HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board and the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 02/09/1999MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
AND OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 9, 1999
The regular meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairperson Ted Tedesco
at 6:30 p.m. on February 9, 1999. Present from the Ames City Council were: Cross, Hoffman,
Parks, Quirmbach, and Wirth. Present from the Story County Board of Supervisors were:
Halliburton, Mathison, and Whitmer. Present from the Ames School Board were: Summers,
Bastiaans, Davis, and Ringlee.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Summers, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the
minutes of the February 24, 1998, Conference Board meeting.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO FY 1998/99 BUDGET FOR AMES CITY ASSESSOR’S
OFFICE: Richard Horn explained that the payment for services regarding the digital aerial
photo project was done in phases. Only $20,185 of the $62,500 was actually paid in FY 1997-
98; thus, the balance of last year’s estimate plus the remaining cost of the project will need to
be paid during the 1998-99 FY. Mr. Horn, therefore, recommended increasing the line item for
"Aerial Photos - Map Project" by $16,152; said amount to be paid from existing balances in
other line items.
Moved by Summers, seconded by Cross, to adopt the proposed amendment to the FY 1998/99
budget for the Ames City Assessor’s Office.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF ASSESSOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS: The City Assessor’s Annual
Report had been distributed to the Conference Board for their review prior to this meeting.
Richard Horn stated that the budget he was proposing for the 1999-2000 FY had not changed
from what was contained in the Annual Report.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Whitmer, to approve the recommendations of the City
Assessor pertaining to the proposed FY 1999/2000 budget for the Ames City Assessor’s Office.
Moved by Summers, seconded by Whitmer, to amend the motion to show a 4% increase to the
City Assessor’s salary instead of a 4.9% increase. Discussion was held on the reasons for
recommending 4%. Mr. Whitmer stated that the Mini Board met tonight and the
recommendation of a 4% increase in salaries was discussed.
Vote on Amendment: 3-0. Amendment declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Summers, seconded by Whitmer, to amend the motion to show a 4% increase to the
Deputy City Assessor’s salary instead of a 4.8% increase. This would set an upper range on the
salary for the position, which is now vacant.
Vote on Amendment: 3-0. Amendment declared carried unanimously.
Vote on Amended Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Summers, to receive the proposed budget.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Ringlee, to set 6:30 p.m. on February 23, 1999, as the date of
public hearing on the proposed FY 1999-2000 City Assessor’s budget.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Summers, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-39 approving the
reappointment of John Thurston to the Board of Review.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Cross, seconded by Summers, to adjourn the Conference Board
meeting at 6:45 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER: 6:50 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Council Member Parks requested to have Item #12 pulled for separate consideration. Moved by
Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to reconsider the motion and approve the Consent Agenda minus Item
#12.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving minutes of special meeting of January 23, 1999, and regular meeting of January
26, 1999
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Beer - Kwik Shop #540, 2700 Lincoln Way
b. Class C Beer - Swift Stop #1, 412 S. Duff
c. Class C Liquor - Friend’s, 115 Main Street
4. Motion authorizing staff to respond to inquiry by City of Huxley regarding the sale of treated water
5. RESOLUTION NO. 99-40 approving award of contract for the period of March 1, 1999, through
June 30, 2000, for Sodium Hypochlorite for the Ames Municipal Water Plant to ACCO Unlimited
of Johnston, Iowa, in the amount of $0.65 per ton for a total estimated cost of $45,500
6. RESOLUTION NO. 99-41 approving completion of the East 13th Street Bike Path
7. RESOLUTION NO. 99-42 approving request to subordinate the second mortgage lien for 5422
Norris in connection with the City’s Phase III Affordable Housing Program in the Bentwood
2
Subdivision
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
INDICATION OF SUPPORT FOR THE IOWA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES’
EFFORT TO ENACT IOWA LEGISLATION THAT PERMITS MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENTS TO ESTABLISH A TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY: Council Member
Parks stated that he was not necessarily opposed to an indication of support, but feels that
additional information is needed on what it is the City would be endorsing before a resolution
is passed on this issue. Discussion was held on whether the City of Ames should indicate
support for this issue when Ames is not contemplating establishing a telecommunications utility.
Council Member Hoffman stated that she believed this was a home rule issue.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Cross, to request additional information from the Iowa
Association of Municipal Utilities on this issue prior to endorsing its efforts.
Vote on Motion: 3-2. Voting aye: Parks, Quirmbach, Cross. Voting nay: Hoffman, Wirth.
Motion declared carried.
PUBLIC FORUM: Carl Pannkuk, 1510 Little Bluestem Court, Ames, requested that the City
give some consideration to increased and better lighting at the intersection of Beach Avenue and
Mortensen Parkway. He stated that some of the light poles in that vicinity had been knocked
down during the winter’s snowstorms and not replaced. Mr. Pannkuk also credited the Parks
& Recreation Department for the creation of the frisbee golf course. He stated that the course
is adjacent to his back yard, and it has been a pleasant experience for him to see how the usage
of the course has grown.
REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN AT S. 17TH STREET AND GOLDEN ASPEN DRIVE: Moved
by Wirth, seconded by Quirmbach, to deny the request for a stop sign to be placed at S. 17th
Street and Golden Aspen Drive. Council Member Cross indicated that he felt it was appropriate
to place a stop sign at the requested location since it is a rapidly growing area.
Vote on Motion: 3-2. Voting aye: Quirmbach, Hoffman, Wirth. Voting nay: Parks, Cross.
Motion declared carried.
Matt Randall, 303 Welch, Ames, was present and asked to speak on his reasons for requesting
the stop sign. He stated that S. 17th Street and Golden Aspen Drive is not a 90-degree-angled
intersection, and they have some real safety concerns with motorists who speed in that area.
Council Member Quirmbach asked for police enforcement of the speed limit at that location.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Quirmbach, to refer to staff to review this issue in six months.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A WATER AND SEWER
UTILITY CONNECTION FEE DISTRICT IN THE VICINITY OF FREEL DRIVE/E.
LINCOLN WAY: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. Mildred Lange, 1518 E. Lincoln
3
Way, Ames, explained to the Council that property her family owns will be affected by this
proposed ordinance. Their property is in the City limits and they do pay City of Ames’ taxes.
Mrs. Lange asked for an explanation of how the connection fees were calculated. Paul Wiegand,
Public Works Director, stated that the proposed fees were directly related to the cost of
installation of water and sewer utilities. He said that the fees are payable only upon connection
to the utilities. The hearing was closed.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance establishing a water
and sewer utility connection fee district in the vicinity of Freel Drive/E. Lincoln Way.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A WATER AND SEWER
UTILITY CONNECTION FEE DISTRICT IN THE VICINITY OF SE 16TH STREET:
Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the hearing
was closed.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance establishing a water
and sewer utility connection fee district in the vicinity of SE 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA: Council
Member Wirth stated that she had been contacted by members of the Main Street District
Committee who had some concerns about the proposed Handicapped Parking Space Plan for the
Downtown Business Area.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to table this item and direct staff to meet with the Main
Street District Committee before bringing the Plan back to Council.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ANNUAL POLE RENTAL FEES ON CITY-OWNED POLES: Jacob Chacko, City Electric
Engineer, presented justification for the request to increase the annual pole rental fees on City-
owned poles to $18.95. He also asked Council to direct staff to renegotiate the existing
agreements with U. S. West, Inc., and TCI.
Council Member Parks asked what portion of the maintenance costs per pole the City was
recovering. Mr. Chacko stated that each foreign utility is being asked to pay a rental fee on 5.33
ft.
Lori Owens, representing McLeod USA, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was present. A letter expressing
the position of McLeod USA on this issue was distributed to Council. Ms. Owens stated that the
range of other pole attachment fees in Iowa is $8 - $10/pole. She explained that McLeod’s
position is that the 40" should be allocated among all attaching entities and that the proposed
$18.95 fee being proposed by Ames is excessively high.
4
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-43 approving
increasing the annual pole rental fees on City-owned poles to $18.95 and directing staff to
renegotiate the existing agreements with U.S. West, Inc., and TCI.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
RECREATION FACILITIES MASTER PLAN: Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks & Recreation,
introduced Beth Cross, Brian Espeland, Linda Emmerson, Jean Hagert Dow, Barb Peterson,
David Ferree, and Chuck Glotfelty, who are members of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Ms. Carroll explained the proposed public input process to be used to create the Recreation
Facilities Master Plan. She described the goals, components of the process, timeframe, budget,
and end product which staff and the Commission are asking Council to approve.
Council Member Hoffman asked if there would be some mechanism included to find out what
the priorities are of the respondents to the questionnaire and how they feel about paying for the
recreational facilities. Ms. Carroll stated that this had been contemplated; however, they did not
want to limit the respondents’ thinking by including a statement about costs. Steve Schainker,
City Manager, stated that if the Council wants that question addressed in the questionnaire, they
need to make that direction to staff. Council Member Cross recommended bringing in the issue
of cost during the meetings with the focus groups.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to incorporate the cost factor during the meetings
with the focus groups.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Nancy Carroll informed the Council that the Parks & Recreation Commission has asked the City
Manager to contact Nick Johns, Superintendent of the Ames School District, to request a
meeting between the Commission and the School Board. The intent of this meeting is to inform
the Board of the City’s efforts to create a Recreation Facilities Master Plan by Fall 1999 and to
discuss what additional facility partnering opportunities may exist in light of both the City’s and
the District’s long-range planning efforts.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-44 approving the
proposed public input process, timeframe, and budget for the Recreation Facilities Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AT BANDSHELL PARK: Nancy Carroll reminded the Council that
the cost to renovate the lower level of the Bandshell building and install landscaping is estimated
at $460,000. She explained that the Bandshell Restoration Committee, headed by Helene Adams,
has received a little less than $100,000 in private contributions to date. Steve Schainker advised
the Council that they are being asked to endorse the philosophy of allowing general naming
opportunity projects for the Bandshell Park restoration, and if similar fund-raising activities are
requested in the future, each will be heard on its own merits.
5
Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-45 endorsing the
philosophy of allowing general naming opportunity projects to raise private contributions to help
finance public sector projects.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING CODE: Brian O’Connell, Director of Planning and Housing, presented
the staff report on the proposed lighting ordinance. Mayor Tedesco asked if there were any areas
of the Ames community which currently conform to the proposed regulations voluntarily. Mr.
O’Connell advised that there are a number of properties which have voluntarily conformed if
citizens wanted to drive through that area to see an example.
Council Member Wirth referred to the letter which had been received from David Maahs,
Executive Director of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and stated that she would like to see
the changes requested by the Chamber regarding business signs, monument sign lighting, and
the grandfathering clause incorporated into the ordinance. Council Member Hoffman concurred.
Council Member Parks asked if all members of the Lighting Task Force had agreed with the
language of the proposed ordinance. Rick Thompson, 3415 Eisenhower, Ames, a member of
the Task Force and owner of many convenience stores, stated that he is not a proponent of the
ordinance. He informed the Council that the type of lighting fixture which the maintenance store
industry is going to is not one that is being approved in the lighting ordinance. Mr. Thompson
said that their patrons have expressed a desire for more lighting due to safety concerns.
Council Member Parks asked for crime statistics to be received from communities that have a
lighting code. He would also like to know how the communities with a lighting code rank them
-- is the code strict or more liberal, and has the code been effective. Mr. Parks requested to have
more information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, which is the group
establishing the standards. Council Member Cross would also like to know how the ordinance
being proposed for Ames compares to those enacted in other communities.
Dave Oesper, 1208 Wilson Avenue, Ames, stated that he believes the proposed ordinance
provides for good lighting with a low degree of glare. He thinks that putting some cap on light
levels is a good idea. Council Member Parks asked if any other Iowa communities have a
Lighting Code. Mr. Oesper stated that we would be the first if this issue were passed; however,
Iowa City is in the first stages of creating one. He recommended that the cities who do have a
Lighting Code be contacted.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to refer the proposed Lighting Ordinance to the
Planning & Zoning Commission incorporating the three recommendations requested by the
Chamber of Commerce pertaining to business signs, monument signs, and the grandfathering
clause.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to amend the motion to also include a definition in
6
Section 29.911(2) of the word, “objectionable,” and in Section 29.911(3) of a number of feet in
lieu of the word, “near;” a clarification in Sections 29.904 and 29.905(1) on whether it is a total
of all lumens or bulb by bulb; a clarification in the language in Section 29.905, as Paragraphs
1 and 5 appear to conflict; and a clarification as to what is meant by “ ‘as close as possible’ to
the federally required minimum lumen output requirement...”.
Vote on Amendment: 5-0. Amendment declared carried unanimously.
Vote on Amended Motion: 3-2. Voting aye: Hoffman, Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting nay: Parks,
Cross. Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE APPROVING TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO SECTION 29.10, “HOME
OCCUPATIONS,” OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to
pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3515 approving a technical amendment to
Section 29.10, “Home Occupations,” of the Zoning Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS ON STANGE ROAD FROM 24TH STREET
TO BLOOMINGTON ROAD: Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to pass on third reading and
adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3516 designating speed limits on Stange Road from 24th Street to
Bloomington Road.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to direct staff to check the lighting at
Beach Avenue and Mortensen Parkway and replace any poles that are down.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Parks, to refer to staff the request from the developers of
Somerset Village to allow the rear-yard setback to be reduced from 30' to 20' and the garage
side-yard setbacks to be reduced from 5' to 0'.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to refer to staff the request of Fox Engineering on
behalf of ExSeed Genetics to allow for a revision to their Planned Industrial site plan regarding
access to Elwood Drive.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Parks, to accept the staff’s recommendations concerning
dividing the Urban Revitalization decisions into two meetings: February 23 and March 11.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
7
Council Member Wirth discussed being invited to two meetings with the Story County Planning
& Zoning Commission concerning their land use plan process; however, both meetings
conflicted with Council budget hearing dates. She feels that communication between the City
and the County on land use is very critical.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, that a joint meeting between the Story County Board
of Supervisors/their Planning & Zoning staff and the City Council/Ames Planning staff be set
to discuss development of land on the fringes of Ames.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to place the issue of the City’s support of the “1897
Litigation” on the February 23, 1999, agenda.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
8