HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/18/2000MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 18, 2000
The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:15 p.m. on the 18th day of January, 2000, 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, and
Quirmbach. Council Member Cross arrived at 5:20 p.m. Council Member Wirth arrived at 5:25 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 5:15 p.m.
WORKSHOP ON THE 2000-2005 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN (CIP): Mayor Tedesco
stated that tonight’s meeting would serve as a workshop for the Council members to hear staff
presentations on the recommended five-year CIP. Public input is scheduled to be received at the
Council’s regular meeting of January 25.
City Manager Steve Schainker explained that this Plan reflects major physical improvements to the
City totaling $106,068,712 over the next five years. Mr. Schainker emphasized that this CIP does not
include projects that may be identified once the Annexation, Transportation, Park Facilities, and Fire
Station Location Plans are approved by the City Council. He said there are few changes from prior
years reflected in this CIP pending final action on those strategic plans. The City Council was
informed that approval of the CIP will occur at the Budget Wrap-Up Session scheduled for February
15, 2000.
Mr. Schainker explained the requests for Mobile Data Terminals for Fire and Police Vehicles, Fire
Stations #1 and #2 Renovation, and Fire Apparatus Replacement. Mr. Schainker informed Council
that an amendment will be needed to the current-year budget to allow for replacement of Fire Station
#1's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System. He explained that this project was
previously included in the CIP, but was dropped two years ago based on the advice of a mechanical
technician who believed that the System’s life could be extended. Mr. Schainker said it was his
recommendation that this project be completed prior to the 2000 cooling season, and funding at
$81,000 is available this year from the General Fund balance.
Mr. Schainker stated that it would also be prudent for Council to budget funds in the amount of
$25,000 to finance the cost of conceptually designing a third fire station. He stated that two possible
sources for these funds would be Local Option Taxes or the General Fund.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to direct staff to include $25,000 from a yet-to-be-
named source to pay for the completion of a conceptual design for a third fire station.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Director of Public Works Paul Wiegand explained the projects comprising the Annual Traffic
Signalization Program, U. S. 69 Improvements, and the South Dakota Avenue/U. S. 30 Interchange.
In reference to the South Dakota Avenue/U. S. 30 Interchange, Mr. Wiegand stated that this project
has been delayed due to the increased cost; the project will cost approximately $1.5 million more than
the initial estimate, and the City is hoping to secure federal funding. Mr. Wiegand reminded the
Council that they had received a letter from the owners of property adjacent to this proposed
Interchange asking that a commitment be made by the City as soon as possible to this project. The
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owners want to pursue development of their properties. Mayor Tedesco said he feels that the
construction of this Interchange is inevitable, and Council members will be visiting with legislators
at the National League of Cities Conference in March to solicit funding for this Interchange. Mr.
Wiegand indicated that there are City funds currently available for land acquisition for this project.
Discussion ensued on the impacts of the possible construction of the South Dakota Avenue/U. S. 30
Interchange.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to direct staff to proceed, in the current year’s budget,
with land acquisition in anticipation of the completion of the South Dakota Avenue/U. S. 30
Interchange.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mr. Wiegand continued with explanations of a new project, the Duff Avenue Railroad Crossing and
Widening Study, and a changed project, Bicycle Path Construction.
Mr. Schainker said that many of the road projects are financed through Essential Corporate Purpose
Bonds, which do not require a vote by our citizens. He also pointed out that the City has moved, in
past years, from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 in G. O. Bond financing, and last year, we moved to
$7,000,000/year in General Obligation Bond funding. It appears that this number could rise to
approximately $10,000,000/year as a result of the projects being recommended; this would impact
property taxes.
Paul Wiegand discussed the improvements being requested for the Resource Recovery System. He
also briefed the Council on the Water System Improvements necessary to change the water
distribution system from a single-pressure to a two-pressure system and to connect to the emergency
water supply pipe that extends to Boone. He explained the proposed Storm Sewer and Storm Water
Quality Improvement Projects. Mr. Wiegand detailed the unfunded mandate by the EPA requiring
cities the size of Ames to develop a program of monitoring and controlling storm water runoff as a
means of preventing pollution. The amount being requested in this CIP is to pay for a consultant to
work through the permit process and develop the permit. Mr. Schainker pointed out that the City is
recommending projects totaling $2,970,000, and the Storm Sewer Utility Fund only pays for
$850,000; it is offset with G. O. Bonds. The Clear Water Diversion project and the Annual Sanitary
Sewer Rehabilitation Program were also explained by Mr. Wiegand.
Director of Water and Pollution Control Tom Neumann explained the Well Replacement project
which will allow for wells to be replaced, as needed, in subsequent years, and the Southwest Pressure
Zone, which provides for a second pressure zone within the water distribution system and includes
a pump station, elevated water tower, and appurtenant distribution modifications to isolate the
southwest portion of the City. He briefed the Council on the annual Water Plant Equipment
Replacement projects, Water Supply Expansion at the Youth Sports Complex Well Field and the new
interconnection between the Ames system and Boone/Xenia Rural Water, and the Water Plant
SCADA System, which is the Plant’s control and data/information system. Mr. Neumann described
the Hallett’s Quarry Pump Station and Water Quality Protection project which provides for the
purchase of a parcel of land at the southeast corner of Hallett’s Quarry area and partial site
development there, but does not include construction of a pump station at this time. He said that no
monies are allocated in this CIP to provide for Water Plant Expansion. The High-Service Pump
Station that would operate in parallel with the existing pump station will not be budgeted for until
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after 2005.
Mr. Neumann elaborated on the WPC Plant Equipment project that involves annual equipment
repairs/maintenance/replacement/upgrades at the Plant, specifically explaining the ISU Sampling Pit
Relocation. He further stated that the Wet-Weather Flow Treatment is being delayed, and based on
the Alternative Energy Study, copy of which was provided to the Council, it is being recommended
that the Alternate Power Source(s) project be deleted from this CIP. Discussing the Old WPC Plant
Demolition, Mr. Neumann informed the Council that it is important for the City to eliminate the
liability created by the units remaining at the site. Council was reminded that the Story Center group
had indicated that they could not use the buildings on the site. He explained the phases to be
undertaken to dispose of or demolish the remaining structures at this site.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to direct staff to proceed with the demolition of the old WPC
Plant and delete the Alternate Power Source(s) project from the 2000-05 CIP.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mr. Neumann talked about the WPC Plant Expansion project, which has been delayed due to
receiving no response from the IDNR or EPA about permit renewal or treatment requirements.
The meeting recessed at 7:05 p.m. and reconvened at 7:13 p.m.
Merlin Hove, Electric Department Director, explained two new projects: Combustion Turbine-
Generator Overhaul and Unit 8 Turbine-Generator Overhaul. He explained that the 20 MW
Combustion Turbine project has been delayed due to the contract with Muscatine Power & Water
being valid until May 1, 2005. Council was informed that due to the peak demand being so high last
summer, however, approximately 5 MW of additional capacity may have to be purchased in the
spring to meet reserve requirements. Mr. Hove talked about the #7 and #8 Burner Management and
Combustion Control and the Unit 7 Precipitator Retrofit projects. Mr. Hove said that the Grand
Avenue (U. S. 69) - 13.8 KV Line Relocation, slated for 2000/01, may prove challenging as attempts
are made to keep the lines overhead; to underground the lines would increase the cost of this project
immensely. He also covered the Alliant Utilities Interconnection project, which depends on Alliant
Utilities upgrading the current line from Marshalltown west to the Alliant Ames substation.
Paul Wiegand returned to discuss Arterial Street Rehabilitation, which includes Dayton Avenue,
North Dakota Avenue, Northwestern Avenue from 13th to 16th, Ridgewood Avenue, and
Northwestern Avenue from 6th to 9th. Mr. Wiegand explained the preliminary cost increase now
anticipated for Dayton Avenue Reconstruction, distributed a cost summary to the Council, and
informed them on funding possibilities.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to direct staff to proceed with the Dayton Avenue
Reconstruction project using the current estimated costs and revenue numbers and to explore
additional assessment opportunities.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mr. Wiegand explained the Asphalt Resurfacing project, the Elwood Drive Widening project
(Greenhills Drive to Oakwood Road), Collector Street Rehabilitation Program, the Neighborhood
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Curb Replacement Program, Cy-Ride Route Reconstruction; East Lincoln Way Widening (500' east
of Skunk River to I-35), the South Dakota Avenue Reconstruction (Todd Drive to north of U. S. 30),
State Avenue Widening (Lincoln Way to Arbor Street), West Lincoln Way Widening (Thackeray
Avenue to west corporate limits), 6th Street Reconstruction and Streetscape Improvements (Burnett
Avenue to Duff Avenue), and the South Duff Beautification Project. He told the Council about a new
project, Grand Avenue Extension (Lincoln Way to South 5th Street).
Judie Hoffman asked to have a reference made in the CIP to show that three years’ of funding at
$75,000/year had been combined in 1999/00 to complete the South Duff Avenue bike path; without
that reference, it appears that no monies were allocated for 2000/01 and 2001/02.
Concerning street maintenance, Mr. Wiegand explained the Slurry Seal program, the Seal Coat
Removal/Asphalt Reconstruction Program, Concrete Pavement Repair Program, Joint Sealing
Program, and the Sidewalk Safety Program, which are all annual projects. He also talked about the
Campustown Islands Improvements project and the 6th Street Bridge Rehabilitation project.
Mr. Wiegand said that the CBD Parking Lots west and east of Kellogg Avenue are the last two
parking lots targeted by the Public Parking Lot Rehabilitation Program; the proposed schedule for
their upgrading will be 2000/01 and 2001/02, respectively.
Airport Improvements were explained by Mr. Wiegand. He said a major portion of these
improvements will be paid from funding received through the FAA.
Bob Bourne, Director of Transit Operations, explained the four construction phases anticipated to
complete the CyRide Building Expansion and Modernization. It is hoped that federal grants will be
received to assist with funding. He also talked about Shop Equipment and Vehicle Replacement
projects, the Ontario Bus Turnaround, Vehicle Rehabilitation, Section 15 Software (if Ames’
population exceeds 50,000), and Global Positioning/Smart Cards.
Mr. Schainker stated that he had received the suggestion from Council Member Cross, and he is now
recommending, that funds be allocated for planning an Aquatics/Recreation Center and the Hallett’s
Quarry recreational area. He is recommended $35,000 be allocated for the Aquatics/Recreation
Center, and the amount for the Hallett’s area can be calculated and presented for the Council’s
approval at a later meeting.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to direct staff to allocate $35,000 from a yet-to-be-named
source for the planning of an Aquatics/Recreation Center.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to direct staff to allocate monies to be used for the planning
of Hallett’s Quarry recreational area; the amount and funding source to be named later.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks and Recreation, recapped the following projects: Municipal Pool
Maintenance, Squaw Creek Greenbelt System, Skate Park Construction, Homewood Golf Course
Improvements, Munn Woods Access Improvements, Park System Handicapped Accessibility
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Improvements, Playground/Park Equipment Improvements, Park System Bridges - Review and
Repair, Bandshell Building Renovation, Parks and Recreation Facility Maintenance, Park
Road/Parking Lot Improvements, Park System Shelter/Restroom Construction, Park
Acquisition/Development, and maintenance of the Community Center Gymnasium and Auditorium.
Ms. Carroll informed the Council about two new projects: Sand Volleyball Four-Court Complex and
improvements to Moore Memorial Park.
Discussion ensued about the construction of the Skate Park with Ms. Carroll conveying the results
of recent public meetings with the consultant.
Council Member Wirth left the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Mr. Schainker outlined the Building Maintenance, Automation Upgrade, and Bookmobile projects
for the Ames Public Library.
Improvements for City Hall, i.e., painting, replacement or repair of equipment, materials, and
mechanical system components were explained by Mr. Schainker. A new project, Basement
Renovation, was explained by Mr. Schainker. This proposed project is not included in the CIP, but
will be included in the current year’s Operating Budget. He told Council that they needed to be
thinking about expanding City Hall in the future.
Mr. Schainker said he was recommending that the Neighborhood Improvement Program be
continued. Mayor Tedesco suggested that the Program be expanded to include commercial design
incentives. Council Member Quirmbach asked that Council be informed as to how much funding has
been utilized in the past years.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Quirmbach, to direct staff to investigate the possibility of creating
Commercial Improvement Grants. Ms. Hoffman recommended that such Grants be targeted initially
to the Main Street area.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Lastly, Steve Schainker explained City Maintenance Facility Building and Site Improvements, i.e.,
fence repair, installation of gates, and landscaping.
Carol Collings, Budget Officer, distributed a revised Page VIII, “Projection of Bonding Capacity.”
COMMENTS: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to refer to staff the letter from the
Ames Chamber of Commerce requesting suspension of parking in the Central Business District on
February 3, 4, and 5, 2000, for “Dollar Days” event.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
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Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor