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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 13, 2020

The Special Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and Iowa State University Student Government
was called to order by Mayor Haila at 6:00 p.m. with the following Council members participating:
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and David
Martin.

Ex officio

Member Nicole Whitlock was also present.

Mayor Haila announced that it is impractical to hold an in-person Joint Meeting due to the Governor
of Iowa declaring a public health emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, limits
have been placed on public gatherings, and this meeting is being held as an electronic meeting as
allowed by Section 21.8 of the

Iowa Code

Student Government Vice-President Schrader explained to save time he will not be doing role call
tonight and will make note of who is online.

2020 ELECTION

: Jacob Schrader, Student Government Vice-President asked if anyone within the

City would like to speak about what the City is doing regarding civic engagement. Mayor Haila
noted that this election is more of a County organized election. There are no City elections this time,
but there are County elections that will be on the November 3, 2020, ballot. The Mayor mentioned
that it is very important to exercise your right to vote and hopes students are already registered and
ready to vote. Council Member Corrieri stated that if there are any students that are interested in
working on Election Day, the County Auditor is looking for volunteers to help, due to the Pandemic,
they are trying to keep the older population safe and away from working at the polls. Council
Member Junck explained there is a form on the Story County Auditors website that anyone can fill
out to apply to help. Council Member Betcher noted that there were some satellite absentee voting
locations at the Public Library and at the Scheman Building. Ms. Betcher commented that she is
working with the NAACP and the League of Women Voters to help with answering phones, and if
anyone is looking to help, to let her know. The Iowa League is helping at all the voting locations and
Ms. Betcher noted that you can also drop off your absentee ballots in a secure location at those
locations.

Mr. Schrader asked Senator Sehba Faheem to give an update about what is happening on Campus
regarding what the Student Governmentâs efforts are with the Catt Center and working with other
organizations. Senator Faheem explained that the Civic Engagement Committee recently had a
seminar on voter information for students. She noted that in the past they had created the
vote.iastate.edu website and encouraged students to go to the site for further voting information.
They have placed voter registration forms and absentee ballot requests around Campus and in every
residence hall on Campus. Senator Faheem mentioned they were currently working on getting the
students excused absences on Election Day; this way the students can go out and vote.

Council Member Betcher stated it is important for the students to be a part of Ames and reminded
students to claim Ames on the current Census.

Senator Abigail Schulte wanted to know if the Council had any recommendations on how to promote
engagement in future elections. She pointed out that they always see a low turnout rate from students
on local elections, and she wanted to know how to continue to make sure students and citizens of
Ames vote in the future. Council Member Betcher stated the Council is continuing to work on
outreach and improving public engagement. Part of the public engagement will be trying to reach
out to students. The City is currently partnering with the Community and Regional Planning Class
to look at different methods of engagement for different populations in the community. Ms. Betcher
stated that Karen Kedrowski, Director of the Catt Center, is committed to getting students involved
in voting and working on how to get students more committed to vote. She is hoping that Ms.
Kedrowski will be reaching out to the Council and the Student Government with ideas. Senator
Mason Zastrow mentioned that he voted earlier at the Scheman building and it was busy all day. He
noted to try to give yourself 45 minutes when going to vote. Mayor Haila stated it is an excellent
question about student engagement and recommended broadening the question to how to get students
engaged in the community year-round. Within the last year, the Council has talked about how to get
more exposure on what is happening in the community to the students on Campus. They Mayor
thought if that could be accomplished it would help students to get out and vote.

Council Member Junck thanked the Civic Engagement Committee for all the work they have done
with providing resources to students. She noted from her experience about getting students involved
in elections is voter contact. She mentioned that having the Civic Engagement Committee put flyers
on everyoneâs dorm doors may be helpful.

Ex officio

Whitlock mentioned that a lot of students feel that when they are on Campus, they have

their own little community and donât see the need to go anywhere else around Ames. She noted that
she came from a small town and it is a little scary to venture out. She recommended providing a list
to the students of things that are available to do in Ames as she didnât think the students would
Google that information.

Vice-President Jacob Schrader stated he worked for the Census as a numerator and it was hard to get
the information needed. He reminded students to vote.

COVID-19:

President Morgan Fritz mentioned that she had worked all summer long with the

academic continuity work group regarding to Campus, which was a working group that set up how
classes would go. She noted that a lot of mitigation efforts have been done and she listed a few.
Student Government President Fritz explained there is COVID-19 testing happening at the Hilton
Coliseum. Recently, ISU implemented randomized testing and a significant number of students have
been contacted to take part in the random testing. The Student Government provided some funding
for incentives to get students to stop in and get tested.

Vice-President Schrader asked for someone on Council to speak about what efforts the City of Ames
had taken with COVID-19. Mayor Haila stated he was impressed by the communication and
collaboration between ISU and the City of Ames. The Mayor mentioned that the City was brought
in early on with the âCyclones Careâ campaign. They have worked with partners in the community

to get the message out. He explained that in late March, he organized a meeting with Story County
Emergency Management where they had weekly meetings to get updates and to understand what was
happening in the community. The City of Ames Police Chief and ISUâs Chief Newton have been
working closely with mass gatherings. ISU and the City of Ames have worked together to make sure
the same message about face coverings is given to all students and citizens of Ames. He noted that
there are very few citizens in Ames that have been in the ICU at the hospital. Mayor Haila pointed
out that the City has no influence on the Governor, and he had reached out to her on multiple
occasions to get information on face coverings, but has never received a phone call or email back.
He noted that he is not saying that to be critical of the Governor, but just more or less she is not
responding to anyone.

Council Member Betcher stated that a constituent wanted her to reach out to the Student Government
about having large parties with no face coverings as those are very disconcerting to neighbors. Ms.
Betcher noted that the constituent was not complaining about the party itself as they are used to
them, but because of the mask mandate, any large gatherings should be social distancing and have
face masks. The Story County Board of Supervisors had approved the Story County Board of
Healthâs face covering mandate, and she noted it was the same as the City of Ames.

Senator Advait stated that he did hear about the mandate not having any penalties and wanted to
know if the City had any data about compliance. City Manager Steve Schainker stated there is not
any surveying being done as it is all antidotal, but if you are looking around town you will see people
are abiding the face covering mandate. The amount of complaints coming into the Police Department
have lessened. Mr. Schainker commented that he believes there are not a lot of large gatherings
happening and people are trying. He noted he went to the football game the other day and everyone
was in compliance. He wanted to encourage people to have fun, but still practice safety. Mayor Haila
stated that if a resident calls in a complaint of a nuisance parties to law enforcement and the party
is being hosted by some students; those students names are given to Iowa State law enforcement and
Administration. ISU Administration has been taking action on students that are not complying. ISU
had asked the City to turn into the names of those responsible if they happen to be students.

Council Member Betcher stated in regards to data, she is on the Ames Visitor and Convention
Bureau and they are not collecting data, but many members on the Board are happy with the mask
mandate as it allows them to refer to the City when people complain. It takes some pressure off some
of the hotels and businesses.

OPEN FORUM:

Mayor Haila stated one way to get student engagement is for students to serve on

the Cityâs Boards and Commission. He noted that he has an immediate opening for a student renter
to serve on the Property Maintenance Appeals Board (PMAB). The PMAB is an ad-hoc board that
meets only when needed. The Mayor explained it would be a great education opportunity. Mayor
Haila mentioned that the only qualification is that you have to be a student and renting off Campus.
He requested anyone who is interested to email him. Mr. Schrader asked for the website for more
information about the Boards and Commissions. Mayor Haila asked for

ex officio

Whitlock to send

the website address to Mr. Schrader.

City Manager Steve Schainker provided an update on Welch Avenue. He noted that they are hoping
to have the project completed by November.

Senator Faheem inquired to when the application deadline would be for the Boards and Commission
position. Mayor Haila mentioned that the application period will remain open until the position has
been filled. The Mayor then explained the normal Boards and Commission application process.

Senator Advait questioned a few construction projects and wanted to know about the extension of
Grand Avenue and the status of the project. Mayor Haila stated it is actively under construction and
it is anticipated by this time next year it will be ready. City Manager Schainker explained that there
is still a big bridge that needs to be built. Mayor Haila noted that the bike path that is just south of
Hy-Vee that goes to the ISU Research Park will be paved.

Senator Advait inquired about the area by US 30 and South Dakota and noted there are traffic lights
there now and he wanted to know about the traffic flow. Mr. Advait mentioned that anecdotally those
lights have been slowing traffic down. Mr. Schainker explained that there is any current data, but
previous data showed there was a need for a light at that intersection to help avoid back-ups onto
Highway 30 during rush hour.

Senator Mason Zastrow stated that the bridge has been out for a while on the trail from Oakland
Avenue to McCarthy Lee Park. He wanted to know if the bridge is scheduled to be fixed. Mr.
Schainker explained that the Council just approved the work to have the bridge redone, but there was
a delay as the City was waiting to see if would be able to get federal funding. Council Member
Martin stated that there is some construction equipment down around the missing bridge and this
should be done around November. Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham stated that they
are still awaiting to hear back from FEMA about some additional funding, but the goal is to have the
project proceed. Henkel Construction was awarded the contract and hoping to start later this month
and to have the bridge completed by the end of this month. Mr. Abraham noted that, from the
parking lot to the bridge on the McCarthy Lee side, they will be asphalting the path. Director
Abraham noted they are upgrading the sanitary sewer in Munn Woods, and they will be installing
some steppingstones from Munn Woods to the north side of the creek to McCarthy Lee Park. This
will make a continuous path on City property.

Council Member Gartin wanted to know what the studentsâ perceptions were about ridership with
CyRide. He noted that thankfully the City had received some federal funding to help get over the
impacts that COVID-19 has had on CyRide. Mr. Gartin wanted to know if students are riding the bus
as much as they did before COVID-19 or less. Mr. Schrader stated the numbers show about 40% for
this year, but explained that it feels like there are a lot fewer people riding the bus. Mr. Gartin hopes
that the ridership will rebound.

Council Member Beatty-Hansen was appreciative of the Joint Meeting. She told the student
government to always feel free to reach out to the City Council if there were any questions or if
anyone wishes to provide input on City topics.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

AMES, IOWA

OCTOBER 13, 2020

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor John Haila called the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council,

which was being held electronically, to order at 6:07 p.m. with the following Council members
participating: Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck,
and David Martin.

Ex officio

Member Nicole Whitlock was also present.

Mayor Haila announced that it is impractical to hold an in-person Council meeting due to the
Governor of Iowa declaring a public health emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, limits have been placed on public gatherings, and this meeting is being held as an
electronic meeting as allowed by Section 21.8 of the

Iowa Code

. The Mayor then provided how the

public could participate in the meeting via internet or by phone.

The Mayor announced that the Council was working off an Amended Agenda. City staff had added
a Resolution approving a Plat of Survey for 235 Alexander Avenue to the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve the following items on

the Consent Agenda.
1.

Motion approving payment of claims

Motion approving Minutes of Special Meetings of September 15, 2020, and September 29,
2020, and Regular Meeting of September 22, 2020

Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period September 16 - 30, 2020

Motion approving New 12-month Class C Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit and
Sunday Sales - Dollar General Store #22303, 3407 Lincoln Way - pending final inspection

Motion approving 5-day (October 27 - October 31) Class C Liquor License - Christianiâs Events LLC, 2601 E. 13th Street

Motion approving Class Beer Permit with Sunday Sales Ownership Change for Doc Stop 5, 2720 E. 13th Street - pending satisfactory background check

Motion approving premises update for Levy @ Scheman Building to allow ISU Dining to
serve alcohol on October 15, 2020, for special event to be held at Scheman Building

Motion approval renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a.

Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - North Grand Cinema, 2801 Grand
Avenue

Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit (Carryout
Beer), and Sunday Sales - Target Store T-1170, 320 S. Duff Avenue

Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - London Underground, 212 Main Street

Class B Beer with Sunday Sales - Chicha Shack Ames, 131 Welch Avenue

Class C Beer Permit with Sunday Sales - Docs Stop 5, 2720 E. 13th Street

RESOLUTION NO. 20-524 Approving and Adopting Supplement No. 2020-4 to the

Ames

Municipal Code

10.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-525 approving Revisions to the Personnel Policies effective October
19, 2020

11.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-526 approving increase in authorized FTE count for Public Safety

Dispatchers from 11 to 12 for period between November 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021

12.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-527 appointing Neil Upadhyay to serve on ASSET

13.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-528 appointing Leslie Ginder to serve on Human Relations
Commission

14.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-529 appointing Patti Engelmann to serve on Property Maintenance
Appeals Board

15.

Amendments to 2020 Commission On The Arts (COTA) Fall Special Project Grant
Contracts:
a.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-530 approving Amendment to Octagon Center for the Artsâ Fall
2020 Grant for the âChalk the Blockâ community event to extend the contract term to
December 31, 2021

RESOLUTION NO. 20-531 approving a carry-over of $738 in funding from FY
2020/21 to FY 2021/22 for the âChalk the Blockâ community event

RESOLUTION NO. 20-532 approving Amendment to Ames Town and Gown Chamber
Music Associationâs Fall 2020 Grant for the outreach event by the Merz Trio to extend
the contract term to June 30, 2021

RESOLUTION NO. 20-533 approving Amendment to Story Theater Companyâs Fall
2020 Grant for the production of âFrozen, Jr.â to extend the contract term to June 30,
2021

RESOLUTION NO. 20-534 approving Amendment to Story Theater Companyâs Fall
2020 Grant for the production of âYouâre a Good Man, Charlie Brownâ to extend the
contract term to December 31, 2021

RESOLUTION NO. 20-535 approving a carry-over of $700 in funding from FY
2020/21 to FY 2021/22 for the production of âYouâre a Good Man, Charlie Brownâ

16.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-536 approving Conflict of Interest Waiver for Ahlers & Cooney Law
Firm to represent Ames Community School District regarding a cost-sharing agreement for
path lighting at Furman Aquatic Center

17.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-537 approving Encroachment Permit for a sign and lights at 316
Main Street

18.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-538 setting date of public hearing for November 24, 2020, on
proposed changes to the East University Impacted Urban Revitalization Area and Plan

19.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-539 approving Amended Intergovernmental/Agency Agreement to
Fund Administrative Services for the ASSET Process

20.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-540 approving renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement for
Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine, and Vapor Product Enforcement between the Police
Department and Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division

21.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-541 approving financial support as a sponsor for the 2020
Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations in the amount of $2,500

22.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-542 approving Professional Services Agreement for 2020/21 Arterial
Street Pavement Improvements with WHKS & Co., of Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to
exceed $143,800

23.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-543 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Ames
Community School District to utilize the Furman Aquatic Center parking lot, sidewalks, and

paths while new High School is being built

24.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-544 accepting the 2020 Department of Justice, Office of Justice
Programs, and Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant Program and authorizing Police Department to participate in the Program

25.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-545 approving extension of the Service Agreement with RFID
Library Solutions for the automated materials handling system in the total amount of $82,500
for a five-year period

26.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-546 approving Emergency Purchase Order for the tree removal from
the August 10, 2020, windstorm damage to Weiss Tree Service, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, for
Electric Services Department, in the amount of $142,898.50 inclusive of sales tax

27.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-547 approving bid due date and project completion date changes for
the Baker Subdivision Geothermal Heat Pump System, setting October 21, 2020, as new bid
due date and June 1, 2021, as the new project completion date

28.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-548 awarding contract to Blade Runner Turbomachinery Services,
LLC, of Navasota, Texas, for Unit 8 Turbine Generator Overhaul in the amount of $699,800
for base bid plus Alternate #10

29.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-549 approving contract with Burke Corporation of Nevada, Iowa,
for hauled waste disposal at the Water and Pollution Control Facility

30.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-550 approving contract and bond for 2017/18 Main Street Pavers
(Clark to Burnett)

31.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-551 approving Change Order No. 1 for Scaffolding and Related
Services and Supply Contract for Electric Services with HTH Companies, Inc., of Union,
Missouri, in the amount of $20,000 (plus $1,400 sales tax)

32.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-552 approving Change Order No. 1 for Specialized Wet Dry
Vacuum, Hydro Blast, & Related Cleaning Services for Electric Services with HTH
Companies, Inc., of Union, Missouri, in the amount of $100,000 ($7,000 sales tax)

33.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-553 accepting completion of CyRide 2020 Pavement Improvements
Middle School Turnaround Project

34.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-554 approving Plat of Survey for 2740 Ford Street and 505 Bell
Avenue

35.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-557 approving Plat of Survey for 235 Alexander Avenue

36.

RESOLUTION NO. 20-555 approving partial completion of public improvements and reducing security for Birch Meadows Subdivision, 1st Addition

Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.

PUBLIC FORUM:

Mayor Haila opened Public Forum. No one requested to speak, so he closed

Public Forum.

STAFF REPORT REGARDING GUEST LODGING:

Planning and Housing Director Kelly

Diekmann stated that on June 29, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 2641 into law
which impacted the local regulation of short-term rentals. The terminology that the City of Ames
uses for short-term rentals was guest-lodging. Director Diekmann noted that based on the Stateâs

action, staff has very limited options on what it can do. The new law does allow local governments
to âregulate, prohibit, or limit if enforcement is performed in the same manner as enforcement
applicable to similar properties that are not short-term rentalsâ for such things as the âprotection of
public health and safety related to fire and building safety, sanitation, or traffic control,â and
âresidential use and zoning purposes related to noise, property maintenance, or nuisance issues.â
This would mean that short-term rentals are still subject to zoning as a residential use and are
included under the purview of Chapter 13 of the

Rental Housing Code

. Mr. Diekmann stated that

staff would like to know what the Council would recommend doing with owner-occupied homes.
He asked if the City would default to the current Code (meaning anyone that has more than a roomer
in an owner-occupied home would need to register as a rental and subject to the

Rental Code

). The

other two options that were described in the Staff Report were different versions of what exceptions
may be acceptable to the City. Staff is asking for the Council to help determine how to fit owner-
occupied homes into the regulatory structure.

Council Member Gartin asked Director Diekmann if he knew what other communities were doing
regarding the change made by the State. Mr. Diekmann stated he had only reached out to Des
Moines, and they have not moved forward on anything yet. He pointed out that Des Moines had a
more restrictive Code than the City of Ames had.

Council Member Betcher questioned if each current guest-lodging home would fall under the

Rental

Code

if the Council did nothing. Director Diekmann stated about two dozen property owners

received different versions of Guest-Lodging licenses last year. The way the

Rental Code

structured is if a property-owner has a Guest-Lodging Permit, they are exempt from the

Rental Code

All the guest-lodging properties would continue to be exempt from the

Rental Code

while they have

the Permit, but when it expires next year, the property would need to come into compliance with the
full

Rental Code

. Any new applicants would be told they would have to comply with the

Rental

Code

. Ms. Betcher commented that the current Guest-Lodging Permits would have a grace period

if the Council did nothing. Director Diekmann noted that would be correct. Mayor Haila inquired
if the guest-lodging homes would have to comply with all the parking requirements. Mr. Diekmann
explained that the Guest-Lodging Permits have higher parking requirements than which the

Rental

Code

Council Member Martin stated that he was interested in Option 3, would allow property owners to
voluntarily adopt a different set of rules that would exempt them from the

Rental Code

. Mr. Martin

commented that he was worried about any legal issues with choosing Option 3. He wanted to make
sure the Council followed the State law change. Council Member Martin mentioned he was
concerned that if a property owner opted into the guest-lodging requirements and then did not uphold
their part of the Permit and allowed the tenants to stay longer than 30 days. He asked if it would
affect the Cityâs regulations that apply to only short-term rentals. City Attorney Mark Lambert stated
that in response to Mr. Martinâs first question about having an exemption from the

Rental Code

and

if it would be legal his answer would be âyes.â The City is making it easier for the property owner
as opposed to making it more strict. Mr. Lambert noted that regarding Mr. Martinâs second question
about having a property owner follow the 30-day rule, it would be a legitimate concern. He asked

if Director Diekmann had any concerns. Mr. Diekmann stated that with guest-lodging, the owners
were given an exception from the

Rental Code

. Attorney Lambert stated that if the City states that

a property owner violates the Guest-Lodging Permit, that would violate the

Rental Code

. Council

Member Martin inquired if any action was being taken tonight on bed and breakfasts. Mr. Lambert
stated that bed and breakfasts do not fall under this category; it is a separate part of the Code. Mr.
Diekmann stated that the exception would be from the

Rental Code

, and the question would be if

the property owner was violating the

Rental Code

, not Chapter 35. He explained until staff knew

what they were permitting, he is not sure he could answer the question. Director Diekmann noted
that he wanted to be clear that the only two versions of owner-occupied; one was called hosted-
homeshare and the other was a homeshare. Mr. Martin inquired if any action needed to be taken to
fix bed and breakfast establishments. Attorney Lambert explained that bed and breakfast
establishments are not covered under the language that the Legislature passed.

Council Member Gartin stated that the landlord-tenant statue provides great protection for tenant and
if there was a default back to that, it would be helpful. He asked the City Attorney to explain how
the relationship changes when the Iowa Landlord Tenant Statue kicks in. Mr. Gartin wanted to know,
on the enforcement side, if there are any factors that the Council should be thinking of. Mr. Lambert
stated in terms of the landlord-tenant law, he didnât believe anyone staying in a short-term rental or
Airbnb would fall under the language of the landlord-tenant statue. Attorney Lambert felt the
landlord-tenant statue was put in place to address long-term residential situations. Mr. Lambert
explained that he will look at the landlord-tenant statue again and will have that done before anything
is drafted. Director Diekmann stated in terms of enforcement, since the Council had already adopted
all the different standards and rules, he didnât believe that enforcement would change. If anything,
an Airbnb was easier to police, since Airbnbâs advertise what they are offering. Director Diekmann
noted that if they carve out an exception for someone from the

Rental Code

; the code enforcement

issue would only be a loophole for a regular rental property getting licensed. He noted that the only
exception they would be talking about is for the 28 properties that are currently licensed as guest-
lodging.

Council Member Betcher commented that the landlord-tenant law may not apply, but the City has
always said the

Rental Housing Code

was designed to protect those who are renting from safety

issues. Mayor Haila asked if it was possible for only the hosted-homeshares to be carved out.
Director Diekmann explained that the homeshare was always the hardest to monitor with the 90-day
limit of guest stays and the hosted-homeshare fits into the vein of the owner-occupied exemption that
is already in the

Rental Code

. He noted that the Council could separate them out.

Council Member Gartin wanted to know how to get public input on the options. Director Diekmann
commented that staff did not seek any input for the options provided tonight, because the options
that were suggested are continuing with the current Code or default to the more stringent Code.
There were not a lot of options to discuss with the public. Director Diekmann stated that at this time,
staffâs opinion were the only options presented. Mayor Haila commented that if any changes were
made it would only affect about 28 people. Mr. Diekmann mentioned that staff would reach out to
the 28 properties that have licenses to let them know about any changes that will be made.

Mayor Haila questioned if the Council decided to have everything but hosted homeshares fall under
the

Rental Code

, it would require property owners to make significant investments in their properties

in order to become compliant with the

Rental Code

. Director Diekmann noted that when looking at

the map from the Staff Report there is only one homeshare that was licensed and seven hosted-
homeshares. The rest of the properties were already subject to the

Rental Code

because they were

vacation lodging or were something else that had to comply with the

Rental Code

. Council Member

Betcher explained that if there was a house that needed to have a lot of work done to it, in order to
meet the

Rental Code,

but filed for a Guest-Lodging Permit would the Council deem the property

safe. If that is the case, she wanted to know why they wouldnât apply the

Rental Code

to all

properties. Mr. Diekmann stated that based on what was adopted in Chapter 35, the City Council
already did exempt, under the hosted-homeshare, full compliance with the

Rental Code

Mayor Haila opened public comment and closed it when no one asked to comment.

Moved by Martin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Option 3to give optional licensing of owner-
occupied homes as exempt from the Rental Code; which maintains current standards for owner-
occupied homeshares.

Council Member Martin explained that he didnât really see how the state law change had
meaningfully affected the risk profile decisions that the Council had previously discussed at length
and made decisions on. The question is if the Council still had an interest in allowing people to use
their properties in a way that extends a different hospitality to visitors in town than what is available
through hotels. Mr. Martin noted that he still has concerns about the legality, but if staff had any
issues, he believed that would be brought to the Councilâs attention.

Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin. Voting Nay:
Betcher. Motion declared carried.

2020 RESIDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS:

Public Relations Officer Susan

Gwiasda presented highlights from the 38th Annual Residential Satisfaction Survey. Assistance was

received from the Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO), College of Design. Surveys
were mailed to 1,350 randomly selected utility users and emailed to randomly selected Iowa State
University students. This year they offered the option to take the survey online instead of by paper,
and 55 citizens opted to take the survey online. There were 844 returned surveys. Ms. Gwiasda
pointed out that the survey went out in April and was due in Mid-May. It was noted that the
timeframe was during the early stages of COVID-19, before the George Floyd incident and the
derecho. She explained that those three events were significant in 2020, and are probably not
reflected in the Survey results. The survey is done yearly prior to kicking off the budget. The Survey
is done as a benchmark for City services, but also to provide the Council with some direction as they
go into the budgeting process.

Two new additional questions were added this year; 1) Added a Sense of Community Section, and
2) Replaced âWhat would make Ames cool?â with âWhat would make Ames a fun, vibrant,

community?â The completed Survey results will be placed on the City of Ames website under the
City Managerâs Office. In the report, 96% of those surveyed ranked the service quality as âgoodâ or
âvery good.â The âvery goodâ ranking saw a notable increase of 7% over the 2019 survey, and there
was a small increase in the âpoorâ ranking. Ms. Gwiasda went over the ongoing service priorities
and noted that 56% to 86% of respondents said to spend the same amount of money as in previous
years. The trends in Preferred Property Tax Adjustments showed similar results to the previous five
years where the majority recommended no changes in property taxes. Capital Improvement Priorities
rated the same as they have been for the past ten years.

Ms. Gwiasda explained that with the new question of âSense of Belongingâ almost 80% of the
community felt they were valued as an individual in the Ames community. She noted that it is hard
to know what to do with the numbers since this is the first year this question had been asked, but they
will be digging a little bit deeper into the data. Council Member Gartin inquired if it was possible
to be able to drill down and to see how different cross-sections of the Survey responded to the
question. Mr. Gartin mentioned he brought up that question as previously there had been a Campus
climate survey regarding their satisfaction, and they would love to have African Americans to have
a greater sense of connection within the community. Ms. Gwiasda explained that question had
previously been asked and she tried to drill down further. She was able to see that white women
between the ages of 26-34 expressed some concern about not belonging. Ms. Gwiasda mentioned
she was hesitant with the data as she just received it and has not had any time to analyze the data
further. Mr. Gartin noted that the Survey is a great tool, and if additional insights could be provided,
it would be helpful for the Council.

The health question now has two yearsâ worth of data, and this year 21% of responsdents said they
had excellent health, while in 2019, it was 13%. Ms. Gwiasda explained that 390 responses were
received regarding the âWhat would make Ames a fun, vibrant communityâ and she didnât believe
the responses were that different than the previous question that was asked about âWhat makes Ames
cool.â It was pointed out that 51 respondents (11%) indicated that Ames is already a fun, vibrant
community. Ms. Gwiasda noted that overall, it was a good report and she didnât see anything that
jumped out as a major concern.

Council Member Betcher asked if there had ever been any comparisons done on the overall
satisfaction with the City from when the Survey started 38 years ago. She noted that the Council
sees the five-year comparisons, but wanted to know if the City has come a long way in the past 38
years or has the City remained the same. Ms. Gwiasda explained she would not have a lot of great
information, and noted that when she started with the City it was in the middle of a Survey and the
Survey was done by a consultant. She explained that the City worked with the ISU Extension for
about five years before the survey was moved over the ISUâs College of Design. Regarding bench-
marking, the scales have changed throughout the years, and she isnât sure the data would be correct.
Ms. Gwiasda explained that they could do a longitude study from when the College of Design took
over and probably when ISU Extension did the Surveys, as they were digitized; anything earlier than
that she would not be able to get.

The Mayor opened public comment. It was closed when there was no one wishing to speak.

PRIMARY HEALTH CAREâS REQUEST FOR FUNDING:

Assistant City Manager Deb

Schildroth explained that Primary Health Care (PHC) operates dental clinics in its Des Moines and
Marshalltown locations. In late Spring 2020, Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) approached
PHC about taking over the dental clinic services. MICAâs dental clinic is financially supported
through the ASSET process. Council had budgeted funding for MICAâs dental clinic in the amount
of $95,000 for FY 2020/21; however, due to the pending transition of the dental clinic from MICA
to PHC, the FY 2020/21 MICA contract approved by Council on August 25, 2020, did not include
the $95,000 for dental clinic services. PHC has requested that the funds that were originally intended
for MICAâs dental clinic service be given to them. PHC has initiated similar requests to Story
County and United Way of Story for the funds they had initially allocated to MICAâs dental clinic.
PHC has been approved as an ASSET agency and has submitted a budget request for the FY 2021/22
funding cycle.

Council Member Gartin wanted to know if there was a cost comparison of running the dental clinic
through PHC instead of MICA. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that the figures were comparable, and
MICA provided PHC with the data regarding the clients and types of dental services provided. The
starting cost will be a little bit higher for PHC, but they do have projections for the number of clients
they will see through 2024. She pointed out that, with PHC, they qualify as a federally qualified
health center and they are able to receive enhanced Medicare rates, and have access to other federal
funds.

Marissa Conrad, Director of Marketing and Communication with PHC, commented that she was
available to answer any questions.

Council Member Betcher asked if all the operatories would be in the same location. Ms. Conrad
explained that they would be as they are co-locating with its medical clinic. It will be a great
integration between medical and dental.

Mayor Haila wanted to know if the same number of people will be served as opposed to how many
MICA served. Ms. Conrad stated they are projecting to see more patients then MICA did, because
MICA had four operatories while PHC will have six operatories. The Mayor inquired if there was
any data from previous years to how many patients MICA served per year. Ms. Schildroth
commented that she does not have that data available, but could look it up and provide it to the
Council. She noted that when the dental clinic first started through MICA, the dental clinic was
staffed by dentists in the area who volunteered their time, which made the hours very limited. Over
time the dental clinic did acquire enough funds to hire a full-time dentist. There were two hygienists
on staff with MICA. Mayor Haila asked Ms. Conrad how many dentists and staff would be employed
by PHC. Ms. Conrad noted that PHC will have one dentist and two dental hygienists, but they have
more dentists on staff at their other locations who could help, if needed. Mayor Haila mentioned that
the letter from Kelly Huntsman, CEO, showed a snapshot of the number of uninsured, Medicaid, or
insured patients that PHC was expecting to serve, and he wanted to know why the number of patients

would increase each year. Ms. Conrad noted that it takes a couple years to establish a business, and
when they hire more dental hygienists, they can get more kids in for cleanings, etc., and will be able
to see more patients in a different capacity.

Mayor Haila inquired if MICA served only uninsured patients and Medicaid or were there others.
Ms. Schildroth explained that the uninsured and Medicaid patients were their primary population
group, but MICA also would serve insured patients. Ms. Schildroth mentioned that MICA served
around 1800 - 2000 individuals, and 80% of those were Story County clients.

Mayor Haila opened public comment and closed it after no one came forward to speak.

Council Member Gartin noted that he has worked with citizens who have had dental emergencies
and have not been able to afford to have the work done. He commented that this would be a huge
service to the community.

Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-556 approving Primary
Health Careâs request for funding for the opening of a dental clinic at its Ames clinic location, in the
amount of $95,000 and direct staff to draft a contract to be approved by Council at a future date.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.

DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:

Mayor Haila explained that the first

item was a memo from Mark Gansen P.E., Civil Engineer II with Public Works, regarding the Councilâs request about contacting the Union Pacific Railroad regarding a new 24th Street sidewalk

crossing.

Council Member Gartin explained that he had brought up this request and understands waiting until
next year to have the project started due to the budget, but he is disappointed about the Union Pacific
Railwayâs additional collaboration cost. The City of Ames works with the Railroad in a variety of
different capacities and the City doesnât try to stick the fees on them.

No action was taken on this item as the Council agreed that the project can wait until it is budgeted.

The second request was a Staff Report on a citizenâs request for the City of Ames to purchase Rose
Prairie property.

Council Member Betcher mentioned that the Council may have gotten a few emails, that there are
a few statistics in the Staff Report that are not reflecting what others have seen regarding nitrates.

Moved by Betcher, seconded by Martin, to place the Staff Report on a future agenda.

Council Member Martin stated the Staff Report made a very convincing case as to the reasons of the
current trajectory, and if that is all the information that the Council had to consider, then he would

not want to move forward. On the other hand, the City does have a good relationship with the
Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park and felt they had some wisdom to share with the Council. Mr.
Martin felt that they could spend some time to discuss the request further.

Council Member Gartin stated his reservation is because the area is a critical piece of potential
property to provide housing in the community. He thought this would be a neat project to add, but
he is having trouble understanding how the Council would embrace the project given the need for
housing. If the land is taken away from the options for housing, it will diminish the amount of
buildable lots.

Council Member Martin explained that by having this item on an agenda it would start the
conversation to find out if there was more improvement that could be deployed that will not abandon
all the development possibilities for the property. Council Member Betcher mentioned that her intent
was to get something out of a conversation to see what possibilities there were and an in-depth
conversation canât be held during Dispositions.

Council Member Betcher stated her motion was to put the Staff Report on a future agenda and invite
the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park to speak during open forum.

Council Member Gartin would like to hear what Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmannâs
thoughts would be regarding this area with the Ames 2040 Plan.

City Manager Steve Schainker stated that if anything was to be done, it would take a bond issue and
there would have to have willing seller and price. A bond issue would need to be done to obtain the
land and then to develop the wetlands. Mr. Schainker mentioned that they would need a vote of 60%
of the people.

Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

Council Member Martin explained he was thinking about the Policing

in Ames Report and the recommendations, and it was his understanding that the topic would not be
discussed again until November, but thought it would be wise to reach out to Ames Human Relations
Commission (AHRC) to see if they could provide some written comments on the recommendations.

Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to ask the Ames Human Relations Commission to
provide written comments on the recommendations as they find appropriate and submit them to the
Council by the first week in November.

Council Member Martin mentioned that the AHRC has a meeting scheduled on Thursday, October
22, and that should give the Commission time to have a good discussion and be able to write up and
circulate a draft. Mayor Haila wanted to clarify that the intent of the motion was to get AHRC
opinion, in their context of the role, as to what they have seen, heard, and experienced. Mr. Martin
stated that he is not asking the AHRC to take on a public outreach program; however, he is interested

in their perspective on the recommendations on the report.

Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.

Council Member Betcher commented that she will be participating in a virtual career fair for high
school students. She noted there is also a career fair for Story County that is not virtual, and there
is information regarding the career fair on the Chamber of Commerceâs website. Ms. Betcher
explained she was happy about the outcome of the Joint Meeting with the Student Government and
glad to hear there is interest in getting more students involved in politics, voting, and engaging in
the Ames community.

Mayor Haila mentioned that the Property Maintenance Appeals Board has an opening for a long-term
non-student renter. He noted that the long-term renter has to have been renting for the past five
continuous years or longer. The Mayor can be emailed directly if anyone is interested in serving on
the Board. It was pointed out that it is not a big time commitment. Mayor Haila stated that the Board
is also looking for a student renter who lives off Campus.

Mayor Haila stated that back in March he had weekly Thursday night meetings regarding COVID-19
and due to low numbers, they will be meeting twice a month now. He mentioned that Story County
is working on getting vaccines, but has not received anything yet. Mayor Haila explained that he was
honored to have been elected to the Executive Committee on the Iowa League of Cities Board. He
will represent the City of Ames and will make the Cityâs needs known. He will also continue to serve
on the Iowa League of Cities Legislative Committee.

ADJOURNMENT:

Moved by Junck to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

__________________________________

____________________________________

Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk

John A. Haila, Mayor

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Diane R. Voss, City Clerk