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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 9, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL Mayor John Haila called the Special Meeting of the Ames City Council, which was being held electronically, to order at 5:15 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 announced that it was 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 was 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. FY 2021/22 BUDGET WRAP-UP: PUBLIC ART COMMISSION (PAC): Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips advised that the Public Art Commission is requesting $46,000 in funding for the next fiscal year, which matches the current year allocation. The Commission is requesting to carry-over any unspent funds from the current fiscal year to the next fiscal year. It was noted that three Public Art Commission Members, Karen George, Sara Sherman, and Candace Zwank, were available for any questions. ARTS FUNDING (COTA): Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips stated that the Council authorized a 5% increase over the current year allocations at the budget guideline session in December 2020. The Commission on the Arts (COTA) is recommending awards to agencies totaling $187,535 and reserving $5,558 for Special Project Grants. This would be a total allocation of $193,093 for the next fiscal year. It was mentioned that Commission Member Deanne Brill was present for any questions. Council Member Martin expressed his interest in possibly increasing COTA funding this year. He mentioned that he believed that COTA did a great job allocating funds. He wondered if the Council increased the amount of funding what would COTA’s process be to forward the funds onto the members. Commission Member Brill stated that the Commission would probably fully fund each proposal unless they decide to go through the process where everyone submits their recommendations and then Mr. Phillips and staff do an average for each agency. Mr. Martin inquired if the additional funding would be something COTA would be comfortable handling. Ms. Brill explained that since most of the time their numbers are close to what is being asked for, she couldn’t imagine there would be any objection by the rest of the Commission for more funding. Mr. Martin asked Mr. Phillips to verify that when the Council allocates the total amount for COTA that doesn’t obligate COTA to pass on all the funding, it would depend on circumstances going forward. Mr. Phillips commented that would be correct. It is always a two-step process. The Council has to allocate money in the budget and then the Council has to authorize the money to go to an agency for a particular purpose through contracts. Normally staff does not take the contracts back to COTA for they are approved by the agencies and the Council. Mr. Phillips stated that if the Council allocated enough money in the budget to finance all the requests they could go back to COTA and ask them if there would be any problem allocating all the money to the agencies. The Mayor inquired if Council Member Martin was recommending the increase be a one-time allocation or something that would set a new benchmark. Mr. Martin replied that he meant it to be a one-time allocation. HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING (ASSET): Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth pointed out that three ASSET volunteers were available for any questions: Andrea Rich, MaryBeth Golemo, and Jen Schill. CyRide Director Barb Neal and Assistant Director of Operations Chris Crippen were available for any transit funding questions. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that four funders are in the ASSET process: 1) The City of Ames, 2) Story County, 3) United Way of Story County, and 4) Iowa State University Student Government. Collectively, the four funders had a total of $4,653,506 available for FY 2022. This was a 4.6% increase over the current year. The City’s portion was 34.5% or $1,601,093 that was approved in December 2020. It was explained that the resources that are used by the ASSET volunteers in their decision-making process include the funding priorities, liaison reports, agencies budgets, and outcome data from the Clear Impact Scorecard. The ASSET Board approved the recommendations at its January 21, 2021 meeting. The amount of the recommendations is $4,606,017, and of this amount the City’s portion would be $1,586,291. Ms. Schildroth stated that there is a total of $47,490 in unallocated funds from all four ASSET funders. The City’s portion of the unallocated funds is $14,802. Ms. Schildroth explained there were five agencies who requested level funding or a reduction in their requests compared to the current fiscal year. This was primarily due to the types of services that were provided and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. She pointed out that YWCA made a first- time request to the City. The ASSET volunteers determined that the Youth Development and Social Adjustment service and one of the Advocacy services meet the City’s priorities and recommended funding in the amount of $2,917. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that Primary Health Care (PHC) is a new agency to the ASSET process starting in FY 2022, and will be providing Dental Clinic services. PHC requested $95,000, which was a level request to what MICA had requested a year ago. MICA had requested funding for child dental services and the volunteers felt that those funds would be better appropriated to PHC for the direct dental care they will be providing to children. The total that PHC could be receiving is $97,475. Rather than allocating the funds to MICA, the recommendation is to sequester the funds, in the amount of $2,475, until the time comes when PHC would need them. Ms. Schildroth reviewed HIRTA and reminded everyone that there were extensive conversations regarding HIRTA’s increased request to the City during the budget issues discussion in December 2020. The recommended funding for the City is a 4% increase for a total of $42,664. A coordinated effort between CyRide and HIRTA is underway to identify riders who qualify for Dial-A-Ride. 2 Assistant City Manager Schildroth stated that the Volunteer Center of Story County is looking at significant reductions in funding across all the funders, especially in the Volunteer Management Service. ASSET started addressing this about a year ago when funding was reduced by 30%. The ASSET volunteers continued to determine that the Volunteer Management Services do not align with funder priorities, and the Youth Engagement service does align, but at a lower priority level for funders. For Volunteers Services and Youth Engagement, the City’s funding would be changing from $7,650 to $3,285. It was recommended that the funds be sequestered until documentation is received from the Volunteer Center of Story County on the financial stability of the organization. Council Member Gartin inquired as to how the decision was made to not fund the Volunteer Center of Story County. Ms. Schildroth commented that it was primarily the Volunteer Management Service. This is something that ASSET volunteers have been working with the Volunteer Center on for the past two and half years. ASSET volunteers are making sure that the services that are being provided support the ASSET agencies. They have been working on trying to identify what the volunteer needs are and what the Volunteer Center is doing to address those needs. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that they are finding that over 70% of the organization in ASSET are managing most of its own volunteer needs. Mr. Gartin commented that the Volunteer Center provides services a lot more broadly than just the ASSET agencies, and he wanted the rest of the Council to appreciate that if the Volunteer Center goes away it will have impacts on the community. He wanted to know if there were any options explored to try and work with the Volunteer Center to readjust so that they can meet the expectations of the ASSET process. Ms. Schildroth explained that they have been working with the Volunteer Center since Fall 2018. OUTSIDE FUNDING REQUESTS: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips explained that, for this year’s requests, the Ames Farmers’ Market is new and the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex requested a significant increase. There were not any changes compared to last year’s requests. He pointed out that normally the Ames Farmers’ Market is funded by the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) Grant Program, but the application deadline was missed, and that is why the Ames Farmers’ Market applied for funding through this program. It is staff’s recommendation that if the $7,000 award is made to the Ames Farmers’ Market through the Outside Funding Request program, it be indicated that it is expected to be a one-time award and that in the future they need to apply through the ACVB’s program. Mr. Phillips commented that the $7,000 would not be included into the base when comparing future years allocations. It was noted that this year the Council authorized enough funds to fully fund all the requests. Separate from these funds, a request from the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) for the Workforce Development Program was evaluated. This request is paid from Hotel/Motel Taxes. Additionally, funds to reimburse the Parking Fund for lost revenue due to waiving parking meter fees have been requested by Ames Main Street. OTHER REQUESTS: Council Member Betcher mentioned that she would like to add $10,000 to cover an educational program for painting the storm drain inlets. City Manager Steve Schainker advised that if the funds are going to be used for education, it would come from the Storm Sewer Utility fund and would be in the fiscal year budget for 2021/22. Mr. Schainker wanted to know if Ms. Betcher intended to have staff bring back the criteria for the program. Ms. Betcher mentioned she is not sure the Council is ready for that yet. She wanted to put 3 money in the budget and then put the request on a future Agenda to discuss. Mayor Haila wanted to clarify that further direction would come from the City Council as it gets closer to July 2021. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to add $10,000 from the 2021/22 Storm Sewer Utility fund to cover a pilot painting program for the storm drain inlets to educate about the watershed and the environment. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PUBLIC INPUT ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP) AND OPERATING BUDGET: Mayor Haila opened public input. Jodi Stumbo, 225 South Kellogg Avenue, Ames, stated she was representing the Bridge Home. She commented on the Volunteer Center for Story County and the importance that it does bring for some of the smaller nonprofits. She noted that the Bridge Home relies on the Volunteer Center for its volunteer program. The Bridge Home does not have the staff capacity to cover everything they do. Ms. Stumbo mentioned that she just wanted to share that the community does need the Volunteer Center. Merlin Pfannkuch, 1424 Kellogg Avenue, Ames, explained that he wanted to have a better idea of when the figures for the Iowa Reinvestment District were going to be presented. Mr. Pfannkuch mentioned that it was noted on February 9, 2021, that the figures were going to be presented. He noted that there is the Indoor Aquatic Center, Starbucks, and the Downtown Plaza. City Manager Schainker mentioned that the deadline to take advantage of the state incentive program, Iowa Reinvestment District Program, is February 22, and the first step is for the City to submit a pre- application. Staff will come before the Council to report all the information that they have to date, which they will do on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. The action will be if the Council wants to submit the pre-application. Mr. Schainker explained that they are trying to get as much information as they can to complete the application. Some of the projects are under the control of the City, but they are waiting on the major Mixed-Use Development, which is the key to generating the revenue needed. Staff didn’t have an opportunity to meet with the developers for their first meeting until this week, so they have asked for a Special Meeting next week. The Mayor closed public input when no one else came forward. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2021-26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Finance Director Duane Pitcher stated that the information on the East Industrial Sewer Line that was posted online wa correct; however, the information in the printed books on the Summary Pages was incorrect. He noted that this is a TIF abated portion and has no impact on property taxes or the levy. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to adjust the FY 2021/22 CIP total from $42,891,061 to $43,091,061 to reflect that the East 13th Street Sanitary Sewer Extension project was increased from $2,500,000 to $2,700,000. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 4 Council Member Betcher asked about the money that is in the CIP for replacing the carpet at the Library in Years 2 - 3 of the CIP. She thought this was to be done during a ten-year replacement program. She noted that there hasn’t been a lot of foot traffic this past year, and she wanted to know if this could be pushed back to get more life out of the carpet. Mr. Schainker explained that he believed they could keep it the CIP and then speak with the Library Director about expanding it further in the future. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the 2021-26 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), as amended. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. AMENDMENTS TO FY 2020/21 ADJUSTED BUDGET: Assistant City Manager Schildroth explained that Primary Health Care (PHC) was contacted last spring by MICA. MICA had made the decision to close its dental clinic. PHC had provided dental services in other locations and part of what PHC needed to do was build-out its clinic location in Ames along with having all the equipment available to provide dental services. PHC went to each ASSET funder that had originally allocated funds to the MICA dental clinic requesting to have those funds that were set aside for MICA’s dental clinic transferred over to them. Mayor Haila added that the funding is not an additional amount, but a shift from MICA to Primary Health Care. Moved by Martin, seconded by Corrieri, to add $95,000 in Local Option Sales Tax funding for the Dental Clinic funding to Primary Health Care (as approved by City Council on August 28, 2020). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Mr. Schainker stated that there was a list of one-time projects that he recommended to fund from the General Fund; they are already incorporated into the budget. He noted that if the Council approves the budget, they will be approving those items. Council Member Betcher inquired if there was a place in the budget where the money for the Diversity and Inclusion training for the City Council is located. Mr. Schainker mentioned that will need to be voted on later as he and the Mayor still need to speak with the National League of Cities (NLC) to see what the cost would be. There was Contingency money carried forward, but currently Mr. Schainker is unsure where the funding will come from. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the Adjusted Budget for FY 2020/21, as amended, including inter-fund transfers. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED FY 2021/22 BUDGET: Council Member Martin stated in December 2020, the Council had discussed the COTA funding. He explained that Council Member Gartin had encouraged the Council to fully fund COTA’s request, and after thinking about the past motion he regretted voting against it. Mr. Martin mentioned that regarding COTA, it is not just a monetary injection, but a community stimulus. He went on to say that COTA is an established 5 program that has brought outreach throughout the community, and if the Council can help increase participation and attendance at those events, that could help with the loneliness experienced over the past year. Mr. Martin stated he is thinking of proposing a one-time increase given the circumstances of the past year. Mayor Haila asked Mr. Martin if he were recommending that the baseline for COTA be $193,093. Mr. Martin stated that was his suggestion once staff prepares the charts for the Council and staff decides what number to use as a base for percentage increase. He also recommended adding a notation that the Council awarded an additional amount this year. Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips commented that they could add to the contracts the amount that was recommended, and the difference could be indicated as a one-time COVID supplement. Mr. Phillips mentioned that he would also include the breakdown in a letter that is sent to the agencies, so they understand the expectation. Moved by Martin, seconded by Junck, to increase COTA funding by $30,640 as a one-time increase for a total COTA budget for the fiscal year of $223,733, subject to receiving a memo from COTA expressing acceptance of the increase or outlining any concerns that they would like Council to process. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The Mayor indicated that the next item is ASSET and the total recommended ASSET allocation was $1,601,093, which includes agency funding of $1,586,291 and a reservation amount of $14,802. Council Member Gartin noted he is not prepared to make a specific budget recommendation, but he wanted to again discuss the Volunteer Center of Story County. He commented that if its website is accurate, they work with 7,000 volunteers. Mr. Martin stated he has long admired the work of Anne Owens at the Volunteer Center, and he is worried what would happen if the facility loses funding. Mr. Gartin wanted to know if there was some way for staff to reach out to the Volunteer Center and give guidance. Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth stated that if that is the Council’s wish to pursue an alternative funding process, they can discuss it with Ms. Owens. Council Member Corrieri mentioned that the ASSET volunteers and the administrative team for ASSET have more information on the Volunteer Center than the Council does, and it might be worthwhile for Mr. Schainker or Ms. Schildroth to brief the Council when they have their one-on-ones prior to Council meetings to get more background information before moving forward with any action. Council Member Betcher wanted to clarify that if the Council moved forward with its vote on ASSET, they would need an additional motion to sequester the Volunteer Center money for continuing discussions. Ms. Schildroth confirmed that was correct. Moved Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve the total ASSET authorization in the amount of $1,601,093. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to authorize the reservation of $14,802 in unused ASSET budgeted funds for additional needs that may arise in FY 2021/22. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 6 Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to sequester the FY 2022 funding for the Volunteer Center of Story County in the amount of $3,285, pending documentation of financial stability of the organization. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Martin, to sequester $2,475 from the amount allocated to Primary Health Care until a request is received for the use of those funds. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Martin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the FY 2021/22 budget of $46,000 for the Public Art Commission. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to approve $15,000 for the AEDC Outside Funding Request (funded through the Hotel/Motel Tax for Workforce Development) for the FY 2021/22 Budget. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve a one-time funding allocation of $7,000 for Ames Downtown Farmers Market (funded through the Local Option Sales Tax). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to approve the Campustown Action Association (CAA) and Ames Main Street (AMS) Parking Waivers (funded through the Local Option Sales Tax) for the FY 2021/22 Budget in the amount of $5,489. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve the remaining Outside Funding Request total of $218,762 (funded through the Local Option Sales Tax) for the FY 2021/22 Budget. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to approve the proposed budget for FY 2021/22, as amended, including inter-fund transfers. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO ADOPT A MAXIMUM CITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR FY 2021/22: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to set February 23, 2021, as the date of the public hearing to adopt a Maximum Property Tax Levy for FY 2021/22. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila mentioned that staff had requested to pull Item No. 16, awarding 5-Year Enterprise Agreement to Carrier Access IT LC, of Clive, Iowa, for CISCO Security Software (Umbrella, ISE & Duo) for Information Technology Division in the amount of $166,010.80, 7 to be paid $33,202.16 annually from the Agenda as the signed Agreement had not been received yet. Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda. 1.Motion approving payment of claims 2.Motion approving Minutes of Special Meetings held January 19 and 29, 2021; and Regular Meeting held January 26, 2021 3.Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period January 16 - 31, 2021 4.Motion approving certification of Civil Service applicants 5.Motion approving ownership change for Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - Buffalo Wild Wings - 400 South Duff Avenue 6.Motion approval renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses: a.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (carryout) & Sunday Sales - Wal-Mart Supercenter #4256 (534 South Duff Ave) b.Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales - Buffalo Wild Wings (400 South Duff Ave) c.Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (carryout) & Sunday Sales - goPuff (615 South Dayton Ave) 7.RESOLUTION NO. 21-056 approving reappointment of Council Member Betcher to Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors 8.RESOLUTION NO. 21-057 approving reappointment of Council Member Corrieri to Squaw Creek Watershed Management Authority 9.RESOLUTION NO. 21-058 approving Encroachment Permit Agreement for sign at 109 Welch Avenue. 10.RESOLUTION NO. 21-059 approving 2020 Resource Recovery Plant Annual Report 11.RESOLUTION NO. 21-060 approving Master Wireless Attachment Agreement with USCOC to Greater Iowa, LLC d/b/a US Cellular Corporation for Electric Services 12.RESOLUTION NO. 21-061 approving contract with the Department of Natural Resources for Watershed Assessment for Headwaters of the South Skunk River (as part of the Headwaters of the S. Skunk River Watershed Management Authority) 13.RESOLUTION NO. 21-062 approving Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funding Agreement with Iowa Department of Transportation for 2020/21 Shared Use Path System Expansion - Vet Med Trail (S. 16th Street to S. Grand Avenue) 14.RESOLUTION NO. 21-063 approving dedication of right-of-way from 2110 S. Duff Avenue for the FY 2020/21 U.S. Highway 69 Improvements project 15.Bulbs for the UV disinfection system at the Water Pollution Control Facility: a.RESOLUTION NO. 21-064 approving waiver of the City’s Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and allowing sole-source procurement of OEM bulbs b.RESOLUTION NO. 21-065 approving sole source procurement of OEM bulbs from MC2 of Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $51,246.26 16.RESOLUTION NO. 21-067 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the Flood Mitigation - River Flooding Tree Clearing project; setting February 24, 2021, as bid due date and March 9, 2021, as date of public hearing 17.Top-O-Hollow Substation Construction: a.RESOLUTION NO. 21-068 approving Change Order No. 7 to deduct $142,088.78 8 from the contract balance with Primoris Aevenia, Inc., of Johnston, Iowa b.RESOLUTION NO. 21-069 accepting completion 18.RESOLUTION NO. 21-070 approving contract and bond for 2020/21 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal Program 19.RESOLUTION NO. 21-071 accepting completion of public improvements and releasing security for LDY Subdivision 20.RESOLUTION NO. 21-072 accepting completion of Ames/ISU Ice Arena Lighting Project 21.RESOLUTION NO. 21-073 accepting completion of the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance and Storage Building 22.RESOLUTION NO. 21-074 accepting completion of Year Four of the Five-Year Water Plant Well Rehabilitation Contract 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: Merlin Pfannkuch, 1424 Kellogg Avenue, Ames, stated he was disappointed that the Council Goal Setting was held in a venue that could not be live-streamed. He noted that during a pandemic to not live-stream the meeting was a foolish move on the part of the City. Mr. Pfannkuch noted that maybe the meeting was held at the new Water Treatment Plant in order to tour the Plant after the meeting, but he felt that the City had effectively shut the public out from the meeting and have continued to do so for the past 20 years. Mr. Pfannkuch wanted to know why the Council Goal- Setting meeting is always conducted at a venue where the City is pushing the intent of the open meetings law. He explained that he would have complained ahead of time, but he didn’t discover the meeting was happening until a few days ago. His health is limited as to what he can watch this year. The problem that he sees is that once something is established it continues to happen without reconsidering. Mr. Pfrannkuch commented that he didn’t see any reason why Saturday’s meeting was not held like a regular City Council meeting. He mentioned that Council Member Beatty-Hansen wrote in her after-meeting summary, “I always find the annual goal setting/review to be one of the most interesting meetings of the year,” and he would have liked to have had an opportunity to determine if he found the meeting to be interesting or dull. He noted that the Council made a poor decision not to televise the meeting, and asked that they treat the Goal-Setting meetings just like any other meeting. PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR SUNSET RIDGE SUBDIVISION, 11TH ADDITION: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann mentioned that this item is a replat of the final addition to the Sunset Ridge Subdivision, to account for two lots that have been added over the past 15 years. Moved by Martin, seconded by Gartin to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-075 approving the Preliminary Plat for Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 11th Addition. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON 2019-20 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION (BASIN 10): Public Works Director John Joiner mentioned that the bids came in below the Engineer’s estimate and well within the budget. 9 The Mayor opened the public hearing. There was no one wishing to speak, and the hearing was closed. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-076 approving the final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Municipal Pipe Tool Co. LLC, of Hudson, Iowa, in the amount of $952,843.78 as the Base Bid and $330,320 as the Alternate 1, for a total contract in the amount of $1,283,163.78. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON BAKER SUBDIVISION GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEM: The public hearing was opened by the Mayor. He closed the hearing after no one asked to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 21-077 approving the final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Thorpe Water Development Company, of Ankeny, Iowa, in the amount of $235,835 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila explained that there were six items on dispositions. The first item was a memo from Mark Lambert, City Attorney requesting for the Council to direct him to clarify Section 17.25 of the Ames Municipal Code, “Pawnbrokers, Itinerant Dealers and Secondhand Dealers. City Attorney Mark Lambert commented that staff had found an error in the Ordinance that left out Secondhand Dealers from the requirement of a Permit, and this will correct that error. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to direct the City Attorney to clarify Section 17.25 of the Ames Municipal Code, “Pawnbrokers, Itinerant Dealers and Secondhand Dealers.” Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The second item was a letter from Sandi Risdal, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa, requesting to purchase the property located at 1126 Grand Avenue for the purpose of rebuilding an affordable family home. City Manager Steve Schainker recommended referring the request to staff for further action. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer the letter from Sandi Risdal regarding the purchase of the property located at 1126 Grand Avenue to staff for further action. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The third item was a memo from Sara VanMeeteren, Building Official, regarding staff’s response to the Council’s referral about adding ragweed to the City’s noxious weed list. Moved by Martin, seconded by Corrieri, to follow the staff recommendations and to send an appropriate letter to the original requester of this investigation. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 10 Items four, five, and six were memos from Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer, regarding staff’s response to the Council’s referral about excessive speeding on Ash Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Cessna Street. Council Member Betcher stated that if she understood the memos correctly if the Council doesn’t do anything with the traffic reports, Mr. Pregitzer will take any action that he feels is warranted based on the situations. Public Works Director John Joiner commented that would be correct. The recommendations would all be followed up on unless the Council gives a different direction for staff to take. Mr. Schainker noted that the recommendations on Ash Avenue could be done immediately as the funds are available from the Accessibility Enhancement Program. Mayor Haila asked Director Joiner to explain what the recommended staff improvements were for Ash Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Cessna Street. Mr. Joiner stated for Ash Avenue, staff found that there were some speeding issues so staff is recommending a four-way stop at Country Club Boulevard and Ash Avenue and to add an enhanced pedestrian crossing that will provide access to the separated bike and walkway. This is anticipated to help with the mix and speed of traffic. There will be dynamic feedback signs put up farther south of the corridor. For Delaware Avenue, Mr. Joiner noted that there were not any speeding issues on the northern part (by Utah Drive), but speeding issues were found farther south by Dover Drive. Staff is going to work with the Police Department to have increased enforcement and staff has new data capabilities to track, monthly, the generalized speeds of any corridor. Staff will continue to monitor the area. Council Member Martin asked Director Joiner if staff believed the increased enforcement concerned northbound traffic on Delaware Avenue more than southbound traffic on Delaware Avenue. Mr. Joiner mentioned that it was southbound traffic on Delaware closer to Dover Drive. A study was done on Cessna Street and didn’t find a speeding issue in the area, but the residents thought traffic may be different depending on the time of the year. When staff looked at the monthly data, they did find an increase in the February through April time period, but after that everything normalized. When looking at the year as a whole the speed stayed the same. Staff did agree to add flashing red lights to the all-way stops at Cessna and Beach. Council Member Betcher inquired if staff had been in contact with the neighbors regarding the findings of the traffic studies. Mr. Joiner confirmed that staff had reached out to the individuals who had submitted the requests. Mayor Haila stated that, due to no motions being made by the Council, they agree with staff’s recommendations. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to get a memo from the City Manager on a plan for the funding and implementation for a mini pitch. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to reach out to the Volunteer Center and encourage them to make any proposals that they think are warranted for funding in light of the reduction they received. Council Member Gartin commented that this motion doesn’t commit the Council to anything, but gives the Volunteer Center a path to make a proposal if there are concerns that are more serious to take into account. He wanted to extend the opportunity for the Volunteer Center to visit with the Council. Council Member Martin asked if it was clear that due to the city’s change in ASSET funding, the 11 Volunteer Center is in financial peril. Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth stated that the City does not know that information, but over 60% of the Volunteer Center’s revenue comes from ASSET. It does have a few other outside contracts that provide around $29,000 for other services. Ms. Schildroth noted that staff wants to have a dialogue with Ms. Owens and the Board Members to see what plans they may have in place. Ms. Schildroth pointed out that the City’s funding recommendations have been posted publicly for the agencies since January 22, 2021. United Way has approved the ASSET recommendations, Story County considers the recommendations next week, and the Student Government will review it at the end of February 2021. Mr. Martin wanted to know if the Outside Funding process would be appropriate for the Volunteer Center to request funds. Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips mentioned that just like ASSET there are criteria for what the Council is interested in buying through the Outside Funding process. He noted that the criteria are published along with the application. Mr. Phillips pointed out that the Outside Funding money comes from the Hotel/Motel tax, which is the same as ASSET. Council Member Corrieri mentioned that she would not support the motion based on what she said earlier, and at some point in the future, the Council is going to receive an update from the Administrative Team on the Volunteer Center. Ms. Corrieri thought it was premature to encourage the Volunteer Center to apply for other funding from the City when the Council has no idea what their plan is for sustainability or services in Story County. Council Member Betcher stated she seconded the motion to discuss this topic, but she thought the motion meant it would come after the discussion that ASSET will have with the Volunteer Center of Story County. Mr. Gartin commented that the Council doesn’t need to approve his motion; the Volunteer Center could initiate a dialog with City staff, but he thought it would send a message to the Volunteer Center that the City values its services. Mr. Gartin mentioned that the ASSET process is independent of his motion. Vote on Motion: 2-4. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Gartin. Voting Nay: Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Martin. Motion failed. Council Member Betcher mentioned that she believed what Council Member Gartin was recommending could still happen after the ASSET process goes through its discussion with the Volunteer Center. She noted that the Volunteer Center does provide a valuable service. Mayor Haila noted that he needed to call a Special Meeting next Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. for the purposes of reviewing the Iowa Reinvestment Program Pre-Application. CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Gartin asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section 21.5(1)c, Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session under Section 21.5(1)c, Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The Council entered Closed Session at 7:04 p.m. and reconvened in Regular Session at 7:26 p.m. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the purchase of 2802 Arbor Street onto a future Agenda. 12 Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Martin, Junck. Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________ Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor __________________________________ Diane R. Voss, City Clerk 13