HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 19, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 19, 2023
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:59
p.m. on the 19th day of December, 2023, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria
Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Jeff Clark was
also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila noted an error in Item No. 16, clarifying that the
Alternative requested for approval by the City Council was correct. Council Member Rollins
requested to pull Item No. 3 and Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 15.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item No. 3 and
Item No. 15.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
3. RESOLUTION NO. 23-625 approving appointments to Public Nuisance Appeals Board
4. RESOLUTION NO. 23-626 approving appointment of Council Member Gloria Betcher
to the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
5. RESOLUTION NO. 23-627 approving appointment of Council Member Anita Rollins to
the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
6. RESOLUTION NO. 23-628 approving reappointment of Municipal Engineer Tracy
Peterson to the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority and the Headwaters of
the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority
7. RESOLUTION NO. 23-629 approving and adopting Supplement No. 2024-1 to the
Municipal Code
8. RESOLUTION NO. 23-630 approving FY 2023-24 Sustainability Coordinator's Mid-
Year Report
9. Main Street Iowa Program:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 23-631 of support for Ames Main Street
b. RESOLUTION NO. 23-632 approving Main Street Iowa Program Continuation
Agreement with Iowa Economic Development Authority and Ames Main Street
10. RESOLUTION NO. 23-633 approving the plans and specifications for the 2022/23
CyRide Route Pavement Improvements (Lincoln Way), setting January 17, 2024 as the
bid due date through the Iowa DOT and January 23, 2024 as the date of Public Hearing
11. RESOLUTION NO. 23-634 approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24
Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements Program #1, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid
due date through and January 23, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing
12. RESOLUTION NO. 23-635 approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24
Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements Program #2, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid
due date through and January 23, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing for report of bids
13. RESOLUTION NO. 23-636 approving the plans and specifications for the 2023/24 Seal
Coat Street Pavement Improvements, setting January 17, 2024, as the bid due date
through and January 23, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing
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14. RESOLUTION NO. 23-637 awarding contract to Library Furniture International for a
play structure for the Ames Public Library in the amount of $69,661
15. RESOLUTION NO. 23-638 approving Change Order for design services for the
Auditorium HVAC project
16. RESOLUTION NO. 23-639 accepting completion of the Art Capital Grant Project - The
Octagon Center for the Arts, and authorizing final payment in the amount of $65,230.55
17. RESOLUTION NO. 23-640 approving contract with Kelly Tompkins for the fabrication,
delivery, and purchase of "Hearts of the Community" for Tahira and Labh Hira Park in
the amount of $24,000
18. Motion rejecting all bids for the Bloomington Road Elevated Tank Valve Improvement
Project
19. RESOLUTION NO. 23-641 approving Final Plat for Scenic Valley Subdivision, Seventh
Addition
20. RESOLUTION NO. 23-642 accepting a portion of the financial security covering 1-year
of the 4-year Stormwater Management Maintenance requirement for Domani 2nd
Addition, be reduced to $19,600.92
21. RESOLUTION NO. 23-643 accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter
5B) at Celebrations, 306 S Third Street, and releasing the bond in full
22. RESOLUTION NO. 23-644 accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter
5B) at Ames Caddis, 2700 Lincoln Way, and releasing the bond in full
23. RESOLUTION NO. 23-645 accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter
5B) at Aldi, 108 S 5th Street, and releasing the bond in full
24. RESOLUTION NO. 23-646 accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter
5B) for Northcrest Retirement Community, and releasing the bond in full
25. RESOLUTION NO. 23-647 accepting completion of Stormwater Management (Chapter
5B) for 415 Stanton, The Crawford, and releasing the financial security in full
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC NUISANCE APPEALS BOARD: Council Member Rollins
noted that she pulled this item to make citizens aware of the appointments to the Public Nuisance
Appeals Board since the City Council would be discussing related amendments to the Municipal
Code later in the meeting.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-625 approving
appointments to Public Nuisance Appeals Board.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
AMES CITY AUDITORIUM HVAC PROJECT: Council Member Betcher noted that this
item was an opportunity to highlight sustainability efforts. Facilities Director Corey Mellies
shared that staff had identified additional funding and was working with consultants to redesign
the project to better support the City’s climate action goals through eliminating the need for
natural gas in the system.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-638 approving
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Change Order for design services for the Auditorium HVAC project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Richard Deyo, 505 8th Street #2, Ames, discussed his history of attendance at City Council
meetings and shared his experience with community initiatives he led.
James Johnson, 1412 Meadowlane Avenue, Ames, encouraged the City Council to consider
lowering the age requirement for Parks Summer Employment from 18 years of age to 16 after he
observed City staff testing unmanned commercial mowers at North River Valley Park.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
5TH STREET BRICK PIERS WITH CERAMIC RELIEFS: Assistant City Manager and Staff
Liaison to the Public Art Commission (PAC) Brian Phillips introduced PAC Chair Kyle
Hauswirth, as well as PAC members Erica Briest and Candace Zwank, who were present to
review the Council Action Form.
Chair Hauswirth discussed the Commission’s decision-making process and thoughts as the
members developed the recommendation to the City Council to deaccession the piers. He
highlighted the historical context, stating that this issue was first brought to the Commission
from a few community members who are mobility and/or visually impaired. The consensus was
that the piers made navigation and access to Downtown Ames difficult and sometimes dangerous
and requested that the Commission look at options to remove or relocate the piers. The
Commission engaged with City staff to investigate the available options. Chair Hauswirth
discussed the pros and cons of each option available presented by staff, noting that each option
provided its own challenges. After engaging with staff, the Commission reached out to Ames
Main Street to further discuss the issue as it became clear to the Commission that the most viable
option would be to remove the piers. Ames Main Street responded to that discussion with
support to remove all 16 piers.
With all the available information in mind, Chair Hauswirth shared that the Commission voted to
recommend deaccession to the City Council. He furthered by noting his opinion that if the piers
are impeding even one person from feeling safe and able to experience the Downtown Corridor,
then the piers should be removed. He stated that Ames is a great City that is proud of being
equitable and inclusive, highlighting that in difficult situations like this, a community can stand
up and show their true values. PAC Members Briest and Zwank stated their support for the
words Chair Hauswirth shared. Member Zwank then discussed her own personal experience not
being able to safely traverse Downtown Ames when using her walker in the winter.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Valerie Stallbaumer, 823 Crawford Avenue, Ames, shared her adamant support for retaining and
maintaining the historic brick piers and the ceramic reliefs.
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Jim Howe, 912 Clark Avenue, Ames, discussed his concern for the amount of taxpayer dollars
that have been utilized for the placement, maintenance, and potential removal of the brick piers,
furthering his support for keeping the piers for the enjoyment of the community.
James Johnson, 1412 Meadowlane Avenue, Ames, explained his personal enjoyment of the
pillars, also recognizing the purpose provided by the piers for individuals to lean on and use as
vantage points during events Downtown. He also highlighted the great opportunity the piers
provide for the community to learn about the city.
Linda Schank, 904 Clark Avenue, Ames, noted her appreciation of the piers because of the
diverse and hidden history represented on the ceramic reliefs.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council Members engaged in robust discussion regarding the brick piers and ceramic
reliefs and the perspectives offered by members of the community.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff seek proposals for preserving
the terracotta inserts as a primary goal, and secondarily determine what other options are
available for removing or moving the brick piers.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to amend the motion to demolish the piers as
the secondary goal.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative 2 from the Council Action
Form from June 13, 2023, City Council Meeting: authorize the demolition of the 16 brick piers
on 5th Street, but direct staff to obtain quotes to have the ceramic reliefs removed for use in other
art projects, with an emphasis on the primary goal of preserving the ceramic reliefs.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Assistant City Manager Phillips clarified that if staff was unable to obtain proposals to preserve
the ceramic reliefs, there is no expectation that staff return to the City Council for further
direction. Mayor Haila confirmed the course of action.
BUDGET GUIDELINES FOR COTA AND OUTSIDE FUNDING REQUESTS: Assistant
City Manager Phillips noted that this discussion was a continuation from the December 12, 2023,
City Council Meeting from which two items required additional direction from the City Council.
First, the Commission on the Arts (COTA) received annual grant applications from 21 agencies
for FY 2024/25, an increase from 19 agencies receiving awards in FY 2023/24. The requests
totaled a 14.3% increase above the budget amount for FY 2023/24. Assistant City Manager
Phillips highlighted that the entirety of the funding budgeted for COTA would be allocated to the
agencies with a reserve established for special project opportunities that are solicited twice each
year.
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Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to increase funding for the Commission on the Arts
(COTA) by 5% over the previous fiscal year.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Next, Outside Funding Requests was discussed, which included a variety of requests that do not
fit the criteria for other funding programs. Assistant City Manager Phillips highlighted that last
year, the City Council allocated funds from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to support economic
development activities and parking waivers. He noted that was the first time parking waivers
were allocated to the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund and staff was recommending the same this year with
increased funding allocations to cover any unanticipated events or activities for which the City
Council wishes to provide free parking. He concluded that the total Local Option Sales Tax Fund
portion of the FY 2024/25 requests increased 13.1% over the FY 2023/24 Local Option
allocation.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to increase Local Option allocations for the
Outside Funding Requests program by 5% over the previous fiscal year.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DALEY PARK SPLASHPAD UPDATE: Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham
reviewed that the City Council had approved the installation of a splash pad in Daley Park for
which staff presented three water management system options: 1) Recirculation System, 2)
Flow-Through System, and 3) Repurpose System. Director Abraham reviewed the three systems
in detail, highlighting the water consumption comparison as well as the capital and optional costs
of each system.
Council Member Gartin shared his support of the splash pad installation in Daley Park but noted
concerns with parking and patronage. Director Abraham noted that there would be additional
room for parking and that conversations were already underway with the Public Works
Department to change the on-street parking to the east side of Wilder Avenue so patrons would
not have to cross the street to access the park. He also stated that the splash pad would be
considered a destination amenity, like pickleball courts. Council Member Betcher inquired about
the reason staff was not recommending the repurpose system. Director Abraham reviewed the
limitations of the system, highlighting that utilizing the repurposed water would be difficult
considering the location of the splash pad. Mayor Haila brought up the additional bathroom
fixtures needed with the recirculation system. Director Abraham explained that the Iowa
Department of Public Health requires bathroom fixtures and showers; thus, a new restroom
building has been added to the design. This design change has resulted in significant increase in
the estimated project cost; however, the overall maintenance and operating expenses are much
lower.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Option 1: Direct staff to proceed with the
Daley Park Splash Pad Project with a recirculation water management system.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER FOLLOW-UP TO COUNCIL
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QUESTIONS: Director Abraham reviewed that staff presented proposed plans and
specifications for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center for approval on November 28, 2023, at
which time the City Council approved the plans and set the bid due date and date of public
hearing. During the discussion, the City Council requested that staff explore different flooring
options for the walking track. Director Abraham reported on the product identified as a suitable
option. The product, Gerflor Taraflex Sport M Plus, was noted by Troy Turner of Story
Construction to have a comparable cost to the originally proposed epoxy resinous flooring while
offering a 7.5 mm cushion. The Council Members discussed the price estimates in relation to the
recent City Hall reflooring project for the Aerobics Room, noting the significant difference in the
price per square foot. The consultants provided justification for the price difference, highlighting
various factors that would not be clear until the project was bid.
Director Abraham then presented the additional questions as detailed in the staff report. He
briefly discussed the future installation of solar panels, highlighting that the consultants are not
recommending installation of the support rails until installation of the panels due to manufacturer
specifications. He discussed concerns related to the natatorium acoustics, noting that the
consultants recommended a dovetail acoustical ceiling deck, which falls in line with the original
plans and specifications. Mayor Haila asked for an explanation of the ballasted roof system. Brad
Rodenburg of RDG Planning and Design (RDG) stated that the solar array would be supported
by a rail system that would sit atop of the membrane roofing. He furthered that the system would
be consistent over the natatorium, detailing that the natatorium would have dovetail acoustical
deck, with structural members within each flute of the deck being insulation-filled. A substrate
board would follow, then roof insulation and EPDM membrane, followed by roof insulation. He
clarified that each layer would be fully adhered with a vapor retarder on top of the steel deck.
Mr. Turner added that, for the natatorium specifically, the bottom substrate board would also be
mechanically fastened. Mayor Haila expressed concerns regarding the mechanically fastened
substrate. Mr. Turner explained that it was designed as a fluted deck with stainless steel fasteners
and Mr. Rodenburg added that the fasteners would be within the flute and not visible from
below. Mayor Haila emphasized that the City does not want any fasteners penetrating through
the bottom part of the metal deck into the natatorium and expressed his overarching concerns
regarding the ballasted roof system. The members of the City Council then discussed the
acoustical expectations for the natatorium with the consultants and staff before focusing on the
pavers for the accessible parking spots.
Director Abraham explained that RDG and Story Construction do not recommend putting pavers
in the accessible parking areas as the pavers will settle over time, require more maintenance, and
may develop safety concerns over time. He concluded with the announcement that the
Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Committee approved a $500,000 grant to the
City of Ames to be used for the construction of the aquatic center, thanking Dylan Kline of the
Ames Chamber of Commerce for collaborating on the application.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Option 1: Direct staff to include in
the bid documents Taraflex flooring in the walking area as Bid Alternate #4 and not change the
plans and specifications.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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REVIEW OF AMES PLAN 2040 REDIRECTION AREAS: Planning and Housing Director
Kelly Diekmann and Planner Benjamin Campbell presented the Infill and Redirection Areas.
Director Diekmann noted that of the eight areas identified by staff, staff was seeking direction
from the City Council if one or more areas should be prioritized for a neighborhood planning
study. He shared that staff believes that the Redirection Areas with the most immediate potential
for change are Area #1: South of Campus (Hunt/Knapp); Area #2: West of Campus Lincoln Way
(Campus/Howard/West); and Area #7: Northwestern Avenue-West of Downtown. He reviewed
the development opportunities for each Area and discussed the market interest for reinvestment.
The Council Members discussed the recommendation from staff, and ex officio Clark noted that
from a student perspective Area #1 and Area #2 are highly sought after for student living due to
the proximity to Campustown. He shared his thoughts that reinvestment in this area through the
development of high-density residential housing would be successful.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to prioritize the three areas recommended by staff in
the report – Area #1: South of Campus (Hunt/Knapp); Area #2: West of Campus Lincoln Way
(Campus/Howard/West); and Area #7: Northwestern Avenue-West of Downtown.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON TEXT AMENDMENT FOR PUBLIC NUISANCE “PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE” RELATED CHANGES TO THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Director
Diekmann and Planner Ameila Schoneman presented the amendments as detailed in the Staff
Report. Director Diekmann shared that the amendments provide requested clarifications on
vehicle definitions, definitions of parking versus storage, and eliminate confusion on what code
enforcement or nuisance abatement procedures apply.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending
Chapters 18, 22, 29, and 30 of the Ames Municipal Code related to public nuisance and property
maintenance standards.
Roll Call Vote 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO PAVING STANDARDS FOR BASIC
UTILITY USES AND OTHER SIMILAR USES: The Public Hearing was opened and closed
by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the
standards in Section 29.406(11) of the Municipal Code by adding language that developers of
sites with Basic Utility uses or other similar uses on sites within all Zones across the City can
request a reduction in paving of maneuvering areas subject to Planning & Housing Director
discretion.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING ON TEXT AMENDMENTS TO AMES MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 13, (RENTAL HOUSING CODE), CHAPTER 29 (ZONING ORDINANCE),
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AND CHAPTER 31 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION) TO ALLOW ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS: Council Member Junck
addressed three communications received by the City Council, highlighting that one issue related
to utilizing the primary residence as a short-term rental with a long-term rental in the ADU.
Director Diekmann noted that as the ordinance is drafted, the primary residence is eligible to be a
hosted home share, such as an Airbnb, even if the ADU has a letter of compliance as a long-term
rental. He clarified that the hosted home share as a short-term rental cannot be used for more
than 90 days of a year for that purpose. The City Council discussed the process of a hosted home
share in more detail before determining no changes were necessary to the related language in the
proposed ordinance.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance
amending Ames Municipal Code Chapter 13, (Rental Housing Code), Chapter 29 (Zoning
Ordinance), and Chapter 31 (Historic Preservation) to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
in residential districts.
Roll Call Vote 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to clarify that ADUs are not
subject to the 25% floor area ratio.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4515 AMENDING
CHAPTER 28, DIVISION 1 FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CUSTOMERS FOR TIME-OF-USE
BASED ON ELECTRICAL DEMAND: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to
pass on third reading and adopt Ordinance No. 4515 amending Chapter 28, Division 1 for
Eligibility of Customers for Time-of-use based on Electrical Demand.
Roll Call Vote 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were four items to consider, three of which were addressed with the second reading to allow
ADUs. The remaining item was from Bob Bourne requesting for inclusion in FY 2025 budget of
a study on a potential pedestrian bridge over Lincoln Way at Ash Avenue.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to decline to take action.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Clark shared that the winter term at Iowa State University
has commenced for students. He also wished the City Council and the community a happy
holiday and new year.
Council Member Rollins affirmed congratulations for receipt of the CAT Grant for the Fitch
Family Indoor Aquatic Center.
Council Member Betcher shared that she has served on the Discover Ames board for many years
now and she will miss those meetings, but she looks forward to joining the Ames Economic
Development Commission board again in the new year.
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Mayor Haila extended congratulations to the five Council Members that were sworn in at the
ceremony earlier that day. He also shared that it was an honor to present a Certificate of
Appreciation at the Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees meeting the night before to
Sarah Buck. She served for 30 years and had many accomplishments leading the board. He
wished her well and wished the community a happy holiday.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk