Dan DeGeest's Council Review

Hello all,

Here is my review from the February 23, 2016, City Council meeting.  The agenda included:​

• 16. Discussion of Resident Satisfaction Survey policy questions.
  
  At nearly 12 pages, the 34th annual Resident Satisfaction survey is getting very long, but some space is still reserved for topical issues.  Council members were asked to give input on what items, if any, should be added to the survey.  The following topics were referred to staff for follow-up work to see if they would be beneficial and could be added to the survey.

  • Opinion on incentive programs for Formula/Non-Formula retail in Campustown

  • Suggest ideas for how to make Ames “cool” and more attractive to millennials and young families.

  • Suggest ideas for how large, flat, City owned spaces in our commercial areas, such as parking lots, could be used more effectively.

• 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.
  
  Dale Dyvig, pet store owner, has complained repeatedly to the City Council and Ames Police Department about anti-puppy mill protestors that gather on the public sidewalk in front of his store downtown.  He claims they intimidate customers, block the sidewalk, and cause a range of other problems for his business.  He is seeking increased City laws to prevent such protests.  After lengthy commentary from Mr. Dyvig, a first amendment supporter, a member of the protest group, and Ames Police Chief, Charles Cychosz, the City Council agreed that no additional ordinances should be put in place that would restrict First Amendment rights.  An excellent recap of this agenda item, written by former Tribune writer, Gavin Aronsen, can be found on the Iowa Informer Website.

• 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.)
  
  The police department wants to purchase larger patrol vehicles that cost more money, get lower gas mileage, and emit more CO2 than the sedans currently in use.  Because this is at odds with City goals to reduce costs and carbon footprint whenever possible, this issue was brought before City Council, which normally is not consulted for purchases of fleet vehicles and other "tools".  To offset these higher emissions City Staff is investigating installation of anti-idling devices that are designed to efficiently cycle the engine to reduce emissions while still charging the vehicle battery which is crucial for the officer's laptop, printer, and other field electonics.  Two units, $800 and $3500 respectively, will be tested and evaluated on two larger utility style police vehicles.  If effective, the devices could actually lower overall emissions compared to the sedan but with the added increase in total price.  Also, if effective, the devices could be evaluated on other City vehicles that spend a significant amount of time idling.  See the staff report for detailed cost, mileage, and other analysis.

• 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.
  
  With very little discussion this item passed 6-0 which will allow the United Church of Christ to take advantage of the purposed text amendment to the Downtown Service Center zoning when finalized.

Thanks for reading,

Dan DeGeest

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