HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board and Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CONFERENCE BOARD AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 22, 2019
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairman John Haila
at 5:30 p.m. on January 22, 2019. Present from the Ames City Council were Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David Martin, and Chris Nelson. Story
County Board of Supervisors present were Lauris Olson and Rick Sanders. Representing the Ames
Community School Board was Gina Perez. Leanne Harter attended on behalf of the Nevada
Community School Board. Gilbert Community School District and United Community School
District were not represented.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2018: Moved by Olson, seconded by Perez, to approve the
Minutes of the February 27, 2018, meeting of the Ames Conference Board.
Council Member Olson commented that the February 27, 2018, Minutes had stated that the study
on consolidation of the City and County Assessor positions would be forwarded to the Conference
Board members, but she did not recall receiving same. Ms. Olson requested that the study be sent
out again.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ASSESSOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS: Ames City Assessor Greg Lynch highlighted information
from the City Assessor’s Annual Report. He brought the Board’s attention specifically to Tables
1 and 2 on Page 3, Assessed Values and Taxable Values, respectively. The Assessed Values
increased 4.2% from 2017 to 2018, and the Taxable Values increased 5.7% from 2017 to 2018.
Mr. Lynch explained several line items shown on Exhibit A of the Report, which is the 2019-2020
Budget Proposal. Regarding salaries, Mr. Lynch replied that the City Assessor’s Office tries to
match the percentage of increase that is forecast for City of Ames employees. He stated that 5% has
been budgeted for salary increases: 3% for cost-of-living and 2% for merit; the merit increase is
based on employee review and performance. He explained that it is anticipated that all employees
would meet their performance goals; however, not everyone will get the same merit increase. Upon
being questioned by Ms. Olson, Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred stated that City of Ames
employees’ increases are being proposed at 3% for cost-of-living; however, the Council has not
approved the City Budget for next fiscal year. The two Union Contracts that have settled have
settled at 3%. Ms. Olson indicated that the County is budgeting a 2% cost-of-living increase,
although the County’s budget has not yet been approved.
Mr. Lynch indicated that the insurance expense is only going up 2.3% this year, which is the lowest
percentage of increase he has seen since he has been the City Assessor.
According to Mr. Lynch, one of the largest budget line item is for data processing services/major
software. He brought the Board’s attention to the breakdown of data processing-related expenses.
City Assessor Lynch informed the Board that the FY 2019-20 Proposed Budget totals $1,206,970,
which is a decrease of 1.0% from the current budget. Discussion ensued about comparing FY 2017-
18 expenses with the FY 2019-20 Budget Proposal. Supervisor Sanders noted that last year was a
re-valuation year and commented that he believed they are comparing valuation years versus non-
re-valuation years. Mr. Lynch pointed out that the expenses did not go up that much. He further
explained that they did not use $20,000 that had been budgeted last year for a model to be built for
this year, which was not needed and will not be carried forward. In addition, the $34,000 budgeted
for a Content Management System was not spent and will not be carried forward. Mr. Lynch
commented that the staff’s work is the same, regardless of whether or not it is a re-valuation year.
In terms of a true scope of work, Mr. Sanders believes that that would not be comparing “apples-to-
apples.” City Assessor Lynch stated that they only ask for the amount of money that is absolutely
necessary to run the office.
At the inquiry of Supervisor Olson, Administrative Assistant Dawn Tank compared the proposed
budget to the 2017-18 budget year, specifically noting that IPERS changed, and there were new data
processing expenses. She identified the Eagle Recorder ($704), Data Cloud Solutions ($5,755), and
maintenance for the Document Management System (estimated $10,000) as being new expenses.
Utilities, Equipment Rental and Maintenance, and Equipment and Machinery will increase, and
efficiency improvements to the Deputy Assessor’s office are being requested.
City Assessor Lynch noted that the proposed taxation rate per $1,000 valuation is proposed to be
$0.35032.
Mr. Lynch noted that the purpose of the Mini Board meeting is where a lot of the expenses are
reviewed, not at the Conference Board meeting. Ms. Olson stated that the Story County Board of
Supervisors sets its Supervisor assignments on January 2. This year, she only had a few hours to
advise Mr. Lynch that she would be staying on the Mini Board for another year. Ms. Olson
suggested that more advance notice be given regarding the dates for the Mini Board meetings and
that they be scheduled later in January.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Harter, to approve the recommendations of the Assessor’s
Report.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Perez, to receive the proposed budget, with adoption of the budget
occurring after the hearing is held.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Olson, to set February 26, 2019, as the date of public hearing on the
proposed FY 2019/20 City Assessor’s budget.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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REAPPOINTMENT OF GREG LYNCH AS CITY ASSESSOR: Chairperson Haila asked Mr.
Lynch to explain his request for reappointment given his current term runs through December 31,
2020. Mr. Lynch explained that once the continuing education requirements have been met,
Assessors become eligible for reappointment. He noted that he asked for reappointment in a similar
manner the last time.
Board Member Sanders stated his preference that Mr. Lynch’s request for reappointment wait until
next January. He noted that Mr. Lynch and his staff do a good job, and his desire to wait for the
discussion of Mr. Lynch’s reappointment is not a reflection of his or his staff’s performance.
It was the concurrence of the Board to take no action on the request for reappointment.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Sanders to adjourn the Ames Conference Board meeting at 5:59 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:03
p.m. on the 22nd day of January, 2019, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue. Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin,
David Martin, and Chris Nelson, were present. Ex officio Member Allie Hoskins was also in
attendance.
Mayor Haila expressed condolences to the Family of Steve Wilson, a long-time employee of the City
of Ames and known by many as the “Energy Guy.” Steve passed away Sunday after a fall at his
home.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the following
items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 8, 2019
3. Motion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for January 1-15, 2019
4. Motion setting Council Goal Update Workshop for February 2, 2019
5. Motion canceling the March 19, 2019, Council Workshop and setting April 2, 2019, as a
Council Workshop regarding the Comprehensive Plan
6.Motion approving 5-day (February 13 - 18) Class C Liquor License & Sunday Sales for Booze
Cruzer Cocktail Co, LLC. at Hanson Ag Building, 2508 Mortensen Rd.
7. Motion approving ownership change for Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service & Sunday
Sales for Buffalo Wild Wings, 400 South Duff
8. Motion approving new 12-month Class E Liquor License & Sunday Sales for JW Liquor, 4518
Mortensen, pending bond certification
9. Motion directing City Attorney to draft ordinance prohibiting parking at all times on the east
side of North Riverside Drive
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10. Motion directing City Attorney to draft ordinance prohibiting parking at all times on the north
side of Harris Street
11.Requests from Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) for DIY Day event on Saturday, February
23, 2019
a. RESOLUTION NO. 19-017 approving waiver of parking meter fees in the Downtown
District
12. Requests from Main Street Cultural District (MCSD) for January Dollar Days event on Thursday,
January 24 through Sunday, January 27, 2019:
a. RESOLUTION NO, 19-018 approving waiver of parking meter fees in the Downtown
District from Thursday, January 24 to Sunday, January 27
13. RESOLUTION NO. 19- 019approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending December
31, 2018
14. RESOLUTION NO. 19-020 approving Conflict of Interest Waiver for Ahlers & Cooney Law
Firm to represent the Ames School District on real estate transaction with the City of Ames
15. RESOLUTION NO. 19-021 approving $50,000 Forgivable Loan to Smart Ag as local match to
Iowa Economic Development Authority Financial Assistance Agreement
16. RESOLUTION NO. 19-022 awarding contract for one John Deere wheel loader with buckets for
Streets Division to Murphy Tractor and Equipment of Altoona, Iowa, in the amount of $165,323
and approving option to exercise buy-back guarantee
17. RESOLUTION NO. 19-023 approving Contract Change Order No. 2 with TEI Construction
Services, Inc., of Duncan, South Carolina, for the Boiler Maintenance Services Contract for the
Power Plant, not to exceed amount $235,000
18. RESOLUTION NO. 19-024 accepting completion of 2017/18 Traffic Signal Program (E. Lincoln
Way and Dayton Avenue)
19.RESOLUTION NO. 19-025 approving Plat of Survey for 1608 Crestwood Circle and 609 Carr
Drive
20. RESOLUTION NO. 19-026 approving Plat of Survey for 3855, 4025, 4720 - 199th Street and
4513-513th Avenue in Story County
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 Public Forum.
J. Arbuckle, 519 Oliver Circle, Ames, stated that he represented the Ames Climate Action Team.
He read a letter on behalf of the group to urge the City Council to develop and implement a Climate
Action Plan for the City of Ames. The Team requested that the City make the development of such
a Plan an urgent priority for 2019.
