Bronwyn's Council Preview

The Ames City Council meeting starts at 6:00. The agenda includes:
 

• 32. 2018-2023 Capital Improvements Plan public input.
  This is the next step in our annual budget process. Last Tuesday we had a workshop detailing each department's share of the '18-'23 CIP, and this Tuesday we look forward to public input. As always, the largest category are the combined utilities (electric, sewer, water). One of the CIP items to keep an eye on in this group is within the Water Pollution Control Department, nutrient reduction, a requirement established by federal and state policies which will cost the city an estimated $13 million over the next 5 years. Municipal sources of nutrients are minor compared to agricultural sources, but cities are being asked to bear the brunt of the costs. Second, falling in the Water Utility category rather than Roads is a re-do of Welch Ave from Lincoln Way to Knapp in '19/'20. This is a Water project because the water mains, sanitary sewer, etc. is very old, and needs to be replaced. Most other Utility projects seemed routine, and are funded through utility fees, and typically not property tax or sales tax. 
  In the Transportation category, we see the extension of Grand Avenue as well as the paving of the Vet Med trail, a critical pedestrian and bicycle connection between the Research Park and Downtown. 
  Again, the CIP details our capital spending only...most sources of money for human services, the arts, other city organizations/services are reflected in other budgets.
• 33. Motion denying Encroachment Permit for 2408 Chamberlain Street.
  Staff are recommending against the approval of this encroachment permit on Chamberlain St. The developer is requesting a ramp/sidewalk that would reduce the width of the city sidewalk, rather than redesign the interior of their building. 
• 35. Staff Report regarding affordable housing options for 321 State Avenue.
  At a recent meeting, we went back to the drawing board on the 321 State project, after a number of increasing costs started rising to the surface. This staff report lists two basic options; install the road (extension of Tripp) to meet our CDBG spending requirements and get the land ready for development, or send out a new RFP for the project. If we choose the latter, we have a number of other decisions to make, including what types of housing and ownership models would we include in the new RFP.  
• 36. Resolution approving Minor Land Use Policy Plan Text Amendment and establishing Downtown Gateway Focus Area as first development priority of LUPP.
  As identified in the Lincoln Way Corridor Study, the Downtown Gateway extends from Clark to Duff south of the railroad tracks. This area is being identified as a priority. The goals for this area can be found on page 5 of the linked staff report. 
• 37. Staff Report on tennis facilities in ISU Research Park.
  Council recently got a request to modify design standards for RI zoned areas at the Research Park, to allow for a 2-acre domed tennis bubble. Staff maintain that the dome does not meet the two-story design requirements for the area, nor do staff feel that tennis is the type of use that the area is intended for. Staff also list concerns about displacing other businesses that might achieve a higher return, a consideration due to the fact that TIF money was used to fund the area.
• 38. Staff Report on Body-Worn Cameras.
  This has been in the works for some time, as body-worn cameras are increasingly common in law enforcement. Ames is using the system of the International Association of Chiefs of Police as a base for our own policies, which cover such topics as who wears a camera, when are they turned off/on, and how the video is subsequently stored and viewed. 
• 39. 415 Stanton Avenue (Old Crawford School) [Tabled from 12/19/17 and 1/09/18].
  At our last Council meeting, we explored the options for how to ensure this property remains a senior focused living facility, yet have some flexibility in the case of a younger caregiver or younger tenant. The suggested option (agreed upon by the developer and neighborhood reps) was to have at least one resident per unit required to be 55+, but allow another resident 30 or over (in the case of a younger spouse, for example). Turns out that isn't a legal option. A facility has to meet 3 requirements to qualify as 'housing for older persons', which include marketing toward a senior population, having facilities to accommodate their needs, and having 80% residents aged 55+. We will reexamine our options to make sure we pick a legal path forward.
• 44. Hearing on 2017/18 Shared-Use Path System Expansion (Mortensen Road).
  This project will extend the shared use path along Mortensen, West of where it currently ends. (Though, there will still be a two-block gap between the Perfect Games area and the next batch of apartments to the West.)

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large