HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and the Iowa State University Student Government 02/27/2019MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE
AMES CITY COUNCIL AND THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 27, 2019
The Ames City Council met at 6:00 p.m. on the 27th day of February, 2019, in the Campanile
Room of the Memorial Union, Iowa State University, pursuant to law. Mayor John Haila,
Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David
Martin, and Chris Nelson and ex officio Council Member Allie Hoskins were present. City
Manager Steve Schainker was also in attendance.
Updates to previous discussions were given on the greenspaces in Campustown and enhancing
the plaza on Welch.
Possible programming under the “Town and Gown” topic was reviewed, specifically, the “I
Love Ames Day.” Junior Senator Sandeep Stanley commented that he would like the event to
include Main Street, North Grand Mall, and Campustown. He also suggested that a CyRide bus
shuttle incoming students and visitors to the three locations with a tour guide noting points of
interest along the way. No date for this event has been confirmed; however, September 6 or 7
has been suggested.
City Council ex officio member Allie Hoskins explained how students can be involved and
provide input regarding the Comprehensive Community Plan for 2040. The schedule for the
upcoming public meetings on the Plan was shared.
An update to the Campustown Safety Walk was given. Due to the recurring inclement weather,
the Walk will be scheduled for later in the spring.
Several student leaders voiced their concerns about safety on Campus; in particular, slippery
roads caused by the recent snowstorms. Student Senator Courtney Berringer said she believed
that the snow removal in Ames “as the worst she had ever seen.” City representatives replied that
the recent snow events had created a very heavy workload for street crews who are responsible
for plowing the streets. It was also noted that the City now has an app where anyone wanting to
voice a complaint could do so. By using that app, City staff members are able to note the areas
of particular concern and address those as soon as possible. City Manager Schainker said that the
City is always looking for ways to improve its services. He added that the plows are not built to
clear the snow down to the pavement; they are going to move as much snow as possible off the
streets to make them drive-able. The recent storms have caused road conditions to deteriorate
quickly and made worse by the mixture of rain and snow along with high winds. Mr. Schainker
added that the City uses very little salt on the roadways as it is not conducive to the environment;
however, the City does sometimes mix salt with sand so the sand doesn’t freeze. Junior Senator
Sarah Moody asked to know the plowing priority given to University Avenue. She commented
that many persons come into the City on that roadway. She would like University Avenue to be
given a higher priority, especially because visitors to Campus often use it. City Manager
Schainker replied that University Avenue is one of the highest priority roadways in the snow
removal process.
There being no further topics to be discussed at this time, the meeting was adjourned.
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Diane Voss, City Clerk
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