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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - April 8, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Full Minutes1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA APRIL 8, 2025 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00 p.m. on the 8th day of April 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were City Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland and Council Member Amber Corrieri joined the meeting telephonically. PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK," APRIL 6-12, 2025: Mayor Haila presented the proclamation to Ames Public Library (APL) Director Sheila Schofer and members of the APL Board of Trustees. Director Schofer thanked Mayor Haila and the City Council for their support and encouraged the community to come visit the Library to celebrate the theme “Drawn to the Library” and utilize all the resources that are offered. She shared that the APL served 1,000 patrons a day and facilitated one million checkouts every year. She highlighted that the ribbon cutting for the new carpet would be April 9, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the APL. She also shared that the APL also had a monthly newsletter, “Page One.” PROCLAMATION FOR "FAIR HOUSING MONTH," APRIL 2025: Mayor Haila presented the proclamation to Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Beth Skluzacek of the Central Iowa Board of Realtors, and Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) members Annabella Marquez and Shawn Kenny. Coordinator Baker-Latimer invited the community to attend a screening of “Divisible” to learn about the impacts of redlining on April 24, 2025, from 11:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the City Auditorium. A panel discussion and free lunch would follow the screening. PRESENTATION OF "A HOME FOR EVERYONE" AWARD BY AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: Annabella Marquez, Vice Chair of AHRC, and AHRC member Shawn Kenny presented the award to Kathy Pinkerton of The Salvation Army and thanked her for her service with the most vulnerable in the community. Ms. Pinkerton thanked AHRC for the award and shared that assisting with housing individuals had been the focus of her public service career. CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent agenda. 4. Motion approving payment of claims 5. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on March 25, 2025 6. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of March 16-31, 2025 7. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates 8. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service - Sips and Paddys, 126 Welch Avenue on May 8 - May 12, 2025, Pending Dramshop Review 9. Motion approving new 5-Day (April 21 - April 25, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co., 2321 North Loop Drive 2 10. RESOLUTION NO. 25-132 approving appointments to various Boards and Commissions 11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-133 approving Climate Smart Communities Initiative Grant application submittal 12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-134 approving exception to Section 22.32(c)(2)(v) to allow alcohol service in Sidewalk Cafe at Della Viti, 323 Main Street, Suite 102 13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-135 repealing Resolution No. 17-097 therefore dissolving the Campus & Community Commission 14. Requests from Ames Public Library for Ames Bike Fair on May 31, 2025: a. Motion approving a blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-136 approving closure of Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to 6th Street from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-137 approving suspension of parking enforcement on Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to 6th Street from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-138 approving/motion denying request to waive fees for parking meters on Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to 6th 15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-139 in support of the 2025 Central Iowa Waste Management Association Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update 16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-140 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2024/25 Accessibility Enhancement Program Setting May 7, 2025, as the bid due date and May 13, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing 17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-141 Setting April 22, 2025, as the date of public hearing to consider adoption of Fiscal Year 2024/25 Adjusted Budget and Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget 18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-142 approving the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project Performance Agreement for the Ioway Creek - Brookside Stream Restoration Project 19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-143 approving Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co. of Ames, Iowa for the 2022/23 Bridge Rehabilitation Program (S. 4th Street Pedestrian Bridge over Ioway Creek) in an amount not to exceed $84,800 20. Airport Airside Improvements (Runway 01/19 Reconstruction): a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-144 approving Professional Services Agreement with Bolton & Menk, of Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $1,196,600, contingent on FAA grant funding b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-145 approving a grant application for Federal Funds from the FAA 21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-146 approving contract renewal with Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping, of Peosta, IA, for Cell Maintenance Services for Electric Services (RDF ash), for the one-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-147 approving contract renewal with Earth Services & Abatement for Asbestos Remediation and Related Services and Supply Contract at the Power Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-148 approving a contract renewal with Apache Industrial, of La Vista, NE, for the Scaffolding and Related Services and Supply Contract at the Power Plant for July 1, 2025, June 30, 2026, in an amount not-to-exceed $140,000 3 24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-149 approving contract renewal with TEI Construction Services Inc., of Duncan, SC, for Boiler Maintenance Services Contract for Power Plant for the one- year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not-to-exceed $350,000 25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-150 approving contract renewal with HTH Companies, Inc., of Union, MO, for Specialized Wet Dry Vacuum, Hydro Blast, and Related Cleaning Services for the Power Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-151 awarding contract to WESCO Distribution of Des Moines, Iowa for the purchase of primary cable for Electric Services in the amount not to exceed $133,677.78 27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-152 awarding contract to Conca Services LLC, of Vernova, PA, for Unit 7 condenser tube cleaning and eddy current testing at the Power Plant, in the amount not to exceed $51,285.76 28. RESOLUTION NO. 25-153 awarding year three of a contract to Eide Bailly, LLP, of Dubuque, Iowa, in the amount of $80,000 to professionally audit the City’s financial statements for FY ending June 30, 2025 29. RESOLUTION NO. 25-154 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 4) with Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, Iowa, in the amount of $2,200,000 30. RESOLUTION NO. 25-155 approving proposed Change Orders and establish a new contract amount of $2,052,362.58 to New Flyer of America Inc. of St. Cloud Minnesota for two 60' Articulated Buses 31. RESOLUTION NO. 25-156 approving Change Order No.1 for Waste Disposal Operations at the Boone County Landfill in the amount of $306,603 32. RESOLUTION NO. 25-157 approving Change Order No. 1 to S.M. Hentges and Sons, Inc., of Jordan, MN, in the amount of $167,994 for the 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Utility Infrastructure Project (265th Street Extension) 33. Declaration of Intent to Reimburse Expenses Associated with the Construction of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus Project a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-158 allowing the City to incur expenses with the potential for future reimbursement through a bond issuance 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: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Forum when no one came forward to speak. ACCEPTANCE OF "DOWNTOWN AMES: A GUIDING VISION FOR THE FUTURE" (VISION) DOCUMENT: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips and Director of Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann gave a brief history of the item and offered suggestions for the formation of a task force to address implementation. Assistant City Manager Phillips emphasized that the vision was not expected to be adopted as a formal policy document or plan. Instead, the Vision offered an idea for the future state of downtown and suggested actions which, if taken, would support that vision. However, he noted that implementation of any aspects of the Vision would be determined by the City Council at a future date. Assistant City Manager Phillips stated that staff was requesting two actions: to accept the document and pursue short-term actions 4 defined in the plan. A task force was proposed. The City Council and staff discussed the implications of whether the City, Ames Main Street (AMS), or a joint group led the task force. Mayor Haila highlighted the City Council’s and AMS’s commitment to prioritize low hanging fruit and identify long-term actions that could be taken. He referenced the City Council’s approval of allowing alcohol throughout the event area of 515 Days as an example of how festival streets may function in the future. In closing, Mayor Haila thanked AMS for the work that had been accomplished to develop the Vision and emphasized that the process would continue to be transparent and seek public input. Mayor Haila opened Public Input. Travis Toliver, Executive Director of Ames Main Street, shared his excitement about working with the City to provide feedback on the next steps for the project. He emphasized that clear communication would be a priority to keep the project moving forward. Ellyn Grimm, President of the Ames Main Street Board, encouraged the City Council to continue investing in Downtown, citing its importance to the community. She highlighted the work that had been undertaken by Downtown stakeholders and the commitment of Downtown to continue moving forward with the Vision. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-159 accepting "Downtown Ames: A Guiding Vision for the Future" document and request Ames Main Street to convene an Implementation Task Force to review and prioritize suggested tasks contained within the Guiding Document. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. NAMING THE MINI-PITCH AT LLOYD KURTZ PARK "THE FRIEDRICH PITCH": Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham shared the support of staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission for the proposed naming of the mini-pitch as “The Friedrich Pitch.” He shared that staff solicited donations to offset the project costs as directed by the City Council. He stated that Kurt and Sindy Friedrich had generously offered to donate $50,000 to the project, which staff felt fit the naming criteria for a major donation. Director Abraham presented a construction update on the project and shared that a ribbon cutting ceremony was anticipated to take place in June. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-160 approving naming the Mini-Pitch at Lloyd Kurtz Park "The Friedrich Pitch." Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Mayor Haila extended his gratitude for the generosity of the Friedrich’s. 5 LIQUOR LICENSES ELIGIBLE FOR RENEWAL: Chief of Police Geoff Huff detailed the supporting evidence from the Ames Police Department for the approval and denial of the eligible licenses. He cited a letter detailing action taken on behalf of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to deny the renewal of Perfect Games due to ABD’s ruling that one of the individuals listed as an owner lacked good moral character. Council Member Betcher inquired about the feasibility of the property to attain a new license if the business was sold. City Attorney Lambert confirmed that the property would be eligible for a new license if the business management changed. Mayor Haila opened the Public Input. Kelly McPartland, Manager of Perfect Games, requested the City Council table action on the license for Perfect Games until the appeal process through ABD has been completed. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. The City Council and staff discussed the timeline Perfect Games would be subject to when applying for a new license. City Attorney Lambert stated that immediately after an ownership change the business would be eligible to reapply. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to deny the renewal of Perfect Games Inc., 1320 Dickinson Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to approve the following liquor licenses eligible for renewal: a. Provisions Lot F, 2400 North Loop Dr., Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review b. Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh #2, 636 Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol License c. Cyclone Experience Network - Hilton Coliseum, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. IMMEDIATE TOWING OF ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES: Chief Huff presented the request for authorization of immediate towing to address increased safety concerns for the dates requested. Immediate towing had proved to be an effective tool to allow emergency services vehicles to navigate. He noted that there were additional factors influencing staff’s decisions this year due to an away football game on the same day that may bring additional foot traffic to the City. Chief Huff outlined the efforts undertaken by staff to notify individuals in the affected area such as going door to door, collaborating with Iowa State University (ISU) to notify students, posting signage, and utilizing social media posts. He furthered that low staffing this year may affect the scope of outreach conducted but staff would endeavor to reach as many individuals as possible. 6 Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-161 authorizing immediate towing of illegally parked vehicles on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. Council Member Corrieri left the meeting. ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR NUISANCE PARTY VIOLATIONS: Chief Huff shared the safety risks of large nuisance parties and the process of the City for issuing citations. He detailed how staff were working to engage with property owners before the requested enforcement dates to achieve voluntary compliance. Reoccurring concerns had been identified at ten properties where staff was engaging with property owners to request the owner’s presence on the property for the weekend of August 22nd – August 24th, 2025. Chief Huff explained that the first two citations are typically issued to the tenant while subsequent citations would be issued against the property manager or property owner. Council Member Gartin proposed adding nuisance parties as a reason to deny Letters of Compliance, which Chief Huff stated was a potential solution that could be explored. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-162 authorizing enhanced penalties for nuisance party violations beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22 and ending at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. STAFF PRESENTATION ON FY 2025/26 WATER AND SEWER RATES: Director of Water and Pollution Control John Dunn presented proposed increases for water and sewer rates, the impact on customers, and the strategy of the new rate structure. Director Dunn highlighted that the City’s water and sewer rates have remained lower than state trends, national trends, and inflation. The City was in the 19th percentile of price increases, which staff worked hard to maintain. He identified the four main drivers of increasing rates as regulatory requirements, risk and resiliency improvements such as cyber security increases, renewal and replacement of existing equipment, and price increases for needed equipment. Director Dunn noted that the utility was focused on increasing the Operating Fund to support the needs of the utility. The proposal of staff was to introduce annual increases of 3.5% for water and 5.5% for sewer rates for the next ten years. He explained that this rate plan would allow the City to stay below the median for rates costs and maintain healthy fund balances, while minimizing the impact on customer bills. While the presentation was for information only at this time, he noted that staff would place an ordinance adopting the rate increases on the next City Council agenda to ensure that the ordinance was adopted before June to authorize the new rates for bills due on or after July 1, 2025. HEARING ON 2023/24 CDBG INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (N RUSSELL AVENUE - N 2ND STREET TO N 4TH STREET): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. 7 Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-163 approving final plans and specification and awarding a contract to Iowa Water & Waste Systems of Boone, Iowa, in the amount of $346,858.50. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON 2019/24 LOW POINT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25 -164 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Water and Waste Systems of Boone, Iowa in the amount of $523,245.20. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON 2024/25 PAVEMENT RESTORATION - SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to accept report of bids. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-165 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Fort Dodge Asphalt Company of Fort Dodge, IA, in the amount of $231,228.20. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES: Fire Chief Rich Higgins and Building Official Sara Van Meeteren presented the proposed ordinance and cited review of the State Code and the International Building & Fire Codes to create language that is clear and enforceable. Building Official Van Meeteren noted that staff had received feedback from landlords and clarified the intent of carbon monoxide alarms was required to be located outside of bedrooms. She stated that staff had determined not to adopt exceptions allowed under the State Code to protect vulnerable transient tenant populations in Ames. Building Official Van Meeteren also reviewed that the original language in the State Code ordinance mirrored the adopted Building Code in 2018 and that new construction since that time had already been interconnected, thus, the City was not requiring retrofitting. 8 Council Member Gartin inquired if staff would be willing to include an effective date of July 1, 2025. Building Official Van Meeteren agreed and noted that staff would include that change in the second reading of the ordinance. She clarified that the ordinance only applied if the property had a fuel fired appliance or fireplace. However, staff included boilers in the ordinance subject to the same restrictions as issues present in fuel fired appliances also occurred in boilers throughout the life of the appliances. Chief Higgins shared outreach efforts underway to educate the community on the importance of carbon monoxide alarms. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to add clarification that Section 5(c) governs “existing building constructed prior to July 1, 2018.” Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to add an effective date of July 1, 2025. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an Ordinance adopting regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE ASSIGNING ANNEXED AREAS TO WARDS AND PRECINCTS: City Attorney Mark Lambert provided context to the City Council of the events necessitating the requested action to assign annexed areas Wards and Precincts to allow residents to vote in City elections. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an Ordinance assigning annexed areas to Wards and Precincts. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to waive the rules and proceed with second and third reading. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance assigning annexed areas to Wards and Precincts. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4553 assigning annexed areas to Wards and Precincts. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4552 RELATING TO A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 29 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO 9 CREATE TOWNHOME BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4552 relating to a Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code to Create Townhome Building Type Standards. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Halia noted that the three dispositions were submitted by Director Diekmann. The first item to be considered was a memo on Driveways Standards that the City Council had referred to staff. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to take the memo under advisement. Council Member Gartin expressed his interest in hearing the request of Ames Home Builders Association (AHBA) in more detail. Director Diekmann shared that AHBA expressed the desire to present concerns to the City Council regarding new construction. Motion Withdrawn. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the topic on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The Monthly Work Plan status update for the Planning and Housing Department was presented next for information only. Then, the final memo regarding Social Service Provider Standards was evaluated. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to thank Ms. Gregory for her input, take the information under advisement, and consider the topic for the City Council in the future. The City Council and staff engaged in thorough conversation evaluating unintended consequences, the scope of requested changes, and addressing social service providers separately. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Junck reported that the Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees (Transit Board) evaluated the proposed Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency contract and annual customer service survey. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland shared that she would be reappointed to the ex officio position and the Transit Board. She highlighted that she would be speaking at Council Member Betcher’s Business Communications class to present on her role and introduce herself as a resource to ISU students. In conclusion, she noted that inauguration for ISU Student Government would be April 21, 2025. Council Member Betcher extended her congratulations to ex officio Boland and her excitement for ex officio Boland to give ISU students a greater understanding of her role as ex officio. 10 Council Member Beatty-Hansen highlighted the Repair Café taking place at the Ames Public Library and the Water Plant Open House, both on April 19, 2025. Council Member Rollins recognized Council Member Junck for being a “4 Under 40” awardee. Mayor Haila shared his experience reading a proclamation at the Learning Lab at ISU and recognized the program’s work in the community. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. _______________________________________ __________________________________ Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor _____________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk