Cameras in Campustown and Moratorium on New Rental Permits
 |
Bronwyn's Council Preview |
The Ames City Council meeting starts at 6:00. The agenda includes:
- 24. First passage of ordinance establishing six-month moratorium on new Rental Occupancy Permits for single- and two-family homes within the boundaries of the city limits of Ames (second and third readings and adoption requested).
This was brought forth at the last Council meeting as a way to temporarily halt new rental permits while we develop a strategy to deal with the state's recent decision to prohibit the regulation of rentals based on familial status. - 29. Staff Report on North Growth Gap Area Fringe Plan Major Amendment.
Two similar requests are being brought forward to change how land is classified in the city's Urban Fringe Plan, one from city staff dealing with land east of GW Carver Ave., and the other request from a developer with property west of GW Carver. The areas are currently a mix of priority and rural transitional residential and parks & rec. (All ineligible for annexation.) The proposed change is to Urban Residential with a Convenience Commercial node, both of which would allow for eventual annexation. Council is being asked to give input on the scope of changes to the Urban Fringe Plan. Prior to development, other information would be needed on subjects including traffic, sanitary sewer, and police/fire coverage.
- 30. Staff Report on Lincoln Way Corridor Plan implementation.
This plan is back with some modifications, and staff recommend City Council prioritize pursuing changes to the "Downtown Gateway" (Clark Ave. to Duff Ave.) subarea. Several of the subareas could potentially be affected by changes to our rental regulations, so staff recommend deferring on these areas until a new rental occupancy strategy is in place. - 31. Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor License Renewals (Blue Owl Bar).
Unusual to see a liquor license renewal issue, but this licensee also has a large bill for parking ticket fees. Staff recommend against unconditional annual renewal of this license - 32. Staff report on cameras in Campustown.
This has been in discussion for some time. Both Iowa State's Student Government and Campustown Action Association have sent letters indicating support of cameras in Campustown. According to this proposal, cameras would be maintained by Iowa State, and footage only provided to the Police Department to assist in solving crimes in the area. (No routine monitoring of footage.) The cost to install the system would be just under $50k, and annual operations would cost $2880.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
