HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 09/13/1994MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m., September 13, 1994, in the City Council
Chambers in the City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Curtis presiding and the
following Council Members present: Brown, Campbell, Hoffman, Tedesco, and Wirth. Coun. Parks
was absent.
WORKSESSION WITH HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY: Kerry McGrath, Local
Governments Coordinator for the State Historic Society of Iowa, presented a brief overview of the
Certified Local Government Program, a federal program which implements a partnership between
different levels of government for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties.
She reviewed the requirements for Ames to become a Certified Local Government (CLG), including
enacting a historic preservation ordinance, establishing a local historic preservation program, and
appointing a qualified historic preservation commission to administer the program. She said to
become a CLG, a local government agrees to follow federal and state historic preservation standards
and guidelines in their local historic preservation program.
Ms. McGrath described the advantages of participation in the CLG program, and said all incentive
programs are tied into the federal standards and goals. She said as a CLG, a community qualifies
for a special federal, matching grant program administered through the National Park Service and
State Historical Society.
Commission Member Burgess asked how the program related to the Main Street Program, and Ms.
McGrath said the two complimented each other.
Coun. Hoffman said the program sounded interesting, and asked whether additional staff time would
be required if Ames were to become a CLG. Ms. McGrath said she didn't believe additional staff
time would be required. She said Ames was somewhat unique in that they already had an
experienced Historic Preservation Commission, and said the program is most effective with public
participation.
Ms. McGrath said while the body of the current Historic Preservation ordinance conforms with the
requirements, some design guidelines were not in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's
standards. She said the purpose of those standards was to maintain the historic fabric of a building,
to preserve as much of the original structure as possible.
Commission Member David Delagardelle said the Commission was working on trying to meet the
design guidelines of the ordinance.
Ms. McGrath discussed the training requirement for Commissioners, and the time frame involved
in Ames becoming a CLG. She said the submission deadline was December 14, 1994, and once the
application packet was received, the contract between the State and the City could be prepared in
approximately 15 days.
Ms. McGrath elaborated on what types of activities the State and federal grant funds could be used
for, and discussed the types of grants available in the past.
The Historic Preservation Commission members were introduced. Commission Member
Delagardelle said within the next 2 months, the Commission will make a recommendation to the City
Council regarding Ames becoming a CLG. He said they were working toward meeting the
December 14 submission deadline.
PROCLAMATION FOR CONSTITUTION WEEK: Mayor Curtis presented a proclamation to
T.J. Gfeller and Susan Harris proclaiming September 17 through 23, 1994 as Constitution Week
within the City of Ames.
AEDC PRESENTATION: Jami Larson, Ames Economic Development Commission, said he was
present to give recognition to the City Council members for their involvement in the Ames
Economic Development Commission and for their support, both in funding and time spent in service.
He presented a plaque to Coun. Brown on behalf of the AEDC, in appreciation of her years of
service on the AEDC Board.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one appeared to speak at this time.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Curtis noted the amended agenda included an additional item to the
Consent Agenda.
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda, removing items 11 and 20 for separate consideration:
Motion to approve payment of claims
Motion to approve minutes of the regular meeting of August 23, 1994
Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses:
a.Class B Beer - Long John Silver's, 533 Lincoln Way
b.Class C Beer - Swift Stop #4, 1118 S. Duff
c.Class C Beer - Holiday Station Store #47, 326 Lincoln Way
d.Class C Liquor - Hunky Dory's, 300 S. 17th Street
e.Class C Liquor - Mandarin, 415 Lincoln Way
f.Class C Liquor - Corner Pocket/Main Attraction, 125 Main
RESOLUTION NO. 94-370 approving Civil Service applicants
RESOLUTION NO. 94-371 approving appointment of Ted Tedesco as
voting delegate and Sharon Wirth as alternate voting delegate for NLC's
Annual Congress of Cities
RESOLUTION NO. 94-372 approving 94/95 funding contract with Ames
International Partner Cities Association, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 94-373 approving blanket authorization for Mayor to
sign affordable housing contracts
RESOLUTION NO. 94-374 approving blanket authorization for Mayor to
sign CDBG existing affordable housing contracts (Removed for separate
consideration; see action at the end of this section)
RESOLUTION NO. 94-375 approving deletion of 1.0 FTE position in City
Clerk's Office to be replaced by (2) .5 FTE positions
RESOLUTION NO. 94-376 approving final plat for Bloomington Heights #4
Subdivision
RESOLUTION NO. 94-377 approving request for time extension to CDBG
Flood Study Grant
RESOLUTION NO. 94-378 approving replat of Westwood Village Subdivision
RESOLUTION NO. 94-379 authorizing a deed conveying vacated street
right-of-way (certain portions of Delaware Avenue) to correct 1970
vacating procedure
RESOLUTION NO. 94-380 approving amendment to contract for Utility
Campus Artwork
RESOLUTION NO. 94-381 approving Retiree Insurance Coverage Option
RESOLUTION NO. 94-382 approving preliminary plans and specifications
for a replacement vibratory steel trough pan conveyor system for the
Public Works Department, establishing October 26, 1994 as bid due date
and November 8, 1994 as date of hearing and award of contract
RESOLUTION NO. 94-383 approving preliminary plans and specifications
for the Ontario Cemetery Retaining Wall Project; setting September 27,
1994 as bid due date and October 11, 1994 as date of hearing and award
of contract (Removed for separate consideration; see action at the end of this section)
RESOLUTION NO. 94-384 accepting bids and awarding a contract to
Independent Salt Company in the amount of $24.90 per ton, for rock salt
for 1994-95 Ice Control program
RESOLUTION NO. 94-385 accepting bids and awarding contracts to
Feed-Rite Controls, Inc. and Di-Chem Company for chemicals for the
Power Plant
RESOLUTION NO. 94-386 approving contract and bond of Manatt's, Inc.
in the amount of $230,982.00 for S.E. 5th Street Paving Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-387 approving contract and bond of Ponderosa
Dredging Company in the amount of $145,500.00 for Lime Sludge Disposal
Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-388 approving contract and bond of Central States
Roofing Company in the amount of $55,965.00 for 1994-95 Library
Roofing Improvements
RESOLUTION NO. 94-389 approving contract and bond of Giese
Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $347,969.74 for East
Lincoln Way Frontage Road Paving Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-390 approving final acceptance of Animal Shelter
Site Grading and Utilities Project
RESOLUTION NO. 94-391 accepting bids and awarding contract to
Thomas Bus Sales of Iowa in amount of $127,266.00 for purchase of
three 13-passenger mini-buses, subject to completion of pre-award audit
and IDOT concurrence.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
SEPARATE CONSIDERATION:
CDBG EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTRACTS: Coun. Hoffman said she wanted
people to know the City was trying to make housing available in more ways than one. She said she
would like to hear from staff on this program at a later date.
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-374 approving
blanket authorization for Mayor to sign CDBG existing affordable housing contracts.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
ONTARIO CEMETERY RETAINING WALL PROJECT: Coun. Hoffman asked when this
work would be done, expressing concerns about safety on the bikepath and the length of time it was
taking for this repair. City Manager Steve Schainker explained that since the funding source for this
repair was through the Iowa Department of Transportation, and therefore separate from the City's
flood reimbursement funding, it was taking longer to accomplish than the other flood-related repair
projects. Coun. Hoffman said she would like to see the project completed this fall, if possible.
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-383 approving
preliminary plans and specifications for the Ontario Cemetery Retaining Wall Project; setting
September 27, 1994 as bid due date and October 11, 1994 as date of hearing and award of
contract.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON LEAF BURNING BAN: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open.
Jack Cleasby, 4805 Dover, said he was recently retired from the Environmental Engineering faculty
at ISU. He said there were good atmospheric conditions in Ames, and the City was not violating
Environmental Protection Agency standards. He said he had many trees on his property and felt
burning was the easiest alternative at this time. He said if individuals burn leaves when conditions
are wrong for burning, i.e. windy days or when the leaves are wet, complaints should be registered
and they should be ordered to stop burning. He said he opposed the ban.
Ann Olson, 817 Ridgewood, spoke in favor of burning, and also of shredding and composting. She
encouraged all citizens to burn responsibly and to consider their neighbors. She said if limited
burning times were considered, the month of November should be included in the period when
burning was allowed.
Stan Lassegard, 4103 Quebec, said he had asthma and allergies, and smoke was his biggest irritant,
sending him to the emergency room on more than one occasion. He distributed a statement from
Edward G. Nassif, M.D., concerning carcinogens released by open leaf burning. He said there were
great health costs of open burning that could not be valued in monetary terms.
Dayton Heins, 404 Garden Road, said he was against leaf burning, although he said the southern part
of town is not as affected by smoke as the middle areas. He said the City should concentrate on
distribution to get the leaves from the center of town to an area where they can be used.
Jim Mcelroy, 2115 Friley Drive, said the Council should consider alternatives to burning prior to
taking any action banning burning.
Al Joensen, 1717 24th Street, spoke against a ban on leaf burning, and said they should reinforce
responsible burning. He displayed a chart showing what happens when people pile their leaves on
the ground for burning, and said smoke will result from poor distribution of air for combustion. He
said using a large wire receptacle with space underneath provides for better combustion. He said if
people are concerned about leaf burning, they should also consider woodburning, which creates
various hydrocarbons and creosote. He said charcoal grill burning could also produce a large amount
of smoke. He said car emissions posed a greater threat to health than leaf burning. He said he felt
the option of leaf burning should be left open for individuals who did it properly. He discussed the
btu energy value of leaf burning, and said he felt the procedure for burning dry leaves in the
Resource Recovery Center should be reevaluated.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Coun. Campbell said the Council should consider an amendment to the current ordinance which
would allow leaf burning on Saturdays only. She said such an amendment might intensify the smoke
on those days, and if so, the issue might have to be revisited. She said in the meantime, it would
provide the opportunity to let people know the City would like to discourage the burning method,
and also provide time to look at other alternatives, such as transporting the leaves to the southern part
of town.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to amend the current ordinance to
allow leaf burning on Saturdays only.
Coun. Brown said she felt they needed to look at other options as well, particularly regarding getting
service clubs involved to provide answers to the transportation problem.
Coun. Hoffman said they also needed more educational programs on the alternatives. She said after
reviewing material from ISU on composting, she had concerns about the amount of time involved
in the decomposition process.
Coun. Wirth said she could support the amendment, as long as action was also taken to look at
alternatives and education about land application, shredders, transportation, etc. She said the
proposed amendment was not a good long-term solution, but would put people on notice that the
City was looking at changes to the current ordinance.
Coun. Tedesco said he felt the amendment would be a rush to judgment without any clear-cut
alternatives in place that could function properly to handle all of the different needs and
inconveniences that may result. He said most of the residents who have talked to him have been
against any ban, and that some felt it was a reduction of their liberties. He said he felt there might
be a federal or state mandated total ban on burning in the future. He said it was hard to distinguish
between burning yard waste and burning leaves. He said he could not support a change in the
ordinance until defined alternatives were in place.
Coun. Campbell suggested yard waste be included in the motion to be burned on Saturdays only.
Coun. Tedesco said the proposed amendment would concentrate all the smoke on days when many
people were at home with their families and relatives. He said people who worked on Saturdays
would be unable to burn leaves then. He said he would be more supportive of an amendment that
provided for limited burning at only specified times during the year.
Mayor Curtis said the experience of other communities that have limited burning to particular days
or time periods has not been successful, partly because nature doesn't always cooperate.
Coun. Campbell said she felt the proposed amendment was worth a try. She said in the meantime,
it would keep the subject of recycling, composting, etc. in the forefront.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Brown, to amend the motion to provide that
yard waste, as well as leaves, could be burned only on Saturdays.
City Manager Steve Schainker noted the ordinance had been amended fairly recently to deal with
ceremonial fires and other open wood-burning fires. City Attorney John Klaus reviewed the current
ordinance, noting open fires for cooking, heating, recreation, and ceremonies would be permitted as
an exception to the ordinance.
Mr. Schainker said in the past, people who are developing property far away from established homes
have requested open burning of grass, etc. Mr. Klaus said the current ordinance provides that
landscape waste which originates on the premises may be burned on the site, but the proposed
amendment would exclude leaves and yard waste from that permission on any day except Saturday.
There was discussion regarding what constituted yard waste. Coun. Tedesco said the discussion
pointed out how complicated the issue is.
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Hoffman, to table the leaf-burning issue for 30 days, asking Staff
to research alternatives.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Coun. Wirth said she felt Staff should be given direction regarding what to research for alternatives.
Coun. Brown agreed and said if Council had no objection, she would contact the President of the
Ames JayCees to see if that group had any interest in working out a volunteer program to help with
transportation alternatives.
Coun. Tedesco suggested a workshop be held, including other parties involved in this issue, to look
at alternatives such as whether the Resource Recovery Center might be able to burn leaves in the
future. He suggested State legislators be contacted regarding exemptions in regulations for the
Resource Recovery Center.
Coun. Brown agreed. She said in addition, they should look at either subsidizing wire baskets to
produce cleaner smoke when burning leaves, or getting service clubs to sell them.
Coun. Wirth said they might look at rebates for shredders. She suggested Staff meet with the
garbage haulers and see if they have any additional ideas regarding yard waste.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTY AT INTERSECTION OF ELWOOD DRIVE
AND OAKWOOD: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one present
wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Brown, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-393 approving with
stipulations a request for annexation of 31.21 acres of land generally located southwest of the
intersection of Elwood Drive and Oakwood Road.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning property
generally located southwest of the intersection of Elwood Drive and Oakwood Road from Story
County A-1 to R-2 (Low-Density Residential).
Coun. Campbell asked why the Council was not being asked to consider the Conceptual
Development Plan and Planned Unit Development at this time. Planning and Housing Director
Brian O'Connell explained that documents for CDP and PUD had not yet been filed, and the
applicant had asked if the City would be willing to consider the base zoning with the understanding
that the CDP and PUD would have to be handled as a separate submittal. He said this action reflects
the City's decision to deal with a basic landuse decision in the form of a zoning amendment. He said
the property was in the process of being sold to the developer.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON PEARLE AVENUE STORM SEWER PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the
public hearing open.
J.D. Armstrong said he wondered why Staff's recommendation was to reject the bids received on this
project. He said much time and money went into the preparation of proposals. He said perhaps the
difference between the engineer's estimate and the bids received was due to the time that had evolved
between the preparation of the engineer's estimate and the time of bid submittal. He said his bid was
up to date. He said due to the time of year, construction costs for this project would also affect bid
amounts.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Brown, to reject bids.
Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said both bids received on this project were over the engineer's
estimate, with the low bid being 12% over the budget. He said with administrative costs, the City's
total costs for this project would be nearly $75,000. He said because bonding was the funding
source, there was not another revenue source to fall back on to try to gain the incremental difference.
He said it was not Staff's intent to rebid immediately, but to re-evaluate the situation and try to get
the costs under budget.
Coun. Wirth asked whether the pipe was in danger of collapsing if the project was delayed until
spring. Mr. Wiegand said no further deterioration of the pipe had been noted, but Staff would
continue to closely monitor the situation.
Coun. Hoffman expressed concern regarding the amount of money and time that goes into
preparation of bids. She said while she understood the funding problem in this instance, she felt the
issue of soliciting bids and then rejecting them needed to be carefully considered.
Coun. Brown asked why bid openings were held at 10:00 a.m. rather than at the standard time of
2:00 p.m, and said she's heard the earlier time often presents a problem for bidders. There was
discussion regarding what was the standard bid opening time for the City. Mr. Wiegand said Staff
could talk to the bidders and see if the early bid opening time presents problems. Coun. Tedesco
said he'd also heard that the early time makes it difficult for bidders to get necessary documents ready
in time.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON MAXWELL AVENUE SANITARY SEWER PROJECT: Mayor Curtis
declared the public hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify further, the public hearing
was declared closed.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to accept report of bids and delay
award of contract to September 27, 1994.
Coun. Tedesco noted the bids were higher than the engineer's estimate and asked if there was a
possibility these bids would be rejected as well. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said in this
project, there was a possibility of other projects within the utility having savings that could be
applied to this project.
Coun. Tedesco asked whether they would continue to see high costs on the remaining construction
projects for the year. Mr. Wiegand said because of the work backlog for construction, whenever a
tight time frame was involved, the price would increase.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON PARKING LOT Q RESURFACING PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the
public hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify further, the public hearing was declared
closed.
Motion by Brown, Second by Wirth, to accept report of bids and delay
award of contract to September 27, 1994.
Coun. Wirth said she hoped to see this project completed.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FIREWORKS PERMIT FOR ROLLING STONES CONCERT: Motion by Tedesco,
Second by Hoffman, to approve request from Iowa State Center for fireworks permit for Rolling
Stones Concert on October 1, 1994.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CENTER FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUEST REGARDING DISPOSITION OF
PROPERTY AT 1008 BURNETT: Bill Marion, President of the Board of Directors for the Center
for Personal Development (CPD) at 1008 Burnett, said due to financial constraints and reductions
in funding for long term mental health care, the Board decided to close the Center at 1008 Burnett
and its traditional living facility at 525 6th Street. He reviewed events in the past several months
leading to closings, saying on August 19, he'd announced the Center was closing, and encouraged
representatives of other facilities to tour both facilities and to let it be known if they were interested
in acquiring the houses. He said a group of six Realtors had toured both homes and priced 1008
Burnett at $99,000 and the 6th Street property at $75,000. He said representatives of Mary Greeley
Medical Center's Emergency Residence Project visited the houses, and Youth and Shelter Services
had expressed an interest in the 6th Street property on a rental basis. He said neither he nor any of
the other current Board members knew there was a contract stipulating the Center must have the
City's authorization before dispensing of the property until he received an August 27, 1994
memorandum from Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt alerting him to that fact. He said the
Board has since ceased all efforts to sell until Council authorizes them to proceed. He said the
Board needs the proceeds from the sale of the Burnett house to cover other debts because as a
corporation, they were responsible for both properties. He said the difference in the asking price and
the assessed value on the Burnett property was due to maintenance of the property, and an official
appraisal could be done if Council so wished. He said the Board felt the Center had faithfully
fulfilled its commitment of 10 years ago, and wished to be fully cooperative with the Council.
There was discussion regarding why the Board felt the need to proceed immediately with the sale
of both properties. Coun. Wirth said she felt the sale of the 6th Street property was a separate issue,
and Coun. Brown agreed, asking if there was a package sale to a party. Mr. Marion stressed the need
to regard the Center as an entity that has ceased operation, and said they were packaging the two
buildings together for information purposes, but not in terms of a sale.
Coun. Tedesco referred to the CPD's balance sheets as of August 31, and asked several questions
pertaining to accrued unemployment tax, number of employees terminated, and whether real estate
commissions would be subtracted from the sale of the properties. Mr. Marion said while a
commission would be paid to the listing agency, he would not be directly involved. He said he
would volunteer his time to expedite the process.
Mr. Marion said the Center had also received a $10,000 grant for the purchase of the 6th Street
facility, and a $12,000 operating grant. He said no method of repayment was mentioned in the
contract between the Center and the City, and asked that the City carefully consider requesting any
payment until the total liabilities of the Center are determined.
Coun. Tedesco asked whether the City was entitled to possible recovery of the grant funds. City
Attorney John Klaus said the 1985 agreement provided that there be no transfer of the title to this
property without the City's approval, and that the proceeds of any sale are not to be dispersed except
with respect to a City-approved public purpose or benefit. He said the latter could include the
purposes served by paying off the debts and obligations of the organizations. He reviewed options
for the Council to consider, saying it would be possible to indicate the Center could seek a potential
transaction, but that the transaction needs Council approval before it is concluded. Mr. Marion
suggested the Center's legal counsel discuss these issues with the City Attorney.
Coun. Wirth said she felt it was important to have Staff review this information, and Coun. Campbell
agreed, noting information had also been received late this afternoon concerning the City's CDBG
obligation to the State.
Mayor Curtis said he felt it was important to let the Center proceed as soon as possible, once the
Council feels their concerns are met, and Coun. Brown agreed. Mayor Curtis said the Center has
provided a valuable service to the community, and the Council needed to act responsibly in terms
of their obligation to the community. He said both were working toward the same ultimate goal.
Assistant to the City Manager Sheila Lundt reviewed the obligations of both parties as contained in
the 1985 contract. She said Staff was informed today that the Iowa Department of Economic
Development does not consider revenue from sale of this property as block grant revenue. She
reviewed the September 13, 1994 memo from Planning and Housing staff as distributed to Council,
which identified the three actions that must occur when this property is to be sold, and two options
for the Council to consider regarding the proceeds of any sale.
Motion by Brown, Second by Tedesco, to allow the Center for Personal
Development to proceed with the sale of 1008 Burnett, subject to
establishment of an escrow account for deposit of proceeds after appropriate
liens and mortgages on 1008 Burnett are satisfied, and subject to having the
terms and conditions of the sale approved by the Council.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FROM AMES HIGH SCHOOL FOR HOMECOMING PARADE: Motion by
Hoffma n , Se c o n d b y T e d e s co , to a d o p t RESOLU TIO N NO. 94-394
approving request from Ames High Homecoming Committee for parade along Fifth and Main
Streets on Monday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m., subject to support of downtown business owners,
and with the stipulation that the Committee provide adults to man City-provided barricades at
eleven locations along the proposed route to block north/south traffic movement during the
event.
Diane Wilson, Ames High Homecoming Parade Chair, said the downtown businesses will be
notified, and the Committee has support from the AHS Administration.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
REPORT ON PEDDLERS' PERMITS: City Clerk Sandra Ryan provided a report on the City's
current permit process for peddlers and door-to-door solicitors, noting the spring and fall of each
year are particularly busy times for groups and individuals who wish to conduct door-to-door
business in Ames. She said the City's process is one of identification only, not endorsement of any
individual, group, or product, and only applies to for-profit groups. She said non-profit groups may
voluntary register with the City Clerk's office, but are not required to do so under the current
ordinance. She said citizens who call the City with concerns about a particular individual or group
are often surprised to learn the City's process is for identification only. She said Staff was concerned
that because the City issues a badge, there seems to be a perception that the City is endorsing an
individual, group, or product in some way. Coun. Campbell said the badge does allow the City to
identify individuals who are not complying with the ordinance.
City Attorney John Klaus reviewed how the present ordinance was adopted to at least identify the
people who were going door-to-door. He said there was no strong legal basis to do much more than
identification, unless background checks were performed.
Coun. Hoffman said she had requested this item be placed on the agenda after receiving calls from
citizens concerned about individuals selling products door-to-door. She said it had been brought to
her attention that in other cities, ordinances were structured so that revocation of permits was
possible. She said she had asked the City Attorney to review those ordinances, and while she didn't
think there was any real solution to this problem, she felt there were ideas from other cities that
might be workable here, such as requiring a bond for collecting damages.
City Manager Steve Schainker said he has heard concerns that under the present ordinance, when
complaints are received about a particular individual or group going door-to-door, staff has no
authority to revoke a permit or to deny a permit to the group when they re-apply in 6 months.
There was discussion regarding possible revocation or denial procedures, including an opportunity
for a hearing. Coun. Hoffman said she felt such a hearing should be held administratively. City
Attorney Klaus said it would be possible to set certain standards for denying a permit, i.e., previous
revocation.
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Wirth, that the matter be referred to Staff
for further information regarding more detailed applications for peddlers'
permits, provisions for permit revocation, and hearing procedures.
Coun. Hoffman asked if the present ordinance prohibited door-to-door solicitations after dark, and
City Attorney Klaus said solicitations were currently prohibited between the hours of sunset and
sunrise.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
RECESS: Mayor Curtis called a recess at 8:55 p.m.
RECONVENE: The regular meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
CONTRACT FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG SERVICES: Motion by Brown,
Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-395 approving contract for
pharmaceutical drug services.
Coun. Hoffman questioned why this project was bid with an initial 9-month contract period.
Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred said the evaluation process carried into the new fiscal year, and
Staff wanted to make certain there was a smooth transition. He said other pharmacies may still sign
on to this package. He said if approved, the contract would go into effect on October 1, 1994.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
SETTING DATE OF MEETING FOR PROPOSED SALE AND ISSUANCE OF $2,015,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE BONDS, SERIES 1994B:
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-396 setting
September 27, 1994 as date of meeting at which it is proposed to take action for the sale and
issuance of $2,015,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 1994B.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
BOND REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION: Motion by Tedesco, Second by Hoffman,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-397 relating to financing of certain proposed projects to be
undertaken by the City of Ames, Iowa; establishing compliance with reimbursement bond
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO BUILDING CODE: Kurt Mackey, Chair of the
Building Code Board of Appeals, reviewed his September 8, 1994 memorandum to the Mayor and
Council, and thanked the Board members, Homebuilders Association members, and concrete
contractors for the last several months of discussion on this item. He said the Board of Appeals'
proposal would require foundation wall inspections, enforce the Uniform Building Code for all
foundations, and affect a change on anchor bolt spacing from 6 ft. on center to 4 ft. on center. He
said they also recommended clarification in wording of what constitutes a "foundation." He said
the Board also recommended the UBC requirement for site conditions to be taken into consideration.
There was discussion regarding the definition of "foundation." Mr. MacKey said in his definition,
a "foundation" would include the foundation footing and foundation wall.
Mayor Curtis summarized the differences between the Building Code Board of Appeals'
recommendation and that of the Home Builders Association, concerning the spacing between
horizontally and vertically located rebars, and whether the vertical rebar was pre-wired to a
horizontal rebar prior to pouring of concrete or "dropped in" prior to concrete pouring.
Building Official Jeff Pearson displayed examples of rebars, and what would be required by the
Building Code Board of Appeals' recommendation. He said Staff agrees that a foundation is one of
the most important parts of a structure, and is willing to add foundation inspections to their
schedules.
Tom Donner, President of Ames Home Builders Association, referred to his September 8, 1994 letter
to the Mayor and Council, and said he had conducted telephone interviews with building officials
from other major cities in Iowa regarding this issue to determine what was common practice. He
said the Home Builders' recommendation differed not in the amount of reinforcing, but in the hours
of time required to implement it. He said they needed to be able to afford the quality that they were
dictating. He said by allowing for steel to be place on-site, the Home Builder's recommendation
would keep the walls structurally sound, but keep affordable quality housing. He said minor
cracking would occur with either option.
Motion by Tedesco, Second by Brown, to direct the City Attorney to prepare ordinance changes
for the Building Code pertaining to foundation walls as follows: 1) accepting the Home Builders
Association members' alternative for relaxing the UBC for one- and two-family dwellings; 2)
that all other dwellings conform to the current UBC; and 3) that there be inspections for poured
foundations.
Bill Bossenberger, 1938 Maxwell, expressed concern that the motion didn't take site conditions into
account. He said there was a misunderstanding that the Board of Appeals was asking for a great
increase in the amount of reinforcement. He said there were other options to adding more steel to
the walls, for example, the option of granular backfill. He discussed other options, and said the
flexibility to use those options was not included in the motion, whereas it was under the UBC.
Coun. Brown asked questions about site specificity in terms of soils, and said she was concerned
with the expense of the some of the proposals. Mr. Bossenberger discussed free-draining materials
and clay materials which require a stronger foundation.
Coun. Tedesco said he felt the motion was a compromise, to at least guarantee some reinforcing and
continuity in construction of affordable 1- and 2-family dwellings which are not designed by an
engineer or an architect. He said he felt this proposal was a step forward, adding that it may have
to be amended again later on.
Coun. Brown said she felt a worksession on this issue, similar to ones held in the past on the
Building Code revisions, would be helpful, and Coun. Wirth agreed, saying she was not willing to
preclude one option at this time. She said the City Attorney be directed to draw up both ordinances.
Coun. Tedesco said there could be more discussion on this issue at the time of first reading of the
ordinance.
There was discussion regarding how site specific determinations were made.
Coun. Hoffman said she would prefer to have both options drawn up for the Council's consideration.
Vote on Motion: 1-4. Voting Aye: Tedesco. Voting Nay: Brown,
Campbell, Hoffman, Wirth. Motion declared failed: 1-4.
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Wirth, to direct the City Attorney to prepare two versions of an
ordinance, one dealing with the Home Builders' Association recommendation; the other with the
recommendation of the Building Code Board of Appeals, to be sent out to both entities for
review before returning for Council's consideration.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting Aye: Brown, Campbell, Hoffman, Wirth.
Voting Nay: Tedesco. Motion declared carried: 4-1.
Motion by Brown, Second by Wirth, that before this issue returns for
Council's consideration, an informational worksession be conducted, with several visual aids
provided.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CDP FOR ASPEN BUSINESS PARK: Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to
adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-398 approving Conceptual Development Plan for Aspen Business
Park, located along South 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
REQUEST FROM SOFTFORCE, INC. FOR EXTENSION ON CEBA JOB CREATION
GOAL: Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
94-402 approving request to State of Iowa on behalf of Softforce, Inc. for
extension on CEBA job creation goal.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SOFTFORCE, INC. FOR SUBORDINATION OF
INTEREST AND EXTENSION OF REVOLVING LOAN FUND: Motion by
Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-399 approving an amendment
to contract with SoftForce, Inc. for subordination of interest and extension of Revolving Loan
Fund.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PRIORITIES FOR LOW POINT DRAINAGE: City Manager Steve Schainker noted Council
had previously approved the criteria to evaluate low points in the street grade where stormwater
flooding occurs. He said Staff's report was the result of applying those criteria to the problem areas,
to determine priority rankings.
Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said a number of areas were studied, including those identified
in the Capital Improvement Program. He reviewed the staff report, which listed the following seven
criteria: 1) Value of property exposed to potential damage, 2) Emergency vehicle access, 3) Number
of people affected, 4) Number of structures exposed to potential damage, 5) Street classification
affected, 6) Land use of affected area, and 7) Benefits adjacent areas. He said some of the areas were
not ranked, because if there was no structure involved, Potential Damage (Criteria #4) was not
determined. He noted Northridge Parkway and Thackeray/College Creek areas received the highest
priority rating, primarily because of the higher point totals in terms of number of people affected and
number of structures affected. He said Staff will start developing projects to address concerns in
the priority order, based on the budgeted funds available.
Coun. Hoffman noted the CIP allocated $100,000 per fiscal year for the construction work to
alleviate these problems, and asked how long it might take to accomplish all the projects. There was
discussion regarding how a number of alternatives might exist to solve each problem area.
Coun. Tedesco asked whether the 1300 block of Jefferson Project might move up in priority with
the Bloomington Road project, and Mr. Wiegand said Staff intended to try to link associated
projects.
Coun. Wirth asked how the number of structures involved was determined, and whether Staff had
talked to the property owners. Mr. Wiegand described the process used by Staff.
Mr. Wiegand noted a correction to the Priority Rating as contained in the Council Action Form,
citing 10 structures exposed in the Thackeray/College Creek area.
Coun. Wirth asked whether residents had been notified of this information. Mr. Wiegand said in
areas where Staff had a neighborhood contact, the information was sent last week.
Helen Silverthorn, 1725 Burnett, said her home sustained structural damage from the storm last year
and she felt more than 5 structures in that area had been involved as well. She said there was much
drainage in the area from Meeker School.
Mr. Wiegand said the 1993 flood was not used as a design alternative because it was such an
exceptional year. He said the 100-year water level was used to establish the criteria.
Annamae McLaughlin, 1813 Burnett, said she has been a resident there for 12 years, and this was
not a one-time occurrence. She said there are 10 acres of property at Meeker School that drain down
into one drain. She said it was a major problem.
Linda Kelly, 1721 Burnett, said the problems occurred not just in one 300-year flood, but any time
there was a major storm.
Glenn Bastiaans, 2506 Ridgetop, said the members of the Northridge Homeowners Association have
been working with City staff for the past year, trying to clear up some of that area's flooding
problems. He said he thought this was a step in the right direction.
Coun. Hoffman suggested the School District might take some steps to prevent the runoff into the
neighborhood, as was the situation with the Sawyer School area earlier this year. Mr. Wiegand said
contacts had been made with the School District earlier this spring, and said Staff would follow up
on that contact. Coun. Wirth suggested the neighbors also write to the School District.
Coun. Campbell asked if there had been miscalculations on the number of properties affected on
Burnett that would reprioritize that area. Coun. Wirth said perhaps Staff hadn't heard how often the
problem recurred there, which would affect the equation used to determine its priority ranking. Mr.
Wiegand explained the frequency multiplier used, and said a frequency of once every three years had
been used in the Burnett area. He said Staff could recheck the numbers used the Burnett area, and
Coun. Wirth requested they do so.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR U.S. 30/DAYTON ROAD: Motion by
Tedesco, Second by Brown, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-400 approving
pre-construction agreement for U.S. 30/Dayton Road.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
CHANGE ORDER FOR SOUTH DUFF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Motion by
Hoffman, Second by Tedesco, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 94-401 approving
change order for South Duff Improvement Project.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF VEHICLES FROM PARKING IN DESIGNATED
DELIVERY AREAS: Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to
pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting certain types of vehicles from parking in
designated delivery areas.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to pass on second and third
readings ORDINANCE NO. 3293 prohibiting certain types of vehicles from parking in
designated delivery areas.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PROHIBITION OF PARKING ON 20TH STREET FROM GRAND TO FERNDALE:
Motion by Hoffman, Second by Brown, to pass on first reading an ordinance
prohibiting parking on 20th Street from Grand to Ferndale.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to suspend the rules required for the
adoption of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared adopted unanimously.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Tedesco, to pass on second and third readings ORDINANCE NO.
3294 prohibiting parking on 20th Street from Grand to Ferndale.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
PROHIBITION OF PARKING ON RIDGEWOOD AVENUE FROM 16TH STREET TO
20TH STREET: Mayor Curtis noted a revised ordinance had been distributed to
Council.
Motion by Brown, Second by Campbell, to pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting parking
on Ridgewood Avenue from 16th Street to 20th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Coun. Tedesco asked whether Staff intended to propose prohibiting parking on Ridgewood entirely
once the construction project was completed, and City Manager Schainker said that was Staff's
intent.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Campbell, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Wirth, Second by Tedesco, to pass on second and third readings
ORDINANCE NO. 3295 prohibiting parking on Ridgewood Avenue from 16th Street to 20th
Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
DESIGNATION OF SPEED LIMIT ON SOUTHEAST 16TH STREET - DAYTON AVENUE
TO NEW U.S. HIGHWAY 30 and U.S. HWY. 30/DAYTON OVERPASS:
Motion by Brown, Second by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance designating speed
limit on Southeast 16th Street - Dayton Avenue to New U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. Hwy.
30/Dayton Overpass.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to suspend the rules required for the
adoption of an ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to pass on second and third reading
ORDINANCE NO. 3296 designating speed limit on Southeast 16th Street - Dayton Avenue to
New U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. Hwy. 30/Dayton Overpass.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Coun. Brown said there had been an interesting report in The Nation's Weekly
regarding the importance of community leaders becoming involved in the information super
highway, and she said she felt there were interesting future ramifications for Ames. She requested
Staff order the materials mentioned in the article.
Coun. Wirth said there were street lights not working properly in the 1100-1200 block of Grand and
in the 800 block of Burnett.
Coun. Tedesco asked whether the report from the Flood Plain Management Study Committee would
include recommendations regarding projects to deter flooding. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred
said the September 27 Council agenda would include an item regarding a proposed Scope of
Services for the Study. He said identification of mitigation alternatives would be included in one
of the phases of the Study.
Coun. Hoffman said she had received a complaint about chunks of cement left over from a project
on West Street which prohibit the property owners from being able to cut through the weeds and
maintain the property.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor