Old Middle School Housing Proposal
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Bronwyn's Council Preview |
The Ames City Council and Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) transportation policy committee meeting starts at 5:30, to be followed by the meeting of the Ames City Council. The agenda includes:
- 39. Ames Economic Development Commission. Presentation of Annual Report and Resolution approving 2017/18 Agreement.
Each year, the City gives $157,500 to the AEDC; $60k to the Business Development coordinator, $90k for marketing, and $7,500 for an annual software package. The marketing dollars go toward a few purposes; business recruitment (showing sites, coordinating incentive applications, responding to inquiries from potential companies), marketing materials (website, brochures, etc.), and aggressively marketing toward industries such as ag-biotech or advanced manufacturing. In addition to the marketing facet, the City jointly funds a Business Development and Marketing position, whose job description is basically listed in the contract. The AEDC had a 2012-2016 plan, with five objectives, all now completed. (Check out the AEDC Report Card, if you're interested in reading more.) - 40. Progress Report from Sustainability Coordinator regarding FY 2016-17 activities.
Since 2010, the City has utilized ISU's Director of Sustainability to assist in city sustainability efforts. Initially, this contract focused on reducing electricity consumption, but it now includes five tasks, including waste reduction, EcoSmart and Smart Business Challenge programs, and representing the City at events relating to sustainability. (The city uses 25% of this employee's time, while the other 75% is spent working for Iowa State.) - 41. Resolution reconfirming May 5, 2017, Resolution Approving U. S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
Given the recent national turmoil regarding the decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord, the mayor is asking we reaffirm the attached 2007 resolution. It has four directives; endorse U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, set a baseline for carbon emission of City functions, set carbon emission goals, and develop a plan to reach these goals. - 42. Staff Report on Request For Proposal for 321 State Avenue (Affordable Housing).
The City put out an RFP for the Old Middle School lot (321 State Ave.) in March of this year. The only proposal received was from JCorp, Inc, represented by Duane Jensen. JCorp is proposing all single family owner-occupied homes, 29 LMI (Low to Moderate Income) rate, and 19 market rate. The LMI homes would sell for $135k to $155k, and are located to the north of Tripp St. In the RFP, the City proposed giving the land to the developer for free, and giving an additional $400-500k towards infrastructure improvements. The proposal from the developer is asking for over $900k towards infrastructure improvements. Staff lay out four alternatives, ranging from increasing incentives to rethinking the project.
- 43. Urban Renewal Area for Barilla.
At our Feb 28th meeting, Council ok'ed a $3 million dollar TIF incentive for a planned expansion at Barilla. This urban renewal plan is the first step in several toward moving that incentive forward. - 46. Hearing on Major Site Development Plan for 398 South 500th Avenue.
City staff and the developer of "The Collegiate" development are still working to finalize details of this project, and are asking that the hearing be continued until June 27th. - 47. Hearing on Proposed 2017/18 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan (continued from May 9, 2017).
This hearing is being extended again, this time until June 27th.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
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