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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 12/05/1995OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 5, 1995 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on the 5th day of December, 1995, 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, Quirmbach, Tedesco, and Wirth. Coun. Parks arrived late. PRESENTATION OF CITY OF AMES BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS: Bill LaGrange, Chair of the City of Ames Beautification Committee, presented Beautification Awards to the following individuals and organizations: Manatt's; Council for Agricultural Science & Technology, Inc.; Country Kitchen at 2719 Grand Avenue; Country Kitchen at 104 Chestnut Street; Brian Sorenson & Kathryn Sydnes; Harold & Karen Cantonwine; Torben & Judy Brun; and Raymond & Margorie Beneke. Mr. LaGrange noted the Commission would soon be presenting awards for Holiday lighting displays. Mayor Curtis thanked Mr. LaGrange for his long and dedicated service to the community. RAGBRAI '96: Mayor Curtis noted a group of citizens were currently involved in promoting Ames as a site for RagBrai '96, and he was wearing a T-shirt in support of that effort. Coun. Hoffman read "Top Ten Reasons Why RagBrai Needs to Come to Ames" as printed on the shirt. Coun. Parks arrived at 7:05 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda, removing Item 6 for Separate Consideration: Motion to approve payment of claims Motion to approve Official Minutes and Clerk's Notes of the Regular Meeting of November 21, 1995 RESOLUTION NO. 95-525 approving final plat for Country Estates, 4th Addition RESOLUTION NO. 95-526 approving final plat for Stone Brooke, 5th Addition RESOLUTION NO. 95-527 accepting completion of fire line, Lot 16, Woodland Acres RESOLUTION NO. 95-528 approving request to subordinate mortgage lien for property located at 5416 Norris Street (Removed for separate consideration; see action at the end of this section) RESOLUTION NO. 95-529 approving contract and bond in amount of $14,425.50 for 1995 Street Paving Program No. 2 RESOLUTION NO. 95-530 approving contract and bond in amount of $141,525.00 for 1996 Water Service Transfer Program RESOLUTION NO. 95-531 approving contract and bond in amount of $37,975.00 for 1996 Storm Sewer Intake Reconstruction Program Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. SEPARATE CONSIDERATION: SUBORDINATION OF MORTGAGE LIEN FOR PROPERTY AT 5416 NORRIS STREET: Coun. Wirth asked Staff to provide information on payback terms payback for the subsidies the City provides in this program. Motion by Wirth, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-528 approving request to subordinate mortgage lien for property located at 5416 Norris Street. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Curtis noted Dustin Avey, an all-state football player for Ames High School, was present this evening. He said Mr. Avey had been a great representative of the City of Ames during his high school career, and said they would look forward to seeing him as an ISU Cyclone in the future. REQUEST FROM IOWA SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION REGARDING HIGHWAY SIGN PROGRAM: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Wirth, to approve request from Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission for participation in Highway Sign Program by applying for seven Iowa Sesquicentennial signs at a cost of $280.00 to be posted on major entrances into the City. Mayor Curtis noted a correction to the Council Action Form, and said if approved, the signs would be installed as soon as possible. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST FROM AMES YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX, INC. (AYSC, INC.) FOR SIGNATURE ON ASSIGNMENT OF TENANT'S INTEREST IN LEASE: Mayor Curtis noted the Council had received a copy of a letter from First American Bank stating the Bank will strike out the part of the assignment document that required Bank approval for termination of the lease. Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to approve request from Ames Youth Sports Complex, Inc. for signature on Assignment of Tenant's Interest in Lease. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY NORTHWEST OF INTERSECTION OF EAST 13TH STREET AND DAYTON: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-532 approving annexation of property generally located northwest of the intersection of East 13th Street and Dayton. Brian Vandewater, 1217 Grand, President of Ames Izaak Walton League, said the League has concerns that this property borders on the sensitive wildlife corridor area. He said the League's Board of Directors have no objection to the annexation of this area, but do have concerns regarding its rezoning. He said they feel there are many unanswered questions regarding certain species of wildlife and their travel corridor, and said the wildlife inventory of the 1970's did not deal with new wildlife introduced by the Department of Natural Resources. He said species such as turkeys and swans are prevalent in the area, and it was difficult to predict the impact of development upon them. He said the League is working to gather more data that councils and boards can use to aid in similar decisions in the future. Dale Brentnall, 429 25th, discussed the October 20, 1989 statewide seminar held in Ames regarding community entrance designs, and noted the area under consideration was a prime entrance to the community. He expressed concern that development in the area not be done in a piecemeal approach, and about the possible "domino effect" of development. He questioned whether it was necessary to make a decision now when a revised LUPP is pending. He said prime farm land is our greatest resource for food, yet each year acres are lost to conversion. He said the planning and use of this area must complement, not diminish, the resources of the area, and said it would be a challenge and a great opportunity for creative planning. He said he felt the City should be in charge of this planning, and was therefore in favor of the annexation. Dean Hunziker, representing Max Bailey Farms, said he wished to point out an existing piece of ground 300 feet north of 13th Street was currently zoned General-Industrial, and said if it continued, it would represent a piecemeal type of development. He said that was why the applicants were asking for the addition of the 30 acres to the north, to allow for a development that would be more suitable for an entrance to the City. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. AMENDMENT TO PLANNED-INDUSTRIAL (P-I) PLAN FOR ISU RESEARCH PARK FOR ADDITION TO BUILDING AT 2500 N. LOOP DRIVE: Motion by Wirth, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-533 approving amendment to P-I Plan for ISU Research Park to construct addition to building at 2500 N. Loop Drive. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CLG) AGREEMENT WITH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA: Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95- 534 approving Certified Local Government (CLG) Agreement with State Historical Society of Iowa. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. CEBA CONTRACT FOR VISIONAIRE: Motion by Campbell, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-535 approving CEBA contract for VisionAire. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. SUBORDINATION OF REVOLVING LOAN FUND SECURITY INTEREST FOR KILIPER CORPORATION: Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-536 approving subordination of Revolving Loan Fund security interest for Kiliper Corporation. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. REZONING OF PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED NORTHWEST OF INTERSECTION OF EAST 13TH STREET AND DAYTON AVENUE FROM A-1 (AGRICULTURAL, STORY COUNTY) AND G-I (GENERAL INDUSTRIAL) TO G-C (GENERAL COMMERCIAL): Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. He noted for the record, Mr. Vandewater and Mr. Brentnall, who spoke earlier during the annexation consideration, wished to reiterate their comments. Dean Hunziker, representing Max Bailey Farms, said there was no hidden agenda for this property, and they have no prospects for development at this time. He said they realize this is an important entry to the City of Ames, and they feel General-Commercial zoning is more fitting than General-Industrial to enhance the area. He said the existing G-I land does not allow for good development, and the additional 30 acres annexed this evening will allow for a better development off the street. He said there was a demand for additional Commercial land in Ames. Mr. Hunziker said it didn't appear to the applicants that the site would lend itself to P-C zoning, and so they had not considered it. He said he thought P-C zoning was generally used for transitions between zoning areas. He said the City had much control via Staff during the subdivision process. There being no one present wishing to testify further, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Tedesco, Second by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning property generally located northwest of the intersection of East 13th Street and Dayton Avenue from A-1 (Agricultural, Story County) and G-I (General Industrial) to G-C (General Commercial). Motion by Wirth to table this issue until the Land Use Policy Plan update is completed or until the City has created an overlay zoning district which addresses specific concerns. The Motion Failed for Lack of a Second. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, Tedesco. Voting Nay: Wirth. Motion declared carried 5-1. AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT 1996 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE: Motion by Wirth, Second by Parks, to set December 19, 1995 as date of public hearing to consider amending Municipal Code to adopt 1996 National Electrical Code. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH OF EISENHOWER AVENUE, EAST OF HYDE AVENUE, IN BLOOMINGTON HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Campbell, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning property located north of Eisenhower Avenue, East of Hyde Avenue, in Bloomington Heights Subdivision from R-2 (Low-Density Residential) to R-2 PUD (Planned Unit Development). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to suspend the rules required for adoption of an ordinance. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Campbell, Second by Tedesco, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3361 rezoning property located north of Eisenhower Avenue, East of Hyde Avenue, in Bloomington Heights Subdivision from R-2 (Low-Density Residential) to R-2 PUD (Planned Unit Development). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ONTARIO STREET SANITARY SEWER AND WATER CONNECTION FEE DISTRICT: Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3362 establishing Ontario Street Sanitary Sewer and Water Connection Fee District. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR OPTIC FIBER CABLE INSTALLATION - HABER ROAD SUBSTATION TO ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION BUILDING: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-537 approving engineering services contract with Burns and McDonnell in the amount of $25,800 for Optic Fiber Cable Installation - Haber Road Substation to Electric Distribution Building. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. DUFF AVENUE RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: Traffic Engineer Scott Logan reviewed proposed short-term safety improvements for this railroad crossing. Coun. Tedesco proposed an alternative to Staff's proposed left-turn prohibition onto Main after train crossings. Nancy Miller, Co-Chair, Downtown Betterment Association, said the DBA appreciated Staff's efforts to resolve this safety issue, but had concerns that the proposed left-turn prohibition would teach customers not to turn on Main. She said if traffic were blocked, customers would not be able to turn at 5th or 6th. She said the DBA has asked Staff to look at a turning arrow at 6th Street. She said they would also appreciate consideration of the alternatives proposed by Coun. Tedesco this evening. Nancy Dane, 1415 Coolidge, said she was a Downtown merchant who would also be opposed to prohibiting a left-turn onto Main Street. She said people unfamiliar with the area would not know the prohibition was for one cycle only. Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to approve implementation of the short-term improvements of the surveillance system, improved signage and pavement markings, Lincoln Way/Duff Traffic Signal Coordination, and rolled curb installation next to the tracks; referring proposed turn prohibitionsand alternatives discussed this evening to Staff for further analysis. JoAnn Huss, said she was the manager of Worldly Goods, and a resident of Southeast Ames. She said she was very concerned about the safety issue, and appreciated Coun. Tedesco's ideas of stopping people before they approach the track. She said in other countries, crossing arms prohibit cars from entering into the track area when a train is approaching, but the U.S. system seems to be one of "non-protection," allowing drivers to do whatever they wish. She suggested all other maneuvers be consolidated into one system of preventing ways of entering onto the tracks. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. AMENDMENT TO OFFICIAL PARKING METER MAP TO DESIGNATE RELOCATION OF HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 132 MAIN TO DOUGLAS AVENUE NEXT TO 131 MAIN: Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-538 approving amendment to Official Parking Meter Map to designate relocation of handicap parking space presently at 132 Main to location on Douglas Avenue next to 131 Main (Iowa Electric Service). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. BLOOMINGTON HEIGHTS PLATS 4 AND 5 PARKING PROHIBITIONS: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to direct City Attorney to prepare ordinance designating parking prohibitions on both sides of Harrison Road, on west side of Eisenhower Avenue (75' north of Windfield Drive to Harrison Road), and on north side of Stone Brooke Road (180' west of Eisenhower Avenue to Brookdale Circle); and on inside portion of Whyngate Drive for the entire length between the two intersections with Eisenhower Avenue. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. CHANGE ORDERS FOR BLOOMINGTON ROAD PAVING PROJECT: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Hoffman to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-539 approving Change Orders 1-5 for Bloomington Road Paving Project. 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: Coun. Quirmbach asked Staff to provide a brief summary of the City's policy regarding snow removal. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said more than 10 years ago, the Council adopted a policy calling for plowing of major streets and bus routes when snow accumulated to 2 inches, and plowing of residential streets when accumulations were at 4 inches. He said the policy was later changed to provide for plowing of residential street when accumulations were at 3 inches. He said records during the recent snow storm indicated accumulations were at 2.5 inches, and therefore residential streets were not plowed. He said there had also been assurances from weather experts that the accumulated snow would melt quickly. He said he felt a more aggressive effort to inform citizens that the City does not plow residential streets until the 3-inch accumulation is reached would be beneficial. He said the City does ice control measures over 20 times a year. He said the FY 95-96 budget allocates $341,000 for snow and ice control, and noted ice control measures were applied to intersections, hills, and curve areas, but not along every section of the roadway. He estimated an additional $200,000 would be needed if the standard for plowing residential streets were changed to 2-inch accumulation. Coun. Hoffman said she appreciated Staff's response regarding the installation of 25-mph speed zones signs on Wheeler. Traffic Engineer Scott Logan noted the signs had been installed. CLOSED SESSION: Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to hold Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The Closed Session began at 8:29 p.m. RECONVENE: Motion by Parks, Second by Tedesco, reconvene the regular meeting. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The Regular Meeting Reconvened at 8:40 p.m. Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 95-540 ratifying contract with IBEW (Electrical Distribution Workers). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor