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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 04/13/1999MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA APRIL 13, 1999 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on the 13th day of April, 1999, 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, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, and Wirth. JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION: Chairperson Karin Sevde introduced the other Commission members present: Riad Mahayni, Steiner Silence, Kevin Buck, Dennis Keeney, Jim Prudhomme, and Bob Schafer. Ms. Sevde reviewed portions of the 1998 Annual Report. Council Member Wirth asked about the status of the Zoning Ordinance. Brian O’Connell, Director of Planning and Housing, stated that they are hoping to have it on the Council agenda for the first meeting in May. City Manager Steve Schainker reminded Council that there is an extensive public input process which will be necessary prior to the adoption of the revised zoning map. Riad Mahayni feels that the Commission sometimes has difficulty with controversial issues. He suggested that the Commission, Council, and staff visit with City organizations to educate them on planning and zoning issues so that when there are developments affecting their neighborhoods, they will be more aware of what the process entails. Mayor Tedesco pointed out that staff and Council representatives do meet regularly with staff from the Ames School District, Iowa State University, Story County Board of Supervisors, and other agencies to discuss common issues; however, that does not preclude the Commission from meeting with outside agencies. Council Member Cross asked if the Commission had been able to keep up with the demands of the public. Brian O’Connell stated that the pace and the number of requests coming to the Commission have been manageable. Steve Schainker reminded Council that the City has made provisions for administrative approval on a number of requests; therefore, Planning & Zoning Commission action on those is not necessary. RECOGNITION OF THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU) WOMENS BASKETBALL TEAM: Mayor Tedesco recognized each member of the ISU Womens Basketball Team and the coaching staff. He presented them with certificates and complimented them on their outstanding season. Coach Fennelly complemented his players and thanked the Council. PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY: Mayor Tedesco proclaimed April 22, 1999, as Arbor Day. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand accepted the proclamation. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: Linda Morische, representing the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Center, accepted a proclamation for National Volunteer Week, April 18 - 24, 1999. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK: Mayor Tedesco proclaimed April 11 - 17, 1999, as National Boys & Girls Club Week. Present from the Ames Boys & Girls Club were Andria Belle, Jessica Lawson, Anthony Hayes, Megan Sullivan, Shanda Metzler, Brian Jacobson, Brandon Heath, and James Linn. Ron Chieves, Club Advisor, accepted the proclamation. CONSENT AGENDA: Item 12 was pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Moved by Parks, seconded by Cross, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda: 1. Motion approving payment of claims 2. Motion approving minutes of regular meeting of March 23, 1999, and special meeting of March 30, 1999 3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and/or liquor licenses: a. Class C Liquor - Red Lobster, 1100 Buckeye Avenue 4. Motion directing City Attorney to prepare ordinance regarding parking prohibitions for the Ames Community Development Park (Phase 2) 5. Motion approving Public Art Commission’s proposed policy on artwork donations 6. RESOLUTION NO. 99-103 accepting completion of railroad construction at Barilla Plant 7. RESOLUTION NO. 99-105 authorizing matching funds for Iowa DOT Airport Grant 8. RESOLUTION NO. 99-106 approving extension of coal supply agreement thru August 31, 1999, with Powder River Coal Company 9. RESOLUTION NO. 99-107 approving plans and specifications for Reconstruction of Greens No. 4 and No. 7 at Homewood Golf Course; setting May 12, 1999, as bid due date and May 25, 1999, as date of public hearing and award of contract 10. RESOLUTION NO. 99-108 approving plans and specifications for 1999-2000 Slurry Seal Project; setting May 4, 1999, as bid due date and May 11, 1999, as date of public hearing and award of contract 11. RESOLUTION NO. 99-109 approving plans and specifications for 1999-2000 Seal Coat Reconstruction Project; setting May 4, 1999, as bid due date and May 11, 1999, as date of public hearing and award of contract 12. RESOLUTION NO. 99-110 approving Amendment to the Depot Developers Agreement with Main Street Station regarding removal of five reserved parking spaces Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. TELEMETRY SYSTEM FOR THE WATER PLANT: Steve Schainker advised that staff had anticipated this project would come in under $50,000 and approved administratively, however, bids came in higher. Tom Neumann, Water Department Director, detailed the benefits of the system proposed to be purchased. Moved by Parks, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-104 awarding a contract to Jetco, Inc. of Altoona, Iowa, for a Water Plant Radio Telemetry System in the amount of $69,729. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time. REQUEST FOR OUTDOOR SERVICE AREA FOR THE MEETING HOUSE, 823 WHEELER STREET, SUITE 4: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to approve the request for an Outdoor Service Area for the Meeting House, 823 Wheeler, Suite 4. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY DURING VEISHEA: Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to approve the request from Lee Kaiser for a fireworks display during VEISHEA (on the evening of April 17, 1999). Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ANNEXATION STUDY FOR THE WESTERN FRINGE AREA OF AMES: Brian O’Connell, Director of Planning & Housing, stated that in September 1998, Council directed a report be compiled detailing the implications of annexation in the western fringe areas of the City. He advised that this study has been completed by a consulting firm, Snyder & Associates, in conjunction with City staff. The four areas analyzed were: (1) Southwest Growth Area, (2) Northwest Growth Area, (3) Boundary Adjustment Area, and (4) West 2-Mile Area (in Boone County). Mr. O’Connell corrected an inaccuracy in the report 2 dealing with the West Two-Mile Area: It contains a total of 5,029 acres (not 3,300 acres). The City’s reasons for annexation, as stated by Mr. O’Connell, are: fringe development occurring adjacent to the corporate limits, issues arising with respect to orderly planning and extension of municipal services in the fringe area, and growth management. He pointed out the City’s annexation needs and reviewed population projections, land use projections, vacant land available, and the annual absorption rate. Staff is proposing that the Council refer the Annexation Study to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation from the Commission. Staff would expect the Study to be returned to the City Council by the end of May. At that time, Council would decide whether to proceed with Phase II, which would be a detailed study for the Southwest Growth Area and the Boundary Adjustment Area. Phase II would analyze costs, benefits, and municipal service delivery issues. Council Member Parks thinks that staff should look at a total approach for how land will be used, i.e., both industrial and residential. He believes that residential development will occur because of industrial growth and commercial services will expand because of residential growth. Mr. Parks pointed out that two areas not dealt with in this Study are Hallett’s Quarry and the Uthe Farm, which are immediately adjacent to the corporate limits of Ames to the north. He thinks staff should look at what the impact to the community would be if those areas were annexed. Mr. Parks doesn’t think that staff should only look at the Southwest Growth Area and the Boundary Adjustment Area, believing those to be the most logical, without looking at counterbalancing the cost benefits of other areas of the community. Council Member Hoffman stated that she had interpreted what staff was stating differently as far as the service area. She felt that Mr. O’Connell was pointing out that certain areas require different service capacities depending on the type of development. Council Member Quirmbach feels that the City should focus on a particular direction, not several directions at one time. He had hoped that this Study would elaborate on the development of West Lincoln Way to the Boone County line. Council Member Parks left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to refer the Annexation Study for the Western Fringe Area of the City of Ames to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PLANNED INDUSTRIAL (P-I) PLAN AMENDMENT FOR EXSEED GENETICS: This item was pulled from the agenda at the request of ExSeed Genetics. CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) FOR SOUTHERN HILLS INDUSTRIAL PARK, 2ND ADDITION: Brad Kuehl, Fox Engineering, Ames, on behalf of the developers, Marguerite Sevde, Randy Sevde, and Karin Sevde, requested that the sidewalk requirement proposed by staff be waived. They feel that it would be an undue expense for them in that this development is located in a General Industrial zone, and the sidewalks, if installed for their property, would not connect to any other sidewalks. Council Member Campbell asked what the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended. Brian O’Connell stated that Planning and Zoning did not recommend waiving the sidewalk requirement. Mr. Kuehl also addressed the fifth stipulation which staff was recommending be placed on this development, i.e., that no building permits be issued beyond a foundation for Lots 1 - 4 until the Final Plat is approved and Southern Hills Drive is installed. They are concerned about the street being fully installed prior to the developers being able to construct a building. After conferring with Public Works Director Paul Wiegand, Mayor Tedesco confirmed that an asphalt base course is 3 acceptable. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-111 approving the Conceptual Development Plan for Southern Hills Industrial Park, 2nd Addition, with the following stipulations: 1. That the City Council allow a 66-foot right-of-way for Southern Hills Drive. 2. That there be a note on the Administrative and Final Plats that there shall be no access to Lot 1 across Lots 7 and 8. 3. That sidewalks be installed on both sides of Southern Hills Drive. 4. That a no-parking ordinance be adopted for Southern Hills Drive at the time of the approval of the Final Plat. 5. That no building permits be issued beyond a foundation for Lots 1 - 4 until the Final Plat is approved and Southern Hills Drive is installed. 6. That a note be placed on the Final Plat stating that soil borings are required in areas within the site which have been identified by the City has having soils that make construction of buildings difficult. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. MECHANICAL LICENSES: Scott Stephan, 1317 Scott Circle, Ames, spoke as Chairperson of the Mechanical Board of Appeals. He explained the Board’s request for the City to proceed with requiring Mechanical Licenses. The Board feels that by making this requirement, the citizens will be assured that a contractor meets a certain level of competency standards. Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to request the City Attorney to draft an amendment to the Mechanical Code to establish licensing requirements. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PURCHASE OF PARK LAND SOUTH OF OAKWOOD ROAD: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-112 approving the site and authorizing staff to negotiate a contract for purchase of park land south of Oakwood Road. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. BIKE PATH EXTENSION TO SERVE NORTHRIDGE PARKWAY SUBDIVISION: Nancy Carroll, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, explained the recommendation of the staff and of the Parks and Recreation Commission to extend the 500' path in Moore Memorial Park approximately 60' from the adjacent homeowners’ property lines. She said this would include a connection to the Northridge Subdivision pathway that exists between the properties owned by Andy and Sue Amin and Tom and Michelle Randall. Ms. Carroll said that the Amins and the Randalls did not support this recommendation; they preferred to have the path approximately 200' from their property lines. Staff did not support that alternative because it would not be a direct route to Northridge Parkway Subdivision and staff questions how much actual usage it would receive. Tom Randall, 2406 Ridgetop Circle, Ames, expressed appreciation for staff considering the adjacent property owners’ concerns. His biggest concern is that the path will serve as a transportation path, not a recreational path. As such, it would receive a great deal of usage and excessive noise will be created. Mr. Randall stated that the Amins were not able to attend tonight’s meeting, so he read a letter from them to the Council. The Amins prefer that the path be constructed approximately 200' from their property line. The Randalls also prefer that option because it would be a more direct route to Moore Memorial Park. Council Member Campbell stated that this was the first time Council had heard of the property 4 owners having a concern about noise. Mr. Randall stated that Moore Memorial Park is utilized a great deal; it has become a hangout for many, many teenagers. They are concerned that the traffic leaving the Park would be channeled by their homes. John Baty, 2626 Ridgetop, Ames, spoke as a proponent to the bike path being constructed as per Alternative 1 (27' from the homeowners’ property lines). In his opinion, that would be the safest and most convenient route if a cyclist is going to the main part of town or the ISU Campus. Mr. Baty pointed out the steep rise as you go south of the wooden fence which would be necessary if Alternative 2 were recommended. He feels the path is necessary as a matter of convenience to cyclists; you cannot get to the existing path without crossing property owners’ yards. Mr. Baty stated that bike paths do not create noise; people create the noise, and that may require policing the area. Bob Steffes, 3109 Evergreen Road, Ames, a member of the Northridge Homeowners Association Board, spoke in favor of extending the bike path. The Board is not opposed to Alternative 1; however, due to the concerns of the adjacent property owners, they feel Alternative 2 is the best solution. Wilmer and Judy Bitz, 2412 Ridgetop Circle, Ames, spoke against the construction of the bike path. They referenced late-night activities which have occurred at Moore Memorial Park in the past. The Bitz’s feel that extending the bike path into the Park would only exacerbate the problem. Mr. Bitz stated that they were not aware when they purchased their property that there would be walkways or bike paths other than those that were existing at that time. Mr. and Mrs. Bitz are totally against Alternative 1. They think that people will view the path as a shortcut out of the Park; since the path is 8' wide, they fear automobiles will be driven on the path. If the path has to be constructed, they prefer it to be 200' from the homeowners’ property lines. They referenced the popularity of the pond in the Park and stated that this alternative would create the most direct route there. Mr. Bitz stated that he had also heard of people being intimidated to walk or bicycle past the Park if it were crowded; thus, this alternative would also address that concern. Council Member Wirth stated that she does not see this situation as being any different from other bike paths in town. She asked what the width standard was for bike paths. Paul Wiegand stated that it is 8'. Mr. Wiegand pointed out that there are a number of private walkways in the Northridge Subdivision which are maintained by the Homeowners Association, and they are substantially more narrow. Moved by Wirth to approve extending the pathway in Moore Memorial Park approximately 27' south of the homeowners’ property lines. Motion died for lack of a second. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-113 approving the construction of the 500' bike path extension into Moore Memorial Park to be located approximately 60' from the adjacent homeowners’ property lines in the Northridge Subdivision. Roll Call Vote: 4-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Quirmbach. Voting nay: Wirth. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to direct the Police Department to delegate the Community Liaison Officer to investigate complaints of noise in the area of Moore Memorial Park. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. NEW AND REVISED FEES FOR SIDEWALK PERMITS AND CURB OPENINGS: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-114 adopting new and revised fees for sidewalk permits and curb openings. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made 5 a portion of these minutes. HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-115 approving the Handicapped Parking Space Plan for the Downtown Business Area. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-116 to approve amendments to the Official Parking Meter Map. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. 1999-2000 CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM AND BUDGET: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-117 approving the Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Work Program and Budget. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON 1998-99 NEIGHBORHOOD CURB REPLACEMENT PROGRAM: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the hearing was closed. Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-118 awarding a contract to Manatt’s, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $48,007.30 for construction of the 1998-99 Neighborhood Curb Replacement Program. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON STREET LIGHTING MATERIALS FOR THE MAIN STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the hearing was closed. Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-119 awarding a contract to Fletcher-Reinhardt Co., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the amount of $168,856.94 for Street Lighting Materials for the Main Street Renovation Project. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE AMENDING SNOW ORDINANCE TO EXTEND COVERAGE OF SNOW REMOVAL IN DOWNTOWN DISTRICT: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance amending the snow ordinance to extend coverage of the snow removal area in the Downtown District. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an ordinance. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Cross, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3521 amending the snow ordinance to extend coverage of the snow removal area in the Downtown District. 6 Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE EXTENDING SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE PARKING RESTRICTION ON BURNETT AVENUE BY MEEKER SCHOOL: Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to pass on second reading an ordinance extending the school bus loading zone parking restriction on Burnett Avenue by Meeker School. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON SE THIRD STREET AND SE FIFTH STREET: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to pass on second reading an ordinance establishing parking restrictions on SE Third Street and SE Fifth Street. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE DESIGNATING PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON GRANT CIRCLE, WELBECK DRIVE, AND HYDE AVENUE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3520 designating parking prohibitions on Grant Circle, Welbeck Drive, and Hyde Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. COMMENTS: Moved by Cross, seconded by Campbell, to refer a letter from Rich Fellingham, President/CEO of the Iowa Special Olympics, to staff. Council Member Wirth pointed out that a copy of this letter had been distributed to Council during the budget hearings and they chose not to consider it. Vote on Motion: 2-3. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross. Voting nay: Hoffman, Quirmbach, Wirth. Motion failed. Mayor Tedesco informed Council that the Mayor’s Youth Committee is sponsoring the “Nice-Up” event to encourage homeowners to clean up and spruce up their property. Council Member Quirmbach thanked the staff who participated in finalizing an animal control issue on Ross Road. Council Member Hoffman issued an invitation to an informal reception to be held on April 18 at the Iowa House for the Slovakian Mayors. She reminded Council that the Slovakian Mayors will be visiting City Hall on Monday morning. CLOSED SESSION: Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to hold a closed session as provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, 1997, to discuss collective bargaining strategy. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to reconvene the regular meeting. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AMES AND THE PUBLIC, PROFESSIONAL, AND MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES LOCAL 2003 (POLICE UNIT): Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-120 approving the Agreement between the City of Ames and the Public, Professional, and Maintenance Employees Local 2003 (Police Unit). 7 Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. _________________________________ ________________________________________ Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor 8