HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 10/23/2019MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 23, 2019
The Special Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and Iowa State University Student Government
was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on the 23rd day of October, 2019, in the Campanile Room in the
Memorial Union, Iowa State University. Mayor Haila, Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen,
Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David Martin, and Chris Nelson, and ex officio Member
Devyn Leeson were present.
It was announced that a Symposium on Inclusive Organizations, co-sponsored by the City of Ames,
Ames Chamber of Commerce, and Iowa State University (ISU), will be held on October 29, 2019.
It was noted that the City’s Ames Citizens Academy helps a cross-section of community members
learn about City services.
Mayor Haila announced a new initiative, “Progressive Dinners,” that is currently being discussed
with Senior Vice-President for Operations and Finance Pam Cain. He also asked the Student
Government what City Council can do to make them feel more welcome.
Council Member Nelson said the City participates in the Municipal Equality Index Scorecard.
Student Senator Ian Searles noted there is an initiative with ISU’s Parks Library and the Office of
Diversity and Inclusion to develop a permanent acknowledgment statement that the University
settled on Native American land.
Ex officio Member Devyn Leeson asked the Student Body to voice concerns or ideas about the
Inclusive Crosswalk.
Elena Hoffmann, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at ISU, noted that the Diversity and Inclusion
Committee has received positive feedback from students. She noted that the Crosswalk was
impactful and showed acceptance in the community.
Mayor Haila noted that the City Council is looking at adopting ISU’s Principles of Community.
Efforts will include co-branding and the development of language that is universal or applies off
Campus.
Student Senator Sandeep Stanley referenced BYU’s resolution. He noted that the LGBTQ
community looks at Student Government’s decisions and urged the Student Body to show support.
Council Member Gloria Betcher said a committee of those who attended the International Town and
Gown Association 2019 Conference will be making a series of recommendations (including
diversity and inclusion initiatives) to University leadership.
MICROMOBILITY - UNIVERSITY AND CITY REGULATIONS: Student Body President
Vishesh Bhatia asked Mayor Haila to provide background information regarding scooters. Mayor
Haila deferred to Council Member Beatty-Hansen. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said she is interested in
having scooters in Ames. She referenced the early model of scooter companies where they would
come to a town and drop off scooters. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said companies are now more willing to
work with cities to regulate scooters. She told the group that the City has formed a committee that
includes ISU representation to explore the possibility of having scooters in Ames. Ms. Beatty-
Hansen said the City has not committed to having scooters and asked for student input.
A student senator suggested the City look at its infrastrucure. Another student noted it takes time
to get from one area of Campus to another and that scooters might help. It was noted that some
students have motorized scooters and other motorized vehicles on Campus already. It was also noted
that the student sustainability committee is interested in scooters. Other concerns included bike lanes
and accessibility.
Sandeep Stanley referenced the resolution ISU Student Government passed a year ago against
scooters on Campus and noted that there might be enough support now to change the resolution.
Student Senator Crabb noted that the University of Milwaukee has hot spots for scooters that cut
down on travel time. Mr. Leeson asked if the City can regulate scooters to a particular spot. Ms.
Beatty-Hansen said scooter companies have means to regulate and hold users accountable including
the issuance of fines.
CITY-WIDE INTERNET UTILITY: Mayor Haila deferred to Council Member Martin. Mr.
Martin said ISU has had its own access to internet since the 1980's. He said that the City Council
is trying to address internet issues off Campus. Mr. Martin said the City has received interest from
a provider (Metronet) and that the Council has commissioned a feasibility study to see if the City
can service internet users. Mayor Haila added that the City cannot regulate prices but it can offer
incentives to fill gaps.
A student senator expressed support of municipally-owned internet. It was noted by another student
senator that ISU will be upgrading its internet facilities in the next two to five years. This
improvement will result in lower costs for students on Campus.
Mr. Leeson asked Mr. Martin to discuss the six values Council is interested in regarding internet
service. Mr. Martin noted the Council is interested in availability, reliability, cost, speed, customer
service, and policy (e.g. net neutrality, broadband privacy).
OPEN FORUM: Mayor Haila asked Mr. Nelson to address sustainability and Ms. Corrieri to
address affordable housing.
Mr. Nelson noted that the City has moved from using coal to using natural gas, is conducting a
greenhouse gas inventory, is obtaining electric buses, is looking to change how the Resource
Recovery Plant processes waste, and has implemented waste reduction programs.
Ms. Corrieri told the group about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, ASSET,
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and Story County Housing Trust. She also noted that the City is looking to convert rental housing
back to owner-occupied housing.
A student senator noted concerns with signage on 16th Street near Vet Med, Lincoln Way and
Stanton Avenue, and University Boulevard and Haber Road.
Mayor Haila invited students to apply for the City’s Boards and Commissions.
ADJOURNMENT:The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
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