HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - August 8, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA AUGUST 8, 2023
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Policy Committee
meeting was called to order by Ames Mayor and voting member John Haila at 5:59 p.m. on the 8th
day of August, 2023. Other voting members present were Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, City of Ames;
Gloria Betcher, City of Ames, Tim Gartin, City of Ames; Rachel Junck, City of Ames; Anita
Rollins, City of Ames; Linda Murken, Story County Board of Supervisors; Jonathan Popp, Mayor
of Gilbert; and Bill Zinnel, of Boone County Board of Supervisors.
MOTION ACCEPTING THE FINDINGS OF THE 190TH STREET CORRIDOR STUDY:
Director of Public Works John Joiner, Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer, Civil Engineer Mark
Gansen, and Transportation Planner Kyle Thompson were available to answer questions about the
report. Transportation Planner Thompson clarified that a vote was requested on acceptance, which
meant accepting that the methodology of the report was done with best technical practices. He
stated that accepting the report did not mean agreeing to any prices, schedules, or contracts. Mayor
Haila noted that project schedules would be determined through the budget process as well.
Engineer Pregitzer reminded the Committee that the study was performed as an intermediary in
the long-range plan, and scoring, as well as fiscal constraints of these projects would be addressed
before October 2025 when the next plan is adopted. Planner Thompson explained that the
intersection of 190th Street and Hyde Avenue was already a part of the short-range planning and
could be submitted for federal aid as soon as next year, while the other two intersections would
take place in October 2025.
Mayor Popp thanked the Committee for tabling the vote, then asked follow-up questions from the
report. He stated that safety concerns should be a top priority of any decisions made going forward.
Council Member Gartin questioned how the issue of meeting notice was handled. Positive
feedback was received from the Committee in regard to the new method of distributing meeting
materials for Committee members to review.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Murken, to accept the report.
Vote on Motion: 8-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Haila, Junck, Murken, Rollins,
and Zinnel. Voting Nay: Popp.
MOTION SETTING SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, AS DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING AMENDMENT TO THE FFY 2023-2026 TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: Planner Thompson explained the Public Hearing was to satisfy
a requirement for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and that AAMPO guidelines were
being followed to alert community members to the Public Comment period.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Popp, to set September 12, 2023, as date of Public Hearing
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regarding amendment to the FFY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program.
Vote on Motion: 9-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Murken, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 9-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA August 8, 2023
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:29
p.m. on the 8th day of August, 2023, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim
Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Iowa State University Student Body President Jennifer
Holiday was present. Council Member Amber Corrieri and Ex officio Tabitha Etten were absent.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular Meeting on July 18, 2023, and July 27,
2023
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period July 16-31, 2023
4. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for September 8 – September 9, 2023, Class
C Retail Alcohol License – Sips and Paddy’s Irish Pub, 126 Welch Avenue, Pending
Dramshop Status
5. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for September 22 – September 24, 2023, Class
C Retail Alcohol License – Sips and Paddy’s Irish Pub, 126 Welch Avenue, Pending
Dramshop Status
6. Motion approving ownership updates for Class C Retail Alcohol License – Cyclone
Experience Network, 1800 S 4th Street, Jack Trice Stadium
7. Motion approving ownership updates for Class C Retail Alcohol License –Levy @ Fisher
Theater, 1805 Center Drive
8. Motion approving ownership updates for Class C Retail Alcohol License – Levy @ Scheman
Building, 1805 Center Drive
9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Class C Beer Permit – Hy-Vee Gas #5013, 4018 West Lincoln Way
b. Class C Liquor License – Inside Golf, 2801 Grand Avenue #1075
c. Class C Liquor License – Iowa State Center, CY Stephens, 1900 Center Drive
d. Class E Liquor License – Kwik Stop Liquor & Groceries, 125 6th Street
10. Motion rejecting all bids for Water Treatment Plant Distributed Antenna System Project
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11. RESOLUTION NO. 23-434 supporting the City of Ames continued designation as a member
of Bird Friendly Iowa
12. RESOLUTION NO. 23-435 approving Encroachment Permit Agreement for Awning at 211
& 209 Main Street
13. RESOLUTION NO. 23-436 approving Encroachment Permit Agreement for Sign at 2700
Graham Street
14. RESOLUTION NO. 23-437 authorizing and approving a Loan and Disbursement Agreement
and providing for the issuance and securing the payment of $2,150,000 Sewer Revenue Bonds,
Series 2023
15. RESOLUTION NO. 23-438 approving a 28E Agreement for fiscal agent assistance with the
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Division of Soil Conservation and
Water Quality, City of Ames and Story County Soil & Water Conservation District and
Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District
16. RESOLUTION NO. 23-439 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Ioway Creek Watershed
Management Authority 28E Agreement and approving Hamilton County as a new cooperator
17. RESOLUTION NO. 23-440 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Story County to
apply for grant funding under the 2023 Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs,
Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program and authorize application for that grant
18. RESOLUTION NO. 23-441 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa State
University for 2022/23 Traffic Signal Program (State Avenue and Mortensen Permanent
Signal)
19. RESOLUTION NO. 23-442 approving Change Order No. 2 with Thorpe Contracting, LLC,
of Adel, Iowa, in the amount not to exceed $122,970 for the 2022/23 & 2023/24 Ames Plan
2040 Water Utility Infrastructure Program
20. RESOLUTION NO. 23-443 awarding contract to Vision Metering of York, South Carolina,
for the purchase of electric meters in accordance with unit prices bid
21. RESOLUTION NO. 23-444 awarding contract to Zachry Engineering Corporation of Omaha,
Nebraska, for Engineering Services at the Power Plant for Gas Turbine 1 Motor Control
Center Retrofit in the amount not to exceed $96,000
22. RESOLUTION NO. 23-445 awarding contract to Superior Industrial Equipment, of Grimes,
Iowa, for the 72 Boiler Feedwater Pump Inspection & Repair project at the Power Plant, in
the amount of $115,876.95
23. RESOLUTION NO. 23-446 approving contract and bond for 2022/23 Airport Improvements
Project (South Apron Rehab) with Con-Struct, Inc. of Ames, Iowa
24. RESOLUTION NO. 23-447 accepting Fire Station 3 PCC Replacement as completed Brothers
Concrete, of Des Moines, Iowa
25. RESOLUTION NO. 23-448 accepting the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Clear Water Diversion as
completed by Ames Trenching and Excavating, Inc., of Ames, Iowa
26. RESOLUTION NO. 23-449 accepting the FY 2022/23 Story County Edge of Field Project as
completed by Hands on Excavating, LLC, of Radcliffe, Iowa
27. RESOLUTION NO. 23-450 accepting the 2022/23 Downtown Street Pavement
Improvements as completed by Brothers Concrete, of Des Moines, Iowa
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted, 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, presented concerns about the Senior Variety Show being
hosted at the Ames City Auditorium.
Paul Readhead, 1200 Ridgewood Avenue, Ames, offered observations and concerns about solid
waste collection in Ames. He expressed his belief that the free-market system is neither the best
nor most efficient system for Ames and advocated for an organized waste collection system.
Teresa Albertson, 4612 Westbend Drive, Ames, shared concerns about a homeless encampment
in west Ames and requested action through an ordinance to address open camping on private
property.
ES TAS LIQUOR LICENSE: Chief of Police Geoff Huff presented the Council Action Form
(CAF) and explained Section 17.16 of Municipal Code prohibits minors to be on the premises of
a liquor license establishment unless 50% of the sales of the establishment come from food service
as opposed to alcohol. He reiterated that it is the responsibility of the bar to remove anyone under
21 from the premise and noted the owner had not contested his decision to revoke the 50/50 status
of Es Tas. Chief Huff walked through the changes made in the business model for Es Tas, and
noted several of the measures taken by Es Tas were similar to another establishment that the City
Council had recently established. These measures were also discussed regularly at the quarterly
bar meetings hosted by the Police Department. He stated that an 8-month license would allow the
Police Department to monitor the situation closely and bring notification to the City Council if
necessary.
Council Member Gartin stated that the City Council takes issues with compliance seriously and
was committed to keeping students and the rest of the community safe. Council Member Betcher
thanked Chief Huff for his work and stated that establishments in Ames were expected to follow
the standards set by the Police Department. She noted that she did not want the City Council to be
viewed as a “rubber stamp” for alcohol licenses, and that she hoped to see continuing success for
these establishments.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Terry Cullen, 216 Stanton Avenue, Ames, the owner of Es Tas, was available for questions from
the City Council. He shared his commitment to changing the perception of Es Tas as a place where
minors could get in and being in compliance going forward.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to approve a new eight-month license for Class C
Retail Alcohol License – Terry & Andy’s Tacos Inc. (Es Tas) 216 Stanton, Pending Dramshop
Status.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPLMENT AUTHORITY APPLICATION: Finance Director
Cody Goodenow shared that the Finance Department has been working with the Ames Economic
Development Commission (AEDC) on an application for financial assistance for 3M. This
opportunity was possible through the High-Quality Jobs Program and would entail a $13 million
investment, and a roughly $500,000 property value increase. Director Goodenow noted no local
match was needed for the application, and that the AEDC and 3M were asking only for an
endorsement to support a program that would create 25 high quality jobs in the community.
Council Member Betcher questioned how high-quality jobs were defined. Director Goodenow
answered that high-quality jobs were defined as paying 120% of the local labor market wage,
which is roughly $30.07.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, commented that the best
opportunities come from businesses who are already here in the community, and that is why the
Ames Chamber of Commerce and AEDC were committed to placing a high emphasis on existing
employers when opportunities present themselves.
Tom Buzalweski, Director of the Ames 3M Plant, said he was thankful for the opportunity to add
25 high quality jobs to the community. He noted that 3M has been an important employer in Ames
for the last 52 years, bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs to Ames. Mr. Buzalweski shared that
the Ames plant was known for safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the 3M Corporation.
Council Member Betcher questioned what kind of positions 3M was anticipating would be created.
Mr. Buzalweski stated the new positions would be very similar to what the 3M Plant currently
does now, noting that it takes six months to be reach the competency level to run the machine
without assistance. Council Member Gartin and Mayor Haila thanked 3M for their leadership in
the community.
Mayor Haila closed Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-451 endorsing Iowa
Economic Development Authority Application for Financial Assistance for 3M Company.
Vote on Resolution: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a
portion of these minutes.
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CITY MEETING CODE OF CONDUCT: Mayor Haila noted that the item should read
“Decorum Standards” instead of Code of Conduct. Assistant City Manager (ACM) Brian Phillips
presented the CAF and noted that many items on the list of suggested standards have been on other
City documents or have been held as expectations. The standards would seek to consolidate them
into one place. ACM Phillips explained the priorities of staff were to balance the need for
community input and community expression while helping everyone to feel comfortable
participating in City proceedings.
Council Member Betcher stated some of the standards seemed more focused on subjective ideas
of what might be appropriate, while others were more oriented towards people being able to see
what is going on. She shared her desire to clarify the language to reflect that, and presented possible
examples that would not set boundaries that are difficult to enforce. Council Member Gartin
inquired how community members would be made aware of these standards. ACM Phillips stated
the decorum standards could be posted on the windows to Council Chambers, on the City website,
and included at the top of the agenda of each meeting. He elaborated that some of these standards
are already observed in Ames, and some were modeled after peer cities.
Council Member Gartin noted that in his experience there has been amazing civility in the Ames
City Council, and that the standards can always be adjusted based on feedback from the
community. Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated that the goal of the Decorum Standards was
not to avoid seeing messaging from the community, but to avoid blocking the view of others.
Mayor Haila echoed the previous comments while expressing his gratitude for the respectfulness
of the community, even during disagreements. He also noted that there were some safety concerns
with individuals approaching the dais with materials, and that creating an environment of safety
was important.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Richard Deyo, 505 8th Street #2, Ames, presented concerns about the proposed Decorum Standards
and shared his experiences around the community with his signs.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Gartin expressed that he wanted to acknowledge that no one attends meetings as
often as Richard, and that the City Council was grateful for his participation.
Council Member Betcher stated that she had a few motions to propose to clarify the intent of the
decorum standards.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjust the language of Item 4 to allow
individuals to approach the dais only if they are interacting with staff to distribute materials to
those seated at the dais.
Vote on Motion: 3-2. Voting Aye: Betcher, Beatty-Hansen, Junck. Voting Nay: Gartin, Rollins.
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Motion declared carried.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to change the language of Item 5 to allow standing by
meeting attendees as long as they are not obstructing the view of the proceedings or the ability of
others to participate.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to change language of Item 6 to indicate that signs
are allowed at meetings, but when displayed must not obstruct the view of the proceedings or the
participation of meeting attendees.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
After discussion around the remaining decorum standards of the City, Council Members pursued
two more courses of action.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, that the last sentence in Item 7 read “Attire must be
worn so as to not distract from, interfere with, or obstruct the proceedings or other attendees.”
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin.
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Rollins for Item 6 to include language that signs may not use profane, obscene, or
slanderous language.
Seconded Beatty-Hansen after a friendly amendment to add “or to engage in personal attacks
against City officials or members of the public” was included.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON THE 2023/24 PROPOSED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PROJECTS FOR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME PROGRAMS:
Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer presented the proposed plan, reviewed the Public
Input, and looked at available funds for the Plan. She shared on April 26, 2023, and April 27, 2023,
City staff hosted in-person and virtual public forums to gather input regarding possible projects
for consideration for the City’s 2023-24 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan Program. Seven
persons attended the in-person forum, and six persons attended the virtual forum. Attendees
included representatives from The Bridge Home, Primary Health Care, ACCESS, The Salvation
Army, Electric Department, Community and Family Resources, Central Iowa Regional Housing
Authority, and five citizens from Ames. Feedback centered around the need for assistance with
deposits, short-term rental assistance, and assistance to buy groceries for food pantries. From this
feedback, staff gathered a consensus that that there is a continued need for supporting affordable
housing for lower-income households. Coordinator Baker-Latimer noted that the Plan was
approved by the City Council on May 9, 2023. She stated that a project awaiting approval on the
amendment was for Public Infrastructure Improvement and would allow for the replacement of
lead water mains in a census tract. Other highlighted programs included: finishing out park
improvements at the Baker Subdivision, continuing slum and blight improvement projects,
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maintenance for the Baker Subdivision, single home new construction and low-income housing
tax credit assistance for new construction.
Coordinator Baker-Latimer then shared feedback received during the 30-day comment period and
the response from staff. She also shared appreciation that the community was involved and
engaging with the Plan. Council Member Betcher asked if any of the proposed projects were
“shovel ready,” to which Coordinator Latimer noted that when the Public Infrastructure
Improvement amendment was approved, staff would be ready to proceed with that project to spend
down available funds.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-453 approving the Plan,
including Projects and Budget, and directing staff to submit the Plan for approval by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.)
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion
of these minutes.
CONTINUANCE OF FIRST READING OF THE MINIMUM EXTERIOR PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE: Fire Chief Rich Higgins and Building Official Sara Van
Meeteren presented the ordinance and the changes that had been made from City Council motions
at the July 18, 2023, meeting of the Ames City Council and input received from the community.
Mayor Haila stated that the City Council had continued to receive feedback via email and phone
calls after the last meeting and opened the floor for any additional changes that the City Council
wanted made.
Council Member Gartin asked for clarification on differences in height allowances for turf grass
and weeds. Building Official Van Meeteren stated that as it was currently written, turf grass could
be regulated to twelve inches while weeds could be as tall as the property owner desired. She also
clarified that instead of referencing the outdated list from the State of noxious weeds, it would
instead read “any other plant deemed dangerous by the City.” Council Member Rollins inquired
about expanding the acceptable containers for yard waste to include trash bags. Building Official
Van Meeteren stated that that exception could be added, but staff would recommend including a
length of time before disposal as the trash bags will deteriorate. Mayor Haila questioned City
Attorney Mark Lambert about what was necessary to be able to take action on a first reading of
the ordinance. City Attorney Lambert stated that ordinance should be as close as possible to what
would be the adopted ordinance, but it could be done by adding amendments at the next meeting
as well.
Moved by Rollins to amend Section 30.5 (3) to add "branches which could be broken down and
bundled “directly after "trash disposal container.”
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Seconded by Beatty-Hansen after Rollins amended the motion to add "yard waste bag, or" between
"trash disposal container" and "branches which could be broken down and bundled."
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, that Section 30.5 (11) is struck from the ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 2-3. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Junck. Voting Nay: Betcher, Gartin, Rollins.
Motion failed.
Council Member Gartin expressed his belief that this motion was counterintuitive to establishing
minimum standards. Council Member Rollins gave examples of different yard styles throughout
the community and encouraged the City Council to remember that this was not a “one size fits all”
solution. Concerns with confusion between rental properties and homeowner properties were noted
by Council Member Betcher.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to amend Section 30.5 (22), to indicate “that
parking of one travel trailer, recreational vehicle, boat, boat trailer, or trailer is permitted on any
approved parking surface.”
Motion Withdrawn.
Mayor Haila inquired if this motion intended to allow parking a travel trailer, recreational vehicle,
boat, boat trailer, or trailer on any location on the property, noting that parking one was already
allowed to be parked on an approved parking surface behind the home. Council Member Betcher
clarified that she meant any approved parking surface, such as a driveway.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to change language of Section 30.5 (22) to allow
parking of one travel trailer, recreational vehicle, boat, boat trailer, or trailer on an approved
parking surface on a property.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Haila noted for the record he was opposed to this change. Council Member Gartin stated
that this strips protection from other homeowners who did not want these vehicles to be parked in
front of homes. Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated her belief that the current code language
incentivizes parking these vehicles in the street, where this would allow them to be kept on the
homeowner’s property. Council Member Junck questioned if the language pertaining to habitation
and business uses would be changed, to which Council Member Betcher stated her motion did not
change the existing language regarding those two matters. Council Member Betcher reminded the
City Council that great efforts had been made to remove aesthetic language from the ordinance.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
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Timothy Stewart, Roosevelt Avenue, Ames, asked that Section 30.5 (11) and (13) be removed
from the ordinance. He stated that more property owners are choosing nontraditional lawns, which
are better for the health of native plants and animals, and help support pollinators.
Jamie Beyer, 269 U Avenue, Boone, noted that the best wildlife habitats are now located within
urban environments, and letting grass grow longer supports pollinators. Mr. Beyer outlined how
as he learned more about the importance of native plants he has switched to less mowing. He
requested more flexibility on what was allowed to be in yards to help support native wildlife.
Teresa Albertson, 4612 Westbend Drive, Ames, shared her support for the ordinance, stating her
belief that this ordinance has been needed for a long time. She also shared her support for a low-
income grant program to assist those who may need assistance to comply with the ordinance.
Brendan Dunphy, Ames, advocated for allowing grass and other native species to grow, noting
that oftentimes a conversation with someone can change their perspective. Mr. Dunphy shared that
he had an opportunity to learn about both the community and its wildlife as he made a documentary
based on a local family of foxes. He stated that the linchpin to a healthy world is biodiversity and
encouraged the City Council to allow community members to let their grass grow.
Dylan Kline, 3329 Canterbury Court, Ames, advocated for lowering the height trees must be
trimmed to above sidewalks to preserve the beauty of the community. He thanked the City Council
for the work that had been done on the ordinance.
Joan Anderson, 305 South Franklin, Ames, asked the City Council to incorporate the intent of the
ordinance in the code so there is an emphasis on education for residents to see. She shared her
hope that the focus would remain on helping people to stay in their homes.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Gartin requested clarification on why the 10’ clearance had originally been
added. Building Official Van Meeteren stated that staff had conversations with the Public Works
Department, who advised that DOT projects have a requirement for trees to be trimmed up to 10’
above the sidewalk and had a time frame for how long that must be maintained. She explained that
having this apply to all City streets was an effort to maintain consistency across the community
while complying with federal guidelines.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, that Section 30.5 (9) be amended to be 8’ of
clearance above the sidewalks in the community in areas not governed by funding or contract
obligation, and 10’ in areas governed by funding or contract obligation.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Junck asked staff to speak to Mr. Stewart’s concerns with Section 30.5 (11) and
(13). Building Official Van Meeteren responded that native vegetation and prairie grasses were
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not limited in height and explained the State requirement that mandated enforcement on noxious
weeds.
Council Member Gartin stated there was no such thing as a perfect ordinance, and he hesitated to
have one issue torpedo his support for the ordinance. He expressed that he did not believe the
community was prepared for the ramifications. Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired when
funding concepts would be available for low-income assistance or grants for community members
who needed assistance to bring their home into compliance. Building Official Van Meeteren
shared that a report had been drafted and would be available soon. She also highlighted the Story
County Housing Trust, which was already established and underutilized. City Manager Steve
Schainker noted that rehabilitation funding was built into the CDBG plan.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve on first reading the proposed Minimum
Exterior Property Maintenance Code, as amended by the City Council on July 18, 2023, and the
intent of motions made on August 8, 2023.
Roll Call Vote: 4-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin.
Motion declared carried.
SECOND PASSAGE OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO ALLOW FOR SPORTS
PRACTICE FACILITY AS A USE WITHIN THE GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI)
ZONING DISTRICT OF SECTION 29.901 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved
by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second reading an ordinance on Zoning Text
Amendment to allow for Sports Practice Facility as a use within the General Industrial (GI) Zoning
District of Section 29.901 of the Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4507 ON ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENT TO PARKING STANDARDS FOR RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES-
GENERAL TO TWO SPACES PER 1,000 SQUARE FEET: Moved by Beatty-Hansen,
seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4507 on Zoning Text
Amendment to Parking Standards for Retail Sales and Services General to two spaces per 1,000
square feet.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4508 AMENDING AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.4 REGARDING URINATION AND DEFECATION:
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4508 amending Ames Municipal Code Section 11.4 regarding urination and defecation.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila stated that there were
five items for consideration.
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The first item was additional emails compiled after the July 18, 2023 meeting from Ames residents
regarding comments on the Proposed Minimum Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance. Mayor
Haila clarified these were for information only.
Next, a Dollar Tree Request for a Text Amendment relative to exterior appearance from Nick Feira
was evaluated.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen to not request a memo or place the item on a future
agenda.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, that the Mayor respond in a letter to Dollar Tree that Ames
welcomes their investment and look forward to attempting to work with their staff to find a solution
that meets Ames standards.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Damion Pregitzer, City of Ames Traffic Engineer, related to Intersection Control at
Woodland Drive and Westwood Street was next.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to follow the course of action outlined under
next steps.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Next, a memo discussing the Withdrawal of Arrasmith Subdivision Waiver Request from Planning
and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann was noted as being for information only. Mayor Haila
stated no further action was necessary from the City Council.
Finally, a memo from Director Diekmann on 102 & 112 North Hyland Rezoning Request was
considered.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to place the item on a future agenda for further discussion.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher thanked staff for all the hard work that went
into the proposed Decorum Standards and Property Maintenance ordinance. She also extended her
gratitude for all the input received by the community and shared that she was optimistic about the
future success of the ordinance.
Council Member Gartin shared Rummage Rampage was just completed, and he appreciated all the
those involved in the planning and execution of the event. He stated he loves that Ames is a model
for other communities.
Council Member Rollins echoed the previous statements, and shared that National Night Out was
a successful event as well. She shared the highest number of backpacks were given out in the
history of the event this year.
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Council Member Junck suggested staff should update the City website to show the process of how
the Property Maintenance ordinance will go into effect after it is adopted.
Jennifer Holliday, Student Body President of Iowa State University, shared her excitement to work
with the City Council and see what could be accomplished through the next school year.
Mayor Haila shared he was looking forward to working with the Student Government as well. He
also shared well wishes to Iowa State Daily reporter Cleo Westin with marching band and thanked
her for her work reporting on the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Grace A. Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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Renee Hall, City Clerk