Staff Report regarding Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The regular council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 19. Resolution authorizing Public Art Commission to enter into agreements with artists for 2024/25 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition selections.
  Every year, the PAC selects a number of sculptures for display in downtown Ames. (Once sculptures have been on display, neighborhoods can apply to have the sculptures relocated to neighborhoods or other public areas.)
  
  
• 23. Zoning Text Amendment to allow Social Service Providers in the Single-Family Conservation Overlay (O-SFC) Zoning District with approval of Special Use Permit for certain Properties abutting Commercial Zoning.
  This ordinance first reading is back after the last Council meeting, when we directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would allow only one additional site to be used by a social service provider in the O-SFC zoning district.
  
  
• 27. Preliminary Plat for 4925 and 5299 Lincoln Way - Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 12th Addition
  Both this item and item 28 below relate to a subdivision in the Sunset Ridge area of west Ames. Just under 29.5 acres will be divided into one lot for a single-family home and outlots for future development of homes and church (the church would still require a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Adjustment). 
  
  
• 28. Final Plat for 4925 and 5299 Lincoln Way - Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 12th Addition.
  See above description
  
  
• 31. Solid Waste Management Strategies.
  Staff are asking Council to approve the concept of negotiating with the Carroll County landfill, since our contract with Boone County's landfill is set to expire.
  
  
• 32. 2024 City Boards and Commission Survey Results.
  In an effort to better understand how to involve more people in service on boards and commissions, a voluntary survey was offered to current board and commission members. The survey asked them about parts of service they enjoyed, didn't enjoy, what barriers they perceived to serving, and what else the City might do to involve residents on our boards and commissions.
  
  
• 33. Staff Report regarding Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center proposed facility schedule, survey, and fee schedule.
  Staff are presenting Council with a proposed schedule and fee structure for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC). It is proposed that during the summer, when Furman Aquatic Center is open, the FFIAC would open on a more limited schedule, because staffing both facilities fully might pose a challenge. In inclement weather, if Furman closes, the FFIAC could potentially be open instead. 
  
  
• 35. Hearing on 2019/20 Storm Water Erosion Control Program (Ioway Creek - 6th to 13th St).
  This project will reshape a portion of Ioway Creek as it runs through Brookside. 

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.

• Updating text message alerts.
• All way stop Kent and Aspen.
• Street light referral response.
  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Steven L. Schainker Plaza Update

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The regular council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 1. Motion setting December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing for amendment to the FFY 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program.
  This AAMPO item is for a small amendment to the 2025 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) in order to leverage federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funding.
  
  
• 7. Motion accepting the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
  Next step in construction is putting up the precast concrete panels, which is (always tentatively) scheduled to begin in early December. Staff will also bring back a proposed budget and fee schedule at the December 10th meeting, along with survey results from public input efforts. 
  
  
• 21. Zoning Text Amendment for Social Service Provider Use within the Single-Family Conservation Overlay District.
  Council visited this topic most recently on October 8th, and it is back on our agenda, with modified options. Input from a public meeting was included in the staff report, and Council has gotten many emails on this topic. The original request came from the Romero House, who would like to be able to offer day services (laundry, showers, shared meals, fellowship (both religious and otherwise) for those in need at their new property at 702 Clark Ave.
  After feedback received at the public meeting, the options presented by staff have changed slightly, with a limit that could allow the Romero house to continue in its present location but not allow for any further spread of social service providers. 
  
  
• 22. Request to Initiate a Text Amendment to Allow for a Temporary Events in the Agricultural Zoning District for a Renaissance Fair located at 1400 South Fourth Street.
  This item follows a request from the property owner of the old Haunted Forest location on S 4th St. This site was home to a renaissance festival in April, and they'd like to come back. The site is currently zoned agricultural, and no development is allowed because of its location in the floodplain. Staff present a few options if Council is interested in allowing special events through a review process in Ag Zoning. 
  
  
• 23. Preliminary Plat for 525 & 901 SE 16th Street.
  
  
• 24. Staff Report on Climate Action Plan Initial Implementation Steps to Incentivize Net-Zero-Ready New Construction.
  
  
• 25. Staff report on all-way stop study for Ada Hayden Road and McFarland Avenue Intersection.
  
  
• 27. Steven L. Schainker Plaza Update.
  
  
• 28. Hearing on preapproval of Industrial Tax Abatement for Wyffels Site Plan at 220 S. Teller Avenue.
  
  
• 29. Hearing on Ames Plan 2040 Future Land Use Map Designation Amendment from Employment to Residential Neighborhood-3 for 3200 and 3300 University Boulevard.
  
  
• 30. Hearing on Rezoning of 3200 and 3300 University Boulevard from "RI" (Research Park Innovation District) to "FS-RM" (Floating Suburban - Residential Medium Density) with a "PUD" Planned Unit Development Overlay and Master Plan / Major Site Development Plan.
  

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.

•  Additional police patrol.
• LEED certified buildings insurance rates.
• Scenic Valley Neighborhood pedestrian light.
• Emails regarding zoning amendment O-SFC.
• Stonebrook Church traffic congestion.
• Extension request at 4008 Cochrane Pkwy.
• Crime in Ames.
• Kent Avenue.
• Recent traffic studies on Hyde Avenue.
• Speed concerns on Dotson Drive.
• Roosevelt Ave paving project concerns.
• Intersection alternative for 13th St And Grand Ave.
  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

2024 Resident Survey Results, Voluntary Annexation, and Sanitary Sewer Extension

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The regular council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 22. Presentation of the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey Results.
  Every year, residents are surveyed regarding satisfaction with a variety of City services and policies. The 2024 results show similar results to prior years, with mostly high satisfaction with City services. 
  
  
• 24. Final Minor Plat for Prairie View Industrial First Addition.
  This subdivision request will create 2 lots at 3700 E Lincoln Way. The applicant is requesting a 5-year deferral of the requirement to construct a sidewalk/path, rather than the more typical 3-year allowance for deferral.
  
  
• 27. Hearing on 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Extension (S 500th Avenue County Line Road).
  
  
• 29. Voluntary Annexation of 142.95 Acres located in West Ames along Ontario Street, North 500th Avenue and Lincoln Way.
  This annexation request is from several property owners in West Ames, and is 100% voluntary (no non-consenting properties will be included in the annexation).
  
  
• 30. Hearing on Integrated Site Plan Subdivision, Major Site Development Plan, and Preliminary Plat for 1726 Collaboration Place.
  
  

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.

•  E scooters.
•  913 Carroll Ave.
•  Text amendment.
•  Road rebuilding ISU Research Park.
•  Furniture Mart USA_
  
•  City Council request.
•  Downtown area.
•  Bike and Ped Master Plan next steps.

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Major Site Development Plan Within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The regular council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 29. Resolution approving plans and specifications for Mini Pitch Court at Lloyd Kurtz Park (3710 Hyde Ave), setting October 23, 2024, as bid due date and November 12, 2024, as date of public hearing.
  A mini pitch court is a hard-surfaced, fenced in court for a variant of soccer called futsal. In February of 2024, Council directed staff to fund the installation of one mini-pitch court at Lloyd Kurtz Park at an estimated cost of $192,000 using the $150k of originally allocated funding plus $42k found in cost-savings from other parks projects. Now the estimated cost of the mini-pitch court and associated infrastructure is $338,401. Council is being asked whether to proceed with the installation, and how to fund the difference. Cost-savings from a handful of other completed Parks projects could cover some of the difference, getting us to $260,960 of the needed $338,401.
  
  
• 30. Request to Waive Infrastructure Requirements for Dayton Ridge Subdivision located within Rural Story County.
  This is a request from a property owner north of Ames on Dayton Ridge Parkway to divide their lot into 4 lots for rural residential development. They are seeking a waiver so they aren't required to install City-level infrastructure (paved roads with curb and gutter, sewer, etc.). This area is already designated as rural residential by Story County, and it isn't in a growth area of Ames, so staff recommend approving a conditional waiver.
  
  
• 31. Major Site Development Plan Within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay at 1205 and 1399 S. Dayton Avenue.
  This Major Site Development Plan is being done after-the-fact. The owners of the property enlarged the pond (pictured below) without seeking any permits, even though it lies within the river's floodway and thus is subject to certain requirements. Upon review by staff and the engineers who enlarged the pond, it appears that all the requirements for approval of a Major Site Development Plan have been met, so staff recommend approval, but asked the property owners to please seek permits before doing work in the floodway. 
  
  
• 33. Hearing on Assessments for Snow/Ice Removal.
  After a snowfall, property owners have 10 daylight hours to remove accumulated snow/ice. If they fail to clear the snow and someone complains, the property owner is notified and given 24 hours more to clear the snow before the City will clear it for them and charge them. Some property owners then pay the charge, but others may not. In these cases, the cost of the service is assessed to the property owner. Council is being asked to approve a resolution assessing 4 properties the costs of snow and ice removal on January 25th and 27th, 2024.
  
  
• 34. Hearing on Assessments for Sidewalk Repair/Replacement.
  Similarly to snow and ice removal, sidewalk repairs are the responsibility of property owners in Ames. If the City receives a complaint about a sidewalk needing repairs, the property owner is notified and given a period of time to bring their sidewalk into compliance. If they don't, the City then hires the work done and may assess the charges back to the property owner. Because this work can be costly, city staff recommending spreading the payback period over 10 years. 

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.

• Ride share electric scooters.
• 24th Street sidewalk.
• 2024 spring SPG final reports combined.
  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Downtown Master Plan City Council Input

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall.   The regular council meeting agenda  includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 1. Resolution approving roadway easement with Iowa State University for South 16th Street reconstruction and widening project subject to Board of Regents approval.
  South 16th St. is an "institutional road" in Ames, meaning it is under the jurisdiction of ISU rather than the City. The City and ISU are working together to coordinate the reconstruction and widening of South 16th at University Boulevard, adding curb and gutter and better bike/pedestrian infrastructure.
  
  

• 2.

  Downtown Master Plan City Council Input 
  

  
  The following are the vision and focus areas for a Downtown Master Plan that Council asked for a consultant to help with:
  
  Vision of Ames Downtown and Master Plan:
  
  
• Downtown Ames aspires to be a unique and vibrant destination to live, work, and play. As the historic focal point, Downtown Ames will serve as a hub of art, culture, retail, and entertainment for the entire Ames community.
  
  Focus areas of the Master Plan:
  
  
•  Enhance the gathering spaces in the Downtown District
•  Create a stronger sense of Downtown ambiance
• Encourage Downtown Residential and Commercial development opportunities
  
  Now Council is being asked for input on the following questions:
  
  
• How would you like to describe Downtown Ames 10 years from now?
• What would you, and believe the community, would like to experience?
• What do you see as its future?
• Do you have any concerns as we embark on this planning process, future plan implementation, and how can we collaborate to overcome them together? 

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.

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Project Update

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall.   The regular council meeting agenda  includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 12. Motion accepting the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and Wayfinding Guide.
  This is the final draft of the Bike/Ped Master Plan. Council had a workshop about it on April 16th of this year, and had only minor changes at that time. 
  
  
• 26. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Project Update and Construction Errors.
  Last week, staff were alerted by the Construction Manager (Story Construction) to some construction errors that occurred at the new indoor aquatic center. First, the slab that was installed for the surge tanks was installed without rigid insulation that it was supposed to have. Second, the slab for the backwash basin and pump pit was installed without a vapor barrier or insulation. Upon further inquiry, the project's aquatic designer (Water's Edge Aquatic Design) says the insulation below the slabs was an error in their original documents. The second issue, that of the vapor barrier, is more essential, due to the contamination in the northeast corner of the site. Because of that, the pump pit and backwash basin slab will be removed and reinstalled with the required vapor barrier. This work will occur at no cost to the City. No action is being asked of the City Council, this staff report is to keep us appraised of progress on the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center.
  
  
• 27. Resolution approving revisions and reallocation of funds to the Carr Park Agility Course Project.
  Due to increased costs, staff are recommending delaying construction of a restroom facility in order to construct a shelter and agility course. (The restroom would still be built, but at a later date.)

• 30. Downtown Facade Grant Changes for Rear Facades and Maintenance.
  This was on the Council agenda on August 13th, and is back following some Council and some Staff input. The updates would allow Downtown facade grants for rear facades in some cases and would also cover some maintenance costs, both of which weren't supported by the grant program in the past.
  
  
• 31. Request for Partial Waiver of Paving for 700 feet of Cedar Lane Related to the Ansley Development.
  Council is being asked to waive the requirement or cost-share in the paving of 700 ft of Cedar Lane in south Ames. 
  
  

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.

• Teller Ave intersection.
• Waste management issues.
• Liquor license memo.
• Summary 2024.
• Dayton Ridge final plat request.
  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Water Pollution Control Facility land puchuse

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.
TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)
 

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

The Ames City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall.   The regular council meeting agenda  includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 21. Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Exception Standards for the Downtown Service Center "DSC" Zoning District.
  This item is a zoning text amendment that was drafted in response to a request from Ames Silversmithing to demolish their building at 218 Main St. (purple awning pictured below) and expand the existing building at 220 Main St. (their current storefront). The change would allow the property owners to expand their existing building without having to construct a 2-story building, since 218 Main St. exists as a 1-story building already.
   
  (©2024 Google's Street View)
  
   
• 23. Resolution Approving $79,456.96 from the Park Development Fund to the Ames Community School District (ACSD) for the Sharing of the Cost to Demolish the Municipal Pool.
  The cost to demolish the old municipal/high school pool (including monitoring and abatement) was $158,913.93, so the City is being asked to pay half of that. While the City isn't legally obligated, staff are supportive of paying the $79+k, and affirm that paying half would be in keeping with the spirit of cost-sharing between the City and School as was done with the pool. (There are many other examples of partnership between City and the School District, such as the City's use of some ACSD gym facilities for a nominal fee.)
  
  
• 24. Resolution approving purchase agreement with Realty Gift Fund for 133.04 +/- acres of agricultural ground adjacent to the Water Pollution Control Facility in the amount of $1,197,000.
  This purchase of approximately 133 acres of farm ground would allow the City more land upon which to apply the biosolids produced by the Water Pollution Control (WPC) Facility. Because of the (very expensive) nutrient reduction modifications (required by the EPA to combat farm runoff to the Gulf of Mexico), the WPC will be expanding soon and will need more land to spread recovered biosolids on. 

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.

• Sidewalk ORD.
• Dayton Ridge waiver request.
• Free piano.
• RV dump station.
  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1