Rachel's Council Review

As usual for the review, my comments are in red and italicized in the context of the latest Council Preview by Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen. Council member Betcher was sick and unable to attend this meeting, so all vote counts are out of 5. 
 

The Ames City Council meets on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.  The agenda includes the following (and much more). Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 24. Presentation of 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey Results.
  It is (already) time to review the citizen satisfaction data from our annual survey for 2022. This year the data represents responses from 392 citizens, half from students and half from non-students. After a review of demographics, the first question posed to survey-takers dealt with funding priorities for ongoing services. Of the services listed, Human Service agencies saw the most support for an increase of funding, with 32% of respondents supporting an increase for this category. The report then details responses to questions covering a wide array of city services. Overall, satisfaction remains high, and many good suggestions are within the comments, and this survey's feedback is especially valuable as we move into budget time.
  Council viewed a short presentation comparing this year's survey results to previous years' data, asked some clarifying questions about the survey process, and accepted the report.
• 25. Staff Report regarding The Linc Development Project (300 and 400 Block of Lincoln Way).
  Council isn't being asked to make any decisions at this meeting, so this will be a staff presentation detailing the above report. We know the potential interest for public input on this item, so no action will be taken until our following regular meeting. This is much what we expected to see, a mixed-use residential/commercial development along with a hotel and meeting space. In addition to describing the requested TIF and proposed payout, the staff report gives options relating to our goals for sustainability and rental housing affordability.
  Council listened to the detailed staff presentation about the project and public input on this item. Council will also take public input on this item at the next regular meeting (October 25) before being asked to make a decision on the proposed terms of the development agreement.
• 26. North Dayton Industrial Park (2105 & 2421 Dayton Avenue).  Resolution approving Preliminary Plat and Resolution approving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Development Agreement with Dayton Avenue Development LLC.
  After seeking bids and selecting a developer for this Industrial Park, a Preliminary Plat and Development Agreement are now up for approval.
  
  Council moved to approve the Preliminary Plat (5-0) and to approve the Tax Increment Financing Development Agreement with Dayton Avenue Development LLC (5-0).
• 27. Staff Report regarding Zoning Text Amendment to the Wholesale Trade and Display Store Parking Rate.
  This staff report was prompted by a request to consider a lower parking requirement for a potential regional furniture store hoping to move to Ames. Staff have given two options, one reducing parking for Display Stores only, and a second option if Council is interested in reducing parking requirements for all stores of a certain size.
  Council moved to pursue option 2, which is to create a new generally applicable reduction for uses exceeding 100 or more parking spaces (5-0).
• 28. Staff Report regarding Zoning Text Amendment Home Occupation.
  This staff report comes after changes in the State Code relating to home occupations. Basically, the State law prohibits cities from regulating home occupations based on use, while still allowing their regulation based on impact. Due to these changes, Ames will need to make adjustments to our code in order to comply with the new State preemptions. 
  Council moved to pursue Option 1, which was to allow home occupations by right subject to performance criteria. This means that City Council could establish criteria by which all home occupations must comply, and no permits would be required, but enforcement of complaints could occur based upon the established criteria. The motion passed 5-0.

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially.  This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.
 

• Solar Energy Zoning.
  Council moved to place this item on a future agenda, 5-0.
• Zoning Community Garden.
  Council declined taking action on this item at this time.

Thanks for reading,
Rachel Junck

Ames City Council, Ward 4