HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/09/2001MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 9, 2001
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on the 9th day of January, 2001, 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: Campbell, Cross, Goodhue, Hoffman, and
Quirmbach. Council member Wirth was absent.
CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m.
PROCLAMATION: Mayor Tedesco recognized January 15, 2001, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Day. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Dialogues Study Group of the Human
Relations Commission were Edna Clinton and Ken Smith.
PUBLIC INPUT ON POSSIBLE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECTS: Steve
Schainker, City Manager, said that the City staff wanted to outline the various options as Council
moves towards selecting a strategy for supporting three possible Capital Improvement Plan
projects: Aquatics/Recreation Center, Fire Station No. 3, and Hallett’s Quarry. Finance Director
Duane Pitcher described different financial scenarios involving the projects, listing specifically
the cost per property type and the operating costs. He said that City staff has met with their bond
consultants, who have stated that it is possible for the City to support these major projects and
still maintain their AAA rating, providing that there is no economic breakdown. The final
decision by the City Council as to whether to support these projects and their prioritization will
be made on January 16, 2001, when a workshop will be held on the Capital Improvements Plan.
Letters were placed around the dais in support of the Hallett’s Quarry project from Ria Keinert,
3850 Hyde Avenue, Ames; Dieter Dellmann, 1026 Gaskill, Ames; Edward Carbrey, 3313
Morningside Street, Ames; Cindy Hildebrand, 57439- 250th Street, Ames. Mr. Dellman’s letter
also conveyed support for Fire Station No. 3 and the Aquatics/Recreation Center. A letter placed
around the dais from Bernadette and Ken Siebert, 1229 McKinley Drive, Ames, indicated support
for purchasing the land around Hallett’s Quarry and adding the improvements later. The Sieberts’
letter also expressed their opinion that the Aquatics/Recreation Center be scaled back. A letter
from Steve VanDyke, listing a business address of 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 103, that was
also placed around the dais, indicated his objection to the City’s purchase and development of
Hallett’s Quarry as a park unless the City is able to fund a significant portion of the project with
federal or state grant monies.
Roy Cakerice, 621 Carr Drive, Ames, expressed his preference for the Fire Station project to be
approved. He stated that he is against the aquatics center to a certain extent due to the cost factor.
In his opinion, many of the amenities included in the plan are not needed, specifically, the number
of gymnasiums. Mr. Cakerice said that he is in favor of buying the land around Hallett’s Quarry,
but prefers that the City wait on the improvements. He expressed his dismay at the possible fee
amounting to as high as $500/family for the proposed Aquatics/Recreation Center.
Mayor Tedesco advised that he and Mr. Schainker had visited with officials from the Ames
School District on the possibility of constructing a joint aquatics/recreation center; however, the
City has received no further response from School District representatives.
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Jim Hallihan, 1322 Illinois, Ames, speaking as Director of the Iowa Games, advised that he has
made comparisons of facilities throughout his travels with the Iowa Games. It is his belief that
Ames has the worst facilities of all the communities he has visited. He pointed out that the cost
of the proposed Aquatics/Recreation Center appears to be quite high at this time; however, the
longer the City waits, the more expensive it will become. Mr. Hallihan feels strongly that it is
important to have recreational facilities for the youth of the community to get them off the streets
and participating in activities. He pointed out that Iowa Games officials have committed to
keeping the Games in Ames for the next five years.
Dianne Mumm, 1208 Clark Avenue, Ames, believes that Ames’ citizens should push for a
“fitness center.” She said there are no facilities in Ames for swimming indoors except at the
Ames High School, which is used extensively by youth. She pointed out that the indoor pool is
not suited well for older adults due to its temperature. Ms. Mumm advised that both Boone and
Nevada have successfully built aquatics centers; she feels one is needed in Ames as well. She
hopes that citizens of Ames would be allowed to pay a lower fee to use the aquatics center than
those using the facility from other communities.
Scott Renaud, stating a business address of 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Ames, said that developers
are required to adhere to the guidelines of the City’s Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP). He feels that
the City is not following its own rules concerning any of the three proposed projects. In his
opinion, none of the projects follow the “village concept.”
Mikie Walker, 3708 Blanshan Drive, Ames, reminded the City Council that South Ames has been
without a fire station, and emergency response to that area is not adequate. She urged the City
Council to support a bond issue to built a fire station in South Ames.
Dinah Kerksieck, 621 Garden Road, Ames, pointed out that a fire station is an essential service.
She advised that, although travel conditions were less than ideal, the response time was nine
minutes when a barn caught fire in her South Ames’ neighborhood in early December.
Kirstin Born, 3609 South Duff, Ames, strongly encouraged a bond issue be supported for a fire
station to be built in South Ames. Ms. Born pointed out that there has been a large increase in
population in South Ames, and the emergency response times to that area are not adequate.
Mike Meetz, 20267-580th Avenue, Ames, stated his personal support for the City to acquire the
land around Hallett’s Quarry. Mr. Meetz, speaking as President of the Ames Chapter of the Izaak
Walton League of America, read a letter indicating the League’s support to protect our water
resources. The League asks that citizens be allowed to vote on each project as a separate issue.
Gary Atchison, 622 Brookridge, Ames, spoke in support of the City’s acquiring Hallett’s Quarry.
He pointed out the Quarry’s importance to the water quality issue and the quality of life issue. He
believes that a park would be a very attractive entrance to the northern part of Ames.
Erv Klaas, 1405 Grand, Ames, pointed out that the entire Hallett’s Quarry watershed needs to be
better managed as well as the land acquired. He feels that the City of Ames should form a
coalition with the adjacent land owners and other government entities to ensure that good
conservation measures be undertaken. Mr. Klaas indicated that he feels that all three major
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projects being considered are important projects. He does feel that citizens should be allowed to
vote on each project. Mr. Klaas suggested that the City consider increasing the water rate as a
means to help fund the Hallett’s Quarry project and watershed protection. He pointed out that the
rate increase could have a sunset clause so when it the Hallett’s project is paid for, the rate would
be decreased. Mr. Klaas believes that there is private-sector support for a fund-raising campaign
supporting a bond issue pertaining to the Hallett’s Quarry open space project.
Dianne Mumm, 1208 Clark Avenue, indicated her support for the Hallett’s Quarry open space
park. She feels that other parks in Ames are being built up, and there is a need for an open space
park.
Kathy Fromm, 3531 George W. Carver Boulevard, Ames, stated that she believes that the state
of Iowa is short of capital investment. She is concerned that asking young people in the
community what they want is nurturing a feeling of entitlement. Ms. Fromm feels that it is an
absurd idea to combine any of the three major CIP project proposals with the Ames School
District. She feels that there are several components in the Aquatics/Recreation Center that could
be eliminated, and the project could be scaled back.
Steve Lekwa, Director of the Story County Conservation Board, spoke as a proponent of Hallett’s
Quarry Park. He stated that the Conservation Board did sign a resolution supporting their
participation in this project, and the Story County Board of Supervisors ratified that resolution;
therefore, the support he is committing is from Story County, not just the Conservation Board.
Mr. Lekwa stated that acquiring the land is paramount; the unique mix of resources available
around Hallett’s Quarry is not available anywhere else. He suggested that federal funds through
the “Rejuvenation of LAWCON” grant (land and water conservation funds) and other possible
grant funding be pursued.
Jim Dinsmore, 4024 Arkansas Drive, Ames, spoke in support of the Hallett’s Quarry Park project.
He feels that there is a window of opportunity available to the citizens now. Mr. Dinsmore
pointed out that this project addresses an issue that is very important to future generations, i.e.,
water quality, and it provides a new and unique type of recreation activity due to the lake.
Dan Jensen, 430 N. Franklin, Ames, explained that his family is an owner of land around Hallett’s
Quarry. His family has resisted the effort of developers to buy the land. Mr. Jensen said that 50
years ago when Hallett’s was first being mined, there was an idea to create a park there someday.
He feels that the water quality issue must be addressed, and that the public needs to be informed
about it so that they will have confidence that it will actually occur. Mr. Jensen believes that each
of these projects should be presented individually. He pointed out that publicity is very
important.
John Downing, 2300 Red Oak Drive, an aquatics scientist, spoke as a proponent of Hallett’s
Quarry open space park. He pointed out that acquiring Hallett’s Quarry is essential for water
quality, but it will also be an extremely high-quality water resource. Mr. Downing feels that this
project would be a fantastic source of revenue and will draw thousands of people to the area.
Peggy Murdock, 823 Carroll Avenue, Ames, expressed her support of Hallett’s Quarry. She
indicated that all three possible projects are important projects, and she would support all three.
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Ms. Murdock emphasized that the Hallett’s Quarry project is very important and a once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity.
Jim Lohr, 4247 Stone Brooke Road, Ames, encouraged the City Council to make sure that water
clarity and purity issues are emphasized as part of the Hallett’s Quarry project.
Jim Pease, 3840 Stagecoach Road, Ames, spoke in support of Hallett’s Quarry project. Mr. Pease
pointed out that the Hallett’s Quarry project not only affords an excellent opportunity for water
shed protection and recreation, but also allows an outstanding opportunity to foster community
involvement. He feels that there is a great deal of expertise available through Ames’ citizens,
e.g., grant-writing and fund-raising, that would be valuable to this project.
Mayor Tedesco stated that a letter had been received by the City Council from Murray
Blackwelder, Vice-President of External Affairs at Iowa State University, requesting that the
University be allowed to work with City officials in submitting a joint proposal to the Vision
Iowa program. A proposal that would request funds for Reiman Gardens Park and one or two City
projects was referenced in the letter.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving minutes of the regular meeting of December 19, 2000
3.Motion approving renewal of the following liquor licenses & beer permits:
a.Class C Beer & Class B Wine - Osco Drug Store #585, 207 S. Duff Avenue
b.Class B Liquor - Best Western Starlite Village, 2601 East 13th Street
c.Class C Beer & Class B Wine - Cub Foods, 3121 Grand Avenue
4.Motion setting January 23 and February 27, 2001, as Conference Board meeting dates
5.Motion directing City Attorney to draft ordinance establishing parking prohibitions for Hillside
Subdivision, 6th Addition
6.Motion directing City Attorney to draft ordinance designating a snow route along the east side
of Hayward Avenue from 204.3' south of Storm Street to Mortensen Road
7.RESOLUTION NO. 01-001 adopting Supplement No. 2001-01 to the Ames Municipal Code,
1995
8.RESOLUTION NO. 01-002 approving designation of City representatives to Central Iowa
Regional Transportation Planning Alliance for 2001
9.RESOLUTION NO. 01-003 approving project agreement with Iowa Department of
Transportation for traffic signal installation at the U.S. Hwy. 30 westbound off-ramp/South Duff
Avenue intersection
10.RESOLUTION NO. 01-004 approving the 28E Agreement with Story County for the South
Dakota/U.S. Hwy. 30 Interchange Project
11.RESOLUTION NO. 01-005 approving the 28E Agreement with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages
Division for tobacco compliance enforcement
12.RESOLUTION NO. 01-006 approving submittal of grant application to Iowa Department of
Transportation for electronic accident reports and state citations for the Ames Police Department
13.RESOLUTION NO. 01-007 requesting a contract extension of the City’s Local Housing
Assistance Payments grant agreement with the Iowa Department of Economic Development in
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connection with the Ames/Story County Affordable Housing Program
14.RESOLUTION NO. 01-008 approving the Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement for the Ames
Police Department
15.RESOLUTION NO. 01-009 proposing release of judgment lien arising from City of Ames VS
Regency Builders, Inc., and Regency Land Co., pertaining to Lot 11 in Northridge Parkway
Subdivision, 18th Addition, and setting date of public hearing for January 23, 2001
16.RESOLUTION NO. 01-010 proposing release of judgment lien arising from City of Ames VS
Regency Builders, Inc., and Regency Land Co., pertaining to Lot 27 in Bloomington Heights Plat
8 and setting date of public hearing for January 23, 2001
17.RESOLUTION NO. 01-011 proposing release of judgment lien arising from City of Ames VS
Regency Builders, Inc., and Regency Land Co., pertaining to Lot 2 in Bloomington Heights Plat
8 and setting date of public hearing for January 23, 2001
18.Demonstratives, Inc.:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 01-012 approving City of Ames’ Revolving Loan Fund application
b.RESOLUTION NO. 01-013 approving submittal of CEBA application
19.RESOLUTION NO. 01-014 approving completion of fire line improvements required as a
condition for approval of the 310 South 16th Street site plan
20.RESOLUTION NO. 01-015 approving completion of storm sewer installation and modifying
amount of financial security for Dauntless Subdivision, 4th Addition
21.RESOLUTION NO. 01-016 approving completion of Elwood Drive Widening Project
22.RESOLUTION NO. 01-017 approving completion of 2000 Automated Train Horn Project
23.RESOLUTION NO. 01-018 approving completion of 13th and Duff Pole Line Relocation
24.Hillside Subdivision, 6th Addition:
a.RESOLUTION NO. 01-019 accepting partial completion of public improvements
b.RESOLUTION NO. 01-020 approving Final Major Plat
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
The meeting recessed at 6:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time.
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CLASS C (BW) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CHINA BUFFET,
823 WHEELER STREET, STE. 1: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to approve the
Special Class C (BW) liquor license for China Buffet, 823 Wheeler Street, Ste. 1.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF FEE TO USE CITY AUDITORIUM FOR A HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION-SPONSORED EVENT: Moved by Campbell, seconded by
Goodhue, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-021 waiving the fee to use the City Auditorium for
a Human Relations Commission-sponsored event to be held on January 15, 2001 (annual
education forum for Ames’ elementary and Middle School students in honor of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
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HEARING ON URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR SOMERSET VILLAGE (continued
from 12/19/00): Steve Schainker recapped the events that have occurred since the City Council’s
recommendation to grant tax abatement, with stipulations, to the Somerset Village Subdivision.
He reminded the City Council that they had directed that he determine the availability of the firm
of Zimmerman/Volk, consultants with expertise in neo-traditional planning, and to ascertain their
time frame needed for the completion of a marketing analysis for Somerset Village. Mr.
Schainker described the work that would be performed by Zimmerman/Volk, their time schedule,
and cost. He also discussed the possibility of Zimmerman/Volk providing an interim service that
might assist in providing insight into Somerset in a more near-term time frame. This reduced
consultation service would involve a two-day visit to Ames that could occur as soon as January
30/31, 2001.
Council Member Quirmbach stated his preference for a full study to be done by
Zimmerman/Volk. Mr. Quirmbach feels that the estimated cost of $23,200 would be a worthy
investment considering what is at stake, i.e., providing several million dollars in tax abatement.
Council Member Campbell said that a two-day visit by Zimmerman/Volk would give the City
Council a good idea as to whether additional services by that firm would be desirable. Council
Members Cross and Goodhue both indicated that time was of the essence since the building
season would soon be upon us, and the time frame for the completion of the full scope of work,
i.e., March 2001, would be problematic.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-027 authorizing
an expenditure of $3,000 plus air fare, lodging, and meal expenses to Zimmerman/Volk for their
services in providing a two-day consultation service pertaining to Somerset Village.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Mayor Tedesco opened the public hearing.
Chuck Winkleblack, 3206 Magnolia Circle, Ames, reiterated that time was of the essence. The
developers request that a decision be made by the City Council to approve or deny the request for
the creation of an urban revitalization area as soon as the information is received from the
consultants.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Goodhue, to continue the hearing to the regularly scheduled
City Council meeting immediately after the report from Zimmerman/Volk is received.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO THE URBAN REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR URA #7
(continued from 12/19/00): Mayor Tedesco opened the public hearing.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue, to continue the hearing to the regularly scheduled City
Council meeting immediately after the report from Zimmerman/Volk is received.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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HEARING ON RECONSTRUCTION OF LINCOLN WAY AND GRAND AVENUE
INTERSECTION: Mayor Tedesco opened the public hearing. There being no one wishing to
speak, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-022 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Reilly Construction Co., Inc., of Ossian, Iowa,
in the amount of $3,231,765.37.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSED RELEASE OF JUDGMENT LIEN FOR LOT 12 IN PLAT 8 OF
BLOOMINGTON HEIGHTS: The public hearing was declared open by Mayor Tedesco. There
being no one wishing to speak, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-023 approving release
of judgment lien for Lot 12 in Plat 8 of Bloomington Heights.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HIGH AVENUE PAVING: Moved by Cross, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
01-024 accepting as complete and satisfactory the contract for the High Avenue Paving Program.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION 01-025 adopting the final
assessment and levying assessments.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
STAFF REPORT ON CORNER LOTS AND FENCE HEIGHTS IN COMMERCIAL ZONES:
Planner Eden Schmitt gave this report to the City Council in response to a letter from the
Zoning Board of Adjustment regarding the way setbacks are determined for corner lots in
established neighborhoods and the manner in which fence heights are measured in commercial
areas. She advised that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has had seven cases involving corner lots
since May 1, 2000, and explained the specifics of the cases. Ms. Schmitt informed the City
Council of the reasons why the staff believes the current regulations pertaining to these issues
should be retained as they are in the Zoning Ordinance. No changes to the Zoning Ordinance were
recommended by the City Council.
STAFF REPORT ON ABSENCE OF PARKING REGULATIONS FOR ROOMERS IN
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS: Eden Schmitt explained
that with the change in definition for a family in the new Zoning Ordinance, families no longer
may have roomers in a single-family home or a two-family dwelling. Consequently, there is no
need to require, by Ordinance, additional parking for roomers. She also explained that any
existing-roomer situation may continue as a nonconforming use as long as the use does not lapse
for one year and as long as the owner continues to have a Letter of Compliance. No changes were
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recommended by the City Council.
PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR UTHE SUBDIVISION: Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 00-026 amending the resolution approving the Preliminary Plat to
allow Preston Circle (a cul-de-sac).
Roll Call Vote: 4-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Goodhue, Quirmbach. Voting nay: Hoffman.
Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Council Member Quirmbach believes that the City Council should seriously
consider making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day a City holiday; it is already recognized as a
federal and state holiday. He would like the Council to begin thinking about this issue.
Council Member Hoffman recognized City staff for their snow removal efforts so far this winter.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:45 p.m.
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Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor