Revised City Council Goals
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Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen's Council Preview |
The Ames City Council begins at 5:30 with Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board. The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council will immediately follow the Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board. The agenda includes:
- 26. 2016/17 U. S. Highway 69 Improvements Program (South Duff Avenue Traffic Signal).
We have seen this item several times lately, most recently delayed because a signed document from WalMart had not yet been secured. The same is true this week. If signed documents are received by January 24th, staff recommend proceeding, if not, delaying until our February 14th meeting. - 27. Discussion of Campus and Community Commission,
One of the City Council's goals is to "Promote a Sense of One Community". In light of that, Council is pursuing the concept of a Campus and Community Commission. Broadly speaking, this commission would study matters affecting student and resident relations. To proceed with the creating of such a commission, Council needs to provide direction on the membership and charge, and decide whether to create this organization by resolution or ordinance. - 28. Motion adopting revised City Council goals for 2017.
While none of our goals changed, we did modify some of the more specific objectives and tasks. The staff report linked above is concise, scroll to page 3 to see the objectives and tasks listed. My favorite new objectives include the City's continued participation in the Squaw Creek Mgmt. Authority (under the goal of Expanding Sustainability Efforts), educating the public on materials to divert from the waste stream (glass, compost, etc.), and to adopt a Complete Streets policy. (Community Solar is still on the list, but it wasn't technically a new goal, so I didn't include it in my favs.) - 29. Staff Report regarding request from Iowa State Ready-Mix for text amendment pertaining to solar.
Iowa State Ready-Mix wants to install solar panels that are too tall under current regulations. They are requesting two changes to the requirements regarding solar panel installation for the General Industrial zoning district. They'd like to see an increase in the maximum height of a freestanding system, and are also asking for an increase in the allowable footprint for such installations. Staff note that CyRide has installed similar panels, but they are on ISU property, so planning staff weren't aware of their installation. - 30. Staff Report regarding parking requirements in Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.
The Neighborhood Commercial Zoning district was created in 2000 to describe several properties which didn't fit into other zoning districts. Such properties include Ace Hardware at 24th and Grand, Hazel and Lincoln Way, north of 6th St. in the downtown area, 6th and Grand, S 16th and Creekside Dr., and Reliable Street. The latter site is home to the old Doboy grain mill, which the applicant plans to turn into an art gallery and cafe once zoning requirements can be met. They are asking for a text amendment regarding parking requirements for NC zones. The staff report includes options such as allowing on-street parking to count towards the parking requirement or removing parking requirements for NC zoning. Of those presented, staff seem to favor the on-street parking option.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
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