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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 07/13/1993MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA JULY 13, 1993 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m., July 13, 1993, 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: Campbell, Hertz, Hoffman, and Wirth. Council Members Brown and Parks were absent. P.U.S.H. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Curtis proclaimed July 21, 1993, as People Understanding the Severely Handicapped (P.U.S.H.) America Day. BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS: Don Keltner, Facilities Supervisor for the City of Ames, and Margaret Jaynes, member of the Ames Beautification Committee, presented Beautification Awards to the following: Kevin and Debbie Brownfield, Bud's Service Center, Charles Silet, Thomas Wessels, Nader and Mary Vakili, Hyland Shoe Repair, Charles and Debbie Johnson, Don Schulze, Bob and Susan Bartsch, Bill and Phyliss Boon, Gene and Lynell Dougherty, and Robert and Helen Ewald. COMMENDATIONS: Mayor Curtis commended many individuals and organizations who assisted the community during the flood disaster that struck Ames. He thanked those who volunteered their services for all of their efforts. The City of Ames gave a special commendation to KASI-KCCQ Radio for all of their assistance in round-the-clock news reports regarding the flood situation. Those present to accept the commendation were Betty Baudler, Dar Daniels, Rich Fellingham, Jamie Phillips, and Jim Worrell. Mayor Curtis read a letter from Wendy Brock, Director for Youth and 4-H, thanking City staff for their actions in assisting in the rescue of 700 4-H members and volunteers at the State Youth and 4-H Conference being held at the Hilton Coliseum. Don Goering, Amy Mortvedt, and Elizabeth Trede, members of the 4-H staff appeared in person to thank the City for its assistance. They presented the Mayor with posters that all of the 4-H members signed to show their appreciation. CONSENT AGENDA: Items regarding the approval of final plats for Valley East, Plat No. 4 and Brookview Place Subdivision, First Addition, were pulled from the Consent Agenda. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda: Motion to approve payment of claims. Motion to approve minutes of regular meeting of June 22, 1993 Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses: a . Class C Beer - Hillman's Amoco Service, 1614 S. Dayton b . Class C Liquor - Tip Top Lounge, 201 East Lincoln Way c . Class C Liquor - Welch Avenue Station, 207 Welch Avenue d . Class C Liquor - Memorial Union, Iowa State University Campus e . Class C Liquor - The Fox I, 111 South 5th Motion to approve certification of Civil Service applicants Motion to refer to Staff request regarding City-owned property adjoining 1624 Top-O-Hollow Road RESOLUTION NO. 93-259 approving and adopting supplement No. 12 to the Ames Municipal Code, 1990 RESOLUTION NO. 93-260 approving Hospital investment procedures RESOLUTION NO. 93-261 approving contracts with YMCA for FY 1993/94 funding RESOLUTION NO. 93-262 approving release of housing rehabilitation mortgage RESOLUTION NO. 93-263 approving request for extension of City's 1992-93 CDBG grant with IDED to December 31, 1993 Amendments to City Manager's contract a . RESOLUTION NO. 93-264 amending contract to increase car allowance from $350/month to $400/month b . RESOLUTION NO. 93-265 amending contract to increase severance pay from 6/months to 9/months aggregate salary RESOLUTION NO. 93-266 accepting bids and awarding contract to Four Seasons Lawn & Sport of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $30,441.00 for purchase of utility tractors and mower for Park Maintenance and Public Works Departments RESOLUTION NO. 93-267 approving plans and specifications for Landfill Closure Project; setting August 4, 1993, as bid due date and August 10, 1993, as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-268 approving plans and specifications for extension of Bloomington Heights Subdivision interceptor sanitary sewer; setting August 4, 1993 as bid due date and August 10, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-269 approving plans and specifications for Elwood Drive and Old Airport Road Storm Sewer Project; setting August 4, 1993 as bid due date and August 10, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-270 approving plans and specifications for Lincoln Way Rehabilitation Project from 400' west of Franklin Avenue to Beedle Drive; setting August 3, 1993 as bid due date and August 10, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-271 approving Hospital lease agreement for property at 5th and Douglas for psychiatric services RESOLUTION NO. 93-272 approving contract and bond for Finley Brothers Tennis West, Ltd. in the amount of $28,876.50 for resurfacing of Brookside Tennis/Basketball Courts and Emma McCarthy Lee Tennis Courts RESOLUTION NO. 93-273 approving contract and bond for Baker/MO Services, Inc., in the amount of $35,135.00 for the Gas Turbine Generator Inspection project Roll Call Vote: 4-0. 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. AMES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REQUEST: Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to approve the request from the Ames Economic Development Commission for $16,750.00 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. IOWA GAMES REQUEST: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Hertz, to approve the request from the Iowa Games for $1,666.50 from the Contingency Fund for half of the City's total financial commitment to host the Iowa Games Annual Sports Festival for 1993. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER: Members from the Friends of the Ames Animal Shelter presented the City with a check in the amount of $49,000.00 which was collected through various fund-raising activities for contribution towards the new Animal Control Shelter. Some members expressed the urgency of the situation and hoped that the process to begin work on the new shelter could be expedited. Mayor Curtis presented the Friends of the Ames Animal Shelter with a plaque in recognition of their hard work in the fund-raising activities for the new shelter. At this time, City Manager Steve Schainker reviewed staff's efforts regarding the site selection and construction of a new Animal Control Shelter. He reiterated that the City-owned sites which staff focused on included: (1) the northwest corner of South Duff and Ken Maril Road; (2) South 16th Street between Duff and Elwood Drive on the north side of the road across from the trailer park; (3) 13th and Meadowlane east of the cemetery hill; and, (4) the old Water Pollution Control (WPC) site just east of the Army Reserve facility. City staff solicited input from the surrounding neighborhoods of the four sites, and three out of the four received significant opposition. No one spoke in opposition of the old WPC site. Because of the opposition received regarding the other three sites, staff has recommended the old WPC property as the preferred site for the new Animal Control Shelter. City Manager Schainker stated that this site would involve the greatest site-preparation costs, and given the limited budget for the project, the development costs would reduce the available funds for the actual building itself. Two other sites were explored -- one being a site immediately south of the entrance to Brookside Park and the other one was on the City's decommissioned landfill property. The site near Brookside Park had positive aspects, but would have involved cutting down trees as well as being located near another neighborhood area. The landfill site would have required additional 3 costs to construct footings deep enough to penetrate solid ground. As earlier discussed, the old WPC site will involve greater costs for development. In an effort to save money, staff has proposed that the City bypass the use of an architect, thereby alleviating that cost. Therefore, the City will not have prepared plans and specifications, and staff may recommend hiring a construction management firm to review the plans that are submitted by the bidding companies. Discussion was held regarding the progression of this project. City Manager Schainker indicated that a water easement must be obtained from an abutting property owner, and the State needs to complete a gravel road which will allow access to the site. Mr. Schainker stated that it was his hope that Council would be in a position to award a contract by the end of September. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-274 approving the recommendation of staff, and identifying the preferred site for the new Animal Control Shelter to be at the old WPC property just east of the Army Reserve facility. Council Member Hoffman asked staff if construction would be under way this fall. City Manager Schainker stated that given the wet construction season and contractors' schedules, it may be difficult. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON SNOW/ICE REMOVAL ASSESSMENT: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments, and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-275 assessing the costs of snow and ice removal to the property owner for property located at 928 Clark Avenue, and certifying the assessment to the Story County Treasurer. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON CONVEYANCE OF LAND: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There being no one present wishing to testify, the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-276 approving the sale and conveyance by the City of Ames of its right, title and interest in certain land to the State of Iowa for location of the new Iowa State University Horticultural Garden. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON PARK MAINTENANCE FACILITY: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments, and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hertz, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-277 accepting the report of bids for construction of a Park Maintenance Facility and delaying award of contract 4 to a later Council meeting in order to allow time to explore options that may get the project within budget. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE REMOVING THROUGH STREET DESIGNATION ON CLARK AVENUE: Moved by Hertz, seconded by Campbell, to pass on first reading an ordinance removing the through street designation on Clark Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE RESTRICTING PARKING ON WESTBROOK DRIVE: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance designating parking prohibitions on Westbrook Drive from Hickory Drive to the west end of the street. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON INDIAN GRASS COURT: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting parking along the south side of Indian Grass Court from Beach Avenue to the median inside the cul-de-sac, and delaying implementation of parking measures along the street within the cul-de-sac area until September 1, 1993. Upon questioning by City Council, City Traffic Engineer Scott Logan reported that the street width in the cul-de-sac area measures 20 feet, which is a little narrower than the regular cul-de- sac street, however, there are other cul-de-sac streets within the City that are the same width. He further reported that cul-de-sacs are not usually as wide as a normal street. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE DELETING STREETS FROM SNOW ROUTE: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance removing snow route designations on Roosevelt Avenue from 10th Street to 16th Street; 10th Street from Grand Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue; Kellogg Avenue from 20th Street to 28th Street; and, 28th Street from Kellogg Avenue to Grand Avenue due to bus route changes. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SOUTH DUFF MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to table the report on the status of the South Duff Municipal Improvement District. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING: City Manager Schainker outlined the options that are available to Council for disposition of the building. He stated that he had contacted the current president of the Ames Board of Realtors seeking his advice as to how the City should proceed. Upon consulting with members of his Board, the president suggested the following approach: the City should not select just one realtor to handle this sale; the City should erect a "for sale" sign on the property, which indicates that interested parties should contact their local realtor; the City should contact each real estate agency, agreeing to pay 7% commission to the 5 realtor who brings in an offer which is accepted by the City Council; and, realtors will also be made aware that Council will not at this time consider demolition, but would accept offers subject to the removal/withdrawal of the landmark status of the Public Safety Building. The duration of this arrangement should be for three to six months. City Manager Schainker asked for Council direction on how to proceed with the disposition of the building. Council Member Wirth stated that she saw no motivating factor for any realtor to get involved with the sale of this property, since most likely the City will not sell it for a high amount of money. City Manager Schainker had discussed other options with the Board of Realtors, and this option was what was agreed upon. Mayor Curtis indicated that the Council wanted to preclude the City from selecting only one realtor, and the arrangement that the City Manager has come up with is workable. Mayor Curtis further stated that if this action does not produce any results, it will then come back to the Council. Council Member Hoffman stated that this procedure is a possibility to try at this time. Discussion was held regarding listing the property for 90 days and excluding the landmark status. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt a resolution approving the marketing process for the Public Safety Building, whereby listing the property for a period of 90 days to be sold through the Multiple Listing Service and deleting the property from the urban renewal district. Kathy Svec, 603 Grand Avenue, appeared before the Council on behalf of the Ames Heritage Association. Ms. Svec expressed her concerns regarding the deletion of the landmark status. It was her belief that the status is not the biggest of the building's challenges. She felt that the City's only landmark status was being casually dismissed. Ms. Svec stated that she would like to see the City make the building as attractive as possible for possible buyers to walk through without having to step over debris, garbage, etc., that has been left behind. Council Member Wirth stated that she was also concerned about dropping the landmark status of the Public Safety Building. She also felt that there was no significant evidence to indicate that the landmark status was a deterrent in disposing of the building. Mayor Curtis reported that Council has already approved the sale of the building with or without the landmark status. Council Member Hoffman stated that in talking with people, she agreed that the landmark status would not be the big expense in renovating the property, but it was her wish to move ahead with the marketing process. Council Member Campbell stated that it would be Council's option in accepting or rejecting any offer, and that deletion of the landmark status could be grounds for turning down an offer. Roll Call Vote: 2-2-0. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hoffman. Voting Nay: Hertz, Wirth. Abstentions: None. Resolution declared failed. 6 CITY CLERK SALARY: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-278 setting City Clerk Sandra L. Ryan's annual salary at $34,650.00 for Fiscal Year 1993-1994 effective July 1, 1993. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. PURCHASING MANUAL: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-279 approving City staff's request to waive the portions of the Purchasing Manual related to forms, routing, and authorization, and allowing the staff latitude to develop new forms and directions as needed. City Manager Schainker explained that staff is currently implementing a new purchasing/inventory software system, and the Purchasing Manual now specifies exact forms to be used and the routing of the paperwork. He further explained that since the new system is an on-line system, it would be an opportune time to reduce and eliminate paper. Staff is requesting authorization to make changes to the forms, routing, and authorization as stated in the Purchasing Manual. Mr. Schainker stated that staff will be experimenting for a period of time and wishes to have some flexibility to be able to change a process after trial. He indicated that staff would be back to establish policy once the experimentation phase is done. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. TAZZLE'S BAR: City Attorney John Klaus reviewed the police report on Tazzle's Bar which recapped all of the under-age violations occurring at the bar. Because this has been the second conviction of under-age violations at this bar, the State will impose a mandatory 30-day suspension. Due to a local ordinance, the City Council needs to decide whether or not they wish to consider additional sanctions due to the doorman allowing a 17-year old to enter the premises. Mr. Klaus indicated that in a past similar instance, the Council imposed a three-day suspension. Council Member Campbell said that with the State imposing a 30-day suspension, she felt that that action should be enough of a penalty. REHABILITATION OF U.S. HIGHWAY 69: City Manager Steve Schainker reported that Public Works Department staff members have been working with the Iowa Department of Transportation to develop a project that would result in the resurfacing of U.S. Highway 69 in the area between South 2nd Street and Grand Avenue. He further reported that he would like to see this project accomplished this season since it does not include a long stretch of pavement. In order to close that section of street, timing is now the issue. City Manager Schainker indicated that they may choose to close both lanes of traffic for one day to minimize the total time of disruption, however, there are still logistics to work out. Moved by Hertz, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-280 approving the project agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for the rehabilitation of U.S. Highway 69 from South 2nd Street to Grand Avenue with the recommendation to the Iowa DOT that the street area undergoing rehabilitation be closed for one day in order to do the work. City Engineer Jerry Byg informed the Council that although the actual construction might take 7 place in one day, more time would be needed in order to prepare the area for rehabilitation. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. FLOOD REPORT: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred expressed his gratitude towards all of the City employees who worked above and beyond the normal call of duty during last week's flooding. He recapped what has taken place so far and reported on continuing efforts regarding clean-up efforts. Assistant City Manager Kindred informed the Council that the City has done its best to respond to the flooding crisis. He reported that the City's response to the situation happened in various phases: monitoring of the weather, monitoring of the river stages, notification stage, evacuation and rescue, and the clean-up effort. Mr. Kindred stated that the City established a Flood Hot Line (239-5200) for those who need assistance. There has been a task force created to go out and assess the conditions of damaged homes. He further stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be coming into Ames in order to set up a field office to provide relief. Mr. Kindred reported that the City would be doing everything possible to make FEMA available to citizens. Assistant City Manager Kindred stated that it is the City's plan to have internal and external debriefings in the next week or so in order to learn from this disaster. He again thanked City staff members for the long, hard hours each one had worked, and he paid special tribute to those City Council Members who had put in long hours as well. Council Member Campbell wished to express her gratitude towards both City Manager Schainker and Assistant City Manager Kindred who interrupted vacation schedules in order to be here during the flooding crisis. Council Member Wirth stated she could not say enough about the City staff who helped out during this time. COMMENTS: Mayor Curtis announced that today was Council Member Hoffman's birthday, and she was presented with a birthday card. Council Member Hoffman thanked City staff for all their efforts in dealing with the flooding. She was especially grateful to find out how willing staff was, as well as their families, to give of themselves during this time of need. Council Member Hoffman reported that she serves as the City's representative on the Story County REAP Committee, and they are now taking applications. The deadline for applying is July 26, 1993, and they will be looking over the applications on August 7, 1993. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. _____________________________ _____________________________________ Jill Ripperger, Deputy City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor 8