Bronwyn's Council Preview

The City Council meeting starts at 4:45 p.m. (earlier then usual) this Tuesday at city hall. The agenda includes (but is not limited to):
 

• 1. Meeting with development consultant to discuss alternate concept for residential subdivisions.
  This agenda item is to talk with a developer about some alternative designs they use, such as village-type concepts or pocket neighborhoods. While they are currently engaged with a landowner in Ames, this item won't be to talk the specifics of that project, but rather about the concepts in general and perhaps their appropriateness for other areas. Their website can be found here: http://serenbe.com/

• 30. Staff Report regarding Short-Term Rentals.
  Currently, Ames doesn't have systems in place for short-term rentals (known commonly as Airbnbs), yet they have existed in Ames for years, and are increasing. Staff are presenting three concepts of a short-term rental, as well as the code changes necessary to legitimize each type. For all three categories, a property owner will need to become licensed and request a special use permit from the City. The first type of short-term rental would involve the owner living at the property while it was in use as a short-term rental. The second category is for those who might rent their property while they are away for a limited time. For this category, the cumulative number of days a property owner could rent per year would be 90. The third category would involve properties purchased solely for the purpose of renting them out as short-term rentals. Staff have recommended this 3rd category of properties be subject to the rental ordinance and rental caps (in applicable neighborhoods).

• 31. Presentation of the Residential Satisfaction Survey 2018 results.
  This year's survey shows high levels of satisfaction across all categories, similar to prior years. Topics surveyed include city services such as public safety, utilities, traffic, parks, library, etc. The survey also asks what would make Ames "cool". Many people said it already was. ;)

• 32. Flood Mitigation - River Flooding.
  Years ago, Council authorized a flood mitigation effort that would widen the channel at South Duff, where years of erosion have filled in underneath much of the bridge. The FEMA funding has yet to come through, so we are still waiting on any progress at this location. This agenda item deals with a property owner who would like us to decide how to proceed, so they determine how much of their property they have available to develop. 
  
  

Non-Agenda Packet: The following items are requests and communications to the council that are not on the agenda.  This includes staff reports and communications/request from constituents/developers. By tradition the council can ask city staff for more information (a report), put the item on a future agenda for discussion or just accept the communication (taking no further action). This usually takes place at the end of the meeting during council comments.
 

• Jeremy Davis rental cap request.
  Mr. Davis was unaware of the rental exception deadline, and would like an extension to be considered.
• Staff memo on front yard tree text amendment request from Justin Dodge of Hunziker Companies.
  Hunziker Companies is developing a property where they'd like to put trees instead of shrubs/grasses in the landscaping, and are seeking a change in the landscaping ordinance in order to do so.
• Apartment leasing question.
  A citizen is asking Council to take action to prevent companies from requiring leases to be signed so far in advance. 

Thanks for reading,

Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen

At-Large Council Member