HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and The Iowa State University Student Government 10/21/2015MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE
AMES CITY COUNCIL AND THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 21, 2015
The Ames City Council met at 7:00 p.m. on the 21st day of October, 2015, in the Campanile
Room of the Memorial Union, Iowa State University, pursuant to law with the following Council
Members present: Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, and Matthew Goodman. Mayor Ann Campbell, ex
officio Council Member Sam Schulte, City Manager Steve Schainker, City Attorney Judy Parks,
Transit Director Sheri Kyras, and Management Analyst Brian Phillips were also present.
TRANSPORTATION: Following introductions led by ex officio City Council Member Sam
Schulte, the floor was opened to questions regarding CyRide operations. Vice-Speaker Michael
Snook asked for the City Council to explain where they foresaw CyRide contributions from each
funder heading in the future. Mayor Campbell explained that the night prior had been a joint
meeting with the CyRide Board to discuss that topic. The burden on CyRide is increasing as it
tries to keep pace with enrollment. Council Member Goodman explained his view that every
community has a responsibility for a basic network of transportation service. All funders should
share equally in that burden. If users would like additional services beyond that level, there must
be a discussion about how to split up those costs.
Council Member Peter Orazem arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Senator Robert Dunn indicated his desire to extend service on the Red Route farther west and
eliminate the Purple Route. Transit Director Sheri Kyras explained the purpose of the Purple
Route was to alleviate crowding on the Red Route and to serve the neighborhoods adjacent that
area. Speaker Ben Crawford asked why, when students pay the majority of the CyRide fees, they
do not control a majority of the seats on the CyRide Board. Mayor Campbell explained that
when CyRide was established, it was a delicate balance among the City, students, and the
University.
Senator Abbie Lang asked the City Council to explain the rationale for parking meter hours and
why alternate-side parking rules were in effect year round in the area south of campus. City
Manager Steve Schainker explained that meters are intended to recover the cost to operate the
parking system and have been put into place at the request of business districts to create turnover
and eliminate the possibility of people storing their cars in parking areas. President Dan
Breitbarth asked why there was no on-street parking on Welch Avenue from three to six a.m. He
suggested that it might incentivize drunk driving among those who drive to the bars and would
otherwise leave the car in place. Mr. Schainker stated that the intent of the regulation is to allow
for street cleaning and snow removal. Council Member Betcher stated that under the current
regulations, no groups of users are entirely happy. She explained that Ames is transitioning to a
more urban community, so parking may not remain the same. Mr. Schainker mentioned that the
City is working to put together a Complete Streets team and will need assistance from the student
community to build the program.
Senator Dunn indicated that he was appalled by the winter road conditions in Ames. Mr.
Schainker explained that the reality is not to plow down to bare concrete, and that putting down
excessive amounts of sand and salt was damaging to the environment. It is the responsibility of
drivers to slow down as conditions deteriorate.
HOUSING: A Senator asked whether it was possible for the City to control rent charged by
landlords. Council Member Orazem explained that the market is about a year behind the demand
in responding with building new housing. President Breitbarth inquired as to the City’s
population absent the University’s growth. Council Member Orazem explained that there has
been growth across the board and mentioned that the City has added a disproportionately high
number of private sector jobs recently. President Breitbarth asked how the City planned to
accommodate that growth. Mayor Campbell explained that the City’s present Land Use Policy
Plan did not anticipate the significant increase in University growth. Council Member Orazem
stated that the City was slow to annex land, which has affected housing prices. He suggested
that, with the addition of the housing planned by the private sector, there could be downward
pressure on rents. Council Member Goodman mentioned that in 1997, the philosophy changed to
encourage intensification in Campustown, which is only now happening. Council Member
Betcher added that the City is evaluating the development of the Lincoln Way corridor.
Senator Valentino asked if there were any changes planned in policy related to Greek housing.
Mr. Schainker explained that in recent years there were changes to the parking standards, which
allowed several Greek houses to build new, larger houses while still meeting the parking
standards.
ADJOURNMENT: The joint meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
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Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
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Brian P. Phillips, Scribe