HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 12/22/1992MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 22, 1992
The Ames City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m., December 22, 1992 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: Hertz, Campbell, Wirth, Hoffman, and Parks. Council
Member Brown arrived late.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CITIES REPORT: Dennis Dietz reviewed the Report from the
Ames International Partner Cities Committee, saying they had applied for tax exempt status as a 501
C (3) corporation in order to attract both members and contributors. He said while they want to
involve a broader segment of the community, their goal is to maintain an official relation with the
City. He noted the City Council appoints one-third of the Board of Directors, and that the Mayor
is an ex-officio member of the Board. He said the Committee recommends that the Council continue
to express its interest in the Partner City concept through the Ames International Partner Cities
Association, Inc., and that the City continue its support of the concept through assignment of a staff
liaison and through an annual allocation of funds such as the initial $1,000.00.
Council Member Brown arrived at 7:11 p.m.
ASSET VOLUNTEERS' REPORT: Ruth Hughes, ASSET member, reviewed the following
criteria identified by Council last year for funding human service agencies, noting attention was paid
to low-income individuals and persons with disabilities: crisis intervention, respite care, prevention
care, and information and referral services. She said based on the requests coming in, she saw the
same needs for the upcoming year. She said she questioned the education function of some
agencies, and felt those efforts might be better used in crisis intervention.
There was consensus among the Council members to stay with the same priorities for the upcoming
year.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Campbell, Second by Wirth, to approve the following items on
the Consent Agenda:
Motion to approve minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 1992.
Motion to approve payment of claims.
Motion to approve renewal of the following beer and liquor licenses:
a. Class C Beer - Kwik Shop #542, 125 6th Street
b. Class C Beer - Casey's General Store, 3100 South Duff
c. Class B Liquor - Best Western Starlite Village, 2601 East 13th Street
d. Class C Liquor - Le's Vietnamese Restaurant, 113 Colorado Avenue.
Motion to refer annexation request for property West of South Dakota
and North of Hwy. #30 to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-441 approving appointment of Council Member Wirth
to the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-442 approving Final Plat for Valley East Plat No. 3.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-443 approving Final Plat for Southwood Subdivision, 2nd Addition.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-444 accepting bids and awarding contracts for vehicles:
(a) Award of contract to Mid-States Ford Truck Sales in the amount of
$9,364.00 for mid-size pickup.
(b) Award of contract to Ron Willey Ford in the amount of $25,893.72,
subject to verification by TECO, Inc., for truck chassis.
(c) Reject alternate bids for the window van and authorize Staff to
negotiate price on suitable unit in an amount not to exceed available funding.
(d) Authorize Staff to purchase carryall vehicle through State of Iowa
contract in an amount not to exceed available funding.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-445 approving change order and final acceptance of 1990 Water
Program No. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-446 acknowledging satisfactory completion of certain specified
improvements and authorizing the Mayor to execute an acceptance of the reduced Letter of
Credit for Prairie View PUD.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-447 approving transfer of Iowa Department of Transportation aircraft
hangar lease to Hap's Air Service, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-448 accepting completion of the 1991 Footing Drain
Program No. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-449 accepting completion of the 1992 Reconstruction
and Resurfacing Program No. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-450 accepting completion of the Ontario Street
Utilities Improvement Program.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-451 accepting completion of subdivision
improvements in Valley East Subdivision, Plat 3.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-452 accepting completion of subdivision
improvements in Northridge Subdivision, 9th Addition.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-453 approving deletion of Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland
Clinic from the Non-Domestic Waste Pretreatment Program.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-454 approving request to subordinate Phase I Affordable Housing
mortgage lien for property located at 424 Ken Maril Road.
RESOLUTION NO. 92-455 approving release of real estate mortgage for property in the CDBG
Housing Rehabilitation Program.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one appeared for this portion of the meeting.
ORDINANCE PROVIDING VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROVISION TO
UTILITY RETIREMENT ORDINANCE: Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred explained that
this ordinance change would establish a vocational rehabilitation program wherein any disabled
employee, excepting those whose disability is either clearly temporary or terminal, would be
required to undergo a vocational rehabilitation evaluation. He said while the City administration
initially wanted a program in which disabled employees would be required to participate in a
vocational rehabilitation program as a condition of receiving disability benefits, the Utility
Retirement System Board has historically done an excellent job of guarding against abuse under the
ordinance's disability provisions. He said in recognition of that fact, the ad hoc committee formed
last June to study this issue agreed to present the proposed ordinance change to Council at this time.
Council Member Parks questioned the logic behind not including a mandatory vocational
rehabilitation program. Council Member Brown noted Class 4 individuals could not obtain
insurance anywhere else, and said she felt requiring a mandatory program at this point might create
bad feelings among employees. She said Council always had the option to revise the ordinance in
the future, if abuse did occur. Council Member Wirth agreed, and said she felt it was a compromise
position at this point. Council Member Parks said it would be well to set some parameters defining
what constituted an abuse and its inherent costs to the system. Mayor Curtis noted there had been
concerns in the past regarding mixing disability and retirement systems, and said he felt that issue
still needed to be addressed.
Moved by Brown, Seconded by Parks, to pass on first reading an Ordinance Amending the
Municipal Code to Provide a Program of Rehabilitation for Persons on Disability under the Utility
Retirement System.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REZONING CITY-OWNED LAND LOCATED NORTH AND EAST OF
MUNICIPAL WATER AND ELECTRIC PLANTS: Moved by Parks, Seconded by Hoffman,
to pass on second reading an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map to Rezone City-Owned Land
Located North and East of the Municipal Water and Electric Plants from R-3 (Medium-Density
Residential) to G-I (General Industrial) and from R-2 (Low-Density Residential) to G-I (General
Industrial).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REGULATING PARKING ON DIAMOND STREET: Moved by Wirth,
Seconded by Campbell, to pass on second reading An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of
the City of Ames, Iowa, by Enacting a New Subsection 18.31(173) for the Purpose of Regulating
Parking on Diamond Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Hoffman, Seconded by Campbell, to suspend the rules required for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Hoffman, Seconded by Parks, to pass on third reading and adoption ORDINANCE NO.
3210, Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa, by Enacting a New Subsection
18.31(173) for the Purpose of Regulating Parking on Diamond Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC FLOW STUDY: City Manager Schainker said this study was in
response to a previous request from the Downtown Betterment Association. He said Staff had
agreed the study was warranted, in light of discussions with consultant Michael Freedman and future
development of the Depot. He said the report concluded that due to the amount of traffic entering
the Downtown area and the carrying capacity of the streets, reversing the one-way traffic flow or
converting one-way streets to a two-way flow will not significantly impact the volume capacity of
any street in the Downtown area. He said the DBA had reviewed the study and was basically in
agreement with Staff's recommendation. He said the only controversy revolved around the angles
of Main Street parking spaces.
Mr. Schainker said Staff's proposal included a recommendation that parking angles on Main Street
be converted from 45o to 35o in order to ensure that vehicles backing out of the spaces will not cross
over into oncoming traffic, a change which would eliminate approximately 32 spaces on Main Street
between Duff and Clark. He noted however that there was potential to add a significant amount of
parking outside of the Downtown area, by adding angled parking where parallel parking currently
exists.
Traffic Engineer Scott Logan reviewed how the study had been conducted and the results of the
report. He described how 35o, 40o, and 45o angle parking spaces would affect the traffic lane and
how backing out of each would impact oncoming traffic in the opposite lane.
John Huber and Deb Bengtson, Co-Chairs of the Downtown Betterment Association, spoke in favor
of the change to a two-way traffic flow on Main Street while retaining the current 45o angle parking.
Mr. Huber said the merchants were excited about the two-way traffic proposal, but were very
concerned about losing precious parking stalls.
City Manager Schainker said any change should be considered on a trial basis, as it might take a
year or so for the effects to be known.
Fred Miller, 2004 Grand, said he was present on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the Ames
Plan Steering Committee to thank City Staff for preparing such comprehensive data. He said both
groups strongly endorsed the recommendations of the DBA, specifically Alternative #3 which
maintained the 45o angle parking. He said a change to 40o or 35o angle parking could always be
made in the future, if necessary.
City Manager Schainker noted that while Council could choose to direct the City Attorney to
prepare the necessary ordinance revisions to accomplish one of the alternatives, implementation
would not occur until the spring or summer months of 1993 when funds were available.
Moved by Parks, Seconded by Hoffman, to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance
incorporating the changes in Alternative #3, allowing two-way traffic on Main and Fifth Streets,
changing to angled parking in various downtown locations, maintaining the 45o angle parking along
Main Street from Duff to Clark, and authorizing the appropriation of $17,500 from the Parking Fund
to accomplish the shifts from parallel parking to angle parking.
Question called on the motion. All Councilors present voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC EDUCATION COMPONENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MASTER
PLAN: Public Information Officer Pam Vokolek reviewed the proposed Solid Waste Management
Public Awareness Plan aimed at source reduction and reuse, noting the proposal included a separate
program for the business community. She said the proposal would require a two-year lead-in time,
but could then be renewed annually and become a continual project for the City. She described the
various steps of the proposed Plan, including development of a logo, audio visual and print
campaigns, programs to service organizations, and evaluation and follow-up programs. She said
they would be organizing and training teams made up of representatives from RSVP and the ISU
Student Environmental Council, among others, to present reduction and reuse programs to area
business owners. She said the estimated cost of the proposed Public Awareness Program would be
$9,500 per year for two years, funded from the Resource Recovery Fund.
Council Member Parks said the plan should address public concern regarding emissions produced
during the burning of refuse-derived fuel. He said restaurant placemats should also be considered
as an information source.
Council Member Hertz expressed concern about using statement stuffers in the City's utility bills.
Council Member Parks agreed and said a direct mail piece would have a more dramatic impact. Ms.
Vokolek said the quality of the piece would be key to its effectiveness, and noted the comprehensive
brochure included in the plan would be a direct mail piece.
Motion by Brown, Second by Hoffman, to approve the outline of the Public Education Program
Component of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan.
All Council Members present voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
LANDFILL CLOSURE AND ASH DISPOSAL PROJECT: Motion by Parks, Second by Brown,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-456 waiving purchasing procedures and approving closure and ash
disposal at the landfill.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-457 approving proposed
plans and specifications for the ash disposal project, and authorizing bidding and award dates.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Council Member Brown left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
CITY PARTICIPATION IN "ONE CALL" NETWORK: Motion by Parks, Second by
Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-458 approving the intent of the City to participate in
"One Call" network.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Absent: Brown. Resolution declared adopted unanimously (5-0), signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
RECONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE CREATING ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS,
UNDERAGED PERSONS ON LICENSED PREMISES: Motion by Campbell, Second by
Hoffman, to pass on first reading an ordinance Amending the Municipal Code for the Purpose of
Allowing Separate Restaurant and Bar Hours for Licensed Liquor Establishments.
Council Member Parks expressed concern that standards had not yet been established regarding the
hours this provision would apply and said varying hours between establishments would make it
difficult for the Police to enforce the law.
Council Member Brown returned at 8:25 p.m.
Question called on the motion. Roll Call Vote: 4-2. Voting Aye: Campbell, Hertz, Hoffman,
Wirth. Voting Nay: Brown, Parks. Motion declared carried 4-2.
REVISION TO AMES - ISU TRANSMISSION SYSTEM AGREEMENT: Motion by Wirth,
Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-459, approving a revision to the Ames-ISU
Transmission System agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FIRE DEPARTMENT LADDER TRUCK REPAIR: Motion by Parks, Second by Hoffman, to
adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-460 authorizing the expenditure of up to $16,000 from the
contingency fund to cover anticipated repair costs to the Fire Department ladder truck.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ZUMWALT TRAIL: Motion by Parks, Second by Brown, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-461
approving removal of the erosion control project for Zumwalt Trail System from FY 93/94 Capital
Improvements Program and authorizing closure of the park at both ends of the trail.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
P-C PLAN AMENDMENT FOR NORTH GRAND MALL: Motion by Hoffman, Second by
Brown, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-462 approving P-C Amendment to allow individual
storefronts, and a new sign scheme for individual storefronts, south of the Mall Theatres for property
located at 2801 Grand Avenue (North Grand Mall).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
LOAN APPLICATION TO CITY'S REVOLVING LOAN FUND FROM CMS, INC.: Motion
by Brown, Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-463, approving a loan application to
the City of Ames Revolving Loan Fund from Coating Machinery Systems, Inc. (CMS, Inc.)
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
SUBMISSION OF CEBA APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF CMS, INC.: Motion by Hoffman,
Second by Parks, to adopt RESOLUTION No. 92-464 approving the submission of a CEBA
application on behalf of CMS, Inc., to the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS: Motion by
Parks, Second by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-465 setting January 12, 1993, as date
of hearing for proposed issuance of General Obligation Refunding bonds not to exceed $7,700.000.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
TRANSIT BOARD UPDATE: Council Member Wirth provided the other Councilors with an
update from the Transit Board.
Mayor Curtis thanked Council Member Wirth for accepting the appointment to the Convention
Bureau Board of Directors.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
_______________________________ __________________________________
Sandra L. Ryan, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor