HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and Ames Human Relations Commission 04/23/2019MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AND AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 23, 2019
JOINT MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AND
AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and Ames Human Relations Commission was called
to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:01 p.m. on the 23rd day of April, 2019, in the City Council
Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. In addition to the Mayor, City Council
Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David Martin, and
Chris Nelson were present. Representing the Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) were
Madesh Samanu, Liming Pals, Wayne Clinton, Jill Crosser, and Joel Hochstein. Ex officio Member
Allie Hoskins was absent.
Joel Hochstein, Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) Chairperson, referred Council to the
Annual Report. He discussed the highlights of the report which included the continued programming
with Inclusive Ames and with Iris. There have been several events with Inclusive Ames and the
annual summer event with Iris, however Iris will be going to Des Moines next year, so they will not
be in the new report. Awards will still be given out every year. There was a new partnership with the
Building Inclusive Organization Symposium that the Human Relations Commission did in
conjunction with City of Ames, Chamber of Commerce, and Iowa State University. The Report
contains all the available data they can get from the State of Iowa, which is where the complaints are
processed. There was an increase in discrimination complaints from 17 last year to 31 this year with
25 of those regarding employment. The Strategic Plan includes what Council asked them to do from
the workshop in August.
Commission Member Wayne Clinton said one of the advantages of the Report is that they have data
they can focus on to discuss what factors contribute to why certain segments of the population feel
there needs to be change in the employment practices. This helps the AHRC to be a facilitator to
address some of these concerns. Mr. Hochstein said employment is a repeat complaint between this
year and last year with a trend towards race, color, and physical and mental disabilities.
City Council Member Gloria Betcher asked if the AHRC is clear on which strategies for the future
rely on staff input and which are Commission-oriented activities. Mr. Hochstein said they have not
yet sorted that out. Ms. Betcher said some of them seem to be more staff-oriented, which is
something to consider when dividing the duties between Commission Members and staff.
Mr. Hochstein said they have not done any outreach yet, but will meet with the NAACP to learn
more about strategies. City Council Member Tim Gartin suggested also connecting with the High
School Civil Rights group, who are focused on inclusiveness and climate. Commission Member
Madesh Samanu said they will work with the University to try to educate the students during
orientation so they can know their resources.
ADJOURNMENT: The joint meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:14 p.m.
on April 23, 2019, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue. Present were
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David Martin, and Chris
Nelson. Ex officio Member Allie Hoskins was absent.
PROCLAMATION FOR “ARBOR DAY,” APRIL 26, 2019: Mayor Haila proclaimed April 26,
2019, as “Arbor Day.” Accepting the Proclamation were John Jacobson and Bob Schumer.
Mr. Jacobson thanked Smart Water and Smart Energy, which help fund their programs. He
encouraged everyone to get a $50 voucher for a new tree on May 4th. Mr. Jacobson also welcomed
the newest member Paul Tauke, the City Forester.
PROCLAMATION FOR “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK,” MAY 6 - 11, 2019: The
week of May 6 - 11, 2019, was proclaimed “Economic Development Week” by Mayor Haila.
Individuals accepting the Proclamation from the Chamber of Commerce were Drew Kemp and Dan
Culhane.
Mr. Kemp thanked the Council, the Board of Supervisors, Iowa State University, Des Moines Area
Community College, and anyone involved in community betterment and community investment, for
their support.
PROCLAMATION FOR “BIKE MONTH AND BIKE-TO-WORK WEEK,” MAY 13 - 19,
2019: Mayor Haila proclaimed the month of May 2019 as “Bike Month” and the week of May 13 -
19, 2019, as “Bike-to-Work Week.” Accepting the Proclamation were Jeri Neal and Carol Williams,
members of the Ames Bicycle Coalition.
Ms. Williams thanked all participating and supporting businesses and invited the community to
participate in the events planned, which are listed on the Ames Bicycle Coalition’s Facebook page.
PROCLAMATION FOR “HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH,” MAY 2019: Mayor Haila
proclaimed the month of May 2019 as “Ames Historic Preservation Month.” Accepting the
Proclamation was Peter Hallock, Chairman of the Ames Historic Preservation Commission.
Mr. Hallock congratulated the City on the recent designation of the Downtown as a National Historic
District. The City of Ames now has two National Historic District areas: Old Town and Downtown,
with Old Town also a Local Historic District.
PRESENTATION OF 2019 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS: Mayor Haila presented
the following Awards:
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1. Adaptive Reuse: RES-Development, Inc., for The Crawford located at 415 Stanton Avenue.
This Award recognizes retention of the principal features of a building and, in a sympathetic
way, modifying it for modern uses. Changes are not required to be strictly consistent with the
original appearance of the modified building or of other historic buildings constructed in the
same time period.
Crawford School was originally built in 1930 as a one-room red brick neighborhood school
house and expanded with additions in 1938 and 1968. However, prior to its purchase in
2017, it was named one of Preservation Iowa’s seven most-endangered historic properties.
Working closely with the SCAN Neighborhood, RES-Development converted and expanded
the structure into 30 age-restricted condominiums, while retaining and replicating important
architectural detailing.
Luke Jensen and Duane Jensen, RES-Development, Inc., accepted the Award.
Mr. Luke Jensen said he and his partners are really pleased with the outcome of The
Crawford and they believe their work demonstrates the commitment to preservation and
sustainable development that the Award represents.
2. Restoration: Chris Nelson/Angstrom Land Co. for 827 Northwestern Avenue.
This Award involves returning a building or a feature of a building to its own original
appearance, based on historic photographs or working drawings of the particular building or
careful consideration of the fabric of the structure itself. Like historic rehabilitation,
restoration involves removing later work and either repairing distinctive features of a
building or replacing those features that are missing.
Originally constructed in 1915 as a neighborhood grocery, the building was an important
neighborhood gathering place. However, in 2016, the building had structurally and
mechanically deteriorated almost beyond repair. With a lot of labor and love by Chris Nelson
and his family, it has been restored as a commercial building resembling its original
character.
Chris Nelson, Angstrom Land Co., LLC, and his family, accepted the Award.
Mr. Nelson gave credit to his entire family for their work on the building for two years. He
said it was really special and fun to rehabilitate this building because it had a special
connection to his family.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Martin to pull item 21, Ames Velo Grand
Prix, for separate discussion.
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Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the following items on the Consent
Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Special Meeting Held April 2, 2019, and Regular Meeting held
April 9, 2019
3.Motion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for April 1-15, 2019
4.Motion approving Outdoor Service privilege for sidewalk café - Olde Main Brewing
Company, 316 Main Street
5.Motion approving 6-month Class B Beer Permit with Outdoor Service - Ames on the Half
Shell, Bandshell Park
6.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a.Class C Beer Permit with Sunday Sales - Swift Stop #2, 3406 Lincoln Way
b.Special Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Great Plains Sauce & Dough
Co., 129 Main St.
c.Class E Liquor License, Class B Wine, Class C Beer and Sunday Sales - Walgreens
#12108, 2719 Grand Ave.
d.Class B Beer with Sunday Sales - Jeff's Pizza Shop LLC, 2402 Lincoln Way
e.Class C Liquor License with Catering, Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Mother's
Pub , 2900 West St.
f.Class C Liquor License, Class B Wine, Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Bar la
Tosca, 400 Main St.
7.RESOLUTION NO. 19-152 approving re-appointment of Council Member Chris Nelson to
the Ames Transit Board of Trustees
8.RESOLUTION NO. 19-153 confirming re-appointment of Jacob Schrader and Juan Bibiloni
to serve as Iowa State University Student Government representatives to Ames Transit
Agency Board of Trustees
9.RESOLUTION NO. 19-154 authorizing Mayor to sign a Letter of Support for CyRide’s FY
2019 Low- or No-Emission Grant Application
10.RESOLUTION NO. 19-155 approving Conflict of Interest Waiver for Ahlers & Cooney Law
Firm to represent the Ames School District in reviewing Memorandum of Understanding
with the City of Ames regarding a School Resource Officer
11.RESOLUTION NO. 19-156 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending March
31, 2019
12.RESOLUTION NO. 19-157 approving Ames Intermodal Facility Commercial Tenant Lease
with Executive Express
13.RESOLUTION NO. 19-158 approving Ames Intermodal Facility Commercial Tenant Lease
with Jefferson Lines
14.RESOLUTION NO. 19-159 approving Police Department’s request to apply for and
participate in the ICAP Law Enforcement Policy and Training Grant Program
15.RESOLUTION NO. 19-160 approving extension of the Memorandum of Understanding with
St. Ambrose University for Analysis of Racial Proportionality of Traffic Stop Data
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16.RESOLUTION NO. 19-166 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2017/18
Downtown Street Pavement Improvements Project - Main Street Alleys (Duff - Douglas,
Kellogg - Burnett); setting May 22, 2019, as bid due date and May 28, 2019, as date of public
hearing
17.RESOLUTION NO. 19-167 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Power Plant -
Unit 7 Turbine Generator Overhaul; setting May 22, 2019, as bid due date and May 28, 2019,
as date of public hearing
18.RESOLUTION NO. 19-168 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Power Plant
Maintenance Services Contract; setting May 21, 2019, as bid due date and May 28, 2019, as
date of public hearing
19.North River Valley Well Field:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 19-169 approving preliminary plans and specifications for North
River Valley Well Field Project; setting May 29, 2019, as bid due date and June 11,
2019, as date of public hearing
b.RESOLUTION NO. 19-170 approving Change Order to Professional Services
Agreement with HDR to add bidding and construction phase services
20.RESOLUTION NO. 19-171 approving contract and bond for 2017/18 Shared Use Path
Maintenance Program - Stange Road
21.RESOLUTION NO. 19-172 approving contract and bond for 2017/18 Shared Use Path
Maintenance Program -Daley Park
22.RESOLUTION NO. 19-173 approving contract and bond for 2017/18 Storm Water Erosion
Control (Kinyon-Clark)
23.RESOLUTION NO. 19-174 approving renewal of Contract with RESCO of Ankeny, Iowa,
for the purchase of transformers for Electric Services in accordance with unit prices and
actual quantities ordered and inclusive of applicable sales tax
24.RESOLUTION NO. 19-175 approving renewal of Contract with ChemTreat, Inc., of Glen
Allen, Virginia, for FY 2019/2020 Chemical Treatment Program for Power Plant in an
amount not to exceed $290,500
25.RESOLUTION NO. 19-176 approving renewal of Contract with Northway Well and Pump
Company of Waukee, Iowa, for Year Three of five-year contract for Water Plant Well
Rehabilitation
26.RESOLUTION NO. 19-177 accepting completion of CyRide Bus Lifts Replacement Project
27.RESOLUTION NO. 19-178 accepting completion of the Water Pollution Control Facility
Primary Clarifier Blasting/Coating Project
28.RESOLUTION NO. 19-179 accepting completion of Water Pollution Control Facility
Screening System Improvements Project
29.RESOLUTION NO. 19-180 accepting completion of Water Pollution Control Facility
Security Camera Replacement Project
30.RESOLUTION NO. 19-181 accepting partial completion of public improvements and
reducing security held pertaining to South Fork Wrap-Up
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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AMES VELO GRAND PRIX: Council Member Gloria Betcher asked what outreach had gone on
before the Ames Velo Grand Prix event to prevent something like last year, where a citizen broke
through the barriers to go to a parking lot. Jason Quinn, Ames Velo, and Scott Wall, Race Director,
were present to answer questions about the event.
Mr. Quinn explained the process for getting approval for the Main Street portion of the race is that
they have to get written consent from every entity on the course. Mr. Wall said last year was the
same process; however, that particular business wasn’t yet open when they were obtaining the
consents, so they weren’t aware of the event. Mr. Quinn said last year, they adjusted the time slots
of the races, which was successful. The downtown closure starts at 4:00 p.m., so fewer businesses
are obstructed. They are trying to curate a healthy-living summer time event to encourage activities
with kids and families in the community.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri to approve the following items for Ames Velo Grand Prix:
Ames Velo Grand Prix:
a.Ames Main Street Criterium on Saturday, June 29:
i.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii.Motion approving blanket Vending License
iii.RESOLUTION NO. 19-161 approving waiver of fee for blanket Vending
License
iv.RESOLUTION NO. 19-162 approving closure of Main Street from Clark
Avenue to Douglas Avenue, Douglas Avenue from Main Street to Sixth
Street, Sixth Street from Douglas Avenue to Burnett Avenue, Burnett Avenue
from Sixth Street to Main Street, Fifth Street from Douglas Avenue to Clark
Avenue, Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to Sixth Street, and Clark Avenue
from Fifth Street to Main Street from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
v.RESOLUTION NO. 19-163 approving closure of 280 metered parking spaces
from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. along the race route and approving suspension
of parking enforcement
b.ISU Research Park Circuit Race on Sunday, June 30:
i.Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii.Motion approving blanket Vending License
iii.RESOLUTION NO. 19-164 approving waiver of fee for blanket Vending
License
iv.RESOLUTION NO. 19-165 approving closure of University Boulevard from
Ames Fitness Center south parking lot to Collaboration Place, Collaboration
Place, and Plaza Loop from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened Public Forum.
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Elliott Smith, 1116 Marston Avenue, Ames, requested feedback on the 48-hour parking regulation.
He asked why the rules are in place and wanted to know if there is any interest or desire to extend
it. It’s an issue to him because he walks everywhere and to drive a car every two days seems
excessive. He clarified that he is asking for either an extension of 48 hours to a week or five days
instead of every two days, or another method to identify abandoned cars on street parking other than
non-movement.
No one else came forward, and Mayor Haila closed Public Forum.
AMES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann and
RDG consultants Cory Scott and Marty Shukert reviewed approaches for Council to consider for the
Comprehensive Plan 2040. Mr. Diekmann explained Option 1 for considering infill redevelopment
options first which would inform staff of the land use needs for expansion; Option 2 first identifies
the preferred approach to land use planning and development philosophies before vetting location
preferences; and Option 3 highlights location issues first before considering detailed land use
options. Within all of these options, staff believes that it is understood that major land use
differences to be considered will focus on housing (single-family and multi-family) and
local/community commercial components, while the industrial and regional commercial assumptions
are that the East Industrial, ISU Research Park, and 13th Street areas, respectively, will remain
unchanged from the current plan.
Mr. Diekmann explained that staff believes that choosing Option 1 and Option 3 would best serve
the City at this time due to the significant unknowns about the viability of the location of growth and
changes. Additionally, choosing Option 3 lets the City consider its longer term growth needs beyond
2040 by evaluating 15,000 people four different times (essentially 60,000 people), which may be
important in making decisions about priorities for the next 20 years that will also influence the long-
term future of the City. He said Council would choose Option 2 if defining specific philosophies for
growth up front is the priority for the City. Because this direction that is being requested from RDG
is an important step in the work plan of defining the scope for evaluating options before selecting
a preferred option later this summer, staff would recommend that public input be taken at this
meeting.
Mr. Scott discussed the presentation and timeline for options to move forward with the planning. Mr.
Shukert explained that the different scenarios are constructed around the issues that are most
important to the community, such as economic stability in Oklahoma City, a hybrid concept in Cedar
Rapids, and urban infill in Brookings, South Dakota, which then provides the vision for the
community.
Mayor Haila asked at what level the property owners would participate in the discussion. Mr.
Diekmann said this is the technical evaluation step; the middle step is where public input is accepted
and then Council decides how much direction they want from individuals. Council Member Betcher
asked at what point high school students will be asked for input on the Plan. Mr. Scott said it
depends on the interest from the teachers and faculty. He said the conversation will be initiated in
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June or July, with the expectation that the schools will be ready for classroom meetings in October.
City Council Member Chris Nelson said some areas make sense to do one way and others in another
way; each area may be completely unrelated. He asked how to get through that information. Mr.
Diekmann said this decision tonight is deciding what the Council wants to know first, not just the
only thing they want to know.
In response to Mr. Shukert’s discussion of the proposed growth rate, City Council Member Tim
Gartin asked to get more information on why they are so confident in the growth of 15,000. Mr.
Diekmann said the national average for a city the size of Ames is 1%; their projection is slightly
higher as they are not projecting a stagnant population. Also, the projection is without student
influence and is only looking at permanent residents. Also, he explained that the competitive position
of Ames justifies looking at a higher growth rate than a national average. He said choosing a smaller
growth rate limits the vision for the future; overshooting just means you are prepared for that
amount.
Mayor Haila opened Public Input.
Jeri Neal, 916 Ridgewood Avenue, Ames, said Options 1 and 3 seem to be anchored in growth as
the primary principal of concern. This isn’t clear on how this will be different than what the City
already does. Currently, growth moves forward and then the City decides how to accommodate it,
she would like to get away from that order. She said Options 1 and 3 don’t put climate change front
and center. She would like part of the planning process to include pushing the people and businesses
to become more carbon-neutral with land use being a huge factor to consider. One way to accomplish
this is to think about incorporating carbon outcomes from the very beginning. Ms. Neal said Option
2 is not as easy to grasp and has been put down through the presentation, but it has the option to look
at whole systems outcomes, which is necessary to plan and adapt to climate change.
Kim Christiansen, 2985 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, referenced a letter he had sent to the City
Council. He would like there to be flexibility for an agricultural buffer between the City and the
farms.
Kent Vickne, 2625 Meadow Glen Road, Ames, said he also had sent a letter to the Council Members
discussing his concerns. He and his neighbors have safety concerns regarding fires. In Washington
Township, they have their own fire department; if Kelley is incorporated into Ames, $25,000 will
be removed from their budget and fire trucks will have to come from Slater, which increases the
response time. Also, a feed mill is being built, which means more farm equipment traffic, which
creates a concern for additional residential traffic. He said Iowa State is a unique area and there isn’t
much land for the City to grow in the southwest area. He would like the southwest area to be taken
off the table.
Phil Iasevoli, 3108 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, elaborated more on what Kim Christiansen said.
He suggested to the Council, staff, and consultants to consider a buffer zone from Highway 30 south
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to the Iowa State-owned and operated grounds. He explained there are over 3,500 acres in
Washington Township; there are five Iowa State teaching farms, two of which are being revamped
with all new construction. There also is a very good possibility that there will be a feed mill to supply
feed to the teaching farms across Iowa State and to private individuals just north of the Curtiss Farm
on State Avenue. He requested that Council and RDG consider that development in this area is
limited because of the acreage and because there are a lot of traditional agricultural practices that
take place by Iowa State and private farmers in that area, which means there are the usual agricultural
practices that you see every day, year round. On the roads there are a lot of slow-moving traffic,
tractors and equipment, semi-tractor trucks, and noise from equipment and livestock. On top of that,
there are odors from chemical applications, manure, and facilities to store the manure. He said the
urban residential type of setting next to the agricultural area is going to bring a lot of issues for
everyone.
Kurt Friedrich, Friedrich Companies, 100-6th Street, Ames, said he was involved in the last process
of updating the Comprehensive Plan 20 years ago. He said he is in favor of the 1 and 3 options with
the focus on infill and focus on locational aspects of updating the Plan as being the next step in the
process. Locations will determine the concepts or philosophies that are employed in those locations.
He said he would like Council to consider infrastructure to serve these areas and the costs. Another
issue is rural water buyouts and how they deal with those impediments. He said he encourages more
collaboration with the County and also Gilbert. He said while it would be unwise to say the City
should grow in one area, it is obvious to him that there is energy and momentum to grow more to
the north, and Gilbert is part of that conversation and so is the County.
Cindy Hildebrand, 57439-250th, Ames, lives next to the south expansion area. She said there
currently are many kinds of wildlife in her wetlands complex. She remembers discussion from the
last land use planning and that consultant said compared to other cities he had worked in, Ames had
less of its natural landscape left than just about any city that he had worked in and he strongly urged
that Ames protect what is left. Ms. Hildebrand said green infrastructure is just as important as any
other infrastructure that you consider. Mayor Haila asked her to explain what she meant by green
infrastructure. She said green infrastructure is anything that isn’t lawn or cornfield; it’s permanent
vegetation that helps soil health, air quality, and water quality.
Chuck Winkleblack, Hunziker Companies, 105 South 16th Street, Ames, said he had sent an email
and summarized most of what he wanted to say. He said the infill portion is very important, but
community buy-in is needed. It sounds great until they start talking about where that’s going to
happen and talking to the people in the area that will be redeveloped. He said the Council also needs
to be cognizant of what’s available. In the past, prices were driven sky high because of limited
availability. Land owners don’t want to sell, which limits options for the developers and the
community. Building next to where the infrastructure is already makes sense.
Dan Culhane, Ames Chamber of Commerce, said substantial job growth was a concern discussed
previously. He said the vast majority of people live south of Ames; the dollars they earn in the City
go to the other communities that they live in instead of staying in the City. If there is a way to
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increase the footprint for people to live here, it would be to the benefit of the City as they will
continue to attract really good jobs, and he would like to see those people be able to choose to live
in Ames.
Mayor Haila closed public input. He said they are trying to be proactive and let the public know
when public input will be invited. It may not be at every meeting, but they do accept and read emails.
He asked Mr. Diekmann to comment on the southwest development purpose if Council decides to
go with any of them. Mr. Diekmann said the Option 3 exercise is to take the 15,000 population
growth and put it individually into each of the areas so there is a true depiction of differences in the
ability to serve a large population and what is necessary to do that. He explained this will not commit
the Council to a land use pattern, it just will tell them what it would be like if they put everyone in
one location. Mr. Diekmann verified for Mayor Haila that just because some area is picked to be
looked at, it might be eliminated for various reasons unless Council decides to eliminate it tonight.
Further discussion ensued regarding what data could be generated by the different scenario options
and what types of developments would be possible.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to move forward with Options 1 and 3.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to continue the process of studying
development in all of the areas on the growth map.
Ms. Betcher asked if the results will identify sections that are more likely than another. Mr. Scott
said they will provide advantages and disadvantages for each of the areas, which will help Council
to make informed decisions and provide direction to RDG.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to work under the presumption that they will
be looking at an additional 15,000 people as the working premise for the development of this model.
Council Member Martin clarified that this is the 1.5% model.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila asked when additional public input might be occurring in the next 45 to 75 days. Mr.
Diekmann said that in the next 60 days, they will work on the technical information for people to
respond to first. He said the online survey is available until the end of April and they will update the
results in May on the initial phase of engagement. He said the public’s next participatory element
will be when Council is reviewing the draft scenario information from RDG.
Mayor Haila declared a recess at 8:34 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:44 p.m.
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HEALTHY LIFE CENTER UPDATE: City Manager Steve Schainker said the last meeting
direction was to follow through on some savings on the project and then Council directed staff not
to adopt those savings so as not to jeopardize the quality of the building. Council asked staff to look
at the contingency to see if they could save any money there.
Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham reviewed the second page of the Council Action Form
regarding what could be cut from the plans and what the current final projection is.
Mr. Schainker referred to Table 1 of the staff report and brought attention to the change in the bond
issue. There is a deficit of $500,000 from what the projected donations were, so the total bond issue
went from $28,109,000 to $28,609,000. He said Table 5 estimates the property tax change and is
based on certain assumptions which may not be the same one or two years from now. The rate would
have to go up to $.78 per thousand to pay for the bond issue plus the operating deficit. He explained
that they put in about $96,000 every year to the municipal pool, which will go away, and they will
still save about $60,000 because the municipal pool isn’t there, which can be applied towards the
$404,561 deficit and help reduce the tax rate increase. Mayor Haila asked if the bond amount will
change. Mr. Schainker verified that the bond amount in Option 1 will change to $28,609,488 and
may go up in May for final numbers as well.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Gartin, to approve moving forward with the Healthy Life Center
project and direct staff to prepare the necessary language for a bond referendum for an August 6,
2019 election.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila said the Council will take public input at its May 14, 2019 meeting on this matter.
NEW RADIO SYSTEM: Police Chief Chuck Cychosz said Iowa State Purchasing was the main
purchasing agent for this contract. The current contract is the product of negotiations to provide the
best possible radio solutions at the best possible price while maintaining the history, tradition, and
effectiveness of the City’s radio interoperability across the County. He said the request is asking for
permission from City Council for the StoryComm representative from the City (Steve Schainker)
to sign the contract.
Mr. Schainker said this is a complex partnership. The citizens of Story County will benefit from the
partnership; it will also provide safety to the employees and emergency responders.
Chief Cychosz said there was a clarification in the contract that was important over the life of the
system to ensure that everyone understands that the radios are owned by the City or the purchasing
entity and not by StoryComm collectively. That doesn’t mean that they can’t set aside a bank of 30
radios for emergency use, but what is purchased for the City will be owned by the City for the life
of the contract.
Chief Cychosz explained the fees have several components that determine the cost. There is
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licensing over the life of the system, which can be projected into the tower fee, and the more radios
on the system, the lower the fee is. He said until there is a contract and a vendor, the City cannot
enter into serious negotiation for leases on the tower sites; there is likely to be some lease cost that
will have to be incorporated in the radio tower fees. In preparing the information for Council, staff
provided estimates at the high end to be able to hopefully provide good news later on.
Mayor Haila opened public input. Seeing none, he closed public input.
Mr. Schainker explained the term length of the contract was extended from 10 years to 15 years to
accommodate the attractive pricing from RACOM. The contract itself is between StoryComm and
RACOM for the total system.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-182 approving the 28E
Addendum No. 1 with StoryComm.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-183 authorizing City’s
StoryComm representative to vote to approve the Contract with RACOM for a radio vendor should
the final Contract be in line with performance and financial expectations.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
EXCEPTION TO SECTION 22.32(c)(2)(v) TO ALLOW ALCOHOL SERVICE IN
SIDEWALK CAFÉ AT DELLA VITI, 323 MAIN STREET, STE. 102: Moved by Corrieri,
seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-184 approving an exception to Section
22.32(c)(2)(v) to allow alcohol service in Sidewalk Café at Della Viti, 323 Main Street, Ste. 102.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
OF CENTRAL IOWA, INC.: Mayor Haila opened the public hearing.
Tom Prockno, President of Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa, 406 Joy Circle, Gilbert, thanked
the City of Ames for allowing them to partner with the City in building homes in the City of Ames.
Mayor Haila closed public hearing.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-185 approving the
sale of 1228 Stafford Avenue in the amount of $40,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Corrieri, Betcher, Martin, Nelson, Beatty-Hansen. Voting nay:
none. Abstaining due to a conflict of interest: Gartin. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-186 approving the
sale of 3305 Morningside Street in the amount of $40,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Corrieri, Betcher, Martin, Nelson, Beatty-Hansen. Voting nay:
none. Abstaining due to a conflict of interest: Gartin. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE: Planner Eloise
Sahlstrom said this item had come to Council before. She was now asking the City Council to review
the proposed Ordinances, hold a public hearing, and proceed with first reading for approval of each
of the three Ordinances. She also asked Council to establish a fee for the licensing.
City Council Member Tim Gartin asked if the changes to the rental housing cap from the legislature
were going to impact this at all. Mayor Haila clarified that the rental cap legislation makes it
unlawful that vacation rentals be capped or not allowed in near campus neighborhoods. This will
introduce another type of rental. City Attorney Mark Lambert said the recent legislation did not have
a direct impact on these Ordinances as short-term rentals are their own thing.
Mayor Haila asked Council to consider the impact of vacation rentals, which could be potentially,
through creative means, turned into student housing or other types of housing.
City Council Member Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen explained that she was initially supportive of the
vacation rental option, as she thought they would have the cap as a tool to prevent affordable homes
from getting prospected out in areas, but now that it’s gone away, she is not supportive of the
vacation rental concept. She said Mr. Lambert said the recent legislation doesn’t directly affect this,
but it actually does because it takes the cap away as a tool. Ms. Betcher and Mr. Martin both said
they have been voting no on short-term rentals because of the vacation rental aspect. Ms. Corrieri
asked that they talk about other alternatives to regulate vacation homes before cancelling option
completely.
Ms. Betcher asked what options are available if they want to consider some other sort of enforcement
mechanism. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said they could move forward with the options that they could agree
on and then give Council more time to look at vacation rentals. Mr. Nelson asked if they should just
table the whole thing since it’s so intertwined. Mr. Diekmann said if they aren’t going to approve
the vacation rentals, he would rather them remove it from the Ordinance now and bring it back later,
rather than have a first reading and look at the second reading and wonder what changed. There is
no necessity to move on the first reading tonight if Council is going to change the Ordinance
substantially. Mr. Diekmann said a small delay is ok, but Council would need to move forward with
a decision soon.
Moved by Martin to revise the Ordinance to eliminate the vacation rental portion and bring the
balance back at the next opportunity.
Ms. Corrieri asked if public input on the proposed Ordinance was not going to be held tonight.
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Mayor Haila asked Mr. Martin to withdraw his motion to allow for public input.
Motion withdrawn.
Ms. Betcher asked if they discuss how to enforce vacation rentals, could the Ordinance go back in
easily or is it a case of discussing what you can do about enforcement before revising to remove the
vacation rentals. Ms. Corrieri said she thinks it’s odd that they would knowingly allow something
to go on in the City for so long and then slam the door on it when these people have invested money
in the community to run their businesses.
Mayor Haila opened the public hearing.
Jeff Hart, 1405-16th Street, Ames, said Council would be wise to take a step back and look at all of
the rental policies across the board due to the change from the legislature. He said property owners
already put money back into the community with upkeep and investing in their properties. Then they
are being asked to pay a fee for licensure; but if renters in rental properties rent out a short-term
room, are exempt from licensure and fees. She believes that “It’s a slap in the face to the property
owners who are paying the taxes and the upkeep.”
Ryan Houck, 65697-190th Street, Nevada, said he is opposed to taking the vacation rental option
away. He suggested to require a property owner to live within a certain mile-radius if Council is
worried about not enough control or eyes on the property.
Shannon Stack, 1613-24th Street, Ames, acknowledged that she is pro Air BNB. It is her job; she
is not able to get a public job because of a neurological disease. She said she is bringing people to
Ames to show off the community. She feels Air BNB owners have been made into criminals and that
they need to be monitored because they are doing something wrong, but they aren’t. She commented
that too much time and energy had been invested in this to just end it. Ms. Stack clarified that she
has a hosted home share in her basement.
Mayor Haila closed the public hearing.
Ms. Beatty-Hansen said Ames needs affordable housing, and while more lodging options are needed
also, affordable housing is the priority. Mr. Gartin said the Legislature has made an effort to single
out a couple communities in Iowa to prohibit them from doing what they do. The arguments about
wanting to have control over the market has been made clear that Legislature is not ok with that kind
of municipal meddling with the market. Mr. Diekmann said short-term lodging is not rental. By Iowa
Code, if you are staying somewhere for 31 days or less, you are a transient occupant.
Ms. Corrieri said she believes it is irresponsible to throw something out after spending so much time
on it. Mr. Martin said the words in his motion were to bring back something that the majority would
vote to approve and that leaves the possibility to come up with something in the vacation rental
category that the majority would also approve later. His motion tonight is not to forbid them from
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ever considering vacation rentals again. Ms. Betcher said she doesn’t want to do this and create more
work to have to undo it later. She suggested that Council remove the vacation rentals and move
forward with the rest of the Ordinance so there is something in place for the other categories. She
asked if it would take more work to reinsert something else about vacation rentals later.
Mr. Diekmann said it would just require the publication of another ordinance, which would include
the same steps of reading it. He said the basic structure is there; it shouldn’t take a lot of work. Ms.
Corrieri asked if current vacation rentals would be allowed to continue to operate until an ordinance
is approved or if they would no longer be able to operate once the third reading is approved. Mr.
Diekmann said they could delay implementation of an ordinance. Mr. Lambert said Council can
direct staff not to enforce anything on vacation rentals while working on a policy. Mr. Diekmann said
the outcome of the reading of the Ordinance needs to have direction to continue to do something
about vacation rentals.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative 1.
Mr. Diekmann noted that Council needs to vote on three different ordinances, not just Alternative
1.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an Ordinance to amend the Zoning
Code Chapter 29.
Roll Call Vote: 3-3. Voting aye: Corrieri, Gartin, and Nelson. Voting nay: Martin, Beatty-Hansen,
and Betcher. Motion failed.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to bring back a revised Ordinance that
eliminates the vacation rental with further direction that staff continue a holding pattern in
enforcement of the vacation rental and to provide a staff report on how to address vacation rental
options.
Mr. Gartin asked the nay-sayers what direction they could give staff to move towards where they
want to go. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said she would entertain the radius idea because it would limit
outside investment in Ames for profit, but it would allow for local versions of that to allow. Mayor
Haila said the people who are affected by the Legislature’s actions need to have a chance to bring
their concerns to Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON FIRE STATION #1 PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION: Mayor Haila said
they are repairing the concrete because the soil has settled. He asked if the fill that had settled is
being taken out or being recompacted to prevent this from happening again. Fire Chief Rich Higgins
said that would be a question for Public Works.
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Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. He closed the hearing after there was no one wishing to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-187 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt's Inc., in the amount of $78,437.08.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON TEAGARDEN DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS: The public hearing was opened
by Mayor Haila. He closed the hearing after there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to accept the Report of Bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Nelson, to continue the hearing to May 14, 2019.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2018/19 COLLECTOR STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(HICKORY DRIVE): Mayor Haila opened the public hearing and closed it after there was no one
wishing to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-188 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt's Inc., in the amount of $1,222,195.85.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2014/15 STORM WATER FACILITY REHAB (SOMERSET SUBDIVISION
POND IMPROVEMENTS): The public hearing was opened by the Mayor. He closed the hearing
after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to reject all bids and direct staff to rebid at a later date.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON STEAM TURBINE NO. 7 PARTS PROCUREMENT: The public hearing was
opened and closed by the Mayor.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept the Report of Bids and delay award of contract.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ELIMINATE THE INVESTIGATIVE FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading the ordinance
amending Chapter 14 of the Ames Municipal Code to eliminate the investigative function of the
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Human Relations Commission.
Roll Call Vote 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE TO ALLOW PROPERTIES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
OCCUPANTS BY COMPLETING THE CODE REQUIREMENTS TO MAKE A ROOM
WITH A LEGALLY EXISTING EGRESS WINDOW IN A CODE-COMPLIANT
BEDROOM: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4384 to allow properties to increase the number of occupants by completing the
Code requirements to make a room with a legally existing egress window a Code-compliant
bedroom.
Roll Call Vote 5-1. Voting aye: Corrieri, Betcher, Gartin, Nelson, Beatty-Hansen. Voting nay:
Martin. Ordinance declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of these Minutes.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Memo from Planning and Housing Department - April 19, 2019, RE: Cornbred Sign on the
former depot building:
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to place on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 4-1-1. Voting aye: Betcher, Gartin, Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri. Voting nay: Martin.
Abstaining due to conflict of interest: Nelson. Motion declared carried.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer to staff for a
memo for a mechanism to provide relief from the situation brought up by Mr. Smith regarding
having to move his car.
Ms. Corrieri mentioned that these tickets are complaint-driven and asked if Mr. Smith had talked to
his neighbors. Council Member Martin said he will talk to Mr. Smith about discussing the issue with
his neighbors.
Motion withdrawn.
Mr. Martin brought up a letter from Mr. Goodman who was asking for a referral. Ms. Beatty-Hansen
said this can be referred to staff when they receive it in the Non-Agenda packet.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 p.m.
___________________________________ __________________________________
Rachel Knutsen, Recording Secretary John A. Haila, Mayor
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