HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 12/16/2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 16, 2003
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 16th day of December, 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 7:12 p.m. Nate Johnston, ex officio member, was absent.
Mayor Tedesco advised that staff has requested to pull Item # 27, which pertains to the 2003 International
Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Fire Code (IFC), from this
agenda.
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 November 25, 2003
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Beer - Casey’s General Store, 428 Lincoln Way
b. Class C Beer - Char’s, 3100 South Duff Avenue
c. Class B Wine and Class C Beer - Cub Foods, 3121 Grand Avenue
d. Class C Beer - Kwik Shop #542, 125 - Sixth Street
e. Class C Liquor - Tip Top Lounge, 201 East Lincoln Way
4. Motion directing City Attorney to prepare ordinance setting speed limits on Mortensen Road
5. Motion accepting Auditor’s Report to Management and SAS 61 Letter for fiscal year ended June 30,
2003
6. RESOLUTION NO. 03-471 approving the addition of one 100-watt sodium vapor light on Dartmoor
Lane to the existing Alliant Energy Electric Street Lighting Agreement
7. RESOLUTION NO. 03-455 accepting Abstract of Votes for the November 4, 2003, Regular City
Election
8. RESOLUTION NO. 03-456 accepting Abstract of Votes for the December 2, 2003, Regular City Run-
Off Election
9. RESOLUTION NO. 03-457 approving designation of City representatives to Central Iowa Regional
Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA)
10. RESOLUTION NO. 03-458 approving Iowa DOT Agreement for Federal STP funding of the 2004/05
Arterial Street Rehabilitation Program (Mortensen Parkway from Gateway Hills Park Drive to Elwood
Drive)
11. RESOLUTION NO. 03-459 approving the revision of Paragraph 9 of the Agreement Pertaining to
Annexation for the Ferguson Subdivision Area
12. RESOLUTION NO. 03-460 approving settlement agreement with The Keystone Group, LLC,
pertaining to construction of Fire Station #3
13. RESOLUTION NO. 03-461 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the purchase of 69-kV
Circuit Breakers; setting December 30, 2003, as the bid due date and January 13, 2004, as the date
of public hearing
14. RESOLUTION NO. 03-462 approving contract and bond for Electric 15-kV Outdoor Metalclad
Switchgear and 69-kV Control Panel
15. RESOLUTION NO. 03-463 approving contract and bond for Electric Power Transformer
16. RESOLUTION NO. 03-464 accepting completion of the 2002/03 Concrete Pavement Reconstruction
Program (Contracts 1 and 2)
17. RESOLUTION NO. 03-465 approving completion of public improvements (utilities and paving) for
Somerset Subdivision, 12th Addition, and releasing the security therefor
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mike Meetz, 20267-580th Avenue, Ames, submitted a statement for the record to be
distributed to the Mayor and City Council regarding the proposed Land Use Policy Plan change.
City Council Member Vegge arrived.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR A PARAPET WALL AT 1018 GRAND AVENUE: Moved by
Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to approve an Encroachment Permit for a parapet wall at 1018 Grand
Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST TO VACATE STORM SEWER EASEMENT IN SOMERSET SUBDIVISION, 5TH
ADDITION: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-466 setting the
date of public hearing for December 23, 2003, on a request to vacate a storm sewer easement located in
Somerset Subdivision, 5th Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF EASEMENT OVER LOTS 8, 9, AND 10, DAUNTLESS
SUBDIVISION, 6TH ADDITION: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
03-467 setting the date of public hearing for December 23, 2003, on a request for release of the City’s
interest in an easement over real property located in Lots 8, 9, and 10, Dauntless Subdivision, 6th
Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
DISCUSSION ON SEWER TRUNKLINE ISSUE IN THE SOUTHWEST GROWTH AREA (tabled
from November 18, 2003): City Manager Steve Schainker gave a summary of the pressing issues. He
reminded the City Council that staff had been directed to evaluate the progress made in implementing
the Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP). After that review, three specific references relating to the Worle Creek
sanitary sewer line were identified: (1) proactive approach in the Southwest Growth Priority Area, which
would necessitate the Capital Improvements Plan to be amended to reflect the construction of a $900,000
trunk sewer line, (2) more active role in encouraging property owners to annex into the City of Ames,
and (3) designated areas within the Urban Fringe Areas that could be problematic if voluntary annexation
is the only approach that is used to obtain new lands for community growth. He stated that many
property owners in the Meadow Glen Area voiced their opposition to annexation, residents along a
possible Worle Creek sewer line route expressed their fear of possible damage being caused to their
properties, and other parties have stated their concerns with the possible elimination of trees along creeks
and low-lying areas.
Public Works Director Paul Wiegand explained that the use of gravity to “power” the sewer system is
the most efficient method since the pipe system is set at grades to carry the sewage to the treatment plant
without the associated pumping costs. In order to provide the greatest level of service, the gravity sewer
lines should be at the lowest possible elevations. Mr. Wiegand advised that lift stations are used in areas
where gravity sewer is not possible to serve the development because the development is below the sewer
elevation. He said that allowing proliferation of lift stations for sanitary sewer service as land develops
is a dangerous precedent. It was explained that if the initial cost for lift stations is lower, developers will
prefer to use this technique, and this will mean that extensions of gravity sewers to serve adjoining
properties will not be available. More lift stations will also significantly increase the overall maintenance
costs for the City.
Mr. Wiegand pointed out that in order to provide efficient gravity sewage systems, the trunk sewers are
constructed in the lowest areas of each drainage area. Because the lowest area is also adjacent to creeks
and rivers, trunk sewers are often located in natural areas. He explained that maintenance of trunk gravity
sewer lines is minimal, and the need to access the natural area is reduced after the initial construction is
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completed. In addition, maintenance is generally restricted to a specific area and the disturbance is
limited. Mr. Wiegand advised that these natural areas are not usually City property, and thus, easements
must be acquired from property owners along the line. He advised that construction of sanitary sewer
does not require annexation of the property that is involved with the work. In many cases, the property
will remain rural until significant area development occurs.
Paul Wiegand showed a map that reflected the trunk gravity sewer system that currently exists within the
City. He pointed out that a trunk sewer has been constructed along Clear Creek, and it passes through
Pammel Woods, Emma McCarthy Lee Park, and Ann Munn Woods.
Planner Joe Pietruszynski presented a map showing the growth areas designated in the approved Land
Use Policy Plan (LUPP). The areas to the northwest and southwest portions of the City will need sanitary
sewer service if they are to develop. He showed another map depicting the location of the proposed trunk
sanitary sewers serving these growth areas. The trunk sewers will serve over 1,400 acres of undeveloped
land in the Northwest Growth Area and 1,200 acres of undeveloped land in the Southwest Growth
Priority Area, as designated in the LUPP. The sewers will also serve growth beyond the 30-year planning
horizon as development occurs in Boone County. Mr. Pietruszynski emphasized that targeted growth
is a high priority of the LUPP.
Mr. Pietruszynski explained The Norris Study, which was created under the guidance and research of
Botanist William Russell Norris and the Ames Natural Area Committee. This evaluation system was
established to assign a grade to woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands and was adopted in August of 1997
as an integral part of the LUPP. The Norris Study delineates the wooded portion of Worle Creek east
of South Dakota Avenue and west of State Avenue into two areas, i.e., Worle Creek and the Curtiss Farm
Areas.
The reasons why the Southwest Area was targeted for growth were explained by Mr. Pietruszynski. He
stated that the Southwest Growth Priority Area represents the lowest cost with the largest growth benefit
– approximately four times less costly than the next growth alternative. Mr. Pietruszynski reminded the
Council that it was concluded after the completion of the Phase II Annexation Study that the Southwest
Growth Priority Area represented the most benefit for residential, neighborhood commercial, and
community commercial expansion. He said in order to accommodate growth, utilities must be extended
to new areas.
Mr. Wiegand presented a map indicating the location of the land served by the different basins. He said
that sanitary sewer lines are constructed in low-lying river/creek basins to take advantage of the cost-
effective and efficient gravity flow system where there are existing sewer lines and where trunk sewer
is proposed. Specific to the Worle Creek Basin, 729 privately owned acres would be served in this Basin
in the Southwest Growth Priority Area. Iowa State University owns approximately 237 acres in this area.
Alternatives that staff was asked to explore by the opponents of the proposed sanitary sewer trunk line
were described by Mr. Wiegand. The drawbacks, if the sewer were to be constructed out of natural areas,
are that parts of the trench would need to be 70 feet deep, which would require a wider area to be
disturbed; maintenance would be impossible; and service connections would be expensive. If a lift station
were to be constructed, no other areas in the Worle Creek Basin could be served without the extension
of gravity sewer. If individual grinder pumps were installed, there would be ongoing electrical expense,
it would still necessitate a central discharge pipe, and the cost would be $3,000 to $5,000/household.
Mr. Schainker explained four possible alternatives offered by City staff: (1) Approve the concept of
accelerating the construction of the trunk sanitary sewer line in advance of any interest to develop the
portion of the Southwest Growth Priority Area south of Highway 30; (2) Reject the staff’s suggestion that
the sewer line be constructed in advance of any development interest; (3) Reject the staff’s suggestion
that the sewer line be constructed in advance of any development interest; and (4) Reject the staff’s
suggestion that the sewer line be constructed along the Worle Creek drainage basin in advance of any
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development interest, but direct the staff to explore the construction of a lift station and sewer line from
the north to serve the area south of Highway 30. He emphasized that whether the sanitary sewer line is
built immediately or some time in the future, it would be helpful now to have a design concept to share
with the public.
Council Member Vegge asked staff to explain what they mean when they say that “it may be possible
to minimize the cut.”. Paul Wiegand explained that the deeper the elevation (how far they have to dig
to get down to the appropriate elevation), the wider the top of the trench has to be for safety purposes.
By putting the sewer in the lower areas, the cut is minimized. He elaborated by stating that instead of
a trench that might be ten (10) to 15 feet deep in the lower end of the Basin, as you move up the hillside,
it gets much deeper; therefore, the disturbed area would be significantly wider and the impact greater.
Council Member Goodhue asked if there was any cut whatsoever if boring or directional boring were
done. Mr. Wiegand explained that at the ends, you would have a boring pit and a receiving pit; in
between, the surface is not disturbed. Mr. Goodhue asked if directional boring could be used to alleviate
disturbing the natural habitat. Mr. Wiegand stated that it could; those areas could be anywhere from 30
to 200 feet in length. Mr. Goodhue asked if boring could be done when the point was reached where the
land started to slope back south (behind the Munson property). Paul Wiegand said this would have to
be explored through a design concept. He said there is a limitation in terms of how far you can go; each
change of direction necessitates a receiving or a boring pit to make the transfer. Mr. Wiegand said that
staff would work with the area property owners to receive information to determine which side of the
Creek they should be on and what the impacts would be to individual properties.
Council Member Cross pointed out that the exact location for the proposed trunk sewer has not been
determined. Mr. Wiegand said that a design concept would need to be completed; what is shown on the
map is just a line indicating where it would generally be headed.
Council Member Hoffman asked if the sewer could be moved from one side of the creek to the other
without any problems. Paul Wiegand said that would not present problems as the sewer would be lower
than the creek bed.
Council Member Mahayni asked staff to elaborate on the proposed recommendation of delaying the
construction of the sewer trunkline until they had a specific request, specifically, as to the timing of
getting the specific request and constructing the sewer. Steve Schainker said they would first have to
have the design. Mr. Wiegand said that it would be take approximately two years after the request came
in.
Council Member Wirth asked what the time frame would be for the design phase of the sewer line. Mr.
Wiegand advised that staff would need direction to place the project in the operating budget. Staff would
then work with the property owners and do survey work and data collection. They would then have a
better understanding of the scope of the project and an approximate cost, and the project would be
included in the Capital Improvements Plan anywhere from Year 1 to Year 5. Mr. Wiegand further
advised that it would take approximately six months to one year to create the concept plan.
Mr. Vegge asked if interest had been expressed in developing in the area in question. Mr. Pietruszynski
advised that the McCays have indicated an interest in developing their property; their property consists
of approximately 250 to 300 acres.
Council Member Goodhue asked if sewer would be the only utility that would need to be constructed in
this area. Paul Wiegand stated that water is ready to be run across Highway 30; there is already water
down State Avenue to Oakwood Road and on a portion of Dartmoor Road. This area is not in the City’s
distribution area for electric service.
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Alan Munson, 4001 Dartmoor Road, Ames, said that 1,095 signatures had been collected by the
Council’s November 18, 2003, meeting on a petition opposing a trunkline sewer being run through the
Worle Creek Basin. He advised that that number has now grown to 3,386. Mr. Munson explained that
members of the Meadow Glen Road, Worle Creek, and Worle Lane Neighborhood Associations collected
the signatures; they were not assisted by any organization outside the community. He said the signors
represent a cross-section of the community who all share a common concern for the environment. Mr.
Munson doesn’t want these people to be viewed as a radical group. He said he and other residents of this
area offered a list to City staff of alternatives to the conventional gravity-based system. Mr. Munson
submitted the list of alternatives, and same is incorporated, by reference, into these minutes. He pointed
out that the Planning and Zoning Commission had requested at an earlier meeting that more
environmentally sensitive options be explored. Mr. Munson stated that the staff report contains a list of
the same options provided by the concerned property owners, but instead of weighing these options in
the context of the cost to the taxpayer, environmental impact, maintenance issues, ease of installation,
etc., it is simply a rebuttal of the three options offered by the Worle Creek residents. He feels that for
the City Council to do their job, they have to get a good base of understanding of all the options as well
as the environmental pros and cons. Mr. Munson said that the staff report offered no “pros” to any of the
concerned residents’ alternatives. He also addressed the environmental summary statement in the report.
He advised that the report states that “Worle Creek area contains no highly natural vegetative resources;”
but there was no explanation beyond that statement. Mr. Munson feels that the City Council is then left
with the impression that there would be no environmental impact at all. He interprets the statement as
meaning that that assessment would apply to virtually every other green space in the Ames area; based
on this precedent, he believes that the environment would not be a factor in any other greenbelt projects
He asked if that was the vision that Ames has for its future.
Mr. Cross pointed out that staff cited numerous examples in the community where trunkline sewers run
through environmentally sensitive areas, e.g., Clear Creek, Munn Woods, Emma McCarthy Lee Park.
He asked Mr. Munson what environmental issues can be cited from the trunkline sewer operations
already in place that would translate to the Worle Creek area. Mr. Munson explained that a mile down
the road from his property is a recent clear cut. There is a service road that runs down through the turf,
and every 300 feet, there is manhole. Mr. Munson said that the manholes are going to remain, and it
appears that the service road is well used. He feels that it is erroneous to believe that once the pipe is put
in the ground, there would be no further concerns and trees could just be planted and the area would be
covered. Mr. Munson believes that this is the best that Ames has as far as a greenbelt. He feels that it
is his duty to defend the environmental issues; otherwise, there will be none considered in the Land Use
Policy Plan. Council Member Cross said that if you walk through Munn Woods or Emma McCarthy Lee
Park, you would not know that a sewer trunkline was present.
Council Member Goodhue asked if Mr. Munson’s concerns pertained primarily to his property and those
of his neighbors or if they pertained to the entire proposed trunk line area. Mr. Goodhue pointed out that
there are parts of the trunkline that would not disturb any properties; there are no residences there. Mr.
Munson indicated that he is concerned about the entire area, but most specifically, the area around the
east end.
Council Member Mahayni asked Mr. Munson if he would be willing to work with City staff on a design
concept and how the negative environmental concerns could be minimized. Mr. Munson stated that they
had an engineer look at this report and they were reassured that the design statement would include all
options, including environmentally-sensitive issues. He feels that the design concept would only be for
a gravity-based sewer line through the Creek; the other issues would not be looked at in-depth. Council
Member Cross pointed out that the design concept would include whatever the City Council directs staff
to include. Mr. Munson indicated that it is important to have dialogue between the City and the residents.
Susan Owen, 2215 Vermont Street, Lawrence, Kansas, advised that she grew up along the Worle Creek
area. She feels that the trunkline sewer through Worle Creek would be a waste of taxpayer money with
no foreseeable return, and the environmental implications of such a line would be devastating. Ms. Owen
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stated that the citizens of Ames are frustrated with their City government. She said what was the most
appalling to her was the number of citizens who said that they opposed the trunkline, but felt that they
could not sign because they would suffer negative repercussions from City staff. According to Ms.
Owen, this group included major developers, City employees, and individuals doing business with the
City. She said that when she became involved with this issue, she was certain that City Administration
would be open and approachable, but now believes to the contrary. Ms. Owen said that she has also found
out that the Worle Creek sewer trunkline issue is not an isolated case of negative dealings with City staff.
After reading an excerpt from the City’s Mission Statement, Ms. Owen commented that these should not
merely be words, but should be reflected in the actions of City staff.
Specific to this issue, Ms. Owen said Worle Creek residents have repeatedly requested that the City take
into consideration the environmentally sensitive nature of the area proposed to be disturbed by the
trunkline. According to Ms. Owen, City staff responded by recommending that the most environmentally
damaging proposal be pursued while suggesting that environmental issues would be considered, a
statement that Ms. Owen finds to be contradictory in and of itself. Ms. Owen said that the community
finds the staff’s proposal to pursue an environmentally sensitive gravity sewer line through Worle Creek
both impossible and offensive. She feels the community has spoken and demanded environmental issues
be taken into consideration, but has been disregarded and ignored by City staff.
Ms. Owen indicated that it has been difficult for the residents of the Worle Creek area to speak with
engineers about specifics because they are not aware of any specific development plans. They feel that
they need this information to determine the size of lift stations, pipes, etc. She said that their engineers
have agreed that more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives do exist. Ms. Owen feels
that the staff’s recommendation (to delay the construction of the sewer line until interest has been
expressed in developing part of the area) is a moot point, since Mr. McCay has already approached the
City about developing his land.
According to Ms. Owen, the citizens of Ames demand a complete environmental assessment and that
nothing proceed until the community is satisfied. She asked the Council to listen to the taxpayers and
citizens of Ames and allow for productive dialogue between the community and its elected leaders.
Leonard V. Larsen, 3158 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, wanted the Mayor and City Council to realize
that they did not represent him or the residents of Worle Creek; their properties are not located in the City
of Ames, so they are not citizens of Ames. He said he was here tonight to represent Worle Creek. His
house overlooks Worle Creek. Mr. Larsen feels this is an issue of profit motive and wrecking the land.
He asked who will profit by the proposed project. Mr. Larsen feels that cutting the trees and ripping up
the Creek will only allow sprawl. According to Mr. Larsen, the main issue is that the sewer will not serve
the Worle Creek neighborhood. Mr. Larsen said that promises had been made to the Ames Community
School District that the Worle Creek trunkline sewer will help promote growth; however, the Worle
Creek area is in the United School District. He gave statistics on the declining enrollment at Ames High
School since 1970, despite developing in West Ames, Northridge, Hillside, Somerset, Spring Valley, and
other areas. He said his suggestive alternative is to leave Worle Creek alone.
Pam Iasevoli, 3108 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, asked to return to the original question: “Why is
development not occurring in Southwest Priority Area B?” She showed maps depicting the boundaries
of Southwest Priority Area B; the amount of land that is owned by Iowa State University (ISU) in Area
B, none of which is available for development, and the East Curtiss Farm, which is also owned by ISU
and not available for development; a map showing deletion of those areas; a map representing areas
already developed with single-family residences, thus, not available for redevelopment and properties
where the owners have indicated that they do not want development to occur on their property; and a map
removing the land making up the Worle Creek Watershed. Ms. Iasevoli then applied a ten-acre grid to
the area left for development. This showed that a rough estimate of available ground was much less than
729 acres. Ms. Iasevoli referenced the Soil Survey for Story County prepared by the U. S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA), which identified lands that, based on soil type, were considered to be “severe”
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for building site development. The USDA defines “severe” as land where the soil properties or site
features are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in
construction costs, and possibly increased maintenance are required. Ms. Iasevoli showed a map with
the “severe” categorized land removed. She pointed out that City staff has indicated that the maximum
area that could be served by a lift station is 321 acres. Ms. Iasevoli realizes that an engineering study
would be required to size a lift station properly, but hopes that the City will look carefully at the amount
of land in Southwest Priority Area B that is potentially available for development. She asked the City,
when considering this issue, to examine both the environmental and the economic implications and to
examine all the alternatives that are available.
Doug McCay, 5500 - 240th Street, Ames, explained that he and his wife own approximately 249 acres
in the Southwest Growth Area. He said that their house is less than 100 feet from Worle Creek. Mr.
McCay indicated that most of his comments tonight would be rebuttals to comments others have made
to or about him in “Letters to the Editor” in the Daily Tribune or in letters directly to him. Mr. McCay
explained that he was the one who went to the City staff, to the budget hearing, and to the Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting to request that this sewer line be installed. He noted that he was not the one
who really started the idea of a new sewer line; however, as it was part of the long-range plan of the City
that was approved in 1997. He questioned where the opponents to the sewer line were at that time.
Mr. McCay referenced one of the first “Letters to the Editor,” which stated that he would be the only
person who would benefit from the construction of the sewer line. He noted that his wife and children
would benefit as would the engineers and contractors hired to install the infrastructure and build homes
in the area. Mr. McCay feels that the sewer would go right into the Southwest Growth Area and allow
it to be developed. He wanted it clarified that the sewer would be 1/4 mile from his land, not ½ mile as
someone stated at the November 18, 2003, City Council meeting. Mr. McCay pointed out that if the
sewer line were extended, there would be at least one other land owner who is willing to have his land
developed. He advised that with the 165 acres of land that he proposes to open for development and his
neighbor’s 70 acres, it would mean that approximately 235 acres of land would be available for
development in the future. Mr. McCay said he also suspects that another 78 acres of his land would be
made available for development in the long term. He indicated that he has been approached by one of
the major developers in the Ames area who expressed an interest in helping him develop this area. Mr.
McCay also clarified that approximately 115 acres, of the total 165 that he hopes to develop, are in the
Ames School District.
Mr. McCay said that experience has taught him that there is a huge difference between what is needed
for an easement and what is actually used; because an easement of 100 feet is needed does not mean that
the area needs to be clear-cut 100 feet wide. He feels that this is a scare tactic used by those opposing the
project.
According to Mr. McCay, some of the letters that he has received implied that he was trying to
intentionally damage the environment. He wanted it noted that he has planted over 25,000 trees, greatly
expanding the area that wildlife is free to roam in; has taken more than 100 acres out of farm production
along the Creek; and had two ponds built with a total surface area of over three acres to provide water
for wildlife when Worle Creek is dry.
Mr. McCay advised that his family was forced to move out of their home of 24 years when the South
Dakota/Highway 30 Interchange was built. He questioned where all the opponents of the Southwest
Growth Area were when his family’s home was about to be taken. The McCays did not fight the
construction of the Interchange because they felt that it was the best thing for the City of Ames in the
long run. They now see the development of some of their land as another good thing for the City. He said
that some people want things to stay the same forever and fight progress every step of the way. Others
try to see what is best for society as a whole and try to work with others to accomplish those goals. Mr.
McCay believes that that is what the City’s long-range plan was designed to do. He urged the City
Council not to abandon the long-range plan and to vote to extend sewer to the Southwest Growth Area.
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Glenda Bradshaw, 3104 S. 500th Avenue, Ames, advised that she lives just outside the area in question.
She advised that they expressed concerns four years ago about the potential of development of the Worle
Creek area. According to Ms. Bradshaw, they tried to show four years ago that there was very little land
available for development in this area. She said that very little land in this area is in the Ames School
District, and feels that land values in this area are down because families have to transport their children
to the Boone School District; it is a real inconvenience. Ms. Bradshaw said that people may open enroll
their children in other School Districts, but must provide their own transportation. She asked the City to
assess, no matter how cost-efficient the trunkline is compared to other alternatives, how many families
will be affected for the development of a small number of acres of land. Ms. Bradshaw stated that good
leadership can recognize a plan that has flaws and be strong enough to make changes in the flawed plan.
She said they saw flaws in this plan four years ago when it was first presented and they still see flaws in
it today.
Steve Veysey, 919 Murray Drive, Ames, said that he is personally opposed to the expansion of the sewer
line through Worle Creek at this time. He advised that he is a member of the Executive Committee of
the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has taken a strong position, both in Iowa and
nationally, regarding land use issues, e.g., sprawl, protection of green space, endangered species, and the
public process used to make land use decisions that impact the natural environment. Neither the national
Sierra Club nor its Central Iowa Chapter have announced a position on this project at this time, but they
are taking an interest in this issue. He said that it was not his purpose tonight to discuss the merits of
growth in the various quadrants outlined in the LUPP; however, he does question the implementation
procedures that the City seems to be using regardless of which growth area and/or time line is chosen.
Mr. Veysey believes that the natural areas around the City need to be preserved. He thinks that the City
needs to conduct a proper and thorough survey for all species and the ecological sites regarding this
proposal or any other proposal for expansion. Mr. Veysey wants plans and construction techniques used
that minimize damage to any natural area chosen for infrastructure improvement. He believes that an
absolute commitment must be forthcoming to proceed in a minimally evasive manner and to restore the
area to its natural state.
David Atwood, 2732 Meadow Glen Road, Ames, explained that he is not against any development that
the McCays may propose, providing that it is in good taste. He feels that any direction given to staff by
the Council tonight should include guidance as to what weight to place on environmental issues. Mr.
Atwood thinks that a matrix needs to be developed by which the cost and environmental impact of each
option can be compared.
Council Member Cross asked to have the public participation process described as a design concept is
crafted. Paul Wiegand advised that the traditional process would be that there would be a public meeting
to discuss the issues, concerns, and ideas that the public would like the City to consider prior to the design
concept being crafted. From that point, those issues would be looked at and staff would work directly
with the land owners in the area to identify specific problems that they may have. Staff would then hold
another public meeting to discuss the draft concept plan. After comments are received on the draft plan,
the study would be completed and presented at another public meeting.
Council Member Goodhue feels that this is a growth/no-growth issue. He feels that to do nothing in the
Southwest Growth Area would cause concern about whether the community wants to grow any further;
the City is out of places to grow unless infrastructure is installed in certain areas. Land availability is
always an issue. Mr. Goodhue believes that the City needs to move forward. He hopes that staff and
consultants can work on a design concept. In particular, he would like to see some discussion on
directional boring being used to minimize the cut and possibly a discussion on a lift station.
Council Member Vegge feels the big concern is for minimal impact to the area. Mr. Vegge does not want
the City to construct a trunk line sewer without having specific plans for development.
Council Member Mahayni asked if staff was also talking about a specific schematic route when they are
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talking about a design concept. Paul Wiegand said that staff would attempt to identify things that would
create problems for the route and move around them. Mr. Mahayni believes that much of the impact is
going to be site-specific. He would like to give staff the chance to do the design concept. Mr. Mahayni
wants the design concept to identify where there would be directional borings, etc. He pointed out that
alternative design yields alternative costs; he wants to see the alternatives and the costs associated with
them.
Council Member Wirth said that the design concept would get the information to all concerned. She feels
that there is a lot of misunderstanding at this point in time.
Council Member Hoffman pointed out that some of the speakers tonight have indicated that they want
to have open dialogue. Unfortunately, on this issue, Ms. Hoffman thinks that a lot of people have drawn
the lines – it’s either black or white – before they have gotten all the information. She pointed out that
staff does not have all the information at this stage. Ms. Hoffman said that it appears that people are
signing petitions before they have all the information. She feels that this is a situation where, as a
community, it is time for people to pull together, not only on this issue, but on a lot of pending issues,
and begin to listen to each other and hear all the information before forming strong feelings on the issue.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-472 rejecting the staff
suggestion that the sewer line be constructed in advance of any development interest (the City will wait
for a developer to come forward to develop in the Southwest Growth Priority Area south of Highway 30);
directing staff to develop a design concept for this project, working with the abutting property owners
in an attempt to minimize negative impacts on their properties; and to further request staff to gather
information about environmental concerns and providing minimal disruption to the land.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
The meeting recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:10 p.m.
CONCEPT OF SELLING AMES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LAND: David Maahs, 1007 Vermont Court,
Ames, speaking on behalf of the Ames Economic Development Commission, encouraged the City to be
flexible and not close the door on this issue forever. He feels that if there is an opportunity to create some
good manufacturing jobs there and a company does want to acquire the land, rather than lease it, he
doesn’t want that to prevent economic benefit and additional jobs for our community. Mr. Maahs asked
that the City be proactive and start to identify incompatible uses so that they are prepared to respond if
there is interest in acquiring the land. Mr. Schainker advised that the City will work with the Ames
Economic Development Commission and be proactive as much as possible.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to accept the staff report as presented and take into
consideration any proposals received on a case-by-case basis.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR TIME EXTENSION TO THE DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT FOR THE
REDEVELOPMENT OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 623 NINTH STREET: Moved by Goodhue,
seconded by Mahayni, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-468 approving an amendment to the Developer’s
Agreement between Amellen Construction Sales, Inc., for the redevelopment of City-owned property
located at 623 Ninth Street, including the following:
1. Approve the request for a time extension to complete the home construction by December 31, 2003.
2. Approve the request to escrow funds for the completion of the landscaping and sidewalks due to
weather constraints until April 30, 2004, with the stipulation that a deposit of $7,500 be provided to
the City of Ames and held until work is completed.
3. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy be issued, only after the City’s Inspections Division has
certified that the structure has met all of the Building Code standards and requirements. Transfer of
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ownership will occur when the stipulations have been met.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSED GRAND
ASPEN SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to table this item until
December 23, 2003.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PRELIMINARY PLANNING STUDY FOR GRAND AVENUE EXTENSION (tabled from November
25, 2003): Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to table this item until January 13, 2004.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2003:
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to approve the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
2003 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE: This item was
pulled from this agenda.
AGREEMENT WITH MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER REGARDING EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES: Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-469
approving agreement with Mary Greeley Medical Center regarding emergency medical services.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT LOTS X, Y, AND
Z: Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting parking from 3 to
6 AM in Central Business District Lots X and Y and from 3 to 4 AM in Central Business District Lot Z.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared adopted unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Mahayni, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared adopted unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second and third readings and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
3750 prohibiting parking from 3 to 6 AM in Central Business District Lots X and Y and from 3 to 4 AM
in Central Business District Lot Z.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Mayor Tedesco explained that on January 13, 2004, there will be no public input on the
proposed change to the Land Use Policy Plan. On January 27, 2004, the Conference Board meeting will
commence at 6:00 p.m. and be followed immediately by the regular City Council Meeting. On that date,
proponents of the proposed change will be given one hour to speak as will the opponents of the proposed
change.
Council Member Goodhue announced that Mayor Tedesco had been elected to the Board of Directors
of the National League of Cities.
CLOSED SESSION: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Goodhue, to hold closed session as provided by
Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Vegge, to reconvene the regular meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 03-470 approving a one-year
contract with PPME, Local Union 2003 (Police Union).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:43 p.m.
_________________________________ ________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
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