Ames looking at Protest Ordinances
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Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen's Council Preview |
The Ames City Council begins at 5:30 PM. The agenda includes:
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16. Discussion of Resident Satisfaction Survey policy questions.
Every year for the resident satisfaction survey, there are a few in-depth questions measuring public opinion on city-wide policy issues. This is Council’s opportunity to give input on those questions. Examples could include: Affordable housing efforts, Lincoln Way corridor study, downtown redevelopment and parking issues, Complete Streets, Campustown redevelopment challenges and the resulting loss of small businesses in the area. -
17. Staff Report on Protest Ordinances.
In 2015, Council directed staff to look into what other Iowa communities have done regarding protestors/picketers. Staff reported back that only two cities in Iowa have policies addressing this topic, Iowa City and Fort Madison. Both cities aim to keep protesters on the sidewalk (instead of the street) and enforce other safety-related concerns, and Fort Madison goes so far as to limit the number of protestors on each city block. We do currently have city codes which address most of the safety issues related to congregating. -
18. Staff Report on Police Vehicle Purchases.
The Police Dept. and Fleet Services are considering upgrading police vehicles from a sedan to a utility vehicle. Factors to weigh include storage space and resale value on one hand, and on the other hand, cost and environmental impact. Fleet Services is also investigating two different anti-idling technologies, which could reduce fuel costs and emissions. (Fact from the staff report: Patrol cars idle 62% of the engine on time.) -
19. Hearing on rezoning of property at 217-6th Street from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to Downtown Service Center (DSC).
At a prior Council meeting, Council approved an amendment to the downtown service center zoning district to allow exemptions for floor-area-ratio requirements for holders of a special use permit. This change was initiated by the United Church of Christ, in order for them to add on to their property. They are now asking to be included in the downtown service center zoning area.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
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