HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council and Downtown Cultural District Executive Committee 04/20/2004MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AND DOWNTOWN CULTURAL DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AMES, IOWA APRIL 20, 2004
The special meeting of the Ames City Council and Downtown Cultural District Executive Committee
was called to order with Mayor Pro Tem Goodhue presiding and the following Council members
present: Cross, Goodman, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth. Mayor Tedesco and Andrew Tugan, ex
officio member, were absent.
DISCUSSION OF THE CULTURAL DISTRICT PLAN. Mayor Pro Tem Goodhue stated that
the City Council engaged in a goal-setting session on March 26/27, 2004. During that discussion,
Council members recognized that the City had obligated $60,000 to further the Main Street
Cultural District Plan. It was their desire to schedule this workshop to get an update on what’s
happening with the Ames Main Street Cultural District Plan and to ascertain areas where the City
Council could be of additional assistance.
Brian Smith, President of the Main Street Cultural District, introduced members Kathy Svec,
Allyson Walter, Ann Rehbein, Kori Huess, Joyce Durlam, Darrell Bennett, and David Maahs.
Dave Durlam arrived at 6:12 p.m.
Kathy Svec began the presentation on the Main Street Cultural District Plan by explaining that
a Cultural District is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area where cultural facilities serve as
the anchor. She gave the background on how the Main Street Cultural District was formed. Ms.
Svec said that their primary objective is to create an Ames “destination district” by: coordinating
marketing and events, enhancing partnerships, focusing on arts, culture, unique businesses, and
the heritage of Ames.
Joyce Durlam gave an overview of the District’s Strategic Plan for 2004-07, including staffing,
membership, funding, marketing, physical environment, signage, space usage,
partnerships/relationships, and events. Pertaining to the District’s partnership with the City of
Ames, they are requesting the following: ongoing communication, Project Green Space, expanded
public relations opportunities, facade improvement, signage, and to continue “sense of place,”
review funding process for COTA, rapid transit link to ISU, creation of a SMID, and ongoing
financial support.
Brian Smith showed pictures of events that have occurred Downtown. He also described
improvements that they would like to see and events that they would like to draw to the District.
Mr. Smith indicated that they need the support of the entire community. Mr. Durlam read a listing
of additional possibilities for improving the area that may be explored.
Mr. Smith showed prototypes of flower baskets that could affix to light poles. Ms. Durlam
indicated that they have had discussions with the Master Gardners, and they would prefer free-
moving flower pots.
Council Member Vegge asked if there were any suggestions to get the Facade Improvement
Program going. City Manager Steve Schainker explained the benefits which could be gleaned by
participation in this Program. He suggested that the Main Street Cultural District assist by holding
a meeting where City representatives could explain the Program to building owners.
Ms. Durlam distributed a summary of Cultural District memberships to date. It is the District’s
desire to have a Director hired by July 1, 2004. She believes that employing a Director is key to
the success of the Cultural District. Discussions about increasing memberships and creating a
SMID ensued. Ms. Durlam believes that it would help the District if the City would require a 1:1
match of funds instead of a 2:1 match.
Council Member Mahayni asked how much residential real estate exists in the District. Allyson
Walter advised that there are approximately 150 people living within the District.
David Maahs, Executive Director of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, explained the strategy for
recruiting new businesses to the District.
Discussion ensued about the plantings on Main Street. It was expressed by the Cultural District
representatives present that lower-maintenance species were needed for the wall and the planters.
Ms. Durlam asked if City staff could research smaller removable pots to ascertain availability and
cost.
Darrell Bennett said he feels that signage advertising the Main Street Cultural District was needed.
It was concurred that City staff would discuss with the Cultural District Board what ratio of
funding match would be most beneficial to their Plan at this time.
COMMENTS: Council Member Goodhue suggested that Police Chief Loras Jaeger be invited
to present a report at the City Council meeting of April 27, 2004, concerning the disturbances
occurring during the 2004 VEISHEA celebration.
ADJOURNMENT: 7: 58 p.m.
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Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor