HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Budget Wrap-Up Session and Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 02/12/2002MINUTES OF THE BUDGET WRAP-UP SESSION
AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 12, 2002
The Ames City Council met for the budget wrap-up session at 5:20 p.m., followed by their regular
meeting, on the 12th day of February, 2002, 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, Quirmbach, Vegge, and Wirth.
FY 2002/03 BUDGET WRAP-UP
ARTS FUNDING (COTA): Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt explained the funding
request in the amount of $91,451, an increase of 3.5% over the current allocation of $88,358 for
the Commission on The Arts (COTA). Members of the Commission present were Susan
Franzen and Roy Warman. Ms. Lundt brought the Council’s attention to a new agency being
recommended to receive funding, i.e., CASA, and to an agency that had received COTA funding
in the past, but not in 2001/02, i.e., AIOFA. She told the Council that the Commission is
recommending setting aside $5,901 for mini-grants. Susan Franzen explained the Commission’s
criteria for funding, stressing that they follow the criteria closely. She said that members of the
Commission believe that an important part of accountability is being able to return applications,
contracts, payment documents, and final reports within the stated deadlines. Ms. Franzen thanked
the City staff for “going the extra mile” for the Commission, recognizing especially the
assistance of Sheila Lundt.
Ms. Lundt pointed out that there is a request in front of the City Council for an additional $5,000
for a new trial Commission on The Arts grant category; however, COTA members were not
directly involved in that request. She advised that the additional $5,000 was not budgeted for,
and if the Council approves the additional funding, they will need to pass a budget amendment.
HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING (ASSET): Tim Gartin, Chairperson of ASSET, was present.
Sheila Lundt reviewed ASSET’S funding request in the amount of $786,694 of City funds (an
increase of $31,434 over FY 2001/02). Ms. Lundt briefed the Council on the increase in United
Way funds of $28,957, an increase of $2,000 in Story County’s general basic funds, and an
increase of $5,000 in GSB/GSS funds.
Ms. Lundt explained that the summer enrichment program is now being handled directly by
ChildServe; thus, Council will see a decrease in funding for ARC (which had previously received
this money and then phased it through to ChildServe) and a large increase in ChildServe’s
budget.
Concerning Children’s Services of Central Iowa (CSCI), Ms. Lundt said that the School Age
Program was cut in total by $16,496 (City funding was cut by $9,902). She said that this was
done to bring the level of subsidy funding for CSCI’s School Age Program into line with other
providers. Mr. Gartin advised that ASSET has recommended that the 2002/03 funding be
sequestered until an audit is received as well as a plan to deal with the financial stability of the
agency.
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Sheila Lundt told the Council that the 9th Street Day-Care Center is no longer operating, and the
building is now vacant. She gave the history behind that property, which belongs to the City, and
advised that proposals for use of the building have been requested; a recommendation to the City
Council is forthcoming. The condition of the building will be determined by City staff in the near
future.
Rob Wiese, ASSET volunteer, arrived at 5:52 p.m. He reiterated ASSET’s concern about CSCI.
Ms. Lundt informed the City Council that there is $7,832 in left-over ASSET funds as a result
of the cut in funding for CSCI, and ASSET is recommending that those funds be held until CSCI
or other child-care funders can justify the need. (These funds are separate from the 2002/03
recommended allocation to CSCI.)
Ms. Lundt gave the City Council an update of the activities of the Asset Review Task Force. She
felt that this group had made some very positive strides during the past year.
PUBLIC ART FUNDING: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred introduced Nancy Polster,
Chairperson of the Public Art Commission. Ms. Polster stated that the Public Art Commission
was requesting a FY 2002/03 budget allocation of $20,500, which is an increase of $5,500 over
the 2001/02 allocation. She reviewed the projects for which they were requesting funding,
totaling $19,000, and the Commission operations, totaling $1,500. Three new projects being
proposed for the next year were described by Ms. Polster, i.e., art for the City Auditorium lobby
area, replacement of the deteriorating mural on the wall of the building defining the west side
of Tom Evans Plaza, and installation of neighborhood sculptures. These new projects have a total
projected budget of $10,000 (which is part of the total requested allocation of $20,500).
Personally prioritizing the new projects, Ms. Polster stated that the Tom Evans Plaza Mural
would rank first.
Tom Weber, representing an independent group of citizens promoting the Tom Evans Plaza
Mural project, advised that Harold Schnormeier, the owner of the building, has agreed to bear
the expense to repair the side of his building where the new Mural would be constructed. Mr.
Weber estimated the cost of building repair to be between $2,000 and $4,000.
It was pointed out that letters from Farwell T. Brown, 1801-20th Street, Ames; Teresa Kay
Albertson as Executive Director of the Octagon, 427 Douglas Avenue; Heartland Senior Services
Board of Directors, and Dorothy Schwieder had been received in support of the Tom Evans Plaza
Mural project.
Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred explained that the proposed budget includes an allocation
of $15,000 for the Public Art Commission; however, the PAC’s request is for $20,500. If the
City Council intends to grant the Commission’s request, Mr. Kindred advised that the budget
would need to be amended by $5,500.
AMES INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CITIES ASSOCIATION, INC. (AIPCA): Elaine
Dekovic, President of the Ames International Partner Cities Association, and Pat Dinsmore,
AIPCA Treasurer, were present. Ms. Dekovic asked that the City Council sustain the current
level of funding to AIPCA of $3,000 for FY 2002/03. She stated that this year, the AIPCA is
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hoping to interest 25-30 Ames people to be a part of the delegation to travel to Enzan City,
including possibly 10-12 Middle School children.
Ms. Dekovic advised that the AIPCA Board is recommending that the FY 2001/02 allocation of
$3,000 not be drawn down as they feel that the Association’s balance of $7,300 is more than
adequate to cover all anticipated expenses this year.
OTHER REQUESTS/PUBLIC INPUT ON CIP AND BUDGET: Kathy Svec, 603 Grand
Avenue, Ames, was present and requested a $5,000 allocation in FY 2002/03 for the Ames
Heritage Association to fund activities directly associated with caring for and managing an Ames
historic collection. Ms. Svec stated that the funding would be used primarily to pay rent at their
current location (108 Fifth Street). She highlighted some of the AHA’s activities over the past
year and said that they are in the initial stages of hiring a Community Programs Coordinator, who
would assist in presenting talks, tours, and slide shows, placing special emphasis on working
with Ames’ school teachers. Ms. Svec told the Council that the Ames Heritage Association is
again requesting that some consideration be given to creating a means for them to seek funding
through a program similar to that available to arts organizations; they would like to see the scope
of COTA expanded to become possibly the Commission on Cultural Affairs.
Maridee Hegstrom, 3603 Oakland, Ames, voiced her support for additional funding to the Public
Art Commission for construction of the Tom Evans Plaza Mural. She introduced Jane Graham,
an artist from Nevada, Iowa, who is working on a design with Ursula Ruedenberg to replace the
deteriorating mural at the Plaza. Ms. Graham showed her conceptual design for the Mural and
the design created by Ms. Ruedenberg.
John Oetken, 1535 Glendale Avenue, Ames, and Joanna Benson, 2102 Prairie View East, Ames,
Community Development Vice-President and President of the Ames Jaycees, respectively, were
present. They thanked the City for its past support and requested that the $5,000 allocation
continue.
SALARIES FOR COUNCIL APPOINTEES: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 02-091 setting the annual salaries of the City Manager and City Attorney
at $133,837.60 and $124,292.69 , respectively, for FY 2002/03.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-095 increasing the
City Manager’s vehicle allowance to $6,000/annually.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENTS TO 2002/07 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Moved by Wirth
to add to the Sixth Street Project in FY 2003/04 an amount of $60,000/block to include street
lights that match those along Main Street on the side streets between Duff Avenue and Pearle
Avenue. Motion died for lack of a second.
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APPROVAL OF 2002/07 CIP: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to approve the 2002/07
CIP.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED FY 2002/03 BUDGET: City Manager Steve Schainker pointed
out that an allocation of $2,500 to Special Olympics and an allocation of $5,000 to the Ames
Jaycees had been included in the proposed FY 2002/03 budget.
Moved by Quirmbach to increase the funding allocation to the Public Art Commission (PAC)
by $5,500 (to a total of $20,500) out of Local Option Sales Tax revenue with the provision that
the $5,000 requested for the construction of a new mural at Tom Evans Plaza be contingent on
the PAC securing other funding to ensure its completion. Motion died for lack of a second.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Quirmbach, to include $5,000 for the Ames Heritage Association
with funding to come from Hotel/Motel tax revenue.
Vote on Motion: 2-4. Voting aye: Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting nay: Cross, Goodhue, Hoffman,
Vegge. Motion failed.
City Manager Steve Schainker reminded the Council that they had directed staff to come back
with a budget that limits the amount of tax rate increase to just the two bond issues ($.26) by
making use of available balances, stretching out bond issues, and other possible budget
adjustments. It is now his recommendation to: (1) reduce City Council Contingency in the
General Fund from $100,000 to $50,000; (2) increase the Ames Quarry Debt issue term from 12
years to 20 years, resulting in a $100,000 reduction in annual debt service payments; and, (3)
transfer $230,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund for property tax
relief. Mr. Schainker stated that this would result in a change in the tax levy rate down to $.26
(from $.49, as originally recommended). He pointed out the impacts of these changes to the
General Fund and to Local Option Tax revenues. Mr. Schainker cautioned the Council that there
is approximately $27,000,000 in valuation under appeal; if the City loses that valuation base,
adjustments will need to be made to the overall rate.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to (1) reduce City Council Contingency in the General
Fund from $100,000 to $50,000; (2) increase the Ames Quarry Debt issue term from 12 years
to 20 years, resulting in a $100,000 reduction in annual debt service payments; and, (3) transfer
$230,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund for property tax relief.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Hoffman pointed out that several items requested by the Ames 20/20 Vitality
Task Force are already being taken care by City staff.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2002/03, AS AMENDED: (Motion made
during budget hearing on February 5, 2002.)
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to set March 5, 2002, as the date of final public hearing on
the proposed budget for FY 2002/03.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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FEE FOR LOSS VERIFICATION REPORTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS: Moved by Cross,
seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-066 reducing the fee, effective February 13,
2002, for Loss Verification Reports and Accident Reports from $10 to $5.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FEE FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS: Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 02-067 instituting fee, effective March 1, 2002, of $5 for Criminal History
Checks run for agencies other than the City of Ames and other law enforcement jurisdictions.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FY 2001/02: Moved by Quirmbach, second by Cross, to approve
the proposed budget amendments for FY 2001/02 as prepared by staff.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to amend the motion to include not drawing down $3,000
for the Ames International Partner Cities Association in the FY 2001/02 budget.
Vote on Amendment: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Vote on Amended Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to set March 5, 2002, as date of public hearing on proposed
budget amendments for FY 2001/02.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 7:20 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tedesco called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at
7:28p.m.
PROCLAMATION FOR GOOD NEIGHBOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE MONTH:
Mayor Tedesco proclaimed February 2002 as Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Month.
Accepting the Proclamation was Roy Hougen. Mr. Hougen thanked the Mayor and City
Council for the recognition.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Goodhue, 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 January 22, 2002, and special meetings of
February 1, 5, 6, and 7, 2002
3.Motion approving renew al of the fo llow ing beer permits and liqu or licenses:
a.Class C Beer - Kwik Shop #540, 2700 Lincoln Way
b.Class C Liquor - New Tradewind s Lou nge, 115 Fifth Street
c.Class C Beer - Swift Stop #1, 412 S. Duff Avenue
4.Motion approving certification of civil service applicants
5.Motion accepting 2001 Resource Recovery Annual Report
6.Motion directing staff to initiate the annexation of Ames Quarry and adjacent land
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7.Motion receiving report of bids and delaying award of contract for six 200-hp V ariable Frequ ency
Drives for WPC Plant
8.RESOLU TION NO. 02-068 approving amendment to Pu rchasing Policies an d Procedures to
change the definition of a “fixed asset” for the City of Ames
9.RESOLUTION NO. 02-069 approving the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption requests for 2002
10.RESO LUTION NO. 02-070 approving Revolving Loan Fund Application by Prairie Logic, Inc.
11.RESO LUTION NO. 02-071 approving the Community Investment Fund Forgivable Contract
between Ball Corpo ration , the City of Ames, and the Ames Chamber of Commerce
12.RESO LUTION NO. 02-072 approving the RAIL Project Contract between Ball Plastic Container
Corpo ration and City of Ames
13.RESOLUTION NO. 02-073 approving agreement for federal aid (STP funding) with Iowa
Department of Transportation for Dayton A venue Recon struction from Lincoln W ay to 1 3 Streetth
14.RESOLUTION NO. 02-074 approving WPC farm lease agreement
15.Dayton Avenue Project:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 02-075 approving Real Estate Contract to purchase the east 6' of Lot 1
in Dayton Road Develop ment Subd ivision from Carriage Hou se Foods, Inc.
b.RESOLUTION NO. 02-076 approving Real Estate Contract to purchase a part of Lot 1,
Block 3 in Landfill Addition from Corw in and Kay Stephan
c.RESOLUTION NO. 02-077 approving Real Estate Contract to purchase a part of Lot 3,
Matthew Addition (a replat of Lot 1, Spencer’s Second Industrial Addition) from Schwertly,
Stoutner and Swartz L.C.
d.RESOLUTION NO. 02-0 78 accepting Tempo rary Construction Easement with Carriage
House Foods, Inc., (Parcel 13)
e.RESOLUTION NO. 02-079 accepting Electric Transmission/Distribution Easement with
Carriage House Foods, Inc., (Parcel 13)
f.RESOLUTION NO. 02-080 accepting Temporary Construction Easement with Corwin and
Kay Stephan (Parcel 4) and accepting gift of compensation due
g.RESOLUTION NO. 02-081 accepting Easement for Electric Transmission over a parcel of
land (Parcel 4) owned by Corwin and Kay Stephan and accepting gift of compensation due
h.RESOLUTION NO. 02-082 accepting Temporary Construction Easement with Corwin and
Kay Stephan (Parcel 3)
i.RESOLUTION NO. 02-083 accepting Easement for Electric Transmission over a parcel of
land (Parcel 3) ow ned by Corwin and Kay Stephan
j.RESOLUTION NO. 02-084 accepting Easement for Electric Transmission over a parcel of
land (Parcel 24) owned by Hajoca Corporation
k.RESOLUTION NO. 02-085 accepting Easement for Electric Transmission over a parcel of
land (Parcel 5) owned by Helen Riley, accepting gift of compensation, and approving
Tenant’s Agreement
16.RESOLU TION NO. 02-086 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the North Dakota
Avenue Electric Facilities Relocation Project; setting March 13, 2002, as bid date and March 26,
2002, as date of public hearing
17.RESO LUTION NO. 02-087 approving preliminary plans and specification s for 2001/02 Water
Systems Improvement Program (State/Mortensen Pump Station); setting March 13, 2002, as bid
date and March 26, 2002, as date of public hearing
18.RESOLUTION NO. 02-088 approving contract with O’Halloran International, Inc., for $53,936
for an Internation al 74 00 SFA 6x4 truck chassis, tandem axle
19.RESO LUTION NO. 02-089 amending resolution pertaining to vacated alley in Somerset
Subdivision, Sixth Addition
20.RESO LUTION NO. 02-090 approving Major Final Plat for South Fork Subdivision, First
Addition
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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.
NEW CLASS B BEER PERMIT AND OUTDOOR SERVICE PRIVILEGE FOR
HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE: Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the Class
B Beer Permit and Outdoor Service Privilege for Homewood Golf Course.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FROM VISIONAIRE CORPORATION FOR ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF JOB
CREATION GOALS FOR THE IDOT RISE GRANT: Steve Schainker reminded the Council
that the City had received, as part of an incentive package to support the location of VisionAire’s
proposed airplane assembly plant in Ames, a $255,052 RISE grant for the construction of a
portion of South Riverside Drive south of Airport Road and a portion of the entry road into the
VisionAire facility. As part of the agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation
(IDOT) for receipt of these funds, the City agreed that 151 jobs would be created at the
VisionAire facility within three years of the completion of the street construction, and the City
then entered into a corresponding agreement with VisionAire guaranteeing that they would create
that number of jobs within that time frame. He advised that a one-year extension from the IDOT
was requested and received; now that the extension period has passed and the required number
of jobs have not been created, the IDOT is suggesting that the project be considered in default.
If declared to be in default, the repayment is $244,850. Mr. Schainker explained that VisionAire
officials were informed of the IDOT’s position and had requested that the City pursue an
additional extension to the job creation requirements. If that avenue is taken, according to IDOT
procedures, the State Transportation Commission would have to consider this request and render
a decision regarding any additional extensions.
Mr. Schainker explained that this is a very difficult issue for the City since it has been a strong
advocate of the VisionAire Corporation and would like to see it be successful in our community.
He said that while the IDOT has not yet declared the City in default of our contract obligation
to create, through VisionAire, 151 jobs, all indications are that this action is forthcoming, and
some type of action on the City’s part is warranted at this time. He reminded the Council that
there have only been six jobs created to date. Mr. Schainker stated that it is important to note that
if the City is declared in default, the IDOT could withhold Road Use Tax funds to pay the
approximately $245,000.
David Maahs, speaking on behalf of the Ames Economic Development Commission, distributed
a letter to the Mayor and Council. Summarizing that letter, Mr. Maahs stated that the AEDC feels
it is prudent for the City to request the development of a repayment plan. The AEDC would like
to see any repayment plan be structured over a five-year period; provide a graduated payment
schedule, starting out low and increasing over the five-year period; and allow the payments to
be suspended if the company starts to fulfill its job-creation obligation.
Glen Managold, representing VisionAire Corporation, expressed appreciation for the support by
the City and other entities in our community. He informed the Council that VisionAire had
formed a strategic alliance with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to serve as their prime technical
authority during the remainder of the Vantage development program. IAI will provide technical
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advice and counsel, which will ensure the successful completion of the FAA certification process
on the Vantage. Mr. Managold stated that they are confident that they will be able to achieve
FAA certification within 30 months following infusion of new capital. He also advised that
Flagstone Capital, an investment-banking firm located in Clayton, Missouri, has been engaged
by VisionAire to arrange a private placement of equity capital to be sourced through the
professional investment community. Flagstone has introduced VisionAire to a select group of
financial institutions and received a number of positive responses. He further explained that
VisionAire and Flagstone had agreed that near-term funding for VisionAire can best be obtained
via a newly organized and separately funded special-purpose financing company, now called
VisionAire Jets, LLC. On February 1, Flagstone initiated an offering of $15 million for
VisionAire Jets and they are confident that it will be fully subscribed; these funds will permit
VisionAire to resume its efforts to achieve certification of the Vantage and thereby create jobs
in Iowa.
Mr. Managold stated that Visionaire Corporation pledges to work diligently to meet their
obligations under the RISE grant. He said that they are aware of Mr. Schainker’s
recommendation; they are not planning to pursue further requests for extensions, and they look
forward to developing the details of the repayment plan and to ultimately assembling Vantage
aircraft in Ames, Iowa.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to deny the request from VisionAire Corporation for
City staff to pursue a second-time extension for the job creation requirements associated with
the RISE grant and request that VisionAire Corporation submit to the IDOT a plan to repay
$244,850 over a three-year period or for some other period acceptable to the IDOT.
Vote on Motion: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Cross, Hoffman, Quirmbach, Vegge, Wirth. Voting nay:
None. Abstaining: Goodhue. Motion declared carried.
REQUEST OF AMES MAIN STREET DISTRICT TO ALLOW FREE PARKING ON
SATURDAYS: A letter was received and placed around the dais from Kori Heuss, Program
Manager of the Ames Chamber and Development Commission, withdrawing the request of the
Ames Main Street District to suspend parking enforcement in the Central Business District on
Saturdays.
REQUEST OF DIALOGUES CITY GOVERNMENT ACTION COMMITTEE TO PLACE
SPANISH-LANGUAGE DIRECTIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL SIGNS IN CITY HALL:
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Quirmbach, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 02-092 approving
$752.50 out of the Contingency Fund for the placement of Spanish-language directional and
informational signs in City Hall.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PROPOSED SALE OF CITY-OWNED LAND AT 24 AND HOOVER: Vanessa BakerTH
Latimer, Housing Coordinator, gave the history behind the City’s selection of Story County
Habitat for Humanity and Story County Land Trust as the preferred developers in connection
with the City’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of the City-owned property at
the intersection of 24th and Hoover. She detailed the additional features that will be incorporated
into the exterior design of the three homes. Ms. Baker Latimer explained the provisions of the
Developer’s Agreement. She advised that Story County Habitat for Humanity is requesting a
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waiver of the first-time homebuyer requirement for one of its proposed homebuyers, and this
request will be addressed at the time of the public hearing.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 02-093 proposing a
contract for sale of City-owned land at 24 and Hoover for the construction of affordable housingth
and setting a date for the public hearing for February 26, 2002.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PRESENTATION OF SOUTH LINCOLN SUB-AREA PLAN: Jeff Benson, City Planner,
explained that the Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) calls for sub-area planning as a tool to meet the
City’s land use goals and objectives and to implement designated land uses in the south portion
of the Urban Core Area (the South Lincoln Sub-Area). He said that the City has been developing
such a plan for the past six months -- hosting public meetings, establishing a committee of area
residents and property owners, and doing extensive research. Mr. Benson advised that the
boundaries for this Plan are Lincoln Way, Duff Avenue, Squaw Creek, and the Iowa Department
of Transportation Headquarters Complex. He described the future conditions intended by the
Plan and detailed the Plan elements. The major policy initiatives of the Plan, i.e., to manage
development, integrate physical improvements, and to offer housing choices, were detailed by
Mr. Benson.
Mr. Benson advised that after review and discussion of this Plan by the City Council, it will be
forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission and then come back to the City Council for
final approval in March 2002. After its final approval, work will begin to prepare detailed
implementation elements, such as Zoning Ordinance amendments, rezoning of certain properties,
compatibility standards, an urban revitalization plan, and others.
Brian O’Connell, Director of Planning and Housing, explained that this Sub-Area Plan actually
suggests a change to the City’s Land Use Policy Plan.
Council Member Wirth said that this report seems to be missing any kind of a plan for historic
resources, and she hopes that the Plan will be expanded to include that aspect. She expressed her
strong recommendation that City staff members meet with the current property owner of the
Archie Martin home on Lincoln Way and attempt to find out what their plans are for the home.
Council Member Vegge referenced compatibility standards and stated his hope that the City not
become so restrictive that color and other such exterior design elements are dictated.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 2042 SOUTH 500 AVENUE: Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue, to adoptTH
RESOLUTION NO. 02-094 approving the request for waiver of the subdivision regulations
pertaining to property located at 2042 South 500 Avenue subject to the following stipulations:th
1.The property owners of the proposed subdivision must enter into an agreement with the
City of Ames to provide an easement, at no cost, for the extension of public sanitary sewer
infrastructure, in the proposed subdivision, at the time that the City deems it necessary to
construct such improvements. The easement is to be placed on the entire property, at this
time, and the location is to be further defined at the time that improvements are to be
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constructed. This agreement must be signed by the property owners prior to consideration
of the Final Plat by the City Council.
2.The property owners must waive their rights to object to future assessments for public
improvements, including, but not limited to, street paving, bicycle paths, sidewalks, and
utility improvements, prior to consideration of the Final Plat by the City Council.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FINAL ASSESSMENT/LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR FERGUSON SUBDIVISION AREA
UTILITIES: Paul Wiegand, Public Works Director, explained that staff had received some phone
calls from property owners who were concerned about the engineering costs being much higher
than originally anticipated. Mr. Wiegand explained that the engineering costs charged to the
project amounted to $41,726, which is much more than the estimated costs of $19,802. He
advised that the engineering costs were reviewed and found to be legitimate. Mr. Wiegand
further explained that this was the only construction project in progress during the winter, staff
had ample time to work on this project, and most of the employees’ times were charged to the
project rather than being spread around to other projects. In this case, he said the engineering
costs constitute approximately 17.6% of the total construction cost of the project.
Darrell Coy, 3328 Dartmoor Lane, Ames, expressed his satisfaction with the project; however,
he does feel that the engineering costs are too high. He also does not feel that the property
owners should be assessed for the cost of installing a culvert in the north ditch along Dartmoor
Road ($6,240) as that was needed to eliminate an erosion problem; Mr. Coy feels that those costs
should be assigned to road construction.
Council Member Hoffman said that perhaps the engineering costs should be lowered. She feels
that the property owners, who are being assessed for this project, are somewhat at a disadvantage
because this was the only construction project in progress during the winter.
Mr. Wiegand stated that the staff feels the costs are appropriate. If the City Council disagrees,
he asked for specific direction to be given to staff.
Moved by Vegge, seconded by Cross, to table this matter until February 26, 2002, and direct that
staff visit with the property owners and review the costs for the culvert and engineering services.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DAYTON AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT: Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-096 authorizing property acquisition, by condemnation as
needed, for the Dayton Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
2001/02 RESIDENTIAL LOW-POINT DRAINAGE PROGRAM: Moved by Cross, seconded
by Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-097 authorizing property acquisition, by
condemnation as needed, for the 2001/02 Residential Low-Point Drainage Program.
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
DISCUSSION OF 9/11 DISASTER RELIEF CONTRIBUTION: Moved by Goodhue, seconded
by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-098 amending Resolution No. 01-425 to state
financial support in the amount of $544 ($1/full-time City employee) is pledged to the “Always
Remember 9-11 Fund.”
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CIGARETTE SALE SANCTIONS: City Attorney John Klaus advised that the Iowa Attorney
General has been trying to get the City Council to be the tribunal to conduct hearings and order
sanctions against those businesses that had an employee convicted of selling cigarettes to minors.
He reminded the Council that they had made it clear to him that they did not want that job. Mr.
Klaus advised the Council that they had three options: (1) initiate proceedings before the Iowa
Department of Revenue, (2) cease to be a permit “issuing authority”, (3) delegate the job to a
City employee or volunteer. He reviewed the statute as it applied to these options.
Donn Stanley, Assistant Attorney General, was present. He gave the background of how we got
to this stage and what the program is about. Mr. Stanley gave statistics on the number of Iowans
dying from smoking-related causes, the number of youth smoking in Iowa, and the average age
at which they began smoking. He commended the City’s Police Department for their diligent
enforcement efforts. Mr. Stanley gave the annual results since the passing of the Synar
Amendment regarding Iowa’s tobacco compliance.
Mr. Stanley explained to the City Council how some other cities in Iowa are handling tobacco
violations. He said that the Attorney General’s Office has prepared a packet of information to
provide to cities where their city councils serve as tribunals to conduct the hearings and their city
attorneys are prosecuting. If the city attorney does not prosecute, the Attorney General’s Office
will prosecute. Another issue according to Mr. Stanley is that if the City Attorney prosecutes and
the defendant is found guilty, the $300 fine for the first offense goes to the City; if the Attorney
General’s Office prosecutes, the $300 fine goes to the State’s General Fund. He also advised that
there is only a fine for the first offense; on subsequent offenses, the cigarette permit would be
revoked for a period of time.
Council Members Cross, Hoffman, and Quirmbach pointed out that the City Council wants the
violators prosecuted; however, they do not want to be the judiciary body.
Council Member Quirmbach asked Mr. Stanley if it were permissible to delegate the adjudication
of these matters to the City Attorney or his assistant and delegate the prosecution of the cases to
the Attorney General’s Office, as representatives for the Iowa Department of Public Health. Mr.
Stanley said that would be permissible.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to delegate the adjudication of these matters to the
City Attorney or his assistant.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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HEARING ON SOUTH DAKOTA/MORTENSEN AND DAKOTA/LINCOLN WAY
TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one
wishing to speak, the hearing was closed.
Mark Harmison, 2042 South 500th Avenue, Ames, indicated that he drives through this
intersection frequently. He believes that this intersection would be an ideal location for a round-
a-bout.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-099 approving the
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Signal and Electric Company of
Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $265,706.60.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 13 STREET/NORTHWESTERN AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT:TH
The hearing was opened by Mayor Tedesco. He closed same after no one wished to speak.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 02-100 approving the
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to KWS, Inc., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in the
amount of $110,664.
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 THE NORTHWESTERN
PORTION OF THE BLOOMINGTON HEIGHTS WEST SUBDIVISION FROM
RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (RM) TO RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (RL):
Mayor Tedesco opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak, and the Mayor closed the
hearing.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning property
located at the northwestern portion of the Bloomington Heights West Subdivision from
Residential Medium Density (RM) to Residential Low Density (RL).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21.501 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved
by Wirth, seconded by Goodhue, to pass on second reading an ordinance relating to cutting new
pavement to replace or remove water utility service line connections to the main.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING “TWO-HOUR PARKING ONLY” ZONE ON FIFTH
STREET ADJACENT TO PYLE OFFICE PARK PROPERTY: Moved by Wirth, seconded by
Hoffman, to pass on second reading an ordinance designating a “two-hour parking only” zone
along the north side of Fifth Street adjacent to the Pyle Office Park property.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING A 50-FOOT BUS LOADING ZONE ALONG THE SOUTH
SIDE OF McKINLEY DRIVE (WEST OF FELLOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEST
ENTRANCE DRIVE): Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt
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ORDINANCE NO. 3647 designating a 50-foot bus loading zone along the south side of
McKinley Drive (west of Fellows Elementary School west entrance drive).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
OR DI NA NC E TO RE P EA L REQU IR EM EN TS F OR STA TEM EN T OF
REPRESENTATIVE COMPUTATIONS OF SANITARY SEWER RATES AS APPENDIX
TO AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to pass on third reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3648 repealing the requirements for statement of representative
computations of sanitary sewer rates as Appendix to Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to refer to staff the letters from the
Interfraternity Council requesting street closures for Greek Week and from Stumbo Associates
requesting a waiver of the Major Subdivision requirements for property located within the two-
mile jurisdictional limit of Ames (along 210th Street in Boone County, Iowa).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to refer the letter to the Commission on The Arts
from the Ames Area Arts Council requesting the creation of a new trial COTA grant category,
which would be specifically for collaborative marketing projects from cultural organizations
willing to work to enrich the community’s cultural life.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to refer the letter to COTA from the Ames
Heritage Association dated January 25, 2002, requesting that the scope of COTA be expanded
to become the Commission on Cultural Affairs.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:42 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor