HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 01/25/1994MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 25, 1994
The Ames City Council met with the Ames School Board and the Story County Board of
Supervisors as the Conference Board at 6:30 p.m. followed by a regular City Council meeting on
the 25th day of January, 1994, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law with Mayor Curtis presiding and the following members present: City Council:
Brown, Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Tedesco, and Wirth; Ames School Board: Jons, Moehlmann,
Shapiro, and Summers; Story County Board of Supervisors: Halliburton, Larson, and Mathison.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Jons, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the minutes of
the January 26, 1993, Conference Board meeting as written.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ASSESSOR'S BUDGET PROPOSALS: Richard Horn, City Assessor, reviewed his FY 94-95
budget proposal with the Board. Council Member Campbell stated that the Mini Board would
meet again prior to the February 22 Board meeting in order to deal more specifically with
salaries. Mr. Horn reported that last year the City's Human Resources Department performed
analyses on the job descriptions for the City Assessor's Office, and the staff's salaries were
adjusted compared to City employees positions. He was of the opinion that it would be up to
the Conference Board to set salary guidelines for the Assessor. School Board Member Shapiro
indicated it was important to look at comparables with city assessors' positions around the state.
Supervisor Halliburton stated that the Conference Board should use guidelines for setting
salaries that the Board feels comfortable with and use that consistent method from year to year.
Chairman Curtis briefly discussed the Citizen Satisfaction Survey for evaluation of the City
Assessor's Office which was sent out to various citizens. He stated that this was the first year
that such a survey was sent out to the public, and that he will be sending it again on a periodic
basis. Supervisor Halliburton stated that the survey was also a way to help educate the public
on the functions of the Assessor's Office and how it relates to other forms of government.
Mayor Curtis indicated that he will also be meeting with the Board of Review to go over the
results of the survey.
Assessor Horn asked that the Conference Board approve the recommendations in his report as
well as receive his proposed budget.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Halliburton, to approve the recommendations of the City
Assessor's report and to receive the maximum budget proposal for the City Assessor's Office.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Shapiro, to set February 22, 1994, at 6:30 p.m. as the date and
time of public hearing on the proposed Assessor's budget.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
28E AGREEMENT WITH IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE:
CityAssessor Horn explained that the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance has requested
that the Conference Board enter into a 28E Agreement with the State whereby each assessor's
office would provide the funding for revisions and updates to the State appraisal manual. By
entering into this agreement, expenses of a State department would be diverted to local property
tax payers. Mr. Horn further explained that although various rural assessors rely upon cost
tables provided in the manual, Ames does not use them; therefore, he could not recommend
paying for something that the Ames City Assessor's Office does not use. He reported that the
State Assessors Association supports local funding of the manual updates. Council Member
Parks felt that it would be appropriate to send a letter to the State outlining the reasons the Ames
Conference Board is not in support of this 28E Agreement.
Moved by Mathison, seconded by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-1CB denying
approval of a 28E Agreement with the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance (IDRF) which
would provide funding for revisions and updates to the State appraisal manual, and authorizing
the City Assessor to send a letter of explanation regarding the Conference Board's reasons for
denying the agreement.
Supervisor Halliburton stated that in talking with several assessors from other locations within
the state, many of them will be taking the same action as taken by the Ames Conference Board.
Council Member Hoffman suggested that it would be appropriate to write a letter to the
Governor explaining that this was another unfunded mandate coming from the State and that the
Ames Conference Board was not appreciative of being given this direction.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
OTHER BUSINESS: City Assessor Horn reminded the Conference Board members that there was
a vacancy on the Board of Review and that an appointment to this board needed to be made at
the February 22 meeting. He outlined the time commitment and schedule involved with serving
on the Board of Review. The board is more active during odd-numbered years, and members
are compensated for their time. Members serve six-year terms of office and may be reappointed.
There were no designated professional standards which needed to be met for this particular seat
on the board.
There was discussion regarding the recording and televising of the Board of Review hearings
for purposes of educating the public on the appeal process. School Board Member Summers
reported that a video tape of appeal hearings could be used as a training guide for others who are
appealing. City Assessor Horn stated that he was agreeable to this suggestion. Chairman Curtis
stated that he would be happy to work with the Cable TV Coordinator in order to facilitate such
a process. The Board further discussed making a training tape which would give more of an
explanation on the application itself, the appeal process, etc. Council Member Parks stated that
a city broadcast is normally aired several times after a meeting. He suggested that a video tape
of the appeal process could be run several times prior to the Board of Review's meetings. More
discussion was held regarding the appeal process and what could be done to educate the public
when appearing before the Board of Review. Council Member Tedesco stated that a training
tape using a prototype of an appeal could be made and aired over television prior to the time of
year that citizens would appeal to the Board of Review. Supervisor Mathison said that he would
like to see the City Assessor work in cooperation with the County Assessor in putting together
an educational training tape.
Moved by Mathison, seconded by Tedesco, to provide prior to the next Board of Review hearing
schedule, a proactive educational training tape on the process of appealing property tax
assessments before the Board of Review with coordination from the Cable Television
Coordinator, and to provide live broadcasting of the Board of Review hearings in cooperation
with the City's government channel.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Larson, seconded by Hoffman, to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
PROCLAMATION WELCOMING AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL COMMANDER:
Mayor Curtis presented to David Rehbein and Commander John Schumaker of the American
Legion a proclamation welcoming National Commander Bruce Theisen to Ames.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Curtis announced to the
audience that the hearing on the proposed rezoning of 617 and 621 Clark Avenue had been
pulled from the agenda. He stated that he will open the hearing once the Council gets to that
specific item on the agenda, however, no action will be taken. Mayor Curtis further stated that
the item regarding approval of the developer's agreement for Sam's Club had also been pulled
from tonight's agenda.
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT: B. J. Reed, Executive
Director of the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, distributed copies of their annual report
to Council. The report encompassed the 1993 program of work for the bureau and gave an
overview for 1994. Ms. Reed also handed out the 1994 Visitor's Guide. She invited the Council
to attend the bureau's annual meeting at the Brunnier Gallery on January 26. Ms. Reed informed
those in attendance that her last day as executive director was January 28. Mayor Curtis thanked
her on behalf of the City for all of her efforts and hard work while serving with the bureau.
1994-99 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN: Mieczysyaw Szopinski, 4123 Phoenix, questioned
the City Council as to when they would allow public participation with regard to the Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) prior to their approving it. Mr. Szopinski was informed that last week
the City Council held a four-hour work session regarding this very topic and that many public
meetings had already been held beginning with the Town Meeting last October. Mr. Szopinski
had seen nothing notifying citizens of these public meetings. He stated that he was alarmed by
the huge dollar amount of the CIP, but did not know what specific questions to ask. Council
Member Parks explained that this was a plan proposing capital improvements spread over the
next five years, and that all funding sources do not come from taxes, but also from grants,
utilities, etc. He further explained that prior to any one of these proposed projects being
implemented, it would need to come before Council for approval. Mr. Szopinski also questioned
why the City is taking on such improvements. Mayor Curtis reported that these projects are
those that the citizens of Ames have indicated they want. Council Member Hoffman indicated
that information is gathered in a number of ways, some of those being the Citizen Satisfaction
Survey, the Town Meeting, and utility flyers.
City Manager Steve Schainker referred the Council to page 110 of the CIP regarding the new
program of parking rehabilitation and reminded the Council that the source of funding would
not be possible for this next budget year. He felt that the CIP would need to be amended in order
to eliminate this project. Mr. Schainker stated that it could be added to the plan once a decision
is made during the budget hearings regarding the funding source. Discussion was held regarding
approving the CIP after the budget process.
Moved by Tedesco, seconded by Parks, to table approval of the 1994-99 Capital Improvement
Plan until the Budget Wrap-Up Session to be held February 15, 1994.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the following
items on the Consent Agenda:
Motion to approve payment of claims
Motion to approve minutes of special meeting of January 7 and 8, and of the regular meeting of
January 11, 1994
Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses:
a) Special Class C Liquor - The Pizza Kitchens, 120 Hayward
b) Special Class C Liquor - Cafe Lovish, 2512 Lincoln Way
c) Class A Liquor - American Legion Post #37, 225 Main Street
RESOLUTION NO. 94-19 approving appointment of Sharon Wirth to serve as representative
on the Story County Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 94-20 approving subordination of existing affordable housing mortgage lien
for property located at 1115 Stafford
RESOLUTION NO. 94-21 approving release of real estate mortgages at 1211 Burnett
RESOLUTION NO. 94-22 approving subordination of security interest in CMS (City of Ames
Revolving Loan Fund) debt due to lender refinancing
RESOLUTION NO. 94-23 accepting completion of Cooling Tower Demolition roject
RESOLUTION NO. 94-24 accepting completion of Unit #8 Air Heater Rebuilt Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-25 accepting completion of Boiler #8 Secondary uperheater Repair
Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-26 accepting completion of 1993 Reconstruction & esurfacing Program
#1 and authorizing supplemental contract for Maxwell Avenue
RESOLUTION NO. 94-27 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Cooper's
Second Subdivision
RESOLUTION NO. 94-28 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Valley East
Subdivision
RESOLUTION NO. 94-29 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Brookview
Place, 1st Addition
RESOLUTION NO. 94-30 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Patio Homes
West, 4th Addition
RESOLUTION NO. 94-31 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Stone Brooke
Subdivision, 3rd and 4th Additions
RESOLUTION NO. 94-32 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Bloomington
Heights, Plat 1 and 2
RESOLUTION NO. 94-33 accepting completion of subdivision improvements in Northridge
Parkway Subdivision, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th Additions
RESOLUTION NO. 94-34 accepting completion of water main improvements for Timber Creek
II Apts. at 644 Squaw Creek Drive
RESOLUTION NO. 94-35 accepting completion of fire line for property located at 215 & 245
Sinclair for the Landmark Villa Subdivision
RESOLUTION NO. 94-36 accepting completion of fire line for property located at 632 Squaw
Creek Drive
RESOLUTION NO. 94-37 accepting completion of fire line for property located at 3721
Calhoun
RESOLUTION NO. 94-38 accepting completion of fire line for Meadowlane Mobile Home Park
at 1316 S. Duff
RESOLUTION NO. 94-39 accepting completion of fire line for property located at 927 Dayton
Avenue
RESOLUTION NO. 94-40 accepting completion of fire line for property located at 1712 E.
Lincoln Way
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 for this portion of the meeting.
NEW LIQUOR LICENSE: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to approve the following
new liquor license:
a) Special Class C Liquor - Silverado Cafe & Bar, 126 Welch
Council Member Tedesco questioned the letter attached to the application regarding the
Secretary of State not reinstating the corporation as of this date. City Attorney John Klaus
explained that once the application for a new liquor license is approved by the City Council and
the corporation has been reinstated by the Secretary of State, the Alcoholic Beverages Division
could then issue the license.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
REQUEST FROM INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS TO ALLOW UNDER-AGE
ON PREMISES: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Campbell, to approve a request from the
Institute of Industrial Engineers to allow under-age persons on the premises of the Coliseum
Nightclub while alcohol is being served on February 24, 1994, between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, Tedesco, Wirth. Voting Nay:
Brown. (Motion declared carried.)
REQUEST FOR ENCROACHMENT PERMIT AT 103 WELCH AVENUE: Moved by
Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the request for an encroachment permit at 103
Welch Avenue to permit an awning/sign to occupy City right-of-way provided the encroachment
agreement is signed and the necessary insurance is supplied to the City.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
HEARING ON PROPERTY AT 617 AND 621 CLARK AVENUE: Mayor Curtis declared the
public hearing open. As he indicated at the beginning of the meeting, this item was pulled from
the agenda at the request of the applicant. Council questioned whether the item was just pulled
from this particular agenda or if had been withdrawn permanently. City Attorney Klaus stated
that the Council should interpret the request that it not be acted upon at this meeting and that it
could possibly be rescheduled for another meeting. The public hearing was declared closed.
Moved by Tedesco, seconded by Parks, to table the request: 1) to amend the Land Use Policy
Plan map for property located at 617 and 621 Clark Avenue from RM (Medium-Density
Residential) to C (Commercial); and, 2) to rezone property located at 617 and 621 Clark Avenue
from R-4 (High-Density Residential) to P-C (Planned Commercial).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
HEARING ON PROPOSED REZONING OF LAND GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF
LINCOLN WAY AND WEST OF COLLEGE CREEK SUBDIVISION: Mayor Curtis declared
the hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared
closed.
Moved by Tedesco, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-41 approving
annexation of land generally located South of Lincoln Way and West of College Creek
Subdivision.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Tedesco, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the
zoning map to rezone land from C-2 (County Zoning) and A-1 (Agricultural) to R1-6 (Low-
Density Residential).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to initiate the rezoning of 5212 Lincoln Way (Pines
Antique Shop) from A-1 (Agricultural) to R1-6 (Low-Density Residential), and to set February
22, 1994, as the date of public hearing.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
HEARING ON RESOURCE RECOVERY PRIMARY SHREDDER MOTOR: Mayor Curtis
declared the hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was
declared closed.
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-42 finally approving
plans and specifications and awarding contract to A.B.B. Drives, Inc., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
in the amount of $109,840.00 for the Resource Recovery Primary Shredder Motor.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON SIDEWALK ASSESSMENT: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There
being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed.
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-43 assessing the cost
of sidewalk repair to the property owner of 320 Main Street, instructing the Finance Director to
prepare a spread sheet computing the costs and interest to be paid, and directing the City Clerk's
Office to file the assessment with the Story County Treasurer.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
ORDINANCE RATIFYING INCREASED SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL: City
Attorney Klaus explained that the purpose of this ordinance amendment is to correct a
mechanical error of two years ago when the Council adopted a motion to increase the salaries
of council members and the mayor. This should have been adopted by ordinance.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the
Municipal Code to increase the salaries of council members to $5,000 beginning January, 1992,
and to increase the mayor's salary to $6,000 beginning January, 1994.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Park, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on second and third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 3256 amending the Municipal Code to increase the salaries of council
members to $5,000 beginning January, 1992, and to increase the mayor's salary to $6,000
beginning January, 1994.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO REPORTING GIFTS RECEIVED: Moved by Campbell,
seconded by Tedesco, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to
repeal Section 2.50, reporting of gifts received by City officers and employees.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
City Attorney Klaus reported that the passage of this ordinance would repeal a section of the
Municipal Code which has become obsolete. State law had required cities to enact an ordinance
establishing a procedure for reporting gifts to the County Auditor. That requirement was
repealed by the State "gift law" that went into effect January 1, 1993.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Parks, to pass on second and third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 3257 amending the Municipal Code to repeal Section 2.50, reporting of gifts
received by City officers and employees.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ORDINANCE CHANGING OVERNIGHT PARKING RESTRICTIONS: A request was
received from the Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way, to change the
overnight parking restrictions for the metered spaces along Lincoln Way and Hayward Avenue
to prohibit parking from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. everyday. This was requested in order to provide
additional parking for church members on Sundays during their morning services. The parking
stalls currently fill up from Saturday night through 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. The request was
to prohibit parking on Sunday only, however, Staff sought to change the parking restriction for
each day due to street maintenance activities and increasing parking turnover.
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance changing
overnight parking restrictions to a "2:00 a.m.-6:00 a.m. everyday" prohibition along the metered
parking areas on Lincoln Way from Sheldon Avenue to Lynn Avenue, and on Hayward Avenue
from Lincoln Way to Chamberlain Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ORDINANCE REGARDING PRIVATE PARKING LOT REGULATION: Moved by Wirth,
seconded by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance requiring owners of private parking
lots to post adequate signage before police officers would ticket unauthorized vehicles.
The Council discussed making signs available through the City for the purpose of uniformity.
It was suggested that Staff refer property owners to a private sign maker. It was further
suggested that the City send a letter to the Ames Chamber of Commerce in order to obtain
assistance in getting the word out to business property owners.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING AT 327 HICKORY DRIVE: Moved by Hoffman,
seconded by Campbell, to pass on second reading an ordinance prohibiting parking at 327
Hickory Drive.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ORDINANCE SETTING PENALTY FOR PARKING BEYOND THE LIMIT AT A
HANDICAP SPOT: Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on second reading an
ordinance amending the Municipal Code for the purpose of setting a $5.00 penalty for parking
beyond the limit at a handicap spot.
City Attorney Klaus explained that the passage of this ordinance would correct a technical error.
This amendment is to specify that Section 18.18(1) of the Municipal Code carries a $50 fine for
persons parking in a handicapped space without the proper permit. Other violations, such as
parking beyond the two-hour limit, will carry a fine of $5.00.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
3258 amending the Municipal Code for the purpose of setting a $5.00 penalty for parking
beyond the limit at a handicap spot.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN BROOKVIEW PLACE SUBDIVISION, FIRST ADDITION:
Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance
designating parking restrictions along the south side of Virginia Circle, Nevada Circle, Maryland
Street, Ohio Circle, Texas Circle, along the west side of Nebraska Avenue, and on the east side
of California Avenue, all in Brookview Place Subdivision - First Addition.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON 10TH, 11TH, AND 12TH STREETS:
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance
designating alternate side parking restrictions with a 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. change-over period
on 10th Street from Duff Avenue to Burnett Avenue and on 11th and 12th Streets from Duff
Avenue to Carroll Avenue.
Council Member Wirth questioned why the parking restriction did not extend over to Clark
Avenue on 10th Street. Paul Wiegand, Public Works Director, explained that City Staff took
a survey to determine the areas where there were parking problems, and no problems were
observed in the vicinity over to Clark Avenue. He saw no reason why that area could not be
included, however, property owners in that block have not been notified. Mr. Wiegand felt that
the notification process could be done prior to the ordinance's first reading at the February 22
meeting.
Moved by Tedesco, seconded by Hoffman, to amend the motion by designating alternate side
parking restrictions on 10th Street from Duff Avenue to Clark Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Vote on Motion as Amended: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT CONCEPTS, NORTHRIDGE SUBDIVISION: Moved
by Parks, seconded by Brown, to approve the Alternative #3 concept for storm sewer
improvements in Northridge Subdivision, whereby partial detention is developed and a piping
system is installed along County Road R-50 to Moore Park Pond.
Tom Cackler, 2615 Hoover Avenue, appeared on behalf of the Northridge Homeowners
Association. He also served on the subcommittee with the developers and City Staff to discuss
the various alternatives for the storm sewer improvements. Mr. Cackler urged the Council to
adopt Alternative #3 as the association feels it would be a compromise solution representing a
consensus for all parties involved. Discussion was held regarding the differences between
Alternatives #2 and #3. Alternative #2 would use full detention storage, whereas #3 would
utilize partial detention. The area residents were concerned that #2 detention basin would be too
deep, thereby causing a 3.9-foot retention prior to overflowing. Alternative #3's partial retention
would have a depth of 2.6 feet before overflowing.
Carolyn Bolinger, 2718 Valley View Circle, appeared as representative from the Board of
Directors of the Northridge Homeowners Association. Mrs. Bolinger indicated that all residents
in the Northridge area feel victims of an inadequately designed storm sewer system. She stated
that they would continue to have problems with the storm sewer system with rains of any
significant amount. She further stated that homeowners are concerned about the safety issue of
open drainage systems.
Noel Cresse, 2727 Valley View Road, stated that there has been a flooding problem since 1990
and that this has not been unique to 1993. He said City Staff had indicated the current system
was designed for a five-year frequency storm. He recalculated that within a 12-minute period,
the water flow would be 105 feet per second, and the current pipe system would handle only 95
feet per second flow. Mr. Cresse said the City was responsible for the problems Northridge was
having. He, too, felt that Alternative #3 was the best solution, and without this option, the storm
water run-off problem would only worsen.
Mieczysyaw Szopinski, 4123 Phoenix, stated he was not a resident of this neighborhood, but
asked why the City allowed this to happen in a new subdivision development. Council
explained that mistakes may have been made and that everyone has been fighting extreme
conditions within the last two to three years. The City was in the process of reviewing the
current storm sewer system criteria in order to correct and upgrade standards.
Public Works Director Paul Wiegand discussed the storm sewer piping in Northridge which is
designed for a five-year storm, as are all other piping systems in the City's subdivisions. City
Staff has proposed solutions to handle a 100-year storm in all the submitted alternatives. Mr.
Wiegand explained that Northridge is having specific problems in low-lying areas. The situation
began when the developers were in the final stages of development. The City now is asking
developers to create and submit a grading plan to determine where water would accumulate in
low areas. Mr. Wiegand reported that the Northridge storm sewer is adequate to the five-year
design standards. If Council was looking to change that standard to handle more, that direction
would need to come from them.
The Council discussed the costs associated with the different alternatives. It was noted that
Alternatives A, B, #1, #2, and #3 would have a cost of $20,000 in addition to the estimate due
to grading expenses for retention basins.
Considerable discussion was held concerning the funding of the storm sewer improvements and
who would be responsible for paying for the upgrades. Several questions were raised: Was the
City obligated to correct the problems? Would the City be setting a precedent by funding the
storm sewer system upgrades in Northridge without considering other neighborhoods with
similar problems? Was it going to be an additional burden on the taxpayers, or should the
upgrades be funded by only those affected by the improvements? In a cost-sharing program for
the selected alternative, should the developers pay more than the agreed upon 25%?
Carolyn Bolinger stated that at a meeting last fall with City Staff, the developers, and
homeowners, Ken Janssen with Engineering Plus and advisor to the developers stated that this
system was not designed as a five-year plan.
Suresh Kothari, 3006 Northridge Parkway, did not understand how Staff could be so confident
in their statement that it was designed according to five-year standards, as it has been three years
in a row that the area has had problems.
William Jenks, 3101 Greenwood Road, stated that he was willing to believe that the City has
made a good-faith effort to design standards according to the five-year plan, however, it has
failed. He felt the City was obligated to provide service to properties elsewhere in the City, and
should commit to providing that same service to Northridge residents.
Noel Cresse believed that the City is responsible for the storm sewer problems Northridge is
experiencing, and that the developer's engineers had worked with the grade designs which were
given to them by City engineers.
Shashi Gadia, 3129 Maplewood Road, felt that the system was not designed in accordance with
a five-year plan. He stated that discussion was centered around five-year and 100-year
standards, however, he had not heard any information about plans in between these figures.
Steve Finnegan, 2439 Ridgetop Circle, reported that he had served on the committee to discuss
all of the submitted alternatives, and it was determined that Alternative #3 was the best option
as it offered a compromise solution for most everyone involved.
Considerable discussion was held regarding the definitions of five-year and 100-year storm
standards. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand explained the percentage indications of the two.
Mr. Wiegand further explained that statistically once every five years, there is a 20% chance to
have a five-year storm. He also discussed 25-year storm standards as well as 50-year standards.
Council Member Wirth questioned why the Council was trying to approve an improvement
concept for Northridge at this meeting when they had not even determined which standard
overall would be required to alleviate storm sewer problems throughout the City. Mr. Wiegand
stated that the Northridge issue was brought back before Council in reaction to concerns
expressed by homeowners in the neighborhood. Council Member Wirth stated that she would
not feel comfortable making a decision until cost estimates are obtained for all problem areas
within the city so that the Council would be more able to ascertain cost implications.
Council Member Brown felt that the Council needed to separate older, existing neighborhood
improvements from new developments. She stated that the issues lie with the Subdivision
Ordinance, which has created part of the problem regarding grading plans and piping systems
in newer subdivisions. She further stated that with this ordinance in place, the City doesn't have
the ability to require developers to create a grading plan. Council Member Brown questioned
whether the enforcement of grading plans, in combination with piping systems, was going to be
addressed in the update of the Subdivision Ordinance. City Manager Schainker stated that it
would be up to Council to see that this policy was put into place. It was pointed out that the
piping systems required by the City were for five-year storms, and the grading was being done
for a 100-year frequency with the cooperation of the developers. Council Member Brown
reiterated that the issue was enforcing a grading plan, and that ordinance requirement was not
now in place.
Noel Cresse, reported that the Northridge residents did not want to be treated any differently
than other citizens. However, they wanted a five-year plan in place, and that standard was not
being met.
Steve Finnegan stated that had the needed planning been done five years ago, this problem
would not exist today. He further stated that if a detention pond had been built in his back yard
during the development stage, he could have made the choice as to whether or not to purchase
the property.
Council Member Tedesco asked if the board of the homeowners association had considered
Alternative #4. Option #4 was considered, but dismissed because the cost was greater. Council
Member Tedesco pointed out that #4 would not have the $20,000 grading fee in addition to the
estimated cost. The developer's engineers had advised the homeowners that this alternative
would not solve the problems.
Mayor Curtis asked Staff what would be entailed in order to perform design standards for a five-
year frequency storm. Paul Wiegand, Public Works Director, explained that recalculations
would need to be performed. Mayor Curtis suggested that Council direct Staff to perform these
measures.
Tom Sally, 2930 Ridgetop Road, questioned Council about the issue of liability. He felt that the
slope of an open trench would create a nuisance and safety concern for children.
Robert Brown, 3115 Sycamore, stated that he felt that the City's figures were not very exact on
five-year storm water run-off. He indicated that when running his garden hose, 95% of the water
run-off ended up in the street. Mr. Brown stated the soil was very high clay content and that
there was plenty of water in the ground all the time.
William Jenks indicated his agreement with Mr. Brown. He stated that he felt residents would
not object to Alternative #4 over #3 as this was not the major issue.
Tom Cackler stated that the reason the committee proposed Option #3 in lieu of #4 was that they
did not have the incremental costs on the detention basins from the developers. Alternative #4
would have been recommended if they had received the total cost estimations.
Council Member Wirth reported that she felt Staff should check calculations on the five-year
plan and come back to Council with a report as to whether those standards were met. If those
design standards were not met, she felt the Council should establish one standard that would be
used throughout the community.
Noel Cresse stated that everyone was in agreement with using the five-year standard, however,
the City needed to review and collect more data as to what that five-year design was. He
requested that once the calculations were completed, the information be given to the
homeowners in order to have that data evaluated and verified.
Roll Call Vote: 2-4. Voting Aye: Brown, Parks. Voting Nay: Campbell, Hoffman, Tedesco,
Wirth. (Motion failed.)
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Tedesco, to direct Staff to recalculate design standards for the
storm sewer systems to see if they met the five-year storm frequency plan; to provide corrective
design standards if the five-year plan was not being met; to delay discussion of meeting other
standards until the City Council established a design standard policy for Ames; and to make the
recalculation information available to the Northridge Neighborhood Association.
Noel Cresse asked that Council consider delaying any further subdivision development in
Northridge as more control was being lost over the run-off issue.
Tom Randall, 1139 Johnson Street, stated that it was hard for him to believe that none of the
developers were present at this meeting. He felt that now that the developers have been given
permission to proceed with the next addition of the subdivision, their motivation in solving the
water run-off problem had dwindled. Council Member Parks asked Mr. Randall what it was that
the developers were not doing. Mr. Parks stated that they have been willing to participate in
whatever solution the City arrived at, and the developers were relying upon the City to make a
decision.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
MAIN STREET BRIDGE REPAIR: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 94-44 approving a pre-construction agreement with the Iowa Department
of Transportation for the Main Street Bridge Repair over U.S. Highway 69.
Director of Public Works Wiegand stated this portion of Main Street will be closed for repairs
for approximately two to three weeks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
SAM'S CLUB AGREEMENT: This item was pulled from the agenda.
LAND USE POLICY PLAN (LUPP) UPDATE: Mayor Curtis stated that he would like to have
Iowa State University representation on the Planning Policy Committee. He felt that ISU would
have a large impact with the LUPP and zoning ordinance updates. He asked that Council allow
ISU to participate on this committee.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Hoffman, to include Iowa State University representation on the
Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to appoint Bob Shirk as the Developer representative
to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Brown, seconded by Campbell, to appoint Keith Denner as the Landlord
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to appoint Mary Terpstra as the Neighborhood
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to appoint Cele Burnett as the Environmental
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to appoint Ken Augustine as the Retailer representative
to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Parks, to appoint Dick Johnson as the Commercial/Industrial
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Parks, to appoint Sandra McJimsey as the Citizen
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Wirth, seconded by Brown, to appoint Judie Hoffman as the City Council
representative to the Planning Policy Committee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
COMMENTS: Moved by Brown, seconded by Hoffman, to direct Staff to bring back
recommendations on changing the length of time on the parking meters located in the municipal
lot directly east of City Hall in order to accommodate long-term parking in the downtown area.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Moved by Brown, seconded by Hoffman, to direct Staff to make recommendations for the
standardization and administration of exceptions to the Over-Under Ordinance which allows
under-age persons on the premises of bars and nightclubs.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. (Motion declared carried unanimously.)
Council Member Tedesco stated that he had received a concern regarding the City's Sign
Ordinance, which doesn't appear to address billboard standards. He suggested that Council may
wish to revisit this issue.
Council Member Hoffman said it was her hope that the developers of the Northridge Subdivision
would play a larger role in solving the storm sewer problems in that area. Council Member
Parks reiterated that the developers have not indicated that they were not willing to participate
in finding a solution.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Jill Ripperger, Recording Secretary Larry R. Curtis, Mayor