HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 03/03/2015 REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 3, 2015
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor Campbell at 7:00 p.m.
on the 3rd day of March, 2015, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue.
Present from the Ames City Council were Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Matthew
Goodman, Chris Nelson, and Peter Orazem. Ex officio Member Lissandra Villa was also present.
It was announced by Mayor Campbell that the Council would be working from an Amended
Agenda; a Closed Session had been added after Council Comments.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Campbell noted that Item No. 13 (preliminary plans and
specifications for Valve Maintenance and Related Services/Supplies for the Power Plant) had been
pulled from this Agenda by staff and will be placed on the March 24 Agenda.
Council Member Betcher requested that Item No. 7 (Greek Week 2015 Requests) be pulled from
the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving minutes of Regular Meeting of February 24, 2015
3.Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a.Class C Liquor & Outdoor Service – Coldw ater Golf Links, 615 S. 16 Streetth
b.Class E Liquor – Kum & Go #227, 2108 Isaac Newton Drive
c.Class E Liquor – Kum & Go #113, 2801 E. 13 Streetth
d.Class A Liquor w/Outdoor Service – Elks Lodge #1626, 522 Douglas Avenue
e.Class C Beer & B Native Wine – Swift Stop #4, 1118 South Duff Avenue
f.Class C Beer and B W ine – Swift Stop #5, 3218 O rion Street
g.Special Class C Liquor – The Spice Thai Cuisine, 402 M ain Street
h.Special Class C Liquor – Valentino’s, 823 Wheeler Street, #1
i.Class E Liquor, C Beer, and B Wine – Sam’s Club #6568 , 305 Airport Road
4.M otion approving 5-day (March 10-15) Class C Liquor License for Olde Main Brewing Company
at the ISU Alumni Center, 420 Beach Avenue
5.M otion approving 5-day (M arch 17-21) Class C Liquor License for Olde Main Brewing Company
at the ISU Alumni Center, 420 Beach Avenue
6.M otion approving 8-m onth C lass B B eer Per m it & O utdoor Service for H om ew ood G olf C ourse,
401 E ast 20 Streetth
7.RESOLUTION NO. 15-115 approving appointments to City’s various boards and commissions
8.Corporate RESOLUTION NO. 15-116 designating authorization to conduct financial and
banking business
9.RESOLUTION NO. 15-117 adopting Rental Housing Registration Fee Schedule to be effective
April 1, 2015
10.RESOLUTION NO. 15-118 en d o rsin g ap p licatio n to Io w a D e p a rtm en t of T ran sp o rtation to
designate Jefferson H ighw ay H eritage B y w ay as State H eritage B y w ay
1 1 .R E SO L U T IO N N O . 15 -1 19 app ro ving p re lim inary p lan s an d sp e c ific a tio n s for 2 01 4/20 15 R igh t-
of-W ay R estoration Program ; setting A pril 8, 20 15, as bid due date and Apr il 14, 20 15, as the
date of pu blic hearing
12.L ease of M ow ers for Park M aintenance:
a.R E S O L U T IO N N O . 15 -12 0 aw ard ing co n tract to T u rfw e rk s for tw o Ja c o bse n R 3 1 1 1 1 -foo t-
w ide m ow ers at a cost of $75 ,45 0 for three y ears
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b.R ESO LU TI O N N O . 15 -121 awar ding contract to M TI for tw o Toro GM 360 8-foot-w ide
m ow ers at a cost of $53 ,61 3.18 for three y ears
13.R E SO L U T I O N N O . 15-122 approving cont ract and bond for N orth D akota W ater To w er
R em oval Project
14.R E SO L U T I O N N O . 15-123 approving contract and bond for R iver V alley Par k C om plex
Irrigation Project
15.R ESO LU TI O N N O . 15 -124 approving co ntract a nd bond fo r N on-A sbe stos Insulation an d
R elated Services and Supp lies
1 6 .R E S O L U T IO N N O . 15 -12 5 ap p ro v ing C h a n ge O rd e r N o . 22 in th e a m o u n t of $1 0 3,6 41 w ith
A &P/Sam ue ls G roup of W au sau , W isco nsin, for Library Expansion an d Renovation
17.Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a part of these Minutes.
GREEK WEEK 2015 REQUESTS: Council Member Betcher referenced the Council’s previous
directive that event organizers provide a written notification plan pertaining to street closures
to the City prior to event approval.
Representing Greek Week 2015 were Luke Gosse, Logistics Coordinator, 201 Gray Avenue,
Ames; and Chance Wiese, General Co-Chair, 201 Gray Avenue, Ames. Mr. Gosse advised that
their plan had been part of the Special Events application. He further stated that letters had been
sent to the South Campus residential community. In addition, Greek Week 2015 committee
members will be going door-to-door to all houses in the area of the closures and e-mailing all
the property managers. Two Greek Week representatives will also be placed at each barricade.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-113 approving
closure of portions of Sunset Drive, Ash Avenue, Gray Avenue, Greeley Street, and Lynn
Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28
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 Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-114 approving
suspension of parking regulations for portions of Gray Avenue, Ash Avenue, Greeley Street,
Pearson Avenue, Lynn Avenue, and Sunset Drive from 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 28
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: There being no one requesting to speak, the Mayor closed Public Forum.
HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2014/15 BUDGET: Mayor Campbell
opened the public hearing. She closed same after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-126 amending the
budget for the current Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ADOPTION OF 2015/16 BUDGET: The public hearing was opened by the
Mayor. No one came forward to speak, and Mayor Campbell closed the hearing.
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Moved by Nelson, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-127 approving the
2015/16 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE AND REFUNDING
BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,950,000: The Mayor opened the public
hearing and closed same after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-128 approving the
Loan Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON TURBINE CONTROL SYSTEM: Mayor Campbell opened the public hearing.
There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to accept the report of bids and delay award of contract.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON INIS GROVE PARK SAND VOLLEYBALL COURT LIGHTING: The Mayor
opened the public hearing and closed same after no one requested to speak.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0 Motion declared carried unanimously.
DEMAND SERVICE PLAN FOR HIRTA: Assistant City Manager Melissa Mundt provided a
summary of the discussions that had occurred during the process improvement project to identify
and better understand issues and development improvements for door-to-door transportation
services provided for the elderly, disabled, and the general public in Ames. One general public
meeting and a series of four meetings with human service agencies and transportation providers
had been held from November 2014 through January 2015. According to Ms. Mundt, the
specific recommendations of this effort were twofold: (1) a Demand Response Service Action
Plan and (2) a Communications Plan. Ms. Mundt described both Plans.
The Council was told that the Demand Response Service Action Plan identified 23 actions that
the Task Force members recommend be taken to improve demand response service for human
service agencies/organizations and their clients who utilize service within Story County. Ms.
Mundt brought the Council’s attention to the categories of improvement and four priority actions
identified by the Task Force: (1) Community Partnerships, (2) Infrastructure Improvements, (3)
Internal Modifications for HIRTA, (4) Partner Role Clarity; and (5) Service Improvement.
Ms. Mundt advised that, with the completion of the two Plans, the Demand Response Service
Action Plan will be distributed to local funding agencies (Story County, City of Ames) and to
the Transit Board of Trustees (CyRide) for possible future implementation considerations. The
Plans will also be shared with the United Way’s Transportation Collaboration Committee.
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Pertaining to the Communication Plan, Ms. Mundt advised that to continue critical
communication between human service agencies/organizations and transportation provides, the
Task Force members recommended that the following actions be taken by the parties involved:
1.Establish a formal complaint process
2.Establish response time frames
3.Schedule quarterly meetings
4.Establish formal transportation liaison representatives within the human service
agencies/organizations
Council Member Orazem asked if there were certain individuals whose needs were not being
met or were there unmet needs by random individuals. Ms. Mundt advised that everyone who
attended the forums expressed that they had needs that were not being met. Transit Director
Sheri Kyras said she believed that there are different expectation levels among riders, human
service agencies/organizations, and HIRTA.
Answering a question from Council Member Orazem, Ms. Kyras explained that the federal
resources have not changed much on the demand response side. She again referenced that there
are different expectations. Ms. Kyras noted that the four priority actions may require substantial
increased financial resources, which may not be possible.
Ms. Kyras offered that increased collaboration needs to occur. She indicated that the Transit
Board recently directed that another unscheduled bus be added to increase reliability for
customers.
Ms. Mundt stated that the HIRTA Board will be discussing the Demand Response report on
March 26, 2015.
2014 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS USER SURVEY: City Business Development Coordinator
Tiffany Coleman presented the results of the City’s 2014 Development Process Survey.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDHAND GOODS DEALERS: Police Chief
Chuck Cychosz recalled that, on December 16, 2014, the City Council had received a report
outlining the shortcomings of the existing Municipal Code requirements for secondhand goods
dealers in reporting their transactions. He advised that currently, the Municipal Code requires
paper records for transactions conducted by pawnbrokers and itinerant dealers. Other businesses
buying the same items have no such requirement to report their transactions or hold items prior
to disposal. City staff has identified an effective electronic reporting system called Leads Online
that could be used to replace the existing paper records system. Several local businesses already
use that system, which has been used to successfully identify items stolen from Ames residents
and sold to dealers out of the area.
During its meeting on December 16, 2014, the City Council had requested additional
information on several issues. Chief Cychosz noted that those questions were answered in the
Council Action Form.
Council Member Gartin acknowledged the e-mail received from Gary Youngberg, owner of
Ames Silversmithing. Kirk Youngberg, 3113 Harrison, Ames, representing Ames
Silversmithing, commented that numismatic coins are very distinguishable and more difficult
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for thieves to sell. He believes that bullion coins should be exempted, instead of exempting
numismatic coins, as they are very difficult to distinguish. Mr. Youngberg also told the Council
that his father, Gary, continues to have concerns about the confidentiality of sellers.
At the inquiry of Council Member Goodman, Police Commander Geoff Huff advised that, since
January 2015, the Ames Police Department has used information gathered from Leads Online
to file charges in two felony cases with one conviction and one pending, an aggravated
misdemeanor case, and an ongoing criminal conduct case.
Council Member Betcher questioned the waiting period. Kirk Youngberg explained that a ten-
day waiting period would be detrimental to both the purchaser and the seller. Gold prices
change, and if it were several days, that would pose a risk for them (the purchaser) as well as for
the seller. Chief Cychosz explained that it sometimes takes owners some time before they even
are aware that their property has been stolen. He noted that a uniform ten-day holding period
would increase the likelihood of recovering stolen property.
Kirk Youngberg asked how trades would be handled. He explained that there are times when
they give a store credit in exchange for the gold or jewelry. Chief Cychosz stated that staff had
not studied that question. He believes that it would depend on the amount of gold or jewelry
being brought in and under what circumstances. A problem could arise if a family member
brought in jewelry to sell that another family member might have wanted to retain and didn’t
know that it was being sold.
At the inquiry of Council Member Goodman, Mr. Youngberg advised that the time to enter the
information into a database was not really an issue.
Chief Cychosz pointed out that there is also the emotional aspect to consider; people care deeply
about getting jewelry back after it was stolen. He believes that with coins and gold bars, it is all
about the money.
Council Member Gartin said that he believed the issue was uniformity; it isn’t so much that
Ames does this, but that a network of agencies do it too. He pointed out that jewelry stolen in
another community might be brought to Ames to sell.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance requiring
electronic recordkeeping for dealers of secondhand goods, including all pawnbroker and
itinerant dealer transactions, and purchases and sales of jewelry, precious metals, gemstones, and
electronics, excluding coins purchased by a professional numismatist, with transactions under
$100 in total being exempt from reporting.
Council Member Goodman said his concern was with the resources of the Police Department.
He tried to weigh that with the concerns of the businesses.
Council Member Nelson felt it might be a good idea to lessen the waiting period for bullion
since it is often not identifiable and the price fluctuates, causing risk for the business (purchaser)
and the seller.
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Moved by Goodman, seconded by Corrieri, to amend the motion to remove the ten-day holding
period for bullion or silver bars or precious metals or however the Police Department would
define it.
Chief Cychosz said staff would have to work on a definition and the boundaries.
Commander Huff asked the Council to revisit the dollar threshold. He pointed out that a stolen
item is 100% profit for the thief. If each stolen piece was taken to a different place to sell, that
$100 threshold might not be reached and none of those transactions would be recorded.
Motion and amendment withdrawn.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance requiring
electronic recordkeeping for dealers of secondhand goods, including all pawnbroker and
itinerant dealer transactions, and purchases and sales of jewelry, precious metals, gemstones, and
electronics, excluding coins purchased by a professional numismatist, removing the holding
period for bullion, and not entering a dollar threshold.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FLOOD HYDRAULIC ANALYSIS OF 1204 S. 4 STREET (RIVERSIDE MANOR):TH
Council Member Gartin indicated that he had a conflict of interest on this issue; therefore, would
not be participating in the discussion or voting if a vote would be taken.
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann said that, at its December 9, 2014, the City
Council had deferred action on a Minor Final Plat for a proposed two-lot subdivision at 1204 S.
4 Street, which is the proposed site of Prairie Village Subdivision located at Riverside Manor.th
The Council requested that staff ask for a third-party evaluation of the hydraulic effects of the
proposed project on the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood north of the site and to explore what level
of oversight would be needed to ensure that the project would be built as approved. On January
13, 2015, staff presented to Council a report evaluating the impacts of a 100-year flood event
to the Oak-Riverside Neighborhood. The impacts were calculated to increase the water surface
level of a 100-year flood between 0.02 and 0.07 of a foot. The Council then requested a flood
study to model the impacts of a 500-year event. With that direction, the City, at its own cost,
contracted with HDR to complete the new analysis.
Mr. Diekmann summarized the report. The proposed grading and fill at Riverside Manor would
result in an expected increase in the water surface level of a 500-year flood of between 0.08 and
0.22 of a foot at the same four locations noted in the January report. The modeling indicated that
the greatest increase in water surface level would be approximately 0.61 foot in the area near the
existing eastern entrance to Riverside Manor. Mr. Diekmann indicated that the modeling does
really depict where water would go. Council Member Goodman clarified that, with the project,
in the event of a 100-year flood, the water surface level would be changed by approximately 0.1
(of a foot) whereas a 500-year flood would change it 0.6 (of a foot).
According to Director Diekmann, if there were no objections to HDR’s report, the Prairie
Village Subdivision Final Plat will be placed on the March 24, 2015, City Council meeting
agenda.
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Council Member Goodman said that no matter what happens with this project, the Council needs
to be paying more attention to developments in the floodway fringe that are close to existing
residential development when fill is being brought in.
2015/16 PROPOSED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PROJECTS FOR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM: Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing
Coordinator, reported on the input received during the public forum held on February 24 and 25,
2015, regarding possible projects for consideration for the 2015/16 CDBG Annual Action Plan.
A total of eight persons attended and participated in the discussions. The overall feedback
continued to center around the lack of and need for more affordable housing for low-income
households in the areas of rental, shelters, transitional, and homeownership units. There was an
overall consensus that the 2014/15 Action Plan activities will begin to address the needs;
however, more needs to be done.
Ms. Baker-Latimer reported that staff was recommending that the City continue with the projects
adopted in the 2014/15 Action Plan, as follows:
1.Acquisition/Reuse for Affordable Housing (Budget: $600,000):
a.Purchase of Vacant In-Fill Lots for Development
b.Purchase of Foreclosure Properties for Rehabilitation
2.Operation and Repairs for Foreclosed Properties (Budget: $65,000)
3.Housing Improvement Rehabilitation Programs (Budget: $202,438):
a.Single-Family Homeowners
b.Rental Property Owners
4.Homebuyer Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers (Budget: $50,000)
5.Renter Affordability Programs (Budget: $60,000):
a.Deposit and First-Month’s Rent
b.Transportation Assistance
6.Public Facilities Improvement Program (Budget: $110,000)
Ms. Vanessa Baker-Latimer presented staff’s rationale for making that recommendation. She
advised that the City was notified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that
its 2015/16 CDBG allocation will be $484,294, which is approximately $3,900 less than the
2014/15 allocation. Of that amount, approximately $387,438 is available for programming, not
including the 2014/15 Program rollover. According to Ms. Baker-Latimer, she is cautiously
anticipating that the rollover amount will be approximately $700,000.
Director Diekmann noted that there are no infrastructure projects included on the list of possible
projects. If Project 1 does not come to fruition, there is no back-up project. If a back-up project
were to be added, the Plan would have to be amended; that would take additional time. Ms.
Baker-Latimer commented that the Rehabilitation Programs also take some time.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Goodman, to direct staff to continue with all of the 2014/15
Annual Action Plan Program projects for 2015/16 and proposed budget in connection with the
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City’s CDBG Program for the six projects listed above.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:08 p.m.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND AIRPORT ROAD ROUNDABOUT: Civil Engineer Eric Cowles
provided the background as to the events that led up to where the project is today. He reported
that staff had originally held a project information meeting attended by approximately 20
individuals representing area businesses, property owners, and residents on January 15, 2015,
to discuss the project and receive input on the project concept. At that meeting, members of the
Ames Bicycle Coalition (ABC) expressed concerns regarding speed, layout, and both
bike/pedestrian and bike/vehicle interaction. There was also discussion about incorporating
additional facilities not specifically related to the project, which included extending on-street
bike facilities east on Airport Road from University and north on University from Airport Road,
adding a shared use path connection west along Oakwood Road to State Avenue, and paving the
current gravel path from Airport Road north to Grand Avenue. Mr. Cowles stated that staff had
exchanged emails with multiple ABC members, after which ABC asked the project team to hold
a separate meeting with them to hear their project concerns in more detail and to discuss ideas
and options as to what alternatives might be implemented. Mr. Cowles described the design
changes that had been made to the initial concept as a result of the input received from the ABC.
He noted that, at the February 24, 2015, meeting, the City Council had requested additional
information related to meetings, comments, and discussions with the ABC regarding its requests
for the University Avenue and Airport Road roundabout, which is what staff would be sharing
at this meeting.
Mr. Cowles specifically addressed the issue of speed through the roundabout. The posted speed
would be 15 miles-per-hour (mph) for vehicles, and vehicles would have to yield to bicyclists
and pedestrians at all times. To address concerns over speed, the “splitter island” has been
extended. An island called a refuge has also been added to the design. Mr. Cowles also stated
that the points of conflict for bicyclists and pedestrians have been reduced with the new concept.
The Council was told by Mr. Cowles that as part of the scope, the design team submitted the
roundabout design to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) for national peer review
(by the “experts of the experts”); very few comments were received. Adding the splitter island
was one of the recommendations made as a result of that peer review.
Mr. Cowles noted that additional public informational meetings will be held within the next two
to three weeks. Staff will also meet with Workiva individually.
Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer said a typical question is what type of facility is the right
facility and in what corridor. He noted that, on March 31, 2015, a Council workshop will be held
on the Long-Range Transportation Plan, which incorporates all modes of traffic. At the meeting
on March 31, the Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization will have an
opportunity to provide recommendations to the City of Ames as to how it wants to support
regional goals and if there is financial sustainability to support them long term. Mr. Pregitzer
also alluded to the tight schedule and accelerated time line for the project as it is connected to
other projects in the area and the Long-Term Transportation Plan.
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Mr. Cowles commented that the main point of the ABC’s requests was to have separate off-
street, bike-only facilities in this area to accommodate commuters and other cyclists. The
concept proposed by the ABC is called a “cycle track,” and would be somewhat similar to what
is currently utilized on the west side of Ash Avenue next to the Cyclone Sports Complex. The
ABC justified its request by stating that it is very common for cyclists to be going 20-25 mph
or faster on the University Avenue route. Mr. Cowles described the issues that must be weighed
if cycle tracks were added.
In addition, Mr. Cowles also noted that staff is on a tight time frame, and if the cycle track
option would be added, it would take at least an additional month. Currently, staff is planning
on a bid letting in April 2015. Cost is another issue. Just for the paving alone on a corridor-wide
cycle track option (which is staff’s recommendation to make it a viable transportation solution)
from University Avenue/Airport Road to the Hub Building, it would cost approximately
$320,000. To extend it to where CyRide drops off near Wessex, it would cost approximately
$250,000 (with right-of-way acquisition). To include the cycle track option all the way to the
Hub Building would cost an estimated $500,000. Having cycle tracks around the roundabout
area and tie in south of Airport Road would cost approximately $125,000 to $130,000. Mr.
Cowles noted that project itself is already under-funded; to include cycle tracks would be an
additional financial burden. Mr. Pregitzer pointed out that connectivity is another issue. It
cannot be determined at this time as to what the cycle tracks would be connected.
Council Member Gartin offered that safety needs to be one of the factors that drives the design
of the roundabout. He asked if there was a measurable safety factor that would warrant
consideration of the ABC’s proposal. Mr. Cowles stated that the roundabout itself will make the
intersection safer than it is today. Mr. Pregitzer added that the entire reason that the staff asked
for the IDOT review was for safety.
Mr. Cowles reported that, after extensive discussions with the ABC representatives and further
exploration with the design consultant, staff does not believe the use of cycle tracks is advisable.
Staff’s reasoning was explained in detail. In summary, it is due to cost constraints and the
potential to negatively affect progress on Phase III of the Research Park. It was noted that if the
City Council/MPO Policy Committee determines that cycle tracks are desirable during
development of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, that location could be prioritized for
adaptation at a later time.
Council Member Goodman asked if it were just time and money why the ABC proposal cannot
be considered. Mr. Cowles acknowledged that time and money were two issues; however, cycle
tracks do not exist anywhere else in the City, and there are no plans to include those in the
future. In addition, the easement area needs to be much larger in order to accommodate cycle
tracks. That could result in another cost impact, as it is unknown how much the property owner
will want in compensation.
Council Member Orazem said that, in looking at the design, he could not see that the cycle tracks
would be safer. There is no 100% safety guarantee no matter what is done; however, that was
the reason for the design review by the roundabout experts. Mr. Orazem asked if, with the cycle
track option, there would still have to be a separate place for pedestrian traffic. Mr. Cowles
stated that was true.
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Dan DeGeest, 4212 Phoenix Street, Ames, on behalf of the Ames Bicycle Coalition, presented
several concerns that the ABC has with the University/Airport Road Roundabout. One concern
is that bicyclists normally would travel along the right side of vehicular traffic; however, with
the current design, bicyclists would have to cross two lanes of vehicular traffic traveling at
speeds up to 40 to 45 mph. Mr. DeGeest showed the ABC’s recommended design, which
included protected bikeways. Referencing the cost estimates, he pointed out that there is a lot
of variability in the costs based on the treatment, e.g., pavement, bollards, paint. It was alleged
by Mr. DeGeest that cycling at the roundabout intersection is not viable in its current design; it
is designed for 1% of the population who would feel safe, and the rest of the population would
seek other ways. He also stated his belief that this roundabout will set a precedent for future
ones. According to Mr. DeGeest, the user/public feedback process was too short. The ABC
recommendation is for Council to direct staff to spend more time on a design for the protected
bike path concept, traffic calming, directional striping, and wayfinding to make it safe for
cyclists of all skill levels to get to, through, and beyond the roundabout.
Council Member Gartin commented that he is having difficulty understanding why the City is
considering a roundabout at the University/Airport Road intersection. He prefers dedicated bike
lanes with stop lights.
Trevin Ward, 2610 Northridge Parkway, #201, Ames, said that he was speaking from a cyclist’s
perspective. He believes that roundabouts are actually a very safe traffic device for bikes; that
is why they are used in heavy-traffic areas. He is concerned, however, that there is no intuitive
way for bicyclists to know where they are supposed to go when they have to cross two lanes of
traffic. According to Mr. Ward, research has indicated that nine percent (9%) of the population
travels by bicycle, and investment in dedicated infrastructure would increase that percentage.
Mr. Pregitzer noted that some of the things that are not shown on the conceptual design include
all the signs and markings. He believes that those would definitely add to the safety aspect.
Mr. Cowles addressed the suggestion of Council Member Orazem to move the roundabout
farther to the east. The challenges include the amount of fill that would need to be brought in
to reach the level of slope needed and the possibility of a retaining wall, which would mean
additional cost. The possibility of retrofitting a multi-use path/sidewalk for pedestrian use was
discussed.
Council Member Goodman would like staff to see if the City could get easements; that is an
unknown. He believes it would make it much more safe. Mr. Cowles pointed out that that is not
in design team’s scope of services, so it would mean additional fees. He believes that it would
be land acquisition, not an easement. Mr. Goodman said it would not hinder the conversation
for staff to see if the City could make the acquisitions.
Council Member Corrieri said she was uncomfortable because the community has not had a
larger conversation as to what type of community it wants to be, e.g., pedestrian, cycling, traffic.
She felt it would be valuable to have that conversation, rather than doing this piecemeal.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Orazem, to request staff in their current process to have
additional conversation with property owners and the design consultants about possible land
acquisition to accommodate cycle tracks.
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Mr. Goodman clarified that he wanted to ensure that, if the Council determines that it wants to
expand this facility and there was an opportunity to acquire land around the intersection, it
wasn’t precluded from happening just because no one checked. However, if there are
impediments to that, it would be good to know that now.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
NEW WATER PLANT - CONTRACT 1: John Dunn, Director of Water and Pollution Control,
advised that this project would extend the piping from old Water Plant site to the new Water
Plant site. Mr. Dunn informed the Council that there were five bids to be considered. Staff has
had no previous experience working with the apparent low bidder, S. M. Hentges & Sons, Inc.,
of Jordan, Minnesota. Prior to making a recommendation, staff very carefully checked references
from multiple prior municipal utilities.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-129 awarding a
contract to S. M. Hentges & Sons of Jordan, Minnesota, for New Water Plant - Contract 1 in the
amount of $3,197,273.15.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
NEWLINK GENETICS CORPORATION FORGIVABLE LOAN AGREEMENT: Moved
by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-130 approving NewLink
Genetics Corporation request for extension of employment requirements for forgivable loan
agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BARILLA AMERICA, INC.: Moved by Orazem, seconded
by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-131 approving a contract for economic
development assistance with Barilla America, Inc., and the Iowa Economic Development
Authority with local match to be limited to Industrial Property Tax Abatement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-132 approving
Industrial Property Tax Abatement for reconstruction under the project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA, INC. (BIVI):
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-133 approving an
Iowa Economic Development Authority High-Quality Jobs Program Contract for financial
assistance for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTIONS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to
adopt RESOLUTION NO. 15-134 pertaining to Iowa State University Research Park
infrastructure improvements and Airport Terminal projects.
12
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
LITTERING ORDINANCE: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Goodman, to pass on second
reading an ordinance pertaining to littering.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REZONING 710 SOUTH DUFF AVENUE: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Goodman, to pass
on second reading an rezoning property at 710 South Duff Avenue from Agricultural (A) to
Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
2014 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to pass on third
reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4210 pertaining to adoption of 2014 National Electric
Code, with local edits.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to refer to staff the letter from
Chuck Winkleblack dated February 27, 2015, requesting a solution for a possible project/overlay
zone for 3505 and 3515 West Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Goodman, to place on a future Agenda changing the start time
for City Council meetings.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Gartin asked City Attorney Judy Parks if there was a legal
reason to go into Closed Session. Ms. Parks replied in the affirmative.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Nelson, to hold a Closed Session, as provided by Section 21.5c,
Code of Iowa.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting reconvened in Regular Session at 11:06 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Orazem to adjourn the meeting at 11:07 p.m.
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Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor