Ames Comprehensive Plan and Healthy Life Center
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Bronwyn's Council Preview |
The City Council meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday at city hall. The agenda includes (but is not limited to):
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We start with a joint meeting of City Council and the Ames Human Relations Commission for their annual report. Then we have several proclamations, incluing; Arbor Day, Economic Development Week, Bike-to-Work Week, and Historic Preservation Month, followed by a presentation of Historic Preservation Awards.
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37. Ames Comprehensive Plan 2040.
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At this meeting, Council is being asked to choose from three options for how RDG will frame their work.
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Direct RDG to prioritize opportunities for infill development to meet some (though probably not all) of our growth projections.
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Direct RDG to focus on desired aspects of development first, then establish suitable locations later. (Development aspects might include qualities or standards we want to see. Staff list examples such as village-style housing developments, sustainability standards in building types and materials, etc.)
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Direct RDG to examine the possible growth locations first for any major infrastructure shortcomings they may have, then use those findings to develop growth concepts.
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Staff recommend Options 1 and 3 over Option 2. Staff also recommend taking public input at this meeting, as the rest of RDG's work will be guided by this direction from Council.
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38. Healthy Life Center Update.
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At our last meeting on this topic, Council directed staff to bring a proposal for the Healthy Life Center that investigated cost savings but did not sacrifice the quality and features of the original concept. Now Council will determine if we have enough information to direct staff to draft the necessary bond referendum documents.
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The City purchased two properties with funds from the federal CDBG program, which we are now considering selling to Habitat for Humanity. One, purchased in 2015 for $124,000, was purchased with the goal of renting it, but the City has been unable to find a suitable property manager. The second, 3305 Morningside, was purchased for $116,000 in 2018, but requires demolition due to deterioration. The $80,000 which the city would receive for the sale of these two properties would go back toward our other CDBG programs, including 321 State Ave.
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At a February meeting, Council directed staff to draft amendments to the zoning and rental codes which would allow for and standardize short-term rentals. (These rentals are often referred to as Airbnb, though there are other manifestations of short-term renting, and other companies than Airbnb.)
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Standards we are considering adopting include inspection schedules, the requirement of an LOC (i.e., rental permit), and revocation standards, among others.
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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.
- Cornbred Sign Memo.
This memo was requested from staff in regards to the potential Cornbred Barbeque sign redesign at the Depot.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
At-Large Council Member