HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 06/12/2012MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JUNE 12, 2012
The regular meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor Campbell at 7:00 p.m.
on June 12, 2012, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue. Present from the
Ames City Council were Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, and Wacha. Ex officio
Member Baker was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Davis, seconded by Szopinski, to approve t he following items
on the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Minutes of Special Meetings of May 15, 2012, and June 4, 2012, and Regular
Meeting of May 22, 2012
3.Motion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for May 15-31, 2012
4.Motion approving certification of civil service applicants
5.Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits, wine permits, and liquor licenses:
a.Class E Liquor, C Beer, & B Wine – Kum & Go #200, 4510 Mortensen Road
b.Class E Liquor, C Beer, & B Wine – Kum & Go #214, 111 Duff Avenue
c.Class E Liquor, C Beer, & B Wine – Kum & Go #215, 4506 Lincoln Way
d.Class E Liquor, C Beer, & B Wine – Kum & Go #216, 203 Welch Avenue
e.Class E Liquor, C Beer, and B Wine – AJ’s Liquor, 4518 Mortensen #109
f.Class E Liquor – MMDG Spirits, 126A Welch Avenue
g.Special Class C Liquor – Hickory Park, 1404 South Duff Avenue
6.RESOLUTION NO.12-279 approving reappointment of Harry Budd and Sherry Meier and
appointment of Jane Acker to Library Board of Trustees
7.RESOLUTION NO. 12-280 adopting new and revised fees
8.RESOLUTION NO. 12-281 approving agreement with ICMA-RC to act as 457(b) plan
administrator through June 30, 2017
9.RESOLUTION NO. 12-282 approving amendment to 28E Agreement to indicate that United
Way of Story County is responsible for providing ASSET Administrative Services
10.RESOLUTION NO. 12-283 approving Engineering Services Agreement for 2010/11 Airport
Improvements (West Apron Rehabilitation)
11.RESOLUTION NO. 12-284 approving Intermodal Facility Tenant Lease with Jefferson Partners,
LP, d/b/a Jefferson Bus Lines
12.RESOLUTION NO. 12-285 accepting proposal from National Insurance Services for continuing
current group life and long-term disability policies
13.RESOLUTION NO. 12-286 approving Contract for Safety and Training Services with Iowa
Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU)
14.Public Art Commission Membership:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 12-287 changing Steve Kawaler’s appointment to 1 year
b.RESOLUTION NO. 12-288 reducing membership from 16 to 14
15.RESOLUTION NO. 12-289 authorizing funding source to purchase Topographical Illusion II
artwork for Municipal Auditorium
16.RESOLUTION NO. 12-290 authorizing disposal of Police Department rifles
17.RESOLUTION NO. 12-291 awarding contract to DPC Industries, Inc., of Omaha, Nebraska, in
the amount of $.685/gallon for purchase of 2012/13 Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite for Water
Treatment Plant and Power Plant
18.RESOLUTION NO. 12-292 awarding contract to Independent Salt Co., of Kanopolis, Kansas,
for purchase of Rock Salt for 2012/13 Ice Control Program
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19.RESOLUTION NO. 12-293 approving contract payment to American Professional Service
Group, Inc., for yard waste services for Spring 2012 Yard Waste Free Day
20.RESOLUTION NO. 12-294 waiving formal bidding procedures and awarding contract extension
to Quality One Commercial Cleaning, Inc., for custodial services for City Hall
21.RESOLUTION NO. 12-295 approving renewal of contract with W-S Industrial Services, Inc.,
of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $156,000 for Specialized Cleaning Services,
including Grit Blasting, Hydro Blasting, Detonation Blasting, and Vac Truck Services for Power
Plant
22.RESOLUTION NO. 12-296 approving renewal of contract with Biosolids Management Group,
Inc., of Boone, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for Power Plant Ash Hauling
Services
23.RESOLUTION NO. 12-297 approving renewal of contract with Diamond Oil Company of Des
Moines, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $1,137,500 for Electric Services Diesel Fuel Supply
24.RESOLUTION NO. 12-298 approving renewal of contract with Tri-City Electric Company of
Iowa of Davenport, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $180,500 for Power Plant Breaker and
Relay Maintenance
25.RESOLUTION NO. 12-299 approving contract extension with Electronic Engineering Company
of Ames, Iowa, for 800MHz Trunked Radio Equipment, Pagers, and Related Equipment and
Services for City departments
26.RESOLUTION NO. 12-300 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Maintenance
Facility Energy Efficiency Projects; setting July 12, 2012, as bid due date and July 24, 2012, as
date of public hearing
27.RESOLUTION NO. 12-301 approving preliminary plans and specifications for new Five-Year
Well Rehabilitation Contract; setting July 11, 2012, as bid due date and July 24, 2012, as date
of public hearing
28.RESOLUTION NO. 12-302 approving contract and bond for 2010/11 and 2011/12 Asphalt
Resurfacing and Seal Coat Removal/Asphalt Reconstruction (22 Street, 25 Street, 26 Street,nd th th
Fletcher Boulevard, & Melrose Avenue)
29.RESOLUTION NO. 12-303 approving contract and bond for 2010/11 Airport Improvements
(West Apron Rehabilitation)
