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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 02/03/2004MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 3, 2004 The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:17 p.m. on February 3, 2004, in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Tedesco presiding and the following Council members present: Cross, Goodhue, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth. FY 2004/05 BUDGET PROPOSALS: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to approve the proposed FY 2004/05 budget. (Vote will be taken on February 10, 2004.) The City Council heard the report on the proposed budget for Library Operations presented by Gina Millsap, Director. Copies of their Annual Report and brochures, entitled “Changes at the Ames Public Library” effective July 1, 2003, were distributed to the City Council. Water and Pollution Control Director Tom Neumann gave highlights on the budget for the Utilities Program, which included Water Production and Wastewater Treatment. The Council heard and discussed highlights of the Public Safety Program, which included Traffic Control, as presented by Public Works Director Paul Wiegand. Budget highlights of the Utilities Program, which included Resource Recovery, Water Distribution Maintenance, Storm Sewer Maintenance, and Sanitary Sewer Maintenance, were given. Budget reports were summarized for the Transportation Program, which included the Street System, and Parking Operation. The meeting recessed at 6:54 p.m. and reconvened at 7:03 p.m. 2004-2009 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN: Mayor Tedesco asked for public input. The Mayor announced that amendments to the CIP will be proposed by the Council after the budget hearings. Jim Gregory, 129 Washington Avenue, Ames, Iowa, advised that the Bicycle Committee met a few weeks ago regarding the CIP, and specifically, regarding bicycle facilities. One of the issues that came up was the plan for the Reconstruction of Mortensen Road project, slated for 2004/05. He said it was his understanding of City policy that when a road was going to be reconstructed and there was a bicycle path planned in the Master Plan adjacent to that road, funding for that path was to come from road reconstruction funds, not out of the City Bicycle Path budget. However, in the CIP, it shows $95,000 to build a bicycle path along Mortensen Road. He asked if that was a change in City policy. Mr. Wiegand stated that it depends on the funding source for the road program; if it is a local-funded project, the City traditionally uses the road project to build the associated bike path. He advised that the Mortensen Road project’s funding source is STP funds; therefore, the bike path is not included in the road project. In regards to the E. 13th Street project, east of Dayton Avenue, planned for 2005/06, Mr. Gregory pointed out that when Dayton Avenue to the city limits was reconstructed approximately three years ago, the bike path was omitted from the plans. He said it was his understanding that when roads are reconstructed, it is less expensive to build a path with the road. However, with the mall now proposed to be located in that area, the City is asking to use Bicycle Path funds to build a path to a mall. The Committee feels that path should have been built when the road was rebuilt in the past. Mr. Gregory said that some of the bicyclists resent the fact that Bicycle Path funds are going to be charged for a path that should have been built earlier to a mall that a lot of them don’t want to see built in the first place. Mr. Wiegand advised that the reason the path was not built was due to the County dropping the connection from the plan; Lincoln Way was then widened and that was used as the County connection. He also advised that when the plans for a potential mall move forward, the developer will be asked to provide for all the infrastructure there; that would include the bike path. City Manager Steve Schainker explained that when development occurs, developers take care of the section abutting their property, and then the City either has to wait for further development to occur or the City Council may decide to fill in the sections. Mr. Gregory said it is their concern that if the mall is built, there may be a critical link missing in the bike path. They would not like to see funds coming from the Bicycle Path Fund if there were links missing; that path could possibly be built five years down the road, and some greenbelt path could be built instead. Mr. Gregory commended the City’s Parks and Recreation staff for the job they do clearing the snow from bicycle paths. He said they do have concerns that the City’s new snow plow equipment, a wind blade, pushes big piles of snow over the bike path. They would like to know how that is going to be cleared, if at all. Mr. Wiegand advised that they were informed of that problem today. They will need to coordinate with the Parks and Recreation staff so that the wind blade will be used first, and then they will clear the bike path. Also, Mr. Gregory asked about a project to build a pedestrian bridge over Squaw Creek along South Duff, which has been pushed back repeatedly. He said that he thought the City received funds to do that some time ago and it was supposed to be coordinated with the widening of the bridge on South Duff. Mr. Gregory stated that the IDOT is continually short of funds to do this project now, and he asked if it were feasible to build the bicycle path separately from the bridge. Mr. Wiegand said that this project is slated for 2006; it was originally scheduled in 2004, which is the second time it has been delayed. Mr. Gregory said it was his understanding that there is a time limit on the funds. Mr. Wiegand advised that the bridge, itself, would cost in excess of $235,000; however; 70% of the funds were planned to come from the state. Mr. Gregory pointed out that there would be money for this project now if the City were to agree to pay its portion of the matching grant. Mr. Wiegand concurred, but said that they would have to tear out the bike/pedestrian bridge we built when the bridge on South Duff was widened. The pedestrian bridge could not be built further upstream without a great deal of land acquisition. David Maahs, 1007 Vermont Court, Ames, speaking as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, indicated support for the Grand Avenue Extension that is listed in the CIP. He said that if federal funding is approved for the project, they recommend that the Lincoln Way to South 5th Street and the South 5th Street to South 16th Street extensions be completed first. It is felt that the widening of South 5th Street to South Duff Avenue could occur at a later stage since access to Duff Avenue is already available at South 3rd Street. In addition, the Chamber supports the Southeast 16th Street Paving and Bridge Replacement and recommends that the project proceed on the CIP schedule for paving in FY 2005/06. Mr. Maahs advised that assessing the abutting property owners in the amount of approximately $1.5 million, which is the frontage in the floodway that cannot be assessed because it cannot be developed, may be a challenge; other sources of funding may be needed to help pay for the road cost. Council Member Mahayni reiterated that he continues to object to the process by which this project has been included in the CIP; before a project is put in the CIP, all the issues need to be resolved. In this project, there are changes being made incrementally, but no study in terms of documenting the need, use, or the sources of funding has been done. Council Member Wirth pointed out that the project was included in the CIP based on the understanding that abutting property owners would be assessed for a portion of the costs. Mayor Tedesco advised the City Council that if they want to proceed with the Southeast 16th Street project, they need to amend the Transportation Master Plan to make it a priority. Monte Parrish, 1511 Stone Brooke Road, Ames, was present. He advised that the South Ames Business Neighborhood (SABN) concurs with the recommendations of the Ames Chamber to extend Grand Avenue to South 16th Street, delay the improvement of South 5th Street, and proceed on the CIP schedule to improve Southeast 16th Street. Mr. Parrish stated that, additionally, the SABN recommends that the CIP and Transportation Plan be amended to delay the improvement of South 5th and Southeast 5th. Dennis Pyle, 2215 Timberland Road, Ames, stated that he owns some of the ground on the south side of South 16th Street. He said interest has been shown by developers in acquiring his property, but the unpaved road has been a factor. Mr. Pyle thinks that traffic is continually increasing in this area. He believes that the hotels and businesses in the subject area and properties on South Duff would benefit from improvements to Southeast16th Street. Mr. Pyle indicated his willingness to pay some of the costs of improvement. Moved by Cross, seconded by Mahayni, to request staff to report back to the City Council with a review of the portion of the Transportation Plan that deals with Southeast 5th, giving the rationale behind why Southeast 5th Street was selected versus Southeast 16th; and also advise the volume of traffic that is projected for Southeast Fifth Street and Southeast 16th Street. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Council Member Mahayni advised that transportation systems should not be approached in increments; the system needs to be studied. If it is not, what is done in one area might positively affect or negatively affect other areas. Council Member Goodhue also asked staff to be prepared to comment on what portion of the project, as proposed in the CIP, is Lincoln Way to South 3rd; 3rd to 5th, and also any improvements on South 5th Street from Grand to Duff. He asked this due to there being some prior discussion among the Council members about improving South 5th Street from Grand to Duff and whether or not that needs to occur right away. FY 2004/05 BUDGET PROPOSALS (cont’d.): Mr. Wiegand then reviewed the budget details for the Airport, Cemetery, and Public Works Administration, Engineering, and Public Buildings. COMMENTS: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Cross, to refer to staff the letter from Duane Black, on behalf of the Ames Downtown Farmers’ Market, dated February 2, 2004; and the letter from Scott Renaud of Fox Engineering dated February 3, 2004, pertaining to the South Gateway Development Subdivision. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: 8:11 p.m. ******************************************************************************** MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 4, 2004 The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on February 4, 2004, in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Tedesco presiding and the following Council members present: Cross, Goodhue, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth. FY 2004/05 BUDGET PROPOSALS: The Council heard and discussed highlights of the Community Enrichment Program, which included Recreational Opportunities and Parks, presented by Director Nancy Carroll. Council Member Goodhue asked if fees for non-resident users would increase and if a small increase would be assessed to the adult softball leagues to cover maintenance of the fields. Ms. Carroll indicated that the non-resident user fee is $10; if it were increased to $15, it would generate approximately $7,500 annually. She stated that staff did not present those proposed increases to the Parks and Recreation Commission, thus, the Commission did not take formal action on them. Ms. Carroll advised that if the City Council so directs, this can be revisited. Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to direct staff to report back to the City Council by Budget Wrap-Up on February 10 with a recommendation on non-resident fees and what fee structure would be necessary to cover the maintenance costs for the Adult Softball Program. Keith Abraham, Recreation Supervisor, stated that if the fees were increased to generate $7,000 in additional revenue, it would mean a $3 to $4 per game increase per team. He believes that this would be controversial with the participants. Mr. Abraham pointed out that the fees are usually raised in increments of $.50 to $.75/game/year; currently, the cost is approximately $23/game, so that would be a 15 to 20% increase per game. Mr. Abraham believes what Ames charges is comparable to other cities. Out of the softball fund, approximately $12,000 is transferred for field maintenance; the proposed fee would raise that to approximately $19,000. Mr. Abraham volunteered to get more information on how Ames’ fee compares with other cities. Council Member Cross asked if the current fees cover maintenance costs. Mr. Abraham indicated that it appears that in the past revenues have exceeded expenses. Council Member Goodhue reiterated the question of whether the fees currently being charged cover maintenance, and stated that, if they do not, the fee needs to be increased. Mr. Schainker asked the City Council if their philosophy was for the fee to cover 100% of the Program’s cost. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Details were given, by Chief Loras Jaeger, of the budget for the Public Safety Program, which included Law Enforcement Activities. City Manager Steve Schainker advised that the 2003/04 adjustments include $30,000 in updated equipment for the Police Emergency Response Team based on Homeland Security concerns and protocols developed by the state. Chief Jaeger acknowledged the assistance provided to the Department by volunteers, which saves the City approximately $15,000 to $20,000/year. Commander Jim Robinson showed the City Council some of the illegal drugs that the Task Force is finding in their investigations. Continuing with the Public Safety Program, the budget for Fire Safety Activities was given by Chief Clint Petersen. Budgets for the Building Inspection and Health and Sanitation divisions were also reviewed. Highlights of the budget for the Utilities Program, which included the Electric Utility, were presented by Electric Services Director Merlin Hove. Mr. Hove publicly commended the outside crews, as well as all the employees of Electric Services, for the excellent service they provide. Mr. Schainker distributed a report answering the inquiries posed by City Council members about two projects, i.e., Grand Avenue Extension and Southeast 5th/Southeast 16th Streets. ADJOURNMENT: 7:16 p.m. ****************************************************************************** MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 5, 2004 The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on February 5, 2004, in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Tedesco presiding and the following Council members present: Cross, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth. Council Member Goodhue arrived at 5:32 p.m. FY 2004/05 BUDGET PROPOSALS: The Council heard reports on the proposed budgets for the Transportation Program, including the Transit System, from Transit Director Bob Bourne. Council Member Wirth asked Mr. Bourne to reply to a letter the City Council had received from Russell Day, 3001 Regency Court, #119; Ames, expressing concern as to why bus stops on Lincoln Way are not cleared of snow more often. Budgets for the General Government and Internal Services, which included Risk Management and Health Benefits, were presented by Risk Manager Scott Johnson; Fleet Services and Fleet Purchase, described by Director Paul Hinderaker; City Council and Executive Management, as explained by Assistant City Manager Sheila Lundt; and City Clerk, presented by Diane Voss. Discussion continued on the budget for Public Relations and Cable TV, detailed by Public Relations Officer Clare Bills. Ms. Bills outlined budget options for Cable IV 16. She also gave the results of the Cable TV Survey conducted in early January 2004. Mayor Tedesco asked how many cable subscribers there are in the City. Sheila Lundt advised that, historically, there are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 subscribers. City Attorney John Klaus and Office Manager Donna Scherr gave budget details and highlights for Legal Services. Council Member Goodhue asked how much of the City Attorney’s time is spent on property tax appeals, to which Mr. Klaus replied it would total approximately 7%. Mayor Tedesco acknowledged Mr. Klaus’ response to an inquiry by citizen Merlin Pfannkuch about the AEDC paying for advertising in support of the City’s Land Use Policy Plan. He asked that this response be forwarded to Mr. Pfannkuch. Key projects and budget details for Human Resources were presented by Director Julie Huisman. Budgets for Leased and Affordable Housing were reviewed by Acting Planning and Housing Director Vanessa Baker Latimer, as was the Community Development Block Grant, which will begin in July 2004. Budget discussions continued for the Economic Development program and Long-Range and Current Planning. The meeting recessed at 7:10 p.m. and reconvened at 7:15 p.m. Reports were given by Finance Director Duane Pitcher on Financial Services, Information and Communication Services, Utility Customer Service, Purchasing Services, Pension and Retirement, and Parking Violation Collection. COMMENTS: Moved by Goodman, seconded by Wirth, to refer to staff the petition from the residents of West Street to establish parking on the south side of West Street between Colorado Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: 7:42 p.m. ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor