ideas into the plans.
Mr. Schainker also stated that the City is looking to put in $1.2 million a year into bike paths. He
also advised that the extension of Grand Avenue is going to start this summer to help take away
from traffic on Duff.
At the suggestion of the Mayor for students to explain to prospective students what it will look
like and to turn the negative of the inconvenience of the construction to a negative, Student
Government Member Hanyang said that might be something that could be brought to the
attention of the Office of Admissions. Mayor Haila commented that, when leading tour groups, it
would be helpful to mention the improvements. He pointed out that the businesses in
Campustown depend on students and visitors.
City Manager Schainker said that micro-mobility is something people have been talking about,
and a lot of towns are getting scooters. Scooters can be left on streets and sidewalks and can
impair mobility. The City is looking to get an indepth study on this. The City Council will only
make a policy for the City; the University may make a different decision regarding the Campus.
The Council has not been introduced to it yet.
Council Member Junck asked Mr. Schainker to talk about the possible relocation of Fire Station
2. City Manager Schainker replied that Fire Station 2 has been in its current location for a long
time. At one time, the University actually had its own fire service and then unified with the City.
The University pays about a quarter of the City’s Fire Department budget to service the
University as well. As Campustown grows, the City is looking to move Station 2, possibly to
State Avenue. Any movement of the Station will need a 60% vote. The City has been getting
questions about what to do with the present Station. It may get renovated, or become expanded
plaza area. It is a very expensive piece of property. Ex officio Member Leeson believes that
having it become a public plaza is a really cool idea; there is desire to make Campustown into a
student space.
Mr. Leeson shared that he gets a lot of complaints from the students about crosswalks. He asked
if there is a form that the students can use to lodge those complaints. City Manager Schainker
replied that the City has an app called “Ames on the Go,” or they can call the City Manager’s
Office. It would be best to make the complaint via email or a letter, if possible, so the City
Council will see it. Student Government Member Blair noted that the crosswalk on Welch is
terrifying past 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. and is excited to see the Welch Avenue Improvements project.
Also, moving the Fire Station and making it a public space would be a really good idea.
Council Member Betcher said, in regards to crosswalks, if you live in Ames, you have three
representatives on the City Council. She commented that the Council appreciates getting emails
telling them what you think and encouraged the students to send the Council emails. email. City
Manager Schainker noted that every street you travel on isn’t a City street or crosswalk. If there
is City or University property on both sides, it might not belong to the City.
Mr. Schainker stated that the City is trying to divert traffic from South 16th Street down Grand
instead of Duff. There is a portion by VetMed that narrows down to two lanes from four lanes.
The City approached the University to work together on this project. The City is going to fund
(from the Capital Improvements Plan) to widen the lanes. It will be a $2.7 million project to
improve that area.
Student Government Member Advait asked if there are any plans to improve Mortensen and
State, as that area can get really bad. Mr. Schainker replied that that is mostly University, and
there is a plan for that. Council Member David Martin advised that there is a plan now for a
traffic light to be installed there. There was discussion in doing a roundabout there, but a traffic
analysis said that shouldn’t be done due to the mass number of people exiting during football
games.
Student Government Member Kline noted that at 13th and Grand, there is no arrow and only one
car makes it through per light cycle. Mr. Schainker said that the City has talked about that, and
had a plan to have a full turning lane. However, it would take a major portion of ten household
yards out, and it got deferred. The City is looking for ways to redesign that. Student Government
Member Kline then asked if there was a way to have a four-way stop there. City Manager
Schainker said that a light could be installed, which would make people stop, but it would be less
efficient. He also stated that the City has a $7 million dollar project for intelligent traffic sensors.
In a couple of years, the City will have that new technology that can detect traffic and change
signals. Council Member Betcher shared that the City is working to install voice signals to
enhance accessibility. However, they would require too much of a delay, and Grand is Highway
69, so it would require input from the State of Iowa.
Sustainability. Mayor Haila stated that Ames has been committed to being sustainable for a
long time. The City processes between 2 and 2 ½ million pounds of waste from surrounding
towns. That waste would have to go down to Des Moines if the Resource Recovery Plant would
not be operating. The City also has the greenhouse gas inventory results back. It has been
something that has been front and center for a long time. Five snowplows have been converted to
100% plant-based fuel. Those five trucks are only 10% of the fuel costs. There are different ways
and initiatives that the City is trying to get done. City Manager Schainker commented that the
City is proud of its efforts to improve sustainability and the impact that they are having in the
community. The City is starting a solar panel farm, about a Megawatt to start with. It is a $300
buy-in fee for a panel, and there is a small rebate associated with that. Council Member Betcher
advised that the Rummage Rampage is being expanded this year ( July 24th until Aug 3rd). That
event is when things people do not want anymore are brought in and sold to people who do want
them. Ms. Betcher told the students that if they want to volunteer, student organizations can
receive funds from helping out. Nineteen non-profits received funds last year’s event.
Student Government Member Conn expressed appreciation of the current plans, but asked if
there were plans for carbon removal. There are professors who talk about turning carbon into
asphalt and other products. It was asked if there were any plans to do something like that.
Council Member Martin answered that the City has mostly finished sending in the raw data and
compiling its greenhouse gas inventory. The City’s plan is to then go forward and make an
action plan to combat that. It is the Climate Action Plan that will take the baseline from the City
and issue recommendations to fight that over time. He noted that the City wants to engage the
community as much as possible.
Council Member Junck said the composting process is a great thing that students can get
involved with. She explained that you can purchase a starter kit and you get a punch card that
can be punched and dropped off at two different places. It is a great alternative to burning it. Ms.
Junck noted that the City sometimes struggle with the moisture in the burning of the waste and
composting would aid that.
Ex officio Member Leeson mentioned that the barriers for both projects are that you have to be
the investor in the project yourself. He asked if there was any value in funding or helping work
toward assisting in some of these projects and to get more use from these projects from students.
It is hard for a student to use the solar rebate. According to Student Government Member Conn
there are currently plans for that, like at Freddy Court. There has been a lot of friction with the
DOR over who owns the bins. We are trying to have a larger scale pilot program with that, then
have the DOR take over.
Mr. Leeson said he felt it would be cool to look into the Student Government helping out with
the solar project and talking to the University about that.
Student Government Member Zastrow said, for composting, it sounds like something that the
Green Initiatives Fund could help with. Student Government could also be helping subsidize the
solar panels. One reason students would help with those panels is due to the long-term nature of
the investment.
Student Government Member Searles asked if Student Government would be investing in the
solar farm to offset its own electrical usage. Student Government Member Schrader said that a
lot of students are interested in that, so after this meeting, they could look into that suggestion.
Student Government Member Hanyang noted that a great resource for off-campus students is
property management. Student Government Member Mass said that another area is the Greek life
area. They are long-term members of this community and house owners. It is thought that the
Alumni boards would be willing to have those conversations.
Student Government Member Conn raised the issue of affordability of the compost bins
($20/four-gallon bucket and five bags, then $10 for five bags after that. Member Conn noted one
of the people he knows has tens of thousands of worms and they don’t stink.
Council Member Betcher stated that, because of the City’s type of fuel, keeping those
compostables out of the waste stream is important. The City can’t use those materials because
they are contaminated and wet. Keeping those out in any way is important, composing or not.
Mayor Haila noted that ISU had purchased some panels for their energy portfolios. City
Manager Schainker added that they had bought 25% of the panels, and have eight out of the
38KW of wind energy.
Open Forum. Council Member Gartin thanked the students, stating that he had been impressed
by the number of ISU students who have been helping out and being involved in this community.
He wanted the students to know that the Council sees it and appreciates it.
Mayor Haila asked City Manager Schainker to talk on the City’s efforts to combat the spread of
the Coronavirus. Mr. Schainker stated that the City of Ames is taking this seriously. During the
first meeting with Mary Greeley, the County Board of Health, ISU, the City, and others will be
planning and partnering. This group will be focusing on continuity of service. It will be very
challenging, because it could happen to you, or happen in the Police Department, so officers
can’t patrol. The different agencies may have to suspend different programs. The City and
University do a great job partnering together and will be as ready as possible. Council Member
Betcher added that the Coronavirus is of concern of universities and colleges across the nation.
She urged the students to read President Wintersteen’s statement that had been sent out. The
President is asking for flexibility, if you do not have to be in class do not go when you are sick.
Do what you can to remain healthy.
Mayor Haila asked for feedback on how students get information about the City. He said they
understand that we can leverage technology more; however, they can only push out so much.
Student Government Member Heasley commented that they generally get news from the
newspaper or an on-line source, but in an emergency, goes to social media sites to check. The
app would be much better and should be pushed by all of us. Student Government Member
Ludwig hears about it from other people and local news sources. The app sounds great, and they
could work with ISU to push it alongside MyState. Student Government Member Hanyang
commented that going through the orientation process and downloading three apps when just
getting here at ISU may be a bit much. Feedback through email is good, but having forms that
students can submit would be nice and a good idea. Student Government Member Fritz said that
ISU uses texts sent to people; they have a text listserv, so if there was a way to subscribe to a
mass text listserv, that would help. Council Member Zastrow stated that if they needed to find
something out about Ames, they would go to the City’s Twitter. Also, the City could look into
doing a podcast. A good way is also an alert banner on the City of Ames Web site. Council
Member Martin stated that the app is designed as a reporting tool to let the City know about
problems. He noted that the Council did agree to look to adopt a civil app that can have all that
important information. One possibility that he has hopes for is collaborating with the MyState
app developer, but it hasn’t gotten anywhere yet. Student Government Member Johnson
commented that a user testing experience on the Ames Web site would be nice, as it is hard to
navigate the Web site.
Council Member Junck commented that they haven’t talked about having students connected to
regular business. She believes that they have great reporters that report on it, and input is
appreciated.
Ex officio Member Leeson said that he uses Twitter to get info quickly. He suggested that if the
City is interested in getting a lot of info out, it could get the email list from ISU to push-out that
info.
There being no further topics to be discussed at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes taken by Ryan Hillier
______________________________________ ____________________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 10, 2020
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00 p.m.
on March 10, 2020, 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 David Martin. Ex officio Member Devyn Leeson was also in attendance.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda.
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Special Meetings of February 18, 2020, and Regular Meeting
of February 25, 2020
3.Motion approving certification of Civil Service applicants
4.Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License - Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105
Grand Avenue
5.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Sips and Paddy's Irish
Pub, 126 Welch Avenue - pending dram shop
b.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (Carryout Beer),
and Sunday Sales - Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Avenue
6.RESOLUTION NO. 20-105 approving appointments to various Boards and Commissions
7.RESOLUTION NO. 20-106 approving reallocation of an unfilled Coal Handler FTE to create
a temporary 11th Auxiliary Operator position
8.RESOLUTION NO. 20-107 approving policy for external requests to use U. S. Hwy 30/S.
Dayton Avenue light towers
9.RESOLUTION NO. 20-108 approving Conflict of Interest Waiver for Ahlers & Cooney Law
Firm to represent the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU)
10.Request for Spring Fest on Friday, April 3, 2020, with a rain date of April 10, 2020:
a.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending License
for the closed area
b.RESOLUTION NO. 20-109 approving closure of Welch Avenue from 100 feet south of
the intersection of Chamberlain Street to Hunt Street from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
c.RESOLUTION NO. 20-110 approving closure of 14 metered parking spaces in the
closed area from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
11.Requests for Greek Week:
a.Greek Race on Sunday, March 29, 2020, with April 5, 2020, as rain date:
i.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the closed area from 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 29
ii.RESOLUTION NO. 20-111 approving closure of Ash Avenue from Sunset Drive to
Gable Lane, Sunset Drive from Ash Avenue to Gray Avenue, and the portion of Pearson
Avenue adjacent the Greek Triangle from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
b.Greek Week Olympics, Saturday, April 4, 2020, with April 5, 2020, as rain date:
i.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the closed area
ii.RESOLUTION NO. 20-112 approving closure of Sunset Drive; Ash Avenue from Gable
Lane to Knapp Street; Gray Avenue from Gable Lane to Greeley Street; Greeley Street;
Pearson Avenue from Sunset to Greeley; and Lynn Avenue from Chamberlain to Knapp
from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
12.Request from Campustown Action Association for Summerfest in Campustown on June 6:
a.Motion approving a 5-day Class B Beer License and Outdoor Service (June 5 - 9) for
Campustown Action Association, 304 Main Street
b.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
c.Motion approving blanket Vending License
d.RESOLUTION NO. 20-113 approving waiver of Vending License fee
e.RESOLUTION NO. 20-114 approving closure of the 200 block of Welch Avenue and
Chamberlain Street from Welch Avenue to the exist of Chamberlain Lot Y from 7:00
a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
f.RESOLUTION NO. 20-115 approving the closure of parking spaces in the 200 block of
Welch Avenue on Chamberlain Street between Welch Avenue and the Chamberlain Lot
Y exit, Welch Lot T, and Chamberlain Lot Y from 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
g.RESOLUTION NO. 20-116 approving waiver of parking meter fees for the closed area
h.RESOLUTION NO. 20-117 authorizing access to City-owned electrical outlets and
approving a waiver of fees for electricity used
13.RESOLUTION NO. 20-118 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Power Plant
Maintenance Services Contract; setting April 15, 2020, as bid due date and April 28, 2020, as
date of public hearing
14.RESOLUTION NO. 20-119 approving preliminary plans and specifications for CyRide 2020
Pavement Improvements - Middle School Turnaround Project; setting April 2, 2020, as bid due
date and April 14, 2020, as date of public hearing
15.RESOLUTION NO. 20-120 approving purchase of two Ford Escape SE Hybrid 4x4 vehicles
for the Administrative Division for CyRide from Ames Ford Lincoln of Ames, Iowa in the
amount of $53,840
16.RESOLUTION NO. 20-121 approving contract and bond for South Grand Avenue Extension
(0.1 miles North of South 16th Street North 0.54 Miles to South 5th Street)
17.RESOLUTION NO. 20-122 approving contract and bond for Homewood Golf Course
Clubhouse Project
18.RESOLUTION NO. 20-123 approving Plat of Survey for 2125 Greeley Street
19.RESOLUTION NO. 20-124 approving Plat of Survey for 224 Ash Avenue
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Linaya Wright and Maddi McCullough, Community Outreach Co-Directors for
the Iowa State Dance Marathon explained that Dance Marathon is the largest student-run organization
on the Iowa State Campus. The money they raise goes toward the University of Iowa Stead Family
Children’s Hospital. In the past two years, the Iowa State Dance Marathon made a promise to the
hemodynamics program at the Stead Family Hospital, which helps neonatal heart and lungs, to raise
$700,000 over the span of two years. Ms. Wright stated that they met that goal last year by raising
$340,000 at its final event of the year. Ms. McCullough explained that they wanted to extend an
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invitation to the Council to attend their “Tealgate” event on October 3, 2020. The event is a tailgate
for an away game where they will have live music, food trucks, games, and the Iowa State football
game played live on a jumbo screen. She mentioned that their goal is to spread their mission to the
Ames Community. Ms. Wright commented that they would look forward to any partnership that the
City of Ames would have with Dance Marathon, and would like to engage with a broader audience to
spread the mission of the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Ms. Wright asked the Council if they
thought of any ways that the ISU Dance Marathon could spread their mission or any businesses they
should reach out to for sponsorships, to send them an email with that information. A handout was given
to the Council Members that included the Tealgate information, their Big Event date of January 23,
2021, and Maddi McCullough and Linaya Wright’s email addresses. Council Member Gartin inquired
as to how many students were involved in the Dance Marathon. Ms. McCullough stated that last year
there were a little over 300 “Miracle Makers,” who are students who raise money and come to the
event, and then over 100 committee members and executive members.
Brett McLain, 1431 Douglas Avenue, Ames, stated he lives on the corner of 15th Street and Douglas.
He noted it was a big surprise to hear about the installation of sidewalks on 15th Street. Mr. McLain
mentioned he was invited to a meeting on January 30, 2020, which he attended, and noted it was a brief
meeting and blueprints were shown and nothing indicated sidewalks would be put in. After that meeting
no further communication was received until February 25 at 4:45 p.m. when he received a call from
City staff letting him know that the Council was going to speak about putting in sidewalks along 15th
Street at the City Council meeting that night. He was unable to make it to that meeting, and that is why
he wanted to speak tonight. Mr. McLain stated he is not sure what happened between the meeting on
January 30 until the meeting on February 25, and wondered if there was a “Plan A” and a “Plan B” and
all they were shown on the 30th was “Plan A.” He urged the Council to reverse the decision they made
on February 25 to install sidewalks on 15th Street, as no one on 15th street would like to have sidewalks
installed. He noted that the sidewalks would be relatively close to the houses, there would be a cost
to remove some of the trees, more snow removal, and not sure if the sidewalks would be utilized as the
streets are wide. The residents on 15th Street would like to work with City Council and would like to
have better communication going forward. A public forum was suggested to have the residents come
and speak regarding their concerns about the installation of sidewalks.
Merlin Pfannkuch, 1424 Kellogg Avenue, Ames, stated that he was unhappy with the process used to
foist sidewalks potentially on 14th and 15th Street for the requirement of connectivity, and it was
disheartening that most of the Council seemed unable to grasp what he is complaining about. He noted
that the attitude seems to be to “suck it up, and deal with it.” Mr. Pfannkuch thanked the Mayor and
Council Member Betcher for coming to the neighborhood to discuss the situation and to Council
Member Gartin for coming by as well. He acknowledged that the City can put in sidewalks in the rights-
of-way if that is what they want. Mr. Pfannkuch stated that the map that was shown at the last meeting
was not accurate and contrary to what the map showed. The residents do not want a sidewalk on the
south side of 15th Street. He also noted that Mr. Sayre, City Civil Engineer, told him that he never made
contact with Sherry Dickerson, who lives across the street from 1429 Kellogg Avenue, partially because
her lot had no large trees, yet the map showed her as consenting to a sidewalk. He doesn’t see what else
can be done besides separating the street resurfacing from whatever else may need to be done. Mr.
Pfannkuch stated that the way this item was handled by Council, pulling it from the Consent Agenda
and then deciding that night, was not adequate. He mentioned that he was told that the Council will not
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reconsider their vote, and it was satisfactory since it would have been how they would have voted
regardless if any of the neighbors appeared before the Council. He noted that the processes used by
Council need extensive reviewing for adequacy and fairness, and he is glad the Mayor is at least looking
at the City’s processes.
STAFF REPORT REGARDING MICROMOBILITY (MOTORIZED SCOOTERS): Assistant
City Manager Deb Schildroth stated that at the June 18, 2019, City Council meeting, the Council
directed staff to investigate how other cities have regulated micromobility transportation to
determine if there are ordinances that may be considered to offer this type of transportation in Ames.
Ms. Schildroth stated that there was a committee assembled that included Iowa State University
representatives, as well as City staff that included: Law Enforcement, Legal Staff, Parks &
Recreation, Transportation, the Traffic Engineer, and also the ISU Parking Division. She explained
that the committee pulled information together about what information had been heard or known
about this mode of transportation. The committee then started looking at what were some of the
positives and the concerns. The positives would be job creation, address a transportation need, some
reduction in carbon emissions over time, and compatibility with the goal of supporting multi-modal
forms of transportation. The concerns the committee had were the safety of the rider and public,
scooters being left randomly throughout the City on sidewalks and streets, where the scooters could
be ridden, who is going to handle enforcement, and that it may replace the physical activity that
comes with walking or bicycling.
Assistant City Manager Schildroth mentioned that she did have a discussion with a scooter company,
Bird Scooters. Bird Scooters was able to provide what they were doing in some other communities.
The company is working with city officials and university officials on what makes sense in that
community in regards to where the scooters are ridden, parked, safety, messages to residents and
students, and liability. Bird Scooters is also looking at geo-fencing and other options as to how
compliance can be forced. She noted that the company does offer a pilot project approach to see
what works for the community and what needs to be worked on. Outreach was done to five
university communities to collect and review examples of policies and ordinances that were being
used. When it comes to contracting with the scooter companies and longer-term policy development,
there are several issues for the City Council to consider:
1.Number of scooter companies allowed: The number of scooter companies allowed in the
community varied from city to city based on anticipated use determined by the city.
2.Number of scooters: The number of scooters allowed to be deployed is outlined in Agreements
that each city has with the scooter companies. Cities consider population, areas of operation,
and the number of intended riders when determining the number of scooters allowed.
3.Permitting: In addition to Operation Agreements with the scooter companies, all but one city
had implemented some type of permit requirement.
4.Areas and hours of operations and parking: The majority of the communities use geo-fencing
to control the areas where scooters can go, and the scooters are required to be parked upright
in an orderly manner on hard surfaces, such as existing sidewalk extension area, and cannot
obstruct the sidewalk for pedestrian travel, ADA ramps, fire hydrants, utility poles or box, etc.
Scooter operations varied from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some of the scooters have lights and
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reflective tape.
5.Policy and ordinance enforcement: Police and/or Code Enforcement staff are commonly used
in all of the communities to enforce scooter-related ordinances. The cities all shared situations
in which scooters were impounded. The issue of liability around the scooter use in the
community is being handled by including indemnity clauses in the Agreements between the
cities and scooter companies.
Council Member Martin stated that Iowa State University is opposed to having scooters on Campus,
and the ISU Student Government, in 2018 voted against it in some measure. He inquired as to if
there was more information as to why the Student Government voted against scooters. Ms.
Schildroth explained that she believed it was Bird Scooters that reached out to the Student
Government and the Student Government passed a resolution that they did not support or have
interest in scooters being in campus at that point in time. She noted that the representatives on the
committee also echoed that ISU Administration was not interested in having the scooters on Campus
at this time. Council Member Martin asked for clarification on what was considered “Campus” and
if it included the streets and sidewalks around Campus. Ms. Schildroth stated that was correct.
Council Member Corrieri inquired if ISU had an opinion about other university properties around
campus and how they could be used in those area. Ms. Schildroth stated they did not, but that would
be an enforcement issue.
Council Member Betcher asked if whether Bird Scooters was asked if there were any instances
where Bird Scooters was interested in going into a community, but the university said they would
not want them on Campus; therefore, they did not bring its business there. Ms. Schildroth stated
there were those situations, and then also times where the cities cancelled the contract and Bird
Scooters had to leave the city. Council Member Betcher also inquired whether, if ISU isn’t interested
in pursuing the scooters, would the Bird company still be interested in coming to Ames. Ms.
Schildroth stated there are limitations when there is not connectivity between the City and the
University. The thought is that there are areas where students could ride the scooters, but the
utilization would not be the same. Council Member Betcher inquired as to how much the other cities
had expended on enforcement. Assistant City Manager Schildroth explained she did not have that
information available for enforcement, but when a scooter company had applied for a permit or a
license there is an initial fee in some cities of $10,000 and then a per scooter fee is charged. Council
Member Junck asked if it would be possible to have the companies do their own enforcement instead
of it being City staff. It was noted that could be done as part of the Cities Agreement with the
scooter company. Ms. Schildroth noted that she was told that it was really important to make sure
the scooter company has a local representative and not a 1-800 number.
Council Member Martin stated that in other communities, scooter use is starting to replace walking
and other forms of transportation, and he wanted to know if there were any studies that show what
modes of transportation are being replaced through scooter use in similar communities. Ms.
Schildroth explained she had not seen any of those studies, and the only knowledge she has is
through communication with the communities and what they have observed through utilization.
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Council Member Betcher questioned if the other communities were asked what their impression was
regarding the success of their ordinance. Ms. Schildroth explained that many of them had ordinances
put in place, and have made changes, but what they could tell from conversations with the
communities, it was similar to putting a Band-Aid on issues that keep coming up and with the data
they are getting from the scooter companies will be able to make better policy and ordinance
decisions. She noted it is more of a fun factor right now and hasn’t really seen any real
transportation needs that it has addressed.
Fred Vogtlin, 819 Idaho Avenue, Ames, explained that he noticed this topic was going to be
discussed tonight and red flags came up in his mind. He was concerned about safety, especially
lighting at night, and recommends if having the scooters to allow them only during sunrise to sunset.
He noted that within the last 12-15 months he was glad to have his wife with him in the car as he
could have run over a couple of bicyclists that had no lighting or reflective clothing on. Mr. Vogtlin
stated he travels along Lincoln Way a lot and there are a lot of kids with skateboards. He explained
that along Lincoln Way, there are semi-trucks unloading in the morning and are parallel parking and
it is a mess. Mr. Vogtlin commented that he wasn’t sure if the City of Ames had ever had a
conversation with ISU about sharing an expense to create walkovers.
Mayor Haila asked the Council if there was any interest in continuing this conversation and having
a trial period, and if so, they would need to discuss policies, but if there is not an interest they can
move on.
Ex-officio Devyn Leeson stated he would like to clear one thing up regarding how students are
concerned. The decision that was made in 2018 from the Student Government, he felt that the main
concerns were that of safety, accessibility, blocking walkways, congestion, and uncertainty. He
explained that if you ask a group of people if they like an idea without giving any details, they are
going to assume the worst. Mr. Leeson stated if the City was going to develop a pilot program and
then go back to Student Government with the restrictions that have been placed on the scooter etc.,
there would be a lot more support with the Student Government. He noted that with students he has
heard only support for scooters as they think it would be fun. Mayor Haila asked Mr. Leeson if the
opinion of the overwhelming support for the scooters would apply even if the scooters were not
allowed on Campus. Mr. Leeson stated that off Campus there would be an overwhelming support,
and on Campus there would be a lot more support if there were restrictions and limitations already
in place, and to see a pilot program in place first. Ex-officio Leeson stated one of the most
compelling issues was the hindrance on students with disabilities and how they would be affected.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated this item is something that she brought up. She noted that
she is still in favor of bringing this to Ames and she understands everyone’s concerns about safety
and understands the risks, but she also thinks that there is a lot of really smart use of data, and
controls to try to minimize the risk and nuisances with the risk of scooters. Ms. Beatty-Hansen
explained that she thinks Iowa State students would use them a lot, but believes there is a big part
of the community that would use the scooters as well. She noted that ISU is even restrictive on
where they can have a bicycle and she hopes that maybe down the road ISU would change its mind.
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Ms. Beatty-Hansen still feels these scooters would be fun.
Council Member Gartin asked if Council Member Beatty-Hansen had received any feedback from
the Ames Bicycle Coalition as they would be a competing use for the multi-use trails. Ms. Beatty-
Hansen stated she did not.
Council Member Betcher stated that the University’s Council, the National Leagues of Cities, has
had presentations about scooters, conversations with Bird Scooters, and have heard from
communities. One thing they have heard is that visitors love to use the scooters, but the people who
live in the communities are left with the problems. Ms. Betcher stated that she believes this is due
to enforcement issues, and while this has improved some, due to geo-fencing, there are still scooters
that are left all over that still need to get impounded, etc. She explained that the enforcement has
been more reactive than solving the problem of scooters being left on sidewalks or where they don’t
belong. Council Member Betcher stated that they did get at least one email from a citizen explaining
that the reduction in carbon emissions is a false argument due to the short life span and what goes
into the production of the scooters. She noted that it is difficult to do a small pilot program if a
community wants only 150 scooters. Ms. Betcher stated she is very hesitantly supporting this
because she has heard too much about the problems elsewhere, and hasn’t heard enough about the
benefits.
Council Member Corrieri stated she agrees with Council Member Beatty-Hansen to try a pilot
program as there have been lessons learned in other communities and the technology has improved
to add restrictions and other things that can be done to mitigate some challenges. She noted that she
had several people come by her office today asking her to support the need for scooters in the
community.
Council Member Martin stated he is thinking about the policy pros and cons. The main pro to having
scooters is they are fun; however, there are significant risks associated with a program like this one.
Mr. Martin explained that one thing that would help really push to having a pilot program would be
if the Council was able to fully show that the presence of scooters in the community would really
reduce the percentage of solo car trips in town, but that information is not available. He explained
that scooter rental companies have been around for a while and he would have thought there would
be more data available that would show a benefit. Council Member Martin stated that if the Council
proceeds with a program, the City would be entering into a partnership with the scooter company.
He mentioned that when he reviewed some of the contracts that the companies have with their
customers, he is not impressed and doesn’t feel it would be a good benefit to the community.
Council Member Gartin stated he is concerned about what happens to the scooters when they are not
properly placed. He stated he was in San Antonio for a conference and the scooters were everywhere,
and he had asked the city staff in San Antonio how they dealt with it and was told they are having
a hard time getting people to put away the scooters. He doesn’t want to change the look of the
community when they are left everywhere. Council Member Gartin explained that he is very
concerned about how the scooters will interface with the walkers, runners, and cyclists on the bike
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trails. He noted he may be supportive of this later, but at this time he is having trouble getting
behind the idea.
Council Member Junck stated she would be supportive of having a pilot program, but she is not sure
if it would work in Ames as it is a smaller community compared to other cities that use them. She
pointed out that Iowa has long winters and the scooters wouldn’t be used during this time, and the
question about how that would be handled has not come up or has been answered yet. Ms. Junck
stated that a lot of the policy questions with enforcement and geo-fencing could be the answer. She
would be interested in doing a pilot program with limiting the number of scooters and the number
of companies that can come into Ames to start. By doing so the Council can understand how the
ordinance, polices, and enforcement will work.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen explained that she is supportive of a pilot program with heavy
controls in place.
Council Member Betcher stated that the Council have not discussed how having the scooters in the
city will affect people with disabilities, and run into scooters that are not supposed to be there,
whether in a wheelchair, blind, or any other mobility challenge.
Mayor Haila inquired if any of the other communities had ever made the decision to terminate an
Agreement with a scooter company, and if so what happened. Ms. Schildroth explained that the early
Agreements were terminated with a couple of the companies, and the communities followed the
termination clause, and then contracted with another company. She noted she can get more
information if needed, but she got the sense that once the scooters were in the community they were
there to stay. Mayor Haila commented that he had heard from one person that stated it was hard to
get a scooter company to leave.
Mayor Haila explained that he is trying to envision where the scooters would be ridden to and from
if they can’t go on Campus. Council Member Beatty-Hansen mentioned she thinks the perfect use
for the scooters would be from Campustown to Downtown or student living to Downtown. She
noted that the City of Ames has two separate business districts that often create a divide, but a
scooter ridden down 6th Street would be a path the scooters could take.
Council Member Betcher stated that if the Council voted “No,” it doesn’t prevent Bird or any other
company from coming in. Council Member Corrieri commented that is correct unless the Council
banned them by an ordinance. Council Member Betcher asked if an ordinance needs to be in place
regardless if a contract is done with a scooter company for a pilot program. City Attorney Mark
Lambert stated that any company could come in, but they would have to set up on private property
as they wouldn’t be able to set up in the rights-of-way. He commented that the City could put
something in place to ban scooters. Ms. Betcher mentioned that she is not suggesting banning
scooters, but asked if the City would still need ordinances in place because of the number of personal
electric scooters. Council Member Betcher wanted to clarify if the Council was voting to partner
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with someone to do a pilot program or voting to see if they need to put an ordinance in place for
electronic scooters. Ms. Beatty-Hansen stated that this vote would be whether or not the Council is
interested in a pilot program, which would be coming up with an ordinance, but if a motion fails to
do a pilot program, the Council would still want to make a motion to come up with a policy for
personal scooters.
Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert to explain what the City’s role would be in a pilot
program. Mr. Lambert stated that with a pilot program, a Request for Proposals (RFP) would be sent
out and a company would be selected to set up its services and see how it goes. Council Member
Betcher asked if the contracts would be viewed as a partnership. Attorney Lambert mentioned that
he had not looked at the contracts with the other companies yet, but his understanding is that the City
would permit a company to operate in the City. Ms. Schildroth noted that there would be a
permitting process, but the Agreements would cover the hours of operation, parking, deployment
locations, data sharing, etc. Council Member Betcher explained that she is trying to figure out the
relationship between the City and a scooter company as to if it is a partnership or not. Mr. Lambert
stated that the City would probably have a contract with a company that would have stipulations.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to pursue the development of a pilot
program for motorized scooters.
Vote on Motion: 3-3. Voting Aye: Corrieri, Junck, Beatty-Hansen. Voting Nay: Betcher, Gartin,
Martin. Motion failed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to come back with a list of topics for
a micromobility ordinance.
Council Member Gartin mentioned he would like to reach out to the Ames Bicycle Coalition, as a
courtesy, to show a draft of the micromobility ordinance for their input.
Vote on Motion 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Martin asked if the City’s Ordinance would make it clear that it would prevent a
company from doing ride-share commerce by leaving things in the rights-of-way. City Attorney
Lambert explained that nothing can be left in the right-of-way without the City’s permission. City
Manager Steve Schainker mentioned that the wording will be tricky.
STAFF REPORT REGARDING LAND USE POLICY PLAN REQUEST FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 802 DELAWARE AVENUE: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
explained that at the January 28, 2020, City Council meeting, the Council referred to staff a request
submitted by Justin Dodge with Hunziker Companies seeking to change the land use for the property
at 802 Delaware Avenue from Low-Density Residential to Medium-Density Residential. The
property is approximately .75 acres and accessed from Delaware Avenue. The Land Use Policy Plan
map shows this particular site and the immediately surrounding area as Low-Density Residential.
The property is currently zoned Residential Low-Density (RL), which allows for only single-family
9
residential uses.
The site is currently vacant with single-family homes to the north and south and a mix of two-family
and single-family homes to the west. The two-family homes are allowed as “Pre-existing” with RL
zoning and the nearest multi-family property is located approximately two blocks to the north.
Director Diekmann explained that what the real issue comes from the conversation about the Ames
Plan 2040 and what is infill for the future of Ames, and is that something that the City will be
looking at in the future. He noted that the word “infill” does not exist in Chapter 2 in the Land Use
Policy Plan (LUPP) until it was added with the Lincoln Corridor Plan. The idea of infill outside of
a larger sub-area plan is not really a notion that is included in the current Plan. This has been a
planned discussion as part of the Ames Plan 2040, but currently the LUPP does not give any
indication of how to address this issue. Mr. Diekmann stated that if the Council does move forward,
he would advocate for a Minor Amendment process.
Council Member Gartin commented that there has been consensus regarding infill from Council
about making it a priority. Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated she would feel the same way and
this would be a good opportunity for getting a little more density. She does want to be careful and
trust that the City will get the townhomes that are planned for the property. City Manager Steve
Schainker explained that the Council would not be able to do that at this time, but when the request
to rezone comes through then the Council could require a contract rezoning. Mr. Diekmann stated
that they could do that, but as they go through the process, they are going to learn more of how all
the regulations would apply to a site like this one. Council Member Beatty-Hansen just wanted to
clarify that there would be a step later that the Council would be able to require the townhomes. Mr.
Diekmann confirmed that was correct. Director Diekmann explained that the process would start
with the Council approving the initiation of the LUPP Amendment and then the property would
change to Medium-Density Residential; this will apply to the map and will allow the property owner
to apply for a medium-density rezoning. The medium-density rezoning allows for single-family
attached, which is individual lots for townhomes; however, there are minimum density standards,
set-backs, and other things about site work that will come into play, and how that will turn out with
the project has yet to be determined. Mr. Schainker inquired as to what new techniques are in the
new Plan that would facilitate a circumstance like this one. Mr. Diekmann stated the most likely tool
would be to not have a Planned Residence Development (PRD), which is a large scale planned
development, but have some idea of a small PUD or a small planned development permit that is not
a rezoning, but some kind of permit that would give some flexibility for attached housing.
