HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Policy Committee Meeting 03/02/2004MINUTES OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 2, 2004
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TRANSPORTATION
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee met at 7:00
p.m. on the 2nd day of March, 2004, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
with Mayor Ted Tedesco presiding. Present from the Ames City Council were Goodhue, Goodman,
Vegge, and Wirth. Council Member Mahayni arrived at 7:05 p.m. Council Member Cross was
absent. Andrew Tugan, ex officio member to the Ames City Council, was also present. Don Toms,
representing the Story County Board of Supervisors; Mike O’Brien, representing the Boone County
Board of Supervisors; and Dennis Kroeger, representing the Ames Transit Agency, were in
attendance. Mike Clayton, representing the Iowa Department of Transportation, and Tom Jackson,
consultant, were also present.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (TPWP): Paul Wiegand, City of Ames
Public Works Director, explained that as part of the federal regulations governing Metropolitan
Planning Organizations, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration
provide planning funds to reimburse agencies for certain activities. The program activities listed
in the draft Work Program were briefly reviewed. Two integral elements of the Program are an
update to the Long-Range Transportation Plan that is due by October 2005 and a review of
development plans to determine the impact of the transportation system.
Moved by Toms, seconded by Goodhue, to approve the draft Fiscal Year 2005 Transportation
Planning Work Program and set May 11, 2004, as the date of public hearing on the Program.
Vote on Motion: 9-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (TIP): Mr. Wiegand explained that in order to
receive funds for transportation improvement projects, it is necessary to have the projects be a
part of the approved state-wide plan; the initial step in the process is for the MPO to develop a
three-year draft TIP. The draft Plan, which provides for projects for street improvements,
CyRide improvements, and trail projects, was reviewed. It was explained that the Plan involves
annual payments for a pavement management program that is operated state-wide and annual
support of the State-Wide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) Program. The MPO
projects will be Pavement Rehabilitation on Northwestern Avenue, from 13th to 20th Street, in
FY 2005; Northwestern Avenue, from 6th to 13th Street, in FY 2006; and Beach Avenue, from
Lincoln Way to Mortensen Parkway, in FY 2007; and, Recreation Trails from Inis Grove Park
to Bloomington Road, in FY 2005; from Carr Pool to 13th Street, in FY 2006; and State Avenue,
from Mortensen Road north 1,320 feet, in FY 2007.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to approve the draft Fiscal Year 2005 - 2007
Transportation Improvement Plan and set May 11, 2004, as the date of public hearing on the
Plan.
Vote on Motion: 9-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:15 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:15 p.m. on the 2nd day of March, 2004, in the City
Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Tedesco presiding
and the following Council members present: Goodhue, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth.
Council Member Cross was absent. Andrew Tugan, ex officio member, was also present.
PROCLAMATION FOR GOOD NEIGHBOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE MONTH:
Mayor Tedesco proclaimed March 2004 as Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Month.
Accepting the Proclamation was the Reverend Don Withers of the Unity Church of Ames.
Reverend Withers explained that the Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Program is a
coordinated community response that provides people with housing, food, and necessities of life
in a non-judgmental atmosphere of dignity, comfort, and encouragement.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Goodman asked to pull Item No. 9, appointments to the
City’s Boards and Commissions, from the Consent Agenda.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving minutes of the regular meeting of February 24, 2004
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Liquor - Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Café, 631 Lincoln Way
b. Class E Liquor, Class C Beer, and Class B Wine - Sam's Club, 305 Airport Road
c. Class C Liquor - Twentieth Century Bowling, 505 South Duff Avenue
4. Motion approving certification of civil service applicants
5. Motion directing City Attorney to prepare ordinance revising parking regulations on Kitty Hawk
Drive
6. Motion rescinding date set for public hearing on the proposal to adopt the 2003 Edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code
7. RESOLUTION NO. 04-063 approving rental housing fees for Fiscal Year 2004/05
8. RESOLUTION NO. 04-065 approving the addition of West Bank and Principal Bank to the
approved depository list and increasing the limit for Bankers Trust
9. RESOLUTION NO. 04-066 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Miscellaneous
Materials for the Dayton Avenue Substation Project; setting March 16, 2004, as bid due date and
March 23, 2004, as date of public hearing
10. RESOLUTION NO. 04-067 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 13.8 kV Metal-
Enclosed Capacitor Bank for the Dayton Avenue Substation Project; setting March 17, 2004, as
bid due date and March 23, 2004, as date of public hearing
11. RESOLUTION NO. 04-068 waiving formal bidding procedures and accepting the proposal from
Gulf Copper and Manufacturing Corporation in the amount of $158,000 for Unit #8 Boiler Tube
Repair at the Power Plant
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY’S BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Moved by Wirth, seconded
by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-064 approving appointments to City's Boards and
Commissions.
Roll Call Vote: 4-1. Voting aye: Goodhue, Mahayni, Vegge, Wirth. Voting nay: Goodman.
Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Andrew Lack, 2035 Sunset Drive, Ames, and Colin Finn, 117 Ash Avenue,
Ames, Co-Directors of the 2004 Iowa State Spring Blood Drive, invited the Ames community
to support the Blood Drive, which will be held March 8 thru 11 from 10 AM to 5 PM and March
12 from 8 AM to 2 PM in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. Their goal is 2,000 donors. Mr.
Lack said that many Ames businesses generously support their cause; without them, the Blood
Drive would not be possible.
Aaron Fultz, 3920 Viola Mae Avenue, Ames, spoke on behalf of the Ames Committee for
Defense of the Bill of Rights. He requested that the City Council consider passing a resolution
regarding civil liberties and the USA Patriot Act.
NEW CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MO-JAZZ: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge,
to approve the new Class C Liquor License for Mo-Jazz, 2520 Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
2004 GREEK WEEK OLYMPICS: Daryl Theis, 201 Gray Avenue, Ames, advised that the 2004
Greek Week Olympics will be held on March 27, 2004, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-069 approving street
closures along the “Sorority Circle,” including Greeley Street (Gray Avenue to Pearson Avenue),
Pearson Avenue (Ash Avenue to Greeley Street), Gray Avenue (Greeley Street to Sunset Drive),
and Sunset Drive (Ash Avenue to Gray Avenue); for 2004 Greek Week Olympics, with the
following stipulations: (1) No alcohol be served or consumed on streets or other public property
during the events. (2) Greek Week organizers inform affected residents about the street
closures/parking restrictions. (3) Greek Week organizers will be responsible for picking up trash
in the area at the conclusion of the event.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST TO LEASE SPACES AT DEPOT LOT V: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Mahayni,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-070 approving the request of Hubbell Realty to lease ten spaces
at Depot Lot V.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
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Moved by Wirth, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-071 approving
revisions to Parking Meter Map to reflect the leasing of ten spaces to Hubbell Realty.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST TO LOCATE A COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AT THE SOUTHWEST
WATER TOWER: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-072
proposing a lease for a period of up to 25 years with Sprint Spectrum, L.P., and setting the date
of public hearing for March 23, 2004.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
COMBUSTION TURBINE GENERATOR PROJECT: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by
Goodman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-073 approving award of bid to G. E. Aero Energy
Products for Combustion Turbine Generator Project (Engine Model LM2500+) in the amount
of $9,413,325, pending approval of a contract.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REVIEW OF NEXT STEPS FOR THE REGIONAL COMMERCIAL AREA ALONG 13TH
STREET: City Manager Steve Schainker advised that the LUPP map change was the first of several
steps toward allowing a regional commercial shopping center to be constructed at East 13th Street
and Interstate 35. The remaining steps are annexation, rezoning, subdivision, site plan approval,
and issuance of Building Permits.
It was explained by Mr. Schainker that the annexation process is dictated by regulations
contained in the Code of Iowa. Staff is recommending that the City Council move ahead with
annexation of the subject property prior to any final decisions regarding zoning and site plan
approvals in order to ensure that the land is under the control of the City and any development
that occurs in the area is consistent with the City Council’s policies.
Mr. Schainker stated that rezoning of the subject property can be accomplished through three
basic techniques: a Planned Regional Commercial Zoning District, which does not allow for
public input and does not require any design standards to be met; Contract Rezoning, which
allows for some public input and does allow the City to require a certain level of design; or a
Gateway Overlay Zoning District, which allows for regulations governing signage, lighting,
landscaping, building placement and design, and parking location and screening, and could allow
an opportunity for a series of public input sessions. City staff is seeking comment and direction
from City Council regarding the recommended rezoning process.
City Manager Steve Schainker explained that, after just completing many months of intense
discussions regarding the regional commercial land use issue, it became clear that some citizens
wanted more opportunities for public input into important planning decisions in general and
some were very interested in how this particular area will look after it is developed. He said that
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the creation of a Gateway Overlay District will provide the City with an opportunity to address
those two issues by providing a public input process to help create design regulations.
Mr. Schainker also stated that there is a risk associated with this approach as participants
sometimes confuse an opportunity for input as a guarantee that their ideas will be adopted. Also
when groups with strong perspectives are unable to reach compromise on issues during the
process, a level of bad feelings may develop.
It was emphasized by Mr. Schainker that this Overlay District approach will focus mainly on
design regulations and will not cover all issues; other critical issues, such as responsibilities for
road widening, utility extensions, bikeway construction, etc., must be documented in a
Developer’s Agreement. He said that staff anticipates the processes of subdivision, site plan
approval, and issuance of building permits will follow normal established City procedures.
Mr. Schainker said that it might be advisable for the City to consider expending funds to hire an
impartial non-City resident to facilitate the public and steering committee meetings. The costs
of such a facilitator are a concern.
Council Member Wirth asked to hold an introductory large group meeting at the beginning of
the process for anyone in the community to provide input. Council Member Mahayni said he
prefers that the Design Group be open to architects, landscape architects, and planners whether
they are associated with ISU or not. Relating to the Environmental Group, Mr. Mahayni
believes there are quite a few experts in town; if there are environmental specialists that staff or
Council members know who could participate in the process, they should be encouraged to do
so.
Council Member Mahayni asked about the fate of other commercial areas, wondering if and
when a report on those would be presented to the City Council. Mr. Schainker explained that
if the public input process designed for this Overlay is successful, the same type of input process
could be used to develop regulations for other commercial areas. Mr. Mahayni thinks the City
Council needs to move forward with that, not simultaneously, but as soon as possible.
Andrew Tugan asked that a separate input session be scheduled with Iowa State students.
Council Member Vegge stated that he is adamantly in favor of an outside facilitator being hired
to assist with all of the input sessions.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Goodman, to direct staff to create a 13th Street Gateway
Overlay District, following the process as outlined by staff to receive public input from various
groups and including the suggestions made above.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
LAND USE POLICY PLAN MAP CHANGE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF THE
PROPOSED MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE AND NORTH OF U. S. HIGHWAY 30: Planner Joe
Pietruszynski advised that this issue pertains to a request to change a government research use
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to allow for any combination of multi-family residential uses. He said that the subject area is
generally located south of the proposed Middle School site, south of Mortensen Road, east of
Maricopa Drive, west of the ISU Dairy Farm, and north of U. S. Highway 30; it is located
entirely within the Southwest Growth Priority Area. The existing neighboring land uses consist
of a developing Middle School to the north, dense multi-family residential development to the
west, and vacant ISU agricultural research fields to the east and south.
Mr. Pietruszynski explained that in the past, Iowa State University had not indicated any
willingness to sell any of their land for development; therefore, the Land Use Policy Plan did not
offer any guidance for University-Affiliated land. Staff believes, however, that a combination
of residential uses within the subject area is in accordance with the overall goals of the Land Use
Policy Plan, and that this request to change the Map designation to a “Residential High Density”
land use designation is consistent with the Plan.
Paul Wiegand stated that Mortensen Road is a two-lane road , and as such, would have a
capacity of12,000 vehicles/day, depending on the number of intersections. A Traffic Impact
Study would need to be done as part of this development.
It was pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council
change the current land use designation on the Future Land Use Map from “University-
Affiliated” to “Residential Medium Density” to begin the transition to low-density residential
uses.
Council Member Mahayni said that he would feel more comfortable endorsing the
recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. He emphatically recommended that
the City Council address University-Affiliated lands in the near future.
Chuck Winkleblack, Hunziker & Associates, 105 S. 16th Street, Ames, spoke on behalf of the
property owners. He advised that the property owners met with City staff when this land became
available, and City staff indicated that their recommendation would be to change the current land
use designation on the Land Use Policy Plan Map to “Residential High Density.” Mr.
Winkleblack believes that the subject land would not be marketable for single-family homes.
The Middle School will have a 500-600 vehicle parking lot; it will not be a traditional small
neighborhood school. Mr. Winkleblack indicated that there is very little land available in the
City for high-density residential development. He advised that the City’s current 12-unit
restriction for medium-density residential would not allow for the best layout of the subject 53
gross acres. Mr. Winkleblack pointed out that their proposed high-density residential
development would add $50,000,000 to the City’s tax base.
Mr. Winkleblack advised that the property owners paid $2.4 million for the subject property.
They prefer that a decision on their request not be delayed while the City Council addresses
University-Affiliated lands. He pointed out that it is unknown when or if Iowa State University
will dispose of any more of its land.
Martha Rasmussen, 2187 Ashmore Drive, Ames, is concerned that high-density residential
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development will spread in this area. She pointed out that the land in question is across from the
new Ames Middle School site. Ms. Rasmussen feels that high-density residential development
is wrong for this area.
Council Member Goodhue feels that it is unfair to the property owners to make them wait until
the staff analysis on University-Affiliated land is completed.
Council Member Wirth would like to see the transition to medium-density residential in this
area. She said that she hears many complaints about large apartment buildings.
Mr. Winkleblack explained that rarely do developers build out to the maximum density in any
of the zones; the site plans won’t support it because they have to allow for garages, etc.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-078 to change the
current land use designation on the Future Land Use Map of the Land Use Policy Plan for the
west 75% of the subject land from “University-Affiliated” to “Residential High Density” and
for the remaining 25% to the east from “University-Affiliated” to “Residential Medium
Density.”
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CONVEYANCE OF LAND KNOWN AS AMES HIGH DRIVE: Moved by Goodhue, seconded
by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-074 proposing conveyance of land known as Ames
High Drive to the Ames Community School District and setting the date of public hearing for
March 23, 2004.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2004/05 BUDGET: Mayor Tedesco opened the
public hearing. He pointed out that a letter had been received from Merlin Pfannkuch, 1424
Kellogg Avenue, Ames, asking for the staff to be directed to provide written background and
updates relative to City funding of the Hunziker Sports Complex.
Valerie Williams, 129 E. 7th Street, Ames, spoke as a long-time producer of programs on
Channel 16. She noted that it is the City Council’s intent to cease operations of Channel 16. Ms.
Williams pointed out that public access is federally mandated by franchise laws. She asked what
is going to happen to the equipment and the space. Assistant City Manager Sheila Lundt advised
that the City owns the equipment; it will be stored for the time being. The space is rented by
MediaCom from Quest. Ms. Williams advised that people use mass media. This studio has
allowed her and her dance company to showcase their talents and for Ames residents to show
their cultures.
To keep Channel 16 open and operate the playback system as time allows, Ms. Lundt advised
that a minimum of $2,500 would be needed to keep the computer equipment functioning; $1,000
for building services (utilities in the rented building); cleaning of the space estimated at
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$1,200/year; $500 for equipment repair; $325/year for computer maintenance; and $1,500 for
equipment ($7,025 total). This would not include any training costs for new producers.
Ms. Williams advised that Ames Community TV provides mentoring and some training. They
do not have keys to the office, and they are not trained to operate the playback system.
The Mayor closed the hearing after no one else wished to speak.
Mr. Schainker informed the City Council that they would not be able to increase their
expenditures at this meeting as notice has been published for a given amount. The City Council
could recommend that this service be continued, and the budget would have to be amended, with
the proceeds coming from the General Fund.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-075 approving the
2004/05 budget.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-079 directing staff to
continue the operations of Channel 16, as described by Assistant City Manager Lundt, in the
amount of $7,025.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON FINAL AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2003/04 BUDGET: The hearing
was opened by the Mayor. He closed same after no one wished to speak.
Council Member Goodman left the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-076 approving
Final Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2003/04 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Council Member Goodman returned to the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
COMMENTS: Moved by Vegge, seconded by Goodhue, to refer to staff the letter from Merlin
Pfannkuch dated February 27, 2004, for response; and the memo from the Planning and Zoning
Commission requesting the City Council initiate a land use plan for University-owned land.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Mahayni, to refer to staff the request of the Ames Committee for
Defense of the Bill of Rights regarding the Patriot’s Act.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting aye: Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, Wirth. Voting nay: Goodhue.
Motion declared carried.
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City Manager Schainker asked for direction from the City Council regarding the City’s request
for federal funds pertaining to the extension of Grand Avenue. He explained that last year, the
City’s request to the Congressional Delegation was for $6.5 million dollars to extend Grand
Avenue to S. 5th Street. However, since the change in the Capital Improvements Plan to extend
Grand Avenue to S. 3rd/S. 4th, the project cost has been reduced to approximately $3.7 million.
Mr. Schainker reminded the City Council that Surface Transportation Funds will account for
only 80% of the costs, with the City being responsible for local match. The federal request will
need to be reduced to $4 million versus $6.5 million. Mr. Schainker said that he has had some
inquiry into what it would cost to extend Grand Avenue to S. 16th Street, and rather than
reducing our request for federal funds, would it be possible to attempt and get funds for the
entire section. He said that would mean the project cost would increase to approximately $10.9
million (inflated for two years into the future when the project should begin). This would mean
that the City would request $8.7 million in federal funds versus the initial request of $6.5
million. The other issue is that the local match for a larger project (approximately $2.1 million
versus $700,000 for the project to S. 3rd/S. 4th) is not budgeted. The City Council direction,
through the Capital Improvements Plan, dictates a project to extend Grand Avenue to S. 3rd/S.
4th; the legislators would then be asked to allocate $4 million to that project.
Council Member Goodhue would like to see the request remain at $6.5 million. He suggested
that part of those appropriations be reallocated to the improvements at SE 16th Street. Paul
Wiegand advised that the federal funds would be designated towards a specific project, and it
is not permissible to take what is not spent and move it to another project. It could be done if
you separated the projects in your request for federal funds. Mr. Schainker pointed out that if
the request for federal funds is increased, it would require a higher local match; that is not
currently budgeted. Mayor Tedesco explained that the City, at this time, has only approved
extending Grand Avenue to S. 3rd/S. 4th. He said that it is not known for sure if the S. 16th project
would qualify for federal funds. The Mayor reminded the City Council that the City is involved
in supporting the request for federal funding for the National Special Olympics to be held in
Ames, which is about $5 million, and our CyRide Transportation System is requesting federal
funds of approximately $2 million; it isn’t just one project for which the City is requesting funds.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to direct staff to request 80% federal funding for the
extension of Grand Avenue to S. 3rd/S. 4th.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting aye: Goodhue, Mahayni, Vegge, Wirth. Voting nay: Goodman.
Motion declared carried.
CLOSED SESSION: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to hold a closed session as
provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Goodman, to reconvene the regular meeting.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 04-077 approving the
Agreement between the City of Ames and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
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Local 55.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:42 p.m.
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
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