Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 05/07/1991MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA MAY 7, 1991 The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 1991, in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Pro Tem Parks presiding and the following members present: Brown, Campbell, Hertz, Hoffman, and Wirth. Mayor Curtis was absent. JOINT MEETING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: The following members of the Parks and Recreation Commission were present: Atherly, Carey, Emmerson, Shrum, and Youngberg. Commission Members Agnew and Cassidy were absent. The City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission met jointly to discuss a Family Aquatic Center and Soccer Complex proposed to be located at the intersection of Ontario and Scholl Road. Joe Stevens, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, provided historical information about the present swimming pools in Ames. He documented the need for an updated aquatic facility and soccer complex in Ames for use by youth and families and pointed out that strong support for such a facility was expressed at the recent Youth Summit held in Ames. Carl Fuerst, Consultant with Leisure Concepts and Design, Inc. which is associated with Water Technology, Inc., and two associates, Dick Whitiker and Claude Rogers, discussed how the needs of the citizens of Ames for water recreation could be better met by the construction of a modern aquatic facility rather than by the current swimming pools. He narrated a slide presentation of similar facilities in other cities. The objectives to be met by such a facility would be: 1) to attract greater youth, adult, and family participation; 2) to increase attendance and become financially self-supporting; 3) to satisfy a broad range of aquatic interest for all ages; and 4) to provide an attractive, exciting, and safe aquatic experience. Mr. Fuerst suggested incorporating a zero depth pool, water playground, water in motion, a 25 yard lap swimming pool, and water slides into an aquatic facility in Ames to meet those objectives. Other features of the facility would include sun turf areas, a sand play area, a concession area, landscaping and natural features, and decorative fences and barriers. The consultants pointed out that the parking lots for the aquatic facility and soccer complex could be shared by both activities with very little overlapping use due to the different seasons of use of the two activities. They stated that the aquatic facility would have a capacity of 1,500 people. The five soccer fields in the complex would all be irrigated and none would be lighted. The total cost of the project, excluding land costs, would be $4,170,000. The property is owned by the university and a price is yet to be negotiated. Commission Members commented that the location at Scholl Road was chosen in part because of the fact that Ames is continuing to grow in a northwesterly direction and because of its easy accessibility by bicycle. They pointed out that mostly positive comments have been received from neighbors in that area. When Charlie Hammer, 1222 Scholl Road, asked about noise control in the area, the consultants informed him that berms and trees surrounding the site will buffer the noise and radios will not be allowed. Those present were told that the Traffic Engineer has indicated that there should not be a traffic problem caused by the facility since the volume of traffic will be spread throughout the day. Edward DeKalb, 3418 Ontario, asked whether the pool would be heated and whether bike parking would be provided. He received an affirmative answer on both questions. Also, the consultants emphasized that the zero depth pool would be ideal for use by physically handicapped and elderly individuals. Nancy Carroll, Recreation Superintendent, provided two scenarios for informing and educating the citizens of Ames about this project with a bond referendum occurring either in November or March. Moved by Brown, seconded by Campbell, to affirm the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendation on location and site amenities for a Family Aquatic Facility and Soccer Complex, and to direct Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to proceed with the community education and input process. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. LOAN FOR MBS, INC.: Moved by Campbell, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-141 approving a request for funding through the City of Ames' Revolving Loan Fund for MBS, Inc. contingent upon the successful acquisition of the $2,575,000 required by the project for the CEBA application. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. 1991 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM NO. 1: Moved by Brown, seconded by Wirth, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-142 approving the preliminary resolution for the 1991 Street Improvement Program No. 1. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Brown, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-143 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 1991 Street Improvement Program No. 1. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Brown, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-144 approving the proposed resolution of necessity for the 1991 Street Improvement Program No. 1 and setting May 28, 1991, as the date of public hearing. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. HEARING ON REFURBISHING OF INFORMATION SERVICES OFFICES: Mayor Pro Tem Parks declared the hearing open. There were no comments and the hearing was declared closed. Moved by Hoffman, seconded by Campbell, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-145 approving final plans and specifications for the refurbishing of the Information Services Offices at 426 1/2 5th Street and awarding a contract to Harold Pike Construction Co. in the amount of $48,400. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. Moved by Brown, seconded by Hoffman, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-146 approving the contract and bond of Harold Pike Construction Co. in the amount of $48,400 for refurbishing the Information Services Offices, contingent upon receipt of those documents. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes. COMMENTS: Council Member Brown commended the Police Department for their work during VEISHEA. She also asked Staff to look into the parking restrictions on Hayward Avenue, site of a recent accident. Council Member Campbell informed Staff that the fence surrounding the fire debris at 307 Ash is partially down. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________ Nancy Dionigi, City Clerk John Parks, Mayor Pro Tem