HomeMy WebLinkAboutA030 - Discussion on the viability of the Campus and Community CommissionTo:Mayor & City Council
From:Pa Vang Goldbeck, Assistant City Manager
Date:March 21, 2025
Subject:Campus & Community Discussion
Item No. 24
MEMO
At the March 11, 2025 meeting, the City Council requested that the Campus and
Community Commission (Commission) be placed on a future agenda for Council
discussion.
Resolution No. 17-097 established the Commission (see attachment). According to the
Resolution, the Commission brings together individuals appointed by the City of Ames,
Iowa State University (ISU), and Iowa State University Student Government to:
1. Provide a public forum to facilitate discussion of issues of common interest to the
City of Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State University Student
Government.
2. Offer an opinion or recommendation to the Council regarding issues brought
forward to the Commission by the Council that are of common interest to the City
of Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State University Student Government.
3. Subject to City Council approval, investigate issues of common interest to the City
of Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State University Student Government
which are brought forward to the Commission and currently not being considered
by the Council.
4. Prepare and transmit to the Mayor and City Council from time to time, but not less
often than once each year, reports describing its proceedings and other activities of
the Commission
The Commission consists of eight members providing representation as follows:
(1) Business Community Representative (3-year term)
(1) Neighborhood Association Representative (3-year term)
(1) City At-Large Representative (3-year term)
(1) Iowa State University Administration Appointee (Indefinite term)
(1) Main Street Cultural District Appointee (Indefinite term)
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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(1) Campustown Action Association Appointee (Indefinite term)
(2) Iowa State University Student Government Appointees (Indefinite term)
The Mayor, with consent from the City Council, appoints the Business Community
Representative, Neighborhood Association Representative, and City-At Large
Representative. The Iowa State University Administration Appointee, Campustown
Action Association Appointee, and Iowa State University Student Government
Appointees are appointed by their respective organizations.
The Commission is permitted to create task force(s) as needed to work on issues of
common interest.
HISTORY OF THE COMMISSION:
The Commission was created in 2017 as the successor to the City's Student Affairs
Commission. The Student Affairs Commission was created in 2007, but suffered
from high turnover among members and difficulty meeting regularly to discuss
issues. It was believed the structure and charge of the new Campus and Community
Commission would improve its effectiveness. However, the Campus and
Community Commission has been inactive for almost three and a half years, with
its last meeting in December 2021. All meeting agendas and minutes are available
online at: Campus and Community Commission | City of Ames, IA
Attached is a timeline of the City Council directions to the Commission. Also attached is
a report from the Commission to the City Council in March 2018.
OPTIONS:
The Commission has been inactive for almost three and a half years. Therefore, the City
Council may wish to consider one of the following three options:
1. Dissolve the Commission and establish task forces as Council identifies needs.
2. Continue the Commission, but suspend it further until an issue(s) is identified for
the Commission to work on.
3. Continue the Commission and identify an issue(s) to be worked on.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Since it has been almost three and a half years since the Commission met, if the Council
chooses option #2 or #3, staff will need to ensure members seats are filled or can be filled
by the appointing authority before the Commission is reconvened. Attached is the latest
membership roster; however, it is unknown at this time if these individuals still intend to
serve in their seats.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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Staff believes Option #1 is worthy of consideration as another attempt to improve
the effectiveness in accomplishing the Council's overall goal. Under this option, the
City Council could dissolve the formal Commission and shift to directing staff to
establish task forces or convene community partners to work on issues identified by
Council on an as-needed basis. This approach would allow for greater flexibility in
the number and representation of participants for any future task force created.
This approach also allows individuals to commit to participating based on topics of
interest to them, rather than relying on a fixed commission membership that may or
may not be vested in the specific issue(s) being addressed. In addition, this new
approach could respond to a current problem where long delays between meetings
results in members losing interest in serving on this commission.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 17-097.pdf
3.27.2018 Campus and Community Commission Report.pdf
Timeline of Council Direction.docx
Campus and Community Membership Roster.docx
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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RESOLUTION NO. 17-097
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHIN G A CAM PUS AND COM M UNITY COM M ISSION
FOR THE CITY OF AM ES, IOWA
WHEREAS, from time to time, issues arise that are of common interest to the C it y o f Ames,
Iowa State University, and Iowa State Student Government; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to establish a commissio n t o inve s t igate these issues and provide
advice to the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESO LVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa:
Section One.M e mbe rs hip: There is hereby estab lis he d a Campus and Community
Commission. That Commission shall consist of e ight members providing representation as follows:
(1)Business Community Representative 3 year term
(1)Neighborhood Association Representative 3 year term
(1)City At-Large Representative 3 year term
(1)Iowa State University Administration Appointee Indefinite term
(1) Main Street Cultural District Appointee Indefinite term
(1)Campustown Action Association Appointee Indefinite term
(2)Iowa State University Student Government Appointees Indefinite term
The Busine ss Community Representative, Neighborhood Association Representative, and
City-At Large Representative shall be appoint e d b y t he Mayor with the consent of the City Council.
F o r the purpose of staggering the terms of the membership, the Mayor shall choose one initial
mayoral appointee to serve a two-year term and one to serve a one-year term. Appointees may serve
two consecutive terms.
The Iowa State University Administration Appointee, Campustown Action Associatio n
Ap p ointee, and Iowa State University Student Government Appointees shall be appointed b y the ir
respective organizations.
Section Two.Charge : It shall be the mission o f the Campus and Community Commission
to:
(1) Provide a public forum to fa c ilit a te d iscussion of issues of common interest to the City
of Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State University Student Government.
(2) O ffe r an opinion or recommendation to the Council regarding issues brought forward to
the Commission by the Council that are of common interest to the City of A me s , I o wa State
University, and Iowa State University Student Government.
(3) Subject to City Council approval, investigate iss ue s of common interest to the City of
Ames, Iowa State Univers ity, and Iowa State University Student Government which are
brought forward to the Commission and currently not being considered by the Council.
(4 ) P r epare and transmit to the Mayor and City Council from time to time, but not less ofte n
t ha n o nce each year, reports describing its proceedings and other activities of the
Commission.
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Section Three. Tas k Force s : Subject to City Council approval, the Campus and Community
C o mmission may appoint and take input from appointed task forces on issues of common inte r e s t
to t he C it y o f Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State University Student Government that are
not being dealt with b y C it y staff or another City commission. Any such task forces created shall be
conducted as follows:
(1) Task forces shall be comprised of representatives from the Ames and Iowa State University
communities appointed by the Campus and Community Commission. Task force membership
shall be as large as necessary to addr ess the task force’s charge. Each task force shall be chaired
b y a member selected by the Campus and Community Commission. A member of City staff sha ll
be assigned to each task force by the City Manager to provide advice and to ensure that task force
activities comply with the charge given by the Commission and with Chapter 21 of the Code of
Iowa (Iowa Open Meetings Law).
(2) Each task force may adopt such rule s o f procedure and conduct for its meetings and other
activities as it shall deem useful and appropriate, within the limits of the cha r ge from the
Commission. Task force meetings shall be open t o t he public and shall conform to the
requirements of Chapter 21 of the Code of I o wa (Iowa Open Meetings Law). Meetings of each
task force shall typically be held at City Hall or o n the Iowa State University campus, but
meetings may be held in alternate locations to p r o vid e more convenient access for special public
forums.
(3)Upon completion of its charge, each task force shall s ub mit c o p ie s of its final report to the
Campus a nd Community Commission. The Commission will present the report results to
Council and gain Council approval if further action is nece s s a r y. I f either Council or the
Commission decides that no further action is required, the task force shall dissolve.
AND BE IT FURTHER RES O LVED that a copy of this resolution be published in the
appendix of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa.
ADOPTED THIS 28th day of February, 2017.
____________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by:Betcher
Seconded by:Corrieri
Voting aye:Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Nelson, Orazem
Voting nay:N one Absent:None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 28th day of February, 2017.
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Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service
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515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
City Manager’s Office
MEMO
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager
Date: March 27, 2018
Subject: Campus and Community Commission Report – Campustown Plaza
On September 12, 2017, the City Council directed the newly formed Campus and Community
Commission (CCC) to initially work to investigate a prospective Campustown plaza or gathering
space. Based on the Council’s direction, the Commission has prepared the attached report and
will be available at the March 27 Council meeting to discuss it. The Council is now being asked
to consider the next steps:
1. Campustown Plaza Report
After reviewing and discussing the report, the Council must decide whether to accept the
report or if this issue requires further study by the Commission. If the Council feels
further study is necessary, it should identify what questions the Commission should
work to answer.
2. Direction to City Staff
If the City Council accepts the Campustown Plaza report, it must decide what next steps
to take regarding this concept. Does the Council wish to pursue this gathering space
concept further? If so, City staff would return to the Council with next steps, which may
include retaining a consultant to gather additional feedback and refine the concept for
this area.
3. Provide Direction for CCC to Work on Next Issue
If the Council believes no further work is needed by the CCC regarding the
Campustown Plaza topic, the next step for the City Council would be to identify the
next issue for the Commission to pursue. At the September 12 City Council meeting,
the Commission brought forth the following issues for the City Council to consider:
1. Parking in Campustown
2. Public Gathering Space in Campustown
3. Inclusive Community Principles:
a. Education of tenants/landlords
b. Welcoming/inclusiveness of Campustown/Downtown
c. Rent Smart Ames utilization
d. Retention of recent graduates
e. Connectibility between areas of Ames
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The Commission Members may have additional thoughts they wish to share regarding
the next steps during the meeting on March 27. The Council may choose to direct the
Commission to begin addressing one the issues listed above, or may identify an
alternative topic for the Commission to pursue. In either case, it is important for the
Council to provide clear direction regarding what should be provided in response
to the Council’s request (e.g., what questions to answer, whether there are specific
groups the Council believes must be consulted, timeframe expectations).
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Campus and Community Commission
Report to Ames City Council: Campustown Plaza
March 27, 2018
Direction from City Council:
At the September 12, 2017, City Council meeting, the City Council met with the Campus
and Community Commission to discuss potential projects for the Commission to
address. The Council directed that the Commission should initially work to investigate a
prospective Campustown plaza or gathering space. The City Council specifically
mentioned the following components for the Commission to address:
1. Prepare a list of things that the City Council could consider accomplishing in a
Campustown Plaza
2. Come back to the Council with the interests of various parties. Include discussion
of how people, traffic, building services would get through the area
3. What is the dream for the space?
4. What are the critical features, particularly from students, to make this space
useful (e.g., gathering space for music events)?
5. If this space was a gift to students, what should it have so they like the gift?
Recommendation:
After a number of meetings to discuss and gather input, the membership of the Campus
and Community Commission recommends:
1. Securing a consultant to develop a program plan to create a gathering space at
204 Welch Avenue located on the southeast corner of Lincoln Way and
Chamberlain Street (City Parking Lot Y and Campustown Court). This would
expand east of the existing Cyclone Plaza and reallocate the parking area to the
north of the former T-Galaxy Building.
2. It is also recommended, since this location is relatively small (55’x190’, including
the Cyclone Plaza), that the acquisition of the former T-Galaxy Building and lot
receive consideration.
3. Two primary stakeholder groups were identified that should receive additional
opportunity to inform the consultant:
a. Iowa State University students
b. Campustown business owners
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Rationale:
The Commission investigated a variety of potential locations for a Campustown
gathering space and has proposed locating it in the area at the corner of Welch Avenue
and Chamberlain Street for the following reasons:
1. Most central to Campustown activities
2. Visibility issues are minimal, which improves safety of users of the space
3. Minimal impacts on adjacent properties by users
4. Lower cost for making improvements to the space (few infrastructure
complications)
5. Larger, one-off and well-managed events have been held on and adjacent to this
location with success
6. Loss of parking spaces is recognized, but the value added by this gathering
space and adjacency of the under-utilized short-term parking at the Intermodal
facility compensates for the loss of spaces
Space Utilization:
Through stakeholder discussions, the Commission has identified that the following are
key characteristics of a gathering space to be considered:
1. General Activity/Flexible use space
2. Food Truck/Vendor space
3. Incorporate art, that as possible includes existing mural on T-Galaxy building
(only if building retained)
4. Good lighting
5. Refuse/Trash solutions
6. Restrooms, if space allows. Noticeable signage to Intermodal Facility public
restrooms may suffice
7. Greenscape components that soften the experience (e.g., hardy plantings, trees.
8. Suggest having a pick-up and drop off location on or adjacent to this space (to
accommodate taxi, Lyft or Uber)
The Commission also received feedback regarding attributes that would be
incompatible or less desired in a gathering space. These include:
1. 24-Hour operation. Close at certain times to reduce post-bar closing loitering.
2. Targeted activities for young children
3. Garden or high maintenance green space
4. Large night events
5. Limited amplified music events
6. Kegs/uncontrolled alcohol consumption
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Process to Reach Recommendation:
All City-owned properties in the Campustown boundaries were evaluated for feasibility.
The Commission also consulted with members of City staff to identify opportunities and
challenges with potential sites. Alternatives evaluated and comments regarding each
are indicated below:
1. 115 Welch Avenue (City Parking Lot X) (located west of the storefronts along the
100 block of Welch Avenue)
a. Significant utility infrastructure exists in the space, making modifications
expensive
b. Access and egress for business purposes (currently and into the future)
conflict with pedestrian usage in this area
c. Poor lines of sight and visibility for safety and security
d. Noise concerns for adjacent properties
2. 134 Welch Avenue (Fire Station #2)
a. Will be operated as a fire station for the foreseeable future
3. 2320 Chamberlain Street (City Parking Lot Z)
a. Located east of Campustown core
b. Lot tucked between 3 buildings
c. Only open on street side
d. Limited lines of sight creates safety issues
e. Noise concerns for adjacent properties
4. 204 Welch Avenue (City Parking Lot Y) – Recommended site. See above.
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Supporting Materials:
Focus Group Meeting Minutes Excerpt (January 22, 2018):
Campustown Plaza Focus Group:
The Commissioners, staff members, and invitees introduced themselves. Invitees in attendance
included: Chad Watkins, Sarah Huffman, Marsha Miller, Tim Hoekstra, Katie Holmes, George
Micalone, Anthony LoCerto, Marilyn McNamara, and Bridget Williams.
Tom provided some background information regarding the concept of the Campustown Plaza.
He outlined the process the group would use to discuss the potential ideas for the use of the
space. In addition to what the group thought the space should be, the group would be asked in
a second round of idea-generation what they think the space should not be.
The group’s suggestions for what the space should be were:
- Event pre-space to see what works and what people suggest for the space
- Public hammocks
- Flexible space
- Space to serve for communication between City and students
- Shade
- Something that can’t be destroyed
- Tables/game tables
- Art space/music space
- Reservable space
- Information center
- Campustown map
- Ice rink
- Dog poop bags
- Rain barrels
- Study space
- Community garden
- Workshop gatherings
- Benches, flowers, and trees
- Bike tire fill-ups
- Skateboard rink
- Art
- Music stage with a shell
- Moveable planters
- Restroom facilities
- Food area
- Adjustable lighting
- Make the space bigger (acquire T-Galaxy Building)
- Lighting to safety and aesthetics
- Green space for Campustown events
- Green space for everyday use (studying, sitting, etc)
- Electricity
- Public restrooms
- Food carts
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- Public restrooms
- Information center
- Lighting
- Security
- Parking
- Art area
- Small market
- Reservable shelter/pavilion
- Stage and electricity
- Food vendor area with seating
- Public garden (not a shared community garden)
- Benches
- Public park with benches/picnic tables
- Interactive art space
- Food truck or food cart space
- Community garden space or green space
- Amphitheater with permanent seating
- Table seating
- Small shelter
- Public art display
- Designated food truck space
- Parking
- Maker space
- Police outreach center
- Food trucks
- Seasonal space (ice arena in winter, beach in summer)
- Parking
These ideas were grouped into similar themes. These themes were:
1. Utility Infrastructure
2. Information
3. Amenities
4. Music
5. Art Area
6. Study Space
7. Environmental Design/Green Space
8. Mobile Vendor Area
9. Reservable
The attendees then voted for the ideas and themes they supported.
Tom led the group through an idea generation session regarding what the group thought should
not be involved in the potential space.
The group’s suggestions for what the space should not be were:
- Foam or paint parties
- Kids’ sandbox
- Water feature
- Open all hours
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- Kegs
- Inadequate trash receptacles
- Garden
- Poor stormwater system/plan
- Large night events
- Kid stuff
- Paved space
- Copycat space
- Parking
- Fencing
- Space intended for small children
- Things that can be easily destroyed/stolen
- Music-making things
- Things that need people to coordinate (e.g., stage)
- Parking
- Apartments
- VEISHEA 2014
- Poor lighting
- Small kids
- Events that cause traffic clogging
- Loud music at night
- Taking down the mural
Tom asked for further discussion regarding these ideas for things the space should not be.
There was clarification that the comments regarding children were meant that there should not
be playground equipment. It was noted that the existing space could generate negative loitering
and gathering, which was a concern of some regarding a re-developed space.
The attendees then voted for the ideas and themes they felt should not be part of the project.
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Timeline of City Council Direction to the Campus and Community Commission
Beginnings of the Campus and Community Commission (CCC)
February 28, 2017 – CCC created (Res No. 17-097)
June 13, 2017 – First members appointed (Res No. 17-360)
August 28, 2017 – First CCC meeting
September 12, 2017, Council Meeting
CCC members presented initial list of priority topics for direction, which included:
o Parking in Campustown
o Public gathering space in Campustown
o Inclusive Community Principles:
Education of tenants/landlords
Welcoming/inclusiveness of Campustown/Downtown
Rent Smart Ames utilization
Retention of recent graduates
Connectivity between areas of Ames
Council Direction
o Develop a list of things to include in a Campustown plaza (Orazem/Gartin, 6-0)
o Follow up with Iowa State University (ISU) student onboarding task force about
Rent Smart Ames (Betcher/Orazem, 6-0)
March 27, 2018, Council Meeting
CCC members presented the report on things to include in a Campustown plaza
o Council accepted the report (Betcher/Nelson, 6-0); the task is complete
Council Direction
o Evaluate a staff report on how other university communities promote
inclusiveness and report back to Council with additional ideas on the topic
(Beatty-Hansen/Betcher, 6-0)
January 8, 2019, Council Meeting
CCC members presented the report on helping the community to be more inclusive
Council decided to wait until the Council goal update to provide further direction
(Betcher/Beatty-Hansen, 6-0)
February 2, 2019, Council Goal Update
Council Direction (Nelson/Corrieri, 6-0)
o Assess the state of student tenant/landlord relationships in Ames, including:
What information landlords commonly wished student renters to have
What students wish they knew about tenant responsibilities before renting
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Where rent informational resources exist
o Following the assessment, host a joint discussion among student renters and
landlords
May 26, 2020, Council Meeting
CCC members presented the report on landlord/tenant relations, highlighting two
recommendations:
o Revamp the Rent Smart Ames website to address tenants not being well informed
o Explore options for a mediation process to address landlord/tenant disputes out of
court
Council Direction
o Develop recommendations for revamping the Rent Smart Ames website and for
sharing informational materials with tenants and landlords in other mediums
(Junck/Betcher, 6-0)
o Exploring a mediation program was assigned to the City Attorney, not CCC
(Betcher/Junck, 6-0)
May 11, 2021, Council Meeting
CCC members presented the report with recommendations on revamping the Rent Smart
Ames website and partnering with units within ISU to promote the website. The report
also reiterated the recommendation for a mediation program.
o Council accepted the report (Betcher/Beatty-Hansen, 6-0)
Council Direction
o Staff was directed to implement the recommended changes to the Rent Smart
Ames website (Betcher/Beatty-Hansen, 6-0)
o The ex officio was encouraged to lead discussions at ISU to promote the
revamped website (Betcher/Beatty-Hansen, 6-0)
o Staff was directed to reach out to the Center for Criminal Justice (CCJ) to see if
there was interest in reestablishing a discontinued mediation program
(Martin/Betcher, 6-0)
o No direction was given to CCC
December 6, 2021, Campus and Community Commission Meeting
Staff presented the revamped Rent Smart Ames website to CCC; task is complete
Future meetings would be scheduled when further direction from Council was received
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03-13-24
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMMISSION
Established by Resolution No. 17-097 on February 28, 2017, to investigate issues of common
interest to the City of Ames, Iowa State University (ISU), and Iowa State Student Government.
City appointees may serve two consecutive terms. Eight members as follows:
1. Business Community Representative for a three-year term
2. Neighborhood Association Representative for a three-year term
3. City At-Large Representative for a three-year term
4. ISU Administration Appointee selected by ISU President for indefinite term
5. Main Street Cultural District Appointee selected by MSCD for an indefinite term
6. Campustown Action Association Appointee selected by the CAA for an indefinite term
7. Two ISU Student Government Appointees selected by the ISU SG for indefinite terms
Members Position First
Appointed Reappoint Term
Expires
Danaisa Green City At-Large 05-15-22 05-14-25
Eric Abrams Business
Community
04-25-23
(fill term)03-31-26
James McCormick Neighborhood 04-01-24 03-31-27
Michael Harwood ISU
Administration
Appointee
01-23-24 Indefinite
Abigail C. Miller Main Street
Cultural
District
05-14-21 Indefinite
Xena Jolly Campustown
Action
Association
11-01-22 Indefinite
Obi Agba ISU Student
Government 09-27-22 Indefinite
Quentin Slater ISU Student
Government 09-27-22 Indefinite
Staff Liaison:
Pa Goldbeck, Assistant City Manager
515 Clark Avenue
Phone: 515-239-5202
Campus and Community Commission meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
however, this can be subject to change.
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