HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission 09/11/2012JOINT MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AND PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
JOINT MEETING WITH PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
The Ames City Council met in special session at 6:00 p.m. with the Parks & Recreation Commission
on the 11 day of September, 2012, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,th
pursuant to law with Mayor Ann Campbell presiding and the following Council members present:
Jeremy Davis, Jami Larson, Peter Orazem, Victoria Szopinski, and Tom Wacha. Ex officio Member
Sawyer Baker was also present. Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Leo Milleman, Edward Moran,
Julie Johnston, and Jason Schaben representing the Parks & Recreation Commission, were present.
Commission Member Victoria Feilmeyer was absent. Council Member Goodman arrived at
6:15 p.m.
BEQUEST OF GEITEL WINAKOR: Alisa Frandsen explained that Dr. Geitel Winakor, long-
time resident and Iowa State University professor, passed away on August 15, 2011. Her estate
included an unrestricted gift of approximately $1.7 million to the Department of Parks and
Recreation.
According to Ms. Frandsen, it was the Parks & Recreation Commission’s understanding, after
researching her life, that Dr. Winakor was a land preservationist and environmental enthusiast.
The motivation that drove her donations to the City was her desire to enhance the quality of life
of Ames residents. Based upon that understanding, the Commission established two overriding
criteria for determining how best to utilize the gift: (1) enhance the quality of life for both current
and future generations and (2) ensure an impressive, long-lasting investment in the community.
Ms. Frandsen reported that the Commission had held a public-input gathering meeting. Several
emails had already been received by the Commission prior to that meeting. Thirty-two projects
were identified through that process; of those 32, 25 were from residents of Ames. Seven of the
projects met the first criterion, which meant that they had been included in an existing or
previously adopted City plan. Those seven were: indoor warm-water recreational pool,
gymnasiums, community gathering venue; and parks in West Ames, Northwest Ames, Southwest
Ames, and Southeast Ames.
Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained the six criteria that were included
in a Decision-Making Matrix. The Matrix had been created and used by the Parks and Recreation
Commissioners to further assist them in making a recommendation. Ms. Carroll said that the
seven projects were all very good projects and would be carried over to the budget discussion
to occur in the fall with the City Manager.
Ms. Frandsen reported that, recently, land owners in West Ames had informed staff that they
would be willing to sell a tract of approximately 80 acres to the City for the sole purpose of
developing it into a passive/natural park. The owners had emphasized that they had no interest
in selling off parts of that total acreage. It was pointed out by Ms. Frandsen that the offer
coincides with the Park Master Plan, which calls for a park to be developed in that part of Ames
between the years of 2005 and 2015. Residential growth can continue in West Ames to the south,
west, and northwest of the parcel in question, and the area is in the Ames School District.
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Commission Member Leo Milleman stated that the Commissioners toured the site in June. He
showed pictures of it, pointing out its natural beauty and existing park-like setting. There is a
creek that runs through the parcel, as well as established prairie, wildflowers, and rolling pasture
land. In addition, there are approximately 40 acres of existing row crop land that is a part of the
parcel and an existing barn and corn crib that could be restored.
Ms. Frandsen said that the Commissioners believe “this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” and
they are recommending that the City Council approve a resolution at its October 9 meeting to
utilize the bequested funds to proceed with the purchase and subsequent development of an
approximate 80-acre parcel of parkland in West Ames. If that is the Council’s desire, at its
October 9 meeting, City staff will outline the necessary steps to accomplish the purchase and
present a Conceptual Park Master Plan and project budget.
Ms. Frandsen indicated that if there were any members of the community who would like to see
the prospective parkland, Director Nancy Carroll and/or Commission members would be happy
to give a tour of the site.
At the inquiry of Council Member Orazem, Ms. Carroll defined passive/natural as being a
“mixture between Ada Hayden Heritage Park and Moore Memorial Park.” She envisioned that
it would probably be heavy in trails and have a restroom and a parking lot.
Council Member Larson said that he would like the City to receive input from the residents of
West Ames as to whether they want just trails and prairie or if they would want recreational
(soccer, basketball, etc.). Ms. Carroll indicated that the sellers probably would not sell the land
in question to the City if it were going to be used for sports-related venues. Noting that Dr.
Winakor had previously contributed funding for the construction of the dog park, Council
Member Szopinski asked if any of the land could be used for another dog park. Ms. Carroll said
that a dog park would not meet the desires of the sellers.
Council Member Larson said he was very appreciative of the bequest; however, he was not so
impressed by the sellers’ demands unless they would donate the land or make the offer very
appealing to the City.
After being questioned by Council Member Davis, Director Carroll stated that the 40 acres of
cropland would continue to be farmed for about a year because it would take that long for the
park to be developed.
Council Member Goodman noted that parks generally make an area more appealing for
residential development, and in his opinion, that is a form of economic development. Council
Member Larson concurred; however, he wanted to ensure that the land in question provides the
quality of life that the majority of community residents are wanting.
Council Member Orazem asked Ms. Carroll what options the prospective sellers would have if
they wanted the land to remain in a natural state and the City was not interested in purchasing
it. Ms. Carroll advised that she did not know what other options existed for the prospective
sellers.
In the opinion of Council Member Goodman, the Decision-Making Matrix appeared to be a little
vague. He would like the criteria to be weighted.
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Council Member Larson reiterated that he did not like the prospective sellers dictating to the City
how the property could be used, especially if the City has to pay market value for it. He
especially did not understand the inclusion of the 40 acres of cropland. Council Member Orazem
added that cropland is currently selling at a very high price, so if the City has to pay market value
for that 40 acres, there might not be much left of the bequest to pay for the park development.
Council Member Szopinski added that Sawyer School playground has been used as a community
park because there isn’t any other play equipment in the vicinity. She feels that there is a
contingency of families in West Ames who want that type of park.
Director Carroll advised that she would have a discussion with the prospective sellers in hopes
of addressing the aforementioned concerns of the Council.
Council Member Goodman said that he would like to be told at the October 9, 2012, meeting
if the Commission’s vision was for a natural area park prior to the offer being extended. Ms.
Frandsen replied that the Decision-Making Matrix had been created prior to the offer being
received.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Ames City Council met in special session at 6:55 p.m. on the 11 day of September, 2012, inth
the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Ann
Campbell presiding and the following Council members present: Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem,
Szopinski, and Wacha. Ex officio Member Baker was also present
PROCLAMATION: Mayor Campbell read a Proclamation for 11 Days of Global Unity, which will
be observed from September 11-21, 2012. Lynne Carey, Terry Lowman, Mary Nakadate, Sue
Stanton, and Heather Withers accepted the Proclamation. Ms. Stanton said that the 11 Days of
Global Unity represents a worldwide movement of optimism in the face of violence and terror.
She described several events that will be occurring in the next 11 days.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.M otion approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 28, 2012, and Special Meeting of
August 30, 2012
3.M otion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for August 16-31, 2012
4.M otion approv ing renew al of the follow ing beer perm its, w ine p erm its, and liqu or licenses:
a.Class B Liquor & Outdoor Service – Hilton Garden Inn Ames, 1325 Dickinson Avenue
b.Class C Liqu or – Whiskey River, 13 2-134 M ain Street
c.Class C Liqu or & O utdo or Service – Wallaby’s Grille, 3720 W. Lincoln Way
d.Class C Liqu or & O utdo or Service – B rewer’s, 27 04 Stange R oad
e.Class C Liquor – La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, 217 South Duff Avenue
5.R E S O LU TIO N NO . 12-475 authorizing issuance of $12,660,000 G eneral Obligation C orporate
Pu rpo se B on ds, Series 20 12 , and prov iding for the levying of tax es
6 .R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -47 6 app rov ing An nu al Street Finan ce R ep o rt
7.R E S O LUTION NO . 12-477 approving FA A grant for construction of 2010/11 Airpo rt
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Improvements Program for West Apron Rehabilitation
8.R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -47 8 approv ing prelim inary plans and specification s for Floo d D am age -
Bank Erosion (Near 326 N. Riverside and Stuart Smith Park); setting October 3, 2012, as bid due
date and October 9, 2012, as date of public hearing
9 .R ESOLU TIO N NO. 12 -47 9 ap prov ing p relim in ary plan s an d sp ecification s for So uth D uff
Avenue/Southeast 16 Street Frontage Road Rehabilitation; setting September 19, 2012, as the dueth
date and September 25, 2012, as date of public hearing
10.RESOLUTION NO. 12-480 approving preliminary plans and specifications for M otor Control
Center No. 1 Replacement Project; setting October 16, 20 12, as bid d ue date and October 23 , 2012,
as date of public hearing
1 1.RESOLUTION N O. 12 -48 1 autho rizin g add itio nal fu nd in g fo r th e Su stain ab le Living S olutions
con tract to co ntin ue perform ing energy aud its
12 .R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -48 2 approv ing con tract and bo nd for WPC Facility Ultraviolet Wastew ater
Disinfection Project
1 3.R ESOLU TIO N N O . 1 2 -4 8 3 ap pro ving co ntract and bo nd for Sq uaw Creek Pedestrian Bridge
Project
14.RESOLUTIO N N O . 12-484 approving contract and bond for WPC Facility Diesel Tank
R eplacement Project
15 .R ESOLU TIO N NO. 12 -48 5 ap proving con tract and bo n d fo r WPC Facility R aw Wastew ater
Pumping Station Pipe Supports and Check Valve Replacement
16 .R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -48 6 approv ing C hange Order 3 for G rand Aven ue Ex tension (S. 16 Streetth
- C oldw ater G olf Links)
17 .R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -48 7 accepting com pletion of R esource R eco v ery Plant Secon dary Feed
System Project
1 8.R ESOLU TIO N N O . 12 -48 8 app rov ing com pletio n of H eat Pu mp R ep lacem ent Project in C ity H all
19.RESOLUTION NO. 12-489 approving Plat of Survey for 129 South Duff Avenue
20.RESOLUTION NO. 12-490 approving Plat of Survey for 1505 and 1511 Curtiss Avenue
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Aaron Fultz, 1115 Orchard Drive, Ames, spoke as Chairperson of the Ames
Human Relations Commission. He invited the public to attend FACES, its annual diversity
celebration, which will be held in Downtown Ames on September 22, 2012 from 11 AM to
5 PM.
Dan Culhane, 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Ames, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber is one of the sponsors of the FACES
celebration. He echoed Mr. Fultz’s invitation for the community to attend the festivities.
Mr. Culhane also reported that a new company, Solum, Inc., a soil-testing company based in
Mountainview, California, chose Ames as the location for a new production and research and
development facility. According to Mr. Culhane, the project came together in a very short time
frame; they needed to be in the building on South Bell Avenue in approximately 45 days from
June 1. The general contractor, developer, and subcontractors collectively “pressed hard” on the
City of Ames to make it happen. Mr. Culhane congratulated the City staff for the masterful job
well done. He had heard the comment that the process had gone very smoothly. Council Member
Goodman inquired as to the number of jobs created by Solum. According to Mr. Culhane, the
average wage of employees at Solum is $50,000/year. It currently employs 25, with plans to
increase to 40.
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ART FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2012: Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to
ado pt/app rov e the follo w in g:
a.RES O LUTION N O . 12-49 1 approv ing closu re of po rtion s of M ain Stre e t, B urnett A venue,
Kellogg Avenue, and Douglas A venue from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; waiver of fee for usage of
electricity; and w aiver of fee for B lanket V end ing License
b.M otion app rov ing B lanket Tem po rary Obstruction Permit for the C entral B usiness D istrict
c.M otion app rov ing B lanket Vend ing License
Heather John son , 31 0 T op az C ou rt, A m es, representing the Octagon C enter for the Arts, stated that
this is the tenth year tha t the Festiv al w ill h av e been held in D own tow n Am es. Sh e inv ited all to
atten d the free fam ily ev en t.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution/motions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the M ayor, and
hereby m ade a po rtion of these m inu tes.
CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION FRIDAY AFTERNOON CELEBRATION ON
OCTOBER 26, 2012: Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to adopt/approve the following:
a.RES O LUTION N O . 1 2-492 app rov ing closu re of Welch Lot T from 12 :00 to 9 :00 p.m., waiver
of parking meter fees, and waiver of fee for B lanket Vend ing License
d.M otion app rov ing B lanket Tem po rary Obstruction Permit and Blanket V ending License
e.M otion app rov ing 5-day Class B B eer Permit with O utdo or Service
Ann Taylor, 217 Welch Avenue, Ames, explained events that will be part of the Friday
Afternoon Celebration; this is part of the ISU Alumni Association’s 100 Anniversaryth
celebration. Ms. Taylor introduced Kim Hanna, the new Director of the Campustown Action
Association.
R oll C all Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: D avis, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha. Voting nay: N on e.
Abstaining du e to a con flict of interest: G oo dm an. Resolution /motion s declared adop ted, signed
by the M ayor, and hereby made a po rtion of these m inu tes.
NEW CLASS B BEER & B WINE PERMIT FOR A.J.’S LIQUOR III: Moved by Goodman,
seconded by Davis, to approve a new Class B Beer and B Wine Permit for A.J.’s Liquor III, 129
Welch Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
5-DAY LICENSES AT THE ISU ALUMNI CENTER, 420 BEACH AVENUE: Moved by
Davis, seconded by Larson, to approve the following 5-day licenses:
a.Gateway Hotel & Conference Center - Class C Liquor (September 14-18)
b.Olde Main Brewing Company - Special Class C Liquor (September 15-19)
c.Christiani’s Events - Class C Liquor (September 20-24)
d.Gateway Hotel & Conference Center - Class C Liquor (September 25-29)
e.Olde Main Brewing Company - Special Class C Liquor (September 28 - October 2)
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
5-DAY CLASS B PERMIT FOR WHISKEY RIVER: Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman,
to approve a 5-Day Class B Beer Permit for Whiskey River at the 3M Building, 900 Dayton
Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ISSUE HOSPITAL REVENUE BONDS: Mayor Campbell
opened the public hearing. No one requested to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-493 approving taking
additional action to enter into Loan Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW LIMITED RESIDENTIAL
USES ON THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE DOWNTOWN SERVICE CENTER (DSC) ZONE:
Planning and Housing Director Steve Osguthorpe explained the request of Attorney William
Talbot, on behalf of property owners Craig and Beth Marrs, to amend the Zoning Ordinance to
allow limited residential use on the first floor in the Downtown Service Center Zone. The request
was prompted by an application for a Building Permit to renovate the original McFarland Clinic
building, which most recently has been used as the Ames Tribune business offices. The
submitted floor plans for the renovation indicated four residential units that would be accessed
from the second floor via a staircase on the back of the building, but with portions of two units
being located on the first floor of the building.
Director Osguthorpe further stated that the proposed ordinance would allow residential use on
the first floor in the Downtown Service Center Zone if 75% were on the second floor and at least
the front 50% of the building was retained for non-residential purposes. This would ensure that
it wasn’t just a visual issue, but that practical functional space was available. According to Mr.
Osguthorpe, staff believes that residential use in the Downtown is “a healthy thing.”
It was noted by Mr. Osguthorpe that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended
approval of the text amendment.
Council Member Wacha indicated his concerns about residential uses in commercial buildings.
Recognizing that the proposed ordinance would allow flexibility in the use of buildings, he
voiced his concerns about using commercially designed properties in Commercial Zoning
Districts to be used for living space. He questioned the use of the words “commercial
appearance” and asked for an exact definition. Director Osguthorpe said that that was the original
language proposed by the applicant; staff had changed the language to state that at least the front
50% of the first story be maintained for non-residential use. He also noted that the only time
building design enters into play is when there is a facade grant request.
Council Member Orazem said he had initially shared Mr. Wacha’s concerns; however, the 75%
requirement would mean the dominant use would be commercial.
The public hearing was opened by the Mayor. She closed same after no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Orazem, to pass on first reading an ordinance to allow limited
residential uses on the first floor in the Downtown Service Center (DSC) Zone.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting aye: Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski. Voting nay:
Wacha. Motion declared carried.
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HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO MULTIPLE
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ON A SINGLE LOT: Director Osguthorpe explained that this item
was being bought to the Council as a correction. There was some text inadvertently deleted the
last time a change was made to this section; that needed to be put back in the ordinance. It was
the request of Mr. Osguthorpe and the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission
that the City Council pass on the ordinance in question on all three readings at this meeting since
there is a pending project that is dependent on the ordinance being adopted.
The Mayor opened the hearing. No one asked to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to pass on first reading an ordinance repealing Section
29.401(5) and adopting a new Section 29.401(5) for purposes of reinserting standards pertaining
to m ultiple residen tial bu ildings on single lots.
R oll C all Vo te: 6-0. M o tion declared carried un an im ou sly.
M ov ed by Larson, second ed by D avis, to su spend the rules necessary for the adop tio n of an
ordinance.
R oll C all Vo te: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Davis, to pass on second and third readings and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4122 repealing Section 29.401(5) and adopting a new Section 29.401(5) for
pu rpo ses of reinserting standards p ertaining to m ultiple residential buildings on single lots.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO RE-ESTABLISHING
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS FOR COMPACT PARKING STALLS: Director Osguthorpe
told the Council that this item also represented a correction; text had been retained that should
have been deleted.
Mayor Campbell opened the public hearing and closed same after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to pass on first reading an ordinance repealing Table
29 .40 6(9)-2 and adop ting a new Tab le 29.40 6(9)-2 fo r p u rp oses of re-establishing dim ensional
stan dards for co mp act p arking stalls.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
M ov ed by D avis, second ed by Larson , to suspen d the rules necessary for the ad op tion o f an
ordinance.
R oll C all Vo te: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Szopinski, to pass on second and third readings and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4123 repealing Table 2 9.40 6(9)-2 and adopt a new Table 29.406(9)-2 for
p urpo ses of re-estab lishing dimension al stand ard s for com pact parking stalls.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON WPC FACILITY EQUALIZATION BASIN AND SLUDGE BASIN
REPAIRS: The public hearing was opened by Mayor Campbell. There was no one wishing to
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speak, and the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-494 approving final plans
and specification s an d awarding a contract to A mes T rench ing & Ex cavating, Inc., of A mes, Iow a,
in the amount of $105,900.00.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST FROM DEERY BROTHERS FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA
DESIGNATION: Planning and Housing Director Steve Osguthorpe stated that Brad Deery of the
Deery Brothers had submitted an application requesting the designation of four existing lots of
SE 16 Street as an Urban Revitalization Area (URA) and approval of an Urban Revitalizationth
Plan in accordance with the URA Policy for the area that was approved by the City Council on
June 12, 2012. The lots are proposed to be reconfigured under a separate Preliminary Plat
application, resulting in a 6.37-acre lot for the Deery Brothers automotive dealership site, two
lots for future commercial development (2.77 and 3.34 acres, respectively) and a 11.10-acre
outlot encompassing the floodway portion of the site. The requesting URA designation will
allow the Deery Brothers to receive a property tax abatement incentive on their three developable
lots.
According to Mr. Osguthorpe, normally, the application process requires submittal of a site plan
approved by the Planning and Housing Director. The submitted site plan has not yet received
final approval due to a few issues that still need to be addressed. Because the items are minor and
easily satisfied and because compliance does not rely upon third-party cooperation outside the
applicant’s or City’s control, the Director had granted tentative approval of the site plan to
facilitate early submittal of the URA application. Director Osguthorpe stated that the site plan
is complete enough for the City Council to determine compliance with the adopted criteria for
the URA.
Council Member Szopinski asked for the history as to how it came to the point of recommending
river channel straightening. Director Osguthorpe recollected that the channel straightening
suggestion came from discussions around the dais about ways to mitigate flooding in the area.
Council Member Wacha noted that he was not an expert on flood mitigation; however, channel
straightening has been used by many communities as a means to mitigate flooding because it
allows for the water to move through more quickly, and therefore, mitigates flooding. Mr.
Wacha recalled that he had had a strong opposition to allowing tax abatement for this project due
to the past flooding of the area in question unless flood mitigation was a part of the
improvement.
Director Osguthorpe clarified that staff was not asking for the Council’s approval of the Urban
Revitalization Area; but rather for the Council to decide whether or not to accept the application
for an Urban Revitalization Area. If it accepts the application, Council would need to direct staff
to prepare the Urban Revitalization Plan and to set a date for a public hearing on that Plan.
City Planner Charlie Kuester reviewed in detail the six Urban Revitalization Criteria that must
be met in order for the City Council to consider designation of an Urban Revitalization Area. The
Criteria had been approved by the City Council at its meeting held on June 12, 2012. Under
Criteria No. 2, Mr. Kuester emphasized that, ultimately, the required elevation would need to be
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confirmed when the applicant submits an Elevation Certificate prior to occupancy of the
building.
Council Member Goodman asked for clarification as to whether the fill plays any role in flood
mitigation. Planner Kuester advised that the fill dirt itself does not mitigate flooding.
City Manager Schainker emphasized that if the Council approves the Urban Revitalization Plan
and the Ordinance is adopted creating the Urban Revitalization Area, the affected lot will always
receive the tax abatement. However, if the owner fails to meet all six of the criteria, they will
have to pay the City back for the costs of that abatement.
Under Criteria No. 4, Planner Kuester pointed out that a sidewalk is not shown or proposed along
the frontage of Proposed Outlot A. It was noted that the applicant had submitted a request with
the Preliminary Plat application to formally waive the sidewalk requirement for the area along
Proposed Outlot A. Mr. Kuester pointed out that the submitted site plan does show a sidewalk
extending along the length of the Deery Brothers auto dealership site (proposed Lot 1) and the
separately submitted Preliminary Plat provides for sidewalks along all of the proposed developed
lots (Lots 1 - 3). Council Member Szopinski expressed her concerns over that since she believes
the area will continue to develop and pedestrian traffic will increase. City Manager Schainker
noted that a portion of the Outlot’s frontage abuts the river and river bank and there is no
pedestrian access across the bridge along that frontage. Mr. Kuester said that staff believes that
a safer location to cross the road is at the east end of Proposed Outlot A rather than next to the
bridge. Municipal Engineer Tracy Warner indicated that staff prefers what is being proposed by
the applicant from a traffic safety standpoint. Planner Kuester told the Council that it should
consider whether a sidewalk along a portion of the site’s frontage meets the intent of the criterion
to have a public sidewalk constructed “adjacent to the property.” Council Member Goodman
noted that the sidewalks for the future development lots could be required at the time of lot
development per the provisions of the Preliminary and Final Plats.
Under Criterion No. 5, Planner Kuester noted the uses that would not be permitted on the land
in question. He advised that there had been no evidence that any of the non-permitted uses
would be located on the lot; however, the Development Agreement would need to address how
long the use restrictions would be retained for the abated properties.
Mr. Kuester stated that the Council had included Criterion No. 6, which was to require the
owners of the property abutting a river to perform channel improvements and provide
certification from an engineer registered in Iowa that the improvements will mitigate flooding.
Those improvements must be approved by the DNR, Army Corps of Engineer, and the City of
Ames. According to Mr. Kuester, the Urban Revitalization Policy approved by the City Council
did not provide a definition of “mitigate.” Mr. Kuester said that the engineer had stated in his
certification letter that the “project will mitigate flooding by providing an improved and
stabilized channel in addition to the no-rise condition.” That letter further stated that “the
channel improvements will remove large trees that are in imminent danger of falling into the
river during the next major flood event...will potentially lodge in the downstream Highway 30
Bridge and create blockages that will catch debris and severely restrict water flow through the
Bridge.” It was stated by Mr. Kuester that calculations submitted with the no-rise certificate
indicate that although there would be up to 0.08 increase in the 100-year water surface elevation
(WSEL) resulting from the fill alone, the river channel realignment in combination with the fill
will result in a 0.05 decrease in the WSEL.
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City Manager Schainker reiterated that the City Council needed to consider whether the
reduction of the Base Flood Elevation discharge by between 0.00 feet and 0.05 feet as a result
of the channel project meets the Council’s expectations to mitigate flooding as required under
Criterion 6 and whether compliance with the no-rise requirement under Criterion 2 can also
satisfy the requirement to mitigate flooding under Criterion 6.
Planner Kuester stated that, on September 6, 2012, the Iowa Department of Transportation issued
a revised position regarding the approval of the proposed Deery development by stating: “It
appears the Department will be able to meet DNR criteria for the 100-year flood on US 30 by
lengthening our existing bridges when they are replaced in the future. Our analysis indicates that
replacing the existing 320-foot structures with longer structures will allow us to meet DNR
criteria for the 100-year flood. An overflow channel through the Deery site plan will not be
necessary to meet the 100-year flood requirements. In addition, the Department does not have
any concerns with the proposed channel excavation along the Skunk River just north of US 30.
This channel excavation will require a work on ROW Permit from the Department.”
City Manager Schainker explained that the policy adopted by the City Council on June 12, 2012,
included criteria that must be met for the establishment of an Urban Revitalization Area along
SE 16th Street. The nature of some of the criteria does not allow a determination to be made
prior to the establishment of the URA and the property tax abatement. The policy also includes
a requirement for a Development Agreement that would ensure that the value of the property tax
abatement (the City’s portion of the abatement) would be repaid to the City if the owner failed
to meet or maintain any of the criteria. In order to proceed with the URA request, the City
Council must conclude from the information provided that the applicant has a viable plan for
meeting all of the six qualifying criteria in an acceptable time frame.
Mr. Schainker asked the Council to provide direction on the following: (1) Whether the
developer’s intent not to construct a sidewalk along the undeveloped outlot is consistent with the
Criterion 4, which states that, “A public sidewalk is to be constructed along the south side of the
Southeast 16 Street adjacent to the property.” (2) The City Council should determine whetherth
the channel straightening proposed by the developer will “mitigate flooding” as stated in
Criterion 6.
It was noted that the developer’s engineer had provided projections that the channel straightening
would reduce base flood discharges between 0.00 feet and 0.05 feet (0.6 inch). The engineer also
maintains that the removal of the trees along the bank will prevent their dislocation during a
flood event and the subsequent blocking of water through the US Highway 30 bridge.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Davis, to approve the application and direct staff to develop the
Urban Revitalization Plan and Ordinance.
Council Member Wacha said that it was clear to him that the developers had definitely met three
of the six criteria. He stated that he was also comfortable that the sidewalk requirement was
being met by what the applicant was proposing and that the work that was being done on the
channel suffices for the no-rise requirement.
Council Member Szopinski reminded the other Council members that they had other options to
suggest criteria for development of the area without it being attached to tax abatement.
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Council Member Goodman reiterated that, to him, it was a matter of equity and fairness.
However, one of the most compelling arguments for him was that the developer would be
receiving “$1 million to $1.2 million for one-quarter of an inch in flood mitigation;” that was not
enough of a benefit. Council Member Larson pointed out that there would be a lot more benefit
than that if you consider what would actually happen if the property didn’t develop over the next
five years.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Wacha. Voting nay: Goodman,
Szopinski. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-495 setting October 23,
2012, as the 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.
City Manager Schainker explained that in order to protect the City, should it be determined at
a later date that not all of the required qualifying criteria had been met, staff would need to
negotiate a Development Agreement with the Deery Brothers for approval prior to the October
23, 2012, public hearing that ensures the City will be reimbursed (if Deery fails to satisfy all six
criteria) for the amount the developer receives in tax abatement. Mr. Schainker explained in
detail ten specific issues and asked for City Council concurrence and direction on what to
specifically address in the Development Agreement.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Orazem, to direct staff to negotiate a Development Agreement
based on the information submitted in the staff report (Item 32C) presented on this item.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha. Voting nay:
Goodman. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
EASTERN ANNEXATION: City Manager Schainker noted that the adopted Fiscal Year 2012/13
Budget included infrastructure improvements for extension of water and sewer utilities for
eastern industrial growth He noted that Council members had requested that the need for
industrial land be confirmed and that a financial analysis be performed.
Dan Culhane, Executive Director of the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC),
presented the Industrial Land Needs Analysis. He reported that communities are competing for
fewer projects and the communities that successfully land projects are those that have been
prepared with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate development. According to Mr. Culhane,
in the last six years, the AEDC, in partnership with the City, has landed 17 projects resulting in
1,185 jobs and over $217,900,000 in capital investment. If Ames had not had the necessary sites
ready for those companies, most likely they would have located elsewhere. Mr. Culhane
contended that the proposed annexation east of Interstate 35 would give Ames a competitive
advantage long into the future for large-scale projects. One reason is the fact that Phase I of the
proposed annexation would provide the community with sites that could facilitate companies that
need railroad access. Mr. Culhane pointed out that Ames has missed and will continue to miss
out on jobs and capital investment because it does not have a site that can clearly meet the needs
of many potential large-scale businesses.
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A map identifying industrially zoned properties that are currently vacant was shown by Mr.
Culhane. It has been determined that there are 53 vacant properties remaining, totaling 254.66
acres. Those properties range in size from 0.36 acres to 55 acres, with the mean average being
4.80 acres. The AEDC has found that out of the 254 acres, only 58.15 acres are available for
development with the largest property at 10.62 acres in size. It was pointed out that when the
mall development across Interstate 35 did not come to fruition, the opportunity to connect to the
agreed-upon infrastructure east of I-35 was lost.
Mr. Culhane referenced the 2002 Industrial Study, which clearly pointed to the area east of I-35
as the most viable location for industrial expansion. He stated that the benefit of pursuing
annexation along the Lincoln Way corridor is that it allows for incremental growth from the
Union Pacific Railroad south to U. S. Highway 30. In addition, the AEDC has already met with
landowners in Phase I and the majority of land owners have committed to voluntary annexation.
It is also known that the owners of the major parcels are willing sellers.
In summary, Mr. Culhane stated that, if voluntary annexation is combined with willing sellers,
railroad access, proximity to two I-35 interchanges, the pieces of a successful development come
together very well. He noted that the other very visible benefit to this corridor is that there are
anchor industrial tenants in this area: Barilla is located on one end and DuPont’s new cellulosic
ethanol plant and Lincoln Way Energy area are located on the other end of the corridor. This
indicates that the area in question is poised for further industrial growth and development. The
AEDC firmly believes that this is a viable location for companies of the future to create
employment opportunities and deploy large sums of capital investment in facilities that will
generate significant tax base.
Management Analyst Brian Phillips presented the staff report on the Financial Analysis of
Industrial Growth. It was noted by City Manager Schainker that the estimated costs to deliver
service to the 590-acre area are $800,000 (water) and $3.5 million (sewer). The adopted FY
2012/13 Budget includes increases to water and sewer rates to pay debt service for the utility
extensions.
Mr. Phillips reviewed the current industrial valuations. He presented four development
assumptions: (1) The focus was on 40 parcels that are currently in industrial use. (2) The
industrial property tax structure will remain unchanged into the future and that the City’s tax levy
and water and sewer use charges will remain stable. (3) The level of water consumption, sewer
use, and land area historically used by industrial properties will equal their 2012 totals. (4) when
considering a property with the several structures, the year that the largest structure was built is
used as the year the property was absorbed. Three different absorption scenarios were then given:
10.25 acres/year, 16.03 acres/year, and 20.04 acres/year.
Mr. Phillips said that, if the City Council approves extension of water and sewer utilities, the
City will issue General Obligation Bonds; repayment of the debt will be made from water and
sewer revenues. The debt for proposed water and sewer lines will most likely be placed on a 20-
year repayment schedule. Annual estimated debt service payments are $54,000 for the water line
and $235,000 for the sewer line, for a total of $289,000/year.
The Analysis indicated that the anticipated new water revenues are likely to be sufficient to pay
back the capital investment for a new water line in a reasonable period of time provided that new
development occurs at or above Ames’ historical absorption rates. However, if elevated water
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storage is required for fire protection early on in the development of the area, the payback could
lengthen considerably. Council Member Orazem noted that if elevated water storage is
necessitated, it means that the project is very successful.
It was also noted by Mr. Phillips that, due to the higher cost of sewer infrastructure, sewer
revenues area less likely to be sufficient to cover the debt service in fewer than 20 years. Only
if development includes heavier sewer uses at the more rapid absorption rates does the breakeven
point occur before 20 years.
The property tax analysis was then reviewed by Mr. Phillips, which provided some insight into
the overall value added to the community by the industrial growth.
Regarding sales tax, purchases of materials that are not used in production would be taxable and
1% would return to the City through the Local Option Sales Tax. Mr. Phillips noted that, due
to a lack of individual-level data on Local Option Sales Tax, it was difficult to determine how
large a contribution the increase in sales tax would have on City revenues.
Pertaining to jobs, it is estimated that 590 acres of development with a similar lot-building
coverage ratio would produce between 3,900 and 7,100 direct jobs. However, due to the varied
industries that might locate in the tract, the number of jobs associated with industrial expansion
could not be precisely estimated.
Council Member Orazem noted that he had checked Internet sites to see what communities had
shovel-ready locations to place industry. Ames showed no sites. He believes it is a fundamental
issue as to whether Ames wants to be “in the game or not.”
Council Member Szopinski noted that what the Analysis pointed out was that the payback period
would be long. She also pointed out that the issue with Central Iowa Water Association has not
been resolved; at this point, it has not been confirmed that water can even be provided to the area
in question. Council Member Larson pointed out that, by a binding agreement, Central Iowa
Water has to provide water to the area; if it is not capable of doing so, the Agreement would not
be binding.
Council Member Goodman said he believes Ames “wants to be in the game,” but he wants to
know exactly what the long-term costs will be to extend infrastructure across the Interstate.
Seana Perkins, Business Development Coordinator, informed the Mayor and City Council on the
next steps needed to bring the project to fruition. Ms. Perkins noted that the project is complex
“with many moving parts.” Some need to occur simultaneously, and some cannot overlap. She
explained the project flowchart in an attempt to clarify expectations of the time frame for
development of the area. This includes a revision to the Urban Fringe Plan, annexation, rezoning,
and land consolidation. Ms. Perkins advised that she had had discussions with the property
owners within the annexation area. She explained potential incentives that had been discussed
with the City’s Legal Department, which included partial tax exemption and/or waiver of water
and/or sanitary sewer connection fees. Three affected residential property owners had been
contacted and presented with the opportunity of offering partial tax exemption and waiving
connection fees. The response from one property owner continues to be non-consenting. It was
noted by City Manager Schainker that the incentive of waiver of water connection fees may not
be possible if the water is provided by the Central Iowa Water Association.
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Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred advised that a response had been received from Central
Iowa Water Association (CIWA). Due to the fact that CIWA has outstanding loans from the
USDA’s rural Utilities Programs, CIWA has a protected right to provide service to the proposed
annexed lands. However, federal law excuses CIWA from the responsibility to provide fire
protection to the area. City Manager Schainker said that the Council should not stall its decision
on this because the City will find a way to resolve the issue.
Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn told the Council that the City’s current capacity
is 12 million gallons/day. The peak this year was 9.5 million gallons/day. Long-term plans call
for an additional capacity of six million gallons/day. Mr. Dunn also stated that the City had
already secured land for additional well sites, if needed.
Moved by Orazem, seconded by Larson, to approve the following four steps: (1) Direct staff to
initiate an amendment to the Urban Fringe Plan to reflect the new industrial uses planned for this
area. (2) Authorize the AEDC staff to secure signed annexation agreements with consenting
property owners to include only the sanitary sewer hook-up fee waiver for future Council
consideration. (3) Direct staff to solicit engineering proposals for design of this infrastructure.
(4) Direct staff to continue discussions with CIWA and to bring back viable options for
providing potable water and fire flow protection to this area, in anticipation of using the $3.5
million to build a sewer main across the Interstate, which implies that the City is committed to
moving toward allowing development of an Industrial Park on the east of Interstate 35.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Orazem to commit $3.5 million to build a sewer main across the Interstate. Motion
died for lack of a second.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to approve the following four steps: (1) Direct staff
to initiate an amendment to the Urban Fringe Plan to reflect the new industrial uses planned for
this area. (2) Authorize the AEDC staff to secure signed annexation agreements with consenting
property owners to include only the sanitary sewer hook-up fee waiver for future Council
consideration. (3) Direct staff to solicit engineering proposals for design of this infrastructure.
(4) Direct staff to continue discussions with CIWA and to bring back viable options for
providing potable water and fire flow protection to this area.
Council Member Wacha said that he was very supportive of the proposal. Council Member
Davis indicated that he was also supportive of the proposal, but requested to have a concrete cost
estimate from staff. Council Member Goodman expressed his disapproval in that there was no
expectation of jobs to be provided.
Council Member Goodman withdrew the second to the motion.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Larson, to approve the following four steps: (1) Direct staff to
initiate an amendment to the Urban Fringe Plan to reflect the new industrial uses planned for this
area. (2) Authorize the AEDC staff to secure signed annexation agreements with consenting
property owners to include only the sanitary sewer hook-up fee waiver for future Council
consideration. (3) Direct staff to solicit engineering proposals for design of this infrastructure.
(4) Direct staff to continue discussions with CIWA and to bring back viable options for
providing potable water and fire flow protection to this area.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Davis, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha. Voting nay:
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Goodman. Motion declared carried.
LIBRARY RENOVATION PROJECT: Interim Library D irecto r Lynne Carey told the Council
that, due to the complexity of the major renovation and expansion project, the Library must
relocate its public operations and business offices during the construction. Ms. Carey stated that
space had been identified in two stores in the Lincoln Center, 620 Lincoln Way, which were
formerly occupied by Hastings and Harrison Sports. Based on the projected construction time
line, the existing building at 515 Douglas Avenue must be vacated prior to December 3, 2012.
Moved by Wacha, seconded by Szopinski, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-496 p rop osing to
lease space from M idw est C enters, L.P., at Linco ln C enter, A m es, for temp orary relocation o f A m es
Public Library and setting the date of public hearing for September 25, 2012.
R oll C all Vo te: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
M s. C arey gave an upd ate on the b uilding reno vation project. She specifically high lighted
tem po rary location s, delegation of autho rity fo r the p ub lic bidding process, the b ud get and cash
flow , an d anticipated upcoming contracts. The proposed project time line was shared with the
Council. Conceptual designs for the interior of the new and renovated spaces were shown.
M un icipal Engineer Warner adv ised that it had been determ ined that the library project need ed an
area at the south end of the north/south alley between Kellogg Avenue and Douglas Avenue on the
west side of the Library in order to co nstruc t a new B oo km o bile facility. T herefo re, the so uthe rn
portion of the public alley needed to b e vacated.
M oved by Davis, seconded by Wacha, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-497 setting the date of
p ub lic hearin g fo r Sep tem b er 2 5, 2 01 2, o n v acating an alley w est of the A mes Pub lic Lib rary.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
C on structio n M anager Brad Heem stra, In tegrity, Inc., exp lained the d ifferen t phases o f the projec t.
M oved by Davis, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 12-498 approving
preliminary plans and specifications for Asbestos A batement at Ames Pu blic Library; setting
Octo ber 11 , 20 12 , as bid du e date and O ctob er 23, 201 2, as date of pub lic hearin g.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Moved by Wacha, seconded by Orazem, to refer to staff the letter dated
August 27, 2012, from Pat Brown, representing the South Duff Business Association, proposing
to work with City staff to create a design to improve the entrance into Ames on Duff Avenue
from Highway 30.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Davis, to refer to staff the letter from the Ames Human
Relations Commission pertaining to reducing the size of the Commission from seven to five
members.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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In light of receiving many email messages indicating concerns over the changes to the City’s
Lighting Ordinance as a result of the Deery Brothers’ request, Council Member Szopinski
requested that staff provide pictures of what parking lots would look like with the changes for
auto/marine lots, e.g., what having the glare shields would mean. Director Osguthorpe indicated
that staff would attempt to provide examples to the Council. Council Member Goodman clarified
that Council was asking that staff provide locations that currently exist that will model what the
changes made will look like.
Moved by Szopinski, seconded by Goodman, to direct staff to provide pictures of parking lots
that indicate what the lighting changes would look like.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Campbell noted that a request had come in from Stumbo & Associates requesting a
waiver of LUPP density requirements for property located at 3618 Cedar Lane.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Szopinski, to direct City Manager Schainker to notify Stumbo
& Associates that the City Council had seen its request and chose not to refer it to staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Ex officio Member Baker told the Council that Iowa State University had a record enrollment this
fall of 31,040 students, which was an increase of 4%. Ms. Baker also made the Council aware
that the College of Design had opened a satellite office on Main Street. She highlighted the
upcoming September 14, 2012, presidential installation ceremony for Steven Leath as the 15th
President of Iowa State University.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor