City to set funding for Human Services and the Arts (budget guidelines)

This meeting the council reviews the budget guidelines for 2014-2015 (item 37).

Several years ago the voters of Ames approved 1% sales tax referendum that stated (see the sales tax history):

"... Revenues from the sales and services tax are to be allocated in the city of Ames in the county of Story as follows: Sixty percent (60%) for property tax relief. The specified purpose for which the revenue shall otherwise be expended is human service agencies, the arts, and community betterment." That is, 60% of the sales tax goes to reduce your property taxes that pay for services like roads, police and fire protection. 40% is to be expended on "...human service agencies, the arts, and community betterment."

This Tuesday the council sets the 2014-2015 funding levels Human Services (ASSET) and the Arts. It is often tempting for city councils to use the funds earmarked for "Human Services and the Arts" on items that are traditionally paid for out of the general fund (property tax). The idea of "community betterment" is a vague one, and council might be wise to treat its meaning conservatively, and ensure its use is not for something traditionally purchased with property taxes dollars.

The Ames City Council begins at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes:

29. Hearing on rezoning of property at 101, 105, and 107 South Wilmoth Avenue from Residential High Density (RH) with University West Impact Overlay to Residential High Density (RH) and property at 205 South Wilmoth Avenue from Residential Low Density (RL) to Residential High Density (RH) [continued from November 10, 2015, meeting] (Breckenridge Development). This is the next step in the settlement agreement between Breckenridge and the City. One hearing to rezone three properties on South Wilmoth to exclude the University West Impact Overlay, a second to rezone old middle school track from RL to RH. Rezoning is required of settlement agreement w/ Breckenridge to avoid further litigation.
30. Hearing on Urban Revitalization Plan (URA) for South Wilmoth Avenue (Breckenridge Development). The establishment of a URA for the northern parcels is required of the settlement agreement. This URA is very similar to all other URAs in Ames, and while Breckenridge is protesting, it appears council may have the courage to hold their ground on these expectations designed to ensure a project appropriate for the area.
32. Hearing on rezoning of property at 516 South 17th Street from Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) to Residential High Density (RH) (Scott Randall). 525 additional beds to the southeast of Copper Beech. Developer is agreeing to pay for traffic improvements at Golden Aspen Dr. and at Earl May intersection. Developer is also agreeing to have leases off the 8/1 to 7/31 cycle, a creative solution to local traffic impacts. While we hear many folks do not love the look of this area, adding density near a 4-lane highway and 4 lane road, on a transit route is as responsible as urban infill can get. And every time we add a bed, the price of beds goes down. Overall a good solution to ensure people who work, learn, play and live in Ames have a place to lay their head too.
33. Staff Report on Campustown Facade Program. Campustown Façade program – After a few pilot projects, does Council still want to proceed w/ Campustown Façade program? Staff has developed an “idea book” for applicants, illustrating the various design strengths of Campustown's commercial spaces (transparent, social, diverse, identifiable, historic). Façade improvements have the potential to build a neighborhood’s visual character, which can encourage socializing, shopping, and a sense of community.
35. Staff report on 118/120 Hayward Storm Sewer (Dean Jensen). Redevelopment of 118/120 Hayward into mixed-use commercial/apartments built over a culvert from 1930’s. Concern about if the culvert can stand up to increased activity above. Staff recommends the developer build over the old culvert, assume liability, and have the option to pay to determine if the culvert can be discontinued.
37. City Council budget guidelines. There are a lot of em'.