HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 12, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE AMES AREA
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 12, 2021
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Mayor Haila announced that it is impractical to hold an in-person Council meeting due to the
Governor of Iowa declaring a public health emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, limits have been placed on public gatherings, and this meeting is being held as an
electronic meeting as allowed by Section 21.8 of the Iowa Code. The Mayor then provided how the
public could participate in the meeting via internet or by phone.
CALL TO ORDER: The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO)
Transportation Policy Committee meeting, which was being held electronically, was called to order
by Ames Mayor and voting member John Haila at 6:00 p.m. on the 12th day of January, 2021. Other
voting members brought into the meeting were: Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, City of Ames; Gloria
Betcher, City of Ames; Amber Corrieri, City of Ames; Tim Gartin, City of Ames; Rachel Junck, City
of Ames; David Martin, City of Ames; Jacob Ludwig, Transit Board; Bill Zinnel, Boone County
Supervisor. Jon Popp, Mayor of Gilbert joined the meeting at 6:04 p.m. Lisa Heddens, Story County
Supervisor were absent.
HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO THE 2021-2024 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM: Mayor Haila opened the public hearing and it was closed when no one came forward
to speak.
The Mayor asked CyRide Director Barb Neal to review how the Automatic Passenger Counter would
be funded and its benefits. Director Neal mentioned that anytime CyRide applies for a grant,
whether capital or operating, it needs to be put into the Transportation Improvement Program so
CyRide can utilize the grant funding. The Amendment is due to CyRide applying for a new research
grant for Automatic Passenger Counters; the local match is $52,806. Ms. Neal explained that CyRide
already has the required $75,000 programmed into its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The local
funding match would come from CyRide. The Automatic Passenger Counters are versatile and will
allow passengers to see the capacity on the bus. She noted that for CyRide it will allow them to
improve system efficiencies. CyRide will be able to collect data in real-time and make decisions
quicker. Currently data is collected manually, and they don’t always collect how many passengers
board or de-board the bus. The Automatic Passenger Counter will help make CyRide’s numbers
more accurate.
Mayor Popp was brought into the meeting at 6:04 pm.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Popp, to approve the Amendment to the 2021-2024 Transportation
Improvement Program to add an Automatic Passenger Counters CyRide Project in FY 2021.
Vote on Motion: 10-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DESIGNATION OF AAMPO REPRESENTATIVES TO CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ALLIANCE: Public Works Director John Joiner stated that
prior to Ames becoming an AAMPO, the City of Ames and Gilbert were members of the Central
Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA). Now that the City of Ames is its own
MPO, it maintains an advisory member position with CIRPTA. Annually the Transportation Policy
Committee appoints representatives and alternate representatives to CIRTPA’s two committees.
Moved by Ludwig, seconded by Zinnel, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-001 approving the
designation of AAMPO representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning
Alliance.
Vote on Motion: 10-0. Motion declared carried unanimously
POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS: There were no comments from the Policy Committee.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Ludwig to adjourn the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization Transportation Policy Committee meeting at 6:08 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor John Haila called the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council,
which was being held electronically, to order at 6:09 p.m. with the following Council members
participating: Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck,
and David Martin. Ex officio Member Nicole Whitlock was also present.
Mayor Haila stated that it is impractical to hold an in-person Council meeting due to the Governor
of Iowa declaring a public health emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, limits
have been placed on public gatherings, and this meeting is being held as an electronic meeting as
allowed by Section 21.8 of the Iowa Code. The Mayor then provided how the public could
participate in the meeting via internet or by phone.
The Mayor announced that the Council was working off an Amended Agenda. City staff had a
correction to a word on Item No. 5. The event name “February Dollar Days” was changed to
“Downtown Dollar Days.”
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher requested to pull, for further discussion, Item No.
10: Resolution awarding Contract to Tarath, LLC, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to provide Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion training to City employees in the amount of $50,000.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting held December 22, 2020
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3.Motion approval renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a.Class C Liquor License, Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - The Angry Irishmen (119
Main St), Pending DRAM
b.Class A Liquor License (Private Club) - American Legion #37 (225 Main)
c.Class C Liquor License, Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - Blue Owl Bar (223
Welch Ave)
d.Class C Liquor License, Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - West Towne Pub (4518
Mortensen Rd Ste 101)
e.Class C Liquor License, Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - Dublin Bay (320 16th),
Pending DRAM
f.Class E Liquor License, Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (Carryout) &
Sunday Sales - The Filling Station (2400 University Blvd)
g.Class C Liquor License, Catering Privilege & Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Market Café
(3800 Lincoln Way)
h.Class C Liquor License, Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - Cy’s Roost (121 Welch
Ave), Pending DRAM
i.Class E Liquor License, Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit with Sunday
Sales JW Liquor (4518 Mortensen Rd Ste #109)
4.Motion referring Voluntary Annexation Petition regarding property located at 4514 Hyde
Avenue to Planning & Zoning Commission
5.Requests from Ames Main Street (AMS) for Downtown Dollar Days event on Thursday,
February 4 through Sunday, February 7, 2021:
a.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending
License
b.RESOLUTION NO. 21-002 approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement
in the Downtown District on Saturday, February 6
c.RESOLUTION NO. 21-003 approving request from Ames Main Street for Saturday
February 6 to transfer $1,379.25 from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the
Parking Fund.
d.RESOLUTION NO. 21-004 approving waiver of fee for blanket Vending License
6.RESOLUTION NO. 21-005 Setting Date of Public Hearing for January 26, 2021, on a
proposal to enter into an amended State Revolving Fund Sewer Revenue Loan and
Disbursement Agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $6,075,000
7.RESOLUTION NO. 21-006 approving appointment of Aaron DeLashmutt as the Chief of
Police Alternate to the Story County 911 Service Board
8.RESOLUTION NO. 21-007 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Central Iowa
Emergency Services Chaplaincy
9.RESOLUTION NO. 21-008 approving Professional Services Agreement with Bolton &
Menk, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, for 2020/21 Shared Use Path System Expansion - Vet Med Trail
(S. 16th Street to S. Grand Avenue) in an amount not to exceed $46,138
10.RESOLUTION NO. 21-010 approving preliminary plans and specifications for City Access
Control System; setting February 10, 2021, as bid due date and February 23, 2021, as date
of public hearing
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11.RESOLUTION NO. 21-011 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the Water
Treatment Plant Lime Pond Underdrain Improvements Project; setting February 10, 2021,
as bid due date and February 23, 2021, as date of public hearing
12.RESOLUTION NO. 21-012 awarding contract to Reliant Fire Apparatus, Inc., (Pierce) for
the purchase of a new ladder truck at a cost of $1,152,825
13.RESOLUTION NO. 21-013 approving contract and bond for Homewood Slope Stabilization
14.RESOLUTION NO. 21-014 approving contract and bond for Inis Grove Park Sidewalk
Project
15.RESOLUTION NO. 21-015 approving new Performance Bond and authorizing release of
original bond regarding contract with Anderson Process & Instrumentation Solutions, LLC,
for Maintenance Services for the Power Plant
16.RESOLUTION NO. 21-16 approving partial completion of public improvements and
reducing required security for Sunset Ridge, 10th Subdivision
17.RESOLUTION NO. 21-017 accepting completion of 2019/20 Multi-Modal Roadway
Improvements (30th Street & Duff Avenue Restriping)
18.RESOLUTION NO. 21-018 accepting completion of Fuel Forwarding Pump House Fire
Protection Upgrade for Power Plant
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
CONTRACT TO TARATH, LLC, OF CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, TO PROVIDE
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TRAINING TO CITY EMPLOYEES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000: Council Member Betcher explained that this item had to do with staff
training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She mentioned that sometimes as a City they are not
always good at showing what they are doing in their efforts to create a more inclusive community.
Ms. Betcher pulled this item to let the public know that City staff will be getting training and the
Council is continuing to be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-009 awarding a Contract
to Tarath, LLC, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
to City employees in the amount of $50,000:
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened Public Forum. No one requested to speak, so he closed
Public Forum.
DISCUSSION ON THE DIRECTION THE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION IS TAKING IN
REGARDS TO SMALL ART GRANTS: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips mentioned this
item was on the Agenda per the request of the Council. At the last City Council meeting, the Council
had expressed an interest in providing some additional direction. Mr. Phillips noted that Olivia
Madison, who was representing the Public Art Commission, was available for any questions.
Council Member Martin stated that there were two different types of projects that were being
presented. He noted there was the proposal that Council Member Betcher made last year and was
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approved that would allow individual artists to apply for small grants to do projects that are
independent without being a part of a larger system. Since then, the Council has learned from the
Public Art Commission of a proposal that involves the Octagon to provide expanded studio space
to local artists. Mr. Martin commented that he thought it was a great idea and proposal. He liked both
projects and didn’t want them to be pitted against each other and wanted to see if the Council would
support separating the two projects.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to ask staff to ensure that sufficient funds are available to
fund the Octagon proposal, in case that is ultimately recommended and approved by Council,
regardless what the Council decides regarding the Small Art Grant program.
Olivia Madison, representative for the Public Arts Commission (PAC), stated that PAC is in favor
of the concept of being able to fund individual artists. What PAC liked about the Octagon proposal
was that it included the ability to provide space for artists to work individually or to gather with
others. She stated that the Octagon’s proposal is a lot larger than just supporting individual artists.
Ms. Madison mentioned that a lot of artists don’t have the space to work outside of home, school,
or work, especially due to COVID-19. She pointed out that the proposal is not intended to provide
supplies.
Council Member Gartin stated this is the first time that the Council has done something like this, and
instead of supporting an organization that the City has a relationship with, they would now be
supporting individuals. He wanted to know who would be developing the criteria and asked if an
applicant needed to be a resident of Ames. Mayor Haila mentioned that Mr. Gartin’s questions would
be answered later as they are currently discussing the motion on the floor about the Octagon
proposal.
Council Member Betcher explained that her intent with the small arts grant program was to support
the individual artists by buying supplies, etc. She thought the Octagon proposal was excellent, but
not what she was envisioning when she initially made the motion. Ms. Betcher commented that she
completely supports Mr. Martin’s motion. She also doesn’t want to pit the two projects against each
other, as both projects would be valuable to the community.
Council Member Gartin wanted to know if the motion had any constraints to the amount. Council
Member Martin thought it would be the $10,000 that was originally proposed, but he is not sure what
PAC had in mind. Ms. Madison commented that she had not thought about treating the Octagon
proposal as separate as the Public Art Commission thought that the support for local artists could
fit into the broader Octagon proposal. She stated that she is not opposed to separating the projects,
but wondered how PAC would go about creating a process for the small arts grants program and who
would be responsible for overseeing the program. Ms. Madison mentioned that the Director for the
Octagon understood that $10,000 was the limit on the amount that would go towards the project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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The public input was opened by the Mayor. N one came forward, to offer comments.
Council Member Betcher stated she has a motion she would like to make, but wanted to address Mr.
Gartin’s earlier comment about the program being for Ames residents only. She explained that her
motion will give the parameters that she thinks are necessary and will allow for flexibility to have
the Public Art Commission and the Commission on the Arts work together.
Ms. Madison pointed out that PAC had focused on visual arts, not the performing arts, regarding the
proposal with the Octagon.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Martin, that the Public Art Commission, working with the
Commission on the Arts, develop and bring back to the Council as soon as possible guidelines for
a Small Art Grant Pilot Program that offers competitive grants up to $10,000 for individual artists
and groups of artists not eligible for COTA funding to create arts projects that will benefit the
residents of Ames and/or contribute to making Ames a fun and vibrant community.
City Manager Steve Schainker asked for clarification on the motion regarding funding. He wanted
to know if Ms. Betcher had meant $10,000 per grant or a pot of money. Ms. Betcher explained that
the Council had already approved a pot of money that the committee could split among multiple
applicants. The Council would like to support as many grants as they can with the $10,000.
Mayor Haila asked Ms. Madison if the motion was helpful for PAC to know what needs to be done
in moving forward. He noted that Mr. Phillips will help assist PAC with the guidelines and answer
any questions. Ms. Madison commented that she understood that the small arts grant program would
be a pilot project and may not be a continuing program, and the Council would be looking for an
evaluation process of how the small arts grant program did. Ms. Betcher explained that would be
correct, but that is not part of the initial motion. The initial motion was for PAC to bring the initial
guidelines back to the Council for review before moving forward. City Manager Schainker noted that
the first step would be to come back to the Council with the criteria to make sure everyone agrees.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 26, 2021, TO AUTHORIZE THE
POTENTIAL USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN AUTHORITY, IF NECESSARY, TO OBTAIN
EASEMENTS AND ACQUIRE LAND FOR THE FLOOD MITIGATION - RIVER
FLOODING PROJECT: Municipal Engineer Tracy Peterson reminded the Council that this item
is the Flood Mitigation project with $3.75 million in FEMA funding to do work on 2,000 feet on
either side of the South Duff Avenue bridge. Staff is starting the land acquisition services, and as part
of getting the federal funding, they have to go through the process of getting a resolution for eminent
domain. She explained this is just a formality as staff is working with the landowners. Staff has been
meeting regularly with the landowners to answer questions and will be going through the appraisal
process to make offers on the land. Ms. Peterson stated that they are hoping to bring voluntary
settlements back to the City Council. The goal is to not have to use eminent domain at all, but they
are required to pass the resolution due to FEMA guidelines.
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Mayor Haila wanted to stress the fact that this item is just setting a date of public hearing and the
Council has no desire to exercise eminent domain, but it is something that is required by FEMA to
be used only in the event that staff is not able to come to some resolution with the landowners.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-019 setting the
date of public hearing for January 26, 2021, to authorize the potential use of eminent domain
authority, if necessary, to obtain easements and acquire land for the Flood Mitigation - River
Flooding project.
Council Member Betcher mentioned that she will be voting against the motion, as she has been
against this project from the beginning.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin. Voting Nay:
Betcher. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these
Minutes.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL STATUS OF CYRIDE: City Manager Steve Schainker stated that
this item was referred to staff by City Council. The Council had asked CyRide Director Barb Neal
to come before the Council and give a brief explanation of the impact that COVID-19 and the drop
in Iowa State University enrollment have had on CyRide. He mentioned that the responsibility for
developing CyRide’s budget lies with the staff of CyRide and the Transit Board. There will be some
long-term strategies that are going to be developed. Mr. Schainker noted that Director Neal is
available for any questions, but a lot of information was given in the Staff Report. He pointed out
that CyRide was fortunate enough to receive CARES funding that will help for the next couple of
years.
Council Member Betcher stated she appreciated CyRide for putting the report together as it was
helpful to see it. She felt more confident about where CyRide is financially.
HEARING ON MAINTENANCE FACILITY FABRIC STORAGE BARN: Fleet Services
Director Corey Mellies stated that when they bid this project, it had an alternate for a second
building; however, the funding was not available. Staff is recommending moving forward with one
building. The building will be a big help for the maintenance facility with storage and vehicle needs.
The Mayor opened the public hearing. There was no one wishing to speak, and the hearing was
closed.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-020 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to A & B Construction LTD, of Harper, Iowa, in the
amount of $157,025.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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HEARING ON WATER PLANT DEHUMIDIFICATION PROJECT: The public hearing was
opened by the Mayor. He closed the hearing after no one asked to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-021 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Mechanical Comfort, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the
amount of $262,940.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON AMES CITY HALL AUDITORIUM HVAC UPGRADE: Fleet Services
Director Corey Mellies explained that staff is recommending rejecting all bids, as they came in
higher than anticipated. Staff will be working with the consulting firm to look at the design to see
if the project is within the budget.
Council Member Betcher asked if staff had looked at sustainability issues and how they fit with the
Council’s attempts at reducing its carbon footprint. Director Mellies noted that staff is expecting to
see a big improvement from what was designed. Staff is looking at rebates as well. He noted that
half of the system still has original parts from 1938 (heating). The cooling was put in during the 90's.
There will be an improvement with the sustainability of the new system.
The Mayor opened the public hearing. It was closed when no one came forward.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to reject all bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2020/21 PAVEMENT RESTORATION - SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM: The
Mayor opened the public hearing and closed it after there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-022 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Fort Dodge Asphalt Company, of Fort
Dodge, Iowa, in the amount of $202,885.40.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A NEW INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT TO BE
KNOWN AS THE INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL ZONE IN CHAPTER 29, ARTICLE 9, OF
THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on
second reading an Ordinance establishing a new industrial zoning district to be known as the
Intensive Industrial zone in Chapter 29, Article 9, of the Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila mentioned there was
only one item. It was a memo from the Planning and Housing Department in response to the alley
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parking changes request from Byron and Beverly Schulke for 2724 Northridge Lane.
Council Member Gartin asked if the parking in this area was consistent with existing parking in
similar situations. Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann explained that he didn’t believe
there were any similar parking situations as this area is unique. Director Diekmann mentioned that
it is more common in Somerset, but the parking is almost all privately operated except for the two
that are off this alley.
Mayor Haila stated since he is not hearing any motions there will be no action taken on this item. He
mentioned that Planning staff can let Byron and Beverly Schulke know that staff did not take any
action.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Martin mentioned that there has been a lot on his mind
from the past week, but he couldn’t think of a way to make a coherent comment about it.
Council Member Betcher explained that she and Mr. Schainker received the 130-page report from
the Community and Regional Planning students who were working on community engagement ideas.
The report will be distributed to the Council for review.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen took a moment to say, “Happy New Year,” as this was the first
meeting of 2021. She commented that so far in 2021 a lot has already happened, politically. Ms.
Beatty-Hansen mentioned that after the past week’s assault on the home of democracy, it reminded
her of how thankful she is to live in Ames. She mentioned that they are fortunate enough to have a
high level of stability and respect for public discourse, but she thinks a lot of people are reeling from
the violence at the Capitol. Ms. Beatty-Hansen wanted to remind everyone that the best thing anyone
can do is to get involved and to build relationships with people of all kinds. In the City of Ames,
there are several opportunities to get involved by volunteering or other forms of community service.
She thought now was a good time to remind everyone of how important that is.
Council Member Gartin stated next Monday, January 18, 2021, is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
This year, due to the pandemic, the program will be virtual. The program can be watched on the
Ames MLK Celebration Facebook page or on Ames Channel 12. The keynote speaker will be Wayne
Clinton. He encouraged everyone to participate in the celebration.
Ex Officio Member Whitlock mentioned that she wanted to echo what Council Members Beatty-
Hansen and Martin said. She stated she just started her student teaching and she never thought that
this would be something that she would have to discuss with students in Middle School. Ms.
Whitlock explained that it was a difficult topic and the students didn’t really understand what
happened.
Mayor Haila mentioned that he asked Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann and the Parks
and Recreation Director Keith Abraham to give the Council a quick update on the Downtown Plaza
concept and the Aquatic Center. He wanted to commend Directors Diekmann and Abraham along
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with all the other staff for all the work that has been done.
Director Diekmann stated that in September 2020, staff moved forward with Confluence, a landscape
architecture firm to help develop some concepts for the Downtown Plaza. The Downtown Plaza will
replace Lot N across from City Hall. Staff had a kick-off meeting with Confluence, staff from Parks
& Recreation, Planning, the Traffic Engineering Division, and the Mayor to discuss how Lot N
would work, how it relates to Downtown, and to also work through the features and visions that were
discussed by the Council in November 2020. Confluence has worked through several different
concepts and today staff was able to view a refined version. Next Thursday, January 21, 2021, is the
next Zoom meeting where staff will show the concept so far with the features that the Council had
suggested. On January 26, 2021, the Council will be able to give feedback on the same concept that
the public will see on January 21.
Director Abraham stated that RDG Planning and Design was contracted as the architect for an Indoor
Aquatic Center. The potential site is on a property owned by the Iowa Department of Transportation
that is north of Lincoln Way directly across the street from the main DOT entrance (122 North Oak
Avenue). Staff had started with the aquatics portion of the Healthy Life Center as a base. A lot of
input was given for the aquatic center during the Healthy Life Center discussions and staff felt they
had a good understanding of what the public is looking for regarding aquatics. Director Abraham
explained that there was a kick-off meeting with RDG Planning and Design, City Manager
Schainker, Planning & Housing Director Kelly Diekmann, Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth,
and him to go through what everyone was looking for. Mr. Abraham then met with staff from
Facilities, Parks and Recreation, and the City Manager’s Office to look at the program space and
sizing and what was needed for the facility. Staff then met with RDG to revise the spaces; they will
be looking at anywhere between 40-45,000 square feet. RDG put together several concepts for the
location of the building, and staff gave direction that they preferred the pool to sit on the
south/southwest portion of the lot. The preferred site concept gave a more visible presence along
Lincoln Way than the parking lot to the north of the site. Several options were given for floor plans
and direction was given to refine some two-story plans. RDG will be meeting with staff again on
January 18, 2021. Director Abraham mentioned that he had a few conversations with Debbie Lee,
President of the Oak-to-Riverside Neighborhood Association, and on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
there will be a neighborhood meeting. Businesses and homeowners in that Neighborhood were sent
notifications about the meeting. He pointed out there is a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
where they will share this information; the same information will be provided to the Council on
January 26, 2021.
Mayor Haila mentioned that during the past month a lot of work has been done for the Downtown
Plaza and Indoor Aquatics Center. He wanted to let the Council know that the public will be seeing
the concepts before the Council and the Council is welcome to sit in on the meetings and listen to
the public’s comments. The Mayor explained that the presentations that will be given at the City
Council meeting on January 26 will be for the Council’s information and minor input; it will not be
for design decisions and direction. If the funding is awarded, more feedback will be asked for.
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Director Diekmann pointed out that the community meeting for the Downtown Plaza will be
broadcast on Ames Channel 12 and YouTube on January 21, 2021. He noted this will not be the only
chance for people to participate. Staff will be taking comments from anyone that can’t make the
meeting or any questions after the meeting.
The Mayor mentioned that the application period for boards and commission is open and there are
openings on several City Board and Commissions. He encouraged the public to apply and noted that
this is a great way to volunteer and have a voice in the community.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
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