Chiara Travesset, 1239 Wisconsin Avenue, Ames, said that she was representing Citizens
Actualizing and Understanding Sustainable Environments (CAUSE). She thanked the Council for
its positive response to the Ames High School Petition. On behalf of the 613 students who signed
the Petition, Ms. Travesset encouraged the City Council to address the change in climate at its
upcoming Goal Update meeting.
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No one else requested to speak, and the Mayor closed Public Forum.
DOWNTOWN PARKING METERS: Public Works Department Director John Joiner noted that,
as part of the December 11, 2018, Non-Agenda packet, staff had included additional information
pertaining to parking meter fees. He explained that Question 2 regarding parking meter fees in the
Downtown was referred back to staff for placing on a future Agenda. Mr. Joiner gave a summary
of the comparison of parking meter revenues after the new rates went into effect (July 1, 2018) to
the previous year’s revenues for the same time period. He also reported that the estimated revenue
for FY 2018/19 from Downtown parking meters was $338,809. Scenarios were given for changing
the parking meter rate for only Main Street to $.50/hour from $1.00/hour and for changing all meters
in Downtown to $.50/hour. Both of the estimates did not assume any increase in utilization due to
a reduction in the meter rates. In the first scenario, projected revenues would be down $54,391 or
-16.0%, and in the second scenario, projected revenues would be down $113,314 or -33.4%.
Mayor Haila asked if anyone in the audience was opposed to reducing the parking meter rates in the
Downtown to $.50/hour. No one indicated that they were opposed to that change.
Gary Youngberg, owner of Ames Silversmithing, 220 Main Street, Ames, noted that the figures that
were in the Staff Report under Question 2 did not appear to be the same ones that were contained
in the letter that he had sent to the Council. He asked for the City Council to consider that when
making its decision. His estimate was that there would be no drop-off in usage if the rates were
$.50/hour, but projected more revenue than staff had estimated ($389,000 versus $225,500). He felt
the Council should question why there was such a big difference.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to reduce the rates to $.50/hour for all meters in the
Downtown.
City Attorney Mark Lambert informed the Council that any change to the parking meter rates would
require an amendment to the Official Parking Meter Map; that would be done by adoption of a
resolution.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to amend the City’s Parking Meter Map by setting the rates
in the Downtown District at $0.50/hour.
Discussion ensued regarding the amount of time it would take to change all the meters from
$1.00/hour to $.50/hour. Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer noted that staff would need to
physically get into the every meter case to make the change.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to amend the motion to include that the effective date of the
new rate to $.50/hour would be no later than April 1, 2019.
Council Member Corrieri commented that she would not be supporting the motion as she believed
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that the Council had made a very fiscally responsible decision after multiple public meetings and
receiving a lot of information. She believed that the decision had been made after much discussion
and a lot of staff time had been devoted to analysis, and Council should stand by its decision. Ms.
Corrieri wanted the rates to stand for longer than six months. She also noted that a Parking Study
was forthcoming. Council Member Nelson noted that he was reluctant to support the motion as well
as there are changes that will be need to be made to the system in the future. He also noted that the
rate of $.50/hour does not take into account future capital improvements.
Council Member Gartin agreed that there was more work to be done. He added that there had been
a lot of public involvement, a lot of coverage by the local news media, and information distributed
through flyers and utility bills on this topic. Mr. Gartin noted that the Council does need to keep in
mind the obligation for maintaining infrastructure. He said he will be very reluctant to ask the
taxpayers to pay for those improvements in the future.
Vote on Amendment: 4-2. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Martin. Voting nay:
Corrieri, Nelson. Motion declared carried.
Roll Call Vote on Motion, as amended: 4-2. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Martin.
Voting nay: Corrieri, Nelson. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these Minutes.
Downtown Employee Hang-Tag System. Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer explained that, on
November 13, 2018, the City Council had directed staff to move forward with an Employee Hang
Tag System in the Downtown District that would allow employees working in the Downtown to
park in any four-hour free-parking stall located on the south side of the Central Business District
median at a cost of $10/month. Subsequently, staff developed a Monthly Rental Contract and
designed the hang tags.
Director Joiner advised that 100 tags will be made available; that number could increase in the future
depending on usage. He explained how the hang-tag system will work. He noted that the parking
spaces will be located on the south side of the median in the Central Business District (CBD) Lot
and parts of Lot X (behind Wells Fargo).
At the inquiry of Mayor Haila, Mr. Pregitzer advised that the hang tags would be valid for calendar
year 2019.
Gary Youngberg, 220 Main Street, Ames, asked staff members if they had heard how many people
might want to participate in the System and how many monthly rental stalls might be lost as a result
of utilizing the System. Mr. Pregitzer said that a poll was going to be taken of eligible employees
to gauge interest, but that information had not been received by staff. Mr. Youngberg recalled that
the Downtown Ames Association had proposed to go to ten-hour parking to cover their employees.
He does not feel there is enough information known at this time to move to a hang-tag system.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Nelson, to approve the Monthly Rental Downtown
Employee Hang-Tag System Contract form.
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Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT IN AREAS ADJACENT TO IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
CAMPUS: Police Chief Chuck Cychosz expressed appreciation to Iowa State University Student
Government for assistance with the outreach efforts.
Chief Cychosz explained that the Council had directed staff, on July 11, 2017, to provide additional
parking patrol and enforcement in the neighborhoods adjacent to the University Campus.
Subsequently, additional Community Safety Officers (CSOs) were hired, and staff initiated outreach
to the affected neighborhoods and commuters parking in the area.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-016 to continue enhanced
parking enforcement in the areas adjacent to Iowa State University Campus by adding $63,216 in
parking enforcement expense to the FY 2019-2020 Budget year to maintain three additional CSOs
(for a total of 13).
Council Member Nelson asked if this action will be permanent or if it will be revisited annually.
City Manager Steve Schainker reminded the Council that the City cannot balance the Parking Fund
based on the number of violations. There is the possibility of increasing fees in the future. Mr.
Schainker also noted that the City Council often waives parking meter fees and enforcement for
special events in Downtown and Campustown, which reduces revenues.
Council Member Betcher suggested that the Council, in the future, consider a permitting system near
Campus. She noted that similar communities the size of Ames had done that successfully.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
“GAME DAY PARKING” ORDINANCE: Chief Cychosz recalled that the City Council, on July
31, 2018, had directed staff to draft a “Game Day Parking Ordinance” for consideration. He noted
that the purpose of the Ordinance would be to increase the penalty for illegal parking in Stadium-
adjacent neighborhoods during home ISU football games. It is believed that this would make illegal
parking less attractive compared to legitimate game-day parking options, reducing the inconvenience
to residents and safety issues created by widespread illegal parking in Stadium-adjacent
neighborhoods. The proposed Ordinance would establish a $40 fine for illegal parking from 6:00
a.m. to Midnight on ISU home football game days. The fine would be reduced to $35 if paid within
seven days. The current fine for illegal parking is $20, which reduces to $15 if paid within seven
days. The charge to park in ISU grass lots for the 2018 season was $20.
According to Chief Cychosz, implementation of the Ordinance should be accompanied by a
substantial public education effort, which would begin in Fall 2019 with warning notices about the
potential for increased fines beginning in Fall 2020. He noted that the City will also need to change
signs in the affected area and post additional notices at major streets leading into the enforcement
zone. Council Member Betcher suggested that the Police Department work with the Neighborhood
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Associations in the impacted neighborhoods. She believed that residents would be willing to post
“No Parking” signs in front of their homes. According to Chief Cychosz, the cost of installing an
additional 531 information signs on existing poles is estimated to be $21,500. City staff also
estimates that an additional 50 special signs will be required to provide notification at entrances into
the area at a cost of $1,500. The total expense for additional signage, not including labor, would be
$23,000.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading the “Game Day Parking” Ordinance,
which increases the penalty for illegal parking in Stadium-adjacent neighborhoods during football
home games.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-027 allocating
$23,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund for informational signage.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
2019-2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Mayor Haila invited members of the
public to provide input on the 2019-2024 CIP. He noted that the vote on the CIP would be taken
at the Council’s Budget Wrap-Up session to be held on February 12, 2019.
Mayor Haila noted that a letter had been received from Justin Dodge asking for outside funding for
a project. City Manager Schainker said that request was not eligible as a capital improvement; it
could be addressed under the Operating Budget for Outside Funding requests.
There was no one from the public who came forward to offer comment.
QUARRY ESTATES OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS: Public Works Director John Joiner advised
that the existing Quarry Estates Pre-Annexation Agreement required the developer to submit
payment up-front to the City for their proportional share of traffic improvements at Bloomington
Road/Hyde Avenue and at Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue. According to Mr. Joiner, the
developer has fulfilled that obligation, and since the payment represents the complete satisfaction
of the developer’s obligation, the City will not seek any additional amount from the developer for
the improvements.
Director Joiner stated that the Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue Intersection Improvements are still
identified as a needed project in the future, but are not currently programmed in the fie-year Capital
Improvements Plan (CIP). The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will begin updating
the Long-Range Transportation Plan in 2019, and at that time, more direction will be determined
on the exact timing of project development.
It was noted that Developer Kurt Friedrich had requested that the payment pertaining to the
Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue Intersection Improvements be returned to the developer because
the project is not yet programmed in the CIP. Mr. Friedrich proposed that he would replace the cash
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payment with a Letter of Credit. According to Director Joiner, if payment is returned to the
developer for this project, as requested, the developer will be required to deposit and maintain a
Letter of Credit (LOC) with the City for the corresponding amount until the project moves forward
to design and construction. In addition, the LOC will need to be updated annually to reflect the
current estimate of costs for the improvement. Staff believes the LOC would adequately secure the
developer’s obligation; however, could result in higher costs to the developer by the time the project
is complete.
Mr. Joiner advised that if the City Council desires to return the developer’s proportional payment
for the Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue improvements and allow the filing of a LOC to secure the
obligation, Section IV.B of the existing Quarry Estates Pre-Annexation Agreement will have to be
revised to allow a continually updated LOC as acceptable security for the project. It will also need
to include the provision that the developer’s share for all actual project costs will be determined by
the City at the time of the project, with payment being immediately due by the developer upon
billing by the City. After filing the LOC with the City Clerk in an amount equal to the current
estimated costs for the project and the corresponding Quarry Estates proportional share (as
determined by staff), the City would remit payment of $82,051.13 back to the developer, which is
the amount that was paid by Mr. Friedrich for the Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue improvements.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to revise the Quarry Estates Pre-Annexation
Agreement, specifically Section IV.B, to allow a continually updated LOC as acceptable security
for the Bloomington Road/Grand Avenue improvements; said Agreement to include the provision
that the developer’s share for all actual project costs will be determined by the City at the time of
the project, with payment being immediately due by the developer upon billing by the City.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
WASTE DIVERSION OPTION FOR STORY COUNTY: Merry Rankin, Sustainability
Coordinator, presented the final report from SCS Engineers, which identified five specific tasks that
had been completed to produce recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of the Resource
Recovery Plant (RRP), which had been processing area trash into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for the
Ames Power Plant for more than 40 years. Ms. Rankin pointed out that the City had been awarded
a $20,000 (with a required $5,000 cash match) forgivable loan from the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources to contract with a consultant to develop and implement this study. The purpose of the
study was to lead to enhanced waste diversion, increasing efficiency of the RRP, and increased
awareness and understanding of citizen value and interest in additional waste reduction/diversion
management-related services.
Ms. Rankin reviewed the five basic components of the Report, which included:
1. Identification of RRP suitable materials
2. Assessment of reuse, recycling/diversion, and composting opportunities
3. Engagement of the business community and citizens of Story County
4. Program and services audit of similar communities
5. Analytic and strategic recommendations report
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The results of the residential interest gleaned through the 2016 community survey were given. In
addition, five comparable communities located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania were
audited. Four of those communities mass burn, and one burns RDF. Non-beneficial waste is a
primary concern, and the facilities have implemented additional programs and processes to divert
non-beneficial materials.
According to Ms. Rankin, the Report recommendations are varied and include investing in
mechanical changes to the RRP processing system, developing a “last chance” opportunity for
usable items dropped off at the RRP, exploring a mattress and/or carpeting recycling program,
collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen organics diversion programs, and continuing to
evaluate City-supported recycling/diversion programs to benefit resource recovery and meet the
needs of citizens. The recommendations are based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s
hierarchy.
Bill Schmitt, RRP Manager, explained possible mechanical changes in processing. One of those:
to add air knife recovery systems at multiple points throughout the process, is currently in progress.
In addition, staff is also exploring the feasibility of adding a disc spreader and an optical scanner to
the system and has a study of the possibility of completely remodeling or constructing a new
combustion system using RDF budgeted for FY 2019-20. Mr. Schmitt also reviewed the
recommendation for the Organics Diversion. Two of the recommendations are already in progress;
i.e., reducing the generation of excess food through public awareness and outreach and increasing
awareness of food donation opportunities. Staff is also investigating opportunities for an organics
pilot project for a Story County resident food drop-off site and opportunities for a “Last Chance
Reuse Center and Mattress Recycling.” He listed the current initiatives being continued as:
Glass Recycling Program
Household Hazardous Waste Program
Rummage RAMPage
Smart Watersheds Composting Rebate
Regarding education and outreach, staff will continue, enhance, and/or expand consistent messaging
from the City and ISU through Web sites, social media, newsletters, and workshops.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen shared that she would like to see bins for recycling aluminum
similar to those used for recycling glass.
FLOOD MITIGATION - RIVER FLOODING: Municipal Engineer Tracy Warner stated that she
had received an email from Developer Chuck Winkleblack informing her that he had not received
all of the information that was needed from the appraisers and attorneys that he was working with
on this project. In his email, Mr. Winkleblack had suggested tabling this item to February 26, 2019.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to table discussion of this item to a future agenda
(not date-specific).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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REQUEST OF AMES FAREWAY TO LEASE REMOTE PARKING SPACES IN PARKING
LOT N: Moved by Nelson, seconded by Martin, to direct the City Attorney to prepare a Lease
Agreement with Fareway for 20 metered spaces in Parking Lot N to be used while the new Fareway
store is being built.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ASSESSMENT FOR COSTS OF ASBESTOS TESTING ON AND
DEMOLITION OF DANGEROUS BUILDING LOCATED AT 1107 GRAND AVENUE:
Mayor Haila opened the hearing. City Attorney Mark Lambert requested that the hearing on this
item be continued so he could review it further.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to continue this hearing until the next Regular Meeting of
the City Council, which is February 12, 2019.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON UNIT 7 BOILER REPAIR PROJECT: The hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
He closed same after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept the Report of Bids and delay award of the
contract.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2017/18 ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (AIRPORT ROAD
SIDEWALK): The Mayor opened the public hearing. The hearing was closed since no one
requested to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-029 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt’s, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$170,287.40.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded
by Betcher, to place on a future agenda the Department of Planning and Housing memo pertaining
to Bicycle Parking Standards.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Martin, Nelson. Voting nay:
Gartin. Motion declared carried.
Regarding the report from the Department of Planning and Housing pertaining to an affordable
housing strategy known as Inclusionary Zoning, Ms. Betcher said she was interested in having this
on a future agenda; however, was not sure if this item would be part of the Comprehensive Plan
discussion. Planning and Housing Director Diekmann said he did not view it as a Comprehensive
Plan issue; it is a zoning tool to implement the inclusionary housing strategy. He advised that this
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issue may be addressed at any time desired by the City Council.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place on a future agenda, with the date to be
determined by staff, a discussion of the report from the Department of Planning and Housing
pertaining to an affordable housing strategy known as Inclusionary Zoning.
Council Member Corrieri said she was interested in talking more about the strategy, but would
prefer a more focused discussion. Council Member Beatty-Hansen agreed. Council Member Nelson
noted that he had more questions that he would like answered prior to putting it on a future agenda.
He feels that there are other tools, other than just zoning, that could be used.
Council Member Betcher said that she only made the motion to create a placeholder.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Corrieri, to place on a future agenda the request of Steve Burgason
for a Pre-Annexation Agreement pertaining to the property between Cedar Lane and University
Boulevard.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex-officio Member Allie Hoskins noted that Student Government had
been discussing dates for a spring joint meeting with the City Council. Ms. Hoskins will send
possible dates for the meeting to the City Clerk.
In a recent conversation she had after hearing the “State of the Community” speakers, Council
Member Betcher said she had learned that, as part of the Campus and Community Commission,
Iowa State University is having work groups on Campus that are identifying issues, e.g., child care
in Ames. She suggested that perhaps the Council could talk with members of the work groups or
with ISU representative Pete Englin, who is conducting the work groups, to get more information
and channel that input into the system.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request a memo from staff giving a status update
on net metering.
Mr. Martin explained that a previous Council had held a discussion and made some decisions in late
2016 or 2017 regarding net metering and had asked that the topic come back to be re-evaluated after
a period of time.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Martin, to direct staff to start the process of getting prices for a
consultant to conduct a cyber-security audit of the City’s information systems.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
____________________________________ __________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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