Miracle League Field
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Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen's Council Preview |
The meeting of the Ames City Council begins at 6:00. The agenda includes:
- 24. Miracle League Field and All-Inclusive Playground.
In 2015, several parties came to the city with a request to build an all-inclusive playground and Miracle League field in Ames. Parks and Rec is recommending the facility (paid for in most part by fundraising and donations) be installed at Inis Grove Park. Neighbors have raised concerns about lights, noise (PA system), traffic, and parking. Parks and Rec is recommending that the proposed design come back before them prior to final approval, so they can make sure the neighborhood concerns have been addressed. - 25. South Duff Safety and Access Project.
The city recently moved forward on the design phase for improvements on South Duff from South 5th to the Squaw Creek bridge. The engineer estimates a project cost of $927K or so, between construction and administration. $850K is available through Iowa DOT grants, and the remaining amount will be paid equally by the City, Walmart, and Hunziker. Council approval will allow this project to go to bid, with results of bidding provided at the November 22nd Council meeting. - 26. Resolution approving agreement to provide Access Easement at 436 South Duff Avenue (Panda Express) in the future.
Earlier in 2016, a minor site development plan was submitted for the property at 436 South Duff (Panda Express). It was approved with a requirement for a future access easement. This easement would only kick in if the property to the north (426 South Duff) redevelops in such a way that would also involve an access easement through their property.
- 27. Staff update on Landscape Ordinance concept provisions.
In August, Council got an update on staff’s work to create a new system of landscaping requirements. At that time, staff had developed a point-based approach to landscaping, requiring developers to meet minimum point totals in several categories. (Categories included soil quality, environmental design, screening, groundcover, planting design, and additional features.) Staff are asking Council for guidance on whether to continue with the point-based concept, tweak the point requirements, or go a different route. - 28. Staff Report on request of customer for adjustment to utility account.
A resident was away for about a month during parts of June and July, and had the misfortune of returning home to discover a pipe had come loose from the water heater and was running into a floor drain. The water and sewer charges for this episode total $4,089.76. The resident is requesting Council adjust their utility costs. Staff provides several options ranging from waiving the costs to denying the request. Ultimately staff recommends developing a policy that would allow the City Manager or Manager’s designee to make this adjustment without Council approval. Staff also recommends adjusting the resident’s bill to the lower winter rate for water. - 29. Resolution approving request of Main Street Cultural District for $3,000 local match for National Register of Historic Places nomination application.
The Main St. Cultural District is asking the City for funding to complete the National Register of Historic Places application. If successful, there’s a possibility for federal and state tax credits and other financial incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings/areas. Staff recommend approval. - 30. Presentation of results of Resident Satisfaction Survey.
The results of the 34th annual resident satisfaction survey are in. In general, residents want to spend more on recreational opportunities and CyRide. Capital funding priorities included traffic flow, street repair, and storm water drainage. Generally speaking, Ames residents report high levels of satisfaction with city services. 90% of respondents gave “somewhat or very satisfied” ratings to 8 out of 9 City departments.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
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