HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 05/25/1999MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MAY 25, 1999
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on the 25th day of May, 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. Council
Member Quirmbach arrived at 6:37 p.m., and Council Member Wirth arrived at 6:40 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING WITH COMMERCIAL DESIGN WORKSHOP COMMITTEE:
Committee members present were Dave Carter, Diane Mayerfeld, John Homstead, Jamie Larson,
Matt Randall, and Mike Martin. Absent were Dick Roseland, John Hascall, John Snyder, Mary
Sand, and Chris Cook.
Mr. Carter, Chairperson of the Committee, presented a chronology of events from the formation
of the Committee to the present. He stated that volunteers were solicited to form a committee
to organize a Commercial Design Workshop, which was held last fall. The Committee then
formulated a draft proposal regarding commercial design guidelines. Council Member Cross
asked what the timetable was for their plan of action. Mr. Carter stated that the Committee
hopes to finalize the proposal by Fall 1999. They will be soliciting support from the various
groups represented by their membership and the community and ultimately will present the
proposal to the City Council.
Mayor Tedesco stated that the City Council needs to indicate if they desire the Committee to
proceed. Council Member Campbell pointed out that this was a self-established committee; it
was not appointed by the Council. Dave Carter said that it was important for the Committee to
know what the Council desires. Council Member Parks stated that his concern is more with a
committee that is not officially appointed by the Mayor and Council working with City staff to
set policy. Matt Randall said that design guidelines were to be created by the Committee;
establishing additional regulations was not their intent.
Council Member Cross asked what role the staff has played since the Workshop was held last
November. City Manager Steve Schainker stated that the staff had served in a resource role
only; they had not taken a leadership role. Council Member Wirth inquired as to how much staff
time had been involved. Mr. O’Connell advised that staff had spent ten and one-half hours
assisting the Committee between February thru April.
A concern was voiced by Council Member Parks that the Committee was headed towards
making policy decisions, noting that memos have been distributed on City letterhead. He
disagrees with the City being involved or serving in a support role. Jamie Larson stated that he
got involved in the Committee because he thought the City Council had sanctioned it. He
doesn’t feel that the Committee has a clearly defined mission.
Council Member Quirmbach stated that there does seem to be some basis for guidelines to be
developed, and he thinks that it is appropriate for persons, either official or unofficial, to work
on said guidelines. He would, however, be concerned about the City staff providing support for
a non-City-appointed committee.
Council Member Campbell feels that the commercial design guidelines are necessary and
believes that the confusion over what role the City staff is to play can be resolved. She said that
the importance of this Committee should in no way be diminished by the fact that Council has
not officially sanctioned it.
Mr. Carter pointed out that a memo distributed by Brian O’Connell was actually written by
members of the Commercial Design Workshop Committee; since it was distributed by Mr.
O’Connell, it was printed on City memo paper. Mr. Carter said he knows of no member of the
Committee who purported to be part of a City-appointed group.
Council Member Parks said persons with commercial design expertise need to serve on this
Committee. He feels that the Council needs to look at the representation of the Committee and
officially endorse its mission. Jamie Larson stated that the Committee has a very broad
constituency and a very broad list of topics. It is his opinion that direction needs to be given by
the Council. Mr. O’Connell said that the Council had stated their concerns pertaining to the
downtown area and had given direction to staff to involve representatives of those businesses
affected by the proposed redevelopment.
Mr. Carter said the guidelines to be proposed by the Committee would be general, not specific.
When specifics are ready to be discussed, he felt that the City should officially sanction a
committee or an expert. Council Member Wirth said that it would not be an efficient process
for this Committee or the City Council to pull together design guidelines. Council Member
Quirmbach stated that he doesn’t feel Council has enough information at this time to sanction
a committee to establish commercial design guidelines.
The meeting recessed at 7:12 p.m. and reconvened at 7:16 p.m.
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATING MEMBERS OF MAYOR’S YOUTH COMMITTEE:
Due to conflicts with their work schedules, Katherine Acker, Karsten Blackwelder, and Cherise
Rollins were unable to be present. The chairperson of the Mayor’s Youth Committee, Andrew
Goedeken, accepted the certificates on behalf of the graduating members.
RECOGNITION OF AAA SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL FROM SAWYER ELEMENTARY:
Cheryl Jensen, Coordinator of the Sawyer Elementary Patrol, was present. Mayor Tedesco
presented certificates to those members of the patrol who were present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Quirmbach requested that Item #8 be pulled from the
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Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to
approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1.Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving minutes of regular meeting of May 11, 1999
3. Motion approving renewal of the following beer permits and/or liquor licenses:
a.Class C Liquor - Boheme, 2900 West Street
4. RESOLUTION NO. 99-169 approving appointment of Steven Hall to Board of Plumbing
Examiners and Appeals
5. RESOLUTION NO. 99-171 authorizing City to join the Limited Liability Company and
authorizing City Manager to sign operational agreement regarding Seed Capital Fund
6. RESOLUTION NO. 99-172 approving renewal of contract with Keith Cooper & Sons, Inc.,
to provide street-sweeping services for FY 1999/2000
7. RESOLUTION NO. 99-173 approving renewal of contract with K. B. Cleaning to provide
custodial services for City Hall/Community Center for 1999/2000
8. RESOLUTION NO. 99-174 approving renewal of contract for installation of digital control
units for the load management program
9. RESOLUTION NO. 99-175 authorizing the payment of $15,939.83 to Economic
Development Commission for special projects
10. RESOLUTION NO. 99-176 approving the addition of one 70-watt sodium vapor light in Red
Oak/White Oak Commons
11. RESOLUTION NO. 99-177 authorizing staff to negotiate consultant services contract for
subdivision construction coordination
12. RESOLUTION NO. 99-178 approving Release of Contract and Lien for property located at
5409 Frost Drive in connection with the City’s Phase III Affordable Housing Program in
Bentwood Subdivision
13. RESOLUTION NO. 99-179 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 1999/00
Annual Residential Street Low-Point Drainage Improvements (Ash Avenue), setting June
16, 1999, as the bid due date and June 22, 1999, as date of public hearing and award of
contract
14. RESOLUTION NO. 99-180 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Power Plant
Chimney Demolition, setting July 1, 1999, as bid due date and July 13, 1999, as date of
public hearing and award of contract
15. RESOLUTION NO. 99-181 approving completion of Ames Community Industrial Park
Paving
16. RESOLUTION NO. 99-182 approving final plat for Southern Hills Subdivision, 2nd
Addition
17. Motion to refer request for annexation for Grand Harbor Development (Hallett’s Quarry) to
Planning & Zoning Commission.
18. RESOLUTION NO. 99-183 approving contract and bond for 1999-2000 Slurry Surface
Treatment Program
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
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STORY COUNTY EMPOWERMENT PROPOSAL AND REVISED POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES STATEMENT FOR ASSET: Council Member Quirmbach stated he is concerned
that the proposal appears to grant Story County the authority to appoint the representatives
to the Empowerment Board. He feels that the representatives should be appointed jointly by
the City and the County. Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt informed the Council
that there is some confusion at this time where Decat is going to be placed. She said that
representatives of the County have commented that they would welcome recommendations
as to whom should serve on the Empowerment Board. Ms. Lundt said a key element is that
liability coverage would also be the responsibility of the County if they were the appointing
authority. She went on to state that empowerment legislation has historically made counties
the primary fiscal agent and the appointing authority. Regarding the liability question, if the
representatives were appointed jointly by the City and County, Mr. Quirmbach asked if they
could be covered only by the County. City Attorney John Klaus said that he would need to
research that question before issuing an opinion.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-170 approving
the Story County Empowerment Proposal and revised Policies and Procedures for ASSET.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Parks, to request that the City Attorney research the
liability question in regard to joint appointees.
Vote on Motion 3-3. Voting aye: Quirmbach, Parks, Wirth. Voting nay: Campbell,
Hoffman, Cross. After the tie vote, Mayor Tedesco voted nay. Motion failed.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke during this time.
FIREWORKS FOR IOWA GAMES: Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to approve the request
for a permit to display fireworks on the south side of Jack Trice Stadium on July 16, 1999,
for Iowa Games.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared unanimously carried.
FIREWORKS FOR IOWA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS: Moved by Wirth,
seconded by Cross, to approve the request for a permit to display fireworks at Iowa State
Center on June 17, 1999, for Iowa Truck Driving Championships.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared unanimously carried.
SOUTHERN HILLS SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION: Council Member Parks stated that he
had received a call from Karen Sevde asking the Council to discuss the sidewalk requirement
for Southern Hills Subdivision. Mr. Parks had intended to request that item be pulled from
the Consent Agenda, however, inadvertently had not done so.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to reconsider Item 20: “Resolution approving
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final plat for Southern Hills Subdivision, 2nd Addition.”
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Karen Sevde, 1021 Airport Road, Ames, asked the Council to reconsider the sidewalk issue:
requiring sidewalks to be installed on both the north and south side of this property. She
informed the Council that sidewalks, if installed on the south side, would lead to a retention
pond and their storage units; however, due to safety concerns, the owners prefer not to have
public access to those areas. Ms. Sevde is requesting that if sidewalks are required, they
only be required on the north side, which would serve the businesses, rather than going
around the cul-de-sac (going east from Riverside Drive). Public Works Director Paul
Wiegand showed a map of the area in question.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt a resolution approving the final plat for
Southern Hills Subdivision, 2nd Addition, as recommended by staff, which required
sidewalks be installed on both the north and south side.
Roll Call Vote: 0-6. Motion failed.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Quirmbach, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-182 approving
the final plat for Southern Hills Subdivision, 2nd Addition, requiring sidewalks be installed
only on the north side of the development, with the stipulation that if the lots on the south
side were redeveloped, sidewalks would be required to be installed.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW SIGN IN CBD LOT FOR DOWNTOWN
FARMERS’ MARKET: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to approve the request by
Robert Karp, representing the Downtown Farmers’ Market, for an encroachment permit to
allow a sign to be placed on City-owned property in the Central Business District Parking
lot.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW SIGN IN CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY AT 120
HAYWARD: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Cross, to approve the request by Mark Kassis and
Terry Lowman, owners of Pizza Kitchens, for an encroachment permit to allow a sign to be
placed in the City right-of-way at 120 Hayward.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR MONETARY SUPPORT FROM IOWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Moved by
Quirmbach, seconded by Hoffman, to commit $2,500 from City funds contingent upon the
Economic Development Commission (EDC), Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), and
Chamber of Commerce each agreeing to contribute $2,500.
Council Member Campbell stated that she did not feel it was appropriate for the City to serve
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as a fund-raising advocate for special events. She requested that whomever the City’s
representatives are on the EDC discuss guidelines for funding special activities at their next
meeting. Council Member Cross said that it is difficult to decide which conventions should
get support from the City. He feels that perhaps the ACVB should be the source of funding
since the City provides funding in excess of $300,000 annually to that agency to assist with
these types of special events.
Council Member Quirmbach withdrew his original motion.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-184 approving
a commitment from the City in the amount of $2,500 to be paid from Fiscal Year 1998/99
Hotel/Motel Tax balance and recommend consideration of a similar donation by the other
three agencies: EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and ACVB.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to amend the motion to eliminate requesting the EDC
and Chamber of Commerce to provide a similar donation; only to request that the ACVB
match the City’s contribution.
Vote on Amendment: 4-2. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks. Voting nay:
Quirmbach, Wirth. Motion declared carried.
Council Member Wirth stated that she remains opposed to the request by the Special
Olympics because it should have been dealt with at budget time.
Vote on amended motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach.
Voting nay: Wirth. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a
portion of these minutes.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Quirmbach to request that the Council’s representatives
to the ACVB discuss funding of conventions held in the City and come back with a
recommendation to the Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON RECONSTRUCTION OF GREENS NO. 4 AND NO. 7 AT HOMEWOOD
GOLF COURSE: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to
testify, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to reject the bid of Atco Enterprise, Inc., and direct
staff to review this project and determine what other options exist to accomplish the
construction of Greens 4 and 7 at Homewood Golf Course.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 1999 LIME SLUDGE DISPOSAL PROJECT: Mayor Tedesco declared the
hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the hearing was closed.
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Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Campbell, to receive the report of bids and delay award
of contract to provide time for additional discussions with the low bidder.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON SELLING A PORTION OF VACATED ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY IN
WOODLAND PARK SUBDIVISION: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being
no one wishing to testify, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-185 approving
the sale and conveyance by the City to a part of vacated alley abutting Lot 7 in Woodland
Park Addition to Max and Monica Porter for $317.48.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON TERMINAL APRON IMPROVEMENTS (1998/99 AIRPORT
IMPROVEMENTS): Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to
testify, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to accept the report of bids, direct staff to submit
a grant application for the base bid project cost, and defer award of the project until an FAA
grant is approved.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 1998/99 CLEAR WATER DIVERSION 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. 99-186 final plans and
specifications and award of contract to Ames Trenching & Excavating of Ames, Iowa, in the
amount of $69,510.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON NUISANCE ASSESSMENT: Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There
being no one wishing to testify, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-187 approving the
assessment of costs of snow/ice removal for property at 3712 Ontario Street and directing
the certification of same to the County Treasurer.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON FINAL AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 1998/99 BUDGET: Carol
Collings, Budget Officer, informed Council that the final amendments reflect an additional
$180,000 being expended from the Hotel/Motel Tax balance for the Main Street
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Reconstruction Project. The costs of the Special Election, estimated at $10,000, have also
been removed from that balance. Ms. Collings alerted the Council that the storm sewer issue
will need to be addressed by July 2000. Currently, the charge to citizens is $1.25/month;
however, an additional $50,000 was needed for repair of storm sewer intakes (which drew
down the balance). A 9% balance in that fund is not adequate; therefore, a request for an
increase in the fee will be forthcoming. She informed the Council that a compressor went
down at the current Ice Arena and revenues were lost when the Arena had to be closed; the
repair and the loss in revenues totaled approximately $30,000. An additional compressor
needed repair at a cost of $14,000, and the reserve balance had to be tapped for this expense.
Regarding health insurance, Ms. Collins stated that the last increase (July 1998) was
absorbed by the fund balance, and it was planned that the projected increase to occur on July
1, 1999, would also be absorbed. The Risk Manager is reviewing proposals of different
insurance carriers; this may result in as much as a 40% increase. Council was told by Ms.
Collings that the Local Option Fund has a balance of $250,000 (beyond the quarter that is
reserved).
Mayor Tedesco declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the
hearing was closed.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-188 approving the
amendments to the budget for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1999.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
DISCUSSION OF SANITARY SEWER SURCHARGE PROGRAM REVISIONS: Winnie
Gleason and KarlaTebbin, Environmental Engineers at the Water & Pollution Control Plant,
gave a presentation explaining the reasons behind the revisions to the Sanitary Sewer
Surcharge Program. They were requesting: (1) to revise the Surcharge Program to be able
to improve sampling and billing efficiency, (2) for an increase in rates to recover the true
cost of treatment, (3) to modify the ordinance to reflect the changes made, and (4) to put in
place a procedure to review the costs of treatment as they relate to the surcharge at least
every three years.
Council Member Cross asked the amount of funds which would be raised through an
increase to the surcharge. Tom Neumann, Water Plant Director, stated that $13,000-$14,000
revenue would be generated annually from the increase to the surcharge.
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 regarding the
Sanitary Sewer Surcharge Program revisions.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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XENIA RURAL WATER DISTRICT REQUEST: Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to
confirm that the City does not intend to provide water service within a specified portion of
the City’s western two-mile fringe and to inform Xenia Rural Water District that they are
free to provide rural water service to customers within that area as proposed in their request
originally dated December 9, 1998.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SALE AND ISSUANCE OF $4,045,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE
BONDS: David Dirks, Evensen Dodge, Inc., informed the Council that seven bids were received.
The successful bidder was Midwest Capital Management/Brenton Bank (4.3101%).
Moved by Cross, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-189 providing for
the sale and issuance of $4,045,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds to
Midwest Capital Management/Brenton Bank.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PURCHASE OF PARCEL “D” SOUTH OF OAKWOOD ROAD FOR USE AS PARK LAND
FROM FLOYD AND ANNA CHRISTOFFERSON AND BEVERLY FERGUSON:
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-190 approving the
purchase of Parcel “D” south of Oakwood Road for use as park land from Floyd and Anna
Christofferson and Beverly Ferguson in the amount of $80,190.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
ICE ARENA: Council Member Quirmbach asked what will happen to the capital and operating
fund balances in the transition. Steve Schainker stated that the obligation remains unchanged for
the City and University to each commit $20,000 to capital reserves, and the existing balance
in that fund will rollover to the new facility. He advised that new rates to cover operating
costs and to generate a sufficient reserve will need to be determined. Mr. Schainker said that
clarification is needed on what will happen to the existing operating fund balance as he does
not believe that issue was addressed in any of the three Agreements which Council is being
asked to approve at this meeting. Council Member Parks suggested that that issue be an
agenda item in the future.
Mr. Quirmbach also had a concern about the distribution of property should a decision be
made to close the facility within the first 30 years. He said that the agreement states a
straight-line depreciation method would be used to calculate reimbursement. Mr. Quirmbach
pointed out that the City’s ability to recoup the amount for improvements is equal to only
one-third, no matter what date the improvements were made. If several years into this
Agreement, improvements are needed, Mr. Quirmbach recommended that the terms of the
Agreement be re-examined and an attempt made to renegotiate.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-191 approving the
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Easement Agreement with Iowa State University regarding the new Ice Arena.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-192 approving the
Development Agreement with Iowa State University regarding the new Ice Arena.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-193 approving the
Joint Use Agreement with Iowa State University regarding the new Ice Arena.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) FOR STAGE COACH SUMMIT: Moved
by Wirth, seconded by Cross, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 99-194 approving the CDP for
Stage Coach Summit, a replat of Lot 4, except Parcel “D,” of Arnold Acres in Story County.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDED PLANNED INDUSTRIAL (P-I) PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2901
SOUTH LOOP DRIVE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
99-195 approving the amended P-I Plan to allow the construction of Phase II Multi-Tenant
Building #3 located at 2901 South Loop Drive in the Iowa State Research Park with the
following stipulation:
a. Evidence of the granting of an exception by the Research Park Board of Directors
to allow the construction of a loading dock on a side of the building that faces a
street and approval by the Board of the screening of the loading dock from public
view must be received by the City of Ames Department of Planning and Housing
prior to the issuance of building permits for Phase II of Multi-Tenant Building #3.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting
Nay: None. Abstaining: Parks. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
The meeting recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
REPORT ON LIGHTING ORDINANCE: Brian O’Connell gave a report on the proposed
Lighting Ordinance. He stated that revisions were made as a result of the meeting with the
Chamber of Commerce; those revisions represent a significant change in the Ordinance. With
the removal of the maximum lighting levels, Mr. O’Connell pointed out that the essence of the
Ordinance is now to regular the direction of lighting and not intensity of lighting.
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LeeAnne Willson, 530 Forest Glen, Ames, spoke about the impact of lighting on an astronomy
research program at Iowa State University. She said that approximately 1,000 students/year
participate in the program, and the direction of lighting plays an important part in their being
able to see the stars.
Jack Troeger, 1009-16th Street, Ames, expressed his concerns about the approach being taken;
he wishes to work on this issue in a positive manner without requiring lights to be turned off.
He does have concerns about the proposed ordinance because it contains a grandfather clause.
Mr. Troeger pointed out that good lighting attracts customers and is aesthetically pleasing. He
urged citizens to step forward and compliment business owners and City officials when they
recognize good lighting.
Ed Engle, 3912 Brookdale Circle, Ames, stated that two issues he feels need to be addressed
are aesthetics and safety. He believes an ordinance is needed; merely having guidelines would
not be beneficial.
David Oesper, 1208 Wilson Avenue, Ames, spoke as a proponent of the new Lighting
Ordinance. He emphasized that education of the public needs to occur. When lighting is done
properly, Mr. Oesper pointed out that there is a potential for energy savings. He does not
believe that the Ordinance will create a hardship for people; many problems can be averted
through the plan review process. Although he supports light-level restrictions, Mr. Oesper
feels that this Ordinance is a good start.
David Maahs, 1007 Vermont Circle, Ames, spoke on behalf of the Ames Chamber of
Commerce, stating that it is their desire to have guidelines, rather than an ordinance. Mr.
Maahs had received a call from a business owner concerned about whether lights shining on
a building to show its architectural features would be allowed.
Mayor Tedesco asked if a permit was required if a property owner was going to change the
lighting at their residence. Eden Schmitt, City Planner, stated that a permit would be needed,
however, lighting permits are currently required.
Bob James, manager of the Cyclone Truck Stop, Ames, believes that there should not be a
Lighting Ordinance because of safety concerns, both in business and residential districts.
Roy Spritzer, 304 E. Lincoln Way, #1, Ames, has concerns about the light levels. He believes
that the City should place a cap on light levels. Mr. Spritzer would like to have the Chamber
of Commerce think about lighting design and work together with the businesses. He feels that
the problem of escalating light levels has been driven by businesses coming in from out of
town; they feel the same level is needed in Ames as is needed in bigger cities. Although he
would like to see light levels regulated, Mr. Spritzer is pleased to see the regulations pertaining
to the direction of lighting.
Earl Franz, 307 Orange, Ames, is concerned about businesses competing with each other and
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over-illuminating.
Council Member Cross said that the Ordinance, as redrafted, is good, however, perhaps
guidelines need to be included as well to assist business people.
Council Member Hoffman feels the City definitely needs to have regulations pertaining to the
direction of lighting.
Council Member Wirth also feels that the City definitely needs to be regulating the light. She
feels the Ordinance, as redrafted, is too weak.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the Lighting Ordinance as recommended
by the Planning & Zoning Commission, which includes intensity, glare, and direction; and
schedule the first reading at the next Council meeting.
Vote on Motion: 2-3. Voting aye: Wirth, Quirmbach. Voting nay: Cross, Parks, Campbell.
Not Voting: Hoffman. Motion failed.
Council Member Parks feels that it would have more impact to first pass regulations pertaining
to the direction of lighting; it would not accomplish anything greater to regulate intensity and
glare.
City Attorney John Klaus pointed out that the Ordinance does not relate just to the direction
of lighting, but has a feature [Section 29.908(4)] which requires all outdoor lighting to be
turned off between Midnight and sunrise in the commercial, industrial or multi-family areas.
This Section also allows for some exceptions, which may cause conflicts.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to recommend the Lighting Ordinance as redrafted
and presented to the Lighting Task Force.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Cross, to amend the motion to recommend the Lighting
Ordinance as redrafted and presented to the Lighting Task Force, but striking Section
29.908(4).
Vote on Amendment: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Vote on Amended Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION OF STAFF’S CONCEPT OF NEW URBAN REVITALIZATION
PROGRAM: Moved by Cross, seconded by Parks, to table Item 41a.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Campbell, Cross, Parks, Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting nay:
Hoffman. Motion declared carried.
STRATEGY FOR TERMINATING EXISTING URBAN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM:
Brian O’Connell explained the “exit strategy” for terminating the existing Urban
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Revitalization Program.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Parks, to approve the strategy for terminating the existing
Urban Revitalization Program.
City Attorney Klaus pointed out an important feature of the new strategy is that the City may
have a large number of small temporary transition areas. There is a requirement that a lot must
have either two buildings on it or two lots must have two buildings on them (per the
Department of Revenue Administrative Code).
Council Member Quirmbach withdrew his motion.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Parks, to accept the “exit strategy” proposed by City staff
to repeal the ordinances creating Urban Revitalization Areas No. 1, 2, 4, and 5; setting the
deadline to accept applications for participation in the Urban Revitalization Program for URAs
1, 2, 4, and 5 as June 30, 1999; and setting the last day that building construction must be
completed to be eligible for tax abatement as August 31, 2000.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 4.8(4) AND 26.42 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL
CODE: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Campbell, to pass on first reading an ordinance
amending Sections 4.8(4) and 26.42 of the Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE: Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth,
to amend the proposed Subdivision Ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Cross, seconded by Quirmbach, to pass on third reading and adopt SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE NO. 3524.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON PORTIONS OF BELL AVENUE AND SE
FIFTH STREET IN THE AMES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARK: Moved by
Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3525
prohibiting parking on portions of Bell Avenue and SE Fifth Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to refer the letter from the
Interfraternity Council dated May 14, 1999, regarding their request to sponsor an outdoor
concert to be held in the “DZ Triangle” to staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Parks, to direct staff to discuss with the representatives
of the University how Ice Arena balances during the transition to the new facility will be
handled.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Quirmbach, seconded by Wirth, to place the request from Ames Post No. 37 to
renew their encroachment permit and allow reinstallation of the flag pole at 225 Main Street
on the next agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Wirth shared information about Cynthia Duff operating a lunch stand in the
area now known as the Douglas Avenue walk-thru. Given the significance of Cynthia Duff
to the community, she suggested naming that walk-thru in Ms. Duff’s honor.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to name the Douglas Avenue walk-thru “Cynthia
Duff Plaza” and request that the Public Art Commission incorporate purchasing appropriate
art depicting Ms. Duff’s contribution to the community for that Plaza.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk Ted Tedesco, Mayor
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