HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 10/28/2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 28, 2003
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 28th day of October, 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, Vegge, and Wirth. Nate
Johnston, ex officio member, was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the following items on the
Consent Agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving minutes of the regular meeting of October 14, 2003
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Liquor and Outdoor Service Area - Big Shots, 2522 Chamberlain Street
b. Class C Liquor - Café Escape, 2402 Lincoln Way
c. Class C Liquor - Café Beaudelaire, 2504 Lincoln Way
d. Class B Liquor - Comfort Suites, 2609 Elwood Drive
e. Class C Beer and Class B Wine - The Keg Shop, 218 Welch Avenue, Suite 3
f. Outdoor Service Area - The Meeting House, 823 Wheeler Street, Suite 4
g. Class C Beer - Southgate Expresse, 110 Airport Road
h. Class C Liquor and Outdoor Service Area - Thumbs, 2816 West Street
i. Class C Beer and Class B Wine - Wheatsfield Grocery, 413 Douglas Avenue
4. Motion referring Petition for Voluntary Annexation of property known as the “Ringgenberg Farm,”
generally located west of Cedar Lane and south of Oakwood Road, to the Planning and Zoning
Commission
5. Motion referring Petition for Voluntary Annexation of property located at 2400 Oakwood Road
(Oakwood Road Church) to the Planning and Zoning Commission
6. Motion directing staff to not bid on CSI Building located at 115 S. Sheldon Avenue
7. Motion directing City Attorney to draft ordinance revising parking regulations on Maryland Street
8. RESOLUTION NO. 03-411 approving quarterly investment report for period ending September 30, 2003
9. RESOLUTION NO. 03-412 approving change in Police Department's check policy for investigation of
insufficient funds
10. RESOLUTION NO. 03-413 approving Consultant Services Agreement with Engineering Alliance, Inc.,
for 2004/05 CyRide Route Reconstruction (Ontario Street - Georgia to North Dakota)
11. RESOLUTION NO. 03-414 approving Consultant Services Agreement with the Howard R. Green
Company for 2004/05 Arterial Street Rehabilitation (Mortensen Parkway - Gateway Hills Park Drive to
Elwood Drive)
12. RESOLUTION NO. 03-415 approving agreement with Concetta Morales for Skate Park art
13. RESOLUTION NO. 03-416 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Electric Power
Transformer for Dayton Avenue Substation; setting November 19, 2003, as bid due date and November
25, 2003, as date of public hearing
14. RESOLUTION NO. 03-417 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Electric Switchgear for
Dayton Avenue Substation; setting November 19, 2003, as bid due date and November 25, 2003, as date
of public hearing
15. RESOLUTION NO. 03-418 awarding contract for six law enforcement sedans to Wright Chevrolet of
Carlisle, Iowa, in the amount of $105,048
16. RESOLUTION NO. 03-419 accepting completion of the Resource Recovery System
Improvements/Reject Truck Bay Project
17. RESOLUTION NO. 03-420 accepting completion of the Demand Generation Project for the Water
Pollution Control Plant
18. RESOLUTION NO. 03-421 accepting completion of public improvements for Northridge Subdivision,
5th Addition, and releasing security therefor
19. RESOLUTION NO. 03-422 approving Final Major Plat for Airport Road Subdivision, 2nd Addition
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time.
CLASS C BEER PERMIT AND CLASS B WINE PERMIT FOR ALDI, INC.: Moved by
Vegge, seconded by Goodhue, to approve a Class C Beer Permit and a Class B Wine Permit for Aldi,
Inc., 1301 Buckeye Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 212 MAIN PUB & GRILL: Mayor Tedesco announced that
staff had requested to pull this item from the agenda due to the establishment not being ready for the
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR BUILDING FOOTINGS AT 216 STANTON AVENUE:
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Mahayni, to approve the encroachment permit for building footings
at 216 Stanton Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR BUILDING FOOTINGS AT 119 STANTON: Moved by
Hoffman, seconded by Mahayni, to approve the encroachment permit for building footings at 119 Stanton
Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR BUILDING FOOTINGS AT 2519 CHAMBERLAIN AVENUE:
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Mahayni, to approve the encroachment permit for
building footings at 2519 Chamberlain Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Vegge commented that he believes the City Council is trying to make every attempt to
work with developers; however, it seems to him that the City has either been taken advantage of here or
that there was not the proper communication. He hopes that this does not happen again in the future and
doesn’t think there is an excuse for it to happen three times.
REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET DISTRICT: Moved by Wirth, seconded by
Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-423 approving the request for the City to provide and waive
fees for electricity for holiday lighting on downtown buildings from November 22 through December 27,
2003.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. 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. 03-424 approving the request to
suspend parking enforcement for the Central Business District all day on Saturdays and from 5-6:00 p.m.
on Monday through Friday from November 22 through December 27, 2003.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
RECREATION/AQUATICS COMPLEX: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 03-432 setting date of special election on bond issue for December 9, 2003, as
requested by the “Friends” group.
Karen Strehlow, 212 N. Russell, Ames, spoke on behalf of the supporters and members of the “Friends
for Ames Recreation Complex.” She thanked the City Council for this opportunity and for listening to
the public concerns about the lack of adequate recreation and aquatic facilities in the Ames community.
The “Friends” group is asking the City Council to set December 9th, 2003, as the date of a bond issue
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election for the Recreation/Aquatics Complex. Ms. Strehlow said that it is imperative that the City move
ahead to coincide with the Ames Middle School construction time table. After seven years of public
input; community surveys; user group meetings, studies, and reports, the “Friends” group firmly believes
that now is the time to give the people of this community a chance to vote on this very important project.
Scott Strehlow, 212 N. Russell, Ames, and Ben Utesch, 3336 Bayberry Circle, Ames, seventh-graders
at the Ames Middle School, expressed support for the proposed Recreation/Aquatics Complex. Mr.
Strehlow stated that his and Mr. Utesch’s families had been involved in many sports programs and see
how behind our city is in places to play basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and swim. Both young men
are competitive swimmers and explained the difficulties encountered by the multiple teams that must
share the High School Pool with swim teams and lap swimmers. Mr. Strehlow said that with the new
proposed pool, Ames could host meets, which would mean Ames families would not have to journey to
Des Moines, Boone, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Mason City, Marshalltown, or many other communities
that have 50-meter competitive pools. He said there are many youth who would like to practice AAU
basketball and indoor soccer and host tournaments in Ames instead of spending their parents’ money and
time traveling to other towns.
Duane Sorenson, 521 Forest Glen, Ames, explained the many benefits that families and individuals would
reap from a multi-user complex, i.e., easy access with the zero-depth entry to the pool for people of all
ages; fun activities with water slides and water novelties; water exploration in the leisure area; lap
swimming for the fitness swimmer; deep water exploration in the outdoor pool, with deep water jogging
and diving. Mr. Sorenson pointed out that both pools would be very beneficial for aquatic education, and
water therapy classes and users would love the indoor pool as it would be a warm-water facility. During
non-public hours, the outdoor pool could be configured as either a 50-meter pool or a 25-yard pool to
meet the needs of the competitive swimmers and divers. Others could use it for kayaking; canoeing; water
polo; underwater hockey; synchronized swimming; scuba diving; water basketball, volleyball; and
families and individuals would enjoy it during the winter months.
Council Member Vegge asked how the “Friends” group arrived at the date of December 9. Mr. Sorenson
explained that they wanted Ames citizens to be given a chance to vote on this issue. They wanted to make
sure that the special election was not held over the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays; they didn’t want
to wait until after the holidays because some residents leave Ames for the winter, and they wanted those
persons to also be able to vote. Mr. Sorenson described some of the promotional activities that the
“Friends” group plans to undertake prior to the election.
Julie Richey, 3217 Nixon Avenue, Ames, advised that she was not connected to any AAU groups, club
sports, school athletics, or any other special interest groups that are most likely to use the Ames “Rec
Plex.” She said that she was here only as a member of this community. Ms. Richey said that she doesn’t
golf, but doesn’t want to live in a community that doesn’t support good golf courses. She stated that she
no longer has children in the Ames Schools, but she doesn’t want to live where the community doesn’t
support good schools. Also, she is not a regular patron of the Ames Library because she works in a school
library, but she wants to live where there are good libraries. Ms. Richey advised that she will vote for
the new “Rec Plex” even though she is not sure how much she personally will use it because she thinks
that’s what it means to be part of a community. It means that you support projects and ideas because they
will make the community a better place to live for the people who currently reside there and make your
community look attractive to others who may be considering making it their home. Ms. Richey believes
there is a huge need for more gym space, and the pool situation is inadequate. She feels that it is time
to come together as a community and support this Recreation/Aquatics Complex for the City of Ames.
Perry Rathe, 2125 Country Club, Ames, spoke as a physician and father of four in this community, he
urged the Council to support the proposed Recreation/Aquatics Complex and set the date to vote for
December 9. In his opinion, Ames has not made a commitment to exercise and fitness as have other
surrounding communities. He feels Ames needs more and better recreation facilities. As a physician,
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he addresses the problem of obesity in our population everyday; being overweight is associated with
diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, joint problems, and other diseases. Unfortunately, our children are
more sedentary, and physicians are definitely seeing more obesity in our young people. As a parent, Mr.
Rathe said it is constantly a struggle to find gym space for young people to practice basketball. He said
on several occasions last winter, he was unable to find a gym for his six-year-old to shoot baskets. Mr.
Rathe said that it is amazing to him that such an affluent community has not made a commitment to
exercise and fitness. He believes that Ames needs to build this new facility for the kids as well as adults
and urged the Council to support efforts to make this Recreation/Aquatics Complex a reality.
Jim Hallihan, 1322 Illinois Avenue, Ames, spoke first as a father, saying that his 17-year-old son has
chosen not to take part in a lot of things that kids shouldn’t do, yet it’s frustrating that he can’t find a
gymnasium to go shoot baskets. He would like to see the opportunities be available to kids who choose
to do these types of activities. Secondly, he spoke as the Director of Iowa Games, stating that he travels
the state of Iowa and is absolutely amazed at the quantity and quality of facilities in communities much,
much smaller than Ames. He feels that it is an embarrassment for a community the size of Ames to have
such a lack of adequate facilities. Mr. Hallihan said that right now, Ames has four basketball courts in
the entire city that can be used for multi-purpose reasons; no elementary school has such a facility.
Speaking on behalf of the Iowa Games, he said they set an all-time record of 18,719 participants last year.
They are having to go to different communities because of a lack of facilities here, and it would help the
Iowa Games and ensure that the Games continue to be held in Ames if there were facilities available. Mr.
Hallihan said that he cannot imagine anyone not voting for this; there is just no question that the
community of Ames needs this.
John Chleborad, 245 Sinclair Avenue, Apartment #313, Ames, spoke as a young professional living in
Ames. He said the possibility of having a “one-stop shop” for all fitness needs is very exciting. He is a
young professional who has chosen to make his home in Ames. As a former ISU student, he had
previously used the Lied Recreation Center, but upon graduation, needed to find a new place for exercise.
The opportunities in Ames are limited as you cannot go to one place to play basketball, swim, run, and/or
play soccer. Mr. Chleborad feels that the “Rec Plex” would be a potential draw for Ames residents, and
as a community of over 50,000, he believes that Ames has a duty to offer this type of facility to the
citizens. He thinks that if facilities like the “Rec Plex” are not provided in Ames, people will go to other
communities where such facilities are offered; Des Moines, Ankeny, and West Des Moines are a few of
those communities. Mr. Chleborad said that many of his friends who work in Ames have chosen to live
in Ankeny, Huxley, and other communities, but he believes that the “Rec Plex” is a great selling point
and may convince people to move to Ames. He said the proposed “Rec Plex” is needed and wanted by
young professionals.
Craig Marrs, 3020 Hemlock Circle, Ames, representing Youth and Shelter Services as its current Board
Chair, advised that the YSS Board met tonight and voted to endorse the proposed Recreation/Aquatics
Complex. They made a request that the proposed facility be made accessible to all children and youth
despite family income. Mr. Marrs explained that he spent a great deal of time at the YMCA while
growing up in Mason City; it was relatively inexpensive and a good place for young people to spend time
instead of being involved in the wrong type of activities. He feels that Ames’ young people need the
Recreation/Aquatics Complex. Mayor Tedesco informed Mr. Marrs that through the City’s Parks and
Recreation Department, there are special programs available for those who need financial assistance.
Joe Merchant and his children, Christopher and Amelia, 2820 Northwood Drive, were present. Mr.
Merchant advised that he is on the Board of the Ames Soccer Club and he serves as the Under-8
Commissioner. Mr. Merchant said that they would like to play soccer in the wintertime. Other
communities offer competitive winter soccer – played with a special ball on a basketball court. He said
that Ames soccer groups could use the Recreation Complex in the wintertime with the basketball and
volleyball players. Mr. Merchant believes that the Ames’ youth would greatly benefit from it, and he
urged the City Council to support the project. Council Member Mahayni pointed out that, in the past,
indoor soccer players have had to go to Des Moines or Johnston.
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Lisa Thorgaard, 3300 Kingman Road, Ames, advised that she has been involved with her two daughters
in AAU Basketball for five years. It is very difficult to find gym space. Ames High School Principal
Mike McGrory had told Ms. Thorgaard that the more participation of young people in sports, the higher
their GPAs. She said Ames prides itself in having superb academics, and she believes that both academics
and physical condition go hand-in-hand.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
Mayor Tedesco urged the City Council members to vote unanimously to set the date of public hearing
for December 9, 2003; the Mayor does not get to vote on resolutions. He said that during most of his
political life in Ames, the City Council has been discussing recreation and aquatics facilities in this
community, and for most of those years, they have become a high priority. He urged this City Council
to vote unanimously in support of December 9, 2003, as the date of the bond issue election. The Mayor
reminded everyone that the City Council is prohibited, by Code, from suggesting to citizens how to vote.
The Council may give information about the project, but cannot urge people to vote yes or no. That
means that the responsibility of selling this project rests on the shoulders of the “Friends of the
Recreation/Aquatics Complex.” He extended his appreciation to the “Friends” group for the work that
they have done to this point, and he knows that they will continue to work hard for this issue.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-433 approving funds for an
information campaign about the bond issue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 623 NINTH STREET: Mayor
Tedesco opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak, and the hearing was closed.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning property located
at 623 Ninth Street from “S-GA” (Government-Airport) to “RM” (Residential Medium Density).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Vegge, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on second and third readings and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 3743 rezoning property located at 623 Ninth Street from “S-GA” (Government-Airport) to “RM”
(Residential Medium Density).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING OF “OUTLOT S” IN THE FIRST ADDITION OF DAUNTLESS
SUBDIVISION: The hearing was opened by the Mayor and closed after no one wished to speak.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning “Outlot S” in the
First Addition of Dauntless Subdivision (commonly known as 4807 Mortensen Road) from “RM”
(Residential Medium Density) to “RL” (Residential Low Density).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Vegge, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Goodhue, to pass on second and third readings and adopt
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ORDINANCE NO. 3744 rezoning “Outlot S” in the First Addition of Dauntless Subdivision (commonly
known as 4807 Mortensen Road) from “RM” (Residential Medium Density) to “RL” (Residential Low
Density).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
LONGVIEW SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 03-425 approving partial completion of public improvements.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-426 approving Final Major
Plat.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON COMMUNICATIONS CABLING PROJECT FOR INFORMATION SERVICES
DIVISION: Mayor Tedesco opened the public hearing. There being no one wishing
to speak, he closed same.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-427 approving plans and
specifications and awarding contract to Baker Electric of Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $29,036.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON REVISED MASTER PLAN FOR NORTHRIDGE HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION (UTHE
FARM), GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF BLOOMINGTON ROAD, EAST OF GEORGE
WASHINGTON CARVER AVENUE AND WEST OF THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TRACKS:
The Mayor opened the hearing. No one wished to speak, and the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-428 approving the Revised
Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-429 approving the Revised
Preliminary Plat.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON VACATING LOTS B AND E, SOMERSET SUBDIVISION, 3RD ADDITION
(CONTINUED FROM 10/14/03): No one wished to speak and the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-430 approving vacating
Lots B and E in Somerset Subdivision, 3rd Addition, and approving the Major Final Plat for Somerset
Subdivision, 13th Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-431 approving partial
completion of public improvements for Somerset Subdivision, 13th Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
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ORDINANCE REVISING PARKING REGULATIONS ON DICKINSON AVENUE: Moved
by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance revising parking regulations on
Dickinson Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REVISING LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS CITY
PERMITS: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Vegge, to pass on second reading an ordinance
revising the liability insurance requirements for various City permits.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REVISING MECHANICAL CODE AS TO THE CLE REQUIREMENT AND TEST
SPECIFICATIONS: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to pass on second reading an
ordinance revising the Mechanical Code as to the CLE requirement and test specifications.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to suspend the rules necessary for the passage of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3745
revising the Mechanical Code as to the CLE requirement and test specifications.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE MAKING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO ALLOW MODEL HOMES/SALES
OFFICES AS A PERMITTED USE WITHIN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3742
making a text amendment to allow model homes/sales offices as a permitted use within residential
districts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to refer to staff the request from the
manager of Whiskey River to change the parking prohibitions in the Central Business District (CBD)
lot from 2 AM - 6 AM to possibly 2:30 AM or 3 AM - 6 AM.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:44 p.m.
_________________________________ ________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
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