30.RESOLUTION NO. 12-304 accepting completion of Power Plant Unit No. 8 Stack Repair
Project
31.RESOLUTION NO. 12-305 accepting completion of Power Plant Unit No. 8 Air Heater Baskets
Installation Project
32.RESOLUTION NO. 12-306 accepting completion of Water Treatment Plant Five-Year Well
Rehabilitation Project
33.Water Pollution Control Facility Biosolids Disposal:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 12-307 accepting completion of contract for Year Two with Nutri-Ject
Systems, Inc., of Hudson, Iowa
b.RESOLUTION NO. 12-308 awarding contract in the amount of $48,974.66 to Nutri-Ject
Systems, Inc., of Hudson, Iowa, for Year Three of three-year agreement
34.RESOLUTION NO. 12-309 approving Plat of Survey for 820 Miller Avenue
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Holly Fuchs, 806 Brookridge Avenue, Ames, commended the Public Works
Department for the job done on extension of sidewalks on Main Street near HyVee Drug Store.
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ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR 217-219 MAIN STREET: Moved by Davis, seconded by
Wacha, to approve an Encroachment Permit for awnings at Emerhoff’s, 217-219 Main Street.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
NEW CLASS B NATIVE WINE PERMIT FOR 1118 SOUTH DUFF AVENUE: Moved by
Davis, seconded by Goodman, to approve a new Class B Native Wine Permit for Swift Stop #4,
1118 South Duff Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
5-DAY CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR DUBLIN BAY: Moved by Davis, seconded by
Larson, to approve a 5-Day Class C Liquor License for Dublin Bay at CPMI Event Center, 2321
North Loop Drive.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
5-DAY CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR OLDE MAIN BREWING: Moved by Davis,
seconded by Larson, to approve a 5-day Class C Liquor License for Olde Main Brewing at ISU
Alumni Center, 420 Beach Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLASS C LIQUOR & B WINE PERMIT FOR DELI VITI: Moved by Goodman, seconded by
Wacha, to approve a new Class C Liquor and B Wine Permit for Deli Viti, 323 Main Street,
#102.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CHARLIE YOKE’S: Moved by Goodman, seconded by
Davis, to approve a new Class C Liquor License for Charlie Yoke’s 2428 Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
NEIGHBORHOOD ART ACQUISITION PROGRAM SCULPTURE SELECTIONS: Art
Baumgartner, representing the Public Art Commission Neighborhood Sculpture Committee, said
that they were recommending that the City purchase two sculptures for the Neighborhood Art
Program. He advised that, during the 2011/12 exhibition year, “Just Between Thieves” by Jaak
Kindberg of Greenwood, Arkansas, was displayed at the northeast corner of Fifth Street and
Clark Avenue. It is proposed that this sculpture be purchased for $3,200 and be placed in the
front yard of Fire Station No. 2 on Welch Avenue. The application for placement of this
sculpture came from Anne Taylor, a Campustown merchant. During the 2011/12 exhibition year,
“Dire Enticement” by Beth Nybeck of Kansas City, Missouri, was displayed at the southeast
corner of Main Street and Clark Avenue. It is proposed that this sculpture be purchased for
$6,000 and be placed in Duff Park. This neighborhood park is located at the southwest corner
of Duff Avenue and 14 Street. Placement at this location was initiated by the Public Artth
Commission itself. Since Neighborhood Art placements have previously been well-received at
a number of other neighborhood parks, this placement also received support from Parks and
Recreation Department staff.
Council Member Orazem asked how people could apply if they were interested in having a
sculpture in their neighborhood. Mr. Baumgartner replied that they could contact Patti Cotter
or him through the City’s Public Art Commission to receive an application. Ms. Cotter added
that applications are available on-line via the City’s web site.
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Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-310 approving
purchase of 2011/12 Neighborhood Art Acquisition Program sculpture selections.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS ON JULY 14, 2012: Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to
adopt/approve the following:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 12-311 approving closure of certain streets and parking lots on July 14
and 15, 2012
b.RESOLUTION NO. 12-312 approving suspension of parking regulations and enforcement
from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
c.Motion approving 5-day Class B Beer Permit and Outdoor Service Area in City Hall Parking
Lot N
d.Motion approving tapping of up to seven kegs at once during post-race party with a
maximum of 20 kegs total during the evening
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/motions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
FLOOD ACTIONS AND UPDATE: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred reminded the Council
that, following the 2010 intense rainfalls and damaging flooding, it had established a goal to
mitigate both river flooding and localized flooding in the community. A process to determine
how best to achieve that goal has been initiated with collaboration from the public, involvement
of other affected jurisdictions, and professional expertise.
Mr. Kindred summarized actions taken since the Flood of 1993 to mitigate damage, which
included coordination with Iowa State University (ISU), Story County, and the Iowa Department
of Transportation (IDOT). The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) was formed in 2008 and began
mapping in 2011; its planned completion is this month. Detailed flood plain mapping of College
Creek and Worle Creek is being funded by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Work
commenced last December and should be completed by this August. The Squaw Creek Basin
road-flooding forecasting system is a project being conducted by the IFC through a $350,000
funding grant from the Iowa Highway Research Board and IDNR. Work began in late 2011. It
will provide a much more accurate potential flooding prediction at each roadway crossing. Mr.
Kindred reported that the creation of the Squaw Creek Watershed Authority was on this meeting
agenda. It will be comprised of members of 12 City Councils/Boards. According to Mr.
Kindred, the Ames City Assessor’s 2012/13 Budget includes an update to the detailed aerial
mapping of Ames; that input is necessary for implementation of the local flood study. A pilot
citizen focus group was formed and met on April 18, 2012, to coordinate additional public input
meetings with the flood study consultant. A Request for Qualifications pertaining to a
Comprehensive Flood Study was issued on April 6 with proposals due April 27, 2012. Eight
proposals were received and evaluated. Finalists were interviewed from May 23 - 30, 2012.
Contract negotiations are currently being held. Council consideration of a contract and award
is tentatively scheduled for June 26, 2012.
It was clarified by Mr. Kindred that the information was being provided to the City Council for
its information only; no action was being requested.
SQUAW CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY: Assistant City Manager
Kindred explained that House File 2459 established a State Watershed Planning Advisory
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Council and directed state agencies to seek funding to plan and implement a watershed
demonstration pilot, and outlined the process for creation of Watershed Management Authorities
using 28E intergovernmental agreements. Those Authorities are intended to reduce flood risk
and improve water quality, monitor federal flood risk planning and activities, and educate
residents of the watershed regarding flood risks and water quality. In response to an
announcement by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Story County submitted an
application for grant funding to establish a Watershed Management Authority (WMA) for the
Squaw Creek basin. In November, 2011, Story County was awarded a $25,060 Watershed
Management Authority Phase 1 Contract for this purpose.
Mr. Kindred advised that the Squaw Creek basin includes portions of Story, Boone, Hamilton
and Webster Counties and the Cities of Ames, Gilbert, Stratford, and Stanhope. Those eight
entities, as well as the Soil and Water Conservation Districts for all four Counties, are eligible
to join together and create a Squaw Creek Watershed Management Authority.
It was reported by Mr. Kindred that Watershed Management Authorities are organized by
natural watersheds, rather than by the man-made lines that normally de-mark city and county
boundaries. They present an opportunity for all affected governments to specifically cooperate
and coordinate efforts that affect each other within the specific rainfall basin. While WMAs are
used extensively in Minnesota and Wisconsin, none presently exist in Iowa. The creation of a
WMA in one of Ames’ watersheds will provide an opportunity for the City to partner with other
jurisdictions whose citizens and land use decisions directly affect potential flooding along
Squaw Creek. It is also an opportunity to work with these other cities, counties, and districts to
cooperatively plan and encourage watershed improvements to mitigate flooding in Ames and
improve the water quality in Squaw Creek.
Mr. Kindred brought the Council’s attention to the key aspects of how the WMA will function.
He said that the 28E intergovernmental agreement is concurrently being presented to all 12 City
Councils and Boards for approval. All who choose to participate will become charter members
of the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition, which will hold its first organizational meeting on
June 21.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-313 approving
the 28E Agreement creating the Squaw Creek Watershed Management Authority (WMA).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to designate the Mayor and Assistant City
Manager as Representative and Alternate Representative, respectively, to WMA’s Board of
Directors.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
DISCUSSION OF TAX ABATEMENT CRITERIA FOR DEERY BROTHERS: City Manager
Steve Schainker reminded the Council that, in accordance with its latest directive, the City
Council was to bring back the previous staff report from the April 10, 2012, meeting, which
addressed the request to provide a tax abatement incentive for the three lots that the Deery
Brothers hope to develop along S.E. 16 Street. Mr. Schainker reiterated that the staff reportth
provided a possible urban revitalization policy for properties along S.E. 16 Street between S.th
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Duff and S. Dayton Road and offered eligibility criteria that the City Council members could
utilize to determine whether or not to process requests for a tax abatement incentive in that area.
City Manager Schainker emphasized that once the Council determines that the eligibility criteria
have been met, there is more work to be done on the part of the developer and City Council.
After the application is processed, a plan has been developed, and a public hearing is held, the
Council would then approve a specific economic development area for each plan. In establishing
“performance” criteria, City Manager Schainker cautioned that the Council should understand
that, once the plan and the urban revitalization area have been approved, it would not be possible
to eliminate the tax abatement incentive, even if the desired performance had not been met. Mr.
Schainker pointed out that the Council had different strategies to ensure the performance criteria
are met. He explained each, as follows::
1.Make sure that the required action was accomplished prior to the public hearing on the plan.
2.Develop a separate Developer’s Agreement that would require the developer to pay back to
the City the value of the property tax abatement received should the performance
requirements not be met.
3.Approve the plan and the definition of the economic development area, but delay the third
reading of the ordinance until the performance requirements have been met.
4.Make sure to establish only performance criteria that can by verified prior to approving a
plan.
Council Member Wacha explained that he had received numerous emails from citizens since the
last meeting. He stated that he had not responded to those emails purposely because he realized
that he had not understood what many of the other Council members were trying to do at the last
meeting. Mr. Wacha said he had had discussions with each of the other Council members,
individually, and had drafted a proposal, with the assistance of the City Manager, that he would
be comfortable supporting. Mr. Wacha reviewed the qualifying criteria that he was suggesting
be included in establishing an Urban Revitalization Area Policy for Southeast 16 Street.th
Pertaining to Criterion 5, City Manager Schainker stated that the City Council might want to
consider other exceptions from the list of uses currently permitted in the Highway-Oriented
Commercial Zoning District.
Pertaining to the criterion referring to the result in “no rise” to the Base Flood Elevation, Council
Member Goodman asked if the elevation was measured from the property before grading began
or “no rise” after fill dirt was brought in. Planning and Housing Department Director Steve
Osguthorpe advised that it would be measured from the base flood elevation as determined by
FEMA, which has already been established.
Discussion ensued among the Council members on the qualifying criteria being proposed by
Council Member Wacha.
Council Member Szopinski advised that she would not be supporting tax abatement for the
Deery Brothers because she believes there are other options, e.g., Developer’s Agreements,
zoning overlays. Ms. Szopinski explained that she did not believe the City should encourage
building in the flood plain nor did she believe that the City should discourage it. Council
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Member Larson contended that if overlays were put on top of the already restrictive zoning
regulations, it would pretty much guarantee that no one would ever develop there.
Council Member Orazem inquired how developer’s agreements would provide protection for
the City regarding performance of the criteria. Mr. Schainker explained that the developer’s
agreement would require the developer to pay the City the cost of the abatement should they fail
to perform as agreed. He also stated that the Council had not yet decided whether the “promise”
should be secured by a Letter of Credit.
Council Member Wacha explained that he believed that the City should take advantage of an
opportunity to encourage a slight decrease in the flooding risk while benefitting the City with
economic development in an area that had been idle for some time. He pointed out that the
criteria he suggested were strict.
Larry Reinsch, 317 Mathews Drive, Gilbert, described himself as a “loyal Jeep owner and Jeep
historian.” He spoke in favor of the City offering tax abatement to the Deery Brothers.
Realizing that there is some risk, he asked the City Council to look at the gains that would come
to Ames: creation of jobs, sales tax, and help to other businesses when Deery Brothers’
customers buy goods from other retailers in the community. Mr. Reinsch emphasized that after
three years, Ames would receive 100% of the property taxes in addition to the gains he
previously mentioned. He stated that he did not know any of the Deerys personally, but had
done research on Deery dealerships established in other communities. Each one had been very
pleased with the Deery Brothers’ dealerships. Mr. Reinsch pointed out that the company is an
Iowa-based company selling American-made products. He respectfully asked the Council to do
what it could do to bring a Jeep dealership to Ames and implored the Council not to make it too
difficult for the Deery Brothers to build a dealership in Ames. According to Mr. Reinsch, Jeep
out-sold GMC during the last year, and Ames would be losing out on a lot of property tax and
sales tax monies to other cities if the Deerys built in another city.
Erv Klaas, 1405 Grand, Ames, discouraged the Council from allowing building in the flood plain
and from channelizing the River. He told the Council what happens when rivers are channelized.
According to Mr. Klaas, there are a lot of questions for which no one knows the answers.
Referring to the recommendations that he had presented to the City Council in 2000, and which
the Council did not adopt, Mr. Klaas urged the Council not to continue “to make mistakes.”
Council Member Wacha noted that he was relying on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
that channelizing/straightening the River is environmentally safe and beneficial for flood
mitigation. Using his proposed Urban Revitalization Policy for Southeast 16 Street, there wouldth
be a requirement that the conditions that allowed the determination of “no rise” be maintained
by the property owner. A developer’s agreement would be required to ensure that the City will
be repaid an amount equal to the tax abatement received if any of the criteria were not met.
Mr. Wacha pointed out that he had not been a proponent of abating retail in the past; however,
he believes that taking advantage of the opportunity being presented at this time is worth the
risk.
Council Member Orazem noted that this opportunity provides the potential of developing in an
area where the City had invested millions of dollars to make it desirable for development. He,
however, was not basing his decision on that; he found the value in the flood mitigation efforts.
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Council Member Goodman said that the market should decide whether the City needs a Jeep
dealership.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to approve a proposed policy for establishing Urban
Revitalization Areas and Plans on Southeast 16 Street, as described in the qualifying criteriath
contained in the attachment presented by Tom Wacha at this meeting and the associated map,
which was labeled as Attachment B.
Council Member Goodman asked if the policy could include a statement to include any other
uses identified and approved by the City Council. City Attorney Marek advised that that would
be allowable. Council Member Larson cited his opinion that that might be too broad, and he
preferred to leave his motion as he had stated it.
Council Member Orazem asked if the upper limit on the amount of tax abatement would be
limited to site preparation and not to the actual construction of the building. City Attorney
Marek explained how the amount of abatement would be determined. City Manager Schainker
clarified that the abatement had nothing to do with the cost of the fill dirt or widening; that might
be a performance indicator if prescribed by the City Council. The amount of the abatement will
be determined by the City Assessor and will be based on the assessed value of the improvement.
Mr. Schainker explained the next steps to create an Urban Revitalization Area and Plans for
properties on Southeast 16 Street.th
Roll Call Vote: 4-2. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay: Goodman,
Szopinski. Resolution declared carried and made a part of these Minutes.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES: Project Coordinator Brian Phillips recalled that after the
April 24, 2012, presentation by staff of a report on the topic of emergency response times, the
Council requested that the emergency response time issue be revisited and that other cities be
surveyed to determine how they are addressing this issue. Several policy questions needing to
be addressed by the City Council were explained by Mr. Phillips.
1.Who should adopt the response time goal? Staff recommended that the Fire Department
track emergency response times as one of its many “performance measures” that are
provided to the City Council to consider.
2.What response time should be measured? Staff believed that a measurement of 85% of calls
within a five-minute travel time would be in the middle of the range for other comparable
cities that were surveyed and should be used as a performance measure. Staff also believed
that it might be possible to have a different, longer response time performance measure for
industrial areas, depending on how the area ultimately builds out.
3.How should response time be measured? Staff believes it would be advisable to measure
response times based on actual calls. In order to avoid aberrations that might occur from year
to year, a rolling five-year period should be used to accomplish this measurement. GIS tools
allow staff to analyze response time patterns from existing developed areas in the City and
project that information onto undeveloped areas that are being considered for annexation to
better project anticipated response times from new areas.
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4. Should there be a separate response time measure for fire and medical assist calls? Since
Mary Greeley Medical Center is the primary provider of ambulance service in the
community, staff believes the City should work with them to establish an appropriate
medical response time measure as well as develop cost-effective options for achieving the
performance expectation.
5.What City Council Decisions can help the City better meet the response time performance
measure? The Council could consider three strategies to help the City provide improved
emergency service delivery:
a.When making LUPP and zoning decisions, the City Council could give more
consideration to locating high density residential and assisted living/retirement
communities closer to the urban core.
b.The City Council could require more stringent fire protection requirements related to
sprinklers, smoke detectors, construction standards.
c.The City could provide programs to place defribillators in public places and enhance
efforts to provide bystander first aid and CPR training.
City Manager Schainker said that if the Council agrees with the staff recommendations, a motion
would need to be made to do the following:.
1.Rather than the City Council formally adopting an emergency response time goal for the
community, the Fire Department will continue to monitor response times as part of their
departmental effectiveness measures. This departmental measure will be based on 85% of
the actual calls responded to within five minutes.
2.While currently there is only one response time measure for both fire and medical incidents,
there is an expectation that the City staff will continue discussions with representatives from
Mary Greeley Medical Center that might result in a different response time measure for
medical responses and new techniques for providing emergency medical service in the City.
3.While currently there is only one emergency response time measure for all parts of the City,
there is an expectation that City staff will continue to analyze this issue and it might be
possible to establish a different response time measure for the industrial area to the east.
4.For purposes of obtaining information regarding the possible impact of future land use
decisions, the City Council will review GIS modeling projections regarding projected
response times to the new areas.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Szopinski, to approve the recommendations as presented by staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The me e tin g rec e s se d at 8 :4 4 p .m. a n d r e c o n v en e d at 8 :5 0 p .m.
AMCOR RIGID PLASTICS USA, INC.: Ron Hallenbeck, representing the Ames Economic
Development Commission, advised that AMCOR purchased the Ball Plastics plant over a year
ago. The project, with an investment of over $25 million, will allow for expansion and
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modernization of the plant on the north side. The Iowa Economic Development Authority will
review AMCOR’s application for assistance later this month. City Manager Schainker stated
that the City Council is being asked to adopt a resolution supporting the submittal of an
application from AMCO requesting assistance from IEDA as well as committing to the local
match to be provided in the form of a forgivable loan in the amount of $35,000. The local match
would come through $17,500 from the City’s available balance in the Economic Development
Fund and $17,500 from the Ames Economic Development Commission.
City Manager Schainker described the matrices used to critique the applications.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-314 endorsing the Iowa
Economic Development Authority application for financial assistance for AMCOR Rigid
Plastics USA, Inc., with local match in the form of a forgivable loan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
SOLUM, INC.: Mr. Hallenbeck advised that Solum would be a new company to Ames. It is a
Mountain View, California-based agricultural technology company that has developed advanced
measurement systems for soil sample analysis. It is looking at leasing a building on South Bell
Avenue and hopes to begin operations in July 2012. Twenty-five (25) high-paying full-time jobs
would be created. Total investment is expected to be $16.14 million, including a $100,000
forgivable loan from IEDA as well as other state tax credits and incentives projected to total an
additional $158,000. IEDA will review Solum’s application for assistance later this month. The
local match would be a $40,000 forgivable loan to be funded with $20,000 from the City and
$20,000 from the Ames Economic Development Commission.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-315 endorsing the
Iowa Economic Development Authority application for financial assistance for Solum, Inc., with
local match in the form of a forgivable loan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
UNITED SUPPLIERS, INC.: Mr. Hallenbeck advised that United Suppliers is an existing business
hoping to expand its offices in Ames and move 15 employees from the Eldora offices to Ames.
Thirty-five (35) new jobs will be added in the next five years with the Ames office becoming
the corporate headquarters. Total investment expected for the project is over $1.975 million.
Since the project is a relocation of a company within the state of Iowa, there is no assistance
expected from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The City is asked to provide
$50,000 with $25,000 coming from the Ames Economic Development Commission.
It was stated by Mr. Hallenbeck that the company will also be applying for Industrial Property
Tax Abatement under the existing City program.
Mr. Hallenbeck introduced Brad Oelman, the CEO for United Suppliers. Mr. Oelman explained
that his company is a wholesale ag distributor of crop nutrients and crop protection products.
It is owned by 770 ag retail details in 21 states throughout Central United States. Mr. Oelman
expressed that the company is excited about its move to Ames, which is a larger community that
will allow it to attract the type of talent needed to continue future growth.
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Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-316 providing
authorization to negotiate a City of Ames and Ames Economic Development Commission
Economic Development Agreement with United Suppliers, Inc., with local assistance in the form
of a forgivable loan.
Council Member Goodman stated his preference that companies not apply for tax abatement in
addition to a forgivable loan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
UPDATE ON HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP) PROJECT: Municipal
Engineer Tracy Warner stated that FEMA had indicated that an additional four (4) projects of
the original 11 submittal did not qualify for funding, which meant that a total of nine out of the
eleven (11) projects were not eligible for grant funding. The City’s Notices of Interest for those
nine projects must be withdrawn. City Manager Schainker advised that the City Council needs
to determine if the City should proceed with any of the projects that will not receive federal
funding. Ms. Warner stated that the two projects that are still eligible for FEMA funding are:
(1) Northridge Parkway and (2) Stuart Smith Park Bank Armoring.
According to Ms. Warner from information sent by FEMA, the City needs to demonstrate more
than one event occurring. FEMA considers frequency of the impact. Extensive documentation
is needed to be filed by residents, which is not coming through. Additional information is being
garnered pertaining to Northridge Parkway; however, the City does have enough information
to move forward with the Stuart Smith Park Bank Armoring project. Ms. Warner also noted that
the City will need to prioritize the bond issue with the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for the
Flood Response Program pertaining to the projects that are being withdrawn. City Manager
Schainker recalled that local match had been included in the CIP. A decision on whether or not
to issue the bonds needs to be made quickly as the Finance Director is beginning the process to
issue the bonds.
Noting that only two (2) of the 11 projects submitted ended up being considered, Council
Member Goodman stated that he did not see any value in seeking FEMA funds in the future.
He noted his frustration over the amount of staff time that had been “wasted” by being so
committed to preparing the applications for consideration under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program. Mr. Goodman wanted staff to document the experience, so that future Council’s
can benefit from that information to make reasonable choices.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wacha, to designate the Municipal Engineer Tracy Warner
as Authorized Representative for Stuart Smith Park Bank Stabilization project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-317 approving local
match funding up to $120,000 for Stuart Smith Park Bank Stabilization project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
LEASE TO YOUTH & SHELTER SERVICES FOR PARKING LOT P: Public Works Director
John Joiner explained the two issues that remain for Council consideration regarding the Lease
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were the establishment of the monthly rental fee and determination of who should be responsible
for routine maintenance of the lot.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Orazem, to direct the City Attorney to create a new lease
agreement with Youth and Shelter Services for exclusive use of Municipal Lot P expiring June
30, 2017, at a rate of $20/space/month, and maintain all other provisions of the current
Agreement and adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-318 setting the date of public hearing for July 24,
2012.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
SOUTHEAST ENTRYWAY PROJECT: Civil Engineer II Eric Cowles informed the Council that
the City was successful in receiving grant funds for a portion of this project.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-319 approving the
Iowa Department of Transportation Planting Grant Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.12-320 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Truelsen Blumenthal, LLC, of Grimes, Iowa,
in the amount of $343,416.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON UNIT NO. 7 STACK REPAIR PROJECT: Mayor Campbell opened the public
hearing. No one came forward to speak, and the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-321 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to NAES Power Contractors of Cranberry
Township, Pennsylvania, in the amount of $227,354.00.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON BROOKSIDE PARK - EAST SIDE IMPROVEMENTS: Parks and Recreation
Director Nancy Carroll advised that the Fiscal Year 2012/13 Budget and Capital Improvements
Plan includes a total of $507,500 from Local Option Sales Tax funding to replace Brookside
Park’s four tennis courts with lights, to replace the east concrete steps adjacent Brookridge
Avenue, to replace the walkway leading from Brookridge Avenue west into Brookside Park, and
to repair and rebuild the west limestone walls. According to Ms. Carroll, the City went out for
bids on the project, listing the lighting as an alternate. One bid was received, which exceeded
the approved budget by $150,300 (with lights). The lighting was included in the bid document
as an alternate.
Ms. Carroll provided the history of the Brookside Tennis Courts. In 1997, the City Council had
redirected $100,000 in City funding that would have been used to reconstruct the tennis courts
at Brookside Park to partner with the Ames Community School District and the Friends of Ames
Tennis and construct a new eight-court facility at Ames High School. The School District
donated the land and $50,900. The Friends group privately fund-raised $207,000. The School
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District agreed to pay the City $2,500 annually for a period of ten years to help pay for the
ongoing maintenance costs of the tennis courts at Brookside. At that time, the City Council
decided that the four courts at Brookside would be maintained at a “recreational level” until the
City made a final decision regarding the future existence of the courts.
The Council was told that a letter was mailed to over 300 households inviting them to a meeting
concerning the Brookside Park tennis courts and renovations. According to Ms. Carroll, 11
residents attended that meeting and voiced support for four tennis courts with lights to be rebuilt
at the site. Staff also asked those 11 people for their input in light of the significant budget
shortfall. Seven persons provided feedback, which Ms. Carroll summarized.
Ms. Carroll stated that staff was suggesting that a recommendation regarding funding for
lighting the tennis courts be solicited from the Parks and Recreation Commission. There are
limited resources, and it would be beneficial for the City Council to know where the
Commission values and prioritizes the lighting in relation to other Parks and Recreation CIP
options. It was also being recommended that $53,000 in savings realized in the development of
Northridge Heights Park (due to fill dirt savings) be redirected to this project.
The public hearing was opened by the Mayor.
Holly Fuchs, 806 Brookridge Avenue, Ames, distributed a letter to the Council that she had
written. She advised that it had been 15 years since she began speaking in favor of
reconstructing the Brookside Park Tennis Courts with improved drainage and lighting. She
asked the Council to approve the alternative that would reconstruct Brookside Park tennis courts,
add improved lighting, and replace and rebuild the east limestone walls and stairway.
Annette O’Conner, 816 Brookridge Avenue, Ames, asked for clarification of the alternatives
available to the City Council. She found Alternatives 2 and 3 as the most attractive; her family
really supports the idea of having lights. Ms. O’Conner said that she found Alternative 4 totally
unacceptable.
There was no one else wishing to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-322 accepting the
report of bids for the 2011/12 Asphalt Pavement Improvements Program (Abraham Drive and
Todd Circle); approving final plans and specifications, and awarding a contract to Manatt’s of
Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $484,000.00.
It was clarified that the alternative will result in a total cost for construction, engineering, and
contingency of $560,800. In order to finance that alternative, the additional $53,300 would be
reallocated from the Park Land Acquisition and Development Fund from savings realized from
the Northridge Heights Park project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2011/12 ASPHALT PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (ABRAHAM
DRIVE AND TODD CIRCLE): The Mayor opened the public hearing and closed same after no
one came forward to speak.
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Moved by Davis, seconded by Orazem, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-323 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt’s of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of
$210,231.93.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON VET MED SUBSTATION CAPACITOR BANK FOUNDATION
INSTALLATION: The public hearing was opened by Mayor Campbell. No one asked to speak,
and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Larson, to accept the report of no bids.
Vote on Motion: 6–0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Larson, to direct staff to rebid the project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-324 approving
preliminary plans and specifications; setting June 27, 2012, as bid due date and July 10, 2012,
as date of public hearing.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT TO ADOPT ALTERNATIVE
LANDSCAPING STANDARDS FOR AUTO AND MARINE CRAFT TRADE USES
(Continued from May 8, 2012, and May 22, 2012): Planning and Housing Director Steve
Osguthorpe recalled that the Council had continued the discussion on the alternative landscaping
provisions in order for staff to prepare a hypothetical site plan showing how an auto dealership
site would be landscaped under the current Code requirements versus the proposed alternative
standards and to contact the remaining auto dealerships in Ames to receive feedback on the
proposed ordinance.
According to Mr. Osguthorpe representatives from local auto dealerships were invited to a
meeting to explain the proposed amendments and provide feedback. Amescars.Com
Incorporated; Wilson Auto Group, Inc.; George White Chevrolet; Lithia HDM Inc.; Quality
Motors of Ames Ltd.; and Willey, Inc., were notified of the meeting. Danny and Denny Wilson
(Wilson Auto Group) and Doug Livy (Quality Motors) attended. The Wilsons expressed their
support for the amendments because they offered added flexibility. Mr. Livy stated that he also
liked the flexibility component of the proposed amendments. Staff has received no negative
feedback on the proposed standards.
Mr. Osguthorpe showed the Council hypothetical site plans showing landscaping under both the
existing and proposed alternative standards.
It was emphasized by Director Osguthorpe that the proposed standards would not replace or
change current standards, but were an optional alternative to current standards.
The Mayor continued the hearing. She closed same after no one requested to speak.
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Council Member Goodman asked questions about security lighting. Mr. Osguthorpe stated that
the recommended alternative included more restrictive lighting.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to pass on first reading an ordinance making a Zoning
Ordinance text amendment to adopt alternative landscaping standards for auto and marine craft
trade uses.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
NOXIOUS WEEDS ORDINANCE: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Larson, to pass on second
reading an ordinance incorporating Iowa Code Section 317.1A, defining noxious weeds, into the
Municipal Code and declaring noxious weeds as a public nuisance enforceable as a municipal
infraction.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Larson, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha. Voting nay:
Goodman. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
4114 incorporating Iowa Code Section 317.1A, defining noxious weeds, into Municipal Code
and declaring noxious weeds as a public nuisance enforceable as a municipal infraction.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3799 CEDAR LANE: Moved by Davis, seconded by
Larson, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4115 rezoning property located
at 3799 Cedar Lane from Planned Residence District (F-PRD) to Government/Airport (S-GA).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE TO ADD AN EXCEPTION FOR STRIPING OF PARKING SPACES
DESIGNATED FOR OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF VEHICLES FOR SALE OR LEASE: Moved
by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4116
to add an exception for striping of parking spaces designated for outdoor display of vehicles for
sale or lease.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE TO ADOPT PROVISIONS FOR INTEGRATED SITE PLAN
SUBDIVISIONS: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4117 to adopt provisions for integrated site plan subdivisions.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PARKING REGULATIONS FOR TIMBER RIDGE
DRIVE: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4118 establishing parking regulations for Timber Ridge Drive.
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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 Wacha, seconded by Goodman, to refer to staff the letter
from Mid-Iowa Community Action to adjust ASSET funding levels between Emergency Food
and Family Development programs.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Szopinski, to refer to staff the letter from The Arc to transfer
monies from the respite retreats program to the Active Lifestyles program.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to refer to staff the letter from Kurt Friedrich dated
June 7, 2012, requesting for an extension of time on the Development Agreement for 605 and
619-719 East Lincoln Way relating to the requirement to pave a drive aisle and provide
additional parking.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to refer to staff an email dated June 1, 2012, from
Jim Hennager, new owner of an arts and craft store on Main Street, requesting cigarette butt
disposal receptacles in the mini park area near 136 Main.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Goodman, to refer to staff the letter from Heartland Senior
Services for supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2012.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Orazem, to refer to staff the letter from LaMacchia Group,
on behalf of the Greater Iowa Credit Union, dated May 23, 2012, requesting for vacation of an
alley lying north of Lot 7, Block 2, of College Park Addition.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m.
________________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor