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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 04/23/1996OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA APRIL 23, 1996 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 23rd day of April, 1996, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, 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. PROCLAMATION FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK: Mayor Curtis read a proclamation designating the week of April 22-27, 1996 as Boys & Girls Club Week within the City of Ames. Representatives from the Ames Boys & Girls Club were present to accept the proclamation. PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY: Mayor Curtis read a proclamation designating April 26, 1996 as Arbor Day within the City of Ames. Rebecca Shivvers was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Ames Trees Forever Committee. She described the Committee's mission, and thanked the City for its $3,000 annual contribution through the Municipal Utility account. She described projects planned for the upcoming year, including an educational program on planting trees which included tree-purchase vouchers redeemable at participating nurseries. PROCLAMATION FOR AIDS AWARENESS WEEKEND: Mayor Curtis read a proclamation designating May 3 and 4, 1996 as AIDS Awareness Weekend within the City of Ames. Pam Carmine was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the AIDS Coalition of Story County. She noted Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. would be presenting an AIDS Walk '96 on May 5, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. at North Grand Mall. PROCLAMATION AND PRESENTATION TO CRAWFORD SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL: Mayor Curtis read a proclamation congratulating Crawford Elementary School for establishing the School Safety Patrol Program. Traffic Engineer Scott Logan described how the Staff had met with parents and teachers of the school, and said credit for the successful program belongs to the students, parents, and Principal Mary Delagardelle and Program Coordinator Karen Eggert. Ms. Delagardelle said the program was a partnership effort between the school and City Staff and said she appreciated a way to publicly thank the students who have participated in this program. She said the program provided a way for the students to grow up and become participating citizens in our society. Karen Eggert introduced a number of student patrol members who each stated what they have learned from their patrol experiences and why they have enjoyed participating in the program. Mayor Curtis presented certificates and pins to the patrol members and introduced their parents who were present in the audience. Coun. Hoffman said these students set a fine example for other students to follow, and the other Council Members agreed. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Parks, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda: Motion to approve payment of claims Motion to approve Official Minutes and Clerk's Notes of the Regular Meeting of April 9, 1996 Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses: a. Class C Beer - Dell Oil, Ltd., 508 S. Duff b. Special Class C Liquor - Great Plain Sauce and Dough Co., 129 Main c. Class C Liquor and Outdoor Service Area - Johnny Orr's Sports Grille, 1206 South Duff RESOLUTION NO. 96-178 approving final plat for Pete Cooper Subdivision RESOLUTION NO. 96-179 approving Resource Recovery System contract with City of McCallsburg RESOLUTION NO. 96-180 approving subordination of City's 2nd mortgage lien for property located at 5408 Schubert in connection with Phase III Affordable Housing Program in Bentwood Subdivision RESOLUTION NO. 96-181 approving renewal option for 1996/97 Custodial Services for City Hall & Community Center RESOLUTION NO. 96-182 approving renewal option for 1996/97 Hauling and Related Services for the Resource Recovery Plant RESOLUTION NO. 96-183 approving renewal option for 1996/97 Line Clearance Program RESOLUTION NO. 96-184 approving contract and bond in amount of $89,500 for the 1996 Seal Coat Reconstruction Program 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 appeared to speak at this time. REQUEST FOR NEW OUTDOOR SERVICE AREA PERMIT FOR THE DEAN'S LIST (TABLED FROM APRIL 9, 1996 MEETING): Motion by Tedesco, Second by Campbell, to remove this item from the table. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion to remove from table declared carried unanimously Scott Ramspott and John Laugerman, representing the Dean's List, Inc., described the establishment's new management policy to reduce the number of underage on premises violations. At the request of Council, Police Sergeant Craig Reid described how management has worked with staff from the Police Department since February to reduce the number of violations. Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to deny request from the Dean's List, Inc. for Outdoor Service Area permit. Vote on Motion to Deny: 6-0. Motion to deny declared carried unanimously. MAIN STREET BANNER REQUEST FOR GINKGO FESTIVAL: Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to approve request from the Ginkgo Festival Committee for Main Street banner for June 17-July 15, 1996. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST FROM AMES/ISU BICYCLE COMMITTEE FOR FUNDING FOR BIKE USER SURVEY: Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to approve request from Ames/ISU Bicycle Committee for $400 funding from Council Contingency Fund for distribution of Bike User Survey. Ames/ISU Bicycle Committee Member Steve Schnell, 416 Ash Avenue, was present to answer questions from the Council. The Council members questioned who would be using the survey and whether the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey might not provide a more random sampling. Vote on Motion: 0-6. Motion declared failed 0-6. ORDINANCE DESIGNATING PARKING PROHIBITIONS IN HILLSIDE SUBDIVISION, 2ND ADDITION: Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to pass on first reading an ordinance designating parking prohibitions in Hillside Subdivision, 2nd Addition. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE REVISING CODE PERTAINING TO "EMPLOYER PICK-UP" OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION TO UTILITY RETIREMENT SYSTEM: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3380 revising Chapter 28 of Ames Municipal Code pertaining to "employer pick-up" of employees' contribution to the Utility Retirement System. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON CONVEYANCE OF MYERS FARM, BOONE COUNTY, FOR MARY GREELEY HOSPITAL: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-185 approving conveyance of Myers Farm, Boone County, for Mary Greeley Medical Center, and authorizing Mayor to sign quit claim deed. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON SNOW/ICE REMOVAL FOR PROPERTY AT 1003 MARSTON AVENUE: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-186 assessing property at 1003 Marston Avenue for snow/ice removal. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON EAST LINCOLN WAY STORM SEWER PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-187 approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to C.E. Contracting, Ltd., of Hampton, Iowa, in the amount of $65,525.00. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON 1996/97 CLEAR WATER DIVERSION PROGRAM: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-188 approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Ames Trenching & Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $72,585.00. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON HYLAND AVENUE 13.8 kV RELOCATION/OVERHEAD TO UNDERGROUND CONVERSION: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-189 approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to L.E. Myers Company, of Marshalltown, Iowa, in the amount of $89,623.03 and approving contract and bond of same. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON COMPREHENSIVE FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT STUDY: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred presented a report on the status of the CDBG Flood Study Grant, noting project milestones included inventory and data collection, computer modeling, impacts on previous flood plain development, flood mitigation alternatives, final alternatives and funding, and the final report. Dale Harrington, Snyder and Associates, reviewed the document entitled "Final Report: Skunk River/Squaw Creek Flood Plain Management Study." He reviewed how the Flood Taskforce had looked at cost/benefit ratios of short-range improvements selected. He reviewed the recommendations as contained in the report, including flood-proofing of individual buildings, further exploration by Story County of the costs and benefits of repair of the Arrasmith Trail levee, regulatory changes such as adoption of the New 1994 Corps of Engineers 100-year and 500-year flood discharges for flood plain management and modifications to the City's flood plain ordinance, and improving the community's flood action plans and warning systems. There being no one present wishing to testify further, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Parks, Second by Wirth, to accept the report and direct Staff to initiate follow-up activities as outlined in the Report regarding adoption of local flood plain regulations as recommended, formal adoption of new flood discharge levels, and development of alternatives for encouraging flood-proofing of individual buildings. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. AUDITOR'S REPORT TO MANAGEMENT FOR FY ENDED JUNE 30, 1995: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-190 accepting Auditor's Report to Management for FY ended June 30, 1995. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. REPORT ON PLUMBING CODE CHANGES REGARDING SIZING OF WATER SERVICES: Building Official Jeff Pearson reviewed the Staff Report, and Water and Water Pollution Control Director Tom Neumann provided background information regarding water pressures throughout the City's system, and how the topography of the City affects the amount of pressure needed in the City's water mains. The Council members discussed the possibility of having a worksession in the future to consider the possibility of creating different operating zones of water pressure throughout the City, but there appeared to be consensus that consideration of revisiting the previously-adopted Ordinance No. 3337 requiring a permit for the installation of irrigation systems should be dealt with as soon as possible. Alan Essex, Iowa Irrigation, said the existing ordinance was keeping him from being able to conduct business in Ames, and noted this was a critical time of year for the irrigation system business. He asked if the Council might consider the option of granting a conditional permit or requiring certificates of insurance for irrigation companies. William Jenks, 3101 Greenwood Road, said he appreciated the rapid action the City was trying to take to alleviate this situation. He said he did not feel the use of an irrigation system in the middle of the night would compete with use of other water-using appliances during the day. Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to consider rescinding Ordinance No. 3337 at the upcoming Special Council Meeting (Team-Building Session) on April 27, 1996. There was discussion that by rescinding the ordinance, the City would essentially be saying "Let the buyer beware" with regard to irrigation systems. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. CONTRACT WITH GOVERNOR'S TRAFFIC SAFETY BUREAU FOR GRANT TO AID POLICE IN ALCOHOL ENFORCEMENT: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-191 approving contract with Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau for grant monies to fund purchase of equipment to aid Police in alcohol enforcement. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. DECLARATION OF COATING MACHINERY SYSTEMS, INC. DEFAULT OF CEBA AND REVOLVING LOAN FUND AGREEMENTS: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-192 declaring Coating Machinery Systems, Inc. in default of CEBA and City of Ames Revolving Loan Fund agreements. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. RECOMMENDATION FOR MORRILL HALL ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL REGISTER: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-193 recommending National Register eligibility for Morrill Hall at Iowa State University. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. REPORT ON BILLBOARDS: Planning and Housing Director Brian O'Connell and Work Study Intern Eric Jensen presented the Staff Report and the proposals contained therein. Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to accept the recommendations as contained in the Staff Report, and to direct Staff to draft necessary amendments to the existing sign regulations. Jerry Brown, 3101 SW 61st Street, Des Moines, said he represented Universal Outdoor Sign, and noted his company has built two billboards within the corporate limits of Ames. He discussed the differences in spacing between signs occurring in the country and those occurring in town. He noted some of the Council members appeared to be concerned about billboards creating "sign clutter," but said he felt on-premises signs contributed to that clutter as well. He said Staff's recommendations would result in all existing signs becoming non-conforming, due to size and setback regulations. He said if the proposed regulations were applied to new signs, he couldn't think of a place in the City where it would be attractive to build a new billboard. He said he felt the regulations for on-premises signs should be reviewed if the Council was concerned about "sign clutter." Dave Oesper, 1208 Wilson, submitted a document dated April 23, 1996 containing written comments regarding lighting restrictions for billboards. Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Wirth. Voting Nay: Quirmbach, Tedesco. Motion declared carried 4-2. REVISED CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WILLOW CREEK ESTATES, 5TH ADDITION (SOUTH DAKOTA PARK): Mayor Curtis noted Staff had requested this item be tabled to the May 14 Council meeting. Motion by Parks, Second by Wirth, to table this item to the May 14, 1996 Council meeting. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SELECTION OF PLANNING SERVICES FIRM: Motion by Wirth, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-194 approving selection of Snyder & Associates for Planning Services Firm. Coun. Quirmbach said he appreciated Staff complying with his request of costing out the alternate idea of employing an additional full-time staff member. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. REALLOCATION OF FUNDS DESIGNATED FOR VILLAGE PLANNING CONFERENCE FOR FOLLOW-UP DESIGN PURPOSES: Motion by Parks, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-195 approving reallocation of funds originally designated for Village Planning Conference ($3,000) for follow-up design purposes. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY FOR EMINENT DOMAIN FOR AIRPORT ROAD RIGHT- OF-WAY AND APPROVAL OF FINAL OFFER: Motion by Wirth, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-196, Resolution of Necessity for eminent domain for Airport Road right- of-way and approval of final offer to Ron Willey Ford. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD FOR DUFF AVENUE SIGNAGE: Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 96-197 approving easement agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Duff Avenue signage. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. MIDBLOCK TRAFFIC SIGNAL FOR NORTHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to adopt Resolution NO. 96-198 authorizing installation of mid- block traffic signal for Northwood Elementary School, and directing the City Attorney to prepare the appropriate ordinance changes to amend the current parking regulations in the vicinity of the signal. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. COMMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Mayor Curtis noted the Council had received a memo from Planner Ray Anderson dated April 19, 1996 regarding possible dates for the final presentation of the Downtown Plan. Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to set May 29, 1996 at 5:00 p.m. as special meeting date for final presentation of Downtown Development Plan. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Coun. Quirmbach expressed appreciation for all individuals involved in coordination of the April 13 Planning Conference, and said he felt it had been a very helpful day. He also noted there was an article in this month's Consumer Report concerning neo-classical planning or "village" concepts. Coun. Hoffman said she has received complaints regarding the signage in the windows of DrugTown at Main Street Station. She said she would like Staff to look into the issue of Drugtown signage in terms of compliance with the Sign Ordinance and/or with the Development Agreement between the City and Hubbell Realty. Coun. Wirth said she also felt it would be a good idea for Staff to do so. Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, to schedule request from Barry Nadler to discuss Wayne Larson assessment for East Lincoln Way Frontage Road Project on May 14, 1996 Council agenda. Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, Tedesco. Voting Nay: Wirth. Motion declared carried 5-1. Coun. Wirth said the Downtown Betterment Association representatives had indicated there were minor problems with bird droppings in a few places Downtown, and that they were planning noise-making activities as used in the past to try to scare the birds away. She said Downtown residents and business owners would be notified by the DBA before these activities began. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor