Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/21/2003MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA JANUARY 21, 2003 The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on the 21st day of January, 2003, 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: Cross, Goodhue, Hoffman, Mahayni, and Wirth. Council Member Vegge arrived at 5:20 p.m. WORKSHOP ON THE 2004-2009 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Mayor Tedesco stated that tonight’s meeting would serve as a workshop for the Council members to hear staff presentations on the recommended five-year CIP. Public input is scheduled to be received at the Council’s regular meeting of January 28, 2003. City Manager Steve Schainker explained that this Plan reflects expenditures of $174,062,027 from various federal, state, and local funds to accomplish major projects in our community over the next five years. He stated that the anticipated deficit in the state budget will result in further financial responsibilities being shifted to our local budget. Mr. Schainker emphasized that significant increases for uncontrollable expenditures as health care, retirement benefits, property insurance, and a new fire station make this coming year extremely challenging. He said that even with the financial uncertainty that grips our nation, this five-year Plan reduces the amount of property tax- supported G. O. Boc funding by approximately $800,000 (as compared to the previous year’s Plan). Mr. Schainker explained that this reduction has been accomplished primarily by delaying construction of some of the major street projects reflected in the Transportation Plan. Projects that have been moved back in the CIP were named as 13th & Grand, 20th & Grand, Grand Avenue Extension, South Duff Improvements, and SE 5th Street Extension. Finance Director Duane Pitcher reviewed the City’s debt capacity. He advised that the state of Iowa statutory debt limit is 5% of total actual valuation, and the City of Ames has a policy to reserve25% of the available debt capacity. Mr. Pitcher said the City still shows a large percentage of debt capacity available. Police Chief Loras Jaeger explained a new project: Computer-Aided Dispatch Hardware/Software Upgrade slated to occur in 2004/05. He also reviewed the Mobile Data Terminals for Police/Fire Vehicles and Police Mapping projects, originally programmed into the CIP for 2004/05, but is being delayed until 2005/06 to allow City staff to explore funding sources, including interagency agreements and cost-sharing.. Clint Petersen, Fire Chief, advised that they plan to replace Engine 1 as a frontline apparatus and move it to reserve status at Station No. 3. In 2005/06, they plan to refurbish Reserve Engine 3. Renovations to Fire Station No. 2 are planned to be staged over a four-year period, starting with replacement of the original wall coverings, countertops, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom privacy partitions and facilities. Fire Station No. 1 will also receive renovations over a five-year period, the first being replacement of the original floor coverings, wall coverings, and painting. Mr. Schainker explained the Outdoor Warning System project. He said that the incremental placement of the storm sirens over the years has combined with growth in the community to leave some areas uncovered, and this new capital program will allow the City to acquire larger new sirens to augment, and eventually replace, the smaller older sirens. Mr. Schainker advised that this project will be funded with Local Option Sales Tax. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand explained the Pedestrian Walkway Program and the Bicycle Trail System. Mr. Schainker advised that one area reflecting an increase is the Bicycle Trail System Improvements; in accordance with the Transportation Plan, the local support for these improvements has been increased from $75,000 to $150,000/year. Mr. Wiegand advised that the Duff Avenue Railroad Crossing Project, which provides for the design of the final plans and construction of improvements at the Duff Avenue/Union Pacific Railroad crossing is included in this CIP. City Manager Schainker reminded the Council that they are considering four alternatives ranging in cost from $0 to $18,000,000; the numbers included in this CIP represent the most costly of the alternatives. According to Mr. Wiegand, the Annual Traffic Signalization and the Traffic Signal Replacement Programs have been delayed one year (until 2004/05). He advised that the U. S. 69 Intersection Improvements have been delayed until 2005/06 when Iowa Department of Transportation funds again become available. The Resource Recovery System Improvements Program was explained by Mr. Wiegand. He said a cost change in this project is due to updated cost estimates for equipment; the updated estimates resulted in the addition of $10,000/year to this Program. Director of Water and Pollution Control Tom Neumann explained the SCADA System project scheduled for 2003/04; the Clarifier Domes project scheduled for 2003/04; Equipment Replacement projects to occur from 2003/04 thru 2005/06; Water Supply Expansion, which will expand the capacity of the municipal water supply by construction of additional wells, scheduled for 2003/04 and 2004/05; and Well Replacement, which provides for replacing/redrilling existing water supply wells to maintain the capacity of the current well fields, slated for 2004/05. The Southwest Pressure Zone Project, which provides for a second pressure zone within the water distribution system and includes two pump stations, two elevated water towers, and appurtenant distribution modifications to isolate the southwest portion of the City was next explained by Mr. Neumann. He said that the amount shown in this CIP is a preliminary estimate and does not include water main construction to develop the second pressure zone. He advised that the west- side tank should be in operation by Summer 2003. Mr. Neumann explained the Water Plant Expansion and High Service Pump Station projects, which were included for informational purposes only and no monetary values were included in the CIP totals. Paul Wiegand described the Water System Improvements project. He reviewed the Westbend Drive Area Storm Sewer Outlet Erosion Control, Annual Residential Street Low-Point Drainage Improvements, Storm Sewer Intake Rehabilitation, and the South Duff Area Storm Sewer Reconstruction projects, all to be financed by G. O. Bonds. Mr. Wiegand explained the Clear Water Diversion project, which is the annual program providing for diversion of footing drain discharge from sanitary sewers to storm sewers, and the Annual Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation project. 2 Mr. Neumann explained the WPC Equipment program, which shows a need for $225,000 in 2003/04 and $75,000 in 2005/06. He described the Biosolids Storage/Thickening Program, which is delayed to 2004/05 and 2004/05, and the Wet-Weather Flow Treatment project, which will require an expenditure of $650,000 in 2004/05. Mr. Neumann explained the WPC Plant Expansion, which has been delayed until 2005/06. He advised that the Plant needs to be upgraded to provide the level of treatment required by state and federal statutes. During 2002, staff met with IDNR regional staff to discuss permit renewal, which may be issued within the next year. Mr. Neumann stated that the extent of any improvements will not be known until a permit is issued. Mr. Schainker distributed copies of the Ames Municipal Electric System Peak Demand and Capacity Analysis and explained same to the City Council. Merlin Hove, Electric Services Director, advised that engineering and permitting costs for the Combustion Turbine are budgeted for 2003/04 and the construction of one 20 MW combustion turbine generator is scheduled for 2004/05. Mr. Schainker stated that the addition of this turbine generator will provide the needed reliability to support the Ames area load and permit outside capacity purchase beyond year 2005. He explained that the cost of this project, estimated at $16,764,000, is planned to be financed by Electric Utility Funds. Mr. Hove reminded the City Council that the need for additional capacity was demonstrated during Summer 2001, when during high load periods, Ames was required to open its transmission line connection with Mid-American Energy Company to relieve line overloading after Unit 8 was forced off-line. Mr. Hove described a new project, the Dayton Avenue Substation Transformer. He advised that the installation of a third transformer and related equipment at the Dayton Avenue Substation is needed to maintain the level of reliability expected by the City’s industrial customers. The Mid- American Energy Company Interconnection and Upgrade to the Alliant Utilities Interconnection was next explained by Mr. Hove. He described it as being the construction of a 161 kV line from Ames to Mid-American Energy’s 161 kV switching station northwest of Ankeny. Mr. Hove described the Combustion Turbine Controls, Coal Yard Extension, and Coal Car Thawing Equipment projects, all scheduled for 2003/04. Council Member Hoffman said that she would like the City to look at alternative sources of energy, in addition to coal-fired power, for 20 to 30 years into the future. The Grand Avenue (U.S. 69) - 13.8 kV Line Relocation, required due to planned improvement of Grand Avenue, was explained by Mr. Hove. He said that the existing overhead facilities cannot be relocated in the existing right-of-way; easements will have to be purchased to complete the relocation. Mr. Hove then described the Unit 8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul scheduled for 2004/05 and the Unit 7 Turbine Generator Overhaul slated for 2005/06. Council Member Cross pointed out that Unit 7 Turbine-Generator is scheduled to be replaced a year later. He questioned why we would overhaul it when it is scheduled for replacement. Mr. Hove said that the overhaul is recommended by boiler and machinery insurance carriers; however, staff will take another look at this prior to scheduling the overhaul. Lastly, Mr. Hove described the following projects: Base Load Generating Capacity, the 69 kV Breaker Addition to the Top-O-Hollow Substation, the 69 kV Breaker Addition to the Ontario Substation, and the Electric Administration Building Addition. 3 Paul Wiegand talked about the Arterial Street Rehabilitation project and the 6th Street Reconstruction and Streetscape Improvements (Grand Avenue to Duff Avenue). He stated that the Cy-Ride Route Reconstruction Program shows Bloomington Road (Hoover to Eisenhower) is now scheduled for 2003/04 due to accelerated deterioration of the street surface occurring. Mr. Wiegand explained the Asphalt Resurfacing Project. Pertaining to another project, State Avenue Widening (Lincoln Way to Arbor Street), Mr. Wiegand pointed out that the amount to be funded in 2003/04 is to pay for land acquisition along Lincoln Way. Actual construction of a left-turn storage lane and the widening of State Avenue from Arbor to Lincoln Way will occur in 2005/06. According to Mr. Wiegand, the Neighborhood Curb Replacement Program will see no change; in 2003/04, deteriorated curb and gutter will be replaced on Hayward Avenue (Chamberlain Street to Knapp Street). Mr. Wiegand then described the East Lincoln Way Widening Project (500' east of Skunk River to I-35), which is slated for 2004/05; the Collector Street Rehabilitation Program and South Duff Avenue Improvement Projects, both delayed one year (to 2004/05). Another project that has been delayed to 2005/06 and 2006/07 is the Grand Avenue (U.S. 69) Extension (Lincoln Way to South 5th Street). Mr. Wiegand explained that there are cost changes, due to updated estimates, to the West Lincoln Way Widening (Thackeray Avenue to west corporate limits) and the South Dayton Avenue Realignment. According to Mr. Wiegand, the Southeast 5th Street Extension (South Duff Avenue to Freel Drive) has been delayed until 2007/08. The Concrete Pavement Reconstruction and the Seal Coat Removal/Asphalt Reconstruction Programs were next reviewed by Mr. Wiegand. He advised that because of the limitations imposed by House File 324, City crews cannot do any prep work; contractors must perform all facets of the project. Consequently, fewer streets will be completed with established funding. The Slurry Seal Program, which is also impacted by House File 324, was described by Mr. Wiegand. He next explained the new requirements for the Sidewalk Safety Program and described the Bridge Rehabilitation Program, which pertains to the 13th Street bridge at the Skunk River. Bob Bourne, Director of Transit Operations, explained the CyRide Building Expansion and Modernization project. He advised that, due to the low bid price, adequate funds remained in the current grant to retain an architect in the summer of 2003 to design an additional 14-bus storage area. He asked the City Council to lobby our legislators for federal funds that would provide construction funds for the storage area. Vehicle Replacement was reviewed by Mr. Bourne. He said that, with the current financial difficulties at CyRide, the large-bus replacement program has been delayed. The Government of the Student Body (GSB) will be asked to provide the local share to replace used buses that were purchased for fare-free service. Mr. Bourne described the Vehicle Security System, which calls for a four-camera system to be installed on 20 large buses that are used on weekends and evenings. These camera systems help identify passengers whose behaviors are unacceptable while riding. A new project, Stange Road/University Village Traffic Control, was explained by Mr. Bourne. It will provide a predictable intersection delay and greatly improve schedule adherence and is scheduled for 2005/06. Mr. Bourne described two other new projects: the Resurfacing of Commuter Lots at Iowa State Center, that is slated to occur in 2006/07, and Global Positioning technology, scheduled for 2006/07 and 2007/08. Airport Improvements (rehabilitation and asphalt improvements to runways, aprons, and taxiways) were described by Mr. Wiegand. Lastly, Mr. Wiegand explained City Hall Improvements scheduled for the next five years. Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks and Recreation, recapped the Municipal Pool Maintenance 4 project, specifically noting that all improvements are shared 50/50 with the Ames School District. She described the Tennis Court Construction/Replacement project, which includes a new component, i.e., the replacement of lights at Brookside, McCarthy Lee, and Inis Grove courts. Playground/Park Equipment Improvements were described by Ms. Carroll. The Parks and Recreation Facility Maintenance Program was reviewed. One component of this Program is to replace the softball complex fencing. Ms. Carroll said an option that the City Council may want to consider is to impose Parks & Rec league player fees to offset some of the costs. Park Acquisition/Development was explained next by Ms. Carroll. Mr. Schainker explained that the Park Fund total as of 6/30/03 will be approximately $435,000 with interest, which includes an $80,000 contribution from the Northridge Heights developers. Ms. Carroll informed the City Council about the Park Road/Parking Lot Improvements that are scheduled for 2003/04 and 2004/05. The Council was updated on the Bandshell Building Renovation project. She reminded the Council that in 1999, they authorized $100,000 of City Funds to be expended when $380,000 in private funds are transferred to the City to accomplish Phase II. Ms. Carroll said that they will be meeting with the fundraising committee to establish a realistic time frame for the completion of the fund drive. Mayor Tedesco recommended that Ms. Carroll discuss, with the fundraising committee, the possibility of a sunset clause being imposed. The date suggested was June 30, 2004. The City Council feels that it is time to move forward with this project. Ms. Carroll explained that the Park System Shelter/Restroom Construction, which will provide a new open shelter and restroom facility at Gateway Park and replacement of the Emma McCarthy Lee restroom, and Moore Memorial Park Improvements, which will replace the existing five-foot pathway with an eight-foot pathway, have been delayed, to 2004/05 and 2005/06, respectively. Gina Millsap, Library Director, described the Library Building Improvements Program, which provides for improving and refurbishing interior and exterior elements of the building that will deteriorate if not maintained and other improvements in response to customer comments and requests. Concerning the Neighborhood Improvement Program, Steve Schainker reminded the Council that the Program was originally designed to enhance the appearance of neighborhoods with the addition of permanent physical improvements and promote a greater sense of community through resident participation in neighborhood projects. Mr. Schainker is now suggesting that the City enhance this Program by expanding it to include such projects as the sub-area planning elements or other support programs for neighborhood associations that are identified to bolster the development of strong, vibrant neighborhoods. COMMENTS: Due to complaints that she has received, Council Member Wirth reminded residents to put their garbage in containers with lids. Mayor Tedesco pointed out that the City has an ordinance mandating the use of covered garbage cans. Clare Bills gave an update concerning the Landmark Challenge. She said that they hope to name a winner by July 2003. 5 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. _______________________________ _______________________________ Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor 6