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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 10/12/1993MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA October 12, 1993 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m., October 12, 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. Couns. Brown and Parks arrived at 7:05 p.m. COMMENDATION TO CITY OF AMES FIREFIGHTERS: Following a short video on the Fire Department's new S.A.F.E. House project, Mayor Curtis presented a commendation to the City of Ames Firefighters for their work on this project which teaches children what to do in case of a fire at home. Fire Chief Mike Childs and Russell Scott, along with several members of the Firefighters, accepted the award on behalf of their department. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Wirth to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda: Motion to approve payment of claims Motion to approve minutes of regular meeting of September 28, 1993 Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses: a. Class C Beer - Arnie's Petro Palace, 821 Lincoln Way b. Class C Beer - That's Entertainment, 129 Lincoln Way RESOLUTION NO. 93-371 approving and adopting Supplement No. 13 to the Ames Municipal Code, 1990 RESOLUTION NO. 93-372 confirming appointment of Craig Erickson as Chamber of Commerce representative to Ames Beautification Committee RESOLUTION NO. 93-373 approving final plat for Brookview Place Subdivision RESOLUTION NO. 93-374 authorizing Mayor to submit request for cost estimate for special census, and authorizing expenditure of $125 for preparation of cost estimate RESOLUTION NO. 93-375 approving submittal of Certification of Franchising Authority to Regulate Basic Cable Service Rates and Initial Finding of Lack of Effective Competition RESOLUTION NO. 93-376 approving preliminary plans and specifications for repair of Stange substation transformer; setting November 12, 1993 as bid due date and November 23, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-377 approving preliminary plans and specifications for roofing improvements at the Ames Public Library; setting October 28, 1993 as bid due date and November 9, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-378 approving funding and bid documents for underground storage tank removal; setting November 8, 1993 as bid due date and November 23, 1993 as date of hearing and award of contract RESOLUTION NO. 93-379 waiving formal bidding procedures and approving a contract with Capital City Boiler and Machine Works, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa in the amount of $26,520 for Unit 8 Air Heater Rebuild Project RESOLUTION NO. 93-380 approving change order for 1993 Water Program No. 1 RESOLUTION NO. 93-382 approving agreements providing for implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Act effective October 1, 1993 for the Fire, Police, and Power Plant bargaining units 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 present wished to speak during this portion of the agenda. REQUEST FROM ISU HOMECOMING COMMITTEE TO BLOCK LINCOLN WAY FOR PARADE: Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to approve a request from the ISU Homecoming Central Committee to block Lincoln Way at Lynn Avenue and Beach for Parade on October 21, 1993. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST TO RELEASE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT LIEN ON LOTS 2 THROUGH 17, PRAIRIE WEST SUBDIVISION: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-381 approving request from Dale Sharp to release Lots 2 through 17, Prairie West Subdivision, from public improvement lien in the development agreement. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON ANIMAL SHELTER AND CONTROL BUILDING PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. City Manager Steve Schainker said this project has a total budget of $210,000, $160,000 of which was budgeted for the building itself and the other portion for site improvements. He said because the bids came in over budget on both items, Staff has no other choice at this time but to recommend reject of the bids. He stressed that this did not mean the project was a dead issue, but said discussions would be held to see if there was a way to downscale the project. He said another option would be for Council to identify additional funds. Coun. Hertz questioned the substantial difference between the bids received and the project recently completed in Dubuque. City Manager Schainker said the City's estimate was based on the Dubuque experience, and said Staff was currently trying to determine why there was such a cost difference. There being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to reject the bids received and delay construction of the building at this time. Coun. Hertz said unless there was some drastic reduction in the structure, she felt Council would need to look at another funding source for this project. Coun. Parks said he felt they should first question the dissimilarities between the bids on this project and those of the Dubuque experience. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said the company that did the Dubuque construction was one of the first bidders to be interviewed, and it was felt $15,000-$20,000 could be cut from the bids by reevaluating methods and materials. He said the Dubuque building was much larger, so unit costs were more spread out. 2 Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON ANIMAL SHELTER AND CONTROL SITE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Coun. Parks questioned the difference between the bid received and the estimate for the project. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said because of the wet year, the contractor estimated de- watering would be required in all items involving excavation. Motion by Brown, Second by Parks, to reject the bid received. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON UNIT NO. 8 PRECIPITATOR HIGH VOLTAGE WIRE & RAPPER MOUNT REPLACEMENT PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hoffman, Second by Brown, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-383 finally approving plans and specifications, and awarding contract to Field Service Associates, Inc., in the amount of $43,024.00. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON 1993 FOOTING DRAIN PROGRAM: Mayor Curtis declared the public hearing open. There being no one wishing to testify, the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hertz, Second by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-384 finally approving plans and specifications and awarding contract to Ames Trenching & Excavating in the amount of $155,991.00. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON MEADOWLANE: Motion by Campbell, Second by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance prohibiting parking on Meadowlane by Carr Pool. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON SOUTH FIFTH STREET AND WALNUT AVENUE: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance prohibiting parking on South Fifth Street and Walnut Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON HICKORY: Motion by Wirth, Second by Hoffman, to pass on second reading an ordinance prohibiting parking on Hickory. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 3 ORDINANCE DESIGNATING BUS LOADING ZONE ON DUFF BY NORTHWOOD SCHOOL: Motion by Parks, Second by Wirth, to pass on second reading an ordinance designating bus loading zone on Duff by Northwood School. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Hoffman, Second by Campbell, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an ordinance. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3245 designating a bus loading zone on Duff by Northwood School. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON WILSON AVENUE ADJACENT TO THE AMES SCHOOLS' MAINTENANCE BUILDING DRIVEWAY: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3241 prohibiting parking on Wilson Avenue adjacent to the Ames Schools' Maintenance Building driveway. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE ADDING DAYTON ROAD AND HYLAND AVENUE AS EXCEPTIONS TO LINCOLN WAY'S THROUGH-STREET DESIGNATION: Motion by Hertz, Second by Wirth, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3242 adding Dayton Road and Hyland Avenue as exceptions to Lincoln Way's through-street designation. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE INCREASING OVERTIME PARKING FINES: Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3243 increasing overtime parking fines. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING HANDICAP PARKING SYSTEM: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 3244 implementing handicap parking system. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Ordinance declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. CITY OF AMES FLOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred provided a status report on flood recovery efforts, summarizing the various federal and state programs available to the City. He noted the City had recently sent a letter of interest regarding the FEMA 1362 Program which makes federal monies available for buy-out of properties that have flood insurance under the NFIP. He said it was felt that of the 62 properties identified as having insurance under the NFIP, very few will meet the substantial damage requirements to qualify for the 4 program. He said at this time, only $4.6 million were allocated nationwide for the 1362 Program and there would be many competitors for that money. Mr. Kindred said City Staff has been working with the FEMA representatives through the Public Assistance Program, trying to quantify the costs to the City government of having dealt with the flood. He said Disaster Survey Reports have been prepared and reviewed over the past two months, and a total of $854,000 of cost and damage to the City of Ames government has been identified. He said a portion of that $854,000 had been already included in the City's operating budget, and would be reimbursable by FEMA. He said Staff was currently identifying how much money had already been budgeted, and therefore could be available for other flood-related needs. He said an additional $18,000 of administrative money might be allowed, for a total of $872,000. Mr. Kindred said the FEMA 404 "Hazard Mitigation" Program looks at what can be done to lessen the prospects of future damage, and is made available on a 50/50 match basis. He said Staff was hoping this program could be one of two cornerstones of flood recovery efforts for the City. He said at this time, about $5 million was available for the entire State in 404 funding, with approximately $1 million already allocated to Des Moines. He said it would be a very competitive process for the remaining $4 million. He said the application deadline for the 404 program was October 29, and determinations of allocation would be made by November 5. He said Staff had been told priority would be given to those proposals with firm matching funds available. He said Staff was looking to the CDBG Supplemental Grant as its local match. Mr. Kindred reviewed the CDBG Supplemental Grant Program which is administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED). He said Story and Boone Counties had been directed to enter into an agreement to distribute the CDBG funds in the two county area, with Story County being designated as the lead contract agent. He said to date, IDED has committed $350,000 of CDBG supplemental funds as an initial installment to this area, and it would be important for the City to work quickly with surrounding communities on this issue. He said the total need in Nevada had been estimated at approximately $400,000; and in Ames at $1.6 million. Council members discussed that, if additional funds were deemed necessary to strengthen the local match dollars, reallocation efforts should begin as soon as possible. Mr. Kindred said although in theory, the initial grant will not preclude the City from re-applying for the 404 Program in the future, the only firm Hazard Mitigation money at this time was the present $5 million. Mr. Kindred said IDED also administers the H.O.M.E. program which provides targeted HUD funds to assist moderate to low income families with flood recovery, but said those programs are not set up as yet. Mr. Kindred reviewed the following program goals recommended by Staff: (1) to limit the risk of flooding to private property, (2) to invest public funds which are made available in flood mitigation to limit the future expenditure of public funds, and (3) to invest public funds in necessary repairs to public property because of flood damage. 5 Planning and Housing Director Brian O'Connell reviewed the 404 Grant application as prepared by Staff working in conjunction with the S. Riverside/S. Russell Neighborhood Association. He said Staff suggested the recovery strategy should prioritize areas in anticipation of not receiving all the funds necessary, and the following priorities were recommended: (1) South Russell/Riverside/Maple/Hazel residential area; (2) King's City Mobile Home Park; (3) South Duff/East Lincoln Way/Freel Drive commercial area. He said Staff had based the prioritization on the following rationale: that residential areas are higher priority that commercial/industrial areas; and that residential areas of higher value are of higher priority than areas of lower value. Mr. O'Connell said the grant application was focusing on the South Russell/Riverside area for several reasons: (1) it is a residential area; (2) the property value subjected to risk in the Russell/Riverside area is higher than in the King's City area; (3) the Russell/Riverside area has experienced a number of flooding events since 1975 (4) the property owners in the area seem very united in joining with the City to accomplish the mitigation goal. He described the program to purchase private property, and a number of recommended priorities based on risk potential to help administer the program. He said it was proposed that the City devote its initial attention to those properties most severely damaged (51% threshold), then those that seem to have the greatest degree of flood risk potential. Coun. Hertz asked if there was a dollar correlation between location in floodway and extent and frequency of damage and Mr. O'Connell told her that was not the case. He said there may be some more valuable property located outside of the floodway, so the total extent of damage might be higher. Mr. O'Connell described the specifics of purchasing property, saying that because the Uniform Application and Acquisition Act has been waived for use of CDBG funds for flood recovery, the City has the flexibility to create its own program of purchasing properties and dealing with relocation assistance to property owners. He described Staff's proposals to offer the assessed value prior to any adjustments that may have resulted through the Board of Review process, plus a 9% market multiplier to take into account increases in property values that may have occurred since the last assessment of January 1993. Coun. Parks said he could understand the role of a market multiplier if these properties were unaffected by the flood. He said however, if these properties were to be appraised today, the knowledge that they are in a flood-damaged area might impact the assessed value, even if the properties themselves did not sustain damage. He said use of the market multiplier will impact how many units can be purchased. Coun. Campbell said the market multiplier was to reflect what was happening to assessed valuations overall in the community. Mr. O'Connell explained how the market multiplier had been established by the City Assessor. Mr. O'Connell said at this point, the buy-out budget reflects $1,649,516.00. He said Staff believed that if they received all the funds applied for, there was a good chance of accomplishing the goal. He said however, there was no guarantee that all applied-for funds would be received, and if less 6 money were received, they would not be able to purchase all the homes. Mayor Curtis noted the $824,758.00 that would be requested in the FEMA 404 grant represented 17% of the total fund allocation for the State of Iowa. Mr. O'Connell discussed the proposed moving/dislocation allowance, based on guidelines included in the Uniform Acquisition and Relocation Policies Act, and said Staff proposed basing that assistance on the number of rooms that exist in the home. He said Staff had also explored the option of budgeting for a sum that would lessen the housing cost differential, but felt the cost per home would have been prohibitive. He said Staff's proposal was an attempt on the part of the City to try to offset the homeowners' cost in moving their current residence to someplace else in the community, and the proposal had been received generally in the neighborhood. Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer noted there would also be a relocation allowance for tenants of rental property. Mr. O'Connell stressed that the entire acquisition effort is based on voluntary sales. He noted no funds were included in the $1,649,516 to move or demolish the homes once the City owned them. Mayor Curtis noted those costs could be secured under Public Assistance funds. There was discussion regarding the possibility that a property might not want to participate in the program. Mr. O'Connell said while essential services would still be provided, the result might be one or two homes with a lot of open spaces around them. Coun. Hertz said she had concerns about an implication that if the City did not offer enough money, people wouldn't cooperate. She said she saw this as a mutual effort. She said she didn't feel that the City had to keep upfronting incentives, but needed to help as many as they could. Mayor Curtis said it was up to the Council to decide on what level they wanted to offer compensation. He said that decision had to be made as part of the grant application. Coun. Parks said they should also consider that were this not a governmental transaction, a Realtor's commission fee would be included. Coun. Campbell said she felt their goal was to make as many people as whole as possible in this transaction. She said she felt that was also in the community's best interest so there was more voluntary compliance with the program. She said otherwise, the result could be a configuration that was not in the community's best interest. Coun. Hoffman said the program goals should state that they want to benefit as many people as possible. Coun. Parks said it would be best to apply for the maximum grant possible, and in the event that any funds were left over, amend the proposal to utilize those funds for additional relief. Mayor Curtis said after talking to the State, he did not believe the City would receive the full amount 7 requested. He said that was why it was important that the Council be clear on the priorities on which the offers are made and on which the property acquisition is accomplished. Mr. O'Connell said Staff estimates for acquisition costs alone were approximately $1,597,000.00 out of the total $1.6 million. He said the relocation costs were not that significant. Coun. Parks said he agreed the goals should include a statement of wanting to help as many people as possible. Mayor Curtis said including that as a goal would require that the buyout formula be as minimal as possible in order to maximize the use of the funds. Coun. Campbell said the two goals were not consistent. Coun. Brown said she wanted to be sure public assistance funds could be applied for to take care of the demolition or removal of these homes once the buyout occurred. Ms. Baker-Latimer noted Staff was proposing putting two programs together -- FEMA and CDBG. She said CDBG was very specific about what could and could not be done with funds, buyouts, etc., while FEMA was slightly more flexible. She said it was important to cover in each grant what would be acceptable in the other. Mayor Curtis asked for public input on this issue. David Slater, 320 S. Russell, said the Neighborhood Association supported the recommendations made by Staff. He said it was to their benefit to work with the City and it was their intent to do so. He said the neighbors are not trying to make money out of the buy-out, but are merely trying to break even. He said of 26 affected properties, 14 are not interested in the dislocation inducement payment originally considered by Staff. He said the neighbors also have agreed to the priority system as recommended by Staff, and were appreciative of Staff's efforts. Coun. Hertz said she was concerned that the full amount of funds would not be received. She asked whether Mr. Slater felt the program would still work if the 9% multiplier were found not to be feasible. Mr. Slater said he was sure it would still work if those circumstances were necessary. Coun. Parks said he wanted to stress that no one felt the residents had been trying to make money on this proposition. He said Council's questions were driven by what was the greatest amount of good that could be done with available funds. Sherry Hausner, 316 South Russell, said she also owned rental property at 312 South Russell. She said if the residents had a choice, none of them would be leaving. She said there was no flooding in the area when they bought their homes, but there is now because of choices made by others for the construction of roads. She said her family's house was paid for, and they could have chosen to live other places, but they chose to stay where they were and save money for their children's education. She said none of the residents are out to make any money on this transaction. She said there were many retired people living in the area whose homes were paid for, and who didn't have the money for house payments. She said the City staff has been wonderful and has worked very hard to come up with a very fair program. 8 Ann Marie Fiore, 319 South Riverside, said the residents have been made victims. She said they had complained when Elwood Drive and South Fourth were constructed, and the City decided to do nothing. She said the City did nothing when they complained after the 1990 flood. She said if the City did not give them fair market value for their homes, they would be made victims again. She said they could not move on with their lives if they were not getting what they deserved for that property. Ms. Fiore said if the City did not receive enough money to buy out all the properties, they could use the money to elevate some homes that were not damaged to protect them from future damage. She said they also have to give homeowners the option to either take the acquisition money or to relocate the home. She said the last walkthrough for assessing value was in 1986. She said many of these homes had improvements that may not have been taken into consideration for the most recent assessed value. She said even though the Council wanted to do the best for the most people, they needed to treat each homeowner fairly in this process. Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to approve prioritization for grant applications. Coun. Hertz asked whether these prioritizations addressed the houses that were most damaged. Mayor Curtis noted the top priority was for those properties sustaining over 51% substantial damage. He said the mitigation goal was also to reduce the risk of future damage, not necessarily for what has already occurred. Mr. O'Connell said 7 homes out of 32 had been documented at this point as having over 51% substantial damage. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to approve FEMA 404 grant program procedures. Coun. Wirth said it was important that the residents not think anyone felt they were trying to make money on this transaction. She said there was no way that could be the case, given the current housing market. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to direct Staff to prepare and submit FEMA 404 grant application. Mayor Curtis said he was optimistic that supplemental funds could be obtained for the local match purpose. He said if the funds were not granted, the Council would have to face that issue. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Mr. Kindred asked whether Council wanted to direct Staff to prepare a second application for infrastructure elevation in the King's City area. 9 Coun. Brown said she felt they should concentrate on one neighborhood at a time. Mayor Curtis said it might be possible to address the King's City situation with H.O.M.E. funds. He said to submit a second grant application at this time might dilute the chances of their main priority. Coun. Wirth agreed and said she would find it hard to justify the amount of Staff time necessary to prepare a second grant application for such limited funds. CONCEPT APPROVAL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL DISASTER RECOVERY GRANTS: Motion by Parks, Second by Brown, to approve EDA grant application concept and to direct Staff to prepare and submit initial EDA grant application. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. FLOOD TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION FOR FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS: Water Department Director Tom Neumann described the recommendations of the subcommittee of the Flood Task Force to increase the early warning system to facilitate responses within Ames corporate limits and contiguous areas. He said a four-component improvement was recommended to extend the present 2-3 hours' warning to 4-5 hours. He said the two initial phases of the improvements were a series of upstream gauges on both the Skunk River and Squaw Creek, and an update to the predictive computer model. He said the other components included computer software/hardware to provide area-integrated precipitation in real time using National Weather Service radar, and weather stations with dedicated phone lines installed within Squaw Creek and Skunk River basins. He said cost-sharing among the Task Force members had been discussed. He said however, due to predictions of high flood potential next spring, Staff is asking for $59,000 in unbudgeted funds to move ahead with the two initial phases at this time. He said it was proposed that Staff continue negotiating a final cost-sharing formula which would be submitted to all potential funders as soon as possible. Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred noted this might be an appropriate use of the FEMA Public Assistance funds to reimburse already-budgeted costs. Motion by Brown, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-386 approving flood warning system improvements, including allocating funds from the appropriate FEMA reimbursements for this purpose. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. UPDATE ON REQUEST FOR FLOOD CONTROL ON EAST LINCOLN WAY AND SONDROL DRIVE: Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said the survey work on Sondrol Drive had been completed, and a berm of approximately 8 feet could be built before it impacted properties north of 13th Street. He said the issue would come back to Council for formal action at the October 26 meeting. HEALTH CARE STUDY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: Coun. Campbell reviewed the discussion from the October 7, 1993 Health Care Study Committee meeting, saying the Committee had focused on the first of the recommendations from the Health Care Negotiation Association consultants, and the remaining 7 recommendations would be considered at the next 10 Committee meeting. She said regarding the first of the consultants' recommendations, the Committee's general recommendation was that the Municipal Hospital is no longer a survivable entity in the current competitive climate, and that the City Council explore other options, one of which would be a 501C(3) organization. Coun. Campbell said it was likely the Council was not yet in a position to determine the merits of a municipal hospital versus a private one. She said the task might be to conclude that the Council was open to looking at alternatives to having a municipal hospital and to direct Staff, i.e., the City Manager and City Attorney, to help provide concrete alternatives to explore. She said because of time constraints, at some stage, Staff might need some assistance with this issue. City Manager Steve Schainker said it would be helpful to include MGMC President Jeff Stevenson to help provide alternatives. Coun. Brown said she wished to publicly recognize Coun. Campbell's work as Chair of the Health Care Study Committee. Motion by Campbell, Second by Parks, to accept the report from the Health Care Study Committee, and direct Staff to explore options to convert to a non-municipal hospital. There was discussion on the suggestion of additional assistance. Coun. Wirth said it might be appropriate for Staff to return to Council to ask for any assistance they felt might be needed. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Coun. Campbell noted the final recommendation was to initiate a series of public education forums on the changing health care delivery system. Coun. Hoffman said she felt one of these forums should occur fairly quickly. She said while several individuals have been involved from the earliest discussions, many others were just learning about this issue. She said it was very important that they continue to have public input all along. Coun. Campbell said she has recommended that the Committee meet again next week to discuss the remaining recommendations, and then suggested they recess until such time as they might be needed to reconvene for discussion. REVISION TO AMES-ISU TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AGREEMENT: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-385 approving revision to Ames-ISU Transmission System Agreement to sell ISU 7,000 kilowatts of Firm Power and Energy for the Period June 1, 1994-June 1, 1995. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ARBITRAGE REBATE REPORT 1988 CITY HALL G.O. BONDS: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-387 accepting arbitrage rebate report - 1988 City Hall G.O. bonds. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby 11 made a portion of these minutes. FY 94-95 BUDGET HEARING DATES: Motion by Parks, Second by Brown, to set 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 1994, and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, Wednesday, February 9, Thursday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 15, 1994 as budget meeting dates. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. FINAL PLAT FOR NORTHRIDGE 10TH: Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said Staff was recommending denial of this final plat at this time, in reaction to a statute which requires a local jurisdiction to react within 60 days from the filing date or the final plat is tacitly approved. He noted the Council would not have another meeting until that 60 days expired. He said Staff was currently working with the developers, the engineer, and the neighborhood group to come to a conclusion on what improvements can be done to manage the storm water runoff that is traversing through the already built-up area. He said the runoff doesn't affect the 10th Addition, but the neighborhood group has expressed concerns that further development would only complicate the problem. He said Staff agrees with those concerns, and would meet with the developers and their engineer to consider alternatives, and also meet again with the neighborhood group, before formulating final recommendations on a storm water management program for this area. He said if work were needed to modify the plat, it could be done at that time, and then Staff would recommend approval of the final plat. Coun. Parks said a deadline should be set for meeting with the neighborhood to resolve their legitimate concerns. He said people who were trying to build in the area also had legitimate concerns. He said if it were necessary to call a special meeting to approve the final plat, it would be appropriate to do so in order to move this along as quickly as possible. Coun. Hoffman asked whether the solutions Staff was considering would also take care of problems in the existing neighborhood. Mr. Wiegand said they were working to arrive at solutions to take care of problems that currently exist in the already built-up areas. Erb Hunziker, 2619 Linwood Circle, said the developers were as anxious as the Council to arrive at a solution to the problem. He said they have faced problems due to the flood just like everyone else. He said the City had designed the utilities and storm water drainage in the area according to their normal policy for a subdivision. He said the developers didn't feel this it was fair to hold up the approval of the final plat in order to assure that the storm water management work would be done. He said it would be more appropriate to tie it to the finalization of the 11th Addition. Coun. Brown said she had attended the meeting with the neighborhood group, and said the concerns were that this addition would contribute to an existing storm water run-off problem. She said those people had substantial losses in the recent flooding episodes. Coun. Parks said it was important to ask what holding up the project would accomplish in terms of resolving the storm water retention problem. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said there was a potential for changes in such things as storm water easements and location of detention basins, and the idea was to try to take care of such changes before the plat is finalized and filed. He said the plat could also be modified at a later time. 12 Coun. Parks asked Staff's reaction to the suggestion of tying those types of contingencies to the 11th Addition. Mr. Wiegand said it would depend on where the requirements might be. He said if they were in the 10th Addition, tying them to the approval of the 11th Addition would have no bearing. Coun. Parks said he was concerned that this process had already taken 6 weeks thus far. He said he would support delaying approval of the final plat, but he felt Council should also indicate a willingness to come together in a special meeting in order to get this platting approval moving. Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to deny application for final plat because of inadequate preparation of storm water management program as stated in the Staff report, with the contingency that a special Council meeting would be scheduled if the platting process can be expedited prior to the October 26 regular meeting. It was stated that the intent of the motion was that in this instance, the platting process would consist of Staff review and then a return for Council consideration. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. WATER MAIN CLEANING ON MELROSE: Motion by Hoffman, Second by Brown, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-388 approving purchase order to Layne Western for water main cleaning on Melrose. Public Works Director Paul Wiegand described how after the water main was isolated and curb boxes on homes were shut off, chemicals would be injected into the water main in order that iron deposits might be dissolved and withdrawn from the main. He said the area would then be flushed and cleaned until the normal ph returned. He said the project was scheduled for October 18-20, and should be completed within 18 hours from the time of water shut-off. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. AIRPORT MASTER PLAN: Motion by Parks, Second by Hertz, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 93-389 authorizing matching funds with the FAA for a new Airport Master Plan. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. CLOSED SESSION: Motion by Parks, Second by Campbell, to hold a closed session as provided by Section 21.5 (1c), Code of Iowa, to discuss pending litigation. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The closed session began at 9:50 p.m. RECONVENE: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to reconvene the regular session. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 9:53 p.m. Motion by Parks, Second by Brown, that if the Ames Total Fitness Center files, before 3:00 p.m. October 18, 1993, a dismissal with prejudice of its suit seeking to have some City recreation programs declared illegal competition, Ames Total Fitness Center will be invited to express its 13 complaint to the City Council during the City Recreation program budget review. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. COMMENTS: Coun. Wirth said because of the potential for spring flooding, it would be appropriate to look at flood aftermath situations to see which procedures may need to be refined. She said she was referring to such items as the City's response time and coordination with other agencies such as the Red Cross. Coun. Parks suggested they ask the City's Disaster Committee to address those issues. Mayor Curtis agreed that would be appropriate, but said it was a difficult task because the rules and procedures change. Coun. Wirth said she's also received concerns on the City's policy of alley maintenance. She said it was felt that the City has a responsibility to be doing some repair and maintenance due to the weather damage. She asked Staff to come forward with specifications for a minimum level of alley maintenance to repair potholes, etc. Coun. Parks agreed and said they might also consider an ongoing process of either abandoning alleys or paving them. Coun. Hoffman asked when the bridge on South 4th Street would be open. City Manager Steve Schainker said it should be open this week. Coun. Hertz congratulated the City Manager on celebrating the 20th anniversary of his alma mater's football team (University of Connecticut). Coun. Parks asked that when special meetings are held at 5:00 p.m. in advance of the regular 7:00 meeting, the meetings be contiguous. Coun. Parks thanked Couns. Brown and Campbell and Staff for their work on the Health Care Study Committee. Coun. Campbell said as a Chair of the Health Care Study Committee, she had been invited to attend a meeting at the end of this week in Amana on integrated and organized delivery systems, mergers, etc. There was consensus that Coun. Campbell should attend this meeting. Coun. Campbell cited an item in the Daily Tribune recalling the City Clerk's AHS Homecoming Queen coronation 25 years ago this evening. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor 14