HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/07/1997OFFICIAL MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
JANUARY 7, 1997
The Ames City Council met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on the 7th day of January, 1997, in
the City Council Chambers in the City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa, pursuant to law
with Mayor Larry R. Curtis presiding and the following Council Members present: Campbell,
Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, Tedesco, and Wirth.
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
AMES CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT: Ames Convention
and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Rich Harter distributed and reviewed the Bureau’s 1996
Annual Report and the 1997 Marketing Plan, noting the revised format of the annual report. He
said the 3rd quarter of 1996 reflected the highest amount of hotel/motel tax ever collected, and
said when the 4th quarter figures come in another record-breaking year was anticipated. Coun.
Campbell cited a correction to the annual report, noting that 60% of the hotel/motel tax
collections go toward funding the ACVB, with the remaining 40% to the City. She said the City
then allocates some of those monies to the Ames Economic Development Commission.
AMES CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU REQUEST TO INCREASE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 97-1 approving request to amend agreement to increase Ames
Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors from 11 members to 12.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
APPOINTMENTS TO AMES CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD OF
DIRECTORS: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-2
approving appointments of Ann Campbell and Herman Quirmbach to Ames Convention
and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Wirth, Second by Parks, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda:
1. Motion to approve payment of claims
2. Motion to approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 17, 1996
3. Motion to approve renewal of the following beer permits and liquor licenses:
a. Class B Beer - Pizza Pit, 207 ½ Welch Avenue
b. Class B Liquor - Best Western Starlite Village, 2601 East 13th Street
4. Motion to approve certification of Civil Service applicants
5. Motion setting 6:30 p.m. on January 28 and February 25, 1997 as Conference Board
meeting dates
6. RESOLUTION NO. 97-3 accepting bids and awarding contract for Primary &
Secondary Underground Electric Distribution Cable
7. RESOLUTION NO. 97-4 accepting bids and awarding contract for Sale of Paper Baler
8. RESOLUTION NO. 97-5 authorizing purchase of three replacement dump trucks
9. RESOLUTION NO. 97-6 approving reappointment of representatives to Central Iowa
Regional Transportation Planning and Alliance (CIRTPA) Transportation Policy
Committee and to CIRTPA Transportation Technical Committee
10. RESOLUTION NO. 97-7 approving preliminary plans & specifications for
Bloomington Road: Grant to Eisenhower and Airport Road Transmission/Distribution
Line Relocations; setting February 6, 1997 as bid due date and February 25, 1997 as date
of hearing and award of contract
11. RESOLUTION NO. 97-8 approving preliminary plans & specifications for 10th
Street (Roosevelt to Harding) Sanitary Sewer Project; setting January 22, 1997 as bid due
date and January 28, 1997 as date of hearing and award of contract
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12. RESOLUTION NO. 97-9 approving farm lease for Water Pollution Control property
13. RESOLUTION NO. 97-10 accepting completion of East Lincoln Way Storm Sewer
Project
14. RESOLUTION NO. 97-11 approving Change Order #2 and accepting completion of
Downtown Sanitary Sewer Relief Line Project
15. RESOLUTION NO. 97-12 approving contract and bond for 1996/97 Annual
Residential Street Low Point Drainage Improvements Program
16. RESOLUTION NO. 97-13 approving contract and bond for Airport Terminal
Building Remodeling Project - Division I, Electrical
17. RESOLUTION NO. 97-14 approving contract and bond for Airport Terminal
Building Remodeling Project - Division II, Plumbing
18. RESOLUTION NO. 97-15 approving contract and bond for Airport Terminal
Building Remodeling Project - Division III, Aluminum Entrances and Glazing
19. RESOLUTION NO. 97-16 approving contract and bond for South Duff Area Storm
Sewer Project - Phase I
20. RESOLUTION NO. 97-17 approving contract and bond for Dehumidification/Air
Handling Unit at Municipal Indoor Pool
21. RESOLUTION NO. 97-18 approving contract and bond for 1996/97 Storm Sewer
Outlet Erosion Control
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one came forward to speak at this time.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR 2500 LINCOLN WAY: Motion by Tedesco, Second by
Hoffman, to approve request for encroachment permit to allow an awning at 2500
Lincoln Way (CopyWorks).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON CITY OF AMES UPDATED COMMUNITY BUILDER PLAN: Mayor
Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public
hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-19 approving
submittal of the City's updated Community Builder Plan as required by the Iowa
Department of Economic Development.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
CENTRAL AMES AREA: Planning and Housing Director Brian O’Connell reviewed the Staff
Report, noting Staff was recommending that approval of the concept of an overlay zoning
regulation, the Single-Family Conservation Overlay District (SFCOD), and of compatibility
standards to guide the design integration of new development within the District, be considered
together.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to approve of the proposed Single-Family
Conservation District regulations with the limitation on multiple-family units in the
moratorium area being 25%, and direct that the City Attorney prepare the Single-Family
Conservation Overlay District in ordinance form for the public hearing (Staff
Recommendation Item A), and to approve the Compatibility Standards and direct that
these standards be incorporated in the Single-Family Conservation Overlay District
regulations (Staff Recommendation Item B).
The Council discussed the Staff recommendations, and whether Items A and B needed to be
considered together or whether they could be separated.
Motion by Quirmbach, Second by Parks, to consider Items 23A (SFCOD) and 23B
(Compatibility standards) separately.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Quirmbach, Tedesco, Parks, Campbell. Voting
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Nay: Wirth, Hoffman. Motion declared carried 4-2.
Mayor Curtis announced the Council would consider Item 23A, the Single-Family Conservation
Overlay District first.
The Council Members discussed the Staff recommendation and asked questions of Staff.
Motion by Quirmbach, Second by Parks, that the Main Motion be amended to provide
that percentages be calculated on the basis of square footage rather than dwelling units,
and that a 30% limitation on multi-family development be established.
There was much discussion on the proposed amendment.
Coun. Parks withdrew his Second of the proposed amendment.
Coun. Quirmbach withdrew his motion to amend.
Coun. Tedesco called for Point of Order, stating that according to Robert’s Rules of
Order, the Seconder did not have the authority to withdraw a motion, that it was the
prerogative of the movant.
Motion by Quirmbach, Second by Parks, that percentages for intensification within the
proposed SFCOD be calculated on the basis of square footage, and that a 25% limitation
on multi-family development be established.
The Council members discussed the motion, and asked many questions of Staff regarding the
impact of the different calculation method and intensification “cap.”
Vote on Motion: 3-3. Voting Aye: Quirmbach, Parks, Tedesco. Voting Nay: Campbell,
Hoffman, Wirth. Mayor Curtis voted aye to break the tie. Motion declared carried 4-3.
Mayor Curtis announced the Council would now consider Item 23 B, the proposed compatibility
standards.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to approve concept of the Compatibility
Standards for the Central Ames area, and direct that these standards be incorporated in the
Single-Family Conservation Overlay District regulations (Staff Recommendation Item B).
There was discussion concerning the Compatibility Standards as proposed, and whether the
Council-appointed Taskforce that had developed the proposal had done so under the assumption
that the standards and the proposed SFCOD were a “package” that would be approved together.
There was discussion regarding whether the proposed standards sufficiently addressed corner lots
and building widths.
Coun. Wirth noted several members of the Council-appointed Taskforce were in the audience,
and suggested they might like to address these issues.
Chuck Winkleblack, 1322 Marston, said he thought the consensus on the Taskforce was that
although development would be limited in the proposed SFCOD, there was going to be
opportunity to build. He said had he known of the proposed 25% cap on multi-family, he
personally would not have served on the Taskforce. He said the Taskforce membership was
divided between people involved in “development,” and those more concerned with the
"neighborhood." He said he felt they had worked with other members of Taskforce, and
compromised on some of the standards, with the result being a cooperative effort. He said he
was dismayed to learn that what they had discussed had no chance of being applied, due to the
proposed 25% “cap.” He said he felt the intent was that they would allow Multi-family
development to occur. He said given the short time frame, the Taskforce had dealt with
standards that would affect the majority of the lots, and therefore had considered mostly interior
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lots.
Dave Carter, 709 Douglas, referred to the document entitled “Land Use Policy Plan Final Draft
Approved in Concept May 13, 1996,” and said page 38 of that document discussed the maximum
25 percent limit on multi-family development based on dwelling units. He said he felt this
discussion was a "bait and switch." He said he had participated in meetings on the Central Ames
area issue for over two years, and what was brought forward from the Staff for tonight’s meeting
represented a compromise, not a consensus. He noted the rights of property owners had been
mentioned previously, and said if the proposed regulations were adopted, he could no longer
convert his house to a duplex. He said that was a property right he had given up and represented
a compromise. He said he didn’t think the compatibility standards meant much without the 25%
“cap.” He said he felt the best way to resolve the issue was to have the landlords that have
property they wish to develop come before the Council and deal with these issues in a public
meeting.
Chris Cook, 509 9th Street, said she had served on the Taskforce, and agreed that the
compatibility standards represented a compromise between several interests. She said she also
agreed there was an understanding that the Single Family Conservation Overlay District would
include a 25% limit on intensification, but did not agree that constituted a “freeze.” She said the
Taskforce did believe the SFCOD and the compatibility standards were coming to the Council as
a “package.” She said residents were anxious for the mix of the area to be retained, not increased
or decreased. She said somebody needed to “bite the bullet” and realize that this neighborhood is
a "village." She noted the City was spending much effort toward the development of a “village
concept” in another area of the community, and asked how they intended to protect the “mix” in
that development. She suggested the residents of the Central Ames area be offered the same
protection. She said she did not wish to see the same number of 8- 10- and 12-plexes built in the
area that have been built in the past four to five years. She said she felt having compatibility
standards in place would have improved the construction of the multi-family units built in the
area in the past.
The Council members discussed the motion further.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Campbell, Quirmbach, Parks, Tedesco. Voting Nay:
Hoffman, Wirth. Motion declared carried 4-2.
WESSEX SUBDIVISION: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. 97-20 approving amendment to Planned Unit Development Plan for Wessex
Subdivision.
When questioned by Couns. Wirth and Quirmbach as to why a gate feature was proposed for this
development, Dean Hunziker, 105 South 16th Street, said a number of focus groups had met
prior to the design of this subdivision. He said the proposed subdivision will have a lake and
other amenities that cannot be “locked.” He said the gate will remain open during the day, but
not at night. When questioned by Coun. Wirth, he said the gate feature was not a security
feature, per se.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Quirmbach, to amend Main Motion to adopt a Resolution
approving amendment to Planned Unit Development Plan for Wessex Subdivision with
removal of gate feature and adding a road connection to the south.
Vote on Motion to Amend: 2-4. Voting Aye: Quirmbach, Wirth. Voting Nay: Campbell,
Hoffman, Parks, Tedesco.
Roll Call Vote on Main Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Tedesco.
Voting Nay: Quirmbach, Wirth. Resolution declared adopted 4-2, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-21 approving
Conceptual Development Plan for Wessex Subdivision.
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
REVOLVING LOAN FUND REQUEST FOR ENGINEERING ANIMATION, INC.:
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-22 waiving
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) policy guidelines for Engineering Animation, Inc. (EAI,
Inc.), and approving request for new $50,000 RLF request for EAI, Inc.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ACCOUNT: Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to direct
Staff to prepare agreement with Ames Seed Capital Fund, Inc. for Community Investment
Account Program.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-23 approving
expenditure of $50,000 from Community Investment Account for EAI, Inc.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 6TH STREET/GRAND AVENUE INTERSECTION
PROJECT: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 97-24
approving Traffic Safety Improvement Program and Urban State Technology
EngineeringProgram grant applications for 6th Street/Grand Avenue Intersection Project.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING PARKING PROHIBITIONS FOR COCONINO ROAD,
MARICOPA CIRCLE, AND MARICOPA DRIVE: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Parks, to
pass on first reading an ordinance designating parking prohibitions for Coconino Road,
Maricopa Circle, and Maricopa Drive.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL ZONING REGULATIONS FOR
TOWERS AND OTHER THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH PERSONAL WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to pass on second
reading an ordinance amending Chapter 29, Zoning, of the Municipal Code by enacting a
new and additional section to be numbered Section 29.85 for the purpose of establishing
additional zoning regulations pertaining to towers and other things associated with
personal wireless communications services.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Mayor Curtis welcomed Kevin Pink, the
new News Director from KASI/KCCQ.
Coun. Quirmbach said with this evening’s decisions concerning the Central Ames area, he
questioned whether the January 10 special meeting to consider extending the Demolition
Moratorium Overlay Zone for that area was still needed. There was discussion that the January
10 special meeting was a public hearing, and had been duly published and noticed as such. There
was further discussion that the existing ordinance applying the Demolition Moratorium overlay
would expire before the new Single-Family Conservation Overlay District ordinance could be
adopted.
Mayor Curtis noted neither he nor Coun. Parks would be in attendance at the January 10 special
meeting, and said he appointed Coun. Campbell as Chair of that meeting.
Coun. Hoffman said she wished to thank Staff for their response to her questions regarding the
parking situation on Arkansas Circle.
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Motion by Parks, Second by Wirth, to direct the City Attorney to prepare ordinance
prohibiting rotating beacon lights within the City of Ames.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Coun. Wirth asked when work was projected to begin on the Transportation Master Plan, and
said she felt it was important to begin work on that project as soon as possible. City Manager
Steve Schainker noted the Plan was scheduled in the existing Capital Improvement Plan, and that
in the draft CIP for 1997-2002, he was recommending the project be accelerated to begin as of
July 1, 1997. In response to Coun. Tedesco’s question regarding the estimated time for
completion of the Plan, Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said approximately one year. City
Manager Schainker noted after the Council had reviewed their budget materials during next
month’s budget hearings, they may be more comfortable directing Staff to accelerate that project.
Coun. Wirth asked if it would be possible to appropriate funds in this fiscal year to begin the
RFP process, consultant selection, and development of Scope of Work.
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Wirth, to request that Staff include on January 28, 1997
Council agenda a report regarding available balance funds that could be appropriated in
this fiscal year to begin the Request for Proposal process for the Transportation Master
Plan.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Coun. Tedesco complimented Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt for her reports to the
media on the Cable Commission and TCI Cablevision.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor