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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 03/24/1992MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA MARCH 24, 1992 The Ames City Council met in regular session at 6:00 p.m., March 24, 1992, in the Council Chambers in the City Hall, pursuant to law with Mayor Curtis presiding and the following Council Members present: Campbell, Hoffman, Parks, and Wirth. Council Member Brown was absent and Council Member Hertz arrived late. CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda. Motion to approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 3, 1992. Motion to approve payment of claims totalling $2,749,751.43. Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses: (a) Class C Liquor - Lucullan's, 400 Main Street. (b) Class C Liquor - Coliseum, 2522 Chamberlain. (c) Class C Liquor - Cy's Roost, 121 Welch. (d) Class E Beer - Cub Foods, 3121 Grand Avenue. (e) Class E Liquor - Cub Foods, 3121 Grand Avenue. Motion to set April 14, 1992, as date of public hearing to consider a request to rezone property located at 1019, 1021, 1025, and 1029 Delaware Avenue. RESOLUTION 92-85 approving and confirming appointments to various board and commissions. RESOLUTION 92-86 approving appointment of Judie Hoffman to Utility Retirement Board. RESOLUTION 92-87 proposing conveyance of alley located east of Grand between 11th and 12th Streets to Jeff Chase and setting April 14, 1992, as date of hearing on ordinance to vacate and proposal to convey. RESOLUTION 92-88 approving subordination of real estate mortgage for property at 1424 Burnett as part of City's housing rehabilitation program. RESOLUTION 92-89 approving assignment of City of Ames' Revolving Loan Fund monies, awarded to SoftForce, Inc., to Firstar Bank. RESOLUTION 92-90 approving plans and specifications for the Wheelchair Ramp Construction Program, Phases I and II, and 1992-93 Sidewalk Maintenance Repair Program and setting April 15, 1992, as bid due date and April 28, 1992, as date of hearing and award of contract. RESOLUTION 92-91 approving plans and specifications for Lincoln Way Improvement Project from Hayward to 400' west of Franklin and setting April 28, 1992, as bid due date and May 12, 1992, as date of hearing and award of contract. RESOLUTION 92-92 accepting water main extension and fire hydrants across lots 5, 6, and 7 in Landmark Subdivision. RESOLUTION 92-93 accepting subdivision improvements in Orchard Estates, 4th Addition. RESOLUTION 92-94 accepting subdivision improvements in Quik Trip Subdivision. RESOLUTION 92-95 accepting completion of the refurbishing of the auditorium dressing rooms and control booth by R. H. Grabau Construction Co. RESOLUTION 92-96 accepting completion of the auditorium improvements by SECOA and Mainstage Theatrical Supply. RESOLUTION 92-97 approving final plat for Patio Homes West, 4th Addition. RESOLUTION 92-98 approving final plat for Prairie West. RESOLUTION 92-99 awarding contract to City Electric Supply in the amount of $9,037.85 and to Iowa Electric Supply in the amount of $23,572.85 for electrical cable. RESOLUTION 92-100 approving contract and bond of Central State Roofing for the mechanically fastened roofing system for Fire Station II. RESOLUTION 92-101 approving contract for administrative services for ASSET. RESOLUTION 92-102 approving 28E agreement with Story County for fleet management services. RESOLUTION 92-103 approving yard waste disposal fees for 1992. RESOLUTION 92-104 approving release of assignment of contract rights for property at 321 South Hazel as part of the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program. RESOLUTION 92-105 executing memorandum of understanding with Sundstrand Corporation for land lease for hangar at Municipal Airport. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolutions declare 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. ORDINANCE RESTRICTING PARKING ON PRAIRIE VIEW EAST AND WEST: Moved by Parks, seconded by Wirth, to pass on first reading an ordinance restricting parking on Prairie View East and Prairie View West and renumbering subsections, Section 18.31 of the Municipal Code. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance to require site plan approval for projects other than single family and two family dwellings in low-density residential districts. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON 1992 JOINT SEALING PROGRAM: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth, to approve final plans and specifications for the 1992 Joint Sealing Program and awarding a contract to The Dallas Company, Inc. in the amount of $101,460.00. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON EAST LINCOLN WAY DITCH ENCLOSURE PROJECT: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to approve final plans and specifications for the East Lincoln Way Ditch Enclosure Project and awarding a contract to Ames Trenching and Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $75,945.00. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. EAST 5TH STREET UTILITY AREA MASTER PLAN: City Manager Schainker reminded the Council that money is included in the FY 92/93 budget for constructing a new Water Meter Shop. Since it was known that the Water Department and the Electric Department have additional future building needs, it was deemed expedient to develop a master plan for this area on East 5th Street and to coordinate plans for those buildings. Dick Roseland, of Roseland Architects of Ames, presented four design proposals for this area with three of them requiring the closing of Crawford Avenue to provide a parking area. He reported that members of Bandshell Neighborhood, which borders the water and electric plants, prefer Plan D because all of its one-story buildings provide a low profile easily screened by trees. Mr. Schainker pointed out that this plan will be more expensive and as a result the second increase in water rates will need to be higher. He stated his belief that this higher cost will be worth it because of the benefits that a parking area and landscaping will provide for the adjacent neighborhood. Council Member Hertz arrived at 6:20 p.m. Moved by Hertz, seconded by Hoffman, to approve the East 5th Street Utility Area Master Plan as depicted in Plan D and to direct Staff to develop an agreement for architectural services for Phase I of the plan. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON EXPANSION OF URBAN REVITALIZATION AREA NO. 2: Mayor Curtis declared the hearing open. There were no comments and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance expanding Urban Revitalization Area No. 2. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Council Member Campbell suggested that all Urban Revitalization Areas be reviewed in the near future. Brian O'Connell, Director of Planning and Housing, said that his department could compile information about the projects that have occurred in each area during the last eleven years and report back to the Council in ninety days. ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER: City Manager Schainker reviewed the facts concerning expansion of the Animal Control Shelter. He reminded those present that when bids were received for renovation of the shelter, they were considered too high. Dick Roseland, with Roseland Architects in Ames, explained that the outdated metal construction of the present building, which is 20 years old, makes it more expensive to renovate. He said that renovating the present building would cost $121,307 while constructing a new building 4,200 square feet in size would cost $394,850. An additional $45,000 would be needed for purchase of land if the building was constructed on a new site. When asked, Mr. Roseland said that if it was up to him, he would not pour more money into the old building. He suggested locating a new site and combining services with Story County. He said that minor changes could be made to the present building to get it through the next couple years at a cost of approximately $100 per square foot. When Mr. Schainker pointed out that use of the old WPC Plant might be an option to consider, Police Chief Ballantine remarked that the plant would be much larger than what is needed, but could be a solution. Mayor Curtis suggested that the "band-aid" approach be followed and the WPC Plant site be considered to at least learn what the cost of renovation would be there. City Manager Schainker stated that Story County has some interest in a joint operation of a shelter facility, but right now they have no need for change because a private individual is meeting their needs. He suggested the possibility of sending out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for private operation of an animal control facility. Cynthia Shriver, Chairman of the Ames Humane League, said that it is her committee's belief that animal control and care should be a basic service provided by a city. She emphasized that they wish to continue the high level of care presently offered if the service is privatized. Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to consider the old Water Pollution Control facility for renovation as an Animal Control Shelter and to use a "band-aid" approach for renovation of the present building for short term usage. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Hoffman, to amend the motion to also include direction to Staff to distribute an RFP for private operation of an Animal Control Facility. Vote on Amendment: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Vote on Amended Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PUBLIC ART: Lynette Pohlman and Kathy Svec, representing the Public Art Policy and Acquisition Committee, reported on the committee's activities during the last few months. They said that the first acquisitions of art for City Hall are being made from the gift presented by Helen Smith in 1990. The Committee chose art created by former Ames High School graduates that are working professionally as artists. She also informed the Council that there will be a fund raising event for public art held at the City Hall on May 3, 1992, at which time the first purchases will be unveiled. Moved by Wirth, seconded by Campbell, to approve the purchase and installation of the pieces of art recommended by the Public Art Policy and Acquisition Committee. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT: Dick Johnson and Marvin Walter from the Ford Street Development Company and Karen Sevde from the Sevde Development Company thanked the City Council for the opportunity to make a proposal for the establishment of a TIF District in Ames to encourage economic development. Mayor Curtis praised both proposals. Council Member Parks pointed out that regretfully it is possible to pick only one of the proposals, but he hoped the other proposal would not be neglected. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to select the original proposal submitted by the Ford Street Development Company for establishment of a TIF District in Ames and to direct Staff to negotiate a Developer's Agreement and prepare proceedings to establish a district. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DEVELOPMENT COST STUDY: Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-108 appropriating $833.33 to the Ames Chamber of Commerce to finance a Development Cost Study, a comparison of development costs in medium-sized cities, and appointing Sharon Wirth and Brian Espeland to serve as members of the Development Review Committee. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-109 approving the expenditure of $11,000, appropriated from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, by the Economic Development Commission. City Manager Schainker reminded the Council that this money had already been appropriated and that the Chamber was taking this opportunity to obtain the Council's affirmation of its use. Steve Goodhue, Director of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission, explained that the money will be used to fund a marketing strategy for attracting biotechnology firms to Ames and for sponsorship of the INC. 500 conference to be held in Des Moines in May. This will provide representatives from Ames an opportunity to interact with businesses to attract them to Ames. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. OPERATION OF MUNICIPAL AIRPORT: Mayor Curtis announced before discussion began that each side would have ten minutes to inform the Council of their thoughts on the matter of whether Hap's Air Service should continue to provide aviation services at the Ames Municipal Airport or whether Mid-Iowa Flying, Inc. should take over those duties. Paul Kauffmann, a pilot, said that he was representing approximately fifty pilots present at the meeting and about two hundred pilots that signed a petition in support of Hap Westbrook. He said that they share a concern for continued good service at the airport, which Hap has provided for the past seventeen years. He commented that Mr. Westbrook has established a wide reaching positive position of trust among users of the Ames airport. He indicated that Hap has a philosophy of innovation and adaptation which will continue to meet changing needs. Concerning Hap's age, he pointed out that age brings with it a wealth of experience. Mr. - Kauffman contended that Mr. Westbrook has "paid his dues" to the City of Ames and thus deserves to have his contract continued for the next five years. When Mayor Curtis asked for all individuals in support of Hap Westbrook to stand, a large number of people in the Council Chambers did so. When Mayor Curtis asked for comments from supporters of Mid-Iowa Flying, Inc., no one came forward. Mayor Curtis then asked for a statement from Hap Westbrook. Mr. Westbrook stated that he has tried to provide the best operation of the airport possible over the last few years. He said that he does not plan to retire anytime soon; however, if it would make the Council more comfortable he would be willing to include a clause in his contract stating that the contract would be renegotiated if he is no longer an active operator. He commented when asked about recent innovations that he has provided a lot of education opportunities for children and adults in the area. Mr. Westbrook indicated that there is a growth problem at the airport and if his contract is continued, his first goal will be to build a large hangar. Jim Rasmussen, representing Mid-Iowa Flying, Inc., appeared next to inform the Council that his employees would bring a wide variety of experience and knowledge to their jobs. It would be his intention to work for economic development in Ames and to provide service to ISU if their present service is ended. Mr. Rasmussen stated that his company has no experience operating an airport but that they would be willing to provide monetary guarantees. He commented that he personally is interested in aviation and owns several planes. He has had business involvements in the city for several years which he wishes to continue. Concerning innovations, Mr. Rasmussen said that he would like to institute flight breakfasts, better accommodations for pilots, a sandwich shop, a shuttle service, and additional services for pilots. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Parks, to select Hap's Air Service for operation of the Ames Municipal Airport. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Council Member Parks commented that he would be comfortable with a five-year contract if the stipulation concerning renegotiation is included. Council Member Campbell stated her belief that more amenities need to be provided at the airport. It was suggested that Mr. Westbrook poll the airport users to determine what additional amenities they would like. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to authorize Staff to negotiate a Fixed Base Operator agreement and an Agreement for Maintenance and Operation of the Ames Municipal Airport with Hap Westbrook with the stipulation that these agreements will be renegotiated if Mr. Westbrook is no longer an active player. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. STREET CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS: Paul Wiegand, Public Works Director, reviewed the reasons for upgrading street construction standards so that pavement break-up problems will be lessened. He emphasized that only streets with heavier traffic will be affected by the new standards and even though there will be higher initial costs for street construction, savings will be realized over time due to lower maintenance costs. City Manager Schainker mentioned that the Council may wish to become involved in choosing bus routes in order to keep the larger buses off some residential streets. Moved by Campbell, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-110 approving new street construction standards. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending the subdivision ordinance to include the new street construction standards. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. YARD WASTE FREE DAY: Moved by Parks, seconded by Hoffman, to set April 18, 1992, as the spring yard waste free day. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 1992 RESIDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY: When Carol Collings, Budget Officer, asked for any additions to the 1992 Resident Satisfaction Survey, Council Member Wirth suggested adding "soccer fields" to item no. 9 on page 2. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Wirth to approve the 1992 Resident Satisfaction Survey for distribution. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. COMMENTS: The Council decided to hold a workshop on proposals for economic development in Campustown on April 21, 1992, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. It was also determined that the meeting on April 14, 1992, should begin at 6:30 p.m. to allow time to meet with the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the H-M Zone. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ____________________________________________________________________ Nancy Dionigi, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor