HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/17/2012MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 17, 2012
The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on the 17th day of January, 2012, in the
City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Ann Campbell
presiding and the following Council members present: Goodman, Orazem, Szopinski, and Wacha.
Council Member Davis arrived at 5:23 p.m., and Council Member Larson was absent. Ex officio
Member Finseth was also present.
Mayor Campbell announced that the primary purpose of this meeting was to concentrate on the five-
year Capital Improvements Plan. However, the Council firstly needed to take action on two items of
business.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Goodman, to approve the following two items:
1.RESOLUTION NO. 12-014 confirming appointment of Government of the Student Body
Senator Rachel Gerdes to the Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees
2.RESOLUTION NO. 12-015 approving Human Services contract with Orchard Place for
childcare provider support services from January 25, 2012, through June 30, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
WORKSHOP ON THE 2012-2017 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): City Manager
Steve Schainker emphasized that the Plan outlines the City’s funding strategy for major public
improvement projects to be completed over the next five fiscal years (2012/13-2016/17). Projected
expenditures in the Plan total $249,124,023. Mr. Schainker advised that public input will be taken
at the Council meeting scheduled for January 24, 2012, and again at the final budget public
hearing to be held on February 14, 2012.
Council Member Davis arrived.
Public Safety - Fire. City Manager Schainker described Fire Station Improvements that are
planned for the three Fire Stations in FY 2013/14 and the driveway replacement for Station #1in
FY 2015/16. New Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses will be purchased over two fiscal years
(2014/15 and 2015/16).
Public Safety - Traffic. John Joiner, Public Works Director, explained West Lincoln Way
Intersection Improvements with Dotson Drive/Lincoln Way (construction) occurring in FY
2012/13; and the Traffic Signal Program, with signal replacement at Lincoln Way/Hayward
Avenue scheduled for FY 2012/13. Mr. Joiner explained the use of sharrows (bicycles and
automobiles sharing the roadway), which will be a new project: Multi-Modal Roadway
Improvements. Duff Avenue (6th Street to 13th Street) will be done in 2012/13. As part of the
Traffic Engineering Studies program, the Transportation Funding Study, scheduled for 2012/13,
will analyze potential funding sources for roadway improvements, including the Grand Avenue
Extension project. It was pointed out that no project is planned under the Shared Use Path System
Expansion program for 2012/13. City Manager Schainker noted that this program supports one
of the City Council’s priorities for the year, which is connecting the community. The Skunk River
Trail Extension (East Lincoln Way to South River Valley Park) will be accomplished in 2013/14.
There will be no projects 2012/13 or 2014/15. Construction on the Skunk River Trail Extension
will begin again in 2015/16 and carry into 2016/17 for SE 16th Street to East Lincoln Way, which
will include bridge reconstruction and paving, respectively. Lastly, under Public Safety - Traffic,
Mr. Joiner explained that the U. S. 69 Intersection Improvements, 13th Street/Grand Avenue, that
is scheduled to occur in 2013/14 .
Resource Recovery Plant (RRP). Public Works Director Joiner informed the Council that there
are cost changes to purchase new and replacement components and equipment at the RRP due to
additional projects that were identified in the annual evaluation of the five-year maintenance needs
of the Plant. Materials for two annual preventive maintenance projects had been included in the
costs. Mr. Joiner said that RRP personnel perform the work to complete the preventive
maintenance projects. A new project is proposed to replace the 36-year-old high-speed Primary
Shredder. The new unit will process material that has previously been diverted to the landfill. The
project will be done in two phases in 2013/14 and 2014/15. The estimated payback for the new
equipment is 6.5 years.
Water and Pollution Control. Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn gave an update
on the New Water Treatment Plant project, which was initiated in FY 2008/09. Mr. Dunn advised
that he learned this afternoon that the City was named a recipient of a $5.88 million grant from
the DNR to assist in the construction of the new water plant to LEED Certification standards.
Ames will be the first LEED-certified Plant in Iowa and the second in the nation. The construction
of the new Water Treatment Plant has been delayed due to the lengthy land acquisition process.
Mr. Dunn noted that the proposed funding source for the majority of the approximately $60
million project will be loans from the Iowa Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and
repaid over 20 years out of water revenues. Mr. Dunn also provided information on the City’s
wells. Development of the next well field is proposed to begin in 2016. Some land acquisition will
be necessary; that process will begin in Fiscal Year 2012/13. Automatic Meter Reading
Conversion was defined as a multi-year project to convert the water meter reading system from
the existing generator/remote technology to the current industry standard of automatic meter
reading. The implementation will be spread out over ten years, with new equipment being
installed in discrete areas each year in coordination with the Utility Customer Service Division.
Mr. Dunn reported that the WPC Plant Disinfection project will see a cost decrease of
approximately $377,000 from what was shown last year. The schedule reflects a shift of funds
from the current year into the first year of the CIP (2012/13). Funding for the project will come
from a SRF loan. Also in 2012/13, there will be an evaluation of the current Water Pollution
Control facility to ascertain the condition of structural and mechanical elements and prioritize the
major replacement needs. The Plant Facility Improvements from FY 2012/13 through 2016/17
were explained. There would be no change in the Digester Improvements program. The WPC
Electrical System Maintenance will see a cost change. This activity is recommended every five
years, with the next round planned for FY 2016/17. The WPC Plant Residuals Handling
Improvements program is being delayed. There will be no change in the Flow Equalization
Expansion project.
Utilities - Water Distribution. Director Joiner noted that there would be no changes to the Water
System Improvements program, which provides for replacing water mains in areas that are
experiencing rusty water problems. A new project, the Woodview Drive Water and Sewer Project,
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for design and construction of water and sanitary sewer mains along Woodview Drive, will be
accomplished in accordance with the property assessment agreements.
Utilities - Storm Sewer. Mr. Joiner noted a site change for the Low-Point Drainage
Improvements. In 2012/13, the location will be Oliver Circle. A new project, Flood Response and
Mitigation program, was explained in detail by Mr. Joiner. Two projects will be contained in the
Operating Budget: Fourth Street Water Main and the bank erosion project in Stewart Smith Park.
Mr. Joiner broke the projects into two categories: FEMA-funded and local-funded. City Manager
Schainker emphasized that this program contains City funding in the form of $2.6 million in G.
O. Bonds (debt service). He reminded the Council that under the new rate philosophy, some
customers’ bills will be impacted. Mr. Schainker also noted that policy questions will need to be
addressed for this now-consolidated program to deal with flooding issues. He reported that what
has been included in the draft CIP is the best information available to the City at this time. An
ongoing program, Storm Water Facility Rehabilitation Program, was explained by Director Joiner.
Storm Sewer Outlet Erosion Control was also described. No projects are being recommended for
2012/13 for Storm Sewer Improvement Program, with those funds being applied to the Flood
Response and Mitigation Project.
Utilities - Sanitary Sewer. Mr. Joiner noted that no changes were being recommended to the
Sanitary Sewer System Evaluation program, which includes manhole inspection, smoke testing,
manhole rehabilitation, flow monitoring, and sewer video inspection of areas with the greatest
measured infiltration. No changes are contemplated for the annual Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
program or the Clear Water Diversion program.
Council Member Goodman asked to revisit the Shared Use Path System Expansion. He is
concerned what will happen if FEMA funding is not received. Mr. Goodman noted that he had
received many inquiries about when the bridge over Squaw Creek would be reconstructed.
Council Member Davis cited his preference that the monies be directed to the Flood Response
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wacha, to direct staff to bring back to Council possible ways
to fund the reconstruction of the bridge without taking from the Flood Response and Mitigation
program.
City Manager Schainker reported that the bridge would have to be removed when the Grand
Avenue Extension project is finished. The City had contemplated repairing the bridge even
knowing that it would eventually be removed. Council Member Orazem recommended that staff
look at the former bridge that was over the Skunk River at SE 16th Street to see if it could be used.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Electric. Donald Kom, Electric Services Director, stated that the capital projects for Electric over
the next five years total slightly over $51 million. The majority of those funds come from rate
dollars. Iowa State University does provide approximately $1.6 million towards transmission
projects based on their load. Mr. Kom broke the projects into three categories: Electric Services,
Transmission/Distribution, and the Power Plant. He advised that, for FY 2012/13, $1 million (ten
percent of the five-year budget) has been allocated to Energy-Reduction Programs. The FY
2012/13 budget for Substations and Power Lines equates to $4,840,000 or 25% of the five-year
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budget. This amount includes transmission, feeder expansion, and reliability improvements.
Electric Production comprises 65% of the five-year budget at $10,140,000. This includes Unit #8,
Unit #7, Plant systems (fire protection, fuel storage tanks, oil guns and ignitors, and roof
replacement), Gas Turbines, Environmental Protection Agency issues, and RDF Bin Work. In
answer to Council Member Goodman’s inquiry about staying the course with recommended
improvements, Assistant Electric Services Director Brian Trower advised that the Burns &
McDonald Study did not anticipate the environmental rules that were going to be imposed. Mr.
Trower provided a status report to the Council on compliance with three environmental rules and
their potential for impacting City Electric operations. Council Member Orazem voiced his
concerns that the EPA may mandate certain improvements without much notice to the City. He
wondered if the City should put some of the $3.8 million into the current year in anticipation of
having to make environmental improvements. Mr. Kom advised that if staff learns anything new,
they will bring it to the Council’s attention.
Transportation - Streets Engineering. According to Public Works Director Joiner, there will
be cost and site changes in the annual Collector Street Pavement Improvements, Asphalt Street
Reconstruction Program, CyRide Route Pavement Improvements, Arterial Street Pavement
Improvements, and Concrete Pavement Improvements. Over $2 million in Metropolitan Planning
Organization funding will be used for Arterial Street Pavement Improvements. Downtown Street
Pavement Improvements will also see a cost change and site change. City Manager Schainker
advised that Road Use Tax funds will be used for the annual Asphalt/Seal Coat Street
Rehabilitation program. Director Joiner noted that the Grand Avenue Extension, from Lincoln
Way to South 16th Street, has been delayed in an attempt to receive federal funding. Council
Member Goodman noted that the University had advised that it had not anticipated providing any
funding for expansion of South 16th Street and had not anticipated additional traffic on that road,
of which part is an institutional road. He asked if the project should be removed from this CIP.
Director Joiner advised that the Grand Avenue Extension project is a critical link in the City’s
transportation network, and staff prefers to leave it in and continues to hope that federal funding
will open up for this project.
Transportation - Street Maintenance. Mr. Joiner explained the Bridge Rehabilitation Program,
w h i c h w a s b a s e d o n Io w a D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n r e c o m m e n d e d
maintenance/improvements to bridges in Ames. A new program, Lincoln Way Median
Improvements, was highlighted. It will provide funding for the enhancement of the medians on
Lincoln Way from Beach Avenue to Sheldon Avenue. Mr. Joiner also named the annual programs
included in the Plan: Neighborhood Curb Replacement, Shared-Use Path Pavement
Improvements, Sidewalk Safety Program, and Retaining Wall Reconstruction. He also noted that
the Salt Storage Facility will be delayed until a location has been determined and grant
opportunities identified.
Transportation - Airport. No Airport Improvements are planned for FY 2012/13 or 2014/15.
The terminal building will be replaced in 2013/14. It has been delayed in order to hold public/user
meetings to further define the scope of the building project.
Community Enrichment - Public Works. Drive lanes will be restored and improved at the
Municipal Cemetery throughout the five years of the CIP.
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Transportation - Transit. Transit Director Sheri Kyras advised that CyRide’s capital budget
for the next five years totals nearly $11.3 million. She highlighted the cost changes and delays
for the Vehicle Replacement Program. Under the CyRide Shop and Office Equipment program,
four to seven replacement computers will be funded each year, and approximately $50,000/year
will fund other shop and office items. Bus Stop Improvements have been delayed, pending a new
bus shelter design that improves the image of the structures; that design will be completed in
Spring 2012 with implementation beginning at that time. The Alternative Route Analysis has also
been delayed. CyRide completed a Transit Feasibility Study in 2007, which identified a need to
implement major service-level changes on its highest ridership route from Iowa State Center to
Campus. That Study recommended a Bus Rapid Transit service on CyRide’s Orange Route that
would increase capacity and comfort on the route and reduce travel time for customers. A
complete detailed analysis of the BRT-type service concept is necessary, and that study is
anticipated to bid when the Intermodal Facility project is completed. The Building Expansion and
Modernization project is also being delayed. Ms. Kyras described four projects that will consist
of additional bus storage, flood protection, increased ceiling height, and structural repairs to
CyRide facilities.
The meeting recessed at 7:10 p.m. and reconvened at 7:18 p.m.
Parks & Recreation. Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks and Recreation, described the planned
maintenance projects at the Municipal Pool. Ms. Carroll noted that the Municipal Pool is soon-to-
be 50 years old. The School District and City are in agreement that the wading pool will be
demolished in Fall 2012, as renovations to it would equate to over $100,000. Ms. Carroll detailed
the Parks and Recreation Facility Improvements that will occur through 2016/17. In 2012/13, Carr
Pool basin and mechanical system will be demolished to coincide with the reconstruction of
Meadowlane Drive. South River Valley Softball Fields will see fencing replaced on two
diamonds. Adjustable basketball standards will be replaced at the Community Center. According
to Ms. Carroll, a park will be constructed in Northridge Heights beginning in Spring 2012. The
anticipated opening will occur in Spring 2013.
Brookside Park Improvements, including the limestone steps and walls leading from Brookridge
Avenue west into Brookside Park will be rebuilt in 2012/13. The existing gravel
driveway/parking lot will be removed in 2014/15 and a hard-surfaced parking lot will be installed
adjacent to 6th Street. Tennis Court Improvements at Brookside Park will be reconstructed in
2012/13, the courts at Inis Grove Park will be resurfaced in 2014/15, and the courts at Emma
McCarthy Lee Park will be resurfaced in 2015/16. Ms. Carroll detailed the resident and park user
input received in October 2011, which indicated the need to replace the existing four courts and
lights at Brookside Park. Improvements to Ada Hayden Heritage Park would continue with
erosion damage repairs in 2012/13, invasive plant species being removed in 2013/14, and two
major projects: resurfacing the north loop trail adjacent to the lake at a cost of $284,000 and
resurfacing the south loop trail adjacent to the lake at a cost of $200,000 are planned for 2014/15
and 2015/16, respectively. There are no changes planned for the Playground/Park Equipment
Improvements.
Ms. Carroll reminded the Mayor and Council that each year, the City and Iowa State University
each contribute $20,000 to the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Fund to ensure that the facility is well-
maintained. Projects are planned for 2012/13 to replace rubber flooring in the lobby, air condition
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four locker rooms, and study energy efficiency and equipment life expectancy and to replace the
water heaters in 2013/14.
A new project, to construct four sand volleyball courts with lights east of Emma McCarthy Lee
Park tennis courts in 2013/14, was explained by Ms. Carroll. Another new project, the Inis Grove
Park Restroom Replacement, is planned for 2015/16. Lastly, Ms. Carroll indicated that there was
no change anticipated for the Community Gathering Venue. She recalled that in 2009 and 2010,
conversations were held between City staff and members of the Ames Foundation and Main Street
Cultural District. She indicated that should the City Council desire to move forward with this
project, the Ames Foundation is supportive of raising significant funds to help construct a
community gathering place in the parking lot east of City Hall. Discussion ensued as to whether
the project should remain in the CIP. It was decided to leave it in.
Library. Art Weeks, Library Director, explained that there are no changes contemplated for the
Radio Frequency Identification System project or the Bookmobile Replacement. He explained
a new project, an Automated Materials Handling System, by which library materials returned to
the book drop are automatically checked in from patron circulation and then automatically sorted
into bins in preparation for shelving by staff.
Information was provided by Mr. Weeks regarding the Library Renovation. He referenced the
ballot measure authorizing $18,000,000 in bonds to expand and renovate the Public Library. He
advised that the Friends Foundation is still very aggressively fund-raising; it is approximately 80%
to its goal. It is anticipated that construction/renovation will begin in 2013/14 and be completed
in 2014/15. According to Mr. Weeks, the CIP pertaining to the library’s budget will change
slightly as the cash flows only became available this week. He also noted that the existing
Bookmobile will be sold after the new one has been purchased. The Bookmobile will be funded
through the Fleet Replacement Program; depreciation monies exist to replace it.
Community Enrichment. City Manager Steve Schainker said there were no changes proposed
for the Neighborhood Improvement Program or the Downtown Facade Program.
Facilities/Fleet Services. Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) is being allocated each year of the CIP
for City Hall Mechanical/Structural Improvements. City Maintenance Facility Improvements are
planned for 2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17.
Conclusion. City Manager Schainker presented a summary of the Capital Improvements Plan
expenditure by program. He then summarized revenues by type. Mr. Schainker emphasized that
he makes every attempt to avoid issuing revenue bonds to supplant Utility funds. He brought the
Council’s attention to the New Water Plant project, estimated at approximately $60 million. to
Mr. Schainker noted the importance of the City’s receipt of a low-interest loan to help fund that
project.
Mr. Schainker reported that the City has received the highest bond rating (Aaa). Finance Director
Duane Pitcher brought the Council’s attention to the Projection of Debt Capacity. He reminded
the Council that the state places a debt limitation on all debt that is subject to property taxes; that
limitation is 5% of total actual valuation. The City policy, historically, has been to reserve 25%
of available debt capacity. In 2012/13, it is projected that the City will have approximately 62%
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unreserved debt capacity available. According to Mr. Pitcher, the City will have more debt going
off than coming on by the end of the CIP. He advised that additional information on debt capacity
will be presented at the Budget Overview on February 3, 2012. City Manager Schainker
announced that public input on the Capital Improvements Plan will occur on January 24, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
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