HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 06/24/2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JUNE 24, 2003
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 24th day of June, 2003, in the City
Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Pro Tem Cross
presiding and the following Council members present: Goodhue, Mahayni, Vegge, and Wirth.
Mayor Tedesco and Council Member Hoffman were absent. Nate Johnston, ex officio member, was
also present.
PRESENTATION OF WISCONSIN CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT: Executive Secretary Lynette Windsor introduced Natalie Rekemeyer, 1324 Wisconsin
Circle, Ames. Ms. Rekemeyer recognized Donna and Gerald Schradle, 1311 Wisconsin Circle,
Ames, who were also in attendance. Ms. Rekemeyer said that Mr. Schradle was the person who
had spearheaded this project. She explained that the improvements to Wisconsin Circle involved
removing six shrubs and two small trees, trimming trees, adding a street light, moving an
existing flag pole, constructing a pergola, park bench, and patio, planting new shrubs, replacing
sod, planting vines and/or ivy, and adding two bird houses and feeders.
Ms. Windsor advised that the amount of the grant was $1,418. Residents also donated personal
funds and 160 hours of in-kind labor.
According to Ms. Windsor, the deadline for new applications for Neighborhood Improvement
Grants is July 25, 2003.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Goodhue asked to pull, for separate discussion, Item No.
6 pertaining to increasing depository limits for local banks.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving minutes of the regular meeting of June 10, 2003, and special meetings of
June 12, 2003, and June 16, 2003
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Special Class C Liquor - Hickory Park, Inc., 1404 South Duff Avenue
b.Class C Liquor - Whiskey River, 132 Main Street
4. RESOLUTION NO. 03-235 approving 2003/04 Pay Plan
5.RESOLUTION NO. 03-237 approving contract for ASSET administrative services
6. RESOLUTION NO. 03-238 setting July 22, 2003, as date of public hearing for issuance of
General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003, in an amount not to exceed $5,130,000
7. RESOLUTION NO. 03-239 approving 2003/04 Commission On The Arts (COTA) Mini-Grant
Contracts
8. RESOLUTION NO. 03-240 approving Commission On The Arts (COTA) Annual Grant Contracts
for 2003/04
9. RESOLUTION NO. 03-241 approving Preconstruction Agreement with Iowa Department of
Transportation for construction of bridge on U. S. Highway 69 (S. Duff Avenue) over Squaw
Creek
10. RESOLUTION NO. 03-242 approving payment of $54,808 to W-S Industrial Service, Inc., for
Unit 8 Maintenance at the Power Plant
11. RESOLUTION NO. 03-243 approving Release and Satisfaction of Assessments and Utility
Connection Fee for Lot 5 of Eastgate Subdivision
12. RESOLUTION NO. 03-244 approving plans and specifications for 2003/04 Assessment Paving
Program No. 1 (Division I - SE 2nd Street from Sumner Avenue to Kingsbury Avenue and
Kingsbury Avenue from SE 2nd Street to Lincoln Way and Division II - East Avenue from
Lincoln Way to East 2nd Street); setting July 16, 2003, as bid due date and July 22, 2003, as date
of public hearing
13. Northridge Heights Subdivision, 6th Addition
a. RESOLUTION NO. 03-245 approving partial completion of public improvements
b. RESOLUTION NO. 03-246 approving Major Final Plat
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
DEPOSITORY LIMITS FOR U. S. BANK, WELLS FARGO, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, F
& M BANK, FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS, FIRST AMERICAN BANK, AND AMES
COMMUNITY BANK: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-
236 approving increases in depository limits for U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, First National Bank,
F&M Bank, First Federal Savings, First American Bank, and Ames Community Bank
Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1. Voting aye: Cross, Mahayni, Vegge, Wirth. Voting nay: None.
Abstaining: Goodhue. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time.
REQUESTS FROM MIDNIGHT MADNESS: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to
approve a five-day Class B Beer Permit and Outdoor Service Area in the East City Hall Parking
Lot, Fifth Street, and Clark Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to approve tapping of up to seven kegs at once
during the post-race party with a maximum of 30 kegs total during the evening.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-247 approving the
closure of the following streets and parking lots and changes in parking regulations, as follows:
From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 12, 2003: Main Street from Douglas Avenue to
Northwestern Avenue, Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to Sixth Street, Fifth Street from
Douglas Avenue to Pearle Avenue, Douglas Avenue from Main Street to Fifth Street, Clark
Avenue from Sixth Street to Main Street, Northwestern Avenue from Main Street to Sixth
Street, and Sixth Street from Northwestern Avenue to Elwood Drive;
From 5:00 p.m. on July 12 to 1:00 a.m. on July 13: Clark Avenue from Sixth Street to Fifth
Street;
From 5:00 p.m. on July 12 to 5:00 p.m. on July 13: East City Hall Parking Lot;
From 5:00 p.m. on July 11 to 11:00 p.m. on July 12: suspension of parking enforcement in
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the Downtown Commercial Business District as well as permission to hood parking meters
on Main Street from Pearle Street to Douglas Avenue and on Fifth Street from City Hall to
Douglas Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST FROM AMES JAYCEES TO SHOOT FIREWORKS ON JULY 4: Moved by
Vegge, seconded by Goodhue, to approve the request of the Ames Jaycees to shoot fireworks
in Stewart Smith Park in celebration of Independence Day on July 4.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
IOWA COMMUNITY CULTURAL GRANT FOR SKATE PARK ART: Moved by Mahayni,
seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-256 accepting an Iowa Arts Council Grant
for a public art project at the Ames Skate Park in the amount of $9,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH
A NEW ZONING DISTRICT - “O-SLF” (SOUTH LINCOLN FRINGE OVERLAY ZONING
DISTRICT): Planning and Housing Director Brian O’Connell explained that the purpose of this
ordinance is to require the fronts of buildings along Sherman Avenue to face Sherman Avenue.
Mr. O’Connell advised that by allowing previously permitted uses to continue on the east side
of Sherman Avenue and avoiding new design standards will provide opportunities for further
commercial redevelopment in the vicinity of Duff Avenue. The Council was reminded that all
members of the development community, at a meeting on April 15, 2003, agreed that
commercial development between Sherman Avenue and the alley to the east is likely to be
oriented toward Sherman Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Cross opened the hearing. Tom Randall, 2406 Ridgetop Circle, Ames, stated
that he is an owner of property on the west side of Sherman and is in favor of the passage of this
text amendment. There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor Pro Tem closed the
hearing.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to pass on first reading a text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to establish a new zoning district – “O-SLF” (South Lincoln Fringe Overlay Zoning
District).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED BETWEEN SHERMAN AVENUE
AND THE ALLEY EAST OF SHERMAN AVENUE: The hearing was opened by Mayor Pro
Tem Cross. No one wished to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning
property located between Sherman Avenue and the alley east of Sherman Avenue from “HOC”
(Highway-Oriented Commercial) to “HOC” (Highway-Oriented Commercial) and “O-SLF”
(South Lincoln Fringe Overlay).
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH
MINIMUM OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR GO-CART TRACK
FACILITIES: Mayor Pro Tem Cross opened the public hearing and closed same after no one
wished to speak.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Vegge, to pass on first reading a text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to establish minimum off-street parking requirements for go-cart track facilities.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STREET NAMING GUIDELINES: John Joiner, newly promoted Municipal Engineer, introduced
Annette Thompson, Senior Engineering Technician. Ms. Thompson gave a presentation on the
Administrative Program for Street Naming and Addressing.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-248 approving the
Street Addressing Guidelines.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR SOUTH LINCOLN WAY SUB-AREA: Planner Jeff
Benson reminded the City Council that they had approved the Sub-Area Plan for the South
Lincoln Neighborhood in April 2002, and in January 2003, they approved the basic purposes of
an Urban Revitalization Plan for this neighborhood. He said that the Sub-Area Plan is intended
to implement important objectives and policies, beyond what can be accomplished by recently
adopted zoning changes. Mr. Benson said that by approving an Urban Revitalization Plan for
this area will help stimulate commercial development and concentrate it and the activity
associated with it at important focal points. He said it can help create public spaces that welcome
active life styles, encourage neighbors to get to know each other, help reinforce the character and
identity of the neighborhood, and encourage a sense of place in its current and future residents.
At this time, staff is asking that the City Council comment on the required and additional
criteria; the guidelines, particularly with regard to whether public needs are being met; and, the
scale of the program when the costs and benefits are compared. Mr. Benson pointed out that he
had provided the Council with sample cases illustrating potential tax abatement.
Council Member Goodhue said he would like to know how developers view this incentive
program. He said he feels that it may be a little excessive. Council Member Wirth pointed out
that when this Sub-Area was first discussed, Council indicated that it was important to allow
some flexibility on the part of the developer. Mr. Mahayni believes that it is important to provide
alternatives. Mr. Benson advised that when staff met with developers on April 15, 2003,
developers indicated that any abatement would help.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to approve the application.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Wirth, to direct City staff to prepare an Urban Revitalization
Plan.
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Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-249 setting the date
of public hearing on the Urban Revitalization Plan for the South Lincoln Way Sub-Area for
August 26, 2003.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT CHANGE TO CREATE A NEW USE IN THE RM AND RH
ZONES: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodhue, to refer to the Planning and Zoning Commission
a Zoning Ordinance text change that creates a new use (dwelling house) in the RM and RH
zones.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REDEVELOPMENT AND SALE OF 623 NINTH STREET: The proposed developer submitted
a new set of plans for the property at 623 Ninth Street late in the week of June 16. This item was
pulled from the agenda to allow staff adequate time to review those plans.
ORDINANCE REVISING OCCUPANCY LIMITS OF THE RENTAL HOUSING
REGULATIONS FOR HOUSES THAT WERE DOWN-ZONED FROM R-3 AND R-4:
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Goodhue, to pass on first reading an ordinance revising
occupancy limits of the rental housing regulations for houses that were down-zoned from R-3
and R-4 to the RL and UCRM Zoning Districts, with the following stipulations:
1. The occupancy allowance that existed prior to May 2000 will be allowed to remain for a
period of 36 months.
2. There is no change to the “use” of the property.
3. The property is not sold.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE INCREASING FINE FOR ILLEGAL PARKING VIOLATIONS: Moved by
Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to pass on first reading an ordinance increasing the fine for illegal
parking violations from $5 to $10, and $15 if paid after 30 days.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2200 TIMBERLAND ROAD:
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning
property located at 2200 Timberland Road from “A” (Agricultural) to “RL” (Residential Low
Density).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REMOVING EXISTING NO-PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON THE WEST
SIDE OF HYDE AVENUE: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second reading
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an ordinance removing existing no-parking restrictions on the west side of Hyde Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF CRYSTAL STREET AND SOUTH DUFF AVENUE: Moved by Wirth, seconded
by Vegge, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3715 rezoning property
generally located on the northeast corner of Crystal Street and South Duff Avenue from “HOC”
(Highway-Oriented Commercial) to “RH” (Residential High Density).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND EXCESS INSURANCE: Risk
Manager Jon-Scott Johnson explained that since the City Council approved John Deere Health
Plan as the third-party administrator of the City’s health plan, there have been several unresolved
issues that have arisen concerning the administration of the plans and provider networks. Staff
had numerous meetings and discussions with John Deere personnel concerning their compliance
with the issues raised, and they indicated that they would be able to find solutions by June 16,
2003. However, on that date, John Deere officials called and indicated to staff that they would
be unable to find mutually satisfactory solutions to the unresolved issues. It was determined that
John Deere’s claims processing systems would prevent them from administering the City’s
current benefit plans in a reliable and efficient manner, and they could not develop a health care
provider pool that would be reasonably similar to the provider pool offered by Wellmark. Mr.
Johnson explained that Wellmark, in two cases, offered lower cost alternatives to its previous
proposal submitted during the Request for Proposal process.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-250 rescinding the
contract with John Deere Health Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-251 approving
renewal of contract with Wellmark for third-party administration of the City’s health care plan
effective July 1, 2003.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
RENEWAL OF PROPERTY AND BOILER/MACHINERY COVERAGES: Jon-Scott Johnson
informed the City Council that staff was pleased to advise that the renewal numbers for the
property and boiler/machinery coverages for 2003/04 have once again returned to stable levels.
He said that with the anticipated savings from the adopted to renewal numbers for FY 03/04,
staff is recommending that the City purchase added coverage; this would eliminate some of the
uninsured gap that exists between the actual and insurance values. Mr. Johnson also stated that
staff believes TRIA (Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002) coverage should be purchased at
this time. He said even with these two additional items, the savings would be $109,638.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-252 approving
renewal of property, boiler, and machinery coverages from AIG/Hartford Steam Boiler with
increased valuation and terrorism coverage in the amount of $415,362.
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Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
RENEWAL OF CASUALTY-LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGES: Moved by Goodhue,
seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-253 approving renewal of casualty-liability
insurance with Employer’s Mutual Casualty (EMC) Insurance Company for liability insurance
coverage in the amount of $437,069.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CONTRACT WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE 800 MHz TRUNKED
RADIO EQUIPMENT, PAGERS, RELATED EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES: Luana
Stoneking, Procurement Specialist, explained that a Radio Users Group was formed to review
usage and explore options for radio equipment in anticipation of the end of the ten-year price
guarantee. This Group includes 11 representatives from various City departments who use the
800 MHz radio system and equipment. Ms. Stoneking explained that a Request for Proposals
was issued, and the proposed contract submitted by Electronic Engineering Co., to extend
through June 30, 2010, would maintain the existing price structure plus provides discounts of
up to 10% for advance payments. The proposed contract would insure continuation of
communication services without an increase in costs.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-254 approving the
contract with Electronic Engineering to provide 800 MHz Trunked Radio Equipment, Pagers,
and Related Equipment and Services for City departments.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FINAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT DECISIONS FOR 2003/04: Steve Schainker gave a summary
of his recommended one-time budget adjustments for 2003/04, which totaled $739,423. He is
proposing a reduction in expenses of $445,393, increases in revenues of $201,710, and $92,320
in revenue shifts. This includes freezing three full-time-equivalency (FTE) positions and
eliminating 1.5 FTE positions.
Mr. Schainker pointed out that the list of proposed budget adjustments is $104,516 less than the
total possible adjustments he previously presented to the City Council. He omitted the reduction
in the per capita charge at the Resource Recovery Plant ($50,414), the fee increases in the
Clerk’s Office ($7,000), the shift in funding of the Council’s budget ($39,465), and the shift in
funding for the Assistant City Manager’s salary to the Local Option Sales Tax Fund ($7,637).
Council Member Cross pointed out that none of the cutbacks involve Capital Improvements Plan
projects. Mr. Schainker explained that there was a real understanding last fall when the budget
project started, even before the Reinventing Government bill passed, that this was going to be
a difficult year. At that time, the City Council demanded that City staff cut back significantly
from the Capital Improvements Plan to keep our debt service low.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-255 approving the
City Manager’s recommended budget adjustments for 2003/04.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
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made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Council Member Wirth advised that trees need to be trimmed at 912 Kellogg. She
also reported that the sidewalk east of the Sheldon Munn is in bad shape with large holes.
Ms. Wirth stated that a citizen had recommended to her that the City look at issuing parking
permits in the parking lot behind Main Street for a slightly lower fee and allowing the permittee
to park anywhere in that lot. This would generate interest from people who need to park in that
lot for the entire day.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Mahayni, to direct staff to review this issue and ask the
downtown business owners for input.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Nathan Johnson, ex officio member, asked that the City look at the traffic signal at South Dakota
and Mortensen to see if it is operating properly.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:58 p.m.
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Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
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