Mayor Haila noted that there are duplexes across the street and there are probably not that many lots
in Ames where there is a similar situation. He is concerned that townhomes will be put up in single-
family areas, surprising the residents. Mr. Diekmann stated this is something that still needs to be
discussed. Mayor Haila wanted to know if the Ames 2040 Plan would give more tools in the toolbox
to work with instances such as this one. Mr. Diekmann stated the Ames 2040 Plan will not give the
rezoning tool, but will give the policy to support the zoning tool. Mr. Schainker asked, if the tool is
going to be made available later, would Mr. Diekmann recommend moving forward on this request
10
or waiting until that tool is available. Mr. Diekmann stated he has not worked through the site with
the developer at all so he would be speculating about what would or would not work.
Council Member Betcher stated she is concerned about outreach, especially after the comments made
earlier during Public Forum; and in this case, there has been no outreach. Mr. Diekmann explained
that there is no outreach that could be done at this point, but the process does still have a public
hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the meeting with City Council at the LUPP
level and then again with the rezoning and subdivision. He noted there will be plenty of time for
feedback from the neighborhood.
Council Member Gartin stated that his support for this project would be different depending on
where it is, but this location is unique with North Dakota on the east side, access to transportation,
and the higher density in the general vicinity. He noted that he gets comments all the time from
citizens asking for more townhomes.
Council Member Corrieri explained that the building type is a good discussion and how people view
townhomes is very different from how an apartment building is perceived. Mayor Haila agreed that
the whole spectrum of going from low density to medium density is a big change, and the need to
have some ironclad details on the process is expected.
Mayor Haila opened public comment.
Justin Dodge, 105 S. 16th Street, Ames, Hunziker Companies, stated he hoped the Council saw his
letter he emailed yesterday. He mentioned that when transitioning from a single-family home to
townhomes, he wanted to reference a location off of Mortensen on Big BlueStem Court. There are
two separate townhome projects that are flanked all the way around by single-family homes. Mr.
Dodge explained when looking at the townhomes, he thought they are unique and do get bought up
really quick. He explained that this would be a great test case to help the City find what kind of tool
is needed for future infill and that going through this process may help.
Public input was closed when no one else came forward.
Council Member Betcher stated she wished there was more certainty about the project that is going
to be put on this location, but if it is not possible to put a townhome there, and the property has been
rezoned, they could put anything on the property. Mr. Diekmann stated that at the rezone stage the
Council can ask for certainty. He commented that once they get to the rezoning stage knowing that
the Council is expecting some certainty, he is 100% sure that the applicant will be in with staff to
talk through what their choices are knowing they will never get a rezone without a buildable idea.
Mayor Haila noted that the Staff Report gave two options and inquired if those were still the two
options that Mr. Diekmann would recommend to Council. Director Diekmann stated that a third
option would be to create a rezoning tool and avoid the Land Use Policy Plan Amendment process,
if that is what the Council would prefer. He stated that Option 1 or 2 would be ideal for the property
11
owners as those tools are already in place.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to move Option 2; that directs staff to initiate an LUPP
Amendment to Medium-Density Residential.
Council Member Martin asked if it made sense that the Council should ask for more specifics about
the project considering the Council is indicating that when the project gets to the rezoning stage they
want to have some control to make sure it comes out acceptable. He asked if it would make sense
to ask the applicant to see something informally before they make a decision on an LUPP
Amendment. Mr. Diekmann stated that the Council can defer action on this item and ask the
applicant to visit with staff about a preliminary review. Mr. Martin inquired whether the Council did
ask for more information would it save any work for the Planning Staff. Mr. Diekmann stated it
would not; it would just reorder it.
Council Member Betcher explained that she will be voting “No” on this item, but not because she
doesn’t support infill. It will be because she prefers the idea of developing a tool that is going to be
used across the City opposed to rezoning one piece of land.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri Gartin, Junck, Martin. Voting Nay:
Betcher. Motion declared carried.
PLANNING & HOUSING DEPARTMENT WORK PLAN UPDATE: Planning and Housing
Director Kelly Diekmann explained that it had been about 18 months since the Council had reviewed
the Planning and Housing Work Plan. In that time, staff has started working on the Ames 2040 Plan
and the Council recently adopted new Values and Goals that changed certain Council priorities. The
Staff Report shows the items that the Council put on a committed list in 2018, and then the rest are
considered the “parking lot” list. He noted that based on the committed project list and the Councils
goals, he is not advocating to start another large initiative. He noted that if the Council Members
didn’t like where he placed an item on the Work Plan, they should let him know to move it up or
down.
Council Member Gartin noted that, when looking at the non-prioritized list, there are some items that
he no longer has an interest in. Council Member Corrieri questioned items listed that are four to five
years old and have not been done yet, whether there really is a need to keep it.
Council Member Betcher stated that the two older ones are about the Greek houses and if the
Council is reconsidering their incentives and revitalization then the review of demolition criteria
relating to life cycle evaluation, which is sustainability are more timely now than they were in the
past. She stated that she is adamant about leaving those two items on the list as a reminder that they
need to be discussed and worked on at some point.
Mayor Haila inquired if Attachment A, that showed tentative project milestones, is in priority order.
Mr. Diekmann stated they were not, but he tried to put them in to show the basic steps of each
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project.
Council Member Corrieri stated that Attachment A consists of items that should be left on the list,
but when looking at Attachment B, she questioned if there was something that needed to be added
to the Attachment A list or are there other items on Attachment B that need to be removed.
City Manager Steve Schainker stated if the Council wants to move anything from Attachment B to
Attachment A, they may need to remove something from Attachment A to allow staff the time to do
the projects. Mayor Haila asked if someone came in with a large project. Planning would come back
to Council to re-prioritize. Director Diekmann stated that if a project comes in that can go through
the normal established requirements, that would be top priority, but if something larger comes in
(example: Downtown Gateway Plan), the Planning and Housing Work Plan would come back to
Council for review.
Council Member Corrieri stated she didn’t remember what “review RH zoning and design
guidelines/standards” was and asked Mr. Diekmann for an explanation. Mr. Diekmann explained,
that in 2015, there were a lot of Land Use Policy Plan Amendments and the RH matrix was
developed. A RH rezoning checklist and one of the follow-up items was to look at adding design
standards for apartment buildings; that is what this item was.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to remove the “Review RH zoning and design
guidelines/standards” from the non-prioritized list (Attachment B).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Corrieri asked for a reminder as to what “Update the Planned Residential
Development” was for. Mr. Diekmann stated it came out of a discussion about Rose Prairie, and it
was a staff response to whether PRD’s were workable or not. He noted that the City does not see a
lot of these instances.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to remove the “Update the Planned Residential
Development” from the non-prioritized list (Attachment B).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Martin asked for a brief explanation about the “William Underwood Fringe Plan
Industrial Amendment & Annexation Dayton Avenue.” Mr. Diekmann stated when he gets to the
draft land use map and shows this property on it, he will remove this item from the list. He
mentioned that staff received a request about two years ago for just north of the current BASF Plant
on Dayton to allow the land to be annexed into the city and there was not an immediate need so they
planned on adding in when doing the Ames Plan 2040. He will be able to check this item off soon.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to remove the “Request for the Planning staff to reach out
to engineers in the community to solicit feedback about proposed changes to the new Landscape
Ordinance after the other priority projects of the Council have been completed.” from the non-
13
prioritized list (Attachment B).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to remove the “Review Downtown Facade Program
Requirements and consider “Development Grants.” from the non-prioritized list (Attachment B).
Council Member Corrieri inquired as to why that item says it would take anywhere from 40-200
hours. Director Diekmann stated that the 200 hours would be to recreate the entire program where
the shorter hours are just changing some items from the list. Mayor Haila asked if it would be
helpful, if this motion fails, to give more specifics.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to revise the wording of “Review Downtown Facade
Requirements and consider Development Grants,” to “Review Downtown Facade Program
Requirements.”
Council Member Betcher stated that in her conversations with Drew Kamp he had indicated that the
feeling about the facade grants has shifted since the first request came in, so shifting what the
Council is specifying makes sense.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila asked for an explanation about the “Review zoning requirements for landscaping on
private property to determine if they are compatible with CPTED principles.” Director Diekmann
advised that this item was something that the Police Chief asked the Council to add to the Planning
& Housing Work Plan as it means Community Policing through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Council Member Gartin asked if there was any interest in keeping the first two items on the list.
Council Member Betcher stated she will make the same argument to leave the two items on the list
as she does believe they relate to the ongoing discussions about sustainability and what the City is
incentivising. She noted that it doesn’t hurt to leave them on the list.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to remove the first two items from the non-prioritized list
(Attachment B).
Vote on Motion: 2-4. Voting Aye: Gartin, Corrieri. Voting Nay: Betcher, Junck, Martin, Beatty-
Hansen. Motion failed.
Council Member Betcher asked if the requested staff memo regarding the old KFC lot on Lincoln
Way would be something that the Council could get. Mr. Diekmann stated this item is related to the
Squeaky Clean site that remains zoned DGC after the change of the corner property. Ms. Betcher
stated it shows it would take ten hours to complete and wanted to know if that could be done and
removed from the list. Director Diekmann stated it could and suggested putting it on Attachment
14
A. Council Member Martin stated that this whole situation is due to the Downtown Gateway Project
that is in the queue right now. He would like to take care of it eventually, but recommended seeing
how things unfold first.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to approve the Planning & Housing Work Plan, as amended.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared unanimously.
Council Member Gartin noted it had been awhile since the Council had seen the Planning & Housing
Work Plan, and asked if it could be brought back to the Council every year. Council Member
Corrieri stated it would be helpful to have the Planning & Housing Work Plan during the same time
as the Council Goal setting. Mayor Haila explained that it is easy to refer items to staff and not
realize all the items on the Departments list that need to be completed, and seeing the Work Plan
more often will help. Director Diekmann stated that he can send it to the Council every six months,
and if they want to change anything, it can be brought before a Council meeting.
HEARING ON GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE AND REFUNDING
BOND ISSUES: Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. He closed the hearing after there was no
one wishing to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-125 entering into
a Loan Agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $23,500,000 and authorizing Debt Service
Levy.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 BUDGET: The Mayor opened
the public hearing and closed it after there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-126 amending the Budget
for the current Fiscal Year ending on June 30, 2020.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ADOPTION OF FY 2020/21 BUDGET: The public hearing was opened by the
Mayor. He closed the hearing after no one asked to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-127 approving the FY
2020/21 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE IV ROAD AND
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: The public hearing was opened by Mayor Haila and
15
closed after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-128 approving the final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$2,823,757.81.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON FUEL FORWARDING PUMP HOUSE FIRE PROTECTION UPGRADE AT
POWER PLANT: Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. He closed the hearing after there was
no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-129 approving the final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to The Waldinger Corporation of West Des Moines,
Iowa, in the amount of $129,071.00.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON EAST INDUSTRIAL UTILITY EXTENSION: City Manager Steve Schainker
explained that staff is not asking for the Council to award the project, but only to accept the report
of bids at this time. This will give staff time to speak with the design engineers to see why the project
came in over budget. Public Works Director John Joiner stated they will be talking with the
consultant and staff to reach out to the bidders to see what their thought processes were when putting
in their numbers and to see what the options are.
Council Member Gartin wondered if there was some kind of physical barrier as typically this is a
process of time and unit prices. Director Joiner stated that is exactly what they need to find out and
if there are any potential modifications that can be made. Mr. Gartin stated there are some timing
issues with this project and asked what the process would be to rebid. Mr. Joiner stated it would
depend on how extensive the time to redesign would be. If staff was confident they could do a
redesign within the budget and what the scope of the redesign would be, they would expedite it.
Council Member Gartin wanted to know if there was any feedback from Dan Culhane about the
timing of this project. Mr. Schainker stated he is sure they would want the project to be done as soon
as possible, but the bids came in way over budget for the City to recommend proceeding with
awarding the project at this time. Council Member Gartin inquired if the project was rebid would
there be opportunities to cast the net wider to see if more bids could come in. Director Joiner stated
they if they are able to find out what lead to only the two bidders, they can change that in the project
scope. Mayor Haila commented that he is concerned about the workforce as there are not enough
construction workers anymore, and this may cause a problem in the future.
The public hearing was opened by the Mayor. He closed the hearing after no one asked to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to accept the report of bids for the East Industrial Area
16
Utility Extension Project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON CYRIDE 2020 HVAC IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: The Mayor opened the
public hearing and closed it after there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-130 approving the
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Mechanical Comfort, Inc., of Ames, Iowa,
in the amount of $539,500 for the base bid.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE INCREASING WATER RATES BY 2% AND SEWER RATES BY 5%,
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020: Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn highlighted a few
points from the FY 2020-21 Water and Sewer Rate presentation. He noted that there have been some
years when there had not been any rate increases at all, and last year there was a 7% adjustment to
the water rate. He explained that over the past five years, the water increases have averaged 2.9%
per year and the sewer increases have increased 1.6% per year. Director Dunn then reviewed the
1999-2019, Iowa trends in water rates for cities with populations greater than 10,000 with lime
softening and consuming 600 cubic feet (cf) per month. City Manager Steve Schainker asked where
the rural water rate would be in comparison to the City’s water rates. Mr. Dunn mentioned that
Xenia Rural Water’s bill would be around $80-90 for the 600 cf per month where the City of Ames,
for the same consumption, would be around $27. Council Member Martin noted that when he looked
at the graph it shows that the City of Ames was slightly above the median and now has been below
it for the past few years. He wanted to know if something changed to explain the transition or was
it just overall excellence. Mr. Dunn explained that over the over the 20-year period of time the
envelope of rates has become very broad. Part of it are cities that are growing and have been added
to the survey of cities with populations over 10,000, and the smaller systems tend to have higher
rates. Mr. Schainker mentioned that some cities have had major capital improvements before the
City of Ames did them, and this timing could have changed the data.
Director Dunn explained that every year staff does a rate model, where they put in the capital
expenses and projecting operating expenses. He then showed what would happen in ten years if
there were no rate adjustments, and then showed what the rate model would like with the projected
rate increases. Mr. Schainker stated they raise the rates in order to cover operating costs and capital
over a period of time. Mayor Haila inquired as to what would happen when Prairie View is up and
running, if there is a need to increase capacity, and how would this factor in when planning to
increase the gallons per day that is put out. Mr. Dunn explained that in the model he had not made
any assumptions about any major growth in consumption.
A sample of a customer’s bill for residential use was shown using the proposed increase of 2% for
water and 5% for sewer with 600kWh of electricity used and 600 cf of water used. Before the
increase, the bill would be $136.48 and after the percentage increases it would change to $138.41
17
for a total impact of a 1.41% increase.
Mayor Haila opened public comment. No one came forward and it was closed.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an Ordinance increasing the
water rates by 2% and sewer rates by 5%, effective July 1, 2020.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila mentioned that the first
item was a Memo from Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann regarding a referral request
for front-yard parking standards at 2030 Country Club Boulevard.
Moved by Betcher, Corrieri, to ask the Mayor to indicate that the Council has no interest in pursuing
the request for front-yard parking. Vote on Motion: 5-0-1. Voting Aye: Betcher, Junck, Corrieri,
Martin, Beatty-Hansen. Voting Nay: None. Abstaining due to Conflict of Interest: Gartin. Motion
declared carried.
The second request was a request from the Story County Board of Supervisors asking to extend the
Ames Urban Fringe Plan by one year (July 11, 2022). City Manager Steve Schainker noted that no
action is required tonight, but will need to place the extension on a future agenda.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to put the extension request on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila noted that the third item was a letter from Mediacom about the change in channel
selections. It was for information purposes only.
Mr. Schainker noted that the email from Matt Shuey requesting to have staff review the intersections
of South Wilmoth and Tripp Street as well as South Franklin and Tripp Street does not need to be
referred. He explained that Public Works Director John Joiner has already completed a memo in
regards to this request, and he will send it out to the rest of the Council. No further action is needed.
Item 5 was a staff report from the Planning and Housing Department regarding identified
deficiencies with the Sign Ordinance. City Manager Steve Schainker stated that this item has already
been taken care of as it was incorporated earlier into the Planning and Housing Work Plan. Council
Member Corrieri mentioned that the Council still needed to give direction as the Staff Report asked
for Council to choose from “Option A” or “Option B”. Director Diekmann stated that “Option A”
was a limited scope and was reflective of a shorter time frame and would make a few changes where
“Option B” would be the full scope of where all concerns are addressed and a more complete modern
Sign Code would be created. However, that this process would take 12 months. Council Member
Martin stated that he doesn’t feel any urgency and would rather go slower and more
comprehensively.
18
Moved by Martin, seconded by Corrieri, to go with “Option B,” which states that staff would prepare
changes for Items 1-2 on the Staff Report for Council to review. This process would involve
additional research and outreach beyond Option A as it would create a more complete modern Sign
Code.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher stated she just got back from the National
League of Cities Conference and she did pick up on some additional tips on diversity, inclusion, and
equity in Emergency Management that she will be passing onto the Council.
Council Member Gartin stated that a memo was sent out from ISU President Wintersteen about
exploring the possibility of delivering classes over the internet. A number of institutions are closing
during the duration of the virus. He wanted to thank the City staff for the proactive planning.
Ex Officio Leeson explained that he had heard from two teachers and isn’t sure if this is the same as
what President Wintersteen had said, but he believes there is the impression that classes are going
to be moved to online at least for two weeks following Spring Break, and then monitored from there.
Mayor Haila wanted to give his appreciation to the City staff, Mary Greeley Medical Center, ISU,
Ames Community School District, Story County, and other partners as a lot of time has been spent
on the planning and preparing for an outbreak of the COVID-19. There is a link on the City of Ames
website with information.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
19
REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
General Description Change Original Contract Total of Prior Amount this Change Contact
Electric
Services Works, Inc.
Services Overhaul
the Selection of an Access
Management System
Group
Period:
Item #3
Smart Choice
515.239.5133 non-emergency
515.239.5130 Administration
515.239.5429 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Police Department
MEMO
To: Mayor John Haila and Ames City Council Members
From: Lieutenant Tom Shelton, Ames Police Department
Date: March 5, 2020
Subject: Beer Permits & Liquor License Renewal Reference City Council Agenda
The Council agenda for March 24, 2020 includes beer permits and liquor license
renewals for:
Special Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Mongolian Buffet, 1620 S
Kellogg Ave #103
Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Dangerous Curves, 111 5th St.
Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Cinemark Movies 12, 1317 Buckeye
Avenue
Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Cornbred BBQ,
526 Main Street Ste 106
Class B Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Radisson Ames, 2609 University
Blvd
A review of police records for the past 12 months found no liquor law violations for any
of the above locations. The Ames Police Department recommends renewal of licenses
for all the above businesses.
Item # 4
1
ITEM # ___5____
DATE 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ASSET SHARED FUNDER PRIORITIES
BACKGROUND:
On May 1, 2019 the City Council met with other ASSET funders to discuss the funders’
expectations and vision for the ASSET partnership. The consistent themes that
emerged from the discussion include:
1. Limitations to ASSET funds
2. Integrate a needs assessment into ASSET
3. Establish shared funder priorities
4. Establish core services and supplemental services
5. Establish shared outcomes
Since the May 2019 meeting, ASSET staff have been with working through themes
such as having involvement with the survey and data collection for the 2020 community
needs assessment, reviewing and utilizing shared outcomes from Clear Impact
Scorecard in the FY 2020/21 allocation process, and now preparing to develop a
proposed set of shared funder priorities for funder consideration.
The first step in developing a shared set of priorities is for each funder to assign
their current priorities to the ASSET service categories of Education, Income, and
Health. These are the same categories that services are assigned to within the ASSET
process. This step is intended to assist with organizing where the priorities may cluster,
thus creating a list of potentially shared funder priorities for further discussion and
consideration.
ASSET Service
Category
City
Priority Area
City
Service Priorities
on Low to Moderate Income
Activities
•
• Disaster Response
• Skill Development &
Enhancement
• Summer Enrichment/Prevention
2
ASSET Service
Category
City
Priority Area
City
Service Priorities
Income Meet Basic Needs with Emphasis
on Low to Moderate Income
•
assistance
• Sheltering
• Transportation
•
Dependency Needs
•
and Treatment in the
Community
• Outpatient Emergency Access
to Services
• Crisis Intervention Services
• Access to Non-emergency
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Confirm the assignments of the current City priorities to the ASSET service
categories and direct staff to communicate the Council’s position to other funders
in order to work towards a proposed set of shared priorities.
2. Amend the assignments and direct staff to communicate the Council’s position to
other funders in order to work towards a proposed set of shared priorities.
3. Do not confirm the assignments of the current City priorities to the ASSET
service categories.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ASSET staff has been addressing the themes identified during the May 2019 Joint
Funders meeting and is beginning the process of having funders determine a set of
shared funding priorities. This is one of the opportunities that funders have to implement
changes to the ASSET process and achieve desired outcomes.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby confirming the assignment of the City’s priorities described
above and directing staff to work with other funders to develop a proposed set of shared
funding priorities.
1
ITEM #: _6
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE FOR NEW SANITARY SEWER AND
WATER SERVICES AT 308 SOUTH WALNUT AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
On February 27, 2020, a site plan was approved for a new apartment building at 308
South Walnut Avenue. As part of this plan, new sanitary sewer and water service
connections are needed. The water main exists along the east edge of S Walnut Ave
and the sanitary sewer main is near the centerline of the street (see attached map). Due
to the location of the sanitary sewer main, this work will require the closure of
both lanes of South Walnut Ave between South 3rd St and South 4th St for two (2)
calendar days to safely accommodate the water and sewer service installations
(see attached map).
The Municipal Code requires that City Council approve temporary closures of streets
that are classified as arterials or are active CyRide routes, which is the case with South
Walnut Avenue (Blue Route #3).
Pending weather conditions, the contractor, Keith Cooper & Sons Inc., has proposed to
begin work on Wednesday, March 25th and will notify the affected residents. Access to
area residences will be maintained at all times. If the work is completed sooner than the
requested 2-day closure, the street will be re-opened to traffic.
CyRide has been notified and will re-route bus service during the street closure.
The detour route has not yet been determined by CyRide.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the closure of Walnut Avenue, as noted on the attached map, to
facilitate the new water and sewer service installations at 308 South Walnut Ave.
2. Direct staff to work with the contractor to determine alternate dates to conduct
the sewer service installation.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By granting this closure of Walnut Avenue, City Council would be facilitating the
development of this property.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
S 4TH ST
S 3RD ST
S
W
A
L
N
U
T
A
V
E
ST
O
N
E
H
A
V
E
N
D
R
Temporary Street Closure308 S Walnut Ave Sanitary Sewer & Water Service Installation(Cyride Blue Route #3)N 1 inch = 100 feetDate: 3/10/2020
TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE AREA
308 S Walnut Ave
ATTACHMENT A
ITEM: ___7___
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF 2019 ANNUAL CLG REPORT
BACKGROUND
Under the Certified Local Government (CLG) Agreement with the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO), local governments and their Historic Preservation Commissions are responsible
for submitting an annual report documenting the Commission’s preservation work during the
previous calendar year. The other purpose of the report is to document that the Commission has
met the requirements of the CLG program and is in good standing. The report also includes a
work plan for the upcoming year. The Commission met on February 10, 2020, and documented
their accomplishments for 2019, and developed their Work Plan for 2020, based upon their
priorities as a Commission.
Beginning this year, the state requires that a representative of the historic preservation
commission present these details of the report to the City Council and have the mayor
acknowledge completing this requirement. Attached is the portion of the CLG Report that
addresses the successes and challenges of the previous calendar year (2019), and the 2020
Work Plan, as prepared by the Ames Historic Preservation Commission. Approval by the City
Council is requested, a formal presentation is not required to meet SHPO’s requirement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the 2019 accomplishments of the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC), and the Work Plan for 2020, as described in the 2019 Certified Local
Government Report.
2. The City Council can approve the 2019 accomplishments of the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC), and the Work Plan for 2020, as described in the 2019 Certified Local
Government Report, with modifications.
3. The City Council can refer the 2019 CLG Report back to the Historic Preservation Commission
(HPC) and/or staff for revisions.
CITY MANAGERS RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The HPC has documented their accomplishments for 2019, and have developed a 2020 Work
Plan that represents their priorities for the current calendar year. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1.
ATTACHMENT A
8. Did your historic preservation commission undertake any of the following activities during the
calendar year? Please think broadly about this question and describe any activity (small or large) that
facilitated historic preservation in your community. This is your opportunity to boast about your
accomplishments and get credit for the great work you do!
a. Historic preservation planning. Examples include the development or revision of a preservation
plan, input into your community’s comprehensive plan, etc.
• In 2019, the Ames City Council funded the Ames Historical Society $43,300 for the following
contracted services:
o Presented 65 presentations and open houses, to be hosted at the Ames History Center
and in locations throughout the community;
o Took the history trailer to 8 community events or elementary school visits;
o Responded to no fewer than 350 research requests;
o Hosted at least 1,500 public open hours (30 hours per week) at the Ames
History Center, with at least 1,500 visitors;
o Cataloged at least 1000 historical Ames collections objects;
o Presented 7 new exhibits; and
o Collaborated with no fewer than 7 partnering community organizations to conduct
special projects, host events, and/or present programs.
• In 2019, the Ames City Council approved a fiscal year 2019/20 budget of $2000 for historic
preservation activities. The funding is to be used for training and conferences for members of the
Ames Historic Preservation Commission, as well as for the Historic Preservation Annual Awards
Program, tours, brochures and other educational programs.
• The Historic Preservation Commission is continuing the process of reviewing the 10-year Ames
Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan, adopted in November, 2009.
b. Is historic preservation a component of your community’s comprehensive plan? The City of Ames
currently has a Land Use Policy Plan adopted in 1997. Historic preservation is mentioned several times
within chapter goals and or objectives. Currently underway is the Ames Plan 2040 process. The result of
this process will be a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Ames through the year 2040. Historic Preservation
will be a component of the new plan.
c. Provided technical assistance on historic preservation issues or projects. Examples include
working with individual property owners, business owners, institutions to identify appropriate
treatments and find appropriate materials, research advice, etc. Please be specific to the
property, identify the individuals involved and what assistance was provided.
• Members of the Ames Historic Preservation Commission and City staff met with the individual owners
of properties (or their representatives) in the Old Town Historic District to review a request for an
amendment to an existing Certificate of Appropriateness for the alteration of a contributing garage at
320 9th Street; a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition to the rear of a house and
relocation of a contributing garage at 821 Clark Avenue; and a request to approve a one-year extension
to an existing Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of a front porch at 802 Burnett
Avenue. Certificates of Appropriateness were issued by the Commission for each of these. City staff
also approved Certificates of Appropriateness for a fence at 704 Burnett Avenue; removal of asbestos
and exterior alterations including removal and replacement of siding, windows and doors at 712
Burnett Avenue; and authorized a one-year extension for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a porch
addition at 320 9th Street.
• The new webpage materials are not only an educational tool for public awareness on the value and
benefit of historic preservation, but also provide technical assistance to the public with readily
accessible materials:
o National Historic Registration Listing with updated and expanded information and photos
o Local Landmarks & Historic Districts with updated and expanded information and photos,
including site inventory forms
o Certificate of Appropriateness with information on when it is required (including a map
showing the location of the Old Town Historic District) and the associated design criteria of
each landmark and local district
o Ames’ Historic Preservation Commission
o Current Agenda and Supporting Documents
o Meetings Archive
o Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan & Report
o Educational Videos
o Pertinent data and links for information on preservation grants and financial incentives for
historic preservation
o Links to resource materials, including Sanborn Maps
d. Sponsored public educational programming in historic preservation. Examples include training
sessions offered to the public, walking tours, open houses, lectures, Preservation Month
activities, etc.
• The 2019 Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program Nominations were sought in January-
February, with two awards granted in March in the categories of “Adaptive Reuse” and
“Restoration”. Awardees were honored at the City Council Meeting held on April 23, 2019.
• A proclamation in observance of May National Historic Preservation Month was made by Mayor
Haila at the April 23, 2019, the City Council meeting.
• The following 4 people attended 2019 Preserve Iowa Summit in Newton, Iowa, held on June 6-8,
2019:
o Peter Hallock, Ames Historic Preservation Commission;
o Ted Grevstad Nordbrock, Ames Historic Preservation Commission (Ted was a presenter at the
conference); and,
o Ray Anderson, City Staff Liaison to the Ames Historic Preservation Commission
o Eloise Sahlstrom, City Staff Alternate Liaison to the Ames Historic Preservation Commission
• During the month of August, the City Hall Lobby display window showcased Historic Preservation
within the City of Ames.
• The new Historic Preservation webpage includes educational videos and links to self-guided
walking tours and resources.
9. Are there any particular issues, challenges, and/or successes your preservation commission has
encountered or accomplished this year?
Successes-
• The City of Ames continues to provide funding to the Ames Historical Society for a variety of
services including education and research.
• Representation from Ames at the 2019 Preserve Iowa Summit in Newton: 3 attendees and 1
presenter.
• Granting Certificates of Appropriateness. Review of applications resulted in 4 Certificates of
Appropriateness being issued and 2 extensions.
• New Historic Preservation webpage within the City of Ames webpage, which made it a robust tool
for public awareness about historic preservation and its economic benefits.
Challenges-
• Use of the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan as a working document.
• Lack of continuity from meeting to meeting.
What partnerships did your commission form or continue with other entities? (examples include local
main street office, historical society, library, museum, etc.) The City and Commission continued its
partnership with Ames History Museum which in turn partners with the at least seven partnering community
organizations including Ames History Center, school districts serving Ames’ students, and Ames Public
Library. In addition, the City maintains a strong connection with Ames Main Street and Iowa State
University.
13. Each commission should develop a work plan for the coming year. This work plan should include the
project(s), initiatives and programs you plan to begin or complete. Please attach your work plan to your annual
report.
2020 WORK PLAN
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC CONCERNING THE VALUE AND BENEFIT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
• Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information
o Collaborate with the Ames Historical Society and Iowa State University on resources and
possible joint projects
Explore new ways to involve Iowa State University students in historic preservation
for the community
• Continue with training funding and developing educational resources about Ames history & historic
resources.
o Participate in networking and educational opportunities afforded by the Preserve Iowa
Summit 2019, June 4-6 in Dubuque.
Have a strong presence in attendance from Ames
• Continue Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards Program, and present awards with the
Mayor at an Ames City Council meeting in April, or May.
• Continue to recognize May as Preservation Month with a Proclamation by City Council.
• Seek speakers for presentations of timely preservation topics in Ames.
PROMOTE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND VITALITY OF THE CITY THROUGH HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
• Partner with Ames Main Street to offer a presentation on the use of tax credits available for
properties in both the Old Town Historic District and the Ames Main Street Historic District.
• Continue granting Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely manner. Make resources readily
available to enable the public to be more aware and compliance more easily understood with design
guidelines and design standards.
• Design and install two permanent signs on either end of Main Street showing ‘before’ and ‘now’ views
of our historic Main Street, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
COMPLETE REVIEW OF CHAPTER 31 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTED IN 2015.
• Review current procedures for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Convey text amendments to the City Council for consideration.
CONTINUE TO USE THE AMES COMPREHENSIVE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN AS A WORKING DOCUMENT
• Complete update of goals, objectives and action steps
• Prioritize updated goals, objectives and actions steps and present to the City Council for adoption.
• Review proposed Comprehensive Plan (Ames Plan 2040) in the summer of 2020.
ITEM # __8___
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CENTRAL IOWA WASTE MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION 2020 COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
BACKGROUND:
The Resource Recovery System is governed by the City of Ames City Council in
accordance with an approved 28E Agreement with the unincorporated areas of Story
County, Iowa State University, and all cities in Story County with exception of Collins,
Colo and Sheldahl. The agreement calls for the Resource Recovery System (RRS) to
provide for the disposal of the solid waste generated by the involved agencies. One
element of that disposal is meeting the regulations that deal with comprehensive
planning. In the late 1980’s, the City and the members of the RRS, joined with the
Boone County Landfill and its members to form the Central Iowa Waste
Management Association. The association is required to submit updates to the
comprehensive plan every five years to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The attached document is the eighth update to the original plan. This plan update
details the existing integrated solid waste management system, as well as any
changes or additions that have occurred since the last plan update. Although
certain elements of the planning process have changed over the years, the
general purpose of the process is for RRS and BCL to work together for mutual
benefit.
The planning area continues to examine options for handling waste generated through
construction and demolition waste activities. Building demolition has become a more
prevalent activity in our planning area and it is important that the planning area facilitate
and/or provide pro-active strategies to handle this waste stream.
In order to receive input on the Plan, a draft version was sent out to each agency in the
planning area. Following that, three public meetings were held. Input at the meetings
was supportive and did not result in any changes to the updated Plan.
The DNR requires that the agencies involved with the Comprehensive Plan enact
a Resolution of Support for the Plan. Because the City of Ames administers the
28E Agreement for the RRS agencies, that requirement can be met for all of the
agencies with City Council approval of the supporting resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update for the Central Iowa Waste
Management Association.
2. Reject the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update and direct staff to modify the
document.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manger that the City Council adopt Alternative No.
1, as noted above.
ITEM # ___9___
Date: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CYRIDE BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS
CONSULTING SERVICES
BACKGROUND: In June 2018, CyRide issued RFP 2018-214 for consulting services
to help the agency develop a strategy for introducing battery electric buses into the fleet.
Two firms submitted responses to the RFP and the Center for Transportation and the
Environment (CTE) was determined to be the most qualified firm through an evaluation
of their qualifications.
CTE presented a deployment roadmap to the Ames Transit Board of Trustees in
February 2019 and assisted staff with applying for a grant to purchase two electric
buses. In July 2019, it was announced that CyRide would be awarded a $1.6 million
Low-No Grant to purchase the buses. The awarded grant will also pay for 80% of any
consulting fees for the project. The battery electric bus project is listed in the FY2019-
2024 CIP. CyRide is now ready to move forward with developing specifications to
purchase the buses and staff needs additional technical assistance from CTE.
CTE has proposed a fee of $145,000 to accomplish the next series of tasks for
deploying electric buses in Ames. These tasks range from developing specifications and
assisting with the procurement of the buses to evaluating the performance of the buses
once they are in service. The Ames Transit Agency Board approved using CTE for
additional consulting services when the battery electric bus project and budget were
approved in April 2019.
The total battery electric bus project cost is $2,137,900. The bulk of the cost associated
with the project will be used to pay for two battery electric buses and modifications to
CyRide’s facility. The budget for the project element associated with consulting
services is detailed below.
CyRide has accumulated the local match for the entire battery electric bus project.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to the Center for Transportation and the Environment of
Atlanta, GA for battery electric bus consulting services in an amount not to
exceed $145,000.
2. Reject the award request and direct staff to issue a request for proposal.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Alternative No. 1 will allow CyRide to contract for needed consulting services to assist
with the deployment of battery electric buses in Ames.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby approving contract award to the Center for Transportation and
the Environment of Atlanta, GA in a not to exceed amount of $145,000.
above.
ITEM : 10
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH WHKS & CO. FOR
CONSTRUCITON OBSERVATION SERVICES FOR THE IOWA STATE
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE IV PROJECT
BACKGROUND:
The ISU Research Park Phase IV Project includes the paving of approximately 1,570 feet
of South Riverside Drive (with shared use path), 1,860 feet of Collaboration Place (with
on-street bike lanes), the extension of sanitary sewer and water main, and the installation
of electric service improvements and street lighting.
On April 9, 2019, a professional service agreement with Shive Hattery Inc. was approved
for the design of the ISU Research Park Phase IV Project, and project construction was
awarded to Con-Struct Inc. on March 10, 2020.
Because construction observation services were not included in the design
contract with Shive Hattery Inc., a separate Request for Proposals (RFP) was sent
out on January 16, 2020 for those services. In addition, because this project is
funded with federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) and state
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grants, the RFP followed the federal aid
approved procurement process.
Prior to the proposal deadline of February 13, 2020, two (2) proposals were received and
evaluated with the following results:
Consultant Score
Although CGA received a higher score, the EDA determined that CGA would not be
eligible for EDA grant reimbursement because they had completed the Preliminary
Engineering Report for this project. Therefore, City staff worked with the other
qualified firm, WHKS & Co., to draft a Professional Service Agreement (PSA)
(Attachment 1) for construction observation services for this project, not to exceed
$253,800. This contract agreement meets Federal requirements and has been
reviewed and approved by the City’s legal department and the EDA.
Funding Source Available Funding Estimated Expenses
Iowa DOT (RISE) $1,812,091
Department of Commerce (EDA) $1,743,558
G.O. Bonds (TIF Abated) $ 314,204
City of Ames Electric $ 135,000
Engineering/Admin $ 545,720.00
Construction $2,823,757.81
TOTAL $4,004,853 $3,369,477.81
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Professional Service Agreement with WHKS & Co. for construction
observation services for the ISU Research Park Phase IV Project in an amount not
to exceed $253,800.
2. Reject the agreement.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The ISU Research Park continues to be an important economic development area for the
region. Approval of this agreement will allow the construction and associated inspection
of this project to begin.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
1
ITEM # __11 __
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2020/2021 POWER PLANT MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Electric Utility has two gas-fired, high-pressure steam generation units within the
City’s Power Plant, referred to as Units No. 7 and 8. These units require regular
professional maintenance and repair. This consists of both emergency and planned
repairs and service. Services include a large variety of boiler maintenance and repairs,
structural steel, pump and piping work, and other miscellaneous mechanical Power
Plant work.
The repair of the equipment on these generation units requires professional trade crafts
such as laborers, millwrights, and steam/pipe fitters.
Staff recommends that these services continue to be outsourced on an annual renewable
contract basis. The benefits of having a contract for these services in place include the
following:
1) Consistency of work and quality from a single contractor.
2) Reduction in the City’s exposure to market forces regarding prices and availability
for labor, travel, and supplies in preparation for a scheduled outage.
3) Rapid contractor mobilization to start emergency repairs, thus reducing generation
downtime.
4) Saved City staff time obtaining quotes, evaluating bids and preparing
specifications and other procurement documentation.
The City currently has an annual renewable contract in place for these services that ends
on June 30, 2020.
The approved FY2020/21 Power Plant operating budget for Electric Production includes
$125,000 for this contract. Invoices will be based on contract rates for time and materials
for services actually received.
As a result of recent COVID-19 outbreak, vendor offices are closing completely
while others are allowing their employees to work from home. This is causing
problems for vendors to gather the information needed to put together a complete
bid package. Therefore, it is in the City’s best interest to extend the question and
bid due dates to allow interested bidders sufficient time to gather the information
for a quality comprehensive bid.
2
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve question and due date changes for the Power Plant Maintenance
Services Contract and set May 1, 2020 as the question due date and May 13, 2020
as the bid due date and May 26, 2020 as the date of hearing and award of contract.
2. Reject the request and leave the dates as currently established.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Extending the question and bid due dates will allow the potential bidders the time needed
to prepare a complete bid package for the Power Plant Maintenance Services Contract
and will likely improve the quality and pricing of the bids the City receives.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the Council approve
Alternative #1 as stated above.
1
ITEM # __12 __
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STEAM TURBINE NO. 8 PARTS PROCUREMENT
BACKGROUND:
This Unit #8 at the Power Plant is scheduled to be disassembled, inspected, and repaired
at the same time as the Unit 8 Boiler Repair Project. This project is for the procurement
of critical and miscellaneous parts that might be identified during the overhaul of the unit.
On February 25, 2020, the City Council approved preliminary plans and specs for this
project, setting March 25 as the bid due date and April 14 as the date of public hearing.
As a result of recent COVID-19 outbreak, vendor offices are closing completely
while others are allowing their employees to work from home. This is causing
problems for vendors to gather the information needed to put together a complete
bid package. Therefore, it is in the City’s best interest to extend the question and
bid due dates to allow interested bidders sufficient time to gather the information
for a quality comprehensive bid.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve question due date and bid due date changes for the Steam Turbine No.
8 Parts Procurement, setting April 15, 2020 as the question due date, April 29,
2020 as the bid due date, and May 13, 2020 as the date of hearing and award of
contract.
2. Reject the request and leave the dates as currently established.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Extending the question and bid due dates will allow the potential bidders to better allow
the vendors the time needed in order to prepare a complete bid package for the Steam
Turbine No. 8 Parts Procurement project and will likely improve the quality and pricing of
the bids the City receives.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the Council approve
Alternative #1 as stated above.
Smart Choice
MEMO
515.239.5105 main
fax
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: City Clerk’s Office
Date: March 24, 2020
Subject: Contract and Bond Approval
There is/are no Council Action Form(s) for Item No(s). 13, and 14. Council approval of
the contract and bond for this/these project(s) is simply fulfilling a State Code
requirement.
/alc
ITEM #: 15
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
REQUEST: SCENIC VALLEY SUBDIVISION, FIFTH ADDITION MAJOR FINAL PLAT
BACKGROUND:
The City’s subdivision regulations are included in Chapter 23 of the Ames Municipal
Code. Once the applicant has completed the necessary requirements, including provision
of required public improvements or provision of financial security for their completion, a
“final plat application” may then be submitted for City Council approval. After City Council
approval of the final plat, it must then be recorded with the County Recorder to become
an officially recognized subdivision plat. The final plat must be found to conform to the
ordinances of the City and any conditions placed upon the preliminary plat approval.
Hunziker Development Co., LLC, has submitted a final subdivision plat for Scenic Valley
Subdivision, Fifth Addition, which is a partial platting of an approved preliminary plat
affecting the northern portion of the site. The subject area of this plat was part of a Major
Amendment to the Preliminary Plat approved by the City Council on December 11, 2018
that addressed reconfiguration of lots and storm water improvements.
The proposed final plat includes six residential lots for single-family detached
homes along Cartier Avenue. There will be three lots on each side of the extended
street. This final plat shows one less lot on the west side of the street than drawn
on the revised preliminary plat. The three lots are larger than previously shown.
The revised density is calculated at approximately 3.76 dwelling units per acre with
approval of this addition. Minimum density is 3.75 dwelling units per acre.
The applicant has provided an agreement for the installation of street trees and sidewalks.
The agreement requires the financial security for the sidewalks which must be installed
the earlier of three years or prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a house on
the lot. Due to replatting of the area, the sidewalks will be 5 feet in width rather than the
previously permitted 4 feet.
The developer has provided a letter of credit in the amount of $75,588.60 for the
completion of public improvements including sidewalks, which the City Council is asked
to accept, along with those improvements already completed.
Note that the final plat proprietor name will be updated to reflect the property owner
as Hunziker Development Group LLC. The applicant will provide these updated
sheets to the City prior to City Council action on the request.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the following two items:
a. Approve the Final Plat of Scenic Valley Subdivision, Fifth Addition, based
upon findings that the Final Plat conforms to relevant and applicable design
standards, ordinances, policies, and plans.
b. Accept the completed improvements along with the Improvement
Agreement and financial security in lieu of the installation of the remaining
required improvements.
2. The City Council can deny the Final Plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision, Fifth
Addition if it finds that the development creates a burden on existing public
improvements or creates a need for new public improvements that have not yet
been installed.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City staff has evaluated the proposed final subdivision plat and determined that the
proposal is consistent with the preliminary plat approved by City Council and that the plat
conforms to the adopted ordinances and policies of the City as required by Code.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No.1, as described above.
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Preliminary Plat (Amended)
Attachment C: Proposed Lot Layout
Attachment D: Applicable Subdivision Law
The laws applicable to this Preliminary Plat Subdivision include, but are not limited to, the
following: (verbatim language is shown in italics, other references are paraphrased):
Code of Iowa Chapter 354, Section 8 requires that the governing body shall determine
whether the subdivision conforms to its Land Use Policy Plan.
Ames Municipal Code Chapter 23, Subdivisions, Division I, outlines the general
provisions for subdivisions within the City limits and within two miles of the City limits of
Ames.
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.302(10):
(10) City Council Action on Final Plat for Major Subdivision:
(a) All proposed subdivision plats shall be submitted to the City Council for review and approval.
Upon receipt of any Final Plat forwarded to it for review and approval, the City Council shall
examine the Application Form, the Final Plat, any comments, recommendations or reports
examined or made by the Department of Planning and Housing, and such other information as it
deems necessary or reasonable to consider.
(b) Based upon such examination, the City Council shall ascertain whether the Final Plat
conforms to relevant and applicable design and improvement standards in these Regulations, to
other City ordinances and standards, to the City's Land Use Policy Plan and to the City's other
duly adopted plans.
(c) The City Council may:
(i) deny any subdivision where the reasonably anticipated impact of such subdivision will
create such a burden on existing public improvements or such a need for new public
improvements that the area of the City affected by such impact will be unable to conform
to level of service standards set forth in the Land Use Policy Plan or other capital project
or growth management plan of the City until such time that the City upgrades such public
improvements in accordance with schedules set forth in such plans; or,
(ii) approve any subdivision subject to the condition that the Applicant contribute to so much
of such upgrade of public improvements as the need for such upgrade is directly and
proportionately attributable to such impact as determined at the sole discretion of the City.
The terms, conditions and amortization schedule for such contribution may be incorporated
within an Improvement Agreement as set forth in Section 23.304 of the Regulations.
(d) Prior to granting approval of a major subdivision Final Plat, the City Council may permit the plat
to be divided into two or more sections and may impose such conditions upon approval of each
section as it deems necessary to assure orderly development of the subdivision.
(e) Following such examination, and within 60 days of the Applicant's filing of the complete
Application for Final Plat Approval of a Major Subdivision with the Department of Planning and
Housing, the City Council shall approve, approve subject to conditions, or disapprove the
Application for Final Plat Approval of a Major Subdivision. The City Council shall set forth its
reasons for disapproving any Application or for conditioning its approval of any Application in
its official records and shall provide a written copy of such reasons to the developer. The City
Council shall pass a resolution accepting the Final Plat for any Application that it approves.
(Ord. No. 3524, 5-25-99)
1
ITEM#: 16___
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
REQUEST: MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 901 N. 4th STREET
BACKGROUND:
MetroNet is requesting approval of a Major Site Development Plan (MSDP) to
establish a Basic Utility use and construct a communications tower at 901 N. 4th
Street in the HOC (Highway-Oriented Commercial) zoning district. (See
Attachment A: Location & Zoning Map & Attachment G: Photos of Existing Site.) As a
Basic Utility use, approval of a MSDP by the City Council is required prior to the
issuance of building permits.
This facility will include a communication tower approximately 70-foot tall with antennas
for television signal reception, and one initial concrete shelter with the potential for a
second shelter in the future to house the MetroNet equipment necessary to provide
internet fiber optic service to the community. Approval of a Special Use Permit for a
Wireless Communications Facility by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is
also required specifically for the Communication Tower component, subsequent
to Council approval of the MSDP.
The development site is Lot 1 of Cooper’s First Subdivision and includes 7,868 square
feet. Access to the site will be from N. 4th Street by a paved concrete driveway,
approximately 15 feet wide, between the paved street surface and the gate providing
access inside the fenced compound. The applicant (developer) proposes to construct a
“market shelter” for the on-site equipment. As demand increases, it may be necessary
to construct a second shelter, labeled on the site plan as “Future Shelter.” Approval of
the proposed plan will authorize construction of both shelters at the applicant’s
discretion. A 70-foot galvanized steel tower will be located a minimum of 35 feet from
the north and west property lines to comply with tower setbacks. Television reception
antenna and lightning terminals are proposed at or near the top of the tower. A 7-foot
closed slat wood fence will enclose the entire site. The proposed fence is located inside
the minimum required building setbacks to allow a height greater than 6 feet, including
in the front. (See Attachment E: Proposed Fence.)
Site Landscaping is required to meet the landscaping standards for non-residential
development. This includes front yard landscaping, which has minimum requirements
for the number of trees, shrubs and grasses. Most of the enclosed area will be covered
with crushed rock.
The site currently is part of a broad remote parking easement granted to Heuss printing
in 1992. To staff’s knowledge it has not been used for this purpose. There is no specific
parking requirement for Basic Utilities; however, the project includes paved access into
the site for technician visits to the property, no specific parking lot has been required.
Parking of one vehicle is permissible on the driveway.
2
Additional details regarding the site and the proposed improvements are described
within the attached addendum.
Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation. At the March 18, 2020, Planning
& Zoning Commission meeting, the Commission voted 4-0 to recommend that the City
Council approve the Major Site Development Plan for the proposed Basic Utility use,
located at 901 N. 4th Street. There was no comment from the public.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the Major Site Development Plan for the proposed
Basic Utility use, located at 901 N. 4th Street. Note: Construction of the tower would
also require approval of a Special Use Permit by the ZBA.
2. The City Council can deny the Major Site Development Plan for the proposed Basic
Utility use, located at 901 N. 4th Street, if it finds the MetroNet proposal does not
meet the Major Site Development Plan criteria.
3. The City Council can defer action on this request and refer it back to City staff and/or
the applicant for additional information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed Major Site Development Plan is required for approval of the MetroNet
site, since it is a basic (private) utility use in the HOC zone. To locate in the HOC zone
requires that the site plan is consistent with the Design Standards specified for approval
in the Municipal Code. The design standards address site layout, coverage, scale, and
impact on surrounding properties. The analysis by staff indicates that the proposed
site improvements would meet the design standards necessary to allow this
Basic Utility use at this location in the community. The overall project is situated
in an area where the type of use and improvements are compatible with the
surroundings.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act
in accordance with Alternative #1, which is to approve the Major Site
Development Plan for 901 N. 4th Street.
3
ADDENDUM
Project Description. MetroNet is requesting approval of a Major Site Development
Plan to establish a Basic Utility use, and construct a market shelter and communications
tower at 901 N. 4th Street in the HOC (Highway-Oriented Commercial) zoning district.
(See Attachment A: Location & Zoning Map). As a “Basic Utility” use, approval of a
Major Site Development Plan by the City Council is required prior to the issuance of
building permits.
Site Layout and Building Design. The site plan improvements are proposed on Lot 1
Cooper’s First Subdivision, which includes 7,868 square feet. The developer proposes
a building to house the equipment necessary to provide the MetroNet internet service to
the community, and a tower with antenna to receive signals from the local television
stations. A generator powered by natural gas is included on the site as a backup in the
event electric power is disrupted. There will be a location, as shown on the site plan, for
a future shelter to accommodate growth in the number of MetroNet customers. All of
these improvements will be enclosed by a solid wood fence and locked gates for
security purposes.
The “market shelter” measures 28’ x 11’-6”, with a height of 10’-1”. Concrete material is
proposed for the shelter walls with an exposed aggregate surface and a sand texture
finish on the trim. HVAC units are mounted on the exterior of the north wall of the
structure. The door providing access inside the shelter is shown on the west elevation.
(See Attachment F: Elevations & Floor Plan.)
A tower is proposed at a height of approximately 70 feet with antennas for television
signal reception. (See Attachment B: Site Plan & Attachment D: Proposed Tower.) The
base of the tower will be approximately 21 inches in diameter with a slight taper to the
top of the tower. An additional 10 feet of the tower will extend below ground. The tower
design includes lightning arrestors extending beyond the top of the tower (approximately
six feet) and the placement of antenna equipment approximately within the top ten feet
of the tower. The antennas attached to the tower are between four and eight feet in
length projecting perpendicular from the pole. Coax cable from the tower base to the
top of the tower is enclosed in electric conduit to meet wireless facility standards.
The site plan includes a 7-foot closed slat wood fence to enclose the shelter, tower and
generator. The fence is shown outside the minimum building setback lines, which are
20 feet from the front lot line, 5 feet from the side lot lines, and 10 feet from the rear
property line. Locating the fence outside the front, side and rear yard setbacks, and
outside the front yard, allows a maximum fence height of 8 feet. (See Attachment E:
Proposed Fence.)
Landscaping. There are minimum landscaping requirements for the site. As a site
with commercial zoning, the non-residential landscaping requirements apply. The front
yard landscaped area requires a minimum of 1 overstory tree per 50 lineal feet of street
frontage or part thereof, as well as 8 shrubs and 12 ornamental grasses per 1,000
square feet of front yard area. The proposed site plan meets the minimum front yard
landscaping requirements. The proposed front yard landscaping will soften the
appearance at the ground level of the utilitarian look of the site. In the HOC zone, a
4
minimum of 15% of the site is to be landscaped. The site plan shows that approximately
35.5% of the site as landscaped. The area outside the fence is counted as landscaping
with a grass ground cover, as well as trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Inside the
fence, the ground surface is covered with 4-inch diameter landscaping rock and a weed
barrier fabric, which does not qualify as landscaped area. (See Attachment C:
Landscaping Plan.)
Easements. Easements on the property include public utility easements (5 feet wide)
along the east, west and north property lines of the subject property (Lot 1, Cooper’s
First Subdivision). An electric power line easement crosses the southern edge of the
property (approximately the south 10 feet of Lot 1) where overhead power lines are
located. A remote parking easement applies to all five lots of Cooper’s First
Subdivision, including Lot 1. The easement is to provide parking for not more than nine
motor vehicles of the business invitees for the Heuss Printing business premises at 903
South 2nd Street, on the land located at the corner of South Fourth and Elm Streets.
The subject property (Lot 1) has not been used for this purpose since the easement was
approved by the City Council, and subsequently recorded with Story County on July 10,
1992. Staff is not aware that the nine parking spaces have ever been identified and
reserved by the grantor of the easement on any of the five lots in the subdivision. If
necessary, the remote parking easement could still be implemented and does not
necessitate a change at this time. The property owner could seek a change to the
easement with City Council approval to remove the remote parking option from this site.
Parking/Access. Access inside the compound is provided by the paved driveway off N.
4th Street.
One parking space is required for this facility to provide a place for a service vehicle to
park. In this case, since the driveway will be paved between the street and the fence
gates, there is adequate room to park one vehicle between the fence and the front
property line, which is a distance of 20 feet. Vehicle will likely also drive through the
gates into the service area on a regular basis. As the site becomes fully operational,
and observations indicate that there are additional activities or regular vehicle use on
the site, it may be necessary for MetroNet to construct paved parking inside the fence.
This would require approval by staff of adding paved parking within the fenced area.
A 5-foot wide sidewalk will be required along N. 4th Street. The inside edge of the
sidewalk will be at the front lot line.
Major Site Development Plan Criteria. Additional criteria and standards for review of
all Major Site Development Plans are in Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1502(4)(d)
and includes the following requirements:
When acting upon an application for a Major Site Development Plan approval, the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council shall rely upon generally
accepted site planning criteria and design standards. These criteria and
standards are necessary to fulfill the intent of the Zoning Ordinance, the Land
Use Policy Plan, and are the minimum necessary to safeguard the public health,
safety, aesthetics, and general welfare.
5
1. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provisions for
surface and subsurface drainage to limit the rate of increased runoff of
surface water to adjacent and downstream property.
The Public Works Department has determined that the proposed development is not
subject to the “5B” storm water requirements in the Municipal Code, since the size of
the area being disturbed is less than one acre.
2. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for
connection to water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and other utility lines within
the capacity limits of those utility lines.
The only utilities needed to serve that site are electric and natural gas. Both are
available to access the proposed site development.
3. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for
fire protection through building placement, acceptable location of flammable
materials, and other measures to ensure fire safety.
The Fire Inspector has reviewed access and other applicable Fire Code requirements
for the site, and finds that minimum requirements are met by the proposed
development.
4. The design of the proposed development shall not increase the danger of
erosion, flooding, landslide, or other endangerment to adjoining and
surrounding property.
This proposed development will not be a danger due to its site location and proximity to
other uses.
5. Natural topographic and landscape features of the site shall be incorporated
into the development design.
The site is currently devoid of any significant vegetation, except for one existing tree in
the front yard that will be retained. Minimal grading will occur for the construction of the
buildings. The site is relatively flat and grading will occur mostly to accommodate the
proposed market shelter.
6. The design of the interior vehicle and pedestrian circulation shall provide for
convenient flow of vehicles and movement of pedestrians and shall prevent
hazards to adjacent streets or property.
Access to the site will be restricted to service technicians, and others authorized by
MetroNet.
7. The design of outdoor parking areas, storage yards, trash and dumpster
areas, and other exterior features shall be adequately landscaped or screened
to minimize potential nuisance and impairment to the use of adjoining
property.
6
There are no parking areas, storage yards, or trash and dumpster areas proposed for
this side. The proposed 7-foot high fence enclosing all of the site improvements, except
for the paved driveway, will minimize any nuisance and impairment to the use of
adjoining property. There is space for a vehicle to park on the paved driveway. The
technician vehicle may also enter the site to approach the shelter(s). Regular parking of
vehicles could require additional paving on the site.
8. The proposed development shall limit entrances and exits upon adjacent
streets in order to prevent congestion on adjacent and surrounding streets
and in order to provide for safe and orderly vehicle movement.
A single driveway, approximately 15-feet wide, will serve the site. Visits to the site will
initially be frequent as MetroNet is establishing their new facility, and new customer
base. However, after the initial period necessary to establish the new internet service,
visits to the site will consist of a service vehicle a few times each day at the most.
9. Exterior lighting shall relate to the scale and location of the development in
order to maintain adequate security, while preventing a nuisance or hardship
to adjacent property or streets.
No exterior lighting is proposed. Any exterior lighting proposed in the future shall be
consistent with the Outdoor Lighting standards, found in Sec 29.411 of the Municipal
Code.
10. The proposed development shall ensure that dust and other forms of air
pollution, noise disturbances, odor, glare, and other nuisances will be limited
to acceptable levels as prescribed in other applicable State and City
regulations.
The proposed development will generate some noise during the times it is necessary to
operate the backup generator, but nothing to the level of a nuisance. There are no
sensitive uses located, nor planned nearby.
11. Site coverage, building scale, setbacks, and open spaces shall be in
proportion with the development property and with existing and planned
development and structures, in adjacent and surrounding property.
The scale of the proposed site development, in relation to the lot sizes in the adjacent
and surrounding area, is appropriate, given minimum building setback requirements,
landscaping requirements, and areas of the site planned for development. The
dimensions of the proposed market shelter is smaller than buildings near this site. The
proposed 70-foot tower is in an area of the community that is not adjacent to residential
properties, and abuts the railroad right-of-way. The zone allows structures up to a
maximum height of 85 feet, with setbacks less than what is proposed. With approval of
the Special Use Permit, and the proposed setbacks, staff finds the tower location
adequate per the zoning standards.
7
Attachment A: Location & Zoning Map
8
Attachment B: Site Plan Cover Sheet
9
Attachment B: Site Plan Aerial (Zoomed In)
10
Attachment B: Site Plan Aerial (Zoomed Out)
11
Attachment B: Site Plan (Zoomed In)
12
Attachment B: Site Plan (Zoomed Out)
13
Attachment C: Landscaping Plan
14
Attachment D: Proposed Tower
15
Attachment E: Proposed Fence
16
Attachment F: Elevation A
17
Attachment F: Elevation C
18
Attachment F: Elevations B & D
19
Attachment F: Floor Plan
20
Attachment G: Photos of Existing Site
ITEM #: 17_ _
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REZONE 207 S. TELLER AVENUE (PARCEL G) FROM “A”
(AGRICULTURAL) TO “S-GA” (GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT) ZONING
DISTRICT
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames is proposing the rezoning of 2.27 acres (owned by the City of Ames)
located at 207 S. Teller Avenue. The rezoning proposal includes Parcel ‘G’ (1.93 acres)
at 207 S. Teller Avenue, and Parcel ‘H’ (0.34 acres), the right-of-way that abuts 207 S.
Teller Avenue. Both parcels were automatically zoned as “A” (Agricultural) at the time of
annexation, and have continued to be zoned as Agricultural land since approval of the
annexation.
Rezoning to “S-GA” (Government/Airport District) is necessary at this time for the City to
construct a sanitary sewer lift station. The City also has initiated plans for a new water
tower at this location. The lift station and the water tower will serve the Prairie View
industrial area east of Interstate 35. (See Attachment A: Location Map, Attachment C:
Existing Zoning Map & Attachment D: Proposed Zoning Map.)
The two parcels were established through approval of a Plat of Survey by the City Council
on December 17, 2019. (See Attachment E: Approved Plat of Survey.) Purchase of the
parcels was authorized by City Council at the December meeting. Acquisition and
rezoning of the site is a key component of the East Industrial Area Utility Extension Project
consisting of the extension of water and sanitary sewer to the recently annexed area east
of Interstate 35. More specifically, it involves the installation of water main and gravity
sewer between I-35 and Potter Avenue (formerly 590th), and force sewer from Teller
Avenue (formerly 580th) to west of Freel Drive.
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this request on March 4, 2020 and voted
6-0 to recommend the City Council approve the rezoning of Parcels ‘G’ and ‘H’, totaling
2.27 acres, located at 207 S. Teller Avenue from “A” Agricultural to “S-GA”
(Government/Airport District).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve on first reading, the rezoning of Parcels ‘G’ and ‘H’, totaling 2.27 acres,
located at 207 S. Teller Avenue from “A” Agricultural to “S-GA” (Government/Airport
District).
2. Deny the rezoning of Parcels ‘G’ and ‘H’, totaling 2.27 acres, located at 207 S. Teller
Avenue from “A” Agricultural to “S-GA” (Government/Airport District).
3. Defer action on this rezoning proposal and refer it back to City staff for additional
information.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Rezoning of the site to “S-GA” is the first step in providing municipal services to the newly
annexed East Industrial Area. City ownership is consistent with adopted zoning
regulations for the land to be rezoned as “S-GA” for use by the City of Ames. The request
for rezoning is consistent with the Land Use Policy Plan, and the Future Land Use Map,
as described in the Addendum.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1, which is to rezone Parcels ‘G’ and ‘H’, totaling 2.27 acres, located at
207 S. Teller Avenue, from “A” Agricultural to “S-GA” (Government/Airport
District).
ADDENDUM
REZONING BACKGROUND:
The subject property at 207 S. Teller Avenue is presently used as agricultural land for
crop production. Acquisition of the land by the City of Ames enables construction of a
new sanitary sewer lift station beginning this spring, with completion by May 2021. The
lift station will be located on the southern one-half of the property. A new water tower is
planned for construction on the northern portion of the site in fiscal year 2023/24.
Development of the property will be exclusively by the City of Ames. No private
development will be permitted on the subject property.
Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP). The Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) Future Land Use Map
designates this area as “Planned Industrial.” (See Attachment B: Future Land Use Map.)
The Land Use Policy Plan recommends that much of the new industrial uses be
associated with planned industrial parks. These planned industrial parks should be
located in conjunction with a limited-access highway. A limited-access highway location
provides adequate ingress and egress for the regional-scale activities without imposing
the associated extraneous traffic on the community’s internal traffic system.
Locating large-scale industrial activities in parks assures adequate land area, access,
utilities provisions and environmental controls. The park locations also assure the
appearances are compatible with the community’s entries along which planned industrial
locations are recommended.
Proposed Zoning. The subject properties are currently undeveloped. A request for “S-
GA” zoning is consistent with the use proposed by the City of Ames as the property owner.
Rezoning is not mandatory to continue the site’s existing use; however, rezoning the
property to “S-GA” (Government/Airport) would allow the full use of the subject properties
without limitations of an “A” (Agricultural) designation. A Minor Site Development Plan is
under review by the Development Review Committee. Approval of the site plan, by staff,
will be necessary prior to construction.
Existing Uses of Land. Land uses that occupy the subject property and other
surrounding properties are described in the following table:
Direction from Subject Property Existing Land Uses
Infrastructure
Impacts on infrastructure and City services for this parcel are consistent with what is
already anticipated for the East Industrial Area utility extension project.
Findings of Fact. Based upon an analysis of the proposed rezoning and laws pertinent
to the proposed map amendment, staff makes the following findings of fact:
1. The subject property is owned by the City of Ames, Iowa. Reasons for the proposed
rezoning are found in “Attachment F.”
2. Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1507(1) allows the Planning and Zoning
Commission to recommend that the City Council amend the Official Zoning Map.
3. The subject properties are consistent with the designation of “Planned Industrial”
identified on the Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) Future Land Use Map.
4. The “S-GA” (Government/Airport) zoning district is a Special Purpose District reserved
exclusively for structures and uses related to or owned by federal, state, county,
school districts, or municipal governmental authorities. The proposed rezoning is
consistent with purpose of the “S-GA” district.
5. Site plan review for the lift station and water tower is designed to assure a safe,
functional, efficient, and environmentally sound development.
6. Impacts on infrastructure and City services for these parcels is consistent with what is
already anticipated for the East Industrial Area.
Public Notice. The City provided mailed notice to all property owners within 200 feet of
the subject properties in accordance with the notification requirements of Chapter 29 of
the Municipal Code.
Attachment A
Location Map
Attachment B
Future Land Use Map
Attachment C
Existing Zoning Map
Attachment D
Proposed Zoning Map
Attachment E
Approved Plat of Survey (Cover Sheet)
Attachment E
Legal Descriptions for Rezoning
Attachment E
Approved Plat of Survey (General Vicinity)
Attachment E
Approved Plat of Survey
Attachment F
Reasons for Proposed Rezoning
DO NOT WRITE IN THE SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE, RESERVED FOR RECORDER
Prepared by: City Clerk’s Office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 Phone: 515-239-5105
Return to: Ames City Clerk, P.O. Box 811, Ames, IA 50010
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA, AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 29.301 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY CHANGING THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED AND SHOWN ON
SAID MAP AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 29.1507 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa;
Section 1: The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ames, Iowa, as provided for in
Section 29.301 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa, is amended by changing the
boundaries of the districts established and shown on said Map in the manner authorized by
Section 29.1507 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa, as follows: That the real estate,
generally located at 207 S. Teller Avenue, is rezoned from Agricultural “A” to Government/Airport
District “S-GA”.
Real Estate Description:
207 SOUTH TELLER AVENUE LEGAL DESCRIPTION (NE 1/4 NE 1/4, SEC. 08-83-23):
THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE WEST 255.00 FEET OF THE EAST
300.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4 OF SECTION 08, TOWNSHIP 83 NORTH, RAN6E 23 WEST OF
THE 5TH P.M., CITY OF AMES, STORY COUNTY, IOWA THAT IS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCIN6 AS A POINT OF REFERENCE AT THE NE CORNER OF SAID SECTION 08; THENCE
S00°06'39"E, 990.01 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE SE CORNER
OF THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE
N89°49'31"W, 45.00 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4
NE 1/4 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUIN6 N89°49'31"W, 255.00 FEET ALONG
SAID SOUTH LINE TO THE SW CORNER OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00
FEET OF THE WEST 255.00 FEET OF THE EAST 300.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE
N00°06'39"W, 330.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 300.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4
NE 1/4 TO THE NW CORNER OF THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE
EAST 300.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE S89°49'31"E, 255.00 FEET ALONG THE NORTH
LINE OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE EAST 300.00 FEET OF
SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE NE CORNER OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00
FEET OF THE WEST 255.00 FEET OF THE EAST 300.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE
S00°06'39"E, 330.00 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH
990.00 FEET OF THE WEST 255.00 FEET OF THE EAST 300.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE
POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAININ6 1.93 ACRES (84,151 S.F.) MORE OR LESS.
DEDICATED ROW LEGAL DESCRIPTION (NE 1/4 NE 1/4, SEC. 08-83-23)
THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE EAST 45.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4
NE 1/4 OF SECTION 08, TOWNSHIP 83 NORTH, RAN6E 23 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M., CITY OF
AMES, STORY COUNTY, IOWA THAT IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AS A POINT OF REFERENCE AT THE NE CORNER OF SAID SECTION 08; THENCE
S00°06'39"E, 660.01 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE NE CORNER
OF THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE
CONTINUING S00°06'39"E, 330.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE
SE CORNER OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4;
THENCE N89°49'31"W, 45.00 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF
THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE SW CORNER OF SAID SOUTH 330.00
FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE EAST 45.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4; THENCE
N00°06'39"E, 330.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH
990.00 FEET OF THE EAST 45.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE NW CORNER OF SAID
SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE NORTH 990.00 FEET OF THE EAST 45.00 FEET OF THE NE 1/4 NE 1/4;
THENCE S89°49'31"E, 45.00 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 330.00 FEET OF THE
NORTH 990.00 FEET OF SAID NE 1/4 NE 1/4 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND CONTAINING
0.34 ACRES (14,850 S.F.) MORE OR LESS ALL BEING PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT.
Section 2: All other ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 3: This ordinance is in full force and effect from and after its adoption and
publication as provided by law.
ADOPTED THIS ________ day of _________________________, ______.
________________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
2
ITEM # ___18__
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 111 LYNN AVENUE ELECTRIC SERVICE REPLACEMENT
BACKGROUND:
The University Apartments building, 111 Lynn Avenue, was built in the 1960s. The
standard practice at the time was to install three oil-filled transformers in an indoor vault
room in the basement to provide three-phase electric service to the building. Today,
these indoor transformers present an elevated fire risk for this building, they are non-
standard (one-of-a-kind) transformers, and there are currently no spare transformers in
inventory should one of these transformers fail and require replacement. Furthermore,
the access to these transformers for maintenance and replacement is greatly restricted,
making it particularly difficult to perform a maintenance replacement in the event that one
of these units should fail.
Current practice is to provide building service from outdoor padmounted transformers.
During the recent demolition of the Campus Bookstore and construction of the new
mixed-use buildings at 2300 Lincoln Way, some exterior substructure additions were
made for conversion of this indoor transformer to an outdoor padmounted transformer.
At this time, Electric Services would like to remove the indoor transformers from
the building and replace them with an outdoor padmounted transformer.
Additional buried conduits and electric service cables will also be installed to
connect to the existing electric distribution equipment to remain in the building.
The Electric Services Department has been working closely with the University
Apartments owner, Gilbane Development, on this project. Gilbane Development agrees
that removing the transformers from the basement and installing electric service cables
fed from an exterior transformer will improve safety for their tenants and Electric Services
personnel. In addition, the Electric Services Department can retire the three oil-filled
overhead-style transformers.
Bid documents were issued to sixty-nine companies and sent to three plan rooms. The
bid was also advertised on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing
webpage.
On March 12, 2020, one bid was received as shown below.
Staff reviewed the bid and concluded that it is acceptable. That bid was submitted by
Jaspering Electric, Inc., Ames, IA in the amount of $245,000.00. The vendor is licensed
to collect taxes for the State of Iowa.
The engineer’s estimate for removing the existing transformers from inside the building
at 111 Lynn Avenue, install buried electric service cables in a duct bank, and install new
electrical switchgear equipment is $183,000. Funding will come from the Extensions and
Improvements activity which currently has an unencumbered balance of $350,000.
Electricity to the building will have to be interrupted at least twice to complete the project.
The project will be undertaken in June or July, when the number of residents is lowest.
City staff is coordinating the outages with the building’s owner to ensure the residents can
be temporarily relocated and proper fire safety measures can be in place during the
outages.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Jaspering Electric, Inc., Ames, IA, for the University
Apartments – Electric Service Replacement in the amount of $245,000.
2. Reject the bid, which will delay this repair.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This work is necessary to remove the transformers from the basement for safety reasons
and eliminate the need for specialty transformers to maintain electric service to the
building.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as stated above.
Vendor Lump Sum Price Sales and/or use tax included
Invitation to Bid #2020-093 University Apartments -
Electric Service Replacement Bid Summary
1
ITEM # ___19__
DATE: 03/24/20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: BOILER TUBE SPRAY COATING AND RELATED SERVICES AND
SUPPLY CONTRACT FOR POWER PLANT
BACKGROUND:
This contract is for a contractor to provide and install boiler tube coating in Unit #8 at the
City’s Power Plant. Boiler tube coating was first applied in 2011 to the bottom 50 feet of
this unit. The application to the Unit #8 tubes was applied “on site” and used a different
process than was recently done to Unit #7. Unit #8 coating requires yearly maintenance
to maintain its effectiveness.
It is important to note that this section of the boiler is not being replaced through
the current boiler tube replacement project in Unit #8. In that project, only the
superheat section of the boiler tubes will be replaced with shop-coated tubes (a
similar process to the recent Unit #7 boiler tube project). Therefore, the boiler tubes
to be maintained through this contract will continue to be used following the return
of Unit #8 to service later this year.
Bid documents were issued to eight firms and three plan rooms. The bid was advertised
on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing webpage and a Legal Notice
was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with statewide circulation
and the Iowa League of Cities.
The approved FY 2019/20 Power Plant operating budget includes $882,000 for Unit #8
Boiler Maintenance. Invoices will be based on contract rates for time and materials for
services that are actually received.
On March 11, 2020, four bids were received as shown on the attached bid
tabulation. Staff needs additional time to review the bids in order to determine the
best proposal.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the report of bids for Boiler Tube Spray Coating and Related Services and
Supply Contract and delay award to give staff time to evaluate the bids.
2. Reject all bids and direct staff to rebid.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This contract is needed to carry out routine and emergency boiler tube spray coating
maintenance services at the Power Plant to maintain protection to the wall tubes replaced
in 2011. Failure to maintain the coating will result in increased wear and early tube
deterioration. The contract will establish rates for service and provide for guaranteed
availability, thereby setting in place known rates for service.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
DESCRIPTION
Supervisor:$75.00 $105.00 $131.00 $70.00
Apprentice:$60.00
Foreman:$61.00 $85.00 $107.00
Journeyman:
Technician:$51.00 $71.00 $89.00 $62.00
Safety Supervisor $75.00 $105.00 $131.00
$75.00 $105.00 $131.00 $67.00
Travel Supervisor:$121.18 $156.62 $192.06
Travel Painter:$103.24 $131.82 $160.41
Local Painter:$56.84 $73.44 $90.05
Brock General Foreman:$121.22 $152.18 $183.14
$101.36 $127.45 $153.54
Local Carpenter:$65.05 $81.43 $97.81
Project Management $157.50 $76.00
Shift Management $141.67
Operators and QC $137.50
Project Support $90.00
Subsistence:
Travel:
Mileage:see attached T & M rate sheets
see attached T & M rate sheets
ITB 2020-105 Boiler Tube
Spray Coating and Related
$100.00 per day
$250 per visit per person
N/A
Whertec, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
cost + 10% (Airfare and Car Rental)see attached T & M rate sheets $850 per person plus $140 pp/day
(car and per diem)
Integrated Global Services, Inc.
Richmond, VA
GE Steam Power, Inc.
Windsor, CT
Brock Industrial Services
Joliet, IL
Whertec, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
Integrated Global Services, Inc.
Richmond, VA
GE Steam Power, Inc.
Windsor, CT
Shipping of Equipment
and Materials:
Material Costs:
Spray Material Alloy
812:
(Al2O3):
Surface passivator
(HCA-4OH)
IGS 5470:
Sand (Starblast):
Abrasvie Media
(Aluminum Oxide):
IGS 6003H:
Safety Supplies:
Consumable Supplies:
Add iGS: ???
DESCRIPTION
Large Air Compressor
Sandblasting Rig
Metal Spray Rig
HVAS (each)
Labor Rates:
Travel & Subsistence:
1% per year
Proposed Price Increase for Renewal Periods:
1% per year
$400.00/per day (no fuel)
$25.00 per day
$400.00 per day
1% per year
0% per year
see attached T & M rate sheets
see attached T & M rate sheets
see attached T & M rate sheets
cost plus 7%
Rate per U/M Rate per U/M
$1,400 per ton
MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT RATES:
Rate per U/M
TBD
TBD
TBD
Rate per U/M
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
One-time
N/A cost + 10%(material), cost plus 15% (smaller
shipments)
$71.50 per lb.
$720.00 per gallon
$70 per lb.
$0.48 per pound
$1.03 per pound
$830.00 per gallon
$2.40 per hour
$2.40 per hour
$25.00 per pound
$400.00 per week
$300.00 per day
ITEM # ___20__
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2020-076 UNIT 8 PRECIPITATOR ROOF REPLACEMENT
BACKGROUND:
On February 11, 2020, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for
replacement of Unit 8 Precipitator Roof. Degradation to the current roof has resulted in
water leakage throughout the Power Plant during seasonal rainfalls and snowmelts. The
precipitator roof protects the Unit 8 precipitator controls and electrical gear, which could be
severely damaged during water leakage events. Additionally, the water leakage could pose
hazardous conditions to plant staff that are accessing the controls or electrical equipment
during seasonal storms.
Damage to the floor has been caused by age degradation, poor water drainage, and
maintenance operations. This project will replace the worn components including the
decking and insulation. It will also improve the roof drainage by improving the roof slope
and relocate existing plant drains. Finally, the plans will call for the reinforcement of areas
of high traffic due to plant maintenance operations on the roof.
Bid documents were issued to eleven firms and three plan rooms. The bid was advertised
on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing webpage and a Legal Notice
was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with statewide circulation
and the Iowa League of Cities.
On March 11, 2020 no bids were received. Power Plant staff is currently working with
the prospective contractors and Korpela Engineering to determine ways in which the
specification can be modified to be more attractive to potential bidders.
The engineer’s estimate for the demolition, removal, proper disposal and replacement of the
existing roof, steel roof deck, and wall panels is $250,000. The approved FY 2019/2020
budget has $208,000 allocated for this project. The remaining $42,000 will be transferred
from the unused balance in the Unit 7 Turbine Generator overhaul project. This
turbine generator project is complete and has approximately $650,000 remaining
funds available.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Delay Unit 8 – Precipitator Roof Replacement project to allow for plans and
specification modifications that could attract potential bidders to the project.
2. Advise staff to proceed with this project as soon as possible.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This work is necessary for the replacement of the existing roof, steel roof deck, and wall
panels. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
ITEM # __ _21__
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: EAST HIGHWAY 30 FORCE MAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT –
REPORT OF BIDS AND RECOMMEND AWARD
BACKGROUND:
On December 19, 2017, the City staff signed a contract for engineering services with
Veenstra and Kimm, Inc. of West Des Moines, Iowa, for design of the East Highway 30
Force Main Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $18,500.
The force main was originally designed and constructed around 1950; part of the force
main pipe was replaced in 1993. The improvement project will replace the older segment
of pipe.
Council issued a Notice to Bidders on February 11, 2020. On March 11, 2020, staff
opened bids for the project. The six bids received are summarized below:
Bidder Total Project Bid Price
Engineer’s Cost Estimate $ 235,000.00
The funds for this project originally appeared in the FY 2015/16 CIP and include $212,000
for design and construction of the force main. The currently authorized budget is not
sufficient to cover the engineering plus the estimated construction costs. Staff
intends to redirect $108,340 in savings from the completed Clarifier Drives
Replacement Project to this East Highway 30 Force Main Improvement Project
during final budget amendment process for FY 2019/20. Once these funds are
redirected, the project budget and authorized funding would be as follows:
Project Budget
FY 2015/16 CIP $ 212,000
Savings from Clarifier Drive Replacement 108,340
Total Available Funding $ 320,340
Estimated Project Expenses
Engineering
Design, bid, and construction $ 18,500
Construction Estimate 235,000
Contingency (~10% of construction) 25,000
Total Estimated Expense $ 278,500
The engineer has reviewed the bids and has recommended that the City award a contract
to the low bidder. The engineer’s recommendation is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract for the East Highway 30 Force Main Improvement Project to
Synergy Contracting, LLC, of Bondurant, Iowa, in the amount of $234,655.
2. Take no action at this time.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The original force main piping has reached the end of its useful life. To ensure that the
collection system remains operational and continues to stay in compliance, these
improvements are necessary. The project has been planned for in the CIP and is ready
to implement.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative 1, as described above.
ITEM # __22___
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2019/20 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS – (14TH ST AND
15TH STREET)
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for reconstruction or rehabilitation of asphalt streets that are
typically located within 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. This
program was created in accordance with City Council’s goal of strengthening our
neighborhoods. This project is in the area of 14th St (Duff Ave. to Burnett Ave.) and 15th St.
(Duff Ave. to Clark Ave.).
During the design phase, the plans were prepared following the Complete Streets Plan. The
initial estimate for the total project including the Complete Street features (in this case,
infilling the sidewalk) totaled 37.5% of the overall project cost. This percentage is higher than
the recommended threshold of 22% stated in the Complete Streets Plan. This is partially
due to this project being a mill and overlay rehabilitation and not a full reconstruction.
During the public outreach sessions, concerns were brought up by residents about the
removal of mature trees as well as various other concerns related to storm water runoff,
devaluation of their properties, lack of traffic making walking in the street possible, etc.
Because the 22% Complete Streets threshold was exceeded, many mature street trees
would have to be destroyed, and overwhelming opposition by the adjacent property
owners was received, staff recommended that the sidewalk infill design b e limited
to locations where the impact on trees were minimal. This recommendation lead to
areas where sidewalks would not be constructed.
During the February 25, 2020 meeting, City Council directed staff to complete an
addendum to achieve connectivity on at least one side of 14th and one side of 15th
Streets within the project area. Staff completed and issued this addendum after meeting
individually with all but one of the property owners and residents along 14th and 15th Streets
who would be impacted by the Council’s directive to add additional sidewalk infill.
On March 18, 2020, a bid for the project was received as follow Bidder Amount
Manatt's Inc $774,662.19
Engineer’s Estimate $782,456.55
Revenue and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Available Revenue Estimated Expenses
G.O. Bonds $1,000,000
Construction $774,662.19
Engineering/Administration (Est.) $117,368.48
TOTAL $1,000,000 $892,030.67
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the report of bids and delay the public hearing and award of bid for the
2018/19 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements (14th Street and 15th Street)
Project.
2. Do not proceed with this project.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is evident that many residents continue to be opposed to the infill of sidewalk along
their frontage. Therefore, the Council should expect a large audience when you deal
with the approval of this project. In order to avoid a large turnout at the Council
meetings, as suggested under COVID-19 meeting guidelines, staff is only
recommending that you accept the report of bids at the March 24, 2010 meeting. Since
the bids are good for sixty days, the required public hearing and award of bid for this
project can occur at a later date.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM # __23___
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2019/20 COLLECTOR STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(BLOOMINGTON ROAD FROM GRAND AVE. TO HOOVER AVE.)
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for reconstruction or rehabilitation of collector streets. Locations
are chosen in accordance with the most current street condition inventory. This project
(Bloomington Road from Grand Ave. to Hoover Ave.) will include pavement rehabilitation
improvements, repair/replacement of select curb and gutter locations, and some shared use
path infill to connect transit stops. Staff held a public meeting to obtain input on staging,
construction timing, and special access needs. Comments were received and incorporated
into the project design.
City of Ames staff has completed plans and specifications for this project with a total
base bid (asphalt mill and overlay) and alternatives for full depth concrete or concrete overlay
at the intersections at Grand Ave. and Hoover Ave. where more pavement settlement has
been identified due to rutting conditions. Alternative A would be 100 feet of full- depth
concrete at the intersection locations. Alternative B would be 100 feet of 5-inch concrete
overlay at intersection locations. One of the alternatives must be selected along with
the base bid. On March 18, 2020, one bid for the project was received as follows:
Bidder Base + Alt A Amount Base + Alt B Amount
Engineer's Estimate $470,071.35 $411,467.70
Manatt's Inc. $430,772.38 $399,820.95
It is recommended that the Base + Alternative B bid be awarded. Considering the current
condition of the pavement and the cost savings, Alternative B (5’’ overlay) will provide the
necessary project life and performance quality for the pavement.
Revenue and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Available Estimated
Revenue Expenses
G.O. Bonds $500,000
Construction (Low Bid: Base + Alt B)
Engineering/Administration (Est.) $55,760.67
$9,000.00
TOTAL
$500,000
$464,581.62
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Accept the report of bid for the 2019/20 Collector Street Pavement Improvements
(Bloomington Road from Grand Ave. to Hoover Ave.).
b. Approve the final plans and specifications for this project.
c. Award the Base Bid plus Alternate B for the 2019/20 Collector Street Pavement
Improvements – (Bloomington Road from Grand Ave. to Hoover Ave.) project to
Manatts Inc. of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $399,820.95.
2. Do not proceed with this project.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By approving these plans and specification, it should result in lower street maintenance
costs and improved neighborhood aesthetic.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM # __ 24__
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CAMPUSTOWN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS (WELCH AVENUE)
BACKGROUND:
The 100 block of Welch Avenue, between Lincoln Way and Chamberlain Avenue, is one
of the oldest utility corridors in Ames. Reconstruction of this block is included in the FY
2019/20 Capital Improvement Plan. Scheduled improvements to Welch Avenue provide
the opportunity to enhance traffic flow, upgrade utilities, add amenities, and provide a new
streetscape. The project includes replacing the water main in the 200 and 300 blocks of
Welch Ave.
A professional services agreement contract with WHKS of Ames, Iowa was approved in
an amount not to exceed $139,000. WHKS and City staff held multiple project
informational meetings with area property owners and businesses. There were also
multiple one-on-one discussions with businesses directly being impacted by the project
to gain input on the project timing, staging and design. Comments received were
considered with the project design.
Plans for the original project design were bid on February 12, 2020, with the low bid
coming in significantly over the estimate. City Council rejected that bid and approved
revised plans and specifications for the project to be rebid. The revised plans included a
base bid and with alternatives for additional items to potentially be added into the project.
Alternate 1 is adding the watermain improvements of the 200 – 300 block of Welch Ave,
Alternate 2 is swapping three of the tree trenches for planter boxes, and Alternate 3
involves miscellaneous items.
On March 18, 2020, bids for the project were received as follows:
Contractor Base Bid Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3
Estimate
Staff is recommending only awarding the Base Bid as well as Alternate 2 to maximize the
water quality improvements necessary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship Grant the City of Ames has received. Staff is recommending not moving
forward with Alternate 1 at this point due to not having sufficient funds in the Water Utility
fund and because those improvements can be programmed separately at a future time.
Certain items from Alternate 3 may be added later through separate procurement, as
funds are available.
Revenues and expenses are estimated as follows:
Available
Revenue
Estimated
Expenses
Water Utility Funds
Sewer Utility Funds
Electric Utility Funds
Road Use Tax
IDALS (Grant)
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (Sewer Utility Funds)
Storm Water Improvements (Storm Sewer Funds)
$ 425,000
$ 125,000
$ 100,000
$ 100,000
$ 100,000
$ 156,000
$ 70,000
Campustown Public Improvements (Base Bid)
Campustown Public Improvements (Alternate 2)
2019 Lincoln Way Water Service Transfer (completed)
$ 69,000.00
$ 169,969.96
Engineering/Administration (Est.) $ 250,000.00
$ 2,676,000 $ 2,570,036.96
In order to move ahead with this project, staff is recommending that $600,000 of
the overall $2,800,000 appropriated for the 2019/20 Concrete Pavement
Improvements Program be used to fund this project. Staff are only in the preliminary
design phase of the Concrete Program and have not started the public outreach. Staff
can prioritize which streets most need improvements in the program based on the existing
pavement and underground utilities condition and then reprioritize the projects with the
remaining funding.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Accept the report of bids for the Campustown Public Improvements (Welch
Avenue) project.
b. Approve the final plans and specifications for this project.
c. Award the Campustown Public Improvements (Welch Avenue) project to
Con-Struct Inc. of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $2,081,067 as the Base bid
and $69,000 as the Alternate 2.
d. Authorize transferring $600,000 from the FY 2019/20 Concrete Pavement
Improvement Program to the Campustown Public Improvements.
2. Do not proceed with this project.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By approving final plans and specifications and awarding the contract, this project will
result in lower street maintenance costs, improve area drainage, update the underground
utilities and provide a better Campustown aesthetic. Therefore, it is the recommendation
of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ITEM: ___25__
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE DEPTH OF THE HIGH
SCREEN LANDSCAPE STANDARD.
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted the current landscaping standards in 2017. The complete standards
are found in Section 29.403 of the Ames Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance). The current
standards were implemented after two years of community input and review from Planning &
Zoning Commission and City Council.
Recently, staff discovered that the minimum depth of a High Screen planter area is only
implied to be five feet rather than stated as a minimum. Staff has applied the standard for
the past two years as a minimum of five feet and believes it is appropriate to clarify this
expectation in the standards. A minimum of five feet of depth is also consistent with the
prior buffer yard screen requirements.
The current standards require a High Screen when two dissimilar uses abut one another or around
parking areas in residential zones. Five feet is considered to be the minimum width for shrubs
and trees to grow, maintain their health, and achieve the necessary height and width to
provide effective screening, larger trees and landscaping types may require additional
space. The current language in the landscape standards does not ensure that an
appropriate planter width is required in all instances without specifying a minimum.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Section 29.403(F) High Screen Dissimilar Use Transition and Parking Screen.
Generally, The High Screen landscape standard provides physical and visual separation between uses
and improvements.
(i) Required Landscape Elements. High shrubs shall be installed at a maximum distance of 6 feet on
center to form a dense screen with a minimum mature height of 6 feet. In addition, one Landscape
Tree is required per 50 lineal feet of landscaped area. Ground cover plants must fully cover the
remainder of the landscaped area. The high shrubs must be at least 4 feet in height at the time of
installation. The minimum planter depth for a High Screen is 5 feet unless otherwise required
to be greater by this ordinance.
Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation
At the March 4th Planning & Zoning Commission meeting the commission voted 6-0 to recommend
the City Council approve the proposed text amendment.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can adopt the proposed text amendments for High Screen landscaping in
Section 29.403(3)(F).
2. The City Council can recommend alternative language for the proposed text amendment for
High Screen landscaping.
CITY MANAGERS RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed zoning text amendments clarify requirements and expectations for the minimum
planter depth of High Screen planters. This language reinforces how staff has always applied the
standard for the appropriate minimum planter depth of High Screen vegetation. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTION
29.403(3)(F) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTING
THE MINIMUM DEPTH OF THE HIGH SCREEN LANDSCAPE
STANDARD. REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT
OF SUCH CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Section 26.403(3)(F) as follows:
“Sec. 29.403. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING.
. . .
3. General Requirements All Sites.
. . .
(F)High Screen Dissimilar Use Transition and Parking Screen.
Generally, tThe high screen landscape standard provides physical and visual separation between uses and
improvements.
(i)Required Landscape Elements. High shrubs shall be installed at a maximum distance
of 6 feet on center to form a dense screen with a minimum mature height of 6 feet. In addition, one
Landscape Tree is required per 50 lineal feet of landscaped area. Ground cover plants must fully cover the
remainder of the landscaped area. The high shrubs must be at least 4 feet in height at the time of
installation. The minimum planter depth for a High Screen is 5 feet unless otherwise required to be greater
by this ordinance.”
. . .
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2020.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
1
ITEM # 25
DATE: 10-08-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: STREET NAME AND SPEED LIMIT CHANGES FOR UNIVERSITY
BOULEVARD IN THE BURGASON ANNEXATION AREA
BACKGROUND:
As part of the Burgason Annexation area, the southern extension of University Boulevard
from Cottonwood Road south approximately 2,520 feet is now completely within the City
limits of Ames and under the City’s jurisdiction. This roadway is designated in Story
County as S. 530th Avenue and needs to be renamed “University Boulevard” now that it
is under City jurisdiction.
This section of S. 530th Avenue, per Iowa Code 321.285(3), currently has a speed limit of
55 MPH. This speed limit needs to be appropriately modified for the developing land use.
The new speed limits will be 45 MPH from the south corporate limits to 465’ south of
Collaboration place and 35 MPH speed limit to 650’ north of Airport Road/Oakwood Road.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a) Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to change the name of S 530th
Avenue to University Boulevard to the south corporate limits.
b)Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to establish a 45 MPH speed
limit on University Boulevard from the south corporate limits to 465’ south of
Collaboration place, and establish a 35 MPH speed limit on University
Boulevard from 465’ south of Collaboration Place to 650’ north of Airport
Road / Oakwood Road.
2.Direct staff to explore other alternatives to the street name and speed limit
changes.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By approving this ordinance, the City will integrate this segment of University Boulevard
into the City’s network and establish the appropriate naming and operating speeds,
thereby promoting safe and efficient travel in this area of Ames. The adjacent
landowners are aware their address will be changed in accordance with the City’s
addressing grid for E911 purposes and have been informed about this proposed
action by City Council.
CAF
03-24-20
26
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
BOBCAT DR
HAMILTON DR
WORLE LN
WESSEX DR
S RIVERSIDE DR
CEDAR LN
AIRPORT RD
OAKWOOD RD
RED FOX RD
WHITE OAK DR
GREEN HILLS DR
SUNCREST DR
TIMBERLAND RD
SOUTH LOOP DR
ACCESS RD
COTTONWOOD RD
IRONWOOD CT
WHITETAIL LN
WOODVIEW DR
SUNDOWN DR
COTTONTAIL LN
PLAZA LOOP
COTTONWOOD RD
260TH ST
S 530TH AVE
N 1 inch = 1,000 feet
Date: 10/1/2019
Name & Speed Limit UpdatesUniversity Blvd / S 530th Ave 45 MPH Speed Limit 35 MPH Speed Limit
UNIVERSITY BLVD
DO NOT WRITE IN THE SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE, RESERVED FOR RECORDER
Prepared by: Jane Chang, City of Ames Legal Department, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010 (Phone: 515-239-5146)
Address Tax Statement To: City of Ames, Iowa, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010
Return to Ames City Clerk, Box 811, Ames, IA 50010
ORDINANCE NO. __________
AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE STREET NAME AND SPEED LIMITS
FOR UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD IN THE BURGASON ANNEXATION
AREA IN THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One.To change the name of the portion of the road known as S. 530th Avenue to University
Boulevard from 55 feet south of the center of the Cottonwood Road / University Boulevard roundabout (previous
south corporation limits) to 1,428 feet south of the center of the Collaboration Place / University Boulevard
roundabout (south corporation limits after Burgason Annexation).
Section Two. Establish a speed limit on University Boulevard of forty-five (45) miles per hour from the
south corporation limits to a point 465 feet south of the center of the Collaboration Place/University Boulevard
roundabout and a speed limit of thirty-five (35) miles per hour from a point 465 feet south of the center of the
Collaboration Place/University Boulevard roundabout to a point 650 feet north of the center of the Airport
Road/University Boulevard roundabout, forty-five (45) miles per hour from a point 650 feet north of the center of
the Airport Road/University Boulevard roundabout to a point five hundred (500) feet south of South Fourth Street.
Section Three. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the
extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication
as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2020.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Staff Report
Item No. 28
CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD/COMMISSION MEETINGS UNDER THE COVID-19
EMERGENCY
March 24, 2020
BACKGROUND:
With the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, it brings into question if, or how, we intend to
conduct future City Council and Boards/Commission meetings through this emergency.
While a check of other cities revealed that most of the larger cities in Iowa have closed
all of their buildings and a majority of their services to the public, there is no indication at
this point that they plan on cancelling their City Council or Board/Commission meetings.
POLICY DIRECTION NEEDED FROM THE CITY COUNCIL:
The following question need to be address by the City Council in order for the staff to
proceed with organizing future meetings:
• Do you want to cancel any, or all, Board or Commission meetings until future
notice?
If so, which ones?
• Do you want to cancel City Council meetings until future notice?
• If City Council/Commission meetings are continued, do you want to make sure
that any item that might be of interest to a large number of people should not be
included on a Council/Commission agenda until further notice.
• If City Council/Commission meetings are continued, do you want to prohibit the
public’s physical access, and as an alternative, allow for telephone call-ins or
emails for the public to provide input at legally required hearings or other agenda
items?
• If remote public input is desired, should it be for only legally required public
hearings or for all agenda items (not on consent)?
• If City Council meetings are continued, do you want to cancel the Public Forum
section of the agenda?
• Other issues?
PUBLIC INPUT:
Public Input is solicited at City Council and certain Boards/Commissions for two
reasons:
1) The local/state/federal laws required a formal public hearing before Council
action is taken. For example: to award construction bids, dispose of city
property, rezoning a property, variances/special use permits issued by Zoning
Board of Adjustment, and adopting CDBG Action Plan.
2) Before the City Council takes action on an agenda item or a Commission
makes a recommendation, the public is allowed to provide comments at the
meeting to influence the governing boards final action. This type of public
input is not required by law.
ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC REQUIRED BY STATE LAW:
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, local government officials have questioned how we can
limit large groups at Council meeting as recommended by the COVID-19 meeting
guidelines, and still be in compliance with the state law. In response to this inquiry, the
Governor recently released the following order,
Electronic Meetings and Hearings
“Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), and at the request of the Iowa League of Cities
on behalf of numerous local governmental bodies, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 21.8, 26.12, and 414.12, or any other statute
imposing a requirement to hold a public meeting or hearing, to the extent that the
statutes could be interpreted to prevent a governmental body from holding the
meeting by electronic means, provided that the governmental body properly notices
the meeting or hearing and includes a telephone conference number or website
address that permits the public to participate in the meeting or hearing. I also
temporarily suspend those statutes to the extent they could be interpreted to prevent
a governmental body from limiting the number of people present at an in-person
location of the meeting, provided that the governmental body provides a means for
the public to participate by telephone or electronically as provided in this section.”
STAFF COMMENTS:
The City Attorney has advised that the Governor’s order lacks a clear statement that we
can limit public comment at a hearing in advance in writing. He has advised us to provide
some way for the public to comment during the public hearing.
While staff has explored various options for providing remote public input (eg.
Zoom, Teams, etc.), we have planned a simple experiment for the March 24th
meeting using telephone call-ins and emails beginning at 6:00 p.m. to accomplish
our goal of citizen input in lieu of allowing the public to attend in person.
1
ITEM#: Addtl Item
DATE: 03-24-20
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: COVID-19 EMPLOYEE LEAVE POLICY
BACKGROUND:
On March 18, 2020, Congress approved a measure that would both expand employees’
access to paid sick leave due to the COVID-19 pandemic and expand the Family Medical
Leave Act (FMLA) to families needing to care for children when schools and daycares
have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This law, the Families First
Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), must be adopted by employers no later than April
2, 2020.
The City is proposing a temporary amendment to its current leave policy to provide some
relief to employees who are impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The proposed policy meets
or exceeds the requirements of the FFCRA. This policy includes a provision for a new
form of paid leave, called COVID-19 leave. Employees may be eligible to use up to 80
hours total of this COVID-19 leave in any combination, paid at their regular rate of pay.
This leave would apply if:
• An employee has been required or advised to quarantine by a medical provider or
a county, state, or federal agency, or who has been advised by a medical provider
they have confirmed or presumptively confirmed COVID-19.
• An employee is providing direct care for an individual required or advised to be
quarantined by a medical provider, or a county, state, or federal agency, or an
individual who has been advised by a medical provider they have confirmed or
presumptively confirmed COVID-19.
• An employee caring for a child whose school or daycare has closed due to COVID-
19, provided there are not other work alternatives (i.e. work from home, work
schedule modifications).
If employees are unable to return to work following the COVID-19 leave, they may use
accrued and unused sick leave, vacation leave, or compensatory leave to cover their
absence.
Employees who choose to self-isolate without the express advice or requirement from a
medical provider or a county, state, or federal agency may take accrued and unused
vacation leave or compensatory time to cover their absence. As with all voluntary leaves,
such absences must be approved by the employee’s supervisor.
Additionally, for those employees who need to stay home with a child due to school and/or
daycare closure, and who do not have work alternatives (i.e. work from home), up to an
additional 400 hours may be paid two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Employees may supplement two-thirds pay with accrued and unused sick leave, vacation
2
leave, or compensatory time as it is available in order to receive full pay during the 400
hours of leave.
Staff has been informed by Iowa Workforce Development that employees may be eligible
for state unemployment benefits in the following situations if they exhaust all their paid
leave options and have no ability to telecommute:
• Caring for a family member
• Loss of child care/school closures
• Employer shutdown
• Need for employee to self-quarantine
• Employee contracts COVID-19 and is unable to work
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the proposed COVID-19 Leave Policy as attached.
In accordance with the new federal legislation, this new policy should be
in place until no later than December 31, 2020. Staff is requesting that the
policy be approved effective March 23, 2020.
2. Modify and approve an alternative COVID-19 Leave Policy.
3. Approve a COVID-19 Leave Policy that mirrors the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In order to provide some leave protection to our employees during this pandemic crisis
that meets, or exceeds the federal law, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
AMENDED LEAVE POLICY DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY
Since the President of the United States signed a law increasing leave benefits in times of COVID-19
pandemic, and the Governor of Iowa has declared a state of emergency due to pandemic conditions
of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Ames will amend the standard leave policies. Upon approval by the
City Council on March 24, 2020, the amendment will be in effect retroactively from March 23, 2020
until no later than December 31, 2020.
The following policy amendment meets or exceeds the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act (FFCRA).
The purpose of COVID-19 leave is to provide some relief to employees dealing with the impact of
COVID-19. Employees may be eligible to use up to 80 hours total of COVID-19 leave in any
combination, paid at their regular rate of pay, if they are experiencing one of the following
circumstances. Any unused leave will not rollover.
ABSENCES ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 LEAVE
For employees quarantined or sick with COVID-19
The City will grant up to 80 hours of paid COVID-19 leave* to employees who have been required or
advised to quarantine by a medical provider or a county, state, or federal agency, or who have been
advised by a medical provider they have confirmed or presumptively confirmed COVID-19. Employees
must complete a Request for COVID -19 Leave form and provide it to Human Resources before the
special pay will be granted. If the employee is unable to return to work after the COVID-19 leave has
been exhausted, they may use accrued and unused sick leave, vacation leave, or compensatory time
to cover their remaining absence.
Employees must follow CDC or Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines for returning to work
after the illness.
*all COVID-19 leave will be prorated for part-time employees.
For employees caring for an individual quarantined or sick with COVID-19
The City will grant up to 80 hours of paid COVID-19 leave* to those employees providing direct care
for an individual required or advised to be quarantined by a medical provider, or a county, state, or
federal agency, or an individual who has been advised by a medical provider they have confirmed or
presumptively confirmed COVID-19. Employees must complete a Request for COVID -19 Leave form
and provide it to Human Resources before the special pay will be granted. If the employee continues
to care for the individual after the COVID-19 leave has been exhausted, they may use accrued and
unused sick leave, vacation leave, or compensatory time to cover their remaining absence. Absences
longer than two weeks must have documentation certifying additional leave is necessary.
Based on minimum staffing needs required to maintain operations, the City may exempt employees
serving in an emergency responder role from this provision of COVID-19 leave.
Employees must follow CDC or Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines for returning to work
after caring for an individual impacted by COVID-19.
*all COVID-19 leave will be prorated for part-time employees.
For employees with children impacted by school district/daycare closures
This section serves as a “qualifying need related to a public health emergency” under the FFCRA.
If schools or daycare facilities where the children of employees attend close due COVID-19, the City
will make every effort to adjust hours, create an alternative work schedule, or identify an alternative
childcare arrangement in order to maintain services. If no alternative work solutions are
appropriate, the City will grant COVID-19 leave* to cover up to 80 hours of the closure. Employees
must complete a Request for COVID -19 Leave form and provide it to Human Resources before the
special pay will be granted. If the employee is unable to return to work after the COVID-19 leave
has been exhausted, they will receive 2/3 of their normal pay for up to an additional 400 hours.
Employees may use accrued and unused sick leave, vacation leave, or compensatory time to cover
the remaining 1/3 of their pay
In general, COVID-19 leave will only be granted during the hours a child would normally be in school
or daycare and only to who are not able to adjust their hours or work from home, where alternative
childcare is unavailable, AND whose children:
• Are under the age of 18
• Attend daycare or a K-12 school, or
• Have special needs and would be unable to care for themselves while their parents are at
work.
Based on minimum staffing needs required to maintain operations, the City may exempt
employees serving in an emergency responder role from this provision of COVID-19 leave and/or
FFCRA family leave.
*all COVID-19 leave will be prorated for part-time employees.
ABSENCES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 LEAVE
For employees choosing to self-isolate
Employees who are not required or advised by a medical provider or any county, state, or federal
agency to be quarantined and choose to self-isolate must use accrued and unused vacation leave,
accrued and unused compensatory time, or leave without pay to cover their absence. As with any
form of voluntary leave, these absences must be approved by the employee’s supervisor.
CONTACT INFORMATION
In all cases of absence, employees must provide current contact information (including phone
number and email address) to their supervisor.
Request for COVID -19 Leave
Employee Name _____________________________________________
Department _______________________ Position ___________________________
Approximate Dates of Request _______________________________
Reason for Request (check at least one):
__ Employee’s own COVID-19 illness or required or advised quarantine
__ Care for individual during COVID-19 illness or required or advised quarantine
__ School or daycare closure due to a COVID-19 pandemic
Sign the appropriate certification below:
Employee’s own COVID-19 illness or required or advised quarantine
I certify that I have either been diagnosed with COVID-19, or presumptively diagnosed with COVID-
19; or I have been required or advised to quarantine by a federal agency, state or county agency, or
a medical provider.
____________________________________________
Name of the medical provider or agency advising or requiring the absence
____________________________________________
Employee Signature
Care for an individual during COVID-19 illness or required or advised quarantine
I certify that I am providing direct care for an individual who has either been diagnosed with COVID-
19, or presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19; or who has been required or advised to quarantine
by a federal agency, state or county agency, or a medical provider
____________________________________________
Name of the medical provider or agency advising or requiring the absence
____________________________________________
Employee Signature
School or daycare closure due to a COVID-19 pandemic
I certify that my child’s school or daycare has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, I
certify my child:
• Is under the age of 18
• Attends daycare, K-12 school, or
• Has special needs and would be unable to care for themselves while I am at work.
Has your supervisor made an alternate schedule, hours, or work from home scenario available to
you? Y/N
If yes, you will be required to utilize the alternate arrangement prior to being approved for
COVID-19 leave
__________________________________________
Name of school or daycare that has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
____________________________________________
Employee Signature
_________________________________ __________________________________
Department Head Human Resources
________________________________
City Manager
COVID-19 Leave is:
__Approved __Denied