​	David's Council Preview

The Ames City Council meets on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. The agenda includes:
 

• 35. Motion to direct staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) on 321 State Avenue for multi-family development on the south parcel utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Ames already has work underway to create 26 single-family homes at this site, at least 14 of which will be affordable to buyers who only earn 80% of the area's average median income. Item #22 of tonight's agenda relates to getting further infrastructure built for this. In addition, Council has designated about 2.8 acres on the south side of Tripp St. for a LIHTC project. Last week, Council discussed how to attract a LIHTC developer partner to use this site for additional affordable housing to those who only earn 60% of the area's median income. As part of this discussion (and in well-timed emails prior to it), neighborhood residents emphasized their interest in pursuing rent/lease-to-own situations rather than only considering purely rental units. As a result, the draft RFP includes language inviting proposals that optionally include lease to own units. 
  
  By issuing this RFP, Council hopes to attract proposal submissions to consider in October of this year. This will give us time to work with the developer partner on a final LIHTC application to the Iowa Finance Authority for consideration during their 2021 award cycle.

• 36. Staff Report on the Ames Urban Fringe Plan Amendment at 23959-580th Avenue (Caremoli). The new owner of this property on U.S. 30 would like to use it for a mix of industrial and commercial activities, but this is not permitted by its current zoning. Although located outside of city limits, this property falls within the Ames Urban Fringe, where Ames shares authority with Story County and Gilbert. The site is very close to the Iowa DOT's planned U.S. 30 interchange to be constructed in 2023. The staff report states that "annexation should be considered along with the AUFP amendment due to the proximity of the existing City boundary and plans of future growth with Plan 2040, East Industrial Prairie View Industrial Park, and the future Highway 30 Interchange."

• 37. Staff Report regarding Downtown Paver Replacement Project. The existing pavers on Main Street were installed in 1999, are now failing, and are slated to be replaced in phases. Representatives of the Ames Main Street organization (part of the Ames Chamber of Commerce) have expressed interest in retaining the curved paver design, as well as removing "The Vanishing Rail Yard" wall artwork at the north end of Tom Evans park.  The Ames Public Art Commission also recommends removing the wall, in part due to "overall disrepair."
  
  

• 38. Motion supporting joint project with Iowa State University for Improving Public Engagement with community residents. One of the City Council’s goals is to “Use the best communication engagement techniques and modern technologies to engage the community by reaching people in geographic areas using multiple channels.” This item seeks approval to work towards this goal with students in ISU's Community and Regional Planning classes over two semesters. Thanks to Council Member Gloria Betcher for arranging contact with ISU faculty on this.

• 43. Hearing on Emma McCarthy Lee Park Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation. The bridge over Clear Creek in Emma McCarthy Lee Park washed out in a June 2018 flood. On June 23, Council approved plans and specifications for a sturdy replacement bridge. "The bridge specified will be constructed approximately four feet above the former bridge deck and will be ten feet wide which will be like the other bridges within the parks and trail network. Also, the bridge is engineered to withstand the force of water if it ever becomes inundated." The lowest bid has now come in at $179,272.75, below the engineer's estimate of $203,617. Assuming Council approves the contract, the project is expected to be completed by November 30 this year.

• 45. Hearing on 2020/21 US Highway 69 Improvements (South Duff Avenue and US Highway 30 Eastbound Off-Ramp). This project will add traffic signals to the S. Duff Ave. off-ramp from U.S. 30 Eastbound and add a direct connection to Billy Sunday Rd. The low bid came in at $1,019,942.60, below the engineer's estimate of $1,041,536.00, so things are looking good for completion in 2021.

Non-Agenda Packet: The following items are requests and communications to the council that are not on the agenda for full discussion.  This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically the council will ask city staff for more information (a memo), put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action. Council generally processes these requests and communications during the agenda portion called "Disposition of Communications to Council." 
 

• Water Meter Appeal. The Ames water customer appeals a charge that assessed for a broken water meter.
• FEMA Flood Map Study. This highly technical memo from FEMA states requirements relating to recent updates to the flood insurance rate maps used in the National Flood Insurance Program. 
• Food Forests. The writer proposes that the City study whether there are any plots of public land that would be suitable to designate as "food forest" plots for planting.
• Historic Preservation Commission Downtown History Plaque Request. The Ames Historic Preservation Commission requests a $2600 allocation for new signs to include historical photos and information about the buildings seen from the signs.
• Liquor License Holder Compliance with COVID-19 Requirements. This memo outlines the local process that will be used to ensure that bar owners abide by the social distancing and other public health requirements established by the Governor.
• AUFP Amendment Request. The writer asks the Council to initiate an Ames Urban Fringe Plan amendment to allow a property owner to subdivide into two lots.

Thanks for reading,
David Martin
Ames City Council, Ward 3

P.S. The continued uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic makes mail-in voting in the November general election a compelling option. If you live in Story County and would like to vote by mail, you can fill out and mail in a postage paid mail in ballot request form.  If you live outside of Story County, look for the correct information via the Iowa Secretary of State's absentee ballot site.

And if you're not registered to vote -- the November election will be here before you know it! You can register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa a driver’s license or ID number at Iowa Secretary of State website.  Those without a drivers's license or ID number can get forms and information here https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/638/Voter-Information-Forms.