HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board 02/22/2005 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES HOUSING GOVERNING BOARD,
AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 22, 2005
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
The regular meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairperson Ted Tedesco
at 6:30 p.m. on February 22, 2005. Present from the Ames City Council were Goodman, Mahayni,
Vegge, and Wirth. Ex officio Member Tugan was also present. Council Members Cross and
Goodhue were absent. Story County Board of Supervisors present were Clinton, Halliburton, and
Toms. Representing the Ames School Board were Snell and Brown.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Clinton, to approve the minutes
of the January 25, 2005, Conference Board meeting.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED FY 2005/06 BUDGET FOR AMES CITY ASSESSOR’S
OFFICE: Chairperson Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify,
the hearing was closed.
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Toms, to approve the FY 2005/06 Budget for the Ames City
Assessor’s Office.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Matt Randall, 420 S. 17th Street, Ames, advised the Conference Board that the Ames City
Assessor had sent a letter directed to Randall Corporation and other owners of land classified
as Agricultural within the city limits. According to Mr. Randall, in order to retain the
Agricultural classification, the letter required affected property owners to provide the Assessor
with information not related to standards set out by the state of Iowa. Mr. Randall indicated that
he was bringing this to the attention of the Conference Board since there was no other legislative
body that governed the actions of the City Assessor. He said that he had spoken with
representatives of the Iowa Department of Revenue, and in their opinion, Mr. Horn’s
interpretation was incorrect and he should be utilizing standards adopted by the Iowa Legislature
and the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Board Member Clinton advised that there is a mechanism in place, i.e., the Mini-Board, which
is comprised of one member from each of the entities (City, County, School District) to handle
issues such as the one Mr. Randall had raised. The Mini-Board would then meet with the City
Assessor to discuss the concern in an attempt to hear both sides of the issue, and a meeting
would be arranged between the parties. Mr. Randall said that he would be happy to do that;
however, their past relationship had not been productive; litigation had been pursued in the past.
He did not believe that they could arrive at a resolution.
Council Member Vegge asked Mr. Randall if he had more information than what was contained
in the letter presented tonight. Mr. Randall advised that he could get copies of the court cases
and also make contact with the Iowa Department of Revenue. Mr. Randall said that the difficult
part was that the Department of Revenue is the legislative body that provides an outline for the
Assessor to follow, however, they also provide the Assessor with a certain amount of leeway
to make his own decisions. The decision made by the Assessor regarding Agricultural land was,
in Mr. Randall’s opinion, completely inappropriate. His concern was that the Assessor would
reclassify property that is currently classified as Agricultural, Commercial, or Residential prior
to the time that parcel is actually prepared for development. This increased tax burden will deter
development, and in the end, increase costs for the end-user.
City Assessor Richard Horn explained that the mailing was a response to requests from Board
of Review members to gather information about the actual use, income, and expenses of vacant
land in Ames. He said the relevant issue was that the agricultural rule included the statement
that property, “in good faith used primarily for agricultural purposes...” is considered
agricultural if “its principal use is devoted to the raising and harvesting of crops or forest or fruit
trees, the rearing, feeding, and management of livestock, or horticulture, all for intended profit.”.
Mr. Horn pointed out that the terms, “in good faith,” “primarily,” and “intended profit,” were
not defined.
Mr. Horn stated that classification of vacant land had been contentious in most developing areas
of Iowa. He felt that this was due to the lack of guidance by the Iowa Department of Revenue,
and the only published information available to Iowa Assessors was the Iowa Administrative
Code and various court decisions on the subject. Mr. Horn advised that classification was the
Assessor’s responsibility, not the Department of Revenue, as stated in the Administrative Rule;
it was based upon the best judgment of the Assessor following the guidelines set forth.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Clinton, directing that the Mini-Board meet with both parties
(Matt Randall and the Ames City Assessor) to discuss the issue and provide a written report to
the Ames Conference Board.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONFERENCE BOARD MEETING: The Conference Board meeting
adjourned at 6:56 p.m
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES HOUSING GOVERNING BOARD
The regular meeting of the Ames Housing Governing Board was called to order by Chairperson
Tedesco at 7:00 p.m. on February 22, 2005, with the following members present: Goodhue,
Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth. Andrew Tugan, ex officio member, was also present. Board
Member Cross was absent.
TRANSFER OF CITY’S SECTION 8 RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM: For the benefit of the
public, Mayor Tedesco explained that HUD had notified the Housing Division of impending
changes to the funding of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Rental Assistance). This
reduced the amount of rental assistance and administrative fees that would be available to the
City of Ames. Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker Latimer stated that staff is requesting
approval to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding to transfer the City’s Program to the Fort
Dodge Housing Agency. City staff will notify all of the Section 8 participants and area human
service agencies of this pending action.
Council Member Goodhue arrived at 7:02 p.m.
Upon being asked by Council Member Wirth, Ms. Baker Latimer advised that Fort Dodge
Housing Authority currently had 600 vouchers,135 public housing units, and 20 single-family
housing units. She explained that if proper notice is given to the Housing Authority, any
Agreement may be rescinded.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Vegge, to designate the Fort Dodge Housing Agency as the
preferred Housing Authority in connection with the transfer of the City’s Section 8 Rental
Subsidy Program and authorize staff to negotiate an agreement.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The Ames Housing Governing Board meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:04 p.m. on the 22nd day of February, 2005, in
the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Ted
Tedesco presiding and the following Council members present: Goodhue, Goodman, Mahayni,
Vegge, and Wirth. Ex officio Member Tugan was also present. Council Member Cross was absent.
PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Tedesco proclaimed March 2005 as Ames Red Cross Month.
Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Red Cross was Doug Yetman, Executive Director
of the Ames Lincoln Way Chapter.
In observance of its 100th Anniversary, the Mayor proclaimed February 23, 2005, as Rotary
International Day. Joyce Durlam, President of the Noon Rotary Club, and Brian Dieter, President
of the Wednesday Morning Rotary Club, accepted the proclamation.
PRESENTATION FROM AMES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF
FEEDBACK FROM BIO-TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES: Executive Director of the Ames
Economic Development Commission (AEDC) David Maahs and Steve Carter, Vice-President
of the Ames Economic Development presented information on this topic.
Mr. Carter explained the organizational structure for the Biosciences Alliance of Iowa. He also
pointed out what legislative actions would be needed to move the initiatives forward. He said
that twenty-two companies had participated in the Technology Focus Groups. The
recommendations of those Focus Groups were outlined. Concerns about City regulations were
listed as the need for larger residential lots, more residential options, and options for two- to
three-acre lots. Mr. Carter also gave an update on the Iowa Biologics Facility. He explained the
funding approval process and advised that a marketing consultant had been hired.
Mr. Maahs explained the marketing efforts being worked on by Iowa State University, ISU
Research Park, and the AEDC. Research indicated that nine (9) out of the 13 cities contacted
offered tax abatement; Ames was one of those cities. He talked about the Tax Increment
Financing programs offered in Chicago and Boston, as well as those offered in Ankeny, Iowa
City, and Coralville. Mr. Maahs pointed out that Ames offered Tax Increment Financing for the
Ames Community Development Park, Phases I and II, but for infrastructure only. The end result
was a number of new companies locating in Ames. He also described how some communities
fund their local financial assistance programs with Local Option Sales Tax, or in Ames’ case,
by Hotel-Motel Tax.
Mr. Carter stated that the companies in the Research Park generate $1,077,000 in annual
property taxes. Mr. Maahs explained the benefits provided by the City’s Revolving Loan Fund
and the Community Investment Fund programs.
Mayor Tedesco asked Mr. Maahs for some type of communication from the AEDC outlining the
steps that the City Council needed to take to help further these initiatives.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION: Public Art Commission Members Anne Taylor and Letitia
Kenemer showed photographs of sculptures chosen by the Public Art Commission for the
2005/06 Art Around the Corner exhibit. Rotation and installation of the exhibit will take place
during late April and early May 2005.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-054 approving the
2005/06 Art Around the Corner selections, as follows: American Farmer by Sondra Jonson,
Purple Haze by Jerry Cowger, Symphony by V. Skip Willits, Speaking in Tongues by Kristin
Garnant, Pilot of the Waterway by V. Skip Willits, White Bench by Mary Jane Lamberson, and
the alternate, The Anvil by Robert Lamberson.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Ms. Taylor then explained the Neighborhood Art Program, which was created to collaborate
with Ames’ neighborhoods that might be interested in having one of the pieces of artwork from
artists participating in the Art Around the Corner exhibit to be displayed permanently in their
neighborhood. The Neighborhood Sculpture Committee toured interested neighborhoods in
January, and based on certain criteria, the Committee selected the neighborhood in the Forest
Glen and Oakland Areas, with the selected site being the southern entrance to Emma McCarthy
Lee Park on Oakland Street.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-055 approving the
Public Art Commission’s selection of the Forest Glen and Oakland area neighborhood as the
neighborhood to permanently display artwork from an artist participating in the Art Around the
Corner exhibit.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Mahayni asked to pull Item #6, which pertained to
approval of the minutes of special and regular meetings of February 4, 8, 9, 10, and 15, 2005.
Council Member Vegge asked to pull Item No. 15, the 2005 Urban Design Standards Manual,
Specifications for Public Improvements, City of Ames Supplemental Specifications, and
subsequent updates.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to approve the following items on the Consent
Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Liquor - New Tradewinds Lounge, 115 5th Street
b. Class C Beer - Gateway Expresse, 2400 Elwood Drive
c. Class C Beer - Swift Stop #1, 412 S. Duff Avenue
d. Special Class C Liquor and Outdoor Service Area - Stomping Grounds, 303 Welch
Avenue
e. Class C Liquor - Twentieth Century Bowling, 505 South Duff Avenue
3. Motion approving new Class B Wine Permit for Gateway Expresse, 2400 Elwood Drive
4. Motion approving new Class B Wine Permit for Southgate Expresse, 110 Airport Road
5. Motion approving new Class C Liquor License for Don Nacho's, 2402 Lincoln Way, subject
to Inspections Division approval
6. Motion directing the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to rescind the “No Parking 7:30 to
9:30 a.m. on School Days” parking restrictions on Hayes Avenue
7. Motion authorizing submission of grant application to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to
support additional officer overtime and purchase of video and radar equipment for patrol
vehicles
8. Motion authorizing submission of an All Hazards Mitigation Planning Grant application to the
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
9. RESOLUTION NO. 05-056 approving an amendment to City of Ames Records Retention
Schedule
10. RESOLUTION NO. 05-058 accepting the granting of a sanitary sewer easement and existing
sanitary sewer facilities at 2017 East Lincoln Way
11. RESOLUTION NO. 05-059 approving Airport property farm lease with Kaltenheuser Farms,
Inc., for 2005
12. RESOLUTION NO. 05-060 approving the addition of five 100-watt sodium vapor lights to the
existing Alliant Energy Electric Street Lighting Agreement
13. RESOLUTION NO. 05-061 approving changing term of office for the Public Art Commission
14. RESOLUTION NO. 05-062 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2005/06
Collector Street Reconstruction Program; setting March 15, 2005, as bid due date and March
22, 2005, as date of public hearing
15. RESOLUTION NO. 05-063 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2005/06
CyRide Route Reconstruction; setting March 16, 2005, as bid due date and March 22, 2005, as
date of public hearing
16. RESOLUTION NO. 05-064 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2005/06
Concrete Pavement Reconstruction Program; setting March 16, 2005, as bid due date and
March 22, 2005, as date of public hearing
17. RESOLUTION NO. 05-065 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2005/06
CDBG Curb Accessibility Program; setting March 16, 2005, as bid due date and March 22,
2005, as date of public hearing
18. RESOLUTION NO. 05-066 approving preliminary plans and specifications for West Lincoln
Way Widening (Thackeray Avenue to West Corporate Limits); setting March 16, 2005, as bid
due date and March 22, 2005, as date of public hearing
19. RESOLUTION NO. 05-067 approving a contract with AmStar Surface Engineering to apply
Inconel metal spray to Boiler #8 tubes in the amount of $90,000
20. RESOLUTION NO. 05-068 approving contract and bond for Furnishing of Fiber Optic Cable
21. RESOLUTION NO. 05-069 accepting completion of the Dayton Avenue Substation
Transformer Project
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2005, AND
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 4, 9, 10, AND 15, 2005: Council Member Mahayni
asked that the Minutes of February 10, 2005, be corrected to state that he recommended that the
City contact the Graphic Design Program, not the Journalism department, at Iowa State
University to enlist assistance from students in brochure design.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded, by Wirth, to approve the minutes of the special and regular
meeting of February 8, 2005, and special meetings of February 4, 9, 10, as amended, and
February 15, 2005.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
2005 URBAN DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL, URBAN STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, THE CITY OF AMES SUPPLEMENTAL
SPECIFICATIONS, AND SUBSEQUENT UPDATES AND REVISIONS: Council Member
Vegge asked if these changes had been communicated to those involved in development and
construction. Acting Public Works Director John Joiner explained that the amendments had
gone through review by the six committees comprising the SUDAS Corporation (where the
design manuals originate). The changes were reviewed throughout the state of Iowa and
evaluated by City Staff (District 1 Committee). Mr. Joiner said that any changes that did not
specifically apply to the City of Ames were addressed through supplemental specifications. The
specifications are made available to developers, engineers, and contractors.
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-057 approving the
2005 Urban Design Standards Manual, Urban Standards Specifications for Public
Improvements, the City of Ames Supplemental Specifications, and subsequent updates and
revisions to those documents.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one wished to speak during this time.
REQUEST FROM AMES AMERICAN LEGION POST TO DISPLAY POW/MIA FLAG:
City Attorney John Klaus explained that the legal concern with this request was to not give the
impression that the City had made the flag pole a “public forum” to which anyone would have
an entitlement to an equal opportunity to display a flag or banner proclaiming a message. He
said that a “public forum” is not established if the pole is used for the official public purposes
of the City. Mr. Klaus advised that if the MIA/POW flag were displayed as an official message
of the City, that may invite requests by others who would like their message to also be an official
message of the City.
Lee McMilen, 4018 Quebec, Ames, spoke as Commander of the Ames American Legion Post
#37 and the American Legion Family and requested that the Legion be allowed to display the
MIA/POW flag until such time as the City wished to display their City logo. He also advised
that the Legion would dispose of any tattered flags.
Council Member Goodhue indicated that he was not prepared to deal with the numerous requests
that may come to the City over the use of the subject flag pole. He suggested that the Legion
work with the Veteran’s Memorial organization to see if an arrangement could be made to use
a flag pole at the site of the Memorial.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Goodman, to deny the request of the Ames American Legion
Post.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Wirth suggested that the flag pole be removed if the City was not going to use
it.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Goodman, to direct that the City fly the official logo flag on
that pole on a regular basis.
Council Member Wirth advised that she thought the appropriate place for the City’s logo flag
was in front of City Hall. Council Member Goodman would prefer to see the City’s logo flag
on the flag pole at Kellogg and Main rather than leave it vacant.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting aye: Goodhue, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge. Voting nay: Wirth.
Motion declared carried.
ELECTRIC SCHEDULING SERVICES: Director of Ames Electric Services Merlin Hove
introduced Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) representatives Tom Heller, Chief
Executive Officer; Ray Wahle, Director of Power Supply and Operations; and Jeff Peters,
Director of Marketing. Mr. Heller advised that MRES is a member-owned, not-for-profit,
company formed in 1965 under Iowa law by a group of municipals. Mr. Peters stated that
Missouri River Energy Service provides cost-effective long-term energy and energy services.
He said that they are comprised of 58 member municipal electric utilities in Iowa, Minnesota,
North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency finances
and owns generation on behalf of MRES. Mr. Wahle described their power supply resources.
He reviewed many of the services offered and explained how the Energy Scheduling Service,
in which Ames is interested, would work. MRES would arrange for procurement of replacement
energy in real time, locate replacement energy during scheduled outages, obtain and update tags,
and obtain and update OASIS reservations.
Mr. Hove advised that the EUORAB met prior to this meeting and recommended approval of
the City entering into an Energy Scheduling Service Agreement with Missouri River Energy
Service.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-070 approving the
Energy Scheduling Service Agreement with Missouri River Energy Service.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
UNIT NO. 8 MAINTENANCE WORK: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wirth, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 05-071 authorizing the issuance of a purchase order to W. S. Industrial
Services in the amount of $151,426 for Unit No. 8 Maintenance Work.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ELECTION TO CHANGE THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR
COUNCIL MEMBERS: John Klaus explained that the term of an elected official may be changed
to two years or four years by petition and election. Mr. Klaus also advised that there was no
provision in the law to allow for staggered terms without “cutting off” the four-year terms that
do not expire this year; that is not allowed under Section 376.2, Code of Iowa. He stated that
upon receipt of a valid petition, the Code states that the Council shall hold a special election
within 60 days after the receipt of the petition. “Valid petition” is defined as one that is signed
by eligible electors (not necessarily registered voters) equal in number to ten percent (10%) of
the number of people who voted in the last City election. The number of signatures on this
petition met that criterion.
Regarding the expenses of the election, Mr. Klaus advised that election expenses were required,
by Section 47.3 of the Code of Iowa, to be paid, in the absence of the voluntary offering to cover
costs, by the city for any special election that pertained to that city. There is no law that
provides a basis for the City to compel contribution towards election costs.
Mr. Klaus pointed out that the statute pertaining to calling the special election was mandatory;
it said that the matter shall be submitted to the electorate within 60 days.
Henry Alliger, 219 Ash, Ames, advised that he is the Speaker of the Senate of the Government
of the Student Body (GSB) of Iowa State University (ISU). He recommended that the Special
Election not be held during the week of March 14, 2005; that is the week of Spring Break and
many residents would be out of town. Mr. Alliger stated that the intent of the petition requesting
the special election was to address concerns of the 731 individuals who signed it. In Mr.
Alliger’s opinion, there is a larger percentage of the Ames population that has an interest in this
issue. He pointed out that in the 1950's, Ames had two-year Council terms. Mr. Alliger said that
it was not their intent to get student control of the City Council. He felt that residents of this
City who may be here for a term less than four years – in the case of Ames, that would constitute
more than half of the City – should be given the opportunity, if they are qualified, to be elected
and serve a term without having to resign only because the term length is longer than the period
of time that they are in the City. In addition, Mr. Alliger stated that he was aware of concerns
many people have that four-year terms are necessary to learn what needs to be learned to be
effective. He offered that both the Iowa House of Representatives and the United States House
of Representatives have two-year-term lengths, and they are effective. Mr. Alliger felt that the
individual could learn the responsibilities, effectively govern for that term, and campaign for re-
election at the same time.
Council Member Mahayni said that he was curious as to how this proposal to go from four years
to two years was going to affect the City. He asked what positives there were and what was
wrong with the four-year terms aside from the fact that a segment of the population of Ames
cannot run for the Council. Mr. Alliger responded that a positive would be, in the case where
an individual was elected, and in the course of the two years, enacted some policies that the
constituents felt were inappropriate, there would be more immediate opportunity to address those
concerns rather than waiting an extra two years. The downside would be that there would be
more campaigning and increased costs.
He also said that he has had conversations with many people who feel that if the concept of “One
Community” is truly valued by the City of Ames, Iowa State University, and other major
players, changes needed to be made to view students or short-term residents as a part of the
community. Mr. Alliger said that it was his personal intention, regardless of the election, to
spark a debate over the value of short-term residents in Ames and encourage interaction from
the community.
Council Member Mahayni advised that the criteria he was after was the collective interest of the
community, not the particular interest of a segment of the community. He wanted to know how
this would affect the collective interest of the community. Mr. Alliger reiterated that a person
would be in office for a shorter period of time, so if his or her constituents were not pleased with
the decisions being made, they would have a means for a more immediate response. He did not
think it would limit the effectiveness of the official; if four years were necessary, then the
individual could seek re-election. Council Member Mahayni pointed out that tradition in this
City shows that many Council members serve more than four years, so the level of
dissatisfaction that Mr. Alliger was trying to convey does not have historical backing. Mr.
Alliger stated that he felt the current Council members did a fantastic job, but there were
residents of this community who felt that opportunities did not exist for them to serve on this
body; that provided for a disconnect and was a disservice.
Council Member Goodman said that the length of term was arbitrary; it was not irrational to
consider that two-year terms might be fitting for Ames.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-072 setting the date
of Special Election for April 5, 2005, and adopting text of the public measure to change the term
of office for Council members from four years to two years.
Council Member Goodhue said that it would be a tremendous mistake to change the terms of
Council members from four years to two years as there is a tremendous learning curve for
Council members the first year; it takes a significant amount of time and energy to try to learn
the elements of the City. It was Mr. Goodhue’s perspective that there would be no consistency
on issues such as land use, finances, and capital improvements.
Council Member Vegge thanked Mr. Alliger for his actions, but said that he agreed with Council
Member Goodhue and he would vote against changing the terms of Council members. Mr.
Vegge also pointed out that it was a serious issue to consider that all Council seats would open
up at once. Council Member Wirth also felt that continuity on the Council was very important;
there needs to be a knowledge base among the members.
Ex officio Member Andrew Tugan pointed out that, unlike the U. S. House of Representatives,
members of this Council were not full-time members; they all have jobs outside of service on
the Council. It also needed to be recognized that each person who serves on the Council takes
up the learning curve on his or her own time, outside of their working day. Mr. Tugan
acknowledged that political participation in a less-active segment of the community being
invigorated was a good thing, but at the same time, basic operations of the City would
potentially be put at risk. He referred to the Transportation Plan, the Capital Improvements Plan,
or issues such as the mall issue, which perpetuate over a number of years, having to be stopped
after two years because of a re-election process and then having to restart. Council Member
Wirth agreed and added the complex issue of providing electrical power, where the City Council
member does need to learn about the issue and follow it closely for a number of years.
Council Member Mahayni said his concern was not whether the term of office was two years
or four years, but that the City would be sacrificing the collective interest of the whole
community for the sake of a political agenda. He did not feel that it was in the best interest of
the students themselves to serve two-year terms. The residents of the City would not benefit; it
would be detrimental to the collective interest of the community. Mr. Mahayni also pointed out
that very few people are elected to the City Council without first serving on a board or
commission for four or five years or more, so they have been exposed to the workings of the
City. Mayor Tedesco advised that was the reason behind his proposal to shorten the terms for
certain boards and commissions.
Council Member Goodman stated that he did not think changing the terms to two years was in
the best interest of the City and he was not going to personally support it; however, he expressed
his appreciation for the students taking an interest, collecting signatures to have an effect on their
community, and he felt that was a step towards the “One Community” concept.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENTS TO PLANS FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA #7 AND SOMERSET
URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 05-073 setting the date of public hearing for March 8, 2005, to amend the
plans for Urban Revitalization Area (URA) #7 and the Somerset URA.
Council Member Goodman said he looked at tax abatements for Urban Revitalization as
incentives. He pointed out that Somerset Subdivision was a successful commercial district, and
he did not understand the purpose of subsidizing an already healthy development; those
subsidies should be reserved for parts of the community that are not developing. Mr. Goodman
said that he did not know if Somerset was developing nearly as effectively, residentially wise,
as it was commercially.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Council Member Goodhue left the meeting.
ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK LAKES MONITORING: John Dunn, Assistant Director
of Water and Pollution Control, gave the background leading up to the proposal that was
submitted by Dr. John Downing on water quality monitoring of the Park. A summary report of
the water quality sampling data collected from late 2001 through September 2004 had been
distributed to the City Council. Dr. Downing had provided the City with a work plan and budget
to continue the water quality monitoring program in the lakes and tributaries for the November
2003 through October 2005 time period. A final water quality report will be completed in
January 2006. Mr. Dunn pointed out that this is an outstanding opportunity for the City to
partner with Iowa State University, and many students benefited from the research conducted
at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
Mayor Tedesco publicly thanked the Becker-Underwood Corporation for donating the fish
structures that are currently on the lake.
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Mahayni, to receive the report.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-074 approving the
work plan and budget for November 2003 through October 2005 and authorizing payments in
the amounts of $24,948 in FY 2004/05 and $24,885 in FY 2005/06.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON UNIT NO. 8 – TURBINE GENERATOR INSPECTION (Continued from
2/08/05): Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-075 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to North American Energy Services of
Houston, Texas, in the amount of $219,738.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-076 approving
contract and bond.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 13TH STREET BRIDGE OVER SKUNK RIVER OVERLAY AND REPAIR
(2004/05 BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROGRAM): Mayor Tedesco opened the public
hearing. No one wished to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-077 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Cramer and Associates, Inc., of Des Moines,
Iowa, in the amount of $272,975.50.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON CIRCUIT BREAKERS (ELECTRIC TIE LINE PROJECT: The hearing was
opened by Mayor Tedesco. There was no one who wished to speak, and the Mayor closed the
hearing.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-078 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Mitsubishi Electric Power Projects of
Warrendale, Pennsylvania, in the amount of $423,814.16 for 161-kV Circuit Breakers, and
awarding contract to WESCO of Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $180,983.00 for 69-kV
Circuit Breakers.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON POWER AUTOTRANSFORMERS (ELECTRIC TIE LINE PROJECT): The
Mayor opened the hearing.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Mahayni, to receive the report of bids and continue the
hearing until March 8, 2005.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON AMES WATER PLANT BULK WATER STATION: The public hearing was
opened by Mayor Tedesco. He closed the hearing after no one desired to speak on this issue.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-079 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Keith Cooper & Sons of Ames, Iowa, in the
amount of $40,551.55.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON CYRIDE GARAGE EXPANSION PROJECT: Mayor Tedesco opened the
public hearing. No one wished to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 05-080 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding contract to Welker Construction Co., Inc., of
Marshalltown, Iowa, in the amount of $1,239,725.00.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING
APPROVAL PROCESS OF TOWNHOUSES IN “FS” (SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL)
ZONING DISTRICTS: The hearing was opened by the Mayor. He closed same after no one came
forward to speak.
Catherine Scott, 1510 Roosevelt, Ames, said she saw this proposal concerning townhomes as
a way to increase density. She would prefer that the City Council have control over the way
subdivisions develop. Ms. Scott indicated that she was in favor of the village-concept type of
development, and she would like the City Council to retain control of development by having
to approve the plans. She did not want the public to lose an opportunity to speak on the type of
development. Mayor Tedesco pointed out that the criteria do not change pertaining to the
density; the basis of the development would not change.
Chuck Winkleblack,105 S. 16th Street, Ames, pointed out that this process, if approved, would
be the same as the village concept. There would be no changes in the criteria; it was simply a
change in the approval process. Mr. Winkleblack said that developers are only asking not to
have to design every townhouse; currently, if they make even a minor change to one, the whole
process has to start over, and this was costly for developers and the City.
Council Member Vegge asked if the public’s ability to provide input would be compromised.
Planning Director Matt Flynn said the standards remain the same; the process was being
streamlined.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Goodman, to pass on first reading an ordinance making a
zoning text amendment regarding the approval process for single-family attached uses
(townhouses) in “FS” (Suburban Residential) Zoning Districts.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE CHANGING TERM OF OFFICE FOR PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Vegge, to pass on first reading an ordinance
changing the term of office for the Planning and Zoning Commission, specifically, one seat from
five years to two years.
Roll Call Vote: 3-1. Voting aye: Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge. Voting nay: Wirth. Ordinance
failed.
ORDINANCE CHANGING TERM OF OFFICE FOR THE HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Vegge, to pass on first reading an ordinance
changing the term of office for the Human Relations Commission, specifically, one seat from
three years to one year with one reappointment for one year allowed.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE CHANGING TERM OF OFFICE FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION
COMMISSION: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Goodman, to pass on first reading an ordinance
changing the term of office for the Parks & Recreation Commission, specifically, one seat from
three years to one year with one reappointment for one year allowed.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW ZONING
DISTRICT, “CCR: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance
making a zoning text amendment to establish a new zoning district, “CCR” (Community
Commercial/ Residential Node), which will provide for a shopping and services area where
residential use is allowed above the first floor of a commercial building.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE TO REMOVE THE RESIDENTIAL USE
“HOUSEHOLD LIVING” AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL
NODE: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Goodman, to pass on second reading an ordinance making
a zoning text amendment to remove the Residential Use “Household Living” as a permitted use
in the Community Commercial Node “CCN”.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY OF MORTENSEN ROAD AND
DICKINSON AVENUE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to pass on second reading an
ordinance rezoning property in the vicinity of Mortensen Road and Dickinson Avenue from
“Community Commercial Node” (CCN) to “Community Commercial/Residential Node” (CCR).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REGARDING CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE RENEWAL: Moved by
Vegge, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance regarding Cable Television
Franchise renewal.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REGULATING NON-STORMWATER DISCHARGE TO THE STORM
SEWER SYSTEM: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 3819 regulating non-stormwater discharge to the storm sewer system.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to refer to staff the letter from Hunziker &
Associates requesting that the City Council direct the Planning & Zoning staff to hold a public
forum or round-table discussion to come up with a solution for the lack of bigger building lots
in or around the City.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:39 p.m.
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor