HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Budget Wrap-Up Session and Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 02/13/2001MINUTES OF THE BUDGET WRAP-UP SESSION
AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 13, 2001
The Ames City Council met for the budget wrap-up session at 5:15 p.m., followed by their regular
meeting, on the 13th day of February, 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, Goodhue, Hoffman, Quirmbach, and Wirth. Council Member Cross arrived at
6:25 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 5:15 p.m.
ARTS FUNDING (COTA): Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt explained the funding
request in the amount of $88,358, an increase of 5% over the current allocation 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 the criteria used by the
Commission to make funding decisions. After the inquiry from Council Member Campbell, Ms.
Franzen advised that mini-grants are very valuable, particularly to small arts organizations that
do not qualify for the larger grant awards.
HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING (ASSET): Sheila Lundt reviewed ASSET’S funding request in
the amount of $755,260 of City funds (an increase of $36,060 over FY 2000/01). Leonard
Konopa and Dave Nerdig were present as representatives of ASSET. Ms. Lundt briefed the
Council on the increase in United Way funds, sequestered funds, and the denial of funding to
MICA for AIDS case management and education. She also explained that ASSET opted not to
fund the request from the Center for Creative Justice for the creation of a separate educational
program due to their not wanting to shift funds from mediation or probation supervision;
prioritization kept the volunteers from funding this service.
PUBLIC ART FUNDING: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred introduced Nancy Polster,
Chairperson, and Michelle Farnham, Finance Chair, who were present from the Public Art
Commission. Ms. Polster requested a FY 2001/02 budget allocation of $25,300 on behalf of the
Commission, an increase from $15,000 for FY 2000/01. At the request of Council Member
Quirmbach, Ms. Polster informed the Council on their private fund-raising efforts conducted last
year. She stated that the Commission has not decided whether they will pursue private fund-
raising endeavors during FY 2001/02. Council Members Quirmbach and Hoffman encouraged
private fund-raising to supplement public funds. Ms. Polster also gave an update on Wind
Spinners, a sculpture that repeatedly suffers operational damage, and the progress of placing art
in Cynthia Duff Plaza.
The meeting recessed at 6:06 p.m. and reconvened at 6:17 p.m.
AMES INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CITIES ASSOCIATION, INC. (AIPCA): Desiree
Gunning, Elaine DeKovic, and Jerry Pierce were present as representatives of the Ames
International Partner Cities Association. Ms. Gunning told the City Council of the plans to visit
Frýd ek-M ístek in the Czech Republic in August 2001 and to host a delegation from Enzan City,
Japan. Ms. Gunning asked that the City Council sustain the current level of funding of $1,500
2
per sister city (for a total of $3,000).
OTHER REQUESTS: City Manager Steve Schainker advised the amounts that had been included
in the 2001/02 budget for the above-named groups as a result of the budget guidelines discussion
held during a previous meeting. He said that the request from Special Olympics in the amount
of $2,500 was also included at guidelines time. Regarding the request of the Ames Jaycees, Mr.
Schainker said that they included $5,000 on a matching-fund basis out of Local Option Sales
Tax; however, the Jaycees were requesting $7,500. He said that request as well as the requests
from the Ames Heritage Association ($5,000), Human Relations Dialogues ($1,500), Public Art
Commission ($10,300 more than initially budgeted in 2001/02), and Youth Sports Complex
($615,000 to pave entry road, parking lots, and north/south connector road) need to be addressed.
PUBLIC INPUT ON CIP AND BUDGET: None.
SALARIES FOR COUNCIL APPOINTEES: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 01-059 setting the annual salaries of the City Manager and City Attorney
at $129,000 and $119,800, respectively, for FY 2001/02.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENTS TO 2001/06 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Discussion ensued
over the request of the Ames Youth Sports Complex for funding in the amount of $615,000 to
pave the existing access road, existing parking lots, existing north/south drive, and the proposed
Billy Sunday Road and connective drive. Council Member Cross pointed out that the Ames
Youth Sports Complex has an outstanding issue to deal with (continuance of a variance requiring
pavement of the parking lots) through the Zoning Board of Adjustment prior to the City Council
addressing this request. Council Member Cross would like the City Council to revisit this request
in May 2002 before the deadline to amend the FY 2001/02 budget. It was pointed out that if the
variance issue were dealt with and it was possible to still get this project completed during the
current fiscal year, an amendment to the FY 2000/01 budget would be necessary.
APPROVAL OF 2001/06 CIP: No amendments to the 2001/06 CIP were requested.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the 2001/06 CIP.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED FY 2001/02 BUDGET: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross,
to direct the City Manager to allocate $1,500 from the Contingency Fund for the Ames Human
Relations Commission Dialogues. (Not an amendment to the budget, but direction to staff.)
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to amend the 2001/02 budget to allocate $5,000, from
the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue, to the Ames Heritage Association.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Kathy Svec, representing the Ames Heritage Association, stated that the monies would be used
to rent storage space for their historical collection. Ms. Svec also stated that the Association
would appreciate ongoing City support or at least having the same avenues as other cultural
3
agencies to request support.
Regarding the request from the Public Art Commission for a total of $25,300 ($15,000 already
budgeted), Council Member Campbell commented that she appreciated the philosophy of having
larger art collections selected by the Public Art Commission; however, she does not believe that
the City is in a position to allocate an additional $10,300 at this time due to potential Legislative
action (Senate File 31).
Geri Derner, President of the Ames Jaycees, was present and requested additional funds for their
“Spark the Spirit” 4th of July celebration. She stated they are lacking in community support.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to direct staff to allocate $5,000, without a requirement
of matching funds, for the Jaycees 4th of July celebration (the source to be from Local Option
Sales Tax revenue) with the stipulation that advertising for the event give credit to the City of
Ames.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2001/02, AS AMENDED: Moved by Wirth,
seconded by Cross, to approve the proposed budget for FY 2001/02, as amended.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Hoffman, to set March 6, 2001, as the date of final public
hearing on the proposed budget for FY 2001/02.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 7:10 p.m. and reconvened at 7:15 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
7:15 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Goodhue asked to pull Item No. 10, “Approval of
Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption Requests for 2001," for separate discussion.
Moved by Quirmbach, 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 23, 2001, and special meetings
of February 2, 6, 7, and 8, 2001
3.Motion approving renewal of the following liquor licenses/beer permits:
a.Class C Liquor - New Tradewinds Lounge, 115 Fifth Street
a.Class C Beer Permit - Swift Stop #1, 412 S. Duff Avenue
b.Class C Beer Permit - Almost Always Open, 419 Lincoln Way
4.Motion approving certification of civil service applicants
5.Motion accepting 2000 Resource Recovery System Annual Report
6.Motion revising authorization for payment of hiring bonuses for police officers
7.RESOLUTION NO. 01-045 proposing release of judgment lien arising from City of Ames VS
Regency Builders, Inc., and Regency Land Co., L.C., pertaining to Lot 32, Bloomington Heights
4
Plat 8 and setting date of public hearing for February 27, 2001
8.RESOLUTION NO. 01-046 waiving formal bidding procedures and authorizing staff to
negotiate a purchase contract with Becker Arena Products for a new Olympia Millennium ice
resurfacer
9.RESOLUTION. NO. 01-047 approving funding for research project pertaining to lime sludge
disposal alternatives for the Water and Pollution Control Department
10.RESOLUTION NO. 01-049 approving the IDOT Agreement for Traffic Signal Installation at
13th Street and Northwestern Avenue intersection
11.RESOLUTION NO. 01-050 approving a form and giving standing authorization for “remote
parking” agreements under the new zoning regulations
12.RESOLUTION NO. 01-051 approving proposal for payments and the covenant for assessments
for Eastgate Development bankruptcy
13.RESOLUTION NO. 01-052 awarding contract to Willey, Inc., for purchase of five police
vehicles
14.RESOLUTION NO. 01-053 approving contract and bond for CyRide Route Reconstruction
Program
15.RESOLUTION NO. 01-054 approving contract and bond for Ferguson Subdivision Area
Utilities
16.RESOLUTION NO. 01-055 approving completion of 1998/99 Arterial Street Rehab Program
#2
17.RESOLUTION NO. 01-056 approving completion of City Maintenance Facility Drive and
Parking Improvements
18.RESOLUTION NO. 01-057 approving completion of 2000/01 Arterial Street Rehab Program
#3
19.RESOLUTION NO. 01-058 approving Master Plan for property known as Uthe Farms
Subdivision, located north of Bloomington Road, east of George Washington Carver Avenue,
and west of the Union Pacific Railroad
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
URBAN REVITALIZATION TAX EXEMPTION REQUESTS FOR 2001: Moved by
Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-048 approving Urban
Revitalization Tax Exemption Requests for 2001.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting nay:
None. Abstaining: Goodhue.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION PRESENTATION REGARDING THE “AMES CIRCLE OF
ARTS” SCULPTURE: Nancy Polster gave a chronology of events leading to the decision
of the Commission to recommend the “Ames Circle of Arts” sculpture. She and Assistant to the
City Manager Bob Kindred gave a visual presentation of the sculpture.
Council Member Wirth stated that she feels the sculpture is too large for Bandshell Park and
doesn’t seem to fit in with the overall theme of the Park. She’s also concerned about the
compatibility of materials. Ms. Wirth pointed out that during Municipal Band concerts, the Park
is very crowded; the sculpture would take a lot of that prime seating space. Out of the several
citizens with whom she has discussed the sculpture, only one person was enthusiastic about it.
Council Member Hoffman concurred with the comments made by Council Member Wirth. In
5
addition, she pointed out that Bandshell Park is the only park for which a design study has been
done, and she doesn’t see this sculpture fitting in with that design. Although she feels that the
central figure is the best part of the sculpture, she feels it doesn’t fit in with the rest of the
sculpture.
Council Member Quirmbach said he feels that the sculpture would not be in direct contradiction
with, but rather complement, the Bandshell since its depicts the music arts, performing arts, and
visual arts.
Council Member Campbell expressed her concern over the role that City Council has in making
the decision on this sculpture; it should not be a political decision, and they should not be
judging what has already gone through a very elaborate process.
Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Campbell, to adopt a resolution approving the “Ames Circle
of Arts” sculpture concept by Bill Culbertson; approving the location for this artwork in
Bandshell Park; and authorizing an agreement with the artist for final design of this sculpture,
with the $7,500 cost for this design to be paid from donations received for the Brown art
collection.
Roll Call Vote: 3-3. Voting aye: Campbell, Goodhue, Quirmbach. Voting nay: Cross, Hoffman,
Wirth. Motion failed.
Council Member Campbell asked those who had voted against the item if their opinion would
be different if the location were changed. Council Member Wirth stated that she would like to
see the parking lot east of City Hall pursued as a possible location. Council Member Hoffman
said if they were starting over, she preferred that artists be given free rein to come up with a good
design. She doesn’t believe any of the donors have requested that the artwork directly correlate
with the various arts. Council Member Campbell said she appreciates that the Arts Commission
has given some guidelines. Council Member Cross would like to see something more dynamic,
and location is an issue.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to direct the Public Art Commission to revisit first
the issue of a location of this particular piece, and if they can find something that they want to
recommend to the Council, do so; if not, report that back to the Council and then begin the later
process of reexamining selection of the piece.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ORDINANCE BANNING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES: Mayor Tedesco
declared the hearing open.
Roger Lawrence, 2219 Hamilton Drive, Ames, spoke as Chairman of the Board of Youth and
Shelter Services, and endorsed the ordinance. He said YSS views this as a public health issue,
not as a smoker’s right issue. Mr. Lawrence pointed out the successful results of similar
ordinances passed in the states of California and Wisconsin.
Debra Sellers, 484 Rookwood Drive, Ames, spoke as a proponent of the ordinance in its
compromised state. She thanked the Council for their willingness to get involved in this public
health issue.
6
George Papouchis, 114 S. Duff, Ames, stated that as a restaurant owner, he felt that he was being
put “between a rock and a hard place.” He had not seen the compromise and questioned the City
Attorney if the ordinance would apply to bar areas that were separate from the restaurant area.
City Attorney John Klaus advised that he sees Mr. Papouchis’s establishment as one area, and
the ordinance would apply.
Kathy Kempen, 127 N. Oak, Ames, was present. As a bar owner with food sales’ receipts of less
than 10%, she believes that her establishment is exempt from the ordinance. Ms. Kempen
pointed out the importance of bars serving food as an alternative to drinking, and she believes
that percentage should be more like 25%. She pointed out that there is an exemption built in to
the ordinance for truck stops and bowling alleys that is not given to restaurants.
Peter Sherman, 3213 Ross Road, Ames, gave his recommendations for changes to the
compromise ordinance, specifically to: (1) the Whereas paragraph stating that “the designation
of smoking areas in...public places has subjected persons to the harmful effects of tobacco
smoke”; (2) Section 21A.101, (3) 21A.201, (4) 21A.202, (5) 21A.203, (6) 21A.301, (7) 21A.400,
and (8) 21A.500. He talked about the anticipated increase in costs to bar owners and to the public
in enforcing the proposed ordinance. Mr. Sherman stated that he is neither for nor against the
ordinance; he merely wants objectivity.
Steve Erickson, 1007 Lincoln Way, Ames, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. He
feels that the ordinance restricts the rights of persons and business owners.
Randy Mayer, 135 N. Russell, Ames, spoke as a proponent of the compromise ordinance. He
expressed his appreciation to the City Council for their attempts to improve the health and
environment of the citizens of Ames. He hopes that the passage of the ordinance will be
unanimous. Mr. Mayer also hopes that the City Council will revisit the ordinance, if in fact it
passes, after a period of time to assess how well it has helped to attain the goal of a clean-air
environment.
Jerry Pierce, 3811 Fletcher Boulevard, Ames, stated that he is a proponent of the ordinance. As
a member of “Life After Death of a Spouse” (LADOS), he advised that 90% of LADOS
members have lost spouses to cancer, and he can’t think of any reason not to attempt to prevent
death.
Tom Northrop, 1322 Curtiss Avenue, Ames, supports the ordinance since it does not affect bars
unless non-alcoholic food sales exceed 10%. As the owner of Welch Avenue Station (a bar), he
asked that the 10% food exemption be changed to 15%.
Melissa Andrews, 2902 White Oak, Ames, told the Council of her experiences living in
Colorado, which is smoke-free. She moved to Ames six months ago, but does not go out to eat
in Ames because she finds the smell of smoke to be very offensive. Ms. Andrews asked the City
Council to pass the ordinance.
Met Szopinski, 4123 Phoenix Street, Ames, said that he feels the ordinance is not necessary. He
thinks that if people do not like the smell of smoke, they should go to a restaurant that doesn’t
allow smoking. Mr. Szopinski also asked that ordinances be written in ordinary English.
Ruth Swenson, 2102 Kildee Street, Ames, stated that she supports the compromise ordinance.
7
Andrew Goedeken, 917 Ridgewood Avenue, Ames, thanked the City Council, on behalf of the
Mayor’s Youth Committee and other young people of Ames, for their willingness to get involved
with this issue.
Tom Northrop, speaking as an owner of Pizza Pit, advised that that restaurant voluntarily went
smoke-free seven years ago. He advised that they did initially lose 25% of the business in their
dining room; however, he has no regrets.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the hearing was closed.
Council Member Quirmbach pointed out that many persons who have testified have claimed that
the passage of the proposed ordinance would restrict their general liberties; however, any time
the City Council passes an ordinance, it does have the effect of restricting persons’ activities.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Quirmbach, to pass on first reading an ordinance banning
smoking in public places.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to amend the motion to state that Section 21A.201 will
read 15%, rather than 10% (pertaining to non-alcoholic food sales).
Vote on Amendment: 1-5. Voting aye: Wirth. Voting nay: Campbell, Cross, Goodhue, Hoffman,
Quirmbach. Amendment failed.
PUBLIC FORUM: R. K. Richards, 1821 George Allen Avenue, Ames, told the City Council that
he had received four telephone calls from telemarketers representing the Firemen’s Association.
He has been informed that the Ames Fire Department is a member of that Association. Mr.
Richards asked the City Council to do whatever is necessary to stop any unit of Ames
government from participating in telemarketing sales.
Mayor Tedesco stated that the right to belong to the Firemen’s Association is a right of each
individual; it is not governed by the City.
Chief Petersen advised that the Ames Fire Department has no affiliation with that organization.
It is being sponsored by the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Fighters, a state organization.
He said that the City of Ames’ Fire Department receives no funds from that organization. Chief
Peterson stated that if that organization is misrepresenting itself, contact should be made with
the Consumer Fraud Division of the Attorney General’s Office.
Met Szopinski, 4123 Phoenix Street, Ames, expressed his appreciation of the programming on
Channel 12. He has been told that there is no schedule of programming available for Channel
12 and would like to see that changed in the future so people know what’s on that Channel.
SEASONAL CLASS B BEER & OUTDOOR SERVICE PERMIT FOR HOMEWOOD GOLF
COURSE: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Quirmbach, to approve the Seasonal Class B Beer &
Outdoor Service Permit for Homewood Golf Course.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT ON FIRE STATION 3 SPECIAL ELECTION TIME FRAME: Steve
8
Schainker reminded the City Council that they had asked for a time line for scheduling a bond
referendum. An outline was provided to the Council.
Mr. Schainker stated that he was very supportive of the Fire Station 3 project; however, given
the fact that the State Legislature is seriously considering imposing a property tax limitation on
local governments, he cannot support moving ahead with this project until the fate of that
legislation has been determined. Since they anticipate operating costs to be approximately
$250,000 in the first year, he believes it would be ill-advised to assume an additional financial
responsibility in the Fire Department when we might be forced to drastically reduce spending
in this same department in the near future. Mr. Schainker feels that the fate of the legislation will
be known no later than April or May, which still would allow the City to proceed with a June
special election.
URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA FOR 511 SOUTH FOURTH: Mark Reinig, Economic
Development Coordinator, explained the request of the owner of 511 South Fourth Street to have
that property designated as an Urban Revitalization Area. He advised that City staff has
determined that the applicant did not meet the “Slum and Blighted” or the “Underutilized
Condition” criteria for the Multiple-Family Residential Criteria Matrix, but they do meet the
optional conditions (“Brick or Similar Masonry Material” and “Landscaping Beyond Required”).
Since the applicant needs to meet both the required and the optional conditions, staff is not
recommending approval of this request.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to deny the application for designation of an Urban
Revitalization Area for 511 South Fourth.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting nay:
Goodhue. Motion declared carried.
OPT/OUT CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF RESIDENTS OF THE ARBOR HILLS
APARTMENT COMPLEX: Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
01-060 authorizing the City to accept the administrative responsibilities for a special allocation
of Section 8 vouchers on behalf of the families affected by the owner “opt-out” of their rental
assistance contract with HUD for the Arbor Hills apartment complex.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-061 authorizing staff to
submit a funding application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
EXPANSION AND RENOVATION OF THE CURRENT BUS GARAGE: Moved by
Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 01-062 approving the Master
Plan contract and architectural services contract for Phase I construction with Wendel
Duchscherer.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
9
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.30 REGARDING NUISANCE PARTY
REGULATIONS: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance
amending Section 17.30 regarding nuisance party regulations to include the crime of “unlawful
possession of alcohol” into the definition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Goodhue, to pass on second and third readings and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 3607 amending Section 17.30 regarding nuisance party regulations to include
the crime of “unlawful possession of alcohol” into the definition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Moved by Goodhue, seconded by Wirth, to refer to staff the request of the Valley
East Neighborhood regarding on-street parking.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Goodhue asked that the report from Zimmerman/Volk regarding Somerset be
sent to the City Council. Mr. Schainker informed that that item will be on the City Council’s
meeting agenda for February 27, 2001.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to refer to staff the request that a schedule of
programming on Channel 12 be made available.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:52 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor