HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 04/22/2014MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 22, 2014
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order at 7:04 p.m. on April 22, 2014, in
the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue pursuant to law with Mayor Pro-Tem
Matthew Goodman presiding and the following City Council members present: Gloria Betcher, Amber
Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Chris Nelson, and Peter Orazem. Mayor Ann Campbell was absent.
PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY: April 25, 2014, was proclaimed as Arbor Day by Mayor
Pro-Tem Goodman. On behalf of Ames Trees Forever, John Jacobson, Dave Brotherson, and Bill
LeGrange accepted the Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION FOR WATER PLANT OPEN HOUSE: Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman read a
Proclamation for the Water Plant Open House, which will be held on April 26, 2014. Accepting the
Proclamation was the City’s Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn.
PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH: May 2014 was proclaimed as
National Preservation Month by Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman. Accepting the Proclamation was Kim
Hanna, representative of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.
PRESENTATION OF 2014 HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH: Kim Hanna presented the
2014 Historic Preservation Award to Craig Marrs, owner of property at 313 - 5th Street, for the
replication of the original 1934 awnings to the building.
Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman announced that the City Council would be working off of an Amended
Agenda. A revision had been made to Item No. 24 to indicate that the Class B Beer Permit & Outdoor
Service Area would be a 5-Day License, not a 6-Month License.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Orazem asked to pull Consent Item No. 11 (approval of the
appointment of ex officio student liaison to City Council) for separate discussion.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 8, 2014, and Special Meeting of April 17,
2014
3. Motion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for April 1-15, 2014
4. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits, wine permits, and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Liquor w/Outdoor Service – Perfect Games, 1320 Dickinson Avenue
b. Class C Beer – Swift Stop #2, 3406 Lincoln Way
c. Special Class C Liquor – Great Plains Sauce & Dough, 129 Main Street
5. Motion directing staff to prepare ordinance pertaining to fats, oils, and grease
6. Motion approving application for participation in Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program
7. RESOLUTION NO. 14-190 approving appointment of Deb Schildroth as alternate representative
to Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA)
8. RESOLUTION NO. 14-191 approving Investment Report for quarter ending March 31, 2014
9. RESOLUTION NO. 14-192 approving contracts with various organizations for FY 2013/14 and FY
2014/15 City Council Grant Program
10. RESOLUTION NO. 14-193 approving 28E Agreement for Flood Warning System with Iowa State
University, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Story County, subject to approval by other
entities
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11. RESOLUTION NO. 14-194 waiving Purchasing Policies and Procedures and awarding sole source
contract to Mid-American Signal of Kansas City, Kansas, for Wavetronix Traffic Data Collectors
in an amount not to exceed $175,000
12. RESOLUTION NO. 14-195 waiving Purchasing Policies and Procedures and approving the
purchase of computers and networking equipment for the Public Library from Dell Marketing LP
for $89,404.76 using Library Renovation and Expansion Project bond funds
13. RESOLUTION NO. 14-196 awarding contract to Murphy Tractor and Equipment of Altoona, Iowa,
for Wheel Loader Without Bucket in the amount of $146,529 with Buy-Back Guarantee
14. RESOLUTION NO. 14-197 awarding contract for FY2015 hauling and related services for Resource
Recovery Plant to Waste Management of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $.3941 per mile per ton
15. RESOLUTION NO. 14-198 approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $50,000 with W-S
Industrial Services, Inc., of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for Specialized Cleaning Services, including Grit
Blasting, Hydro Blasting, Detonation Blasting, and Vac Truck Services for Power Plant
16. RESOLUTION NO. 14-199 approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $15,000 with Bodine
Services of Clinton, LLC, of Clinton, Iowa, for Specialized Wet/Dry Vacuum, Hydro Blast, and
Related Cleaning Services for Power Plant
17. RESOLUTION NO. 14-200 certifying completion of 2013/14 Resource Recovery Primary Shredder
Replacement (Phase II)
Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
APPOINTMENT OF EX OFFICIO MEMBER STUDENT LIAISON TO CITY COUNCIL:
Council Member Orazem explained that he had requested that this item be pulled in order to
formally introduce Lissandra Villa, as the newly appointed ex officio Member.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-189 approving
appointment of Lissandra Villa to the position of ex officio student liaison to the City Council.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman invited Ms. Villa to take her seat at the dais.
PUBLIC FORUM: Richard Deyo, 505-8th Street, Ames, Iowa, stated that he would like to be able to
reserve a meeting room in City Hall for his birthday party. He noted that the City policy does not
allow anyone except non-profit agencies to reserve meeting rooms. Mr. Deyo asked that the policy
be changed so that he could reserve a conference room to host his birthday party in City Hall.
Jim Black, 3416 Valley View Road, Ames, Iowa, identified himself as a Co-Chair of the Ames 150
Steering Committee. He asked that the City recognize members of the Steering Committee and
subcommittees as City volunteers and that their activities be considered City events. This would not
cover street vendors or for-profit businesses. Mr. Black noted that all of the Ames 150 events would
be held on City property and will be open to the public at no charge. The Steering Committee had
been informed that it would probably not be able to purchase liability insurance; therefore, it is also
requesting that the City provide liability coverage for the Ames 150 volunteers. Mr. Black asked that
this request be referred to City staff.
Sheila Lundt, Co-Chair of the Ames 150 Steering Committee, advised that 150 trees would be
planted by over 70 volunteers in City parks and green spaces on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Eighteen
trees do not have sponsors, and information was given by Ms. Lundt on how to sponsor one.
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No one else came forward to speak, and Public Forum was closed by Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF PARKING METER FEES FOR SPACE 44 ON KELLOGG
AVENUE FOR DEMONSTRATION OF “BLOCCUPIED” INTERACTIVE ART
INSTALLATION: Ryan Francois, 119 Stanton Avenue, Ames, explained his interactive art installation
being proposed to be located at Space 44 on Kellogg Avenue. He asked that the parking meter fees
for that Space be waived for four days (from April 24 - 27, 2014).
Council Member Betcher shared that the Council members had received an e-mail asking that some
shade be worked into the design. Mr. Francois noted that the project would be constructed in late
April and would only be in place for four days; therefore, it more than likely will not be too warm.
If the project becomes more permanent, he agreed that shade would be a good addition to the design.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-201 approving the request
from Ryan Francois for waiver of parking meter fees for Space 44 on Kellogg Avenue from April
24-27, 2014, for demonstration of “bloccupied” interactive art.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
5-DAY CLASS B BEER PERMIT & OUTDOOR SERVICE FOR ZYLSTRA HARLEY
DAVIDSON: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve a 5-Day (April 25-29) Class B Beer
Permit & Outdoor Service for Zylstra Harley Davidson, 1930 E 13th Street.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AWNING ENCROACHMENT FOR 2300 LINCOLN WAY: Moved by Orazem, seconded by
Nelson, to approve a request from Opus Development Company for an Encroachment Permit for
an awning at 2300 Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MASTER PLANS FOR 601 STATE AVENUE AND 205 WILMOTH AVENUE: Mayor Pro-Tem
Goodman announced that this item only pertained to whether Master Plans will be required for the
two addresses in question. As such, no discussion as to the type of development would be held.
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann stated that, on April 3, 2014, Breckenridge Group
had submitted two applications for rezoning for the properties at 205 S. Wilmoth Avenue (North
Parcel) and 601 State Avenue (South Parcel). He advised that the Municipal Code requires that,
prior to making an application for a Floating Zone Suburban Low-Density or Medium-Density
Rezoning, the City Council must determine whether it wishes to have a Master Plan prepared to
accompany the rezoning request. According to Mr. Diekmann, the applicant had requested that both
rezoning petitions be reviewed by the City Council for Master Plan determinations even through it
is only required for the FS-RL or FS-RM rezoning requests.
Director Diekmann reviewed when a Master Plan may be required by Code. He informed the
Council that, based on the applications submitted and the criteria for determination of a Master Plan,
the North Parcel request to a Low-Density Residential Zone did not appear to meet the criteria for
requiring a Master Plan. Staff did not feel that a Master Plan was needed for that Parcel. However,
on the South Parcel, the requested FS-RL Zone would permit both single-family and attached-style
housing units. The property also contains areas of floodplain, a conservation easement, LUPP
greenways, wooded areas, and areas of increased slope. Based on the size of the lot, setting, and
context, some additional consideration with a Master Plan prior to subdivision of the property was
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warranted. Therefore, it was being recommended by City staff that a Master Plan be required for the
property at 601 State Avenue (South Parcel).
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to determine that a Master Plan is required for 601 State
Avenue (South Parcel) Rezoning Application and that a Master Plan is not required for 205 S.
Wilmoth (North Parcel) Rezoning Application.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SOUTH ANNEXATION INITIATION: Planning and Housing Director Diekmann pointed out that
the City Council was being asked to initiate the pending annexation request by ISU Research Park,
ISU Foundation, Hunziker Apartments, Reyes, and RDJ Holdings, LLC. The Council Action Form
(CAF) for this item initially offered three options to proceed with defining the boundaries of the
annexation that included varying degrees of additional non-consenting territory. However, this
afternoon, City staff received a request from Verle Burgason (Burgason Enterprises, LLC)
indicating a desire to join the annexation. Mr. Diekmann emphasized that Mr. Burgason had only
indicated a desire to annex his property; however, staff had not yet received an annexation
application. It was also noted by Director Diekmann that the Burgason property includes a 9.72-acre
parcel outside the growth area of the City. That parcel could be annexed, but likely only after an
amendment to the Ames Urban Fringe Plan and Land Use Policy Plan. As a result of the recent
request, staff prepared an Option 4.
City Planner Charlie Kuester clarified that the City had received two annexation Petitions for several
properties south of the city limits. One petition contained approximately 204 acres and was
submitted to accommodate the proposed expansion of the ISU Research Park. In addition, the Reyes
application for approximately 20 acres of land is intended for residential development south of the
existing Wessex Apartment complex. Applications had been submitted for properties owned by the
ISU Research Park, ISU Foundation, and Hunziker Apartments, LLC. It was noted by Mr. Kuester
that, at its March 25, 2014, meeting, the City Council combined those two petitions into a single
annexation request. Council also had directed staff to speak with other property owners in the area
to gauge their interest in joining the annexation and to consider including additional non-consenting
properties under the 80/20 Rule to create more uniform boundaries, as allowed by Chapter 368.7
of the Iowa Code. It was reported that City staff had spoken with, written, or met with several of the
affected property owners in the growth area. Until this afternoon, none of those property owners had
indicated an interest to join in the voluntary annexation process.
Each of the options was explained by Planner Kuester, as follows:
Option 1: Non-consenting property owners are limited to only those necessary to avoid creating
islands.
This option would result in a total annexation of 224.20 acres, of which 92.7% are consenting
and 7.3% are non-consenting.
Option 2: Includes all the properties as Option 1, but also includes the three Christofferson
properties and three additional properties along 530th Avenue (University Boulevard).
This option would result in a total annexation of 254.54 acres of which 81.7% are consenting
and 18.3% are non-consenting.
Option 3: Includes all the properties as Option 1, however, emphasizes the importance of 530th
as the University Boulevard extension by including as many properties as possible with frontage
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on that future city street.
This option would result in a total annexation of 256.36 acres of which 81.1% are consenting
and 18.9% are non-consenting
Option 4: The annexation of the Burgason property would require the inclusion of the Reyes,
Christofferson, Skaarshaug, Englund, and Harold properties in order to avoid creating an island.
This would include all properties lying west of the former railroad tracks. Three properties -
Fuchs, Morrison/Jones, and Cammack, et al - could not be included in Option 4 as their
inclusion would exceed the 20% of area of non-consenting owners, as allowed by Iowa Code.
This option would include only the land necessary to avoid creating islands.
Steps necessary to be taken since this would not be a 100% voluntary annexation were explained
to the City Council by Planner Kuester. A consultation with the Story County Supervisors and
Washington Township Trustee designees would need to occur prior to the Public Hearing. Mr.
Kuester said that staff was asking Council to direct staff to finalize an option at this meeting so as
to keep on schedule to make the July City Development Board meeting. He informed the Council
that staff was recommending Option 4, but with a fallback position. Option 2 was being
recommended by staff for the fallback position.
Council Member Orazem asked to know the process for paving a road if property owners on one
side of the road would be not annexed. Planner Kuester said that, although nothing had been
submitted, he had been told that the ISU Research Park was proposing a paved street. Director
Diekmann advised that a State RISE Grant from the Department of Transportation would pick up
80% of the costs, and the City would be asked for the other 20% of the match for the Grant. Public
Works Director John Joiner said that one side of the road would be in the County, so a Working
Right-of-Way Permit would need to be agreed to by the County. A Shared Maintenance Agreement
would also be needed, or the City would just agree to maintain the roadway.
Council Member Gartin asked what factors that the City Council should be considering in deciding
whether the annexation should be initiated. Planner Kuester pointed out that the Land Use Policy
Plan (LUPP) and Urban Fringe Plan show an area beyond those for which applications have been
received being annexed. Mr. Kuester explained the benefits of bringing in the Burgason property
now.
Mr. Gartin asked to know the projected use of the properties in question. Director Diekmann advised
that all of the properties are clearly designated for future residential use. All properties come in
zoned Agricultural until development rights are requested. It was also shared by Mr. Gartin that he
was struggling with weighing the relevance of the City’s need for residential development to the
property owners rejecting annexation. Director Diekmann explained that individual City Council
members would have to decide if now was the time to execute the plan for further residential
development or if the City should wait based on the owners’ desires for a more rural-type setting.
Council Member Betcher asked what the effect would be if the Reyes application were withdrawn,
but the Burgasons made application to join the annexation. Director Diekmann advised that the
Reyes property would not have enough territory to annex by itself in the future.
Council Member Orazem asked what role Xenia Rural Water plays in the proposed annexation.
Planner Kuester explained that if the property is currently served by Xenia Rural Water, the property
owner could decide to remain a customer of Xenia Rural Water. As their systems fail, development
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occurs, or they want to connect to the City, the property owner would be responsible for the
disconnection fees to Xenia.
Council Member Nelson asked if it would be possible to only act on the application for the ISU
Research Park. Director Diekmann stated that it would be very difficult to bring in the land on the
other side of the road in the future; an island may not be created. The Burgason parcel would have
to come in first.
At the request of Council Member Betcher, Planner Kuester pointed out which parcels contained
homesteads.
At the inquiry of Council Member Goodman, Director Joiner explained the planned extension of
water and sanitary sewer if the properties were annexed.
Dan Fox, 3581 - 530th Avenue, Ames, noted that the 80/20 Rule allows the City to bring in up to
20% of the properties involuntarily; it doesn’t require it. He advised that none of the property
owners who are not party to the annexation petitions want to be annexed. Mr. Fox added that the
area is currently a very rural setting, and those property owners want it to remain that way.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Orazem, to approve Option 4 with the fallback as Option 2.
Director Diekmann pointed out that the fallback option would be used if no application is submitted
for the Burgason property by April 28, 2014, staff would proceed with Option 2 as the defined
boundary and start consultation based off of that.
Council Member Corrieri shared that she would prefer Option 3 as the fallback, as there is a risk that
the Reyes Family might withdraw their Annexation Petition.
Council Member Gartin reiterated that this was a very difficult decision for the Council. Council
Member Goodman agreed and stated that, for him, it was more about broader principals.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Betcher, Gartin, Goodman, Nelson, Orazem. Voting nay: Corrieri.
Motion declared carried.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR AMES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARK, 4TH
ADDITION (Tabled from March 25, 2014): Director Diekmann described the design standards that
had been incorporated as covenants for new development. The covenants with the Developer’s
Agreement specify a wide range of materials that are acceptable, but limits the front facade to no
more than 60% corrugated metal. The exact language was shared with the City Council. According
to Mr. Diekmann, the building was approved through a Minor Site Development Plan review in
October 2013 with an indication of the use of white metal panels for the exterior finish. Staff did not
request additional details about the type of materials at the time of approval.
Mr. Diekmann addressed the Development Agreement, for which an amendment had been
requested. He recalled that the Agreement, among other things, required the developer to construct
a series of speculative buildings. The developer did not meet the requirement to construct the second
speculative building within 12 months of the occupancy of the first (by July 23, 2013). The Council,
at its December 17, 2013, meeting, directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Agreement to grant
a one-time extension to require the second speculative building to be completed by June 1, 2014,
to obtain a Letter of Credit (rather than a mortgage), and to assess the developer $12,000 as
consideration for non-performance (failure to meet the time line for completion of the second
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speculative building), and to grant an extension. Dayton Park, LLC, on January 28, 2014, offered
amended terms to the Development Agreement, and the City Council agreed to require completion
of the second building by July 1, 2014, and to accelerate the construction of the third speculative
building to be completed by December 31, 2014.
Council Member Betcher asked if there was any guarantee that the design covenants would be
enforced on the third building, since it would be constructed by the same developer as the second
building.
Council Member Gartin requested to involve the developer in the discussion.
Chuck Winkleblack, 105 S. 16th Street, Ames, noted that the building is constructed with steel,
which specifically is allowed by the design covenants. He stated that the developer is not blatantly
not following the covenants for industrial buildings in the area in question. Mr. Winkleblack pointed
out that the lots are smaller, and the buildings are being designed for those that the market has
shown are in demand. According to Mr. Winkleblack, the Building Permit for Building No. 2 was
around $800,000.
Council Member Betcher believes that the steel on the front of Building No. 2 has ridges, and to her,
that makes it corrugated steel. Mr. Winkleblack said that it is difficult to build a 10,000 square foot
building in an industrial area and not make it look like an industrial building. The building has a
perimeter concrete footing. According to Mr. Winkleblack, the City had specifically stated that it
did not want office buildings constructed in the Industrial Park.
Council Member Goodman asked Mr. Winkleblack if there was anything that would not create a
financial burden on the developer that would make the buildings more aesthetically pleasing. Mr.
Winkleblack replied that the buildings were designed to meet the prospective market demands. He
committed that he would be willing to work with City staff to find mutually agreeable future
requirements. It was noted that the sentence in the Agreement pertaining to “truck docking” might
be problematic due to the small lot size. Mr. Winkleblack also offered to have the developer’s
architect provide a couple renderings. He specifically asked, however, that the City Council not
decide on new standards in June and expect him to include those in a building that has to be started
by July 1.
Council Member Orazem offered his opinion that the most attractive building is “one that has
tenants in it.” He is more interested in getting the Park filled.
Council Member Betcher stated that she is not concerned about the beauty of the building, but was
concerned about the language in the covenants and that the buildings be built to the specifications
of the covenants. She requested that the language in the covenants be clarified. Council Member
Gartin offered his opinion that the nature of the building is driving the type of construction
materials.
Director Diekmann suggested that the City Council members table this item if they wished to edit
Exhibit B looking at only the material finish on the building.
Council Member Gartin indicated his desire to not hold up the construction of Building No. 2. He
preferred that Building No. 2 be allowed to go forward, and staff be directed to work with the
developer on editing the language of the covenants pertaining to design.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Nelson, to table to allow staff to work with the developer to find a
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mutually agreeable improvement to the materials for front facades on future buildings.
Mr. Winkleblack noted that Hunziker Development Company does not own 100% of the lots. There
would have to be 100% buy-in from the other owners. He preferred that any changes would be
effective moving forward (for future buildings).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:08 p.m.
MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES: Director Diekmann advised that this item came about as
a result of the Council’s request for information comparing the maximum density standards for
residential zoning districts. He presented a summary of the Residential Base Zones. Mr. Diekmann
advised that the density range is a function of the minimum lot area required for each unit developed
within the base zone and the size of the site.
City Manager Steve Schainker explained that the Floating Zones were initially created to promote
more efficient growth in the New Lands area. The goal is to establish a vision for what the City
wants to look like in the next 20 years.
Mr. Diekmann further explained that the Floating Suburban (FS) Residential Zoning Districts are
somewhat different than the Residential Base Zones in that they contain a mandatory requirement
to achieve minimum density while allowing for a wider range of uses. Each building type includes
a minimum lot area per unit, but the mix of units results in variable maximum density ranges to be
defined through the rezoning and subdivision review process. The Floating Zones Residential
Summary was given by Mr. Diekmann.
Council Member Betcher asked how difficult it would be for staff to come back to cap the densities,
if Council were to want that. Director Diekmann said it would be a straightforward zoning text
amendment without much outreach; it would not be real time-consuming. Ms. Betcher expressed
her specific concern about how much the FSRL “spills over” into the minimum range of the FSRM.
To her, this seems inconsistent with the other zones and leaves a question as to what the maximum
is; it is too ambiguous.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Goodman, to ask staff to consider a range of options to cap the
maximum densities and come back to Council with those options through the public hearing process.
Upon the inquiry of Council Member Orazem, Director Diekmann advised that when the Zoning
Ordinance was revised in 2000, there was a strong emphasis of not creating non-conformities.
Mr. Winkleblack pointed out that developers never get up to the maximums as they struggle just to
meet the minimums. They have to accommodate the parking requirements, setback requirements,
etc. Developers do not have much flexibility due to the required minimum densities.
Council Member Gartin said he was hesitant assigning another project to staff if it does not have a
meaningful impact on the City. Director Diekmann shared that it should not take a great deal of staff
time.
Council Member Betcher stated that her main concern is the ambiguity; however, she believes that
there are a lot of creative thinkers who are seeking to develop in Ames in various areas and it is not
known whether they would ever meet the maximum density.
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Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Goodman, Orazem. Voting nay: Nelson.
Motion declared carried.
MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IN CAMPUSTOWN: City Manager Schainker
noted the lateness of the hour and stated that this item could have been a workshop by itself since
there is a lot of information to be presented. He told the Council members that they should not feel
pressured to provide direction at this meeting.
Management Analyst Brian Phillips told the Council that staff had been directed in December 2012
to investigate ways to reduce bicycle-car and bicycle-pedestrian collisions in Campustown. He noted
that staff had held discussions with Campustown Action Association (CAA), conducted surveys of
bicyclists and business owners, and presented a report to the City Council on August 13, 2013. That
report determined that removing car parking to accommodate bicycling infrastructure was the most
viable way to address car/bike/pedestrian conflicts. The Council had been asked to weigh trade-offs
between car parking and bicycling. It had directed staff to establish a task force to identify creative
solutions to satisfy both the parking and bicycling needs.
Mr. Phillips reported that a task force consisting of representatives from CAA, Iowa State University
(ISU) student body, Campustown business community, and Ames Bicycle Coalition. Potential
solutions had been brain-stormed by the task force; after which, City staff had developed basic
visualizations and preliminary comments for each proposal. The task force report had been discussed
by the CAA and reviewed with a subcommittee of the Student Experience Enhancement Council
(SEEC) at ISU. A copy of the report was also provided to representatives from Kingland Systems,
the Opus Group, and Gilbane, Inc., which are presently involved in the three largest redevelopment
projects in Campustown.
Eleven potential projects were described by Mr. Phillips, Operations Manager Corey Mellies, and
Transportation Engineer Damion Pregitzer. City staff believed that the projects fell into three
general groups: (1) Non-Infrastructure and Minor Infrastructure Projects, (2) Non-Incremental
Infrastructure Projects, and (3) Street Alteration Projects.
Council Member Betcher noted that certain projects, e.g., sharrows, would affect parking in
neighborhoods. She felt that an outreach process to the impacted neighborhoods would be crucial.
Geri Neal, 916 Ridgewood Avenue, Ames, spoke as a member of the Ames Bicycling Coalition
(ABC). Ms Neal said that the ABC is a group that was formed to promote the advocacy of and
education for the safety of bicycling. Ms. Neal said that members of the ABC were present at this
meeting to offer their support to staff to come up with the best projects to improve bicyclists’ safety
in Campustown.
Daniel DeGeest, 4212 Phoenix Street, Ames, challenged the Council to not think this was about
“bicycles versus parking.” He believed that this can be done so everyone comes out a winner.
Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman asked if the Council would like to see any more information. He
personally would like to see this come back to Council soon.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Orazem, to direct staff to come back to Council with additional
detail on this in addition to information on sidewalk cafes at the second meeting in May (May 27).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PRE-PAY PARKING SMART CARD PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH IOWA STATE
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UNIVERSITY: Transportation Engineer Pregitzer said that this item had resulted from a request from
the City Council on February 5, 2013, to see if it would be possible for the SmartCards issued by
Iowa State University to be compatible with the City’s meters. A few changes to the SmartCard
System were needed to make that happen; however, the user will see very few changes. Mr.
Pregitzer further advised that the City has the smaller number of users compared to Iowa State
University. The City would hold at revenue-neutral with the goal of increasing usage. The start date
for the combined ISU and City Smartcard system is proposed to be August 1, 2014.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-203 approving the Pre-
Pay Parking Smart Card Program Agreement with Iowa State University.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST TO PLACE CELLULAR ANTENNA ON CITY PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG
BILLY SUNDAY ROAD: Management Analyst Brian Phillips explained that AT&T wireless
contacted City staff expressing an interest in locating a cellular antenna on City property along Billy
Sunday Road in Southeast Ames. The City owns three large properties in that area: a parcel on
which the Animal Shelter is located, the Dog Park, and the land on which the Hunziker Youth Sports
Complex (HYSC) is located.
Mr. Phillips asked for direction from the City Council on three key questions:
1. Is the City Council interested in pursuing any agreement with AT & T
2. If an antenna is pursued, where should it be located
3. What should be done with any potential rental revenues
According to Mr. Phillips, AT&T has indicated that its desired location is at the Dog Park.
City Manager Schainker pointed out that the City currently has an antenna lease at Homewood Golf
Course. That lease totals $2,420/month revenue for the City.
Council Member Corrieri shared that the HYSC brings 11,000 visitors/year to Ames. She would like
for the revenues from the antenna, if located there, to be tied to capital improvements for the facility.
Council Member Orazem said that he believed the tower should be located where it is best to locate
it. The point of the tower is that it should have a direct line of sight to other towers. Allocating the
funding is a separate issue to him.
Mr. Phillips noted that placing the antenna at the HYSC would provide an opportunity for the
Council to continue, reduce, or end its annual payments to the Complex, since the antenna would
provide an alternative revenue stream. However, according to Mr. Phillips, HYSC would likely not
be supportive of an antenna installation on that property if it meant the end of other City funding.
Council Member Gartin stated that he would like to have a notification process followed that would
allow other entities to have a chance to have an antenna in Ames. City Attorney Parks advised that
the Iowa Code requires any lease for a term of three years or longer to follow the same process as
a conveyance. Mr. Gartin asked if there would be any value to the City opening this up for bids. He
said he was struggling with the formality of a conveyance of fee-simple interest in the title versus
a long-term lease and the City just giving it to the requesting party because they came to the City
first. Council Member Gartin noted that what is at hand was a 30-year obligation, and he wanted to
make sure that when entering into a long-term lease, it would be done in a transparent open way.
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He suggested that the City follow a process that would open this up to all carriers. City Attorney
Parks reiterated that the Code requires any lease for longer than three years to go through the same
process as an outright conveyance; therefore, a public hearing would be held, and competitors could
ask to be included too. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred said that the challenge to opening it up
after a request has been received is that timing is everything for these types of companies. There are
often several companies sharing one tower. Mr. Phillips noted that this particular location happens
to work for one carrier (AT&T); it might not work for other carriers’ networks. He also stated that
AT&T had indicated that, if allowed to locate its tower, it planned to share it with at least two other
carriers. According to Mr. Phillips, the City’s Zoning Code encourages co-location so as to reduce
the number of towers in a certain area. Council Member Gartin noted that his concerns were
alleviated after learning that there would be non-exclusive use.
Council Member Betcher asked if there were any sections of the Zoning Code that would prohibit
placement in the Animal Shelter lot or the Dog Park property. Mr. Phillips answered that there are
setback requirements and height limitations; however, it would depend on the specific proposal. Ms.
Betcher shared that she would not like to see the tower located within the boundaries of the actual
Dog Park recreation area.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Orazem, that the City pursue antenna installation, negotiate with
AT&T to ensure that its design meets the requirements of the existing zoning requirements for
cellular antennas, and to ensure that that such an agreement provide for a non-exclusive use of the
antenna area.
Mr. Phillips noted that it would be more simple for the staff if the antenna were to be located on
either the Dog Park or the Animal Shelter property since it would not need to negotiate with a third
party.
Council Member Goodman asked if the revenue had to go to the HYSC if it were located on that
property. Mr. Phillips indicated that it did not mean that the revenue would be distributed to the
HYSC; distribution of the revenue was not a consideration at this time.
Council Member Gartin said that he preferred not to decide on the location, but to leave that decision
to the staff to negotiate.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Goodman, to direct staff to consider only locating the antenna on
the Animal Shelter property or the Dog Park property when negotiating with the carrier.
Vote on Motion: 3-3. Voting aye: Betcher, Goodman, Nelson. Voting nay: Corrieri, Gartin, Orazem.
Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman voted nay to break the tie. Motion failed.
The motion was clarified that the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex site could be considered as a
location for the antenna; however, it did not mean that staff would begin negotiations with the
HYSC.
CITY HALL RENOVATION PHASE 2: Karen Server, Purchasing Manager, and Doug Houghton,
Police Support Services Manager, were present. Mr. Houghton provided the history of the project.
Ms. Server reviewed the Request for Proposals process followed by the City and the results. Based
on the total scores and a unanimous decision by the evaluation committee, staff recommended that
a contract be awarded to Walker Coen Lorentzen Architects of Des Moines, Iowa.
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Moved by Orazem, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-204 awarding a contract
to Walker, Coen Lorentzen Architects of Des Moines, Iowa, for City Hall Renovation Phase 2 in
the amount of $84,840 plus reimbursables up to $6,000.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
CONTRACT FOR MISO MARKET PARTICIPANT SERVICES: Electric Services Director
Donald Kom said that this item involves a subscription for market-specific software that provides
the necessary tools to electronically communicate and conduct transactions with the Midcontinent
Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) Energy Market. The contract provides Ames
with the benefit of fixed pricing, continuity of integration and service, and reduced administrative
burden.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-205 awarding a contract
for MISO Market Participant Services to MCG Energy Solutions, LLC, of Minneapolis, Minnesota,
in the amount of $118,800 (plus applicable sales taxes to be paid directly by City to State).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
CHANGE ORDER FOR COOLING TOWER REPAIRS: Director Kom explained that, upon routine
inspection of Unit No. 8 Cooling Tower, staff discovered significant damage from continued use and
extreme weather conditions this past winter. Numerous urgent repairs are required in order to restore
the structural integrity of the Tower for use during the coming summer and winter. According to Mr.
Kom, the action is being brought to the Council now because the overall cost of the project exceeded
$50,000. The City’s Purchasing Policies require the City Council to approve all change orders that
increase the dollar amount above $50,000.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-206 approving a Change
Order in an amount not to exceed $62,500 with GEA Heat Exchangers, Inc., for time and materials
in Cooling Tower Repairs.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
JOINT PRICING ZONE AGREEMENT WITH MIDAMERICAN ENERGY AND CEDAR
FALLS ELECTRIC UTILITIES: Director Kom advised that the Agreement defines the method by
which MISO transmission revenues are distributed among Ames, MidAmerican Energy, and Cedar
Falls Utilities (representing Cedar Falls, Atlantic, Montezuma, Tipton, Eldridge, Pella, and IPPA
Municipal Utilities).
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-207 approving a Joint
Pricing Zone Agreement with MidAmerican Energy and Cedar Falls Electric Utilities.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING WITH MASTER PLAN FOR 3699 GEORGE WASHINGTON
CARVER AVENUE: Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman opened the public hearing. There was no one who
wished to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning with Master
Plan property located at 3699 George Washington Carver Avenue from Agricultural (A) to Suburban
Low-Density Residential (FS-RL).
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY ELECTRICAL
TRANSFORMER REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The public hearing was opened by the Mayor Pro-
Tem. He closed same after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-208 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding contract to Baker Electric of Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of
$109,411.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2013/14 WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM - WATER SERVICE
TRANSFER PROGRAM #1 (10TH STREET - DOUGLAS AVENUE TO GRAND AVENUE): The
Mayor Pro-Tem declared the hearing open. It was closed after no one asked to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-209 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to J & K Contracting of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$81,447.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2012/13 CONCRETE PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS #1 (WHEELER STREET
- GRAND AVENUE TO ROY KEY AVENUE): The public hearing was opened and closed by Mayor
Pro-Tem Goodman since no one requested to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-210 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$307,345.10.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2013/14 CONCRETE PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS (KNAPP STREET -
WELCH AVENUE TO LYNN AVENUE AND LYNN AVENUE - STORM STREET TO KNAPP
STREET): Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman opened the public hearing. It was closed after there was no one
who came forward to speak.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-211 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt’s, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$814,285.80.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON NORTH GROWTH AREA UTILITY EXTENSION PROJECT: The hearing was
opened by the Mayor Pro-Tem. No one requested to speak, and the public hearing was closed.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON VACATION OF OPEN SPACE EASEMENT AND STORM WATER FLOWAGE
EASEMENT AT 3910 MARICOPA DRIVE: The Mayor Pro-Tem opened the public hearing. He
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closed same after there was no one who asked to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 14-202 approving vacation
of Easements.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE INCREASING SEWER RATES: Mayor Pro-Tem Goodman asked if anyone wished
to speak on this item since first passage was being requested. No one requested to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Orazem, to pass on first reading an ordinance increasing sewer
rates by 8% effective July 1, 2014.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING WATER CONNECTION FEE DISTRICT WITH RESPECT
TO CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN NORTHERN GROWTH AREA: Moved by Orazem, seconded
by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance establishing Water Connection Fee District with
respect to certain properties in Northern Growth Area.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION FEE DISTRICT WITH
RESPECT TO CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN NORTHERN GROWTH AREA: Moved by Orazem,
seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance establishing Sanitary Sewer
Connection Fee District with respect to certain properties in Northern Growth Area
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE CHANGING PARKING REGULATIONS ON TWAIN CIRCLE: Moved by
Nelson, seconded by Orazem, to pass on second reading an ordinance changing parking regulations
on Twain Circle.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
POST-CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER ORDINANCE: Moved by Nelson, seconded by
Corrieri, to pass on third reading and adopt the Post-Construction Storm Water ORDINANCE NO.
4174 as Chapter 5B of the Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE MAKING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHANGE REQUIRED PARKING
FOR OTHER OFFICE USES (EXCLUDING MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICES): Moved by
Nelson, seconded by Orazem, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4175 making
a zoning text amendment to change required parking for other office uses (excluding medical and
dental offices).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 23.407 PERTAINING TO STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT REGULATORY STANDARDS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Orazem, to pass
on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4176 amending Section 23.407 pertaining to storm
water management regulatory standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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ORDINANCE AMENDING SECOND 23.502 PERTAINING TO STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT REGULATORY STANDARDS: Moved by , Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass
on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4177 amending Section 23.502 pertaining to storm
water management regulatory standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 29.406 PERTAINING TO STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT REGULATORY STANDARDS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Orazem, to pass
on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4178 amending Section 29.406 pertaining to storm
water management regulatory standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 29.1502 PERTAINING TO STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT REGULATORY STANDARDS: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Nelson, to pass
on third passage and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4179 amending Section 29.1502 pertaining to storm
water management regulatory standards.
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 Betcher, seconded by Orazem, to direct staff to place an item
on the next agenda to discuss the proposal that was made by Jim Black, Co-Chair of the Ames 150
Steering Committee, concerning sanctioning all activities sponsored by the Steering Committee and
subcommittees and naming them officially as City of Ames activities and allowing them to be
covered under the City’s liability insurance, but not cover activities by private or for-profit agencies
or street vendors.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin referenced the past issue of cameras in Campustown, noting that former
Council members had elected not to pursue it. However, the last VEISHEA has now given him
reason to re-think it. Mr. Gartin believes that the Council owes it to the Ames Police Department
to make a brief presentation on the merits of cameras in Campustown.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Orazem, to direct staff to allow the City Council via an item on a
future Agenda to take a fresh look at the placement of cameras in Campustown.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
City Manager Schainker reminded the Council members that there are pending referrals for which
staff is waiting for Council direction. One of the items dealt with parking for fraternities and
sororities. Mr. Schainker noted that, now that spring is here, students may not be in Ames to provide
input on this issue of fraternity/sorority parking. Council Member Nelson encouraged the Council
to move forward with this based on the number of projects that are hanging out there. He noted that
the fraternity and sorority corporation boards would primarily be interested and be able to provide
input; however, if staff wanted to wait until fall, an entire construction season for those projects
would be lost. Planning and Housing Director Diekmann reported that this project could not fit in
with the Department’s schedule this spring. The first real opportunity to deal with it would be in Fall
2014. That project would require quite a bit of outreach to students and neighborhoods. Planning
could not add a project in May; however, it could start working with those who are in Ames during
the summer months with the completion of outreach in Fall 2014.
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Council Member Betcher asked if the “bumping” of projects directed to Planning would require a
workshop. She said that Council has not really dealt with the way it prioritizes projects. Planning
Director Diekmann stated that what the Council had done last February was to set five months’
activities for the Planning Department; the rest of the issues were not going to be ranked into the
work plan until after the LUPP overview on May 20, 2014.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Gartin, to put Greek parking reductions on the list for staff to
prepare a work plan and have it prioritized after the LUPP workshop.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mr. Schainker said that two other pending issues, both dealing with signage, were not time-
sensitive, and due to the lateness of the hour, could wait.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Gartin, to place on a future Agenda the request of Denny Elwell for
a real estate sign in the Planned Regional Commercial area.
Council Member Betcher shared that both of the signage requests seem to pertain to the Sign
Ordinance. She indicated that she would be voting against the motion because she believes it is part
of a bigger issue.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting aye: Corrieri, Gartin, Nelson, Orazem. Voting nay: Betcher, Goodman.
Motion declared carried.
CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Gartin asked City Attorney Parks if there was a legal reason
to go into Closed Session. Ms. Parks replied in the affirmative.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Betcher, to hold a Closed Session as provided by Section 21.5c,
Code of Iowa, to discuss matters threatened to be or in litigation.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Orazem to adjourn the meeting at 12:24 a.m. on April 23, 2014.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor