HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - February 25, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 25, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:08
p.m. on the 25th day of February, 2025, 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. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on February
11, 2025, and Special City Council Meetings on February 4, 5, 6, and 18, 2025
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period February 1-15, 2025
4. Motion approving new 5 - Day (March 20 - March 24, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, 2601 East 13th Street
5. Motion approving 14 - Day (March 23 - April 5, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License -
Apres Bar Co., 2321 North Loop Drive
6. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Campus Cheers, 131 Welch
Avenue, Pending Favorable Inspection
7. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - The Dot,
127 Dotson Drive, Pending Dramshop Review
8. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Sam's Club
#6568, 305 Airport Road
9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Coldwater Golf Links, 1400 S. Grand Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service
b. Kum & Go #1113, 2801 E 13th Street, Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. Kum & Go #227, 2108 Isaac Newton Dr, Class E Retail Alcohol License
d. Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas Avenue, Class F Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor
Service
e. Homewood Golf Course, 401 E 20th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
f. The Spice Thai Cuisine, 402 Main Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol License,
Pending Dramshop Review
g. Casey's General Store #2905, 3612 Stange Road, Class E Retail Alcohol License
h. Pizza Pit Extreme, 207 Welch Ave., Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
i. Sams Club #6568, 305 Airport Rd, Class E Retail Alcohol License
j. BN'C Fieldhouse, 206 Welch Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
k. The Angry Irishmen, 119 Main Street, Class C Liquor License with Outdoor
Service, Pending Dramshop Review
10. Motion accepting Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
11. Requests from Ames Main Street for 4th of July activities on July 4, 2025:
2
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending
License in Central Business District
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-051 approving waiver of Vending License fee
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-052 approving closure of portions of Main Street,
Northwestern Avenue, Fifth Street, Douglas Avenue, Burnett Avenue, Kellogg
Avenue, Clark Avenue, Allan Drive, and Pearle Avenue from 6:00 a.m. until end
of parade
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-053 approving closure of Parking Lot MM and south
portion of Lot M from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-054 approving Change Order #2 to Waste Management of Ames,
IA, for Hauling Services to the Boone County Landfill in the amount $19.50/ton, up to
$95,123
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-055 approving the plans and specifications for 2024/25
Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 4), setting March 18, 2025, as the bid
due date through the Iowa DOT and March 25, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-056 setting date of public hearing for March 11, 2025, to
consider 30-year lease agreement with Ames Youth Sports Complex for City property
located south of U.S. Highway 30 and west of the South Skunk River
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-057 accepting completion of the third year of the four-year
Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements for Domani 1st Addition and
reducing the financial security to $7,033.50
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-058 accepting 2024/25 Clear Water Diversion as completed by
Iowa Water & Waste Systems, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $72,848
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-059 accepting 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
#1 as completed by Manatt's, Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,809,153.37
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-060 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Kum & Go, 4506 Lincoln Way
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-061 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Elder Corporation: U-Haul, 720 S. Duff Avenue
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-062 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Fareway, 619 Burnett Avenue
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-063 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Wheelock Subdivision
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Council Member Amber Corrieri entered the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
Lynn Ballard conveyed a request for extended parking/storage of recreational vehicles on the
former Haunted Forest property.
Julieanne Brimmer and Dianne Burt shared the efforts of the Ames Interfaith Refugee Alliance
to support refugees seeking shelter and safety in Ames.
3
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PUBLIC CAMPING:
Mayor Haila noted that a one-hour time limit would be set for the discussion, which would
include 30 minutes for discussion of the questions proposed in the memo prepared by staff, 15
minutes for Public Input, and 15 minutes to close the discussion. He emphasized that this was a
preliminary discussion to open the conversation with the expectation that the conversation would
continue over the course of multiple City Council meetings. He concluded by clarifying that
there was no ordinance drafted nor was staff providing a recommendation on the topic for
consideration.
City Attorney Mark Lambert presented the memo, which contained the following six questions
related to the topic of prohibiting public camping:
1. The threshold question was: does the City Council wish to prohibit camping on public
property?
2. Does the City Council also wish to prohibit sleeping on public property?
3. Does the City Council also wish to prohibit storage of personal items on public property?
4. Does the City Council wish to include a provision concerning removal of a campsite
where multiple people have established a camp together?
5. What should the penalty be?
6. Should the ordinance be a simple misdemeanor or a municipal infraction?
Relevant court cases and code sections were presented as part of the memo as well as ordinances
from three peer cities that prohibit public camping. Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired
about City policies or code sections that addressed public camping. Mayor Haila indicated that
Iowa State University (ISU) prohibits camping on all university-owned property, which Attorney
Lambert clarified did not apply to City-leased university-owned property. He explained that all
property in which in the City of Ames operates, no matter the property owner, was subject to the
rules and regulations of the City. Furthermore, Attorney Lambert highlighted that two City
regulations were already in place that prohibit public camping. The first was a policy set by the
Parks and Recreation Commission that designated park hours and prohibited camping within the
park system. He noted that this policy can be waived through a special event request and has
been for events such as the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). The
second was Section 22.4 of the Municipal Code, which made it unlawful for any person to place
temporary obstructions within the limits of streets, alleys, public parking lots, or sidewalks
without first obtaining written permission. Attorney Lambert highlighted that any violations were
considered a municipal infraction.
Council Member Betcher spoke to the importance of public spaces being available to the entire
public, citing safety issues with obstruction in the thoroughfare. She noted the larger community
issue of homelessness and reiterated the option of forgoing action on the topic until the
Community-wide Action Plan regarding homelessness was received. Council Member Beatty-
Hansen concurred, stating her hesitance to support an ordinance that would further criminalize
homelessness.
Council Member Corrieri discussed the effectiveness of prohibiting public camping in
4
surrounding communities as well as the effectiveness of City policies and code sections that
adjacently address the issue. She stated her belief that an ordinance that prohibited public
camping would not address the core issue. Council Member Junck agreed, noting preference to
wait for action on this topic until the Community-wide Action Plan regarding homelessness had
been provided by the consultant. Council Member Rollins shared that the consultant would
provide a toolkit for addressing issues, including public camping, and stated preference to delay
action until the City Council can review robust options to make the best impact.
Council Member Gartin recognized the value of reviewing the plan prior to taking action on the
item; however, he highlighted challenges from a calendar perspective. He noted how public
behaviors change seasonally, and with warm weather approaching, he shared concerns with
maintaining public spaces in a manner that was compatible with public uses.
Ex officio Boland shared that ISU students did not exist in a solitary bubble, and members of the
ISU Student Government had been working to increase the number of student visits to the
Downtown area, where many of the public camping concerns were focused. She agreed with
many of the comments from the City Council members around delaying action on the item until
the Community-wide Action Plan regarding homelessness has been received in order to draw
from the toolkit provided by the consultant.
Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck reviewed what could be expected from the
Community-wide Action regarding homelessness. She noted that the consultant was being
challenged to look across the nation for best practices, identify funding opportunities, and
conduct interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness as well as key stakeholders.
While the consultant examined those areas, staff was convening local service providers to gather
similar information.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Jesse Knapp shared his frustration with the proposed ordinance, advocating for responses to the
homelessness crisis that preserved the dignity of affected individuals.
John Christiansen opposed policies that would criminalize homelessness and encouraged the
City Council to await the results of the County-wide Action Plan for recommended best
practices.
Ianka Mitchell-Conway suggested designating a camping area for those experiencing
homelessness that could be maintained by a community organization, highlighting her opposition
to the proposed ordinance.
Sondra Wilson detailed her personal experience of homelessness and recommended the
implementation of a homeless village that created community ties for its residents.
Nicole Leibold discussed the behind-the-scenes issues surrounding homelessness, highlighting
pollution of waterways and City parks as well as the need for a swift solution.
5
Eric Charter encouraged a solution that addressed both aesthetic and safety concerns involving
homelessness, noting that safety concerns should be addressed rapidly.
Shari Reilly, The Bridge Home, highlighted the barriers to transitioning individuals experiencing
homelessness to permanent housing, noting opportunities for the City to address funding issues
and pet care needs.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen referenced comments from Ms. Reilly regarding temporary pet
housing as a barrier to transitioning individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing
and inquired about current support for that function. Attorney Lambert noted that temporary pet
sheltering services were available from the Ames Animal Shelter for a period of seven days.
Council Member Betcher noted temporary animal sheltering to be an area that the City could be
proactive in expanding services for and discussed other proactive areas of positive impact.
Council Member Gartin explained his opinion that initiating a draft of an ordinance prohibiting
public camping could help facilitate the positive impact mentioned by Council Member Betcher
while on a timeline that would coincide with the changing seasons.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to request the City Attorney provide a draft ordinance
that incorporates best practices around public camping with the understanding that adoption of
the ordinance would involve a prolonged public input process.
Council Member Corrieri noted the need to understand the barriers of enforcing current City
policies and code sections before crafting a new ordinance that would address overlapping
issues. Council Member Gartin again discussed the issue of timing, advocating for action before
the change of the seasons.
Vote on Motion: 1-5. Voting Aye: Gartin. Voting Nay: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck,
and Rollins. Motion failed.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request the City Attorney or Chief of Police
provide a memo on barriers to enforcing the current ordinances and policies in place that aim to
address public camping.
Council Member Gartin inquired about limiting the scope of the motion. Council Member
Corrieri highlighted her intent to leave the motion broad in order to let those closest to the work
provide information that they believe would be the most helpful to the City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to request staff provide a memo that recommends
proactive actions that could be implemented in the near-term to create a more positive
environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and other individuals that may be
impacted.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
6
DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR THE 2025 RESIDENT
SATISFACTION SURVEY: Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda shared
that 2025 marked the 43rd annual resident satisfaction survey, which was comprised of a series of
benchmarking questions and distributed to residents and ISU students based on utility bill names.
She noted that as part of the participation of the City Council in the survey, she asks every year if
there were questions that the City Council members would like to add, subtract, or reword from
the year before. She reviewed the revisions made to the survey last year, highlighting the
importance of considering the longitudinal use of the survey questions.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen reminded the City Council of discussions during the Budget
Hearings regarding the use of Parks and Recreation facilities, specifically with the upcoming
opening of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. Manager Gwiasda talked about the logistics
of adding the question, noting the best way to present it to survey takers.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to add a question to the survey regarding indoor
and outdoor aquatic use as a subcategory of Parks and Recreation services.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Betcher suggested inquiring about participation on City Boards and
Commissions through the survey. Council Member Junck referenced the question regarding
community involvement on a Board of Directors, highlighting the need for clarification between
the two.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to add a question regarding Board and Commission
participation to the Community Involvement section of the survey and revise the language about
involvement on a Board of Directors for clarity purposes.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Betcher wondered about a question on funding priorities for human services.
Council Member Junck concurred and discussed how to best word the question in order to gather
the most useful information. The City Council members walked through the best method of
presenting a question on human services funding to the survey taker considering the number of
services funded through the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET) process.
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted that if robust data was desired, it may be best to
funnel collection through a different survey process.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to add a question to the survey asking residents to
prioritize investment for human services and remove the question related to the health of the
survey taker.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council Members discussed response rate and ex officio Boland inquired about the
response rate from ISU students. Manager Gwiasda shared that responses from students were
collected electronically, which typically meets or exceeds the number of responses needed for a
statistically significant analysis. Council Member Rollins discussed ways to better understand
7
barriers to community engagement.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to add an additional response to the section on
Preferences for City Communication to include “Other” with a write in option.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to add a question to the survey under the Sense
of Community section that asks if the respondents or someone the respondent knows finds their
language to be a barrier to participation in the community.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 2025
WORK PLAN: Planner Ray Anderson and Historic Preservation Commission Chair Scott
Huffman presented the accomplishments and proposed work plan. Planner Anderson highlighted
that the proposed work plan for the Commission focused on the following items:
• Completion of the nomination of the Chautauqua Park – Ridgewood Neighborhood
National Register Nomination
• Identification of a speaker to address tax credit opportunities for historic properties in the
Ames community
• Collaboration with the Ames History Museum to host a community "history" event in
2025 calendar year
• Facilitation of disseminating historic preservation information to community members
Chair Huffman added that members of the Commission would continue the review of Chapter 31
of the Municipal Code in 2025 with the intent to consider changes that would support the
Climate Action Plan (CAP) by allowing energy efficient exterior materials that would still meet
visual standards. Council Member Betcher referenced the number of meetings held by the
Commission in 2024 and questioned the effectiveness of the body. Planner Anderson noted tasks
of the Commission that had been migrated to staff, specifically approval of Certificates of
Appropriateness, seven of which were approved in 2024. Chair Huffman noted that the members
of the Commission had experienced an absence of engagement with other City boards and
commissions over the past year, highlighting the efforts undertaken to reach out on issues related
to preservation. He noted that the Commission members wanted to take an active role in
preservation but felt a lack of overall support and encouragement to do so. Mayor Haila
acknowledged the remarks from Chair Huffman, stating that a letter from the Commission sent
to the City Council had never been responded to. He extended his apologies to Chair Huffman
and noted the importance of exploring what the role of the Commission would be for the long
term.
Council Member Betcher discussed the impact of historic preservation and the role of the
Commission in helping the City maintain a Certified Local Government status. She noted that
not many preservationists exist in the community, highlighting her support for allowing
Commission members to serve multiple terms. Mayor Haila noted that the ordinance outlining
the membership of the Commission could be revised to better support the mission of
preservation.
8
Council Member Gartin inquired about the areas of the work plan that were proactive versus
reactive. Chair Huffman noted that most of the work done by the Commission was reactive;
however, with efforts to revise Chapter 31, the Commission members hoped to take a more
proactive role. Council Member Betcher shared her support for an illustrated version of Chapter
31 and encouraged Chair Huffman to make that project a priority.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-064 approving Historic
Preservation Commission 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Work Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION: Director of Planning and Housing Kelly
Diekmann shared that 2024 was the first year that new construction of single-family ownership
housing was eligible for partial property tax abatement as part of the citywide Urban
Revitalization Area (URA) that was approved by the City Council. He noted that 25 applications
were received for various levels of abatement on a five-year sliding scale of partial abatement.
Staff recommended approval of 24 of the applications, with Director Diekmann noting that the
one application not recommended for approval did not meet the primary residence criteria.
Rather, staff supported encouraging the purchaser of the residence to apply for abatement the
following year.
Council Member Gartin asked about feedback received during the first year of residential
abatement. Director Diekmann noted that no feedback has been received and, thus, staff
recommended no changes to the program. He highlighted that the City Council had preliminarily
approved the program to continue until December 31, 2028, with December 31, 2027, being the
deadline to file for a building permit.
Council Member Betcher inquired if the tax abatement certification for the application that was
recommended for abatement the following year changed the ability of the purchaser to close on
the home. Director Diekmann shared that the banker he spoke with regarding the matter stated
that that the abatement program would not generally change the purchasability of a home.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-065 certifying property
tax abatement applications.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-066 authorizing staff
to submit property tax abatement applications to the City Assessor for determination of abated
value.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to notify the purchaser of 2011 Ada
9
Hayden Drive to file the application for abatement in 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR A WAIVER OF CITY SUBDIVISION CODE FOR TWO SITES
WITHIN THE AMES URBAN FRINGE AREA NEAR 280TH STREET IN STORY
COUNTY: Director Diekmann presented the map and noted that the applicant had proposed
separate waivers for the two sites located within the Ames Urban Fringe Area. The first site was
explained to be at the extreme edge of the two-mile range of City jurisdiction, with part of the
site located outside of City jurisdiction. Director Diekmann highlighted that the applicant
requested that the City waive its authority in its entirety, noting that the site would rather be
addressed by the standards of Story County. He stated that staff supported this waiver because of
the location of the site.
The second site existed entirely within the Ames Urban Fringe Area and the applicant had
requested a waiver of lot size requirements. Director Diekmann noted that the applicant wished
to divide the site for a homestead, with the remaining area designated agricultural. He shared that
the land immediately adjacent to the site was also designated agricultural; thus, staff supported
the waiver request.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-067 approving request
for waiver of City review for a Plat of Survey for site partially within the Fringe Area.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. Resolution declared adopted
unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-068 approving waiver
of standards for a Plat of Survey to create a new parcel for an existing home site.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. Resolution declared adopted
unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 5119 AND 5001 LINCOLN WAY FROM
AGRICULTURAL (A) TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (FS-RL) WITH
A MASTER PLAN: Planner Anderson reviewed the area for rezoning and detailed the Master
Plan. He highlighted that the subject properties were part of the Sunset Ridge Subdivision,
Twelfth Addition, and rezoning would support the construction of a church campus for Ames
Lutheran Church of Hope. The rezoning was explained to combine two existing outlots into a
buildable lot with three proposed access points. He shared that the third outlot would remain an
open space for stormwater detention.
Council Member Betcher inquired about the proposed access points. Director Diekmann noted
that Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer completed a traffic study, which determined that the
proposed access points met Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) with no impact
to traffic on Lincoln Way. Mayor Haila wondered about construction entrances as the site was
developed and asked how construction of the buildable lot would be phased. Director Diekmann
noted that the applicant was present and would be the best source to respond to that question. He
10
shared that the traffic study that was completed did not include phasing but rather examined the
completed build out.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Danny Householder, Ames Lutheran Church of Hope Lead Pastor, shared the desire of the
Church to be good neighbors to the community members residing near the building site.
Erin Ollendike, Principal Professional Engineer with Civil Design Advantage, discussed the site
plan for the project and the anticipated phasing for construction.
Samuel Piccone presented environmental concerns and advocated for the preservation of wildlife
in and around the area.
Council Member Gartin inquired about environmental protection for the site. Director Diekmann
shared that the once the site development plan was initiated, Chapter 5B of the Municipal Code
detailed requirements for stormwater management. Ms. Ollendike added that the staff at Ames
Lutheran Church of Hope had also requested a wetland study for the outlot that would not be
developed, which had already been completed.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council members discussed with Director Diekmann the proposed access points and
the desire to obtain a traffic study that included a construction phasing component to understand
the overall impact to traffic on Lincoln Way. Director Diekmann noted that staff would need
direction from the City Council to provide the study for consideration as desired.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance Rezoning
Property at 5119 and 5001 Lincoln Way from Agricultural (A) to Suburban Residential Low
Density (FS-RL) with a Master Plan and direct staff to provide the finalized traffic impact study
prior to third reading and approval of the zoning agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 29 OF THE AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE TOWNHOME BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS :
Director Diekmann noted that this item was the final implementation step regarding infill
housing directed by the City Council at a workshop. He elaborated that staff was trying to
encourage a unique building type that was not often considered in a competitive rental market by
providing parking incentives. The incentive allows for a reduced parking requirement by one
space for a three-bedroom unit if a garage was provided.
The text amendment also allows for staff approval for infill sites up to eight units in size.
Director Diekmann explained that larger infill sites would still be permitted with approval from
the City Council. In both cases, design standards would be present to encourage street facing
units that compliment the character of a residential streetscape.
11
Council Member Gartin asked if the building type standards were similar to cities in the Des
Moines metro. Director Diekmann noted that many cities in the Des Moines metro had more
prescribed design requirements for all housing types and require City Council approval on
projects. Council Member Gartin wondered about ways to incentivize owner occupied units for
the townhome building type. Director Diekmann noted that the residential property tax
abatement program would apply to the townhome building type and would be an effective
incentive mechanism to promote owner occupied living.
Director Diekmann discussed standards for corner lots, highlighting potential lot arrangements
with two street faces. He noted that staff supported continuing the hearing in order to better
clarify the standards for corner lots.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to continue the hearing to March 11th.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 8:54 p.m. and reconvened at 8:59 p.m.
HEARING ON 2023/24 STORMWATER EROSION CONTROL (COLLEGE CREEK
BANK STABILIZATION - HEMINGWAY DRIVE): The Public Hearing was opened and
closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-069 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Jackson Contracting LLC, of Des Moines,
Iowa, in the amount of $95,143.17.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/25 ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(HYLAND AVE): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-070 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to All Star Concrete LLC, of Johnston,
Iowa, in the amount of $1,696,869.05.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/25 SHARED USE PATH SYSTEM EXPANSION - SKUNK RIVER:
12
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-071 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Howrey Construction Inc., of Bondurant,
Iowa, in the amount of $249,649.25.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO VACATE EASEMENTS LOCATED AT PT. WILLOW
CREEK ESTATES 2ND ADDITION: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when
no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-072 approving
vacation of the following:
• Existing 20-foot Water Main Easement located at east 10-foot of Lot 1 and west 10- foot
of Lot 2
• Existing Sanitary Sewer Easement located at part of Lot 2
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2.45 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, DUTIES AND
POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER, TO AUTHORIZE DELEGATION OF DUTIES
AND POWERS: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on First reading an ordinance amending
Section 2.45 of the Municipal Code, Duties and Powers of the City Manager, to Authorize
Delegation of Duties and Powers.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4548 ON TEXT
AMENDMENT MODIFYING PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
BY AMENDING CHAPTERS 20 AND 29 OF MUNICIPAL CODE: Director Diekmann
clarified that the intent of the amendment was to remove the publication of notices in the
newspaper for site development plans as well as ambiguity about requirements for the Planning
and Zoning (P&Z) Commission. He noted that the requirements for P&Z were inappropriate as a
recommending body since it did not issue approvals. He then discussed courtesy notices with the
City Council, highlighting that newspaper publications were not a great means of interacting
with the public.
Council Member Gartin inquired about the approaches from other cities when it came to courtesy
notices. Director Diekmann explained that for site development plans, most cities did not provide
notice; however, he noted that staff supported some level of notification to the public,
13
emphasizing that there were better methods of disseminating notice than a newspaper
publication.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to continue the third reading and to direct staff to draft a
policy on courtesy notices for consideration to be placed on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION ON ORDINANCE NO. 4549 ON TEXT
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 12 FLOATING ZONES LOT AND
BLOCK DESIGN: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on Third reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4549 concerning text amendments to Chapter 29 Article 12
Floating Zones Lot and Block Design.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were five items to consider.
The first item was from Lynn Ballard requesting extended gameday parking at the former
Haunted Forest property.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to respectfully decline the request.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for a code amendment to authorize the use of utility task vehicle travel on City streets
from Cullen Anderson was the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to respectfully decline the request.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was a memo from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer responding to a request for
a crosswalk at Lincoln Way and Wilmoth Avenue.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request that Traffic Engineer Pregitzer respond to the
original requestor with the contents of the memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Correspondence from Finance Director Corey Goodenow concerning the insert to accompany the
property tax notices was the fourth item and was noted to be for information only.
The last item was a memo from Director Diekmann regarding a request for zoning changes for
an apartment building on Oakland Street and Hyland Avenue.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on the March 11th City
Council meeting agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
14
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Gartin shared that the Discover Ames
board discussed hotel occupancy. He was pleased to report that with the increase in available
hotel rooms, data showed that occupancy was being maintained. He also noted that Discover
Ames was focusing on hospitality with its new strategic plan.
Council Member Junck reported that the Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees approved a
grant request for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds and reviewed spring
semester ridership, which was up over 10% from the previous year. Ex officio Boland noted that
the new ISU Student Government appointee to the board Erik Rolwes attended the February
meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland highlighted that the joint meeting between the
City Council and ISU Student Government was scheduled for Wednesday, March 26th from 5:00
to 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room with the topics of downtown engagement,
sustainability, resource recovery, and student participation with City boards and commissions
proposed for the agenda. She also shared that in October ISU Student Government hosted the
Big 12 Student Government Conference. She was pleased to announce that following the
conference, the University of Kansas and City of Lawrence had collaborated to create an ex
officio position.
Council Member Gartin thanked those that participated in the public comment periods of the
meeting, recognizing those that were attending a City Council meeting for the first time.
Council Member Rollins shared that she attended the State of Wellness program. She noted that
a key presentation point that stood out to her was that approximately 200 to 300 individuals that
could benefit from staying in mental health care facility were being turned away from Mary
Greeley Medical Center each month.
Council Member Betcher discussed the upheaval of federal funding and noted the potential
impact to the City of Ames.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff provide regular updates on
changes to federal funding and grants as formal notification was provided of such.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked Attorney Lambert if there was a legal reason to go into
Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section 21.5(1)(c), Code of
Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation was imminent and Section
21.5(1)(j), Code of Iowa, to discuss purchase of particular real estate.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to go into Closed Session at 9:35 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 10:18 p.m.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-073 approving
15
Worker’s Compensation settlement agreement as discussed in Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-074 approving
settlement agreement with Hubbard Harvest and Flynn Family Farms in the amount of $41,250.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to proceed with the acquisition of real
estate as discussed in Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk