Review: 2021-2026 Capital Improvements Plan
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Bronwyn's Council Review |
As usual for the review, my comments are red and italicized in the context of the latest Council Preview by David Martin.
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The Ames City Council meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. on Zoom. The agenda has only one item:
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1. Staff presentation of recommended five-year Capital Improvements Plan. The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is the City's plan for major capital expenditures ("bricks and mortar") over the next five years. The City keeps a close eye on the state of our buildings and equipment and market trends so that when we need to make large purchases, it's not an unexpected shock to the budget. Of course some of the projections change over time, as the scope of projects becomes clearer and the calendar creeps steadily towards the planned project dates. In the CIP, each of the 100+ projects shows both the expected costs and planned revenue sources. In total, the City is planning to raise and spend about $233 million for these projects over the next five years. The vast majority (96%) of this goes towards transportation (streets, Cy-Ride, airport) and our electric, water, sewer, and resource recovery utilities.
While the CIP document is long, the first few pages are a very readable high-level overview of the projects within it. Take a look. Note that this item is only a staff presentation to Council. Members of the public who would like to speak to Council regarding the CIP will have a chance to do so on January 26, not during this meeting.
(video)
As you can see from this week's Council doodle, most of our 5-year capital expenditures go towards utilities (electric, drinking water, sewer, storm water, and resource recovery) or transportation (roads & paths, CyRide, and the airport), along with the relatively small percentages spent on Parks & Rec (Community Enrichment) and public safety (a new fire engine). A point to remember is that this is only our capital spending, meaning money spent on large physical equipment or improvements. The operational budgets, or $ spent on staff, small equipment, and other non-capital expenses would make a very different pie chart, and Council will hear more about them during our upcoming budget hearings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: (video)
Public Input Opportunity. On Thursday, January 21, at 7:00 pm, public input is being sought regarding the creation of a new Downtown Plaza across from City Hall between Fifth and Sixth streets--that's one of the CIP projects. This proposed community gathering will include a mix of elements designed to enhance the Downtown experience, such as interactive water features, landscaped green space, public art, shade structures, open gathering areas, benches, restrooms, and winter ice skating. For more information and instructions on how to join the meeting, visit the City's downtown plaza web page. The picture below illustrates the project's "potential design character", nothing final.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, At Large
P.S. How about volunteering to serve on a board or commission for the city? This is a great way for residents to help shape the services and policies that we all depend on. Openings are available to people of all backgrounds, including ISU students and non-U.S. citizens. See current vacancies for next year here, the descriptions of each board/commission here, and the online application form here.